Las Vegas Bouncer Assault & Excessive Force Attorneys
Need a Las Vegas bouncer assault injury lawyer?
You went out to have a good time. Instead, you were thrown to the ground, choked, punched, or dragged out by someone twice your size.
Jack’s Got Your Back
Las Vegas Bouncer Assault & Excessive Force Lawyers
Now you’re injured, confused, and wondering if what happened to you was even legal.
It probably wasn’t.
Security guards and bouncers in Las Vegas are not police officers. They have strict limits on when and how they can touch you. When they cross those lines, you have legal options, and we can help you understand them.
Your consultation is free, confidential, and judgment-free.
If you were assaulted by a bouncer or security guard at a Las Vegas nightclub, bar, casino, or event venue, you may have claims against both the individual who hurt you and the business that employed them.
Find out what your case is worth
Free, confidential evaluation in as little as 5 minutes. Contact us today to speak to Jack personally.
- You pay nothing until we win
- Get an immediate call back. 24/7
- We do not sell or share your information
Over $500 Million in Verdicts & Settlements
Jack Bernstein stays personally involved in the cases his firm handles. We will investigate your claim and pursue any compensation that may be available under the facts and the law.
*Jack Bernstein has worked on the above cases during his career at this firm or another firm. Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict future cases.
See Case ResultsWhy hire Jack Bernstein Injury Lawyers?
Jack G. Bernstein, Esq. has been protecting the rights of injured victims and their families for over 40 years.
Injuries happen at nightclubs and dayclubs across Las Vegas, not just from bouncers or excessive force. If you were hurt in another type of incident, Jack Bernstein handles nightclub and dayclub injury cases throughout the valley.
Speak to Jack about your caseI had a fantastic experience with Jack Bernstein injury attorney firm! The team was incredibly smart and supportive, guiding me through every step of my case. Their expertise and dedication made a significant difference in the outcome of my situation. I truly appreciate their assistance and highly recommend their services to anyone in need of a top-notch injury attorney.
$500 million+ recovered
More than 40 years of verdicts and settlements for injured people and their families. Past results do not guarantee your outcome.
Jack is personally involved
You are not a case number. Jack stays involved in your case, and you will always know who is handling it.
We know how insurance companies work
Property owners often claim they never knew about the hazard. We find out what they knew and when they knew it.
Experts who strengthen your case
Safety experts, surveillance footage, incident reports and maintenance records, secured before they disappear.
No fee unless we win
No upfront cost. We advance the expenses of your case, and you pay no attorney fee unless we win.
Free consultation, day or night
Call any time, 24 hours a day. Tell us what happened and you will get an honest answer about your case.
What to do right now
If you’re still in Las Vegas:
If you’re already home:
Your case is not lost. Many bouncer assault victims are Vegas visitors who don’t realize they have a claim until they’re back home.
Couldn’t do any of this at the scene? That’s normal. You were injured, disoriented, possibly being physically removed from the venue. We identify security personnel and preserve evidence through investigation.
What a bouncer’s conduct is measured against
Here’s what many people don’t know: a bouncer is not a police officer. Asking you to leave, and calling police if you refuse, come first in practice; whether any force was justified at all, and how much, is argued on the facts of the incident rather than settled in advance.
Private security guards and bouncers are not police officers, and being licensed as a security guard does not make one. Whether a guard went too far with a patron is argued on the facts of the incident. In practice their options run in this order:
A bouncer cannot:
- Strike you first
- Use force just because you refused to leave
- Escalate force beyond what you’re using
- Continue force after you’ve stopped resisting
- Use force as punishment or retaliation
- Assault you for being mouthy, drunk, or annoying
Being asked to leave is not the same as being physically attacked. If a bouncer skipped straight to violence, that’s assault.
Yes, you can sue even if you were drinking
This is the question we hear most: “But I was drunk. Can I still have a case?”
Yes.
Intoxication does not give bouncers permission to assault you. Security can remove you using reasonable force. They cannot beat you. These are not the same thing.
The same applies if you were:
- Argumentative or mouthy
- Breaking venue rules
- Being ejected for cause
- In an area you weren’t supposed to be
None of these justify violence. Bouncers are trained (or should be) to de-escalate and remove. Not to punish.
What if you threw the first punch?
Self-defense is limited to proportional response. If you shoved a bouncer and three of them beat you unconscious, that’s excessive force. Security cannot use the fact that you were physical as a license to cause serious injury. Many assault victims recover damages even when they were involved in the initial altercation.
Where Bouncer and security assaults happen
Nightclubs
The high-intensity environment of Vegas nightclubs creates conditions where security can become aggressive. Loud music, crowds, alcohol, and ego combine to escalate minor situations into violence.
