Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers

You should discuss the details of your specific situation with an attorney as soon as possible if you're considering legal action. However, here's a broad overview of some legal issues that may make a difference in personal injury cases.

The main way to get compensation for your injuries involves showing that the defendant (the person or entity that you're suing) was "negligent." In other words, they didn't act as carefully as they should have under the circumstances, and this caused your injuries. This often means comparing what the defendant did to what a reasonable person would have done, but sometimes showing negligence can be more complex. For example, an injured person bringing a medical malpractice claim would need to show that the defendant didn't meet the professional standard of care in their field. This usually requires the help of an expert.

Sometimes an accident happens because an employee of a business was negligent while they were doing their job. This can open the door to a "vicarious liability" claim against the business, even if it didn't do anything wrong. Vicarious liability can help a victim get fuller compensation because a business usually has more assets and insurance than an individual employee. There also might be some cases in which the employer's own negligence contributed to the injuries. Perhaps it didn't use proper care in hiring, training, or supervising an employee.

Certain types of cases allow an injured person to use a theory called "strict liability." This means that they don't need to prove negligence. For example, someone who got hurt by a defective product might be able to hold the manufacturer strictly liable for the defect.

One other notable group of personal injury cases is called "intentional torts." These often result from assault, sexual assault, or other incidents that might be charged as crimes. However, the criminal case is separate from the civil case. You might be able to hold a perpetrator liable for damages in a lawsuit even if they're not convicted of a crime. You just need to show that it's more likely than not that they're at fault, while a prosecutor needs to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

There's an important deadline to keep in mind if you're thinking about filing a personal injury lawsuit in Nevada. This is called the statute of limitations. If you don't meet the deadline, a defendant probably will be able to get the case dismissed. It doesn't matter how much evidence you have compiled to show their liability and your damages.

The Nevada personal injury statute of limitations is generally two years. However, there may be nuances in certain situations. In medical malpractice cases, for example, you have three years to file your lawsuit after your injury or two years after you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) your injury, whichever is earlier. The discovery timeframe is only one year if you were injured before October 1, 2023.

A lot of accidents result from more than one cause. Sometimes the injured person may even play a role. When this happens, Nevada applies a rule called modified comparative negligence with a 51 percent bar. This means that you won't be prevented from getting damages if you were partly at fault for your injuries, unless you were more at fault than the defendant. Assuming that you were no more than 50 percent at fault, your damages award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 30 percent at fault for a slip and fall, and the property owner was 70 percent at fault, you could get 70 percent of your damages from the property owner or their insurer.

Some states impose damages caps on personal injury lawsuits. These limit the amount of compensation that you can recover, or the amount of certain types of damages. Nevada generally doesn't have these caps. However, there's an exception for medical malpractice cases. Non-economic damages in these cases, such as pain and suffering, are capped at $510,000 as of 2025. The cap increases each year. Nevada also caps punitive damages, which are awarded in cases involving especially blameworthy conduct by the defendant. The punitive damages cap is $300,000 if you get less than $100,000 in compensatory damages. Otherwise, it's three times your compensatory damages.

Special rules apply when you're trying to get compensation from the government for your injuries. For example, there's a damages cap of $200,000 in these cases, and you can't get punitive damages. Unlike many states, though, Nevada doesn't require an injured person to file a claim with the government before bringing a lawsuit in court. If you choose to file a claim, you have two years to do it, which is the same as the general personal injury statute of limitations.

Pursuing a personal injury claim can require significant time and effort, and there's no promise of a positive outcome. Even cases that seem clear-cut can take unexpected turns. Because of this, many victims opt to negotiate a settlement with the responsible party or their insurer. This choice involves accepting a specific sum of money in exchange for dismissing the lawsuit, which removes the uncertainty of relying on how a jury sees the case.

Settling can be beneficial. It often concludes more quickly than a trial and lessens both financial and emotional burdens. You receive compensation sooner to cover costs like medical bills and lost earnings, reducing these pressures during recovery. However, proceed carefully before agreeing to a settlement. Insurers have their own financial interests in mind and may initially present a low offer. You should confirm that the amount truly covers your needs.

If you settle right away, you might lose out on future damages. In serious cases, it's often prudent to wait until you can assess your long-term limitations and how they affect your work and daily activities. Once a settlement is finalized, you typically cannot request additional compensation later.

