(515) 444-4000In Iowa, comparative negligence plays a significant role in personal injury cases. This legal concept involves determining the degree of fault for each party involved in an accident. When an individual seeks compensation for injuries, Iowa law examines the actions of everyone involved. If a plaintiff is found partly at fault, it can affect the compensation received. For example, in…
In Cedar Rapids, a tragic incident occurred in November of last year in the 1400 block of Memorial Drive SE, resulting in the death of a pedestrian. According to reports, around 4:45 p.m., a 45-year-old man was driving along Memorial Drive SE when his vehicle struck two individuals, a man and a woman. Following the accident, both pedestrians were transported…
Just over 11 percent of drivers in Iowa are uninsured, presenting a small but potentially very expensive risk for motorists involved in an accident. There are a number of reasons why a driver may not carry insurance. They may be going through financial hardship, or their insurance policy may have lapsed without them knowing. It’s also possible they may have…
Iowa is a unique state for driving due to the extensive rural road network, which presents a specific set of safety risks. The Iowa Department of Transportation advises that poor road conditions in rural areas increase the likelihood of accidents, including: Varied gravel depths Washboarding surfaces Changes in the roadbed due to seasons Limited removal of snow Edges of roads…
In June 2021, two boys, aged 12 and 8, were hospitalized in critical condition at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics following a scooter accident. The incident occurred when they ran a stop sign on a rental scooter and collided with a car on Mount Vernon Road. This case adds to a growing number of scooter-related accidents. Emergency services…
Farm equipment accidents are a significant concern in Iowa's agricultural sector. These incidents often occur due to various factors, including machinery malfunctions, operator error, and, sometimes, challenging environmental conditions. Tractors, combines, and other heavy machinery are typically involved in these accidents. The outcomes can be severe, ranging from minor injuries to more serious, sometimes life-threatening, consequences. According to data from…
In Iowa, personal injury settlements can significantly impact divorce proceedings, particularly in the division of assets and debts. As a community property state, Iowa mandates all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are typically considered communal and subject to equal division upon divorce. However, personal injury settlements can be an exception to this rule. Personal injury settlements are often…
The State of Iowa has agreed to pay nearly $1.1 million in a case concerning John Vetter, a former state employee. Vetter injured his back in 2011 and was subsequently given permanent work restrictions by his physician. The state placed Vetter on involuntary medical leave and eventually terminated his employment in 2013, stating he could no longer fulfill his job…
AirBnB has more than 200 million bookings a year, and reports less than 0.1% of visits result in a reported safety problem. Although renting out a property through AirBnB is a convenient way for many hosts to earn additional income, guests are potentially at risk for injury. Whether renting your home for the Fourth of July weekend or offering a…
In September 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported twelve product recalls from major companies, including a Stihl chainsaw, Whirlpool washer and dryer, Pirelli tire, and a Honda lawnmower. Even trusted companies can manufacture defective products, which put users at risk of injury. Product liability in Iowa revolves around the legal responsibility manufacturers, distributors, and sellers have when a consumer…