A spinal cord injury changes everything. Now you are facing the unimaginable—excruciating nerve damage, paralysis, chronic pain, and a terrifying uncertainty looming over your future. Spinal injuries aren’t just medical conditions; they’re deeply personal losses that ripple through every part of your life.
If someone else’s negligence or recklessness caused you or someone you love to suffer a spinal cord injury, a Los Lunas spinal cord injury lawyer at Gauthier & Maier Law Firm, P.C. is ready to fight for you.
We understand what’s at stake. We’ve worked with families across Los Lunas and Albuquerque who are grappling with severe injuries and searching for answers. Our goal is to secure maximum compensation for all your injuries and losses so that you can focus on your health, your family, and your future again.
Our founding attorneys, Chance Gauthier and Shane Maier, have a proven history of securing life-changing results for their clients, and they bring that same strength and determination to every spinal cord injury case they handle. We know what you’re up against, and allowing us to take on that fight is a responsibility we take to heart.
Call us today at (505) 226-0009 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Table of Contents
- Why Gauthier & Maier Law Firm Is the Right Team for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case
- Key Takeaways
- What You Need to Know About Spinal Cord Injuries
- Common Accidents That Cause Spinal Cord Injuries
- Types of Spinal Cord Injuries You Should Know
- Common Complications After a Spinal Cord Injury
- How Negligence Shapes a Spinal Cord Injury Case
- What Is a Los Lunas Spinal Cord Injury Case Worth?
- Why You Should Never Deal With Insurance Companies Alone
- How to Protect the Value of Your Spinal Cord Injury Claim
- Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injury Claims
- How Can a Lawyer Help After a Spinal Cord Injury?
- Call Gauthier & Maier Law Firm Today
Why Gauthier & Maier Law Firm Is the Right Team for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case
Choosing a lawyer after a devastating spinal cord injury is about more than experience. It's about trust, compassion, and knowing your case is in capable hands. Here’s why our team stands out.
We’ve Been on the Other Side—And We Use It to Your Advantage
Our lead attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies think, what tactics they use to undervalue claims, and how to counter them effectively. This insight lets us anticipate obstacles and build stronger, more strategic cases for our clients.
Local Attorneys Who Know New Mexico Law
We’re proud to serve clients in Los Lunas and throughout Valencia County. We understand the legal and medical systems here, from the corridors of local hospitals like Presbyterian Hospital to the nuances of New Mexico’s personal injury laws. That local knowledge gives us an edge in securing full and fair compensation.
Record-Setting Results
Our track record speaks volumes: We’ve secured life-changing settlements and verdicts for injured clients, including numerous six- seven- and eight-figure deals. When you hire us, you get a firm that has gone head-to-head with powerful insurance companies countless times and won.
Direct Access to Your Lawyer
Unlike many larger firms, you’ll work directly with your attorney throughout your case. We keep you updated, answer your questions promptly, and make sure you’re involved in every major decision.
Comprehensive Legal Support
Spinal cord injury cases are complex. They often involve future medical expenses, long-term disability planning, and insurance disputes. We handle every piece of the puzzle, from gathering expert testimony to negotiating with insurers, to make sure no detail is overlooked.
We Take Cases to Trial When Necessary
Some firms shy away from the courtroom. We don’t. If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court and fight for the full amount you deserve.
Key Takeaways
- Spinal cord injuries can result in permanent, life-altering consequences, including paralysis and chronic pain.
- These injuries often require long-term medical care, therapy, and adaptive equipment.
- Common causes of spinal cord injuries include car accidents, falls, and acts of violence.
- Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
- Establishing fault in a spinal injury case requires proving negligence, including duty, breach, causation, and damages.
- Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts—having an attorney can significantly improve your chances of a fair settlement.
- Gauthier & Maier Law Firm provides personal, aggressive representation for spinal cord injury victims in Los Lunas and throughout New Mexico.
What You Need to Know About Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most serious and devastating injuries a person can suffer. They occur when trauma damages the spinal cord or the surrounding vertebrae, leading to partial or complete loss of motor control and sensation below the site of injury. Recovery is often uncertain and requires extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes.
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), there are approximately 18,000 new spinal cord injury cases in the U.S. each year. The average age at the time of injury is 43, and nearly 80% of SCI victims are men. The most common outcomes include incomplete tetraplegia, paraplegia, and complete loss of function.
Common Accidents That Cause Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal injuries can happen in a split second, but the effects often last a lifetime. Here are some of the most frequent causes:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car and truck crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for nearly 40% of cases.
- Falls: Especially common among older adults, falls from ladders, stairs, or slippery surfaces can damage the spine.
- Violence: Gunshots, stabbings, or physical assaults can directly injure the spinal cord.
- Sports injuries: Contact sports like football, wrestling, and diving can lead to significant trauma to the neck and spine.
- Medical or surgical complications: While rare, some spinal injuries occur during surgical procedures or due to medical malpractice.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries You Should Know
Spinal cord injuries are typically classified based on severity and the area affected. The location and extent of the damage determine the degree of impairment.
Incomplete spinal cord injury
With an incomplete injury, some signals still travel through the spinal cord. Victims may retain partial movement or sensation below the site of injury. Outcomes can vary significantly depending on the specific nerves affected.
Complete spinal cord injury
A complete injury results in a total loss of function below the point of injury. This could mean full paralysis, with no movement or sensation in affected limbs. These cases often involve longer hospital stays, more rehabilitation, and extensive care.
Tetraplegia (quadriplegia)
This type affects all four limbs and the torso, often resulting from injuries to the cervical (neck) region of the spine. It usually requires significant assistive devices and ongoing personal care.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia affects the lower half of the body, typically resulting from damage to the thoracic or lumbar spine. Victims may retain full use of their arms but lose control over their legs and lower body functions.
