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Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Nebraska and Iowa:

Robert Stahle • September 17, 2025

What You Need to Know

When most people hear “personal injury case,” they think of car accidents. While auto crashes are one of the most common causes of personal injury lawsuits, they are far from the only ones. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm, we’ve represented victims across Nebraska and Iowa who were injured in a wide range of incidents—from dog bites and workplace accidents to slip-and-fall injuries and medical malpractice.

If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, understanding the different types of personal injury claims can help you determine whether you have a case—and how to move forward. Below, we break down some of the most common types of personal injury cases we handle in South Sioux City, Sioux City, and the surrounding Tri-State area.



1. Motor Vehicle Accidents

Auto accidents are by far the most common cause of personal injury lawsuits in Nebraska and Iowa. Whether it’s a fender bender or a catastrophic crash, injuries from car accidents can range from mild to life-threatening.

We represent victims in:

  • Car accidents
  • Truck and semi-truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
  • Distracted driving and drunk driving crashes

Our firm is highly experienced in working with local insurance carriers, law enforcement, and court systems in both Nebraska and Iowa to help clients recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.



2. Slip and Fall Accidents (Premises Liability)

Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. If you slip, trip, or fall due to a hazardous condition—such as wet floors, icy sidewalks, broken steps, or poor lighting—you may have grounds for a premises liability claim.

Common locations for slip-and-fall injuries include:

  • Grocery stores and retail shops
  • Parking lots and sidewalks
  • Apartment buildings
  • Public parks and government buildings
  • Restaurants and bars

In both Nebraska and Iowa, you must prove the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take action. Fitch & Stahle Law Firm can investigate the scene, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.



3. Workplace Injuries and Construction Accidents

If you were hurt on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation—but you might also have a third-party personal injury claim if someone other than your employer caused the accident. For example, a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer could be held liable.

Common workplace injury cases we handle include:

  • Falls from ladders or scaffolding
  • Equipment malfunctions
  • Explosions or chemical burns
  • Repetitive stress injuries
  • Unsafe work environments

As a local law firm, we understand how Nebraska and Iowa workers’ comp systems operate—and how to pursue maximum compensation when additional claims are possible.



4. Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Animal owners have a duty to control their pets. In both Nebraska and Iowa, victims of dog bites or other animal attacks can hold the owner legally responsible for their injuries—even if the animal has never shown aggression before.

Injuries from animal attacks may include:

  • Deep puncture wounds
  • Infections and rabies exposure
  • Permanent scarring
  • Emotional trauma (especially in children)

If you or your child was injured by a dog in South Sioux City, Sioux City, or nearby communities, Fitch & Stahle can help you pursue the justice you deserve.



5. Medical Malpractice

When doctors, nurses, or hospitals fail to provide the standard of care expected in their profession, the consequences can be devastating. Medical malpractice cases are complex and require an experienced legal team who can work with experts to prove what went wrong.

Examples of malpractice include:

  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
  • Surgical errors
  • Birth injuries
  • Medication or anesthesia mistakes
  • Inadequate patient monitoring

These cases often require extensive medical records, expert witnesses, and a strategic legal approach—something our firm is well-equipped to handle.



6. Wrongful Death

Tragically, some accidents result in the loss of life. When a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of claim seeks to recover for funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and emotional loss.

Common wrongful death cases include:

  • Fatal car or motorcycle crashes
  • Workplace fatalities
  • Nursing home abuse or neglect
  • Fatal falls or premises accidents

We approach wrongful death cases with compassion and care, while fiercely advocating for the justice your family deserves.



Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm?

We’ve built our reputation as trusted personal injury lawyers in South Sioux City by providing results-driven representation with a local touch. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • ✅ Licensed in Nebraska & Iowa – We represent injury victims on both sides of the river.
  • ✅ Local Experience – We know the courts, insurers, and laws in Siouxland.
  • ✅ No Fees Unless We Win – You pay nothing out of pocket to get started.
  • ✅ Free Case Evaluations – We’ll listen, answer your questions, and explain your options.
  • ✅ Client-Focused Approach – You’re not just a case number. We care about your recovery.



Get the Local Legal Help You Need

If you’ve been injured in any type of accident—whether on the road, at work, or in a public place—don’t wait to protect your rights. Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is here to help you every step of the way.

