Nevada's Statute of Limitations

Preliminary Note: Statutes of limitations restrict the time period that a person can file a lawsuit. These statutes not only vary by state, but they also vary by cause of action. The following guide provides limitations periods for each state, but only for particular causes of action; specifically, those related to personal injury, medical malpractice, and products liability claims. The sections discussing special rules for minors only apply to the causes of action listed for that particular state.

Wrongful Death

A wrongful death action must be filed within two years of the date of death. Actions for damages caused by a deficiency in construction of improvements to real property, however, must be brought within two years of the date of injury, regardless of the date of death, but in no event can the action be brought more than 12 years after the date of substantial completion of the improvement.

Personal Injury Actions

These actions must be brought within two years of the date of the injury.

Medical Malpractice Actions

Actions against health-care providers must be filed within four years of the date that the act giving rise to the injury occurred, or within two years after the injury was, or should have been, discovered, whichever is earlier. In Nevada, parents are responsible for bringing medical malpractice actions on behalf of their minor children within the limitations period. There are, however, two exceptions that extend the limitations period in favor of minors. In cases where a minor's injury results in brain damage or a birth defect, suit must be filed by the child's 10th birthday. In cases where a minor's injury results in sterility, the action must be filed within two years of the date the injury was discovered.

Products Liability Actions

Products liability actions must be brought within four years after the plaintiff suffers the injury.

Special Rules for Minors

Except in cases of medical malpractice or wrongful death, the statute of limitations begins to run on the minor's 18th birthday.