Personal Injury Lawyer Las Vegas, NV
If you have ever wondered if you need a Las Vegas, NV personal injury lawyer, we can help. Thousands of people file personal injury claims every year and these lawsuits can be complicated or simple. You shouldn’t have to go through your personal injury claim alone and the lawyers at Eglet Adams are here to guide you through the next best steps.
Table of Contents
- Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Wrongful Death
- Las Vegas Personal Injury Infographic
- Las Vegas Personal Injury Statistics
- Why To See A Doctor Immediately After An Accident
- What is a Slip and Fall?
- Car Accidents and Traumatic Brain Injury
- Symptoms of Mild vs. Moderate or Severe TBI
- Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs
- The Law Office of Eglet Adams Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer
Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Every year roughly 2.2 million people are injured in motor vehicle accidents and about 33,000 are killed. In Nevada alone, almost 1,600 people died in fatal crashes between 2015 and 2019. If you were injured or if you lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries and losses. These crashes can leave victims with severe injuries that require expensive treatment, cause them to miss time from work, or may lead to life-long disabilities.
Wrongful Death
You may be able to file a wrongful death claim if your loved one was killed because someone else acted negligently. This might involve anything from car or truck accidents to nursing home neglect—the list, sadly, goes on. These deaths are tragic, and while there’s no way to recover your loved one’s life, a wrongful death lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve and prevent the same accident from happening again.
Workplace Accidents
The workplace can be dangerous for many people. Even jobs that aren’t usually considered dangerous can easily get someone hurt. A slip-and-fall injury could leave you in need of a personal injury lawyer. In these cases, you often have to deal with a large insurance company that only cares about paying as little as possible for your claim. Having a lawyer on your side can help you get your claim sorted without the back-and-forth hassle of fighting with an insurance company. A lawyer can even the playing field and get you the maximum compensation for your injury.
It can be difficult to file a personal injury claim on your own, which is why you need the experience of a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, Nevada, to help guide you and support you through your claim process. You can rest assured that the lawyers at Eglet Adams have the experience needed to take on your case. If you or someone you love has been hurt in an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation.
Las Vegas Personal Injury Infographic
When Are Injuries Legally Actionable?
With few exceptions, successful personal injury claims must meet four legal criteria. When you schedule a risk-free consultation with a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer at Eglet Adams, we will answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. We will also evaluate the potential merits of your case so that you can make an informed decision about whether pursuing legal action is in your best interest at this time.
If your case meets the following four criteria, chances are that you have strong grounds upon which to file a personal injury lawsuit:
First, the team at Eglet Adams must establish that the defendant named in your claim owed you a duty of care under the law. This means that the law recognizes that the defendant was obligated to treat you with a certain degree of consideration. For example, a doctor is legally obligated to treat their patients with a level of care dictated by professional standards. By contrast, a stranger walking down the street is not obligated to salt your neighbor’s driveway so that you don’t slip on it after a freak ice storm.
Second, they must establish that the defendant who owed you a duty of care breached that duty by conduct legally deemed to be negligent, reckless, or intentionally harmful. A drunk driver brazenly fails to take the safety of others into account when they operate their vehicle while intoxicated. By contrast, a driver who is safely operating their vehicle but must swerve to avoid a tree that is actively falling onto the road has done nothing that they can be held legally responsible for, even if they accidentally rear-end another car in the process of avoiding the tree in question. This second legal criterion usually requires an investigation by an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer at our firm before it can be solidly established.
Third, it must be proven that your injuries resulted directly from the negligent, reckless, or intentionally harmful conduct of the defendant named in your claim. If someone behaves in an unacceptable way but no one is hurt as a result of that conduct, they may not be held civilly responsible for their poor judgment.
Finally, it must be established that you incurred some kind of loss as a result of your injuries. In most cases, medical bills and lost wages are the most obvious damages that can be recovered in a personal injury suit.
Personal Injury Attorneys Nevada Informational Video
Do Surviving Loved Ones Have Legal Rights?
If you have lost a loved one due to another’s negligent, reckless, or intentionally harmful conduct, the experienced Nevada legal team at Eglet Adams may recommend that you file a wrongful death suit. If your loved one died as a result of work-related trauma or toxic exposure, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits. Pursuing legal action in the wake of profound loss can take more time and energy than you can spare right now. However, our Las Vegas, NV, personal injury lawyer will do everything in our power to ensure that the legal aspect of your loss is as stress-free a process as possible.
