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In September this year, a major traffic incident occurred on Interstate 80 in West Des Moines during the morning rush hour, involving a 10-car crash. Just west of Jordan Creek Parkway around 7:45 a.m., the accident led to a significant pileup and delayed commuters for approximately one hour. Three individuals were transported to the hospital with minor injuries following the…
A peculiar instance of road rage was recorded on a mobile phone in Des Moines in July of this year. Reports from law enforcement indicate that Daniel Bruck attempted an unlawful overtaking of Jeff Bates' vehicle, resulting in a collision. Following the crash, Bruck exited his vehicle and began using profanities towards Bates. Subsequent footage reveals Bates stepping out of…
Catastrophic injuries represent a severe class of personal injury, often resulting in long-term or permanent disability. These injuries typically arise from significant accidents or incidents, profoundly affecting an individual's quality of life. Unlike more minor injuries, catastrophic injuries can lead to extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and a need for lifelong care or assistance. The scope of catastrophic injuries includes but…
Farm equipment accidents are a significant concern in Iowa's agricultural sector. These incidents often occur due to various factors, including machinery malfunctions, operator error, and, sometimes, challenging environmental conditions. Tractors, combines, and other heavy machinery are typically involved in these accidents. The outcomes can be severe, ranging from minor injuries to more serious, sometimes life-threatening, consequences. According to data from…
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…
Many people hold misconceptions about how fault is determined in car accidents, especially in the state of Iowa. A common belief if a driver receives a ticket from law enforcement, automatically considers them at fault for any subsequent insurance claim. Issuing a ticket is a separate matter and does not definitively establish liability. Another prevalent myth is that rear-ending someone…
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…
In Iowa, laws surrounding medical device liability fall under product liability regulations. When a medical device fails, causing harm or injury, victims may seek redress through legal means. Manufacturers, distributors, and sometimes even healthcare providers can be held accountable for these failures. Iowa law allows victims to file claims based on different theories such as negligence, breach of warranty, or…
In Iowa, when someone uses a personal vehicle for work purposes and gets involved in an accident, different rules apply. Understanding these laws helps in knowing one's rights and responsibilities. In most cases, if an individual is completing a job-related task when an accident happens, it becomes a work-related incident. Examples include making deliveries or visiting clients. However, regular commutes…
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…
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