Surveillance Is Work Product

June 17, 2015

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 […]


Workers’ Compensation’s “Fresh Start” Rule Does Not Apply to Cases of Concurrent Employment

June 16, 2015

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 […]


Thomas and Martino are Successful in Gross Negligence Lawsuit

June 9, 2015

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 […]


Hall and Kuehner Obtain Jury Verdict in Favor of Local Business

May 26, 2015

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, […]


In Support of Mediation

May 14, 2015

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 […]


Saving for College While Maximizing Your Tax Benefits

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.  […]


Property Line Disputes

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 […]


When Should I Update My Estate Plan?

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 […]


Thomas and Martino Successfully Defend Client in Property Loss Action

April 14, 2015

Grefe & Sidney attorneys Mark Thomas and Laura Martino successfully defended an Iowa county against allegations of inverse condemnation of plaintiff’s property rights. In 2008 and 2010, as a result of the Des Moines River flooding, plaintiff’s property suffered catastrophic damage. The County in 1997 reconstructed the gravel road that ran in front of plaintiff’s […]


Grefe & Sidney PLC Wins at the Iowa Supreme Court!

March 20, 2015

Grefe & Sidney, PLC wins at the Iowa Supreme Court! On March 20, 2015, the Iowa Supreme Court decided, in Amish Connection vs State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, that the rain limitation language contained in State Farm Fire and Casualty’s insurance policy does not cover water damage inside a building that resulted when an […]