You might ask, “What are the specifics of a wrongful death lawsuit?” Nevada law states that whenever a person dies, whether an adult or minor, heirs and representatives of the deceased may file a claim against the person or party responsible for the death. Thus, a spouse, child, parent, or anyone who stood to inherit anything from the decedent may sue. Whomever decides to sue has two years from the time of the decedent’s death to file this lawsuit. In other words, even if the injury that was the catalyst to the death occurred five years prior, the statute of limitations doesn’t start until the death occurs.
Once your personal injury lawyer files this claim, you may sue for compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages serve to put you in the same position you were in before the incident occurred and pay you for your suffering. Punitive damages serve to punish the defendants for their reckless, malicious, intentional, or grossly negligent behaviors and deter them from committing such actions again. A judge will only grant punitive damages if the court awards you compensatory (or nominal) damages first.
Compensatory damages are divided into economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages tend to come with a receipt, such as your medical bills and loss of income. Non-economic damages cover your emotional injuries, such as your pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment. Common injuries to seek recovery for include, but are not limited to:
- Funeral expenses
- Aide assistance (if needed before your loved one’s passing)
- Medical care (what you paid for treatment before your loved one died)
- Loss of consortium
- Anxiety
- Loss of society
- Loss of household income
It’s also important to know that Nevada places a cap on non-economic compensatory damages and punitive damages. You may neither request nor receive more than $350,000 for emotional injuries. Nevada caps punitive damages at $300,000 if the judge awards you less than $100,000 in compensatory damages. At most, your punitive damages may be three times the amount of your compensatory award.
Contact Eglet Adams Today
If you feel your injury or your loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s negligence, or, if your insurance provider won’t give you the money you need when you need it, you can turn to an attorney to help you through any issues related to your injuries.
A personal injury lawyer can help you go over the details of your case so you’re never stuck footing the bill for your work-related injuries. When you reach out to a lawyer to help you manage your workplace injury claim, you know that you’re in good hands and you can be confident that your case will get the attentive management it needs.
Eglet Adams provides meticulous and detailed case preparation, and unlike many other personal injury lawyers, there’s no cookie-cutter solutions involved. You’re worth more than just another paycheck, and you deserve financial compensation for your injuries. Reach out to Eglet Adams today, and see how a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas can help you. You may call us at (702) 450-5400 or call us toll-free at (800) 450-5406 for your free consultation.
Las Vegas Personal Injury Statistics
The Nevada Department of Public Safety & Transportation reported that there were over 300 traffic fatalities in the state through 2021, up 20% from 2020 and 25% from 2019.
What is a Slip and Fall?
If you’ve experienced a slip-and-fall injury, you can count on a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, Nevada, to help you get the compensation you deserve. But what counts as a slip and fall, and why do so many of these common accidents go unreported? Read on to learn a little bit more about how slip-and-fall accidents can cause serious medical problems, and what Eglet Adams can do for you.
Slip and Falls Seem Innocent – Until They Aren’t
At its most straightforward, a slip and fall is a minor incident that occurs in a workplace or place of business. This can range from slipping on a wet floor or icy steps, tripping over unsecured or messy cables, or even taking a fall due to uneven or poorly-maintained pavement. Slips and falls seem relatively minor, but left unchecked they have the potential to turn into serious injuries with serious medical bills.
Unfortunately, slip and falls usually go unreported. They’re minor accidents, and people like to treat them as such — even with financial hardship and their physical health on the line. In some cases, employees are intimidated by the prospect of telling their boss or supervisor what happened, and in some cases employees are too embarrassed to even bring it up. However, as a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, NV, can tell you, you should never hesitate to report your injuries and seek financial compensation.
Why Should I Report My Accident?
No matter how embarrassed you may feel about your slip and fall, you should report the accident as soon as possible. Accidents happen to everyone, and no matter how minor they might appear, you should report them to your supervisor to create a record. Reporting your accident is an essential step to ensure you get the money you need if your minor injuries become more severe in the future.
Would you rather suffer in silence and deal with potential medical problems in a few months, or report your minor injury as soon as possible so you’re covered in case of emergency? Sometimes it’s not worth worrying about embarrassment, and it pays to reach out to the right lawyer.
Traumatic Brain Injury Resulting From Car Accidents
Car Accidents and Traumatic Brain Injury
A Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, results from a forceful blow to the head or when an object passes through the skull and brain tissue. This type of brain damage can be debilitating depending on its severity, and the patient may not fully recover. Some TBI patients may need long-term rehabilitation and care.
