Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde

Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde, General Attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana

Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on General, Personal Injury, and Product Liability · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

FounderatHovde, Dassow & Deets LLC

Indianapolis, IN

Practicing general in Indianapolis since 1980.

46+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
2 client reviews
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde is a founder based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on General, Personal Injury, and Product Liability. Frederick has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hovde, Dassow & Deets LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in
Indianapolis, IN
Experience
over 46 years
Known for
General · Personal Injury · Product Liability
  • Handles General, Personal Injury, and Product Liability matters from Indianapolis, IN.
  • Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde: Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde is a founder based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on General, Personal Injury, and Product Liability. Frederick has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hovde, Dassow & Deets LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Frederick takes on

Frederick concentrates on general, personal injury, product liability, and truck accidents. Each area below outlines the kind of case Frederick handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Indianapolis, Indiana

Frederick takes general matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frederick agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Indianapolis, Indiana

Frederick takes personal injury matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frederick agrees to represent you.

Product Liability cases in Indianapolis, Indiana

Frederick takes product liability matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frederick agrees to represent you.

Truck Accidents cases in Indianapolis, Indiana

Frederick takes truck accidents matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frederick agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde — general lawyer in Indianapolis

Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde is a founder based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on General, Personal Injury, and Product Liability. Frederick has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hovde, Dassow & Deets LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde is a founder of Hovde Dassow and Deets LLC and focuses his practice on the areas of medical negligence, car and truck accidents, construction site accidents, and injuries from dangerous consumer products all on behalf of plaintiffs. He has tried over one hundred ten cases to a jury verdict and obtained several maximum statutory verdicts in medical malpractice cases and several verdicts in excess of $1,000,000 in automobile accident, products liability, and insurance bad faith cases. He has handled many significant and complex construction, products liability, and accident and insurance claim cases. He has also been involved in a substantial amount of appellate decisions and authored a number or articles. Over the course of his career, Rick has received countless honors and awards in recognition of his legal excellence. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America since 2003, recognized as an Indiana Super Lawyer since 2004, is a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, American College of Trial Lawyers, Indiana College of Trial Lawyers, Litigation Counsel of America, Indianapolis Bar Foundation. He is also a long time member of the American Association for Justice and American Board of Trial Advocates. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association since 1990, the Executive Committee from 1995 to 2003, and was President during the 2002-2003 term. He has been extensively involved with the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association legislative committee and it's efforts in the state legislature.

In 2019 he received the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association.

Published Works

• Medical Malpractice in Indiana, National Business Institute Indiana, 1990

• Civil Trial Practice, Practice Skills, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Foundation, 1988

• Health Care Evidence in Low-Impact Injury, Professional Education Systems, 1992

• Litigating TMJ, Back and Neck Injury Cases, Professional Education Systems, 1993

• Analysis of Indiana Tort Reform 1995; the Effects of House Enrolled Act 1741, Indiana Law Review, Vol. 29, No. 2, 1995

• Punitive Damages, Indiana Continuing Legal Education, 1996

• Bad Faith, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, 1996

Representative Cases

• Hinshaw v. Board of Com'rs of Jay County, 611 N.E.2d 637, 1993, Ind., 463-273-3859

• State Sec. Ins. Co. v. Ottinger, 487 N.E.2d 446, 1985, Ind.App. 2 Dist., 463-273-3859

• Hottinger v. Trugreen Corp., 665 N.E.2d 593, 1996, Ind.App., 463-273-3859

• Schimizzi v. Illinois Farmers Ins. Co., 928 F.Supp. 760, 1996, N.D.Ind., 463-273-3859

• Kennedy v. Guess, 806 NE2d 776, 2004, IND

• Balfour v. Kimberly Home Health Care, 830 NE2d 145, 2005, Ind. App.

• Alli v. Eli Lilly & Co., 854 NE2d 372, 2006, Ind. App.

• State Security Ins. Co. v. Otlinger (1985) 487 N.E. 2d 446

• Welch v. Young (2011) 950 N.E.2d 1283

Honors and Awards

• Fellow, Indiana College of Trial Lawyers

• Fellow, Indianapolis Bar Foundation

• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers

• Best Lawyers in America

• Indiana SuperLawyer

• Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers

• Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Indiana Trial Lawyers Association 2019

Pro Bono Activities

• Indiana Bar Foundation

Fraternities/Sororities

• Phi Delta Theta

• Phi Delta Phi

Professional Associations and Memberships

• American Association for Justice formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Sustaining Member, 1988 to Present

• Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Member, Board of Directors, 1990 to Present

• Indiana State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, Director, 1982 to 1986

• Indianapolis Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, Director, 1986 to 1989

• American Board of Trial Advocates, Member, 1992 to Present

• Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Former Member

• Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Past President, 2002 to 2003

• Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Executive Committee, 1995 to 2003

• American Bar Association

• Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Legislative committee, Chairman

• Litigation Counsel of America

Working with Frederick on a general matter

Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde is a founder of Hovde Dassow and Deets LLC and focuses his practice on the areas of medical negligence, car and truck accidents, construction site accidents, and injuries from dangerous consumer products all on behalf of plaintiffs. He has tried over one hundred ten cases to a jury verdict and obtained several maximum statutory verdicts in medical malpractice cases and…

Who Frederick represents

Frederick reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, personal injury, and product liability matters in Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Indiana University School of Law

    J.D. · 1980

  • Southern Methodist University

    B.B.A. Business · 1977

Jurisdictions

Frederick's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court

    1980 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court

    1980 · ACTIVE

  • Indiana

    1980 · ACTIVE

Frederick studied at J.D. in Indiana University School of Law and B.B.A. Business in Southern Methodist University.

Law school and academic background

Frederick completed J.D. in Indiana University School of Law and B.B.A. Business in Southern Methodist University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Frederick runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Frederick has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Frederick's professional memberships and bar associations

  • of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, 2007. American College of Trial Lawyers, 2000. Indiana College of Trial Lawyers, 1993. Litigation Counsel of America, 2009. The Indianapolis Bar Foundation, 1992. Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Executive

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  • American Bar Association

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  • American Association for Justice

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  • The American Board of Trial Advocates

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Locations

Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde's office in Indianapolis

Frederick's primary office is at 10201 N. Illinois Street, Suite 500, Indianapolis, IN, 46290. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hovde, Dassow & Deets LLC

10201 N. Illinois Street, Suite 500

Indianapolis, IN 46290

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Frederick. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Indianapolis.

5.0

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Frederick usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Frederick charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Frederick's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Frederick will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a general attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana

A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Frederick

Frederick discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Frederick confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Frederick's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Frederick R. (Rick) Hovde

  • How much does it cost to hire Frederick for a general case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Frederick walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Frederick offer a free consultation?

    Frederick charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Frederick's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Frederick's current terms during booking.

  • How long do general cases in Indiana typically take?

    Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Frederick gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Frederick take my case if I'm outside Indianapolis?

    Frederick is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Frederick will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Frederick?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Frederick will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Frederick accepting new general clients right now?

    Frederick's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

General attorneys serving Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Carmel in Indiana

Frederick handles general matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

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