In 2016, nearly 40,000 people died in traffic accidents across the country, a 14 percent increase over 2014 and the biggest two year jump in 50 years. Many believe that the rise in fatal car accidents correspond to an increase in distracted driving caused by texting behind the wheel. Families who have lost loved ones… Read More »
Impaired Driving Car Accident Lawyers
Following Colorado’s lead, a handful of states have legalized recreational marijuana while a number of other states have legalized medical marijuana or have decriminalized possessing certain amounts. Even in states like Iowa who have not embraced legalized recreational use, there are some who feel it’s just a matter of time due to more relaxed attitudes… Read More »
Workplace Age Discrimination
Recently, an appeals court ruled that job applicants are protected against workplace discrimination based on age – not just current employees. The decision signals a victory to older job seekers who have are often overlooked as candidates simply because of their age. The ruling stems from a case, Kieber V. CareFusion, involving an attorney, Kieber,… Read More »
Construction Accident Prevention
Construction accident prevention is key in reducing the number of workplace fatalities and injuries in the U.S. With 1 and 5 deaths occurring at construction sites, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) brings attention to particular hazards construction workers face known as the Fatal Four: falling, struck by accidents, electrocution, and caught in or… Read More »
Independent Contractor or Employee in a Gig Economy?
With so many people finding work opportunities in the gig economy, there may be some questions regarding their classification – employee or independent contractor? The distinction boils down to an employer’s obligation to provide workers’ compensation, unemployment, overtime and other work benefits to an ’employee’ which are not extended to an independent contractor. Already there… Read More »
Fear of Retaliation – Unreported Work Injuries
A complaint about employer retaliation posted on the Des Moines Register’s Readers Watchdog in November has shaken things up at Des Moines Public Works. The tip posted by an unnamed employee said workers were not reporting on-the-job injuries for fear of being ‘written up’ prompting an investigation by Iowa OSHA. Research reveals that work place… Read More »
Pedestrian Car Accident Fatalities Up
The number of pedestrian fatalities in traffic accidents have risen sharply in states that have legalized recreational marijuana compared to a decline in states that have not. Although a cause and effect link has not been firmly establish yet, a worrisome correlation is staring to appear. While population growth and the use of distracting technologies… Read More »
Fatal Car Crashes Linked to Drugged Driving
New Years, the Super Bowl, and more recently, marijuana users’ self-proclaimed holiday, 4/20 Day, all appear to be associated with increases in traffic fatalities. Risks that have long been linked to alcohol and driving on Super Bowl Sunday and New Year’s Eve are now associated with impaired driving on April 20th, aka 420 (four-twenty) Day,… Read More »
Ignition Interlock Devices Deter Drunk Driving
Utilization of ignition interlock devices have become fairly widespread across the country to curb drunk driving. IID’s function as an onboard breathalyzer, preventing a car from starting if the driver is impaired. In many states the requirement to install an IID starts with a conviction an OWI second offense, a grossly elevated blood alcohol content… Read More »
Iowa Dram Shop Law
In a letter to the editor of the Des Moines Register, one reader rings in on proposed changes to Iowa’s dram shop law (SF 1179/HSB 594), which seeks to limit compensation to victims of drunk drivers. If the changes are adopted, the fear is that the standard of visible intoxication is too vague and recovery… Read More »
