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Customer Name: Beattie Law Firm

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Call to Action: Injured? Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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Iowa’s Trusted Personal Injury & Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

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If you’ve been injured on the job, lost a loved one in a tragic event, or received an injury at your home, you may feel that you’re on your own when it comes to picking up the pieces. Medical bills, funeral costs, and being out of work due to injury can all quickly accumulate during this difficult time. You don’t have to face these burdens alone; Beattie Law Firm is here to help.

Our attorneys are here to be the strong voice that you need to earn the justice you deserve. We’ll stand up against employers, insurance companies, and other parties who seek to place blame on you. Our history speaks for itself and shows you that we’ll do everything that we can to protect you and your family.


Standing Up for You


Though we are located in Des Moines, we offer legal representation for clients across Iowa and the country. If you were involved in an incident in another state, we’ll cross those state lines to litigate on your behalf when it comes to explosions, burns, agricultural injuries, personal injuries, wrongful deaths, and other incidents.

You can receive a free case evaluation by calling our office today.

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Explosions & Burns

Erhardt, Mariah, 08/22/19,

From the PB.

Phillipson, Summer, 08/21/19,

Since we still do not have a link, I’m just writing the home page and design will have to adjust.


Personal Injury


Workers’ Compensation


Our Staff

Why Beattie Law Firm: (main page)


A Local Name You Can Trust


Attorney and founder Donald G. Beattie has practiced law since 1977. Over the years, our mission has remained constant: help clients secure just compensation while making involved industries safer for both workers and consumers.

Perhaps you have seen our commercials on TV or have had family/acquaintances benefit from our legal services. When Iowans hear Beattie Law Firm, they can expect nothing short of the best when it comes to solid legal advice. Our personal injury representation crosses state lines when it comes to Iowans; we have represented locals who were injured in other states across the country.


Providing Convenience and Peace of Mind


If you are seeking a strong voice to take charge in your legal battle, call Beattie Law Firm. We assist those who have suffered from physical and/or psychological damage from car accidents, work injuries, and other traumatic mishaps.

We offer a free consultation to all clients, and our fee arrangements are flexible. If you feel hesitant about turning your concerns over to a lawyer, we encourage you to visit our office or call us directly. We are located in an old brick mansion just west of downtown Des Moines near the Art Center. We have free parking available at the back of our office.

Experience: (subpage)


Our Experience


At Beattie Law Firm, we have represented clients throughout Iowa in cases that involved many different subject matters. We diligently work for our clients to provide a high level of aggressive and strategic representation. Our team goes the extra mile to compile the evidence that you need to help your case.

And our experience goes beyond that in the courtroom. We have been invited on many occasions to share our expert advice to various publications and seminars in these areas of law.


Seminars


How to Avoid Being the Target of a Legal Practice Claim by Donald Beattie Bad Faith Seminar Seminar for Mediation Conference Seminar to Insurance Company Executives


Appeals


Oetken v. GuerreroS.O. v. Carlisle Sch. DistBlackford v. Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, IncBlackford v. Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Inc. 2Karr v. Monroe Feed CtrSmith v. Air FeedsSmith v. Air Feeds 2Perdue v. City of Des Moines


Pull over and upload the case brief docs for each casehttps://beattielawfirm.com/appeals/


upload https://beattielawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/PowerpointPresentationforInsurance_low.pdf


Please upload https://beattielawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Pages-from-Pages-from-Gentry-PPT-Slide-1.pdfhttps://beattielawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Pages-from-Gentry-PPT-Slide-2.pdfhttps://beattielawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Pages-from-Gentry-PPT-Slide-3.pdfhttps://beattielawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Pages-from-Gentry-PPT-Slide-4.pdf as slide 1, slide 2, slide 3, slide 4


Please upload https://beattielawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Bad-Faith-Seminar.pdf


Please upload https://beattielawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ETHICS-SEMINARDonBeattie.pdf


I did not bring over media features because there are so many and I’m assuming they aren’t super necessary. I also did not bring over exhibits because there was nothing included under that.

Miller v. GreenleeGardner v. Heartland Express, IncRodda v. Vermeer Mfg 2Veach v. Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, IncMyers v. Reliance Water Heater CoEstate of Lyon v. HeemstraIn re Marriage of HubbardHome-Crest Corp. v. AlbrightJohnston v. Norfolk Southern CorpAyers v. StraightPreferred Marketing Assoc. Co. v. Hawkeye Nat’l Life Ins. CoPrincipal Casualty Ins. Co. v. NorwoodPeters v. Burlington N. R. CoPrincipal Casualty Ins. Co. v. BlairLamb v. Manitowoc CoHollingsworth v. SchminkeyBangs v. Pioneer JanitorialJarnagin v. Fisher Controls Int’lEstate of Countryman v. Farmers Coop. Ass’nRodda v. Vermeer MfgMcKim v. Meritor AutoEtten v. United States Food Serv 7Etten v. United States Food Serv 6Etten v. United States Food Serv 5Etten v. United States Food Serv 4Buhmeyer v. Case Holland, Inc. 2Etten v. United States Food Serv 3Buhmeyer v. Case Holland, IncEtten v. United States Food ServEtten v. United States Food Serv 2Estate of Groff v. Aquila, IncBirmingham v. Mettler-Toledo, IncEstate of Branson v. O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc


Evidence


Evidence for Burn Case – 1Evidence for Burn Case – 2Evidence for Burn Case – 3


Please pull over and upload the docs for each casehttps://beattielawfirm.com/evidence/

Testimonials: (subpage)


Hear From Our Clients


“Have recommended Beattie Law Firm to family, friends, and coworkers.”- Mark M., via Facebook

“They prove that lawyers can also be awesome human beings and good friends!”- Matthew W., via Facebook

“Don and Nile were very professional but approachable. They educated us about the case and trial process. They kept us informed throughout the process and made us feel like we were working together as a team. We were impressed by their knowledge throughout the trial process because they knew statistics and pertinent numbers without referring to their paperwork. Integrity and truth are important to Beattie Law Firm. They were also well respected by opposing attorneys and the judge. We have recommended them to a friend and would recommend them to anyone in need of legal advice or representation.”

- I K., via Google

“I never dreamed that I would ever need the services of a trial attorney until my family and I lost 7 members in an LP gas explosion on September 6, 1999 in Richland, Iowa. With 7 members killed and 6 critically and severely injured, Don Beattie and the Beattie Law Firm helped our family rebuild and put our lives back together. What started out as a business relationship developed into a friendship. I pray that I never need a trial attorney ever again, but if I do, Don Beattie will be the first call I make.”

- Wanda F., via Google

“Beattie Law Firm is by far the BEST in Des Moines. I had a work comp case and Nile Hicks (my attorney) was able to help get me top dollar for my injuries.”

- Lisa via Google


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Verdicts/Settlements: (main page)


Explosions & Burns


I moved the grain dust explosions to the Agricultural sections since it was copied over there again and it fits better there.


There are a ton of cases listed here. I would seriously recommend speaking with the customer to cut down on these because there are just so many.


Edited this review


I was unable to locate any testimonials on their site. The page for it just sort of led to blog posts and archives. So, I went through their listing and included some from their FB https://www.facebook.com/pg/BeattieLawFirm/reviews/?ref=page_internal and google https://www.google.com/search?q=beattie+law+firm&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS837US837&oq=beattie+law+firm+&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i59l2j69i60l3.4639j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8


PROPANE GAS EXPLOSIONSNelson v. Southeast Propane (North Dakota) (2015)Fact: This case was very recently concluded. A propane gas explosion occurred in the home of Hal Nelson who lived in North Dakota at the time of the explosion. Southeast Propane was a propane provider to Mr. Nelson. Mr. Nelson sustained very serious burns when propane gas leaked from a corroded gas line located in his basement.

Liability was predicated based on the fact that Southeast was required to conduct mandatory testing and inspection of the propane gas system at Mr. Nelson’s home and should have done so on numerous occasions. Mr. Nelson’s propane gas system contained an out of date regulator which was required to be removed and replaced with a new one. Southeast knew of this and had promised Mr. Nelson that it would be changed but failed to do so.

Part of changing the regulator would have required a mandatory testing and inspection of the entire propane gas system. Had this been done, Southeast would have discovered a corroded and leaking gas line in the basement. The gas line was corroded and leaking because, contrary to NFPA 54, it was not properly placed in the basement and was allowed to come into contact with the concrete block in the basement. Concrete block is known to be corrosive on gas lines and such contact is prohibited.

Settlement: A trial of this case was scheduled for April 2015, and settlement was reached shortly before that to compensate Mr. Nelson for his injuries.

Knox v. Southern States Coop., Housewarmings, Trane, Monessen and Everburn (Kentucky) (2014)Fact: On September 22, 2011 in Powell County Kentucky, a propane explosion occurred resulting in the death of the homeowner and 2 adult children. Southern States, the national propane supplier, was the propane provider to the home. The other defendants manufactured propane appliances that were in the home. The cause of action against the propane appliance manufacturers were based upon failure to warn. Early in the litigation, plaintiffs were able to reach substantial settlements against the appliance manufacturers and the case proceeded against Southern States.

Several years prior, Beattie Law Firm had just completed a case in Virginia - Gentry v. Southern States. In the Gentry case, Beattie Law Firm was able to obtain all of the corporate records relating to training, policy practices, and procedures. Beattie Law Firm also took the sworn testimony of all the corporate officials of Southern States. The information gained in the Gentry case proved invaluable in prosecuting the Knox case in Kentucky.

In Knox, Beattie Law Firm established that Southern States virtually had no training program whatsoever and any training was inadequate. This was exemplified by the fact that approximately 2 weeks before the explosion, a propane gas deliveryman from Southern States was at the home delivering propane. During the delivery, Karen Knox, at the request of her father, informed the driver that her father believed there was a leak in the propane gas system and to check it out. During the depositions, the Southern States driver admitted that he did not do so because Karen Knox’s father was “an old man.” Of course, there were many other violations of Kentucky law, NFPA Standards, and industry custom. Because of the refusal and violation of the standards, propane gas leaked into the home, resulting in the explosion and the 3 deaths.


Found this case on https://burninjury.com/propane-gas-explosion-cases/. We're assuming that they worked on these cases in conjunction with other attorneys/firms and that all the different firms have agreed to use the same content for their websites. We'd recommend removing or rewriting that content if no such agreement is in place.

Because of this very unusual circumstance in refusing to conduct an investigation to determine whether the gas system was in fact leaking, the conduct of Southern States rose from negligence to a punitive damage case. Because of this and the venue, we had valued the case at approximately $18 million.

Many depositions were taken before the parties agreed to engage in mediation in May 2014. No settlement was reached and approximately one month later Southern States and its insurer met with plaintiffs, resulting in a very substantial confidential settlement.

Settlement: Plaintiffs had damages of 18 million.

Veldesma-California (2014)Fact: Mr. Veldesma was a worker at a resort in the Northern California woods. The resort needed work on the septic tank lines and the workers struck a propane gas line, igniting an explosion. Mr. Veldesma filed suit against the workers in the propane company which failed to adequately protect the lines and to respond to complaints from resort workers of the smell of gas.

Settlement: Mr. Veldesma had damages of approximately $1 million.

Amos v. Pelgas-Iowa (2012)Fact: Mr. Amos and 3 other individuals were badly burned in a propane fire. Mr. Amos and another individual were filling propane in a small cylinder from 1000-pound tank at a “filling site.” When filling, the hose ruptured and allowed sufficient propane to escape, the victims were engulfed. The propane ignited, creating a fire ball with the victims in it.

Beattie Law Firm conducted an investigation into the filling station and found major violations which directly caused the propane gas leak and fire. Among the numerous violations were:

No emergency shut off switch in violation of NFPA 58 6.22.3.11. Violation of NFPA 58 10.2.2, lack of ventilation and a violation of NFPA 58 20.6.3 for lack of

proper flex connectors. Violation of NFPA 58 .2 2.3.5 for lack of in excess-flow check valve or differential back

pressure valve. Violation of NFPA 58 .7 .7 .1 for failure to ensure the container is equipped with an actuated

liquid withdrawal excess-flow valve.

Mr. Amos suffered extensive burns and scarring over major portions of his body.

Settlement: Worker’s compensation lien for past and future medical and disability benefits approached $2 million and available insurance coverage from the insurance company for Pelgas was approximately $4 million.

Anderson v. Gas Co. et al. (2012)Fact: A father and daughter were severely burned in Minnesota in the propane gas explosion that occurred in a resort cabin. An exterior propane gas line corroded in leaked gas into the building. Beattie Law Firm established that the retailer was negligent in failing to warn about the dangers of propane and to discover and change the leaking propane gas line.


Found this case on https://www.minnesotainjury.com/results/. We're assuming that they worked on these cases in conjunction with other attorneys/firms and that all the different firms have agreed to use the same content for their websites. We'd recommend removing or rewriting that content if no such agreement is in place.

Settlement: A settlement was reached with the various parties in the amount of $3 million.

Gentry vs Southern et. al. (2012)Fact: Two gentlemen were badly burned in a propane gas explosion caused by leaking propane gas. The propane retailer failed to adequately inspect and maintain the gas lines and failed to warn about the dangers of propane gas.

Settlement: A settlement of approximately $3 million was reached.

Campfield vs Gottula Propane Service, Inc., et al. (Nebraska 2010)Facts: A propane explosion occurred at the home of our client, resulting in rendering our client disabled and completely unemployable as a result of his injuries. In the explosion, he suffered severe burns, full and partial thickness to the head, face and upper body – covering 35-45% of his total body surface area. The case was based on the negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of propane.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a substantial settlement for the client prior to trial.

Hart vs. Gas Co. (2010)Fact: Leaking propane gas exploded near Ottumwa, injuring a young boy and his grandfather. The propane gas retailer failed to adequately inspect and test its client’s gas system when it knew or should have known of the need to do so. This failure directly led to the gas leak.

Settlement: This case settled for a substantial confidential amount.

Firgard vs New Century FS, Inc., et al. (Iowa December. 2011)Facts: A propane explosion occurred at the home of the Firgards, resulting in 33% body surface catastrophic burn injuries to our client. The case against the retailer was brought based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.

Trial: After deliberations, the jury returned a verdict in the amount of $1,750,000.

Williams vs. Gas Co. (2008)Fact: A 14-year-old boy was seriously burned in a propane explosion. The retailer failed to adequately warn about the dangers of propane gas and the need to utilize gas detectors.

Settlement: After a week trial in Iowa, the insurance company for the propane retailer paid a very substantial settlement to the boy.

Client v. Gappa Oil, et. al. (Minnesota 2008)Facts: A Minnesota resident received substantial burn injuries in a propane gas explosion at her house. An uncapped line leaked propane gas into the home. The home did not have propane gas detectors to warn the homeowner of the fugitive gas. The case is still pending in Minnesota against other liable parties upon theories of negligent failure to adequately warn, negligent testing, negligent inspection, and gas detectors.

Settlement: A $1,000,000.00 settlement was reached against an electrical company that contributed to the cause of the explosion. Suit is pending against others involved in the explosion.


Found case on https://www.minnesotainjury.com/results/. We're assuming that they worked on these cases in conjunction with other attorneys/firms and that all the different firms have agreed to use the same content for their websites. We'd recommend removing or rewriting that content if no such agreement is in place.


Found this case on https://burninjury.com/propane-gas-explosion-cases/.We're assuming that they worked on these cases in conjunction with other attorneys/firms and that all the different firms have agreed to use the same content for their websites. We'd recommend removing or rewriting that content if no such agreement is in place.



Client v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Florida 2008)Facts: A married couple returned to their winter home in Florida. A propane leak resulted in an explosion, killing the couple. The case against the propane retailer and appliance manufacturers was based on a negligent failure to warn, including the need to have gas detectors installed inside our clients’ homes, and negligent testing and inspection.

Settlement: $800,000 reached prior to the start of trial.

Pavlovec v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Iowa 2008)Facts: Mr. Pavlovec received substantial burns following a propane explosion. There were substantial liability issues because of Mr. Pavlovec’s admission of smelling gas before lighting an appliance.

Settlement: Settlement was reached on behalf of Mr. Pavlovec.

Myers v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Iowa 2008)Facts: Mr. Myers was severely burned in a propane gas explosion. The case was based on a negligent failure to warn, including the need for gas detectors, and negligent failure to inspect the gas system. A defective gas valve in an appliance leaked gas. Since the appliance was in a basement, the warning odor dissipated, rendering the gas unauthorized. Beattie Law Firm was successful in reinstating our client’s claim against an appliance manufacturer in an appeal to the Iowa Court of Appeals following dismissal by the Iowa District Court.

