Legal Blog by Las Vegas based Richard Harris Law Firm

Fitness Center or Gym Injury

So you head out to the gym for a short jog on the treadmill and then maybe to lift some weights after the jog.

You head to your usual gym, maybe you’re heading to 24 hour fitness or Las Vegas Athletic club, this is your routine.

Maybe you’ve been doing it for many years or maybe you just made your way back to the gym after Covid?

Whatever the case you get to the gym and head off to the treadmill you get on the treadmill press start and set it to the desired pace maybe just a slow jog start like 5.5 without any incline.

You start to jog and all of sudden the treadmill starts to move much faster than the setting for no reason and you can’t seem to stop it or run as fast as the treadmill is going, so you fall off the treadmill onto the floor.

Now you may feel more embarrassed than anything else but you may also have some severe physical injuries that you may not know about right away.

This is just one example of accidents that happen at gyms or fitness centers everyday.

If you have been injured at any fitness, athletic club or gym in Nevada then you should call the Richard Harris Law Firm for a free case review.

We get these FAQ’s all the time – 

1. What happens if you get injured at the gym?
2. Are gyms responsible for injuries?
3. How to hire Vegas attorney for injury at the gym?
4. What to do if you have an accident in the gym?

We have written a very detailed article below on what to do if you’ve been injured at the gym in Nevada.

What Should I do After an Injury at The Gym?

Most people don’t want to be a bother and may not think they need medical attention or are injured.

However regardless you should always seek medical attention immediately after the injury occurs.

You could have severe injuries that you may not be aware of or that may not be visible or seen right away. 

Many gym injuries involve injury to the neck, back, spine and head and injury to these areas can be hard to diagnose at first.

You might not even feel injured or in serious pain.

You might even be tempted to walk it off but you should never do this since you’ll be taking a chance to have long term injuries to your head, back or neck. 

Besides seeking medical attention you should get contact information for any witnesses that saw the accident at the gym.

You should also get the equipment information if your injury was on a piece of gym equipment like a treadmill.

Take photos and video of the accident scene and the equipment involved or any obstacle or conditions that may have contributed to the accident at the gym.

But before speaking to the gym or equipment manufacturers insurance company you need to speak to a lawyer.

Just like any other accident, a gym accident or injury is no different.

You may be entitled to damages for your accident if faulty equipment or negligence by a gym owner or trainer is the case.

Call The Richard Harris Law Firm today if you have been injured at any gym, athletic club, or fitness center in Las Vegas, Reno, Sparks, Boulder City or Primm.

If you got hurt at Planet Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, LVAC, or any other smaller gym like Golds or World Gym etc., then call us today for help.

Types of Gym Related Accidents

There are so many things that can go wrong at the gym here are a few of the examples of accident or related injuries that can happen at the gym:

• Trip and Fall accidents either outside or inside the gym area- Just like every other trip and fall these incidents can cause a variety of injuries including broken bones, sprains, severe bruising , neck , back or head injuries
• Faulty exercise equipment- this can cause trips and falls or other severe injuries. If a treadmill or elliptical becomes faulty you could fall off very fast. This can cause dislocated shoulders from trying to stay on the faulty equipment. You can pull muscles severely for the same reason. Being on a broken piece of equipment at the gym can be scary especially since you may not be aware of it at first.
• Faulty weight equipment- Have you ever sat on the leg press and looked and thought what if the metal bar didn’t hold or broke and the weight came crashing down on your legs what would happen? Well this has and does happen. This can cause severe spinal damage even paralysis and on very few occasions even death.

These are just a few of the accidents that can happen at any gym or athletic club.

If you have been injured at the gym, call The Richard Harris Law Firm today.

Responsibilities of Gym Owners

Like other businesses, gym owners and operators have a general responsibility for the safety of their clients and a normal responsibility of care.

The responsibilities of gym owners to their clients are :

1. To keep the gym clean at all times- this includes clear and dry floors, sanitizing equipment, and clean restrooms or locker rooms.
2. Repairing damaged equipment- closing equipment that needs repair , removing from the public area, or replacing old or outdated equipment.
3. Keeping the amount of people at the gym at the same time to or below the fire code. Gyms get crowded especially after work hours or in big cities like Nevada, so it is the responsibility of the owner or operator to make sure that the gym isn’t too crowded.

If gym owners fail to maintain a safe environment for their clients they can be held accountable for negligence after an accident at the gym.

Damages you Can Recover From a Gym Accident

Just like any other accident or injury you may be able to recover damages after an accident at the gym.

If you have suffered an injury at the gym you may be entitled to the following damages:

• Lost Wages- lost wages are money that you would have or could earn if you weren’t injured. This includes future wages as well as current wages, This depends on how long your recovery will take
• Medical Bills- this includes all medical bills associated with the accident or injury from the gym. Future medical bills can be included as well. So if  you have an injury that needs future medical treatment, the future medical cost can be included.
• Pain and suffering- this is based on the severity of the accident or injury 
• Punitive damages- punitive damages are based on the negligence of the owner or operator. These damages are awarded to punish the negligent party. 

Who is at Fault in a gym Accident

This is a tough question and a topic of continued discussion.

Immediately after an injury most people want to blame the first person or business that would seem to be the responsible party.

So for example most people would assume that the owner or operator would be the go to person or persons to blame but that is not always the case.

In the case of injuries or incidents at the gym the gym owner may not be the person at fault.

The gym equipment manufacturer may be at fault based on malfunctioning equipment.

The personal trainer is another person that could be responsible for your injuries, maybe they aren’t certified properly and over trained you.

It could also be your fault if you over exerted yourself after you haven’t worked out in a while.

That’s why having a personal injury team on your side is essential after an injury at the gym.

The Richard Harris Law Firm has a team of investigators who can determine who is at fault after a gym injury call today for a free consultation.

Why Call The Richard Harris Law Firm

The Richard Harris Law Firm is Nevada’s premier personal injury law firm.

We have been in Nevada for over 40 years.

The team at Richard Harris Law works for their clients by being available to our clients 24/7.

Once we accept your case we take no payments until we win a settlement for you.

We will only take the largest settlement aloud by law, we will work tirelessly until we reach that goal.

The Richard Harris  Law Firm has recovered over a $ Billion for their clients over the years.

We offer free consultations and case reviews.

If you have been injured in an accident at a gym or health club in Las Vegas or any city in Nevada then give us a call today at The Richard Harris Law Firm.

How Insurance Companies Determine Fault After Car Crash

After an accident most accident victims need to file a claim with their insurance company or any insurance company of anyone involved in the accident. 

What most people don’t realize is that insurance companies are businesses and therefore they are in the business of making money.

They are happy to take our monthly payments to pay our premiums, but they will do whatever to pay as little as possible for an accident claim or deny the claim altogether. 

The first thing the insurance company does is assign an adjuster to your case.

Insurance adjusters have one main job is to determine who is at fault in an accident and determine the percentage of at fault and pay or deny the claim.

Insurance adjusters use many things to determine who is at fault in an accident including witness statements, police reports, photos or video evidence, and any other evidence for the accident.

Insurance adjusters will usually determine fault based on a percentage.

For example if the insurance adjuster believes that both parties are equally at fault the percentage of at fault according to the insurance company is 50%. 

This doesn’t mean that the insurance will only pay 50% of the claim, this just means that you are 50% at fault and so is the other driver.

When it comes to paying your claim insurance adjuster will use many tactics to either deny the claim altogether or pay as little as possible.

Never contact the insurance company without legal representation.

Before you contact the insurance company call The Richard Harris Law Firm for a free consultation.

We will handle everything when dealing with insurance companies and insurance adjusters.

The Richard Harris Law Firm handles cases in all of Nevada including Fernley, Sun Valley, Mesquite, Elko, Boulder City, Henderson, Moapa Valley, Reno, Summerlin, Winnemucca, Lemon Valley, Silver Springs, Spanish Springs, and Spring Creek.

Why Call The Richard Harris Law Firm

A car accident is a daunting experience for anyone.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident you should call an experienced personal injury lawyer right away.

Calling a personal injury attorney like The Richard Harris Law Firm can ease the stress after an accident.

We take on the burden of dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, other accident victims, court dates.

All you should have to deal with after an accident is getting the medical attention you need and healing.

With over 40 years of experience in personal injury cases in Nevada, our main job is to make our clients whole again.

Our firm is dedicated to our clients and all our resources are used to get the best possible outcome for our clients.

We have recovered over $1 Billions for clients.

With our free consultation and 24 hour service we are hear to help anytime of the day or night.

Insurance companies will try and deny your claim or offer you a lowball offer.

Never take the first offer from the insurance company.

Better yet hire an experienced law firm like Richard Harris and we will handle the insurance companies for you.

Should I Contact my Insurance Company After an Accident

The Short answer is yes, you need to contact your insurance company after an accident.

This should only be to report the accident immediately after it happens.

Never give a recorded statement other than the initial report.

Insurance companies and adjusters will use whatever you say against you.

