Harley Christopher Erbe

Harley Christopher Erbe

4.9
Rating: 9.0

Licensed for 26 years

Personal injury Lawyer at Des Moines, IA
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Employment & Labor, Car Accidents ... +3 more

2501 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA

About Harley

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Car Accident 19%

Your car transports you for all the activities of your daily life. When traveling on Iowa's roadways you don't expect to be in a car accident. But car accidents do occur, sometimes causing serious injuries or even death. Very serious injury car accidents are commonly caused by drunk driving or inattentive, reckless, or negligent drivers. Common types of injuries from a car accident include broken bones and ligament tears; neck, shoulder, back, and spinal injuries; and head injuries.

26 years

19%
Construction and Development 19%

There are two different types of defects in construction defect law: design defects and construction defects. A design defect is an inherent failure of the design of a structure. A construction defect is a failure to adhere to the approved design of the structure. The classification of the defect usually determines which party or parties are at fault for the defect.

26 years

19%
Employment and Labor 19%

Employment law governs the entire relationship between employer and employee. We have handled many employment law cases through trial and appeal in areas such as wage or overtime law, discrimination, employee drug or alcohol testing, wrongful termination, covenants not to compete, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. Employment law is a broad category that covers many different possible employment situations.

26 years

19%
Insurance 19%

Insurance companies do not always come through in the tough times. An insurance coverage issue may arise because the insurance company doesn't believe that the claim is covered under the policy. Or the insurer may argue that not all of the "loss" is covered and wants to pay less than you think you're entitled to. When insurance companies fail to live up to the terms of their policies by delaying or denying payment of valid claims you have options.

26 years

19%
Personal Injury 19%

When an individual is injured or dies because of the negligence of another party, that party is liable for the damages caused to the individual and the individual's family. In these cases the medical expenses have a specific price tag. The physical, psychological, and emotional suffering of the family involved does not. We will work to bring justice to the party at fault, get fair and just compensation for the hardship of the victim(s), and provide what solace we can to the family of the victim.

26 years

19%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Contingency

33%-40%


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Licenses

Licensed in Iowa for 26 years

State: Iowa

Acquired: 1999

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Erbe Law Firm

2501 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312

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Harley Christopher Erbe's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (22) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Shannon | April 06, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Great Service

I consulted him about an unemployment benefits appeal. He was knowledgable about the situation and answered all my questions in a professional manner. He filed the appeal promptly and then represented me during the hearing. He continues to provide assistance and support as I go through the process ag...ain.

Posted by Marilyn | February 07, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Construction & Development

THE BEST

Harley recently closed out a defective construction law suite I brought against a non profit organization. A different attorney had been handling the case from 2015-2017. I took the law suite to Harley in 2017 after the case seemed to go nowhere. After being thrown into the middle of this case,... Harley was able to decipher through it all. When I was ready to throw in the towel, Harley would encourage me to hang in there and to trust him, I wish i had taken his advise from the start. "I wasted a lot of time worrying." Harley was able to make a settlement in my favor and avoid trial. Harley was always looking out for my best interest and kept me informed on every aspect of the case at all times. He returned my calls and emails within minutes. By Harley being able to settle my case before trial, I received back a substantial amount of my retaining fee. He truly made you feel like you were part of his team. I consider Harley a friend and an all around good guy. Harley was truly a breath of fresh air and I would highly recommend him to anyone. Marilyn

Harley Erbe

Replied last February 07, 2020

Thank you for the nice review Marilyn! I hope that everything goes smoothly with your home repairs. I'll be here if you ever need anything else.

Posted by Grant | September 14, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury

Dedicated, Researched, and Seasoned

Dedicated, Researched, and Seasoned: While working with Harley at Erbe Law Firm throughout a motorcycle injury case, it was relieving to have a lawyer such as he. His attentiveness, dedication, and communication throughout the 2.8 year long case is unmatched. He was on the ball, researching betwe...en party communications, and reaching out regularly with the next steps or to touch base. The best qualities I would always go back to him for include, but aren't limited to, his prior experience in similar cases, his knowledge in case-law that may affect the case at hand, and his research in the jury statistics to make the right call on settling or pushing forth to more appropriate compensation. During the final weeks of the motorcycle injury case, he swiftly and accurately worked with all parties to bring it to a close as efficiently as possible. His firm's resources and experience were invaluable to the success of the case. 10/10 Recommended

Harley Erbe

Replied last September 14, 2019

Thank you for the nice review Grant. You were an outstanding client and partner on the case. We were successful because of your willingness to work hard, provide detailed information to the defense lawyer, show up for every proceeding and deposition in the case, and never waver or give up. I remember when the insurer responded to our attempt to reach a fair settlement before we filed suit and it offered nothing because it said you were at fault for the crash. That claims adjuster sure turned out to be wrong!