Settlement: $1,500,000+ were reached against liable parties.

Graham v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Iowa 2008)Facts: Mr. Graham sustained burns in a propane gas explosion. The case was brought against the propane retailer, appliance manufacturers, and appliance retailer. The case was based on a negligent failure to warn, including the need for gas detectors. Liability was also predicated on the fact that the propane and propane industry advertise that consumers can purchase and safely install their own propane appliances.

Settlement: Substantial confidential settlements were reached against liable parties.

Svacina v. Propane Retailer (Iowa 2008)Facts: Mr. Svacina suffered burns in a propane gas explosion due to inadequate odorization. The customer propane tank was inadequately prepared for usage which resulted in oxidation.

Settlement: Settlement was reached prior to filing a lawsuit for approximately $150,000 on behalf of the Svacinas.

Blasel v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Wisconsin 2007)Facts: Mr. Blasel suffered burns in a propane gas explosion. A brass fitting corroded, and propane gas leaked into the home. Soil is known to scrub or take out the odorant, and the leaked gas contained no warning agent. The claim was resolved prior to filing a lawsuit.

Settlement: $1,000,000.00



Client v. Propane Retailer (Iowa 2006)Facts: Our client was killed in a propane explosion in Harrison County. The case was based on negligent failure to warn, including the failure to warn about gas detectors.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential six-figure settlement for the client.

Vega v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Mississippi 2006)Facts: Three young children were badly burned when a cat with a litter somehow caused a fuel shutoff valve to open. This was improperly placed in a wall and when it was opened, it allowed gas to leak into the home. The children came home from school and the oldest started to cook an afternoon snack. When she lit the stove, the leaked gas exploded. The case was defended by the retailer on the basis that it was not a propane gas explosion.

Settlement: The case was settled resulting in a $6,000,000+ settlement.

Goehring v. Flying J, et. al. (Idaho Federal Court 2005 Trial)Facts: Client purchased a 100-pound propane cylinder to provide heat to his house following a storm that knocked the power out to his residence. He took the cylinder home, placed it on the floor, and left for two hours. When he returned, he smelled gas and attempted to carry the cylinder out of the house. When he picked up the cylinder, the home exploded.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained confidential settlements on behalf of its client.

Booker v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Michigan 2005 Arbitration)Facts: Mr. Booker sustained serious burns in a propane gas explosion caused by leaking propane gas. The case was based on negligent failure to warn, including the failure to warn about gas detectors. The case was defended by the retailer by blaming the client for the leak.

Arbitration: The case was tried in state ordered binding arbitration resulting in a $1,500,000 arbitration award.

Swanton v. Defendants (Kansas 2005)Facts: Three children received serious burns in a propane gas explosion in Kansas. The case was based on negligent failure to warn, negligent testing of the property, and negligent inspection of the property.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a substantial confidential settlement for the children. The settlement amount, however, was limited due to Kansas caps on lawsuits.

Krueger v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Minnesota 2005)Facts: Mr. Krueger received serious burns in a propane gas explosion in Minnesota. The case was based on negligent failure to warn, including the need for gas detectors and negligent inspections of the propane gas system.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a $1,800,000 settlement for Mr. Krueger.

Freeland v. Ferrellgas (Michigan 2003 Arbitration)Facts: A retired couple was burned in a propane gas explosion in Michigan. The husband died as a













result of the burns received in the explosion. The wife survived, but she sustained critical burns. The case was based on negligent failure to warn about the defects of odorized propane as well as the retailer’s failure to respond to numerous calls by the Freelands regarding gas leaks.

Arbitration: The case was tried in state ordered binding arbitration resulting in a $8,300,000 arbitration award.

Countryman, et. al. v. Iowa Double Circle, et. al. (Iowa 2002 Trial)Facts: Seven people were killed, and many others were seriously injured during a family gathering in Richland, Iowa. The home that was the gathering place for the family and friends exploded due to the accumulation of propane gas. The case was based on the negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of propane and the reasonable measures to take to ameliorate those dangers.

Settlement: Settlement was reached against the propane retailer for the policy limits of $5,000,000 and with the homeowner for $1,300,000. The wholesalers and pipeline settled for a significant confidential amount prior to the start of trial. Trial began against Lennox, the appliance manufacturer, before the case was settled for a substantial confidential amount during voir dire. The press reported total settlements of approximately $17,000,000.

In addition, the District Court dismissed during the case a wholesaler based upon the limited liability statute. This was appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court which resulted in a reversal finding that a managing partner to a limited liability corporation can be personally liable.

Olache v. Retailer, et. al. (Iowa 2001)Facts: Client was burned when he awoke in a camper and tried to light a cigar. A defective gas valve leaked gas into the camper. The warning odor in propane gas will not warn a person who has just awakened.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement of $800,000 plus on behalf of its client with main defendants before trial.

Bach v. Sapp Bros, et. al. (Iowa 2001 Trial)Facts: Client purchased a 100-pound propane cylinder to provide heat to his house he was building. The cylinder leaked in the unfinished basement.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential settlement on behalf of its client with main defendants before trial.

Client v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (North Dakota 2001)Facts: Client purchased a 100-pound propane cylinder to provide heat to his house following a storm that knocked the power out to his residence. He took the cylinder home, placed it on the floor and left for two hours. When he returned, he smelled gas and attempted to carry the cylinder out of the house. When he picked up the cylinder, the home exploded.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential settlement on behalf of its client.

Wickenkamp v. Gas Company (2000)Fact: A gas explosion occurred near Oskaloosa when the father of a minor boy was attempting to









transfer propane from a larger cylinder to a smaller cylinder. Suit was filed based upon failure of the propane gas retailer to adequately warn regarding the dangers of transferring propane from one cylinder to another.

Settlement: After a week’s trial in Polk County District Court, a substantial confidential settlement was reached.

Nehrig v. Thermogas et al. (Iowa 2000)Facts: Two volunteer fire fighters were killed and seven other people were injured when a blazing 18,000 gallon propane tank exploded in Albert City, Iowa. The propane tank lacked adequate collision protection, and the entire propane system design was flawed.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained confidential settlements on behalf of their clients.

Robbins v. Ferrellgas (Iowa 1999)Facts: Mr. Robbins was a construction worker who suffered burns to his hands in a propane gas explosion. The case was based on the negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of propane and the reasonable measure to take to ameliorate those dangers. In addition, the leaked gas was in a concrete pit. The concrete walls of the pit scrubbed the warning odor out of the gas.

Settlement: Total settlement for Mr. Robbins was in excess of $800,000.

Lawson v. Coop, et. al. (Minn 1998)Facts: Mrs. Lawson was killed in her sleep from a propane gas explosion. The case against the retailer was brought based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane. The warning odor will not warn a sleeping person.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a significant confidential settlement for Mr. Lawson.

Snell v. Pellet (Iowa 1998)Facts: Snell was burned in a propane gas explosion. Unfortunately for Mr. Snell, he was diagnosed with cancer shortly after the explosion. Therefore, there was little by way of damages.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained $400,000 for Mr. Snell.

Mahr v. Coop, et. al. (Minn 1997)Facts: Mr. Mahr was critically burned in a propane gas explosion in a winter cabin in Wisconsin. The case against the retailer was brought based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a significant confidential settlement for Mr. Mahr.

Amberson v. Red Lake Coop, et. al. (Minnesota 1997)Facts: Mr and Mrs. Amberson, both Native Americans, received burns in a propane gas explosion in Minnesota. The case was brought against based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane. There were no lost wages, and there was little by wage of medical treatment. There were also significant issues of comparative fault.









Settlement: Settlement was reached for approximately $600,000.

Stansbeary v. Allied, et. al. (Iowa 1997 Trial)Facts: Mr. Stansbeary was critically burned in a propane gas explosion near Albia, Iowa. The case against the retailer was brought in Polk County, Iowa based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.

Verdict: The case was tried to a Monroe County jury. The jury awarded Mr. Stansbeary $940,000+ for the clients of Beattie Law Firm.

Gustin v. Retailer (Iowa 1997)Facts: Mr. Gustin was critically burned in a propane gas fire at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. He was using a propane torch when the torch broke and set him on fire. The case was based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane and defective maintenance.

Settlement: For a substantial confidential amount.

Jarnigan v. Central Iowa FS, et. al. (Iowa 1996)Facts: Mr. Jarnigan, a Native American, received moderate burn damages as the result of a propane gas explosion. The case was based on a negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane. Mr. Jarnigan had no lost wages, and there were serious issues of comparative fault.

Settlement: The total settlement exceeded $800,000.

Chacon v. Cortez (1995)Fact: Near Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, a corroded propane gas line leaked propane gas into the Chacon home and exploded, killing plaintiff’s decedent. Beattie Law Firm instituted action against the propane retailer for failing to discover the leaking propane gas line and to repair it, as well as failing to warn concerning the dangers of propane.

Settlement: this case settled for a substantial confidential settlement.

Sneller v. Thermogas (Iowa 1995 Trial)Facts: Two plumbers were burned in a propane gas explosion in Jasper County. The case was based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.

Verdict: The jury awarded the two men in excess of $950,000.

Tuttle v. Beaman Corp. (Iowa 1995)Facts: Two men received moderate burns in a propane explosion in Iowa. The case was based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained settlement in excess of $1,500,000.

Fahrbach v. Petrolane (New Mexico 1994 Trial)Facts: A propane explosion in Taos, New Mexico resulted in severe burn injuries. The case was based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.

Settlement: The case against Heritage settled for $900,000.

Winiger v. Phillips Petroleum (Michigan 1993 Trial)Facts: A propane explosion in Michigan resulted in burn injuries. The case was based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.

Settlement: Settlement was reached in a substantial confidential amount for the clients of Beattie Law Firm.

Walter v. Phillips Petroleum (Colorado Federal Court 1992 Trial)Facts: Two minor children received serious burn injuries in a propane explosion in Colorado. The case was based on the negligent failure to warn about the defects of odorized propane.

Verdict: A Colorado Federal Court jury returned a verdict in favor of the clients of Beattie Law Firm in the amount of $6,200,000.

Timmens v. Kaneb Pipeline (Nebraska 1991 Trial)Facts: Mr. Timmens received severe burns as a result of a propane gas explosion in Nebraska. The case was based on the negligent failure to warn about the defects of odorized propane.

Verdict: A Nebraska jury awarded a then-record $1,600,000 verdict to Mr. Timmens.

DeJong, et. al. v. Phillips Petroleum, et. al. (Iowa 1990 Trial)Facts: Two men were critically burned in a propane explosion in Marion County. The lawsuit was brought against the propane retailer Phillips Petroleum and the propane appliance manufacturers based upon negligent failure to warn about the dangers of propane gas.

Verdict: The two men settled against all defendants except for Rheem Manufacturing. A Marion County jury verdict in the amount of $4,100,000+ was awarded. This groundbreaking verdict is believed to be the first time that a jury in the United States found against a propane appliance manufacturer for negligent failure to warn about the dangers of propane.

Myers v. I.T.T. General Controls (Iowa Federal Court 1989 Trial)Facts: A minor child was burned on the left side of his torso in a propane explosion. The lawsuit was brought against a defectively designed and leaking gas valve. The jury was presented with no medical damages because the minor victim received free medical care.

Verdict: The jury awarded in excess of $600,000 for the minor child.

NATURAL GAS EXPLOSIONS

Client v. Natural Gas Retailer (Iowa Federal Court 2008)Facts: A 72-year-old retired principal died in a natural gas explosion. The case was based on a negligent failure to warn, including the need to have gas detectors installed inside our client’s home. The gas company defended the case on the basis that this was not a natural gas explosion.

Settlement: $900,000.00 was reached five days before the beginning of trial.

Stubbert v. Gas Company (2005)Fact: Natural gas utility failed to warn about the dangers of flex connectors, inspecting and replacing defective flex connectors. A known defective flex connector was a part of the natural gas piping system that the power company failed to warn about and to inspect and replace.

Settlement: $2 million settlement was reached.

City of Hubbard, et. al. v. Natural Gas Retailer (Iowa 2003)Facts: The downtown area of the City of Hubbard, Iowa exploded on December 7, 2000, nearly destroying it. The explosion was caused by leaking natural gas from an Alliant natural gas line. The City of Hubbard and 33 other parties including insurance companies joined together and filed suit against Alliant.

Settlement: The case was settled for an amount in excess of $2,400,000 shortly before the start of trial.

Client v. Natural Gas Retailer (Iowa Court 2004)Facts: An elderly retired space engineer died in a natural gas explosion. The case was based on a negligent failure to warn, including the need to have gas detectors installed inside our client’s home. The gas company defended the case on the basis that this was not a natural gas explosion.

Settlement: A substantial confidential settlement was reached before the beginning of trial.

OTHER GAS EXPLOSIONS & FIRES

Client v. Defendant (D. Neb. 2017)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a client following an industrial setting fire that resulted in substantial property damage to the facility. Suit was brought against the defendant, who designed, manufactured, and sold the commercial dryer to the client. The theory of liability asserted was that the defendant failed to meet established industry standards concerning necessary fire safety equipment.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential seven figure settlement after a week-long trial in federal court. Settlement was reached prior to closing arguments.

AcetoneClient v. Defendants (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented three workers who were employed by a company specializing in the application of a special paint and dye to concrete. The active ingredient in the paint was acetone. Acetone is a highly flammable and very dangerous chemical. The victims were applying the substance in a basement when the acetone fumes ignited, severally injuring the three young men.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement in excess of $5 million for the victims prior to trial.

Hexane GasEstate v. Co-Employees & Other Defendants (Iowa 2009)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented the estate of a young worker and two individuals who were

burned while working at a major soybean processing facility in Northwest Iowa. The facility was shut down at the time of the incident, and the gentlemen were assigned to do cleaning without the storage areas. However, the system was designed to allow dangerous hexane gas to become present in the storage area while the gas detectors were off due to the system shutdown.

Settlement: The case proceeded to trial against one of the co-employee defendants under a theory of gross negligence. The case settled during the second week of trial. Combining all settlements during and before trial, Beattie Law Firm obtained roughly $6 million for the victims and their families.

Hydraulic FluidWyndham v. _____Facts: A railroad shock absorber exploded, spewing flaming gases over the client, resulting in severe burn injuries. Beattie Law Firm pursued the case on the theory of product defect, claiming the shock absorber had a defective design. The case was defended on the grounds that they blamed the victim for his own fault in causing the incident.

Settlement: A $1.5 million settlement was reached after a two-week trial in federal court in Omaha.

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Gossage v. Retailer, et. al. (Iowa 2008)Facts: Mr. Gossage was an employee of a hog lot in Iowa. A propane-operated gas washer was installed inside of a break room without adequate ventilation. A buildup of carbon monoxide killed Mr. Gossage. The lawsuit was filed against the appliance manufacturer and the gas retailer for negligent inspection and negligent failure to warn.

Settlement: Settlements in total in excess of $800,000 were obtained for the client of Beattie Law Firm shortly before the start of trial.

Bennett v. Propane Retailer (Minnesota 2008)Facts: Mr. Bennett suffered carbon monoxide poisoning after an animal was found in the propane system at his residence. The animal acted like a cork in the propane system, blocking the escape of harmful carbon monoxide fumes to the chimney.

Settlement: A confidential six-figure settlement was reached on behalf of Mr. Bennett.

Devore v. Retailer, et. al. (Iowa 2004)Facts: A 17-year-old youth died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning while camping. A propane heater was defective, resulting in the release of excessive amounts of carbon monoxide. Defendants failed to warn users of its product the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning in the camping setting.

Settlement: Settlements in excess of $400,000 were obtained for the client of Beattie Law Firm.

ELECTROCUTION

Hicks vs DC Masonry, Inc., et al. (Nebraska 2010)Facts: Wrongful death action stemming from an on the job electrocution. The case was based on the negligence of varies parties.


Found case on https://burninjury.com/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-cases/. We're assuming that they worked on these cases in conjunction with other attorneys/firms and that all the different firms have agreed to use the same content for their websites. We'd recommend removing or rewriting that content if no such agreement is in place.


Found case on https://burninjury.com/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-cases/. We're assuming that they worked on these cases in conjunction with other attorneys/firms and that all the different firms have agreed to use the same content for their websites. We'd recommend removing or rewriting that content if no such agreement is in place.


Found case on https://burninjury.com/gas-explosions-fires-cases/. We're assuming that they worked on these cases in conjunction with other attorneys/firms and that all the different firms have agreed to use the same content for their websites. We'd recommend removing or rewriting that content if no such agreement is in place.

Settlement: This case was settled in excess of $1 million paid among the various parties.

