Bowen Law Offices Las Vegas Estate Planning Attorney | Divorce & Personal Injury 2026-08-03T16:29:04Z https://www.lvlawfirm.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1602510/2021/06/cropped-bowenlaw-site-icon-32x32.png On Behalf of Bowen Law Offices <![CDATA[What if your insurer says your home’s flood damage wasn’t sudden?]]> https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=47709 2026-08-03T16:29:04Z 2026-08-03T16:29:04Z The insurer may dispute what caused the damage An insurer may argue that your loss resulted from gradual water intrusion instead of a single flood event. If that happens, the company may claim the damage developed over time because of wear, poor maintenance or another issue that falls outside your policy's coverage. Nevada insurers must investigate claims fairly before making a coverage decision. If the explanation does not match the available evidence, you have the right to ask questions and request a more thorough review instead of accepting the decision at face value.

Your documentation becomes even more important

The right evidence can help show that a sudden monsoon flood, not a long-term problem, caused the damage. Because flash floods are a known risk in Las Vegas, documenting what happened as soon as it is safe can make it easier to connect your loss to that specific weather event. Helpful records may include:
  • Photos and videos taken shortly after the flooding
  • Weather reports or flood alerts from the day of the storm
  • Inspection reports or repair estimates describing recent water damage
Keeping these materials together gives you a stronger basis for showing that the damage followed a sudden flood rather than developing over weeks or months.

The denial should match the facts

A claim decision should reflect both your policy and the evidence. If your insurer says the damage developed over time, the explanation should account for the facts surrounding the flood instead of relying on assumptions about your property. Taking time to read the denial letter carefully may help you identify whether your insurer overlooked or misunderstood important information before they made the decision.

Protect your insurance claim

If your insurer's explanation does not seem consistent with the evidence, reviewing your policy and claim documents with an attorney can help you understand your options. Legal guidance may also help you determine whether the investigation was handled fairly and if you should challenge the decision before it becomes more difficult to resolve.]]> On Behalf of Bowen Law Offices <![CDATA[Who controls an inheritance left to a Nevada teenager?]]> https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=47707 2026-07-28T08:31:21Z 2026-07-28T08:19:14Z How a custodian manages the inheritance Under Nevada’s Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, you can name an adult or trust company to manage the teenager’s property. This person or company is called the custodian. The teenager owns the property, but the custodian controls and manages it while the child is a minor. The custodian may:
  • Keep the property separate from personal assets.
  • Manage and invest the assets.
  • Use funds for the teenager’s support, education or other needs.
  • Keep records of money received, spent or invested.
In Nevada, a teenager becomes a legal adult at age 18, and the custodian generally transfers the property at that age. However, when an inheritance passes under a will, trust or other document that properly names a custodian, the document may allow the custodian to manage the property until a stated age, but no later than 25.

When another arrangement may control the assets

A trust gives you more control over when and how your teenager receives an inheritance. You can name a person or institution, called a trustee, to manage the property and give money or assets to your teenager according to your instructions. If your will or trust allows this arrangement but does not name a custodian, the person handling the estate or trust may select one. In other situations, a court may appoint someone to manage the child’s property. This person is called a guardian of the estate and does not necessarily have responsibility for raising the child. The court supervises the guardian, who must submit financial records and may need court approval for certain decisions involving the property.

Match the plan to your teenager’s needs

The right arrangement may depend on your teenager’s age, maturity and the value of the property involved. Consider how much guidance your child may need and when they should take full control of the assets. Addressing those questions in your estate plan can give the person managing the property clear instructions and help your family avoid uncertainty later.]]> On Behalf of Bowen Law Offices <![CDATA[Why California motorcyclists may create danger on Nevada roads]]> https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=47705 2026-07-15T00:08:03Z 2026-07-15T00:08:03Z Lane splitting and state laws While most traffic laws are similar across state lines in the U.S., there’s at least one significant difference between Nevada and California law when it comes to motorcycles. That difference can result in serious crashes. It involves what’s commonly known as “lane splitting.” California is currently the only state where lane splitting is legal. Some states (including our neighbors in Arizona and Utah) allow a variation on it called “lane filtering,” which can be done primarily in stopped traffic. However, Nevada law currently doesn’t allow either. The California Vehicle Code defines lane splitting as “driving a motorcycle…between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane….” Some California motorcyclists may not be aware that lane splitting is illegal in Nevada, others may do it out of habit and still others may intentionally ignore the law.

