When someone loses their life due to another person’s careless or reckless behavior, families face unimaginable pain. Grief arrives suddenly, bringing with it serious financial strain and questions about the road ahead. Amid the heartbreak, one question rises above all others: what comes next? For Roswell families dealing with such tragedy, New Mexico law offers a way forward through wrongful death claims. These cases provide answers, hold wrongdoers accountable, and give families the closure they need to start healing.
Unfortunately, preventable deaths like these happen far too often. According to the National Safety Council, more than 222,000 preventable deaths occurred across the U.S. in 2023. Motor vehicle crashes, falls, medical errors, and workplace accidents claimed lives that should never have been lost. Many stem from negligence, giving families the right to seek justice.
A Roswell wrongful death lawyer can help you hold responsible parties accountable. At Parnall Law, we stand beside grieving families across New Mexico, providing the guidance you need to move forward.
When you’re hurt in an accident in Albuquerque or anywhere in New Mexico, choosing the right lawyers isn’t just important – it can change everything. Here’s why Parnall Law – Hurt? Call Bert stands apart:
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A wrongful death claim lets families seek legal recourse when someone dies from another person’s negligence, recklessness, or deliberate actions. These lawsuits open a path to justice after preventable tragedies claim lives that shouldn’t have been lost. New Mexico Statutes §41-2-1 gives families the right to pursue compensation when someone else’s wrongful conduct causes a death.
The law is straightforward: your loved one would have been able to sue for their injuries if they had lived. Now that right belongs to you as the surviving family member. This civil lawsuit allows you to recover damages for all the losses your family has suffered because of the wrongdoer’s actions.
It’s important to understand that wrongful death lawsuits work differently from criminal cases and have their own distinct goals and outcomes. Criminal cases can result in punishment like jail time or fines for the person at fault, but wrongful death lawsuits aim to compensate families. The focus stays on recovering money for the personal and financial harm your family has endured.
Under New Mexico law, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate, who acts on behalf of eligible beneficiaries. This representative is often named in the decedent’s will, but if none exists, the court can appoint one. The compensation recovered is distributed among family members based on state law.
In Roswell, the following individuals are typically entitled to share in the recovery:
Since the legal process gets complicated, particularly when several beneficiaries are part of the case, our Roswell wrongful death lawyers walk families through each stage, making sure everyone’s rights stay protected and the claim moves forward without unnecessary delays or confusion.
After a wrongful death, families often face insurance companies focused on minimizing payouts rather than delivering fair compensation. Adjusters may seem sympathetic, but their goal is to protect their employer’s financial interests, not yours.
The most effective way to handle insurance companies is through legal representation. As your Roswell wrongful death lawyer, we take over communication entirely, ensuring that no statement or signature jeopardizes your claim. Our approach includes:
Insurance companies often delay claims or minimize emotional losses like companionship and guidance. We respond with solid evidence, professional evaluations, and unwavering commitment, making sure your loved one’s story gets the attention and respect it deserves.
We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve
Wrongful deaths in Roswell happen in various situations, each one a preventable tragedy that shouldn’t have taken place. Because every case is unique, proving liability requires specific evidence and tailored legal strategies depending on how the death occurred. The most common causes we handle include:
Every situation involves specific laws, proof requirements, and possible defendants that need careful identification. A thorough investigation, including accident reconstruction, medical expert review, and witness interviews, is critical to build a strong case.
In New Mexico, families may recover several types of damages after a wrongful death, all designed to replace the financial support, companionship, and emotional stability lost due to the tragedy. Economic damages cover tangible losses such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and lost income or benefits the deceased would have provided. Beyond these financial impacts, non-economic damages address the emotional toll, including pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and the anguish endured by the deceased before death.
When the conduct that caused the death was particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may also be awarded to deter future wrongdoing. Determining the appropriate amount of compensation requires careful analysis of multiple factors, including the deceased’s age, earnings, life expectancy, and the specific circumstances surrounding the death.
That’s why our firm collaborates with economists, vocational experts, and medical specialists to carefully assess every aspect of your loss, calculate your claim’s true value, and build a compelling case that ensures your family receives the full compensation you deserve.
New Mexico law strictly limits how long families have to pursue justice. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is three years from the date of death, as defined by New Mexico Statutes Annotated §41-2-2. This period is known as the accrual date, meaning the countdown begins on the day your loved one passes away.
If a lawsuit is not filed within this timeframe, the right to recover compensation may be permanently lost. Certain exceptions, such as claims involving government entities or minors, may have specific rules, but acting quickly is always best. An experienced Roswell wrongful death lawyer can identify which deadlines apply to your case and ensure all filings are completed on time. Early legal intervention also ensures critical evidence is preserved, witnesses remain available, and your case is positioned for success from the start.
When a preventable death changes your life forever, legal action can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face it alone. A Roswell wrongful death attorney is ready to guide your family every step of the way, from investigating what happened to fighting for justice in court or through settlement.
We offer free consultations and handle every case on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our Roswell legal team stands ready to provide the strength, compassion, and legal experience you need to begin healing with dignity.
Call Parnall Law at (505) 578-4548 today or reach out online to schedule your confidential case review and learn how we can help your family during this difficult time.
Bertrand Russell Parnall is an Albuquerque native, salutatorian of the Class of 1988 at Albuquerque High School, and co-captain of the district football champion Bulldogs. He earned his undergraduate degree from Rice University with a double major in history and French, and his law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law after coming home to Albuquerque.
Years of Experience: 27+ years
Justia Profile: Bert Parnall
Client Reviews
January 2025 
I had never had to file a lawsuit in my life. I was afraid to even start the process. Una Campbell and staff like Maura were always so nice and always explained to me what was next. They checked up on me even if there was no movement in the case at the time. Even during a family emergency Una made sure she figured out how to show up to a meeting. I appreciated that but I would have understood. This made me see the hard work and the dedication she always put into all her cases. Thank you so much for everything. I wish you the Merriest of Christmases and many Happy New years!
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2155 Louisiana Blvd NE, #8000
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Phone: (505) 268-6500
Fax: (505) 268-8708
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Bertrand Russell Parnall who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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Hurt? Call Bert ®
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Hurt? Call Bert ®
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Hurt? Call Bert ®
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