Nevada Personal Injury Lawyer

Suffering an injury due to someone else’s negligence is a stressful and painful time. As the ones responsible for your injury may try to justify their reasoning or try to shift the blame onto you, it is important that you contact a personal injury attorney who will fight for you and hold the ones responsible accountable for their actions.

Regardless of the type and severity of your injury, the long-term damages that you could potentially suffer from your accident can dramatically alter your way of life in ways that you couldn’t have imagined. From constant aching pain throughout your body to a loss of motor functions, long-term injuries can result in costly medical bills and if you cannot afford them, it can drastically affect your quality of life. Which is why if you or a loved one have suffered serious injuries then it is highly recommended that you seek legal representation so you can recover compensation for your damages.

Here at West Coast Trial Lawyers, we have a dedicated and experienced team of personal injury attorneys who are ready to help guide you throughout the entire legal process. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of legal experience and our team of lawyers are confident that they can help you get the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation to our clients and we will continue to do our duty and give our clients the best legal representation that we can. Our dedicated team of lawyers have worked on a variety of personal injury claims from car accidents to wrongful deaths, and they are ready to handle your case with the care and integrity that it deserves. Whether you are unsure if you have a valid personal injury claim, our legal team is available 24/7 to discuss your case in full detail.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

What Is Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury law is a legal field that covers cases where a person has suffered injuries or property damage due to the negligence or ill intent of another party. These damages can occur in a number of scenarios and can happen anywhere from your place of work, at home, on the road, to even out on the street. While most personal injury claims have no need for court, accident victims can hire a personal injury lawyer to help them file lawsuits and achieve fair settlements before cases need to get to court.

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

Personal injury lawyers are legal professionals who help victims recover money to pay for their damages that they have sustained in accidents. The types of damages that can be recovered can range from property damages, medical expenses, sustained injuries, emotional distress, and even pain and suffering. In fact most personal injury attorneys specialize in tort law, which covers civil wrongdoing that results in harm or injuries.

It should not be confused with criminal law, because the main difference between the two is that the injuries resulting from criminal law are from the result of crimes rather than negligence. As most personal injury claims can be settled before it reaches court, complex cases where there are multiple liable parties or if there is a case where liability has not been determined yet can greatly benefit from an experienced attorney who can streamline the process.

In fact, the best personal injury lawyers will handle most aspects of a case such as gathering evidence and witness testimonies, negotiating with insurance companies, and advocating for their clients’ rights in court if necessary. So if you have been injured due to the actions of a responsible party and are unfamiliar with the legal process, it is best to hire an experienced attorney to help you with your personal injury lawsuit.

How Long Do I Have to Sue Someone for Personal Injury in Nevada?

In Nevada there is a statute of limitations for all personal injury lawsuits and depending on the nature of the accident, the length of the limitations will vary. According to section 171.085 and section 171.090 of Nevada’s Revised Statutes, you have up to two years to file a personal injury claim for a misdemeanor and four years to file a claim for a felony.

With that in mind, it is important to file a lawsuit right away when you’ve been injured in any type of accident, or incident involving negligence. If you miss your window to take legal action, you automatically waive your right to recover compensation for your damages and any attempt to file a claim would be immediately thrown out of court.

How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge?

Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency fees, which means personal injury victims aren’t charged until their case is either settled or won in court. This means there is no immediate out-of-pocket cost to hire a lawyer for a personal injury case, in fact, many accident attorneys offer free consultation to all potential clients. So if an accident attorney who operates on a contingency fee takes on your case, then there is a high likelihood that the case will achieve some sort of settlement or fair compensation, because they strongly believe that the case is winnable.

In regards to how much a personal injury attorney will charge for their fee, it will greatly vary from lawyer to lawyer, because they can charge anywhere between 25% to 40%. However, most attorneys will tend to charge an average rate of 33% to be competitive amongst the other law firms. While this rate may seem high for some people, the alternative is that you lose your case and get nothing at all.