Nightclubs where we handle bouncer assault claims:
- XS Nightclub at Encore
- Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan
- Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace
- Hakkasan at MGM Grand
- Drai’s Nightclub at The Cromwell
- Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World
- Other Strip and off-Strip nightclubs
Bars and lounges
Casino bars, Fremont Street bars, and neighborhood bars throughout the valley employ security. The same rules apply. Bouncers at a dive bar have no more authority than bouncers at a megaresort.
Dayclubs and pool parties
Pool security operates in environments with alcohol, crowds, extreme heat, and minimal clothing. Altercations escalate quickly, and security sometimes responds with disproportionate force.
Common dayclub assault scenarios
- Violent ejection from pool areas
- Being dragged across hot pool decks (causing burns)
- Excessive force during patron disputes
- Restraint injuries in cabana or VIP areas
Dayclubs where we handle assault claims
- Encore Beach Club
- Wet Republic at MGM Grand
- Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan
- Drai’s Beachclub
- Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World
- Tao Beach at The Venetian
Strip clubs
Strip club security can be particularly aggressive. The private, dimly lit environment can embolden bouncers who believe there are no witnesses. The same legal rules apply.
Casinos
Casino security is separate from nightclub security, even when the nightclub is inside the casino. Casino security guards are licensed and regulated but are still not law enforcement. Excessive force by casino security creates liability for the casino property.
Event venues
Concert security, festival security, sports venue security. Same rules. If security used excessive force at a Vegas event, you may have a claim against the security company, the venue, and the event operator.
Who is liable when security assaults you
Bouncer assault cases typically involve multiple defendants, which means more potential sources of compensation:
The security guard personally Directly liable for assault and battery. However, individual bouncers often have limited assets.
The security company Liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision. Security companies can be held responsible when they:
- Failed to screen applicants for violent history
- Failed to train guards on de-escalation
- Failed to discipline guards after prior incidents
- Hired unlicensed guards
The venue or property owner Liable if they knew or should have known about the guard’s propensity for violence, or failed to properly vet their security contractor.
The casino (if applicable) Casino properties often have complex ownership structures. The casino entity may be separate from the nightclub operator. We identify every responsible party.
Nevada requires security guards to be licensed through the Private Investigator’s Licensing Board under NRS Chapter 648. Venues that hire unlicensed security face additional liability exposure.
Not sure who is responsible?
Wherever you are now, tell us what happened and we will tell you honestly whether it is a case worth bringing, and what we can still track down through investigation.
Free consultation · No fee unless we win · Available 24/7
Types of Bouncer assault injuries
Head and brain injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Facial fractures
- Broken nose, jaw, or orbital bones
- Dental injuries
Neck and choking injuries
- Strangulation injuries from chokeholds
- Throat trauma
- Cervical spine injuries
Body injuries
- Broken ribs
- Shoulder dislocations from improper holds
- Arm fractures from restraint techniques
- Back injuries from being slammed to ground
Surface injuries
- Road rash from being dragged across pavement
- Burns from hot pool decks (dayclubs)
- Lacerations requiring stitches
- Severe bruising
Psychological injuries
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Fear of public venues
- Humiliation from public assault
Criminal charges vs. your civil case
If police responded, the bouncer may face criminal assault charges. Your civil case for compensation is completely separate.
You can pursue compensation regardless of whether:
- Criminal charges are filed
- The bouncer is convicted or acquitted
- You declined to press charges at the scene
- Police believed the bouncer’s version
Criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Civil cases only require “preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not). Many assault victims recover damages even when criminal cases don’t move forward.
Your civil case does not depend on the criminal case. Don’t wait to see what prosecutors do.
What compensation may be available
Economic damages
- Medical expenses (ER, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment)
- Lost wages from missed work
- Future medical care for permanent injuries
- Travel costs for out-of-state victims returning for treatment or legal proceedings
Non-economic damages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Humiliation from being assaulted in public
- PTSD and anxiety
- Disfigurement from facial injuries
- Permanent limitations
Punitive damages: Under NRS 42.005, Nevada allows punitive damages on top of your other damages where it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with oppression, fraud or malice. That can fit a bouncer who acted with malice, or a venue that repeatedly ignored complaints about violent security. In a case like this, unless an exception in the statute or another specific statute applies, the award may not exceed three times your compensatory damages, or $300,000 if those are less than $100,000.
Every case is different. Compensation depends on injury severity, evidence quality, and the specific circumstances of your assault. We evaluate your potential recovery during a free consultation.
