Can I Sue if a Loved One Was Killed in a Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident?
The death of a loved one is one of the worst experiences one can face in their lifetime. When your loved one’s death is preventable – such as in a pedestrian accident caused by a driver’s negligence – you are entitled to compensation.
Pedestrian accidents can occur because of many reasons, including driver negligence, distracted driving, or reckless driving. When this happens, the surviving family members may have the legal right to sue the person or entity responsible for their loved one’s death and seek compensation for the wrongful death.
Our Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer at Cameron Law can explain the legal options available to you if your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident.
Pedestrian Accidents & Wrongful Death
Pedestrian accidents can be fatal, causing severe injuries or leading to the loss of life. These accidents are usually caused by the negligence of drivers who may not be paying attention to the road, driving too fast, or failing to follow traffic laws. When a pedestrian is involved in an accident and dies, the incident can result in a wrongful death claim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Nevada?
The personal representative of the estate and the deceased person’s intestate heirs can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Nevada (Nevada Revised Statutes § 41.085).
This usually includes parents, spouses, and children of the deceased. The personal representative of the estate is the person named in the will as the administrator or executor of the deceased person’s estate. If there is no will, Nevada intestacy laws designate someone to act as the deceased person’s estate representative.
Wrongful Death Damages
If someone dies in a pedestrian accident, the personal representative or heirs can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for their losses. Some common types of wrongful death damages include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to the deceased person’s injuries
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering that the victim experienced before they died
- Loss of potential inheritance, companionship, and parental guidance
These and other types of damages may be available in a wrongful death lawsuit. Damages are awarded to the deceased person’s surviving family members. It is critical to seek legal guidance from a qualified wrongful death lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, build a strong case and handle the court proceedings.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Cases in Nevada
In Nevada, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the death of the person. Legal representatives should not wait until the last minute to start the wrongful death claim process. Two years might seem like a lot of time, but the process of investigating, building the case, and filing it in court can be a long and complex process.
Get Your Free Consultation
Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident can be an emotional experience with significant consequences. However, if your loved one died because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit and hold the responsible party accountable. If you are considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit, contact our lawyer at Cameron Law to discuss your case during a free consultation. Call 702-745-4545.
Source:
leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-041.html#NRS041Sec085
