What Damages Can You Recover in a Nevada Personal Injury Case?
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, one of the most common questions is: What compensation am I entitled to receive? Nevada personal injury law allows injured victims to pursue damages designed to help them recover financially, physically, and emotionally after an accident.
Understanding the types of damages available—and how they’re calculated—can help you make informed decisions about your case. A knowledgeable Las Vegas personal injury attorney can ensure you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What Are “Damages” in a Personal Injury Case?
In a personal injury claim, damages refer to the financial compensation awarded to an injured person to cover losses caused by an accident. These damages are typically divided into three main categories:
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Economic damages
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Non-economic damages
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Punitive damages (in limited cases)
Each category serves a different purpose under Nevada law.
Economic Damages: Financial Losses You Can Recover
Economic damages compensate you for measurable financial losses. These are often supported by medical bills, pay stubs, receipts, and expert testimony.
Common economic damages include:
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Medical expenses (hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications)
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Future medical care and long-term treatment
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Lost wages due to time missed from work
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Loss of future earning capacity
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Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
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Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
These damages aim to restore you financially to the position you were in before the accident.
Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for Pain and Suffering
Not all injuries result in easily calculated losses. Non-economic damages compensate for the personal impact of an injury, which may include:
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
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Loss of consortium (impact on relationships)
Because these damages are subjective, insurance companies often undervalue them. An experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can present evidence that accurately reflects how the injury has affected your daily life.
Are There Limits on Pain and Suffering in Nevada?
In most Nevada personal injury cases, there is no cap on non-economic damages. However, medical malpractice cases are an exception and are subject to statutory limits.
Your attorney can explain whether any limits apply to your specific claim.
Punitive Damages: When Extra Compensation May Apply
Punitive damages are not awarded in every case. They are intended to punish especially reckless or intentional behavior and deter similar conduct in the future.
Examples of cases where punitive damages may apply include:
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Drunk or drug-impaired driving
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Hit-and-run accidents
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Intentional acts of harm
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Extreme negligence
Nevada generally caps punitive damages, but exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances. A Las Vegas injury attorney can determine whether punitive damages are appropriate in your case.
How Nevada’s Comparative Negligence Law Affects Damages
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident.
However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your total damages award would be reduced by 20%.
How Are Damages Calculated in a Personal Injury Case?
There is no fixed formula for calculating damages. Instead, several factors are considered, including:
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Severity and permanence of the injury
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Length of recovery time
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Impact on daily activities and work
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Medical costs and future care needs
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Strength of evidence and documentation
Strong medical records, expert opinions, and legal advocacy play a major role in maximizing compensation.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by disputing fault, downplaying injuries, or pressuring victims into quick settlements. Working with a trusted Las Vegas personal injury attorney ensures your claim is thoroughly evaluated and aggressively pursued.
At Banda Law Group, we fight to recover the full range of damages available under Nevada law and handle negotiations so you can focus on healing.
Talk to Banda Law Group About Your Personal Injury Claim
If you’ve been injured in a Nevada personal injury accident, you may be entitled to compensation beyond what insurance companies initially offer. Banda Law Group is here to explain your rights, assess your damages, and guide you through every step of the legal process.