Personal Injury Attorney Licensed in Iowa — Serving Des Moines and Polk County
If you've been injured in a car accident, truck crash, or other serious incident in the Des Moines area, you need an attorney who is actually licensed to practice in Iowa — not one who will hand your case off or refer you elsewhere. Pattee, Tewksbury & Kerfeld has attorneys licensed in Iowa who have been handling personal injury matters across the region for over three decades. We take cases seriously, we take them to trial when necessary, and we don't settle for less than what our clients deserve.
Iowa Personal Injury Representation With 32 Years Behind It
Pattee, Tewksbury & Kerfeld was founded in Minneapolis in 1994, and in the years since, we've expanded our licensure across the Upper Midwest — including Iowa — to serve injured clients wherever they need us. Our Iowa personal injury clients receive the same level of attention and preparation as any client we represent in our home state.
What makes our firm different from high-volume settlement operations is straightforward: we are willing to go to trial. That willingness changes the dynamic in every negotiation. Insurance carriers and opposing counsel know that we prepare every case as if it will be tried before a jury, and that posture consistently produces better outcomes for our clients.
Our practice covers the full range of personal injury matters common to the Des Moines area and Polk County, including:
- Auto and car accident claims
- Commercial truck and semi-truck accidents
- Wrongful death
- Catastrophic and serious injury
- Premises liability
- Product liability and defective products
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Construction accidents
Minnesota's No-Fault Insurance System
Minnesota operates under a no-fault auto insurance system. After a car accident, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for initial medical expenses and a portion of lost wages — regardless of who caused the crash. PIP benefits are capped, and they don't compensate you for pain, suffering, or the full scope of your economic losses.
What Iowa Car Accident and Injury Victims Should Know Before Hiring an Attorney
Iowa operates under a modified comparative fault system, which means your ability to recover compensation can be reduced — or eliminated — based on your share of fault in an accident. Insurance adjusters know this and will use it. Having an Iowa personal injury lawyer who understands how fault is argued, documented, and contested in Iowa courts is not a minor detail — it is the difference between a fair recovery and a diminished one.
At Pattee, Tewksbury & Kerfeld, our attorneys understand the procedural and substantive rules that govern Iowa personal injury claims. We handle evidence preservation, medical record review, liability analysis, and carrier negotiations with the same rigor we bring to cases that go to verdict.
If you've been hurt in a car accident in Des Moines, Ankeny, West Des Moines, or anywhere in Polk County, the consultation is free and there is no fee unless we recover for you.
Personal injury representation for individuals injured in auto and truck accidents, construction accidents, premises liability incidents, dog bites, and product liability matters — plaintiff-side, across all licensed states
Why Our Dual-Practice Model Produces Stronger Plaintiff Advocates
One of the most consistent advantages we offer Iowa personal injury clients is something most law firms cannot say: our attorneys also defend major corporations and insurance carriers in civil litigation. We represent clients including Travelers Insurance, Waste Management, and Coca-Cola on the defense side of the docket.
That experience is not incidental. When our attorneys negotiate with an insurance carrier on your behalf, they understand exactly how claims departments evaluate cases, where adjusters have authority to move, and what arguments are most likely to shift a settlement offer. You are not hiring attorneys who have only ever seen one side of the table.
You Pay Nothing Unless We Recover Compensation
Personal Injury Cases We Handle for Des Moines and Iowa Clients
Iowa roads, worksites, and properties produce the same categories of serious injury claims as any major metro region. Our attorneys are prepared to handle the full spectrum of personal injury matters for Des Moines-area clients.
- Auto accidents and multi-vehicle collisions on I-80, I-35, and surrounding corridors
- Truck accidents involving commercial carriers and freight operators
- Wrongful death claims brought by surviving family members
- Catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and severe burns
- Premises liability — injuries on commercial property, rental properties, or public spaces
- Product liability and defective consumer or recreational products
- Dog bite and animal attack injuries
- Construction site accidents and contractor negligence
Every case begins with a free evaluation. We'll tell you honestly what we see in your claim and what your realistic options are.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Iowa Personal Injury Claims
Is Pattee, Tewksbury & Kerfeld actually licensed to practice law in Iowa?
Yes. Our firm has attorneys licensed in Iowa, as well as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Iowa clients receive full representation from attorneys who are admitted to practice in the state — not referrals or co-counsel arrangements.How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Iowa?
Iowa's statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury. Wrongful death claims follow a similar timeline. Waiting too long can bar your right to recover entirely, so contacting an attorney as early as possible protects your options.What does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney in Des Moines?
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial case evaluation is also free.Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Iowa follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages as long as you are found to be less than 51% at fault — but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is one reason having an experienced attorney who can contest fault determinations matters significantly.Do I have to come to your Minneapolis office to work with your firm?
No. We work with Iowa clients remotely throughout the case process. Most communication happens by phone, email, and video when needed. If an in-person meeting is necessary, we will discuss the best arrangement for your situation.
Contact Our Iowa Personal Injury Law Firm
Serious injuries don't wait for a convenient time, and neither should your legal representation. If you or a family member has been hurt in Des Moines, Polk County, or anywhere in Iowa, our attorneys are ready to evaluate your case at no cost and no obligation. Call us at 612-334-3399 or 800-837-9117, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, or submit a case evaluation request online and we'll follow up promptly.