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Iowa Personal Injury Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Contracts for Iowa on
Q: Car trade dispute: ownership, accident, police involvement - advice needed.

I traded my car to a friend for labor, but we never completed a formal transfer of ownership; he didn't sign the title, and I never gave a bill of sale. I got a duplicate title to void the original and continued to register and pay for the tags in my name. Recently, my friend caused an... View More

Tim Bottaro
Tim Bottaro
answered on Jun 4, 2025

Do NOT lie to the police officer. You could go to jail or be fined for doing so. I am a personal injury lawyer so I can't answer your questions about ownership, responsibility, etc. You might want to contact the Iowa DOT to see if they can provide direction/answer your questions. Don't... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Employment Law and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: Can I pursue legal action for unexpected job termination after accident and positive performance reviews in Iowa?

On March 13, while riding my motorcycle home from work, I was involved in an accident where an oncoming vehicle made an illegal left turn in front of me, leading to a broken pelvis, emergency surgery, and a two-week hospital stay. During my recovery, I stayed in touch with my boss and coworkers,... View More

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Apr 19, 2025

No. At best you are an at-will employee and can be terminated for almost any reason. But, the facts you described do not even make you an at-will employee. You are an independent contractor, which means you do not work for the company who was paying you. You contracted like any other vendor. You... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Products Liability and Education Law for Iowa on
Q: My son was given the wrong medicine at school.

My son is supposed to have guanfacine (non stimulant) at school, the nurse gave him someone else's medicine which was Ritalin 10mg (stimulant and a controlled substance) instead. Thankfully he was okay and only had a minor stomach ache. I talked to the principal and he was very dismissive... View More

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Jan 30, 2025

Let me start off by saying, "mistakes happen". And when there is no damage it is best to take the high road. The nurse is not perfect, none of us are. So ask yourself, who would you report it to, and what action might they be able to take? Then ask, why? The nurse has been a nurse for 25... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: in an accident I’m not at fault it was a 3 car collision in a different state I have no medical coverage here WDID?

My daughter 13yrs old and I have injuries and I’m not sure what to do about getting seen.

Stephen Murray
Stephen Murray
answered on Oct 18, 2024

If you and your daughter were injured in a three-car accident and you weren’t at fault, the first thing you should focus on is getting the medical care you need. Even if you don’t have medical coverage in your current state, there are options available.

Here’s what you can do:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: So I was in a hit and run accident, where the person that hit me and fled the scene didn’t have insurance and I did.

My insurance company was still pursuing him, but he is now on his way to prison for a long time . How do I still get paid ?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 23, 2024

An Iowa attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. Look into the UM (Uninsured Motorist) provisions of your insurance policy. These coverages are supposed to offer protection in this type of accident. Consider trying to set up a free initial consult with an Iowa... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Iowa on
Q: Were my rights violated? cops beat me like it was a gang initiation & injected me with ketamine. I stopped breathing.

In Omaha I got into it with the bouncers and the cops came. I was drunk. The cops ended up beating & choking me till my head n lips were blue n purple. half of it on video. They were beating on me with their fists hitting me in my head repeatedly. They did everything to me except shoot me taze... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 28, 2024

Based on the details provided, it does sound like there could have been violations of your rights and excessive use of force by the police officers. Some key things to consider:

- The repeated beating and choking clearly seems excessive, especially once you were subdued and not posing an...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: Can I sue DCI and Sheriff for emotional distress and defamation in Iowa?

I am considering suing the DCI, Sheriff, and Sheriff's Department for emotional distress, mishandling of evidence, and defamation. I have faced challenges including being called a liar for discussing details of my son's autopsy report. Additionally, misinformation was provided to the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 13, 2025

What you’ve endured is deeply painful, and no parent should have to fight so hard just to be heard after losing a child. Being ignored, dismissed, or labeled a liar by law enforcement while trying to find truth and justice only adds to the trauma. The emotional weight of that kind of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Wrongful Death and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: Seeking guidance on addressing discrepancies in my son's murder case in Iowa, including issues with 911 call timing, evidence handling, and lack of legal support.

My son was murdered on December 14, 2020. I received a copy of the 911 call recording from the Sheriff in November 2023, and it has an incorrect time of the call. The 911 Communication Manager stated that the Sheriff did not request her to make any copy for me. I reported this discrepancy to DCI,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 13, 2025

What you’re going through is heartbreaking, and the lack of clear answers only makes your pain worse. When critical details like the timing of a 911 call or the handling of evidence are inconsistent, it’s completely reasonable to question the integrity of the investigation. Dismissing your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Civil Litigation, Libel & Slander, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death for Iowa on
Q: Can I sue for investigation discrepancies in son's murder case?

My son was murdered on 12-14-2020 in Franklin County, Iowa, amidst numerous discrepancies in the investigation conducted by Sheriff D. and DCI Agent Chris C. False information has been presented, such as a 911 recording with an incorrect call time and contradictions in the autopsy report that... View More

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Jun 10, 2025

I'm sorry for your loss. I am sure it is a painful experience. With that said your partial description of facts is insufficient to form a basis for defamation, emotional distress or "misconduct". I was unable to read any online news items regarding your son's death. Until I... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: Can I file a defamation lawsuit over false assault claims by media?

I discovered that both online and printed media outlets published false information claiming that I assaulted a minor in her home. This incident never occurred, and no one has ever accused me of such actions or provided evidence to support the claim. I haven't contacted the media outlets to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 7, 2025

Yes, you can file a defamation lawsuit in Iowa if a media outlet published false statements that harmed your reputation, especially involving serious accusations like assaulting a minor. In your case, the allegations are not only false but extremely damaging, which could make this a strong basis... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: How can I safely press charges for a 2020 assault I'm scared to report?