You need to report even the smallest accident, never agree to pay out of pocket or accept payment from another driver for an accident.

This is illegal in Nevada and can lead to any future claims from the accident being denied.

This can also lead to future legal issues.

How Insurance Adjusters Settle Claims

The goal of the insurance adjuster is to limit the payout of the insurance company.

Generally people think insurance adjusters work for them since we pay into insurance and only use it when needed.

The opposite is actually true, they work for the insurance company and not the customer.

The Richard Harris Law Firm knows insurance laws in Nevada and we can navigate the insurance system to get you the settlement you deserve.

You must be an active participant in your case.

The insurance adjuster will only use the information they have and that they have easy access to. 

Remember the insurance adjuster was not at the scene of the accident and will determine your accidents potential settlement value and the  percentage of fault based on a few pieces of evidence.

It is up to you to keep good records and gather as much evidence as possible.

Gather all of the following information so even if your insurance adjuster doesn’t’ have it you do:

1. Police Reports
2. Medical reports
3. Medical Bills
4. Video or Photos of the accident 
5. Witness Statements
6. Car repair estimates
7. Work loss

Keeping good records can mean the difference between a settlement you deserve or the insurance company trying to lowball you or even denying your claim.

Once insurance adjusters realize you are actively involved in your case you may be in a much better position to negotiate.

Having a well known law firm like Richard Harris lets insurance companies and insurance adjusters know that you are serious about your case and about your settlement.

And even if your lawsuit is tricky and takes a while to settle, we’ll fight for you and your family the entire way.

But never delay in contacting us after you are injured, there is a statute of limitations in Nevada to be aware of.

Will My Insurance Rates go up After an Accident

The simple answer should be no, your insurance rates shouldn’t go up after an accident but like everything else involved in an accident this can be tricky.

Insurance companies will raise your rates if you are more at fault than the other driver.

If you are at no fault your rates should definitely not go up. 

In some states it is illegal to raise your rates if you are not at fault.

But don’t think for a second they won’t try.

Again insurance companies are businesses and they like every other business are trying to make money.

Also if you are hit and in an accident involving an uninsured motorist your rates should never go up.

Built into every car insurance policy is something known as uninsured motorist coverage, this is not an option, you are required to have this coverage for just this scenario.

But you should never have to worry about your insurance rates going up after an accident.

That’s why hiring an experienced attorney is so important.

If you have been injured in an accident in Nevada call The Richard Harris Law Firm and let us do all the talking with the insurance companies for you.

We represent clients all over Nevada including – Laughlin, Primm, Jean, Tonopah, Boulder City, and Las Vegas.

There are literally hundreds of personal injury lawyers in Las Vegas, but Richard Harris is the largest injury firm in Nevada.

When to Hire an Attorney For an Accident

The first thing you should do after an  accident is seek medical attention first.

Only after you have gotten the medical care you need you should then call The Richard Harris Law Firm. 

Insurance companies can make getting any settlement difficult even if you’re not at fault.

In the meantime you have mounting medical expenses, are out of work due to injuries so you are losing wages, you might not have a vehicle to get around if a rental car isn’t provided to you.

As all of this is piling up your insurance company can drag on for months even years before they come to a conclusion to settle your case.

Finally when this happens they will make every effort to pay as little as possible.

If you are involved in an accident with a large company like Uber, Lyft or UPS they will have high powered law firms on their side. So why shouldn’t you. 

As an accident victim you have rights in Nevada and you should know what those rights are.

Call The Richard Harris Law Firm for a free case review and consultation.

We fight for our clients and will fight for the settlement you deserve.

How to Pay Medical Bills After a Car Accident

When you’re in a car accident the last thing you are thinking about is the medical bills that are going to follow.

The only thing you are thinking about is the accident at the moment and what’s going to happen to me. 

Once you have an accident you have a million things running through your mind that you may not be able to make sense of right away.

What you should know though is the first thing you should do is get medical attention immediately after an accident.

Even if you don’t think you are injured you should just go get checked out.

Getting medical attention can only positively affect the outcome of your case. 

You may have injuries that you are not aware of that could have lingering consequences and future medical expenses. 

But after the accident and immediate medical attention, who pays the bills is inevitable.

Who is responsible, you or the other driver or company.

Can you continue to get the medical treatment you need even after the accident?

The medical system is very confusing even on a regular day without having insurance companies and the courts involved after an accident.

Having an experienced legal team like The Richard Harris Law Firm can be a valuable resource to navigating the medical system after a car accident and making sure you continue to get the medical help you need to make a full recovery.

Common FAQ’s we hear  –

Negotiating medical bills after settlement?

How do insurance company pay accident medical bills?

What if my medical bills are more than my settlement?

Why Medical Care Is Important After a Car Accident

Other than reporting the accident to the police and insurance your main focus should always be your well being.

So always seek medical attention, again even if you don’t think you’re injured just go get checked out.

Sometimes you have injuries that you may not be aware of that may not even be physical .

Also you may have internal injuries such as neck, back and spine injuries that can’t be seen.

You may have a concussion or whiplash that can’t be seen or may not show up immediately. 

Not seeking medical attention right away can delay the healing process and prolong injuries and may cause you to have future medical bills and expenses.

Any delay in medical attention is a reason for insurance companies to deny or to significantly reduce the amount they would pay for a claim after a car accident.

Getting Medical Treatment if You Don’t Have Medical Insurance 

Not having medical insurance is no reason for someone not to have access to medical treatment if needed.

Federal Law provides that everyone is entitled to emergency medical treatment regardless of their ability to pay. 

Emergency medical attention after a car accident falls under this federal law.

However, the bills will have to be paid eventually and that can be difficult as they continue to pile up and especially if you’re not working due to the accident. 

Hospitals and doctors can bill you directly and you can make a payment plan or get a discount for paying cash but this can still add up. 

If you can’t pay your medical bills from a car accident then they will be sent to collections and can ruin your credit and they can even garnish your future wages.

And who knows who is responsible for the medical bills anyway, is it your car insurance company, the other drivers insurance or if you have it your medical insurance?

This can all be very confusing and stressful and you should be focusing on recovery not stressing out about medical bills.

Call The Richard Harris Law Firm today and let us give you  a free case review. 

Pay no fees Unless We Win Your Case

At The Richard Harris Law firm you pay nothing up front.

We only get paid if we win your case.

Richard Harris will take your case on a contingency basis, that means that we take no retainer or deposit and only get paid if we win.

The Richard Harris Law Firm will handle all aspects of your accident including police reports, witness statements, evidence, insurance companies and medical expenses. 

We want you to focus on recovery after the accident and we will handle the rest.

We handle getting immediate medical expenses paid and getting future medical services scheduled and taken care of.

We will only accept the highest settlement amount and will fight for our clients.

Call for a free consultation if you were injured in a car accident in Pahrump, Sparks, Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin or Boulder City. We have several offices throughout Nevada to serve you.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After an Accident

Insurance companies are a business and therefore making a profit is the number one priority of any business.

Insurance companies hope that you will never need to use the insurance you pay for, but when you do they will use every avenue to pay as little as possible or deny a claim altogether. 

You will be called by an insurance adjuster whose job it is to investigate your claim.

It is at the adjuster’s discretion as to what gets paid and what doesn’t.

So essentially it’s up to the insurance adjuster as to whether or not your medical bills will be paid or if future medical bills will be accepted.

All interactions with anyone from the insurance companies involved in the accident will be recorded and used for any future discussion.

So before you speak with anyone from the insurance company you should always contact an attorney that specializes in car accidents.

Once you hire a personal injury attorney they will speak to the insurance company for you.

The Richard Harris Law Firm have over 40 years of experience and we know how to handle and deal with the insurance companies, so it’s one less thing you need to worry about while you recover.

If you want a 2nd opinion on a current lawsuit you have for an injury here in Nevada then feel free to call us.

How Much is My Car Accident Settlement Worth

Every accident is different, that’s why there is no set price for accidents.

A settlement offer is based on many factors including severity of injuries, pain and suffering, the reason for the accident, loss of work, and property damage.

Below are the main categories that are considered when a settlement offer is made:

Pain and Suffering- This is the compensation based on injuries and the severity of the injuries and the trauma that is created from the accident. This includes physiological injuries as well as physical injuries. 

Lost Wages– After an accident you might not be able to work for a significant period of time while you recover. Sometimes injuries are permanent and you may not return to work again. Lost wages is compensation based on your lost income today and even your future earnings.

Property Damage– Was your car a total loss after the accident? Recovering an amount to make you whole again is the idea behind property damage compensation 

At The Richard Harris Law Firm we do our best to recover the maximum settlement allowable by law in Nevada today.

How Long do You Have to File a Lawsuit

The statute of limitations for a car accident in Nevada is 2 years from the date of the accident or if a fatality is involved the date of the fatality after the accident.

That is one of the reasons that seeking medical attention immediately is important.

