A personal injury can happen when you least expect it. Many out-of-town visitors are seriously hurt after a slip-and-fall at Caesars Palace or a car collision near Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard. If you were hurt while on vacation in Nevada, you may be asking yourself, “Do I need a Las Vegas lawyer if I was injured while visiting on vacation?” Jurisdiction plays a key role in determining where your personal injury claim is heard.
Understanding Tourism and How It Affects Personal Injury Claims in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a premier travel destination that attracts millions of visitors year after year. In 2023, the city welcomed approximately 40.8 million visitors. Of those tourists, 12.85 million came from Southern California. With such a high volume of tourists, accidents that involve people from out of town are far from uncommon. The first step for injured visitors is to learn the basics about jurisdiction and how to determine where personal injury cases are heard.
Why Jurisdiction Matters
When an injury occurs in Las Vegas, the state of Nevada gains jurisdiction over the matter. Specifically, the country where the incident occurs will handle the case according to Nevada’s personal injury laws. To practice law in Nevada, an attorney must be licensed in the state. This means an out-of-state lawyer must also be admitted to the Nevada Bar to represent injured clients in Clark County’s Eighth Judicial District Court.
Common Tourist Injuries
The same types of personal injuries that occur elsewhere happen in Clark County. Common causes of personal injuries include car collisions, slips and falls, physical assaults, and pedestrian accidents. In early 2025, for example, two people were hospitalized after a four-vehicle crash in southwest Las Vegas caused by a driver failing to yield at a flashing yellow arrow.
Traffic and Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities
Many out-of-town visitors rent cars and walk along busy areas like the Strip. A deadly car collision could leave surviving loved ones who live out of state facing a wrongful death claim. Clark County, which encompasses Las Vegas, accounted for 246 of the state’s traffic deaths in 2023. In 2022, the county reported 88 pedestrian fatalities, while Nevada experienced 15 bicyclist fatalities. The following year, there were 135 roadway fatalities tied to drunk driving.
What to Expect When Filing an Out-of-State Injury Claim
Filing a personal injury claim in Nevada as an out-of-state visitor involves several important steps that begin by finding the right legal guidance. If your injury occurred in Las Vegas, the claim will fall under Nevada jurisdiction and be handled in Clark County’s Eighth Judicial District Court. Your attorney must be licensed to practice law in Nevada or work with a local attorney who is.
Nevada’s civil courts handle personal injuries similarly to other states. Your lawyer can collect evidence to support your claim. This can include medical records, witness statements, and police records.
Most of the work can be handled remotely, and the defendant may make a settlement offer that allows you to forgo multiple visits to Nevada. If your case goes to trial, your personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas can help you prepare to testify and take other steps needed to secure a successful outcome for your case. Having a legal representative who understands Nevada’s injury laws can help you maximize the compensation you receive through a settlement or favorable court verdict.
FAQs
Q: What Happens if You Get Hurt While Visiting Las Vegas?
A: If you are injured while visiting Las Vegas, you may still file a personal injury claim under Nevada law. Whether the injury happened at a hotel, casino, restaurant, or in traffic, out-of-state visitors have the same legal rights as residents. It is important to document the incident, seek medical attention, and consult someone familiar with local personal injury procedures.
Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Las Vegas?
A: In Nevada, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. This deadline applies whether you live in Nevada or were injured while visiting. If the claim is not filed within that time, you may lose your right to recover compensation. Keeping track of deadlines is especially important when traveling.
Q: What Must an Injured Guest Prove in a Hotel Injury Claim?
A: A guest must show that the hotel had a duty to maintain safe premises, that it failed to do so, and that the failure caused the injury. Common examples include unmarked hazards, negligent security, or unsafe conditions. Evidence such as photos, medical records, and witness statements can support the claim and help establish liability for the harm suffered.
Q: Do I Need a Nevada-Licensed Attorney to File a Claim if I Live Out of State?
A: Yes, the attorney handling your case must be licensed to practice in Nevada. If your lawyer is not licensed in the state, they may work with a Nevada attorney to handle the claim locally. This allows you to pursue compensation without needing to travel back and forth or manage the case on your own. Your personal attorney can coordinate with the out-of-state lawyer to keep you informed on your case’s progress.
Q: Can Visitors Recover Damages After a Car Accident in Las Vegas?
A: Yes. If you were injured in a car accident while visiting Las Vegas, you may file a claim for medical bills, lost income, and other losses. Nevada uses a fault-based system, so the at-fault driver is generally responsible for damages. Visitors can pursue compensation through insurance claims or civil actions even if they return home before the case is resolved.
Injured on Vacation? Let Easton & Easton Handle Your Case
Getting hurt while visiting Las Vegas can leave you dealing with multiple challenges, including how to navigate an insurance or personal injury claim once you return to your home state. A local attorney who understands Nevada’s laws can protect your rights and take the stress off your shoulders.
At Easton & Easton, we represent out-of-state visitors who were injured during their stay in Las Vegas. Our team knows how to manage cross-state challenges and can handle the legal process while you focus on healing. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
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