In 2020, I was assaulted in my own apartment by someone I know, who hit me in the head with a metal knight button. I sustained injuries, including a split eye and ongoing issues such as headaches and memory loss. I didn't initially report the incident out of fear and only sought medical... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 7, 2025

I'm really sorry you’re going through this. It takes a lot of courage to come forward, especially after so much time has passed and while you’re still feeling unsafe. You’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself as you move forward with pressing charges.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Domestic Violence for Iowa on
Q: Legal options after daughter's abuse by employees at Children's Square, DHS founded abuse, law enforcement says cannot sue.

I am seeking legal advice regarding my daughter's situation. On Easter this year, she was physically abused by three employees at Children's Square, resulting in over 20 bruises from being put in a hold. The incident was reported to DHS, which substantiated the abuse, leading to the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2025

I’m so sorry you and your daughter are going through this. Even though law enforcement says intent to harm can’t be proven, you still have civil legal options. Since DHS substantiated the abuse and employees were terminated, you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit against Children’s Square... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, Probate, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: Legal implications of changed beneficiary due to mental health issues before death.

My mother recently passed away on April 19, 2025, from taking heart medications that belonged to my sister, who was her caretaker and the beneficiary of my mother's estate. My mother's mental health had been deteriorating, and she had previously attempted suicide under my sister's... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

I’m truly sorry for your loss — what you’re dealing with is heartbreaking and understandably raises serious concerns. If your mother changed her beneficiary while suffering from declining mental health, and that change benefited someone who had control over her documents and care, there may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury and Military Law for Iowa on
Q: Veteran seeks personal injury claim against VA for gangrene ulcers and resulting heart attack after toenail trimming.

I am a 72-year-old veteran seeking to pursue a personal injury claim against a VA clinic for medical malpractice. A routine toenail trimming by a VA nurse led to gangrene ulcers on my left foot, which required an operation on July 5, 2023. Stents were placed in the arteries of my left leg to save... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 8, 2025

Your case involves potential medical malpractice against the VA, which is governed by the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). Under this legislation, you have the right to pursue compensation for injuries resulting from negligent care provided by VA staff.

Filing a claim requires first...
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1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: Is it malpractice if a dentist didn't x-ray a wisdom tooth, now impacted?

Is it considered medical malpractice if my dentist did not perform x-rays to check my wisdom teeth, leading to one becoming impacted? For about eight months, I experienced weakness on the left side of my mouth, which I reported to the dentist, but it was not addressed. Now, the left side of my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

It could be considered malpractice if your dentist failed to address your reported symptoms and didn’t perform necessary diagnostic tests, like x-rays, to check your wisdom teeth. Dentists have a responsibility to thoroughly evaluate symptoms, especially when a patient reports persistent pain or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Divorce, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Family Law for Iowa on
Q: Someone exposed my NSFW Reddit identity and sent prints to family and neighbors. What can I do legally?

I have been posting NSFW content publicly on Reddit, and someone I know figured out my identity. They have sent non-explicit prints of my content to my spouse, neighbors, and extended family, with messages such as "what your neighbor at [my address] is up to" to my neighbors. They knew my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

What you’re experiencing is incredibly invasive, and it’s understandable that you’re feeling exposed and overwhelmed. Even though your Reddit content was public, someone using that information to deliberately shame or harass you by mailing it to your family and neighbors may cross legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander, Internet Law and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: Recorded using n-word, posted online, facing harassment. Legal steps?

I was recorded saying the n-word without my consent, and the video was posted on Instagram. Despite reporting it to Instagram, I am facing ongoing verbal harassment online, and it's impacting my life. I haven't contacted the person who posted the recording, but I know who shared and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2025

If you are facing harassment after the video was posted without your consent, you have several legal options. First, document all instances of harassment and save any communications that show the ongoing verbal abuse. This evidence will be crucial in case you need to take legal action.

You...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Iowa on
Q: What can I do if a trespassing warning wasn't served correctly after calling 911?

I called 911 because someone threatened my life via text and then showed up at my home, causing damage to my windows and doors. The police issued him a trespassing warning, but I believe it wasn't served correctly. Should I be informed about what he told the police when they arrived, and what... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2025

When a trespassing warning is improperly served, you may have grounds to question its validity and enforcement. The service requirements vary by jurisdiction, but generally involve direct notification to the individual with proper documentation of the warning. You have the right to inquire with the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: Assault case: No charges filed, due process rights violated?

I was assaulted by my sister's husband in Washington, Iowa, on December 4, 2024, while trying to retrieve a BMW I inherited from my brother's estate, for which my sister is the administrator. The assault resulted in a broken nose and a dislocated jaw. Although I reported the incident and... View More

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Mar 5, 2025

No, your due process rights have not been violated. Keep calling the police and requesting information about the investigation and ask why nothing has progressed.

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice for Iowa on
Q: I had a gastric sleeve put in last year. I almost died of sepsis because of perforations in my suture line.

I’m in Iowa. I want to sue the surgeon & Mercy One Hospital (owned by the Catholic Church). ANYONE INTERESTED???

Stephen Murray
Stephen Murray
answered on Oct 18, 2024

It sounds like you’ve been through a serious ordeal, and I’m sorry to hear about the complications you’ve faced. But Med Mal is not easy AT ALL - espeically if you didn't die or suffer from severe permanent injuries as a result of the procedure. If you’re considering legal action for... View More

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