Conard vs Ameren Services Company (Illinois 2009)Facts: A 5-year-old boy contacted a high-powered downed electrical line resulting in traumatic amputation of his right arm. The power company had been notified 3 days prior to the electrocution that the line was down and neglected to deenergize the line.

Settlement: This case was settled in excess of $5 million.

Trenton v. Defendant (Iowa 2004)Facts: A young boy had been burned by an electrical shock in approximately 1995. The claim was predicated on the fact that the power company in making installation of the power line stretched and pulled the electrical lines at the house, causing a short, which in turn caused an electrical fire in the garage.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement for the boy of $1,500,000.

Bingham, et. al. v. Defendants (Iowa 2000)Facts: Our client, a Channel 5 newscaster, raised an antenna on a TV van into a power line, resulting in severe electrical burns to him and a co-worker. The claim was filed against the maker of the van for failing to have a proximity warning device on the antenna to warn of the power lines, as well as failure to insulate the van to prevent electrocution.

Settlement: This case was settled in excess of $2 million paid among the various parties.

Jahner v. Defendants (Iowa 1994)Facts: Mr. Jahner, who was a lineman, received serious burns when he made contact with a live powerline. The electric cooperative that hired Mr. Jahner’s employer to perform line work refused to de-energize lines and forced a deadline upon Mr. Jahner to have the work completed.

Settlement: During opening statements at trial, the case settled for over $500,000.


Personal Injury


DOG BITE CASES

Client (minor) v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: A minor was with his family at a house in Northeast Iowa. Unbeknownst to the family and the minor, the homeowner’s dog had been known to be unpredictable around children. The dog bit the minor on the face, causing scarring on the face in multiple locations. Suit was filed on behalf of the minor against the dog owner under Iowa’s dog owner statute.


Moved agricultural injuries to agricultural/farm related because it fits into that category


Found case on https://burninjury.com/electrocution-cases/. We're assuming that they worked on these cases in conjunction with other attorneys/firms and that all the different firms have agreed to use the same content for their websites. We'd recommend removing or rewriting that content if no such agreement is in place.

Settlement: The claims were settled globally for a confidential amount, which was approved by a judge.

PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Client was involved in a motor vehicle accident when she was hit by a driver of a truck who was leaving a house. Client sustained a significant pelvic fracture. Suit was filed on behalf of the client in a rural Iowa county.

Settlement: The case was submitted to mediation where the case was settled for a confidential, multiple six-figure amount.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm’s client was leaving work at a local Des Moines store. While crossing in the crosswalk, she was struck by a young woman who claimed she did not see her. The case was defended on comparative fault and disputed damages.

Settlement: The case was settled at mediation for $45,000.

Estate v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented an estate of a gentleman who was killed when he was a pedestrian on a rural road in Central Iowa.

Settlement: The case was settled for a confidential amount.

NECK, BACK, AND SPINE INJURY

Clients v. Defendants (Iowa 2012)Facts: Our client suffered a burst fracture in his back when he fell nearly thirty feet from a roof while performing maintenance services for his employer. A lawsuit was filed against the building owner and the design and construction professionals who had recently designed and built the new facility. During the course of the lawsuit, it was discovered by Beattie Law Firm that the new building was designed and constructed in violation of applicable building codes and industry standards. The building codes required a guardrail to be placed where our client fell, but unfortunately it was left out of the design and construction of the facility.

Settlement: Trial was scheduled to begin in Story County. With the prospective jurors sitting in the courtroom, the defendants collectively settled the case for a substantial multiple seven figure amount close to $3 million.

Client v. General Motors (Iowa 2008)Facts: Beattie Law represented a man who was rendered a paraplegic when the seat back in his General Motors-manufactured vehicle failed. Our client was on his way home from a University of Iowa football game when the car he was a passenger in was rear-ended at low speed. He was thrown backwards into the rear seat, breaking his neck, when the seat back broke.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential seven-figure settlement for the client.

Client v. Defendants (Iowa 2015)Facts: Client was involved in two separate car accidents within the same year. Suit was filed against both accidents. Client had roughly $6,000 in medical bills for treatment to his upper back and neck. The case was defended on pre-existing conditions, intervening cause, and disputed damages.

Settlement: The claims were settled globally for $85,000.

Clients (minors) v. Defendants (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a family of four siblings who were all injured in a car accident on a road in rural, Southwest Iowa. Injuries included neck, back, and other scrapes and cuts. Claims were brought against the responsible driver and underinsured insurance carrier. The claims were defended on disputed fault and nature and extent of damages.

Settlement: The claims settled prior to trial against both the responsible driver and the underinsured carrier.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a woman who was involved in an accident near her home. Claims were brought against the responsible driver and underinsured insurance carrier. The client suffered injuries to her back. The claims were defended on a theory that the accident did not cause the client’s injuries and disputing the extent of the injuries.

Settlement: The driver’s insurance policy paid policy limits of $100,000. The claim for underinsured benefits remains pending.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a nice gentleman from Des Moines who was injured after being rear-ended by another vehicle in Polk County. The client had surgery on his lower back to help alleviate leg numbness and tingling sensations. The case was defended on a theory that the client’s injuries were not as significant as alleged or caused by the accident.

Settlement: The case went to mediation, but negotiations stalled. The case settled for $245,000, which represented more than $100,000 more than offered at mediation.

Client v. Defendants (Iowa 2015)Facts: Client was involved in two car accidents within two years of each other. Client claimed injury to his neck and low back. The defendants disputed that they caused the client’s injuries as well as the extent of his injuries.


Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a Southern Iowa gentleman who was injured in a car accident. He suffered injury to his neck.

Settlement: The case was settled prior to filing a lawsuit for roughly 4 times the client’s medical expenses.

Zielinski, Emily, 08/21/19,

QC: the end of this is cut off on customer’s existing site, so I ended the sentence earlier

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm’s client was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Bettendorf, Iowa. The client was driving a semi-truck westbound when another vehicle ran through an intersection, causing an accident. Beattie Law Firm represented the client on his workers’ compensation and car accident claims, which included injury to the back and neck.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a policy limits settlement of $100,000 for the client.

Client v. Defendant/Insurance Company (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a Marion County woman who was seriously injured while driving a school bus. Beattie Law Firm pursued claims against the responsible driver, the school’s underinsured insurance, and the school’s workers’ compensation carrier. The school’s insurance argued that offsets prevented the client from collecting certain benefits. The issue was submitted to the court, which ruled in the client’s favor. The case was submitted through two separate mediations and was eventually resolved.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm was able to resolve all of the client’s claims for a significant, confidential, multiple six-figure settlement.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a gentleman who was involved in an accident on a highway in Marion County. The defendant denied responsibility, blaming a sudden emergency and no negligence due to the sun. Beattie Law Firm had a professional photographer take photographs at the time and location of the accident on the anniversary to show the location of the sun at the time of the accident, which disproved the sun in the eye defense.

Settlement: The case went to mediation and settled for $125,000.

BUSINESS LITIGATION

Client v. Employer (Iowa 2006)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented client in a breach of employment contract dispute in Jefferson County. Client had an employment contract to obtain shared control with two other men. The employment contract was breached by the employer.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm reached a confidential six-figure settlement for the client.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2004)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a local company in a detrimental reliance and misrepresentation case.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm reached a substantial confidential settlement prior to trial.

PREMISES/FALL LIABILITY

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2009)Facts: Client was asked by his friend to help move from a rental property the defendant owned. The


I don’t think this really fits here. Workers’ Compensation is maybe an alternative, but I don’t think it really fits there, either.

property was in bad condition, and the client was injured when he stepped on the steps leading into the property.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement on the eve of trial for the client.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2009)Facts: An HVAC worker was called out to a house to perform a repair. The weather conditions in the days prior had not been favorable. The client slipped on ice when entering the house.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a significant settlement on behalf of the client.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2008)Facts: A 67-year-old woman slipped and fell on a wet substance at a restaurant while exiting the store. She suffered a fractured patella. Defendant defended the case by asserting due care because yellow warning codes were present in a different location and comparative fault because our client was leaving the store.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential six-figure settlement.

Client v. Apartment Complex (Iowa 2008)Facts: A 76-year-old woman slipped and fell on ice outside of her apartment complex in Northeast Iowa. She suffered a torn rotator cuff in the fall. The apartment complex failed to remove ice that had been on the sidewalk for many days. Defendant defended the case by asserting due care and comparative fault.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement in the amount of $63,500 on behalf of its client.

Client v. Davenport Casino (Iowa 2008)Facts: A young man suffered a torn rotator cuff when he slipped and fell on mud that had accumulated on the sidewalk during the grand opening of a Davenport casino. The fall was caught on video. The video showed that the mud was hidden by the shade from an overhang.

Verdict: Settlement was reached against numerous defendants prior to trial. The remaining defendant was taken to trial in Scott County. The jury returned a verdict in favor of Beattie Law Firm’s client, assessing damages at $163,000.

Varner v. Hy-Vee, et. al. (Iowa 2008 Trial)Facts: The client of Beattie Law Firm slipped and fell on a wet floor at Hy-Vee in Des Moines. She suffered a broken knee. The floor had just been cleaned and polished moments before her fall, but no warning of the wet floor was present. Claims were filed against the cleaning company and Hy-Vee.

Verdict: The cleaning company settled prior to trial for $25,000. Beattie Law Firm went to trial against Hy-Vee and obtained a verdict in favor of its client. The Polk County jury assessed damages at $45,000+.

Davenport v. Defendant (Iowa 2005)Facts: Mr. Davenport slipped and fell in a movie theatre, hitting his head on the ground. He suffered a permanent head injury.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm secured a settlement of $300,000 on behalf of its client.

Bangs v. Pioneer Janitorial of Ames, Inc. (Iowa 1999 Trial)Facts: The client of Beattie Law Firm was a K-Mart employee. Pioneer Janitorial was the janitorial service hired by K-Mart to clean the premises. Before store hours, Ms. Bangs walked down an aisle that had just been cleaned and waxed by Pioneer Janitorial. No warning sign had been posted by Pioneer Janitorial. Ms. Bangs fractured her hip in the fall.

Verdict: The case was tried to a Story County jury. The jury returned a verdict of $200,000+. The case was appealed by Pioneer Janitorial and overturned by the Iowa Supreme Court. On retrial, a Story County jury once again returned a verdict of $200,000+ to the client of Beattie Law Firm.

SPORTS INJURIES

Client v. Golf Course, et. al. (Iowa 2007 Trial)Facts: An 18-year-old worker was out for a weekend golf outing with his employer at a golf course in Polk County. The golf course arranged the golf carts so that they were all in front of the tee box. Client was told to sit in his cart while other foursomes teed off. An avid golfer shanked a drive left and hit client in the eye. The client’s eye could not be saved.

Settlement: Three days into the trial the case settled for approximately $500,000.00.

GENERAL NEGLIENCE

Client v. Defendants (Iowa 2014)Facts: While at the state fair, Beattie Law Firm’s client was placed in a choke hold by another person, causing him to lose consciousness and fall to the ground. The defendant offered a small settlement, which the client rejected. Beattie Law Firm filed suit against the defendant, and the case was litigated.

Settlement: The case was settled for a confidential amount prior to trial.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm’s client was a tenant at an apartment complex in Polk County. She was injured while walking up the stairs to another tenant’s apartment. The stairs collapsed, causing her injury.

Settlement: The case was settled for $50,000 against the apartment complex.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a woman who was injured at a local restaurant when she slipped and fell on water that had fallen to the floor from a broken ice machine.

Settlement: The case was settled for $45,000 prior to trial.

Son v. Father (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a gentleman who was burned when fugitive propane in an RV was ignited, causing a small explosion. It was learned that the father, who owned the RV, had failed to cap an appliance line, allowing propane to slowly leak into the RV.

Settlement: The case was resolved for a confidential six-figure amount.

Beattie, et. al. v. Todds Ltd. (Iowa 2005)Facts: Over 100 people were poisoned at a wedding in 2003 when a punch contained poison. Beattie Law Firm represented three of the victims.

Verdict: A Polk County jury returned a verdict in excess of $200,000, which was more than double the defendant’s settlement offer.

INSURANCE BAD FAITH

Client v. Insurance Company (N.D. Iowa 2017)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a farmer who had a claim for additional crop-hail insurance benefits denied by the insurance company. The dispute included claims of breach of contract and breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing a.k.a. “bad faith.” Evidence presented at trial included testimony that the insurance adjusters failed to timely adjust the loss, causing destruction of evidence and that when they did adjust the loss, they failed to look at over half of his acres.

Trial: A Northern Iowa jury returned a verdict in excess of $1.5 million. That amount was reduced by the court on post-verdict motions.

Client v. Insurance Company (Iowa 2016)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented an injured worker for his claim of bad faith handling of his workers’ compensation claim. Issues involved bad faith denial of the claim, including misrepresentation of Iowa’s notice requirement, failure to provide necessary and reasonable medical care, and delay of payment of indemnity benefits. The insurance company was also assessed a 50% penalty in the workers’ compensation action.

Settlement: All of our client’s claims, including the workers’ compensation case and bad faith action, settled at mediation for a substantial confidential amount in excess of $1 million.

Client v. Insurance Company (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented an Iowan who was injured at work. The workers’ compensation insurance company acted in bad faith with respect to his medical care and indemnity benefits, and Beattie Law Firm pursued a bad faith action in state court. The case was hotly contested by the insurance company.

Settlement: Prior to trial, the claim was settled for a confidential, multiple six figure amount.

Etten v. Workers’ Comp Insurance Co. (Iowa Federal Court 2008)Facts: Mr. Etten was a valued employee for over 8 years. He had never missed a day of work in his entire life. In 2003, while delivering a shipment of food to a customer, Mr. Etten slipped on ice, falling on his side. He did not immediately report the injury, as he assumed his pain would subside over the weekend. It did not. Mr. Etten, unable to recover from the pain, reported the fall to his supervisor shortly thereafter. A few days later, Mr. Etten underwent back surgery. The surgeon discovered that Mr. Etten had a large subcapsular disc herniation and also removed disc fragments from Mr. Etten’s back that were not present on the MRI. The insurance company denied all of Mr. Etten’s claim.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a highly confidential settlement for Mr. Etten.

Chambers v. Workers’ Comp Insurance Co. (Iowa Federal Court 2007)Facts: Mr. Chambers was wrongly denied workers’ compensation benefits by his employer’s workers’ compensation carrier. The denial caused him severe emotional distress as well as the loss of his house.

Buhmeyer v. Case New Holland (Iowa Federal Court 2006 Trial)Facts: Mr. Buhmeyer was a dedicated and diligent worker at Case New Holland for over 30 years. In July 2000, Mr. Buhmeyer reported problems with his hands to his supervisor. He was later given permanent restrictions from his workers’ compensation doctor. His doctor wrote to the workers’ compensation adjuster handling the claim, stating that Mr. Buhmeyer had already been compensated for carpal tunnel syndrome. This was not true, and the adjuster knew this; however, the adjuster failed to pay PPD benefits. Beattie Law Firm brought a lawsuit against Case New Holland for bad faith in the handling of his workers’ compensation claim.

Verdict: A jury sitting in Federal Court in the Southern District of Iowa returned a verdict in favor of Mr. Buhmeyer. Damages were assessed by the jury at $10,000 in compensatory damages and $275,000 in punitive damages.

Riggin v. Iowa Municipality’s (2005)Fact: An Iowa municipality failed to pay benefits when benefits were due.

Settlement: A substantial settlement was reached.

McDaniel v. Workers’ Comp Insurance Co. (Iowa 2005)Facts: An insurance company committed bad faith in the handling of Mr. McDaniel’s workers’ compensation claim. McDaniel suffered an injury when he was kicked in the face by a domestic animal resulting in severe facial damages.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a $275,000 settlement on behalf of Mr. McDaniel.

Payne v. Workers’ Comp Insurance Co. (Iowa 2005)Facts: Mr. Payne suffered from CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) following a work place injury. The workers’ compensation carrier wrongfully denied him necessary medical care and treatment as well as benefits owed to him.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential multiple six-figure settlement on behalf of Mr. Payne.

Lause v. Workers’ Comp Insurance Co. (Iowa Federal Court 2000)Facts: Our client was wrongfully denied medical treatment and disability benefits in connection with her work place injury.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential multiple six-figure settlement on behalf of Ms. Lause.

Otto v Ins Co. (Iowa Federal Court 1999)Facts: Our client was wrongfully denied medical treatment and disability benefits in connection with her work place injury.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential multiple six-figure settlement.

PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE

Hildreth v. Des Moines Law Firm (Iowa 2008 Trial)Facts: Mr. Hildreth was injured in an automobile collision in Warren County. He sustained a spinal injury that necessitated just over $7,000 in medical care. Mr. Hildreth hired a Des Moines personal injury attorney to represent him with respect to his claim. The attorney failed to timely file Mr. Hildreth’s lawsuit. Beattie Law Firm represented Mr. Hildreth in his legal malpractice claim against his former attorney.

Verdict: A Polk County jury returned a verdict in excess of $90,000 for Mr. Hildreth.

Veach v. Des Moines Law Firm (Iowa 2007)Facts: Ms. Veach’s attorney failed to timely file a dram shop notice with respect to her claim stemming from injuries she sustained when a drunk driver drove through the front doors of the dram, hitting Ms. Veach with his vehicle.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm secured a substantial confidential settlement on behalf of Ms. Veach.

Stubbert v. Law Firm (Illinois 2001)Facts: Client’s attorney from a prominent Illinois law firm was not qualified to handle a natural gas explosion by failing to recognize certain duties the natural gas utility had regarding inspections and warnings. Natural gas leaked from a recalled flex connector and exploded.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a $2,000,000 plus settlement on behalf of its client.

Client v. Law Firm (Iowa 1999)Facts: The defendant law firm settled a part of the client’s case but failed to reserve the right to continue with the client’s lawsuit against the remaining defendants. Thus, the court dismissed the client’s case against the remaining defendants.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm secured a $600,000 on behalf of its client.

TBI/BRAIN INJURY

INSURANCE CLAIM DISPUTE


Motor Vehicle Accident


QC: this was cut off on customer’s existing site, so I cut it off earlier


AUTOMOBILE COLLISONS

Client v. Defendants (Iowa 2017)Facts: Client was involved in an automobile accident where a city plow truck collided with the plaintiff’s vehicle on a snowy morning. Prior to filing suit, the city denied liability for the accident. Prior to filing suit, the city engaged in a newspaper press release, which included statements from its driver blaming our client for the accident.

Settlement: The claim was settled prior to trial for just over $410,000.

Client v. Defendants (Iowa 2015)Facts: Client was involved in two separate car accidents within the same year. Suit was filed against both accidents. Client had roughly $6,000 in medical bills. The case was defended on pre-existing conditions, intervening cause, and disputed damages.

Settlement: The claims were settled globally for $85,000.

Clients (minors) v. Defendants (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a family of four siblings who were all injured in a car accident on a road in rural Southwest Iowa. Claims were brought against the responsible driver and underinsured insurance carrier. The claims were defended on disputed fault and nature and extent of damages.

Settlement: The claims settled prior to trial against both the responsible driver and the underinsured carrier for a confidential amount.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a woman who was involved in an accident near her home. Claims were brought against the responsible driver and underinsured insurance carrier. The claims were defended on a theory that the accident did not cause the client’s injuries and disputed the extent of the injuries.

Settlement: The driver’s insurance policy paid policy limits of $100,000. The claim for underinsured benefits remains pending.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a nice gentleman from Des Moines who was injured after being rear-ended by another vehicle in Polk County. The case was defended on a theory that the client’s injuries were not as significant as alleged.

Settlement: The case went to mediation, but negotiations stalled. The case settled for multiple six figures, which represented more than $100,000 more than offered at mediation.

Client v. Defendants (Iowa 2015)Facts: Client was involved in two car accidents within two years of each other. Client claimed injury to his neck and low back. The defendants disputed that they caused the client’s injuries as well as the extent of his injuries.


Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Client was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Polk County. The defendants disputed causation and nature and extent of her injuries.

Settlement: The case was settled for $50,000 at mediation.

Client v. Defendant (South Carolina 2015)Facts: The client, who lived in Iowa, was vacationing with his family in South Carolina when he was involved in a bicycle accident. Nile Hicks was admitted pro hac in South Carolina to represent the client. The suit was defended on comparative fault and disputed causation on the client’s injuries.

Settlement: The case was settled for a confidential amount close to policy limits at mediation.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a Southern Iowa gentleman who was injured in a car accident.

Settlement: The case was settled prior to filing a lawsuit for roughly 4 times the client’s medical expenses.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Client was involved in a motor vehicle accident when she was hit by a driver of a truck who was leaving a house. Client sustained a significant pelvic fracture. Suit was filed on behalf of the Client in a rural Iowa County.

Settlement: The case was submitted to mediation where the case was settled for a confidential, multiple six-figure amount.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Client was involved in a car accident at an unmarked intersection in Northern Iowa. Suit was filed on a failure to yield and failure to keep a proper lookout basis. The claim was defended on a comparative fault basis and disputed damages.

Settlement: The case was settled prior to trial.

Sister v. Brother (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a Central Iowa woman who was injured when she was a passenger in her brother’s vehicle near Indianola, Iowa. The case was defended on disputed causation and extent of the client’s injuries.

Settlement: The case settled at mediation for a confidential six-figure amount.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a Central Iowa man who was injured in a motor vehicle accident. He was offered $1,000 by the insurance company prior to seeking an attorney at Beattie Law Firm.

Settlement: The case settled for $16,000, which was $15,000 more than the insurance company’s final offer to the client before representation.

Clients v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a family who was involved in a car accident that was not their fault. The insurance company did not want to pay the family any money and tried to blame the client for the accident because his English was poor.

Settlement: The case settled pre-suit for all clients for $60,000.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm’s client was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Bettendorf, Iowa. The client was driving a semi-truck westbound, when another vehicle ran through an intersection, causing an accident. Beattie Law Firm represented the client on his workers’ compensation and car accident claims.


Client v. Insurance Company (New Jersey/Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm’s client was a passenger in a single vehicle accident in New Jersey. The claim was turned down by multiple New Jersey law firms due to the laws in New Jersey. Beattie Law Firm pursued an uninsured motorist claim for the client.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential settlement for the client against the insurance company.

Clients v. Defendants (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a family who was involved in a motor vehicle accident on a rural highway in Southwest Iowa. The defendant denied he was at fault and hired an expert to blame the husband’s driving for the accident. After a failed mediation, the case went to trial.

Trial: After trial and post-trial motions, the family had damages assessed at over $100,000 with some fault assigned to the husband for his driving.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm’s client was leaving work at a local Des Moines store. While crossing in the crosswalk, she was struck by a young woman who claimed she did not see her. The case was defended on comparative fault and disputed damages.

Settlement: The case was settled at mediation for $45,000.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented an older gentleman who was injured in a car accident on Des Moines’ Eastside. The other driver blamed the older gentleman for the accident. Beattie Law Firm investigated and obtained statements from two eye witnesses that the other driver was at fault. The insurance company still denied the claim. Suit was filed.

Settlement: The case was settled for $85,000.

Client v. Defendant/Insurance Company (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a passenger who was involved in a single vehicle accident in Eastern Polk County. Suit was filed against the driver and the client’s insurance company for underinsured benefits. The driver had insurance limits of $100,000 and refused to pay that at mediation.

Settlement: The case settled in total for $125,000.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a woman who was blamed for a car accident. She maintained that the accident was not her fault, and that the other driver’s fault caused her injury. Suit was filed on her behalf, and the defendant counterclaimed, blaming her for the accident and injuries. The client’s insurance company paid money to settle that claim.

Settlement: Despite the fact that the client’s insurance company thought the accident was her fault and settled the claim against her, Beattie Law Firm pressed forward on behalf of their client and settled the claim for $30,000 for her injuries and damages.

Client v. Defendant/Insurance Company (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a passenger in a vehicle that was struck by another driver at low speed. The case was filed against the other driver and the driver of the passenger’s vehicle’s insurance company for underinsured benefits.

Settlement: The other driver’s insurance company paid policy limits, and Beattie Law Firm obtained an additional settlement of $50,000 at mediation on the underinsured benefits claim.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a Polk County woman, who struggled with the English language. She was being blamed for an accident that was not her fault. The case went to litigation, and the defendant tried to blame her for the accident.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm was able to get a settlement for its client in the amount of $22,000 despite the defendant’s attempt to blame her for the accident.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a Southern Iowa gentleman who was injured when he was a passenger in a vehicle.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm negotiated a pre-suit settlement of $40,000 for its client.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a Marion County woman who was involved in an accident outside of Pella. Suit was filed down in Marion County.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement for its client for $80,000.

Client v. Defendant/Insurance Company (Iowa 2014)

Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a Marion County woman who was seriously injured while driving a school bus. Beattie Law Firm pursued claims against the responsible driver, the school’s underinsured insurance, and the school’s workers’ compensation carrier. The school’s insurance argued that offsets prevented the client from collecting certain benefits. The issue was submitted to the court, which ruled in the client’s favor. The case was submitted through two separate mediations and was eventually resolved.


Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a gentleman who was involved in an accident on a highway in Marion County. The defendant denied responsibility, blaming a sudden emergency and no negligence due to the sun. Beattie Law Firm had a professional photographer take photographs at the time and location of the accident on the anniversary to show the location of the sun at the time of the accident, which disproved the sun in the eye defense.

Settlement: The case went to mediation and settled for $125,000.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented an EMT who was injured while in the back of an ambulance during transport. The firm represented her on both the workers’ compensation claim and the claim against the other driver.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm was able to obtain a settlement of $90,000 against the other driver’s insurance.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a passenger of a vehicle who struck a semi-truck that had pulled out in front of them on the highway. The client sustained an injury to her lower extremity that required her to miss time from work.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a pre-suit settlement of $120,000.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a family who was involved in a car accident.

Settlement: The cases settled for $45,000 before a lawsuit was filed.

Client v. Insurance Company (Iowa 2013)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a Central Iowa client who was involved in a car accident with another driver who had low limits of insurance. After the driver’s insurance company paid policy limits, the client’s insurance company took the position that no more benefits should be paid.

Settlement: In addition to the policy limits, an additional $60,000 was recovered under the client’s own insurance policy.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2013)

Facts: Beattie Law Firm’s client was an Eastern Iowa man who was a migrant worker from Africa. He was injured in a car accident while on his way to work. The insurance company originally denied the claim.

Settlement: The claim was settled for $60,000 prior to filing suit.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2009)Facts: Client was involved in a significant car accident. Suit was defended based on pre-existing complaints.

Settlement: Policy limits were tendered by the defendant’s insurance company. Suit continued against the underinsured carrier until settlement was reached for a substantial sum.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2009)Facts: A Washington County resident was injured in an automobile accident. The client had substantial pre-existing medical issues and had previously been determined disabled.

Settlement: Despite the client’s pre-existing medical issues, Beattie Law Firm obtained a policy limit settlement on behalf of the client.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2008)Facts: A Marion County resident was injured in a head-on collision. The defendant fell asleep at the wheel and crossed the center line at over 60 miles per hour, colliding with the car driven by Ms. Vanderecken.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm secured a $175,000 settlement on behalf of its client.

Hutzell v. Defendant (Iowa Federal Court 2008)Facts: A United States Postal mail van driver ran a stop light and collided with Mr. Hutzell’s vehicle. The claim was pursued pursuant to the Federal Tort Claim Act.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm secured a $275,000 settlement on behalf of Mr. Hutzell.

Gass v. Mapes (Iowa 2008)Facts: A Marion County resident was injured in a head-on collision. She suffered injuries to her ankle and knee. She required left knee replacement surgery. Her doctor testified that a pre-existing condition in her knee meant that the surgery was inevitable.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm secured a $100,000 settlement on behalf of Mrs. Gass.

Clients v. Defendant (Missouri 2008)Facts: The clients of Beattie Law Firm were involved in an automobile collision in Missouri. Many of the clients suffered significant injuries in the collision.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained policy limits on behalf of the clients of approximately $300,000.00.

Oberhauser v. Dines (Iowa 2008)

Facts: Mr. Oberhauser’s Dodge Ram truck was rear-ended on a two-lane highway in Northern Iowa. He sustained a back injury in the collision.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained policy limits on behalf of Mr. Oberhauser from the other driver’s insurance policy. Beattie Law Firm also obtained a settlement from Mr. Oberhauser’s underinsured policy prior to the start of trial.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2008)Facts: A Marion County resident was injured in an automobile collision in Polk County. There were questions as to fault of the respective drivers. There were questions as to whether the medical care following the accident was related to the accident or a previous injury for which client had been treating for prior to the automobile collision.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a $44,000 settlement on behalf of its client.

Adams v. Lavalley (Iowa 2008)Facts: A Union County resident was injured in an automobile collision in Polk County. Ms. Adams was a DHL driver making a delivery in Polk County. There were questions of whether the medical care following the accident was related to the accident or a previous injury suffered by Ms. Adams.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a $60,000 settlement on behalf of Ms. Adams.

Minkalis v. Defendants (Iowa 2008)Facts: Ms. Minkalis was injured in an automobile collision in Polk County. She suffered injuries to her back, neck, hip, chest, arm, and collarbone.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement policy limits of $100,000 from the tortfeasor as well as a settlement from the Underinsured Carrier.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2008)Facts: Client was injured in a head-on collision in Marion County while on the way to school. Client fractured her leg in the collision. Defendant defended the case based on the comparative fault of our client, alleging that client was traveling over 30 mile per hour over the speed limit on the rural road.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement in the amount of $60,000 on behalf of its client.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2008)Facts: Client was a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a single car accident. It was alleged that another vehicle was involved, forcing the vehicle in which client was a passenger in to run off the road. Client suffered significant facial injuries.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained policy limits from the driver of the vehicle in which client was a passenger. Beattie Law Firm also obtained a$75,000 from the driver of the other vehicle.

Client v. Uninsured Insurance Company (Iowa 2008)Facts: Client and his young son were involved in an automobile collision when an uninsured driver pulled out in front of them on a Polk County road. Client and his young son treated for their injuries at the emergency room on the day of the accident and did not receive any medical treatment past that

day.

Settlement: After filing the lawsuit against the insurance company, the insurance company settled for $18,500 total.

Herndon vs. American Concrete (2007)Fact: Plaintiff sustained a shoulder injury due to negligence of a driver of a concrete truck.

Settlement: The case settled for $200,000+.

Kusel v. Golly, et. al. (Iowa 2007)Facts: Mr. Kusel was injured when the truck he was driving was forced off the road when defendants were in the road on horseback.

Verdict: Beattie Law Firm obtained a Polk County jury verdict compensating Mr. Kusel for his injuries.

Brown v. ____(2006)Fact: Mr. Brown suffered a head injury when he was struck by a negligent driver of a pickup truck.

Settlement: The case settled for $400,000+.

Beyer v. United State of America (Iowa Federal Court 2006)Facts: Mr. Beyer was injured when a postal carrier negligently drove his vehicle into Mr. Beyer’s vehicle. The lawsuit was brought pursuant to the Federal Tort Claim Act.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a $225,000 settlement on behalf of Mr. Beyer.

Shives v. Travelers Insurance (Iowa 2006 Trial)Facts: Ms. Shives was T-boned at an intersection in Mahaska County. She suffered permanent nerve-related arm dysfunction as a result of the accident. As a result, she was no longer able to work as a cable installer, which was her previous job.

Verdict: Beattie Law Firm obtained a $200,000+ verdict on behalf of Ms. Shives. The verdict was 20 times what Travelers offered to settle for prior to the trial.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2005)Facts: Our client was injured in an automobile accident in Montgomery County. The insurance company refused to provide the policy limits prior to filing of the lawsuit, claiming that there was no reason to believe this was a policy limits case.

Settlement: Upon receipt of the information regarding policy limits, the case was settled for policy limits.

Kendall v. Meldrem, et. al. (Iowa 2003 Trial)Facts: Patricia Kendall, a 64-year-old woman, left her employment at Pella Corporation with co-defendant. Ms. Kendall was the passenger in co-defendant’s vehicle. As their car crested a hill, Defendant Meldrem’s vehicle suddenly turned his vehicle right in front of the vehicle in which Ms. Kendall was riding. The driver of Ms. Kendall’s vehicle had only $25,000 in insurance coverage. Ms.

Kendall suffered a frozen shoulder in the accident.

Verdict: A Marion County jury awarded $350,000 in damages to Ms. Kendall and $34,000 in consortium damages to her husband. The driver of the vehicle in which Ms. Kendall was a passenger paid the policy limits.

Jacobs, et. al. v. Smith, et. al. (Iowa 2001 Trial)Facts: Jacobs was a passenger in Defendant Guessford’s vehicle. Mrs. Guessford crossed the bridge on Interstate 80 headed southbound just south of the Highway 141 on-ramp. Guessford was suddenly confronted with the stopped vehicle of Co-Defendant Smith, who had crashed on the slippery roads.

Verdict: The Polk County jury returned a verdict in favor of the clients of Beattie Law Firm in the amount of $280,000.

DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENTS/DRAM SHOP

Klobnak vs Prairie Meadows Race Track & Casino (2005)Fact: Ms. Klobnak was critically injured when a Prairie Meadows patron drove his vehicle through the entrance to the casino. The patron had been drinking all day at the casino and had a blood alcohol content 1 1/2 times the legal limit. Ms. Klobnak medical costs were approximately $200,000.

Settlement: Prairie Meadows fought liability and plaintiff was required to take approximately 40 depositions to prove her case. At the request of Prairie Meadows, a very substantial settlement was reached.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a motorcycle driver who was injured when a neighbor of his pulled in front of him. The case proceeded to litigation.

Settlement: The case was settled for $108,000 for the client prior to his deposition.

Clients v. Defendants (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a husband and wife who were involved in a motorcycle crash on a rural road in Central Iowa. Claims were asserted against the other driver and the client’s underinsured benefits.

Settlement: The cases were settled for an amount of nearly $500,000.

Estate v. Defendants (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a young woman who lost her father when a vehicle pulled in front of his motorcycle on a Des Moines road. The defendant tried to blame the motorcycle driver for the accident.

Settlement: The cases were settled for policy limits of multiple six-figures against all insurance companies involved.

Clients v. Defendant (Iowa 2013)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a husband and wife who were injured due to an accident on the interstate believed to have been caused by leaking diesel fuel from a semi-truck. The case proceeded to litigation. The defendant denied fault and denied knowing that he was leaking some fuel from his reefer tank.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential six-figure settlement for the clients.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2009)Facts: Client was driving his motorcycle on Highway 5 when he was hit by a vehicle from behind. The driver and owner of the vehicle did not have insurance. Claim was made against the client’s uninsured motorist provision of his policy.

Settlement: After substantial negotiations, policy limits were tendered by the insurance company.

Brown v. Defendant (Iowa 2006)Facts: Mr. Brown was the driver of a motorcycle in Polk County that was in an accident with a truck. Mr. Brown suffered a fractured skull, broken nose, broken arms, chipped teeth, collapsed lung, torn PCL, and other injuries in the collision.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement of $475,000 for its client.

Hammersland v. Defendant (Iowa 2003)Facts: Mr. Hammersland was seriously injured while operating a motorcycle in Webster County. The Defendant’s asphalt truck collided with defendant, causing injury.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement of $385,000 for its client.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 1998)Facts: Client was injured while on a motorcycle.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement in excess of $300,000.

CASHWORTHINESS

Client v. General Motors (Iowa 2008)Facts: Beattie Law represented a man who was rendered a paraplegic when the seat back in his General Motors manufactured vehicle failed. Our client was on his way home from a University of Iowa football game when the car he was a passenger in was rear-ended at low speed. He was thrown backwards into the rear seat, breaking his neck, when the seat back broke.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential seven-figure settlement for the client.

SEMI-TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Rierson v. ___Fact: Mr. Rierson suffered a severe head injury when a semi pulled out in front of him in dense fog.

Settlement: The case settled for $1.5 million.



Estate v. Defendants (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented the estate of a woman who was killed in a collision with a semi-truck on a city street in West Des Moines. The case went through litigation. The defendant driver maintained that he was not at fault for the accident.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a highly confidential, significant settlement for the family.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a passenger of a vehicle who struck a semi-truck that had pulled out in front of them on the highway. The client sustained an injury to her lower extremity that required her to miss time from work.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a pre-suit settlement of $120,000.

Clients v. Defendant (Iowa 2013)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a husband and wife who were injured due to an accident on the interstate believed to have been caused by leaking diesel fuel from a semi-truck. The case proceeded to litigation. The defendant denied fault and denied knowing that he was leaking some fuel from his reefer tank.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential six-figure settlement for the clients.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2013)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a woman who was injured when a jack-knifed semi caused her to go off the roadway in Polk County. The defendant denied fault, claiming that it was a different, unknown semi-truck who caused the accident and denied the extent of her damages.

Settlement: The claim proceeded to mediation, and the client rejected the settlement offer. Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential, six-figure settlement shortly after mediation and before trial.

Estate of Pennock v. Griffin Industries (Tenn. 2012) (Iowa 2011)Facts: Mr. Pennock was tragically killed while loading his rig at a Griffin Industries loading bay. While checking the gauge on his own rig, a driver of another semi-trailer that was parked next to the Pennock truck pulled out, running over Mr. Pennock. Suit was brought by the sole heir of Mr. Pennock against Griffin Industries. Beattie Law Firm successfully tried the case to a federal jury in Tennessee in November 2012.

Verdict: The jury returned a damage verdict of $750,000. Despite the damage verdict being reduced

by some comparative fault assessed against Mr. Pennock, the final result obtained by Beattie Law Firm was more than 7 times the offer to settle from defendant before trial.

Client v. Trucking Driver & Trucking Company (Iowa 2011)Facts: Our client was injured when he was rear-ended at a stop sign by a semi-truck. Our client spent a week in the hospital rehabilitating from his injuries. He sustained a closed head injury that resulted in permanent loss of function, including balance problems and headaches.

Settlements: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential multiple six figure settlement ($200,000) for the client prior to the filing of a lawsuit.

Client v. Trucking Driver & Trucking Company (Nebraska 2011)Facts: Our client was driving a vehicle and rear-ended a flat-bed semi-truck. Suit was based on the theory that the flat-bed semi-truck failed to properly signal a right turn and operated her vehicle in a negligent manner in making a right turn.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential settlement on the eve of trial.

Client v. Trucking Driver & Trucking Company (Iowa 2011)Facts: Our client was a female passenger in a vehicle on I-80/I-35 near Des Moines. The vehicle she was travelling in was rear-ended by a semi. The driver of the semi denied fault for the accident. Through its investigation, Beattie Law Firm was able to place all fault on the semi driver.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential settlement on behalf of the client.

Koenigsdorf v. Trucking Driver & Trucking Company (Iowa 2011)Facts: Our client was rear ended on Interstate I-80. The client suffered back and neck injuries. His injuries were proven to be new aggravations of a prior back problem that he had which included prior surgery.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential settlement for the client.

Labadie, et. al. v. Kondratyuk (Iowa 2008)Facts: Our clients, from Canada, were over-the-road truck drivers from Canada, driving through Iowa on Interstate 80 when the defendant caused a collision between Mr. Labadie’s truck and the defendant’s truck. Our clients sustained both physical injuries and significant post-traumatic stress.

Settlement: A $200,000 settlement was reached on behalf of the clients of Beattie Law Firm.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2008)Facts: An elderly couple, ages 81 and 86, were involved in an automobile collision with a semi-truck driver and another vehicle. One of our clients died at the scene of the collision. The other sustained injuries in the collision.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm secured a $600,000 settlement on behalf of its clients prior to filing a lawsuit.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2008)

Facts: Two men were injured when their vehicle was rear-ended on Interstate 80 by a semi-truck who had just entered onto the interstate.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained settlements for both men totaling $81,500.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2005)Facts: Client, age 50, was killed when the vehicle she was driving collided with the defendant’s semi-tractor trailer.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm secured a confidential multiple six figure settlement on behalf of its client.

Marsh, et. al. v. Defendants (Iowa 1999)Facts: The Marsh family was rear-ended by multiple tractor-trailers traveling on Interstate 80 near Colfax, Iowa, during a winter storm. The family was trapped inside of their vehicle, and the jaws of life was required to extract them.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential settlement on behalf of its clients.

Rierson v. PST, Inc. (Iowa 1999)Facts: Mr. Rierson was driving on Highway 65 near Altoona, Iowa when Defendant’s employee, operating a semi-truck, pulled into Mr. Rierson’s lane of travel. Mr. Rierson was life flighted to Methodist Hospital where he was diagnosed with a severe closed head injury. Sadly, Mr. Rierson never recovered and eventually succumbed to his injuries.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a $1,500,000.00 for its client.

Hargens v. Truck Line Inc. (Iowa 1997)Facts: Mr. Hargens was driving east on University Ave. in Des Moines when he was rear ended by a semi. Mr. Hargens suffered a substantial head injury.

Settlement: A settlement of approximately $1,000,000.00 for the client.

RAILROAD – VEHICLE COLLISIONS


Workers’ Compensation


Nissen v. Cooperative Mutual Ins. Co. (Arbitration Decision 2009)Facts: Mr. Nissen was catastrophically injured in an anhydrous ammonia explosion which caused severe burning and restrictions. The matter was tried in before a Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner.

Arbitration Decision: After hearing, the Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner awarded 75% Industrial Disability.

Faux v. Mid-America Recycling (Arbitration Decision 2009)Facts: Mr. Faux was severely injured when a large object fell on him, causing a crushing injury. The matter was tried in before a Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner.


Klobnak v. Delong Sports (Arbitration Decision 2008)Facts: Ms. Klobnak sustained severe back injury which occurred while lifting an employer’s product. The matter was tried in before a Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner.

Arbitration Decision: After hearing, the Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner awarded Total Permanent Industrial Disability. The matter was settled after hearing to avoid appeal.

Moorehead v. PRI (Arbitration Decision 2008)Facts: Mr. Moorehead sustained a back injury while lifting a window while employed. The matter was tried in before a Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner.


Day v. Composite Technology (Arbitration Decision 2008)Facts: Ms. Day was injured from repetitive use of her shoulder. The matter was tried in before a Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner.

Arbitration Decision: After hearing, the Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner awarded 60% Industrial Disability. The matter was settled after hearing to avoid appeal.

Bedwell v. Second Injury Fund (Arbitration Decision 2008)Facts: Mr. Bedwell sustained a meniscus tear which resulted in a low impairment rating. However, the injury affected Mr. Bedwell’s ability to continue working on his feet. The claim qualified for Second Injury Fund Benefits. The matter was tried in before a Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner.

Arbitration Decision: After hearing, the Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner found 65% Industrial Disability.

Phillips v. Second Injury Fund (Arbitration Decision 2008)Facts: Mr. Phillips sustained a cumulative injury to his foot from the use of a stool at work. The matter was tried in before a Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner.


ON-THE-JOB INJURIES

SERIOUS WORK-RELATED INJURIES


Workplace Injury


WORK INJURY CAUSED BY NON-CO-WORKER

Client v. Defendants (Iowa 2015)Facts: Client was involved in a fall from a step ladder while working at a customer’s job site. In addition to pursuit of the workers’ compensation claim, a lawsuit was filed against the owner of the ladder. Beattie Law Firm retained leading experts in OSHA and industry ladder standards to help establish why the owner of the ladder was responsible for the client’s injuries and damages. A theory of liability was developed concerning the owner’s violation of OSHA, industry, and company standards and practices concerning ladder safety.

Settlement: The case was submitted to two mediations. During the second mediation, the entire case (workers’ compensation and third party) was resolved. Between the two claims, the client received in excess of $1 million in benefits and damages, including a significant lump sum payment to him as well as structure payment.


Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a policy limits settlement of $100,000 for the client on the car accident claim, and the workers’ compensation claim remains open for the client.

Client v. Insurance Company (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented an Iowan who was injured at work. The workers’ compensation insurance company acted in bad faith with respect to his medical care and indemnity benefits, and Beattie Law Firm pursued a bad faith action in State Court. The case was hotly contested by the insurance company.

Settlement: Prior to trial, the claim was settled for a confidential, multiple six figure amount.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2015)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a client who was an independent contractor over the road trucker. He was injured while unloading at a customer’s facility. The claim went to litigation and was contested on liability grounds as well as the extent of the client’s injuries.

Settlement: The case was settled prior to trial for a confidential five-figure amount.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014/2015)Facts: An OTR driver was in Iowa to pick up a load for a customer. He called ahead and was relying on the customer to load the flatbed trailer, and he would do the final strap down. The customer was not prepared for the load despite the advanced notice and relied on the driver to help. The customer ended up dumping some of the load on the driver, causing him injury. Beattie Law Firm represented the client in both his workers’ compensation claim and his personal injury claim.

Settlement & Verdict: The personal injury claim settled for $75,000 with an agreement that the lien did not apply to future workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ compensation claim went to trial, and the client was awarded roughly an additional $100,000 in benefits.

Huff v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a Central Iowa worker who was injured while working at the U.S. Postal Service facility in Des Moines. She was a contract worker responsible for picking up and delivering mail. She was injured while trying to move a dock plate at the facility because the Postal Service workers refused to help and wouldn’t fix the automatic dock plate that was supposed to be there.

Verdict: The case was tried to the court because there is no right to a jury trial in these types of cases. The court returned a damage verdict in excess of $100,000. The client was assigned a small percentage of fault and was eventually awarded roughly $90,000. Beattie Law Firm also was able to obtain additional benefits for the client through representation in the workers’ compensation claim.

Client v. Defendant/Insurance Company (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a Marion County woman who was seriously injured while driving a school bus. Beattie Law Firm pursued claims against the responsible driver, the school’s underinsured insurance, and the school’s workers’ compensation carrier. The school’s insurance argued that offsets prevented the client from collecting certain benefits. The issue was submitted to the Court, which ruled in the client’s favor. The case was submitted through two separate mediations and was eventually resolved.


Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented an EMT who was injured while in the back of an ambulance during transport. The firm represented her on both the workers’ compensation claim and the claim against the other driver.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm was able to obtain a settlement of $90,000 against the other driver’s insurance.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a Central Iowa worker who was injured when shelving fell on her at work. The contractor who put up the shelves was sued for negligence.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm settled the case for $50,000.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: The client was injured when a garbage truck trapped him in an area designated for a large commercial trash bin. The claim went forward as a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party claim against the garbage company.

Settlement: The case was mediated and resulted in a settlement of $85,000 on the claim against the garbage truck driver.

CO-EMPLOYEE GROSS NEGLIGENCE

Heck v. Craigmile et al, (Iowa 2008)Facts: A hexane explosion interrupted at the AGP soybean processing facility in Sergeant Bluff’s Iowa August 2003. The explosion killed Mr. Heck and others were critically burned. Plaintiffs filed suit against co-employees’ managers based upon a co-employee gross negligence theory. In addition, plaintiffs filed suit against various parties who were involved in the construction and design of the existing extraction room where the explosion occurred.

During the course of litigation, plaintiffs have received confidential amounts of settlement from various co-employee defendants and other defendants involved in the construction and design of the facility. The case is pending with the remaining defendants and trial is scheduled in March.

Settlement: Settlement among the many defendants, including manufacturers and designers of the processing system, exceeded $6,000,000.00.

Smith v. Air Feeds, et. al. (Iowa 1996)Facts: Smith was injured when a Komatsu press he was operating at work cut off his hand. Mr. Smith’s employer had modified the press machine, taking away the intended safety device.

Verdict: A Story County jury assessed Mr. Smith’s damages at $278,000. The Supreme Court upheld the District Court’s finding of co-employee gross negligence.

WORKPLACE INJURY

Clients v. Defendants (Iowa 2012)Facts: Our client suffered serious injuries to his body when he fell nearly thirty feet from a roof while performing maintenance services for his employer. Injuries included bilateral heel fractures, leg fractures, vertebral burst fracture, rib fractures, and significant nerve damage in his lower legs. A lawsuit was filed against the building owner and the design and construction professionals who had recently designed and built the new facility. During the course of the lawsuit, it was discovered by Beattie Law Firm that the new building was designed and constructed in violation of applicable building codes and industry standards. The building codes required a guardrail to be placed where our client fell, but unfortunately it was left out of the design and construction of the facility.

Settlement: Trial was scheduled to begin in Story County. With the prospective jurors sitting in the courtroom, the defendants collectively settled the case for a substantial confidential amount.


I did not include the few cases at the bottom that were, “see X” because they are already included in the list of cases.

Heck, et. al. v. Defendants, (Iowa 2008)Facts: A factory in Sergeant Bluff was undergoing repairs and improvements. Fugitive hexane gas was released into the atmosphere where workers were doing repairs and cleaning of the factory. The hexane gas exploded, causing burn injuries to Beattie Law Firm clients. A lawsuit was brought against over 20 defendants, and the litigation lasted over 5 years. Theories of liability ranged from co-employee gross negligence to professional negligence to product liability.

Settlement: Settlement was reached prior to trial against all defendants but one. Trial was held in Sioux City, Iowa. After 2 weeks of testimony, the last defendant settled. The total settlement amount exceeded $6,000,000.00.

Herndon v. Defendant (Iowa 2007)Facts: A worker for a Polk County Hospital was injured when the cube truck she was in was struck by the chute of a concrete truck.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm secured a substantial confidential settlement in the six figures for its client.

