2026 Nevada Revised StatutesChapter 17 – JudgementsNRS 17.130 Computation of amount of judgment; interest.

Statutory Text

1.  In all judgments and decrees, rendered by any court of justice, for any debt, damages or costs, and in all executions issued thereon, the amount must be computed, as near as may be, in dollars and cents, rejecting smaller fractions, and no judgment, or other proceedings, may be considered erroneous for that omission.

2.  When no rate of interest is provided by contract or otherwise by law, or specified in the judgment, the judgment draws interest from the time of service of the summons and complaint until satisfied, except for any amount representing future damages, which draws interest only from the time of the entry of the judgment until satisfied, at a rate equal to the prime rate at the largest bank in Nevada as ascertained by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions on January 1 or July 1, as the case may be, immediately preceding the date of judgment, plus 2 percent. The rate must be adjusted accordingly on each January 1 and July 1 thereafter until the judgment is satisfied.

[1911 CPA § 329; RL § 5271; NCL § 8827]—(NRS A 1979, 830; 1981, 1858; 1987, 940)

NV Rev Stat § 17.130 – Last Verified March 2026

Plain English Explanation

When a Nevada court orders someone to pay money after a lawsuit, there are specific rules about how that amount gets calculated and whether it earns interest over time.

First, courts are required to round all dollar amounts to the nearest cent. If the math produces a fraction smaller than a cent, the court simply drops it. This rounding does not make the judgment invalid or legally flawed in any way.

The interest rules are where things get a little more detailed. If a contract between the parties never set an interest rate, and no law specifies one either, then interest automatically starts building on the judgment amount. That interest begins running from the day the defendant was officially served with the lawsuit paperwork, not from the day the judge actually signed the final order. So a plaintiff can earn interest on the money owed even during the months the case is being argued in court.

There is one important exception to that rule. If part of the judgment covers future damages, meaning money meant to compensate someone for harm that has not happened yet but is expected to occur later, interest on that specific portion does not start until the judge formally enters the judgment.

The interest rate itself is tied to the prime rate at the largest bank in Nevada. The Commissioner of Financial Institutions checks that rate every January 1st and every July 1st. Whatever the prime rate is on the date closest to the judgment, the court adds 2 percent on top of it to arrive at the final interest rate. That rate is not locked in forever either. It gets updated every January 1st and July 1st going forward until the person who owes the money pays it off completely.

Frequently Asked Questions About NRS 17.130

When does interest start accumulating on a personal injury judgment in Nevada?

Under NRS 17.130(2), interest begins accumulating from the date the defendant was served with the summons and complaint. The one exception is for future damages, where interest does not start until the judge formally enters the judgment.

How often does the interest rate change in Nevada?

Under NRS 17.130(2), the interest rate is reviewed and adjusted twice a year, on January 1st and July 1st. The rate is based on the prime rate at the largest bank in Nevada, as determined by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions, plus an additional 2 percent. Those adjustments continue until the judgment is paid in full.

How does NRS 17.130 affect settlement negotiations in Nevada personal injury cases?

NRS 17.130 does not directly address settlement negotiations. The statute establishes how interest is calculated on a court judgment. Any connection between the statute and settlement decisions would be a practical consideration outside the scope of what the law itself states.

Can the court deviate from the interest rate specified in NRS 17.130?

Yes. NRS 17.130(2) states that its interest rate applies only when no other rate has been set by contract, by another law, or specified within the judgment itself. The rate established under NRS 17.130 is the default rate, meaning a contract or separate legal provision can override it.

What is the current NRS 17.130 judgment interest rate in Nevada?

As of January 1, 2025, the prime rate at Nevada’s largest bank was 7.50 percent. Under NRS 17.130(2), courts add 2 percent to that figure, making the applicable judgment interest rate 9.50 percent for judgments entered or rate periods beginning on or after that date. The rate is reviewed again on July 1, 2025, and adjusts every six months thereafter based on any movement in the prime rate. If you are calculating interest on an existing judgment, the rate that applied at each semi-annual period must be applied to the corresponding time segment, not a single blended rate for the entire life of the judgment.

If you’ve been involved in a personal injury case in Nevada and have questions about judgment calculations or interest rates, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Nevada injury attorney. They can help you understand how NRS 17.130 applies to your specific situation and ensure you receive fair compensation.