Firm Achieves Summary Judgment and Complete Dismissal of Product Defect and Negligence Suit

Attorneys Randy Wilharber and Clarissa Bierstedt achieved summary judgment and complete dismissal of a product defect and negligence suit seeking in excess of 1.5M in damages on behalf of Nestle in defense of a severe burn injury to a minor child who spilled hot water from a Nestle designed beverag…

Late Settlement Sanction

By order of the Commissioner, beginning July 1, 2018, the Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation will impose a monetary late settlement sanction on parties in cases where settlements are reported to the Division less than 24 hours before the scheduled start time of the hearing. Settlements …

Firm Obtains Successful Defense Verdict in Jury Trial for Professional Liability Case

Attorneys Jack Wharton and Clarissa Bierstedt successfully obtained a defense verdict as a result of a jury trial for a professional liability lawsuit. The plaintiff brought a negligence claim against an insurance agency alleging it made changes to her insurance coverage without her consent. The ju…

Calculating the Rate of Compensation – Tips, Tricks and Traps

When an employee has been injured and is entitled to temporary or permanent workers’ compensation benefits, a calculation of the employee’s average weekly wage and rate is required. In order to calculate the rate of compensation, the “gross earnings” of the employee must be determined and then …

Firm Celebrates Staff and Provides Community Donation

To recognize staff, Peddicord Lillis held its annual Essential People Day celebration with a catered luncheon at the office and a Puppy Party.  The non-profit, AHeinz57 Pet Rescue, brought 3 puppies that were up for adoption to the office to "hang out" with staff members. In addition, the f…

Amendment to Iowa’s “Failure to Use Seatbelt Comparative Fault Statute”

Legal Update by Attorney Clarissa BierstedtOn March 15, 2018, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law an amendment to Iowa Code Section 321.445. This statute provides in part that a plaintiff’s failure to use a seat belt as required by Iowa law may be admitted as evidence of the plaintiff’s fail…

New Development in Industrial Disability and Return to Work

Legal Update by Attorney Tyler SmithThe Iowa Workers’ Compensation law underwent significant changes last legislative session (2017), going into effect for work-related injuries occurring after July 1, 2017.For a comprehensive summary, look (for those changes to the Iowa Code) here (for those chang…

New Workers’ Compensation Legislation and Administrative Rules

Legal Update by Attorney Alison Stewart On March 30, 2017, new legislation signed into law by Governor Branstad made significant changes to the Iowa Workers’ Compensation laws. On December 20, 2017, new administrative rules were adopted. These changes will be applied to injuries occurr…

Online Fraud Reporting System

A new Fraud Bureau within the Iowa Insurance Division investigates insurance fraud in workers’ compensation cases, which is a Class D Felony under Iowa Code Chapter 507E. Below is the link to the online reporting form to be used to report potential fraud to the Bureau. The form is also linked t…

Alison Stewart Joins Firm as Associate Attorney

Alison Stewart has joined the Peddicord Lillis law firm as an Associate Attorney. She will be working in the practice areas of workers’ compensation, personal injury defense, and family law. Prior to the Peddicord firm, Alison worked in the trial division of a large insurance company, as well a…

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