Practice Areas

No one plans to have a car accident, but life sometimes brings big surprises. You and your loved ones can face and get through any challenge. Yet, you are not exactly equipped to handle a situation that may happen only once in your lifetime. The attorneys and staff at Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods are here to help you through the process. We will fight to get all the compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, punitive damages and any other related expenses you may be entitled to receive. Consulting an attorney before you talk to the insurance company assures that you know your rights.

Please call us for a free consultation at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

Should I Seek Medical Care?

Yes! It is important to seek medical care. Delaying treatment may be regarded as “gap in care” and be determined as an indication that you are not injured.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

Only 5% of cases go to trial; 95% of cases are settled out of court, which is a much easier route to take.

How long will it take?

It can take up to a year to prepare and argue your case. In part, this depends on how quickly you are recovering from your injuries.

How do you feel when a large 18-wheeler tractor-trailer truck is bearing down on you from the opposite direction on a two-lane highway? Or maybe you are passing it on a freeway going in the same direction and it swerves? Tense at the very least, frightened would not be an inappropriate response. That’s because large trucks can weigh as much as thirty times that of an automobile and not unsurprisingly are a major cause of traffic-related accidents.

Trucks are subject to special rules, traffic laws and regulations, and owners must comply with stringent requirements for regular maintenance, which if not performed can lead to mechanical failure, serious injury or death. Tractor-trailers must be regularly inspected to ensure compliance with federal law. There is always economic pressure to not fulfill those requirements. Truckers are often under pressure and facing deadlines, working long hours. The temptation to drive when fatigued is high. Sometimes, records are faked or falsified, since federal regulations limit the number of hours a driver can work. The result? Accidents!

Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods is experienced at handling these cases. Insurance companies move quickly to protect the interests of the trucking company. Investigators representing the insurance company may even show up at the scene of an accident to begin their investigation. Prompt investigation is key for the victim, and vehicles must be preserved for full investigation. Consulting an attorney before you talk to the insurance company assures you that you know your rights and are positioned to protect your interests and get the compensation you deserve.

Please call us for a free consultation at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

In New Mexico, drivers are required by law to carry a minimum of liability auto insurance. In today’s dollars the minimum amount may render the policy holder underinsured. 20% of all drivers on the road in New Mexico have no liability insurance at all. Uninsured motorist coverage protects the policyholder, their passengers and family from those driving the roads with too little insurance or worse, none. It is in your insurance company’s interest to pay out the least amount required. We are here to represent your rights to full compensation. After all, you may be facing long-term injuries due to a reckless, distracted, or impaired driver.

Even if you have Uninsured Motorist coverage, obtaining the full value of a claim can be difficult, and insurers often seek to deny these claims altogether. If you were involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, the law office of Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods can help you obtain the maximum compensation available. At the very least, we can review and Assist you with the completion of forms.

Call today for an appointment at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

Don’t Drink and Drive! Unfortunately, some don’t heed this warning. Being injured in a car accident can be traumatic and result in life-changing disabilities. But to be injured by a drunk driver is especially disturbing. Insurance companies will seek to settle in the most expedient way possible for them. Contacting a lawyer first to know your rights will ensure that you will be entitled to the maximum compensation due you. Compensation may include reimbursement for lost wages, medical bills, property damage and an assessment for pain and suffering. For drunk drivers, punitive damages may also be sought that may significantly increase the amount of your claim.

In New Mexico, a person who operates a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Under the New Mexico Penal Code, intoxicated is defined as having a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or above, while the threshold for commercial drivers is .04 percent or above. Moreover, drivers under the age of 21 can be charged if they have a blood alcohol level of .02. Laws governing drunk driving are very strict in New Mexico.

We at Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods are completely focused on helping clients recover the maximum amount available. We will work hard to represent and protect your rights. You can rest easy since we relieve you of the burden of dealing with the insurance companies. You or your loved one can focus on healing from your injuries.

Call for an appointment today at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

Motorcycles are a popular form of transportation nationwide due to overall economy, ease of navigating congested roadways, and because motorcycling is a fun leisure activity. Most motorcyclists negotiate the road responsibly and safely. However, riding a motorcycle poses a higher risk of injury when an accident occurs. And, when one does occur, most injuries are serious or catastrophic. The impact of these injuries can have a devastating impact on the individual and their family.

