New Mexico Medical Malpractice Attorney
Decades fighting for patients harmed by medical negligence.
If you or a loved one suffered unexpected complications, permanent harm, or loss following a medical procedure, you deserve clear answers.
For over 40 years, Tim Chelpaty has personally guided New Mexico families through complex malpractice claims. When you call our office, you speak directly with Tim and will get answers to whether or not you have a case.
For four decades, Tim has personally taken on some of New Mexico’s toughest malpractice cases.
As your attorney, Tim will see your case through to the end.
Not an assistant. Not a paralegal. Me.
At massive billboard law firms, your file is often passed down to junior staff, case managers, or rotating paralegals. You rarely speak to the lead attorney. My practice is built on personal representation. From your very first consultation through settlement or trial, I handle your case directly.
Not every poor medical outcome is the result of legal negligence, and you shouldn’t waste time or emotional stress pursuing a claim that won’t hold up in court. Knowing the difference requires a rigorous medical evaluation.
Before we ever file a lawsuit, your medical records are thoroughly reviewed by an independent medical professional. This objective review pinpoints exactly where the standard of care was breached, giving you honest, definitive answers about whether you have a viable claim.
Over $5.9 Million Recovered for Injured Patients and Families
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Amounts reflect prior matters; every case depends on its own unique facts, liability, injuries, insurance coverage, and applicable law.
Verdicts and settlements secured for injured patients and surviving families across personal injury and medical malpractice claims.
Decades of dedicated practice representing clients in Southern New Mexico state and federal courts.
Access
Rated 4.6★ by clients for clear communication, direct accessibility, and compassionate support throughout their cases.
When Medical Care Falls Below the Acceptable Standard
Medical Malpractice Claims in New Mexico
When a physician, hospital, or provider breaches the accepted standard of care and a patient is harmed, Tim builds the case to prove it, backed by an independent medical professional’s thorough review of your medical charts.
Vision Loss & Ophthalmic Negligence
Botched cataract or LASIK surgeries, mismanaged glaucoma, and delayed treatment for retinal detachment. Tim takes on complex vision loss cases that high-volume firms turn away.
Learn More About Vision Loss Claims→Surgical ClaimsSurgical Errors & Anesthesia Complications
Preventable harm during or after surgery, including wrong-site procedures, organ perforation, retained surgical instruments, or severe anesthesia misadministration.
Learn More About Surgical Errors→Diagnostic FailuresMisdiagnosis & Delayed Treatment
Failure to diagnose cancer, strokes, heart attacks, or severe infections in time. When healthcare providers ignore critical warning signs, crucial treatment windows are lost.
Learn More About Diagnostic Failures→Nursing Home CareNursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Severe preventable pressure sores, unassisted falls resulting in fractures, medication overdoses, and malnutrition in long-term care facilities across New Mexico.
Learn More About Elder Care Claims→Clear Answers to Complex New Mexico Malpractice Laws
- Medical Malpractice
November 26, 2025How to Know If You Have a Medical Malpractice Case in New Mexico: 7 Signs to Look For
Medical care can be scary, confusing, and emotional—especially when something doesn’t go the way you expected. Maybe a treatment didn’t help. Maybe you left the hospital feeling worse. Or maybe another doctor told you something that made your stomach drop. If you’re worried that a medical mistake might have harmed you or someone you love,…
Read Article → - Medical Malpractice
June 16, 2025Understanding New Mexico’s Damages Caps in Medical Malpractice Cases
Introduction to Damages Caps in Medical Malpractice What Are Damages Caps? Damages caps are legal limits placed on the amount of money a plaintiff can receive in certain types of lawsuits—including medical malpractice. These caps specifically restrict non-economic damages , such as compensation for pain and suffering , emotional distress , and loss of enjoyment…
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April 7, 2025New Mexico Statute of Limitations Medical Malpractice Laws
Understanding the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in New Mexico is essential if you believe a health care provider’s negligence has harmed you. Missing this critical deadline can mean losing your right to seek justice altogether. In this guide, we’ll explain how the statute of limitations works, key exceptions, and how rules like the…
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“They never missed a beat. The communication was excellent and timely, way above what we expected. I would recommend anyone in need of legal services call Tim Chelpaty.”Chris S. · Las Cruces, NM · via Lawyers.com
What You Need to Know About New Mexico Malpractice Claims
New Mexico has specific statutory rules around medical negligence. Here are honest answers to the questions Tim hears most from patients and families.
Visit the Resource Center →New Mexico enforces strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) for medical negligence claims. Typically, three years from the date of the malpractice, though shorter windows apply for claims against government or state-run facilities. Because missing a deadline permanently forfeits your right to compensation, it is critical to consult with Tim as early as possible.
The Patient Compensation Fund is a state-administered fund that pays damages above a qualified healthcare provider’s primary liability limits. How and when it applies depends on the provider’s qualification status, the date of treatment, and statutory caps, all of which Tim will evaluate for you.
Not necessarily. Medicine carries inherent risks, and a poor result does not automatically mean a doctor was negligent. Legally, malpractice requires proving that a provider violated the accepted standard of care and directly caused injury. This is precisely why Tim has an independent physician review your medical records before filing.
You pay zero upfront costs. Tim operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees are only collected if we win a settlement or verdict for you. Your initial case evaluation is completely free and 100% confidential.
Depending on your case, victims may recover economic damages (past and future medical bills, lost wages) as well as non-economic damages (pain, suffering, permanent disability, loss of enjoyment of life).
Yes. Tim represents clients throughout Southern New Mexico, including Alamogordo, Silver City, Deming, Truth or Consequences, and surrounding rural communities.
Start with a free, confidential case review.
Prefer to call? Speak directly with our office:
(575) 652-4887I’ll Help You Determine If You Have a Case
Fill out the form below or call us directly. You do not need to know technical legal terms. Just tell us what happened, and Tim will personally review your situation.
Fighting for Injured Patients Across Southern New Mexico
Tim represents clients throughout the region, not just Las Cruces. If you were harmed by medical negligence anywhere in southern New Mexico, you have access to the same personal representation.
Suspect a medical error harmed you or a loved one?
We offer a free, confidential case review. No obligation, no pressure. Just honest answers from an attorney with over 40 years of local experience who will personally look at your situation.