At the Cottle Firm, we represent clients in a wide range of personal injury cases. With over 30 years of experience and nearly $1 billion in settlements and judgments, we are well-equipped to handle cases involving negligence in many areas of law. Below are some of our primary practice areas:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are among the most common causes of accidental injuries in the United States. These accidents often occur due to the negligence of one or more parties, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident that you believe was caused by negligence, we are here to help. Our experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyers will investigate the circumstances surrounding your crash, gather evidence, and pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Property owners have a legal duty to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. When they fail to maintain their properties, visitors can suffer serious injuries. Hazards like wet floors, uneven sidewalks, and poorly lit areas can all lead to slip-and-fall accidents with serious injuries.
You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a slip-and-fall on commercial property, such as a hotel, casino, or retail store. The Cottle Firm can help you prove negligence, gather evidence, and hold property owners accountable for their failure to maintain a safe environment.
Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are extremely painful and may result in long-term or permanent damage, including scarring and disfigurement. Many burn injuries are caused by negligence, such as unsafe conditions in a public space.
At the Cottle Firm, we understand the profound impact a burn injury can have on your life, both physically and emotionally. We are dedicated to helping our clients seek compensation to cover medical treatments, long-term care, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to accidents, especially when struck by motor vehicles. Cyclists have the same legal rights as motorists, but unfortunately, many drivers fail to respect those rights. If you were struck by a negligent driver, our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers will fight for your rights.
Trucking Accidents
Accidents involving commercial trucks are often far more serious than regular car accidents due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Truck drivers and their employers are required to follow strict safety regulations. When they fail to do so, serious accidents can occur.
We handle cases involving all forms of negligence, including truck driver fatigue, improper cargo loading, and trucking company negligence.
Defective Product Injuries
Manufacturers and distributors have a legal responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumers. When defective products cause harm due to design flaws, manufacturing defects, or insufficient warnings, the victims may be entitled to compensation. We will pursue claims against the manufacturer, retailer, or other responsible parties to seek the compensation you deserve.
Nursing Home Negligence and Wrongful Death
Nursing homes are entrusted with the care of our elderly loved ones, but sadly, negligence and abuse can occur in these facilities. If a nursing home fails to provide adequate care or protection and this results in injury or harm to a resident, the facility may be held liable. Common forms of nursing home negligence include physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and poor living conditions.
When a loved one dies due to nursing home negligence or abuse, families may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for the loss of their loved one, including funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional distress. The Cottle Firm is committed to investigating cases of nursing home abuse and wrongful death and helping families seek justice.
Insurance Bad Faith
Insurance companies have a contractual obligation to uphold the terms of their policies and provide fair compensation to policyholders. However, some insurers engage in bad faith practices by denying valid claims, offering insufficient settlements, or failing to communicate properly. If you believe your insurance company is acting in bad faith, you may have grounds to take legal action.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to injuries when struck by motor vehicles. If you were hit by a car while walking, you may have the right to pursue compensation. The Cottle Firm will investigate your case thoroughly to determine liability and fight for fair compensation.
Premises Liability
Premises liability refers to accidents that occur due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. This can include slip-and-fall accidents, injuries caused by poorly maintained equipment, harm from unsafe building structures, and other forms of negligence. Property owners are legally obligated to ensure the safety of their premises and may be held liable when they fail to do so.
Hotel and Casino Injuries
Las Vegas is known for its world-class hotels and casinos, but injuries can happen on these properties. Many of these injuries occur due to negligence by the casino, such as a slip-and-fall caused by a hazardous condition or an assault enabled by a lack of security measures. If you were injured at a Las Vegas hotel or casino due to negligence, the Cottle Firm can help you pursue compensation.
Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries and emotional trauma. In Nevada, dog owners can be held liable for bites if their dog has a history of aggressive behavior. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, the Cottle Firm will work to hold the dog’s owner accountable.
Uber and Lyft Accidents
Accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers can be complicated due to the nature of ridesharing companies and their insurance policies. If you are injured in an accident involving a rideshare driver, you may be entitled to compensation through the driver’s insurance or the company’s liability coverage. The Cottle Firm understands the complexities of ridesharing accidents and will work to help you fight for full compensation.