Posted by Carey Y. | April 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Very Knowledgable and Helpful

I am writing this review for Harley Erbe, Esq. because he provided exceptional legal counsel for me recently. I was denied unemployment and needed help with appealing my unemployment case. From the moment I contacted Mr. Erbe, he explained everything in a way I could understand. He is highly kno...wledgeable and thorough in every aspect of unemployment/labor law. He did not give me false hopes but was able to explain to me what exactly I needed to focus on in my case. Because of his demeanor and approach, I was able to focus on what what was necessary and leave out the rest. His guidance allowed me to feel much less anxious and more confident. I won my case because Mr. Erbe knew exactly how to help me, and I would highly recommend him for any individual needing legal assistance.

Harley Erbe

Replied last April 18, 2019

Thank you for the kind review Carey. It was a team effort. The results could've been much different without your help in executing our plan to perfection.

Posted by Deb | August 12, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

umemployment appeal

I hired Harley Erbe to help with my unemployment appeal. I was forced to unvoluntarily quit my job of 29 years. I had a dispute with my supervisor, then took some time off. When I returned I was called to a meeting and given the choice to resign, retire or get fired. They claimed I disrupted the work... flow when I confronted my supervisor about a matter, although it lasted all of 15 seconds. They claimed I abandoned my job, even though I had filled out a vacation slip and contacted my supervisor about when I would return. I had been at this job for 29 years without any disiplinary write-ups or warnings about anything. I was upset and said I would retire as I didn't want a firing on my record. I filed for unemployment which they protested, had a phone review and was denied benefits. I decided to hire Mr. Erbe when I felt an appeal was justified. He was very helpful during the appeal with the judge. After the judge interviewed myself and my employer it was found in my favor and I am allowed to receive benefits. I am very thankful to Mr. Erbe for his excellent help. I would highly recommend Mr. Erbe.

See All Client Reviews

Harley Christopher Erbe's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Harley
Amy Kathryn Pietrowski headshot
Amy Pietrowski

Car accident lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Marlon D. Mormann headshot
Marlon Mormann

Personal injury lawyer | Jul 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Well respected in local community. Ethical and competent."

Anthony J. Olson headshot
Anthony Olson

Car accident lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Francis E. Younes headshot
Francis Younes

Unknown lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Erbe provides accurate answers and is effective in his practice areas."

View All Endorsements

No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

Experience

Rating:  9.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Great Plains Super Lawyers

2015

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association

1999

M. Gene Blackburn Award, Drake University Law School

1999

Order Of The Coif, Drake University Law School

1999

High Honors, Drake University Law School

1998

CALI Excellence For The Future Award -- Products Liability, Drake University Law School

1997

American Jurisprudence Award -- Torts, Drake University Law School

1997

CALI Excellence For The Future Award -- Torts, Drake University Law School

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Attorney/Owner, Erbe Law Firm

2002 - 2005

Owner, Nelson, Erbe & Webster

1999 - 2002

Associate, Walker Law Firm

Associations

2021 - Present

Litigation Counsel Of America

Fellow

2019 - Present

Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers

Fellow

2018 - Present

American Board of Trial Advocates

Member

2017 - Present

Great Plains Super Lawyers

Member

2015 - Present

American Academy Of Trial Attorneys

Member

2013 - Present

The National Trial Lawyers

Member

2006 - Present

Des Moines Business Exchange

Member

1999 - Present

Iowa State Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

Iowa Association for Justice

Member

1999 - Present

American Inns of Court

Member

1997 - 1998

Drake University Law Review

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Tope v. Greiner

$950,000 Trial Court Judgment

Ramos v. Wells Enterprises

Trial judgment for client.

Schram v. Bilgi

Trial judgment for client on all claims.

Mcgeev. Chevron Phillips Chemical Company

Trial judgment for client.

Nelson v. Lampe

Jury verdict for client.

Barnes v. Albertson's

Jury verdict for client.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1999

Drake University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2012

Construction Defect Seminar

Construction Defect Law

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution