Comparative Negligence in Nevada
State-specific overview · Tort Law
Nevada uses pure comparative negligence; you recover your proportional share of damages regardless of fault percentage.
How Nevada treats Comparative Negligence
Nevada allows recovery under pure comparative negligence, meaning a plaintiff can recover even if they are primarily responsible for the accident. Damages are reduced by the plaintiff's percentage of fault. If you are 90% at fault and the defendant 10%, you still recover 10% of your damages. This rule applies broadly across negligence cases and provides maximum recovery opportunities.
The general definition of Comparative Negligence
A rule that reduces damages based on the victim's own percentage of fault.
Comparative negligence is a legal principle that recognizes both parties in an accident may share responsibility. Instead of an all-or-nothing approach, the court or jury determines what percentage each person is at fault. Your damages award is then reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you receive $80,000. Some states use 'pure' comparative negligence (you can recover even if you're 99% at fault), while others use 'modified' comparative negligence (you can only recover if you're less than 50% or 51% at fault, depending on the state).
Read the full Comparative Negligence entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Nevada.