There is no loss more devastating than the sudden death of a loved one—especially when it is caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness. The grief, confusion, and emotional trauma that follow can be overwhelming. In rural communities like Pahrump, where resources may be limited and families are tightly knit, a wrongful death can have wide-reaching consequences that affect not only the household, but the community as a whole.

While no legal action can bring a loved one back, pursuing a wrongful death claim can serve a critical purpose. It allows surviving family members to hold the responsible party accountable and to recover financial compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and emotional loss. It also sends a clear message that preventable deaths cannot be ignored or brushed aside.

Drummond Injury Lawyer Pahrump stands with grieving families and provides the level of advocacy needed when accountability matters most. At Drummond Law Firm, we approach every wrongful death case with discipline, compassion, and a commitment to seeing justice served. You deserve answers, accountability, and the financial support needed to begin rebuilding your life.

Why Families Choose Drummond Law Firm for Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death cases are uniquely sensitive. They require more than legal skill—they require compassion, understanding, and the ability to guide a family through the legal process with empathy and strength. Drummond Law Firm is proud to provide that support to families in their most difficult moments.

Our firm is led by Craig W. Drummond, a former U.S. Army Captain and JAG attorney who served in combat and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. His military background brings discipline, leadership, and a deep respect for duty to every case we handle. When your family places its trust in us, we honor that trust with unwavering dedication.

We have a proven record of success in high-stakes litigation, including complex wrongful death claims involving vehicle accidents, dangerous property conditions, and negligent security. Every case is treated with the seriousness it deserves, and we do not shy away from going to court when necessary.

Families who work with us receive direct communication from an attorney—not a case manager or call center. You will have personal access to the legal team handling your case and regular updates on our progress. We handle the legal burdens so you can focus on your emotional recovery.

We also offer our Reduced Fee Guarantee®, which ensures that in any pre-lawsuit settlement, the attorney fee will never exceed what your family receives. This protects your financial recovery and honors your right to fair and transparent representation.

What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death Under Nevada Law?

A wrongful death occurs when someone’s life is taken due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another person or entity. Nevada law allows the surviving family members of the deceased to bring a civil claim against the party or parties responsible.

The legal foundation for a wrongful death case is found in Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 41.085. This statute allows for the recovery of damages when a death results from another’s wrongful act. Importantly, wrongful death claims are civil in nature and are separate from any criminal charges that may also be filed by law enforcement.

Examples of Incidents That May Lead to a Wrongful Death Claim Include:

• Fatal car, truck, or motorcycle accidents caused by a negligent driver
• Medical malpractice resulting in preventable death
• Deaths due to dangerous property conditions (e.g., fires, falls, or structural failure)
• Criminal assaults or shootings that occurred due to negligent security
• Defective products or equipment that cause fatal injuries

In civil court, the goal is not to punish the wrongdoer criminally, but to compensate the victim’s family for their losses and suffering. Drummond Law Firm pursues these claims with precision and sensitivity, ensuring every legal option is explored.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Nevada?

Nevada law limits who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Under NRS 41.085, the following parties may have the right to bring a claim:

Surviving Spouse, Domestic Partner, or Children

These are the primary beneficiaries in most wrongful death cases. If the deceased was married or had dependent children, they will typically be the first parties eligible to file.

Parents (If No Spouse or Children Exist)

If the deceased had no spouse or children, their parents may bring a wrongful death claim. This is especially common in cases involving young adults or unmarried individuals.

Personal Representative of the Estate

The executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate may file a claim on behalf of the estate. Damages recovered through the estate are distributed according to the terms of a will or Nevada’s laws of intestate succession.

Other Heirs and Dependents (In Certain Cases)

Other individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased may also have a right to recover damages, depending on the circumstances. Drummond Law Firm can help determine who qualifies and what compensation may be available.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Pahrump and Rural Nevada

Pahrump and other rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to safety and emergency response. Long stretches of highway, limited lighting, and understaffed work environments increase the risk of fatal accidents. Our firm has experience with a wide range of incidents that lead to wrongful death claims in Nye County.