Windom v. Defendants (Nebraska Federal Court 2004 Trial)Facts: Our client was injured when a shock absorber malfunctioned, causing injury.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm secured a $1,500,000 after one and a half weeks of trial in federal court in Nebraska.


Wrongful Death


Client v. Defendants (Kentucky) (2014)Facts: Two weeks before the explosion that killed an adult and two children, a propane gas deliveryman from the gas company was at the home delivering propane when he was notified of a possible leak in the gas system. The driver admitted he did not inspect the leak. The case rose from negligence to a punitive damage case.

Settlement: The gas company and its insurer met with plaintiffs resulting in a very substantial confidential settlement in excess of $16 million.

Estate v. Defendants (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented the estate of a woman who was killed in a collision with a semi-truck on a city street in West Des Moines. The case went through litigation. The defendant driver maintained that he was not at fault for the accident.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a highly confidential, significant settlement for the family.

Estate v. Defendants (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a young woman who lost her father when a vehicle pulled in front of his motorcycle on a Des Moines road. The defendant tried to blame the motorcycle driver for the accident.

Settlement: The cases were settled for policy limits of multiple six-figures against all insurance companies involved.

Estate v. Defendant (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented an estate of a gentleman who was killed when he was a pedestrian on a rural road in Central Iowa.


Clients v. Defendant (Iowa 2012)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented the surviving spouse and children of a retired farmer who was tragically killed following an anhydrous ammonia exposure while spreading the fertilizer at his son’s farm. A hose ruptured, causing the farmer to try to escape the cloud by driving away. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful and eventually died due to his inhalation of anhydrous ammonia. Beattie Law Firm handled the claim, asserting that the incident was preventable and that the leaders in the farming supply industry had long known about the issue concerning the use of tandem nurse tanks in the application process. Here, the emergency shutoff valve failed to shut off the flow of anhydrous and did not properly activate. Beattie Law Firm presented to the defendant evidence that this problem had been previously discussed at a meeting of higher-ups in the agricultural industry more than two years prior to the event, yet nothing was done to prevent this type of incident from happening.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a substantial and highly confidential settlement for the family. The family is committed to alerting the farming community concerning the dangers associated with the application of anhydrous ammonia.

Estate of Pennock v. Griffin Industries (Tenn. 2012) (Iowa 2011)Facts: Mr. Pennock was tragically killed while loading his rig at a Griffin Industries loading bay. While checking the gauge on his own rig, a driver of another semi-trailer that was parked next to the Pennock truck pulled out, running over Mr. Pennock. Suit was brought by the sole heir of Mr. Pennock against Griffin Industries. Beattie Law Firm successfully tried the case to a federal jury in Tennessee in November 2012.

Verdict: The jury returned a damage verdict of $750,000. Despite the damage verdict being reduced by some comparative fault assessed against Mr. Pennock, the final result obtained by Beattie Law Firm was more than 7 times the offer to settle from defendant before trial.

Hicks vs DC Masonry, Inc., et al. (Nebraska 2010)Facts: Wrongful death action stemming from an on the job electrocution. The case was based on the negligence of varies parties.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a substantial multiple seven figure settlement for the client

prior to trial.

Client v. Natural Gas Retailer (Iowa Federal Court 2008)Facts: A 72-year-old retired principal died in a natural gas explosion. The case was based on a negligent failure to warn, including the need to have gas detectors installed inside our clients’ home. The gas company defended the case on the basis that this was not a natural gas explosion.

Settlement: $900,000 was reached five days before the beginning of trial.

Estate v. Defendants (Iowa 2008)Facts: The young man was killed when hexane gas leaked at a major soybean processing facility. Two other men were burned. Beattie Law Firm represented the estate and the two burn victims in a very complicated and extensive litigation.

Settlement: The case settled in its entirety the second week of trial in excess of $6 million from the various defendants.

Client v. Defendant (Iowa 2008)Facts: An elderly couple, ages 81 and 86, were involved in an automobile collision with a semi-truck driver and another vehicle. One of our clients died at the scene of the collision. The other sustained injuries in the collision.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm secured a $600,000 settlement on behalf of its clients prior to filing a lawsuit.

Gossage v. Retailer, et. al. (Iowa 2008)Facts: Mr. Gossage was an employee of a hog lot in Iowa. A propane operated gas washer was installed inside of a break room without adequate ventilation. A buildup of carbon monoxide killed Mr. Gossage. The lawsuit was filed against the appliance manufacturer and the gas retailer for negligent inspection and negligent failure to warn.

Settlement: Settlements in total in excess of $800,000 were obtained for the client of Beattie Law Firm shortly before the start of trial.

Estate of Ryan v. Defendants (Iowa 2006)Facts: Mr. Ryan lost his life, and another co-worker was severely and permanently injured when an anhydrous ammonia tank ruptured. The tank ruptured due to a defective weld, and it had been inadequately inspected over the years. Plaintiffs sued the various defendants on a failure to warn theory.

Verdict: The jury returned a verdict of $9.6 million, including nearly $4 million for the wrongful death claim.

Client v. Propane Retailer (Iowa 2006)Facts: Beattie Law Firm client was killed in a propane explosion in Harrison County. The case was based on negligent failure to warn, including the failure to warn about gas detectors.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential six-figure settlement for the client.

Client v. Natural Gas Retailer (Iowa Court 2004)Facts: An elderly retired space engineer died in a natural gas explosion. The case was based on a negligent failure to warn, including the need to have gas detectors installed inside our clients’ home. The gas company defended the case on the basis that this was not a natural gas explosion.

Settlement: A substantial confidential settlement was reached before the beginning of trial.

Rierson v. PST, Inc. (Iowa 1999)Facts: Mr. Rierson was driving on Highway 65 near Altoona, Iowa when the defendant’s employee, operating a semi-truck, pulled into Mr. Rierson’s lane of travel. Mr. Rierson was life flighted to Methodist Hospital where he was diagnosed with a severe closed head injury. Sadly, Mr. Rierson never recovered and eventually succumbed to his injuries.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a $1,500,000 for its client.

LOSS OF SPOUSAL CONSORTIUM & SERVICES

LOSS OF PARENTAL CONSORTIUM & SERVICES


Products Liability


Daleske vs FarmlandFact: Mr. Daleske lost a leg when he fell into an unguarded grain auger while unloading corn at a co-op. Plaintiff claimed that the auger should have had a guard which the co-op failed to have in place.

Settlement: Case settled for $2 million.

Kelley v. CPM (Iowa 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a mill worker who lost three fingers while maintaining a grain roller machine manufactured by a Waterloo company. Beattie Law Firm retained experts in product design, product warnings, and agricultural products, who were critical of the design and warnings on the product. The product manufacturer retained an expert who blamed the client for misuse of the product and for sticking his fingers in a pinch point while the machine was winding down.

Verdict: The case proceeded to trial in Webster County. The jury returned a damage verdict of roughly $950,000, which was reduced slightly in post-verdict motions and some comparative fault assigned to the client.

Client v. Defendant (D. Neb. 2017)Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a client following an industrial setting fire that resulted in substantial property damage to the facility. Suit was brought against the defendant, who designed,


QC: Nothing on these pages, but included in case they want to add some content later on.

manufactured, and sold the commercial dryer to the client. The theory of liability asserted was that the defendant failed to meet established industry standards concerning necessary fire safety equipment.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential seven figure settlement after a week-long trial in federal court. Settlement was reached prior to closing arguments.


Agricultural/Farm Related


AGRICULTURAL INJURIES

Daleske v. Farmland, et al. (Story County, Iowa 1996)Facts: Daleske was working in a grain bin and fell into an unguarded auger. He lost one leg and his scrotum. Suit was filed against Farmland for failure to provide guards for said auger.

Settlement: $1,500,000.00

Schneider v. Seed Corn Co. et. al. (Iowa 1995)Facts: Ms. Schneider lost an arm when using an unguarded auger. Claims were based on defective design and defective maintenance.

Settlement: A $900,000.00 plus settlement was reached.

GRAIN DUST EXPLOSIONS

Client v. Defendants (Minnesota 2014)Facts: Beattie Law Firm’s clients sustained significant property damage after a failed bearing ignited a grain dust explosion at a grain handling facility in South Dakota. Suit was filed in Minnesota against various defendants.

Settlement: The case was settled for a confidential amount early in the litigation.

Client v. Defendants (Iowa 2013)Facts: Beattie Law Firm’s client sustained significant property damage after a failed bearing ignited a grain dust explosion at a grain handling facility in rural Iowa. The case proceeded through multiple years of litigation, and well over 50 depositions were taken. Beattie Law Firm hired some of the leading experts in grain dust explosions, agricultural practices, bearings, and other areas to help establish liability against the defendants.

Settlement: The case settled for a confidential multiple seven figure amount.

Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company vs. SMA Elevator Construction, Inc., et al. (Iowa 2012)

Erhardt, Mariah, 08/22/19,

This is “1,5000.00” on the site, which doesn’t make sense. Assuming this is correct due to the injuries sustained and the settlements reached with the other similar cases.

Facts: An explosion at a grain elevator occurred, resulting in property damage due to an overheated or hot pillow block bearing. This case was based on negligence, breach of warranty, breach of contract against the manufacturer, designer, and installer among other parties.

Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential settlement for the Client prior to trial.

ANHYDROUS AMMONIA

Nissen and RyanFacts: Mr. Ryan lost his life and Mr. Nissen was severely and permanently injured when an anhydrous ammonia tank ruptured. The tank ruptured due to a defective weld and it had been inadequately inspected over the years. Plaintiff sued the tank manufacturers and the anhydrous ammonia manufacturers on the basis of failure to warn regarding adequately inspecting tanks.

Settlement: $9.6 million plus $2 million of settlements from settling defendants.

Practice Areas: (main folder page)

Explosions & Burns: (subpage)


Nationwide Gas Explosion & Burn Injury Lawyers


Donald G. Beattie has handled more than 100 cases of burn injuries, many caused by gas explosions. Most of these cases stem from residential and commercial propane gas leaks and explosions. Mr. Beattie has also helped his clients in natural gas explosions, anhydrous ammonia burn injuries, carbon monoxide exposure injuries, and many other complex cases.

In addition to gaining much-needed financial compensation for burn injury victims, our law firm has made an important difference in product safety. We stress the importance of safety in industries that often push safety issues to the back burner in favor of profit-generating shortcuts. It is our hope that our work will result in fewer and fewer explosions, injuries and deaths.

When people across the nation are injured by propane gas explosions, natural gas explosions, anhydrous ammonia exposure, carbon monoxide exposure, or any other dangerous and deadly product, they are often referred to Beattie Law Firm in Des Moines because of our extensive experience. We encourage referrals from friends, family, and other lawyers from across the United States.


Safety First


Consolidating all of the sub-subpages for these areas into one page per each practice area per the note on Trello. I would urge the customer to cut down on some of this information to shorten these pages or doing more of these accordions to contain the other H2s. I’ve made cuts where possible without taking away from the main points of each category.


QC: I assume this is what they meant


Don Beattie has long been at the forefront for consumer safety when it comes to propane gas explosion litigation. In fact, the propane gas industry has even published an interview with him in their national magazine, LPGas, citing him as one of “the most recognized legal adversaries in cases against propane marketers and equipment manufacturers.”

Using what we have learned from prior cases, the personal injury attorneys at Beattie Law Firm have been leaders in pushing for safer practices in many industries.


Tough Questions to Answer


• How did the leak occur?

• Did you or your loved one get a warning that there was a leak?

• Did you get adequate warnings and training from the gas company?

• Did the gas company provide you with a gas detector?

• Did you even know what a propane gas detector is and how it can save lives?

These questions often hold the key to holding others responsible for your injuries or another’s death. We can help you answer those questions.


Propane Gas Explosions


Have you, your loved one, or your client been the victim of a propane gas explosion? If so, our thoughts and prayers go out to you. We know what a family goes through after a tragic event like this. Litigation may be the furthest thing from your mind. Yet, immediate response to the event so that evidence can be properly preserved is important. You have made it here to our website, which means that you are on the right path to getting the representation that you need.

Propane gas explosion litigation is complex and difficult. It should not be left to the untested or amateurs. Don Beattie and Beattie Law Firm have handled hundreds of lawsuits involving residential and commercial propane gas explosions resulting in serious injuries, burns, and death. Beattie Law

Firm is widely considered the foremost expert in propane gas explosion litigation for victims. We do not represent gas companies or insurance companies. We represent the victims of these tragic incidents.


Natural Gas Explosions


Natural gas is used to power millions of homes in the United States. When used safely, it works well to power appliances such as water heaters, stoves, furnaces, and washers, and dryers. However, when natural gas escapes from the piping and enters the atmosphere, a deadly situation is created.

When you, a loved one, or a client has been affected by a natural gas explosion or fire, you may feel that nothing can be done to hold others responsible for the tragedy. There is no doubt that explosion lawsuits are among the most difficult cases to litigate and prove. Key evidence is often destroyed or damaged in the explosion. A key witness may have died in the explosion. There is no doubt that the gas company and appliance manufacturers will hire the foremost experts in defense of the claim. You too should be entitled to the best representation.


Other Gas Explosions & Fires


Beattie Law Firm has handled hundreds of gas explosions. Most have involved propane or natural gas explosions because those are the gases that are used to fuel our homes in the Midwest and beyond. However, we know that not all explosions and fires happen due to a leaky gas system at home. In fact, we have handled numerous cases involving other gas explosions and fires at home, at work, and elsewhere.

Hexane and acetone, to name a few, have caused serious injuries and death to clients of Beattie Law Firm. We know what a family goes through after a tragic event. Litigation may be the furthest thing from your mind. Yet, immediate response to the event so that evidence can be properly preserved is important. This is especially important when a fire or explosion is involved because some of the evidence (the scene) may not be properly preserved for a long period of time after the incident.


Carbon Monoxide Poisoning


Carbon monoxide poisoning accounts for a large portion of poisoning deaths reported each year. It has been referred to as a “silent killer” because it is colorless and odorless, meaning that a person may be exposed to the gas without even knowing it is present.

No carbon monoxide incident is the same. Responsibility may sit with the landlord, property owner, construction crew, appliance manufacturer, repair company, maintenance company, or other entity.We have worked with leading experts in the industry on carbon monoxide poisoning cases, including complex death and exposure cases.


Electrocution Injuries


Each year, hundreds of people suffer serious injuries or death due to electricity. Electrical injuries come in many different types. A person may be fatally electrocuted, receive an electric shock, receive burns from an electrical source, or fallen as a result of contact with electrical energy.

Most electrocution incidents occur while we are on the job. A construction worker may come into contact with an overhead line. A line may arc, causing an electrocution of a worker. If this has happened to you, workers’ compensation benefits may not be your only option to take care of your needs and your family’s needs. You may have rights against others responsible for your injuries.

Other electrocution incidents may occur at home, while enjoying leisure time, or even due to a defective product. We at Beattie Law Firm have experience in handling complex electrocution lawsuits. We have handled all sorts of cases from work electrocutions, construction setting electrocutions, children suffering serious injuries due to downed overhead lines, and other settings.

Personal Injury: (subpage)


Looking Out for Your Best Interests


At Beattie Law Firm in Des Moines, our lawyers represent clients throughout Iowa, making sure they are treated fairly and justly. Our personal injury and workers’ compensation attorneys are compassionate to clients and aggressive in pursuing their best interests. We level the playing field, so that your voice will be heard. Our personal injury practice includes a wide range of cases.


Like with the verdicts/settlements, I’ve moved grain dust explosions to the agricultural area.


Dog Bites


Suffering a dog bite or other animal attack can result in serious injuries, many of which can alter a person’s life drastically. If you or a loved one was attacked, bitten or otherwise injured by a dog, speak to one of our experienced Des Moines dog bite attorneys immediately. We will look out for your best interests and help you obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law.

In Iowa, unless a dog is needlessly provoked, its owners are liable for the injuries their pets cause. In other instances, fault can be placed on a dog’s caretaker or another person entrusted with its supervision. At our firm, we will thoroughly investigate your claim and pursue all avenues that are available for you or your child’s recovery.


Pedestrian Accidents


Not all automobile accidents involve two or more cars. Car drivers are often trying to get somewhere fast and concerned only about avoiding running into other cars. All too often, they fail to notice someone walking along the road or crossing the street. A pedestrian accident is often the result. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a pedestrian accident, you are welcome to call Beattie Law Firm to talk to an Iowa pedestrian accident attorney.

Do not let anyone tell you that a pedestrian accident was your fault. Talk to a personal injury lawyer who will investigate the accident and explain your right to be compensated for your injuries. The consultation is free.

The rules of the road apply to drivers and pedestrians. Pedestrians also have the right to be on the road. If a driver ignores a pedestrian’s right-of-way, that can be dangerous for everyone.