Seeking medical attention on the day of the accident is when the clock starts ticking for the two years timeline.

Also you should seek medical attention just to make sure you’re ok and start the process of healing.

After seeking medical attention you should contact The Richard Harris Law Firm immediately after the accident so we can start the recovery process for you as soon as possible,

Not filing a claim in the two year period can result in not getting any settlement for your accident.

Who Pays Medical Bills After an Accident

Many people have the idea that the other driver’s insurance will pay medical bills after an accident.

Typically however the defendant in a car accident case isn’t responsible for your medical bills until after they are found to be at fault and are required to pay a settlement.

That’s why having an experienced attorney like The Richard Harris Law Firm can be so helpful in navigating the medical billing process.

We can contact the medical billing companies to slow or even stop payments while the case is pending.

We keep records and send you to any medical specialists you may need while the case is pending.

Call The Richard Harris Law Firm for a free consultation today.

How Long Can You Sue Someone After a Car Accident in Nevada

What exactly is a statute of limitations?

A statute of limitations is the time between an occurrence and the time you have to file a legal remedy for the occurrence.

Each state has its own statute of limitations for certain legal remedies. If we didn’t the courts would be bogged down with caes forever , not that they aren’t now.

But this puts a time limit on how long you actually have to file a lawsuit after something like a car accident.

In Nevada the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for personal injury after a car accident is 2 years.

So if your accident is on 1/1/2021 you to file any remedy or lawsuit against anyone involved in the car accident well before 1/1/2023.

If you fail to act in that time period you will not be able to recover damages for the accident even if it was not your fault at all.

All Statutes of Limitations in Nevada are different, for example personal property damage has a limit of 3 years, even though personal injury has a limit of 2 years.

So knowing the statute of limitations in Nevada after an accident can become very important. 

There is a difference though between the statute of limitations in the Nevada court system and what the insurance companies set as their statute of limitations to file a claim with them after a car accident.

You should always contact your insurance company immediately after a car accident to report it.

But if you don’t in Nevada you have two years to file a claim with your insurance company after a car accident.

This is just a general rule and not always the case, each insurance company has their own statute of limitations.

You should always check with your insurance provider for the most accurate information.

When dealing with any car accident and the statute of limitations you should always contact an experienced personal injury attorney to guide you through this difficult time.

In Nevada the only name you need to know Is The Richard Harris Law Firm, we can give you an honest, free case review.

What Happens After an Accident 

Once you have a car accident in Nevada the clock starts ticking on the statute of limitations even if the accident was reported on that day or not.

The statute of limitations is the actual day of the accident and not the day it was reported.

First you always need to contact the police in the area of the accident.

Once the police have arrived they will take very important reports with all the information about the accident.

These reports will include all driver information, witness statements, photos and videos and any other information needed.

While the police are investigating the accident you should seek medical attention immediately even if you think you are fine.

You may have injuries that you are not aware of or injuries that may show up later and be long lasting.

Getting medical attention on the day of the accident is vital to the statute of limitations since the clock is ticking at the day of the accident and not when you report it or seek medical attention.

Things become very different if there is a fatality in a car accident in Nevada.

If a person dies in a car accident in Nevada the statute of limitations begins at the date of the death and not the date of the accident.

So if the car accident took place on 1/1 and the person dies on 2/1 then the statute of limitations is 2 years from 2/1 the actual date of death. 

This is a lot of information to know so having an experienced personal injury lawyer like The Richard Harris Law Firm on your side can make all the difference.

We have over 40 years of experience with personal injury law and statute of limitations in Nevada.

Can I Recover Damages After the Statute of Limitations has Passed

Usually the rather simple answer is no.

If the statute of limitations has passed for personal injury in Nevada for 2 years you will not be able to recover any damages. 

But there are certain cases where the statute of limitations can be thrown out by a judge.

This doesn’t happen very often and only in extremely rare cases.

Only an experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to navigate the Nevada court system to make this happen.

Your lawyer will have to file a motion to dismiss the statute of limitations based on extreme circumstances.

For example if you are involved in an accident involving drunk driver and were severely injured you may not have been able to file a claim in a timely manner based on your injuries or other extenuating circumstances.

The judge can review the motion to dismiss the statute of limitations based on the severity of your injuries or the fact the accident involved a drunk driver since these are both considered extreme circumstances.

The reality is that you don’t want to test time limits or the law, if you were injured in an accident in Nevada then call us today and we’ll help you file a claim.

And never fight the insurance companies alone.

What Other Limitations Exist When Filing an Accident Claim

There are other limitations to consider when filing an accident claim in Nevada.

For example the financial responsibility has specific limitations based on the at fault percentage.

If you are involved in a car accident and you are not at fault you most likely can recover all the money damages the court assigns to you.

Meaning you can recover 100% of any settlement awarded to you.

However if you were involved in the same accident and deemed by the court, the police and your insurance company to be at fault by 30%, and the other driver was 70% at fault, then you can only recover 70% of the settlement due to your at fault percentage.

So if your case settles for $100,000 you will only be able to recover $70,000 because your at fault percentage was 30%.

Financial limitations are also set by insurance companies to put a financial cap on the amount you can recover after an accident.

The amount you can recover from your insurance is based on the insurance you have at the time of the accident.

Insurance companies have a formula for the amount they are willing to pay per accident based on several factors.

This can all be very confusing and it is meant to be.

Insurance companies are a business first.

They want to pay as little as possible or deny a claim altogether.

Insurance adjusters are not your friend, they work for insurance companies.

Don’t ever speak with an adjuster without legal representation as they will use any statements against you. 

What Is Statute of Limitations if I’m in an accident with a large company

Accidents involving large companies such as Uber, Lyft and UPS happen all the time.

They have large attorney groups on their side protecting their interest.

So the statute of limitations on time may be the same but the statute of limitations on financial responsibility may be completely different especially if the large company is at fault.

When a large company is at fault in an accident the financial responsibility is much greater but they have powerful attorneys to try and keep that responsibility as much as possible.

You should always have a lawyer when dealing with a company like Uber , UPS or Fedex, or Amazon in an accident.

If you were involved in an accident involving an Uber or DoorDash driver in Las Vegas, Sparks, Reno, Primm or Lake Tahoe, call The Richard Harris Law Firm Today.

We have years of experience dealing with large companies in accidents.

Recovering Lost Wages in Nevada

All states allow victims in a car accident to recover lost wages due to injury after an accident.

In Nevada this includes lost hourly or salary, commission pay, overtime, bonuses, self-employment income, vacation or sick time that would have accrued over the period of time missed, and any other form of payment like meals, phone and gas reimbursement.

When a defendant is negligent in an accident they can be held responsible for all these lost wages in Nevada.

You must however be able to verify that these in fact are the monies or perks you would have received if you were able to work after the accident.

The first step to getting reimbursed for any lost wages is to verify your income with your employer.

It sounds easy just call up your work and have them verify your employment.

But that is not always the case with today’s privacy laws this can be more difficult than you might think.

After an accident you should always seek legal counsel.

You can always look into switching law firms if you aren’t being treated well.

They can get this information much easier than you can.

In Nevada the only choice for personal injury representation after an accident is The Richard Harris Law Firm.

Getting a Lost Wages Letter From Your Employer 

As previously stated you will need a lost wages letter from your employer.

This should state many facts that can help you get reimbursed in a settlement case.

The following should always be included in the letter:

1. job title
2. hire date and confirmation of employment on the date of the accident
3. hours per week
4. rate of pay and frequency of pay
5. overtime rate and frequency of overtime work in a certain period
6. hours and days missed due to injury
7. reasonable amount of overtime 
8. bonuses and commission during the time missed

Again getting this letter could be tricky based on new privacy laws.

You can also establish your lost wages using pay stubs or your previous years tax returns.

At The Richard Harris Law Firm we can help you to establish lost wages and the lost wages information you need.

On a side note you can also include partial days missed for doctors appointments, physical therapy or any other medical treatments associated with the accident.

Proving Lost Wages If Self Employed

Self employed people have a harder time proving income but in Nevada they are entitled to recover lost wages like a regular employee.

Instead of getting a letter from an employer, self -employed people will need to compile some documentation as proof of income including:

1. previous years tax returns
2. billing statements from the previous months before the injury
3. billing statements for the previous year if the job is seasonal

If all of your combined income as a self-employed person is complicated then you might have your accident attorney hire a forensic accountant to sort out the details.

At The Richard Harris Law Firm we can help you sort out what you need to prove self employment income in Nevada.

Recover Lost Wages For Personal Days, Sick and Vacation Time?

If you had to use any paid time off including sick, vacation , PTO , or any  other accrued time off after an accident then it can be considered lost wages in Nevada and also added to the lost wages in a personal injury case.

Had you not been in the accident in the first place you would not have had to use all the time off, and could have used the personal time off at your discretion. 

These sort of things are very important to understand when it comes to filing and winning a lawsuit.

If your injuries continue you can also claim any half days or hours used to attend future doctors appointments, physical therapy or any other medical appointments even after you’ve returned to work..