Fatal Car, Truck, or Motorcycle Accidents on Rural Highways

High-speed collisions on roads like NV-160 are among the leading causes of wrongful death in the region. If your loved one’s fatal crash involved a negligent driver, Drummond Law car accident and injury lawyer can help your family seek justice and rightful compensation. These crashes often involve impaired or distracted drivers, poor road conditions, or commercial vehicles traveling too fast for the environment.

Pedestrian or Bicycle Deaths Caused by Reckless Drivers

Pedestrians and cyclists are extremely vulnerable in rural areas where sidewalks and bike lanes are often lacking. Drivers who fail to slow down, yield, or maintain awareness may cause fatal injuries in a matter of seconds.

Workplace Accidents or Construction Fatalities

Fatal accidents on farms, construction sites, and in industrial environments are unfortunately common. If safety procedures were ignored or proper equipment was not provided, employers or contractors may be held responsible.

Falls, Fires, or Electrocution Due to Unsafe Property Conditions

Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. A fatal slip and fall, structural collapse, or fire due to faulty wiring may result in a wrongful death claim. Our firm investigates whether maintenance records, inspection logs, or prior complaints reveal negligence.

Criminal Assaults or Shootings Stemming From Negligent Security

Businesses and event venues must provide reasonable security. If your loved one died as a result of an attack that could have been prevented through better security measures, the property owner or management company may be held liable for failing to protect guests or residents.

At Drummond Law Firm, we take each of these scenarios seriously and pursue justice with the full force of the law.

Types of Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Claim

When a loved one is taken unexpectedly due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, the emotional toll is immense. But in addition to the grief and trauma, families are often left facing financial uncertainty. A wrongful death claim in Nevada allows surviving family members to recover compensation that reflects both the tangible and intangible losses caused by the death.

At Drummond Law Firm, we work with families in Pahrump and throughout rural Nevada to ensure that every category of recoverable damage is identified, documented, and pursued. While no amount of money can replace a lost loved one, financial compensation can help provide stability and hold negligent parties accountable.

Funeral and Burial Expenses

These immediate expenses often come at a time when families are least prepared. A wrongful death claim allows survivors to recover the cost of funeral services, cremation or burial, transportation, and other final arrangements. These costs can be significant and are among the first damages we include in a claim.

Loss of Financial Support and Future Earnings

If the deceased provided income or financial support for a spouse, children, or other dependents, those losses are compensable. This includes the deceased’s future earning potential, lost benefits such as retirement contributions, and the value of services they would have provided, such as childcare or home maintenance.

We work with economic experts to project lifetime earnings and calculate the total financial impact on the family. These numbers form a critical part of a comprehensive damages package.

Loss of Companionship, Care, and Guidance

Survivors are entitled to compensation for the emotional loss caused by the death. This includes the loss of love, support, guidance, and companionship that the deceased would have continued to provide. These non-economic damages are deeply personal, and our firm works with families to present these losses in a respectful and meaningful way.

Medical Expenses Incurred Prior to Death

In some cases, the deceased received emergency care, hospitalization, or other medical treatment before passing. These expenses are recoverable through a wrongful death claim. We collect medical records and billing statements to ensure that these costs are included in the financial recovery.

Pain and Suffering (Survivor’s Grief)

Survivors may also recover compensation for the emotional distress and suffering caused by the death. This includes grief, anxiety, depression, and the psychological impact of losing a loved one suddenly. While these damages are difficult to quantify, they are no less important and deserve recognition under the law.

Potential Punitive Damages in Cases of Gross Negligence

In cases involving egregious conduct—such as drunk driving, reckless disregard for safety, or intentional harm—the court may award punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Drummond Law Firm evaluates whether punitive damages may be appropriate and presents the necessary evidence to support them.