Even if your pedestrian accident was a hit-and-run, a review of your insurance policies plus an investigation into the accident may be able to produce the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Let us go to work for you.


Neck, Back & Spine Injuries


Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are often quickly dismissed by insurance adjusters as minor injuries. In fact, they may even question whether the injury was caused by the accident for which a claim was filed.

At Beattie Law Firm, our Iowa personal injury attorneys take soft tissue injuries seriously because we know how much a soft tissue injury can affect a person’s ability to work and play.

Do not let an insurance adjuster tell you a soft tissue injury is not a result of your accident or that it does not seriously affect you. Talk to a lawyer who understands soft tissue injuries.

Insurance adjusters may try to tell you your injury is minor, trying to convince you to settle quickly. A whiplash injury can be hard to treat and recover from. It can affect your ability to work and your ability to interact with friends and family. Something as simple as picking up a baby or playing a game of volleyball may cause pain.


TBI/Brain Injury


TBI — traumatic brain injury — is a heartbreaking injury. A TBI has a profound effect on the person suffering from TBI as well as on family and friends.

Beattie Law Firm’s Iowa personal injury lawyers understand the impact TBI has on the victim, and we work diligently and aggressively to obtain the necessary compensation.

It can take time to diagnose TBI. A closed head injury should be observed closely for any sign of TBI. It is important not to accept a settlement — no matter what the pressure from an insurance adjuster — until the damage is fully known. Before doing so, consult with an Iowa TBI attorney.

Head trauma can occur in almost any type of accident. At first the victim may seem normal, but then the signs of disorientation begin. There may be mood swings, an impairment of cognitive abilities, and confusion. Immediately after an accident, the injury may not be noticed. Because there is not observable blood, a closed head injury may go unnoticed.


Business Litigation


We spend 40+ hours a week at work for 50 weeks a year. Sometimes, bad things happen when business is involved. Do you have a contract dispute? Did a business partner misrepresent something to you? Did someone commit fraud?

Business litigation can result from any number of different scenarios. We at Beattie Law Firm have handled serious business litigation cases and are happy to review your case free of charge. If you have questions concerning a business dispute, please call us.


Premises Fall Liability


Have you been injured at someone’s property due to the fault of the property owner or someone else responsible for maintenance of the property? If so, you may be entitled to compensation.

Iowa law requires an owner and occupier of a property to use reasonable care in the maintenance of their property. This requires the owner and occupier to consider:

The foreseeability or possibility of harm; The purpose for which the visitor entered the premises; The time, manner, and circumstances under which the visitor entered the premises; The use to which the premises are put or are expected to be put; The reasonableness of the inspection, repair, or warning; The opportunity and ease of repair or correction or giving of the warning; and The burden on the land occupier and/or community in terms of inconvenience or cost in

providing adequate protection. Any other factor shown by the evidence bearing on this question.


Sports Injuries


Have you been injured at a sporting event? Were you struck by an errant golf shot? Hit by a hockey puck? Injured because another participant went outside the rules of the game? If so, you may be entitled to compensation.

Iowa law provides many rules and exceptions for Iowans who are injured during sporting events. We at Beattie Law Firm have handled sports cases and can help navigate the legal framework for you.


Serious Injury


Whether being behind the wheel of a car or performing the daily duties of your job, a serious injury can change your life in an instant. For the families of wrongful death victims and the victims of catastrophic personal injury, we understand this.

Just as you or a loved one has received medical treatment from a specialist in the medical field, you or your loved one should receive legal advice from a specialist in dealing with catastrophic injuries.

At Beattie Law Firm, our Iowa catastrophic injury attorneys represent clients and their family members when a catastrophic personal injury abruptly changes or ends lives.

Suffering a catastrophic personal injury requires more than just an analysis of a person’s immediate needs. Compensation needs to include future medical needs, disabilities and long-term care.


General Negligence


Accidents happen. We have all heard that before. But if your accident was caused by the fault of another person or entity, you may be entitled to compensation.

In Iowa, “negligence” means the failure to use ordinary care. Ordinary care is the care which a reasonably careful person would use under similar circumstances. “Negligence” is doing something a reasonably careful person would not do under similar circumstances or failing to do something a reasonably careful person would do under similar circumstances.

Negligence comes in all shapes and sizes. Beattie Law Firm has handled numerous general negligence cases and is happy to review your case free of charge.


Insurance Bad Faith


The insurance company is not always there to help you recover from a loss. There are times when an insurance company will deny coverage without a reasonable basis. That can be insurance bad faith.You count on your insurance company. When they deny a claim, you have the right to question why. At Beattie Law Firm, our Iowa insurance bad faith lawyers can protect your rights.

If the insurance company denies a claim, are they within their rights? Or are they violating the agreements they made in your insurance policy? Ask a lawyer experienced with insurance disputes and insurance bad faith.

Insurance companies make money by collecting premiums, not by paying claims. When an insurance adjuster denies a claim, many people simply accept the decision — and the insurance company may be counting on that. If you feel that your claim should have been paid, challenge the denial. Explain the situation to an experienced business litigation attorney.

The insurance company may not deny a claim outright, but they may delay payment with one excuse after another. Delayed payments are considered bad faith in meeting their contractual obligation to you.


Insurance Claim Disputes


Does your insurance cover the damage to your property? Does it cover a personal injury? Your insurance company may have one opinion and you have another.

Your insurance company has lawyers; you need one, too, if you are involved in an insurance dispute. At Beattie Law Firm, we help Iowa clients resolve insurance disputes.

You paid for insurance coverage, you thought you were covered, but the insurance company disagrees. Who is right? Do not take their word for it. Talk to an attorney today.

The terms in an insurance policy can be difficult to understand. The insurance company is happy to interpret the policy for you, but they are more interested in their own profitability than in your problems.

Is the tornado damage covered? What about hail or fire damage? Does the policy cover certain kinds of damage and not others? Bring your policy to a business litigation lawyer experienced with

insurance claims denials.

What if the at-fault driver in a car accident does not have insurance or has a minimal amount of insurance? You can make a claim against your own policy’s uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage. Sometimes the insurance company may not tell you about that coverage.


Professional Malpractice


Even professionals make mistakes. Often, a professional’s mistakes can cause a person serious injury, or in the worst case, death. Whether it is a professional engineer, construction company, dentist, doctor, lawyer, architect, nurse, or other professional, we are happy to speak with you about your claim.

Professional malpractice claims require great expense and attention to details. The proper experts need to be consulted and retained. The proper investigation needs to be conducted.

We at Beattie Law Firm have experience in handling professional malpractice actions. There are many nuances in Iowa law when it comes to suing a professional. We help our clients navigate those waters with great success. Whether it is an architect, engineer, insurance agent, nurse, doctor, lawyer, or other licensed professional, we are here to help.

Motor Vehicle Accident: (subpage)


Auto Wreck Lawyers


Whether inattentive, impaired or just inconsiderate, a negligent driver presents danger to everyone sharing the road with him or her. At Beattie Law Firm, we have represented hundreds of Iowans injured on roads, highways, and interstates.

No car accident injury case is too small or too big for us to consult with you. In fact, many seemingly minor injuries prove, over time, to be more serious than expected. Our personal injury attorneys represent people who have suffered injuries ranging from lacerations, whiplash, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries to paraplegia and quadriplegia. We encourage you to pick up the phone and

give us a call. We will be honest and forthright regarding your rights and the appropriate course of action at the time and into the future.

Remember: The insurance adjuster is a professional who deals with automobile accident claims on a daily basis and whose first responsibility is to the insurance company, not you. In fact, by the time you read this, they may have already convinced you to give a recorded statement or sign a patient’s waiver for them. You need a personal injury lawyer on your side to protect your rights and advise you on the appropriate course of action. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.


Handling Your Legal Complexities


You do not have to deal with the insurance company on your own. At Beattie Law Firm, we can attend to all the details of your car accident claim. Our job is to handle all legal aspects of your claim, while you recover physically and emotionally. We will advise you on questions such as:

Do I have to talk with the other driver’s insurance company? Do I have to give a recorded statement? If I have already given a recorded statement, what do I do now? Should I give the adjuster a patient waiver? Should I accept the insurance company’s property damage payment? How will my medical bills be paid? What are insurance medical payments? Do I have insurance medical payment coverage? What do I do when the other driver’s insurance company is saying that I am partially or

completely at fault? What do I do for compensation when I am off work? Will the insurance company pay for my future doctor visits? If I accept a settlement offer, can I get more later if my condition worsens? What is reasonable compensation for what I am going through? Is my spouse or child entitled to compensation? Is there a time limit on my claim? Will pre-existing conditions prevent me from being compensated for the accident? What is under-insured motorist coverage? Am I entitled to it? What is uninsured motorist coverage? Am I entitled to it? The officer told me the other driver does not have insurance. What should I do? Am I entitled to my lost wages while I am recovering from the accident? What happens when more than one driver caused the accident? Who would be responsible

for my injury? Do I have to repay the bills paid by my health insurance company? How much does it cost to pursue my rights? If the other driver did not get a ticket, can I still make a claim for my injuries?

The answers to the above questions are generally case specific. No two accident claims should be

treated the same. Worrying about finances and legalities following an auto crash does little to help you recover. We want to give you the peace of mind you so desperately need in a time of uncertainty and chaos. Dealing with the insurance company is what we do best.


Crashworthiness


Crashworthiness is the ability of a vehicle or other structure to protect the passengers or occupants during a crash or other impact. Crashworthiness deals with product liability and issues such as whether the vehicle was designed correctly and safely to prevent injury when an accident occurs.

Crashworthiness cases are unique. They are expensive. They are complex. But most importantly, they save lives. They save lives because they force change in the industry when design issues are exposed.


Motorcycle Accidents


There are many different reasons other drivers give for running into, cutting off, rear-ending, and otherwise causing motorcycle accidents that cause serious injuries to bikers and their passengers.

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, talk to an Iowa motorcycle accident lawyer at Beattie Law Firm in Des Moines.

In motorcycle accident cases, the other driver and the insurance adjuster often try to blame the motorcyclist. Make sure you have an attorney who will investigate the accident and protect your rights.

Car and truck drivers who cause bike crashes have the same explanations in one accident report after another:

I didn’t see the motorcycle. The motorcycle came out of nowhere. The motorcyclist was not following the rules.

Many drivers simply do not want to share the road with motorcycles. They are also focused on where they are going, and they are looking for other cars and trucks — not motorcycles. At Beattie Law Firm,

our personal injury lawyers will investigate the accident. We know the laws, and we will protect your rights.

We have committed interests in trying to make the roads safer for motorcyclists. Impacts caused by the negligence of car and truck drivers have a disproportionate impact upon motorcyclists and the injuries received are generally more severe. We will continue to fight for the rights of motorcyclists.


Truck Accidents


When trucks are speeding through Iowa on I-80, I-35, I-235, I-380, I-29, or on any other road in Iowa, a miscalculation, misjudgment, or inattention can cause a semi crash that seriously injures those in the cars they crash into. These sometimes result in tragic death.

At Beattie Law Firm in Des Moines, our Iowa truck accident lawyers represent people who have been injured or killed in truck accidents.

In a trucking accident, there are many factors that require careful investigation. The accident may be the result of a driver who has a prior history of accidents, a driver who has been on the road too long, or a driver simply driving too fast. No matter what the cause, though, make sure you have a personal injury attorney who understands the mechanics of a truck accident as well as the law and your rights.

The injuries suffered in a truck accident are severe and often include death. At our law firm, we have the experience and the determination it takes to obtain maximum compensation for our clients. More importantly, we can provide peace of mind that your claim is being handled efficiently and effectively by an experienced Iowa accident attorney.

You do not have to deal with the insurance company on your own. At Beattie Law Firm, we can attend to all the details of your car accident claim. Our job is to handle all legal aspects of your claim, while you recover physically and emotionally.


Train Crossing Accidents


Train crossing accidents are devastating. When a heavy train hits a car or SUV, the people inside the smaller vehicle are almost always killed or suffer catastrophic injuries.

At Beattie Law Firm, our Iowa train crossing accident attorneys work closely with the victims’ families

to determine what happened and why, and to obtain fair and just compensation for their losses.

The railroad company and its lawyers are protecting their own interests. It is important to have your own personal injury attorney who can protect your rights and interests.

When Beattie Law Firm is asked to represent the victims of a railroad crossing accident, our lawyers take immediate action to investigate the accident scene and secure the evidence. In an effort to clean up a railroad crossing accident site, the railroad company can remove valuable evidence that could explain what happened.

For example, an unmarked crossing may get a new warning sign after an accident — a warning sign that might have prevented the accident. Shrubbery or trees or other obstacles that hid a sign may be cut back. Barriers that failed to work at the time of the accident may be repaired.

Our investigators and lawyers will also look at the train itself. Was it going faster than allowed speeds at that place or that hour of the day? Was the train operating in full compliance with regulations? We look for and find the answers.


Drunk Driving Accidents/Dram Shop


.08 is the law. Because a drunk driver often does not slow down or take any evasive actions to prevent an accident, drunk driving accident injuries are often more serious than injuries in other car or truck accidents.

At Beattie Law Firm, our Iowa drunk driving accident attorneys seek compensation from the drunk driver, the dram shop (restaurant, liquor store, or bar supplying and serving liquor) that served the driver and any others who could be liable for accident injuries and wrongful death.

There are time limits on filing a lawsuit. In most cases, the dram shop must be given notice within six months of the accident. Talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible in order to protect all your rights.

Workers’ Compensation: (subpage)


The Options You Need When You Are Injured at Work


In one split second, your ability to earn a living may be seriously jeopardized by an injury. When injured at work, you need to understand your rights under Iowa workers’ compensation law. At Beattie Law Firm in Des Moines, Iowa, we will be at your side from the initial filing of your workers’ compensation claim to the final outcome.

There is nothing simple about a workers’ compensation claim. It goes beyond filling out paperwork and attending visits to the doctor. Many hard-working Iowa residents employ a do-it-yourself approach when seeking workers’ compensation benefits. While this may seem like a simpler approach, it does not recognize the complexities involved in a workers’ compensation claim and does little to maximize compensation.

An experienced attorney can be your best advocate when dealing with a workers’ compensation matter. Too much is at stake for you not to obtain benefits for your workplace injury.


Protecting Your Job from an Employer’s Retribution


Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you are entitled to benefits even if your injury was your own fault. Our firm works hard to ensure that your medical needs are met, and we also work hard to protect your job while you are recovering from an injury. Far too many times, an employer will seek retribution against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim by trying to prevent them from coming back. We fight hard to make sure that does not happen.


On-The-Job Injuries


Suffering a serious injury while at work is a stressful experience, especially if you suffer an injury that prevents you from returning to your job for an extended period of time. Most injured workers worry about their ability to provide for their family, how they will afford necessary medical treatment or who can help them during this difficult time.

At Beattie Law Firm, our Des Moines workers’ compensation lawyers have nearly 60 years of combined experience helping injured workers recover the benefits they need. We have a reputation for being compassionate to our clients and aggressive when it comes to protecting and asserting their rights. We will be your advocate as soon as you step foot into our office, and we will fight for the

compensation you need until your and your family’s goals are realized.

Iowa’s workers’ compensation system is complex and requires the adherence to a strict set of guidelines. An experienced lawyer is an invaluable asset when dealing with paperwork, seeking proper medical care, and dealing directly with your employer and its insurance carrier.

Employers are sometimes reluctant to award work compensation benefits if an employee’s injury was his or her own fault. However, it is important to know that you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of how your injury occurred. You can recover so long as you were injured at work or performing a task associated with your job. Speak to us immediately if you have been injured at work or are having difficulty obtaining the funds or care you need.

We will discuss your specific situation and your specific needs during your initial consultation. Beattie Law Firm will provide honest answers and clear advice about how we feel you should proceed.


Serious Work-Related Injuries


American workers spend a significant portion of their life at their place of employment or engaging in job-related tasks. As a result, it is no surprise that many injuries occur while on the job, some of them very serious that require expensive medical care. Serious work-related injuries can force an employee to spend significant time away from his or her job and result in life-changing disabilities. At Beattie Law Firm, our team of experienced lawyers is ready to jump in and see that you get the care and benefits you and your family need.

Most people believe that construction, highway, medical and manufacturing workers are at the highest risk of sustaining a serious on-the-job injury, and in many instances they are right. However, every employee — whether he or she works at a restaurant or a retail store — is susceptible to life-changing injuries. For example, falling down the stairs at work could result in spinal cord damage or brain injury, and serious cuts can result in nerve damage that require years of physical therapy.

In each of these instances, the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can be essential for obtaining the benefits and medical care you need.

