When Life Changes in an Instant, Experience Matters
When a catastrophic injury or the loss of a loved one turns your world upside down, hiring an attorney is often the last thing on your mind.
Your focus is on your family, your recovery, medical appointments, lost income, and simply trying to make it through each day. Meanwhile, insurance companies and large corporations often begin building their defense immediately. In many cases, they may contact victims early and encourage a quick settlement before the full extent of injuries and long-term damages are understood.
That is one reason why experienced trial lawyers matter.
Recently, Kathy Love, partner at McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA, was honored with the 2026 Amicus Award by the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Foundation, an award recognizing attorneys who have championed justice, accountability, and access to the legal system while standing up for individuals against powerful interests.
Presented annually by the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Foundation, the Amicus Award recognizes attorneys who have made a profound impact on the justice system by championing individuals, promoting accountability, and protecting access to justice.
Kathy Love is also a past president of the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, further reflecting her longstanding leadership and commitment to trial advocacy across New Mexico.
For those searching for an experienced Albuquerque personal injury lawyer, Albuquerque trial lawyer, or New Mexico personal injury attorney, this recognition reflects the values that have guided McGinn Law for decades: justice, accountability, and protecting ordinary people from powerful interests.
For more than 35 years, McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA has represented injury victims throughout Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and communities across New Mexico.
A Career Dedicated to Standing Up for New Mexicans
Throughout her career, Kathy Love has represented individuals and families facing some of the largest corporations, healthcare systems, insurance companies, and institutions in the country.
Beginning her legal career as a public defender, she has spent decades advocating for those whose voices might otherwise go unheard.
Her recognition by the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Foundation is more than a personal achievement. It reflects the firm’s long-standing mission of helping families seek justice while making communities safer through accountability.
Many landmark cases not only provide compensation for victims but also encourage changes in corporate policies, medical practices, and safety procedures that protect others from suffering the same harm.
Why Experience Matters After a Serious Injury
After a devastating accident, most people are overwhelmed.
They are focused on surgeries, rehabilitation, supporting their family, and wondering how they will pay the bills.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are often already working to protect their own interests.
While every case is unique, many injury victims are surprised to learn that early settlement offers may not account for future medical care, long-term disabilities, lost earning capacity, or ongoing pain and suffering.
Having an experienced Albuquerque trial attorney review your case can help you better understand your legal options before making important decisions.
What To Do After a Serious Accident
| Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Seek medical care immediately | Protects your health and creates important medical documentation. |
| Preserve evidence | Photos, witness information, and reports may strengthen your claim. |
| Be careful speaking with insurance companies | Early statements may impact your claim before injuries are fully understood. |
| Document expenses and missed work | Records help demonstrate the full financial impact of your injuries. |
| Consult an experienced trial attorney | Understanding your rights early can help preserve evidence and protect your interests. |
Justice Is About More Than Compensation
The attorneys at McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA believe personal injury litigation is about more than financial recovery.
It is about accountability.
It is about making dangerous products safer.
It is about encouraging corporations to change harmful practices.
It is about protecting future families from experiencing the same tragedy.
For many clients, seeking justice means ensuring what happened to them does not happen to someone else.
Many People Are Surprised to Learn They Pay Nothing Up Front
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a personal injury attorney is cost.
Many catastrophic injury, truck accident, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients generally do not pay attorney fees out of pocket.
Attorney fees are typically recovered only if compensation is successfully obtained.
This allows families to pursue justice without adding another financial burden during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Common Misconceptions After a Serious Injury
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| I have plenty of time to decide. | Important evidence can disappear quickly. |
| The insurance company is on my side. | Insurance companies often work to resolve claims efficiently and may seek to minimize payouts. |
| Hiring an attorney is too expensive. | Many personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis with no upfront attorney fees. |
| My injuries seem minor now. | Some serious injuries may not fully appear until days or weeks later. |
| Every personal injury case goes to trial. | Many cases settle, but preparing for trial often strengthens settlement negotiations. |
Lessons From a Lifetime of Advocacy
Kathy Love’s career serves as a reminder that justice often requires persistence, preparation, and experienced legal advocacy.
Some important lessons include:
- Put your health first.
- Preserve evidence whenever possible.
- Do not feel pressured into accepting the first settlement offer.
- Understand your rights before making important legal decisions.
- You do not have to face large corporations or insurance companies alone.
Experienced legal guidance can help families make informed decisions during one of life’s most challenging moments.
Award-Winning Albuquerque Personal Injury Attorney FAQs
Why Should You Hire an Albuquerque Personal Injury Lawyer After a Serious Accident?
An experienced attorney can help investigate the accident, preserve evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and explain your legal options while you focus on recovery. Every case is different, and early guidance may help protect your rights.
Do I have to pay anything up front to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Many personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees are generally paid only if compensation is recovered on your behalf.
Do You Need an Attorney if the Insurance Company Offers a Settlement?
Not necessarily, but it’s often wise to understand your legal rights before accepting any settlement offer. Early offers may not fully account for future medical expenses, lost income, or long-term effects of your injuries. Speaking with an experienced Albuquerque personal injury attorney can help you make an informed decision and determine whether the offer fairly reflects the full value of your claim.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
Early settlement offers may not account for future medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, or long-term effects of an injury. Understanding the full extent of your damages before making a decision is important.
How soon should I contact an attorney after an accident?
Speaking with an attorney early allows important evidence to be preserved and helps you better understand your legal rights and available options.
What types of cases does McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA handle?
The firm represents clients throughout New Mexico in matters involving catastrophic injuries, truck accidents, medical malpractice, birth injuries, wrongful death, product liability, and other serious personal injury cases.
Why does trial experience matter?
Complex injury cases often involve large corporations, insurance companies, and experienced defense teams. An attorney with decades of courtroom experience can thoroughly investigate the facts, prepare the case for trial if necessary, and advocate for accountability when negligence causes harm.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Mexico?
In many cases, New Mexico law provides a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Because deadlines can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Every case is unique, and the amount you may recover depends on the specific facts and applicable New Mexico law.
How are pain and suffering damages calculated?
Pain and suffering damages are based on many factors, including the severity of the injury, length of recovery, impact on daily life, emotional distress, and long-term limitations. There is no one-size-fits-all formula, and each case is evaluated individually.
Will my case go to trial?
Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlement before reaching trial. However, an experienced trial attorney prepares every case as if it will be presented before a jury, which can strengthen negotiations and help achieve a fair outcome.
How long does a personal injury case typically take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the extent of the injuries, and whether the matter settles or proceeds to trial. Some cases resolve in a matter of months, while others may take longer to ensure all damages are fully understood and properly evaluated.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Albuquerque Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury due to negligence, speaking with an experienced attorney early can help protect your rights and preserve important evidence.
Contact McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Albuquerque personal injury lawyer serving clients throughout New Mexico.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is different and laws may change. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have questions about your situation, contact McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