Often, it is assumed that the motorcyclist is at fault. Handling these cases therefore requires specialized expertise. Many times, motorcycle accidents are caused by careless, reckless, or negligent conduct by individuals driving larger vehicles. Often, accidents happen simply because the other driver failed to see the motorcycle.

Our attorneys and staff are experienced at handling these and other injuries:

• Burns
• Spinal Cord
• Head and Brain
• Back and Neck

Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods is experienced at handling the unique aspects of representing those in motorcycle accidents, and we are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation to which you are entitled. Consulting an attorney before you talk to the insurance company assures you that you know your rights! We will hold your hand every step of the way.

Please call us for a free consultation at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

When crossing a road, most people trust that the drivers around them are alert and aware. Not so! They may be distracted by texting, driving under the influence of alcohol, or otherwise not paying attention to you, the one who has the right-of-way! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 5,000 pedestrian deaths and 75,000 injuries occur each year, mostly when someone attempts to cross a road. A pedestrian may recover damages if negligence caused or contributed to the accident. To establish negligence, the pedestrian in question must prove that the person at fault had a legal duty to the injured and failed to perform that duty, therefore causing the injury and the accident. The attorneys and staff at Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods are experienced at handling these cases. Calling an attorney before you talk to the insurance company will ensure that you know your rights and protect your eligibility to receive full compensation.

Please call us for a free consultation at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

None of us needs to know the details of statutes governing getting into an accident on the road. We know intuitively that it is our obligation to stay at the scene of any accident until help arrives whether an observer or one involved. New Mexico law requires you to not leave the scene of an accident if you were involved. Leaving can result in tragedy, leading to even more serious injuries and property damage. Injured motorists may not receive the medical attention required in a timely basis. If you have been injured by another driver who did not stop at the time of the accident you may be entitled to compensation. Law enforcement takes hit-and-runs very seriously and works hard to apprehend individuals who were involved in and fled the scene of the accident. You may be able to bring a lawsuit to receive reimbursement for medical costs, loss-of-use, property damage and even punitive damages.

Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods has experience handling these cases. Call for a free consultation today at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

We take bicycling accidents very seriously, being cyclists ourselves, Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods supports the Spokettes Bicycle Racing Team, a non-profit dedicated to fostering safe and fun cycling experiences in New Mexico.

Ever feel that cars don’t fairly share the road with cyclists even though cyclists have a legal right to do so? Many automobile drivers have a bias against cyclers. In a notorious case in Los Angeles, cyclists were descending a canyon road. A driver in a car deliberately slammed on the brakes in front of two cyclists causing serious injury, just because he was upset with the number of cyclists on the road in his neighborhood. This irresponsible attitude by drivers sharing the road with you can result in catastrophic accidents. Cyclists are much more vulnerable to serious and life-altering personal injury. Police officers and insurers often skew the police report in favor of the automobile or truck. It is very important to know your rights by contacting an attorney before you talk to the insurance company.

Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods will determine if you are eligible for compensation. Please call for a free consultation today at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

The statistics are shocking. John Hopkins University researchers, analyzing a number of studies including several conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services, conclude that “medical errors” in hospitals and other facilities are now the third leading cause of death in the United States! That’s 250,000 unnecessary deaths annually! We place our health and our lives into the care of doctors and medical professionals, whom we trust. When health care providers violate that trust by acting negligently or recklessly, you most certainly may be entitled to compensation. Some of the situations in which you may qualify include:

• Birth negligence
• Laparoscopy negligence
• Surgical mistakes
• Inadequate diagnosis or treatment
• Prescribing errors
• Communication errors

Medical malpractice cases are complex, requiring the testimony of medical experts. A favorable outcome requires successfully establishing the fact that there was a failure to provide a level of care commensurate with accepted standards, and that such failure was the cause of the injury. In addition, due to New Mexico law, these cases are some of the most difficult in the country to represent. Plus, there is a three-year statute of limitation to file a case. Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods is experienced at these cases, and you can trust us to fight for the compensation you deserve. You may be eligible for compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering and coverage of medical bills.

Contacting Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods first before you talk to the insurance company will ensure that you know your rights! Please call 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555 today.

