Serious Injury and Wrongful Death

Would you like to meet with an attorney to discuss your options regarding the wrongful death of a loved one in an on-the-job accident? Has someone you care about sustained a serious injury in the workplace? Please contact our firm today to arrange your FREE consultation.

If you have lost a loved one in a work-related accident, we understand seeking legal help may be the furthest thing from your mind. However, seeking help from an experienced attorney can ensure the workers' compensation claims process is followed accordingly. Our firm can help with the legal matters while you and your family focus on the grieving process. As spouses and parents ourselves, we understand the impact this has on your family. Please contact us to learn how we can help when your loved one has suffered a serious injury or has been killed on the job.

After Nada Tyler was injured, the employer attempted with less than 24 hours' notice to transfer her to a store more than 20 miles away, then used her refusal as a basis to terminate her. Throughout the case, Salvation Army denied liability for the injuries and up to the point of hearing offered no money in order to get the case settled.

Attorney John Dougherty took the case to the hearing and won permanent total disability (PTD) benefits for Nada. After an appeal, the Salvation Army was ordered to pay PTD to Nada, which represents a weekly payment for the rest of her life.

Tina Waterman was injured by an air hose which had come loose and struck her in the head. For several years after the incident, Tina did not believe she had suffered any sort of long-term injury. However, she started having headaches. By the time she was diagnosed with a permanent problem and her doctor informed her that the problems might be related to the air hose striking her in the head her statute of limitations had expired.

The employer, therefore, defended the case based on the expiration of the statute of limitations. However, attorney John Dougherty argued that given the fact that Tina was unaware of the true extent of the injury from the air hose until being informed of the extent by the physician, the discovery rule was applicable and therefore her statute of limitations was saved by the discovery rule. Defendants continued to deny the claim and offered no money to settle. Nevertheless, John Dougherty was successful at the hearing and obtained an award for 50% industrial loss together with all medical bills and all future medical bills as required for the treatment of the condition.

Shawn Ryan was operating a concrete cutting machine at a job site. Assured by the general contractor that the concrete floor was free of live wires, Shawn began to cut. Unfortunately, the general foreman was wrong and Shawn cut through high-voltage wiring in the floor. He sustained a severe electrical shock that led to permanent damage to his bladder.

Attorney Tom Palmer obtained medical records, reports and deposition testimonies from three of Shawn's treating doctors, which proved that Shawn was severely injured. The commissioner awarded 40% industrial loss, plus medical benefits to Shawn. Attorney Palmer successfully preserved the verdict on appeal to the district court and the Iowa Court of Appeals.

Have you been injured on the job? Contact Lawyer, Dougherty & Palmer, P.L.C. to ensure that your company is providing you with the support you are legally entitled to. Contact us online to schedule a FREE consultation.