Nevada law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, meaning that individuals injured in accidents or due to negligence generally have only two years from the incident date to file a lawsuit. If a claim is not brought within this period, you risk losing your right to compensation, regardless of the case’s merits. For minors, however, the clock starts running at age 18, giving them additional time to file a claim. Understanding these timelines is vital to protecting your legal rights and ensuring you can pursue a personal injury claim if you are hurt due to someone else’s negligence.

Missing this window eliminates your ability to recover damages and benefits from insurance companies and negligent parties, who can avoid liability simply because of a procedural technicality. Exceptions to the statute are limited and often require complex legal interpretations, so swift action is essential after an accident.

Lawyer working on legal documents on a table.

Comparative Negligence in Nevada

Nevada applies a modified comparative negligence rule to personal injury claims. Under this system, if you are partially at fault for your injury, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of liability. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 30% responsible, you would only receive $70,000. However, if you are 50% or more at fault, Nevada law prohibits you from collecting any damages. This legal principle makes accurately determining fault one of the most contentious and vital aspects of litigation, as it can make or break your ability to recover damages.

This rule encourages thorough investigation and documentation following any accident. Insurance adjusters and attorneys will work diligently to assign appropriate fault percentages, as even small shifts can majorly impact financial recovery. For more details on comparative negligence laws, refer to this organizational resource from Nolo.

Caps on Non-Economic Damages

In 2023, Nevada enacted changes to limit the amount of non-economic damages awarded in particular personal injury cases. Most notably, non-economic damages—such as pain, suffering, or emotional distress—are capped at $350,000 in medical malpractice lawsuits. Lawmakers instituted these limits to prevent unpredictable, excessive jury verdicts while ensuring fair compensation for victims. That said, there are no statutory caps for non-economic damages in most other personal injury cases, such as auto accidents or premises liability, allowing juries more discretion in award amounts for victims who suffer severe, lasting injuries outside medical negligence contexts.

Plaintiffs and their advocates must carefully document the extent of non-economic harm, as strong evidence makes it more likely to reach the maximum permissible under current law. Navigating these caps requires an attorney familiar with recent legislative updates and Nevada’s evolving case law.

Changes in Insurance Requirements

Recent updates to Nevada’s laws require drivers to carry higher minimum amounts of liability insurance. The revised minimum limits ensure accident victims have adequate funds for necessary treatment and other losses. This legislative change reflects increasing bodily injury claim costs and the recognition that previous minimums were often insufficient. As of the new law, drivers must carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $20,000 for property damage.

These changes also impact how claims are settled and how much compensation a plaintiff can receive following an accident. Regularly reviewing and updating your insurance policy is advisable in light of Nevada’s revised requirements. Further information is available from the Forbes Advisor Nevada Car Insurance Requirements page.

Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury Claims

Senate Bill 258, enacted in 2025, substantially changed how workers’ compensation liens are handled in personal injury cases. Before this reform, insurance carriers and employers frequently contested reimbursement rights for workers’ compensation benefits if a claim overlapped with third-party liability. The new guidelines streamline the process, reduce unnecessary litigation, and clarify when and how workers’ compensation providers are reimbursed after an injured person recovers damages from negligent third parties.

This legislative update aims to expedite case closures and provide more precise directions to injured workers and legal professionals, facilitating smoother recoveries and reducing disputes that can extend litigation for years.

Pre-Litigation Requirements

To help courts manage caseloads and foster quicker resolutions, Nevada has established mandatory pre-litigation procedures for some personal injury matters. Depending on the type of claim, mediation or arbitration may be required before a case can proceed to trial. The intent is to encourage settlements, save court resources, and reduce the time and cost of drawn-out litigation processes.

Complying with these requirements can expedite financial recovery and decrease stress for injured parties while also offering a chance for mutually agreeable resolutions. Failing to meet pre-litigation obligations may result in the dismissal or delay of a claim.

Enhanced Protections for Vulnerable Populations

Special attention has been given to protecting Nevada’s most vulnerable residents, including older people and children. New regulations impose stricter penalties for negligence or abuse in nursing homes. Expanded liability for injuries suffered by minors also bolsters their legal rights, addressing the increased risks facing these groups and aiming to deter negligent or abusive behavior by caregivers and facility administrators.

These sweeping protections create additional remedies for victims and their families, ensuring Nevada’s legal system addresses the needs of those at risk of harm due to negligence or mistreatment.

Conclusion

Successfully navigating a personal injury claim in Nevada requires a comprehensive understanding of recent legislative developments and established legal principles. Deadlines, comparative negligence allocations, compensation caps, new insurance rules, and enhanced vulnerable population protections are pivotal in managing and settling claims. Seeking early advice from a qualified attorney is crucial, as each aspect can profoundly influence recovery. For more insights into pursuing personal injury claims in Nevada, see this in-depth New York Times analysis of personal injury law trends.