Keeping records is very important in this case.

Always keep records of days and hours missed, the doctor’s appointment you went to associated with the accident.

Recovering non regular pay as lost wages can be difficult so having a legal team to help navigate this difficult process can take the stress off of you as the victim while you heal up.

Let The Richard Harris Law Firm fight for your lost wages after an injury accident in Las Vegas, Primm, Pahrump, or Boulder City.

Can I Claim Lost Overtime, Commissions, or Bonuses in a Nevada Personal Injury Case

The simple answer is yes but only if you would have expected to work the overtime, get commissions, bonuses or perks based on some work history. 

You must be able to prove this with documentation and sometimes this can be very hard to do.

You can prove that you would have received this overtime or commission and bonuses in a number of ways:

This is part of your regular pay– The overtime or commissions are considered part of your regular pay and therefore previous pay stubs can prove a pattern.

The commission or overtime are based on seasonal employment at the time of the accident- Employment can be seasonal so if you were hurt in an accident during that seasonal employment you can prove that this would have been the time you worked you can use last years pay stubs and tax returns as proof

A special event during the accident timeline would have earned you a bonus pay or commission based solely on this event- A letter from your employer or event information or registration can be proof that attending or participating in the event would have earned you overtime, commission etc.

Winning any lawsuit can be very tiresome and sometimes seem almost impossible.

The Richard Harris Law Firm can gather all this information for you.

Your only concern should be your health and mental recovery after an accident.

How To Prove Lost Wages From Tips in Nevada 

In Nevada most of the industry (think casinos and bars) is hospitality based so there are alot of jobs that have tipped employees.

This poses its own speciality when trying to recover lost wages in Nevada.

Your employer most likely (and should) keep records of all credit card tips to report as income.

Also some job categories in Las Vegas of tips employees are taxed on a pre-calculated amount based on the job and hours from the IRS.

Could be a cocktail waitress for example.

So this information can prove your tip income if needed.

However, it’s the cash tips that aren’t reported that can cause an issue for an accident victim.

If you are a tipped employee then you know all too well that cash tips are very rarely fully reported if at all.

Most tipped employees don’t report cash tips to their employer or the IRS.

Usually this is what we do until you need to prove that income as lost wages after an accident.

There are a few ways to prove lost tip income from an accident in Nevada.

1. A letter from your employer with proof income for the period during the accident that is lost and the prior periods
2. Bank deposit statements prove a pattern of cash being deposited into your bank. 

As always, proving income lost after an accident can be tricky but your Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can review your case for free during your consultation.

We will go over things like lost wages and how to recover them.

Lost Wages vs. Lost Earning Capacity

Lost wages refer to the actual income from your employment that you would have made had you not been in an accident and injured.

This includes all the things we have discussed;

1. regular pay ( ourly or salary)
2. overtime
3. commission
4. bonuses
5. perks and even tips

Lost wages is a measure of past damages and it can literally change a clients life if we are involved with their case.

Lost earning capacity refers to income that you will be unable to earn in the future due to serious injury.

This is a formula based on your current employment of earnings you could have earned in the future but are unable to due to serious injury.

Lost earning capacity is something that only an experienced attorney can argue for and can be very complicated.

Call Nevada’s premier personal injury attorney The Richard Harris Law Firm today.

 Call The Richard Harris Law Firm Today

If you have been injured in an accident in Las Vegas or any other city in Nevada call The Richard Harris Law Firm today.

We offer free consultations 24 hours a day.

With over 40 years experience in Nevada we are the biggest personal injury law firm in Las Vegas.

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

We fight for our clients to get the largest settlement allowable by law.

Can You Switch Personal Injury Lawyers During Your Case

Once you hire a personal injury lawyer after an accident or after a personal injury case of another kind like getting hurt at a nightclub in Las Vegas.

Can you change or hire new attorneys to represent you?

The simple answer is yes but there are some rules and laws that need to be followed to legally change legal representation for a personal injury case in Nevada.

In most cases you change lawyers at any time during the case.

If you change your mind about who is representing you in your personal injury case you can hire new representation.

There are some limitations on your right to change lawyers but usually you can switch lawyers at any stage in your case.

Call our law office today if you have a question about a current personal injury lawsuit you have.

Why Do People Switch Lawyers in a Personal Injury Case

People may want to change their legal representation in a personal injury case for many reasons.

Having a lawyer that you work well with and trust in is very important since personal injury cases can take a long time to settle.

Maybe you hired a law firm to represent you in your personal injury case and after a few months you’re not feeling like that firm is working out so you can change injury lawyers that represents you.

Here are the most common reasons people change their lawyers:

• The lawyer doesn’t return calls or emails or doesn’t respond to your emails and calls in a timely manner
• Your case seems stalled. Cases can take a long time to resolve but usually there is something going on with your case. If it seems there are long periods of time where nothing is happening
• You want to take your case in one direction and your lawyer insists on doing something else. Remember lawyers work for their clients and are required to bring any and all offers to you. But ultimately the decision to settle or not or go to trial is up to the client. The attorney is to give any and all information for the client to make an informed decision.
• The lawyer’s strategy doesn’t make sense. Sometimes your lawyer will want to use a strategy that may have worked in another case but isn’t going to work for you.
• There is no strategy or direction going forward with your case. You want to understand the legal proceedings but your lawyer is not interested in explaining how the process works. This is why we hire lawyers otherwise we would do it ourselves. Because we don’t know the law in and out. We want it explained to us so we understand what’s going on with our case but some lawyers don’t know how to or won’t explain to their clients
• The lawyer pressures you to accept a settlement you don’t agree with. Lawyers are to submit every settlement offer to their clients and give advice on the offer but the client has the final say not the lawyer.
• You don’t trust your lawyer or firm. Sometimes you just get a feeling or you hear or read something that changed your mind about the law firm you hired. If you get that feeling you should change attorneys immediately
• You feel your attorney isn’t getting the job done. Maybe he’s sitting on the case or not doing what was promised to you in your consultation. Or maybe you hired your legal team on a contingency basis but your lawyer is trying to charge you for things before your case is settled.
• Your current attorney is not licensed or deceased after you hired them.

Hiring the right legal team after an injury or accident is important but if you didn’t the first time then call The Richard Harris Law Firm for a Free case review, even if you currently have another lawyer representing you.

How do I go About Switching Lawyers in a Personal Injury Case

You might think that you can just hire a new law firm or attorney and fire the previous firm.

But it depends on where you are in the legal process.

If you haven’t started filing a legal claim yet it is easier to switch attorneys.

The new attorney can be the one who notifies the other law firm that they are now representing you.

The new firm can also notify the insurance companies or any other parties involved that you have new representation.

If you have already started the legal filings you’ll need to file a substitution of counsel to the court in Nevada.

This is a formal court filing that notifies the court and all other parties involved that you are changing attorneys.

The Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure Rule #5 mentions the substitution of counsel but each county has different rules that are unique to that jurisdiction.

Always contact your local court for the exact information needed to change attorneys in your town.

If you live in Spring Valley, Henderson, Summerlin, Boulder City, Pahrump, Reno, Sparks, North Las Vegas, or wherever, we can help.

Your new attorney should also know the rules in the jurisdiction they are in and can submit the required documents to the court for you. 

Reasons You Can’t Switch Attorneys in Middle of a Case

In most cases choosing your attorney is absolute but there are just a few cases where this is not the case.

The Substitution of Counsel rule allows for a change of counsel as long as it does not delay the case from moving forward.

This is to keep people from delaying cases indefinitely by just hiring new representation.

If the court feels the new lawyer will hold up the case for too long the court can decline the change of counsel request.

Another reason you may not be able to change attorneys is they have conflicts of interest.

Maybe the firm represents another party in the suit in another capacity or they represent them in another case.

The attorneys might also have a conflict with the judge who will be presiding over the case.

Any new attorney you consider should be able to notify you immediately as to whether or not they can represent you. 

Where Does the Right To Switch Injury Lawyers Come From

The right to choose one’s one counsel is a constitutional right under the 6th amendment of the United States.

The 6th amendment gives criminal defendants the right to assistance of counsel and the right to choose that counsel.

The 6th amendment also asserts that a defendant has the right to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of their peers.

The defendant also has the right to who the accusers and the nature of the charges and evidence against you.

Even though the 6th amendment is speaking in terms of criminal defense the civil rules have adopted this as the rule as well.

You have the right to choose your own representation or change it if you’d like in a civil case.

Why Switch to The Richard Harris Law Firm

If you are already being represented by a lawyer in a Las Vegas or other Nevada city for a personal injury case and you feel your case has stalled, or you think you’re not getting the representation you were promised or deserve, call us today.

We have over 40 years in Las Vegas as a top personal injury law firm.

We fight for our clients to get the best settlement legally possible.

If you are looking to change firms we will notify the court with the substitution of counsel and also notify all other parties involved.

