Injuries from hazards on public properties—such as slipping on an unmarked wet floor at a government building or tripping over a broken sidewalk—can leave you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. You may struggle with physical pain and medical bills, as well as with the challenge of identifying the ones responsible. When a city, county, or state agency is involved, the process becomes even more complicated.
In this situation, speaking with an Albuquerque public property liability lawyer could make a real difference. A knowledgeable premises liability attorney could help you make sense of your situation, explain your legal rights, and guide you through what can otherwise feel like an intimidating system. Working with a private law firm like NMAF also means having a trusted ally—someone who knows how to deal with government agencies and who could help you avoid the common pitfalls people encounter when filing a claim alone.
Public property injury cases are more complex than a typical personal injury claim. Cases involving government entities have to follow a different set of rules under the New Mexico Tort Claims Act (NMTCA).
This law gives government agencies broad protections from lawsuits, but it also outlines specific situations where citizens can hold them responsible. For example, if the city fails to repair a broken sidewalk or address a known hazard at a public park and someone gets hurt, there may be grounds for a claim. However, you only have 90 days to formally notify the agency of your injury. If you miss this window, you may lose the chance to seek compensation entirely.
That is why it is crucial to reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. An Albuquerque public property attorney could help you determine whether the government holds liability in your case and ensure you file your claim within the time limits.
To hold a government entity accountable for your injury, you generally need to prove they were negligent—that they either knew (or should have known) about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it. This is not always easy to do, especially when you are still trying to recover from your injuries.
An attorney could help by collecting and organizing evidence, such as:
They could also help you factor in important legal concepts such as comparative fault—which could reduce your compensation if a court finds that you are partially at fault for your own injury. An Albuquerque lawyer could help minimize your personal liability and work to ensure that the organization responsible for the public property in question gives you the compensation you deserve.
If your claim moves forward, the types of compensation you might be eligible for include:
Unfortunately, there are limits on how much you can recover in public property claims, and local state law does not allow punitive damages. Knowing what options you have available could help you move forward with realistic expectations and a solid legal strategy.
If you suffered harm on a city, county, or state property, the challenges you are facing might feel insurmountable—but you do not have to go through it alone. Speaking with an experienced Albuquerque public property liability lawyer could help you understand your options and decide on the next best step.
The team at NMAF is ready to listen, offer support, and help you take action—whether that means filing a claim, gathering the right documents, or just getting clear answers to your questions. Reach out today to learn how our team could help.
