Wrongful Death Attorney in Iowa
More Than 25 Years Representing Injured Iowans & Their Families
A fatal workplace incident may involve both workers’ compensation death benefits and a separate wrongful death claim against a responsible third party. Pothitakis Law Firm considers these legal avenues together so families can understand the responsible parties, insurance coverage, and losses involved in each potential claim.
The firm represents injured Iowans and their families, not insurers or employers. Its injury practice draws on more than 25 years of experience in workers’ compensation and personal injury matters, with more than $140 million recovered in benefits and settlements for clients. Niko Pothitakis has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, and the firm has been included in Best Law Firms rankings.
Speak with an Iowa wrongful death attorney about the circumstances of your loved one’s death. Call (319) 318-0450 to request a free consultation.
When a Workplace Death May Lead to Two Claims
Workers’ compensation death benefits and a third-party civil claim are separate legal avenues with different responsible parties and potential sources of recovery. Because these issues can overlap after a fatal workplace incident, the firm reviews them together without treating them as the same claim.
Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits
These benefits arise through the employment relationship. Pothitakis Law Firm regularly handles Iowa workers’ compensation matters and understands the benefit system and the role of the employer’s insurance carrier. It also identifies issues that may affect surviving relatives after a worker dies.
Third-Party Wrongful Death Claims
A third-party claim concerns a person or entity other than the deceased worker’s employer whose conduct contributed to the fatal incident. Depending on the facts, that party might be connected to a vehicle collision, dangerous product, unsafe property condition, or another source of injury. The firm determines whether the evidence supports a civil claim in addition to available employment-based benefits.
Workplace incidents reviewed by the firm include:
- Falls from height
- Contact with heavy machinery
- Work-related vehicle collisions
- Incidents involving dangerous products
Outside the workplace, wrongful death matters may arise from vehicle collisions, unsafe property conditions, dangerous products, and medical-related events. Each review focuses on what happened, who may bear legal responsibility, and what insurance may apply.
How the Firm Reviews a Wrongful Death Claim
The process typically begins with a free consultation by phone or virtual meeting. The attorney listens to what occurred, identifies the available information, and explains what the family can expect from the review.
The attorney then gathers documents and reviews medical records, accident reports, and other materials connected to the death. The firm examines insurance coverage and identifies potential defendants based on the evidence. Clients receive direct guidance as the attorney analyzes the legal issues raised by the incident.
This review is particularly important when a death occurred at work. An employer’s workers’ compensation carrier may be involved in one legal avenue, while a separate insurer or responsible third party may be involved in another. Considering both can clarify which claims may be available while preserving the distinction between the rules that govern them.
Discuss the Death with an Iowa Injury Attorney
Pothitakis Law Firm handles wrongful death and other injury matters on a contingency fee basis. Attorney fees are collected as a percentage of any recovery rather than paid upfront. If the firm doesn’t obtain a recovery, the client doesn’t owe an attorney fee.
Free consultations are available by phone or virtual appointment, and the attorney can travel when needed to represent clients across Iowa. A relative can submit a contact form or speak directly with the firm about the circumstances.
Get direct guidance on a potential Iowa wrongful death claim. Call (319) 318-0450 to request a free consultation.
Why Choose Pothitakis Law Firm?
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Top-Rated by Injured Workers Across IowaOur clients trust us — and their reviews show it. We’re proud to be recognized for our dedication, compassion, and the real results we’ve delivered to injured workers just like you.
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Free, Flexible Consultations – Your Schedule, Your Terms
Whether you prefer to meet in person, over the phone, or virtually, we make it easy for you to get trusted legal help — wherever and however you need it.
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We Know the Insurance Company's PlaybookOur team understands how insurance companies operate — and we use that knowledge to build stronger, smarter strategies that protect your rights and maximize your benefits.
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Iowa Workers' Compensation Is Our Primary FocusWith over 25 years of experience, our firm focuses primarily on Iowa workers' compensation and work injury cases while also representing clients in personal injury matters. Our extensive experience allows us to navigate each case with precision and expertise.
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You Don’t Pay Unless We Win
We represent our clients on a contingency fee basis, which means there’s no upfront cost. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything — it’s that simple.
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Over $165 Million Recovered for Injured WorkersWe have a long-standing track record of success, securing over $165 million in benefits and settlements for our clients. Our results reflect our relentless commitment to fighting for the compensation injured workers deserve.
See Our Success Stories
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$1 Million Workers Slip and Fall
After hearing, the Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner entered an award fully in favor of the Claimant finding him permanently and totally disabled. The Decision resulted in an award with the present value of in excess of $1 million. In addition, the Defendants were ordered to pay the Claimant’s medical expenses for the remainder of his life.
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$450,000 Partial Commutation
In 2013, our client was a truck driver who was fatally injured in a tragic auto accident. He was married at the time and as a result his wife was entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits. Those benefits would end upon her death or shortly after she were to remarry. The surviving spouse was finding it difficult to live on the weekly Workers’ Compensation benefits and for other reasons wanted to have the money paid in a lump sum.
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Workers’ Comp Appeal Results in Settlement
Pothitakis Law Firm pursued this claim for in excess of three and a half years. Mr. Pothitakis conferenced with the claimant’s doctors and obtained reports over those years to put the claimant in the best position to obtain a favorable result at hearing. When the initial decision was inappropriate, Pothitakis Law Firm filed an appeal and was successful on that appeal.