If you’ve been injured in an accident in Nevada, you must understand the statute of limitations, which is the timeframe you have to file a lawsuit. Missing this crucial deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation. Knowing these deadlines is vital for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in Nevada
In Nevada, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases 2-years from the date of the injury. This includes claims for car accidents, wrongful death cases, slip and falls, and most other general personal injury incidents. If you miss this 2-year window, you may lose your opportunity to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Statute of Limitations for personal injury: 2-years
However, it’s important to distinguish between filing a lawsuit and filing an insurance claim. Insurance companies often require prompt notification—sometimes within days or weeks of an incident. Delaying this report can negatively affect your claim, even if you’re still within the legal filing deadline.
Certain cases may have different deadlines or requirements:
- Medical Malpractice Cases – These claims must be filed within 3-years from the injury date or within one year from the discovery of the injury, whichever occurs first (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41A.097). Because these cases often involve complex medical evidence and expert testimony, consulting an attorney immediately after discovery is critical.
- Claims Against Government Entities – You typically have just 6-months from the date of injury to file a formal notice of claim if your injury involved a Nevada government agency (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41.036). Missing this shortened deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation from a government entity (such as the City of North Las Vegas).
Given these complexities, it’s important to consult with a Nevada personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At The Paul Powell Law Firm, we offer free case evaluations to help you understand your rights and deadlines.
Exceptions That Could Change Your Filing Deadline
Certain circumstances may extend or alter the statute of limitations for personal injury:
- The Discovery Rule – If injuries are not immediately evident, the two-year limit could start when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
- Minors and Individuals with Disabilities – For victims under 18 or individuals who are mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be extended until they reach legal adulthood or regain capacity.
- Defendant Leaving the State – If the at-fault party leaves Nevada after causing your injury, the deadline could be paused until they return.
Why Filing Early Makes a Difference
Even though Nevada law provides you with 2 years to file your personal injury claim, acting fast will help strengthen your case: by:
- Preserving Evidence: Evidence can quickly disappear or become unreliable as time passes. Surveillance videos may be erased, witness memories can fade, and physical evidence like accident debris or damaged vehicles might be repaired or lost. Prompt action helps ensure this critical evidence is available to support your case.
- Reducing Risk of Claim Denial: Insurance companies frequently use delays as a basis to deny or undervalue claims, arguing that injuries weren’t serious enough to warrant immediate action. Filing promptly demonstrates the seriousness of your injuries and prevents insurers from easily undermining your claim.
- Allowing for Thorough Investigation: Your attorney will need time to collect detailed evidence, consult expert witnesses, and build a comprehensive case. Early involvement ensures your legal team has ample opportunity to thoroughly investigate, increasing the likelihood of securing fair compensation.
Speak with an Experienced Nevada Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured, navigating Nevada’s personal injury laws can be complicated. At The Paul Powell Law Firm, we provide dedicated, aggressive representation to help victims secure the justice and compensation they deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation by visiting our contact page or calling us directly at 702-728-5500.
Let us help you protect your rights and recover the compensation you need.