contributory negligence doctrine (Iowa) · Go Syfert
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contributory negligence doctrine in Iowa

31 Iowa opinions name it 2 courts 1903–2022 1 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Iowa courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (14)

CaseFollowedCited
Goetzman v. Wicherngreen
iowa · 1982 · cited in 5 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 1984–2016
2 sentences

1987Glidden involved a tort action filed and tried after we abrogated the doctrine of contributory negligence in Goetzman v. Wichern, 327 N.W.2d 742 (Iowa 1983), but before July 1, 1984 when chapter 668 became operative.

1984On December 22, 1982, however, we abandoned the contributory negligence doctrine and adopted comparative negligence based on “proportionate responsibility for fault.” Goetzman v. Wichern, 327 N.W.2d 742, 754 (Iowa 1982).

25
Irlbeck v. Pomeroygreen
iowa · 1973 · cited in 3 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 1974–1991
2 sentences

1991Id. at 375 (citing Irlbeck v. Pomeroy, 210 N.W.2d 831, 833-34 (Iowa 1973)).

1979See Irlbeck v. Pomeroy, 210 N.W.2d at 833-834 .

23
Rozevink v. Farisgreen
iowa · 1983 · cited in 3 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 1985–1985
2 sentences

1985As we thereafter said in Rozevink v. Faris, 342 N.W.2d 845, 849 (Iowa 1983), “that holding delineated a rule for a specific category of eases and displaced a single doctrine, the doctrine of contributory negligence.” 366 N.W.2d at 545 .

1985As we thereafter said in Rozevink v. Faris, 342 N.W.2d 845, 849 (Iowa 1983), "that holding delineated a rule for a specific category of cases and displaced a single doctrine, the doctrine of contributory negligence." 366 N.W.2d at 545.

23
Rosenau Ex Rel. Rosenau v. City of Esthervillegreen
iowa · 1972 · cited in 1 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
1 sentence

2022Coop., 267 N.W.2d 39, 44 (Iowa 1978) (concluding submission of repetitive instructions on assumption of risk in a contributory negligence case defendant’s challenge to the negligence marshalling instruction for its failure to set out the elements of a “premises liability type of case.” 508 N.W.2d at 729–30. 13 was reversible error); Rosenau, 199 N.W.2d at 133 (finding no error in refusal to give assumption of risk instruction because it involved the same elements and facts as the contributory negligence instruction).

11
Manley v. O'Brien County Rural Electric Cooperativegreen
iowa · 1978 · cited in 1 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
1 sentence

2022Coop., 267 N.W.2d 39, 44 (Iowa 1978) (concluding submission of repetitive instructions on assumption of risk in a contributory negligence case defendant’s challenge to the negligence marshalling instruction for its failure to set out the elements of a “premises liability type of case.” 508 N.W.2d at 729–30. 13 was reversible error); Rosenau, 199 N.W.2d at 133 (finding no error in refusal to give assumption of risk instruction because it involved the same elements and facts as the contributory negligence instruction).

11
Reilly v. Andersongreen
iowa · 2006 · cited in 1 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016See Goetzman v. Wichern, 327 N.W.2d 742, 754 (Iowa 1982) (“We hold that in all cases in which contributory negligence has previously been a complete defense, it is supplanted by the doctrine of comparative negligence.”), superseded by statute, Iowa Code ch. 668, as recognized in Reilly v. Anderson, 727 N.W.2d 102, 108 (Iowa 2006). 10 fifteen at the time of the accident, T.D. claims he had the “lowest standard of negligence contemplated by Iowa law.” T.D. also claims the only evidence of his negligence was his testimony on cross-examination when he was asked about information contained in the w

11
Bokhoven v. Klinkergreen
iowa · 1991 · cited in 1 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 1994–1994
2 sentences

1994In Bokhoven v. Klinker, 474 N.W.2d 553, 556-57 (Iowa 1991), we held “the doctrine of last clear chance, even when considered a part of proximate cause, has no further function to perform where contributory negligence is no longer a complete bar to plaintiffs recovery.” The doctrine’s chief *50 purpose was to ameliorate the harsh effects of the doctrine of contributory negligence.

