A recent motor vehicle accident involving a motorist and a DOT maintenance vehicle marks the first 2023 traffic related fatality in Des Moines. The driver crashed into a DOT maintenance vehicle that was pulled off the shoulder of an I-235 exit and later succumbed to his injuries. Accidents involving vehicles pulled over on the… [Read More]
Workplace Retaliation Claims Lawyer
Retaliation in the workplace is defined as an adverse employment action(s) against an employee because they have reported unlawful practices, served as a witness to support a claim, assisted or participated in any way in an investigation, grievance proceeding, or hearing regarding unlawful activity in the workplace including discrimination. For example, an employee that reports… [Read More]
5 Star Nursing Home Ratings Do Not Always Identify Abuse
In 2018, family members testified in a hearing before the U.S. Senate to talk about abuse and neglect in nursing homes, including the daughter of an Iowa nursing home resident who succumbed to neglect. During the hearing, it was noted that while assessment of nursing homes are performed by state investigators, it is the Centers… [Read More]
Des Moines Severance Package Lawyer
The economic forecast may result in job losses across the country through the foreseeable future. Many long term employees may be facing the prospect of losing employment as we head into 2023. If you are facing termination and are offered severance pay, it is important to understand your rights before signing a release. For example,… [Read More]
Termination or Harassment Based on Discrimination
As an employee, it is easy to feel powerless in the face of threats of termination or suspension from an employer. Those facing employment termination or other adverse employment actions may simply give up, believing any fight would be hopeless. However, it is important to remember that employees are protected by various laws and understanding… [Read More]
Legal Remedies for Wrongful Termination
When you are wrongfully terminated from your job, there are a number of legal remedies you may pursue, with a general goal of making you whole again. Back Pay Following Wrongful Termination If a court finds that your employer wrongfully terminated you, you may be entitled to back pay. Back pay will include payments and… [Read More]
When is it Illegal to Fire an Employee?
If you have been fired from your job, you may wonder if there is any legal recourse. The general rule regarding employment termination is that employment is at will, meaning an employer can terminate employment for almost any reason, whether it is a personal disagreement or they believe your performance is subpar. Bottom line is… [Read More]
Pedestrian Traffic Accidents Rise in Des Moines Metro
Pedestrian traffic accidents are on the rise in the Des Moines metropolitan area, with a number of hit and run accidents sending pedestrians to the hospital. Nationally, pedestrian deaths are on the rise, and in Iowa, the number of pedestrian traffic fatalities has steadily increased over the last several years. Not surprisingly, many traffic accidents… [Read More]
100 Deadliest Days of Driving for Motorcyclists
Memorial Day weekend marked the beginning of the 100 deadliest days of driving during the summer months. The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day averages about 33 traffic related deaths in Iowa, including motorcyclists injured in collisions with cars. Because motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in a car crash, riders are encouraged to take defensive… [Read More]
Racial Discrimination and the Hostile Work Environment
Typically when someone brings a racial discrimination case, harassment must be severe and “pervasive” enough to create a hostile work environment. However, even a single incident of severe harassment can sometimes create a hostile work environment resulting in a Title VII claim of workplace discrimination. To demonstrate the point, the U.S. 5th Circuit recently… [Read More]