However, a good personal injury attorney will ensure their clients that they can achieve a settlement that not only covers all of their damages, but will assure them that there will be enough leftover to use at their own discretion. So before you hire a law firm or a personal injury attorney to take on your case, it is important to discuss their payment whether they would charge hourly or by a contingency fee.

Types of Accidents That Personal Injury Attorneys Take On

Due to the amount of possible accidents that can cause a personal injury lawsuit, there are many different types of accidents that personal injury attorneys take on. From what is typically seen in the field, traffic accidents, rideshare accidents, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, pedestrian accidents, bicycle and scooter accidents, dog bites, premises liability cases, and wrongful deaths are some of the most common types of cases personal injury law firms and lawyers take on. So if you or a loved one were involved in an accident and would like to file a claim, then it is important to understand the differences between each type of case in order to get a better grasp of your situation.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are some of the most common types of personal injury claims to occur due to the amount of car accidents that happen every year. According to a motor vehicle crash report conducted by the National Safety Council, there has been 12,800,000 reported crashes in the United States in 2022. As negligent driving errors such as speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving are the leading cause of car accidents, it is important for injured accident victims to determine liability in order for the insurance company to compensate them for all of their injuries and damages.

If there are any issues in regards to determining liability or if you believe you are being manipulated by the insurance company or the opposing party, it is vital for injured clients to seek legal advice and representation to receive a fair settlement in a timely manner. If not then you risk losing out on proper compensation for your serious injuries and you may have to pay out-of-pocket for your medical expenses.

Uber and Lyft Accident

Much like a car accident, an Uber and Lyft accident can potentially harm those involved and they can sustain long-term injuries and property damages. However, the main difference between a standard car accident and a rideshare accident is the issue of liability. 

Due to Uber and Lyft’s insurance policy and coverage for their rideshare drivers, they can only cover drivers who meet a specific set of requirements and if drivers get into an accident without meeting those requirements, they will be forced to use their own personal insurance coverage. This rule is even applicable for food delivery drivers who work for app-based services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, Doordash, and Postmates. 

On top of all that, insurance companies will conduct lengthy investigations in order to find proof or evidence that makes the other company liable for all damages and this alone makes rideshare accidents notorious for in personal injury cases, because it can be extremely troubling for those who have sustained serious injuries and need the compensation to pay for their treatments. Whether you are a passenger, rideshare driver, or a random driver, if you have been involved in a rideshare accident, it is extremely vital that you hire a lawyer the moment your injury claim is taking a considerable amount of time to process and issue payments.

Bus Accident

While it may be rare, a bus accident can occur anywhere in a major city that has significant traffic congestion. As bus accidents claims can be separated either by public and private cases, the types of injuries that can be sustained can become just as serious as any traffic accident. This is due to the fact that most buses don’t have the same safety features that are typically found in a car. Whether someone crashes into your bus or your bus driver crashes into someone, determining liability and coverage can become a long complicated process and if you are severely injured then it can make filing a claim even more difficult to do.

Motorcycle Accidents

While motorcycles are a great way to get past congested traffic, they also make motorcyclists more susceptible to traffic accidents and severe injuries due to their speed and size. Accidents such as left turn collisions, car door accidents, intoxicated collisions, and sudden lane changes can yield devastating results for motorcyclists.

In fact, there is often a debate of liability between two parties in a motorcycle accident because motor vehicle drivers would claim that motorcyclists should not be traversing at dangerous speeds in-between cars and motorcyclists would claim that car drivers should be more attentive when they are on the road. With that in mind, an accident lawyer will be able to settle this debate between the two parties.

Burn Injury

A burn injury is when the skin gets damaged by fires, electrical malfunctions, chemicals, and friction. There are many different sources where a person can receive a burn injury such as severe traffic accidents, workplace accidents, defective products, and ill-intentioned actions. Due to the different types of injuries that can occur, every type of burn has a specific way of being treated, and the type of personal injury case that can be filed will be dependent on the severity and origins of the injury.

