Trial
Date | Venue | Case
Type | Case
Number | Case
Name | Statement of Case |
|---|
| 08/11/2026 | Johnson County | Breach of Contract | LACV085248 | Skogman Realty Co d/b/a Skogman Commercial Realty v. Scott A. Andersen, Ders LLC, Ders Investments, LLC, and Ders Development LLC | This case involves claims arising from a commercial real estate listing contract (“Listing Contract”). Plaintiff, Skogman Realty Co., doing business as Skogman Commercial Realty, alleges that Defendants, Ders Investments, LLC; Ders Development, LLC; and Ders LLC, breached a contract or contracts by failing to pay commissions due on real estate transactions that occurred during the listing period and that Defendant, Scott Andersen, committed fraudulent misrepresentation and/or fraudulent nondisclosure in connection with the failure to pay those commissions. Defendants deny Plaintiff’s claims and assert that they are not liable. Defendants deny Skogman had a listing on the property and the commissions claimed by Skogman. In the alternative, Defendants asserts the commission would be limited to $45,394.98. |
| 07/21/2026 | Polk County | Wage Discrimination | LACL152315 | Silvia R. Cianzio v. Iowa State University, State of Iowa and Board of Regents, State of Iowa | In this case, the Plaintiff, Silvia Cianzio, alleges Defendant Iowa State University violated the Iowa Civil Rights Act by discriminating in the payment of wages on the basis of sex. She alleges Iowa State University paid her a lower salary than male professors who performed work requiring substantially equal skill, effort, and responsibility. For purposes of this case, Defendants Iowa State University, State of Iowa, and Board of Regents, State of Iowa are considered as one Defendant and referred to collectively as “Iowa State University.” Iowa State University denies Dr. Cianzio’s claim. Iowa State University also contends that any difference between Dr. Cianzio’s salary and the salaries of male professors was based upon a factor other than sex. |
| 06/30/2026 | Black Hawk County | Breach of Contract. Intentional Interference With Contract. Conversion. Trespass. | LACV 152534 | Creek Enterprise, Inc. v. Welsh Investments, LLC | Creek Enterprise “Creek” claimed that Welsh Investments “Welsh” damaged Creek and brought claims of breach of contract, intentional interference with contract, conversion, trespass & ongoing criminal conduct against Welsh. Welsh denied these claims and brought a counterclaim against Creek for breach of Contract. Creek denied Welsh’s claim. |
| 06/19/2026 | Warren County | CIVIL - OTHER ACTIONS,Estate Dispute | ESPR022355 | Estate of Judith A. Perry | This is a civil case brought by Plaintiffs Matthew Perry and Matthew Perry on behalf of minor children, Z.P., J.P., and S.P., against Defendant Michael Perry, individually and as proponent of the Judith A. Perry Estate and as Trustee of Judith A. Perry Revocable Trust. This case involves the following claims: It is undisputed that Judith Perry created a trust in 2018 and executed certain amendments to her Trust Agreement within 15 months of her death. Plaintiffs allege the Trust amendments executed by Judith A. Perry on March 22, 2023, November 7, 2023, and January 8, 2024, are invalid as the result of undue influence exercised upon Judith Perry by Michael Perry at the time the Trust amendments were created and executed. Plaintiffs further allege that Defendant intentionally interfered with their expected inheritance. Defendant denies the allegations made by Plaintiffs. |
| 06/18/2026 | Floyd County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - MOTOR VEHICLE | LACV031961 | Hemann v. Wegner | On February 13, 2021, Ryan Wegner drove his Ford F-150 pickup eastbound on 170th Street, rural Charles City, Floyd County, Iowa. Ryan Wegner drove the pickup off the roadway to the right, striking a tree with the front passenger side of the pickup. Brittany Hemann was the front seat passenger in the Ford F-150. Ryan Wegner admits his conduct was negligent. Brittany Hemann claims that Ryan Wegner's negligent conduct caused her damages. The parties dispute the damages. |