According to the CDC, car accidents are the second leading cause of brain injury-related deaths. Children and young adults are the most likely to die from brain injuries sustained in a car accident. Accident victims who survive a severe TBI often face many hurdles in recovery. A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help TBI victims get the compensation they need for medical bills and lost wages.
Symptoms of Mild vs. Moderate or Severe TBI
A concussion is considered a mild TBI. After a car accident, you may experience these symptoms if you have a concussion:
- A visible injury such as a bump or cut
- Head swelling or bruising
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Memory or concentration difficulties
- Irritability
- Sleep issues
A moderate or severe TBI should receive emergency care. Symptoms include:
- Extensive injury to the head such as an open wound or deep cut
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe, long-term headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Short-term memory loss
- Seizures
- Blood or clear fluid draining from the nose or ears
- Irritability
- Weakness on one side of the body
The possible catastrophic effects of moderate or severe TBIs are life-changing. In addition to sky-rocketing medical bills, patients may also experience permanent disability or incapacitation. Eglet Adams Law understands the financial and emotional burdens families face. Our experienced personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, NV, will fight for the compensation you need to protect your future.
Unpredictable Recovery Time
Because the rate of improvement varies considerably among TBI patients, it’s difficult to pinpoint how long recovery will take. Most progress occurs during the first six months post-injury and improvement for brain injuries slows down over time. To promote lifetime healing, doctors typically recommend that TBI sufferers care for their brain health by exercising, eating nutritious food, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.
Long-Term Effects
Accident victims who sustained a TBI may have constant medical bills and expenses for therapy, medication, vocational training, legal issues, and possible adaptive tools and equipment. The Brain Injury Alliance of Utah estimates the lifetime costs for a severe TBI to be $4 million.
But there are other and possibly more troubling long-term effects of suffering a traumatic brain injury. The pain and suffering you and your family endure may lead to persistent depression and anxiety. These feelings may be a catalyst for you or your loved one quitting work or finding themselves unable to perform work tasks well. Moreover, loved ones tend to channel their hurt and frustration into anger, which may lead to internal turmoil within the family. This can make you feel as though you’re to blame, but you shouldn’t feel this way. The at-fault party (i.e., that is the defendants) are to blame. Therefore, it’s imperative to hold them financially and legally liable for the harm they’ve caused you and your loved ones.
Eglet Adams Law, a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, can help you and your family successfully navigate a TBI insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Call (702) 450-5400 for a free consultation.
Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs
When you’re dealing with a personal injury, it’s wise to have a qualified personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas on your side. Lawyers have the skills and experience necessary to represent you in your case, though no lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome. Since there are many different lawyers who can potentially help you, it’s important to narrow your available options. When hiring a personal injury lawyer, here are seven questions to ask.
Have You Handled Cases Similar to Mine?
When hiring a personal injury lawyer, you need peace of mind. It helps to know that the lawyers you choose to work with have experience handling (and winning) cases similar to yours. Never assume that all lawyers are created equal because they have the same law degrees. Some lawyers have more experience than others and are more effective at winning cases. You’ll find that the lawyers here at Eglet Adams Law are all highly skilled and have success with personal injury cases.
How Does Payment Work?
Some lawyers require you to pay some money upfront, while others have a contingency fee structure (which means you don’t pay unless you win the lawsuit). It’s important to understand how payment will work with your lawyer. That way you won’t experience any unexpected fees or surprises. Contact us today to set up a free consultation and learn more about how we can handle your case and payment.
Do You See Any Potential Problems With My Case?
When hiring a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, NV, you should always ask how likely you are to win your case. If there are any potential problems that may arise, it’s important for your lawyer to tell you about them. The more honest your attorney is about the likelihood of winning or losing your case, the easier it will be to decide whether or not it is worth it to proceed.
Will I Still Be Responsible To Pay Case-Related Costs If I Lose?
Some lawyers ask clients to handle case-related expenses in the event they lose a lawsuit. Others may not have this requirement. To make sure you understand your financial commitments, make sure you understand whether or not you’re responsible for case-related costs if you lose.
How Much Time Can You Commit To My Case?
The last thing you want to do is hire a lawyer who doesn’t have the time to dedicate to your case. Here at Eglet Adams Law, we only accept cases that we have the time and resources to handle. When we work on your case, you can rest assured that we will dedicate the time necessary to represent you as effectively as possible.
