Nevada Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for personal injury & accidents in Nevada is two (2) years (Ref: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190). 

What this means is that you (or your attorney) must file a lawsuit against a defendant within two years of the date of your accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within two years, generally you forfeit any potential claim against the defendant as a matter of law - meaning there will be no opportunity for a settlement, arbitration or trial. 

Disclaimer: Although the information presented on this page is generally true there are some exceptions to this information, and the Nevada Statute of Limitations (and the exceptions) may change over time. If you or a family member was involved in an accident and considering seeking compensation for your injuries it is crucial that you speak to an Nevada personal injury lawyer to discuss your claim and potential recovery.

Variations on Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit in Nevada

There are some variations & exceptions to the 2 years statute of limitations on personal injury cases in Nevada. Because of this, it is critical you discuss your matter with a lawyer who is highly experienced in personal injury law. 

• Damage Caps: Nevada has specific rules that cap, or limit,  damages in personal injury cases. Specifically, Nevada caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases -- a category that includes "pain and suffering" damages. Nevada caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases at $350,000. This cap does not affect "economic" damages like medical bills and lost wages, and it does not affect any other kind of personal injury case, just those stemming from medical errors. 
• Owner Liability For Injury by a Dog or Other Animal: There is no specific statute in Nevada governing personal injury liability for dog bites. Owners will be held liable for injuries caused by their dog (or other animal) if the injured party can show that the owner “should have known” the animal was dangerous. This is known as the “one bite” rule. 
• Injury Claims Against the Government: Injury claims that involve a negligent Nevada government employee or agency follow a different procedure than claims against private parties. The  two-year  time limit discussed above still applies to cases filed against the government in Nevada. But instead of filing in court, you must file your claim first with the state Office of the Attorney General.

What if You Miss the Deadline to File a Lawsuit?

If you miss the deadline to file a lawsuit and the Nevada statute of limitations passes (barring any exceptions), the opposing party will almost surely move for case dismissal and it will likely be granted. This also means that nearly any hope of a settlement will also be forfeited because there is no leverage to potentially pursue a trial (since it would immediately be dismissed). 

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