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Defective Medical Devices – Medical Malpractice or Product Liability?

In 2014, Jim Taft of West Columbia had a spinal cord stimulator implanted in his back. He is now mostly paralyzed, and a typical day sees him unable to leave his bed. He’s a prisoner in his own home due to a defective medical device.  Jim sought relief from pain. His doctors described a spinal device that could “change his…

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How Many Fatalities from Vehicle Crashes Happen Every Year in Iowa?

Traffic fatalities are a persistent issue in the state of Iowa, claiming the lives of drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, there have been over 300 traffic fatalities per year in Iowa for almost a century - a trend the state would like to see change for the better.  Vehicle Crash Fatality Statistics…

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Can an Employer Force Someone to Come Back to Work After a Workplace Injury?

Imagine logging into a virtual meeting for work during the height of the pandemic. You struggle to maintain a professional manner and concentrate on the discussion because you just lost a family member to COVID-19. Many of us experienced tremendous emotional and mental trauma from the constant stress of balancing personal trauma against the pressure to keep up productivity at…

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Rideshare Accidents: Should You Talk to Insurance Carriers? Ask a Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer

Since 2016, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have been available in Iowa’s metropolitan areas. But ridesharing can be a double-edged sword. On one side, evidence has shown that Uber and Lyft have cut down the frequency of impaired drivers taking to the streets after partaking in alcohol or controlled substances. On the other side, the introduction of ridesharing and…

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Do Uber and Lyft Drivers Have Daily Hour Driving Limits?

Does it matter how long your Uber driver has been on the road before picking you up? Are you entitled to a rideshare driver who is alert and rested? Turns out rideshare drivers do have daily drive-hour limits. But your Lyft driver may be exhausted before he even starts his shift.  Main Reason for Imposing Drive-Hour Limits Driving for rideshare…

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Vape Pen Explosion Injury – What Happens Next?

William Brown of Texas was just one of a number of individuals who have died using vape pens. After taking the device in to get it looked at, the battery exploded. This has been identified as a trend in the United States, with 196 vape pen explosions and fire incidents between 2009 and 2016. In the case of William Brown,…

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Is It Possible to Recover Lost Wages After a Car Accident in Iowa?

According to investigative reports from the Iowa State Patrol (ISP), James Bergert drove his SUV north up I-35 on August 4, 2021. His wife Joanna rode beside him in the passenger seat. Around mile marker 141, tow truck driver Anthony Nessa had just picked up a car from the side of the interstate in his flatbed tow truck. He drove…

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Will a Pre-Existing Injury Affect a Current Car Accident Claim?

In the summer of 2020, a 14-year-old rode his bicycle to Kenny's Roller Ranch in Burlington. The boy was cruising down Summer Street when she met Shelby Whittaker.   Shortly before 9 p.m., 24-year-old Whittaker turned down Summer Street in her 2001 Toyota Avalon. It was a dimly lit street where she crossed the centerline. Failing to see the boy, she…

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Are Dashcams Legal in Iowa and Should You Get One?

Dash cam laws vary by state. In Iowa, as long as the driver can see clearly, dash cams are legal. That means the dash cam cannot be mounted onto the windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows, but can be on the dashboard.  Used by law enforcement for decades, dash cam technology can be a great safety measure to…

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Car Accidents and Delta 8 Impairment – What You Should Know

The cannabis product known as Delta-8 is legal in 30 states and is often promoted as an alternative to marijuana that doesn’t get the user as high. However, Delta-8 still affects the ability to react and can cause significant impairment when coupled with alcohol use. Taking these products may be legal, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive while…

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