Legal Blog by Las Vegas based Richard Harris Law Firm

 

Liability in Multiple Vehicle Accidents

Getting in an accident can be a traumatic experience in itself.

It is usually not too difficult to determine the party responsible for the accident when there are 1 or 2 cars involved.

When all the facts are looked at and considered liability will be put on the person that is the most responsible for the accident.

Being involved in a multiple vehicles crash can really be scary and confusing and determining who was at fault may take more time and consideration to figure out. All the reasons you need a lawyer.

Proving who is at fault for the accident may be even more difficult.

It is important to have the help of a personal injury attorney that has experience and understands multiple vehicle accidents in the state of Nevada.

Always Be Careful

With the more people involved in an accident the more that insurance companies will try and fight to relieve their clients of fault.

It will be necessary to make a case that will prove that the person that caused the accident is the one liable.

Law enforcement and insurance adjusters will all be involved in the process.

Sometimes there is more than one party liable for the damages which can make it difficult to reach a settlement.

The Law Offices of Richard Harris understands what it takes to protect your rights and win a multiple vehicle accident case.

Give us a call today.

 

Different Types of Multiple Car Accidents

Whenever a driver losses control of their vehicle there is always a chance that they will involve more than one car, truck, or SUV in a crash.

This type of multi vehicle accident happens all the time in the Las Vegas Valley.

When one car hits another and then that car collides with someone else is common.

Rear end accidents are the most common of these types where the car is struck from behind and then gets pushed into the car in front of them creating a chain reaction.

Depending on how much traffic there is and the speed of the crash will often determine how many other vehicles are involved.

This can happen for a long list of reasons including;

Driving Distracted – A driver not paying attention can often lead to a crash from behind and a multiple car pile-up. On the busy streets of Las Vegas with billboards and sightseeing tourists it is easy to see how an event like this can occur.

Our phones have become the most major distraction for everyone. Looking down and checking a text or map can be the reason a multiple vehicle accident takes place.

Weather – When there is rain the chance for an accident increases. The roads get wet which makes for a dangerous street. Lack of visibility in rain storms can create havoc. If there is fog on the freeway a semi-truck can be deadly if driving recklessly. Not being able to judge the distance of the vehicles in front of you can be disastrous if you need to quickly apply the brakes.

Skidding across the wet road out of control is a problem. A large truck can jackknife into other lanes of traffic causing the other vehicles to crash into them. Swerving to miss a vehicle and then hitting another can also happen in these accidents. Sometimes there is nowhere else to go but to crash into another vehicle.

DUI – Driving intoxicated is a major problem in Las Vegas. Many multiple vehicle accidents take place due to this reason. Some recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show that everyday approximately 32 people will die in the US in DUI related accidents.

Alcohol has a negative affect on a persons nervous system which puts everyone in danger if sharing the road with a drunk driver.

Loss of concentration, bad judgement, lack of self-control, and impaired perception all translate into a much higher risk for an accident.

Las Vegas is a 24-hour town and drinking and driving are always a danger on our streets.

Multiple vehicle accidents can happen in an instant.

 

 

Some Dangerous Intersections in Vegas Valley

Some of the most dangerous and busiest streets where multiple vehicle crashes can occur in Nevada are in the Las Vegas Valley.

Because of the increase of car accidents we built a traffic accident video command center to view and record camera footage.

High traffic areas and drivers speeding can be dangerous.

• Tropicana Avenue and Decatur Boulevard
• Charleston Boulevard and Rainbow Boulevard
• Sahara Avenue and Decatur Boulevard
• Maryland Parkway and Desert Inn Road
• Boulder Highway and Flamingo Road
• Sunset Road and Green Valley Parkway

Some of the busiest and dangerous highways of the Vegas Valley include the I-15, and 215.

Big rig crashes have been known to do some serious damage in multiple vehicle crashes on these roads, even resulting in death.

 

 

Determining Fault in A Multi Vehicle Accident?

Determining who is at fault in an accident with multiple vehicles can be complex.

Who is at fault will be the one that will be held liable for the damages left behind.

Establishing the driver responsible will take the consideration of all the facts and analysis of the accident and circumstances.

If a driver was intoxicated or found to be distracted or driving recklessly and breaking the laws of the road, they can be held responsible.

In multiple car crashes there can be more than one driver at fault.

Modified Comparative Negligence – This is a term for a law that can hold each driver responsible for the costs in amount to their percentage of their fault in the accident. Nevada is a modified comparative negligence state with a threshold of 51%. You can collect from another party if you were responsible for the accident up to 50%. If you were responsible 51% then you can’t seek compensation.

It is important to seek the representation of an experienced multiple car accident attorney in order to protect your rights and be compensated for the damages.

The Law Offices of Richard Harris are here to help answer any questions that you may have.

 

 

How Long Does It Take to Be Compensated in a Multi Vehicle Accident?

Getting fully compensated for damages in a Nevada car accident will not come without a fight.

Insurance companies will do their best to try an avoid a big payout.

They will offer much less usually on their first offer amount.

The better representation that you have the better your chances at getting the highest amount of compensation.

When there is a multiple vehicle accident with injuries the compensation will be determined by many different factors.

Some of these include;

1. cost of the damage to your vehicle
2. health and medical costs now and in the future
3. and lost wages due to the fact that you are unable to work.

If the injury is serious and long-term care is needed this will have to be considered.

Pain and suffering are always a calculation that we will measure in the lawsuit.

If there is emotional suffering than mental health care and attention will be part of the damages.

These are just some aspects that determine the amount of compensation we will go after.

We will fight to get you full and just compensation.

 

 

What To Do After a Multiple Vehicle Accident in Nevada

A multiple vehicle accident can be overwhelming, stressful and injuries are often part of it.

Hopefully the injuries are minor but severe injuries can be life changing and even deadly.

There are some things that can help you if you are aware and can stay calm after a crash.

1. Try and get yourself and the vehicle off the road to a safe spot if possible.
2. Check and see if you or anyone are injured in the wreck.
3. Call the police and report the accident.
4. Call for medical care and an ambulance if there is any sign of injury.
5. Don’t talk about who is at fault to anyone.
6. Get the phone out and take pictures, video, of everything involved in the accident and the surrounding area to get the entire picture of what happened.
7. Get contact information, drivers license, license plate, insurance etc.
8. Witnesses are always valuable and important to help your case.
9. Call The Richard Harris Law Firm

Getting Richard Harris in your corner is a great decision.

Our lawyers have worked on all types of personal injury cases in Nevada including multiple vehicle accidents.

We know how to take on the big insurance companies that will throw up road blocks.

Hire The Best Injury Lawyers In Vegas

Our attorneys are expert negotiators and trial lawyers.

Richard Harris has been servicing the Las Vegas Valley since 1980.

That is a lifetime of experience.

We will help you put together a winning case and get the maximum compensation that you deserve.

By the way, we have won over $1 Billion for our clients.

We take cases on a contingency basis.

We get paid only if we win your case.

There is no need to go through an accident like this alone.

We will be with you every step of the way.

Call, email or just come by the office for a free consultation.

 

 

Chest Pain After Car Crash

If you have chest pain after a car accident you need to seek medical attention immediately. Don’t just assume the pain will go away because you might be seriously injured and need medical care ASAP.

The problem with chest injuries in a car accident is that they are not always obvious.

You may think that the pain will go away and therefore not seek immediate medical attention.

The chest being injured is nothing to mess around with and serious issues can arise days after the injury occurs.

There are some accidents where the chest area is impacted and right away you know that there is a serious problem.

There is no hiding the pain of broken or cracked ribs after an accident.

The problem sometimes is that a person after an injury may feel like it will heal up on its own and not get to a doctor when they should have been checked out.

This can lead to serious medical complications down the line.

Get to a doctor and get the proper diagnosis of the injury.

It is important to also seek a personal injury car accident attorney.

Who Was At Fault

If the injury was due to the fault of another than you may be able to seek compensation.

Getting a chest injury can land you in the hospital and may take some time to heal.

This will inevitably lead to doctors’ visits and medical bills.

We all know how expensive getting medical attention can be.

It can add up quickly and be overwhelming and stressful.

The Richard Harris Law Firm will give you a free consultation after an accident.

If there is a case, we will fight for getting you the just and maximum compensation for the damages from the accident.

If you were not at fault than you should not be paying for all the expenses from the accident.

 Call The Law Offices of Richard Harris Today!

 

 

Causes for A Chest Injury in A Car Accident

Getting in a car accident can cause all types of injuries.

An injury to the chest can be painful and dangerous if not treated with medical attention immediately.

The part of the body between your neck and your stomach area are vulnerable in a crash.

Getting knocked around in an accident is normal and depending on how hard the impact is can determine how bad the injuries are.

Seatbelts, airbags, steering wheels, and doors can all cause injuries.

If you are a passenger in the back seat than also hitting the back of the front seats can also be damaging.

 

Accidents That Cause Injuries

Of course car accidents happen for many reasons in Nevada, but we listed some of the most common situations below.

Rear-end

Head on

T-bone

Parking lot

Rollover

 

 

Chest Injuries from Airbags

An airbag can be a blessing in some crashes but can also cause injury in others.

An airbag injury can happen if there is a malfunction in the sensor and the airbag deploys at the wrong time.

The airbag also has gasses that are often released that can give a person respiratory issues.

Airbag recalls in vehicles are something that is quite common.

Issues with an airbag may not be discovered until the accident occurs.

Chest injuries can happen when the airbag hits those in the vehicle in the chest.

The fabric that is on the airbag can cause burns to the chest, face, and other areas that it hits if the skin slides across it.

 

 

Where Chest Pain Can Occur After a Car Accident

Injuries from an accident can include many different parts of the chest area.

This is why it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention if you were involved in a car crash.

Some of these include;

• Fractured Ribs – Broken or cracked ribs can seriously hurt and take a while to heal. Just breathing can be excruciating. This is one of the most sensitive and painful parts of the body. Sharp debilitating pain can come from a fractured rib. Cracked ribs can lead to other problems if not treated with proper medical attention.
• Bruised Ribs – Rib injuries are common in car accidents. If you are lucky enough not to break them you may have bruised ribs. Seat belts and steering wheels can put some serious pressure on the rib area and leave them wounded. This is going to hurt and be tender. Diagnostic tests can be a big help in determining the extent of the injuries.
• Sternum – This is also referred to as the breastbone. This is a long flat bone that is in the center of the chest and connected to the ribs with cartilage. This bone and the rib cage protect the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. An injured sternum can be incredibly painful and incapacitating.
• Lungs – The lung can be punctured or bruised in a car crash. It can happen if the rib or sternum is fractured and a piece of bone from it hits the lung in the impact. Ouch!
• Soft Tissue – All the muscles, tissues and tendons that surround the chest are all at risk of injury when hit in a car wreck. The chest can be strained when an accident happens because it is working to protect the body. Significant pain can come from muscle strains and any movement in the area can be uncomfortable. Inflammation can occur from the strain and will hurt until the area is properly healed. This can take some time.
• Heart – Internal organs like the heart, liver and spleen can all be impacted in a serious accident. Pressure from impact on the heart can be deadly. An overwhelming experience like a car accident can be stressful on the heart. It can be so stressful that the person gets a heart attack. A heart attack has some symptoms like; shortness of breath, indigestion, nausea, and chest pain. Immediate emergency attention is important.

When the chest is injured, it can have major effects on the person.

The person can become confused and begin to panic when they are having trouble breathing.

Chest injuries can create a life-threatening situation.

Respiratory failure can do some serious damage to the organs and this can be deadly.

Sometimes it takes ultra sound, x rays, blood tests and other examinations in order to find out the severity of a blow to the chest.

Do not underestimate a chest injury and get to a doctor.

 

$ Compensation for A Chest Injury in A Car Accident

Anytime that you are injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another you have every right to seek compensation.

Having a highly trained personal injury car accident attorney on your side can make a major difference in the outcome of the case.

The Richard Harris Law Firm are ready to look at your case.

If it has merit, we will do everything that we can in order to get you the settlement that you deserve.

We are here to win and get you paid for the damages that are related to you case.

• Medical Expenses
• Lost wages
• Emotional Distress
• Pain and Suffering

The Richard Harris Law Firm have expert negotiators and trial attorneys that know how to win.

 

What To Do If You Have Chest Pain After Car Accident?

As we have already stated get to a doctor as soon as possible.

They will hopefully get you the treatment that is needed in order to get you better.

This could include hospitalization and care that may take some time to heal up.

Time to rest will often lead to time away from the job.

If you were the victim of someone else’s irresponsible actions than you will be able to recover compensation for bills, expenses, etc.

A car accident attorney can help you to better prepare a legal claim in most cases.

Here are some things that will help you when filing a claim.

• Save all the receipts and bills that are related to the car accident. Any expenses that were a result of the crash will need documentation for a successful lawsuit.
• Let the insurance company know about the accident. Make sure to give specifics when it comes to medical reports. Do not hold back when it comes to letting them know about the pain and injuries you are dealing with.
• If you were aware of the details of the accident, then it is important to record and write them down. Keep a record of what you were doing, who was with you and where you were going.
• Do not sign anything that with the insurance company. In distress they may get you to sign something that could relieve them of liability. This could come back later to haunt you.
• Contact Richard Harris. A personal injury car accident attorney can help you figure out the right insurance settlement. If any legal complications arise than our law office will sort them out with you. Insurance companies can be hard to deal with and will try and give low ball offers. Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with the insurance companies. Fighting for your rights and getting you the maximum compensation is our goal.

Contact Richard Harris today.

We are here to help answer any questions that you may have about your case.

 

Who Is at Fault for Vegas Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcycles in Las Vegas have become more popular than ever.

With economic factors like gas prices and the cost of cars, trucks and SUV’s it is easy to see why.

Motorcycles are a great form of transportation for those that need to get around independently and efficiently.

Motorcycles can be exciting but also dangerous on the busy streets of Vegas.

Crashes happen all the time with all types of vehicles and that’s partially why we built our Las Vegas accident command center.

When a motorcycle is hit by another bigger and heavier automobile the damage can be serious.

Injuries Happen

The chance of an injury is much higher to the rider of the bike.

If there is a passenger on the back of the bike they are also at high risk for an injury.

The chance of a fatality on a motorcycle is a real concern if the crash is at high speeds.

Every accident has its own set of circumstances.

Determining who is at fault and liable for the damages can be complicated is some accidents.

There are many ways that an accident can happen on a motorcycle.

If you have been injured in a Las Vegas motorcycle accident it is important to speak with an attorney that is experienced in handling these types of cases.

The Law Offices of Richard Harris can go through the evidence of the accident and help you decide how to proceed.

 

 

Liability in Las Vegas Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be complicated.

An accident can have just one person fully responsible.

It can also have those involved partially responsible.

• Motorcycle Rider – Rider error can cause an accident. Anytime you get on a bike there is always more risk of injury than a regular vehicle. When a motorcyclist drives reckless accidents can be devastating.
• Driver of Vehicle – A driver in another vehicle crashing into a motorcyclist is another way an accident happens. The reasons are endless. Driving distracted has become the number one cause of crashes in Vegas.
• Manufacturer Error – A defective part can really do some serious damage to a motorcyclist. Faulty brakes, steering, tires etc. can be deadly. A manufacturer defect or error can be to blame.
• Pedestrian – If a pedestrian is jaywalking or not paying attention when crossing the street, it can create an unsafe road and a motorcycle crash can happen.
• Government – If the roads are not properly marked and road maintenance has created a dangerous road an accident can occur. With all the road construction in Las Vegas the roads are much more dangerous. The government entity in charge of this must provide a reasonably safe road. This could have to do with lighting, detours, potholes, rocks, and debris.

 

 

Our Attorneys Can Answer Any Questions

We have been in Las Vegas since 1980 and are experts in personal injury motorcycle accidents.

Our team of trained, professional lawyers can help you get the maximum compensation for your damages.

Medical expenses and lost wages can be overwhelming after a motorcycle crash.

Getting healed may take some time.

