Best Slip And Fall Lawyers in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines, IA Slip And Fall FAQs

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

  Call the Non-Emergency Communication Center of the Des Moines police at (515)-283-4811.

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

  Contact the Records Section of the Des Moines Police Department at (515)-283-4896. Visit the section at 25 East 1st Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.

• Do you need to prove anything to win a slip-and-fall case in Des Moines?

  To be successful in a slip-and-fall case, plaintiffs in Des Moines must prove the property owner owed them a duty of care and violated that duty. In addition, they have to present evidence that the violation resulted in the injuries of the plaintiff, who suffered damages in return. Some of the evidence that can be submitted are incident reports, pictures, and written statements of eyewitness testimonies.

• When should you settle an injury claim against a property owner in Des Moines?

  Lawyers usually recommend not to settle an injury claim until injuries have fully healed and the required treatment has run its course. If you quickly settle the claim against the property owner in Des Moines, you might no longer be able to recover compensation if your injuries lead to complications or you still need further treatment. A lawyer in Des Moines can properly estimate the timeline of a personal injury case and the appropriate compensation amount to pursue.

• What are some examples of hazardous conditions that may contribute to slip-and-fall injuries in Des Moines?

  Many slip-and-fall injuries can be due to uneven floors, untidy wiring, liquid spills, and potholes. Property owners in Des Moines can be held liable if they have been negligent in repairing defective sidewalks, putting up warning signs, and installing sufficient lighting. They are reasonably required under the law to provide the general public duty of care and safety.

• Why do the insurance claims of slip-and-fall victims in Des Moines get rejected?

  An insurance company may reject a slip-and-fall claim in Des Moines because the victim did not get medical attention promptly enough or did not try to avoid the injury. Claim denial can happen if the victim did not provide enough documentation of the injury or the property owner's insurance was not yet in effect at the time of the accident. There are also accidents excluded from policy coverage, such as those that happen during inclement weather or power outages.

• Can a slip-and-fall victim in Des Moines still recover compensation if they are partially at fault?

  Yes. A slip-and-fall claimant in Des Moines can still be compensated, depending on how much they were at fault in the accident. Under Iowa Code § 668 or the doctrine of modified comparative negligence, the claimant's compensation will be reduced to the proportion of their fault. They also stand to not recover anything if found to be more at fault than the defendant.