Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Des Moines

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Des Moines, Iowa?

  To reach the Des Moines Police Department, call 515-283-4811.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Des Moines, Iowa?

  To obtain a police report from the Des Moines Police Department, go to http://www.crashdocs.org/ia_desmoines. You can also call the Records Section at (515) 283-4899 for any information or questions.

• How do you find a good attorney to help with your personal injury case in Des Moines?

  It would be helpful to ask a Des Moines attorney questions that can give you insight on how they might handle the case, such as:

  • Have you handled cases like mine before?
  • How many cases are you juggling at the moment and can you still devote time to mine?
  • Are you going to handle my case personally?
  • How much am I going to receive in a settlement?
  • Are there any fees I have to pay should we lose the case?

• Apart from manufacturers, are there any other parties that could be held liable for defective products in Des Moines?

  Yes, there are. As it happens, so many things can go wrong during production which involves a chain of individuals or parties working together to get the product out into the market. Other than manufacturers, you can also hold accountable the following entities:

  • Retailers and wholesalers
  • Distributors
  • Product designers
  • The people who assembled or installed the product
  • Marketers and advertisers

• What can you do if you keep having trouble with the settlement you're supposed to receive from an insurance company in Des Moines?

  If your problem with the insurance company has been happening for a while now, you may want to acquire the expert opinion of an attorney in Des Moines who can tell you for sure if the insurance company is displaying bad faith. This is dishonorable behavior where they employ delaying tactics to avoid paying you. Once you have a lawyer with you, they should be forced to give you what you are entitled to.

• How long does it usually take for trucking accident cases in Des Moines to be resolved?

  The time that it takes for trucking accident cases in Des Moines to reach resolution varies greatly depending on the circumstances involved. Sometimes, it's not as simple as the driver being the sole accountable party. Nevertheless, for cases that involve only minor injuries, it usually takes about six months or so. Complex cases that involve severe injuries, death, or multi-million-dollar settlements can take up to two years.

• Why are medical malpractice cases in Des Moines a bit challenging to win?

  Winning a court case depends on the jury, and if the jurors do not completely grasp the full extent of what happened because they don't know medical jargon, there is a high likelihood that they end up taking the side of the medical professional. Additionally, there appears to be a general bias toward victims of medical malpractice in Des Moines who have recovered, specifically that they should be grateful for it.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.