| 06/08/2026 | Scott County | Breach of Contract & Tortious Interference with Contract | LACE137459 | Burrage Roofing, Construction & Restoration, LLC v. Jonathan Todd Dawson & Mitten Roofing and Restoration, LLC | This case involves disputes between Burrage Roofing, Construction & Restoration, LLC (“Burrage”) and its former employee, Jonathan Todd Dawson (“Dawson”). In this case, Burrage and Dawson are parties to a written contract, titled an “Employment Confidentiality/Non-compete Agreement,” that Burrage required Dawson to sign during his employment. Burrage alleges that, after Dawson’s employment ended with Burrage, Dawson breached the contract and caused Burrage damage. Burrage further claims that Dawson and Mitten Roofing and Restoration, LLC (“Mitten”) tortiously interfered with contracts and prospective business relationships between Burrage and its customers and caused Burrage damage. Dawson and Mitten deny all claims made by Burrage. Dawson asserts that Burrage failed to pay him commission wages due under a written compensation agreement with Burrage and caused Dawson damage. Dawson seeks payment of the unpaid commissions that were earned during his employment with Burrage. Burrage denies all claims made by Dawson. |
| 05/21/2026 | Sac County | CIVIL LAW - PROPERTY/FINANCE DAMAGE (NO PERSONAL INJURY),Counter claim regarding unpaid services (contract) | LACV020308 | Steve Conover d/b/a SCC Trucking (Plaintiff) v. A&C Custom Trucks, LLC (Defendant) | Steve Conover d/b/a SCC Trucking is the Plaintiff. A&C Custom Trucks, LLC, is the Defendant. Plaintiff took his 2018 Kenworth to Defendant for repairs. A first started at the shop during the night, and Plaintiff’s truck was damaged as a result. Defendant did not own the shop. Plaintiff is claiming that the damage to his truck was caused by the negligence of A&C Custom Trucks, LLC. Defendant denies Plaintiff’s claim. Defendant brought a counter claim against Plaintiff for unpaid work that was performed on Plaintiff’s truck. Plaintiff denies the counterclaim. |
| 05/08/2026 | Jasper County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - INTENTIONAL TORT; INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS,BATTERY,& ABUSE OF PROCESS | LACV123816 | Padilla, Paul v. Ray, Randy | Statement of the Case: Plaintiff Padilla brought claims of Intentional Infliction of Severe Emotional Distress & Battery against Randy Ray. Ray asserted a counterclaim against Padilla for Intentional Infliction of Severe Emotional Distress & Abuse of Process. |
| 05/01/2026 | Polk County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - MOTOR VEHICLE | LACL159010 | Hamilton v. Smith | Plaintiffs, Nikki L. Hamilton and Craig W. Hamilton, assert claims for damages arising from injuries alleged to have been sustained as the result of a motor vehicle collision that occurred on August 26, 2022. On that date, Plaintiff Nikki Hamilton, was driving her motor vehicle with Plaintiff Craig Hamilton as her passenger and headed northbound on 19th Street nearing its intersection with University Avenue in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. At the same place and time, Defendant Gary W. Smith was driving his motor vehicle eastbound on University Avenue nearing its intersection with 19th Street in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. As the parties reached the intersection both proceeded through the intersection and collided with one another. Plaintiffs alleged that Defendant was negligent in the operation of his motor vehicle and that his negligence caused the collision and caused them injuries and damages. Defendant denies that he was negligent in the operation of his motor vehicle, denies that his negligence caused the accident, disputes the cause, nature and extent of Plaintiffs' injuries and damages, and asserts that his negligence, if any, should be compared with the negligence of Plaintiff Nikki Hamilton. |
