Accidents change lives quickly. One car crash, one fall, one moment of someone else's carelessness, and suddenly you're dealing with medical bills, missed work, and a body that doesn't work the way it used to. Patrick J. Martinez has represented injured New Mexicans in Albuquerque courts for over 25 years. He takes personal injury cases on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless he recovers money for you.
New Mexico law gives injured people real tools. Under NMSA § 41-3A-1, the state follows pure comparative fault, so you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for your own injuries. If a government entity caused your injury, NMSA § 41-4 (the Tort Claims Act) controls the process and the deadlines, which are different from private-party cases. Getting this right from the start matters.
Patrick handles cases in Bernalillo County, Sandoval County, and throughout New Mexico, including auto accidents, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, and workplace accidents involving third parties.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
New Mexico's statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of injury, under NMSA § 37-1-8. If a government entity is involved, the deadline under the Tort Claims Act is 90 days to file a written notice of claim, and then two years to file suit. Miss those windows and your case is over, no matter how strong the facts.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Medical expenses, both past and future. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity. Pain and suffering. Emotional distress. Property damage. In cases involving reckless or intentional conduct, New Mexico courts can award punitive damages. What you're entitled to depends on your specific injury and how your life has changed.
What About Comparative Fault?
Under NMSA § 41-3A-1, New Mexico uses a pure comparative fault system. If you were 30% at fault for a crash, you recover 70% of your damages. The insurance company will always argue that you share more blame. Patrick's job is to push back with evidence.
Results That Matter
Auto Accident Settlement
Client rear-ended at a stoplight in Albuquerque, suffering a herniated disc requiring surgery. Patrick negotiated a settlement that covered all medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for ongoing pain.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and depends on its specific facts and circumstances.
Slip and Fall: Favorable Verdict
Client fell on a wet floor at an Albuquerque commercial property with no posted warning. Patrick demonstrated the property owner knew about the hazard and failed to act. Jury returned a verdict for the client.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and depends on its specific facts and circumstances.