Johnson, Mulholland, Cochrane, Cochrane, Yung & Engler, P.L.C. Legal Blog
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Iowa?
Losing someone you love because of another person’s negligence can leave you dealing with grief and questions you never expected to face. Who can bring a legal claim? Who handles the case? What compensation may be available? For families in Fort Dodge and throughout North-Central and Northwest Iowa, understanding the basics can make an unfamiliar […]
How Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits Calculated in Iowa?
Getting hurt at work can turn your life upside down fast. Medical bills may arrive while you are still figuring out your diagnosis, and missed work can put added pressure on your family. One of the biggest questions injured workers face is how much workers’ compensation will actually pay. Iowa law provides a framework for […]
What Happens If You’re Not Wearing a Helmet in an Iowa Motorcycle Accident?
Riding a motorcycle through Iowa comes with a sense of freedom, whether you are traveling Highway 20 near Fort Dodge or heading through rural Webster County on a summer afternoon. Iowa does not generally require motorcycle riders to wear helmets. But if you are hurt in a crash while riding without one, you may wonder […]
What to Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Iowa
A slip-and-fall can happen in an instant. One moment you’re walking through a store on Williams Street or crossing a parking lot near US-169, and the next you’re on the ground wondering how badly you’re hurt. What you do after a fall can affect both your health and your ability to document what happened. Iowa […]
The medical malpractice statute of limitations goes by in a flash
Medical malpractice can result in devastating consequences. Whether a medical professional misdiagnosed a patient, committed negligent errors while administering treatment or overlooked critical information during patient care, their mistakes can worsen a patient’s prognosis and increase their overall medical expenses. It is normal for patients affected by malpractice to feel betrayed and anxious about the […]
How does a time-out prevent never events?
Patients who go to the hospital for treatments and procedures count on the medical team to handle their case properly. Unfortunately, procedures like surgeries don’t always go as planned. While it’s not common, there are times when the procedure is done on the wrong patient or the wrong body part. Because of the risk of […]
Fixing the Mixmaster: Addressing Truck Accidents in Des Moines’ Most Dangerous Interchange
The Mixmaster is a notoriously famous interstate interchange that many Iowa drivers are concerned about, and that often shocks visitors to the area. It’s the place where Interstates 35, 80 and 235 come together just north of Des Moines. This brings together heavy traffic, semitrucks, merging vehicles, limited space and changing speeds. Interchanges like this […]
The “expert witness” hurdle in Iowa medical malpractice lawsuits
Medical malpractice cases in Iowa are subject to something commonly referred to as the expert witness requirement. Before a case can move forward, the law generally requires the injured patient to present qualified medical expert support showing that a healthcare provider failed to meet the applicable standard of care and that this failure caused harm. […]
When is a business liable for a customer’s slip-and-fall?
Slipping and getting hurt in a business can feel embarrassing. It can also feel incredibly painful. Some people walk away with a few bruises, but others might sustain broken bones or brain injuries. They may have medical expenses and even weeks of lost wages to consider. Those injured in slip-and-falls may hope to hold a […]
Iowa’s new hands-free law may affect crash compensation claims
Distracted driving involving mobile phones has become a constant concern for Iowa drivers. Most people spot at least a few other motorists with their faces pointed into their laps or their phones in their hands while driving on any given trip in a motor vehicle. Those distracted drivers may not notice changing traffic conditions in […]