Des Moines Personal Injury Attorneys: Advocating For The Injured And Vulnerable

Last updated on March 13, 2026

An accident can alter your life, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, ignored or even bullied by insurance companies. Whether you are dealing with your own recovery or fighting for a loved one who cannot fight for themselves, the weight of the legal system is a heavy burden.

At Sease & Wadding, our Des Moines personal injury lawyers provide sophisticated advocacy to level the playing field. Our personal injury attorneys do not operate on a high volume. Instead, we act as a powerhouse for those facing the most complex and serious injury claims. With over 70 years of combined experience, our lawyers apply strategic pressure to powerful institutions and negligent parties to hold them accountable for the harm they cause.

Comprehensive Representation For Injury Claims

Our firm handles a wide spectrum of personal injury claims, ranging from straightforward accidents to multiparty litigation involving institutional failures, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents: We investigate collisions involving cars, trucks and motorcycles to identify every liable party.
• Bicycle and pedestrian accidents: We advocate for vulnerable road users who suffer catastrophic accidents due to negligent drivers.
• Medical malpractice: Our team pursues medical malpractice cases where healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care, resulting in catastrophic harm.
• Premises liability: We hold property owners responsible for dangerous conditions that lead to slips, falls, or security failures.
• Dog bite claims: Our lawyers help victims recover from the physical and emotional trauma of animal attacks.
• Wrongful death: We provide compassionate but aggressive representation for families seeking justice after the loss of a loved one.
• Institutional abuse and negligence: We have a specific focus on holding schools, churches, and state agencies accountable for the mistreatment of children.

While we handle many types of cases, we specifically seek out what others might consider unwinnable fights. If an organization or government entity harmed you or your child, we have the resources to challenge them.

Understanding Iowa Personal Injury Laws

Iowa tort laws require a deep understanding of how the state views fault. Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover compensatory damages as long as your fault does not exceed 50%. If a jury finds you 20% responsible for an accident, the court reduces your total award by that percentage. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything. Our attorneys work meticulously to build a case that clearly establishes liability.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For A Personal Injury Claim In Iowa?

You must act quickly to protect your rights. In most Iowa cases, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, regardless of its merits. Special rules may apply to claims against government entities or cases involving injured children, making it vital to consult a lawyer immediately.

How Can You Prove Negligence?

To win your case, we must prove that the other party’s negligence caused your injuries. This involves four key elements:

• Duty: The defendant owed you a legal duty to act with reasonable care.
• Breach: The defendant failed to meet that duty through their actions or inactions.
• Causation: Their breach of duty directly caused your injury.
• Damages: you suffered actual losses, such as medical bills or physical pain.

Our personal injury lawyers bring an analytical and fierce approach to every case. We also prepare every case as if it will go before a jury. This mindset provides us with the strongest possible leverage during negotiations.

What Kinds Of Damages Can You Recover In A Personal Injury Claim?

We pursue the full range of compensatory damages to ensure you can rebuild your life. This includes economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages and future care costs. We also fight for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of companionship. If a loved one dies in an accident, we file a wrongful death claim to cover funeral costs and the loss of support the deceased would have provided. Our proven track record shows that we are not afraid to take on big business and large institutions.

Consult A Strategic Iowa Personal Injury Attorney In Des Moines

If you are a protective guardian or a victim of institutional failure, you need more than a paper pusher. You need a fierce advocate who understands the stakes.

Call us at 515-883-2222 or send a message through our website to schedule your appointment.