Common Complications After a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries rarely occur in isolation. They often lead to serious physical and emotional complications that reshape daily life. Understanding these potential challenges can help victims and families prepare for the road ahead.
- Chronic pain: Even with partial recovery, nerve damage can result in ongoing pain that limits mobility and comfort.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control: Damage to the spinal cord often affects these basic functions, requiring medical devices or catheterization.
- Difficulty breathing: Injuries high in the spinal cord can impair lung function, sometimes requiring ventilator support.
- Sexual dysfunction: Both men and women can experience changes in sexual function and fertility.
- Mental health challenges: Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are common, especially when the injury leads to drastic lifestyle changes.
How Negligence Shapes a Spinal Cord Injury Case
To hold someone legally responsible for a spinal cord injury, we must show they were negligent. That means they failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure caused your injury. Here are the four elements we must prove:
- Duty of care: The other party had a legal obligation to act responsibly. For example, drivers must obey traffic laws to protect others on the road.
- Breach of duty: They failed to uphold that duty, like a distracted driver running a red light.
- Causation: Their actions (or inaction) directly caused your spinal injury.
- Damages: You suffered real losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and personal suffering, as a result.
Every spinal cord injury case we handle in Los Lunas begins with a detailed investigation. We gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and build a compelling argument to show who was at fault and why they should be held accountable.
What Is a Los Lunas Spinal Cord Injury Case Worth?
Every spinal injury is unique. That’s why we work closely with economists, medical professionals, and care planners to calculate the full impact of your injury, not just now, but decades into the future.
Economic damages
These include the measurable financial losses tied to your injury:
- Past and future medical bills
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Physical therapy and home care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Cost of mobility aids and home modifications
Non-economic damages
These reflect the human cost of your injury:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or intimacy
Punitive damages
In rare cases of extreme or willful misconduct, we may pursue punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future.
When your life has been disrupted by a spinal cord injury, it’s not just about what you’ve lost; it’s about what you deserve moving forward. At Gauthier & Maier, our Los Lunas spinal cord injury attorneys will build your claim to reflect the full impact of your injury on your health, finances, and future. You deserve a case valuation that’s honest, thorough, and backed by experience that gets results.
Why You Should Never Deal With Insurance Companies Alone
After a spinal cord injury, it’s tempting to trust the insurance company’s offer, especially when medical bills start piling up. But insurance companies don’t work for you. Their goal is to pay as little as possible, and they have teams of adjusters trained to protect their bottom line.
At Gauthier & Maier Law Firm, we deal directly with insurers so you don’t have to. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which means we’re always ready to push for a better settlement. Our job is to fight for the compensation you deserve, not just what the insurer is willing to offer.
When you let us handle the negotiations, you avoid the stress, the games, and the risk of signing away your rights too soon. We know their tactics. And we won’t let them take advantage of you.
How to Protect the Value of Your Spinal Cord Injury Claim
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely already received medical care for your spinal cord injury, or you’re in the middle of a treatment plan. That’s one of the most important steps you can take.
If you suffer from back pain after an accident but refused medical treatment, reconsider. Any harm to the spine can result in more serious damage down the line, such as a slipped disc that disrupts your nervous system and causes chronic pain and numbness.
Waiting can also weaken your legal claim. Medical records serve as key evidence in any injury case, and delays can be used against you.
Beyond medical care, there are other steps you can take to protect your legal rights and the value of your claim.
- Hire a personal injury attorney with experience handling spinal cord injury cases.
- Keep all medical appointments and treatments, which shows consistency and helps prove the seriousness of your injury.
- Write or record a journal of your pain levels, emotional struggles, and how the injury affects your daily life.
- Document everything—including photos, police reports, and witness names
- Avoid social media posts that could downplay your injury or suggest you’ve recovered
- Preserve evidence such as damaged vehicles, photos of the accident scene, and the contact information for witnesses
- Never speak to insurance adjusters without a lawyer
Taking these steps early gives you the strongest chance to recover full and fair compensation for what you’ve already lost and what you’ll need in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injury Claims
What is the deadline to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit in New Mexico?
In most cases, New Mexico law gives you three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. But certain exceptions may apply, especially if the injury involves a government entity. It’s best to consult an attorney immediately to avoid missing your deadline.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation for your injuries if you somehow caused or contributed to the accident. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How much does it cost to hire a spinal cord injury lawyer?
At Gauthier & Maier, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This approach to legal fees allows everyone to access top-performing legal representation no matter what their financial situation is.
How long will my case take?
It depends on the complexity of your injury, the investigation, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months; others take a year or more. We keep you informed at every step.
What if my injury was caused by a defective product or unsafe property?
You may still have a case. Defective equipment, unsafe buildings, and hazardous conditions can all be grounds for a spinal cord injury claim. We’ll investigate all possible sources of liability to maximize your compensation.
How Can a Lawyer Help After a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury isn’t just a legal case. In many ways, it’s your life. An experienced spinal cord injury attorney will protect your rights, manage the legal process, and help you access the care and support you need.
Here’s what we do:
- Investigate your accident and gather evidence
- Work with economic and medical experts to assess the full scope of your injuries and their cost on your life
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Calculate your damages and future care needs
- Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
- Take your case to trial if needed
From the courtroom to the conference table, we advocate for your needs, so you can focus on your health and start rebuilding your life with confidence. If you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to help.
Call Gauthier & Maier Law Firm Today
There’s no dollar amount that can undo the damage caused by a spinal cord injury. But fair compensation can give you access to better care, more stability, and a stronger future. Let Gauthier & Maier Law Firm help you get there.
We’re based right here in Los Lunas and Albuquerque, and we’re ready to fight for you. Call us at (505) 226-0009 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.