Words cannot describe grief surrounding the unnecessary loss of a loved one at the hands of another. When someone dies because of another person’s recklessness, negligence or intentional aggression, the victim’s surviving relatives may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for the devastating loss. Often, these civil cases come in the wake of a criminal trial in which a higher standard of proof of responsibility or guilt is required. In order to successfully argue the case for compensation there must be family members who suffer financial setbacks and a strong indication that there was negligence or intended harm to the loved one who passed away. We seek damages for funeral costs, medical bills for treatment before death, grief of survivors, and more. Sometimes punitive damages are available to punish the wrongdoer. Our team will provide compassionate support while fiercely fighting for justice.

A wrongful death claim may arise out of a number of circumstances, such as in the following situations:

• Automobile accident
• Medical Malpractice
• Occupational exposure to hazardous conditions or substances
• Criminal behavior
• Death due to unsupervised activity.

In New Mexico, a complex set of statutes covering wrongful death must be negotiated. Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods has experience handling these tragic cases and will navigate the complex legal landscape to argue your case. Our attorneys and staff will be there every step of the way supporting you.

Please call us for a free consultation at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

All property owners, residential or commercial, are bound by law to ensure a safe environment for all their visitors. The most common type of injury to occur is a slip or trip due to situations such as wet floors, broken concrete, defective stairs, raised flooring, poorly lit walkways, and other hazardous walkway conditions. In addition, there are many other conditions such as falling objects or malfunctioning equipment that can cause serious injury, even death.

Liability for injuries incurred on an owner’s property can sometimes be difficult to prove. To establish liability, it must be successfully argued that the owner knew about the situation and failed to take care of it.

SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

We’ve all tripped. It could be a cracked sidewalk, a wet floor in a public restroom or an electric cord taped to the floor at a dance or concert. But we mostly don’t fall or injure ourselves. It’s a shocking statistic. Every year, tens of thousands of people in the United States lose their lives in falls, the second leading cause of accidental death after automobile accidents.

If you have been injured in a personal residence, restaurant, shopping mall, office building, or other private or public property due to a fall, you may be entitled to compensation. Sometimes the accident is caused due to negligence, faulty construction or poor maintenance. Common sense guides the evaluation in a slip, trip and fall case. In this type of situation it must be determined that the property owner knew of a dangerous condition existing posing an unreasonable risk that should have been handled.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or even if your loved one died, you may be entitled to compensation. Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods is experienced at handling these cases and we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. We’ll have your back!

Contacting Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods first before you talk to the insurance company will ensure that you know your rights! Please call today at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

Generally, an individual can file a claim against a city, a county, or a state for wrongful death and personal injury. If a governmental entity is responsible for your injury, then a tort claim must be filed by the injured person for that person to recover damages. Mostly, claims involve auto collisions with a police car or other government-owned vehicle, such as a bus. Under the New Mexico Tort Claims Act, the deadlines for claims are ridiculously shortened with few exceptions, and the injured party must file a claim within 90 days, so it is imperative to move swiftly.

In order to successfully open a claim, the victim must identify that a governmental entity was involved, and which one. Then the notice must be sent to the correct governmental representative, and the correct information must be provided in a Tort Claims Notice that needs careful completion, as incomplete or incorrect information will invalidate the claim.

Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods also handles Federal tort claims. Casinos, under the jurisdiction of sovereign nations, falls within the purview of Federal claims. There is a two-year statute of limitations for Federal tort claims.

Tort claims are complex affairs. All the more reason to consult a lawyer. Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods handles these cases on a regular basis, and we are equipped to shepherd the claim through the process to yield the maximum compensation available for your injuries.

DO NOT DELAY! Call Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods today for a free consultation at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

When the time comes for you to get help caring for your loved one, it’s difficult enough to make that transition. You want to know that your family member is being treated with dignity and receiving the best of care. Unfortunately, residents of nursing homes or other long-term facility are more vulnerable to abuse because of their fragile state and dependence upon the home. There are many wonderful facilities, but some situations also occur in which nursing homes, long-term caregivers, and assisted living facilities place profits before people. Factors that can lead to abuse include neglect, poorly qualified or untrained staff, inadequate staff, even employees with a history of violence. Protecting the elderly is a role we take extremely seriously. We find it an honor to represent your loved one against neglect, physical abuse or mental trauma. Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods is experienced at handling these cases. We can help!

Contact Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods to better understand your rights and eligibility to receive compensation at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

Everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with respect. In the United States, you are protected by Civil Rights laws, whether or not you have been arrested. You are covered by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act as well as §, which governs the conduct of jails, prisons, police, and their contractors.