With that in mind, a burn injury requires immediate medical treatment and care in order for the victim to make a full recovery. In the most severe cases when the victim has experienced fourth degree burns, they would require extensive medical care and surgery. It is important for victims to consult with a personal injury lawyer to see if they can seek compensation for these types of injuries.

Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents are when a vehicle collides into a person when they are at a crosswalk, sidewalk, parking lot, or on a road. As liability in these types of accidents tend to be straightforward, there is actually a layer of complexity that can dramatically alter a case’s liability. If one or both parties were negligent in their actions or if the victim showcased a complete disregard of the law, it can greatly affect who is responsible for the accident in question and can even affect how much the victim can receive financial compensation for their injuries.

Premises Liability

A premise liability case is when a person sustains an injury on someone else’s property. Whether it is a private or a commercial property, if the victim can prove that the accident was caused due to the negligence of the property owner, then can pursue legal action to recover damages. Typically slip-and-fall accidents are the most common type that is seen in these cases, however, more complex cases such as failed maintenance compliance and attractive nuisances can potentially land a property owner in deep legal trouble if they are attentive in how they manage their land/business.

Truck Accident

Truck accidents are when a large commercial vehicle collides into another vehicle or a stationary object. They are much like standard motor vehicle accidents, but they are more devastating due to their size and the cargo they carry. If someone has been in a truck accident, then the chances of sustaining a severe injury is very likely and depending who is the responsible party, they may be entitled to a variety of compensation. In terms of liability, it is going to be dependent on the cause of the accident, because in certain scenarios it can be the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the maintenance and manufacturer of the truck.

Dog Bite

One of the most common types of personal injuries, dog bites usually occur if the dog owner has failed to control their pet. There are many different types of dog owners, but if a dog owner is negligent in their duty to train and control their dog, then they can face liability for all damages and injuries. In some cases, if the dog has a history of aggression and/or has rabies, the court might force the dog owner to put them down. Due to the complexity of dog bite cases, it is recommended to hire a lawyer who is well versed in the scenario in order to get the best results.

Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries are defined as damages to the head and brain as a result from a hit, blow, or jolt. Brain injury cases are typically caused by traffic accidents, pedestrian accidents, and slip-and-falls, and while the severity of the damage will vary on a case-by-case basis, the chances of sustaining a severe life-long injury is very likely. From a loss of motor functions to deteriorating cognitive functions, a severe brain injury can become very costly and emotionally draining for those involved. As such, it is important for the injury victims to seek legal representation in order to ensure that they don’t take on the full brunt of the medical expenses.

Bicycle Accident

A bicycle accident is when a bicyclist gets hit by a motor vehicle and has sustained severe injuries as a result. As bike accidents can occur at a moments notice, they sustain injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, spine injuries, road rash, and internal damage. Typically with bike accidents, the liability will tend to fall to the driver of the vehicle because they were likely negligent in their actions, however, in some cases, bikers may be held liable if they were disregarding the rules of road. So it is important to discuss the case with a personal injury lawyer to make sure that your bike accident case is valid in the eyes of the Nevada court system.

Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury is defined as damage to the bundle of nerves and fibers that sends and receives signals from the brain. Depending on the severity of the injury, the victims may experience general back pain to possible paralysis and loss of motor functions. As such, spinal cord injury cases are very important for the victim to win, because the amount of medical costs alone can potentially make or break their bank account, recovery potential, and their quality of life. So it is extremely important to hire a personal injury attorney who can help you navigate through the legal process of recovering damages for this unfortunate accident.

Scooter Accident

Electric scooters are becoming a popular option on the road, and as a result, there is a sudden increase of scooter accidents in major cities all across Nevada. Much like bicycle accidents, scooter accidents are when a rider gets hit by a motor vehicle and they sustain injuries from the collision. While the compensation will be dependent on the severity and cause of the collision, the injured can sue for both economic and non-economic damages. However, due to the availability of rental scooters in Nevada, if you were not abiding by the state’s scooter laws then you could potentially be held liable for your own actions and possibly the driver’s damages.

