Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Las Vegas
A catastrophic injury is one that permanently changes how a person lives or works. Spinal cord damage, a serious brain injury, an amputation, and severe burns are the most common examples. The legal claim has to pay for care and lost earnings that reach years into the future, and it can only be settled once.
Ace Lakhani Law Firm acts for people with catastrophic injuries, and the families who care for them, in Las Vegas and the rest of Clark County. Ace Lakhani, a Las Vegas catastrophic injury lawyer, is involved in every case the firm takes, so the family deals with the attorney directly.
Injuries These Claims Involve
- Spinal cord injuries, including partial or complete paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Severe burns and permanent scarring
- Loss of sight or hearing
- Organ damage
Why a Catastrophic Injury Claim is Valued Differently
In most injury claims, the medical bills are already known. In a catastrophic claim, most of the cost has not happened yet, so the main task is proving what the future will require.
We work with medical experts and life care planners to set out the treatment, equipment, home changes, and daily help the injured person is likely to need. An economist or vocational expert can then estimate the earnings lost over a working life.
The timing of a settlement matters as well. A settlement is final, so it should not be signed before doctors can describe the long-term condition. If that point is still months away, a lawsuit can be filed to protect the claim while treatment continues.
Where the Compensation Comes From
One insurance policy is rarely enough. Nevada drivers are only required to carry $25,000 per person in liability coverage (NRS 485.185), far less than a catastrophic injury costs. Our first job is to find every party and policy that may be responsible:
- The at-fault driver, and the employer if the driver was working. Our car accident attorney and truck accident lawyer handle these claims.
- A property owner or manager who left a hazard in place, which our slip and fall lawyer handles.
- The owner of a dog that attacked, a claim covered by our dog bite attorney.
- The maker or seller of a defective product.
- Your own underinsured motorist coverage.
Nevada Rules That Affect the Claim
Two-year deadline: Nevada gives most injured people two years to file a lawsuit (NRS 11.190(4)(e)). When the injured person is a child, the time generally does not run until they turn 18 (NRS 11.250).
Shared fault: NRS 41.141 lowers an award by the injured person’s percentage of fault and blocks recovery when that percentage is greater than the defendants’. In a large claim, each percentage point is worth arguing over.
Injuries at work: Workers’ compensation covers a job injury, but it does not stop a claim against someone other than the employer or a co-worker who caused it, such as an outside contractor or an equipment maker (NRS 616C.215). The workers’ compensation insurer has a right to be repaid from that recovery.
What Compensation Can Cover
- Hospital and rehabilitation costs to date
- Future medical care and equipment
- In-home help
- Changes to a home or vehicle
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A husband or wife may also have a claim of their own for loss of companionship.
How Ace Lakhani Law Firm Handles These Cases
We start by securing evidence that can disappear, such as vehicle data and camera footage. We then identify the insurance available and bring in the experts needed to document future costs.
Health insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid often ask to be repaid from a settlement. We deal with those claims before any money is distributed, so the family knows the real figure.
When an insurer’s offer does not cover the documented losses, we are prepared to file a lawsuit, usually in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Las Vegas.
Why Families Work With Ace Lakhani
Ace Lakhani’s experience covers personal injury, insurance law, and commercial litigation. He is a graduate of the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV and a member of the Nevada bar. More about Ace Lakhani.
There is no charge for the first meeting. The firm is paid a percentage of the recovery, and no attorney’s fee is owed if there is none.
Contact Our Las Vegas Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
Call 702.814.4000 or book a free consultation online to speak with a catastrophic injury attorney. A family member can make the first call if the injured person is still in the hospital.
Catastrophic Injury FAQs
Should I wait until treatment is finished before I settle?
You do not have to wait until treatment ends, but you should wait until doctors can say what care you will need in the long term. A settlement cannot be reopened if the injury turns out to be worse. The two-year filing deadline still applies in the meantime.
Is there a limit on what I can recover in Nevada?
In most injury cases, Nevada law sets no fixed limit on compensation for medical costs, lost earnings, or pain and suffering. There are exceptions. A claim against the state, a county, or a city is limited to $200,000 (NRS 41.035), and medical malpractice claims have their own limits.
Can a family member bring the claim if the injured person cannot make decisions?
Generally, yes. When an adult cannot manage their own affairs, a court can appoint a guardian, and the guardian can bring the claim on that person’s behalf. A child’s claim is brought by a parent or guardian.
Will my health insurer be paid back from the settlement?
Often, yes. A health plan that paid for treatment may have a right to reimbursement, and so may Medicare or Medicaid. The amount can sometimes be reduced, and it is settled before the client receives the balance.
Can punitive damages be added to a catastrophic injury claim?
Only in limited cases. Nevada allows them when there is clear and convincing evidence of oppression, fraud, or malice (NRS 42.005). Ordinary carelessness does not meet that standard. In most cases the amount is capped at three times the compensatory award when that award is $100,000 or more.
Auto Accidents
Injured in a crash? Our experienced car accident attorneys in Las Vegas fight for compensation after auto, rideshare, and commercial vehicle accidents.
Catastrophic InjuryWe represent victims of life-altering injuries including brain trauma, paralysis, and spinal damage. Trust our catastrophic injury lawyers in Las Vegas.
Dog BitesBitten by a dog in Las Vegas? Our skilled dog bite attorneys help you claim medical costs and damages from the responsible party.
Drunk DrivingIf you or someone you love was hit by a drunk driver, our experienced DUI accident lawyers in Las Vegas can help you hold them accountable and recover compensation.
Wrongful DeathLosing a loved one due to negligence is devastating. Our wrongful death attorneys in Las Vegas fight for justice and financial recovery on your family's behalf.
Slip and FallsWhether you fell in a store or on private property, our slip and fall lawyers in Las Vegas will help you recover for your injuries.
Truck AccidentsFacing a serious injury from a truck crash? Our Las Vegas truck accident attorneys hold negligent drivers and companies accountable.
Sexual Abuse & AssaultOur attorneys represent survivors of sexual abuse and assault and pursue accountability from the people and institutions responsible.
