Were you injured in a medical malpractice incident in New Mexico? You have limited time to take legal action. Our experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Las Cruces at Coates & Johnson can help you identify the deadlines in your case and seek the maximum possible compensation from every party that contributed to your injury.
We have more than two decades of experience handling malpractice cases; we have taken on thousands of claims involving serious medical errors. We can help you comply with the complex rules and procedures that govern malpractice cases. Contact us today for a free consultation with a medical malpractice attorney.
Why Choose Coates & Johnson for Your Medical Malpractice Case?
At Coates & Johnson, we help clients evaluate their cases early so critical deadlines are not missed. Our firm focuses exclusively on medical malpractice claims in New Mexico.
Clients throughout the state choose us because:
- We have handled thousands of medical malpractice claims.
- One of our partners is both a physician and an experienced trial lawyer.
- We have decades of experience going up against the largest healthcare providers in New Mexico.
- Every case receives personal attention from the firm’s two partners from beginning to end.
- We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay attorney fees unless compensation is recovered.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a New Mexico medical malpractice attorney to learn more about your case.
Why You Should Hire a Medical Malpractice Attorney
Medical malpractice cases are complex and come with unique procedural rules and deadlines. An experienced attorney can help determine whether you have a valid claim and whether it can still be filed within the applicable statute of limitations.
At Coates & Johnson, we assist clients by:
- Carefully reviewing medical records to understand what occurred during treatment
- Investigating whether healthcare providers violated the applicable standard of care
- Consulting qualified medical experts who can evaluate the care you received
- Determining when the statute of limitations began and whether any exceptions apply
- Identifying all responsible healthcare providers or medical institutions
- Managing communication and negotiations with insurers and defense attorneys
- Preparing cases for litigation when necessary to pursue accountability in court
If you have questions about whether the statute of limitations may affect your potential malpractice claim, contact Coates & Johnson to speak with a New Mexico medical malpractice attorney about your legal options.
What is New Mexico’s Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations?
New Mexico law places strict deadlines on the amount of time you have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Missing those deadlines (called statutes of limitation) can permanently prevent you from pursuing compensation, even if the underlying claim is valid.
In New Mexico, medical malpractice cases must generally be filed within three years of the date of the injury. This usually coincides with the date the malpractice occurred.
If the malpractice resulted in a fatal injury, the statute of limitations generally begins on the date the patient passes away rather than the date of the underlying medical error.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
There are certain circumstances that may alter when the clock begins to run. These may lengthen the deadline to file in some cases.
The Discovery Rule
New Mexico does not have a traditional discovery rule that pauses the statute of limitations until a patient discovers an injury. Most cases must be filed within three years of the malpractice event. However, for due process reasons, the time limit may be extended if a patient discovers their injury late in the three-year window.
The Deadline May Be Paused for Minors
Special rules may apply when the injured patient is a minor. In some circumstances, the statute of limitations may be tolled for children who were harmed by negligent medical treatment. The specific deadline can depend on the child’s age at the time of the injury.
The exceptions to the three-year deadline for medical malpractice claims are limited. If you believe you’ve experienced malpractice and are contemplating legal action, you should consult an experienced attorney right away for help complying with the time limits in your case.
Contact an Experienced New Mexico Medical Malpractice Lawyer for Help
Determining when the statute of limitations begins and whether any exceptions exist often requires detailed legal analysis. A New Mexico medical malpractice attorney can help you identify the deadlines in your case.
Coates & Johnson focus exclusively on representing patients harmed by negligent medical care. With more than 60 years of experience and thousands of malpractice claims handled, we know how to comply with all rules and procedures affecting these claims.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and speak with a New Mexico medical malpractice attorney for help.