Marathon Law Group

Nevada Personal Injury Claims: Understanding Compensation

Why Damages Matter

 

After an accident, the physical pain is often only the beginning. Medical bills start piling up, paychecks stop coming in, and families face an uncertain financial future. For many injury victims in Nevada, the central question is: What compensation am I entitled to, and how is it calculated?

The answer lies in understanding personal injury damages in Nevada. At Marathon Law Group, attorneys carefully evaluate every aspect of a client’s losses — from hospital bills to emotional suffering — to ensure no category of damages is overlooked.

This guide explains the different types of damages available, how they’re calculated, and why having the right legal team makes all the difference.

What Are Damages in a Personal Injury Case?

In Nevada, “damages” refer to the monetary compensation awarded to victims of negligence. The goal is to restore victims, as much as possible, to the position they would have been in if the accident had not happened.

Damages fall into three main categories:

  1. Economic damages – financial losses like medical bills and lost wages.
  2. Non-economic damages – intangible losses like pain and suffering.
  3. Punitive damages – rare, but awarded to punish extreme misconduct.

Economic Damages: Tangible Financial Losses

 
Medical Expenses

Medical costs often form the largest part of a personal injury case. They may include:

  • Emergency room visits.
  • Surgeries and hospital stays.
  • Prescription medications.
  • Physical therapy or chiropractic care.
  • Long-term rehabilitation or in-home care.

Attorneys at Marathon Law Group gather records, bills, and expert testimony to project both current and future medical expenses.

Lost Wages

When injuries prevent victims from working, they may claim lost income. This includes:

  • Hourly wages or salary.
  • Overtime pay.
  • Lost tips or bonuses.
  • Self-employment income.

Documentation from employers, tax returns, or financial statements help establish these losses.

Reduced Earning Capacity

For severe injuries, victims may never return to the same job or work the same hours. In these cases, economic damages cover the difference between pre-injury earning potential and post-injury capacity.

Property Damage

In accidents involving vehicles, bicycles, or other property, victims can also recover repair or replacement costs.

 

Non-Economic Damages: The Human Side of Loss

 

Not all losses can be measured in receipts. Nevada law recognizes that injuries affect quality of life in profound ways.

Pain and Suffering

This includes physical discomfort, ongoing pain, or permanent disability.

Emotional Distress

Accidents often trigger anxiety, depression, or PTSD, especially in cases involving severe trauma.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Victims may no longer enjoy hobbies, sports, or family activities they once loved.

Loss of Consortium

Spouses may claim damages for loss of companionship, affection, or intimacy caused by the injury.

Because these damages are less tangible, they often become points of contention with insurance companies. Marathon Law Group uses medical reports, expert opinions, and client testimony to demonstrate their impact.

Punitive Damages: When Negligence Turns to Recklessness

While rare, Nevada courts may award punitive damages when a defendant’s conduct is reckless, malicious, or intentionally harmful.

Examples include:

  • Drunk driving accidents.
  • Companies knowingly selling defective products.
  • Gross negligence by corporations or individuals.

Punitive damages are not about compensation but about punishing bad behavior and deterring future misconduct.

How Are Damages Calculated in Nevada?

There is no one-size-fits-all formula, but attorneys and courts consider:

  • Severity of injuries – more serious injuries typically lead to higher compensation.
  • Duration of recovery – short-term injuries vs. permanent disability.
  • Impact on daily life – ability to work, care for family, or participate in activities.
  • Future needs – ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or assistive care.

Insurance companies often try to undervalue claims by downplaying injuries or disputing treatment costs. That’s why legal advocacy is crucial.

Common Mistakes in Calculating Damages

Victims sometimes accept settlements that don’t reflect the true scope of their losses. Mistakes include:

  • Ignoring future medical costs.
  • Failing to document lost wages.
  • Accepting insurer calculations without review.
  • Underestimating non-economic damages like emotional trauma.

Marathon Law Group helps clients avoid these mistakes by conducting comprehensive damage assessments.

Case Example: Turning a Low Offer Into Full Recovery

A Nevada worker suffered a serious back injury in a car crash. The insurance company initially offered to cover only emergency room bills.

Marathon Law Group dug deeper, documenting:

  • Ongoing physical therapy.
  • Future medical procedures.
  • Months of lost wages.
  • Pain and suffering from chronic back pain.

With this evidence, the final settlement covered all categories of damages — far exceeding the initial offer.

FAQs About Personal Injury Damages in Nevada


Q: Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault?

A: Yes. Nevada follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Q: Is there a cap on damages in Nevada?
A: In most personal injury cases, there is no cap. However, medical malpractice claims cap non-economic damages at $350,000.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury.

Q: How do I prove non-economic damages?
A: Testimony from victims, medical providers, and family members can help establish the real impact of injuries on daily life.

Why Work With Marathon Law Group

Calculating damages in a Nevada personal injury case requires more than adding up receipts. It requires:

  • Attention to detail – ensuring every financial and non-financial loss is accounted for.
  • Strong negotiation – pushing back when insurers undervalue claims.
  • Courtroom readiness – preparing to present damages clearly to a jury if needed.
  • Compassionate support – recognizing that behind every case is a person whose life has been changed.

Attorneys like Joe Riccio and Boris Avramski at Marathon Law Group are committed to making sure clients recover not just compensation, but also a sense of justice.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

Recovering from an accident in Nevada is about more than healing — it’s about ensuring you have the resources to move forward. Calculating damages properly is the foundation of a fair outcome.

At Marathon Law Group, attorneys work tirelessly to uncover the full scope of a client’s losses, from medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering.

If you’ve been injured in Nevada, don’t risk accepting less than you deserve. Contact Marathon Law Group today. Visit MarathonLawGroup.com to speak with an attorney who will fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to.

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