The Johnson Law Firm | Johnson,Mulholland,Cochrane,Cochrane,Yung & Engler

Call For A Consultation | 515-639-3124

The Johnson Law Firm | Johnson,Mulholland,Cochrane,Cochrane,Yung & Engler

Call For A Consultation | 515-639-3124

The Johnson Law Firm | Johnson, Mulholland, Cochrane, Cochrane, Yung & Engler
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Using Decades Of Experience To Protect Your Interests

Experienced Des Moines Personal Injury Attorneys

Last updated on June 9, 2025

When injuries occur in Des Moines, Iowa, due to someone else’s negligence, victims have the right to seek compensation through the legal system. A skilled Des Moines personal injury lawyer can help recover medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.

For nearly 75 years, Johnson, Mulholland, Cochrane, Cochrane, Yung & Engler, P.L.C., has served the Polk County community with dedication. As active members of the community through local board service and civic engagement, we understand the unique needs of our neighbors and provide personalized representation for those injured due to others’ negligence.

Understanding Personal Injury Claims In Des Moines

Whether you are injured in downtown Des Moines, the East Village or anywhere in the metro area, working with the local legal system is important. This is especially true if you are fighting an insurance company after an accident, building an auto accident claim or up against the Des Moines hospital system after medical negligence. Personal injury claims in Des Moines are filed at the District Court, located at 500 Mulberry Street. We handle all court interactions on our clients’ behalf so that our clients have fewer burdens as they work on recovery.

Filing A Personal Injury Claim In Des Moines

Des Moines follows Iowa’s legal framework for personal injury cases, which includes several key provisions. The statute of limitations requires filing your claim within two years of the injury date. Iowa’s comparative fault system means your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility in the accident, but you can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault.

Filing a personal injury (PI) claim in Des Moines is a multistep process that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Many injured people miss out on full compensation by making avoidable mistakes along the way. Working with an experienced Des Moines attorney can improve the chances of a successful case.

Below is how the process works:

  • Documenting the injury: Before filing, it is critical to seek medical treatment immediately, gather police reports and witness statements and take photos of the scene and your injuries. The common mistake is delaying treatment or skipping follow-ups, which can make your injuries seem less serious.
  • Filing the claim: Under Iowa law, you must file within two years of the injury and make sure the complaint is complete and correctly filed. A common mistake is missing deadlines or naming the wrong defendant, which can result in case dismissal.
  • Discovery phase: During this stage, both sides exchange evidence. Attorneys can draft and respond to discovery requests, prepare you for deposition and protect your rights during questioning. One common mistake is sharing too much or saying the wrong thing, especially if unrepresented.
  • Settlement negotiations: Most cases settle out of court. An attorney will assess the full value of your case, including medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. They will negotiate with the insurance company and guide you on whether to accept or reject offers. A common mistake is accepting a low settlement offer too early without knowing your case’s worth.
  • Going to trial (if needed): If a fair settlement is not reached, the case may proceed to trial. An attorney can build a strong courtroom strategy, present expert witnesses and evidence and represent you effectively before a judge or jury. The commonly seen mistake is going to trial without legal representation, which often results in reduced compensation or losing the case.

A knowledgeable Des Moines personal injury attorney can help ensure every step is handled properly. Our guidance enables you to avoid costly errors and focus on recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.

Get Help With Your Des Moines Personal Injury Case Today

When selecting a Des Moines personal injury attorney, local experience and proven results matter. Our firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your case and explain our contingency fee arrangement – meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We care about our clients, and provide free legal advice so that you understand your rights and your options.

With decades of experience in Des Moines courts and deep knowledge of the local processes, we provide the personal attention your case deserves. Call us at 515-346-6346 or send us an email to schedule your free consultation.