What to Do After an Injury
If you’ve been injured, it’s important to take the right actions for both your health and your legal rights. Here are some key steps to take immediately following an injury:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional to rule out hidden injuries.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, any visible injuries, and property damage.
- Gather Witness Information: Collect the names and contact details of anyone who saw the incident.
- Report the Incident: Notify the appropriate authorities or property owners about the accident and injury.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Consult with an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney to understand your legal options and rights.
Damages in Personal Injury Claims
When you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for damages related to the injury.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the actual, quantifiable financial losses that result from an injury. These damages are meant to reimburse the victim for costs directly tied to the injury and its aftermath, including:
- Medical Bills: You may seek damages for all medical expenses related to your injury, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim lost wages as part of your economic damages. This includes wages you would have earned had you not been injured, along with any loss of earning capacity if your injuries have a long-term impact on your ability to work.
- Property Damage: In accidents where property is damaged (such as a car accident), the cost to repair or replace the damaged property can be included in economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective and refer to the intangible losses that result from an injury, such as:
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical pain and discomfort caused by the injury. It also includes the long-term suffering that can result from conditions like chronic pain or permanent disability.
- Emotional Distress: This is compensation for the mental and emotional toll caused by the injury. This could include conditions like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the traumatic event.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If an injury prevents you from enjoying activities and hobbies you once did, you may be entitled to damages for the loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not intended to compensate the victim for their losses. Instead, they are designed to punish the defendant for particularly egregious or reckless behavior and deter others from engaging in similar conduct. Punitive damages are relatively rare and are only awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were extremely negligent or intentionally harmful.
Why Choose the Cottle Firm?
If you’re struggling with the aftermath of a personal injury, you need a law firm you can trust – one with the experience, dedication, and resources to fight for your rights. At the Cottle Firm, we pride ourselves on offering legal services that meet the unique needs of each client. Here are some reasons why you should choose us to represent you in your personal injury case.
Experience You Can Rely On
With over three decades of experience handling personal injury cases, the attorneys at the Cottle Firm have developed a deep understanding of Nevada’s legal system and personal injury law. We have successfully secured nearly $1 billion in settlements and judgments for clients.
Client Satisfaction and Personalized Service
At the Cottle Firm, we put our clients’ needs first. We know that the legal process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial toll of an injury. That’s why we provide personalized service and treat each case with the utmost care and attention. We believe in clear communication and ensure that clients are informed throughout the entire process.
We also understand that those struggling with a personal injury don’t want to worry about the cost of legal representation, which is why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means our clients only pay us if we help them secure a settlement or judgment.
Track Record of Success
We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Our firm has a strong track record of securing favorable settlements and verdicts through both negotiation and litigation, including several million-dollar settlements and awards.
FAQ
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Nevada?
In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Nevada is two years from the date of the injury or from the date that you became aware of the injury. If you fail to file your claim within two years, you may lose your right to seek compensation. If you plan to take legal action, you should speak with an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?
Not every personal injury case goes to trial. In fact, the vast majority are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or if the responsible party does not admit fault, your attorney may recommend taking the case to trial to seek the compensation you deserve.
Your attorney will prepare you for every possible outcome. If the case does go to trial, a judge or jury will determine whether the responsible party is liable and how much compensation you should receive.
What Should I Do If the Insurance Company Offers Me a Settlement?
Before accepting any settlement offer, it’s important to consult with your personal injury attorney. Insurance companies often make low initial offers that may not fully cover the extent of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages.
Your attorney will evaluate the offer and advise you on whether it’s in your best interest to accept or negotiate for a higher amount. If the offer is not sufficient, your attorney can help you pursue further negotiations or take the case to trial.
In addition, be cautious about having any communication with insurance adjusters before you have a lawyer. These adjusters are paid to find ways to minimize or deny claims. They are trained to elicit responses or statements that could suggest liability on your part, which could jeopardize your claim.