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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
The best funeral and resting place is often the one that you plan before you die. Preplanning your funeral is a way to ensure your wishes are met and spares your family the stress of making these decisions under the pressure of time and strong emotions. A few questions to consider: 1) Do you want […]
Over the next few newsletters, we will be doing a series on “The Basics” of a variety of things in our practice areas, including Trusts, Residential Real Estate Transactions, Probate, etc. In this Newsletter, we are starting with business structures and how they each differ from one another. Sole Proprietorship – A sole proprietor is […]
What is the Iowa Supreme Court? It is the highest court in the Iowa state court system. It is comprised of 7 justices and is an appellate court—meaning that is reviews cases that have already been heard by a lower level court. Appellate court hearings do not involve witnesses, juries, or new evidence. An appellate […]
Thomas “Tom” Carpenter has been a mainstay at Grefe & Sidney since the firm began in 1971. His sage advice, caring nature, and highest ethical standards have provided an excellent example for all attorneys at the firm and within the Iowa Bar. It is with appreciation and best wishes that we announce that Tom is […]
The Iowa Court of Appeals recently reversed two drug convictions and ordered a new trial for Shannon See, holding that the contraband found during a warrantless search of her person and vehicle should have been suppressed for lack of probable cause. The Court’s opinion relied heavily on the particular factual circumstances. On February 15, […]
