Monthly Archives: November 2017

Court of Appeals Disallows Jury Award of Punitive Damages in Contract Dispute

November 28, 2017

Hansen Company is a general contractor that was hired to renovate the former Younkers Building in downtown Des Moines. In the spring of 2013, RedNet Environmental Services contracted with the Hansen Company to perform asbestos abatement, lead abatement, PCB/Mercury disposal, and demolition of the aforementioned building. Before RedNet was allowed to perform any of the […]


Thomas Wins Defense Verdict

During the week of September 24, 2017, Mark Thomas obtained a defense verdict in favor of Innovative Ag Services, Co. amidst allegations they failed to apply the herbicide Ignite according to its label to a portion of Plaintiff Joel Kurtenbach’s corn fields. Plaintiff alleged Innovative Ag Services, Co.’s off-label use resulted in financial damage caused […]


Court of Appeals Affirms Rare Finding Claimant Did Not Give Timely Notice of Her Work Injury

Traditionally, it is notoriously difficult for the employer to succeed before the Commission on a notice defense. However, on October 11, 2017, the court issued a decision affirming a finding that claimant did not give notice of her injury to her employer within 90 days. The case involved a cumulative back injury that manifested itself […]


Mitchell Successfully Defends Local Repair Shop   

On October 25, 2017, Clark Mitchell obtained a defense verdict for his client.  Mitchell represented the defendant (a vehicle repair shop) in the lawsuit.  The plaintiff was a customer of the defendant repair shop.  The Polk County lawsuit arose out of a break-in of the plaintiff’s vehicle while in the possession of the defendant.  The […]


Martino Wins Defense Verdict

During the week of January 31, 2017, Laura Martino successfully defended Ford Motor Company against allegations Ford violated Iowa’s “Lemon” law provisions. At trial, Plaintiff sought damages in the amount he paid for a recently purchased Ford F-150 truck (plus costs and attorney fees) on the grounds that the vehicle sold was a “Lemon.” Specifically, […]


GREFE & SIDNEY ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBER AND NEW ATTORNEYS

November 15, 2017

Grefe & Sidney is pleased to announce that Laura Martino has become a member with the firm. Tansha Clarke, Sean Corpstein, Michael Currie, Benjamin Erickson, Jaclyn Zimmerman and Colin Grace have joined Grefe & Sidney as associates in our Des Moines office. Laura N. Martino Laura Martino is a trial attorney in the firm’s litigation […]