📍 Visit us at our office in South Sioux City, NE
📞 Call now at 402-494-3012
🌐 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Nebraska and Iowa:

By Robert Stahle • October 30, 2025
A Guide for Grieving Families

Injured in a Car Accident in Nebraska or Iowa?

By Robert Stahle • October 22, 2025
A car accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. One moment you’re commuting or running errands, and the next, you’re facing a wrecked vehicle, physical pain, and a growing stack of medical bills. It’s stressful, overwhelming, and often confusing—especially when you’re not sure what to do next. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help car accident victims in South Sioux City , Sioux City , and across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. In this post, we’ll walk you through the critical steps to take after a crash—and how to protect your health, finances, and legal claim. Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Health Immediately after a crash, your safety comes first. If possible: Move your vehicle out of traffic Check yourself and others for injuries Call 911 for medical help and law enforcement Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma—don’t show symptoms right away. A prompt medical exam not only protects your health, it also documents your injuries for your insurance claim. Step 2: Call the Police and File an Accident Report In both Nebraska and Iowa , it’s important to report any crash involving: Injury or death Property damage over $1,000 A hit-and-run or uninsured driver The responding officer will create a police report , which includes key facts like: Date, time, and location of the accident Statements from drivers and witnesses Diagrams or photos of the scene Initial assessment of fault This report becomes vital evidence in your personal injury claim. Be honest and factual—but avoid admitting fault or guessing what happened. Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can) If you are physically able and it’s safe to do so, collect the following: Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and surroundings Driver’s license, insurance, and contact info of all involved Contact info for witnesses Notes about the weather, road conditions, and what you recall If you’re unable to collect this yourself, Fitch & Stahle Law Firm may be able to retrieve surveillance footage, witness statements, or crash data later—but the more you gather early, the better. Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company Most policies require you to notify your insurer after a crash. However, you do not need to give a recorded statement , especially before speaking to a lawyer. Stick to the basics: Where and when the crash happened Who was involved That you’re seeking medical treatment Avoid discussing fault, injuries, or potential settlement values. Insurance companies often use early statements to downplay your claim later. Step 5: Call a Car Accident Lawyer—Before You Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance The at-fault driver’s insurance company may reach out soon after the crash. They might offer a quick settlement or ask for a recorded interview. Don’t be fooled— their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery . When you call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we: Handle all communication with insurance companies Protect you from saying something that hurts your case Calculate the real value of your damages Make sure you aren’t pressured into a lowball settlement We offer free consultations and don’t charge legal fees unless we win your case. Step 6: Keep Track of Everything Start a folder or digital log for your car accident claim. Include: Medical bills and records Receipts for prescriptions or medical equipment Notes from doctor visits Pay stubs showing missed work A journal of your pain levels, emotional struggles, or daily challenges This documentation helps prove pain and suffering , lost income , and the long-term impact of your injury. What Compensation Can You Recover? Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for: Emergency room care and medical treatment Physical therapy and future healthcare needs Vehicle repairs or total loss Lost wages or reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Emotional distress Permanent disability or disfigurement If the at-fault driver was reckless—such as driving drunk or texting behind the wheel—you may also qualify for punitive damages . At Fitch & Stahle , we fight for the maximum compensation available under Nebraska or Iowa law. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? The legal deadline to file a car accident lawsuit (called the statute of limitations ) is: 4 years in Nebraska 2 years in Iowa However, it’s best to act early. Delays in filing can lead to lost evidence, unclear medical records, and a weaker case overall. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? We’ve spent years helping injured drivers in the Siouxland region get justice after devastating car accidents. Here’s why clients trust us: ✅ Local Experience : Based in South Sioux City , we know the roads, courts, and insurers in both Nebraska and Iowa. ✅ Full-Service Representation : From crash investigation to courtroom litigation, we handle every step. ✅ Licensed in NE & IA : Whether your accident happened on I-29, Highway 77, or in town, we’ve got you covered. ✅ No Upfront Fees : You pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t Go Through This Alone—We’re Here to Help If you were injured in a car accident in South Sioux City , Sioux City , or anywhere in Northeast Nebraska or Northwest Iowa , don’t wait to protect your rights. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim. 📞 Call us now at 402-494-3012 🌐 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com 📍 Visit us at our South Sioux City office At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we fight for car accident victims every day—and we’re ready to fight for you.