Practice Area: Appellate

Hall and Lindebak obtain Summary Judgment in Federal Products Liability Case

March 6, 2023

Andrew Hall and Aaron Lindebak represented Lippert Components, Inc. and LCI Industries in a products liability case. Lippert Components, Inc. and LCI Industries manufacture electric steps for use on Recreational Vehicles. Plaintiffs allege that a rivet in a step manufactured by Lippert Components and LCI Industries failed, resulting in the death of David Burke. Plaintiffs […]


Iowa Supreme Court Provides Certificate of Merit Clarification

February 1, 2023

In September 2020, Jahn and Sara Kirlin filed suit against two doctors and Methodist Physicians Clinic alleging negligence following medical treatment received by Jahn. The Kirlins timely filed a certificate of merit affidavit signed by Dr. David Segal, a board-certified neurosurgeon. Iowa Code section 147.140 requires plaintiffs in medical malpractice suits to serve a certificate […]


Laura Martino Wins UIM Case

September 30, 2022

Attorney Laura Martino recently successfully defended State Farm in an underinsured motorist case at trial. The Plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident in 2019. The Plaintiff settled with the tortfeasor for policy limits. The Plaintiff filed suit against State Farm alleging breach of contract and bad faith. The bad faith claim was dismissed […]


Iowa Supreme Court Explores the Definition of a “Possessor” Under Iowa Premises Liability Law

September 1, 2022

In July 2020, Plaintiff filed suit in the Dallas County District Court seeking damages after she slipped on an icy driveway of a home that she was considering purchasing. Shortly after filing her original Petition Plaintiff filed an amended Petition naming the homeowners and the homeowners’ listing agency, Iowa Realty Company, Inc. (“Iowa Realty”), as […]


Ben Erickson Obtains Summary Judgment on Behalf of Local Restaurant

Ben Erickson obtained summary judgment on behalf of a local restaurant sued for negligence. The case arose from a slip and fall injury on the restaurant’s premises. Specifically, Plaintiff alleged the restaurant was negligent in the maintenance and upkeep of its dining area. After conducting discovery, Ben moved for summary judgment, arguing Plaintiff (1) failed […]


Aaron Lindebak Obtains Majority Fault Verdict Against Third Party Defendant

Aaron Lindebak successfully defended Nancy McKillip in a motor vehicle accident case at trial. Plaintiff Mark Simmons and Defendant McKillip were involved in a car accident in Dubuque in 2018. Simmons alleged that McKillip was negligent for failing to stop or yield at a stop sign. After investigation, Aaron brought in to the lawsuit Defendant […]


Iowa Supreme Court Finds Easement Not Dedicated to City

July 5, 2022

William McNaughton entered into an easement agreement with Jeanine and Stanley Chartier allowing a small part of a road to pass through his property. The road was used to access the Chartiers’ business on their property located adjacent to McNaughton’s. The agreement provided that it was a “’private’ easement granted for the use and benefit […]


Iowa Supreme Court Decision Allows Subcontractors More Time To Post Commencement of Work Notice

Iowa Code Chapter 572 governs mechanics’ liens. In accordance with Section 572.13A, a general contractor or owner-builder is required to post a commencement of work notice to the Mechanic’s Notice and Lien Registry (MLNR) website within ten days of starting work on a residential construction project. If the general contractor or owner-builder fails to post […]


Andy Hall and Ben Erickson Obtain Favorable Ruling from Iowa Supreme Court

On June 10, 2022, the Iowa Supreme Court determined that Andy Hall and Ben Erickson’s client, Liberty Mutual, was not required to reimburse Plaintiff, another insurer, for workers’ compensation benefits totaling over $250,000. The case arose after Plaintiff paid workers’ compensation benefits and later determined it was not the employer’s insurer on the date of […]


IOWA SUPREME COURT FINDS MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE SUIT PROPERLY DISMISSED FOR FAILURE TO FILE CERTIFICATE OF MERIT

May 17, 2022

The plaintiff was hospitalized to treat her prolonged dizziness. While medicated, she stood up and fell in her hospital room, suffering injuries. She sued the hospital, several physicians, and other healthcare providers involved in her treatment, alleging their “professional negligence” caused her injuries. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss on the grounds that the […]