Severity and the Pain & Suffering Multiplier

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

In Nevada the multiplier is unconstrained for ordinary injuries. What limits it is the type of defendant and how fault is split.

What moves the multiplier

• Permanence. A fully healed fracture supports a lower multiplier than a lasting impairment.
• Future treatment. Ongoing therapy, surgery or medication pushes toward the high end.
• Disfigurement. Permanent visible changes tend to be valued more heavily.
• Daily life. Documented loss of work, activity or family care strengthens the case.
• Documentation. Records, a pain journal and photos make a higher multiplier easier to justify.

Ordinary claims: no ceiling

Outside professional negligence, Nevada has no cap on compensatory damages, so a severe injury can support a high multiplier and the jury decides the figure.

Malpractice: a ceiling that rises

In a malpractice claim, NRS 41A.035 limits noneconomic damages to $590,000 in 2026. With a 4x multiplier, that ceiling is reached at about $147,500 of economic damages. The ceiling grows every January until it reaches $750,000 in 2028.

Who pays the award

Under NRS 41.141, each negligence defendant is severally liable for its own share, so a large award spread across several defendants depends on what each can pay. Joint and several liability is kept for strict liability, intentional torts, toxic substances, concerted acts and certain product cases.

Your own fault

Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, and you are barred if your negligence is greater than the negligence of the defendants you are suing.

This is general information, not legal advice, and the state comparisons above are illustrative, not an exhaustive survey. Confirm how Nevada's rules apply to your specific case with a licensed Nevada attorney.