If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you likely have the right to seek compensation with a personal injury law firm. This can be done through an out-of-court settlement (which is how most cases are resolved) or by filing a lawsuit.
But here’s the catch—you don’t have forever to take action. Every state sets a strict deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury claim. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to compensation entirely.
Why Does the Statute of Limitations Exist?
Imagine being asked to decide a case where:
- Key evidence has disappeared or degraded over time.
- Witnesses no longer remember what happened.
- The defendant is suddenly facing a lawsuit for something that occurred decades ago.
The statute of limitations prevents this kind of unfair situation. It ensures cases are resolved while evidence is still fresh and memories are clear.
How to Meet the Deadline
To protect your claim, you must take legal action before the statute of limitations expires. This means:
- Filing a formal complaint with the correct court.
- Issuing a summons to officially notify the defendant of the lawsuit.
- Paying required court fees.
- Serving the defendant properly—meaning they must be personally handed legal documents (a process called “service of process”).
Missing any of these steps—or making a serious mistake in the process—could mean losing your case if the deadline passes before you fix the error.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you try to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the other side can ask the court to dismiss your case—and the judge will likely agree. Once that happens, your claim is over.
There are a few rare exceptions where the deadline might be extended (such as cases involving fraud or delayed discovery of an injury), but don’t count on them. The safest move? Act fast and get legal help with us early!
Critical Statute Of Limitations In Nevada
Personal Injury: Typically, a person has two years from the date of injury to file a claim. There are some exceptions to this general rule, such as medical malpractice cases, which is typically one year.
While the two-year deadline is strict for most personal injury claims, Nevada law recognizes some important exceptions:
Extended Deadline for Minors – If the victim was a minor when they suffered their injury, the statute of limitations will not begin until they turn 18 years old.
The Discovery Rule – Some injuries aren’t immediately obvious. Maybe it was a medical mistake that didn’t show symptoms right away, or a toxic exposure that took years to cause harm. In these cases, the clock starts when you actually discover (or reasonably should have discovered) your injury.
Fraudulent Concealment – If someone intentionally hid evidence or information that would have alerted you to your injury (like a doctor covering up a surgical error), the court may pause the clock. This prevents wrongdoers from benefiting from their deception.
Paused or Tolled – In some cases, the personal injury statute of limitations in Nevada may be paused (or “tolled”) until certain conditions are met, such as when the person responsible for the injury is out of state
Navigate the Statute of Limitations with a Personal Injury Lawyer in Nevada
Time is your biggest enemy after an injury—but you don’t have to fight the legal deadlines alone. Here’s how an experienced personal injury attorney helps:
🔍 Investigates Your Case – They’ll review the details to pinpoint exactly when the statute of limitations clock started ticking. Some injuries (like medical malpractice or toxic exposure) have hidden timelines.
⏳ Identifies Possible Extensions – Did the at-fault party hide evidence? Was your injury not immediately discoverable? A lawyer can argue for paused or extended deadlines under Nevada’s “discovery rule” or fraudulent concealment laws.
⚖️ Takes Immediate Action – Before time runs out, your attorney will:
✔ File all necessary court documents correctly
✔ Ensure proper service of legal notices
✔ Negotiate with insurance companies while preserving your right to sue
Don’t gamble with your deadline—missing it means losing your claim forever. Let a lawyer handle the legal countdown while you focus on recovery.
At Howard Injury Law, we will expertly guide you through the legal process as your dedicated personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas. From the initial free consultation to the resolution of your case, our experienced attorneys serve Nevada, California, Colorado, and Arizona, and are committed to providing comprehensive support and representation. We understand the complexities and challenges that come with personal injury claims, and we are here to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
Free Consultation with Howard Injury Law:
📲 (702) 331-5722 M-F/9-5
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