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Las Vegas
Wrongful Death Attorney

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When someone dies because of another person’s negligence, a Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer becomes one of the most important calls a family can make. Bills arrive, insurance adjusters call, and surviving family members are left trying to make sense of a process they never expected to face. Cloward Trial Lawyers represents families across Las Vegas in exactly these situations, and our team knows what it takes to hold responsible parties accountable under Nevada law.

Why Choose Us to Represent Your Wrongful Death Case in Las Vegas?

No amount of money replaces a loved one, but a successful claim can bring accountability, closure, and the financial stability your family needs to move forward. Cloward Trial Lawyers’ record speaks for itself:

  • We have recovered more than $390 million for injured clients and their families
  • Our attorneys hold a 99% success rate of financial recovery
  • No fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf
  • Free, confidential case consultations with no cost or obligation
  • Our firm carries a five-star Google rating because our clients know we never hesitate to do what it takes
  • Benjamin P. Cloward is the youngest attorney in Nevada history to receive the “Trial Lawyer of the Year” award from the Nevada Justice Association
  • We keep families informed at every stage and never push a settlement that does not reflect the full value of your loss

When your family is facing the most difficult chapter of your lives, you deserve a Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer with the track record, the resources, and the resolve to pursue every dollar your case is worth.

Our results in wrongful death litigation reflect the depth of preparation and advocacy Cloward Trial Lawyers brings to every case. Some examples include:

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Las Vegas?

Under Nevada law, the following parties may bring a wrongful death claim:

  • Surviving spouse or domestic partner
  • Surviving children, including adopted children
  • Parents of the deceased, if no spouse or children survive
  • The personal representative of the deceased’s estate

Eligible claimants may seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, lost income and benefits, loss of companionship, grief and sorrow, and punitive damages where applicable. Our attorneys will help you determine whether you qualify and identify every category of loss your family may recover.

Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney in Las Vegas

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Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Las Vegas

The statute of limitations is the amount of time the law allows for a person to file a lawsuit. The wrongful death statute of limitations in Nevada is two years from the date the victim died.

Before the two-year period ends, your wrongful death attorneys will build your case and file a complaint with the courts to initiate the lawsuit. Unless the case settles out of court before the two-year period ends and before a lawsuit is filed.

Nevada Wrongful Death Laws

In Nevada, state law NRS 41.085 outlines who can make wrongful death claims, exclusions, and what damages are recoverable. Heirs of the deceased person or their personal representatives can file wrongful death lawsuits. NRS 41.100, often known as the survival statute, provides heirs and personal representatives of an estate with an additional means to recover various types of damages. It can be difficult to decide who is entitled to what kinds of damages, and an experienced Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer is necessary to find the right legal path.

Civil lawsuits can occur at the same time as criminal cases because they are considered separate proceedings. In most cases, criminal court proceedings will occur first, followed by the civil case.

Jury Analyst. “Brian Panish interviews Ben Cloward – Trial Lawyer Practices”

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“We believe until you can walk a mile in your client’s shoes, you will never understand their story. As such, we try hard to get to know our clients to better appreciate the human side of their story.”

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$38 Million Case: A Milestone in the Fight Against Negligent Security in Nevada and the US

In February 2020, Cloward Trial Lawyers secured the second-biggest wrongful death verdict in the United States and is thought to be the largest negligent security for wrongful death in the State of Nevada. The Negligent Security case involved the murder of a young man at a housing complex in Las Vegas. This case was later recognized as one of the Top 10 Wrongful Death Verdicts in the United States in 2020.

Read more about our victories:

Types of Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death can occur in a variety of circumstances, including medical malpractice, workplace accidents, vehicular accidents, and product liability cases. Personal injury cases can also pivot into wrongful death claims if the person dies at a later time due to the incident.

The type of wrongful death case can impact the amount of compensation that is recoverable because state laws require different insurance coverage amounts for different types of insurance.

If you and your family have lost a loved one to any of the following circumstances or have questions regarding a different type of untimely death, contact our knowledgeable Las Vegas attorneys for a personalized consultation.

