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.

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What to Do If You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver:

By Robert Stahle • June 25, 2025

Legal Steps You Should Take The moments after a car accident are chaotic and frightening—but when you realize the other driver may be drunk, the fear and uncertainty intensify. You may be injured, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can significantly affect your ability to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless victims in Iowa and Nebraska who were hit by drunk drivers. If you ever find yourself in this situation, here’s what you need to know and do. 1. Call 911 Immediately Your safety and the safety of others come first. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if anyone is injured. Make sure to inform the dispatcher if you suspect the other driver is impaired—this can ensure police respond quickly and gather critical evidence at the scene. When the officers arrive, give them an honest account of what happened, but avoid speculating or assigning blame. Stick to the facts. Law enforcement will perform sobriety tests or request a breathalyzer if they suspect intoxication, which is key evidence in your future claim. 2. Seek Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Fine Many injuries from auto accidents don’t show symptoms right away. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries (like concussions or soft-tissue damage) take time to reveal themselves. Always get checked out by medical professionals at the scene or follow up immediately with your doctor. Having documented medical treatment is also essential for your legal case. Insurance companies often challenge claims that don’t have clear, timely medical records. 3. Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can) If you're physically able to, collect as much evidence at the scene as possible: Take photos of both vehicles, the accident site, and any visible injuries. Note the time, location, road conditions, and any nearby businesses or traffic cameras. Get the names and contact info of any witnesses. Write down anything you observe about the other driver—slurred speech, empty containers, erratic behavior. The more details you preserve early on, the stronger your claim will be. 4. Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Counsel After the accident, the at-fault driver's insurance company may reach out quickly. They may seem sympathetic, but their goal is to minimize their financial liability. Avoid giving recorded statements, signing any documents, or accepting a settlement before speaking to an attorney. Even your own insurance company may not act in your best interest if the claim involves underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. A lawyer can handle these conversations and protect your rights. 5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Right Away Drunk driving accident cases can involve criminal and civil elements, multiple liable parties, and complex insurance policies. A qualified personal injury attorney can: Preserve evidence File paperwork on time Handle negotiations Represent you in court if needed At Fitch & Stahle , we know how to build a case that reflects the full impact of the crash—including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and possible punitive damages . If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in Iowa or Nebraska, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Firm for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through every step, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable in Civil Court: What Victims Should Know

By Robert Stahle • June 18, 2025

When someone is injured by a drunk driver, the first question is often: “Will they go to jail?” Criminal charges such as DUI or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) are often filed against the driver, especially if injuries or fatalities are involved. While this may result in fines, license suspension, or even jail time, the reality is this: a criminal case won’t pay your bills. To recover financial compensation for your injuries, you need to file a civil claim —a personal injury lawsuit. This is where true accountability happens for victims. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help people across Iowa and Nebraska navigate the civil justice system and pursue the compensation they need after a drunk driving accident. Here’s what you should know. Civil Cases Are Separate from Criminal Trials Many victims assume that if the driver is arrested and convicted of DUI, they’ll automatically be compensated. But criminal proceedings are about the state punishing the offender—not helping the victim recover. In fact, you can file a civil lawsuit even if the driver isn’t charged or convicted. While a conviction helps prove liability in civil court, it’s not required. Your personal injury attorney will build a case based on evidence of negligence and damages—whether or not the state takes action. What Damages Can You Recover in a Civil Claim? Civil cases allow victims to recover a broad range of compensatory damages , including: Emergency medical bills Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation Lost wages and future income Pain and suffering Mental anguish Vehicle and property damage Loss of enjoyment of life In many drunk driving cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages . These are awarded to punish gross negligence—like driving with a high blood alcohol content or with prior DUI convictions. Punitive damages can dramatically increase your total compensation and serve as a warning to others. The Role of an Attorney in Building Your Case Civil lawsuits require a thorough investigation, documentation, and expert testimony. At Fitch & Stahle, we begin by collecting all the evidence: police reports, toxicology results, dashcam footage, witness statements, and medical records. If needed, we consult with accident reconstruction experts to establish what happened and why. We then calculate both economic damages (like medical bills) and non-economic damages (like emotional trauma), making sure no part of your suffering is overlooked. We also handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel. Our team is skilled in negotiation and litigation, and we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered. When Third-Party Liability May Apply In some situations, additional parties may be held responsible. For example: Bars or restaurants that overserved the driver may be liable under dram shop laws Employers who allowed a known impaired driver to operate a company vehicle could also face liability We explore all angles to make sure you’re fully compensated. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Sioux City or surrounding areas, the criminal justice system alone won’t protect your future. Let Fitch & Stahle Law Firm help you file a civil claim, recover full compensation, and hold the drunk driver—and any responsible parties—accountable. Contact us today for a free case review.