We have recovered over a $ billion dollars in financial settlements for our clients in a variety of personal injury claims.

We will gather all the evidence and handle all the court filings while you recover.

We offer 24 hour a day service and consultations are always free.

Call today for a free case review.

Were You Injured in a Las Vegas Nightclub

Most people who come to Vegas or live in Vegas head out to a nightclub from time to time never expecting anything but a fun time with friends.

But what if that wasn’t the case and you or one of your friends ends up hurt or worse.

What should you do then and who is ultimately responsible? 

This can all be very confusing after an incident at a nightclub where alcohol may have been involved.

This can make everything just a little more confusing.

If you were a patron at a nightclub in Las Vegas you might be able to recover damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical bills if you were injured in a nightclub in Las Vegas.

If any of the following occurred while you were visiting a Las Vegas nightclub you should contact The Richard Harris Law Firm for a consultation about your Las Vegas nightclub injury. 

• Assault and Battery by the club bouncers or security
• Lack of adequate security
• Negligence of club employees
• Slip and fall accidents
• Sexual assault or harassment by staff or other patrons
• Alcohol or food poisoning
• Discrimination of any kind
• Failure to get or render medical attention when needed
• Negligence of any kind

Call The Richard Harris Law Firm

1. Over 100,000 Satisfied Clients
2. Over $1 Billion recovered for our clients
3. Free consultation
4. Available 24 hours a day
5. 99% Success Rate
6. Serving Las Vegas Since 1980

Who is Responsible for Injuries in a Las Vegas Nightclub

In Nevada it depends because under the law the responsibility for a wrongful act is usually limited to the person who commits the act. 

But under certain circumstances the nightclub can be held liable for the actions of their employees including bouncers, bartenders or any other employee.

Many nightclubs are in large casinos so that makes finding who is liable a little more difficult.

The club could be owned and operated by the casino it is in therefore the casino corporation can be the responsible party.

Another scenario is the club rents the space in a casino so the club is privately owned, so they alone could be responsible and not the casino. 

All this can be hard to figure out.

That’s why having an experienced law firm who has been in Las Vegas for over 40 years is priceless.

In Nevada a nightclub owner or operator can be held responsible for a guests injuries when :

• An employee is negligent in their regular job duties- A waitress fails to clean up a spill and you slip and fall. This is an example of an employee failing to perform their regular duties properly since cleaning up a spill is a normal job when serving drinks at a club.
• The nightclub fails to hire the correct staff or supervise the staff correctly- If an employee files a complaint of harassment against another employee and the club does nothing about it, the club can be held liable since it was notified of a potential issue and failed to act on it.
• The club policies or practices are discriminatory in any way- If the club discriminates against a particular group like the LGTQ community they can be held liable for damages for discrimination.
• The club employees commit an intentionally wrongful / illegal act- If a bouncer beats up a patron after an altercation or a patron is harassed by a staff member while in the club then the club can be held liable for the employees wrongful or illegal act. If these acts were committed after the club closed and are off the club property then the club may not be held liable for the actions of individuals. Only an experienced law firm like The Richard Harris Law Firm can tell the difference based on many factors.

What Damages Can I Recover  

If you are injured at a nightclub in Las Vegas and they are held responsible either by negligence or wrongdoing of their employees you may be entitled to monetary damages for medical bills, physical or occupational rehabilitation.

Also you have to consider lost wages or lost wage capacity, legal fees and pain and suffering.

If your case involves extreme wrongful behavior by a nightclub employee then you may be able to recover punitive damages from the club or individual.

Punitive damages are damages awarded above and beyond simple compensation as a punishment to the defendant in the case.

The Richard Harris Law Firm has a reputation of fighting for their clients to get maximum settlement allowed by law.

If you were injured at Tao, Drai’s, Marquee, or Hakkasan nightclubs in Las Vegas give us a call today for a free consultation.

What if I’m Partially to Blame

In Nevada even if you are partially at fault you can still recover damages as the plaintiff if one or more of the defendants were at least 50% at fault.

This is called Nevada’s comparative negligence /shared fault law.

The plaintiff’s damages will be reduced by the percentage that the plaintiff is at fault.

For example if the club is liable for 50% of a person’s injuries and the plaintiff is liable for the other 50%, then if the plaintiff is awarded $100,000 it would be reduced to $50,000 since the fault is 50% the plaintiffs.

All of this can be very confusing and that is why you need a Las Vegas nightclub injury law firm to fight for you.

Call us today for a Free consultation.

What if I’m injured by A Patron at a Las Vegas Nightclub

In Nevada businesses are not normally responsible for another person’s actions.

So if you are injured in a fight with another patron the other patron is the person you would have to take to court and not the club.

However, if the club does nothing to break up the fight then the club can be held liable for negligence for not providing appropriate security or supervision. 

If you have been injured in a Las Vegas or Reno, Summerlin, or Henderson nightclub (or anywhere else in Nevada) call The Richard Harris Law Firm today for a free case review.

Whether its alcohol poisoning , food poisoning , slip and fall or a more serious issue like discrimination or sexual harrassment you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. 

Even if you were drinking or a bit drunk and think you’re to blame, you should give us a call anyway because there is no harm in getting a free consultation call today.

How an Attorney Can Help You

The Richard Harris Law Firm can investigate to learn more about what happened to you and figure out who was liable.

Depending on the circumstances, we could review your medical records, a police report, studies related to product safety, and reports on similar incidents at the same nightclubs.

Once we determine who is responsible for your injuries, we might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that individual, company, or institution.

In some cases, we could sue multiple parties if they share the blame.

Work With a Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer

If you would like to seek compensation for your injuries but are concerned about legal costs, that is understandable. 

The Richard Harris Law Firm works on a contingency basis, which means we do not charge any upfront fees in personal injury cases.

 Our firm receives payment if we obtain a client’s financial award by negotiating a settlement or winning one at trial.

Richard Harris Law Firm might be able to help you obtain a financial award to cover the losses you have suffered, but you do not have much time to act.

 According to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 11.190, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years in most cases.

Details of a Personal Injury Case

You could recover compensation if someone else’s negligence led to your injuries. 

Negligence is a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances.

 The person or company that is negligent may take an action that endangers someone else or may fail to take an action that could have prevented harm.

A plaintiff who alleges negligence in a personal injury case must prove several elements to prevail in their case. 

And a plaintiff must show the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care. 

The standard of care that applies in the situation will depend on the relationship between the parties and the specific circumstances.

The plaintiff will also have to prove they suffered damages due to the accident. 

These damages could include medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, among others.

If you were injured in a Vegas Casino nightclub then call us today for answers to your questions.

What is a T-Bone Accident

A T-bone or side impact accident as they are also known are caused when one car hits another on the side of the other vehicle.

So one car hits another on the side, either the driver side or the passenger side in the middle.

Since there isn’t much between the front end of the car that hits the other car, these accidents can be extremely dangerous and cause major injury.

Most of the time the person who hits the middle of the other car is considered at fault but that is not always the case.

Insurance companies will try to find a way to either minimize your injuries or even deny the claim altogether since T-bone or side impact accidents aren’t always easy to determine who is at fault.

This can be a perfect way for the insurance company to use loopholes and red tape to not pay.

If you have been involved in a T-bone or side impact accident you need a good lawyer on your side.

Call The Richard Harris Law Firm today for a free consultation and case review.

We can help with Spanish injury accident victims also.

What Causes a T-Bone Accident

Below are a few causes of T-Bone or side impact accidents:

1.Distracted Driving- texting, being on the phone, putting on makeup, even eating are all forms of distracted driving and can cause a T-bone accident.

2.Reckless Driving- reckless driving occurs when someone disregards the traffic laws and drives really fast and disregards the safety of others on the road. This can also contribute to a T-bone accident

3.Driving under the influence- being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal under any circumstances and is extremely dangerous. The B.A.C for all states is .08% or less after that you are considered under the influence. This contributes to all accidents as well as side impact collisions and T-bone accidents

4.Running a red or yellow light- everyone does this at one time or another, we are all in a hurry and sometimes we just go through a red or yellow light. This is the major cause of T-bone or side impact accidents

5.Failure to yield is another cause of T-bone or side impact accidents. You may have the right of way at the light or intersection but if you just go without stopping and checking for oncoming traffic you may be the person at fault in a T-bone collision.

If you are involved in a T-bone or side impact automobile accident you need to get legal representation right away.

If you’re in Nevada you need to call The Richard Harris Law Firm today for a Free confidential case review.

Injuries from T-Bone Accidents

Anyone in any accident can get injured.

Sometimes these are minor injuries like cuts and bruises but sometimes these are major injuries like broken bones or head and neck injuries.

Regardless of what you think about your injuries you should seek medical attention even if you don’t think you need to.

Go to the hospital and get checked out no matter what.

You may have injuries that you aren’t even aware of.

This can also help you later on.

Here are some of the most common injuries associated with T-bone and side impact accidents.

