Wrongful Death Lawyer Las Vegas
If a family member died because of someone else's wrongful act or negligence in Nevada, the law allows a wrongful death claim (NRS 41.085). Generally, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of death (NRS 11.190(4)(e)). Attorney Jaklin Sookiassian can talk with your family about who may bring the claim and what it can include.
The Sookiassian Firm is a Las Vegas personal injury and business law firm in Downtown Summerlin. Attorney Jaklin Sookiassian is licensed in Nevada and New York. We speak English, Armenian, Russian, and Farsi (Persian).
No words can describe the loss of a family member. Sometimes that loss was caused by someone else's negligence: a car crash, a truck collision, a pedestrian or motorcycle accident, or medical negligence. Families are often left with questions while they are still grieving. We can explain how a Nevada wrongful death claim works, step by step, so your family can decide what to do next.
Why Choose The Sookiassian Firm?
We Look at Every Party Involved
We look at who may share responsibility, such as another driver, a trucking company, a property owner, or a product maker, and what insurance may apply.
We Conduct Thorough Investigations
We investigate what happened and look at the long-term financial impact of your loss on your family.
Free Consultation, Contingency Fee
No attorney's fee unless we recover compensation for you. You may still be responsible for costs.We speak English, Armenian, Russian, and Farsi (Persian).
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Las Vegas
Car Accidents
A crash on a Las Vegas valley road or highway can take a life in an instant. Learn more about car accident claims.
Truck Accidents
Collisions with large commercial trucks can involve the driver, the trucking company, and others. Learn more about truck accident claims.
Pedestrian Accidents
People walking near busy streets, crosswalks, and parking lots can be hit by drivers who aren't paying attention. Learn more about pedestrian accident claims.
Motorcycle Accidents
Riders have little protection when a driver fails to see them or violates their right of way. Learn more about motorcycle accident claims.
Drunk Driving Accidents
A death caused by an impaired driver may lead to both a wrongful death claim and a criminal case. These are separate matters. Learn more about drunk driving accident claims.
Other Common Causes
Medical Negligence: Deaths caused by medical negligence, such as surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or medication errors.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Nevada?
Under NRS 41.085, the person's heirs and the personal representative of the estate may each bring a claim, for different losses.
The Heirs
Heirs are the people who would inherit from the person under Nevada law if there were no will, such as a spouse or registered domestic partner and children, and in some cases parents or others. Heirs may claim the losses the family suffers because of the death.
The Personal Representative of the Estate
The personal representative is the person appointed to handle the estate. Depending on the losses claimed, an estate may need to be opened before this kind of claim can go forward.
Every family's situation is different. A lawyer can help your family understand who should bring the claim.
What Compensation Can Families Recover?
Nevada law describes the losses a wrongful death claim may cover. The value of any claim depends on its facts.
Economic Losses
- Loss of probable support the person would have provided
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses from the final injury or illness
Non-Economic Losses
- Grief or sorrow of the surviving family members
- Loss of companionship, society, comfort and consortium
Punitive Damages
In limited cases, Nevada law may allow punitive damages when the conduct involved oppression, fraud, or malice (NRS 42.005).
For more on how damages work in Nevada injury cases, see our guide to personal injury damages in Nevada.
Nevada's Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims
The same two-year period generally applies to wrongful death claims under NRS 11.190(4)(e). The clock generally runs from the date of death, which may be later than the date of the accident. Claims based on medical negligence have different deadlines (NRS 41A.097).
Claims against government entities are subject to special procedural rules and notice requirements under Nevada law.
Our guide to Nevada's personal injury deadlines explains how the deadline works.
Comparative Negligence in Wrongful Death Cases
Your family can recover compensation even if your loved one was partially at fault — as long as their share of fault is 50 percent or less. The recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Learn more about comparative negligence in Nevada.
What to Do First After a Family Member's Death in a Crash
When your family is ready, a few simple steps can help:
- Request copies of the crash or incident report and the death certificate.
- Keep funeral bills, medical bills, and receipts in one place.
- Don't sign forms, releases, or medical authorizations you haven't fully understood, especially if they're only in English. Ask for time to have them explained.
- Ask a lawyer whether an estate needs to be opened or a personal representative appointed.
Help in Your Language
We speak English, Armenian, Russian, and Farsi (Persian). Learn more on our Armenian-speaking, Russian-speaking, and Farsi-speaking personal injury lawyer pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact The Sookiassian Firm
Talk With Us About Your Family's Options
If your family has lost someone because of another person's negligence, you can talk with us about your options. Consultations are free.No attorney's fee unless we recover compensation for you. You may still be responsible for costs.
Lost a family member in an accident? Call (702) 518-8584 or request a free consultation.
We serve families across Clark County from our Downtown Summerlin office.
The Sookiassian Firm, Ltd.
1980 Festival Plaza Dr, Suite 460
Las Vegas, NV 89135 (Downtown Summerlin)
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Phone: (702) 518-8584
We speak English, Armenian, Russian, and Farsi (Persian).
1980 Festival Plaza Dr, Suite 460, Las Vegas, NV 89135