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash and it was not your fault than you should not be responsible for the financial burden of it.

Call our law offices today.

 

Law of Comparative Negligence

In the state of Nevada if an accident occurs fault can be placed on more than one person or party in certain crashes.

This means that compensation can be based on the percentage of fault.

A person trying to receive compensation must be less than 51% at fault in the accident.

An example of this would be that a motorist driving along gets in an accident with a motorcycle.

It is determined that the motorist is 80% at fault but the motorcyclist was 20% to blame.

The motorcyclist can claim only 80% of the damages from the accident.

It is always important to have an attorney that is well versed in the law of comparative negligence.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Richard Harris Law Firm are expert attorneys that will make sure that you are not taken advantage of by the State Farm and AAA insurance types.

There does seem to be prejudice against motorcyclists.

Some insurance adjusters will tend to immediately cast blame on the motorcyclist thinking that all riders speed and cut in and out of traffic. However, this is not true.

Obviously, not all motorcyclists are speeding, irresponsible and wild.

The majority of serious injury accidents seem to be due to the fault of another.

The injuries sustained in an accident are usually much worse for the motorcyclist.

A personal injury attorney can be a great asset in setting the record straight and negotiating with these companies that will try and minimize a payout.

 

Causes for Las Vegas Motorcycle Accidents

Roads – Las Vegas seems to have constant road construction and repairs going on throughout the city. Roads are ripped up with pieces of cement, gravel, rocks, and all sorts of debris on them. Uneven pavement and other road issues can make for serious danger. If you are from out of town, you may not notice these issues until it is too late. Riders must always be on high alert for these road dangers and travel with caution. The higher the speeds the more dangerous it can be if you hit something. Hitting a boulder in the road can take a rider down.

Distracted Driving – Cranking the radio or looking at the phone can cause a motorcycle accident. A car driving reckless and changing lanes without seeing the motorcyclist is dangerous. A bike is much harder to see than another car. Most vehicles have some kind of blind spot and an accident can happen in an instant. Motorcyclists must always be on the lookout for a distracted driver.

Left Turn – Taking a left turn doesn’t seem that dangerous but is one of the leading ways that a motorcycle accident happens. Often a driver will take that left not seeing that a motorcyclist is going through the intersection. Car drivers are usually the fault for these accidents. Motorcyclists may find themselves partially at fault sometimes by speeding. A speeding motorcycle is hard to spot and can seem to come out of nowhere. By the time you see it…BAM!

DUI – Driving Under the Influence accounts for accidents of all types including motorcycles. Las Vegas has some of the deadliest accidents because of people driving either drunk or high. With the 24-hour drinking and cannabis shops on every corner it is no wonder that accidents are all a round us no matter what time of the day.

Of course we see rear-end accidents daily in Las Vegas, head on crashes, cars backing out of driveways, parking lot accidents, and the list goes on and on.

Don’t wait for the insurance company to help you, call us Today.

 

Motorcycle Safety Prevent Accidents

There are some reasons why a motorcycle rider may find themselves in an accident and held liable.

Lane splitting, speeding and just lack of experience are all common reasons for this.

Motorcycles have very quick acceleration that can cause a dangerous situation quickly.

There are some tips that a rider should know that can make for a safer road.

Learn How to Ride – It is important for new riders on the road to get some necessary hands-on training before taking it to the streets. Motorcycle accidents happen a lot of the times because the rider is inexperienced. There are basic operating procedures that need to be learned in order to have a safe ride. Training in shifting, throttle control, turning, stopping and safety strategies can all be very helpful.

Get The Right Helmet – Getting a motorcycle helmet that can really protect your head is extremely important. Just getting any helmet is not good enough. Every person has a different size and shape head and the helmet should fit properly. It should also be DOT approved and meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

Obey the Laws – As a motorcyclist it is important obey the laws in order to cut down on the chance of an accident with another vehicle. By going the speed limit, signaling turns, and not be unnecessarily risky will go a long way in motorcycle safety. In the majority of collisions involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the rider is not at fault.

While you can’t always account for what other drivers will do, you can reduce your risk of having an accident by obeying traffic laws, sticking to the speed limit, and not taking any unnecessary risks.

It is important to always pay close attention to everything around you.

One mistake on a bike can be tragic.

As a rider there are always those opportunities to split lanes and maneuver through traffic quickly.

First of all, lane splitting is illegal and it not worth the risk to save yourself a few extra minutes.

It is important to give plenty of room to those around you and stay out of danger.

 

Contact the Richard Harris Law Firm

We are well experienced, highly trained motorcycle accident attorneys.

We are committed to helping you receive the maximum payout for any damages you may have suffered.

Contact our office by phone, email or just come by.

 

 

Emotional Distress Can Affect Your Settlement

As you probably know, when there is an accidental injury due to the negligence of another party the victim is entitled to a settlement.

If you’ve been injured you are probably curious as to how much of a settlement you will get. 

That depends on many factors including how old you were when you were injured, how bad the injury was (did it cause permanent or temporary injuries), how much medical expense you will have and much more.

Aside from the more tangible aspects of an injury, you will also have emotional distress.  

Depending on the injury and type of it, including the cause, may depend on how much mental anguish you have.

Being in an injury can be a very traumatic for most people.

By nature of an accident, they are unexpected and therefore are a traumatizing event both while it is happening and also in dealing with the after effects.

Injuries

Most accidents cause injuries to people. 

These injuries can be external (such as scars or dismemberment of a body part) or can be internal like traumatic brain injuries or back issues (vertebrae or spinal problems).

Those injuries can cause distress through the pain that is often associated with them.

Aside from injuries there is also mental anguish due to the intangible issues that are caused by an accidental injury.

Often times injuries will put a victim out of work for a time while they get there ailments treated.

When someone who suffered an injury is out of work and is making less money than what they usually do (or no money at all) there is extreme stress.

Not only does the person need to get healthy but they also have to pay bills and dealing with both challenges simultaneously can be an emotional nightmare.

This psychological harm needs to be included in any settlement.  It will be difficult for you to correctly calculate this if you are dealing with the insurance company on your own.

And the defending lawyer working on behalf of the insurance company will most likely not offer any help in this regard.

 

So it is very important that you find a reputable and competent personal injury attorney to assist you with getting the best settlement available.

The Richard Harris Law Firm is precisely the people you want to reach out to.

We have been serving the Las Vegas and Reno areas for nearly forty years and take our jobs very seriously.

We will review the details of your claim and will work to get you the most money possible.

We know that anyone involved in an accident did not ask to be in that situation and we are aware of the massive inconvenience being injured and/or out of work can cause.

Most importantly we know the emotional distress that all of the above causes and will ensure that all of the intangible items get included in your settlement.

 

 

How Much is Emotional Distress Worth?

The first thing we will do after reviewing your case is to figure out how much your emotional disorder is valued at.

There is not a one size fits all answer so it really depends on your case specifically.

Some of the many factors we might look at are how egregious was the negligence that caused the accident, how sudden was it and much more.

Although there is not a said rule as to how much “emotional distress” is worth, there are some formulas that some insurance companies will use.

In many cases, they will calculate the amount of medical expenses and will multiply that by one or two times to cover “pain and suffering”.

Sometimes though, more money than what is calculated from that simple formula is needed to truly repay the victim.

Higher Payouts

Although those higher payouts are usually reserved for injuries of the most severe situation, a good law firm will work to get you a significant amount.

Emotional disorder compensation usually falls under “pain and suffering” so as a claimant you should not expect to see two line items.

A good personal injury attorney will negotiate an amount of the physical pain their client suffered and will also negotiate for the mental anguish suffered.

If there was no physical harm on an injury it is difficult to negotiate for emotional distress.

A defending lawyer working on behalf of an insurance company will argue that without an actual physical injury the claimant could not have suffered emotional issues.

Everyone knows that may not always be the case as an accident (even without an injured body part) is still traumatic which can cause both present and future mental stress.

 

Evidence to Show Emotional Distress

As a reminder, the insurance company you are making the claim with is not working for you.

As a matter of fact they are trying to limit their exposure to the claim as much as possible.

An insurance adjuster will be as tight as possible when it comes to making a claim payout recommendation.

They account for every dollar they earmark towards payment as that is part of their job.

Because emotional distress is nothing that can be seen or touched (like an actual physical injury) you will need to make your case.

Again, this is where a personal injury firm such as the Richard Harris Law firm can assist you.

Our legal experts know what it takes to prove your case for the emotional distress you have been suffering from.

Because you have been the one suffering, you are aware of how true your emotional harm actually is.

But how do you prove that to an insurance adjuster and what should you provide to them?

The more documentation you can provide the better.

Aside from providing the insurance company with various forms of documentation, you also want to give them different types of emotional distress that you have been suffering from.

Documentation may include the following:

Mental Health Records

If you have been treated for mental health then those records should be submitted to the insurance or your personal injury lawyer.  Proper documentation would include invoices, bills, daily notes and other reports that cite your diagnosis and progress.  It is best if your treatments are with a licensed professional serving in mental health.  This would include psychologists, psychiatrists and licensed counselors.

Medical Records

Although your medical records most likely pertain to physical injuries they can help you make your case for emotional distress.  For instance, if you see your doctor for an injury where they propose a limitation to you physically (for example: no standing for more than 10 minutes at a time) then that could cause you mental distress.  Sticking with the same example, if you cook and feed your children but are unable to because of your doctor’s directive of standing then that could be emotional distress.

Personal Journal

It is recommended that you keep a daily journal of all of your issues and setbacks.  It is not as effective to do this if you only document certain days so it is important that you be consistent and write each day or week.  Only writing something every few weeks may not help set a pattern of your emotional distress.  Items to document might be any nightmares that you have had, documenting your pain levels, sleep issues and other details about how your daily life routine has been negatively impacted by your accident.

Statements for Witnesses of your Distress

Getting as many statements from coworkers, friends, family members and other people is very significant.  It is important that they write the statements in their own words using their own observations of you since your accident and how your actions and demeanor has differed since it occurred. By relating the change in your behavior from before and after the incident, you can make the case that the injury was the catalyst in your change.

 

 

Emotional Distress Settlement

As we have previously mentioned, hiring a law firm to assist you with your emotional disorder settlement is very important.

The Richard Harris Law Firm has been around for decades serving in all types of personal injury cases.

We focus on personal injury and can help you obtain the most dollars possible for your injuries and pain & suffering.

You will need professional legal help to get the full value out of your claim and to battle against the insurance companies.

Insurance companies have their own lawyers on retainer so if you go about this alone you will be head to head with their law team.

They will most likely also try to make the case that the injury was not as significant as you are stating it was.

Another common strategy that is often used against victims of injuries are accusing them of being partially to blame.

If they can make a viable case that the victim had something to do with the injury then they can possibly get out of paying the claim entirely or at the very least getting the settlement amount reduced significantly.

You never want to settle for less and want to get everything you deserve.

If you were involved in an accident and incurred injuries and or mental emotional disorders please reach out to the Richard Harris Law Firm.

 

Road Rash From Motorcycle Accident

 

Road rash is – when the skin is stripped of skin and has abrasions that happen when the skin rubs across the pavement with no protection usually at high speeds like after falling off a motorcycle during a crash.

This can also be caused by falling onto the payment with a lot of force.

Motorcycle crashes usually involve a rider sliding across the pavement after being thrown onto the road from the motorcycle in an accident.

Skidding across the pavement can lead to significant road rash for motorcyclists.

If you were hit by a semi-truck, Uber driver, Amazon Van, UPS Truck, Garbage truck, or just a daily commuter in Vegas, our motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help.

 

Top Nevada Motorcycle Lawyer

When you are injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be represented by the best personal injury attorney possible to maximize your settlement.

You should work with experienced accident lawyers that have been in Las vegas for years and because of that can navigate the legal system and keep your case moving forward.

That means hiring The Richard Harris Law Firm, with over 40 years in Las Vegas we know Clark County and Nevada law in and out.

If you are a motorcyclist that suffered a road rash injury at the hands of another negligent driver you are entitled to the same compensation as all other motorists on the road.

Call Richard Harris Law Firm

By Calling Richard Harris you are giving yourself the advantage of an aggressive team to be on your side while fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Our motorcycle accident experts are available 24/7 to discuss your case.

We offer assistance with medical care, bill pay, work related issues, and future medical issues.

We are Nevada’s best personal injury law firm with years of experience.

The goal of the Richard Harris Law Firm is to help our clients like we would care for our family.

We have collected over a $ billion dollars for our clients over the years.

 

When Road Rash Occurs

The reason for a crash with a motorcycle will determine when and how a road rash accident occurs.

This involves being thrown or dragged from the motorcycle across the gravel or pavement of the road.

Things that contribute to road rash motorcycle accidents are intoxicated drivers, distracted drivers, speeding, poor visibility or poor road conditions, and finally weather.

 

Road Rash Happens

Motorcyclists are more likely to get road rash than any other vehicle operator out on the road.

It is largely in part due to the lack of protection for the driver during a crash.

Motorcyclists present unique challenges for other drivers because seeing them is sometimes absolutely impossible since the profile is so small compared to other drivers on the road.

In Nevada you are required to obtain a motorcycle license or (Class M ) license to operate a motorcycle.

This doesn’t not deter new motorcyclists and the class is maybe one hour, then there is a test.

Once you take the test and pass and take the road test you can obtain your motorcycle license.

New drivers are usually the ones who get into accidents involving road rash.

All riders should wear protective clothing such as heavy leather or thick denim to put a barrier between you and the road should you ever get involved in a motorcycle accident.

Wearing protective gear like leather can also minimize the road rash should you ever get it.

Also helmets are required to ride motorcycles in Nevada.

 

Motorcycle Crash likely in Las Vegas

Since Las Vegas is a tourist town, this can pose an elevated risk for potential road rash accidents.

Las Vegas attracts drivers and bikers from all over with various backgrounds and experience levels.

The risk of intoxication is much greater and other variations make interactions between tourists and locals unpredictable.

The city is also full of distractions like bright lights, street performers, new construction, and many, many pedestrians can make for a very distracted motorcyclist, and that can be a recipe for disaster.

When driving in Las Vegas all drivers should pay extra attention to their drivers especially near the strip and the airport.

Downtown Las Vegas is another place where motorcycle road rash accidents occur often, due to the volume of pedestrians and now the new construction causes distracted drivers and therefore accidents.

If you are ever in a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas get assistance from The Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney specialist.

We can help with motorcycle accidents at red lights, stop signs, parking lots, rear-end crash, getting t-boned, even hit by a Tesla, etc.

 

Road Rash Can Be Bad

When you’re involved in an accident, the faster you’re going or the more force involved in a fall, crash, or skid that causes the road rash the more severe the injury will be.

PTSD is common after a bad motorcycle accident.

How bad the road rash is will determine what symptoms you experience.

Mild road rash or abrasions.

Those only affecting the top layers of skin can cause moderate pain and bleeding.

That because abrasions that cover a large surface area of  the skin like the top layer of your shin affect the nerve endings and can cause severe pain.

Deeper road rash that affects the under layers of skin, or through the muscle and even bone can bring other medical conditions like:

1. Bruising

2. Damage to the knee and blood vessels etc.

3. Skin tattoos or traumatic tattoos are permanent discoloration of the skin that happens when foreign objects are embedded in the skin from road rash

 

What to do?

As with any accident you should seek medical treatment immediately following an accident.

Injuries can be far more severe than they seem at the scene immediately following the accident.

Seeking medical attention can only help you move forward with any claim against the other parties involved.

Not seeking medical attention right away can have a negative affect on your case.

The lawyers for the other parties can use this against you by saying that the injuries were not that severe since you weren’t in need of medical attention or didn’t seek medical attention.

If you suffer severe road rash injuries in a major motor vehicle accident see a doctor immediately.

Also contact the Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorneys for help in processing your claim and to protect your interest.

Some insurance companies charge motorcyclists a higher premium even though the insurance is fairly inexpensive due to the higher risk they present to get into accidents.

