Amber Martinez, Individually and on Behalf of Her Minor Child I.M., and Isabel Ashley
v.
State of Iowa
The plaintiffs filed a negligence lawsuit against the State of Iowa as a result of injuries sustained by plaintiff Amber Martinez when a fugitive fleeing law enforcement collided with Martinez’s vehicle. The State moved for summary judgment arguing it owed no duty to plaintiffs under the public duty doctrine, and even if a duty existed, the officer did not act with reckless disregard for public safety. The district court denied the State’s motion for summary judgment finding Iowa Code section 321.231(5) created a particularized duty of care, and that there was a genuine issue of material fact as to recklessness. The supreme court granted interlocutory review of the district court’s summary judgment ruling.
Appellee
Amber Martinez, Individually and on Behalf of Her Minor Child I.M., and Isabel Ashley
Appellant
State of Iowa
Attorneys for the Appellee
Steve Hamilton
Molly M. Hamilton
Attorneys for the Appellant
Jeffrey C. Peterzalek
Christopher J. Deist
David M. Ranscht
Supreme Court
Oral Argument Schedule
15-15-5
Oct 13, 2022 1:30 PM