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents: Fatal motor vehicle accidents are among the most common types of wrongful death lawsuits in Nevada. Distracting and drunk driving can be some reasons that, unfortunately, cause life losses. In cases such as trucking, 18-wheeler, motorcycle accidents or even Uber, taxi or boating accidents, pursuing justice after wrongful death is possible with the right legal representation.
  • Medical Malpractice: Occurs when a doctor or other medical professional commits an act or fails to provide adequate care that results in the death of their patient. Spinal cord and brain injuries can be examples of fatal death due to medical malpractice.
  • Premise Liability: This applies if someone dies because of a dangerous condition on the premises, such as a slip-and-fall or a falling object. In Las Vegas, we handle cases involving Casinos, hotels, Swimming Pools and walk-in tub accidents that result in loss of life.
  • Product Liability: A defective product causes someone’s untimely passing.
  • Criminal Action: Civil wrongful death lawsuits can be proposed in criminal manslaughter and murder cases.
  • Workplace Accidents: Employers are responsible for keeping their employees safe; when fatal accidents occur, they can be held liable for wrongful death.
  • Animal Attacks: Although some dog bites can cause injury, they can produce infection, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability, or fatality.
  • Pedestrian and bicyclist accidents: These fatalities usually occur when a vehicle strikes a person on foot or a bicycle. Many of these accidents occur in or around school areas, but they can happen anywhere.

Understanding which category a case falls under shapes the legal strategy from the very beginning, which is why prompt legal consultation matters.

The Legal Process of a Wrongful Death Claim in Las Vegas

No two wrongful death cases are identical, but most claims in Las Vegas follow a similar path. Knowing what to expect at each stage helps families make informed decisions and avoid missteps that could affect recovery:

  1. Case Evaluation: Before any legal action, we review the facts, identify who may be liable, and assess whether the claim has merit.
  2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We gather medical files, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to support the case.
  3. Filing the Complaint: A formal complaint is filed under the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure. Nevada’s two-year statute of limitations applies, so timing matters.
  4. Discovery and Depositions: Both sides exchange evidence through depositions, interrogatories, and document requests, shaping what each party can present at trial.
  5. Negotiation and Mediation: Many cases resolve before trial through structured negotiation. We do not recommend a settlement unless the offer reflects the full value of your family’s loss.
  6. Trial: When insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, we take the case to court.

At every phase, our Las Vegas wrongful death attorneys keep you informed, explain your options, and pursue the outcome your family deserves.

Proving Fault in Wrongful Death Accidents

Proving fault in a wrongful death case requires showing that the defendant’s conduct directly caused the death. Four legal elements must be established: the defendant owed the victim a duty of care, that duty was breached, the breach caused the fatal injury, and the family suffered measurable losses.

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under NRS 41.141, surviving family members may still recover compensation even when the deceased shared some degree of fault, as long as that share does not exceed 50 percent. A partial finding of fault does not automatically disqualify a wrongful death claim in Las Vegas. Cloward Trial Lawyers uses this framework strategically, presenting evidence that minimizes attributed fault and maximizes the compensation your family can recover.

Potential Damages for Wrongful Death Cases in Las Vegas, Nevada

In Nevada, wrongful death damages can include economic losses, non-economic losses, and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to calculable financial expenses or losses that occurred because of the wrongful death incident. This can include medical bills and other expenses incurred as a result of the wrongful death incident as well as changes in financial security due to the loss of income and benefits the deceased person provided.

The larger earning capacity and the more the deceased person financially contributed to the household, the more the family can recover in the case.

  • Medical bills for medical treatment relevant to the wrongful death incident.
  • Funeral and burial expenses.
  • Lost wages of the deceased person
  • Lost medical benefits of the deceased person

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to the mental and emotional suffering you experience with the loss of a loved one. As well as how the deceased person contributed to your household and your relationship in non-financial ways, such as the loss of a child caregiver and household assistance.

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of care
  • Loss of consortium
  • Pain and suffering the deceased person experienced before death

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages can be included in your recovery as a form of punishment and deterrence for the defendant. Essentially, this monetary portion of a settlement is a penalty fine awarded if the defendant committed gross negligence or intentional harm.

Determining Pecuniary Loss

A pecuniary loss is an economic damage that is calculable, such as a medical bill. To determine the total amount of pecuniary losses in a wrongful death case, your attorneys gather evidence outlining a number of contributing components.

The court must consider any evidence presented to accurately calculate the amount of economic damages recoverable.

Contact a Las Vegas Wrongful Death Attorney Today

When negligence takes a life, families deserve more than sympathy; they deserve accountability. A Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer at Cloward Trial Lawyers can review your case, explain your legal options, and help your family pursue the compensation Nevada law allows. Call us at (702) 605-5000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. There are no fees unless we recover compensation for you.

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At Cloward Trial Lawyers, we help victims of personal injuries around Las Vegas, Nevada. We have an office in Las Vegas, Nevada, at 6830 W Oquendo Rd #202, Las Vegas, NV 89118, USA, United States. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 36.082071803788246, -115.24124737372571

Read more of our reviews on Google here.