1. Head and Neck Injuries- whiplash, TBI (traumatic brain injuries), concussions are common with head and neck injuries
2. Limb Injuries- broken bones, fractures and dislocations are all common limb injures in a T-bone accident
3. Back Injuries– nerve damage, spinal cord injuries and paralysis are all back related injuries, back injuries can involve surgery and long recovery periods. They are common in all accidents and may not show for days to weeks after the accident. That’s why getting checked out by a doctor is important.
4. Soft tissue damage- torn tendons, sprained tissue, muscle tears are considered soft tissue damage and may not be readily seen or felt. These are things you might not know right away and sometimes can only be seen via x ray or MRI.

If you are ever injured or think you might be injured in a T-bone or side impact motor vehicle accident always seek medical attention first, but as soon as you can call an experienced attorney to help you.

If you were involved in a collision in Nevada you need to call The Richard Harris Law Firm immediately.

Who’s at Fault in a T-Bone Accident

People think that there is always one person at fault in an accident but that is not always the case. Sometimes both parties are considered at fault.

The police at the scene will try to determine who they consider at fault for an accident.

But insurance companies often make a decision about who’s at fault without ever being to the scene. They only use the reports and evidence they were given by the police to decide how much they are willing to pay on your claim.

Always gather as much evidence as you can at the scene of a T-bone or side impact accident.

Get photos or video with your phone, collect any witness information, get other driver insurance and motor vehicle information, and get any information you can from the police including how to get your police report as soon as possible.

After getting treated for any injuries, gather as much information from the doctors and hospital as you can.

These are all things that you should have on hand when calling The Richard Harris Law Firm.

Can I Recover a Settlement if I’m Partially at Fault

Well, the quick answer, believe it or not, is yes.

Like we stated before, sometimes both people are considered at fault in a T-Bone accident.

This is based on all the factors including speed, weather, accident location etc.

If both parties are considered at fault you may be able to recover damages even if you are partially at fault.

Damages can be reduced based on how you are considered at fault.

This is based on a percentage of at fault.

For example you can be considered 35% at fault so the other driver will be considered 65% at fault.

Having a good lawyer on your side is the key to getting the most out of any settlement involving a T-bone accident in Nevada.

Call Richard Harris today because he has recovered over $1 Bllion for his clients.

Richard Harris will always go after the maximum compensation that they can settle for.

We won’t just take the first small offer issued by the insurance company.

How Much is My T-Bone Car Accident Settlement Worth

All car accidents are different and therefore the settlements reached are always different.

That’s why having an attorney like The Richard Harris Law Firm on your side is important to securing the highest settlement available related to your accident injuries.

Here are a few of the things considered when a settlement is reached –

1. Who is at fault or the percentage of at fault in the accident
2. The severity of the injuries
3. Available insurance coverage at the time of the accident
4. Was there outside influences that caused the accident like a car malfunction
5. Once all of this is determined your settlement can reached and will include the following:
6. Lost wages from missed work
7. Medical bill coverage past and any future medical care needed
8. Pain and suffering
9. Punitive damages are damages above compensation damages and are designed to punish the defendant

If you were involved in a T-bone or side impact accident in Reno, Las Vegas, or anywhere in Nevada then please call The Richard Harris Law Firm today for a Free case review.

Why Contact a T-Bone Car Accident Lawyer

You should always contact a lawyer like The Richard Harris Law Firm when you’ve been in a car accident.

Insurance companies will try and deny or pay as little as possible of your claim.

They use many tactics to try and not pay.

Never speak to an insurance adjuster without legal representation. Insurance companies will record statements and use them against you later on.

Having The Richard Harris Law Firm in your corner, we handle all interactions with insurance adjusters or any other parties involved in the personal injury case.

We go after the largest settlement available and won’t just take the first settlement.

Our track record at Richard Harris Speaks for itself, we have won over $1 Billion in settlements for our clients.

1. We have been doing business in Nevada including Las Vegas and Reno for over 40 years.
2. We are available 24 hours a day
3. We only collect a fee if we win your case
4. We have Bi-Lingual attorneys available

If you have been in a T-bone or side impact collision in Nevada call the largest injury law firm in Las Vegas.

Getting Car Accident Police Report In Las Vegas

Once you are involved in an auto accident in Las Vegas or anywhere in Nevada, you should call the police immediately even before you talk to anyone else.

People always ask –

How to get a police report in Las Vegas from car accident?

How to get a police report in Reno from car accident?

We can help you get the police report after a car accident in any city in Nevada including – Summerlin, Henderson, Pahrump, Boulder City, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Laughlin, Southern Highlands, etc.

Don’t speak to anyone until you know the police are on the way, even if you think someone else has already called the police, always call yourself after you are involved in an auto accident.

Sometimes if you are involved in a fender bender where no one is really hurt at the time of the accident, someone will say hey let’s not call the police we can handle it ourselves.

Never ever do this.

It’s safer to call the police no matter how insignificant you think the accident may be and let them decide.

You should always get information and evidence at the accident scene like license information, insurance information, any witness information, and photos or video if possible just so you have it right away.

If you are injured you should seek medical attention right away.

Even if you think you’re fine you should always go get checked out by a doctor.

Sometimes injuries don’t show up right away like whiplash for example, you may feel fine immediately after an accident but later on you may be really sore and hurt and not know it.

Always get checked out if possible.

Police reports contain vital information that you will need at a later date no matter what.

Also insurance companies will require a police report to file or pay a claim.

You can’t just call your insurance company and say I’ve been in an accident and report a claim. 

So always call the police and they will automatically file a police report for you.

Injury car accident settlements can be anywhere from the $$ thousands to the millions depending on the severity of the accident and the injuries involved.

After that call The Richard Harris Law Firm if you have been injured anywhere in Nevada including Las Vegas, Reno, Sparks or even Lake Tahoe.

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Vital Information In a Police Report

Police reports contain vital information that is needed for insurance claims and any court proceedings including settlement cases involving personal injury.

That’s why getting a police report is vital.

Below are things that should be in any accident police report:

1. Pictures of the accident taken by police investigators
2. Statements from all drivers involved
3. Statements from any witnesses, weather or not they were involved in the accident
4. Vital information such as insurance and license information from all parties involved
5. Weather or not a crime was committed during the course of the accident like DUI or reckless driving (running red light)
6. Road conditions, weather, construction, traffic patterns etc
7. Who is ultimately at fault based on an investigation by the police
8. Investigation report by the police- if the accident is severe the police will conduct an investigation after the accident is cleared. This will be added to the police report

All of these things should be in any police accident report.

After the accident you will need the report to move forward.

If you are involved in a car accident in Pahrump or anywhere else in nevada then call The Richard Harris Law Firm.

You can send us a copy of the police report for a review of your case free of charge.

Get a Copy of a Police Report After an Accident

Police reports are usually pretty easy to get after an accident.

After the accident you are usually given a business card from the responding officers with the name of the officers responding to your accident and the police department they work for and the phone number of the police department.

This is also important information, but on this card is a police report number and this information is the most important.

This number is the number to get a copy of the police report but also to reference anything having to do with your accident on the police side.

So usually after an accident, maybe within a week you can call the police with the reference number on the business card and the police will send you a copy of the police report.

The police will automatically send a copy to the DMV in the state that your license is from especially if a DUI is involved.

All insurance companies will need a copy of the police report and can easily get one on their own.

This is something the insurance company should do, you should not get a copy of the police report for the insurance company.

When you hire an attorney after an accident like The Richard Harris Law Firm, that’s something we can do for you.

We can get police reports and speak with the police and investigators for you.

Will The Police Report Help Your Injury Claim

Police reports contain vital information and the observations by the police officers on the scene of the accident.

However, in Nevada under the hearsay rule police reports are generally inadmissible at trial or arbitration unless the parties agree to admit it into evidence.

So even though they are not admissible in court, police reports can be a valuable tool during any negotiations with insurance companies or other parties legal counsel.

What if during the accident you were severely injured and don’t remember what happened?

The police report can help fill in the blanks especially since it is taken by an impartial party.

That’s why having a police report is essential and having a good attorney like The Richard Harris Law Firm to be able to use the police report in your favor.

We get the best settlement for our clients and we use things like police reports to negotiate those settlements.

Why Contact The Richard Harris Law Firm

The Richard Harris Law Firm has been Nevada’s best accident firm for over 40 years.

We have over 40 years of experience handling some of  the most difficult cases in Las Vegas.

If you are injured in an accident in Carson City or even Sparks we are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call us today for a free case review or consultation.

If you are considering hiring an attorney after an accident in Henderson or Reno, Las Vegas or Summelrin etc., call The Richard Harris Law Firm today

We have offices in both northern and southern Nevada so no matter where you are in Nevada we can help you immediately no matter what.

The Richard Harris Law Firm can help when dealing with hospital bills, insurance companies, police reports.

Never speak to an insurance adjuster or lawyer from another party alone; they will use any statements against you.

Always hire a lawyer to help you after an accident.

