Personal Injury FAQ

Representing the Injured in Nevada

1. What if I can't afford to pay for the medical treatment I need now?
   When you have Richard Harris Law Firm on your side, you don't have to worry—we'll explain how you can still use your insurance without reducing the claim against the responsible party or increasing your insurance rates.
   
   It's our first priority to make sure you get the medical care you need to recover from your injuries. We'll make sure that you see qualified physicians and therapists immediately.


2. Who is responsible for paying my medical bills?
   The person found responsible for your accident is obligated to pay damages. Whether the costs of your medical care are paid by your insurance company and then reimbursed by the other person's insurance company or if your medical bills are paid from your settlement, our attorneys are committed to getting you the compensation you need to cover your current and future medical expenses.
   
   We deal with insurance policies every day—we know what's covered and what's not and how to get your medical expenses paid.
   


3. What does it mean if someone was negligent?
   The law finds someone negligent when he or she fails to exercise the standard of care that a reasonable person would have exercised in the same situation. We must try to prove that the defendant:
   
   
   • Acted in a way or failed to act in a way that was considered reasonably careless
   • Caused an accident involving the plaintiff (you, the injured person)
   • Caused you injury or harm as a result of the accident


4. Why is proving negligence important to winning my case?
   Negligence plays an important role in achieving a successful outcome for your case. As your attorney, it's our job to prove that a person or company was negligent—or is legally responsible for your accident—so that you may be compensated.
   


5. What is modified comparative negligence?
   In the state of Nevada, personal injury cases are evaluated in terms of modified comparative negligence. That means, even if you are partly responsible—or considered negligent—for the accident that caused you harm, you are still able to recover damages, given that your percentage of fault is not greater than that of the defendant.


6. I don't think I'm hurt. Why was I advised to seek medical attention?
   Sometimes injuries take time to present themselves, so even if you don't think you're hurt, we recommend you visit a doctor after your accident.
   
   Take notes about how you feel after the accident, what the doctor says, and your recovery process. Detailed information about your condition, medical care, and work status can be helpful when your attorney and case manager are preparing your case.


7. What's the first thing I should do after an accident?
   Gather the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the other parties involved, or any witnesses of the accident. Have these contacts handy so you can share them with your lawyer and case manager.
   
   If you didn't collect the contact information of anyone at the scene, you can find this information in the police report. To pick up a copy of the police report, visit your local police station or contact the police station where your accident occurred.


8. What kind of damages may I collect after a personal injury accident?
   If you are a personal injury victim, there are a variety of damages—or monetary compensation—you can seek for your injuries, continued medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Richard Harris Law Firm is here to help you get the compensation that you deserve.


9. How much is my claim worth?
   One of the most frequently asked questions by our injured clients is "How much is my claim worth?" Determining the value of a claim requires assessment of a number of things:
   
   
   • the nature and severity of injuries
   • amount of medical bills
   • length of treatment
   • severity of impairment
   • loss of earnings
   • damages from pain and suffering
     


10. What about attorney's fees?
    At Richard Harris Law Firm we offer a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your case. During your consultation, we will explain the attorney's fees and costs that may apply to your claim. When we represent you, we handle your case on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee is a percentage of the amount recovered on your behalf. Most often our fee is one third of the amount we collect for you. This may vary depending on complexity of the case, the time involved, or the likelihood of settlement as opposed to an arbitration hearing or trial.
    
    There are several advantages to a contingency fee. You're not required to make any payment up front or as the case progresses. Our firm only gets paid when you get paid—we call that our No Fee Guarantee. In the unlikely event your case is unsuccessful, you owe us no fees.