FAQs
The Al Sturgeon Law Firm was started in 1991. When I first started the firm we were general practice, but we quickly focused more on representing injured workers. It’s really what I’ve always wanted to do and why I went to law school in the first place. I’m lucky to be doing exactly what I wanted to do.
I grew up in a working-class family. My father worked for Wonder Bread before working for the school district. I worked at the same factory for eight years. Unlike some lawyers, I know what it is like to punch a clock and work for a living and what it’s like to work paycheck to paycheck. When people get hurt on the job it can be a life-changing experience, not just for the injured worker for their families as well. Representing people who get hurt and trying to make the outcome the best for them, both in terms of their medical care and settlement, is an honor. I go to work every day knowing that I am doing something very important for people who deserve a fair shake.
When you get hurt on the job you have a choice.
First, we are one of the very few law firms in the state that specializes in Workers’ Compensation. And we only represent injured workers, never insurance companies or employers. In terms of numbers of clients, we are easily one of the top five in the state of Iowa. We simply have the experience and contacts to get injured workers the best outcome possible.
We also have experience and knowledge about unemployment law and Social Security Disability. Believe me, there is a very important interaction between these other types of areas of the law and workers’ compensation. Knowing how those other areas of the law impact the injured worker can be very critical for their financial survival. Not knowing the interaction between workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability, for example, can cost an injured worker tens of thousands of dollars of benefits. Law firms like ours that do nothing but workers’ compensation understand these crucial differences and protect the injured worker.
Additionally, we are one of only two law firms in the state of Iowa that charge a 25% contingency fee. All others start at 33% and some go even higher.
Absolutely not. The firm never charges anybody for a consultation. If we take your case, our fee is based on a 25% contingency on whatever benefits we help you get. This fee never goes up throughout your case.
The attorney receives no fees as well and no attempt will be made to charge you for the expenses.
Yes. And not good changes. There are a lot of 1-800 firms out there with famous Hollywood spokespeople promoting these firms. The problem is they give the misconception that they have local offices. They do not. One frequent advertiser’s office is over 200 miles away. And, in most cases, these 1-800 law firms contract with other attorneys so you do not have any idea who you attorney will be or where they are located. The only thing you know for sure is they will charge more than we do. We only charge a 25% contingency fee. Most start at one-third and some even take more than that.
We have a lot of clients that stop buy our office after an important doctor visit – you can’t do that with a 1-800 lawyer. Gina answers the phone here, not a long-distance operator.
We have been at the same office for over twenty years, and we are accessible by a phone call or a short visit. We represent people from all over western Iowa, and it is not unusual for us to travel to their city or some places in between.
Getting them through the door. A lot of people are concerned that if they go to a lawyer’s office they are going to have to pay some type of hourly fee just to talk with us. We don’t charge an hourly fee for anything. We take a 25% fee for what we help them earn, nothing more. They never have to write us a check for any kind of expense. We cover that up front, and we keep you informed about your case and won’t do anything unless you want to.
The injured worker is at such a disadvantage when they get hurt. They know nothing about workers’ compensation which is a unique area. It is not confusing, just different. And there can be much at stake, including the injured workers’ health, recovery, and ability to make ends meet during a difficult time.
Ultimately, you are. However, most of the expenses in a workers’ compensation are fairly small and they are fronted by the law office and taken out of the final settlement. You will never be asked to write a check for expenses. If we are unsuccessful, we will not charge you for expenses.
For example, when you file a petition with the Iowa Industrial Commissioner’s Office there is a $100 filing fee. Again, the law firm fronts this, but you are ultimately responsible. Sometimes, in order to obtain medical information including letters from doctors, the doctor’s office will require a payment usually between $100 and $200. It is rare that workers’ compensation expenses exceed $500 in total.
You will never be charged just for talking to us.
(888) 302-1940 • (712) 234-1440 • Español: (712) 234-1445
911 6th Street • Sioux City, IA 51101 | (888) 302-1940 | (712) 234-1440 | Español: (712) 234-1445
911 6th Street • Sioux City, IA 51101
(888) 302-1940
(712) 234-1440
Español: (712) 234-1445
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney reguarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationwhip. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
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