Results
Seven-Figure Settlements, Eight-Figure Verdicts, Infinite Compassion
Ms. Coleman has recovered millions of dollars for her clients through her own law firm, not through employment at any former firms.
She stands ready and willing to try any case she accepts before a jury. Ultimately, the decision to take a case to trial requires buy-in from both attorney and client. Several of the cases Ms. Coleman settled out of court involved clients who did not wish to pursue trial. This may be due to personal anxieties, or because a policy limit has already been tendered and pursuing a defendant who is not a company—or who lacks considerable additional assets—is not prudent.
A sampling of her jury awards and settlements over the past five years, resulting from zealous advocacy, are listed below:
1. Wrongful Death Trucking Crash: $15.4 million
Jury verdict in Taos County, New Mexico, for the wrongful death of a 50-year-old motorcyclist. The case was further complicated by statements from the truck driver alleging that the victim had crossed into his lane improperly and had been served two beers at a local restaurant before the crash. Intensive testimony, evidence, and accident reconstruction ultimately convinced the jury unanimously that the accident was 100% the fault of the truck driver and his company.
Case No. D-820-CV-2022-00035 — Julie Martinez v. Kathleen Walker, OBO of Stephen Walker (Deceased), and Simla Auto & Truck Salvage d/b/a MileHighTrailers.com
2. Wrongful Death Bar/Nightclub Premises Liability Case: $2.8 million
Client was killed by an underage patron after breaking up a fight, during which the nightclub served alcohol to the underage patron. The case involved complex issues of premises security, defense of another, and New Mexico liquor laws.
Lawsuit filed. Case sealed for the privacy of the victim’s minor daughter, his sole statutory beneficiary.
3. Car Accident: $780,000 settlement
A family of three was traveling in Northern New Mexico when struck head-on by a driver who fell asleep. The insurance company argued that the client’s corrective maneuver to avoid the other vehicle contributed to the crash. Ultimately, after depositions, the case settled for an amount exceeding the at-fault driver’s policy limits.
Lawsuit filed. Case sealed for the privacy of the minor passenger.
4. Car Accident: $400,000 settlement
A couple was injured in an auto accident. While the at-fault driver had only approximately $40,000 in available insurance coverage, this case demonstrates the importance of underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. We were ultimately able to maximize the settlement by utilizing the clients’ own UIM policy after receiving policy limits from the at-fault driver.
No lawsuit filing was required.
5. Trip and Fall/Slip and Fall: $275,000
A Santa Fe resident visiting an art gallery walked into a plate-glass window specifically designed to resemble an indoor-outdoor space, with no decals or warnings, resulting in a broken hip.
Lawsuit filed, case kept confidential via settlement documents.
6. Pedestrian Bus Accident: $200,000
An unhoused woman crossing the street was struck by a Santa Fe bus. The client suffered broken bones, and scarring.
Lawsuit filed, case kept confidential via settlement documents.
7. Car Accident: $150,000 settlement
This case involved a rear-end collision. The client had been turned away by several larger law firms because the damage to her vehicle was minimal. She was suffering from soft-tissue injuries and thoracic outlet pain. Ultimately, we secured not only the at-fault driver’s policy limits but also stacked all applicable vehicles in her household under her UIM coverage, reaching the policy maximum and settling the case in less than six months.
No lawsuit filing was required.
Client Testimonials
Christie is a tremendous attorney. During my initial consultation, she was understanding of the abusive situation. Her knowledge and guidance on how to handle my divorce put me at ease and gave me a positive perspective. Christie and her team are very thorough and take care of matters very quickly. Christie is highly recommended. You could not ask for better representation.
Kelly Nunez, Albuquerque, New Mexico
I came into the office. They got my information and all the info about my case. They are very knowledgeable and actually want to make sure things work out for the client besides just the case.
Eric Luchetti, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Christie Coleman dealt with my personal injury case. She was so supportive through it all and truly made the whole experience so much more bearable.
Claire Jacquez, Pojoaque, New Mexico
I have the greatest respect for Christie Coleman as a personal injury attorney. She managed a major victory with a generous financial settlement for myself as a result of an automobile accident and personal injury occurring in January of 2021. Christie and her entire staff worked as team from beginning to end making the legal process both easy to comprehend and not intimidating for a layperson like myself, which is not typical. I can recommend Christie Coleman Law Offices without hesitation if you are in need of a personal injury attorney.
Ken Feldman, Taos, New Mexico
Contact Us
Santa Fe Law Office:
403 Bishops Lodge Rd.
Santa Fe NM 87501
505.303.3183
