If your family lost someone in Santa Fe — to a crash on Cerrillos, US-285, or I-25; to medical negligence at Christus St. Vincent or another facility; to a workplace incident; to any other preventable cause — what you are facing is something a website cannot really prepare you for. The legal process matters, but it is not the first thing. I take wrongful death cases personally, I take the time the case needs, and I will not let the carrier rush you.
I’m Alex Flores, Senior Counsel at Singleton Schreiber. Former Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney in Albuquerque, 17 federal jury trials, current Judge Advocate with the New Mexico Air National Guard.
Call (505) 587-3473 — Free, Confidential Consultation
How a NM Wrongful Death Case Works
NM’s Wrongful Death Act (NMSA §§ 41-2-1 through 41-2-4) provides that a wrongful death claim is brought by a court-appointed personal representative, for the benefit of statutory beneficiaries — typically the surviving spouse, children, and (in some cases) parents. The personal representative is often a surviving family member, but the appointment is a court process that must be done correctly.
The deadline is generally three years from the date of death. Government-defendant cases (Santa Fe Police, Santa Fe County, NMDOT, public hospitals affiliated with state institutions) require written notice within six months of a death (90 days for injury claims) under the NM Tort Claims Act. Federal claims (FTCA — including any VA or Indian Health Service facility) require an administrative claim within two years.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Santa Fe
- Motor vehicle crashes — I-25, US-285, NM-599, Cerrillos, Agua Fria
- Commercial truck collisions on I-25 and the NM-599 bypass
- Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities, particularly on Cerrillos and Agua Fria
- Medical malpractice at Christus St. Vincent or other facilities
- Workplace and construction incidents
- Federal medical malpractice (VA, IHS) — see my FTCA page
What Recovery May Include
- Reasonable medical, hospital, and funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the decedent’s earnings and earning capacity
- Loss of household services and contributions
- Pain and suffering of the decedent before death (when conscious survival is shown)
- Loss of guidance, counsel, society, and companionship
- Punitive damages where the conduct was reckless
Why Alex Flores
NM native, former Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney in Albuquerque, 17 federal jury trials, Tenth Circuit appellate wins, current Judge Advocate with the NM Air National Guard. See my New Mexico Wrongful Death Lawyer page, my Santa Fe Personal Injury Lawyer hub, or my About page.
FAQs: Santa Fe Wrongful Death
Who can bring a wrongful death case in NM?
A court-appointed personal representative, for the benefit of statutory beneficiaries — typically the surviving spouse, children, and parents.
What is the deadline?
Three years from the date of death. Government-defendant cases require 90-day written notice. Federal claims require an administrative claim within two years.
What if my loved one was partly at fault?
NM is a pure comparative fault state. The recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault but not barred.
What if my loved one died at a federal facility?
FTCA rules apply. You must file an administrative claim within two years. See my FTCA page.
How much does a wrongful death lawyer cost?
Contingency fee — no fee unless I recover. Case costs are advanced by the firm and reimbursed from the recovery. The initial consultation is free and confidential.
Confidential Consultation
Call (505) 587-3473. There is no charge, and the conversation is confidential. Or use my contact page.