| 04/30/2026 | Polk County | Property/Violation of Iowa Code 558A | LACL160592 | Sandra & Michael Heilman v. Carol and Robert Hoyt | This case arises from the sale of a residential home by Robert Hoyt and Carol Hoyt to Michael Heilman and Sandra Heilman. The Plaintiffs claim the Defendants violated Iowa Code Chapter 558A by failing to disclose material conditions and defects affecting the property in the written disclosure statement. |
| 04/17/2026 | Polk County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - MOTOR VEHICLE | LACL160762 | Kathleen Tope, as Executor of the Estate of Ellen Josephine Tope, Kathleen Tope, individually, and Timothy Tope, individually v. Mary Winterbottom | This case arises from a two-vehicle motor vehicle collision that occurred on September 8, 2023, in Mitchellville, Polk County, Iowa, between Ellen Tope and Defendant Mary Winterbottom. Plaintiff Kathleen Tope, individually and as Executor of the Estate of Ellen Josephine Tope, and Plaintiff Timothy Tope claim that their mother, Ellen Tope, sustained injuries that caused her death on September 11, 2023. Defendant accepts some fault but claims Ellen Tope was partially at fault for this accident. Defendant denies that this accident was the cause of Ellen Tope’s death and claimed damages. |
| 04/15/2026 | Polk County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - PREMISES LIABILITY | LACL149531 | Elnora Logan v. Merle Hay Mall, et. al | This is an action by Plaintiff Elnora Logan seeking damages that she claims were caused by a fall that occurred on January 26, 2019 at the Merle Hay Mall in Polk County, Iowa. Plaintiff Elnora Logan alleges she slipped on ice when she took a step into the entryway of the call. The Plaintiff alleges that the Merle Hay Mall was negligent in failing to exercise reasonable care in the maintenance of the property and that the Mall’s negligence was the cause of her injuries. Defendant Merle Hay Mall has denied it was negligent, denies that it was the cause of the Plaintiff’s injuries and alleged that the Plaintiff was at fault. |
| 04/15/2026 | Buena Vista County | Dog bite | LACV035135 | Daniel Khang v. Chong Xiong | Plaintiff Daniel Khang was bitten and injured on or about June 23, 2022, at 134 Highway Street Storm Lake, Iowa by a dog named Sandie owned by Defendant Chong Xiong. The dog was housed in a kennel in the backyard of 134 Highway Street, a property owned and occupied by Ong Lor, at the time of the attack.
The Court has already ruled that Defendant Chong Xiong is strictly liable to Daniel Khang for damages caused by the dog. The remaining issues from your determination are (1) the amount of damages, if any, suffered by Plaintiff, and (2) whether any fault of the released parties or the Plaintiff contributed to the damages. |
| 04/03/2026 | Linn County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - MEDICAL/DENTAL MALPRACTICE | LACV097415 | James Barcz et al. vs. Matthew Kidwell M.D. et al. | Plaintiff, Executor of the Estate of Jan Barcz, alleges medical malpractice following an elective hernia repair performed at Mercy Hospital. Plaintiffs allege that following the surgery, Dr. Matthew Kidwell and Mercy Hospital staff failed to properly monitor and treat Jan. After discharge, Jan suffered a cardiac arrest and was returned to Mercy Hospital where she was placed on life support and died. Plaintiffs allege that the Defendants’ negligent post-operative car and premature discharge caused Jan’s cardiac arrest and death. The jury found in favor of the Defendants, finding that neither Dr. Kidwell nor Mercy Hospital was negligent. |