But motorcyclists are entitled to compensation for their injuries regardless of risk factor.

 

Damages in Accidents Involving Road Rash

Motorcyclists can recover the same damages available to other accident victims.

This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages or damages paid by the defendant for negligence in the case.

You may be eligible for more compensation than you think.

Most personal injury attorneys will give you a free consultation to evaluate your case.

Most reputable attorneys work on a contingency basis so you don’t have to pay out any money up front and we only collect money if we win your case.

 

Motorcycle Crashes on The Rise

Since the population has exploded in Las Vegas over the last several years and the tourists are coming back at greater numbers after Covid, motorcycle accidents involving road rash are on the rise.

This is mostly due to the increase in population and tourism and let’s face it the weather doesn’t hurt.

Most motorcyclists from another state either driving their motorcycle  or renting a motorcycle while in town fail to get information on the laws for driving a motorcycle in Las Vegas.

All states have different motorcycle laws and this inconsistency can create a dangerous state of unpredictability on Nevada’s highways.

When this happens it is usually the motorcycle driver who bears most of the risk or injury when involved in an accident.

Motorcycles provide almost no protection for the driver or the rider when they are involved in a crash.

Often the motorcycle rider or passenger is thrown from the bike or dragged along with the bike.

Either way the motorcycle provides no protection for the rider.

In a crash involving a motorcycle the only thing between the rider and the pavement is the clothes they are wearing.

Limited protection combined with increased motorcycle crashes, usually at high speeds lead to more instances of more severe accidents and more road rash injuries.

 

Were You Injured at 7-11

Walking into a convenient store is something most of us do routinely. Picking up some quick items, stand in line, pay and then out the door.

This is usually how it goes.

It is unusual to think of being injured in a 7-11 but recent studies show that accidents with injury do take place more than we can imagine.

First thing that comes to my mind would be a slippery floor and a person goes down.

However, there are many other ways that an injury can take place.

A fallen item off a shelf and a trip or even an assault and battery can lead to injury in a 7-11.

Don’t fight the insurance companies alone, Call us.

 

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?

If you are in a 7-11 in Las Vegas or anywhere in Nevada and are injured due to the negligence of another it is possible to receive compensation for all the damages.

Damages can be medical costs, lost wages or any other expense that came from an accident. Pain and suffering can also be factored into the lawsuit.

It is important to have a trusted and knowledgeable attorney that specializes in personal injury lawsuits.

Richard Harris are experts in these types of cases and are here to answer any questions you may have.

Call The Law Offices of Richard Harris Today – Reno and Las Vegas!

 

 

Who Is Liable For 7-11 Accident?

If you were injured inside or on the property of a 7-11 and it is not your fault than someone else could be held liable.

If a business does not provide proper safety for their customers, they could be held responsible.

If the store is not reasonably safe to enter and injury occurs than a lawsuit against the property owner can be filed.

Slippery floors can be dangerous if there are no signs warning customers as they enter.

A freshly waxed floor can do some serious damage on a person coming into the store to get a quick coffee before work.

Wet floors from a leaking pipe or a newly mopped floor can do the same.

Store employees, managers and owners must make a realistic attempt at keeping the property safe.

Potholes in the parking lot and a customer sprains or breaks and ankle can lead to medical attention.

7-11 is a place where there are drinks and food in constant motion.

Details Matter

There are many opportunities for spills which can lead to an injury if not attended to.

Establishing who is liable may be more complicated than you might think.

It is important to show that you were not the cause of the accident by not paying attention or doing something you should not have been doing.

Talking to witnesses and having evidence is key.

This is why having a team of legal minds like Richard Harris is important in establishing the facts and who is responsible.

Once we look at the evidence and investigate the incident, we will than know if you have a case.

We work on a contingency basis so there is no upfront money that you need to pay us.

We only get paid if we win your case.

 

 

Injury Accidents at 7-11

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of accidents we see in an injury at 7-11.

Anytime there are drinks, food and items on shelves in a store there will be higher risk for a wet floor.

Wet floors can happen due to spillage but also rain and leaking faucets, sinks, or toilets.

The CDC has stated that each year millions of people will hit the ground and be injured because of a slip and fall.

The chance for injury is always there if a person goes down but for those 65 and older the chance of injury is even higher.

1 out of every 5 falls tend to see more serious injuries like broken bones or injuries to the head.

Over 800,000 patients will be hospitalized each year due to injuries from a slip and fall.

With these statistics it is easy to see that a 7-11 or any other type of convenience store can have a good amount of these types of accidents.

Getting hit in the parking lot at a 7-11 is also a harsh reality.

Maybe Uber dropped you off, or maybe you got hit by a car when you were just walking to the store?

Sadly we see people being assaulted by staff or other customers also.

 

 

Injuries from a Slip and Fall Accident

Getting injured can be hard on a person. If the injury is serious a person may have trouble getting around as they once did.

Injuries can traumatically affect the day-to-day routine and in some cases, they may need long term care.

Some of the injuries that we tend to see from a slip and fall accident at a 7-11 include;

• Broken Bones – Wrists, arms, ankles, and hips are some of the common bone breaks. These can take a long time to heal and a person may lose their ability to go to work. Putting a cast will limit the persons mobility and make it difficult. Some breaks will need surgery which will need even more time to heal up. Medical bills can be overwhelming and lost wages can create financial stress.
• Traumatic Brain Injury – Falling on a hard floor can cause serious injury to the brain. Not only can the skull get fractured but the brain can be affected. TBI can happen from a fall in 7-11 from a wet floor, uneven floor, loose flooring, product off the shelf that is on the floor, grease and food on tiled floor etc. Some of the symptoms of TBI include, dizziness, headaches, loss of appetite, depression and loss of memory.
• Spinal Injury – Falling directly on the back can hurt the vertebrae. The spine can also be injured by twisting the spinal cord while falling down. When the spine is injured, it can take time to heal and be very painful. In worst case scenarios the person can become paralyzed and need long term care.

It is important to seek medical attention if you have been injured in a 7-11 accident.

Teeth and facial injuries also happen often in grocery stores and places like Walmart, when a 20lb box falls off the shelf it can do serious damage.

It may seem minor at the moment but often these injuries can get worse with time.

Then call Richard Harris and speak with an experienced personal injury attorney you can count on.

 

We Can Help You Build Your Case

There are many things that go into building a personal injury case at a 7-11.

Determining who is liable can take some investigating of the details.

It is important to get the evidence that you need in order to be successful.

This means getting pictures, video, and eyewitness statements that can back up your claim.

Our attorneys will then figure out a value of the economic and non-economic damages.

We will try to negotiate with the insurance companies, property owner etc.

If necessary, our law firm has top rated trial attorneys that will represent you in a court of law.

A personal injury lawsuit has specific time limits set by the state of Nevada on how long after the incident that you can file.

So don’t wait too long.

The sooner you begin the process the better.

Richard Harris is ready when you are to help you build a winning case.

We have been in Nevada since 1980 and have won over $1 Billion for our clients.

 

 

 

Permanent Injuries and How They Are Compensated

If you or anyone you know has been involved in an injury that was due to the negligence of another party you need to be aware of what the injured party might be entitled to.

It is not a bad thing to think of what the settlement benefits will be.

Some people feel guilty for pursuing a settlement but there is no reason to feel that way.

If an injury occurs, especially one that causes permanent damage then the person suffering will no doubt have issues that stay prevalent the rest of their life.

This can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of income and lack of employment options.

It probably goes without saying but it should be emphasized that a permanent injury claim will be entitled to a larger settlement then lesser injuries.

Because of that, it is important that you (as a claimant) get everything you deserve.

Having a competent law firm represent you will be a key necessity in accomplishing this goal.

This is where the Richard Harris Law Firm comes into play.

We’ve been serving communities (Henderson, Spring Valley, Pahrump, Reno, Summerlin, Laughlin, Paradise) throughout southern Nevada and beyond for decades and will ensure that you receive everything you are entitled to.

So you can be more educated, we will have a look below at more details involving permanent injury claims.

 

It Can Be Complicated

When an injury occurs that causes a long term disability things can get complicated.

Aside from having massive medical expenses that continue on throughout the person’s life, there are other aspects that need to be addressed that are subjective and sometimes not quantitative.

In some cases, a “multiplier” will be referenced by both attorneys and insurance companies but when there are other intangible issues this type of tool cannot be used.

These complicated factors make it really necessary that you find a good legal representative to help you along.

You can pretty much be sure that the insurance company will have a well versed injury law professional working for their best interests.

A significant claim will always have emotional testimony due to the severity of the situation.

The same goes with presenting evidence to showcase pain and suffering.

Due to all of the factors listed above, a permanent injury claim can sometimes pay in the millions of dollars.

 

What to Emphasize for Permanent Injury Compensation

Attempting to calculate what the economic damages are is one of the first steps your injury attorney should do.

One of the more straightforward things to calculate are what medical expenses have already been incurred.

This is somewhat easy because there are bills and invoices already on file from medical providers.

In addition, there are receipts for payments.

Because these expenses are set in stone as having already been done, they are the first items that should be inputted on the ledger.

Future Medical Bills

Future medical care can also be expensed.

That gets a bit tricky though because no one really knows for sure what treatments will be needed in the future.

Just because a chiropractor is being used today does not mean that more pain will occur in the future or that another diagnosis will be made that causes surgery, MRI’s, CT’s among many other things.

Hospital room charges can be huge and anyone that has viewed a UB04 form (itemized hospital bill) knows this.

You need to have a good attorney that can calculate these future, unexpected items.

Bringing in medical professionals can also help with this matter but the attorney you hire will manage all of that.

 

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering is not quantifiable but still needs to be a part of your settlement claim.

An injured person needs to remember that they did not cause the injury, someone else’s negligence did.

If it was not for the other party’s action, there would not have been an injury.

So due to this, you are entitled to be compensated for your pain and suffering.

Age Matters

Age of when the injury occurred is also a factor.

Looking at life expectancy and actuaries is a big deal for permanent injuries.

If an older person suffers a long term injury their settlement will be less than if the same type of injury happens to someone younger.

It is not any kind of bias but is really just math.

A younger person will suffer more income loss, more pain, more medical expenses, etc… then compared to an older person simply because they have more time left on earth.

Disfigurement cannot only be a visible blemish but can impact the psychological aspect of the victim as well.

Long term injuries can be depressing for some knowing that certain goals may never be fulfilled due to the accident.

Depending on the situation, the potential of lost wages may also cause stress and agony.

The stress can be for the future or may be due to the financial stress of the present time.

Visible scars and disfigurement can also be very hard to handle psychologically for some people.

How severe the disability is also needs to be assessed.

Activity of Daily Living

One way to help determine this is if the ADL’s are impacted.  An ADL is the ‘activity of daily living’ and consists of numerous things that people do during the normal course of life.

They can include using the bathroom without assistance, dressing oneself, being able to feed yourself without assistance and other things.

If an activity of daily living cannot be done due to the injury then your settlement will increase in value. If your family has dealth with loss of consortium then feel free to call us also.

 

Injuries are Expensive

Injuries can cost money by way of losing future income.

If an injury causes a job or career change that would pay less than the victim’s current profession, then those lost wages need to be calculated as part of the settlement.

Looking at the victim’s education level and work experience will be ways to get an idea of the lost wages. 

Knowing how many years they had left in their career is also a variable.  One thing that can be overlooked but would not by a competent injury attorney is factoring in cost of living adjustments (COLA).

Inflation is always present meaning that prices go up so having that factored in will help ensure that the victim’s settlement will be fair and will help them throughout the rest of their life.

Don’t sit and wait for help from the insurance companies, and if you want a second opinion then call us today.

 

Sometimes Settlements can be Limited

In some scenarios, limited funds may be available regardless of how severe the injury was.

Workers’ Compensation claims are one example of this.

Workers’ Comp is generally managed by each state so the Nevada department will handle all partial and permanent injury claims.

One benefit to a Workers’ Comp claim is that the settlement is not considered taxable income to the victim.  That brings more money to the victim’s pocket helping them in the future.

The Worker’s Comp insurance will usually settle with a lump sum payment to the victim but lacks certain things that we have previously discussed.

Pain and suffering benefits are omitted from the payout.  Also, the calculation of future lost wages will not be considered in the settlement process.

Auto insurance claims can also be capped out.

When someone is permanently injured in a car accident, the settlement will be based on the driver’s liability coverage.

So whatever the maximum is on that insurance policy will be the maximum a victim will receive.

If the victim has another supplement policy then that can help.

An “underinsured motorist” insurance plan would kick in for a victim after the driver’s policy maxed out.

No one likes paying more for insurance but in a situation like this, a driver would be thankful they purchased a supplemental plan.

Must Read

A permanent injury can include many different diagnosis but below are some of the most common ones dealt within the court system:

Disfigurement – Mostly this will consist of visible issues such as scars but may also include the loss of a limb.  Amputations and issues that are visible can play havoc on a victim’s mindset.  Often times they feel their worth is discounted due to their handicap.

TBI – Traumatic Brain Injuries – These types of issues often occur when there is blunt force trauma to the head which causes a lack of oxygen to flow to the brain.  Injuries such as this can be tough to calculate because sometimes they start off as simple symptoms (similar to a concussion) but can also range to permanent brain damage which can cause significant problems up to and including the loss of cognitive functionality.

Back Injuries – anyone who has suffered a back injury or lower back pain knows how the pain lingers and how things never seem to get back to normal.  Disc injuries like ruptures or vertebrae issues (such as fractures) can sometimes require multiple surgeries.  These types of surgeries often require hospital confinement and at the very least will cause suffering and lack of production for the victim while they recuperate.

Sensory Losses – These will include a loss of sense such as permanent hearing loss, blindness (or not being able to see well enough to drive) or the inability to taste things.  Many types of injuries can cause this type of damage to include medical malpractice, traumatic injury or toxic exposure.

If you were involved in a long term injury causing permanent damage please reach out to the Richard Harris Law Firm for help.

 

The Risk of PTSD After a Car Accident

Any type of accident can be a traumatic event.

When someone is in an automobile accident there can be post-traumatic stress disorder that a person may have to deal with following a crash.

Emotional and psychological problems can be damaging and debilitating to a person after an accident.

Sometimes the shock can come later than the physical injuries once there is the time to think about the event.

An accident can leave a person questioning things and placing unnecessary guilt on themselves which can create than a downward spiral of mental health.

Even if there was nothing they could do and was not at fault.

This is especially true if there was an injury or death that took place.

If you were in an accident due to the negligence of another and are mentally affected by it there is a good chance that you may have PTSD.

It is important that you get help for these issues.

It is also wise to contact a personal injury lawyer that specializes in car accidents and PTSD cases.

You may be eligible for compensation.

Call Richard Harris Today!

 

Why Call Richard Harris?

Richard Harris is a personal injury law firm in the state of Nevada.

We have been in business for over 40 years servicing clients with all types of cases from Reno and Tahoe, down to Vegas and Boulder City.

Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle,Uber and pedestrian accidents are our specialty.

PTSD can be associated with a many number of accidents with injury.

Physical and emotional trauma can leave a person with mental health issues from the experience.

In some cases, no amount of money can ever truly cover the tragedy and trauma left behind after a horrific event.

It is important to seek for all the damages that you have suffered in order to get back on your feet and moving forward.

The Law Firm of Richard Harris can help!

• Expert negotiators and trial attorneys
• Have won over $1 Billion for our clients
• Highly experienced and respected personal injury law firm in Nevada

If you or a loved one had PTSD after an auto accident, contact our law offices today!

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition that is caused by an event that is terrifying to the person involved.

Thoughts of the accident may bring high anxiety and uncontrollable emotion to a person diagnosed with this.

There are some common symptoms that may be experienced by a person with PTSD.

High Anxiety – The stress of the event can cause a person to avoid others and places that remind them of the accident. This could affect close relationships and the person may shut off from the rest of the world. This is not healthy at all. Being emotionally numb can lead to depression. Feeling helpless with negative thoughts can be devastating. Severe depression can lead to suicide.

