What To Do If You Are Injured During A Las Vegas Bachelor/Bachelorette Party

Las Vegas is one of the most popular destinations in the country for bachelor and bachelorette parties because the city offers an exciting mix of nightlife, entertainment, and adventure. The city’s fame as the hotspot for all bachelor and bachelorette parties has become synonymous with films such as the Hangover series and many friend groups try to replicate that energy and adventurous nature. 

However, amidst the fun and festivities, accidents can happen and injuries may occur. Whether you were injured in a nightclub, on the Strip, or during an adventurous activity that may or may not include stealing a tiger, it’s important to understand your legal options and the steps to take to protect your health and rights. As such, here’s a guide on what to do if you’ve been injured during a bachelor or bachelorette party in Las Vegas as a tourist.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

The first and, without a doubt, the most important step after any injury on a bachelor or bachelorette party is to seek medical attention. Whether you have suffered a head injury, spinal cord injury, or a burn injury, it is important to properly assess the injury as best as you can and take steps to prevent it from getting worse while you wait for first responders to arrive. Even if the injury seems minor, some conditions such as concussions or internal injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time or lie dormant until something triggers it. 

With that in mind, it is important to visit a hospital or an urgent care clinic to receive the necessary care you need. Once you have been treated, it is recommended to obtain the medical records and bills should you decide to file a personal injury claim against a negligent or reckless party that has caused the injuries. 

2. Document the Scene and Incident

If you or a friend has sustained an injury due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, it is vital that you try to gather as much information as you can about the incident. This includes taking photos or videos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards or circumstances that contributed to the accident. If there are witnesses, try to collect their contact information so they can issue witness statements and if local law enforcement arrives to handle the accident scene, you can request a copy of the police report as evidence. To simply put, the more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be, should you decide to file a claim and pursue compensation.

3. Report the Injury

Depending on where the accident occurred and the severity of the injury, you may need to report it to the relevant parties. Some popular instances that are found in bachelor and bachelorette parties include:

• Nightclubs or hotels: If you were injured at a nightclub, hotel, or casino, it is important that you report the injury to management immediately. Request that an official report be filed, and obtain a copy if possible, or else it would be difficult to file a claim against them.
• Public or private property: If the injury occurred in a public area or on private property, you may need to notify the property owner or security personnel about it, but it is strongly advised that you document the scene as much as possible to support your claims. 
• Activity-related injuries: If your injury happened during an activity such as zip-lining, go-karting, or other excursions, report it to the organizers or facilitators so that they can take responsibility and control of the situation and try to amend the situation to the best of their abilities. 

4. Understand Nevada’s Liability Laws

If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to understand Nevada’s liability laws in order to get a better understanding of how much fault can be held accountable. As Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence model, this means that if you are partially at fault for your injury, you can still recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault then you may not be able to recover damages.

For most personal injury cases, determining liability is one of the most important aspects of filing a personal injury claim, because it will determine how much the party can be held liable for their negligence or reckless actions. 

To build a strong case, it is important to ask yourself questions such as:

• If you were injured on someone else’s property, was the property owner aware of a hazard but failed to fix it?
• Were proper safety measures in place during a particular activity?
• Did the establishment knowingly over serve alcohol, which has contributed to your reckless behavior?

5. Consult a Local Personal Injury Attorney

Since you were injured in Las Vegas as a tourist, you may be unfamiliar with Nevada specific laws regarding personal injury claims. With that in mind, if you or your friend have been injured during a bachelor or bachelorette party, it is highly recommended to consult with a local personal injury attorney about your case. 

By consulting with an attorney, they will be able to assess your case objectively, determine whether you are eligible for compensation, and help you navigate the legal process should you have a case. If you choose to file a claim with them, having an experienced attorney to represent you will be crucial in cases involving large hotels, casinos, or activity companies, because they may experience dealing with them in the Las Vegas legal system. 

6. Keep All Receipts and Medical Bills

If you decide to file a personal injury claim with an attorney, you will need to give them copies of any important documents regarding the injury such as medical records and hospital bills, but it is also recommended to keep track of any other expenses that may have accrued as a result of your injury during your bachelor/bachelorette party. Expenses such as travel expenses and lost wages can be recovered depending on the nature and severity of the injury/incident and an experienced personal injury attorney will be able to calculate those damages and fight to recover them on your behalf. 

7. Be Cautious with Insurance Companies

If your injury involves filing an insurance claim, whether through your own travel insurance or the liable party’s insurance, be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters. They may try to minimize your claim or offer a settlement that is lower than what you deserve. It’s best to consult your attorney before accepting any settlement offers or making statements that could be used against you.

8. Consider the Long-Term Impact

Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, some injuries can have long-term or permanent effects. With that in mind, it’s important to consider whether your injury will result in ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes. Your personal injury attorney can help you assess the long-term impact and factor these future costs into your claim. 

9. File a Personal Injury Lawsuit if Necessary

If you and your attorney are unable to reach a fair settlement with the responsible party or their insurance company, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit in order to recover compensation for your damages. In Nevada, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit, and should you file a claim after the two year mark, then Nevada’s statute of limitations would kick into effect and any claims would be immediately dismissed in court. As such, it is crucial to work with a local attorney to ensure that you meet all legal deadlines and file the appropriate paperwork.

What Should I Do If I Was Injured During a Bachelor/Bachelorette Party?

Injuries during bachelor or bachelorette parties can be unexpected and stressful, especially when you’re far from home. However, by taking immediate action such as documenting everything, and seeking legal advice, you can protect your rights and potentially receive compensation for your injuries even if you and your friends are going a little wild in Las Vegas. As Las Vegas is known for its vibrant energy, it’s also important to ensure that your safety and well-being are prioritized during your visit.

However, if you have been injured on someone else’s property 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.