Ames Personal Injury Lawyers

Ames Personal Injury Lawyers

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Ames Personal Injury Lawyers

When you or a loved one is injured, it’s hard to know where to turn.

If you have been injured on the job or due to the negligence of another person or business, you need a trustworthy and experienced Ames personal injury lawyer to get you the compensation you deserve.

VanDerGinst Law can help.

Top Four Things That Should Matter to You Most When Selecting an Ames Personal Injury Attorney

  1. Make the process easy and convenient.
  2. Be Affordable.
  3. Get you the maximum amount of money to which you are entitled.
  4. Keep you informed.

Speak With Our Personal Injury Attorneys Today

1. The VanDerGinst Law Ames Personal Injury Lawyers Make the Process Simple and Convenient

Serious injuries can be devastating. You may be experiencing pain and incurring costly medical bills. Your injuries might prevent you from working and earning income. You really don’t need the stress of dealing with medical providers and insurance representatives. 

Let VanDerGinst Law handle it so you can focus on getting better!

When you are injured, the last thing you need is to drag yourself to a lawyer’s office. We try to make your life much easier by streamlining the process of opening your case.

We can open most files over on the phone or online, and we even offer video conferencing to suit your needs. We can even come to you!

We are available 24/7 every day of the year! Simply click here or call 800-797-5391

When we open your file, we immediately investigate your case to get the maximum compensation you deserve.

Other law firms require injury clients to gather medical documents and other evidence.  At VanDerGinst Law, our personal injury lawyers do everything necessary to work your file. 

We obtain all the records from medical providers. 

We handle health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, medical payment insurance, and any other benefits that may apply to your case. 

We negotiate with the insurance adjuster and other representatives of the opposing party.  We position your case for the best possible settlement.  If the settlement offer isn’t reasonable, our highly experienced Ames personal injury lawyers prepare to do battle in court – where we will fight hard to get you the best result.

2. Be Affordable? How about Free? If our Ames personal injury lawyers don’t get you compensation for your injury claim, you won’t owe us anything!

At VanDerGinst Law, we operate on what’s known as a contingent fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you do. If we don’t get you compensation for your injuries, there is NO ATTORNEY FEE

Even though other personal injury attorneys say they charge a contingent fee, they may also require a retainer fee for costs such as filing fees or postage.  That can often add up to hundreds – even thousands – of dollars.  At VanDerGinst Law, there is NO RETAINER FEE on injury cases.  We forward all costs necessary to pursue your claim.

3. The Personal Injury Lawyers at VanDerGinst Law Will Fight to Get You the Maximum Amount of Money for Your Injury Claim

At VanDerGinst Law, we know injury law.  But we also know the judges, lawyers, medical providers, and insurance adjusters who are involved in Ames-area injury claims and lawsuits. We’ve represented more than 50,000 injury victims over the years – and we will fight just as hard for you.

We have made record recoveries in counties across Iowa for all injury case types, including car accidents, worker’s compensation, trucking accidents, and more. 

We have been recognized by peers, clients, and other professionals as among the best in the country in personal injury law. 

(CLICK HERE TO SEE SOME OF OUR AWARDS AND ACCOLADES)

With national resources and local connections, our Ames personal injury lawyers can get you the maximum compensation for your personal injury claim.

We never have a conflict of interest in representing our injury clients because we do not represent insurance companies. 

But we DO employ former insurance adjusters and insurance defense attorneys who know the tricks of the trade.  We use that knowledge to get the best compensation for you!

The practice of law is much like the practice of medicine. There are practitioners who have “general” practices and others who specialize. Injury cases can be complicated. When it comes to your personal injury claim, you need an attorney who is experienced in handling such complications.

At VanDerGinst Law we focus on injury law.

We can skillfully handle ANY injury case that comes our way.

You will be in great hands with the personal injury lawyers of VanDerGinst Law. 

4. The Personal Injury Lawyers of VanDerGinst Law Will Keep You Informed Every Step of the Way

Anyone can make that kind of statement.  But can they prove it?  We can.  We stay in touch to make sure you know exactly what’s going on with your case.

You can put your trust in us – but don’t take our word for it. Listen to our clients.

VanDerGinst Law is one of the only law firms in the country to have been awarded the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics. 