Flashbacks – This is often referred to as having intrusive memories. Thinking back and reliving the accident and tragic event over and over again can be harmful. Being upset by the memory and having nightmares and dreams can cause serious physical reactions that are not healthy. It is common to feel guilty even you are not to blame. Thinking of things that you may have done differently that may have avoided the accident.

Feeling on Edge – This may be symptomatic of a person being easily frightened or startled when they were not before the accident. Being overly cautious, and expecting danger all the time can be harmful. This emotional trauma can lead to drugs and alcoholic behavior in order to mask the pain.

Sleep Disorder – Sleep issues can lead to fatigue and tiredness that can make the PTSD worse. The problem may be that the person has a hard time sleeping because they are haunted with the thoughts when they go to sleep. Anxiously waking up and having trouble getting the rest needed to be healthy. Sleep can be affected in the sense that the person may be sleeping too much. Not wanting to deal with reality is another symptom.

Trouble Concentrating – A person with post dramatic stress disorder can often find themselves struggling to focus their thoughts and concentrate as they once did. This can affect job performance at the workplace which can lead to losing work and time off from the job. A student trying to keep up on class work and studies will have a tough time as well. Trying to find enjoyment in the things that a person once did can be difficult for those with PTSD.

With PTSD a person may have a hard time getting back into their day-to-day life.

It may take some time for these symptoms to subside where a person can return to some kind of normalcy.

If an event severely affects a person than the PTSD may take years to get better.

It is important to seek the help of a health care professional.

 

 

Car Accident Injuries That Can Cause PTSD

Automobile Accident – Any of the people directly involved in an auto accident can be traumatically affected. If there is serious injury and suffering in a crash the physical and mental condition of those involved could be damaging.

A person fearing for their life can do serious damage psychologically.

• Paralysis – A car accident can cause someone to lose feeling in their limbs and body function. This is most traumatic and the victim will need long term care. This constant reminder of the tragic event can cause guilt and PTSD to everyone involved.
• Amputations – Losing a limb is one of the worst-case scenarios in an automobile accident. Anytime this happens there will be major emotional trauma left behind.
• Traumatic Brain Injury – A person with brain injury is another tragic injury. In some cases, the brain damage may be so severe that the person will need a life time of care. With all serious injuries the emotional fallout to everyone involved can be just as severe as the physical.

The injuries can be catastrophic in a car accident.

It is also valid to say that even if a person is not seriously injured, they may still have emotional damage from what they witnessed.

The fear alone of a terrifying event and near death experienced can last a lifetime.

 

Compensation for Damages Caused by PTSD

Yes, it is possible to be compensated for damages from an automobile accident that causes PTSD.

It is important to contact an experienced attorney that can look at the facts of your case.

Richard Harris is experienced in PTSD car accident victim cases and can help answer any questions that you may have.

Some of the PTSD damages in the lawsuit related to the case may include; medical costs, counseling, therapy, psychoanalysis, and other types of mental health treatments that a person may receive.

Consulting with an expert car accident attorney is highly recommended to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the highest amount of compensation.

 

 FAQ’s We Hear Often

We get the same questions all the time, but if you have been injured and PTSD is now a part of your life then call us for a FREE consultation today.

1. How much is my PTSD claim worth?
2. How big is a PTSD settlement?
3. Do I need a Personal injury lawyer for a PTSD claim?
4. How much do PTSD injury lawyers charge?

 

There is Help for Victims of PTSD

If you have been in an automobile accident due to the fault of another the person at fault should be held liable for damages.

If you have PTSD after an accident than this should also be part of the assessed damages.

It is important to seek medical attention if you have PTSD following a car crash.

Below are some of the treatments that can help.

1. Counseling – An accident victim will need a professional that specializes in PTSD. The goal is to get the person back to their life as it was before the accident occurred.
2. Discuss the Events – It is important for the victim speak of the events that took place and witnessed. This will help them and their therapist to put the events in perspective. The victim can then move forward and try and regain control of their life.
3. Educate the Victim – Letting the victim know that they are not alone in their reaction to this type of an event will help them process it. It is normal to have stress and anxiety after a traumatic event. Educating the victims loved ones is also important in helping in the recovery. That way they can understand better what the person is going through.
4. Recovery – This may take some time. Sometimes the emotions and thoughts will come to surface quickly. Other times they may come later taking more time for recovery. Every case is different depending on the accident and person.
5. Medicine – The doctor may prescribe medication that can help with anxiety and other symptoms that the person may have.

Getting in any type of accident is always stressful even if it is just a simple fender bender.

If a crash is traumatic, it can have a serious effect on a person.

Richard Harris has worked on many car accident cases with PTSD and is ready to work for you.

Call us, email, or just come by the office.

 

 

Construction Zone Accident Injury Attorney

Our downtown Las Vegas office and Reno offices have assisted more than 100,000 people in Nevada.

If you were injured in a construction zone accident you don’t want to sit and wait for the insurance company to help you.

When you first get started, we will have a consultation where our law team will go over the details of your situation.

This session is free of charge to you as we always want to consult with your first so that you can feel comfortable with the services we provide.

We have been helping injury victims for over 40 years in Nevada, and we have helped over 100,000 clients.

Do not sit and wait for the insurance companies to help you.

You can certainly call and make an appointment for this initial visitation or you can just have a FREE consultation on the phone.

Get Legal Help Today

If you do not have an attorney to help negotiate your claim then your settlement will likely be significantly less.

The other party (the one at fault) will certainly have legal help to mitigate their losses and even if you are an intelligent person, unless you are well versed in law you likely will be overmatched by the opponent’s legal team.

 

 

Injuries In Construction Zone Accidents

At the very least, if you are involved in a construction zone accident then you will probably have damage to your car.

It is a big annoyance to have to take your car and leave it a body shop while they take days to fix it.

Even if you get a rental car it is still a true inconvenience.

Not only do all of these things take up your time and patience but they also cost money.  The same goes with an actual injury.

A fracture or break of a bone is very common with car accidents.

A fracture can be diagnosed as an open fracture or a closed fracture.  Lacerations with blood loss is also a typical injury when there is a heavy impact.

Many times a person will hit their head on the steering wheel causing a contusion, abrasion or laceration.

If blood is pouring down someone’s face the injury can seem more severe than what it is, but witnesses will pretty much always default to calling an ambulance.  Of course injuries do not always have to be exterior.

Whiplash, joint pain and other internal injuries often occur when there is a car accident causing multiple trips to doctors, diagnostic centers and chiropractors.

Because all of these issues take time and money from your pocket you need to be sure that the parties responsible are accountable for their actions (or lack of action).

In many cases, even if you were not at fault, your car insurance might still increase.

You can take on the challenge of fighting with insurance companies and their lawyers or you can get help in the battle by reaching out to our law firm.

 

 

What Happens if I am Involved in a Construction Zone Accident?

Regardless of the circumstances, if you were involved in a construction zone crash injury, you should get legal help and we offer a free consultation.

It is best to not delay in finding a lawyer to help you as the sooner they can get involved the better and easier it will be for you both.

Under Nevada law, if you suffered from a construction zone accident involving your automobile you can work to recover various expenses and damages.

These damages may include medical expenses, pain & emotional suffering, lost income (due to missed work) and property damage.

As previously mentioned, you need someone to help you fight for the compensation you deserve after an injury.

 

Who Has the Liability in a Construction Zone Accident

Often times this can be difficult to determine due to having multiple parties being involved.

Having a proficient attorney on your side can help with this though.

That is why you are hiring them, to find out who was negligent and to research all of the details to ensure you get the best settlement possible.

Figuring out who the defendant is in your case is the initial step towards getting you a financial settlement for your car accident in a construction zone.

Nevada law dictates that a party find out who is at fault prior to making an insurance claim.

If an accident occurs in a work construction zone, there could be an array of entities that are responsible.

Depending on the situation, the construction company could be at fault.

If the site manager failed to ensure a safe environment for everyone and was negligent then they might be the first group to look at.

It is also quite possible that a third party is at fault.

In many cases, a construction company will outsource some things for other companies to take care of.  If an accident occurred due to one of these firms then they might be the defendant.

In the main hierarchy, the city of Las Vegas is on top and ultimately in charge of their roads.

If a car wreck happened due to something reasonable that the city knew about and could have repaired then they may be considered responsible.

This can hold true for other cities as well including the City of Henderson, North Las Vegas and Boulder City.

 

Construction in Vegas Keeps Going

Regardless of what any talking head on tv will tell you, Las Vegas is always booming.

Being in the arid southwest makes it a desirable location for people of all walks of life.

Retirees from the snowy and cold Midwest and East Coast love it because the hot weather is good for their bones and they never have to shovel snow.

People from California are moving in constantly because of the affordability.

The median home price in Nevada is significantly lower than that of California which means that people working normal jobs can actually afford to buy a house instead of constantly renting.

The commute is also easier as Las Vegas is not a big city area wise and has easy access to all sides via the various highways.

Interstate 15 travels North and South and runs parallel to the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Highway 95 runs from the southeast from Boulder City all the way to the northwest part of Las Vegas on the way to Reno, Nevada.

And interstate 215 works as a giant circle around the city of Las Vegas providing an alternative to the other two routes and giving easy access for commuters and travelers.

When discussing why people move to Las Vegas (especially from states like California) we would be wrong to not mention taxes.

High tax states make it difficult to live or enjoy a higher quality of life.

Nevada has no state income tax bringing more dollars to people’s bottom line while allowing them to work the same hours.

 

Dangers of Construction Zones

When a city has high growth such as Las Vegas, one certainty is that there are more construction projects taking place.

Roads need to continue to be built to accommodate the growing population and the same goes for the various highways cutting through the city.

It seems as if there are never enough lanes on a highway to meet everyone’s needs.  In the early 2000’s, construction cranes were visible from every direction as new buildings, hotels and casinos seemed to be opening every 6 months.

So instead of seeing cranes in the area building massive projects, more commonly the citizens of Las Vegas will see all types of construction equipment on the roads.

Orange cones and workers wearing vests and hard hats are prevalent throughout the valley.  Lanes are usually more narrow than usual when construction is taking place making things more difficult for Nevada drivers.

Obstacles in the roadway, swerving lanes and heavy machinery all contribute to more dangers on top of the already high traffic roads of Las Vegas. 

The construction workers waving flags and adding directives on the spot do not help either.

Clark County is Unique

The citizens of Clark County not only deal with road construction to lessen the ease on traffic for the future but also for safety.

Sometimes though, these construction zones cause more safety concerns for drivers in Clark County.

If the Nevada Department of Transportation or other authorized entities do not take the necessary precautions which cause an injury then that is a major problem.

The party or parties that were injured have a right to take action if they were injured due to the negligence of others.

If that happens to you, then we advise you seek out legal help to assist you in getting a settlement that will make up for your pain and suffering.

Richard Harris Law Firm can assist you in this matter and we are easily accessible via phone, email or by simply dropping by our office.

 

Assault and Battery Injuries

 

If you find yourself the victim of an assault and battery it is highly recommended that you get the legal expertise of a well-respected and knowledgeable assault and battery lawyer.

Richard Harris has years of experience in Las Vegas and all of Nevada.

We have been around since 1980.

It can be nerve racking to go after the person that harmed you legally.

Richard Harris will help protect your rights and try our best to get you the maximum compensation.

Call For a FREE Consultation

Give us a call or just come by the office.

We will evaluate your case and answer any questions you have.

Our first consultation is always free.

These cases can get complicated with all the legal filings and paperwork.

As we handle all the legalities it gives you time to heal up and focus on your life.

You may be able to get paid through negotiations or if it needs to go to trial our attorneys can do that as well.

Richard Harris has won over $1 Billion for clients!

Personal injury attorneys handle all types of cases.

When an injury occurs due to the fault of another a victim has every right to seek damages.

Our attorneys see assault and battery cases in Las Vegas more than you might think.

If you have been injured because of another person’s violent actions then you may be entitled to being compensated.

Do not be intimidated by a casino, big retail store (Walmart etc.), grocery store, or any other business, if you were the victim of an assault and battery then call us today to discuss your legal options.

 

What is Assault and Battery?

These two words may seem the same but there are distinct differences in legal terms in the state of Nevada.

Assault is when a person intentionally threatens another and causes that person to feel threatened.

The term assault does not actually mean that the person was touched but threatened and in fear.

Now battery on the other hand is where the physical touching occurs.

Physical contact may be in the form of hitting, punching, stabbing, scratching, biting, etc.

Poisoning someone is also included in the term battery.

The intentional and harmful action of another is needed to meet the requirements as an assault and battery.

If you have any questions concerning your rights in this type of case our attorneys at the Richard Harris Law Firm can look at the facts of your situation and help you determine if it qualifies as an assault and battery.

If it does then you have every right to proceed legally and file for damages.

 

Assault and Battery May Include

Simple Assault – This is where there is no weapon used. Usually, injuries are minor and it can be considered a misdemeanor. It could happen at one of the many Las Vegas casinos on the strip or downtown. A jealous girlfriend grabbing the hair of another girl and then the fight gets broken up and injuries are minor. That is an example of a simple assault.

Aggravated Assault – This type is an assault committed with a weapon involved. Threatening a person with a weapon would qualify as this type. This is considered a serious offense and is a felony.

Sexual Assault – This refers to a sexual act that is without the other person’s consent. This is also considered a violent crime and is a felony.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon – Violent act that involves a weapon. This could be the use of a gun, knife or any object that is able to do serious harm. There are many other weapons that fall under this consideration like; golf club, wrench, hammer etc. depending on the situation.

 

Damages From an Assault and Battery

You may be able to recover financial compensation if you are the victim of assault and battery in Nevada.

Damages can be recovered for a number of reasons.

Each case is different with its own set of facts and circumstances.

The seriousness of the injuries and other factors will have an effect on the amount of compensation.

Some of the recoverable damages include;

Pain and Suffering – An injury can cause both physical and mental anguish. Injuries may be long lasting and effect a person’s life dramatically. It is crucial to have an experienced personal injury lawyer that knows how to calculate these damages in order to get the maximum payout.

Loss of Wages – An assault and battery can cause a person to lose work. This may be due to the time needed to recover from the incident. Loss of work can come with a lot of financial stress. In some cases, an assault and battery may create a situation where the person may not be able to go back to work and the injury could directly affect them from doing their job.

Medical Expenses – Going to doctors is expensive. If the incident sent you to the emergency room there could be big bills on the way. All this adds up quickly and can be overwhelming. Surgery and rehabilitation can be a major life changer.

It is important to have legal representation after an assault and battery.

The lawyers at Richard Harris are experts in personal injury cases where assault and battery occurred.

Our attorneys will be able to look at the case and determine the best way to go forward.

Even if there were no criminal charges filed, we can still proceed with a case and get compensation.

If you or loved one were ever the victim of assault and battery, call the law offices of Richard Harris.

 

Liability and Compensation

An assault and battery may have multiple parties that can be held liable for the incident other than the perpetrator.

There are many different factors that when looked into may show that there are other people, companies and business owners that may have some liability as well.

Others may have been negligent or may have instructed the crime to take place.

• Security Company – A crime may have taken place due to the negligence of the security company. In some cases, there was not adequate security for an event or business. The security guards may not only be understaffed but not given the proper training. All this can create a dangerous situation to occur.
• Nightclub Owner – When there is alcohol involved and a patron is overserved and an incident takes place there may be some liability for that. Bars and clubs in Las Vegas are where some of these assaults and battery cases take place. Fights can turn into serious injury and can be fatal in worst case scenarios.
• Universities and Schools – There must be reasonable security and safety measures in place to protect students on campus. If an incident happens as a direct result of the failure to provide a safe place then the University or school can be held liable.
• Landlords – Must provide a safe place that is secure to the renters. There must be lighting, proper door locks and reasonable care to those living on the property.
• Malls – We have some major malls here in the Las Vegas Valley. Some are open air types while others are major indoor shopping centers. Allowing criminal activity in this place of business can lead to robbery and an assault and battery. Owners and management have a responsibility to provide safe shopping.
• Banks – Getting money from an ATM can be dangerous. A bank must provide a safe way for you to get your money. It is important for banks to put in some security measures like; cameras, guards etc. so the customer is not robbed and assaulted.
• Child Care, Church, Youth Center – Adequate background checks on employees and volunteers should be in place to provide a safe space for kids and workers. Child abuse is horrible when it happens and safeguards must be in place in order to avoid this from happening.
• Home Owners Association – Some of the advertised security features on a property may not be in proper working order. If this is the case it could cause tenants to have a false sense of security and they may find themselves in danger. If cameras are not working and are not fixed in a timely manner than the HOA can find themselves in hot water.

