Slip and Fall Injuries
Albuquerque Slip and Fall Attorneys Holding Property Owners Accountable
Slip and fall accidents happen in an instant, on a wet grocery store floor, a poorly lit parking lot, or a cracked sidewalk outside a business, but the injuries they cause can last months or years. In New Mexico, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for visitors. When they fail, you have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Fusion Legal Group is a veteran-owned Albuquerque slip and fall law firm serving injured victims across New Mexico. Our attorneys know New Mexico premises liability law and how to hold property owners, businesses, and landlords accountable. There is no fee unless we win. See how a slip and fall injuries lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation.
Slip and fall accidents: What causes them?
These accidents are usually caused by conditions that could have been prevented if the necessary measures were taken to maintain the area or to provide adequate warning. Common causes include:
- Wet or Slippery Floors: Commonly seen in supermarkets, eateries or any public area, slippery floors are a potential cause of accidents.
- Uneven Surfaces: Some of the common hazards include; cracked sidewalks, worn out floor surfaces, or uneven steps.
- Inadequate Lighting: Areas that are not well illuminated such as parking lots or stairwells can make it hard for the visitors to see and therefore avoid obstacles.
- Lack of Warning Signs: Where there is a potential hazard, for instance, a wet floor after cleaning, there must be a clear indication of the same.
Slip and fall accidents: What to do next?
If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, there are things that you should do to protect yourself legally. Here are a few critical steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: There are some injuries such as concussion or soft tissue injuries that may not show symptoms immediately and that is why one should seek medical attention.
- Document the Scene: Document the scene of the accident, including any potential dangers, and obtain the contact details of any witnesses.
- Report the Incident: Inform the property owner or manager and ask for a written report of the incident.
- Consult a Lawyer: Please contact Fusion Legal Group to schedule an appointment and to learn more about your legal rights.
Some of the Most Frequent Types of Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can cause various injuries, and some of them may have a negative impact on your health for a long time. Common injuries include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: These are especially prevalent in the wrist, hip, and ankle, and usually necessitate surgery and a long period of rehabilitation.
- Head Injuries: TBI can occur when one falls and hits the head and may cause permanent damage to the brain.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injury to the spine can lead to long term pain, nerve problems or in extreme cases, paralysis.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments are very painful and may need the services of a physiotherapist.
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What Fusion Legal Group Does for Slip and Fall Victims
A slip and fall accident can upend your work, finances, and daily life all at once. From the moment you hire Fusion Legal Group, our Albuquerque slip and fall attorneys handle every part of your premises liability claim so you can stay focused on recovery. We take over all communication with insurance companies, investigate the hazard that caused your fall, document your injuries and losses, and build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Learn how a personal injury lawyer handles a slip and fall case from start to finish.
Slip and Fall Accident Claims
If you have been injured by another person’s negligence, you may be eligible for a claim. In a successful slip and fall claim, you can recover damages for:In a successful slip and fall claim, you can recover damages for:
- Medical Bills: Both the present and future medical costs that are associated with the injuries sustained.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time off from work, or for loss of future wages.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the financial loss of the physical and emotional damages that you have incurred.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Reimbursement for physical therapy or other treatments that may be necessary in order to help the patient regain his or her mobility and strength.
How Fusion Legal Group Handles Your New Mexico Slip and Fall Claim
A slip and fall injury does more than cause physical pain. Medical bills accumulate quickly, time away from work affects your income, and insurance companies move fast to limit what they pay you. When you call Fusion Legal Group, our Albuquerque slip and fall attorneys immediately take over all aspects of your case so you can focus on healing. From the day you hire us, our team will:
- Immediately Send All Parties a Letter of Representation
As soon as you engage Fusion Legal Group, we will contact the insurance companies, creditors, and medical providers to inform them that we represent you. That means they all have to come through us to get to you. We will stop the phone calls and get the ball rolling on your financial recovery. You can simply respond to any unwanted communication “talk to my lawyer” and let us do the rest.
- Conduct our own investigation to establish the facts of the case
Insurance companies may try to conduct their own investigation and determine the facts themselves. Our expert injury attorneys will make sure we collect any and all evidence that will help you maximize your settlement.
- Keep you updated on your case and all developments
Genus Law will handle almost every aspect of your case, so your involvement will be limited. However, we will keep you fully informed of our progress in the case and the negotiating process. As soon as we have a settlement offer from the insurance company, we will contact you and advise you on whether or not it’s a good deal. We can also advise you on what types of medical treatments will best serve your claim and recovery.
Negotiate the strongest possible settlement on your behalf. Our Albuquerque slip and fall attorneys prepare every case for trial, which means insurance companies take our demands seriously. Most claims resolve through negotiated settlement, but when a fair offer is not on the table, we are fully prepared to take your case to a judge or jury and fight for every dollar you are owed. Read our guide to understanding a premises liability claim in New Mexico to learn how these cases are valued and resolved.
Meet One-on-One with an Expert Attorney Today!
At our firm, we’re dedicated attorneys committed to protecting the rights and futures of individuals across New Mexico. With deep local knowledge and extensive experience, we’re here to fight tirelessly for you. When your livelihood is at stake, trust a legal team that understands New Mexico law and knows how to win.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prove a slip and fall case in New Mexico?
To prove a slip and fall claim in New Mexico, you must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, failed to fix it or warn you, and that this failure directly caused your injuries. Evidence includes incident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, photos of the hazard, and medical records. An experienced attorney can help gather and preserve this evidence.
Can I sue a business for a slip and fall in New Mexico?
Yes. Businesses in New Mexico have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises for customers and visitors. If a wet floor, broken step, inadequate lighting, or other hazard caused your fall and the business failed to address it, you may have a valid premises liability claim. Our slip and fall attorneys have experience handling claims against retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial properties.
What if I was partially at fault for my slip and fall?
New Mexico follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for your fall. Your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if the property owner is 80% at fault and you are 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in New Mexico?
New Mexico's statute of limitations for premises liability claims, including slip and falls, is generally three years from the date of injury. If the fall occurred on government or municipal property, the deadline may be significantly shorter. Contact an attorney promptly to avoid losing your right to recover.
What types of injuries are covered in a slip and fall claim?
Slip and fall claims can cover a wide range of injuries, including broken bones and fractures, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), knee and hip injuries, soft tissue damage, and lacerations. Even injuries that seem minor at first can worsen over time — always seek medical attention and consult an attorney to protect your rights.