Wrongful Death

A wrongful death is when someone unfortunately passes due to the negligence of a responsible party. The cause of an untimely death can happen in any kind of accident, from traffic accidents to medical malpractice. As losing a loved one is one of the most painful events a person can go through, these cases are one of the most difficult and emotionally taxing, because both the defendant and the insurance company will fight aggressively to prove that they were not responsible.

Personal Injury Damages You May Be Entitled To

Damages in personal injury cases are often referred to as the monetary compensation that is awarded to a party in a civil lawsuit. This is meant to serve as a remedy for the harm or loss suffered due to the actions or negligence of another party. As such, there are three types of damages that injured victims can potentially recover and they are economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the monetary losses that are the result of an accident. Typically in personal injury cases, a victim can sue for economic damages if they can prove they have suffered financial losses due to the accident they were involved in. It is important to note that calculating economic damages requires a careful assessment and documentation of the specific financial losses incurred by the affected party. As such, damages such as future medical bills, rehabilitation, property damage, lost wages, funeral and burial costs, and quality of life adjustments can all be counted as recoverable economic damages.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are defined as intangible losses in the eyes of the court system. Unlike economic losses that take account of measurable financial damages, non-economic damages are subjective damages that can vary from person to person. For instance, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium are all examples of non-economic damages a person could sue for, especially in extremely emotional taxing cases such as an untimely death. However, it is important to note that there needs to be a direct correlation from the accident in order to prove non-economic damages.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages acts as a different type of compensation for the victim, because the awarded compensation comes in the form of punishing the defendant for their crimes/negligence. While there is no monetary compensation with punitive damages, it allows the victim to receive justice for the accident they have been involved in.

Depending on the severity and scale of the accident, the court may issue punitive damages in order to serve as a future precedent/deterrent for any related crimes that could happen. For punitive damages to be awarded, the responsible party must have clearly shown acts of recklessness or maliciousness. For example, if a victim were hit and killed by a drunk driver who has a history of DUI charges, punitive damages can be awarded to the victim’s family.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Are Here To Help

If you or a loved one were injured due to someone’s negligence or ill intent, you may be able to sue to recover damages. Filing a personal injury claim can be a confusing and frustrating process if you are unfamiliar with the legal process, which is why it is important that you hire a personal injury attorney who can help you get a fair settlement.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of personal injury lawyers are readily available to help with your claim and help you recover damages from your accident. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 collective years of legal experience and all of our attorneys are well versed in the Nevada court system and are ready to fight for you.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our deserving clients and we will continue to do our duty to give them the best legal representation we can. Whether you need a Henderson, Reno, or Las Vegas personal injury attorney, our lawyers are available 24/7 to guide you through the legal process and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE initial consultation, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada Personal Injury Attorneys

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in Nevada?

Personal injury attorneys usually operate under a contingency based system. This means that they won’t get paid until they win your case or receive a settlement offer from the opposing counsel. Should they achieve either, they would then charge a contingency fee that can range anywhere between 25%-40%. However, most personal injury attorneys tend to charge around 33% to stay competitive with other law firms. So before you hire an attorney, it is important that you discuss their rates and they would typically offer a free consultation so you can discuss your case in full detail.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case in Nevada?

The length of a personal injury case will be entirely dependent on the complexity of your case and the severity of your sustained injuries. For example, car accident cases with multiple liable parties can take several months just to decide who is mainly liable for the damages, and with cases that involve a traumatic spinal cord injury or a wrongful death may take years to settle. With that in mind, it could take anywhere between several months to a year and half for a settlement to be achieved.

What’s Nevada’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases?

According to section 171.085 and section 171.090 of Nevada’s Revised Statutes, you have up to two years to file a personal injury claim for a misdemeanor and four years to file a claim for a felony. If you do not file a personal injury claim on time, you would waive your right to recover compensation for your damages.

Should you choose to file a claim anyway, it will get immediately dismissed in the Nevada court system. If you have been involved in an accident and wish to press charges for your injuries and damages, it is highly recommended that you file a claim as soon as possible, because depending on the complexity of the accident, filing a personal injury may take longer to file than others.