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In Iowa, personal injury settlements can significantly impact divorce proceedings, particularly in the division of assets and debts. As a community property state, Iowa mandates all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are typically considered communal and subject to equal division upon divorce. However, personal injury settlements can be an exception to this rule. Personal injury settlements are often…
The State of Iowa has agreed to pay nearly $1.1 million in a case concerning John Vetter, a former state employee. Vetter injured his back in 2011 and was subsequently given permanent work restrictions by his physician. The state placed Vetter on involuntary medical leave and eventually terminated his employment in 2013, stating he could no longer fulfill his job…
The Iowa Capital Dispatch has reported three health aides were fired for alleged emotional and physical abuse at the facilities they worked. Rebecca Schade, an aide at Blackhawk Life Care Center, was fired for mocking a resident who regularly cried out for help due to an illness. She had previously received a warning for telling another resident her hair "looked…
AirBnB has more than 200 million bookings a year, and reports less than 0.1% of visits result in a reported safety problem. Although renting out a property through AirBnB is a convenient way for many hosts to earn additional income, guests are potentially at risk for injury. Whether renting your home for the Fourth of July weekend or offering a…
In September 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported twelve product recalls from major companies, including a Stihl chainsaw, Whirlpool washer and dryer, Pirelli tire, and a Honda lawnmower. Even trusted companies can manufacture defective products, which put users at risk of injury. Product liability in Iowa revolves around the legal responsibility manufacturers, distributors, and sellers have when a consumer…
Dog parks are becoming increasingly popular with dog owners to give their canine friends a chance to exercise, play and socialize with other dogs. There are three dog parks in the city of Des Moines alone. However, going to a dog park with a furry friend includes the risk of dog bites. According to a study published by the National…
Wildfires have affected thousands of households this summer. Images of destruction from Lahaina in Maui reveal the extreme level of devastation that house fires can cause. A home fire is a terrifying event that not only damages property but can also result in personal injury. In many instances, injuries from a home fire are severe, requiring immediate medical attention. Burns,…
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls, slips and trips made up 16% of total workplace fatalities in the state of Iowa in 2021. Construction is also the occupation with the second-highest fatality rate. Understanding Iowa's construction site regulations requires a detailed look at various safety standards and rules. In Iowa, construction companies must follow specific guidelines set…
Annually, the Iowa Department of Transportation releases data regarding bicycle crashes, including the count of fatalities. In the years 2019, 2020, and 2021, the state witnessed no fewer than ten fatal incidents each year. In contrast, the previous year saw a decrease in fatalities, with only three deaths reported. Fortunately, as of May 2023 there were no fatalities from bicycle…
In December 2022, Iowa officials settled with the family of Iowa State University student Derek Nanni, who tragically drowned during a rowing club practice on Little Wall Lake the previous year. The family had sued the Iowa Department of Management for wrongful death and were awarded $2 million. The parents of another student, Yaakov Ben-David, who also died in the…
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