Nevada Statute of Limitations Personal Injury: 2025 Legal Guide

Accidents happen fast. The window to take legal action in Nevada does not. State law gives you a strict timeline to file a personal injury lawsuit, but your chance to recover compensation could be gone for good if you miss it.

At Cloward Trial Lawyers, we break down the Nevada statute of limitations personal injury rules, key exceptions, and why acting early can make or break your case.

Nevada Statute of Limitations Personal Injury: 2025 Legal Guide

In most personal injury cases, Nevada gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This is outlined under NRS 11.190(4). It applies to injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, such as car accidents, unsafe premises, or medical errors.

Let’s say you were injured in a crash on January 15, 2025. You must file your claim by January 15, 2027. Miss that window, and your case can be dismissed outright.

Acting early gives your legal team time to gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and build your case from the ground up.

Exceptions to the Nevada Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

Certain circumstances can pause or extend the deadline for filing a lawsuit, making it crucial to understand these exceptions so you don’t miss your opportunity to seek justice. Below are some of the most common exceptions to the statute of limitations:

1. Injuries to Minors

If the person injured is under 18, the two-year clock doesn’t start ticking until their 18th birthday. That means a teenager injured at 16 would have until age 20 to file a lawsuit.

2. Hidden Injuries or Delayed Discovery

Sometimes, injuries aren’t immediately apparent, like internal trauma or issues caused by exposure to harmful substances. In those cases, the deadline starts when the injury is (or should have been) discovered.

3. Government-Related Claims

If the injury involves a government agency or employee, you may have as little as six months to file a notice of claim. These timelines are stricter and shorter, so early action is critical.

It’s important to note that these exceptions are not automatically granted. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney in Nevada is critical to evaluating your unique situation and determining whether any exceptions apply to extend your filing deadline.

Visit: What Is a Catastrophic Injury? Insights for Victims in Las Vegas

What Happens If You Miss the Filing Deadline?

Missing Nevada’s statute of limitations deadline can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation through the legal system. Courts often dismiss lawsuits filed after the deadline, regardless of the circumstances. While rare exceptions exist, failing to meet this critical deadline often means forfeiting your right to recover damages for:  

• Medical expenses 
• Lost income 
• Pain and suffering 
• Future medical care 

Beyond preventing you from pursuing damages, missing the filing deadline also weakens your negotiating leverage with insurance companies, making them far less likely to offer a fair settlement. 

How the Statute of Limitations Affects Personal Injury Settlements

The Nevada statute of limitations for personal injury claims is more than just a legal technicality; it’s a critical deadline that could determine the outcome of your case. Insurance companies are well aware of this timeline and often use it to their advantage. If the deadline is approaching, they understand that you’re under pressure and may use tactics to rush or delay you into accepting a lower settlement than you deserve.

Here’s how this situation often unfolds: 

• With limited time, gathering essential documents, such as accident reports, medical records, or witness statements, can become a daunting challenge, jeopardizing the strength of your case. 
• Accurately evaluating your long-term medical needs, like ongoing treatment or rehabilitation, may be impossible on a tight timeline, leaving vital aspects of your claim undervalued. 
• Insurers may intentionally delay negotiations, betting that time constraints will pressure you to accept a low settlement offer or abandon your claim entirely. 

By addressing the statute of limitations early, you preserve your legal options and gain the time needed to build a compelling case. This proactive approach strengthens your position and provides greater leverage during negotiations. Protecting your rights starts with acting swiftly—don’t delay.

Visit: Nevada Comparative Negligence: How It Affects Your Injury Claim

Speak With a Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer Today 

Injury cases are time-sensitive. Whether considering a lawsuit or hoping to settle, staying ahead of deadlines matters. At Cloward Trial Lawyers, we help people take smart, timely action after serious injuries.

Call us at 702-605-5000 or schedule your free consultation today. We’ll walk you through your options and ensure that every detail, including the Nevada statute of limitations for personal injury, is handled.

Don’t let the clock run out. Your recovery starts now.