We have also been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from Avvo Lawyer Rating Service and the Client Champion Award from Martindale-Hubbell Attorney Rating Service. 

(Click here to see testimonials from some of our clients)

Ames Personal Injury Lawyers

The city of Ames is located in central Iowa, about 30 miles north of Des Moines.

At the most recent count, the population of Ames numbered 66,258. Of course, since Ames is home to Iowa State University, that number increases significantly when school is in session. The city also draws visitors thanks to its museums, festivals, hiking trails, and other family-friendly activities and entertainment options.

Despite its small-town charm, Ames is a fairly large city for Iowa – which also means that Ames sees its fair share of injuries due to accidents and negligence.

In addition to car accidents, Ames residents are also injured from dog bites, slip and fall accidents, workplace accidents, nursing home abuse and neglect, and faulty products.

If you live in Ames and were injured on the job or due to someone’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your injuries.

VanDerGinst Law can help!

davenport personal injury lawyer

FREQUENTLY ASKED PERSONAL INJURY LAW QUESTIONS

1. What Should I Do and Not Do If I Have Been Injured?

If you have been injured, you should gather witness information and photos and/or video of the accident site if you are safely able to do so. If necessary, contact the police or other emergency personnel to address your injuries as soon as possible. 

You should also exchange insurance information with the other driver(s). But most importantly, DO NOT sign anything for the other party’s insurance representatives.  DO NOT give the other party’s insurance representatives a recorded statement.

2. Do You Need an Ames Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you have a claim, there are many reasons why you should seek out the experience and advice of a personal injury lawyer. 

First, the right lawyer can make a difference in the amount of compensation you will recover from your claim. Insurance carriers and other big business defendants have a team of lawyers looking out for their interests.  They will not voluntarily give you what you are entitled to.  In fact, it is the job of insurance adjusters to get you to settle for as little as possible. VanDerGinst Law has the experience to exert the necessary leverage and get you the compensation to which you are entitled.

Second, do you really want to fill out loads of forms and deal with insurance people and medical providers?  You need to recuperate from your injuries – you don’t need additional stress. VanDerGinst Law will take the worry away. We make opening a file as easy and convenient as possible. We collect the necessary evidence to pursue your case. We conduct the investigation. We deal with the insurance people and medical providers, and coordinate any benefits that might apply to your case. And we negotiate to get you the best possible outcome.

Finally, with VanDerGinst Law on your side, there is no financial risk for you. If we don’t win your injury case and get you compensation, you won’t owe us anything!

3. When Should You Hire an Ames Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you were injured in an accident and required treatment for those injuries, you probably need the help of a personal injury lawyer. We suggest that you contact VanDerGinst Law as soon as possible after getting the initial medical care necessary to address your injuries. 

  • Do not wait until you are done treating.
  • Do not wait until you have spoken to insurance representatives or adjusters.
  • Do not wait until you get tired of negotiating on your own.

Why? If you wait, it may be too late. Important documentation could be lost. Witnesses’ memories might not be as reliable. You could make decisions or take actions that will cost you fair compensation. And you might lose your leverage with the insurance companies.

There are just too many things that can go wrong if you do not get a personal injury lawyer on your side as soon as possible after your injury.

4. Do I Need to File a Lawsuit to get Compensation for My Personal Injury?

Most personal injury claims can be resolved without having to file a lawsuit. At VanDerGinst Law, we have a long history of proving our devotion to our clients.  Insurance companies know that. They know we will do everything in our power to get the best results for our clients – even if that means filing a lawsuit.

5. Will my personal injury case go to trial?

Even if it’s necessary to file a lawsuit for your injury case, that does not mean it will proceed all the way to a trial.  On average, 95% of all injury cases are settled before going to trial. During trial preparations, each side becomes more familiar with their particular strengths and weaknesses. This often results in a settlement.

At VanDerGinst Law, we prepare all cases as if they will go to trial. That way we can be in the best position possible to get the best settlements for our clients.

6. How are Personal Injury Damages Determined? What is my case worth?

There are many elements that impact a personal injury case value.

These include the type of accident, the nature, extent and duration of your injuries and treatment needs, the impact of your injuries on your ability to work and earn income, the nature of the defendant and their insurance and/or assets, and other considerations. 

If an attorney tells you what your case is worth after a brief conversation about your injuries, they are either misinformed or misleading you.