Why To See A Doctor Immediately After An Accident
If you were involved in an accident, one of your next steps should be to seek medical care. Whether it was a car crash or slip- and-fall accident, getting evaluated by a doctor is of the utmost importance. Here are a few good reasons to seek medical care after an accident.
Not All Injuries Present Symptoms Right Away
Not everyone will notice they have injuries immediately after an accident, because adrenaline can sometimes mask pain. While you might feel fine right after an accident, you may start to experience symptoms days or weeks later. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor as soon as you can. He or she can detect injuries that you may have missed and recommend the appropriate treatment plan. Delaying medical care can make your injuries worse and put your health in jeopardy.
If The Injury Worsens, You May Need More Invasive Treatments
If you wait too long to see a doctor after an accident, your injury may worsen and become more difficult to treat. Instead of needing just physical therapy, for example, you may now require surgery. Surgical procedures come with higher risk and more expensive medical bills. By seeking medical care promptly, you may be able to avoid risky treatments and long-term health problems.
Waiting Too Long To Get Medical Care Can Hurt Your Claim
If you plan to pursue compensation for your injuries, it is critical to seek prompt medical attention. Waiting too long to see a doctor will make it more difficult for your personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, NV, to help you obtain a fair settlement. The defendant’s insurance company may argue that you are not truly injured if you wait too long to see a doctor.
You Need Your Medical Records To Prove Your Claim
Medical records are one of the most important pieces of evidence you can present in a personal injury case. That is another good reason to see a doctor immediately after an accident. These medical records will include details about the severity of your injuries and the types of treatments you need. Make sure to obtain these medical records from your doctor and give them to your personal injury lawyer to review.
Proving Negligence
Before a judge looks into the arguments of any case, you must show that your claim has merit. A claim has merit when you show that a fundamental issue is in question. For personal injury cases, a fundamental issue is whether the at-fault party acted negligently. Regarding any personal injury case, whether it’s a car accident or a slip and fall, you’ll need to prove that the at-fault party is negligent.
In Nevada, a defendant is negligent when she or he (1) owes you a duty; (2) breaches that duty; (3) that breach is the cause of the incident; and (4) you sustained actual damages. Everyone owes everyone else a duty to avoid engaging in behaviors that are reasonably foreseeable to cause injury. But for a clear example, imagine you’ve agreed to babysit Jimmy, who has a peanut allergy. You knew Jimmy had a peanut allergy. You didn’t bother to ask for his epi-pen or confirm that he had one. Later, while cooking lunch, you forgot to check whether your Thai chicken wrap includes a peanut sauce. Jimmy ate the wrap, became severely ill and almost died.
In the above case, you clearly owed Jimmy a duty to look after his well-being and to ensure that nothing he consumed was peanut-based. You assumed this role not only by agreeing to babysit him (i.e, standing in lieu of his parents), but you also assumed this role when you chose to feed him. Your failure to read the ingredients was a direct cause of his injuries. He and his family sustained actual damages because they now have to pay for medical bills and any short or long-term injuries that occurred from his near-death experience.
Actual damages (also known as compensatory damages) are your economic and non-economic injuries. These can include your medical bills, rehabilitation bills, physical therapy bills, mental therapy bills, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium.
Modified Comparative Fault
You’ve just learned about negligence and how proving it is essential to a successful claim. Let’s take a second look at our example with the babysitter and Jimmy. What if Jimmy’s mom forgot to tell the babysitter that her son has a peanut allergy and Jimmy, who is twelve, never said anything about it either? Would the babysitter still be found negligent? Did the babysitter have a duty to inquire whether Jimmy had any food allergies? In this case, a judge might consider the modified comparative fault rule.
According to the modified comparative fault rule, if you are more than 50% at fault, civil court bars you from bringing any sort of personal injury claim. Otherwise, your recovery amount is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a judge finds that you’re 25% at fault (i.e., negligent) and your total damages amount to $250,000, the defendant will only have to pay $187,500 while you’re responsible for paying $62,500 of your own expenses. This is why it’s imperative that you consult a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas before filing a claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer can better secure evidence to establish that the other party is entirely or mostly to blame for your injury.
People are injured in unfortunate, avoidable accidents every day. These injuries range from minor to severe and may lead to costly medical bills, permanent disabilities, and lost wages. If you have suffered an injury that was out of your control then it may be time to get the assistance you need. Reach out to Eglet Adams today to get assistance with filing your personal injury claim and possible subsequent lawsuit.