 

 

Injuries from an Assault and Battery in Nevada

• Broken Bones – Getting in a fight is a typical thing we see on the strip properties as well as on Freemont Street. Las Vegas is a 24-hour party atmosphere that brings out the fight in people. Late night drama can cause injury to those fighting. Broken noses, jaws, arms, hands, and ribs are common injuries.
• Head Trauma – Getting hit in the head with an object or fist can cause serious injury. This is true especially if the person is taken by surprise. A serious concussion can lead to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and may have a long-term effect on the person injured. Head injury can lead to coma and be fatal if the person is knocked out.
• Concussion – Imagine getting knocked out in a fight in a bar or hotel casino.
• Facial Injuries – getting hit in the head or face can be very intense.

Medical treatment and hospitalization from an injury can be devastating to a victim of an assault and battery.

The emotional trauma left behind can also be harmful to a person’s wellbeing.

 

Tesla Car Accident Law Firm

In order to determine if you have a Tesla lawsuit or claim against the company contact our team of experienced Nevada Tesla accident attorneys.

We are always taking on new clients who have been injured in a Tesla accident or Fire.

Contact our team immediately to set up a free consultation.

During this consultation, we will go over the different scenarios that could happen over the course of your case.

We will also go over what you can expect from our firm and what the outcome might be.

Our firm can help new Tesla accident victims or Tesla battery fire injuries in Nevada.

If you or someone you know has been injured while driving a Tesla or during a Tesla battery fire call Richard Harris, we are available to our clients 24/7.

Tesla is known to make safe Cars

Tesla has marketed it as one of the safest cars on the road, however over the last couple of years we have seen many battery fires, accidents, and safety failures in all Tesla Models.

In 2021 Tesla agreed to pay $1.5 million in damages to settle a class action suit from Model S owners that claimed the battery was ruined due to software updates that were not supported by the battery.

Tesla offers a self driving option in all models but does maintain that the driver must be vigilant and aware while driving since it is not a full self driving vehicle.

Many Tesla owners have been injured or have ever died due to accidents in their Tesla or the common problem, Tesla battery fires.

Tesla is a multi-billion dollar company and if you were injured due to Tesla’s negligence you might feel like you’re going up against a Goliath and you’re David.

You need an aggressive legal team to help you get the compensation you deserve.

 

Tesla Battery Fires

Over the last several years as we have seen more and more Tulsa on the road we have also seen an increase in Tesla fires.

In some cases Tesla vehicles have burst into flames for what seems to be no reason at all.

Since Tesla batteries are made of nickel-cobalt to make lithium-ion batteries, this is all new technology to the auto industry that is used to traditional lead batteries.

Tesla batteries are stronger and charge much faster.

Since these new batteries are made of energy cells the temperature of these batteries can rise to extraordinary high temperatures causing the Tesla batteries to catch fire even while not driving.

The main reasons that most Tesla battery fires occur is a manufacturing defect or because of an accident.

Recently a Tesla fire was reignited after the fire department thought they put it out.

The fire that a Tesla battery creates needs about 25,000 gallons of water to extinguish while it only takes about 300 gallons of water to put out a regular car battery fire.

If you have been injured in a Tesla fire and think it’s a manufacturer issue call us today to schedule a case review.

 

 

Common Tesla Vehicle Defects

Although Tesla has advanced the electric car industry with many cutting edge technologies.

They have moved the electric car industry leaps and bounds there are still many issues that Tesla vehicle encounter.

These are the most common defects to Tesla vehicles:

• Battery issues- fire, rusting batteries

• Camera’s in the vehicle not operating properly

• Door defects- including not able open the doors

• Airbags not opening during an accident

• Self driving steering issues

• Panel issues

Since Tesla’s are so modern and advanced in technology they come with a whole new set of issues not seen before in other vehicles.

These issues can cause serious injury or even death.

 

 

Who is Liable for a Tesla Accident

This can be tricky.

You may think that Tesla the manufacturer is responsible for accidents involving Tesla, however there are several other companies that might be involved.

For example if your autopilot software fails while you’re driving your Tesla then the software manufacturer of that software may be the responsible party and not Tesla.

Tesla may have designed the most advanced vehicle in years but they do buy parts and software for their vehicles from other manufacturers.

Another example is if the airbags fail to open when you’re involved in an accident.

Airbags

The company that makes the airbag might be the responsible party since Tesla didn’t actually make the airbag, but purchased it from another company.

In this case maybe both Tesla and the airbag manufacturer are at fault.

The airbag was made by the manufacturer and was faulty.

Tesla purchased the airbags without proper testing and the airbags failed in future accidents of Tesla vehicles.

In this case both Tesla and the airbag manufacturer are at fault for supplying faulty equipment and Tesla for not testing the airbags properly before placing them into the vehicle.

A smart, experienced legal team will investigate your accident from all angles and if need be, go after all parties that are responsible for your injuries.

If you think Tesla or another Tesla parts manufacturer is responsible for your accident call The Richard Harris Law Firm today.

Injured in a Tesla Car Crash

Of course there are accidents everyday in Reno and Las Vegas that involve a Tesla car, but the accident is the fault of a driver.

If you drive a Tesla but you were rear-ended, T-boned, hit head on, or even hit at a red light, then call us today for help.

Not every accident involving a Tesla is to be blamed on the Tesla itself.

Of course driver negligence and driver error is what causes most motor vehicle accidents in Las Vegas and all of Nevada.

In other words don’t just assume you’ll sue Tesla if you were hit by another driver in a Tesla, odds are the crash can be the fault of the driver.

Our law firm is the top car accident law firm in Nevada with over 2,000 positive reviews online.

Call us today for help with your Tesla car accident case.

 

Claims of Liability in a Tesla Accident

There are several claims that can be made when filing a claim against Tesla and its other manufacturers for an accident

1. Product liability Defects- Manufacturing Defects, when there is a defect in one of the parts of the vehicle and that is not in accordance with the rest of the parts of the vehicle safety. Design defects, design flaws can be the reason for accidents even when they are designed and used as intended.

2. Negligence- Tesla as a business has a duty to provide products in this case cars that follow all safety regulations. If Tesla fails to provide safe vehicles and knows about any defects or safety issues they are considered negligent.

3. Strict liability– The driver of the vehicle can claim strict liability if the was extremely defective and causing dangerous conditions, Tesla can be held liable.

 

These claims can also be brought against any Tesla parts manufacturer or any other company that Tesla buys parts from if they are found to be at fault.

 

How Much Do Tesla injury Lawyers Cost?

Our Las Vegas Tesla injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you do not have to pay for anything  out of pocket or up front.

We only get paid when we win your case or receive a settlement in your favor.

We know that suffering injuries in a Tesla accident or battery fire can be very traumatic for the injured parties.

Many victims experience severe injuries including burns that can be life changing.

Medical care for severe automobile accident injuries can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and can be a lifelong process of healing.

Since we want you to concentrate on getting better and healing we can offer help with medical services and getting the treatment you need.

Our goal at The Richard Harris Law Firm is to provide our legal services to our clients and recover the largest settlement for you based on your injuries and to hold the negligent party responsible for their actions.

We have recovered over a $ billion dollars for our clients since 1980 when we started working in the Las Vegas area.

Tesla The Company

We can all agree that the electric car is a good idea for the environment by limiting gas emissions into the air.

Pollution has been a big problem since the industrial revolution. Since the advent of factories and the automobile we have been trying to stop global warming and the effects we have on the environment.

So when the electric car came about most of us thought it was a good idea.

This would eliminate the need for large consumption of gas and fossil fuels.

We in the US could rely less on foreign oil and help the planet at the same time. There are many models of electric cars these days but Tesla has been at the forefront of this technology, using lithium-ion batteries in their cars.

Lithium-ion batteries for Tesla are made of nickel manganese cobalt that is mined in several counties.

Once mined they are made into cells to create the battery.

The battery is to be charged at a charging station or even in your garage, there is no need for gas when owning a Tesla.

Tesla’s are completely electric while other electric vehicles are considered hybrid’s or part electric part gas like a Toyota Prius.

 

Grocery Store Accident Injury

Let’s face it the grocery store can be a daunting place especially during certain times of the year like the holidays.

Sometimes it can be like getting on a freeway in California.

The aisles can be crowded with people looking at shelves of items they need or want to buy and carts, let’s not forget the carts.

If you’ve ever been to a crowded Walmart Grocery at Christmas then you know the pain of someone running into the back of your feet with their cart.

Going to the grocery store is a necessary part of our routine in the U.S but all joking aside it can be a place that someone can get really hurt just doing such a routine weekly thing.

Most of us cringe at the idea of going to certain grocery stores like big box stores like Costco or Sam’s Club but the deals are so good we deal with the large amount of traffic and parking lot nightmare.

There are ways to avoid going to the grocery store these days , things like Instacart or even Uber delivers groceries now.

Getting Groceries Delivered

These delivery services may bring you groceries that you order online but you get what you get without being able to choose or see the items that you are paying for.

These online delivery services may have had a surge during the pandemic but let’s be real, most of us like to go to the grocery store (Smiths, Whole Food, Winco, Sprouts, Albertson, 99 cent, Marianas, Vons)  and see and touch the food items we are going to buy.

The grocery store however can be a hazardous place with all types of obstacles were people can get hurt or seriously injured.

If you have been injured while at the grocery store call The Richard Harris Law Firm today to discuss your options.

 

Common Causes of  Grocery Store Accidents

Many grocery store accidents are caused by store negligence or the management failing to protect the shoppers or the staff.

Some larger stores might have elevator or escalator accidents.

In some cases obvious repairs or obstacles are not taken care of and cause a hazard for the guests shopping at the store.

The most common causes of  grocery store accidents are:

Wet floor- grocery stores are filled with wet objects that fall on the floor or are dropped even by another customer. Wet or slippery floors are the most common reason for grocery store injuries.

Leaking equipment– grocery stores use many refrigeration and freezer units to store their products at the right temperature but these units can brake or leak fluid used or brake and cause food to go bad. You can get food poisoning if food is not kept at the recommended temperature and leaking fluid could cause a fall accident, so this can be really hazardous in various ways.

Falling Objects– let’s face it whoever created the grocery store shelf must have been a very tall person because most of the time it seems everything is up to high for most people to grab without stepping on the bottom shelf. In big box grocery stores they store pallets (hurt by forklift) of product above the isles we walk through, this creates a falling object issue.

Shopping Carts– We have all grabbed the cart that has a broken wheel or wheels that don’t work quite right , or have been hit by another shopper with the cart. The worst however is the cart in the parking lot that runs into your car while it’s parked. Watch out for loading docks.

There are many other ways that someone can be injured in a grocery store, these are just the most common scenarios we see.

Call Richard Harris today if any of these have happened to you at the grocery store in Las Vegas.

 

Injuries Suffered in Grocery Store

Just like there are a few common ways you can be injured at the grocery store, there some injuries that are seen when you get hurt while grocery shopping

• Head injuries– concussions, fractured skull, and TBI (traumatic brain injury) open wounds in the head area. These are the most common head injuries usually from a slip and fall on a wet floor in a grocery store.

• Neck or back injuries- including nerve and disk damage. This usually occurs when objects that are heavy fall from above onto the victims head.

• Broken bones– falling at the grocery store can cause all kinds of broken bones like broken wrist, arms , and ankles, the most common broken bone injuries.

• Torn ligaments and tendons– these are common and most likely not noticed right away. You may bruise in the area but do not know how bad the injury is until much later.

 

What to do if you are injured while shopping at the grocery store

There are few things you should do immediately if you are injured while shopping at a grocery store.

Notify the management- If you are injured in any public place you need to notify the management. Make sure to get the names of the management staff that you spoke with. In most cases an accident or incident will be generated by the staff, this is a safety requirement at all public businesses. Make sure you get a copy of the report or take a photo of it.

Gather witness information– Most likely someone else is within viewing distance of the accident and can say what happened as a witness. You’ll need their name, address and phone number and email so they can be contacted in the future if needed to give a statement. This step is very important to corroborate your story and they may even be asked to testify on your behalf if the case goes forward.

Take photos and video– If you are able use your phone to video the scene and any interactions with staff.

Seek medical attention- if you are injured no matter how small you might think the injury is you’ll need to go see a doctor. Always go no matter what. The grocery store may require you to go to the hospital or doctors that are part of the insurance they carry. However , you can go to whatever hospital you choose. You may have injuries that are not visible and may only show up as time goes by.

Taking all these steps immediately after an accident can protect you and any loved one’s that have been injured in a grocery store accident.

Premise Liability Law

All public businesses have a duty of care to make their grocery store safe for all patrons.

This includes the general public who come and shop at the business as well as employees and outside vendors.

This means that it is the responsibility of the business.

More specifically the owners and operators of that business, in this case the grocery store, need to make sure the store is safe for the public and all legal safety requirements are met.

This can include keeping all areas clean and clear of debris or spills, maintenance and repair or replacement of equipment used to operate the store including things like grocery store carts.

There are also the shopping center owners, usually not the grocery store, the shopping center owners have the same duty of care when it come s to public areas like the parking lots or sidewalks.

They are required to maintain these areas in safe and working order.

If the business owners or the shopping center owners are not maintaining the store or property up to safety standards of Nevada then they may be liable for any accidents that occur on their property.

If you were injured at a grocery store or shopping center and think the owners may be negligent call The Richard Harris Law firm today.

We can go over your case free of charge and let you know how to go forward.

 

Why call Richard Harris

Being injured due to someone else’s negligence can have an immediate effect on your life.

You may be injured and not able to work or provide for your family.

We at Richard Harris can level the playing field and get you the compensation you deserve.

If a business is not following proper safety procedures then they should be held accountable for their negligence.

Our legal experts will provide:

• 24/7 service to our clients- we are available to help our clients anytime day or night

• No money up front- we work for our clients to recover the largest settlement based on your case. You pay nothing pour of pocket and we only get paid if we win your case

• Medical services- we can provide you with doctors or other medical services, getting healthy should be your only concern, we will handle the rest.

• Transportation- We can offer transportation to and from medical treatments

• Help with your employer- We offer our services to help you with your employer and getting help with disability or workers comp if needed

We have been helping clients in Las Vegas and Nevada since 1980..

We work to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call The Richard Harris law firm today if you or someone you love has been injured while shopping at the grocery store.

 

Providing a Recorded Statement for an Insurance Claim

Accident victims always ask us “should i give a recorded statement to the insurance company?” The anwer is your best bet is to contact a car accident attorney at Richar Harris Law firm before you give any statements to the insurance company.

It doesn’t matter if you are dealing with Geico, State Farm or Progressive, you should always call our law firm for help.

If you were in a car wreck and made a claim to your insurance company then there are multiple steps that must be done prior to you getting your settlement.

First off, the insurance company will need to investigate what happened.

Typically, they will have an adjuster do that leg work.

They will review the police reports and will also inquire with you about the details of what exactly happened.

When the reach out to you, they will do so on a recorded line and will ask you questions in an interview style.

Be aware of that situation though and always remember that the adjuster is working on behalf of the insurance company, not you!

Have the knowledge to know that you do not need to provide the recorded statement right away and can delay it.  In some cases, you do not even have to provide one.

Insurance Adjusters

The insurance company will want to obtain the recorded statement in a timely fashion so that they can get the claim going and the sooner they interview you the more fresh the details will be in your mind.