Getting a lawyer on your side is usually wise, especially if an insurer is uncooperative or if you need a substantial payout for your harm. The other side may have a lot of resources to put into the case, and they may have a strong legal team fighting to limit settlements. Having your own attorney safeguards your interests. This professional will gather proof of why the defendant is legally responsible and how the injury affects you. Evidence might involve photos, eyewitness reports, medical records, and documents showing your expenses and lost income. Specialists may evaluate future care needs or discuss how the injury hinders your work and everyday life. Statements from loved ones or other people who know you can demonstrate its overall effect.

During settlement negotiations, your lawyer's input helps you decide if an offer is fair. They will detail the pros and cons, but whether to settle or take your chances at trial is ultimately your choice. If the case does proceed to trial, your attorney's expertise remains key as they handle jury selection, present evidence, question witnesses, and make persuasive arguments. Having a knowledgeable legal professional manage these tasks reduces the chance of mistakes and frees you to focus on your recovery.

Looking for a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas or the surrounding areas can feel overwhelming. Many firms may seem similar at first glance. Online legal directories, such as the Justia Lawyer Directory, can simplify your search.

It's crucial to choose someone with skills that match your situation. For example, if you slipped on a wet floor at a store, seek an attorney who excels in premises liability cases. If you were harmed by a defective product, find a lawyer experienced in holding manufacturers and similar entities accountable.

Many firms highlight noteworthy settlements and verdicts, which are good to keep in mind but not the sole factor to consider. Client reviews can reveal how empathetic and communicative a lawyer is, while recommendations from peers can illustrate professional skill and credibility.

Before making a decision, check for any disciplinary actions through the State Bar of Nevada. A minor issue might not take an attorney out of your consideration entirely, but repeated or serious problems should raise concerns about potential mistakes or misconduct affecting your claim.

Most personal injury lawyers offer a complimentary initial consultation. This allows them to gauge if your case is viable and lets you assess whether you feel at ease working together. Don't underestimate how important rapport is in forming an effective legal partnership.

When you think of a personal injury case, the first thing that comes to mind may be a motor vehicle collision. These can involve passenger cars, large commercial trucks, more exposed vehicles like bicycles and motorcycles, or even pedestrians. However, personal injury law extends much more broadly. Here are some other examples of common case types:

• Premises liability claims based on slip or trip and falls
• Medical malpractice cases based on negligence by a healthcare provider
• Products liability cases when a defect in an item causes injuries
• Nursing home negligence when elderly residents don't receive proper care
• Dog bites and other injuries caused by animals
• Assaults and similar incidents when someone intentionally caused harm
• Wrongful death cases following fatal accidents

All too often, someone gets injured while they are working. Nevada requires employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. This is available regardless of fault. In other words, you don't need to show that your employer was legally responsible for your injuries. Workers' comp doesn't cover the same range of damages as a personal injury lawsuit, though, and you generally can't sue your employer for those additional damages. If you got hurt on the job, you might want to look into whether you can sue a third party that played a role in the incident. For example, you might have a products liability claim against a manufacturer if you were injured due to using their faulty device. This could allow you to recover compensation for your pain and suffering and other damages that aren't available through the workers' comp system.

The amount of damages awarded in any given personal injury case depends on its specific facts. Here are some notable verdicts from recent years in Nevada:

• $11 million when a patient died after a doctor punctured his abdominal aorta during surgery, causing internal bleeding
• $10.8 million for a trampoline park patron who was injured when another patron jumped on him, although this amount was reduced by 20 percent due to the plaintiff's comparative fault
• $4.6 million after a fatal intersection collision in which the defendant was intoxicated and allegedly failed to yield and was speeding
• $3.3 million for a rear-end collision when the injured person was stopped at a red light (most of this amount accounted for his pain and suffering)
• $2 million after a side-impact collision that resulted in injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and spinal and brain injuries

It's always best to talk to your attorney about how much your case might be worth. Although they won't be able to predict the exact amount, they can give you a general sense based on their experience in the field.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department tracks car accidents in the city each year. According to the 2024 data, there were 18,437 crashes in Las Vegas that year, including 11,559 crashes that caused injuries. Both numbers represented decreases from 2023. There were 134 fatal collisions in 2024, which caused 159 total fatalities. These deaths included 33 drivers, 19 passengers, 36 motorcycle or moped riders, eight bicycle or electric scooter riders, and 63 pedestrians. The LVMPD noted that 56 deaths occurred in DUI accidents, and 30 fatalities occurred in hit and run crashes. Excessive speed played a role in 41 fatalities, while failing to yield the right of way contributed to 33 fatalities.

