Skilled Help And Caring Support After An Accident

Restoring Your Life After An Accident

Life can change in the blink of an eye when an accident happens. The negligence of another driver can leave you with painful injuries, piles of bills and questions about your future. If you are struggling to restore your life after your accident, turn to us at Norris Injury Law Group.

Our founder, Michael Norris, has been assisting clients in Iowa for 20 years. He has seen firsthand how tragic accidents can be for victims and their families. Whether you are struck by another driver or given the wrong medication by your doctor, you are the one left to deal with the aftermath, and you deserve a strong legal advocate who will fight for your best interests.

Our Personal Injury Practice

Over the past two decades, we have handled hundreds of personal injury cases of many types. The most common cases we handle at Norris Injury Law Group fall into the following categories:

Auto accidents – Cars collide every day, but when it happens to you, you need to know your rights.
Commercial truck crashes – These collisions can cause massive damage and severe injuries. They also may involve multiple parties and can become quite complex.
Motorcycle accidents – When another vehicle runs into you on your motorcycle, your body will likely take most of the damage. As an avid motorcyclist, Mr. Norris understands the dangers out on the roads.
Medical malpractice – Doctors and other health care workers have a duty of care to their patients. When they are negligent, the results can be devastating.
Premises liability – If you run into a dangerous condition on someone else’s property and end up with an injury, you can sue the owner for a premises liability claim.

We understand the process and what it takes to achieve the results you deserve. We enjoy advocating for our clients.

How Can A Lawyer Help?

The insurance company may contact you with a settlement offer right away, and you may wonder why you need a lawyer at all. Keep in mind that the insurance adjuster is not on your side. Their job is to pay as little as possible for your claim – if they do not deny it outright. They hope you will accept a lowball offer and bar any chance of further recovery.

We recommend you always have an attorney review any settlement offer before you sign. An attorney will also make sure you have filed all appropriate paperwork by their deadlines and can take your case to court if needed.

With an experienced trial lawyer on your side, the insurance company knows you mean to recover what you deserve and have the legal power to do so. If your lawyer has a reputation for successful outcomes and is not afraid to go to trial, the insurance company will take your case more seriously. Remember that they have a team of attorneys. You should have your own.

How Long Do You Have To File A Personal Injury Claim In Iowa?

Under Iowa law, injured individuals have two years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury claim. This timeframe, known as the statute of limitations, is outlined in Iowa Code Section 614.1. Missing this deadline means losing the right to seek compensation.

While two years may sound like plenty of time, it is not wise to delay. This is because:

Evidence can disappear
Witness memories can fade

Additionally, when you wait, this can give insurance companies an advantage over you. Seeking legal help as soon as possible after an accident allows an attorney to build a stronger case on your behalf.

However, there are situations where a claim can be filed later, such as when accident-related injuries are discovered well after the initial incident or when the victim’s circumstances make immediate filing impossible. These exceptions are limited and can be complex, making timely legal guidance essential.

Severe Injuries From Catastrophic Accidents

Some accidents cause life-changing harm that affects every part of a person’s life. These catastrophic injuries can occur in car crashes, workplace incidents, defective product cases and other serious events.

Common catastrophic injuries include:

Broken bones: Often requiring surgery, lengthy rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Burns: Severe burns can cause lasting pain, infections and disfigurement.
Electrocution: May result in internal injuries, nerve damage or cardiac arrest.
Paralysis: Caused by spinal cord damage, potentially leading to permanent disability.
Loss of limbs (amputations): Life-altering injuries requiring prosthetics and ongoing care.
Toxic exposure: Harm from dangerous chemicals can affect the lungs, skin or internal organs.
Head and neck injuries: Including concussions, traumatic brain injuries and whiplash.
Back and spine injuries: They often cause mobility issues or chronic pain.
Scarring and disfigurement: Can lead to emotional trauma alongside physical harm.
Short-term, long-term and permanent disability: Affecting the ability to work and live independently.
Torn muscles: Limiting range of motion and causing lasting discomfort.
Loss of senses: Such as sight, hearing or smell.
Chronic pain: Ongoing discomfort that interferes with daily activities.

These injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and sometimes lifelong care. Victims often face financial burdens, emotional distress and challenges returning to normal life.

We can help pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and future care needs. The sooner legal action is taken, the greater the opportunity to secure the resources needed for recovery.

Discuss Your Case With Us For Free

We provide a no-fee guarantee for all our personal injury clients. That means we never charge a fee to discuss your case with you. All of our fees are made on a contingency basis, which means we only earn a fee if we recover for you. To set up your free consultation, call our office in West Des Moines at 515-297-7482 or send us an online message.