Why a lane-splitting motorcyclist can be especially risky in Nevada

Whatever the reason, a motorcyclist who is lane splitting on a Nevada road can easily startle a motorist who isn’t expecting anyone to show up in their lane, even for a few seconds. A driver may instinctively swerve into another lane to avoid them, causing a serious crash, or hit the motorcyclist in their panic. Either way, catastrophic injuries can occur. Even in California, where lane splitting is codified in the law, motorcyclists have a responsibility to drive safely. The practice isn’t recommended in high-speed traffic, and motorcyclists are advised to keep their speed no more than 15 mph over that of surrounding vehicles. All of this is important information when determining fault for a crash where anyone has suffered catastrophic injuries. Victims and surviving loved ones are wise to get experienced legal guidance as soon as possible to help ensure that they get fair compensation for medical costs and other expenses and damages that could affect them for a lifetime.]]> On Behalf of Bowen Law Offices <![CDATA[What makes a car accident injury catastrophic?]]> https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=47704 2026-07-06T12:03:27Z 2026-07-06T12:03:27Z Car accidents are unfortunately common, but not all injuries are the same. While some people recover quickly, others face serious harm that can affect them for years or even the rest of their lives. In the moments after a crash, it may be difficult to understand the full extent of an injury, especially when symptoms develop over time or worsen without warning.  For many people, what begins as pain or discomfort can turn into a long and uncertain recovery. Medical appointments, missed work and ongoing treatment can quickly become part of daily life. In more severe cases, the injury can forever change your life. 

The injuries that reach beyond the crash

Not every serious injury is fatal. The difference comes down to how deeply the injury affects your future. These injuries may demand long-term treatment, surgery, home changes or ongoing support.  Common signs of a catastrophic car accident injury include: 
  • Permanent disability: You may lose the ability to walk or do daily tasks without help
  • Brain trauma: A traumatic brain injury can affect brain function
  • Spinal cord damage: Neck or back trauma may lead to partial or full paralysis
  • Amputation or loss of function: Losing a body part or body part functionality can affect independence.
  • Severe burns or scarring: Deep burns may require many treatments and can cause lasting pain.
  • Long-term medical needs: You may need therapy or continuous medication.
These injuries can have financial and emotional stress. You may face missed work, unpaid bills, pain and a new way of living.  When an injury changes your income and future, it deserves careful attention. Medical records, crash details and long-term care needs all matter when filing a claim. Having legal guidance can help you better understand your options while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life at a pace that feels possible. ]]> On Behalf of Bowen Law Offices <![CDATA[2 reasons middle-aged parents need an estate plan]]> https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=47703 2026-06-24T07:12:09Z 2026-06-24T07:12:09Z It is often very clear to grandparents that they need to make an estate plan, simply because of the stage they are at in their life. They may have received a significant medical diagnosis that makes it clear to them that they are drawing closer to the end of their life, for example. They can see how many different beneficiaries they have to consider as the family grows, including children and grandchildren. But even middle-aged parents should still make an estate plan. They may feel that they are not that close to using the plan yet, but there are many reasons why having the plan in place is still important. Below are two examples.

Choosing a guardian

First and foremost, parents need to be aware that they could pass away unexpectedly, such as in a car accident or due to a sudden illness. If so, they need someone to care for their child. Selecting a guardian gives them a chance to choose that person directly and ensure that their child gets the care and support they need as they grow up.

