Call us 24/7: (515) 279-9700
1200 Valley West Dr. #400 West Des Moines, IA 50266

Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Polk County, Iowa

At McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C., our mission is to deliver professional, reliable, and exceptional legal services tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of every client. Dedicated to transparency and outstanding service in an ever-changing legal environment, our firm handles both criminal defense and personal injury claims across Polk County, including Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, and Waukee. If you or a loved one have been harmed due to someone else’s negligence, contact us at (515) 279‑9700 today for a free consultation to begin protecting your rights.

Residents and visitors in Polk County frequently face injuries resulting from negligence, ranging from motor vehicle collisions and dog bites to nursing home abuse, slip‑and‑falls, and medical malpractice. These events can lead to serious medical expenses, lost income, and emotional trauma. If another party is at fault, you could be entitled to compensation. Our Polk County personal injury team is ready to gather evidence, document your losses, and pursue justice on your behalf.

If you are seeking legal information about a criminal case, please visit Polk County Criminal Defense

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Overview of Legal Representation in Polk County, Iowa

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Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Polk County

Personal Injury Cases

We represent injury victims throughout Polk County in a variety of matters:

  • Dog bites & animal attacks – Iowa’s strict liability law holds pet owners responsible for injuries their animals cause, regardless of prior warning. Victims often face physical harm, emotional trauma, and medical costs. We pursue damages for pain, medical treatment, and lost wages if the owner’s negligence contributed.
  • Premises liability / slip-and-fall accidents – Unsafe conditions at businesses, residences, or public properties—like icy walkways, broken railings, or poor lighting—can lead to falls and serious injuries. We establish property owner responsibility and seek compensation accordingly.
  • Nursing home abuse – Elder neglect and abuse is a serious concern in long-term care facilities around Des Moines. Residents may suffer physical injuries, neglect, or emotional harm. We represent victims and families in holding negligent care providers accountable.
  • Medical malpractice – Cases may involve surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication mistakes, or birth injuries. Because Iowa requires expert tetimony to establish the standard of care and breach, our attorneys collaborate with medical professionals to build strong claims.
  • Wrongful death – When an individual dies due to another’s negligence—such as in auto crashes or malpractice—surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. Iowa law requires timely action to preserve these legal rights.

Auto Accident Attorneys

Our firm handles vehicle collision cases throughout Polk County:

  • Car accidents – Whether on I‑35, I‑80, or local streets in Des Moines, crashes caused by distracted driving, speeding, or impaired drivers can lead to complex insurance claims. We guide clients through Iowa’s fault-based system to secure full compensation.
  • Truck accidents – Commercial vehicle collisions often involve multiple parties and severe injuries. Investigating driver logs, maintenance records, and corporate liability is essential to recovering medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
  • Motorcycle accidents – Riders face high risk when struck by distracted drivers or struck in intersections. We assist injured motorcyclists in obtaining compensation for long-term injuries, rehabilitation, and lost income.
  • Bus accidents (public or private transit) – Whether involving school buses or Des Moines Area Regional Transit vehicles, bus accidents can injure pedestrians, passengers, or other drivers. We help navigate procedural rules and deadlines, especially where government immunity may apply.
  • RideSharing accidents – Crashes involving Uber or Lyft can become legally complex depending on whether the driver was logged on, picking up, or transporting a passenger. We act quickly to preserve ride logs and insurance coverage evidence vital to recovery.

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Legal Deadlines & Important Information

Under Iowa law, most personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of injury or date of death (Iowa Code § 614.1(2)). Failing to file within that period usually bars recovery.

Iowa also applies a modified comparative negligence rule, if a plaintiff is found 50% or more at fault, no damages are recoverable; if less, recovery is reduced by assigned fault percentage (Iowa Code § 668.3).

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Polk County District Court (Civil / Personal Injury)

Polk County District Court – handles all civil personal injury claims, including medical malpractice, slip-and‑falls, nursing home abuse, wrongful death, and vehicle accidents in Polk County.
Address: 500 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 561‑5718

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Additional Resources

Iowa Code – Chapter on personal injury & civil actions – provides statutory guidance on filing procedures, statutes of limitations, and venue rules

Polk County Official Website – offers information on county government services, public records, and community resources

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About Polk County

Polk County is the most populous county in Iowa and home to Des Moines, the state capital. As of 2023, it had an estimated population of over 500,000 residents and continues growing. The county is the economic, cultural, and political center of Iowa, featuring diverse neighborhoods, major highways such as I‑35/I‑80 and U.S. 6, flagship educational institutions, and parks and recreation across urban and suburban settings.

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Personal Injury Lawyers for Polk County, Iowa

If you have been injured in Polk County due to another party’s negligence, McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. is here to help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight to obtain fair compensation for you and provide support through the legal process. Contact us at (515) 279‑9700 today to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.