Other serious work-related injuries include or are caused by:

Slip-and-fall accidents Falling from heights Back, knee. and other joint damage (often from overexertion) Falling objects Vehicular accidents, including third-party liability claims Machine-related injuries, including manufacturing equipment Exposure to toxic chemicals

Whatever your situation, Beattie Law Firm will be by your side and will see that you receive all benefits that are available to you. We will also ensure that your employer does not seek retribution because you filed a work comp claim — an act they are forbidden to do by law.

Workplace Injury: (subpage)


Work Injury Caused by Non-Co-Worker


Were you injured at work? If you are reading this page, it is likely that you or a loved one may have recently been injured while working here in Iowa. It is no secret that injuries at work are the most common type of injuries suffered by Iowans.

At Beattie Law Firm, we realize that Iowans spend so much time during the day at work that injuries are bound to happen. While one may initially think that Iowa workers’ compensation is the lone remedy for an injury at work, that may not always be the case.


Beyond Workers’ Compensation Benefits: Third Party Claims in Des Moines


If you are injured while you are working, and that injury was caused by someone other than your co-worker, then you might have rights extending beyond Iowa workers’ compensation.

Common examples of these on-the-job injuries include:

Injuries caused by a negligent driver of a vehicle Injuries caused by another sub-contractor on a construction site Injuries caused by a poorly designed product Injuries caused by a poorly manufactured product Injuries caused by poor maintenance and upkeep of a property

These are just some examples of common workplace injuries that some of our clients have suffered. While it is important for an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to review your case for issues related to workers’ compensation, it is equally important to have a lawyer review and evaluate your case for potential recovery from a non-co-worker.


I moved the two “defective” pages to the products liability since none of those pages had content and they fit underneath that area.

Wrongful Death: (subpage)


Wrongful Death Claims


At Beattie Law Firm, we realize how difficult it is to tragically lose a loved one — it is a time when you need the caring support of family and friends. This time can be more difficult if a death was preventable and was caused by another party’s negligence. If you suffered the wrongful death of a family member, our firm is here to help you hold the responsible party accountable for his or her actions.

Iowa residents have turned to Don Beattie and the rest of our talented attorneys for help with personal injury and wrongful death claims. Our firm has become known for providing outstanding client service and getting results for clients located throughout our entire state. We are compassionate lawyers who will use our knowledge and drive to see that you find a resolution that reflects your true loss.


Wrongful Death Attorneys


Beattie Law Firm realizes that fatal accidents can occur anytime and anywhere. Car accidents, drunk driving accidents, explosions, medical malpractice and death due to a defective product are a few of the many causes of wrongful death. Each of these instances has one thing in common: loved ones worry about providing a proper memorial and where they can turn to for help moving forward.

By sharing your story with our firm, we can begin helping you get compensation for:

Lost wages and future earnings Funeral and burial expenses Loss of services and loss of companionship Loss of consortium of a spouse Pain and suffering Other damages necessary for your specific situation

While we understand that no amount of money will replace your family member, we firmly believe that you should not be responsible for the costs associated with their death. You also need money as you continue in life, whether that be for counseling, caring for your children, or any other needs that

arise. We will work hard on your behalf to see that you are taken care of both now and in the future.


Loss of Spousal Consortium & Services


When a spouse dies, the widow or widower may not be able to think about the future. Rather, that may be the furthest thing from his or her mind, as loving memories take over.

Iowa law recognizes that the loss of a loved one deserves compensation when that loss is caused by the fault of another. An element of damage that Iowa has developed is called “loss of spousal consortium.”

Spousal consortium refers to the fellowship of a husband and wife and the right of each to the benefits of company, cooperation, affection, the aid of the other in every marital relationship, general usefulness, industry, and attention within the home and family.

Beattie Law Firm has experience in reviewing and submitting loss of spousal consortium claims to injury companies and juries. Attorneys representing insurance companies will try to convince the court that the relationship between husband and wife has no value. We strongly disagree and continue to advocate for the rights of the family after a tragedy.


Loss of Parental Consortium & Services


When a parent dies, the children may not be in the right frame of mind to be thinking about the future. In fact, that may be the furthest thing from their mind, as memories of the past flood their daily thoughts.

Iowa law recognizes that the loss of a loved one deserves compensation when that loss is caused by the fault of another. An element of damage that Iowa has developed is called “loss of parental consortium.”

Parental consortium is the relationship between parent and child and the right of the child to the benefits of companionship, comfort, guidance, affection, and aid of the parent in every parental relationship, general usefulness, industry, and attention within the family. In Iowa, a child is not entitled to damages for loss of parental consortium unless the parent’s death has caused a significant

disruption or diminution of the parent-child relationship.

We at Beattie Law Firm have experience in analyzing and submitting loss of parental consortium claims to injury companies and juries. The insurance company attorneys will try to convince a jury that the relationship between parent and child has no value. We strongly disagree. We advocate for the rights of the family after such an event.

Agricultural/Farm Related: (subpage)


Agricultural Injuries


Tractors, combines, grain handling equipment, and other agricultural machinery and processes can be dangerous. Agricultural injuries are all too common in Iowa and other farm states.

When someone has been injured in an agricultural accident, it is important to talk to a lawyer who understands the mechanics of the equipment, and who knows the industry and how things are supposed to work. Agricultural incidents of all types, including dust explosions, auger accidents, and anhydrous release, can lead to injured workers. Their families often come to our law firm because they know of our extensive experience with agricultural accidents and of our reputation for success in prosecuting these cases on behalf of our client.

Our personal injury lawyers know the right questions to ask and the right experts to consult to get to the truth of why an agricultural accident happened. We use our education and experience to understand the engineering principles and the mechanics of defective machinery.


Grain Dust Explosions


Dust explosions can result in death, serious injury, and significant property damage. Certain industries necessarily generate dust as a byproduct of the processes that they run. For instance, grain elevators in the Midwest and elsewhere are prone to grain dust explosions due to the concentration of grain dust in the process.

Beattie Law Firm has handled numerous lawsuits stemming from grain dust explosions in the grain handling industry. We are familiar with the NFPA, OSHA, and other standards, and have retained

some of the leading experts in the area in support of our litigation.

We strive for safety in the grain handling industry. We advocate for safe practices in the grain handling industry. This includes everything from the design and construction of facilities, hazard monitoring of systems, and operation and maintenance of systems.

According to OSHA statistics, over the last 35 years, there have been over 500 explosions in grain handling facilities across the United States, with more than 180 deaths and 675 injuries. Grain dust is highly combustible, and ignition of grain dust is likely to result in catastrophic losses.

We investigate the cause of the grain dust explosion and hold those responsible accountable for their role in the loss. Was there mechanical equipment failure? Did the hazard monitoring system work as intended?


Anhydrous Ammonia


Exposure to anhydrous ammonia can result in death, burns, and other serious injuries. In the Midwest, anhydrous ammonia is used as a fertilizer for many large and small farming operations. Sometimes business practices result in unsafe practices, and anhydrous ammonia leaks occur. We at Beattie Law Firm have handled numerous anhydrous ammonia related cases.

As you may know, anhydrous ammonia is a colorless gas. When leaked, it has a suffocating odor, and it will seek out liquid. When leaked around an individual, anhydrous ammonia will be attracted to eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. This can cause serious injury or death to anyone who is exposed to fugitive anhydrous ammonia.

We strive for safety in the anhydrous ammonia industry. We advocate for safe practices in the handling of anhydrous ammonia, whether that is at the filling station or on the farm.

Products Liability: (subpage)


Work Injury Caused by Defective Products


Were you injured at work by a malfunctioning product, a product that was designed improperly or a product that had bad warnings or instructions? If so, Beattie Law Firm is here to help.

Products we use each and every day of the year should be designed properly and safely to avoid injury to people using them. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Many Iowa workers each day are injured by the products they use in the course of their employment. We are here to see that these victims receive the compensation they need after suffering a serious on-the-job injury.

While one may initially think that Iowa workers’ compensation is the lone remedy for an injury at work caused by a defective product, that may not always be the case. Let the attorneys at Beattie Law Firm review your case to see if a product manufacturer, design, or retailer is responsible for your pain and suffering, disability, and other losses incurred.


Work Injury Caused by Defective Conditions


Iowans are at work for 8 hours or more a day. The chances of suffering an on-the-job injury at some point in time, unfortunately, are extremely high. Oftentimes, we at Beattie Law Firm are contacted by Iowans severely injured on the job because of a defective condition.

For example, our attorneys have helped clients with injuries resulting from:

Negligently designed buildings Negligent store owners who do not properly maintain the building and its conditions Negligent cleaning by a company that does not do its job properly

Contact our Iowa personal injury law office online today and schedule your initial consultation with an experienced attorney. You may also contact our firm.

Our Staff: (main page)


Meet Our Attorneys


If you are hurt in an accident, receive an injury on the job, or are entangled in business litigation, you need an aggressive and compassionate lawyer at your side. Fighting this battle on your own isn’t recommended; you need someone behind you who has experience dealing in these difficult areas. Too many times we’ve seen insurance companies fail to protect clients or try to convince them that they have their best interests in mind.

They don’t, but we do.


Only profiles for Don and Nile were included in the project brief, so I did not make any mention of the other attorneys.

Since 1977, our firm has provided clients with a professional level of representation during their most difficult times. Litigating personal injury, insurance, and business disputes in Iowa and throughout the nation, Don and our attorneys have a reputation for aggressive advocacy and success.


Leveling the Playing Field


To succeed as a plaintiff against an insurance company or other wealthy defendant, you have to start off on an equal playing field. Beattie Law Firm offers excellence, intelligence, strength, and resources to back you in your efforts to get the results you need in a personal injury, workers’ compensation, or business litigation case.

Please contact our office. Attorney referrals are always welcome.

Donald G. Beattie: (subpage)


Meet Don


Don is a graduate of Drake University Law School, where he was granted Order of the Coif (Top 3% in class) honors and served as associate editor of the Law Review. Prior to law school, Don was an instructor in Air Combat Tactics, having graduated from Marine Corps Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun). From 1971 – 1974, Don was a naval flight officer for a RIO F-4 Phantom aircraft while serving our country in the Marine Corps. Before volunteering for the military, Don was a student-athlete at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

Don is admitted to practice law in the State of Iowa, the United States Federal Court for the Southern District of Iowa, and the United States Federal Court for the Northern District of Iowa. He has also been admitted pro hac vice to practice law in the State of Arizona, the State of Florida, the State of Illinois, the State of Kansas, the State of Kentucky, the State of Michigan, the State of Minnesota, the State of Mississippi, the State of Nebraska, the State of New York, the State of New Mexico, the States of North and South Dakota, the State of Virginia, the State of Wisconsin, as well as United States Federal Courts sitting in Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota.


Litigation Percentage


100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation


Certified Legal Specialties


Certified as Civil Litigation Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy, 1999


Education


Drake University Law School, Des Moines, Iowa

• J.D. (Juris Dr.) – 1977

• Honors: Order of the Coif with honors (Top 3% in class)

• Law Review: Drake Law Review, Associate Editor, 1976 – 1977

Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa

• B.A. with honors – 1970


Published Works


Casenote, 24 Drake Law Review 872, 1975

Article, First Party Torts – Extra Contractual Liability of Insurers Who Violate the Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, 25 Drake Law Review 900, 1976


Classes/Seminars Given


• Settlement Techniques, Seminar Iowa Trial Lawyers Association, Des Moines, Iowa, 1992

• Full Disclosure and Discovery, Seminar Iowa Trial Lawyers Association, Des Moines, Iowa, 1996

• Legal Hurdles and Obstacles in Propane Gas Explosion Litigation, American Association for Justice, Boston, Massachusetts, 1996

• Rapid Fire, Warnings, Iowa Trial Lawyers Association, Des Moines, Iowa, 1997

• Legal Ethics, 2008 – Present

• Do I Need an Expert, Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers-2008

• How to Avoid Being the Target of a Legal Malpractice Claim—NBI-2008

• Tactics of a Personal Injury Lawyer, Claim Director and Manager Conference Nationwide Ins. Co.-2009

• Does Workers' Compensation Bad Faith Exist in Medical Care Issues?, Iowa Workers Compensation Symposium, June 2014


Honors and Awards


• Double SS AWARD for Outstanding Achievement, Simpson College, 1993

• Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges, 1977

• AV Rating by Martindale-Hubbell

• Super Lawyer for Products Liability Top Iowa Lawyer, 2007 – Present

• American Association of Justice Top 100 of National Trial Lawyers


Professional Associations and Memberships


• Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers

• Super Lawyers

• Member, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2010 – Present

• Million Dollar Jury Verdicts and Settlements, Lead Counsel

• Iowa Lawyer Grievance Commission, 2012-15

• Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 1997 – Present

• The College of Master Advocates and Barristers, Senior Counsel

• Polk County, Ethics Committee, 1989 – 1993

• Polk County, Board of Governors, 1989 – 1994

• Polk County, Board of Directors, 1993

• Iowa State Bar Association, 1977-present

• Iowa Association for Justice, 1977-present

• American Association for Justice, 1977 – Present

• Blackstone Inn of Court, 1991 – Present


Pro Bono Activities


• Capt. Select, United States Marine Corps, 1970 – 1974

• Naval Flight Officer, RIO F4 Phantom, 1971 – 1974

• Graduate Marine Corps Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) El Toro, California, 1973

• Instructor/Air Combat Tactics, 1973 – 1974

Nile Hicks: (subpage)


Meet Nile


Nile was born and raised just outside of Knoxville, Iowa. He met his wife his first year of law school at Iowa while she was a child life specialist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. They have two children. Nile enjoys staying busy with his kids’ activities and spending time with his wife and family. He and his wife are longtime season ticket holders of Iowa football and enjoy following the Hawkeyes on Saturdays in the fall. Nile considers his office door always open to serve your legal needs.

Nile has spent his entire career representing and advocating for Iowans injured due to the fault of others. He has represented individuals against some of the biggest corporations in America as well as numerous insurance companies.

Nile is licensed to practice law in State and Federal Courts in Iowa and has also been admitted pro hac vice in other states as well, including Nebraska, South Carolina, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

As a litigator, Nile primarily focuses on motor vehicle accidents (car, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, semi-truck), product liability (defective products causing injury to person or property due to a lack of adequate warning, defective manufacturing process, or defective design), premises liability, agricultural injuries, explosions and burns, catastrophic injury, insurance bad faith, and general negligence claims.


Bar Admissions



I took out the examples in this because there are so many already on this site, it didn’t seem necessary.

IowaS. District Court Northern District of IowaS. District Court Southern District of Iowa


Education


University of Iowa College of Law, Iowa City, Iowa

D. – 2007

Honors: With Distinction

University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts

A. – 2004

Honors: Honors Diploma With Distinction

Major: Political Science


Classes/Seminars


Legal Ethics, 2008 – Drafted legal ethics presentation for Iowa licensed attorneys Litigation, a Plaintiff’s Lawyer’s Perspective, 2013 – Drafted and helped in presentation of

seminar concerning the litigation of burn injuries and complex litigation Construction Law, 2015 – Lecture to Iowa State University students studying construction law


Honors and Awards


Top 40 Under 40 Member – The National Trial Lawyers (2013-2015)


Professional Associations and Memberships


Polk County Bar Association Iowa State Bar Association Iowa State Bar Association – YLD Iowa State Bar Association – YLD Litigation Co-Chair Iowa Association for Justice American Association for Justice

Fees: (main page)


Focusing on You


After a serious injury, you should be concerned with healing. The last thing that you should be worried about is how you are going to pay your lawyer to represent you in court. At Beattie Law Firm, our focus in only on one thing: you.

Our firm charges on contingency, which means that you’ll only be subject to pay us if we win your case. While we do have strong records with our cases, we will cover the cost of your litigation with no reimbursement in the event that we are unsuccessful.


Schedule Your Free Consultation


One of the attorneys at Beattie Law Firm will review your case for free. All you have to do is give us a call. During your appointment, we can answer any questions that you have and further discuss our fees.

Contact Us: (main page)


Please call us to schedule your appointment for your free case evaluation. Business Name (H2): <h2>BUSINESS NAME</h2>MANDATORY: Up to 75 characters

Beattie Law FirmParagraph Text: <p>Paragraph text related to H2 heading</p> (optional)

Our Location4300 Grand AvenueDes Moines, IA, 50312Phone: 515-263-1000Fax: 515-263-1411

Hours of OperationPlease call for an appointment.

Copywriter Notes for Designer/Proofreader:

I tried to limit the number of case overlaps as possible, but there still may be some in there. Anything that was not mentioned in the project brief to include has not been included, such as the blog.

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