Santa Fe Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

A Former Physician & Trial Attorney Fighting for Santa Fe Injury Victims Since 1999

Catastrophic injuries permanently alter the course of a person’s life, producing long-term disabilities, substantial medical costs, and emotional trauma that can persist for decades. When those injuries result from someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation. At Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, our catastrophic injury attorneys in Santa Fe, NM have handled thousands of personal injury cases since 1999. We offer free consultations, including virtual appointments, available 24/7. Hablamos español.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Severe injuries can arise from many circumstances, but the most common causes include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-impact crashes involving cars, motorcycles, and commercial trucks often produce devastating injuries.
• Workplace Accidents: Construction sites, factories, and industrial settings expose workers to dangerous conditions that can result in life-altering harm.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Unsafe premises, including poorly maintained sidewalks, slippery floors, and insufficient lighting, can lead to serious falls with catastrophic consequences.
• Medical Malpractice: Surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, and misdiagnoses can cause irreversible damage to a patient’s health.
• Defective Products: Faulty machinery, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and dangerous consumer goods can contribute to serious injuries.
• Violent Acts: Assaults, shootings, and other intentional harm can result in devastating physical and psychological trauma.

Common Catastrophic Injuries

The most serious injury types we handle include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head trauma can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and other neurological disorders.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or full paralysis, requiring long-term medical care and adaptive living arrangements.
• Severe Burns: Third-degree burns can produce permanent scarring, nerve damage, and a high risk of infection.
• Amputations: Losing a limb drastically affects mobility and typically requires prosthetics and assistive devices.
• Organ Damage: Severe internal trauma can lead to life-threatening complications and permanent health issues.
• Multiple Fractures: Extensive bone fractures may require multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and extended recovery periods.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

A catastrophic injury claim can pursue compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical devices.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Income lost due to inability to work and reduced future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and changes in quality of life.
• Home and Vehicle Modifications: Costs of making a home or vehicle accessible for a person with disabilities.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the injury’s impact on family and spousal relationships.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, courts may award additional damages to hold the responsible party accountable.

Why Our Santa Fe Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Are Different

Catastrophic injury cases demand attorneys who understand both the medical complexity of these injuries and the legal strategies needed to prove long-term harm to a jury or insurer. Founding partner Kent Buckingham brings a perspective most attorneys don’t have: He practiced as a physician before becoming a licensed attorney, and he has been licensed in New Mexico since 1991. That medical background directly shapes how we evaluate injuries, work with experts, and document life care needs and future costs.

Credentials & Recognition

Kent Buckingham is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, holds an AV Preeminent peer-reviewed rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and has been named to Super Lawyers in 2023, 2025, and 2026. Partner Adrian Vega also holds an AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell rating and has been named to Super Lawyers from 2024 through 2026.

Our Record in New Mexico

Together, our team has handled thousands of personal injury cases across New Mexico. That record includes the largest medical malpractice verdict in New Mexico history: a $72 million result in a birth injury case. Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, but they reflect the preparation and advocacy we bring to every case.

New Mexico’s Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury Claims

New Mexico’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including catastrophic injuries, is generally three years from the date of injury. Missing that deadline can forfeit your right to pursue compensation entirely. Exceptions exist for minors and for claims against government entities, which carry shorter deadlines and separate notice requirements. Claims against a government entity in New Mexico may require written notice within 90 days of the injury and must be filed as a lawsuit within two years, making early action especially important.

Acting quickly preserves evidence, secures witness testimony, and gives our team the time needed to build the strongest possible case. Our Santa Fe catastrophic injury attorneys can evaluate your circumstances and address applicable deadlines. The sooner you reach out, the more options may be available to protect your claim.