There have been updates on the death of a New Mexico student that a previous blog entry addressed. Earlier this year, a New Mexico student was fatally injured in her high school’s parking lot. According to a new report, apparently there were some dangerous conditions in the school’s parking lot that led to the student falling out of a moving vehicle. The student hit her head as she fell and was flown to University Medical Center in Lubbock. Unfortunately, she passed away at the hospital.
The student’s family is bringing a suit based on premises liability. The family is alleging that the school knew about the dangerous conditions in the parking lot but failed to remedy them. Additionally, other reports stated that the school did not have any sort of security in its parking lot. The family is currently asking for damages in the amount of $2.5 million or more.
Premises Liability in New Mexico
In New Mexico, there are two major types of premises liability claims. Choosing the appropriate kind is dependent upon whether the accident occurred on private or commercial property. In New Mexico, if the owner of the property was a business owner, it should ensure that the property is safe for those that will be on its property. Laws concerning private owners vary depending on the jurisdiction.
There are many instances when individuals are able to bring a claim based on the theory of premises liability. For example, an individual might be bitten by a dog when the plaintiff is on the defendant’s property. Another example, that the family in the above case is relying on, is inadequate security. If a person is injured and his or her injury could have been mitigated or prevented because of the presence of security, the family may have a viable claim. One of the most common examples of when a premises liability case arises is when an individual slips and falls on another’s property. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their property in a safe manner, and the failure to do this often results in lawsuits.
Have You Been Injured Because of the Dangerous Conditions of Another’s Property?
The passing of a loved one or a serious injury to yourself can be extremely difficult to handle, but when these circumstances occur because of the negligence of another, the situation can be even more stressful. Both premises liability and wrongful death suits can be complex and require a significant amount of skill and legal knowledge. The courts expect that all filings comply with the law and that deadlines are strictly adhered to. The assistance of an attorney is indispensable. The attorneys at the Fine Law Firm have years of experience researching, settling, and litigating personal injury cases. They have won countless awards for their clients. Some of these include lost wages, medical expenses, and funeral and burial costs. In some situations, punitive damages may also be awarded to clients. If you or a loved one has been a victim of negligence by another, it is wise to increase your chances of success by contacting an attorney. Call our office at 505-889-FINE to schedule a free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Sleeping Driver Responsible for Fatal Lea County Accident, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, November 9, 2014.
Investigation Continues into Semi-Truck Crash that Killed Four Texas Student Athletes, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 13, 2014.