Winning a personal injury verdict or obtaining a settlement is not the end of the process — it is the beginning of a new challenge: actually collecting the money. Most defendants in Nevada personal injury cases are insured, and insurance companies pay judgments and settlements promptly. But when a defendant is uninsured, underinsured, or judgment-proof, or when an insurer disputes its obligation to pay, understanding Nevada’s judgment enforcement tools is essential. Marathon Law Group pursues every avenue of collection for Las Vegas injury clients who have won their cases.
Judgment Enforcement Tools in Nevada
When a defendant with insurance fails to pay a judgment, the insurance company itself can be made a party to enforcement proceedings. For uninsured defendants with assets, Nevada provides several enforcement tools: a judgment lien on Nevada real property is created by recording the judgment in any county where the defendant owns real estate (NRS 17.183) — the lien attaches automatically and prevents title transfer without paying the judgment; a writ of execution (NRS 21.010) directs the sheriff to seize and sell non-exempt personal property; a judgment debtor examination (NRS 21.270) compels the defendant to appear in court and disclose all assets, bank accounts, income sources, and property under oath; bank account levies allow direct seizure of funds from identified accounts; and UCC liens can encumber business assets and accounts receivable.
Nevada Exemptions and Post-Judgment Interest
Nevada law exempts certain assets from judgment execution: homestead protection (NRS 115.010) protects up to $605,000 in equity in a primary residence; wage garnishment is limited to 25% of disposable earnings (NRS 21.090(1)(g)); qualified retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k)) are fully exempt (NRS 21.090(1)(r)); and Nevada exempts various personal property categories. Post-judgment interest accrues at the prime rate plus 2% under NRS 17.130, compounding annually — a significant incentive for defendants to pay promptly. The practical reality for clients with uninsured defendants who have no collectible assets is that an uncollectible judgment has no present value. This is why uninsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy — covering you when the at-fault driver has no insurance — is Nevada’s most important personal injury protection. UM coverage is a direct contract right against your own insurer, which has assets. Contact Marathon Law Group for a free Las Vegas personal injury consultation.