Insurance tactics after Bouncer assault
Venues and their insurers will try to minimize your claim. Expect these tactics:
The recorded statement trap An adjuster will call to “get your side of the story.” This is not friendly. They’re looking for inconsistencies or admissions they can use against you. Politely decline: “I’m focused on my medical treatment. My attorney will be in contact.”
Blaming your intoxication They’ll argue you were drunk and therefore responsible, or that your memory can’t be trusted. Intoxication doesn’t excuse assault. Your blood alcohol level doesn’t give bouncers permission to beat you.
“You started it” defense They’ll claim you were the aggressor and security was just defending themselves or other patrons. Even if you were physical first, security’s response must be proportional. Three bouncers beating an unarmed patron is not proportional.
Quick settlement offers Before you understand the full extent of your injuries, they may offer fast cash to make the claim go away. These offers rarely reflect actual case value.
Evidence preservation delays Security footage typically overwrites in 30-60 days. Venues may delay responding to preservation requests hoping evidence disappears. Sending preservation letters early is critical, which is why acting quickly matters.
If you live outside Nevada
Many bouncer assault victims are Las Vegas visitors. Nevada law applies regardless of where you live, and cases can be handled remotely.
How it works:
- Continue treating with doctors near your home
- We coordinate all medical records
- Depositions can often be conducted remotely
- You may never need to return to Nevada
An action for injuries to a person must generally be commenced within two years after the cause of action accrues (NRS 11.190(4)(e)), and different deadlines and exceptions can apply: the period does not run while the injured person was under 18 or insane when the cause of action accrued (NRS 11.250), and an action against the alleged perpetrator or a person convicted may be brought at any time for a sexual assault that occurred when the plaintiff was 18 or older (NRS 11.217), or for sexual abuse or sexual exploitation that occurred when the plaintiff was under 18 (NRS 11.215). Do not assume an exception applies to you. But evidence disappears within weeks. Security footage, witness memories, and physical evidence don’t wait two years.
Why Jack Bernstein Injury Lawyers
With 40+ years as a personal injury attorney, Jack understands how venues and security companies defend these cases. They claim “reasonable force.” They blame the victim for being intoxicated. They hide behind corporate structures. They delay until evidence disappears.
We identify every responsible party: the individual bouncer, the security company that hired and trained them, the venue that contracted with that company, and the property owner. We investigate licensing status, training records, and prior incidents that can strengthen your case and establish patterns of negligence.
No upfront costs. We work on contingency. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your consultation is free and confidential.
Call 24/7: (702) 633-3333
Evidence disappears fast. Security footage overwrites. Witnesses forget. Venues “lose” records. Don’t wait.
Jack’s got your back!
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about your case?
Every bouncer assault & excessive force case is different. These answers cover the general rules; what applies to you depends on the facts.
Call us any time, 24 hours a day, and we will go through the specifics with you. It is free, and there is no obligation.
(702) 633-3333 Free consultation · Available 24/7 Or send us the details onlineCan I sue if I was drunk or being disruptive?
Yes. Intoxication doesn’t give bouncers the right to assault you. They can remove you using reasonable force. They cannot beat you. Being annoying is not a legal justification for violence.
What if I threw the first punch?
Self-defense must be proportional. Security cannot use excessive force in response. If you shoved someone and got beaten by multiple bouncers, you likely have a claim. Many victims recover damages despite being involved in the initial altercation.
What if police believed the bouncer’s story?
Police reports aren’t determinative in civil cases. Criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Civil cases only require “more likely than not.” Many victims recover compensation even when police took the bouncer’s side.
What if I don’t know the bouncer’s name?
We identify security personnel through investigation and legal discovery. Venues and security companies must produce employment records, shift schedules, and identification.
What if there’s no security footage?
Cases can succeed without video. Witness testimony, medical records documenting assault-pattern injuries, your written account, photographs, and other evidence all contribute. We investigate thoroughly.
What if they say I was trespassing or banned?
Even if you were somewhere you weren’t supposed to be, that doesn’t authorize assault. Security can ask you to leave and call police. They cannot beat you for being in the wrong place.
How long does a bouncer assault case take?
Most cases resolve in 12-24 months, though complex cases with severe injuries may take longer. We keep you informed throughout the process.
Can I afford medical treatment before my case settles?
Many medical providers work with injury victims on a lien basis, meaning they wait for payment until your case resolves. We can help connect you with providers who understand how this works.
Related reading
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The consultation is free, confidential, and available now. Tell us what happened. We will tell you where you stand.
Call Now 24/7/365(702) 633-3333Find out what your case is worth
Free, confidential evaluation in as little as 5 minutes. Contact us today to speak to Jack personally.
- You pay nothing until we win
- Get an immediate call back. 24/7
- We do not sell or share your information