In the 19th century through the early 1900’s, workers seriously injured on the job were left to cover their own medical bills and figure out a way to cover lost wages until they were able to return to their jobs. With the passage of state workers’ compensation laws starting in 1911 through...

Following the derecho storm that tore through Iowa, tree crews are working continuously to pick up downed branches residents have left at the curb and trim broken limbs from damage trees. Much of the work involves using a chipper machine to cut tree limbs into small chips, which can be dangerous if...

In Iowa, most businesses are operating and schools are beginning to reopen either on an in person, virtual or hybrid fashion, helping families who lack child care get back to work during the pandemic. However, with the Governor recently ordering the temporary closure of certain business – bars and nightclubs – in...

Although the pandemic pushed a booming economy into a recession, closing many businesses and putting people out of work at least temporarily, residential home and roadway construction has exploded leading to more jobs than anyone thought possible.

Construction Workers Face the Greatest Risks in the Workplace

Recently, two Iowa construction workers were killed and another injured when they came into contact with a buried “high voltage” electrical line while installing internet cable. Underground electrical cables not only create hazards for construction workers, but also electricians, utility company employees, farmers, landscapers, equipment operators, trenchers, excavators, and property owners who...

There are various factors that are considered when making a child support determination from parents’ incomes to the number of children being supported and who has primary custody of the kids. A child support calculation will also take into account the costs for healthcare, child care or other necessary expenses that serve...

When couples divorce, marital property and debt must be divided. Iowa is an equitable division state which means that property will be divided fairly – not necessarily 50/50. To divide marital property, it is important to work with an experienced family law attorney to reach a fair settlement agreement after considering various...

When couples decide to divorce, there are a number of important issues that need to be addressed in real time, before the divorce is finalized. Either spouse can ask the court for temporary orders to establish custody and visitation rights, request alimony or child support payments, or even request to remain in...

With the 2020 Fourth of July weekend fast approaching, Iowans are reminded to “think safety” when setting off fireworks to avoid injuries, which can happen in the blink of an eye. Since the legalization of the sale and use of fireworks in 2017, fireworks have been flying off the shelves and, according...

In what is seen as a big win for LGBT employment rights, the Supreme Court has ruled that sexual orientation discrimination is a violation of Title VII of the civil rights act which protects employees from sex discrimination. “An employer that fires or otherwise discriminates against an employee merely for being gay...