Losing a loved one is never easy, but when it happens due to the negligence of another person, it seems even more tragic. Often when this happens, you can file a wrongful death case in a Nevada court. This will allow you to recoup some damages that can enable you to pay for medical bills, costs associated with the funeral and other expenses related to the loss of your loved one.
However, wrongful death cases have strict rules. This is especially true if your loved one died while committing a crime. According to the Nevada Legislature, there are exceptions and rules about whether you can bring a wrongful death case. There are two specific points that you should understand.
- Where the death occurred matters
To begin with, if your loved one was committing a crime involving public property or a public vehicle, then you cannot file a wrongful death claim against any law enforcement officer or employee who caused your loved one’s death.
- There are exceptions to that rule
Of course, the rule that you cannot sue officers or state employees in the above situation is not without its exceptions. If an officer, for example, deprives your loved one of his or her civil rights and that results in the death, then you do have a right to bring a claim. In addition, if the death was intentional, that also removes the exclusion and allows you to file your case.
The law can be quite confusing. You probably were thinking about the many wrongful death lawsuits in the news for individuals killed by law enforcement in the course of their duties and thought this does not make sense. However, as you can see, there are exceptions, and if you can prove your case meets an exception, then you certainly have the right to file your wrongful death case.