Every person has the constitutional right not to be subjected to unreasonable or excessive force by law enforcement officers. If an officer has gone beyond their authority to use force, your rights have been violated and you may have a case. Often, injuries caused by enforcement officers are the result of prejudice, malice, or inadequate training. Civil rights cases are complex and there are strict notification requirements, so it’s important to contact an attorney immediately to discuss your rights and options. Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods has the experience to handle these cases.

Please contact us for a free consultation at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555 if you or someone you know has been a victim of:

• False arrest
• Illegal search
• Police brutality, misconduct, or use of excessive force
• Correctional officer misconduct
• Parole officer misconduct
• Other situations in which your rights have been violated

We hear all the time about defective products. But what exactly does that mean? A defective product is one that has a manufacturing or design defect and poses a risk of physical harm to the user. Secondly, the product can be deemed defective if the manufacturer has provided inadequate instructions or warnings. A defective condition provides grounds for seeking legal cause of damage if it directly contributes significantly to an injury.

We often use products that could be considered dangerous, such as an exercise treadmill. While a treadmill poses a risk of falling and could be posing some danger in its normal daily use, the law does not see it as “unreasonably” dangerous. However, if the design provides a faulty emergency stop button, this could make it a defective product. You may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer or company selling the product if you have been injured due to a defect in that product.

In Product Liability cases, defects generally fall into three categories that could determine a product to be considered unreasonably dangerous. These include:

• Design Defects — A flaw in the intended design.
• Manufacturing Defects — A design mistake that results in the product not following the specifications of the designer.
• Marketing Defects — Improper product labels, insufficient instructions, or the failure to warn about a product’s hidden dangers.

The Law Offices of Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods handles a wide variety of product liability cases that may involve defective machines, unsafe automobile parts, or dangerous workplace or household products, appliances, and equipment.

We have a proven track record of success in dealing with product liability cases. If you think you have experienced an injury caused by a defective product, please call for a free consultation at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

Yearly in the United States, thousands are bitten by animals — most often dogs. Nearly everyone has had some experience with growling, snapping canines. Sometimes, a dog is just having a bad day, and in other cases serious injury can ensue from a situation so simple as getting in the way of two dogs fighting. In many cases, a person bitten by an animal may have a legal right to recover damages from the animal's owner or another responsible party. Seeking medical attention immediately is a vital first step. An animal bite can cause serious injury, infection, and even death in rare situations. Once you have been evaluated and medically treated, consulting a lawyer will help you know your rights. An attorney will be able to tell you whether you have a legal claim, and what damages you may be able to recover.

Depending on the seriousness of injuries resulting from an animal attack, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage.

Dog bite cases can be complicated, and it may be unclear against whom to bring a claim, and to what sort of damages you are entitled. Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods is experienced at handling dog bite claims, and we’ll be there with you every step of the way to argue for the maximum amount of compensation available.

Please call us for a free consultation at 505-982-5380 or 800-954-9555.

According to the National Safety Council, crashes caused by hand-held cell phone use while driving account for 1.6 million accidents each year in the United States. And among those, roughly 390,000 injuries occur each year from accidents caused by texting. That means one in four accidents now in the United States is caused by texting while driving - an epidemic. When you text, you take your eyes off the road for an average of 4-6 seconds, a 400% increase of time spent not looking at the road. Driving at 55 miles per hour in 5 seconds is the equivalent of travelling the entire length of a football field! A lot can happen in 5 seconds.

The top causes of distracted driving, of which texting is just one activity, include the use of GPS, adjusting music or car controls, talking on the phone, and applying makeup, so extra care needs to be applied when engaging in these other actions (except for the makeup).

In all but four states an officer can pull you over and ticket you just for texting or using a hand-held phone. The law however does not apply to hands-free devices, GPS, or devices integrated into the vehicle. A texting driver is legally liable for damages ensuing from an accident of their making.

If you are involved in an accident caused by a texting driver, it is important to document the scene of the accident as much as possible, secure witnesses, and most importantly inform the officer you think the person in the other vehicle was on their phone. What makes these actions so essential in this kind of accident is that it may be necessary to subpoena phone records of the driver who caused the crash. An attorney is the only person who can demand a history of phone usage.

Prince, Schmidt, Baca & Woods can help! Please call for a free consultation today at 505.982.5380.