Quick Answer
If you lost a family member in a Las Vegas accident, Nevada gives you two years to file a wrongful death claim. The claim is brought by the personal representative or close family, depending on the state, and can recover medical and funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of the person’s care and companionship. A case review with Goldberg & Loren is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Have You Experienced the Devastating Loss of a Loved One Due to Someone Else’s Negligence? The loss of a loved one is tragic. A loss that could have been prevented is even worse. Nothing our law firm can do will undo the suffering you have experienced, but we can help you fight for justice in a practical way.
Goldberg & Loren's experienced Las Vegas wrongful death lawyers are ready to relentlessly pursue the compensation you deserve for the wrongful death of your loved one.
We will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable and provide you with the closure and financial support you need.
Call our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at (702) 919-1513 today for a free consultation.
Wrongful Death in Las Vegas
Wrongful death refers to a legal claim brought by the surviving family members or beneficiaries of a deceased person whose death was caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. [1]
In the most basic sense, it is a case where someone's negligence or misconduct led to the untimely demise of another person. These cases can arise from a wide range of incidents, including car accidents, defective products, and more. They occur more often than most people realize. [2]
The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to seek justice for the deceased and provide financial compensation to the family or beneficiaries left behind, helping them cover the various expenses associated with the loss, such as medical bills and loss of companionship.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Nevada?
In Nevada, individuals who have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence or intentional act may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. The specific individuals who can file such a claim on behalf of the deceased person include the legal:
- children
- parents
- siblings
- spouse
These are the primary beneficiaries identified under Nevada's wrongful death statute. There may be other individuals who can file a wrongful death claim in certain circumstances.
For example, legal guardians and other relatives who relied on the deceased person for financial support or care may be eligible to pursue a claim. If the deceased person has a will, any individual named in the will may have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
Common Types Of Wrongful Deaths in Las Vegas
Accidents are the third leading cause of death in Nevada. [3] Some of the most common wrongful death incidents include:
- Aviation Accidents: If negligence on behalf of a pilot, airline, or aircraft manufacturer is found to be the cause of a death, then they may be held liable for wrongful death.
- Criminal Acts: In 2023, there were 122 murders in Las Vegas. [4] Murder and manslaughter can be pursued in criminal court, but damages can also be sought in a civil lawsuit with a wrongful death claim.
- Dangerous Drugs: Pharmaceutical companies have a duty to ensure that the drugs they produce are safe for public use. If a drug is found to be defective or unsuitable for human use, and the death of an individual is caused by it, then the company may be held liable for wrongful death.
- Drownings: If someone passes from drowning, the person or company responsible for the safety of swimmers may be held accountable.
- Medical Malpractice: If a failure to diagnose, hospital-acquired infection, surgical error, birth injury, or other medical error results in a fatality, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death in Nevada and in the jurisdictions where we practice. In such cases, if another driver’s negligence or recklessness leads to the death of another party, that individual may be held liable for wrongful death.
- Product Liability: When a product is defective or unsafe and results in injury or death, the manufacturer may be held liable for wrongful death. This may occur due to manufacturing defects, design flaws, inadequate warnings on products, or failure to provide safety instructions.
- Falls: Falls can occur on public or private property due to hazardous conditions that go unnoticed or ignored by the owner of the property. When someone dies after a fall, the property owner may be held liable for wrongful death.
- Workplace Accidents: Employers are required to create and maintain a safe working environment for their employees. When they fail to do so, and an employee is killed as a result, the employer may be held liable for wrongful death.
- Violence: When a life is lost as the result of violence of any kind, the person who took the life of the individual may be held responsible for wrongful death damages. This may include deaths as a result of gun violence.
If you believe you may have a wrongful death claim in Nevada, it's important to act quickly.
Consult with our wrongful death lawyers, who will review the specifics of your case and help you understand your legal rights and options.
Nevada Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death
According to Nevada law, certain individuals can file wrongful death claims on behalf of the deceased person within two years of the date of the deceased person's death. (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41.085)
Those who can file a wrongful death claim include the heirs of the deceased or a personal representative appointed by the court.
When filing a wrongful death claim in Nevada, consult with our skilled Las Vegas injury attorneys at Goldberg & Loren, who will guide you through the legal process.
Compensation in Las Vegas Wrongful Death Claims
A Las Vegas wrongful death lawsuit can result in financial compensation for surviving family members and beneficiaries. The type of damages that may be sought in include:
- Funeral Expenses: Funeral costs associated with the deceased's burial or cremation can be sought in a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Loss of Companionship: Damages are available for family members who have suffered emotional distress due to the loss of companionship as a result of the wrongful death.
- Loss of Earning Potential: The surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for the deceased's lost earning potential. This is typically calculated by determining the deceased's expected wages over their lifetime and subtracting any expenses they would have incurred during that time.
- Medical Expenses: If the deceased person had medical bills prior to their death, those bills may be included in the wrongful death claim.
- Pain and Suffering: Those who were close to the deceased can receive compensation for the pain and suffering they endured due to the loss of their loved one.
Our local wrongful death attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and seek justice for your loved one. We will work diligently to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for the loss of your family member.
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Contact Our Experienced Las Vegas Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
Our Las Vegas wrongful death lawyers know the toll a wrongful death can take on survivors, and we will do everything we can to make the process as stress-free as possible. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Sources:
[1] Goguen, D. (2023, March 20). Wrongful Death Lawsuits and Settlements: An Overview. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wrongful-death-claims-overview-30141.html
[2] FastStats. (n.d.). Accidents or Unintentional Injuries. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/accidental-injury.htm
[3] Nevada. (2025, August 20). Stats of the States. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/states/nv.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/states/nevada/nv.htm
[4] Violent Crime 2023. (n.d.). https://nevadacrimestats.nv.gov/tops/report/violent-crimes/las-vegas-metro-police-department/2023
We Represent Families Who Have Suffered a Wrongful Death Within the Following Cities and Communities Near Las Vegas, Nevada:
- North Las Vegas, NV
- Henderson, NV
- Paradise, NV
- Laughlin, NV
- Boulder City, NV
- Clark County, NV
- Summerlin, NV
- Pahrump, NV
- Mesquite, NV
- Spring Valley, NV
- Sunrise Manor, NV
- Whitney, NV