When Someone You Love Dies Because of Another's Negligence, Your Family Deserves Answers — and Accountability

Losing a family member to someone else's carelessness is a grief no one should have to carry alone, and no family should also have to face the legal system without guidance. We represent surviving families throughout Clark County and Nevada with the same care and directness we bring to every case — and we never charge a fee unless we win.

Your Family's Rights Under Nevada Wrongful Death Law

Nevada's wrongful death statute, NRS 41.085, defines who may bring a claim and what compensation surviving family members may seek. Under this law, the personal representative of the deceased's estate files the claim on behalf of eligible survivors. Eligible family members typically include a surviving spouse, children, and in some circumstances, parents or other dependents. If you are unsure whether your family qualifies, that is exactly the kind of question we answer in a free consultation — with no pressure and no obligation.

 

The law recognizes that a wrongful death reaches beyond the moment of the fatal accident. It affects finances, daily life, and the future your family was building together. The legal process exists to address all of it.

What Compensation a Wrongful Death Claim Can Recover

A wrongful death claim in Nevada can recover a range of losses — both the financial and the deeply personal. While no amount of money replaces the person your family lost, a successful claim can bring stability and a measure of accountability. Recoverable damages under NRS 41.085 include:

 

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical costs incurred before death
  • Lost financial support the deceased would have provided over their lifetime
  • Lost household services and contributions
  • Grief, sorrow, and loss of companionship (non-economic damages)
  • Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or intentional conduct

 

We walk every family through what their specific claim is likely to include, in plain language, before any decisions are made.

Who Handles Your Case — and How

At Kristof Law Group, your case is handled by the attorney from the first call through resolution. You will not be passed to a paralegal after the intake call or handed off to a case manager when things get complicated. Michael Kristof has practiced law for roughly 28 years, focuses exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death, and tries his own cases when insurers refuse to offer fair value.

 

For families who are grieving, that continuity matters. You should not have to re-explain your situation to a new person every time you call. You should be able to reach the attorney who knows your case.

How a Wrongful Death Claim Works

Understanding the process can make it feel less overwhelming. Here is how we typically move a wrongful death case forward on behalf of a surviving family.

Investigation and Evidence Preservation

The first step is understanding exactly what happened. We gather police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any available surveillance or accident reconstruction evidence. In fatal accident cases, evidence can disappear quickly — which is why early legal involvement matters. We handle this work so your family does not have to.

Claim Filing, Negotiation, and Trial if Necessary

Once we have built the case, we file the claim against the responsible party and their insurer. Most wrongful death cases resolve through negotiated settlement. When an insurer refuses to offer an amount that reflects your family's actual losses, we are prepared to take the case to trial. We try our own cases — that is not a marketing line. It is how we practice.

The 2-Year Deadline Nevada Families Need to Know

Nevada law gives surviving families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing that deadline almost always means losing the right to pursue compensation entirely. While two years can feel like a long time when you are in the middle of grief, the investigation, evidence gathering, and legal preparation take time — and delays can cost the case. We encourage families to reach out as early as they are able, even if they are not yet sure they want to move forward. A free consultation does not commit you to anything.

Our Fee Promise — No Recovery, No Fee

We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. There are no upfront costs, no hourly charges, and no out-of-pocket expenses during the case. And on cases resolved without litigation, our fee is structured so that it never exceeds your family's net recovery. We believe families dealing with loss should not have to take on financial risk to pursue justice.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims in Nevada

  • Who is allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Nevada?

    Under NRS 41.085, the personal representative of the deceased's estate files the claim on behalf of eligible survivors. Surviving spouses, children, and in some cases parents or financial dependents may be entitled to compensation. If you are unsure whether your family qualifies, we will explain your rights clearly during a free consultation.

  • How long does a wrongful death case take to resolve?

    Most wrongful death cases take anywhere from several months to a couple of years, depending on the complexity of the evidence, the number of parties involved, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. We keep families informed throughout the process and never push for a quick settlement that undervalues the claim.

  • What if the person who caused the death was uninsured?

    If the at-fault party had no insurance or insufficient coverage, your family may have a claim under the deceased's own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy. We review all available coverage sources as part of our initial case evaluation.

  • Do I have to decide right away whether to file?

    You do not have to decide immediately, but the two-year deadline under Nevada law does apply. Waiting too long can also affect evidence availability. A free consultation lets us explain your options without any pressure or commitment — you can take what you learn and decide at your own pace.

  • Can a wrongful death claim be filed if there is also a criminal case?

    Yes. A civil wrongful death claim is separate from any criminal prosecution and can proceed regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or how a criminal case resolves. The legal standards are different, and a civil claim can succeed even when a criminal case does not.