Benjamin P. Cloward

In 2016, at the age of 37, Mr. Cloward became the youngest lawyer in the history of Nevada to be awarded the prestigious “Trial Lawyer of the Year” by the Nevada Justice Association.  That same year, he became the youngest member of the Nevada, Las Vegas Chapter of ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates), and at the time was also the youngest person in the State of Nevada to be Board Certified as a Personal Injury Specialist.  He has been featured in several magazines in Nevada for his accomplishments and hard work.

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Why Cloward Trial Lawyers Is Different

Fighting for injury victims and their families.

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Award Winning
Attorney

The experienced team at Cloward Trial Lawyers has an impressive track record and has earned an unparalleled reputation in the legal community for its extensive expertise and exceptional client service.

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No Fee Unless
We Win Your Case

You won’t have to pay large attorney’s fees unless you win your case. We believe our clients should receive the best representation without having to worry about a costly and stressful fee structure.

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Track Record of
Successful cases

We consistently strive for the best outcomes for all of our clients and our track record of successful rates speaks for itself: 99% of victories achieved in personal injury cases.

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Dedicated to
Our Clients

We are devoted to guiding our clients through with the highest level of care, so they can feel secure knowing we will be by their side throughout the entire process.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Ben Cloward, who has over 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.

FAQs About Wrongful Death in Las Vegas

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Nevada courts calculate wrongful death damages by evaluating both economic and non-economic losses separately, with each category supported by documentation, expert testimony, and financial projections. Economic damages typically include funeral expenses, medical bills incurred before death, lost income, pecuniary loss, and the financial support the deceased would have provided over time. Non-economic damages cover losses that are harder to quantify, such as grief, loss of companionship, and loss of guidance.

In cases involving malicious or reckless conduct, punitive damages may apply under Nevada law, though they are subject to legal limitations. Each category is assessed separately, and courts rely on documentation, expert testimony, and financial projections to determine what compensation is appropriate.

The chances of a successful wrongful death case depend on the strength of the evidence, the clarity of liability, and how damages are documented. At Cloward Trial Lawyers, we evaluate each case individually, drawing from years of focused legal work in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada. A transparent chain of causation between the negligent act and the fatal outcome is essential.

Key elements that strengthen your position:

  • Direct proof that negligence caused the death (e.g., video footage, eyewitnesses).
  • Medical records or expert testimony supporting the cause.
  • Documentation of emotional and financial loss.

Nevada’s wrongful death statutes, found in the Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 41.085, lay out specific rights for surviving family members to recover damages. Our team uses these laws to build clear, outcome-driven claims.

In accordance with Nevada law, NRS 41.085, a wrongful death claim may be brought by a close family member or the personal representative of the estate of the deceased. This will usually involve:

  • A surviving spouse or domestic partner.
  • Children, including adopted children.
  • Parents (if no spouse or children survive).
  • A representative of the estate (appointed by the court).

They can claim emotional and economic damages, such as the cost of the funeral, loss of income, and damage caused by emotional suffering. However, if multiple relatives qualify for compensation, the court will determine how the compensation will be given.

At Cloward Trial Lawyers, we carefully walk families through this process, ensuring every qualified claimant is represented fairly.

Learn more: How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Nevada?

While some claims resolve in a matter of months, more complex cases can take a year or longer. The timeline depends on:

  • Whether the fault is clearly established or disputed.
  • The willingness of insurance companies to negotiate in good faith.
  • Whether the case proceeds to trial.

Here’s a typical progression:

  • Initial investigation and evidence gathering – 1 to 3 months.
  • Filing the lawsuit and pre-trial motions – 3 to 6 months.
  • Negotiation or mediation often begins after filing.
  • Trial (if necessary) may occur 9 to 18 months after filing.

We keep our clients informed at every phase. Our Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer will always let you know where your case stands and what comes next.

Learn more: How Long Does a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Take?

Wrongful death cases are rarely straightforward, as insurance companies and corporate defendants frequently make them harder by contesting liability at every turn. The litigation itself can involve multiple heirs, competing interests, and evidentiary standards that are difficult to navigate without legal experience. A Las Vegas wrongful death attorney builds the case strategy, handles negotiations, brings in the right experts, and prepares for trial if the case requires it.

Without legal representation, families risk accepting settlements that fall short of what the claim is actually worth or missing procedural deadlines that can affect their ability to recover at all. Having an attorney ensures the case is handled in compliance with Nevada law while pursuing the full compensation that surviving family members are entitled to.

Request Free Consultation

Start your Free Case Evaluation by using the form below. You’ll get a fast response from one of our team members, or you can call our office at 702-605-5000.

Cloward Trial Lawyers
6830 W Oquendo Rd., Ste. 202, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118

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