You slipped on an unmarked wet floor at a store. You tripped on a broken step at a friend’s apartment. Your child was hurt at a neighbor’s pool. When you’re injured on someone else’s property, the first questions are usually practical: Is this my fault? Do I even have a claim? Am I really going to make a claim against a business — or worse, a friend? Here’s how to think it through.
The key question: was the owner negligent?
In Nevada, property owners have a legal duty to keep their property reasonably safe. But being hurt on someone’s property doesn’t automatically mean they owe you — the law is built on negligence, not automatic liability. Generally, you have a claim when:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property,
- The owner knew or should have known about it,
- They failed to fix it or warn you, and
- That failure caused your injury.
That “knew or should have known” piece is usually the crux. An owner isn’t automatically responsible for a hazard that appeared seconds before you were hurt — but they may well be responsible for one that sat there long enough that a reasonable owner would have caught it. Our premises liability guide breaks down the full legal framework.
“I don’t want to sue my friend”
This is one of the most common hesitations we hear, especially with injuries at a private home. Here’s the reassuring reality: a claim like this is almost always paid by the property owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, not out of your friend’s pocket. You’re generally dealing with an insurance company — which is exactly what that coverage exists for. Making a claim usually isn’t the personal confrontation people fear.
Common places these injuries happen
- Stores, restaurants, and casinos — slip and falls on unsafe floors, in parking lots, or on stairs
- Apartments and rentals — broken walkways, poor lighting, or negligent security (landlords have duties to tenants and guests)
- Private homes — falls, dog bites, pool incidents
- Swimming pools — especially dangerous for children, where the attractive-nuisance rule can apply
What to do after you’re hurt
- Report it to the owner or manager and make sure it’s documented.
- Photograph the hazard and your injuries before anything is fixed or cleaned up.
- Get names and numbers of witnesses.
- Get medical care and keep every record.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the property’s insurer before talking to a lawyer.
The rules that will apply
Expect the insurer to argue you were partly to blame. Under Nevada’s comparative negligence rule (NRS 41.141), that reduces your recovery by your share of fault, and bars it past 50%. And you generally have two years from the injury to file, under NRS 11.190. See our statute of limitations guide for the details.
How Marathon Law Group helps
We handle these claims throughout Las Vegas and Clark County — establishing that the owner should have addressed the hazard, dealing with the insurers, and pursuing full compensation for your injuries. We work on contingency, so there’s no fee unless we recover for you.
If you were hurt on someone else’s property, contact us for a free consultation.
Call (702) 522-1808. Se habla español.
Frequently asked questions
Do I automatically have a claim if I was hurt on someone’s property? No. Nevada requires negligence — generally, that the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix or warn of it.
Will I have to sue my friend personally? Usually not in practical terms — these claims are typically paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
How long do I have to file? Generally two years from the date of injury under NRS 11.190.
This article is general information about Nevada law, not legal advice. Every case turns on its facts — talk to an attorney about yours.