| 04/03/2026 | Marshall County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - MOTOR VEHICLE | LACI012346 | Gabriel Neighbors v. Craig Harders et al | Two cases (Plaintiff driver Neighbors LACI012346 and Plaintiff passenger Whisenand LACI012356) were consolidated for trial as they both arose from the same October 26, 2022 collision. At the time of the collision, Neighbors was driving his 2022 Ford F250 pickup northbound on Zeller Avenue in Marshall County. Whisenand was a passenger in that vehicle. Harders was driving a 2014 Kenworth T800 southbound on Zeller when he attempted to make a left turn onto Highway 30 and struck Neighbor’s F250. The truck Harders was driving was owned by MLS Transfer. The parties agree Harders was at fault for causing the collision and that he and his employer, MLS Transfer, are liable for any damages caused by his fault. Harders died of causes unrelated to the collision and his estate was substituted as a defendant. |
| 04/03/2026 | Marshall County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - MOTOR VEHICLE | LACI012356 | Eugene Whisenand v. Craig Harders et al | Two cases (Plaintiff driver Neighbors LACI012346 and Plaintiff passenger Whisenand LACI012356) were consolidated for trial as they both arose from the same October 26, 2022 collision. At the time of the collision, Neighbors was driving his 2022 Ford F250 pickup northbound on Zeller Avenue in Marshall County. Whisenand was a passenger in that vehicle. Harders was driving a 2014 Kenworth T800 southbound on Zeller when he attempted to make a left turn onto Highway 30 and struck Neighbor’s F250. The truck Harders was driving was owned by MLS Transfer. The parties agree Harders was at fault for causing the collision and that he and his employer, MLS Transfer, are liable for any damages caused by his fault. Harders died of causes unrelated to the collision and his estate was substituted as a defendant. |
| 03/23/2026 | Davis County | CIVIL LAW - CONTRACT/COMMERCIAL - OTHER | CVEQ007537 | Jefferson, Matthew & Deborah v. Groundworks FRS, LLC, d/b/a Foundation Recovery Systems | Plaintiffs claimed that Defendant breached the parties’ contract for foundation repairs to Plaintiff’s home causing damages. Defendant denied that it breached the contract and claimed Plaintiffs’ lack of maintenance caused the damages and that they failed to mitigate their damages by not allowing subsequent repairs after the work was done. |
| 03/18/2026 | Hamilton County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - OTHER NEGLIGENCE | LACV030119 | Leeck v. Johnson | Plaintiffs Bruce Leeck and Alicia Salic-Leeck claim Defendant Braden Johnson is responsible for injuries Alicia sustained when Braden Johnson assaulted her by hitting her in the head with a security camera at the Hamilton County Jail. Plaintiffs seek damages for future medical expenses, Past and Future Loss of Function, Past and Future Loss of Enjoyment of Life, Consortium, and Punitive damages. It has already been established by the Court that Braden Johnson was responsible for causing the damages to Bruce Leeck and Alicia Salic-Leeck. The parties disagree as to the extent of the damages. |
| 03/13/2026 | Linn County | CIVIL - OTHER ACTIONS,Will vailidity based on the following particulars: undue influence,lack of capacity. | ESPR045578 | Estate of Frances M. Nielsen | This is a civil case brought by Plaintiffs Seth Nielsen and Samantha Nielsen-Griggs against Defendants Steven Nielsen, individually and as executor of the Estate of Frances Nielsen, and Dennis Nielsen. This case involves the following claims:
Plaintiffs allege the Will executed by Frances Nielsen on February 15, 2022 is invalid due to undue influence and lack of capacity.
Plaintiffs allege that the addition of Defendant Steven Nielsen as a joint owner of Frances Nielsen's Community Savings Bank account on December 22, 2021 was the result of undue influence.
Plaintiffs allege that the addition of Defendant Steven Nielsen as a payable on death beneficiary of Frances Nielsen's Heartland Bank & Trust account on February 1, 2022 was the result of undue influence.
Plaintiffs allege that the transfer of funds by Steven Nielsen on Frances Nielsen's Wells Fargo accounts was the result of undue influence.
Plaintiffs allege that the addition of Defendant Steven Nielsen as a joint owner of Frances Nielsen's Farmers State Bank account on May 4, 2022 was the result of undue influence.
