Skip to Main Content

CALL NOW FOR FREE CONSULTATION. YOU PAY NOTHING UNTIL WE WIN!

(702) 970-4222

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

• FAQ

If you were hurt in an accident, you may be wondering what a personal injury lawyer actually does, day-to-day, and what value they add beyond “handling paperwork.” In Nevada, a personal injury lawyer’s job is to develop admissible proof of liability and damages, comply with Nevada procedure and deadlines, negotiate from a position of strength, and, when necessary, present your case to a judge or jury under Nevada law.

A good Nevada personal injury lawyer also has to follow strict professional duties to the client, including duties of communication, loyalty, confidentiality, and proper handling of settlement funds (Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.4; Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.6; Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.7; Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.15).

The “legal core” of most Nevada personal injury cases

Most Nevada personal injury cases are negligence cases. To prevail on a negligence claim in Nevada, a plaintiff must prove four elements: (1) duty, (2) breach, (3) legal causation, and (4) damages (Turner v. Mandalay Sports Entm’t, LLC, 124 Nev. 213, 217, 180 P.3d 1172, 1175 (2008); Clark Cnty. Sch. Dist. v. Payo, 133 Nev. 626, 629, 403 P.3d 228, 232 (2017)).

That sounds simple, but building those elements with credible evidence, and defending against common defenses, is where the work is.

Nevada also follows modified comparative negligence, meaning a plaintiff’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault, and barred if their negligence is greater than the negligence of the defendant (or the combined negligence of multiple defendants) (NRS 41.141(1)-(2)).

What a Nevada personal injury lawyer does from start to finish

1) Evaluate whether there is a viable claim under Nevada law

Early on, your lawyer should analyze:

  • Who owed a duty and what the duty was, based on the setting (roadway collision, premises liability, product case, dog bite, etc.) (Turner, 124 Nev. at 217, 180 P.3d at 1175).
  • What evidence shows breach, including statutes, safety rules, witness testimony, photos/video, and expert analysis.
  • Causation (what the incident caused, and what it did not cause), and whether expert testimony will be required (Payo, 133 Nev. at 629-30, 403 P.3d at 232; Morsicato v. Sav-On Drug Stores, Inc., 121 Nev. 153, 158-59, 111 P.3d 1112, 1115-16 (2005)).
  • Damages, both economic (medical expenses, wage loss) and noneconomic (pain and suffering).

This early evaluation also includes identifying defenses, especially comparative fault (NRS 41.141).

2) Protect deadlines and prevent “silent case killers”

A major function of counsel is simply making sure your claim does not die because of time limits.

In Nevada, many personal injury claims are subject to a two-year limitations period (NRS 11.190(4)(e)). Missing a limitations deadline can expose an attorney to malpractice liability, and Nevada case law recognizes legal malpractice claims where attorney negligence causes damages (Semenza v. Nev. Med. Liab. Ins. Co., 104 Nev. 666, 668, 765 P.2d 184, 185 (1988); Allyn v. McDonald, 112 Nev. 68, 73-74, 910 P.2d 263, 266-67 (1996)).

A careful lawyer calendars not only the statute of limitations, but also procedural deadlines once suit is filed (disclosures, experts, discovery cutoffs, and dispositive motion deadlines).

3) Investigate and preserve evidence (before it disappears)

Strong personal injury cases are built early.

Your lawyer may:

  • Obtain or preserve video (business surveillance, dashcam, bodycam, traffic cameras).
  • Document vehicle damage, scene measurements, and roadway conditions.
  • Identify witnesses and secure recorded statements.
  • Preserve electronic data (event data recorders, app logs, fleet telematics).
  • Send preservation notices and, if needed, pursue court remedies when evidence is at risk.

Nevada courts recognize remedies and sanctions for spoliation of evidence in appropriate circumstances (Bass-Davis v. Davis, 134 Nev. 247, 252-53, 415 P.3d 952, 957 (2018); Stubli v. Big D Int’l Trucks, Inc., 107 Nev. 309, 311-12, 810 P.2d 785, 786-87 (1991)). Nevada law also recognizes an inference related to willful suppression of evidence (NRS 47.250(3)).

4) Build the medical and causation proof the way Nevada requires

A personal injury lawyer is not your doctor, and should not practice medicine. But a lawyer does coordinate the legal proof needed to connect medical harm to the event.

Key point under Nevada law: when medical causation is not within common knowledge, expert medical testimony is required (Morsicato, 121 Nev. at 158-59, 111 P.3d at 1115-16).

That is why lawyers focus on:

  • Collecting complete records (EMS, ER, imaging, PT, specialists).
  • Identifying preexisting conditions and distinguishing aggravation from unrelated issues.
  • Developing a clear causation narrative that fits Nevada’s “legal causation” requirement (Payo, 133 Nev. at 629-30, 403 P.3d at 232).

