Fort Madison Personal Injury Lawyer
Fighting for Your Right to Compensation from a Personal Injury Lawsuit
An accident caused by someone else’s negligence can leave you facing a long recovery, mounting treatment costs, lost wages, repairs to damaged property, and reduced future income.
You and your family deserve support after what you have experienced. A personal injury attorney can pursue that compensation while you focus on your mental and physical health.
When you work with us, you have direct access to attorney Danny Cornell, who has practiced since 1995. We build a personalized legal strategy around your circumstances and goals, keep you informed, and remain accessible throughout your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have out-of-pocket attorney fees unless we recover money for you.
Start with a free consultation: contact us today or call (319) 469-8019.
What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases?
We represent people injured in many types of accidents. Our attorneys handle the following cases:
Dog Bites
Being attacked by an animal can cause serious injuries, including permanent scarring and disfigurement. Iowa law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause by attacking or biting, regardless of whether the dog was restrained or had shown aggression before. If you or your child are a victim of a dog bite, our Fort Madison attorneys can explain your legal options.
Car Accidents
Drivers must follow traffic laws to protect themselves and others. Reckless driving or traffic violations can cause severe or fatal injuries. Our car accident lawyers can pursue compensation for medical expenses and property damage.
Medical Malpractice
Hospital staff are required to provide patients with an appropriate level of care. When a doctor, nurse, or other hospital worker acts negligently, a patient can suffer new or worsened injuries or ailments. If you were injured by a medical worker, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim.
Truck Accidents
A collision with a large truck can cause catastrophic and permanent injuries. Truck accidents can also involve several liable parties, including the trucking company and truck driver.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles offer riders little protection in a collision. Injured riders often face long-lasting symptoms, extensive treatment, and damage to their motorcycles. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can pursue compensation for these losses.
Additional Cases We Handle
Our personal injury representation also includes:
- Bus accidents
- Catastrophic injuries
- Nursing home abuse
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability
- Social Security Disability
- Wrongful death
What Kinds of Injuries Do Victims Sustain?
How Is Negligence Defined Under the Law?
To prove negligence in an injury case, you generally must establish four elements:
- The liable party had a legal obligation to protect you from unreasonable harm
- The liable party breached that obligation
- The breach led to your injuries
- Your injuries caused you to suffer damages
A “duty of care” is a legal obligation to act with reasonable caution. For example, a driver must follow traffic laws to avoid causing an accident. Evidence that a driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol could show that the driver breached this obligation.
You must then connect that breach to your injuries and document the resulting economic and non-economic damages. Together, these four elements establish what you must prove to hold another party legally responsible for your injuries and related losses.
How Comparative Fault Affects an Iowa Personal Injury Claim
Iowa follows a modified comparative fault rule under Iowa Code section 668.3. Your share of fault doesn’t bar recovery unless it’s greater than the combined fault assigned to the defendants and released parties. If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages.
When your share of fault is 50% or less, any damages awarded are reduced by that percentage. For example, an award of $100,000 would be reduced to $80,000 if you were found 20% at fault.
Iowa Filing Deadlines for Injury & Wrongful Death Cases
The statute of limitations, which is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit, is generally two years for an Iowa personal injury lawsuit under Iowa Code section 614.1(2). The same two-year period generally applies to wrongful death claims arising from a personal injury.
Iowa Code section 614.8 provides a different deadline for injured minors. An injured minor generally has one year after turning 18 to file a claim.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
The compensation available depends on the losses you have sustained. Damages can be economic or non-economic, while some cases also involve punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are financial losses with a specific dollar amount. Receipts, bills, and employment records can document losses such as:
- Medical bills
- Medications, physical therapy appointments, and transportation to and from medical appointments
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Modifications to your home due to your injuries
- In-home care
- Repair or replacement of damaged property
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages reflect the ways an injury affects your well-being and daily life. Because these losses don’t have fixed dollar amounts, we evaluate factors such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded only when a defendant acted with willful and wanton disregard for the rights or safety of another. They’re intended to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct.
Our personal injury attorneys can assess whether punitive damages may apply based on the specifics of your case.
What Kind of Evidence Do You Need?
The evidence needed depends on the circumstances of the accident and the losses you must document. Relevant evidence can include:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Photos of your injuries or property damage
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Accident reports
- Police reports
- Employment records
- Injury diaries
Evidence of your accident and injuries can help support your claim. If you aren’t sure what evidence to gather or how to get it, our team can help you.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
Having a personal injury attorney on your side allows you to focus on resting and recovering while we handle the legal aspects of your case.
Our law firm is prepared to:
- Investigate your case: We examine the details to identify all liable parties
- Gather evidence: We can interview witnesses and obtain police or accident reports, surveillance, and digital data on your behalf
- Negotiate with an insurance carrier: We handle communications and negotiations while you recover
- Take your case to court: If litigation is appropriate, we prepare your case for trial and present it before a judge
We begin by understanding your situation, the effect the injury has had on your life, and the goals that matter to you. We then build a personalized legal strategy around those circumstances. Danny Cornell’s background as a former pastor continues to shape the compassion and genuine care he brings to clients during a crisis. We’re prepared to fight for you while pursuing compensation for your losses.
Danny Cornell holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, has been selected to Super Lawyers from 2021 through 2026, and has a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating. Our firm has recovered more than $100 million for injured clients across Southeast Iowa.
Contact Fort Madison Personal Injury Lawyers Today
An injury can disrupt your health, finances, and family life. We take the time to understand what you have lost and provide direct, responsive guidance throughout the legal process.
Discuss your situation in a free in-person or virtual consultation. Call (319) 469-8019 or use our contact form. We’re available 24/7.
Testimonials From Former Clients
Our clients’ experiences speak to the care and dedication we bring to every case.
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"I can’t say enough positive things about working with Danny Cornell."
From start to finish, he demonstrated a sharp understanding of the law and a deep commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Danny brings a rare combination of professionalism, strategic thinking, and genuine compassion.- Jamie K. -
"I'm very grateful for his help and his big heart."
I personally experienced Danny's passion for justice and truth. I also know personally that he has a big heart for those who have been victimized. He is also a very clear thinker and a very clear communicator.- Jack S. -
"A compassionate and skilled injury law attorney."
What stood out the most was the dedication to the case and Danny’s work ethic. Danny worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome, demonstrating both skill and passion for their work.- Ryan L. -
"I would highly recommend Danny Cornell and his team."
Danny has clear in-depth understanding of our laws with deep legal knowledge. He is empathetic, confident, highly intelligent, personable and is the kind of attorney you want representing you to deliver positive outcomes.- Mike K.
