What Is Personal Injury Law in Iowa?

A personal injury case comes about whenever you suffer an injury that was caused by someone else’s negligent, reckless, or malicious behavior. In the event of a personal injury, you may want to consult with an experienced Mason City personal injury lawyer who can help you develop your case and seek appropriate compensatory damages against the parties responsible for causing your injury. Before pursuing a case, however, you may want to know: “What is personal injury law in Iowa?”

What Is a Personal Injury Case in Iowa?

A personal injury case in Iowa is an opportunity to be compensated for any damages you may have accrued since suffering an injury due to someone else’s actions. The state has a strict statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which is two years. That means you will have two years from when your initial accident occurred to develop your case, consult with a lawyer, gather evidence, and file a personal injury claim.

If you do not file within that two-year window, your case may be thrown out, and you may lose your opportunity to seek damages for your injury and hold the liable parties accountable. Personal injury law can encompass many different kinds of legal situations and accidents, but through all of them, you may be able to pursue compensation with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Here are some of the different personal injury cases that McGuire Law, PLC can help you with:

• Car Accidents: Car accidents remain one of the more common types of personal injury that happen every day across the country. A car accident can range anywhere from an irritating blemish in your day to a catastrophe that causes lifelong chronic pain. It depends entirely on the specifics of the accident, specifics that should be reflected in your compensation amount.
• Medical Malpractice: A medical malpractice case can be a difficult battle. Holding the negligent party accountable is not easy, as malpractice can be tough to prove. A malpractice case occurs when a trusted medical professional breaches an established duty of care through negligent, reckless, or unethical behavior that ultimately harms their patient. Without a great deal of evidence and documentation, it can be hard to prove a malpractice claim.
• Catastrophic Injury: Some accidents can result in life-altering injuries that will cause you to have to adapt to a new normal and deal with lifelong consequences. These resulting injuries are termed catastrophic, and they can be overwhelming to handle without the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Examples of catastrophic injuries include traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, amputations, and spinal cord injuries.
• Product Liability: When you purchase a product, there is a certain level of expectation that comes with that product. If a product causes someone to suffer a serious injury, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim against that product’s manufacturer. It is important to take the proper steps to determine your compensation options by speaking with a personal injury lawyer.
• Wrongful Death: In the worst possible situations, someone’s negligent behavior can cause an accident that results in the victim’s death. In these cases, the victim’s family may wish to file a wrongful death suit and recoup damages from the responsible party. Iowa state law allows a personal representative of the deceased’s estate to pursue a wrongful death suit. This person is usually a spouse, adult child, or the victim’s parent.

FAQs

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Iowa?

A: You will have two years to file a personal injury claim in Iowa. The statute of limitations is very rigid and does not allow for many exceptions. You will have two years from the date that your accident occurred to start building your case, gather evidence, consult with a lawyer, and ultimately pursue legal action against the responsible party. If you do not file your claim within the two-year time frame, there is a good chance that your case will immediately be thrown out.

Q: What Is Considered Bodily Injury in Iowa?

A: In Iowa, any form of physical pain, prolonged illness, or impairment caused by a physical condition may be considered a bodily injury. A bodily injury is caused intentionally by an individual or group seeking to cause harm and damage to another person. In Iowa, you can sue for bodily injury with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer, as a bodily injury is often a symptom of your case, not the cause of it.

Q: Do I Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A: Technically, no, you do not need to hire a personal injury lawyer for your case. There is no law that says you need to retain the services of a lawyer to pursue legal action in a personal injury case. However, it is highly recommended that you consult with a lawyer when you are dealing with any kind of legal issue. Having someone by your side who understands the ins and outs of the law can only help you.

Q: What Type of Evidence Should I Gather for a Personal Injury Case?

A: You should gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim when you are pursuing a personal injury case. That evidence can take the form of photographs of your injuries, photographs of other damages, witness statements, medical bills, your own testimony, and anything else that may be helpful in your pursuit of compensatory damages. Your lawyer can help you by launching their own independent investigation and searching for additional evidence.

Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Pursuing a personal injury case in Iowa may not be as straightforward as you think, which is why it may be beneficial to you and your case to secure the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer. The legal team at McGuire Law, PLC can assist you in developing your case, gathering the necessary evidence that supports your claim, and ensuring you aren’t taken advantage of by the other involved parties. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a valued team member.