Every personal injury claim in Nevada is governed by a filing deadline. Missing it permanently ends your right to compensation — regardless of how strong your case is or how serious your injuries are. Understanding the Nevada personal injury statute of limitations is one of the most important steps any accident victim can take after being hurt through someone else’s negligence.
Injured in Las Vegas? Call Marathon Law Group at (702) 522-1808 for a free consultation. Our personal injury attorneys work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Nevada’s Two-Year Deadline for Personal Injury Claims
Under Nevada Revised Statutes Section 11.190(4)(e), most personal injury claims must be filed in court within two years of the date of the accident or injury. This applies to car accidents, slip and fall cases, dog bites, premises liability claims, and virtually all other personal injury matters arising from negligence. Two years may sound like a long time, but investigations, insurance negotiations, medical record collection, and case preparation take time. Most experienced attorneys recommend consulting a lawyer within days of an accident — not months.
When Does the Clock Start? The Date of Injury Rule
In most cases, the statute of limitations begins running on the date the injury occurred. For a car crash or slip and fall, that date is clear. However, in some cases — particularly those involving medical malpractice, toxic exposure, or latent conditions — the injury may not be discovered until well after the harmful event. Nevada’s “discovery rule” tolls (pauses) the statute of limitations until the date the plaintiff knew or reasonably should have known that they suffered a legally compensable injury. This exception has real but narrow application and must be argued persuasively in court.
Government Entity Claims: Much Shorter Deadlines
If your injury was caused by the negligence of a Nevada government entity — the Nevada Department of Transportation, City of Las Vegas, Clark County, or any public agency — you face a dramatically shorter deadline. Nevada requires that an administrative claim be filed with the government entity within two years as well, but the notice requirement and procedural steps must be followed carefully. Importantly, if a state agency is involved, some claims require additional steps before suit can be filed. Government immunity defenses add complexity that underscores the need for early legal consultation after a government-related accident.
Exceptions That May Extend the Filing Deadline
Nevada law recognizes several tolling provisions. If the injured party is a minor at the time of the accident, the two-year period does not begin until the minor turns 18 — meaning a child injured at age 10 has until age 20 to file. If the defendant fraudulently concealed information that prevented the plaintiff from discovering the injury or the defendant’s identity, the clock may be tolled until discovery is reasonably possible. Mental incapacity at the time of injury can also pause the limitations period. These exceptions are litigated and not automatically granted — legal advice is essential.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
A defendant who is sued after the statute of limitations has expired will file a motion to dismiss, and Nevada courts will almost certainly grant it. No amount of evidence, medical documentation, or witness testimony can save a claim once the deadline has passed. Insurance companies track filing deadlines carefully and use them as leverage in negotiations — knowing a victim is running out of time, they may make lower settlement offers hoping the victim accepts rather than risk missing the deadline entirely. Filing a lawsuit does not mean the case goes to trial; it simply preserves your rights while negotiations continue.
Contact Marathon Law Group About Your Filing Deadline
If you were injured in an accident in Nevada, do not wait to understand your timeline. At Marathon Law Group, our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys analyze your claim, identify the applicable deadline, and move quickly to preserve your rights. Call (702) 522-1808 today for a free consultation. The statute of limitations waits for no one.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney at Marathon Law Group. We offer free consultations and only get paid when you win.