Practice Area: Trial, Litigation, & ADR

Clark Mitchell Wins Quiet Title Action

January 6, 2023

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, […]


Aaron Lindebak Wins Summary Judgment

December 1, 2022

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 Granted Dismissal in Vicarious Liability Claim

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 Wins Defense Verdict

November 2, 2022

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 […]


Laura Martino and Ryleigh Keeney Granted Summary Judgment on Behalf of Insurer

Laura Martino and Ryleigh Keeney obtained summary judgment on behalf of their client, State Farm, in a breach of contract and bad faith action in the Northern District of Iowa. The plaintiff, State Farm’s insured, claimed she sustained injuries arising out of a 2016 motor vehicle accident. She settled with the tortfeasor for policy limits […]


Ben Erickson Obtains Favorable Jury Verdict

September 30, 2022

Attorney Ben Erickson recently obtained a favorable jury verdict on behalf of his client. The case arose out of a motor vehicle accident that occurred in Des Moines. Although Erickson’s client admitted he was negligent in causing the accident, the parties disputed the nature and extent of the Plaintiff’s injuries. On September 26, 2022, the […]


Laura Martino Obtains Directed Verdict in Personal Injury Action

Attorney Laura Martino obtained a directed verdict on behalf of her clients in a personal injury action. The case arose out a motor vehicle accident in Des Moines in 2019. Following the close of the Plaintiff’s case, Martino moved for a directed verdict asserting the Plaintiff had failed to provide substantial evidence with respect to […]


Laura Martino Wins UIM Case

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 […]