Bowen Law OfficesLas Vegas Estate Planning Attorney | Divorce & Personal Injury2026-09-23T15:26:59Zhttps://www.lvlawfirm.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1602510/2021/06/cropped-bowenlaw-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Bowen Law Offices<![CDATA[Will you ever fully recover from a brain injury?]]>https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=477132026-09-23T15:26:59Z2026-09-23T15:26:59ZIf you suffer a traumatic brain injury, the initial symptoms can be frightening. You may be dealing with memory loss, fatigue and sensitivity to lights and sounds. You could feel like your personality has changed. You could have physical symptoms like feeling clumsy or off-balance, and some TBIs can lead to severe symptoms like difficulty speaking.
Exactly how much recovery you will see after the TBI differs from case to case. In some situations, people make a complete recovery and return to their former health, even if it takes time. But in other situations, healing is much more limited. A person may see some of their symptoms get better for a short time, but other symptoms will linger.
The brain cannot always heal 100%
In some cases, the issue is that a person’s brain cannot achieve 100% healing. This is because neurons or brain cells cannot be regenerated within the brain itself, at least in the vast majority of cases.This makes the brain much different than other parts of the body. Skin cells, blood cells, liver cells and many others can be regenerated, even if they are lost. But the brain largely just does not have this capability. Neurons are lost forever.This means that healing looks different. The brain seeks out new electrical connections, often referred to as neural pathways. When it finds them, healing takes place. But there are not always new neural pathways that can be used, so healing may be significantly limited. Some people have TBI symptoms for the rest of their lives.
Seeking long-term compensation
Because a TBI can lead to such long-term symptoms, it is very important to understand the impact on your life if you have been injured due to another person’s negligence. You may deserve significant compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more.
]]>On Behalf of Bowen Law Offices<![CDATA[Why speeding leads to severe car accidents]]>https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=477122026-09-12T03:33:24Z2026-09-12T03:33:24ZSome of the most serious car accidents, leading to the most severe injuries, are those that happen at a high rate of speed. Speed limits exist to try to reduce this risk and keep people safe, but drivers speed every single day. Someone who is driving recklessly above the speed limit when they cause a car accident runs a much greater risk of seriously injuring someone in the other vehicle.
The first reason for this is simply that an accident at higher speeds contains more energy. In a collision, speed and mass determine how much energy is exerted on the occupants of any specific vehicle. At higher speeds, drivers and passengers suffer greater physical trauma, so there is a higher chance of internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries and other serious complications.
Speeding can actually cause the accident itself
In addition to making injuries more severe, speeding drivers are also at greater risk of being involved in an accident to begin with. They may be driving too fast for road conditions or for the road design itself, causing them to lose control of the vehicle.Even if the driver does not directly lose control, speeding reduces their reaction time. Unexpected events do happen on the road, such as sudden traffic backups in a construction zone or an animal entering the traffic lane. A driver who is speeding has far less time to mentally process this change and then physically react appropriately by hitting the brakes, so car accidents are more likely.Even if you follow the appropriate speed limits at all times, you do face risks from other speeding drivers. Be sure you understand how to seek financial compensation after an accident.]]>On Behalf of Bowen Law Offices<![CDATA[The “estate planning” documents your 18-year-old needs]]>https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=477112026-08-29T20:10:37Z2026-08-29T20:10:37ZMedical decision making
Once a child turns 18, parents typically no longer have the automatic legal right to direct their medical care or even to get information about their condition. By giving one or both of you power of attorney (POA) to act as their health care agent, they give you the right to interact with their medical team and make decisions on their behalf regarding their care. Of course, they have the right to choose another adult for this responsibility instead – a best friend, boyfriend or girlfriend or older sibling, for example.
It’s also wise for them to create a living will or “declaration.” In Nevada, this is in the same set of forms as the POA designation. This document allows them to detail their wishes for things like end-of-life treatment, organ donation and more so that their medical team and their loved ones know what they would want if they can’t speak for themselves.
Financial responsibilities
Another area to address is who will handle financial matters for them if they’re unable to do so themselves. While your teen likely doesn’t own a home or have much of a stock portfolio, they probably have a bank account, a credit card and at least a few bills to pay. By giving one or both parents (or another adult POA over their finances, they help ensure that their financial obligations won’t lapse if they are unable to manage them for a time.
No parent wants to plan for a time when their child might be seriously ill or injured. However, just as with insurance policies and emergency kits, it’s smart to have them rather than be left to face even more complications if a catastrophic event occurs.
Remember that as a legal adult, your child is responsible for choosing the one(s) to whom they will be entrusting these responsibilities. Guiding them toward an experienced legal professional can help them make informed decisions.]]>On Behalf of Bowen Law Offices<![CDATA[Signs a dog bite wound is infected]]>https://www.lvlawfirm.com/?p=477102026-08-10T17:16:07Z2026-08-10T17:16:07ZIf a dog bites you on another person's property, the circumstances surrounding the attack may raise questions about responsibility. In Nevada, a dog owner or property owner may potentially be held liable when negligence contributed to the incident and your resulting injuries.
Nevada premises liability may therefore become relevant to your dog bite claim. You should also pay close attention to the wound after the attack because bacteria can enter through broken skin. Recognizing signs of infection can help you seek medical care before the condition becomes more serious.
Redness and swelling get worse
Some redness and swelling can develop shortly after a dog bite. However, you should watch for symptoms that become progressively worse instead of improving as the wound heals. Redness that spreads beyond the bite area or swelling that continues to increase may indicate infection. Monitoring the wound regularly can help you identify these changes.
Pain and warmth increase
Your bite wound may remain painful during the early stages of recovery. Increasing pain, however, can be a warning sign, particularly when the skin around the wound also feels unusually warm. Even a small puncture wound can allow bacteria to enter beneath your skin. You should consider medical evaluation when pain or warmth continues to worsen.
The wound begins draining
Pus or unusual fluid coming from the bite can indicate infection. You may also notice that the wound remains tender or appears to be healing poorly. Medical treatment may include thoroughly cleaning the wound and assessing whether medication is necessary. Prompt care may reduce the risk of the infection becoming more severe.
You develop widespread symptoms
An infection can sometimes spread beyond the original wound. You may develop fever, chills, shaking, night sweats, or increasing weakness. Difficulty moving the affected area can also be concerning. You should seek prompt medical attention for serious symptoms, deep wounds, or bleeding that does not stop.
Protecting yourself after a dog bite
An infected dog bite injury can increase your medical needs and lengthen your recovery. Keep records of your treatment, symptoms, and other information related to the incident.After addressing your immediate medical needs, consider seeking legal guidance to understand your rights and possible next steps.]]>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=477092026-08-03T16:29:04Z2026-08-03T16:29:04ZThe 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=477072026-07-28T08:31:21Z2026-07-28T08:19:14ZHow 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=477052026-07-15T00:08:03Z2026-07-15T00:08:03ZLane 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=477042026-07-06T12:03:27Z2026-07-06T12:03:27ZCar 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=477032026-06-24T07:12:09Z2026-06-24T07:12:09ZIt 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=477022026-06-11T15:01:18Z2026-06-11T15:01:18ZChanges 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.]]>