Which Injuries Qualify For a Personal Injury Claim?
There are many injuries that may qualify for a personal injury claim ranging from a variety of different sources and fields. Some of the injuries that may qualify you for a personal injury claim include:
Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can happen when staff is trained poorly or when workers are overworked or distracted.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Injuries associated with these accidents generally occur when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian or bicycle rider. These injuries can also be quite severe and may lead to a substantial settlement for injuries incurred.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents generally occur when a distracted or negligent driver hits a rider. It’s critical to always watch out for other vehicles and motorcycles while driving any type of vehicle.
Car Accidents
When a car crashes into another vehicle or objects the resulting injuries can include broken bones, cuts and bruising, brain and spine injuries, and more.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are similar to car accidents but generally can cause a great deal of damage due to the size and power of commercial vehicles.
Slip and Fall/Premises Liability Accidents
Slipping on a wet surface can lead to brain and spine injuries. Businesses are required to always ensure their property is safe from obstructions and that dangerous areas are labeled properly.
Product Defect Injuries
Poorly manufactured products that are manufactured or labeled incorrectly can cause fires and burn injuries, electrocutions, or other types of injuries to their users.
Nursing Home Abuse
This type of abuse can be shocking, but unfortunately it is not uncommon for staff to mistreat nursing home residents. Staff members that are improperly trained or lack the desire to properly care for residents can injure those under their care. Injuries can include bruising, cuts, broken bones, and more.
Domestic Violence
If someone has abused another person through fighting or striking them then this is something that can be prosecuted.
Nevada’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases
In the state of Nevada, understanding the time limits set for personal injury claims is of utmost importance. If someone sustains an injury due to another’s negligence, they typically have two years from the date of the injury to initiate a lawsuit. This two-year window, known as the statute of limitations, is a critical period. If a lawsuit isn’t filed within this timeframe, the opportunity to seek legal redress might be forever lost.
Several factors can influence this period:
- Discovery Rule: Sometimes, the effects or causes of an injury aren’t immediately recognizable. In such situations, the statute may start from when the injured party discovered (or should have discovered) the injury, rather than from the date of the incident itself.
- Special Circumstances: For minors or those mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations has different criteria. A minor has until their 20th birthday, while the specifics for those mentally incapacitated may vary.
Given the complexities surrounding these regulations, seeking guidance early on is crucial. Consulting with our Las Vegas, NV personal injury lawyer ensures that claims are filed promptly and within Nevada’s legal parameters. Firms like Eglet Law specialize in navigating such intricacies, providing expert counsel to injured parties.
Suing for Pain and Suffering in Nevada
Beyond the evident physical injuries, accidents can result in intangible damages, commonly referred to as “pain and suffering.” In Nevada, the law recognizes the profound impact these non-economic damages can have on a victim’s life.
Pain and suffering encompass the physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, anxiety, and other intangible injuries stemming from the accident. While these damages don’t have a direct monetary value like medical bills or lost wages, they are nonetheless real and can be even more debilitating than physical injuries.
To sue for pain and suffering in Nevada, the injured party needs to prove the legitimacy of their claims. This can be done through various means, such as:
- Medical Records: Documentation from healthcare providers can validate the extent of physical pain and any long-term implications.
- Personal Journals: Keeping a daily journal detailing the pain, emotional turmoil, and daily challenges can serve as evidence of the non-economic damages faced.
- Expert Testimony: Psychologists or therapists can testify about the emotional and mental distress the victim has experienced post-accident.
- Witness Statements: Friends, family, and colleagues can attest to the changes in the victim’s life, demeanor, and daily challenges post-accident.
Given the subjective nature of these damages, quantifying them in monetary terms can be challenging. This is where the expertise of a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can be invaluable. They can guide clients in building a strong case, ensuring they receive the compensation they rightfully deserve for both tangible and intangible damages.
The Law Office of Eglet Adams Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer
400 S. 7th St. Suite 400 Las Vegas, NV 89101
Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer Google Review
“This is the best Law Office in Las Vegas. If you have a legitimate case, they will handle you with the utmost professionalism and care.” – Diane M.
Seeking Legal Counsel
If you have suffered an injury and are unsure about whether or not you can file a claim about it then consider reaching out to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, NV, for help. These lawyers have experience and knowledge in the realm of personal injury law. With their knowledge and experience, a client can rest assured that they will have someone fighting on their behalf. Reach out to Eglet Adams today to get your case started.