Defendants deny the allegations made by Plaintiffs. |
| 03/11/2026 | Scott County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - MOTOR VEHICLE,Vehicle v. Motorcycle; Left Turn in Front of Plaintiff | LACE138186 | Motz v. Clemmons | A motor vehicle incident that occurred on November 23, 2022, on W. Locust Street in Davenport, Scott County, Iowa. On that date, Plaintiff was driving a motorcycle westbound on W. Locust Street in Davenport, Scott County, Iowa. At the same place and time, Defendant was driving his motor vehicle eastbound on the same street. Defendant turned left into a parking lot in front of Plaintiffs path of travel. Plaintiff and his motorcycle were involved in an incident at this location. Plaintiff claims Defendant was at fault and that Defendant caused his injuries and damages. Defendant denies that he was the cause of Plaintiff s claimed injuries and damages. |
| 03/06/2026 | Polk County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - OTHER NEGLIGENCE,Assault | LACL150440 | Bryan Norris v. Trudy Paulson & City of Des Moines | In this case, Mr. Norris, the Plaintiff, asserted that the Defendant Officer, while acting as an agent of the City of Des Moines, committed an assault upon him on September 13, 2019, by firing her service revolver and injuring him. Defendant claimed she was justified in the use of deadly force against the Plaintiff. Defendant bore the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence that her use of deadly force against the Plaintiff was justified (i.e. was not excessive). |
| 02/27/2026 | Black Hawk County | CIVIL LAW - CONTRACT/COMMERCIAL - OTHER,Breach of Contract | LACV152476 | John and Maureen Henderson vs. Goodwin Construction L.L.C. | This case arises out of a residential renovation project. Plaintiffs John and Maureen Henderson contracted with Defendant Goodwin Construction LLC to install siding and windows on their home. The Hendersons claimed Goodwin improperly installed the siding, which failed final inspection by the City of Cedar Falls. They terminated Goodwin and hired another contractor to replace the siding for $41,432.30. Goodwin denied breaching the contract and counterclaimed that the Hendersons breached the contract by preventing it from completing the work and failing to pay amounts owed. The jury found that the Hendersons failed to perform their obligations under the contract. On Goodwin Constructions counterclaims, the jury found that Goodwin performed its obligations, the Henderson’s breached the contract, and the breach caused damages to Goodwin. The jury awarded Goodwin Construction $40,000 in damages. |
| 02/16/2026 | Black Hawk County | CIVIL LAW - CONTRACT/COMMERCIAL - OTHER | LACV152258 | Reel Deal Holdings, LLC v. Grinnell Mutual Resininsurance Co. | In this case plaintiff, Reel Deal Holdings, LLC (Reel Deal) claims the following: (1) Reel Deal entered into a Policy of insurance (the Policy) with the Defendant Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, (Grinnell) to insure two commercial properties (the properties) located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, at 6612 Chancellor Drive and 900 Technology Parkway. (2) On June 25, 2023, while the policy was in full force and effect, the Properties sustained direct, physical loss resulting from a wind and hail storm. (3) Reel Deal made a timely claim for damages, pursuant to the Policy it purchased from Grinnell. (4) Despite the existence of identified damage from a covered peril during its Policy period, Grinnell issues a denial letter to Reel Deal, claiming that any damage to the commercial properties occurred prior to the issuance of the Policy. (5) In denying the coverage, Grinnell breached the Policy it sold to Reel Deal, which now seeks the costs of repair to the damaged commercial properties as damages through the present lawsuit. The defendant claims: (1) That the storm of June 25, 2024, did not damage the properties. |
| 02/06/2026 | Polk County | CIVIL LAW - EMPLOYMENT CLAIM - OTHER | LACL158274 | Goulden, Jennifer v. Des Moines Public Library & City of Des Moines | Plaintiff asserted a hostile work environment claim in her role as a librarian for Defendant. She claimed she was subjected to a hostile work environment due to the actions of some library patrons. She further asserted that the Defendants failed to take prompt and appropriate remedial action reasonably calculated to end the harassment by library patrons. Plaintiff also asserted that a joint employer relationship existed between the Des Moines Public Library and the City of Des Moines. Defendants denied the Plaintiffs’ claims. Defendants assert they took prompt and appropriate remedial action to address the patron conduct. The City of Des Moines further denied that a joint employer relationship existed with the Des Moines Public Library. |
