Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer

We Fight Tirelessly to Protect the Rights of Injured Victims in Des Moines

A serious accident can change your entire life. You could be left with medical bills piling up, missed paychecks, and significant pain and suffering.  If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Des Moines that was someone else’s fault,  you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. To have the best chance at getting a fair settlement,  you need to speak with an experienced Des Moines personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The skilled legal team at RSH Legal has decades of experience fighting for fairness for Des Moines citizens and we can get you a fair settlement for your case. Contact us at our Des Moines law office for a free consultation with a top-rated Iowa personal injury lawyer.

Cases That Our Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyers Handle

RSH Legal is a personal injury firm devoted to fighting for fairness for victims and families in Iowa, including in Des Moines. From our conveniently located law office in Des Moines, we handle the full range of personal injury cases across the state of Iowa. Along with other claims, our Des Moines personal injury lawyers take on:

• Car Accidents: Hurt in a car wreck? You need a top-rated attorney on your side. Do not take on the large insurance companies alone. Contact our Des Moines auto accident attorneys for a free, fully confidential consultation.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists face heightened safety risks. A crash can result in catastrophic injuries. We know how to fight for justice and the maximum financial compensation for injured riders in Des Moines.
• Truck Accidents: When carrying a full load through the Des Moines area, a tractor trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds. Crashes happen often on I-80, I-235, and I-35. . Our Des Moines truck accident lawyers fight for justice for injured victims.
• Workers’ Compensation: Hurt on the job in Des Moines? You may be entitled to no-fault workers’ comp benefits. Our firm handles all aspects of these cases, including workers’ comp claims and workers’ comp appeals.
• Nursing Home Injuries: Moving an elderly relative or vulnerable loved one into a nursing home can be stressful. Abuse and negligence remain serious concerns in Iowa. Our Des Moines nursing home abuse lawyers are skilled advocates for justice.
• Medical Malpractice: In Iowa, a negligent doctor or negligent health provider can be held liable for harm caused by medical malpractice. You do not have to take on a claim alone. Contact our Des Moines medical malpractice attorney for a free case review.
• Brain Injuries: A concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) has the potential to be life-altering. Our Des Moines, IA personal injury lawyers handle even the most serious of brain injuries.
• Wrongful Death: The loss of a loved one to a fatal accident in Des Moines is heartbreaking. Our compassionate wrongful death lawyers are here to help you navigate all aspects of the civil legal claims process in Iowa.

We Fight for the Maximum Compensation for Injured Victims in Des Moines, Iowa

In Iowa, injured victims have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages, including economic losses and non-economic losses. However, insurance companies do not have your best interest at heart and are not on your side. They fight hard to pay out as little as possible in personal injury claims. Our Des Moines, IA auto accident lawyers help our clients secure the maximum possible recovery. Along with other damages, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Vehicle repairs, along with other property damage;
• Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
• Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
• Rehabilitative medical support;
• Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
• Pain and suffering & mental distress;
• Long-term disability and permanent scarring; and
• Wrongful death of a family member, if your loved one was killed due to someone else’s fault.

6 Mistakes People Make During Their Personal Injury Cases That Means Less Money in Their Pocket

Not seeking medical attention

In the excitement and adrenaline following an accident, it’s easy to downplay your injuries or think they will heal on their own. However, failing to get medical attention can have serious consequences.

For example, a concussion may not seem like a big deal at first, but if left untreated, it can lead to long-term problems such as memory loss, dizziness, and headaches. Additionally, if you wait to seek medical attention, the defendant’s insurance company may try to argue that your injuries were not serious or that they were caused by something other than the accident.

Not keeping track of expenses

You may be surprised how quickly expenses after a personal injury can add up. For example, if you were in a car accident and had to miss a week of work, you may, in addition to lost wages, have to pay for a rental car or extra childcare.

It can be easy to lose track of these expenses, but they all add up and you are entitled to be compensated for them. Make sure to save receipts and document all your expenses related to your personal injury claim.

Posting about your case on social media

During your personal injury case, it’s important to be mindful of what you post on social media. Even if you have your privacy settings set to “friends only,” it’s possible for your posts to be screenshotted and used against you in court.

For example, if you post pictures of yourself at a party or participate in a physically demanding activity, the defendant’s insurance company may argue that you are not as injured as you claim to be. It’s best to avoid posting on social media altogether until you’ve settled your Des Moines personal injury claim.

Not following through with treatment

Let’s say you were in a car accident and received treatment for your injuries. However, you start to feel better and decide to stop going to physical therapy. This could be a mistake.