1. We fight for our clients and will get the best settlement available
2. We have recovered over $1 Billion for our clients over the years
3. Our clients pay nothing until we recover a settlement for you

Getting Maximum Compensation

After an accident, contact an attorney right away.

At The Richard Harris Law Firm we will work to get you the highest compensation available.

Insurance companies and lawyers for other parties will try to pay the minimum or deny the claim altogether.

Getting good evidence such as police reports improves your chances of getting a better settlement.

By gathering the accurate information including police reports, medical treatments and bills, photos or video of damages to your vehicle at the scene, and the repairs after the accident helps create a picture of what happened. 

The Richard Harris Law firm can gather all this information for you and use it to get the most compensation available.

We will never take the first lowball offer and use all the evidence to fight for you.

Just remember insurance companies are a business and therefore in the business of making money.

So even if you’ve never had an accident or claim and have paid them every month they will do their best to pay as little as possible or not pay at all.

I know that sounds crazy but it’s true.

So always hire an attorney after an accident to make sure you get what your claim is worth.

Call a top personal injury attorney for a free consultation or case review.

Urgent Care or ER after an Accident in Nevada

When involved in a motor vehicle accident in Nevada should you go to the urgent care or the emergency room?

Or do you even have the choice.

This all depends on the severity of your injuries and the location of the nearest hospital or urgent care.

Also your insurance plays a role in what they pay regardless of the accident. But regardless of whether you go to the ER or urgent care you should always seek medical attention right away.

If the police are offering to take you by ambulance from the accident  scene then you should go regardless of whether you think your injuries are severe or minor. 

If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in Las Vegas (or Reno, Summerlin, Henderson, etc.) you should just seek medical attention.

You may have injuries that you’re not even aware of.

Contact The Richard Harris Law Firm

Always make getting medical attention the first priority after a motor vehicle accident in Nevada.

Choosing to go to the ER or urgent care can be a difficult decision in the moment, but get medical attention no matter what.

After or even during your treatment people are going to be asking a lot of questions. 

The Richard Harris law firm can help with all types of motor vehicle accidents in Nevada.

We have offices in Las Vegas and Reno.

We are Nevada’s biggest accident law firm.

Insurance companies will try and minimize the accident to pay as little as possible or even not pay at all. Also insurance companies have a large legal team on their side. Why shouldn’t you?

The Richard Harris law firm will not be bullied by big insurance companies.

We fight for clients and will only accept the highest possible settlement for your injuries.

We have helped thousands of clients in Nevada, if you’ve been injured in a car accident in Nevada call The Richard Harris Law Firm today.

Pay no Fees Until we Win Your Case

The Richard Harris Law Firm will not take any money up front.

As a rule you should never hire an attorney that expects payment up front for an injury accident case.

We charge no upfront fees.

We will take all the financial risk until we settle the case.

Call us today for a free consultation or case review.

Our law firm has thousands of satisfied clients and we have recovered over $1 billion for our clients in Las Vegas and all of Nevada.

How Long To Seek Medical Attention After an Accident

As we have discussed you should always seek medical attention when involved in a motor vehicle accident even if you consider your injuries minor.

Insurance companies are always looking to not pay a claim or to pay as little as possible.

You are giving them the opportunity to deny or minimize your claim.

Usually there is a two year statute of limitations on personal injury claims and this is the case in Nevada. 

So no matter what, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident.

If the police offer to send you to either the ER or urgent care in an ambulance you should always go.

By not going right away you are giving the insurance company an out to pay as little as possible or deny your claim all together.

Always call an attorney as soon as possible as well, having the right legal team on your side after an accident can mean the difference between getting the best settlement available or not at all.

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident in Nevada call The Richard Harris Law Firm for a free consultation.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Accident

Insurance companies are in the business of making money just like all other businesses.

After you file a claim and get any sort of payment your insurance premium may go up even a little bit because they had to pay you.

But make no mistake, insurance companies will use many tactics to deny or minimize your personal injury claim.

Never speak to any insurance adjuster without calling Richard Harris Law Firm ahead of time.

Any statements made by you can be used against you when asking for payment or settlement from insurance companies.

Below are some of the tactics that insurance companies use to deny claims.

1. Calling immediately after the accident- someone from your insurance or the other person’s insurance may call you immediately after the accident, sometimes even the same day. You may want to talk to someone but don’t talk to anyone from the insurance company without speaking to an accident attorney from the Richard Harris Law Firm.
2. Asking for a signed medical authorization- Never ever do this without speaking to a lawyer first. By doing this you are giving an insurance adjuster and company access to your medical records and doctors. This information is private for a reason. Don’t let them use your medical records against you. Only release this information to your immediate family and your personal injury attorney like The Richard Harris Law Firm.
3. Offering a quick settlement in return for a release of claim- So you have medical bills piling up and other bills because you haven’t worked since you were injured. The insurance company calls and offers you a settlement right away, you’re thinking I need this it will take care of all my problems right? Don’t do it… The insurance company knows that if they pay you an amount now you can’t go to court and get what you really need for the future. Having The Richard Harris Law Firm on your side, we will get you the absolute highest amount for your accident settlement.
4. Claiming the insured is at fault or denies the claim- Insurance companies will try and blame the insured, making them at fault and therefore denying your claim. They also can deny certain expenses based on at fault and out of pocket expenses. Call The Richard Harris Law Firm if you have been injured in an automobile accident before you speak to an insurance company.

How to Decide to Go to ER or Urgent Care in Nevada

If you’re in an accident and maybe you think your injuries are minor do you go to the ER or the Urgent care?

If you have the choice and aren’t seriously injured and sent by the ambulance then you have a decision to make.

If you are going to the ER you should consider the following:

ER will take patients without the ability to pay- if you have insurance make sure the ER is aware and bills your insurance. 

ER doctors base the ability to be seen on the severity of your injuries- if you have minor injuries like cuts and scrapes you may wait a long time to be seen.

ERs are just a triage area- ER is designed to just treat immediate injuries and base everything on the severity of the injuries. The ER doctors may treat you and send you home to follow up with your regular doctor or they may admit you to the hospital. Whatever the aftercare plan is, you should always follow the doctor’s orders.

ER’s take all patients and can be a very scary place during a very scary time.

Calling an experienced attorney after an accident can help you navigate through the ER red tape.

If your thinking about Urgent care you might consider this:

Urgent care treats less severe injuries- If you have cuts and scrapes this may be the best option for you.

Urgent care doesn’t accept an ambulance- You need to drive yourself or have someone drive you to the Urgent care. If you are sent by an ambulance you are going to the ER and you should go no matter what

Urgent care takes patients in the order they arrive- Wait time in the URgent care is based on when you arrive not the severity of your injury like the ER.

Urgant will send you to the ER if they can’t treat your injuries so be careful because you may pay twice.

No matter what you choose or whether or not you are sent by ambulance.

Always call for legal assistance if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in Nevada.

Call The Richard Harris Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Rental Car Accidents In Vegas

Sometimes when we travel we want to rent a car or maybe we are going to a place that doesn’t have much uber or lyft like a remote area, some areas of Lake Tahoe or Reno have very little Uber or Lyft service because it is so remote.

So renting a car is the other option and in Las Vegas it happens all the time.

In most states including Nevada you must be 21 years or older to rent a car.

Also in Nevada you must have insurance when renting a vehicle.

Usually you make a reservation either on the rental companies app or you call.

But do your homework before you make the reservation for a rental car in Nevada.

Once you make the reservation or go to pick up the car, be careful rental car agencies will throw all kinds of extras at you that you may or may not need. 

After you pick your rental car anything can happen and you should be prepared for anything including what will happen in a rental car accident in Nevada.

Call The Richard Harris Law Firm today if you were involved in a rental car accident.

Am I Covered For a Rental Car Accident in Nevada

You must have insurance to rent a car in Nevada and this includes Las Vegas, even if you are just driving around Las Vegas Boulevard.

If you go to rent a car and don’t have a copy of your regular insurance you have a few options to make sure you have the coverage you need when renting a car.

So if you are ever in a rental car accident you are at least covered by some insurance.

Of course dealing with an adjuster can be tricky.

Again you must be insured to rent a car in Nevada.

Regular Car Insurance- if you have a car then you should have regular car insurance. This can be enough insurance coverage for a car rental company but you must have a copy of your valid insurance card with you at the time you rent the car. You have to actually have proof that you have regular car insurance.

Sometimes regular car insurance has rental car insurance built into the payment. If it doesn’t rental insurance can be added to your regular policy for an additional fee usually for a dollar or two a month. Rental car insurance through your regular insurance will cover all accidents with the full coverage of your regular auto insurance.

Coverage from your credit card– American Express was known for its exceptional rental car insurance. If you rented a car using your american express card they offer an insurance policy through the card that is less expensive than purchasing via the rental company.

This policy is either total coverage or supplemental coverage added to your regular policy. Obviously the full coverage will be more via your credit card.

