On a motion for summary judgment in an age discrimination claim, the Iowa Supreme Court modified the burden-shifting framework for summary judgment on discrimination claims under the Iowa Civil Rights Act (ICRA) to align with the causation standard at trial. The Court adopted the good-faith “honest belief rule” to affirm the employer’s decision to terminate […]
On March 14, 2023, Ben Erickson obtained a complete defense verdict in a jury trial involving an underinsured motorist claim. The case arose out of allegations that Plaintiff was injured when her vehicle was struck by the underlying defendant. Specifically, Plaintiff alleged the accident caused neck, back, and wrist injuries, including the need for surgical […]
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 […]
The Plaintiff sued Crow Valley Golf Club seeking recovery under Iowa Code section 808B. The Plaintiff alleged Crow Valley Golf Club operated a surreptitious video and audio mechanism in its bar/restaurant and had recorded his conversations with business associates. Iowa Code section 808B.8(1)(a) permits an individual whose communication is intercepted, disclosed, or used in violation […]
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 […]
Michael Savala sued the State of Iowa, the Iowa Department of Corrections, and the director of the Iowa Department of Corrections for employment discrimination. He alleged the defendants discriminated against him on the basis of his age, race, color, and national origin in violation of the Iowa Civil Rights Act. At his trial, Savala raised […]
Clark Mitchell recently obtained a favorable ruling on behalf of his client, Metro Turf, in a quiet title and trespass action. The Plaintiff, Metro Turf, brought suit against neighboring property owners that asserted ownership to a portion of Metro Turf’s property through adverse possession. Adverse possession requires proof of possession that is hostile, actual, open, […]
The Plaintiff sued Budget Truck Rental, LLC, for damages resulting from an auto accident. Aaron Lindebak, representing Budget, asserted that the Plaintiff’s claims were precluded under 49 U.S.C. § 30106, commonly known as the Graves Amendment. The Graves Amendment precludes liability of rental car companies for harm to persons or property that results or arises […]
Tansha Akogyeram obtained a Pre-Answer dismissal for her client, a rental truck company sued for vicarious liability. The suit arose from a single-vehicle collision involving a rental truck in which Plaintiff was a passenger. The driver of the rental truck fell asleep, causing it to strike a median. Plaintiff filed suit against the driver for […]
Stella Maris Strohman recently obtained a defense verdict on behalf of her client Hamlet Apartments. The case arose out of the towing of the plaintiff’s vehicle from Hamlet Apartments’ private lot. The plaintiff argued the towing was in violation of Iowa Code section 321.89. Further, the plaintiff argued that the towing was in violation of […]