5) Calculate damages and gather admissible proof

Damages are not just “the bills.” A lawyer typically develops proof of:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost income and diminished earning capacity
  • Household services
  • Pain, suffering, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life

Nevada’s collateral source principles and medical billing case law can matter in evaluating medical specials and how they are presented:

  • Nevada recognizes the collateral source rule in personal injury damages (Proctor v. Castelletti, 112 Nev. 88, 91-93, 911 P.2d 853, 855-56 (1996)).
  • Nevada also has important decisions addressing medical charges, assignments, and the relationship between billed amounts and amounts actually paid or owed in certain contexts (Khoury v. Seastrand, 132 Nev. 520, 523-27, 377 P.3d 81, 84-87 (2016)).

If punitive damages may be in play, counsel evaluates whether the facts can meet Nevada’s punitive standard and statutory framework (NRS 42.005; Bongiovi v. Sullivan, 122 Nev. 556, 579-80, 138 P.3d 433, 450-51 (2006)).

6) Handle the insurance process strategically (and lawfully)

Much of personal injury practice is insurance practice.

A lawyer typically:

  • Identifies all available coverages (liability, MedPay, UM/UIM, umbrella, commercial policies).
  • Builds a demand package supported by records and proof of liability and damages.
  • Manages communications so the client does not get boxed into inaccurate statements.

Nevada has statutes governing unfair insurance claims practices (NRS 686A.310). Nevada case law also distinguishes between first-party and third-party bad faith concepts, and the remedies available (Pemberton v. Farmers Ins. Exch., 109 Nev. 789, 791-94, 858 P.2d 380, 382-84 (1993); Gunny v. Allstate Ins. Co., 108 Nev. 344, 346-47, 830 P.2d 1335, 1336-37 (1992)).

7) Negotiate settlement and document it correctly

Settlements end most cases, but “handshake deals” can go sideways.

In Nevada, a settlement agreement is generally treated as a contract, and enforcement issues can become real litigation (May v. Anderson, 121 Nev. 668, 672-73, 119 P.3d 1254, 1257-58 (2005)).

Ethically, the client decides whether to accept a settlement offer (Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.2(a)), and the lawyer must keep the client informed and communicate offers so the client can make informed decisions (Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.4).

Nevada case law also addresses the seriousness of ensuring proper authority and accuracy in settlement documentation (NC-DSH, Inc. v. Garner, 125 Nev. 647, 653-57, 218 P.3d 853, 857-60 (2009)).

8) File suit and litigate under Nevada procedure when necessary

If the insurer will not pay fair value, a lawyer may file a lawsuit and litigate through:

  • Pleadings and motion practice
  • Discovery (documents, subpoenas, depositions)
  • Expert disclosures and expert discovery
  • Mediation/settlement conferences
  • Trial

Nevada’s mandatory pretrial discovery and disclosure framework is a major part of civil litigation practice (NRCP 16.1).

Counsel may also use Nevada’s offer-of-judgment framework as a settlement tool with real fee and cost consequences if mishandled (NRCP 68; NRS 17.117; Beattie v. Thomas, 99 Nev. 579, 588-89, 668 P.2d 268, 274 (1983); Dillard Dep’t Stores, Inc. v. Beckwith, 115 Nev. 372, 380, 989 P.2d 882, 887 (1999)).

9) Handle liens and distribute settlement funds the right way

After settlement, there is often a second phase: resolving liens and final distribution.

A Nevada personal injury lawyer must:

  • Provide a proper closing statement in contingency matters (Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.5(c)).
  • Safeguard and properly distribute client funds, including holding disputed funds separately when required (Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.15).

Nevada law recognizes attorney liens, including charging and retaining liens, and has detailed case law interpreting lien attachment and procedure (NRS 18.015; Leventhal v. Black & LoBello, 129 Nev. 472, 476-79, 305 P.3d 907, 910-12 (2013); Argentena Consol. Mining Co. v. Jolley Urga Wirth Woodbury & Standish, 125 Nev. 527, 531-35, 216 P.3d 779, 782-85 (2009); Figliuzzi v. Dist. Ct., 111 Nev. 338, 343-45, 890 P.2d 798, 801-02 (1995); Morse v. Dist. Ct., 65 Nev. 275, 281-87, 195 P.2d 199, 202-05 (1948)).

What a personal injury lawyer is ethically required to do for the client

Even if you never file a lawsuit, Nevada professional duties still control the attorney’s work.