How Liability Is Proven in a Wrongful Death Case

Winning a wrongful death claim requires more than emotion. It demands evidence, legal knowledge, and a clear understanding of how to link the negligent act to the fatal outcome. At Drummond Law Firm, we take a trial-focused approach from day one, building a strong evidentiary foundation for every case we handle.

Establishing Duty of Care and Breach of Duty

The first step is to prove that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased. For example, a driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely, and a property owner has a duty to maintain safe premises. We then show that this duty was breached through negligent or wrongful conduct.

Proving Causation Between Negligence and Death

Next, we must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions directly caused the death. This involves showing a clear link between the breach of duty and the fatal injuries. In some cases, this step is straightforward. In others, especially those involving multiple contributing factors, we work with medical experts, forensic analysts, and accident reconstructionists to establish causation.

Collecting Police Reports, Witness Statements, and Expert Evaluations

We obtain all official documentation related to the incident, including police reports, autopsy findings, and eyewitness testimony. When necessary, we bring in experts to evaluate security footage, assess scene evidence, or provide opinions on how the death occurred.

Reconstructing Accidents or Security Lapses When Necessary

In vehicle-related or premises liability cases, we may conduct a detailed reconstruction of the incident. This helps explain exactly what happened and counters any attempts by the defense to shift blame or obscure responsibility.

Challenges in Rural Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death cases in Pahrump and other rural areas come with their own unique obstacles. These challenges make experienced legal representation essential.

Delays in Emergency Response or Investigation

In remote areas, emergency responders may take longer to arrive. Important evidence may be lost, and key witnesses may leave the scene before law enforcement arrives. These delays can affect the strength of the case, which is why early legal action is critical.

Limited Medical Documentation or Witness Availability

Smaller hospitals may have less extensive documentation or limited diagnostic capabilities. Similarly, rural crash sites often have fewer eyewitnesses. We work to fill these gaps through expert evaluations and careful investigation.

Corporate Defendants With Strong Legal Teams

When a wrongful death involves a business, employer, or commercial vehicle operator, you are not just facing an individual—you are facing a corporation with legal resources. Drummond Law Firm is equipped to stand up to these powerful opponents with strategy, evidence, and courtroom readiness.

Insurance Companies Minimizing the Value of Life in Rural Regions

Insurers may argue that a victim’s economic value is lower in rural communities, especially if the deceased was retired, unemployed, or a homemaker. We reject this devaluation and work with experts to show the full emotional, financial, and personal contributions of the deceased.

How Drummond Law Firm Investigates Wrongful Death Claims

Every wrongful death case is built on details. At Drummond Law Firm, we take a meticulous, hands-on approach to uncovering the truth and documenting the full impact of the loss.

Immediate Evidence Preservation and Scene Investigation

We move quickly to preserve evidence, document the scene, and request any video or photographic records. Our team acts before crucial information is lost or altered.

Interviews With First Responders, Witnesses, and Family

We gather statements from those closest to the incident, including first responders and eyewitnesses. We also work with family members to understand the deceased’s role, contributions, and relationships—information that supports both economic and non-economic claims.

Collaboration With Medical and Financial Experts

Experts play a key role in projecting future income loss, calculating care costs, and assessing the cause of death. We coordinate closely with these professionals to present a comprehensive damages package.

Trial-Focused Case Building From the Start—No Shortcuts

We treat every case as if it will go to trial. This means preparing for courtroom presentation, not just settlement discussions. Our reputation as trial lawyers gives us leverage and ensures the defense takes your case seriously.

You have suffered a tremendous loss. Now, you deserve answers and support. Drummond Law Firm is here to help you take the next step toward justice.

We offer free consultations with an experienced wrongful death attorney. There are no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win your case. With our Reduced Fee Guarantee, your family will never receive less than the attorney in any pre-suit settlement.