The City of Las Vegas recently launched a Vision Zero initiative in an effort to reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries on its roads. This included a Citywide Intersection Crash Mitigation Program, which identified intersections with high numbers of crashes and crash rates. The CICMP studied all crashes at the following five intersections:

• Durango Drive and Charleston Boulevard
• Eastern Avenue and Stewart Avenue
• Fort Apache Road and Sahara Avenue
• Martin Luther King Boulevard and Bonanza Road
• Rainbow Boulevard and Lake Mead Boulevard

It also studied pedestrian and bicyclist crashes at the following five intersections:

• Rainbow Boulevard and Charleston Boulevard
• Valley View Boulevard and Sahara Avenue
• Eastern Avenue and St. Louis Avenue
• Rainbow Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue
• Decatur Boulevard and Washington Avenue

The CICMP developed a set of recommended countermeasures to alleviate the hazards at these intersections. However, drivers always will face risks when approaching intersections in a city as busy as Las Vegas. It's important to focus on your surroundings and be ready to respond to any hazards that arise.

If you're thinking of bringing a claim or lawsuit after a car accident, you'll probably want to get a copy of the police report made by the officer who responded to the scene. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department allows people to request these reports online, in person, or by mail. If you want to request a copy in person, you can do this at an area command close to you or at the Records and Fingerprint Bureau of the police headquarters in Building C at 400 South Martin Luther King Boulevard. It may take up to 10 business days between when the report is filed and when it becomes available.

A patient who thinks that a healthcare professional fell short of the standard of care might file a complaint with the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners. You can file a complaint against a health facility with the Division of Public and Behavioral Health in the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.

If you were injured in a violent crime, you might apply for reimbursement for certain related expenses from the Nevada Victims of Crime Program. For example, these funds may cover medical expenses, income loss, and home or vehicle modifications for disabilities. The Las Vegas City Attorney's Office also provides access to Victim Witness Advocates, who can help provide referrals and answer questions. In addition, the LVMPD operates a Victim Services Unit, which provides support, resources, and advocacy.

After an injury on the job, you can find out more about workers' compensation through the resources provided by the Division of Industrial Relations in the Nevada Department of Business and Industry. These include summaries of your rights and benefits, the time frames for filing a claim, and vocational rehabilitation options, among other issues.

1. How long will it take to resolve my personal injury case?

   The length of time required to resolve these cases can vary significantly. Some cases settle quickly within a few months, while others take a year or more—especially if litigation becomes complex or if there are questions about liability. Factors such as the extent of your injuries, whether fault is disputed, and the court's schedule can all influence the timeline.

2. How much will it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

   Most personal injury attorneys collect between 25 and 40 percent of the amount that they recover for a client. The representation agreement might provide for a larger amount if a case goes to trial than if it ends in a settlement. If your attorney doesn't get any compensation for you, though, you probably won't need to pay them anything.

3. What evidence will I need to prove my personal injury case?

   Some useful types of evidence in these cases often include photos or videos of the accident scene and your injuries, medical records and bills, pay stubs showing lost wages, and any police reports if law enforcement got involved in investigating the events. You also might want to present statements from witnesses who saw what happened, and from experts like doctors, economists, accident reconstruction specialists, or forensic analysts.

4. Who can bring a wrongful death action in Nevada?

   The heirs of the deceased person and their personal representatives may each bring an action against the person or entity responsible for the death. (A personal representative is a person in charge of a victim's estate.) They have two years to file the lawsuit, similar to ordinary personal injury cases.

5. Can I sue a bar for serving a drunk driver who hit me?

   Probably not. The dram shop law in Nevada shields anyone who sells alcohol to someone who is 21 or older from liability for damages caused by that person drinking alcohol. Even in cases of underage drinking, there's no liability for someone who is licensed to sell alcohol (or their employee) for anything that they did or didn't do in the course of their business or employment.