Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Claims in Las Vegas, NV

In Las Vegas, NV, the statute of limitations for slip and fall claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file your personal injury lawsuit within that period, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Prompt action is crucial—evidence can fade quickly, and timely legal guidance strengthens your case.

A slip and fall accident can happen in seconds, but the resulting injuries, medical bills, and lost wages can impact your life for years to come.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Nevada, understanding the slip and fall statute of limitations is crucial to protecting your right to seek compensation. As the injured party, it is important to be aware of your legal rights and the steps you must take to preserve them.

Nevada law provides specific timeframes within which you must file your claim, and missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation for your injuries.

Filing a claim within the required timeframe is essential to ensure your case is heard. Nevada’s statute governs these deadlines and sets the legal framework for slip and fall accident claims.

Our slip and fall attorneys explain everything you need to know about the statute of limitations for slip and fall in Nevada and help you navigate the complex legal process.

What is a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident occurs when someone is injured by slipping, tripping, or falling on another person’s property due to hazardous conditions.

These accidents often result from negligence by the property owner and can cause injuries ranging from minor bruises to serious harm, leading to potential legal claims for compensation.

Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall in Nevada

Nevada’s statute of limitations for slip and fall claims requires filing a lawsuit within two years from the accident date, as established by Nevada Revised Statute 11.190. This applies to most personal injury claims, including slip and fall lawsuits. A three-year statute applies to some property damage cases but not typically to slip and fall claims.

For example, a slip and fall on January 1, 2025, must have a lawsuit filed by January 1, 2027. Missing this deadline bars your right to pursue compensation.

This time limit ensures evidence remains fresh, provides certainty to property owners, and encourages prompt dispute resolution.

Failing to file within two years results in dismissal of your claim, regardless of injury severity or negligence. Building a strong case requires gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining expert testimony before filing.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations for Fall Injury Claims

While Nevada law typically gives you two years from the date of your slip and fall accident to file a claim, there are a few exceptions that can extend this deadline:

Discovery Rule

If your slip and fall injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the clock may start when you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury. For example, symptoms of a back injury that show up weeks later might shift the starting point. This rule is narrowly applied, so strong medical documentation is essential.

Injured Minor

For children injured in a fall, the two-year statute doesn’t begin until they turn 18. This gives them until age 20 to file. Parents can also file on their child’s behalf sooner to avoid delays.

Mental or Medical Incapacity

If the victim is mentally incompetent or physically incapacitated (such as in a coma), the statute is “tolled” until they recover or a guardian is appointed.

Out-of-State Defendant

If the at-fault property owner leaves Nevada after the accident, the time limit may pause until they return. This prevents negligent parties from dodging liability by skipping town.

Damages Recoverable for Slip and Fall Lawsuits

When pursuing a slip and fall lawsuit within Nevada’s strict statute of limitations, understanding the scope of damages you can recover is critical to maximizing your claim.

Since the statute of limitations imposes a finite window—typically two years from the date of the accident—to initiate legal action, timely and thorough documentation of all damages is essential.

Medical Expenses and the Statute of Limitations

Medical expenses are a key part of slip and fall claims, covering emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatments like physical therapy.

The statute of limitations may be extended under Nevada’s discovery rule if injuries, such as neck or brain injuries, are not immediately apparent, making medical evaluations crucial for timing your claim.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings

Claims for lost income due to temporary or permanent disability must be filed within the statute of limitations.

Documenting actual and projected lost earnings is essential, and early legal advice helps ensure these economic damages are properly presented.

Pain, Suffering, and Non-Economic Damages

Nevada law allows recovery for non-economic damages like pain, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment. These require expert testimony and must be claimed within the statute of limitations.

Property Damage Claims

Property damage claims, such as for personal belongings damaged during a fall, generally have a three-year statute of limitations.

However, when combined with personal injury claims, the two-year limit often applies, so prompt filing is important.

Punitive Damages and Timing

Punitive damages for willful or grossly negligent conduct by the property owner are possible but must be pursued within the same statute of limitations period, emphasizing timely legal action.

Special Considerations for Minors and Tolling

For minors, the statute of limitations is tolled until they turn 18, giving them additional time to file. Medical conditions like comas can also pause the filing deadline.

Understanding these timing rules is vital to protect your right to recover compensation in Nevada slip and fall cases.

Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in Las Vegas, NV

To pursue a slip and fall claim, you must file a formal lawsuit within two years of the accident. Miss that deadline, and your right to compensation may be lost—regardless of how strong your case is.

The process typically includes:

• Investigation: Your attorney gathers evidence, identifies liable parties, and documents your injuries.
• Demand Letter: Often sent before filing, this outlines the claim and gives the property owner a chance to settle.
• Filing & Service: A complaint must be filed in court and formally served to the defendant.
• Government Claims: If your fall happened on public property, you may need to file a notice within six months, so act quickly.
• Every step hinges on timing. The sooner you involve a qualified attorney, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident, taking prompt action can greatly improve your chances of seeking compensation and protecting your legal rights.

Here’s what to do after a fall accident:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Get checked by a medical professional, even if serious injuries seem minor. Early care documents your injuries, which is vital for your slip and fall claim.
2. Report the Accident: Inform the property owner or manager immediately. Ensure an incident report is made and request a copy for your records.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos or videos of the hazard and accident scene. Collect witness names and contact details. Note the date, time, and location.
4. Keep Records: Save all medical expenses, receipts, and documentation of lost wages and related expenses to show the full extent of your losses.
5. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: Before dealing with insurance or settlements, speak with an experienced attorney to guide you through the claim process and protect your rights.

The Importance of Getting an Early Legal Consultation

Seeking an early legal consultation after a slip and fall accident can significantly impact the success of your personal injury case.

Prompt action helps preserve crucial evidence, such as photographs of the hazardous condition and witness statements, which may fade or disappear over time. Early legal advice ensures you understand your rights under Nevada’s statute of limitations for slip and fall claims and helps you avoid missing critical deadlines, such as the two year statute for filing a lawsuit.

An experienced attorney can guide you through the complex claims process, help document your injuries and medical conditions, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies to pursue potential compensation.

They can also advise on the discovery rule, which may extend your filing deadline if injuries were not immediately apparent.

By consulting a lawyer early, you increase your chances of recovering damages for medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and other financial damages resulting from your fall injury.

Contact the Top Slip and Fall Lawyers in Las Vegas for a Free Consultation

A slip and fall can lead to more than just injuries—it can mean missed work, steep medical bills, and insurance companies working against you.

At Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas, we’ve recovered over $300 million for injury victims across Nevada. Our internal review shows that early legal action often makes the biggest difference in case outcomes.

We know how to uncover negligence, push back on lowball offers, and build strong cases. Whether your fall happened in a casino, grocery store, or public space, we’re here to fight for you.

Call (702) 252-0055 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.