Setting up a trust

Next, many middle-aged parents have children who are still minors and will be for years. As such, they may want to put their assets into a trust, which can then distribute those assets at a certain age. If someone's child is in middle school or early high school, for example, they may want to set up a trust to hold assets until they turn 25 or 30. These are just two examples of many reasons why making an estate plan is important. If you have not done so yet, it may be time to start considering your legal options.  ]]> On Behalf of Bowen Law Offices <![CDATA[What happens to inheritance rights after adoption?]]> https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=47702 2026-06-11T15:01:18Z 2026-06-11T15:01:18Z Changes to family relationships When a court approves an adoption, you become the child's legal parent. The law will generally treat your adopted child the same as a biological child. As a result, adoption may create legal rights and responsibilities such as:
  • Creating family ties within the adoptive family
  • Establishing access to family-based benefits
  • Giving parents authority to make important decisions
  • Creating duties between parent and child
These changes can last throughout your child's life and may affect future estate matters.

How adoption affects the right to inherit

In most situations, an adopted child can inherit in the same way as a biological child. If you die without a valid will, Nevada law generally treats your adopted child as one of your heirs. Adoption may also affect how your child receives property through a will, trust or other estate planning document. The outcome will depend on the language of those documents and the facts involved.

How adoption affects ties to a biological family

Adoption may affect a child's legal relationship with a biological parent. In many adoptions, that relationship ends when the adoption becomes final. Inheritance laws generally follow legal family relationships. Because of that, adoption may affect whether a child can inherit through a biological parent. The effect will depend on the type of adoption and the family relationships involved.

Looking at the long-term impact

Adoption can affect more than a child's day-to-day relationship with a parent. It can also affect legal rights that continue into adulthood, including inheritance rights and the ability to inherit through certain relatives. These effects may continue long after an adoption becomes final. In some cases, inheritance questions do not arise until years later, when a family member dies and an estate passes to heirs. As a result, adoption can have legal consequences that extend well beyond the adoption process itself.]]> On Behalf of Bowen Law Offices <![CDATA[Potential symptoms of a traumatic brain injury]]> https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=47700 2026-06-10T16:48:17Z 2026-06-10T16:48:17Z A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be one of the most serious injuries suffered in a car accident. Anytime someone loses consciousness, there is a chance that they have a significant TBI. In the most serious cases, it could be something like a subdural hematoma, which can get worse—and even become fatal—due to bleeding in the brain tissue.  It is important for injury victims to know what symptoms to look for. TBIs are often internal injuries without notable exterior symptoms, but medical intervention is still necessary, and these symptoms help them know when to see a doctor.

Sensory changes

For instance, some TBIs can lead to sensory issues such as a loss of vision, trouble hearing and more. In some cases, people experience overstimulation, where they become extremely sensitive to lights and sounds. This can often trigger mood swings or agitation.

Physical symptoms

A TBI can also lead to physical ailments, such as headaches or migraines, the onset of convulsions or seizures, or numbness and tingling in the extremities. Some people have language difficulties, such as slurred speech. Clumsy movements or a lack of balance are also common.

Mental symptoms

Finally, there are many mental or emotional symptoms that can come along with a TBI. Some people find themselves very fatigued or have difficulty waking up. Others feel agitated or restless. Mental confusion is very common, especially if a person cannot remember the accident in which they were injured. For injury victims, medical care for a TBI is very important, but also expensive. That is why it is important that they understand their right to seek compensation from the driver who caused the accident.  ]]> On Behalf of Bowen Law Offices <![CDATA[When an insurance company denies a valid claim]]> https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=47699 2026-05-25T20:27:28Z 2026-05-25T20:27:28Z bad faith insurance. When companies receive claims that clearly fall within the scope of a policy but refuse to pay the claim, the policyholder may need support to hold the company accountable.