For most people though, getting into an automobile accident is a traumatizing experience.

Often times there are injuries involved and fuzzy details until the person involved can clearly think about what happened.  Adjusters rushing to get the interview done have many tricks in their arsenal and are well versed at asking certain questions.

Many of which are designed to trip up the interviewee.

That is why it is always a good idea to seek out legal assistance in any traffic incident (ticket, citation, car wreck, etc…).

Regardless of who is at fault you will want assistance especially when dealing with a large insurance company who deals with these issues each and every day.

It can be quite intimidating navigating this process on your own.

Richard Harris Law Firm can help you and we have a convenient location in downtown Las Vegas and are reachable by phone or email.

 

 

Elevator Accidents Can Be Bad

Riding in an elevator is something we all do.

An elevator accident is rare but they do still happen.

When it does occur, there can be major injury and even fatalities.

An elevator stopping abruptly, falling, or trapping those in it can create a serious situation.

Panic attacks and problems with breathing can happen to those nervous in an elevator that is not properly working.

Were You Injured

If you are injured in any way in an elevator accident in the Las Vegas Valley or anywhere in Nevada we can help.

Richard Harris and our personal injury lawyers have years of experience in elevator accident cases.

If you are injured in an elevator than it is most likely not your fault.

Our team of expert attorneys will get to bottom of what caused the accident and who is responsible.

Whether you are local or from out of state we will represent you.

We can help you get the compensation that you deserve.

Call today!

 

How Much Time Do I Have to File in Nevada?

The state of Nevada does have time limits on how long you have to file a claim.

Since an elevator accident falls under a personal injury case the statute of limitations is 2 years from when the accident occurred.

It is best to speak with a personal injury attorney ASAP.

 

Elevator Accidents and Liability

In most accidents with elevators, it is not the passenger’s fault.

It is usually another party’s neglect or lack of maintenance that results in an accident.

Liability will fall on the party responsible.

This often involves their insurance companies of the owner and financial damages can be awarded to the person injured.

Having a professional personal injury law firm on your side is important to help protect your rights.

• Building Owners – Owners are responsible for providing a safe elevator to tenants, visitors, customers, workers etc. When elevators break down or have accidents the owner may be held liable if they did not provide reasonable safety.
• Maintenance Company – If an elevator breaks or malfunctions it may be the direct result of the maintenance company not doing their job properly. Elevator accidents can be very serious and leave people injured. Fatalities from an elevator accident are rare but do happen.
• Elevator Company – The injury may be due the fact that the company that sold the owner the elevator had a faulty elevator installed. There could be defective parts, improper assembly, and installation.

There may be others that played a role in an accident like the contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers etc.

If an accident happened while you were working then employers may have some liability as well.

 

Cause for An Elevator Accident

Elevator accidents can happen in many ways. Sometimes defective parts are to blame.

Doors may not close properly and malfunctions in the sensors and wiring may contribute to an accident.

Below are some common causes that we see in elevator accidents.

• Engineering Issues – This could be caused by the elevator manufacturing company delivering a faulty product. Problems in the engineering system can cause injuries to those riding it.
• Workplace Issues – Safety procedures not being followed can make for an unsafe elevator. This could be by overloading the elevator with too much weight and too many people.
• Poor Maintenance – An elevator must be properly maintained in order to function safely. When inspections are not done in a timely manner and quality control is lacking a major accident with injury may occur.

An accident may cause an elevator to drop to the bottom.

Elevators can get caught in between floors causing riders to be stuck inside.

Explosions, earthquakes, fires etc. may also be the cause of an elevator malfunction with injury.

 

 

Injuries From an Elevator Accident

Broken Bones – If an elevator drops and stops abruptly it may cause a bone to break. This can happen by falling to the ground or being slammed against the inside of the elevator. Broken bones can cause much pain and suffering. Surgery and time to heal are also factors that may be the result of a bone break.

Back Injuries – An elevator accident can do some serious damage to the spine of a victim. A hard stop from a falling elevator can jolt the back and put stress on the vertebrae. Back injuries may need chiropractors and rehabilitation. A spinal injury can lead to long-lasting pain and medical care. Paralysis is possible if the injury is severe.

Psychological Injury – A person’s mental state may be affected if they are involved in an elevator accident. Physically they may be fine but stress from being trapped in an elevator may cause mental anguish that may need treatment.

Death – In worst case scenarios an elevator ride can be fatal. Many reasons can contribute to a person dying in an elevator. Having a panic attack and a heart attack can create a fatal response. Trapped in an elevator fire is another horrible thought. An elevator that drops multiple floors due to a malfunction or defective part can end in tragedy.

Richard Harris is a phone call or email away.

We are available 24/7.

Call, email or just come by the office.

Personal injury is our specialty!

 

 Avoiding An Elevator Accident

It is important to have safety practices in place to avoid an accident.

Work injuries can happen with elevators that are in constant motion.

Elevator maintenance must be implemented by well trained and reputable companies and personnel.

A business owner may cut the budget to maintain the elevator in order to put the money into another problem in the building.

Management may be unaware of the importance of elevator inspections and maintenance.

It is important to give the proper service to an elevator in order to avoid an accident.

Most of the times these accident s can be avoided.

If an accident does occur than a victim should be entitled to just compensation.

 

Trapped in An Elevator?

This type of situation can cause some serious stress on a person trapped inside an elevator.

If the elevator is stuck for any length of time, it could be traumatic.

It is possible to file a claim for damages if you have been trapped in an elevator but you must be able to show injury.

Injury can be both physical and /or mental.

PTSD is not uncommon if a person finds themselves unable to get out of an elevator for an extended period of time.

If a person already has health issues and the stress from being trapped overwhelms a victim it can lead to other problems.

No one should ever have to be trapped in an elevator.

If this does occur you may be able to be financially compensated for the pain and suffering left behind.

 

 

Call Richard Harris Law Firm

An elevator accident can be complex.

There may be multiple parties responsible for the accident.

It is important to have a personal injury attorney that can guide you through the legal process.

We work on a contingency basis which means that there are no upfront fees and we only get paid if we win your case.

• Top Rated Personal Injury Law Firm in Nevada
• Been Servicing Clients Since 1980 in the Las Vegas Valley
• Expert Negotiators and Trial Attorneys
• Know How to Deal with the Insurance Companies
• Have Won Over $1 Billion For Our Clients

If you are injured the last thing you want to do is put together a legal case concerning your accident.

With all the paperwork and filings that are involved we will represent you and protect your rights while you recover from your injuries.

Call us today for your free consultation.

 

Elevator Negligence

It is important that an elevator owner or operator make sure that they have done their due diligence in providing safety.

Providing a safe elevator for employees in the back of the house of restaurants, hotels and casino properties is expected.

Customers and visitors coming to the property and using the main elevators must also be provided a safe ride.

This is a legal obligation that owners and management must deliver.

If not, they may be held liable if there is an accident and they did not provide the proper degree of care to those using the elevator.

 

Elevator Accident General Timeline of Events

• The accident takes place.
• An injury occurs and medical attention is needed.
• Time to hire a personal injury attorney.
• Our attorneys will investigate the case.
• We will determine who is liable for the injuries.
• We then will file a claim to the appropriate party on the victim’s behalf.
• Lawsuit is set in motion.
• Investigations on both sides are conducted.
• Proper paperwork and evidence filed.
• The lawsuit may be negotiated or continue forward at this point.
• If the case is not agreed on then a trail.
• The judge will look at the facts and decide on the case.

This is typically how this type of case is handled but remember all cases have a unique set of circumstances that may alter this timeline.

The outcome of an elevator injury case will depend on the amount of costs and damage.

This includes medical bills, lost wages, and the severity of the injury.

 

 

Escalator Accidents and Injuries

Most of us have taken a ride on an escalator before.

It is that motor driven moving staircase that helps us get from floor to floor.

It is seen in convention centers, malls, hotels, and casinos like Circa, New York, NY, and MGM.

It is a great way to move a lot of people through a property.

It’s also a way to help the customer take a break from walking and get them where they are going effortlessly.

Riding an escalator can come with risk and every so often there is an accident that can lead to injury.

Sometimes these injuries can leave a person needing medical attention.

If the injury is serious, it can be devastating.

There are many reasons that can make a ride on an escalator dangerous.

If you are injured in an escalator accident in the Las Vegas Valley or throughout the state of Nevada, give us a call.

If possible gather evidence with photos etc., and of course try to find any witnesses.

 

We Are Here to Help

The Law Offices of Richard Harris are here to help.

Our personal injury team of expert attorneys handles all types of cases including escalator accidents.

An accident can affect a person in many ways.

An escalator accident may come with hospital and medical bills.

A person can lose income from time off the job.

This can all cause financial instability.

It may be determined that you are entitled to compensation for all the damages left behind in an escalator accident.

Give us a call.

The first consultation is always free!

 

Statute of Limitations

The state of Nevada has a statute of limitations of 2 years on personal injury claims.

An escalator accident is a personal injury accident type that is in this category.

It is always best to get the help of a personal injury attorney as soon as possible in order to file the claim on time and avoid any issues.

 

 

Reasons For Escalator Accident

There are a whole bunch of reasons that an escalator accident can occur.

There are many moving parts in it and if they are not maintained properly than a malfunction can take place.

If an escalator is in a high traffic area like those on the strip or airport they can break down and cause an accident to happen.

Other things that can contribute to an accident may be dim lighting or no lighting at all.

There are sometimes defective escalators that are just designed poorly.

If the area is wet and a slip and fall happens on the escalator it can be injurious.

It is also dangerous to have dangling clothes or untied shoes getting caught in the escalator.

 

Owners Have a Legal Obligation to Maintain an Escalator

Having an escalator on a property may be a great way to move people throughout it, but there is also a legal duty of the owners or renters to keep it maintained.

Whenever we get on an escalator, we may take for granted that it is in proper working order and will not cause harm to us.

This should always be the case but there are instances where an escalator may not be working right and safety to those on it may be at risk.

Not only can the owner be held liable but the company that is in charge of repairs and maintenance can be as well.

If there is a faulty part that was put in the escalator even the parts manufacturer could be held liable for an accident with injury.

Property managers and escalator repair contractors can also be held legally responsible if they are found to be negligent.

Having an escalator comes with responsibilities and these are not to be overlooked.

 

Where Escalator Accidents Can Happen

Nevada is full of escalators.

Office building of all sizes have them transporting people every day.

In Las Vegas the malls have them in the main area and also in the large department stores taking customers up and down to the different floors.

Many of the major hotels, resorts and casinos have escalators.

The airports and convention centers in Vegas and Reno use this moving staircase.

An escalator accident can happen at any time.

It is important to be aware of the dangers of an escalator and not be complacent while riding.

Getting on and off it can be the most dangerous moments if there is a defect or improper maintenance.

 

Escalator Accident Settlements

Not every escalator injury accident will result in a big settlement.

If it was the persons fault for the accident than winning a case will be much more difficult.

Some escalator accidents will happen due to the fault of the person being reckless or intoxicated.

However, if the accident happened due to improper maintenance or a defect in the escalator than there is a chance for fair compensation.

All cases have their own set of circumstances.

We can help you decide on how to handle your particular case.

Richard Harris can help answer all your questions.

 

What is ‘Modified Comparative Negligence?’

This rule allows a person to be compensated if they are less than 51% responsible for the accident.

A bar or nightclub may still have some liability if they over served a person or for a variety of other reasons that the person was injured in an escalator accident.

Some of these big clubs with pool parties can find themselves in this area.

Our attorneys at Richard Harris have worked on all types of escalator injury cases and can help with a winning strategy.

 

 

Escalator Malfunctions

There are sometimes problems with escalators and types of defects that may cause it to malfunction.

When this happens, the results can be hazardous leaving injury and even death behind.

Some of these defects include; screws missing, escalator track issues, too much space between tracks and brokens steps or tracks.

These defects may cause fingers, hair, and clothing to become entrapped in the escalator and results can be serious.

 

Common Types of Escalator Accidents

Clothing Caught in Escalator – If your clothes or fingers get caught up in an escalator belt injury can happen. Often a shoe string can get caught in the escalator belt and a person can fall down. The most common injuries and less serious injuries will include a twisted ankle or cut hands or feet but more serious injuries have happened like amputations. It is possible that major cuts and bleeding can even result in death.

Sudden Stoppage – If an escalator all of a sudden stops there can be multiple injuries and multiple people involved. People falling down on top of each other can easily happen in this situation. A crowded escalator can be much more dangerous if a sudden stop were to happen. Modern escalators are designed for this to not take place but malfunctions, product defects and other unpredictable things can happen.

Slippery Escalator – If there is a slip and fall on an escalator there could be some serious injury. It is the responsibility of the premises to be reasonably aware of water or spills that can leave an escalator slippery and dangerous.

If you are injured on an escalator, it could be considered a premises liability case.

Our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys understand premises law and will look at all the evidence of the accident.

We will make sure to hold the liable party accountable for your injuries and damages that happened from the accident.

Medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering are some of the damages we will look into and try our best to get you compensated for.

 

Common Escalator Injuries

Cuts and Bruises – An escalator accident can come with abrasions. Hopefully they are just minor and there is no long-term scarring or medical treatment. The best-case scenario is that you walk away and go on with your day. Bleeding may occur and if it hits a vein or artery it can go from minor to major.

Spinal Cord Injury – This would be considered one of the most major injuries. A spinal injury can lead to paralysis which is life changing and long-term suffering.

TBI – If there is a slip and fall on the escalator and the head is injured medical care and treatment will likely be needed. A hard hit to the head can cause; dizziness, nausea, memory loss and loss of motor skills. A person with Traumatic Brain Injury can have injuries that may be long lasting.

Broken Bones– Falling and breaking a bone comes with pain and suffering and time to heal. This injury is a major contributor to lost wages and time off work.

Amputation – Getting a finger caught up in an escalator can do some serious damage. A person wearing sandals or flip-flops can easily get the toes caught in an escalator belt and results can be horrific. This steel people mover has a lot of different ways that it can do damage to an unsuspecting rider.

An escalator accident can be life altering.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an escalator accident you may be entitled to compensation.

Call, email or just come by the office.

The Law Offices of Richard Harris are available 24/7. 

 

 

Forklift Accident  Lawyers

The forklift is everywhere now and has made life much easier when it comes to construction or moving bigger items.

We see them now out in the general public mostly in big box stores like Costco, or Walmart always moving large pallets of items either off trucks or around stores.

Forklifts used to just be used out of the public’s way or when the stores were closed, but since box retailers have become so popular forklifts are used during operating hours when the public is wandering around.

Even though the forklift has made moving heavy items or placing a heavy construction item easier,  it does come with its share of issues.

Forklift accidents are more common than ever especially to the general public and not just operators or construction workers.

Forklifts operate in many environments these days including warehouses, big box stores, construction sites, production paint facilities, and airports, casino, Amazon warehouse. 

So there are many places where a forklift accident can happen.

Injuries Happen

These accidents or injuries can be anything from spinal cord injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries, broken bones, cuts, knee injuries, paralysis, and even death.

In most cases forklift accidents occur due to human error or equipment failure.

If you have been injured in a forklift accident you need an experienced lawyer who deals with forklift injuries to help iron out the details of your accident claim.

The Richard Harris Law Firm has a long history of securing our clients’ futures.

We have a long record of success with personal injury claims from many different areas including forklift accidents.

We have succeeded in gaining over a $ Billion dollars for our clients over the years.

Call Today for a no obligation consultation.

 

Injured in a Forklift Accident?

What you should know if you have been injured in a forklift accident.

You may be able to recover damages in a variety of ways depending on the circumstances of the accident or injury.

Filing a claim can be a daunting even overwhelming experience.

That’s why we can be your professional guide.

Reach out to The Richard Harris Law Firm as soon as possible to get information on your options.

