Strategies, Challenges, and Answers

Nevada Allows Right Of Reimbursement Of Defense Costs

In 2019, Nevada Coverage Law asked whether Nevada would follow the California case of Buss v. Superior Court, 16 Cal. 4th 35, 49, 939 P.2d 766 (1997) and allow Nevada insurance companies the right to seek reimbursement for uncovered defense cost.  We said that Nevada often looks to California for direction on topics of law not yet addressed in Nevada.  See Zurich Am. Ins. Co. v. Coeur Rochester, Inc., 720 F. Supp. 2d 1223, 1234 n. 11; see also Commercial Standard Ins. Co. v. Tab Constr., 94 Nev. … [Read more...]

The Immense Sacrifice Of Our Fallen Heroes Must Always Be Remembered . . .

“Was it worth it?” This is a question, sometimes politically-loaded, that is often asked of family members and war buddies of our Fallen Heroes. Marine Corps General John Kelly recently offered a unique perspective. A veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan himself, General Kelly lost his youngest son, First Lieutenant Robert Kelly, while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province in 2010. General Kelly was asked if the loss was worth it by a reporter with National Public Radio. He said, … [Read more...]

By A Preponderance Of Evidence

In civil cases, a Nevada Plaintiff has the burden of proof.  But what standard of proof must that Plaintiff meet to prevail?  In a civil case, the standard of proof in Nevada is “by a preponderance of evidence”.   The case of Deiss v. S. Pac. Co., 56 Nev. 169, 53 P.2d 332 (1936) provides a great explanation as to what it means to prove something “by a preponderance of evidence”.  This case involves a crash between a car and a train.  The jury found in favor of the deceased driver’s estate … [Read more...]

Just, Speedy, and Inexpensive

Does anyone else have a favorite Rule of Civil Procedure?  I do.  It is Rule 1, particularly the last sentence which says that the Rules of Civil Procedure “should be construed, administered, and employed by the court and the parties to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action and proceeding.” I find myself turning to this rule more and more as I prepare papers for the court.  No doubt that the Courts are dedicated to these three principles.   As to the … [Read more...]

What Happens If You Split Causes of Action?

Nevada follows the rule that a Plaintiff may not file two separate suits arising from the same set of facts.  The consequence of trying to split causes of action is that if requirements of the rule are satisfied, the second suit will be dismissed.   The Nevada Supreme Court said: As a general proposition, a single cause of action may not be split and separate actions maintained. Reno Club v. Harrah Et Al., 70 Nev. 125, 260 P.2d 304 (1953). The wrongful act of the defendant creates the … [Read more...]