A Death Somebody Caused
NRS 41.085 and NRS 11.190 — the heirs and the personal representative, and 2 years
When a person's death in Nevada, child or adult, is caused by another's wrongful act or neglect, the decedent's heirs and the personal representative may each sue the person who caused it, or that person's personal representative, and anyone responsible for that person's conduct, such as an employer.
| Who sues | What may be recovered |
|---|---|
| Who suesThe heirs, for themselves | What may be recoveredGrief or sorrow, loss of probable support, companionship, society, comfort and consortium, and the decedent's pain, suffering or disfigurement; not reachable by the decedent's creditors |
| Who suesThe personal representative, for the estate | What may be recoveredMedical expenses before death, funeral expenses, and penalties including punitive damages the decedent would have recovered; reachable by creditors |
An heir is someone who would inherit the decedent's separate property if there were no will. A person who killed the decedent is not an heir.
2 years. An action to recover damages for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another is brought within 2 years, except for the claims arising from sexual abuse or assault that have their own sections.
When the period begins to run, and how it is extended, are questions the limitation chapter and the courts answer; they are not reproduced here. Bringing such a claim is a matter for a licensed Nevada attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- NRS 41.085 — Heirs and personal representatives may maintain action
- NRS 11.190 — Periods of limitation
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Nevada attorney.