Las Vegas Wrongful Death Lawyers

Losing a loved one in an accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness is a devastating experience, leaving surviving family members with financial and emotional burdens. During this difficult time, retaining legal counsel can make all the difference. Unlike the insurance company, an experienced attorney understands the challenges you are facing, can guide you through every step of the legal process, and help your family obtain justice and maximum recovery.

A skilled Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer can provide compassionate support and guidance while seeking the justice and closure your family deserves.

What is Wrongful Death in Nevada?

In Nevada, a wrongful death occurs when a person loses their life in an incident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party. A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members or the deceased’s estate to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Under Nevada law, eligible parties–such as spouses, children, or personal representatives–can file a claim to hold the responsible party accountable.

Who is Eligible to File for Wrongful Death in Nevada?

In Nevada, several individuals may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit, depending on their relationship to the deceased. The spouse, children, or parents of the deceased are generally the next-of-kin and have priority for filing. If the decedent has no immediate family, the personal representative of their estate may file a case on behalf of their beneficiaries. It is important to consult with a Las Vegas wrongful death attorney to determine if you qualify to file a case.

Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim

In a wrongful death case, the family of the deceased may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages may include medical expenses incurred prior to death (via survival action), funeral costs, and loss of the decedent’s future income. Non-economic damages may cover loss of care, companionship, and affection for surviving family members and the emotional distress caused by the untimely death.

In some extreme cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the opposing party’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious. Punitive damages serve as a punishment to the other side and a deterrent for similar actions in the future. An experienced wrongful death attorney in Las Vegas can help ensure that all eligible damages are recovered, maximizing the compensation your family may receive and obtaining the justice you all deserve.

How is Negligence Proven in a Fatal Accident Case?

Building a strong wrongful death claim requires gathering substantial evidence to prove negligence and establish liability. The most important types of evidence for a fatal incident may include but are not limited to:

• Photos: Pictures serve as powerful evidence in a wrongful death case by visually documenting key details of the crash site. Images of vehicle damage, road conditions, or unsafe environments can help establish negligence and liability.  
• Expert Testimony: Medical professionals, crash reconstruction specialists, and economists can provide testimony based on their specialized knowledge to help explain the circumstances of the fatality, long-term financial impact, and liability.
• Accident Reports: A police report is extremely important as it provides an official record of the fatal incident. It may include key details, including the time, date, and location of the incident, along with the investigator’s preliminary assessments of fault and citations for the at-fault party.
• Witness Statements: Witness statements are valuable and provide firsthand, unbiased accounts of how the fatal incident occurred. Eyewitnesses can offer crucial details that may not be captured in police reports, such as the at-fault party’s actions before the accident.
• Surveillance Footage: Surveillance footage and photos provide clear visual evidence that can help establish fault in a fatal accident case. Video recordings from dashcams can capture the incident as it occurred.
• Medical Records and Autopsy Reports: Medical records and autopsy reports are crucial in a fatal accident case as they provide official documentation of the cause of death. These reports can link the fatal injuries directly to the incident.
• Employment and Financial Records: If the deceased was the primary provider for their family household, these documents help establish lost income and loss of future earnings survivors would have received from the decedent if not for the fatal accident.

Collecting and presenting this evidence effectively is key to a favorable case result. An experienced wrongful death attorney in Las Vegas can help gather, analyze, and use this evidence to prove the other party’s negligence, properly establish liability, and seek justice for surviving family members.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Nevada

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death case in civil court is two years from the date of the incident causing fatality. Failure to file within the deadline may result in the case being dismissed by the court, regardless of its merits. Certain exceptions may apply that may shorten the filing deadline. For instance, if the defendant is a government entity, the statute of limitations is shortened to six months to file a notice of claim.

To ensure that your case is filed properly and on time, it is important to consult an experienced wrongful death attorney in Las Vegas immediately. An experienced lawyer can assess the case, determine the applicable statute of limitations, and help you take timely action to seek the justice and compensation your family deserves. For more information, give our law office a call or fill out an online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today.

Is It Expensive to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

Financial concerns should not stand in the way of justice. That is why our law office operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we advance all costs associated with a Las Vegas wrongful death case, so surviving family members will not pay anything unless we successfully recover compensation on their behalf. This allows survivors to focus on coping with grief and healing while we work toward obtaining the justice and financial recovery they deserve.

Choose the Right Attorney for Justice and Maximum Compensation

Making informed decisions in your case is crucial to securing a favorable case resolution. It all begins with selecting an experienced and highly qualified attorney who can protect your rights and have your best interests at heart. With one of Las Vegas’s most respected wrongful death lawyers by your side, you can have confidence in your legal representation and focus on what matters most – recovering from your loss and seeking justice for your loved one.

When coping with grief from the loss of a close relative in an accident, you and your family deserve the support of a skilled Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer. At Southwest Injury Law, we are committed to helping families obtain justice and maximum compensation. Reach out for a free consultation – we are here to provide the guidance and support your family needs during this difficult time. Give our office a call or message us online today for a free case review.

Contact a Las Vegas Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

Navigating the wrongful death claims process can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Take the first step toward holding the responsible parties accountable by retaining legal counsel. Our experienced legal team is here to provide the guidance and support you need to seek justice for your close relative. Let our Las Vegas wrongful death attorneys obtain the justice and compensation your family deserves. Call for a free consultation at (702) 600-3200.