1. LaMarca Law Group, P.C.
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Workers Compensation
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Truck Collisions, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Workers Compensation, Product Liability, Boating Accidents, Nursing Home Litigation, Construction Accidents, Business Litigation
Background: LaMarca Law Group has been providing representation since 1988 with over 100 years of collective attorney experience. The firm identifies as the largest plaintiff law firm in Iowa. Notable results include a $2.74 million settlement for a pedestrian struck by a DART bus and a $4.3 million trial court ruling against the Iowa Department of Transportation. The firm provides services in English and Spanish.
Location: 1820 NW 118th Street, Suite 200, Des Moines, IA 50325
Contact: (515) 705-0233 | https://www.youriowalawyers.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available 24/7; in-person, phone, and video consultations offered
2. Roxanne Conlin & Associates, P.C.
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Civil Rights Litigation
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Product Liability, Employment Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Civil Rights Cases, Wrongful Death
Background: Roxanne Conlin has devoted her practice to representing injured individuals and has gained national recognition. The firm has handled significant cases including class action litigation against Microsoft for antitrust violations. Roxanne Conlin is recognized as a lifelong civil rights advocate with decades of courtroom experience in complex personal injury and discrimination matters.
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Contact: (515) 283-1111 | https://www.roxanneconlinlaw.com
Consultation: Initial consultation available; contact for scheduling
3. Galligan Law
Focus Area: Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury
Practice Areas: Medical Malpractice, Car Accidents, Nursing Home Negligence, Wrongful Death, Birth Injuries, Surgical Errors, Misdiagnosis Claims
Background: The firm continues a tradition of legal representation established decades ago by its founders. Attorneys Brian P. Galligan and Joseph M. Galligan have recovered tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients. The firm serves clients statewide from its Des Moines area base and emphasizes holding negligent parties accountable to promote safer practices across Iowa.
Location: Des Moines area, Iowa
Contact: (515) 316-6179 | https://www.galliganlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available; statewide representation
4. Hupy and Abraham, S.C.
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Workers Compensation
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Motorcycle Crashes, Truck Wrecks, Dog Bites, Slip and Falls, Police Brutality, Wrongful Death, Workers Compensation
Background: Hupy and Abraham has successfully represented more than 80,000 clients over the past 50 years. The firm has secured more than $2 billion in total compensation for clients and earned over 250 awards and recognitions. The firm employs over 25 personal injury attorneys and 175 support staff across offices in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa.
Location: 1089 Jordan Creek Parkway, Suite 265, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Contact: (515) 984-0091 | https://www.hupy.com
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7/365; in-person, phone, or video options
5. Law Group of Iowa
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Estate Planning
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Truck Accidents, Motorcycle Collisions, Bicycle Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Premises Liability, Elder Law, Estate Planning
Background: The firm brings over 60 years of combined legal experience. Christopher Johnston, a founding partner, handles personal injury, civil rights, and wrongful death matters. Christopher Martineau draws on his background as a former insurance claims adjuster. Jason Yates specializes in personal injury and estate planning. In 2024, the firm received recognition for estate planning services in Des Moines.
Location: Des Moines, Iowa (main offices in the heart of the capital)
Contact: Available through website | https://lawgroupofiowa.com
Consultation: Free consultation available; attorneys represent clients across Iowa
Personal Injury Laws in Iowa
Statute of Limitations:
Iowa provides a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, running from the date of the injury. Medical malpractice cases also follow a two-year period from when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered, with an absolute six-year statute of repose from the date of the negligent act. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. Claims against government entities follow the general two-year rule, but a written claim must first be submitted to the Department of Management.
Negligence Rule:
Iowa follows a “modified comparative negligence” system with a 51% bar. Under this rule, an injured party can recover damages only if their share of fault is 50% or less. If the plaintiff is found 51% or more at fault, they are barred from any recovery. When the plaintiff is 50% or less at fault, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of responsibility. For example, a plaintiff found 30% at fault would recover 70% of their total damages.
Damage Caps:
Iowa does not impose caps on economic or non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, including car accidents. However, medical malpractice claims are subject to a soft cap of $250,000 on non-economic damages, which can be exceeded if the jury finds substantial or permanent impairment. A 2023 law added hard caps of $1 million for general malpractice claims and $2 million when a hospital is a defendant. The soft cap increases by 2.1% annually, and hard caps will begin increasing in 2028.
Auto Insurance Requirements:
Iowa is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. The state requires minimum liability coverage of 20/40/15, representing $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is automatically included unless rejected in writing. Iowa does not require Personal Injury Protection (PIP), though it is available as optional coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Iowa’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my ability to recover damages?
Under Iowa law, you can recover compensation only if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If your fault exceeds 50%, you are completely barred from recovery. When you are partially at fault but under the threshold, your damages are reduced proportionally. For instance, if you are 25% responsible and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $75,000. This makes establishing the other party’s greater share of fault critical to your case.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Des Moines to protect my legal rights?
Report the accident to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as some conditions develop over time. Document the scene with photographs and collect contact information from witnesses. Notify your insurance company but avoid providing recorded statements or accepting settlements before consulting an attorney. Iowa’s two-year statute of limitations means you should consult with a personal injury attorney promptly.
Are there special procedures for filing a claim against the State of Iowa or a city government?
Claims against government entities in Iowa must be submitted in writing to the appropriate agency before filing a lawsuit. For state claims, you submit to the Iowa Department of Management. If the Attorney General does not resolve the claim within six months, you may withdraw and file a lawsuit. Municipal claims follow similar procedures with the specific city or county. Failing to follow proper administrative procedures can result in your claim being dismissed.
What types of compensation are available in Iowa personal injury cases?
Iowa allows recovery of economic damages including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. In cases involving willful or wanton misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the defendant. Most personal injury categories have no damage caps, though medical malpractice non-economic damages are limited.
How do contingency fee arrangements work with Iowa personal injury attorneys?
Most Iowa personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay no upfront fees and owe nothing unless your case results in a settlement or verdict. The attorney’s fee is typically a percentage of the recovery, often ranging from 33% to 40% depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial. Case expenses such as filing fees, expert witness costs, and medical record fees are usually advanced by the attorney and deducted from the final recovery. Always clarify fee structures during your initial consultation.