In plain English, your lawyer must:

  • Be competent and prepared (Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.1).
  • Act with diligence (Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.3).
  • Communicate and keep you informed (Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.4).
  • Avoid conflicts of interest, protect loyalty and confidentiality (Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.6; Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.7; Stalk v. Mushkin, 125 Nev. 21, 30-33, 199 P.3d 838, 844-46 (2009)).
  • Charge reasonable fees and use proper written contingency agreements (Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.5(a), (c); Brunzell v. Golden Gate Nat’l Bank, 85 Nev. 345, 349, 455 P.2d 31, 33 (1969)).
  • Handle settlement funds correctly (Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.15).

Nevada also recognizes that professional conduct rules can be relevant evidence concerning the standard of care in a malpractice case (Mainor v. Nault, 120 Nev. 750, 768-69, 101 P.3d 308, 320-21 (2004)).

FAQs

Do I pay a personal injury lawyer up front?
Most personal injury cases are handled under contingency fee agreements, which must be in writing and signed by the client under Nevada’s professional rules (Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.5(c)).

Can a lawyer settle my case without my permission?
The client decides whether to accept a settlement (Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.2(a)), and Nevada case law underscores the importance of proper authority and accuracy in settlement practice (NC-DSH, 125 Nev. at 653-57, 218 P.3d at 857-60).

What if I am partly at fault?
Nevada’s comparative negligence statute can reduce recovery, and can bar recovery if the plaintiff’s negligence is greater than the defendant’s (NRS 41.141).

Nevada legal authorities cited

Statutes

  • NRS 11.190(4)(e)
  • NRS 17.117
  • NRS 18.015
  • NRS 41.141
  • NRS 42.005
  • NRS 47.250(3)
  • NRS 686A.310

Nevada Rules

  • NRCP 16.1
  • NRCP 68
  • Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.1
  • Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.2
  • Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.3
  • Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.4
  • Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.5
  • Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.6
  • Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.7
  • Nev. R. Prof’l Conduct 1.15

Cases

  • Allyn v. McDonald, 112 Nev. 68, 910 P.2d 263 (1996).
  • Argentena Consol. Mining Co. v. Jolley Urga Wirth Woodbury & Standish, 125 Nev. 527, 216 P.3d 779 (2009).
  • Banks ex rel. Banks v. Sunrise Hosp., 120 Nev. 822, 102 P.3d 52 (2004).
  • Bass-Davis v. Davis, 134 Nev. 247, 415 P.3d 952 (2018).
  • Beattie v. Thomas, 99 Nev. 579, 668 P.2d 268 (1983).
  • Bongiovi v. Sullivan, 122 Nev. 556, 138 P.3d 433 (2006).
  • Brunzell v. Golden Gate Nat’l Bank, 85 Nev. 345, 455 P.2d 31 (1969).
  • Clark Cnty. Sch. Dist. v. Payo, 133 Nev. 626, 403 P.3d 228 (2017).
  • Dillard Dep’t Stores, Inc. v. Beckwith, 115 Nev. 372, 989 P.2d 882 (1999).
  • Figliuzzi v. Dist. Ct., 111 Nev. 338, 890 P.2d 798 (1995).
  • Gunny v. Allstate Ins. Co., 108 Nev. 344, 830 P.2d 1335 (1992).
  • Khoury v. Seastrand, 132 Nev. 520, 377 P.3d 81 (2016).
  • Leventhal v. Black & LoBello, 129 Nev. 472, 305 P.3d 907 (2013).
  • Mainor v. Nault, 120 Nev. 750, 101 P.3d 308 (2004).
  • May v. Anderson, 121 Nev. 668, 119 P.3d 1254 (2005).
  • Morse v. Dist. Ct., 65 Nev. 275, 195 P.2d 199 (1948).
  • Morsicato v. Sav-On Drug Stores, Inc., 121 Nev. 153, 111 P.3d 1112 (2005).
  • NC-DSH, Inc. v. Garner, 125 Nev. 647, 218 P.3d 853 (2009).
  • Pemberton v. Farmers Ins. Exch., 109 Nev. 789, 858 P.2d 380 (1993).
  • Proctor v. Castelletti, 112 Nev. 88, 911 P.2d 853 (1996).
  • Semenza v. Nev. Med. Liab. Ins. Co., 104 Nev. 666, 765 P.2d 184 (1988).
  • Stalk v. Mushkin, 125 Nev. 21, 199 P.3d 838 (2009).
  • Stubli v. Big D Int’l Trucks, Inc., 107 Nev. 309, 810 P.2d 785 (1991).
  • Turner v. Mandalay Sports Entm’t, LLC, 124 Nev. 213, 180 P.3d 1172 (2008).
  • Warmbrodt v. Blanchard, 100 Nev. 703, 692 P.2d 1282 (1984).

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case turns on its specific facts.

If you need assistance with your personal injury case, don’t hesitate to contact Friedman Injury Law.


Friedman Injury Law
375 N. Stephanie St., Ste. 1411
Henderson, NV 89014
P: (702) 970-4222
W: blakefriedmanlaw.com

@friedmaninjurylaw_