This service is great if you are renting a car out of the country or in places like England for example where they drive or the other side of the car and the other side of the road.

Coverage from the rental car company- most people try to avoid this as this is the most expensive of the rental car insurance options. This coverage will cover a rental car like regular insurance covers your car at home.

But again this is the most expensive option and some rental car companies will still add extras onto the policy.

Make sure you do your research before renting a car to make sure you have the proper coverage if you are ever in a rental car accident.

What is Supplemental Insurance Offered by Rental Car Companies?

Supplemental insurance is an add-on to regular insurance and is not usually needed if you have regular insurance but you must look into it before you rent a car.

Knowing exactly what coverage you have before renting a car can save you time and money.

There are the major options for supplemental insurance offered by rental car companies when you rent a car. 

Collision Damage Waiver– this is added to regular policy and means that you will not be held responsible for all or part of the cost of the damage if the rental car is stolen or damaged while you’re renting it.

Supplemental Liability Insurance– this protects the driver and renter from lawsuits if the renter is involved in an accident. This is good when you rent a car for a business trip or the company you work for rents the car for you since the company can be held liable

Personal accident insurance– This is the third option for supplemental insurance and this covers all the passengers in the rental car if they are in an accident. This covers everyone for medical care and any associated care after a rental car accident.

These add-on supplemental policies are usually not needed and rental car agents can be aggressive because they may get a commission to sell these add-ons.

Do your homework and know that insurance you have or need before you rent a car. 

If you rented a car and were involved in an accident you should know your rights.

Call The Richard Harris Law Firm if you were in a rental car accident in Nevada.

Injuries From a Rental Car Accident

Like all other car accidents, the same applies for an accident involving a rental car.

There are many factors that play a role in a rental car accident these include:

1. Weather
2. Speed
3. Negligence 
4. Vehicle malfunction

Also like most other accidents the injuries associated with rental car accidents are:

1. Head and Neck Injuries including TBI
2. Broken and Bones
3. Lacerations, cuts and bruises 
4. Back injuries
5. Death 

If you are injured in a rental car accident in Nevada call The Richard Harris Law Firm for a free case review.

What to Do After a Rental Car Crash

There are some basic steps that you should take when involved in a car accident no matter what, they are the same if involved in a car accident with a rental car.

1. Report the accident to the local police
2. Gather information and evidence- get info from the other people involved like insurance info , license info , take pictures or video if possible
3. Seek medical attention- if you are injured or believe you might be injured seek medical attention immediately. Waiting could cause you issues later on
4. Notify the rental company and any insurance company of the accident. Notify the insurance you decided on or had when you rented the car. This is very important, you must notify both the rental company and the insurance company as soon as possible otherwise you could be held liable for damages whether or not you were at fault.
5. Seek legal advice- always seek legal advice after reporting the incident but before you make a statement. 

Dealing With Insurance Companies after a Rental Car Accident

Let’s be honest, insurance companies are a business like any other company.

They are in the business of making money so they will do whatever it takes to not pay a claim.

Always have legal representation before speaking with any insurance company.

Insurance companies will use many tactics to trip you up.

Some examples are:

1. Calling you for a statement immediately after the accident- You are not required to speak with them right away and it could affect your final settlement
2. The Insurance Company asks for a recorded statement over the phone- Never do this without legal counsel. Insurance companies will use whatever you say against you at a later date
3. Offering a quick settlement- Since they want to pay out as little as  possible or nothing at all they will offer a quick settlement at the lowest dollar amount possible-if you accept this low ball offer you may never be able to get get a better settlement in the future
4. Claiming you are at fault- The insurance company may not settle at all and claim that you are at fault completely- This absolve them of any payments and holds you accountable for all damages

Insurance companies will use many tactics to try and not pay out claims.

Always have legal representation before you speak with any insurance agent regarding a rental car accident in Nevada.

Call Richard Harris Law Firm today and before you speak to any insurance company.

Rental Car Companies in Las Vegas and Reno

• Dollar
• Thrifty
• Enterprise
• Budget
• Avis
• National
• Alamo
• E-Z
• U-Save
• Hertz
• ACE
• Fox
• Sixt
• Payless
• Advantage
• Firefly

Causes of Rental Car Accidents

Since you are usually far from home when renting a car there are a variety of reasons rental car accidents happen.

Lack of knowledge of the area- Even with GPS and mobile phones with maps, not knowing the area can lead to an accident. Some places are more rural than others and you may not be able to use your phone or GPS

Lack of knowledge of the vehicle- Ever gets in a vehicle that isn’t yours ? Maybe it’s newer or a completely different model. I got into a rental car that seemed almost like the batmobile with all the bells and whistles. 

Lack of knowledge of local laws- For example if you live in certain states like Nevada you have to have your headlights on in the rain. This is not the law in all states so maybe you don’t know that. It can be a big deal if you’re in a rental car accident in Nevada.

These are not considered excuses if you are involved in an accident with a rental car.

That’s why having Richard Harris Law Firm on your side is important.

We can find out who is at fault and help you with your legal rights.

Why call Richard Harris Law Firm after a Rental Car Accident

We at Richard Harris Law Firm have over 40 years of experience as Nevadas premier personal injury lawyers.

1. We offer free case review and consultations
2. Over 1,000 Positive reviews on Google
3. We have recovered over $1 billion for our clients
4. We are available 24 hours a day
5. We fight for our clients and won’t be bullied by big insurance companies or take the first settlement offered.
6. Offices in Las Vegas and Reno Nevada 
7. Call Richard Harris Law Firm today

What is nursing home abuse?

Nursing home abuse covers a wide range of acts (or the lack of action) perpetrated against someone in a nursing home or similar residence, such as a short- or long-term care facility. It can include:

• Intentional physical harm, such as hitting a patient
• Withholding of medical care
• Lack of supervision
• Psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial exploitation
• And more

What are some of the statistics about nursing home abuse?

It is difficult to verify statistics of nursing home abuse, because it is suspected that many instances of abuse go unreported. Family members of the victim may simply be unaware of the abuse, for example. At the same time, for a variety of reasons, the victim himself or herself may not be able or willing to report what has taken place, or he or she may not even recognize that abuse has occurred. According to nursinghomeabuse.com, thousands of families are affected by abuse each year, with more than 14,000 complaints filed with nursing home ombudsmen in 2014. The National Center for Victims of Crime provides this breakdown of the complaints by percentage:

• 27.4% – Physical abuse
• 22.1% – Resident-on-resident abuse (physical or sexual)
• 19.4% – Psychological abuse
• 15.3% – Gross neglect
• 7.9% – Sexual abuse
• 7.9% – Financial exploitation

What should a family be on the lookout for?

Family members and other visitors to a care facility are encouraged to keep an eye out when visiting a loved one. Knowing what to look for and when to ask questions can help discover or uncover an issue that warrants attention. If the answer is yes to any of the following questions, you should have a consultation with a qualified lawyer.

• Does the resident/patient have bed or pressure sores?
• Have there been any recent falls, particularly if they have resulted in a broken bone?
• Is there an incidence of pneumonia?
• Are there recurring infections?
• Has the patient left the facility without supervision/permission?
• Is there unexplained weight loss?
• Have there been mistakes with medicine dosing or delivery?
• Is there unexplained bruising or other visible injury?

When you visit a loved one, besides enjoying your time together, always take time to talk about how well they believe they’re being treated and cared for by the staff. Ask if there are any concerns, and if so, investigate further. 

Why are there incidents at nursing homes in the first place?

There are several reasons. The simplest is that, like many healthcare facilities, they may be short staffed. There may be too many residents to care for than the staff is capable of attending to successfully, and safely. This may be despite the workers’ best efforts or intentions. In addition, just like in any industry, there may be people who just don’t care or aren’t good at their jobs. Regardless of these reasons, there is no excuse for poor care or outright intentional neglect or abuse. Holding the facilities and individuals involved accountable is important, both for your loved one and to raise awareness and possibly keep other patients from being abused.

I suspect abuse. What should I do now?

• First and foremost, take care of any immediate healthcare needs for the injured party. If this means calling 911 or an ambulance, do it. Get your loved one the care he/she needs.
• Call a nursing home abuse attorney to assist with the next steps and evaluate your case:

• Report the neglect or abuse to management at the facility where the injury occurred. Also, report the abuse or suspected abuse to local and state agencies.
• Document the injuries: Photos, timelines about what you know/what occurred, medical records and statements from those involved.

Unfortunately, nursing home abuse does occur, even in the best facilities with caring team members and healthcare professionals. The key is to recognize when the resident may have been the victim of abuse and getting the victim to a safe environment. Then, with the help of a seasoned lawyer, you can have the support and guidance you need to work through a potential legal case. 

The Richard Harris Law Firm has lawyers who are very knowledgeable about nursing home abuse. They can navigate the legal process and ensure that the victim’s rights are protected and those responsible are held accountable for their actions or inactions. Call 702.444.4444 if you suspect nursing home abuse.