Nevada personal injury law deals with harm caused by one or more responsible parties to another person or persons. Injuries can be physical or emotional and result from a wide range of circumstances, both intentional and unintentional. Most Las Vegas injury law firms deal with cases involving negligence, or the failure to take reasonably safe action, but some cases may involve defective products.
At Blackburn Wirth, our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you recover fair damages for your injuries.
Common Las Vegas Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury in Las Vegas causes a wide variety of consequences, from minor scrapes, cuts and bruises to neck and spinal injuries, severe head trauma, and even death. At Blackburn Wirth, our Las Vegas attorneys for personal injury often see the following types of claims:
- Auto accidents: Car crashes are common in Las Vegas and can leave you with injuries and medical bills. You may have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver.
- ATV accidents: Off-road vehicle accidents in the Nevada desert can cause serious harm. You may be able to sue if the accident was caused by someone else’s carelessness or a faulty vehicle.
- Aviation accidents: Plane crashes can be devastating, and survivors or families of victims may be able to pursue legal action against airlines, manufacturers, or other responsible parties.
- Bicycle accidents: Cyclists hit by cars in Las Vegas often suffer severe injuries, and they can often file a claim against the negligent driver to cover medical costs and lost wages.
- Boating accidents: Accidents on Lake Mead or other waterways can lead to drowning or other injuries, and you may have a case if the boat operator was reckless or the boat was defective.
- Motorcycle accidents: Personal injury lawyers in Las Vegas see plenty of motorcycle accidents. If you’re hurt in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to seek damages for your injuries and bike repairs.
- Pedestrian accidents: Las Vegas has a lot of pedestrians, making this a common personal injury claim. If you’re hit by a car while walking, you may be able to sue the driver for your injuries.
- Truck accidents: Collisions with big rigs on I-15 or other highways can be catastrophic. Victims may be able to pursue claims against trucking companies and drivers.
- Commercial bus accidents: If you’re hurt while riding a tour bus or public transit in Las Vegas, you might have a case against the bus company or driver.
- School bus accidents: When children are injured in school bus crashes, parents can take legal action against the school district or other responsible parties.
- Dog bites: Under personal injury law in Las Vegas, you can hold pet owners responsible if their dog attacks you, even if you’re just visiting someone’s home or a pet-friendly casino.
- Medical malpractice: If a doctor, nurse, or hospital makes a mistake that harms you, you can sue for damages related to your additional medical care and suffering.
- Premises liability: If you’re hurt by a faulty product in Las Vegas, whether it’s a hotel room appliance or a souvenir, you can sue the manufacturer or seller.
- Product liability: This type of claim allows you to sue the company that made or sold a dangerous item that caused you harm.
- Sexual assault: Victims of sexual assault in Las Vegas can sue attackers and sometimes property owners (like hotels) who didn’t provide adequate security.
- Slip and fall: If you slip on a wet casino floor or trip on an uneven sidewalk, you might have a case against the property owner.
- Wrongful death: When someone dies due to another party’s negligence, their family can sue for loss of income, companionship, and other damages. Most Las Vegas personal injury firms also deal with wrongful death claims.
How Much Is a Personal Injury Claim Worth in Las Vegas?
There’s no average or set amount that your claim will be worth, because it depends on several factors. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Nevada should be able to give you a good estimate, however.
In a personal injury case, damages are intended to “make the plaintiff whole” again following an injury. Damages can be awarded to compensate for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering and emotional distress. If your injuries are severe or result in long-term care, disability, or physical disfigurement, you can also be awarded damages for future medical expenses and lost wages.
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and discourage future harmful actions. A personal injury attorney in Nevada can help you calculate your claim, file a personal injury lawsuit, and recover fair damages for your injuries.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Personal Injury Case in Nevada?
Nevada personal injury attorneys are familiar with the two-year time limit, or “statute of limitations,” on filing a personal injury lawsuit in the civil court system. This two-year time limit starts on the date of the accident in most cases. In some cases it may start on the date you discovered the injury, the “discovery date,” rather than the actual date of the accident or injury.
For injury claims against a Nevada city or county, you have one year to file a lawsuit. If you choose to sue the state, the time limit to sue is two years, but you must file a formal claim within one year. It’s important to contact a team of Las Vegas personal injury lawyers as soon as possible to get your case going.
Important Steps to Take After a Serious Injury
When you’re seriously hurt in Las Vegas, whether it’s a car crash on the Strip or a slip in a casino, knowing what to do next can make a big difference in your recovery and your legal case. Here are the key steps Las Vegas injury lawyers agree you should take to protect your health and your rights.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health comes first. Even if you think you’re okay, some injuries aren’t obvious right away. Get checked out by a doctor or go to the ER. This isn’t just for your well-being; it also creates a record of your injuries that can be important if you need to file a claim later.
Document the Incident
As soon as you can, write down everything you remember about how you got hurt. Take photos of the scene and your injuries if possible. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact info. Your Las Vegas personal injury firm can interview the witnesses later and use the evidence you’ve collected to help prove your case.
Avoid Discussions About Fault
It’s natural to want to talk about what happened, but be careful what you say. Don’t apologize or admit fault, even if you think you might have been partly to blame. Anything you say could be used against you later if there’s a legal case. It’s best to keep quiet about who caused the accident until you’ve talked to a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
Talking to a lawyer doesn’t mean you have to sue anyone. A good personal injury attorney in Las Vegas, NV can help you understand your rights and what your case might be worth. Many offer free first meetings, so you can get advice without spending a dime. They can also deal with insurance companies for you, which can be a big help.
Adhere to Medical Advice
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Go to all your follow-up appointments and do any recommended therapy. This helps you get better faster and shows that you’re serious about your recovery. If you ignore medical advice, it could hurt your case if you need to claim compensation.
Keep Track of Your Recovery
Keep a journal about how your injuries affect your daily life. Write down your pain levels, what activities you can’t do, and how you’re feeling. Save all your medical bills and records of any money you spend because of your injury. This info can help your attorney show the full impact of your injury.
Why Choose Blackburn Wirth Injury Team
If you or someone close to you has suffered injuries in Nevada due to someone else’s negligence, a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help protect your legal rights. When you’re going up against large insurance companies and their teams of lawyers, you need someone by your side with the experience and motivation to win.
At Blackburn Wirth, we realize that injuries often happen suddenly without warning, leaving you with unexpected pain, medical bills, and lost income that can leave you unable to pay your rent and bills. Our team of injury attorneys in Las Vegas can help, so you can focus on a faster recovery.
We have years of experience representing personal injury victims in Las Vegas and surrounding areas. We’re some of the best personal injury lawyers in Las Vegas, and we’ll help you win your case and receive a fair settlement for your injuries. If you’ve been injured, call 702-472-7000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. We don’t charge you a fee unless we collect.
FAQs for Personal Injury Lawyers in Las Vegas, NV
How can I afford a personal injury Las Vegas attorney?
Most personal injury attorneys in Las Vegas, NV work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay upfront, and the law firm only gets paid if you win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of your settlement or court award, so you can get legal help without worrying about money.
Will my personal injury case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases in Las Vegas settle out of court. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case might go to trial. A good Las Vegas personal injury lawyer will prepare for both possibilities and fight for your best interests, whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.
How can I find the right Las Vegas injury law firm for my case?
Look for a Las Vegas law firm with experience in your type of injury case. Check their reviews, ask about their success rate, and meet for a free consultation. Choose a lawyer you feel comfortable with, who explains things clearly and shows genuine interest in your case.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, under Las Vegas personal injury law, you can still file a claim even if you were partly at fault. Nevada follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. As long as you’re less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can seek compensation, though your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
