Life-Altering Injuries After An Accident: Understanding Your Legal Options In Iowa

In this article, you can discover…

• The types of injuries that are considered “life-altering” under Iowa law.
• How medical expenses are calculated in an Iowa personal injury case.
• The important role of a good attorney in your personal injury case.

What Types Of Injuries Are Considered Life-Altering In Iowa Personal Injury Cases?

A life-altering injury is a permanent injury that has a significant impact on your daily life. Examples include brain injury, severe back injury, loss of limbs, loss of sight or hearing, and severe burns. These are the types of injuries that make mobility, independence, employment, and routine activities difficult, if not impossible.

How Do You Help Clients Through The Emotional Impact Of Their Initial Injury?

Facing a severe injury can easily be the toughest time in your life. It’s not unusual to feel intense anger, sadness, and depression on top of the physical pain. The emotional toll can be immense. As an attorney, I make it a priority to offer empathy and compassion and understand what you are going through.

While I’ve handled hundreds of serious personal injury cases, I understand that each case is unique. I’m here to listen to you, make the situation as comfortable as possible, and let you know that I care. Insurance companies aren’t there to listen to you; they’re there to save themselves money and, sadly, take advantage of you. Having an experienced, caring attorney on your side can make an immense difference, emotionally and legally.

How Is The Impact Of My Injury On Future Earning Capacity Calculated By Iowa Courts?

To calculate a loss of future earning capacity, Iowa courts determine the difference between what you would have earned without the injury and what you can now earn with the limitations caused by your injury. Courts will also factor in your work life expectancy (the number of years left before your expected retirement).

Can I Claim Losses Associated With Future Earning Capacity On My Personal Injury Claim?

This depends on whether or not you were working before the accident. If you were not working, if you were on disability, or if you were already retired, you may not be able to claim a loss of future earning capacity.

How Are Medical Expenses Calculated In A Personal Injury Claim For Life-Altering Injuries?

To calculate medical expenses, your current medical conditions will be considered alongside future estimated treatment needs. These future needs could include costs for ongoing care, assistive devices (such as a motorized wheelchair), and any future complications caused by your injury.

While some of these aspects of care can be somewhat speculative, your attorney will help you consult with doctors and other medical experts to help determine probable figures for these long-term costs and expenses, factoring in inflation, as well.

We’re a smaller, personable law firm, and we take pride in helping each client get the tailored care they need and testimony that will stand up in court.

Attorney Gary Kendell is an experienced, caring personal injury attorney serving Iowa and Wisconsin. For over 25 years, he’s helped injured clients just like you seek the damages, dignity, and future they both need and deserve.

Have questions, or in need of legal representation? Reach out to Gary Kendell for a free initial consultation today.

Can I File A Personal Injury Claim For Assistive Devices And / Or Home Modifications?

Perhaps. However, the burden of proving that you need these devices can be higher than that needed to simply prove an injury. You will need to prove that the changes that you are making to your home or the device you are requesting are reasonable (as opposed to a luxury upgrade), related to your injuries, and supported by expert medical testimony.

If these standards are met, you can pursue adding these expenses to your claim.

What Are Some Common Assistive Devices Or Home Modifications That Are Covered Through A Personal Injury Claim?

Modifications to widen hallways or install a lift chair to help with stairs are common modifications, especially if your injury requires you to use a walker or a wheelchair. Other common modifications can include ramps outside your front or back door. Essentially, most modifications that help you enter, exit, and navigate your home safely can be covered through a personal injury claim.

What Role Will My Iowa Personal Injury Attorney Play In My Life-Altering Injury Case?

Your attorney will gather evidence of your injury, calculate damages, and negotiate with insurance companies for damages. They’ll also prepare you for trial and represent you in court, all working towards securing the maximum compensation possible for you.

As your attorney, I’ll also provide emotional support and answer your questions at every stage of your case. With a life-altering injury, the stakes can be quite high, and I’ll be working closely with and for you from beginning to end.

How We Fight For Our Clients, And What Your Success Means To Us

It gives us immense satisfaction to be able to fight for people who have been injured and are in need of our help. One such client was a gentleman in his mid-50s who was severely injured on the road when another vehicle ran a red light. He suffered permanent injury to his lower body, leaving him incontinent and unable to easily leave his house.

We were able to obtain a settlement in excess of $1,000,000 for him, which he and his wife were both very pleased with. Sadly, no amount of money can reverse his injuries or put his health where it was before his accident. But the damages we win for our clients can help offset some of the pain and impact of their injury and allow them to walk away with something truly helpful and substantial.

That’s what we’re here for: to battle with the insurance companies for the help and dignity that allows you to move forward with fewer worries and the compensation you deserve.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Personal injury lawsuits in Iowa, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (515) 205-1922 today.