If you stop treatment before you have fully recovered, it could be used against you in court. The defendant’s insurance company may argue that you aren’t as injured as you said you were, or that your injuries were not serious enough to warrant continued treatment.

Accepting a settlement too quickly

After an accident, you may be eager to put the whole thing behind you and accept the first settlement offer you receive.

However, it’s important to take the time to understand the terms of the settlement and to make sure it covers all your damages. For example, if you are still experiencing pain and discomfort from your injuries, you may need additional medical treatment in the future. The person who hurt you should have to pay for these damages – they shouldn’t come out of your own pocket. Make sure the settlement takes this into account.

Not speaking with a Des Moines personal injury lawyer

Not all personal injury claims require a lawyer. But many people will make the mistake of never talking to an attorney about their case – and lose out on thousands of dollars in compensation.

Don’t be one of those people who regrets not speaking with a lawyer. Most Des Moines personal injury lawyers offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Get crucial advice on how to handle your case from an experienced attorney for free. Contact our Des Moines personal injury lawyers at 1-800-433-0283 today and get a free consultation.

Why Injured Victims in Des Moines Trust RSH Legal

Personal injury claims are complicated. If you are filled with questions and concerns after a serious accident, you are certainly not alone. Knowing what to do—and what not to do—can make the process a lot less challenging and a lot less stressful. At RSH Legalour settlements and verdicts demonstrate what we can do for injured victims. Recent results include:

• $6 million for a family who lost a loved one to a fall accident due to nursing home neglect;
• $2 million for a worker who suffered a severe TBI in a crash in a highway work zone; and
• $4 million for a man who has paralyzed after a catastrophic accident on a sled.

Personal Injury Claims in Des Moines: Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Hire a Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer?

Right away. There is no reason to wait to get professional legal representation after a serious accident. You do not want the other side to have the upper hand. Consult with a top-rated Des Moines personal injury lawyer right away. Remember, RSH Legal provides free consultations to victims and families.

Do I Need Medical Records to Support My Claim?

Yes. Medical records are a crucial part of any personal injury claim in Iowa. Without records, you will not have a viable claim. Medical records provide documented proof of your injuries, the treatment you received, and the long-term impact on your health. Make sure you see a doctor right away after an accident and attend all necessary follow-up appointments.

What is the Best Way to Handle the Insurance Company?

Through your Des Moines personal injury lawyer. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim, so it is wise to let your attorney handle all communications. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

How Does a Personal Injury Demand Letter Work?

A personal injury demand letter is a formal document sent to the at-fault party’s insurance company outlining your claim. Along with other key facts, it details the accident, your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the total compensation you are seeking. A strong demand letter can lead to a fair settlement without needing to go to court.

What is Comparative Negligence in Iowa?

Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51 percent or more responsible, you will be barred from recovering any damages. Every percentage point of fault matters.

Why Your Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer Will Never Ask You for a Retainer

Like most Des Moines personal injury lawyers, RSH Legal works on a contingency fee basis.

Contingency fees are a common payment arrangement in personal injury cases, where the lawyer representing the plaintiff (the party bringing the lawsuit) agrees to take a percentage of any settlement or verdict that is awarded to the plaintiff. If the plaintiff does not win their case, the lawyer does not receive a fee.

Personal injury cases can be complex and time-consuming, and many Iowans do not have the financial resources to pay for a lawyer’s services on an hourly basis. Contingency fees allow people to pursue legal action without having to pay upfront legal fees. This means you can get compensation for your harms and losses without having to spend thousands of dollars upfront to do so.

The percentage of the damages that the lawyer receives as a contingency fee will depend on the specifics of the case. If you have questions about this, speak with your attorney before signing any paperwork.

There are other expenses associated with bringing a lawsuit as well, such as court fees, or costs of hiring expert witnesses. At RSH Legal, we front these costs for our clients and only require they are paid from your settlement or verdict if we win your case.

So many injury victims don’t bother hiring an attorney after a serious car accident, nursing home abuse, or a medical error because they think it will cost them money upfront. Don’t make that mistake – contact a Des Moines personal injury lawyer near you to see if an attorney can help you.

Contact Our Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer Today

At RSH Legal, our Des Moines personal injury attorneys are skilled, experienced, and compassionate. We are committed to fighting for fairness for the people who need help the most. If you or your loved one was hurt in a serious accident, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free case review. From our Des Moines law office, we fight hard for justice for victims in Polk County and throughout Iowa.

Tim Semelroth

Board-Certified Trial Attorney

Pressley Henningsen

AV-Rated Trial Attorney