You may be able to get compensation via any of the following:

Workers Compensation- If you are injured while at work in Nevada you can file a workers compensation claim with your employer, in fact you must do this to recover any damages even before you contact a lawyer. Being hurt at work, you entitled to be covered by no fault workers comp insurance. You can recover lost wages, medical bills through workers comp. However workers comp is not the only avenue available to you if any other company or entity caused your forklift accident due to negligence.

Personal injury lawsuit- You may not be able to file a personal injury claim against your employer based on your workers comp insurance but it’s always good to contact a personal injury attorney to guide you. You may also be able to file a claim against another party that contributed to your accident. This is called a third party liability claim, these claims can be against many different defendants including manufacturers, subcontractors, company owners or property owners.

Product liability claims– In many cases a forklift may be unsafe or not maintained correctly. Most forklifts are rented from big rental equipment companies that are responsible to send products that are safe to the consumer or user of the product. If it happens that the forklift is unsafe they need to be held accountable for sending unsafe working equipment out to be used. Faulty equipment is a major cause of injury or death in any forklift accident.

 

Reasons For Forklift Accidents

As a full service personal injury law firm we have seen the many ways that forklifts are handled by workers incorrectly or they were not trained properly.

Also in some cases the equipment itself is not properly maintained as a huge piece of industrial equipment.

The manufacturer may have a dysfunctional piece of equipment not properly built by the manufacturer.

Safety should always be the number one priority of major corporations or for anyone renting or buying a forklift.

Training and certificate training is required to operate a forklift, but in many cases this training is overlooked to get work done on a deadline.

We offer a full investigation into all accidents involving a forklift or forklift operator including the following:

• Tips or rollovers

• Crushing , pinning or running over a coworker

• Large equipment collision

• Dropped cargo

• Not supervised

• Operating a forklift in a non work zone

• Backing over individuals or cargo

• Failing to stop

Any company will try and make it seem that whatever happened was not that serious or not that you have no options but you always have options.

You can start by setting up a free consultation appointment with Nevada’s largest personal injury law firm.

We will conduct an investigation into the accident and take action against the responsible parties to protect you and your interests going forward.

 

Get Financial Compensation for your Injuries

After an accident you or your loved one needs financial support to cover all types of costs including medical expenses, monthly bills and housing.

If you are not able to work while you’re recovering then even things like food or prescription medications can become costly.

In most cases the insurance companies and insurance adjusters that work for the manufacturer or employers of the forklift operator that may have caused the accident are only concerned with protecting their clients and paying out the least amount of money for their negligence.

The Richard Harris Law Firm will hold the negligent party or company accountable for their actions.

Depending on the accident and how severe your injuries were we can help you recover damages for:

• Immediate medical care including an ambulance ride and emergency medical treatment

• Future medical bills including physical therapy, prescriptions, medical devices like walkers or wheelchairs

• Pain and suffering / Loss of consortium

• Disability either temporary or in some cases permanent

• Lost wages current and future

• Wrongful Death

 

Why Call The Richard Harris Law Firm

Since we have been in business since 1980 in Nevada and we have a proven track record of success in recovering some of the highest settlements allowable by law.

Our focus is on personal attention to our clients and treating everyone as if it were our family.

The Richard Harris Law Firm will do a comprehensive investigation of the accident using our own investigative team and our own funds.

You are not responsible financially for any upfront cost.

We work on a contingency basis and only recover payment after we have won and resolved your case.

We offer the following services to all of our clients –

1. Inform you up front of your rights and what to expect from your case

2. An investigation into your forklift accident

3. Expert lawyers that specialize in forklift accidents available 24/7

4. We will negotiate with insurance companies, insurance adjusters, the other attorneys, or any other representative of the employer or company responsible for the injury.

5. Free consultation over the phone or in person

 

We have won over a $ billion dollars for our clients in Nevada.

And with an impeccable track record of recovering financial compensation for our clients we at The Richard Harris Law Firm are committed to the personal service of our clients.

We will do everything to secure your financial future if you were injured in a forklift accident either while working for a company or an innocent bystander, call today.

Operating a forklift takes training and skill

Forklift operators are required by law to take and maintain every three years a certification program through OSHA ( Occupational Safety and Health Administration ).

This is a comprehensive course that covers all the aspects of driving a forklift and is required by law to operate a forklift in Nevada.

The program is only available in class and potential drivers are required  to attend all in class training and practical applications.

Some employers may overlook this certificate process and that can be devastating if an accident occurs that could have been avoided if the proper licensing and certifications were in place by the employer.

Forklifts are very heavy and cumbersome pieces of equipment that lift and move heavy loads from place to place or onto awaiting trucks to be transported.

This combination can cause devastating injuries to other employees or innocent bystanders if the untrained person operates the forklift without proper training.

 

What To Do If Injured as a Truck Driver

Truck drivers are mostly taken for granted.

Until recently during the pandemic we didn’t think much about how our goods got from place to place.

But during the pandemic we learned how important skilled and experienced truck drivers are.

They drive products we need or want all over the country. 

As we have moved to an online shopping society we need more and more truckers to fill the role and deliver the goods.

During the pandemic there was a shortage of truck drivers so as we all know there was an extreme back-up in the delivery of goods.

Driving a Truck is Risky

Truck drivers are exposed to driving for long hours on our freeways subjected to all kinds of scenarios that can lead to accidents including weather, construction, mechanical failure, and unrealistic deadlines to deliver goods.

Since the I-15 is considered one of the most traveled routes for truckers (since it is an interstate that spans the entire united states) the I-15 may see more truck accidents than some other areas of the country.

If you are a truck driver and were injured in an accident in Nevada call The Richard Harris Law Firm today.

 

Semi-Truck Drivers aren’t Always at Fault

Most people always assume the truck driver causes all the accidents, but this isn’t always the case.

This is why it’s important if you were injured as a truck driver to contact Richard Harris Law Firm because our video accident command center might have the traffic footage of your crash.

Often times a driver in a regular car or SUV could be driving under the influence and be at fault for the crash, or maybe the other driver ran a red light or stop sign?

Of course there are so many things that cause car crashes we won’t list them all, but the point is if another driving is going the wrong way and hits a semi-truck head on it’s probably not the truckers fault.

Truck drivers of course need to follow all the rules of the road and drive safely, but even then another car can act crazy and cause a 18 wheeler to jackknife and lose control.

If you need to speak to a truck accident lawyer in Las Vegas, Reno, or anywhere in Nevada then call us today.

 

Lifting and Loading Injuries

Of course many truck drivers find themselves lifting and moving around heavy objects.

Using dollies, forklifts, and just unloading stuff can be a hazard.

Often times a truck driver has to deal with the loading dock and that can be very dangerous.

Think of broken bones, dropping items, tearing a muscle, etc.

Slip and fall accidents happen all the time when truck drivers deliver products into restaurants, casinos, grocery stores, Home Depot, etc.

 

Truck Driver Negligence

When an accident happens with a truck most people first look to the truck driver or the trucking company.

In some cases drivers may be negligent in the accident for example by driving long after the there scheduled stop time to meet a deadline. 

But there are also many times where the truck driver may be involved in an accident for reasons that are no fault of their own.

Weather conditions are a perfect example of a reason that a truck driver might not be responsible for an accident like slippery roads during snow.

The driver of the other vehicle may also be responsible for the accident.

What if the truck driver was injured by the other person in the accident?

Many Regulations Exist

Truck drivers are subjected to many regulations to try and reduce accidents on the roadways involving trucks. 

These include drug and alcohol screenings, truck inspections on the freeways, special licensing or CDL license requirements and limits on the amount of time per day.

Trucks today are equipped with computers that record the amount of time drivers are driving in a day.

Drivers and companies can be fined large amounts for drivers who break the rules.

Every truck driver who drives a vehicle that carries 10 or more people or a weight over 26,001 pounds must get a commercial driver’s license or CDL.

All these things are in an effort to reduce accidents involving trucks and truck drivers.

 

When is a Truck Driver to Blame

If you have been injured in an accident involving a truck driver you may need an attorney.

The truck driver might be the cause of the accident due to a variety of issues.

Some examples of truck driver negligence are:

Speeding- Newer trucks are equipped with maximum speed sensors that only allow trucks to operate to a certain speed, but older trucks are not and driving long hours and maybe not paying attention can cause a driver to speed. Speeding in a truck that is full and carrying a lot of weight can cause a devastating accident.

Distracted Driving– Distracted driving is the same for everyone but it is more problematic for truck drivers since they are carrying a load of goods and stopping takes longer. Distracted driving includes talking on the phone, eating,  and for the women drivers putting on make-up.

DUI or driving under the influence of drugs– Even though truck drivers are tested for drugs and alcohol they are not tested all the time and sometimes they like other people are involved in drunk driving accidents.

Truck load not properly secured– If the truck trailer is not properly secured to the cab this can result in the truck separating or shifting in a lane causing a crash.

Failing to follow general road laws– Failing to follow general road rules like failing to yield or give right of way, failing to use a turn signal, failure to stop etc.

These are a few examples of how truck drivers can be negligent while driving and can be responsible for some devastating accidents.

 

Severe Injuries in Truck Accidents

Most accidents involving trucks in Nevada result in serious injury or death.

Truck drivers or trucking companies tend to take the blame when serious accidents or death occur after an accident.

If you are an independent contractor like an Amazon driver then you may be held personally responsible for the accident with no help from the company you are driving for.

Severe injuries after a truck accident include –

Spinal Cord injuries

TBI or traumatic brain injury

Amputations 

Paralysis

Death

 

Truck Driver Dangerous Driving Habits

Truck drivers are in a unique position that requires them to get their load to a certain location at a specific time.

If they are late or missed the deadline they may be fined or in some cases not paid at all.

So drivers put themselves in a position where they are sleep deprived.

The National Sleep Foundation has found that 40% of long haul truck drivers get less than 6 hours of sleep while working.

This puts them at significant risk for an accident since sleep deprivation can cause slow reaction time.

In 2013 there were over 4,000 commercial truck accidents and according to the NHTSA nearly half of those involved drivers who had fallen asleep while driving.

This results in accidents involving other cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Reckless Driving

This is considered reckless driving when driving while fatigued.

Truck drivers can be held responsible for the accident if they injured themselves or someone else while driving fatigued. 

Since truck drivers can be up for sometimes over 17 hours, OCSA or the occupational health and safety administration recommends the following:

• Get 8 hours sleep before resuming driving
• Get off the road to a truck stop or pull over to take a short nap maybe 20 minutes
• Make sure you eat healthy snacks and drinking non-caffeinated beverages
• They say do not drink caffeinated beverages since they can make you feel alert for a short period of time but there then comes the crash after.

 

All people on the road including truck drivers are responsible for safety on the road.

We all share the road and we all should be safe.

But if someone is negligent including truck drivers they should be held accountable.

If you are injured in an accident in Nevada that involves a truck driver then you need to call The Richard Harris Law Firm today.

 

Truck Drivers as the Victim in Accident

Truck drivers are considered employees of the companies they work for.

In some cases they work for the trucking company that ships products.

In others they are employees of the company for the goods they are shipping, for example Walmart has its own shipping division therefore the drivers are employees of Walmart.

So if you are an employee of the company as the driver and are injured in an accident you are entitled to file a workers compensation claim with the company you work for.

You are also entitled to disability short term or long term if you were injured in an accident as the driver of a truck.

Filing a workers comp claim or a disability claim can be complicated and if not done correctly can cause the claim to be denied altogether.

Having an attorney who knows how to navigate the paperwork and red tape with insurance companies and your employer is invaluable. 

 

Why Hire The Richard Harris Law Firm

If you were injured in an accident involving a delivery truck or a long haul truck and believe that the other driver was at fault then call us.

Or if you are a truck driver injured in an accident while on the job and you think you have a case called The Richard Harris Law Firm today.

We offer free case reviews and consultations.

We take most accident cases and will give an honest answer as to what to expect from your case.

We work on a contingency basis, meaning we take no money up front and are only paid when we win your case.

We are with our clients every step of the way, for every hearing or court appearance.

We file all paperwork for court proceedings.

We have been helping since 1980 in our community here in Las Vegas.

We have recovered over a $ Billion dollars for all of our clients.

If you are a truck driver injured on the job call today.

 

Were You Injured on Vacation in Las Vegas

I remember the first time I went to Las Vegas on Vacation, since I’m originally from the east coast so going to Vegas was a big deal.

I planned that trip with my two other friends for months, where to stay, what shows to go, where to eat at all the fabulous restaurants and what other casinos are we going to visit?

Visitors get hurt in nightclubs, beauty salons (prepping for the clubs) and of course even riding a scooter around is dangerous.

Sounds like a lot all crammed into three days right?

Well I was much younger then and even now I think a three day trip to Vegas is enough, any longer and you could be out of money and running on fumes.

People come from all over the world to visit Las Vegas, some come for gambling and entertainment, but casino injuries happen daily.

While others come to attend one of the multitude of conventions and conferences that take place in Las Vegas every year.

Las Vegas is Loved by Many

Las Vegas is one of the largest convention cities in the world. During the busiest convention, CES ( consumer electronics show) that takes place every January there are approximately 700,000 attendees added to the regular visitor business.

However it doesn’t matter what the reason you’re visiting Las Vegas, either on business or just for a fun trip you never plan on being injured.

You might get hit while a passenger in an Uber, or riding in a limo.

And spending some of your vacation or business time dealing with the fallout of getting hurt while in Vegas.

No one plans to be injured while on a trip to Las Vegas, but if you end up in this predicament then you should contact a local personal injury attorney that knows the local laws and has been a staple in Clark County since 1980.

Call The Richard Harris Law Firm today for a case evaluation.

 

 

Common Las Vegas Injuries

Las Vegas is a busy city that has a 24 hour a day environment where nothing ever closes and alcohol and gambling are always available among other things.

And of course Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas has its fair share of injury accidents.

You can basically get whatever you want when you want if you have the funds.

This is a breeding ground for accidents and injuries, there are few injuries that are more common than others –

• Food Poisoning at restaurants

• Slip and fall

• Swimming pool accidents

• Vehicle accidents, including rideshare, bus and pedestrian accidents

• Assaults

 

These injuries are just the most common ones that happen to visitors and residents alike are injured while visiting a casino in Vegas.

The entire economy of Las Vegas is built on tourism, entertainment and gaming, yet many hotel casino operators disregard guests by being neglectful in their safety practices resulting in harm or injury to guests or residents alike.

The Richard Harris Law firm has very successfully represented clients who have been injured in hotel casinos for over 40 years.

If you suffer any injuries from a Vegas vacation then call us for Free consultation today.

Some injuries that we see from tourists – 

Broken bones

Whiplash

Lacerations / Cuts

Facial / Dental

 

What To do If  Injured on Vacation in Las Vegas

If you are ever injured in any accident there are a few basic steps that you should take in any situation to protect yourself and get you back to whole as soon as possible.

Remember there is a statute of limitations so don’t wait to get help.

And be careful how fast you get back to your job after getting injured, there are many reasons for this.

If you are visiting Las Vegas and get injured you should do the following immediately –

Seek medical attention- This may sound over the top and crazy because maybe you don’t think you’re hurt or injured. But go get checked out immediately, you’ll need to go to the doctors that the hotel’s insurance company provides unless it’s a real emergency and they take you to the nearest hospital. Going to get medical attention can also help you in the future to prove that the injuries occurred during the accident that took place on your vacation in Las Vegas.

Make sure you keep all records of any treatment that you receive as well as the contact information of the medical providers and facilities you were treated at. Once you return home you’ll need to continue the medical treatment plan given to you by your treatment providers. On a side note in some cases injuries are not visible immediately or visible that’s why going to get medical treatment is so important.

Preserve the evidence– Hotels and Casinos are great at making things go away, everyone remembers “ what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” the genius marketing plan for Vegas for many years. That comes from Vegas and the hotel and casinos being very good at making the bad disappear as if it never happened.

So when you are injured in an accident in Las Vegas while on vacation you must act quickly to preserve the evidence. Take as many photos and videos as you can as quickly as possible. If you are unable to do it due to injury then have a friend or family member do it for you. Also, always air on the side of caution and take too many photos or videos you never know what your attorney can use in your future case.