| 02/05/2026 | Delaware County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - MOTOR VEHICLE | LACV009232 | Lindstrom v. Sailer | On March 8, 2024, Defendant Frank Sailer was driving a vehicle in Manchester, Iowa and struck a vehicle driven by Plaintiff Leslie Lindstrom. Plaintiff claims that Defendant was negligent and that she suffered damages as a result of his negligence. Defendant admits that he was negligent and that his negligence caused some injury and damages to Plaintiff but denies the nature and extent of the injuries and damages Plaintiff claims. |
| 02/02/2026 | Linn County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - MEDICAL/DENTAL MALPRACTICE | LACV097943 | Ricky & Michelle Johnson v. PCI PC et al | This is an alleged medical negligence case for damages. The Plaintiffs allege that Dr. Renz, who is an employee of PCI and referred to as “PCI Surgeon Renz” was negligent in his care and treatment of Ricky Johnson and said negligence caused injuries to Ricky Johnson. |
| 01/30/2026 | Polk County | CIVIL LAW - CONTRACT/COMMERCIAL - OTHER | LACL158667 | Vinton Philip Watson Jr. v. Neel Lumber LLC | This is a civil case brought by Plaintiff Vinton Philip Watson, Jr. against Defendant Neel Lumber, LLC, d/b/a Lake Lumber. In this case, Watson claims he entered into a contract with Lake Lumber for the provision of construction plans and materials. He asserts a claim for breach of contract, alleging that Lake Lumber failed to provide proper construction plans to him.
Lake Lumber agrees that a contract exists between the parties, but it denies Watson’s assertion that the parties’ contract included a term for the provision of construction plans. Lake Lumber asserts affirmative defenses, which I will specifically instruct you on later.
Lake Lumber also asserts a counterclaim against Watson for breach of contract, claiming Watson failed to pay Lake Lumber for materials Lake Lumber delivered to the construction project. |
| 01/15/2026 | Johnson County | CIVIL LAW - LIBEL/SLANDER/DEFAMATION | LACV081115 | Grant Schultz v. Erem, Durrenbergern, Byler, et al | This case arises out of a farm lease between Plaintiff, Grant Schultz, and the Defendants, Suzan Erem and Edward (Paul) Durrenberger, for 143 acres of farmland in Johnson County. The Plaintiff is suing Erem and Durrenberger, alleging breach of a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release reached by the parties after a mediation session. The Plaintiff also claims that Defendants Erem and Durrenberger tortiously interfered with a contract he had with Peter and Meghan Byler to purchase a portion of this acreage. Erem and Durrenberger deny that they breached the Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release with the Plaintiff. The Defendants, Erem and Durrenberger, assert that the Plaintiff, Grant Schultz, breached the Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release and are claiming damages of the Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release in a counterclaim against the Plaintiff. |
| 01/13/2026 | Polk County | CIVIL LAW - PERSONAL INJURY - MOTOR VEHICLE,Rear end collision | LACV097729 | Jacob Best v. Kelly Robinson | On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, there was a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 80 Westbound in Polk County, Iowa. Defendant Kelly Robinson was following behind Plaintiff Jacob Best in the middle lane when an unknown semi-truck attempted to switch from the left lane to the center lane. To avoid a collision with the unknown semi-truck, the plaintiff slowed down. As a result, Defendant Robinson rear-ended the plaintiff’s vehicle, causing functional damage to both vehicles. Police arrived on the scene. No injuries were reported. Ms. Robinson received a traffic ticket for following too close. She pled guilty to the ticket on June 9, 2023. |
| 01/12/2026 | Polk County | CIVIL LAW - CONTRACT - FRAUD MISREPRESENTATION,Consumer Fraud | LACL159200 | Michael Jonathan Schnackenberg v. Charles Gabus Motors, Inc. d/b/a Toyota of Des Moines | This case arises from a dispute over the sale of a 2023 Toyota BZ4X electric vehicle by Defendant to Plaintiff. Plaintiff alleges that Defendant’s employee made misrepresentations as to what level of charger was needed to charge the vehicle overnight and the range and capabilities different types of vehicle chargers to deceive Plaintiff to purchase an electric vehicle. The claim set forth by Plaintiff alleges consumer fraud by Defendant under Iowa Code chapter 714H. Defendant denies the claim. |