Any of the following may apply for damages if you successfully show liability in your personal injury case:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Past and future lost income
  • Past and future loss of function of mind and body
  • Past and future physical and mental pain and suffering
  • Past and future loss of enjoyment of life
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium
  • Out of pocket expenses
  • Other potential damages
7. What is Pain and Suffering?

Pain and suffering includes harm caused by physical injury and mental distress related to the accident and injuries.

8. How Much Does an Ames Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

At VanDerGinst Law, we handle personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis. If we don’t get you money for your injuries, there is NO ATTORNEY FEE. We do not get paid unless and until you do. 

Our fee is a percentage of the amount recovered. The percentage depends on the type of case we handle and whether the case must be litigated.

Even though other personal injury attorneys say they work on contingency, they may also require a retainer fee for costs like filing fees, expert fees, court reporter fees, etc. Over the course of working the case, those fees can add up to a significant sum.

At VanDerGinst Law, there is NO RETAINER FEE on injury cases. We forward all costs necessary to pursue your claim.

9. What are the time limits that apply for Ames Personal Injury Claims?

The statute of limitations is the law that sets the time in which a person must file a lawsuit.  In Iowa, that time is generally two years from the date of the injury. 

There are very limited exceptions which may extend that time.  There are also some situations which require notices be sent or lawsuits filed earlier than that two-year period. 

If you don’t file a lawsuit within the applicable time, you are forever excluded from doing so. So it’s a good idea to get VanDerGinst Law in your corner as soon as possible.

10. If I was partially at fault can I still be compensated for injuries I sustained in an accident?

Iowa recognizes something known as “Modified Comparative Fault”. Under the Modified Comparative Fault System, each party is responsible for damages in proportion to their own percentage of fault pro-rata, unless the plaintiff’s negligence reaches 51%.

If you are partly at fault, your compensation will be reduced by the proportionate percentage of fault.  However, if you are 51% or more to blame, then you are not entitled to compensation.

For example, if a reasonable award were determined to be $100,000 but you were 40% at fault, your award would be reduced by 40% so that you would receive $60,000.

11. Will medical bills I incurred due to my injury accident be paid by the responsible party?

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, the responsible party is required to pay the costs for all bills for reasonable and necessary treatment. That includes medical bills, chiropractic bills, dental bills, physical therapy bills and any other similar costs. 

12. What happens if the responsible party did not have any insurance coverage?

Sometimes the party responsible for causing an injury accident does not have insurance to pay for the damages – or does not have enough insurance. When that happens, VanDerGinst Law leaves no stone unturned to see if a compensation source can be identified.

Sometimes we can find employers and other sources who may be liable. Sometimes we can turn to our client’s own uninsured or underinsured insurance coverage. Sometimes we determine the responsible party has ample assets available outside of insurance. 

We do everything we can to make sure you are compensated for your injuries.

TYPES OF AMES PERSONAL INJURY CASES WE HANDLE

Ames Car Accidents: Even minor accidents can cause serious injuries. Click to see how our Ames personal injury lawyers can help you get the best compensation for your car accident-related injuries. 

Ames Truck Accidents: Accidents with commercial trucks (also known as semis, tractor-trailers, or big rigs) can cause devastating injuries. The rules that apply to truckers and tucking companies are different than conventional motor vehicle accidents.  To get the best recovery, you need attorneys who have the experience to handle these cases. VanDerGinst Law’s Ames personal injury lawyers have those credentials. Click to see more.

Ames Traumatic Brain Injury:  Some accidents may seem minor but can result in severe brain injuries. VanDerGinst Law’s personal injury attorneys are skilled at obtaining reasonable compensation for these types of injuries. Learn more here.

Ames Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries or even death. Read more about how our Ames injury lawyers help bikers and their families when serious motorcycle accidents occur.

Ames Wrongful Death Claims: Wrongful death can occur due to someone’s negligence, intentional actions, or other types of wrongdoing.  However your loved one was injured, you have the right to pursue compensation. Learn how VanDerGinst Law can help.

Ames Bus Accidents: Bus accident cases are complicated. Whether you were hit by a bus or were injured as a passenger, you should have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Read more about these types of accidents and how VanDerGinst Law will build a case against the responsible parties in a bus accident.

Ames Pedestrian Accidents: If you or a loved one is struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, the injuries can be devastating. See what our Ames injury lawyers can do to help.

