Nearly every legal claim comes with a clock, and Nevada is strict about it. Miss the statute of limitations — the legal deadline to file your lawsuit — and the court will almost always refuse your case, no matter how strong it is. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of the deadlines that matter most in Nevada, and the situations that can change them.
The deadlines by claim type
Personal injury — 2 years. Most injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury under NRS 11.190(4)(e). This covers car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and most negligence claims that cause bodily injury.
Wrongful death — 2 years. Measured from the date of death, not the date of the injury.
Property damage — 3 years. Damage to your vehicle or other property gets an extra year compared to bodily injury (NRS 11.190(3)). Even so, it’s usually best to pursue all claims from one accident together.
Medical malpractice — the shorter of 2 or 3 years. These claims fall under NRS 41A.097, not the general statute. For injuries occurring on or after October 1, 2023 (following AB 404), the deadline is 2 years from when you discovered the injury, or 3 years from the date of the malpractice, whichever comes first. These cases also require an expert affidavit at filing, and special rules extend the deadline for children harmed by malpractice (for example, in cases of brain damage or birth defects).
Fraud — 3 years from when the fraud is discovered.
Breach of written contract — 6 years.
Breach of oral contract — 4 years.
Intentional torts (assault, battery) — 2 years.
Claims against the government have special rules
If your claim is against a government entity — a city vehicle, a public property, a government employee — the Nevada Tort Claims Act adds notice requirements and procedural steps that come due much sooner than the general deadlines. These cases are easy to lose on a technicality, so they call for prompt legal advice.
When the clock can pause (“tolling”)
Nevada allows the deadline to pause in specific situations:
- Minors. A child injured before turning 18 generally has the clock paused until adulthood (NRS 11.250) — meaning many claims involving kids must be filed before they turn 20.
- Legal incapacity. The deadline can be tolled for someone with a qualifying mental disability until the disability is removed.
- The discovery rule. When an injury couldn’t reasonably have been detected right away, the clock can start when you discovered it — or should have.
- A defendant who leaves Nevada. If the at-fault party leaves the state, that absence may not count against your time (NRS 11.300).
These exceptions are applied narrowly, so never assume one saves your case without confirming it with an attorney.
Why the deadline isn’t the whole story
Even though you may technically have two years for an injury claim, waiting is risky. Evidence disappears — surveillance footage is often overwritten within days, witnesses move, memories fade. And building a strong case takes time. The practical deadline for acting is much sooner than the legal deadline for filing.
How Marathon Law Group helps
One of the simplest reasons to talk to a lawyer early is so the deadline stops being your problem to track. When you hire us, protecting the statute of limitations becomes our responsibility. We handle personal injury and family law matters throughout Las Vegas and Clark County, and our injury cases are handled on contingency — no fee unless we recover for you.
Not sure how much time you have? Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll help you identify the right deadline before it becomes a problem.
Call (702) 522-1808. Se habla español.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Nevada? Generally two years from the date of injury under NRS 11.190(4)(e).
Is the deadline different for medical malpractice? Yes. Under NRS 41A.097, for injuries on or after October 1, 2023, it’s two years from discovery or three years from the malpractice, whichever is sooner — plus an expert affidavit requirement.
What if the injured person is a child? The deadline is generally paused until the child turns 18, so many claims must be filed before age 20 — but special rules apply in some cases, so confirm with an attorney.
This article is general information about Nevada law, not legal advice. Deadlines depend on the specific facts — talk to an attorney about yours.