BLOG

Understanding Fair Compensation

Robert Stahle • February 1, 2017
Personal Injury Compensation Claims - Sioux City Law Firm

Compensation factors affecting personal injury in Sioux City or South Sioux City

Being involved in an accident or incident that results in a personal injury can be an overwhelming event. From physical harm to financial loss, such as loss of employment, healing from a personal injury takes place on both a physical and mental basis. Fortunately, there are laws in place that allow you to receive compensation for a personal injury; however, it is pertinent to keep in mind that there are multiple factors that play into how much compensation you are actually due. Understanding these factors will help you assess whether or not you are receiving the full amount you owed. As with any type of personal injury compensation claim, it is best to have it filed by a qualified attorney.

Factors affecting personal injury compensation claims


Before we look at the specific factors that affect a compensation claim, it is important for you to understand the difference between a higher multiplier and a lower multiplier. A higher multiplier generally results from factors that are considered serious, such as a head injury. A lower multiplier usually results from less serious injuries, such as a sprain or bruise. If your personal injury has factors that lead to a higher multiplier, this tends to mean it is worth more in terms of compensation.

Factors that point toward a higher multiplier are fairly serious in nature. Take for example that you suffered head trauma during the accident. This factor will undoubtedly lead to a higher multiplier. Other types of factors that are deemed to suffice for a higher multiplier include:


  • Broken bones
  • Joint injury
  • Wounds
  • Nerve damage
  • Vertebrae injury
  • Long recovery period
  • Emotional distress
  • Daily life disruptions

Lower multiplier factors also determine the total overall worth of your compensation, and may include any of the following:


  • No medication needed to treat the resulting injury
  • Medical expenses that are not needed for treatment, rather they are for diagnosing
  • Soft tissue injury, including sprains, bruising, or strains
  • No permanent injury
  • No emotional injury
  • No physical injury
  • Short recovery period

Additional factors affecting the compensation you are owed for a personal injury

You will likely receive a higher settlement for compensation of a personal injury if you can prove you were at no fault for the injury sustained. Your cooperation and calmness accompanied with the claims and settlement process will also play a role. Additionally, if the at-fault party is not sympathetic toward the injury you sustained, this will also likely lead to a higher settlement. More so, if you have witnesses who can bolster your case, this will be of help.

Factors that will result in a lower payout may include being able to prove you some way share in the blame of the accident. Furthermore, proving that you are impatient for the claim to be settled can have a negative impact. And lastly, if there are witnesses who do not bolster your case, rather they bolster the side of the at-fault party, this may negatively impact how much compensation that is due to you.

If you have sustained a personal injury in Sioux City or South Sioux City, please call a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney today.

By Robert Stahle September 5, 2025
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
By Robert Stahle August 21, 2025
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Nebraska or Iowa Being hit by a drunk driver is traumatic, confusing, and often life-altering. In the aftermath, you may be overwhelmed by medical bills, vehicle damage, missed work, and pain that doesn’t go away. On top of all that, you’re probably wondering: What are my legal rights? At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm in South Sioux City, Nebraska , we help victims of drunk driving accidents across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights, protect their claims, and pursue the compensation they deserve. This post explains what you’re entitled to after a DUI-related crash—and what steps you should take to protect yourself. Drunk Driving Victims Have the Right to Compensation If you were injured by someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you have the legal right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim . These claims are separate from any criminal charges the drunk driver may face. In a civil claim, the goal is not to punish the offender (that’s the court’s job)—it's to recover financial damages for the harm you’ve suffered , including: Emergency medical care Long-term treatment and rehabilitation Lost income and loss of earning potential Pain and suffering Mental and emotional distress Property damage Punitive damages (in extreme DUI cases) At Fitch & Stahle , our job is to make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to—while the at-fault party is held accountable for their reckless actions. Nebraska and Iowa Laws That Protect Drunk Driving Victims Every state handles DUI-related personal injury claims differently. Because Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is licensed in both Nebraska and Iowa , we’re uniquely qualified to navigate the laws in both jurisdictions. Here are some key legal protections available in each state: Nebraska: Dram Shop Liability : If a bar, restaurant, or alcohol-serving establishment over-served the intoxicated driver, you may be able to sue that establishment under Nebraska’s dram shop law. Comparative Negligence Rule : Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. Statute of Limitations : You generally have four years to file a personal injury claim in Nebraska, but acting sooner improves your chances. Iowa: Dram Shop Law : Iowa’s dram shop law also allows claims against alcohol vendors who sell to an intoxicated person that causes an accident. These claims have special notice requirements. Modified Comparative Fault : You can recover damages in Iowa as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Statute of Limitations : In Iowa, you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Understanding which laws apply—and how to use them to your advantage—requires a legal team with experience in both states. That’s why Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is the trusted choice in Siouxland . What to Do Immediately After a Drunk Driving Crash The steps you take right after a crash can make or break your case. Here's what you should do: ✅ Call 911 and get medical help Always prioritize safety. Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like brain trauma or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away. ✅ Document everything Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, skid marks, and road signs. Get names and contact info of witnesses. ✅ Get the police report A police report stating the other driver was intoxicated is critical to your claim. Ask the responding officer for details about any breathalyzer or field sobriety tests. ✅ Avoid talking to insurance companies alone Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they are trained to protect the company—not you. Don’t give recorded statements or accept offers without legal guidance. ✅ Contact a personal injury lawyer The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better. At Fitch & Stahle , we offer free consultations and handle every step of your claim—from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers and going to court if needed. Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes Drunk driving accidents often involve high speeds, poor judgment, and failure to brake—all of which increase the severity of injuries. We commonly represent clients suffering from: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) Spinal cord injuries and paralysis Broken bones and fractures Internal bleeding and organ damage Facial disfigurement and scarring Emotional trauma and PTSD These aren’t just short-term problems. They can impact your career, relationships, and overall quality of life for years to come. That’s why it’s so important to have an attorney who fights for the long-term value of your claim —not just a quick settlement. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? Here’s what makes us different: ✅ We’re local —Based in South Sioux City and serving all of Siouxland ✅ We’re licensed in Nebraska and Iowa ✅ We’ve handled hundreds of personal injury claims ✅ You pay nothing unless we win ✅ We offer compassionate, one-on-one attention When you hire Fitch & Stahle , you're not just another case file—you’re a neighbor, and we take your recovery personally. Get the Legal Support You Deserve Today Drunk driving is a serious offense with serious consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI crash in South Sioux City, Sioux City , or anywhere in the Tri-State area , don’t wait to assert your rights. 📍 Visit our office in South Sioux City, NE 📞 Call us at 402-494-3012 💻 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders while you focus on healing. Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is here to fight for you.