Find witnesses and gather contact information– Witnesses to the incident are very important to verify what actually happened from their perspective. It is important to gather witness information as soon as possible since the witnesses to an accident in Las Vegas might be on vacation also and leaving soon. Get their contact information and a basic statement as to what they saw.

You can always contact them later or more detailed information or have your personal injury attorney contact them to record a statement. Just note that some people are more than willing to help and give information wanting to be a part of the process, while others are reluctant and don’t want anything to do with issues related to your accident. Don’t push it as it might upset a potential witness just see if you can get their contact information and let your attorney handle statements from the reluctant witness. If you are injured while riding in an Uber then witness statements are key in an Uber accident claim.

Complete an incident report- All hotels and casinos in Las Vegas have set procedures that they need to follow when an accident occurs. It is your responsibility as the victim of an injury during an accident to report it to the casino security right away. They will require you to give an account of the incident and they will file a report.

If the accident is severe enough the police will be called by a security officer. The security officers will also be the ones to call an ambulance if needed or even transport you to get medical attention. Don’t give them too much information as they may record the incident statement, just give them essential information. Remember even though they are there to help you they work for the casino hotel.

Ask anyone else involved to preserve evidence- Just filing an incident report is not enough, sometimes you need to make the hotel or casino preserve evidence from your accident. There are surveillance cameras all over the casino hotels in Las Vegas but they only hold evidence for a certain period of time. You must draft a letter or have your attorney draft a letter to have the business involved preserve evidence until your claim is filed.

Don’t take their word for it– Remember the representatives for the  hotel casino or other business work for them. They are there to minimize their responsibility and therefore what they are responsible for. Never take what they say at face value, they might offer to handle everything for you so that there is no need to file a claim. Always speak with an attorney, consultations are usually free and you can get information on what to expect going forward.

Work with a local attorney- Maybe you have a favorite attorney back home that you hire for other things. You are most likely going to have to file your claim against the business where you got hurt in Nevada since it happened in Nevada. You’ll need to hire a local attorney that is licensed in Nevada. They will also have  that expert knowledge of working with cases involving casinos and the local court system and laws.

How a Las Vegas Injury Attorney can help– If you have been injured while on vacation in Las Vegas The Richard Harris Law firm can help build and present your case. We at Richard Harris will help you learn about what options are available to you during your free consultation.

With years and years of experience we will work closely with you to preserve evidence in your case and to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call The Richard Harris Law Firm today if you were injured on vacation in Las Vegas.

 

Nevada Birth Injury Lawyers

Bringing a child into the world is a blessing for many and most people look forward to welcoming their new bundle of joy into the world.

Expecting parents plan for sometimes years to have a baby.

There are baby showers, gender reveal parties, and decorating the nursery.

Sometimes during the birth process there are complications or mistakes that can change your new baby’s entire life and in turn change your future.

You hope you never need the help, but if you need a Las Vegas Nevada Birth injury lawyer we are here to answer any questions.

Preventable Birth Injuries

Preventable birth injuries can cause life changing devastation for a new family including financial uncertainty, long term challenges that can be challenging to the entire family.

Birthing injuries are more common than people think and can greatly range in the severity of the injuries.

If your baby was injured during the birthing process or before birth due to medical carelessness, neglectfulness, or an intentional act by a medical provider then legal action should be taken on behalf of the infant child to provide future care.

During the birthing process either by cesarean or vaginal there are chances of a healthy mom or baby being injured if mistakes are made during this process.

Medical mistakes can lead to severe injuries or even death in either the child or the new mother during the birth process.

We Have Been Helping Nevada Since 1980

The Richard Harris Law Firm has been representing clients in medical malpractice cases for years so we understand the uncertainty that medical mistakes can cause.

In the U.S 7 out of every 1000 babies born will suffer a birthing injury.

In most cases the injuries could be avoided if proper medical procedures were followed, we understand that sometimes accidents do happen but in most cases these injuries are avoidable.

The Richard Harris legal team has lawyers with experience in birthing injuries to represent our clients in all types of birthing injuries in Nevada.

We take pride in being the top Las Vegas Nevada birth injury law firm, and our track record speaks for itself.

Call us Today for a Free Consultation.

 

We Can Help With Birth Injury lawsuits

At any stage during pregnancy and the birth process there are chances for complications, you are after all carrying a human.

During pregnancy there are many tests performed to check the overall health of the fetus and the mother.

These tests can be invasive and if not performed correctly can cause harm to the mother or child.

Medical professionals who make mistakes or act negligently should be held accountable for their actions.

We will be looking at the common causes of birthing injuries and what you need to know about filing a birth injury lawsuit in Nevada against a negligent medical professional.

These are the most common birth injuries associated with legal action:

1. Birth Hypoxia– This happens when the baby is deprived of oxygen to the brain before, during or after delivery. This is common when the umbilical cord gets wrapped around the baby’s neck or the mother is lacking oxygen due to another medical emergency. If these issues are not addressed immediately this can cause permanent brain damage to the infant or even to leave the baby in a vegetative state needing a lifetime of 24 hours a day care.

2. Brachial Plexus– This extensive nerve area around the neck that controls much of the extended limb function can be damaged during the birthing process by tearing or stretching while trying  to get the baby out. This may cause injury even paralysis when these nerves are injured.

3. Brain Damage– The most common brain damage to a newborn is when they are deprived of oxygen or the brain is damaged when the skull that has not fully formed is injured during the birthing process. Remember the birthing process is a traumatic event.

4. Breech Birth Complications– Breech births are more common than you think, it is referring to the baby entering the birthing canal in the wrong position or feet first. All babies are born head first. Breech births can cause many complications to both mother and child. The mother could suffer a broken pelvis or severe blood loss, lack of oxygen, The baby could suffer fetal distress, cerebral palsy, seizures, and nerve damage.

5. Cerebral Palsy– This is permanent brain damage that affects about 10,000 babies per year. 20% of adults that currently have Cerebral Palsy suffered a brain injury at birth, not before or after but during. Cerebral Palsy causes motor function deficiencies and other issues that last a lifetime.

6. Incorrect medication or dosage– Since babies are so tiny finding the right dose for medication can be difficult and these mistakes are more common than you think. Even if the mother is given the wrong medication or the wrong dose of a medication during the pregnancy or birth process can cause severe injuries or even death to both the mother or child.

7. Failure to perform a cesarean in time– After many hours in labor the baby still isn’t coming then it’s time to perform a cesarean section to have the baby removed safely. If the birthing process is not performed in a timely manner the bay could suffer distress from lack of oxygen or other serious complications.

8. Fetal Death– let’s be clear, fetal death means that they have to deliver the baby even if it has passed on. Most fetal deaths are caused by medical negligence such as inadequate prenatal care, failure to treat conditions in the mother during pregnancy. Failure to address issues with the baby due to lack of prenatal care.

9. Shoulder Dystocia- During the birth process the baby’s shoulder gets stuck in the birth canal. This can cause many forms of permanent damage to the baby including paralysis or permanent nerve damage. This can also cause broken bones for the mother or severe tearing during birth.

 

If you or your baby suffered any of the preventable injuries above or suffered from a spinal cord injury, nerve damage or any other injury, then call The Richard Harris Law Firm today.

We want to ensure that you get justice for you and your baby.

Injuries like these can be financially devastating and can require lifelong care for the child and the mother.

Our lawyers understand how difficult this time can be and how difficult it can be going forward.

We at The Richard Harris Law Firm can handle the difficult process of getting ongoing care for your child while you focus on the healing process.

What Causes Birth Injuries

There are many causes of birth injuries some are accidental or genetic but sometimes medical errors can lead to malpractice.

These are some of the most common causes of birth injuries:

• Delayed Birth actions

• Deprived of Oxygen

• Failing to monitor baby’s heart rate during the birth process

• Failing to follow proper safety procedures

• Failing to recognize medical issues in a newborn

• Failing to recognize a need for a cesarean section

• Failure to recognize fetal distress during the birthing process

• Giving the wrong medication or improper doses of medications

 

Why You Need a Birth Injury Lawyer

Thousands of babies are born every year without any medical issues.

But for those who have experienced medical issues during childbirth or the baby was hurt during the delivery process (causing significant injury), then you need an advocate to help you get justice for your child.

The Richard Harris Law Firm can help you prove that the doctor or other medical staff acted in a negligent manner or made a mistake that was preventable or that a professional failed to meet the standard of care.

We can help you take action against the guilty party if you or your child was injured during the birth process in Nevada.

Who is Responsible for Birth Injuries in Nevada

In Nevada pointing blame for birthing trauma can be difficult and can depend on many factors.

This can include whether or not the error could have been avoided and the type of mistake that was made.

If the medical professional misdiagnosed or administered the wrong medication or failed to deliver the baby properly they may be liable for the injuries your baby has suffered due to negligence.

In many cases it’s not just the individual medical professional that can be held accountable for the injury but also the hospital or medical facility.

If the medical facility has improper equipment, or was not properly sanitized or cleaned and this caused the injury during the birthing process, then the hospital or facility can be held accountable as well.

To learn more about liability and malpractice lawsuits related to negligence and birth injury in Nevada contact our firm today.

We will work with the insurance companies and hospital administrators to get your child the care they will need and deserve.

If you or your child was injured during childbirth and think the medical staff is responsible call The Richard Harris Law firm today.

 

Information Concerning ‘Loss of Consortium’

This is a term that not everyone may be aware of.

The word ‘consortium’ in this context refers to the moral support, intimacy and/or companionship that is part of the relationship with married couples and domestic registered partners.

This can also include; love, affection, sexual relations, and the ability to have children.

If a spouse or domestic partner was the victim of a wrongful injury than under Nevada law you have the right to sue for ‘loss of consortium.’

The difference between a wrongful death case is that a ‘loss of consortium’ case puts limits on what the plaintiff can recover in non-economic compensatory damages.

The damages can be subjective since there are many specifics of the relationship and damages that can be factored in.

Some of these include certain aspects concerning the loss of the quality of the relationship.

Was There Negligence

Was the injury caused by the negligence of another person or party.

This lawsuit does not include economic losses suffered by the injured person.

This could include lost wages now and later in the future as well as medical expenses that may have been accrued.

The person injured however can sue for those damages in the same suit.

As you can see if you find yourself in this situation with a spouse or domestic partner it is a good idea to have a personal injury attorney that you can trust on your side to lead you through all these complex legal issues.

The Law Offices of Richard Harris are knowledgeable and well aware of all the facets of a ‘loss of consortium’ case.

 

Some Causes For ‘Loss of Consortium’

There is often an event that is the cause of ‘loss of consortium.’

It could be an automobile accident, pedestrian accident, manufacturers defect, slip and fall, or harmful chemical poisoning on the job.

It could be from a break in or robbery where an assault took place or a rape happened.

Medical malpractice could also be the cause of this type of situation.

These experiences could leave a person with long term injuries and permanently disabled.

If this were to happen to a spouse or partner their relationship with the injured would be turned upside down and traumatically affected.

A ‘loss of consortium’ lawsuit could be filed even after a deadly Uber car accident in Vegas, and calling Richard Harris is your best bet.

If the injuries lead to death than a wrongful death suit could be filed.

 

Most Common Forms of Loss Include

1. Companionship – This occurs when the injured person becomes available at a diminished capacity to the spouse or partner. If a couple are unable to spend time talking, traveling, walking, hiking, and going to events as they once did this could be considered a loss of companionship.
2. Intimate Relations – Loss of intimacy is an example of this as well. If the loss is non sexual and emotional the loss would be considered under the loss of companionship. Intimacy however is often a reference to sexual connections. Some injuries will affect both the companionship as well as the intimacy of relationship due to the physical and mental aspects of the injuries. Disfigurement and pain to touching sensations can create this type of loss.
3. Service – Loss of income and support is another type of loss. Loss of financial support can cause both emotional and physical suffering. Often the partner that is not injured will have to change their life and begin working in order to survive. This can be especially difficult if the person injured has been the primary care-giver for a long period of time. Injuries and the death of a partner can bring on more medical expenses which can be crushing.
4. Reputation – This sometimes occurs when an injury of a spouse or domestic partner creates emotional distress and mental anguish to a person that they need to take time off work. This can negatively affect one’s reputation. It may force a person to quit their job and can have a negative impact if they later start trying to be rehired or when they are looking for employment down the road.

These are just a few examples of loss that the courts will consider in a ‘loss of consortium’ case.

The amount of loss will depend on each unique set of circumstances.

A person who was once sharing the responsibilities with their spouse or domestic partner may find themselves having to manage a much larger load.

This can be overwhelming and difficult.

The longer the partners have been together the more difficult that adapting to a new way of living can be.

 

How Much Can a Spouse Recover in a ‘Loss of Consortium’ Case in Nevada?

There is usually no limit on non-economic damages.

It is up to jury to come up with a fair and reasonable amount in the court of law.

The more pain and suffering from an injury will help determine the amount that will be awarded in these cases.

Always check for any updates to these laws with a lawyer.

Basic Essentials of a ‘Loss of Consortium’ Claim

In order to have a successful claim the plaintiff needs to prove that;

• There is legal and valid proof of a marriage or domestic partnership
• There is a ‘loss of consortium’ that was suffered
• That a wrongful injury took place and that the spouse or domestic partner suffered from the injury.

There must be reasons that the person was injured wrongfully like; recklessness, carelessness, and negligent behavior.

Was the injury an accident or done with malice intentionally?

 

How To Prove a Loss of Consortium Claim

Matters like these can be very personal.

A spouse or domestic partner may feel uncomfortable in revealing intimate details of their relationship.

It may however be necessary in order to prove your case.

There may be witnesses and testimony from family, doctors, friends etc. that can shed the light that is needed in order to prove ‘loss of consortium.’

Sometimes lawyers and private investigators will be needed to build a case.

Our Las Vegas personal injury law offices will help with this process and try and protect our clients from other attorneys that may be wanting to over reach.

This happens in cross examination situations.

It is best to be represented by an attorney that has your back and can help guide you through all the legalities of a case.

 

How Can I File a ‘Loss of Consortium’

Richard Harris can help you with all the answers to your questions.

Contact us for a free consultation.

We will look over your case and try and give you your best options available.

The state of Nevada has a statute of limitations on ‘loss of consortium’ cases where you must file within a certain time frame.

In some of the cases it is as soon as within 1 year.

This is why it is important to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney that knows their stuff.

Getting all the information will allow you to have a better understanding and peace of mind.

With this type of case, it is important to have an experienced attorney that can make sure all the paper work is filed properly.

We are here to help!

 

Is a ‘Loss of Consortium’ a ‘Derivative Claim’?

Yes, in the state of Nevada it is.

What this means is that the right for a plaintiff to recover derives from the injury that happened to the domestic partner or spouse.

The injured partner or spouse must sue in the same claim for the ‘loss of consortium’ and the injury.

These laws may change at some time so it is always important to check with a qualified personal injury lawyer for the up-to-date information on this law.

The state of Nevada sees this as a protection against double recovery.

Partners are still allowed to be compensated for different things in the case though.

 

How To Calculate Losses and Damages

Since a ‘loss of consortium’ case is considered to be compensatory and non-economic a jury or a judge will most likely be the ones to review the case.

All the facts of the case will be analyzed.

Details like, length of relationship, stability of the relationship, financial support, and contributions to the relationship.

If children are involved will be a part of the calculations in some cases.

They will also look to see if the injury or death was caused by negligence and/or intentional and if the injury caused permanent disability or long-term care.

These are some of the factors that will help determine the outcome.

 

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Our personal injury attorneys at Richard Harris will help investigate the details of your case.

After we determine who is liable for the injury, we will try our best to hold them responsible for the damages left behind.

Getting you the maximum compensation is our goal.

Our law firm has been around since 1980 which means we have lots of experience.

We will try and get you compensated through our expertise in negotiating.

We also have excellent court room trial attorneys if necessary.

Contact us by phone, email or just come by our office.