Policy evaluation is helpful

Insurance companies often include numerous confusing terms in their policies. That language can lead to uncertainty about the legitimacy of a claim or the validity of a refusal to pay the claim. Most people dealing with a denied claim that they expected the insurance company to cover find it difficult to read and understand the dense jargon included in policy documents. They may need to consult with an attorney familiar with bad faith insurance practices and policy evaluations. A lawyer can review the policy and any exclusions the insurance company may have referenced when denying the claim. They can validate the policy limits and other details to help the policyholder pursue the coverage that they deserve. If the insurance company does not uphold the policy in good faith, then it may be necessary to file a bad faith insurance lawsuit. Sitting down with an insurance lawyer can help people understand when insurance companies have violated their obligations under the policy and the law. A bad faith insurance lawsuit can result in a paid claim and possibly an award of additional damages due to the insurance company's misconduct.]]> On Behalf of Bowen Law Offices <![CDATA[When injuries from an accident affect your future earning potential]]> https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=47698 2026-05-14T12:43:05Z 2026-05-14T12:43:05Z A serious car accident can take away the career momentum you spent years building. Even after the emergency room visits end and the visible injuries heal, you may no longer have the same physical or mental capacity to perform your job the way you once did.   You may be forced to reduce your working hours, take a lower-paying job or even leave your chosen profession altogether if your injuries prevent you from meeting the demands of your field. Fortunately, Nevada law allows you to recover compensation for future lost income based on what you would reasonably have earned over time if the crash had never happened.

The evidence you need

Insurance companies rarely accept future financial losses without a fight. They may argue that you can still work or that your condition is not as limiting as you claim. It underscores the importance of solid evidence showing how the injuries you sustained diminish your earning potential. First, you need detailed medical documentation that connects your diagnosis to clear, work-related limitations. Doctor reports, treatment notes and functional capacity evaluations can help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and show the real impact on your day-to-day job functions. Your employment records are equally important because they establish your earning history and career trajectory before the crash. Pay stubs, tax returns, job titles and performance reviews can provide a baseline for comparing what you were earning and capable of earning before the crash with what you can realistically earn after it. Expert testimony may also be necessary in more complex cases. Vocational experts evaluate how your injuries affect your ability to perform work in your field and what alternative employment options are viable under the present circumstances. Economic experts then take those findings and translate them into a calculated projection of your lifetime lost earning capacity.

Secure your financial future after a crash

When a car accident limits your earning potential, the consequences can last for decades. Seeking legal guidance early can help you build a strong claim and protect your right to recover compensation that accounts for the full impact of the accident, now and in the future.]]> On Behalf of Bowen Law Offices <![CDATA[How to handle the initial conversation with your chosen executor]]> https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=47697 2026-05-04T12:08:15Z 2026-05-04T12:08:15Z After choosing someone who possesses the qualities you are looking for in an executor, you need to have a conversation with them. This is when you inform them you are estate planning and you believe they are best suited to administer the estate. You want to handle this initial conversation efficiently.  But how can you do that?

Before the meeting

You should prepare for the conversation. This includes creating a list of your assets and liabilities and gathering relevant supporting documents to help your chosen executor understand the complexity of the estate.  Once you have all the necessary documents, choose a location and time for the meeting. A calm, private setting at a time when no one will be interrupted is ideal. Then, contact your chosen party and inform them you would like to meet them.

During the meeting

It’s vital to be gentle but direct during the conversation. Firstly, inform them about the purpose of the meeting. State that you are drafting an estate plan and you would like to name them the estate’s executor. Tell them why you chose them – the qualities they possess. Give them the list you created when explaining the assets and liabilities of the estate. Tell them how they can access them.  Further, explain their expected duties, such as managing assets, communicating with beneficiaries and paying debts. It’s important to be honest when explaining the role. Let them know it requires commitment. You should also be upfront about any potential disputes among beneficiaries. Finally, inform them that they can take time before responding. Encourage them to learn more about the role before deciding. Asking a chosen party if they can serve as your executor does not have to be challenging. The tips discussed above can help you have a smooth conversation. When your chosen executor accepts the role, consider legal guidance to validate the appointment.  ]]>