How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Case in Nevada?

The Nevada Deadline for Filing a Wrongful Death Case

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is:

• Two years from the date of death (NRS 11.190(4)(e)).

This means that from the day your loved one passes away, you generally have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court.

If you miss this deadline, your family may lose the legal right to pursue compensation—even if the case is strong and negligence is clear.

Why Two Years Can Go by Quickly

At first, two years may sound like plenty of time. But in reality, the window can close much faster than families realize. Consider what often happens after a tragic loss:

• Funeral and burial arrangements take immediate priority.

• Medical bills and paperwork must be handled.

• Families often need time to grieve before even thinking about legal matters.

• Insurance companies may begin contacting you quickly, trying to settle for less before you know your rights.

• Evidence can fade fast—surveillance video may be erased within weeks, witnesses may move or forget details, and accident scenes change quickly.

That’s why contacting an experienced Las Vegas wrongful death attorney like Ryan Alexander as soon as possible is critical. Acting early ensures your case is preserved and built with the strongest evidence available.

Are There Exceptions to Nevada’s Two-Year Deadline?

Yes, in some circumstances, exceptions may extend or shorten the statute of limitations:

1. Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death
   If a wrongful death arises from medical negligence, Nevada law may have different timelines. Families often still have two years, but certain medical malpractice discovery rules can affect the filing deadline.

2. Government Liability Cases
   If the wrongful death involves a government entity (such as a city vehicle accident or negligence in a public hospital), additional notice requirements apply—and deadlines can be much shorter.

3. Discovery Rule
   In some cases, if the cause of death was not immediately clear, the clock may start when the family reasonably should have discovered the negligence. However, courts apply this narrowly.

Because exceptions are rare and often complicated, it’s always best to consult with a wrongful death attorney immediately rather than risk missing the deadline.

Why Filing Early Gives Families the Advantage

Even though the law allows two years, waiting is rarely in your best interest. Filing early offers major advantages:

• Preservation of Evidence – Accident reports, security camera footage, phone records, and eyewitness testimony can all disappear quickly.

• Stronger Negotiation Power – Insurance companies know families who act quickly are serious about their case, which often leads to fairer settlement offers.

• Peace of Mind – Knowing your case is in the hands of an experienced attorney like Ryan Alexander allows you to focus on grieving and healing, rather than worrying about deadlines.

• More Time to Build the Case – Complex cases, such as truck accidents, medical malpractice, or product liability, require expert testimony and detailed investigation. Early action gives your attorney the time needed to build the strongest case possible.

What Happens if the Deadline Passes?

If the statute of limitations expires, the court will likely dismiss the case—even if it is otherwise valid. Insurance companies know this, which is why they sometimes drag out conversations with grieving families in hopes that the clock will run out.

This is one of the many reasons why you should never try to navigate a wrongful death claim alone. Ryan Alexander, a trusted Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer, ensures that deadlines are never missed and that insurance companies don’t take advantage of your family’s grief.

Real-Life Example: Deadlines Matter

Imagine a family who loses a loved one in a tragic truck accident on I-15 in Las Vegas. Distraught, they delay speaking to a lawyer for nearly two years, assuming they have plenty of time. By the time they finally reach out, crucial evidence—like the truck’s black box data and driver logs—has been destroyed, and the two-year filing window has already closed.

Unfortunately, this means the family cannot pursue compensation or justice, despite the negligence being clear.

This heartbreaking example highlights why contacting an attorney early is so important.

Ryan Alexander: Protecting Las Vegas Families After Tragedy

When your family is grieving, the last thing you should worry about is legal deadlines. That’s why Ryan Alexander is here to take immediate action. With years of experience handling wrongful death claims in Nevada, Ryan:

• Knows the local laws, courts, and insurance company tactics.

• Moves quickly to preserve evidence and file on time.

• Provides compassionate guidance while aggressively pursuing justice.

• Has built a reputation as one of the best wrongful death attorneys in Las Vegas.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait—Act Now to Protect Your Rights

So, how long do you have to file a wrongful death case in Nevada? Two years from the date of death. But waiting that long can put your family’s future at risk.

If you have lost a loved one due to negligence, contact Attorney Ryan Alexander today for a free consultation. He will guide you through the process, ensure deadlines are met, and fight to secure justice for your family.

Because when it comes to wrongful death cases in Las Vegas, time matters—and so does having the right attorney by your side.