Ames Premises Liability: If you sustained injuries while you were on someone else’s property, you might have grounds to pursue a legal claim. Read more about these types of accidents – and to see how VanDerGinst Law can help.

Ames Dog Bites: If a dog attacks, serious injuries can and do occur. Often, compensation is necessary to address medical bills. Plastic surgery might be required to repair the damage. See how our Ames injury attorneys can help.

Ames Class Action Lawsuits: VanDerGinst Law is involved in several class action lawsuits. Click here to find out which ones and to see if you qualify for a claim.

Ames Spinal Cord Injury:  Countless types of accidents can cause spinal cord injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered this type of injury, contact VanDerGinst Law right away. Our Ames injury lawyers will fight hard to get the compensation necessary to help you return to some semblance of a normal life.

Ames Swimming Pool Injuries:  Swimming pools can lead to serious injuries from slip and fall accidents and diving accidents. Read more on how our Ames injury lawyers can help. 

Ames Slip and Fall Accidents:  Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, at any time. They sometimes result in serious injuries. VanDerGinst Law can help get you the compensation you deserve after a slip and fall accident.

Ames Worker’s Compensation Claims:  If you were working at the time of your injury, you may qualify for compensation. Your employer’s worker’s compensation SHOULD cover your medical treatment and compensate you for lost wages. If you were injured at work and/or were denied benefits, VanDerGinst Law can help. We will fight to get you the benefits you deserve and hold your employer and the insurance company accountable for your compensation.

Ames Construction Accidents:  Construction is a dangerous line of work. Accidents are a frequent occurrence, and they can lead to serious injuries. If you were in a construction accident, an experienced Ames personal injury lawyer can help you get compensation for your injuries.

Ames Insurance Claims:  Insurance claims can be made in relation to injuries from accidents.  But they can also be related to rights you may have under other insurance policies, such as Commercial, Homeowner’s, Health, Liability, and more. See how VanDerGinst Law can help you with these types of claims.

Ames Business Interruption Insurance Claims:  Small businesses are sometimes forced to close or restrict their operations when catastrophes occur.  Many Iowa businesses were restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and/or the derecho storm of August 2020. Even if your insurance carrier tells you that business interruption coverage does not apply, there may be a path to compensation. Contact us to see if we can help. 

Ames Medical Malpractice:  When a medical practitioner fails to uphold their duty to deliver a reasonable standard of care, you or a loved one might suffer as a result. Click here to learn how VanDerGinst Law can help you get compensation.

Ames Nursing Home Negligence:  When a loved one has been neglected in a nursing home, an Ames personal injury lawyer can assist in securing compensation.

Ames Nursing Home Abuse:  If your loved one has been abused in a nursing home, VanDerGinst Law’s personal injury lawyers can assist in getting justice.

Contact an Ames Personal Injury Lawyer Today.

We know that the personal injury claims process can be frustrating and overwhelming.

Let the injury attorneys at VanDerGinst Law help fight your battles while you focus on recovery. 

Reach out to our firm by calling (800) 797-5391, or contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Your Nearest Location

VanDerGinst Law, P.C. - Injury Attorneys

Ames Emergency Rooms

Emergency RoomAddress
Mary Greeley Medical Center Emergency Room1111 Duff Avenue, Ames, IA 50010

Ames Hospitals

HospitalAddress
Mary Greeley Medical Center1111 Duff Avenue, Ames, IA 50010

Ames Medical Clinics

ClinicAddress
McFarland Clinic – 1215 Duff Avenue Office1215 Duff Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
McFarland Clinic – Family Medicine East1018 Duff Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
McFarland Clinic – North Ames3815 Stange Road, Ames, IA 50010
McFarland Clinic – South Ames3500 University Boulevard, Ames, IA 50010
McFarland Clinic – West Ames3600 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014
McFarland Express Care – Lincoln Center Hy-Vee640 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010
McFarland Express Care – West Ames Hy-Vee3800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014
Primary Health Care – Ames Medical & Dental3510 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014

Ames Personal Injury Resources

CompanyAddressIndustry
Hyperformance5152 NE 12th Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327Motorcycle shop
Back in Action Chiropractic622 Burnett Ave, Ames, IA 50010Chiropractic

Ames Personal Injury Blog Posts

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