In Lynch Livestock, Inc. v. Bushell, No. 14-1133, filed May 20, 2015, the authorized treating doctor for an accepted claim had recommended a laparoscopic lumbar sympathectomy for long-term relief and resolution of pain from CRPS. The employer presented the opinion of a different doctor recommending conservative treatment and psychological assessment of claimant instead of the […]
In Iowa Insurance Institute v. Core Group, No. 13-67 (June 12, 2015), the Iowa Supreme Court held that surveillance (video, reports) in workers’ compensation cases is protected work product and will be treated differently than medical records and reports that must be produced upon receipt pursuant to Iowa Code section 85.27(2). This negates the agency […]
The Supreme Court of Iowa held in Warren Properties v. Janice Stewart, No. 13-0474 (May 29, 2015) that an employer who is liable to compensate an employee for a successive unscheduled work injury is not liable to pay for the preexisting disability that arose from employment with a different employer, or from causes unrelated to […]
Grefe & Sidney’s Mark Thomas and Laura Martino were successful in securing a Dismissal, through summary judgment, of an Iowa Code Section 85.20 gross negligence lawsuit brought against co-workers of a man who suffocated while working on a Manatts company truck. The deceased’s representatives filed suit pursuant to a statutory exception to the workers compensation […]
Andrew D. Hall and Michael C. Kuehner recently defended a local business against claims made by a customer who injured himself at Des Moines-area car wash. The plaintiff alleged that the car wash engaged in negligent cleaning and inspection practices. As a result, he claimed he fell and was injured. During a three-day trial in Polk County, […]
On Tuesday, May 14, 2013, a fire occurred at Budd-Z’s, a bowling alley and bar in Sheldon, Iowa. The bowling alley’s owner, Kristina Manasil, sought insurance proceeds of nearly $1,400,000. Budd-Z’s insurance carrier retained Grefe & Sidney to assist in its investigation of the fire claim and provide a recommendation as to whether coverage existed […]
Grefe Sidney, as a natural extension of its litigation practice, offers mediation and arbitration by an unbiased neutral as a part of its legal services to clients. Grefe Sidney litigators often are called upon to represent our clients in Mediation/Arbitration as advocates. We also offer the services of two of our members to serve as […]
With the cost of education only going up, many parents start saving for their children’s education long before their children will be attending college. Fortunately, there are tax-favored options that let you save in taxes while saving for college. 529 Accounts. Payouts from a 529 account used for eligible postsecondary education expenses are tax free. […]
It is a common occurrence – it is likely that either you or you someone you know has had a boundary line dispute with an adjacent neighbor. When a boundary dispute arises between neighboring property owners, the legal principle of “adverse possession” is often tossed around. Adverse possession is a legal doctrine whereby ownership of […]
A lot of time and thought is put into your estate plan to limit costs and provide for a smooth transition for your family upon your death. However, while your estate plan may have been effective in accomplishing these goals when it was made, it could now be out of date. It is very important […]
