Personal Injury Lawyers in Des Moines

The Four Elements of Negligence in Personal Injury Cases

Every successful personal injury claim is built on four key elements of negligence. 

Our attorneys draw on decades of experience to prove each one: 

• Duty of care. Our personal injury lawyers in Des Moines begin by showing that the other party owed you a responsibility, whether a driver’s duty to operate safely on I-80 or a property owner’s duty to keep their walkways safe.
• Breach of duty. Next, we demonstrate that this responsibility was violated. This could include distracted driving, unsafe premises, or the failure to follow safety regulations.
• Causation. It’s still not enough to show that a mistake was made. It’s necessary to link that negligence directly to your injury. Our team uses medical records, testimony, and even accident reconstruction when needed.
• Damages. Finally, we detail the financial, physical, and emotional harm you have suffered. From hospital bills to lost wages to long-term rehabilitation, we make sure no impact is overlooked.

All four of these elements must be present for you to recover compensation. We work methodically to demonstrate each one. 

Your Rights After an Injury: Understanding Compensation

After suffering an injury due to someone else's negligence, it's crucial to understand your legal rights and the compensation you may be entitled to. Many victims are unaware that they can seek damages not only for medical bills but also for lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Our dedicated team at McEnroe, Gotsdiner, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C. is committed to helping you navigate this complex process.

Here are some key points to consider regarding your potential compensation:

• Medical expenses. You can claim past and future medical costs related to your injury, including hospital bills, rehabilitation, and medication.
• Lost wages. If your injury prevents you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income during your recovery.
• Pain and suffering. This refers to the emotional and physical distress you experience due to your injury and can significantly affect your compensation amount.
• Emotional distress. Injuries can lead to anxiety, depression, or PTSD, which can also be considered when evaluating your claim.
• Future impacts. If your injury has long-term effects, such as chronic pain or diminished earning capacity, these factors will be important in determining your claim's total value.

At McEnroe, Gotsdiner, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C., our personal injury lawyers in Des Moines offer free consultations to help you assess your case and understand your legal options. Don’t hesitate to reach out—let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Understanding whether your situation is something a law firm can assist with is often the first question after an accident. We represent people who have been hurt in a wide range of incidents, from crashes on busy stretches of I-235 to falls in grocery store parking lots. By talking through how the injury happened, where it occurred in the Des Moines area, and the impact it has had on your day-to-day life, we can help you decide whether moving forward with a claim makes sense.

Here are some of the personal injury matters our firm frequently handles:

• Motor vehicle collisions. These include car, motorcycle, and truck crashes on roads and highways throughout central Iowa, often involving disputed fault and serious injuries.
• Slip and fall incidents. Falls at businesses, apartment complexes, or other properties can lead to broken bones, head injuries, and other harm when walkways are not properly maintained.
• Dog bites and animal attacks. When animals are not controlled, and someone is bitten or knocked down, Iowa law may allow the injured person to seek compensation.
• Other preventable accidents. We also review injuries caused by unsafe conditions in public places or other negligent conduct that could have been avoided with reasonable care.

By speaking with an injury lawyer Des Moines residents trust, you can get clear guidance on whether your circumstances fit within these or other case types. We will explain what evidence is most important for your specific situation, whether that means photographs from the scene, witness statements, or medical evaluations from providers in and around Des Moines. This helps you take focused, practical steps instead of wondering what to do next.

Experience Compassionate Legal Support After an Injury

At McEnroe, Gotsdiner, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C., we understand that dealing with the aftermath of an injury can be overwhelming and stressful. Our dedicated team is skilled in navigating the complexities of personal injury law and is also committed to providing you with the support you need during this challenging time. Our personal injury lawyers in Des Moines believe that every client deserves personalized attention that extends beyond legal representation.

When you choose our firm, you gain more than legal advice; you gain a partner who is genuinely invested in your recovery and well-being. Our approach focuses on:

• Open communication. We maintain transparency throughout your case, ensuring you are informed and involved every step of the way.
• Emotional support. Our team is here to listen and provide encouragement, helping you feel more at ease during this emotionally taxing journey.
• Thorough case preparation. We meticulously gather evidence and build a solid case tailored to your unique circumstances to support your compensation claim.
• Strong advocacy. Our experienced attorneys will advocate on your behalf, addressing insurance companies and opposing parties to pursue the best possible outcome.

Your path to recovery begins with the right legal support. If you or a loved one has been injured, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on what matters most—healing and moving forward.

Clients often tell us they appreciate having a local accident lawyer they can actually meet with in person rather than relying on a call center or out-of-state firm. We offer flexible appointment times, including virtual meetings when travel to our West Des Moines office is difficult because of your injuries or work schedule. By taking the time to learn about your family, job, and long-term concerns, we tailor our strategy to what matters most to you instead of treating your case like just another file.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

The personal injury lawyers in Des Moines at McEnroe, Gotsdiner, Steinbach, Rothman & Kendell P.C. are here to guide you every step of the way. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.

Call us today at (515) 516-3745. We do consultations either in person at our West Des Moines office or virtually, whichever is best for you.