Albuquerque Natural Resource Litigation Attorneys

Tenacious Legal Advocacy in Energy-Related Disputes

Many business organizations will eventually encounter environmental obstacles and challenges. Seasoned, outside-the-box representation in this area can help proactively avoid compliance issues and disputes. In some cases, however, litigation may be the only path forward.

At Atkinson, Baker & Rodriguez, P.C., we have over 25 years of experience successfully advocating for clients in the Rocky Mountain region. Our Albuquerque natural resource litigation lawyers have triumphed in cases involving natural gas pipelines, energy, water, mining, and oil. We are extensively familiar with all local, state, and federal laws and can leverage our knowledge to help reduce the odds of litigation wherever possible. Should legal action become inevitable, we will tenaciously represent your interests in and out of the courtroom.

Call (505) 764-8111 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation. 

Environmental Cases We Litigate

Environment conflicts tend to emerge between disputing commercial parties or as the result of a regulatory investigation. No matter the nature of your conflict, our bold litigators can help you explore the full extent of your legal options.

The Firm has extensive experience with legal issues surrounding the development of natural resources, including water, minerals, oil, and gas.  We have represented clients in important water and mineral law cases throughout New Mexico and the Southwest, including assisting clients in avoiding litigation and in litigation. Our experience includes: 

• Mineral title and leasing disputes
• Mineral trespass actions
• Oil and gas royalty disputes
• Revenue distribution disputes
• Exploration, accounting, and drilling disputes
• Toxic torts
• Oil spills
• Air and water pollution
• Environmental contamination

In addition to our litigation services, we also assist players in the natural resource industry with the preparation, negotiation, and review of transactional documents. Our goal is to help you avoid the need for litigation through the careful implementation of agreements that protect your interests. This will require a thorough understanding of local, state, and federal environmental regulations.

Our team at Atkinson, Baker & Rodriguez, P.C. knows how to navigate all major and emerging environmental laws, including:

• The Clean Air Act
• The Clean Water Act
• The Safe Drinking Water Act
• The Oil Pollution Act
• The Endangered Species Act
• The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
• The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
• The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Litigating Environmental Personal Injuries and Toxic Torts

Even when the utmost care is taken, any natural resource excavation project has the potential to cause unintended consequences to the surrounding environment. In some cases, environmental contamination and other factors attributable to a natural resource project can cause significant property damage and personal injuries. Examples include oil spills, water pollution, and air pollution.

Injured parties have the right to sue and attempt to recover compensation for damages. If someone is exposed to a harmful toxin or chemical, a toxic tort is another potential legal remedy. Our firm represents plaintiffs and defendants in these cases. 

In New Mexico, an aggrieved party has up to three years to file a personal injury lawsuit or toxic tort from the date they discovered their injury or reasonably should have discovered their injuries. This distinction is important, as some environmental contaminations may not be immediately obvious and may contribute to an injury or illness over a long period of time. When environmental contamination results in death, the decedent’s loved ones will have three years to pursue legal action.

Proving causation in these cases can be extremely difficult, and you will almost certainly need the help of experienced legal representation. Contact us online or call (505) 764-8111 to discuss your case.