Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm

A frequent misconception is that a personal injury attorney merely finds out how much an insurance company is willing to pay for a given injury and then takes a percentage of the pay out.

Assesses & Determines Damages

To the contrary, an effective claimant’s attorney needs to take an active role in educating the insurance company on all of the damages that an injured person has incurred including economic and personal damages. Furthermore and just as importantly, the skilled injury attorney works with his or her client to help them navigate the claim process, and any life or family needs that arise as a result of an accident.

Conducts Thorough Investigations

Upon being retained, the first step that an attorney must take is investigating the claim and the injuries. The extent of the investigation techniques that can be utilized are beyond the scope of this discussion. However, some of the matters that must be explored are the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident, the injuries, previous medical conditions of an injured party, and additional parties who may be liable to the claimant in addition to those initially identified. Some of the steps that often need to be taken include:

• Obtain all police and other investigative reports
• Investigate the scene of the accident
• Retain an accident re-constructionist
• Interview potential witnesses
• Investigate the background of the defendant and other parties
• Procure medical records
• Procure medical bills
• Procure wage loss documentation
• Procure documentation for out-of-pocket expenses
• Procure documentation evidencing economic damages

Develop effective claim Strategies

Upon undertaking an extensive initial investigation of a claim, a strategy needs to be developed to ensure that each individual client’s goals can be reached. Some of the goals of each individual claim may be to:

• Ensure compensation to medical providers
• Ensure compensation to other creditors
• Ensure all liable defendants are held accountable
• Ensure that the recovery is maximized
• Expedite the recovery

Moreover, and more often than not, any given client’s goals consist of a number of considerations. Once a client’s goals are identified, an effective claim strategy can be implemented to ensure realization of such goals.

Counsel Client

Attorneys are also referred to as counselors. At GRL Law we take this responsibility seriously. When an Iowan incurs a serious injury, the effects can be life altering. We therefore believe it is our responsibility to ensure that our clients are adequately counseled on all ancillary matters that may arise as a result of a serious injury whether it be paying your bills while you are off work or help if your physical therapy isn't producing results.

During the pendency of a claim, an injured party is often undergoing medical treatment whether it be surgery, rehabilitation, or physical therapy. We are often consulted regarding “what to do” with respect to a treatment. It is important for injured Iowans to understand that the tail shouldn't wag the dog. In other words, an individual’s claim should not dictate that person’s treatment. Quite to the contrary, an individuals’ treatment drives the claim. An ethical legal practitioner will never trump up damages by advising unnecessary treatment or diagnostics. However, we are familiar with many injuries, injury mechanisms, symptoms, and treatment therefore. As such, if a client’s treatment is not helping, we may be able to assist you in making the necessary additional inquiries to ensure that your treatment is properly tailored to address your injuries.

Maximize Recovery

The attorneys at Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm may have a more expansive idea of an attorneys role in a claim than some because it is our goal to maximize each and every clients’ recovery in each case. This is done in a variety of ways.

First, an attorney needs to complete an exhaustive investigation of each claim. The attorney also MUST be willing to file a lawsuit if an insurance company is unwilling to adequately compensate an individual pre-filing.

Further, an attorney MUST be willing to take the case to trial if an insurance company persists in refusing to adequately compensate an injured Iowan. While every case is different and each claim is an ever evolving and fluid process, we begin with the notion that if a claim is worth taking, it is worth filing a law suit on.

Moreover, if a lawsuit is worth filing, it is worth taking to trial.

Once again, we cannot guarantee that every case can or should be filed or taken to trial because as we gather information, the claim can always develop differently based upon additional or different information that we uncover. However, starting with these general premises helps us to aggressively prepare and advance your claims. Furthermore, when an insurance company knows that your attorney will fight, they know that they better be prepared to do the same and this can only enhance the value of current and future claims.

Certainly, attorneys also must be adept at litigation and trial skills as well. Discovery, pretrial preparation, negotiation, and presentation to a jury, are imperative abilities of a successful civil practitioner. See For a more in depth discussion of the litigation process. However, they are not the only roles or abilities that a lawyer must play or possess and effectively fulfilling each is the best way to serve an injured Iowan.

You're in better hands with the attorneys at Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm. Our aggressive diligent determined personal injury lawyers always put you first. We return your phone calls, keep you updated on the status of your case, and care about you today and your future. Whether you have been seriously injured or someone has been taken from you too soon, we can help you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and your losses. Please call our attorneys today to speak with us about your situation, Iowa law, and how we can help you. 1-877-GRL-LAWS or 1-877-475-5297. You can also send us questions with ASK AN ATTORNEY.