What to Do If You're Injured in a Las Vegas Nightclub or Bar

Las Vegas nightlife is famous for its lively and energetic atmosphere that keeps people dancing and partying from sunset to sunrise. However, with that level of excitement comes some risk. As nightclubs and bars are packed to the brim with people, they can sometimes become hotspots for a number of accidents. From slip and falls to fist fights, if you have been injured in nightclubs and bars, there are several things you can do to protect yourself and your rights. Whether you are local going out with your friends or as a tourist trying to enjoy their weekend, here is a guide on what to do if you have been injured in a Las Vegas Nightclub or bar.

Common Causes of Injuries

Sustaining an injury in a nightclub or a bar can happen for a variety of reasons, but many of them often involve negligence either on the part of the venue or its patrons. Here are some of the most common causes of injuries and accidents that can happen in these environments:

• Slip and Falls: Liquor spills, slippery floors, and poorly lit areas are all things that can contribute to slip-and-fall accidents, while this can happen anywhere, they are more prevalent in nightclubs, because they are naturally dark environments that are more likely to encounter more liquor spills.   
• Fights and Assaults: Altercations between patrons or even excessive force by security staff can lead to a variety of  injuries. Nightclubs and bars are often crowded, which makes it easy for tensions to escalate.
• Overcrowding: Venues that allow an excessive amount of people in can result in a variety of situations occurring such as trampling or fights. During these situations, it can make it difficult for the venue’s staff to come and handle the situation, which may lead to additional injuries. 
• Inadequate Security: A lack of proper security or poorly trained staff can lead to preventable altercations or injuries. In some cases, negligent security can also include not intervening in a fight or failing to provide adequate measures to maintain safety.
• Faulty Furniture or Equipment: Broken chairs, tables, or unstable railings can contribute to accidents as people may depend on them for support or as a means to rest.
• Falling Objects: Items like overhead lighting, speakers, or decorations can fall if not properly secured, causing a range of head injuries from the subtle to fatal. In addition, if the size of the falling object is rather large, it may harm multiple people at once causing the situation to be more dire. 

Common Types of Injuries

Considering the types of accidents that can occur in Las Vegas nightclubs and bars, there are a number of injuries that can be sustained from the mild to the severe. For instance, head injuries and spinal cord trauma are some of the most common in slip and falls and physical altercations due to the nature of these accidents. While the severity of these injuries will vary on a case by case basis, accident victims should see a medical professional, just to make sure that their injury does not get worse. 

Meanwhile, injuries such as cuts, bruises, and sprains are very common injuries that can happen anywhere and anytime. While these injuries may not require intensive medical attention, they can be treated very quickly and at a cost-effective rate. As such, if you have sustained any kind of injury, it is highly recommended to treat it as soon as possible and if it is out of your ability, then call for immediate medical assistance so first responders can properly treat it. 

Who is Liable for a Las Vegas Nightclub and Bar Injury

Determining liability in a nightclub or bar injury can be a complex and confusing situation, because depending on the nature of the injury and incident, multiple parties could potentially be responsible. Here are some primary parties that could  be held liable:

• The Nightclub or Bar: The venue itself may be held responsible for your injuries if they failed to maintain safe premises and provide effective security measures. This includes not addressing dangerous conditions like wet floors, broken furniture, or dim lighting, or failing to provide adequate security in the event of an altercation.
• Security Companies: As many nightclubs hire third-party security companies as a cost-effective means to provide security for their guests, if the security personnel acted negligently by failing to intervene in a fight, used excessive force, or not properly controlled the crowd, the security firm could be held liable for negligence.
• Staff or Management: If the injury was a result of improper actions by the nightclub or bar staff, such as over-serving an intoxicated patron who then causes a fight, the nightclub’s/bar’s management could be held responsible.
• Other Patrons: If another guest has directly caused your injury through assault or negligence, then they could be held personally liable for their actions. However, in some cases, both the venue and the responsible person may share liability for your sustained injuries.

What is the Statute of Limitations in Las Vegas?

If you are injured in a Las Vegas nightclub or bar, Nevada’s statute of limitations dictates how long you have to file a personal injury claim. According to Section 171.090 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, accident victims have up to two years to file for a misdemeanor and in more severe cases that includes felonious actions, then section 171.085 of the Nevada Revised Statutes dictates that you have up to four years to file a claim in order to recover compensation.

However, it is important to note that if you do not file a claim or a lawsuit within these time frames then the statute of limitations takes into effect and you lose all right to recover compensation for your damages. As such, if you have been injured in a nightclub or a bar then it is recommended to consult with a personal injury attorney to help you get started on that process. 

Steps to Take for Nightclub and Bar Injury 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a nightclub or bar and are not sure what to do in such a scenario, there are several things that are absolutely recommended to do to ensure that you receive the proper treatment you deserve. 

Get Medical Attention 

One of the first and most important things to do in the event of an accident is to get medical attention for your injury. Whether it is a mild or severe injury, it is vital that you calm down and assess the severity of the injury and apply basic medical treatment to the injury. If the injury is too severe for you to handle on your own then it is highly urged to call 911 and stabilize the injury to your best ability until first responders arrive.  

Alert Management

If you have sustained a serious injury and require assistance, it is vital that you alert the management of the nightclub/bar in order to receive the necessary care as quickly as possible. As nightclubs and bars can be very lively and crowded, having the support of management to get you medical assistance is crucial to avoid your injury from getting worse.

Take Document the Accident

No matter what kind of accident or incident you have been involved in, it is important that you document the accident scene as much as possible so you can use it as evidence to recover compensation for your injuries. This can come in the form of photos, video recording, and even witness statements and police reports. 

Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney 

As accidents can become a long and complex process, it is highly recommended to consult with a personal injury attorney who can objectively look at your case through a legal perspective and determine whether or not you have a case. A personal injury attorney can also recommend and outline all of your available legal options should you wish to file a claim against those responsible. 

File a Personal Injury Claim/Lawsuit

If there is enough grounds to file a claim, then a personal injury attorney can get started on the legal process and file all of the necessary paperwork in order to make sure the statute of limitations does not take into effect. While you can choose to file a claim on your own, it is highly recommended to hire a personal injury attorney to do it for you, because they are more knowledgeable about the legal process and all of the complex intricacies that tend to happen in accident cases.   

Types of Available Damages

Should you decide to pursue a personal injury claim, there are two types of damages you may be able to recover, economic and non-economic. Economic damages are calculable costs that have arisen due to becoming injured in an accident. For instance, medical expenses, lost wages from your place of work, and property damage are all out-of-pocket costs that can be recovered through reimbursement. 

Meanwhile Non-Economic damages are incalculable costs that have arisen as a result of the accident and the total sum of these costs will vary on a case-by-case basis, due to the subjective nature of these losses. For example, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are all subjective by nature and will depend heavily on the emotional well being of the accident victim. 

In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the responsible party’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious. However, punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. As such, accident victims will not particularly receive anything other than a sense of justice being served to the responsible party.

What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Nightclub or Bar in Las Vegas?

Getting injured in a nightclub or bar is a stressful and unexpected experience, especially if you have sustained a serious injury. Whether you have been injured dancing away at the nightclub or making your way out of a bar, if you have been injured due to the negligence, recklessness, or ill intent of another person, it is vital that you consult with a personal injury attorney to receive justice and compensation for your damages. 

If you or a loved one have been injured at a nightclub or bar in Las Vegas, and would like to file a  premises liability claim with an experienced attorney, then West Coast Trial Lawyers is here to help. Contact us today by calling (213) 927-3700 or by filling our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate and talented legal team.