If you have suffered an on-the-job injury, you clearly have a right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. However, if your injury was caused by a third party as opposed to a co-worker or your employer, you may also have the right to file a civil lawsuit to receive compensation in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits you may receive. Most…
When someone suffers injuries due to the negligence of another person, there are certain expectations regarding the potential economic relief provided through the legal system. In Iowa, compensatory damages are those tied to an exact cost or loss by the plaintiff as a direct result of the negligent action. However, Iowa also recognizes other categories of damages that a plaintiff…
Whether by birth or adoption, the addition of a child to the family structure is typically an exhilarating time for parents. An important item for a growing family to consider at this time is the preparation of a will. Several young parents neglect to engage in estate planning for one reason or another. Specifically, certain parents are under the impression…
The bankruptcy process in Iowa includes a number of regulations and requirements around what can and cannot be done with assets and debts. For instance, once you have filed for bankruptcy, whether it is Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy there are strict procedures, and oftentimes restrictions, on the transfer of any property or payment of debts. Many of the…
Congratulations to Nicole Hughes for being recognized as the 2017 Volunteer of the Year by the Council Bluffs Community School District and the Council Bluffs Community Education Foundation. Ms. Hughes serves on the International Baccalaureate Parent Board and Parent-Teacher Organization at College View Elementary. In addition, she has advocated for educational priorities to our legislative representatives and is a member…
In Wellness International Network, Ltd., et al. v. Sharif, the United States Supreme Court ruled that bankruptcy judges have the power to adjudicate certain claims if all parties knowingly and voluntarily consent. In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court reversed a Seventh Circuit holding that the bankruptcy court did not have constitutional authority to decide whether certain property belonged to…
In Iowa, lawyers, accountants, family members, and government all encourage individuals to avert and alleviate risk through the purchase of insurance policies. This is with good reason, in the event of an accident or disaster, the out-of-pocket expenses can skyrocket. To this end, there are insurance policies in Iowa covering anything from your home to travel, your car to your…
There are usually no restrictions on the number of bankruptcy cases a person can file unless a bankruptcy court orders otherwise. However, if your debts were discharged in a previous bankruptcy, you will not be entitled to a discharge again before the expiration of a certain period of time. Whether you can file another bankruptcy case and receive a discharge…
A motor vehicle accident can rattle the nerves. In some instances, it does more than that. Serious injuries and significant costs can result from an accident. For this reason many people in Iowa purchase car insurance. There are many different policies and levels of insurance coverage for residents of Council Bluffs to consider, but Iowa is unique in the United…
People often think that the County Assessor establishes the amount of their real estate taxes. The tax levy is established by the local governing bodies that collect tax. The assessor is responsible to determine the value of the property to which the tax levy is applied. Spring is property assessment protest time in Iowa. Property owners who are dissatisfied with…