Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyers

Do I Need a Lawyer? 

If you were seriously hurt (broken bones, torn ligaments, or anything which may be long lasting or permanent) or if you required significant medical care (such as a hospital stay or extensive evaluation), it is important to speak with a lawyer. If your injuries were minor and resolved quickly, a lawyer is probably unnecessary.

Here are several benefits of hiring a Iowa personal injury attorney:

• Full knowledge of the law and know what legal rights and remedies are available for injured victims
• Specialize in cases involving medical malpractice, auto accidents, slip & fall accidents, workers’ compensation claims and other types of negligence cases
• Help you understand your case better by explaining complex legal terms and providing valuable advice on how to proceed with your claim
• Strong relationships with insurance companies, which they may be able to leverage when negotiating a fair settlement amount
• Ensure that the evidence related to your case is collected properly so that it can be used in court should the need arise.
• Provide invaluable assistance in filing paperwork, meeting deadlines and making sure all legal requirements are met
• Provide comfort, support and guidance throughout the process so that clients feel secure knowing their rights are being protected
• Work hard to obtain maximum compensation for their clients, since they are usually only paid if successful in obtaining a settlement or award

Having a personal injury lawyer handle your case allows you to focus on recovery from any injuries sustained during the incident while they work hard behind the scenes to obtain maximum compensation for their client.

Who Will Pay the Medical Bills? 

If you have health insurance, it is important that you provide that information to the hospital or doctor.  It is preferable that the bills be paid by the health insurer, as the health insurer will likely receive a discount of the amount to be paid on your behalf. Some doctors and hospitals will not submit the bills to a health insurer if there may be a claim against some other party. Your auto insurance may also cover some of your medical bills if you have medical payments coverage on that policy. Sometimes, the medical payments coverage must be exhausted before health insurance will cover the bills. This is an issue a lawyer can address on your behalf.

The Other Insurance Company Is Calling & Wants to Talk, What Do I Do? 

You are not obligated to provide a statement to the other party’s insurance company or actively participate in their claim evaluation.  In cases where you will need a lawyer, it is preferable not to give a statement without a lawyer’s help. A sworn statement given to the other party’s insurer can be used against you. There is no advantage to providing information and being cooperative if litigation is likely and you will have to give a deposition in the future.

My Own Insurance Company Is Calling, What Do I Do? 

If your own insurance company is involved in handling your property damage claim or requires your assistance, it is important to cooperate. Most insurance policies require that you cooperate with your insurer as requested and needed. Failure to cooperate with your own insurer can impact your insurance coverage; however, we strongly encourage you to speak with an attorney before making a recorded statement or speaking with an adjuster.

What About Time Missed from Work? 

Lost wages are an important element of damage that can be pursued as part of your claim. Unfortunately, compensation for lost wages is available only at the conclusion of the claim and not as the claim pends. This can cause severe financial hardship. Some employers provide short- and long-term disability benefits on their employees’ behalf. Some people have their own personal disability policies as well. If the injury suffered was severe, disability benefits may be available through the Social Security Administration. Whether you are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits is driven by the type of injury and permanency of the condition. A lawyer can explore all potential disability benefits with you.