1994Id. at 556 ; see also W.

11
Campbell v. Van Roekelgreen
iowa · 1984 · cited in 1 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 1992–1992
1 sentence

1992We held that it was not in Campbell v. Van Roekel, 347 N.W.2d 406, 410 (Iowa 1984) (“[w]e do not believe that the change in the contributory negligence defense in Goetzman should affect the holding in Rosenau eliminating assumption of risk in its secondary meaning in negligence cases.”).

11
Nga Li v. Yellow Cab Co.green
cal · 1975 · cited in 1 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 1982–1982
2 sentences

1982Li v. Yellow Cab Co. of California, 13 Cal.3d 804, 828 , 532 P.2d 1226, 1243 , 119 Cal.Rptr. 858, 875 (1975). *753 We have experienced more than 100 years of judicial and legislative efforts to ameliorate the harshness of the contributory negligence doctrine in Iowa.

1982Li v. Yellow Cab Co. of California, 13 Cal.3d 804, 828 , 532 P.2d 1226, 1243 , 119 Cal.Rptr. 858, 875 (1975). *753 We have experienced more than 100 years of judicial and legislative efforts to ameliorate the harshness of the contributory negligence doctrine in Iowa.

11
Dutcher v. Lewisgreen
iowa · 1974 · cited in 1 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 1982–1982
2 sentences

1982He objected to the instruction on contributory negligence on the same grounds “as to the constitutional questions and as to the misstatement of the law.” In determining the sufficiency of an objection to preserve error, “the test is whether the exception taken alerted the trial court to the error which is urged on appeal.” Dutcher v. Lewis, 221 N.W.2d 755, 759 (Iowa 1974).

1982He objected to the instruction on contributory negligence on the same grounds "as to the constitutional questions and as to the misstatement of the law." In determining the sufficiency of an objection to preserve error, "the test is whether the exception taken alerted the trial court to the error which is urged on appeal." Dutcher v. Lewis, 221 N.W.2d 755, 759 (Iowa 1974).

11
Wilson v. Iowa Power & Light Co.green
iowa · 1979 · cited in 1 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 1981–1981
1 sentence

1981See Wilson v. Iowa Power & Light Co., 280 N.W.2d 372, 375 (Iowa 1979) (“We reserve the question whether plaintiff’s separate action for loss of consortium would have been subject to the contributory negligence defense.”).

11
Ross v. Cuthbertgreen
or · 1964 · cited in 1 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 1980–1980
2 sentences

1980In support, he cites Ross v.'Cuthbert, 239 Or. 429, 435-36 , 397 P.2d 529, 531-32 (1964), which indicates that permitting one’s spouse to enrich the family treasury by recovering consortium damages when the injured spouse is barred from recovery by his or her own negligence defeats the basis of the contributory negligence doctrine, i. e., keeping a person from profiting by his own negligence.

1980In support, he cites Ross v.'Cuthbert, 239 Or. 429, 435-36 , 397 P.2d 529, 531-32 (1964), which indicates that permitting one’s spouse to enrich the family treasury by recovering consortium damages when the injured spouse is barred from recovery by his or her own negligence defeats the basis of the contributory negligence doctrine, i. e., keeping a person from profiting by his own negligence.

11
Wardlow v. City of Keokukgreen
iowa · 1971 · cited in 1 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 1974–1974
2 sentences

1974See Wardlow v. City of Keokuk, supra, We are deciding whether it will be extinguished by a contributory negligence defense good against the child.

1974See Wardlow v. City of Keokuk, supra, We are deciding whether it will be extinguished by a contributory negligence defense good against the child.

11
Bauman v. City of Waverlygreen
iowa · 1969 · cited in 1 Iowa opinions naming this issue, 1969–1969
1 sentence

1969See Bauman v. City of Waverly, Iowa, 164 N.W.2d 840, 845 .

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Iowa. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (20)

CaseCitedYears
Markle v. Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Co. neutral
iowa · 1934
2 sentences

1960Co., 219 Iowa 301, 308 , 257 N.W. 771, 775 , the court said: “ ‘Under the doctrine of contributory negligence, it is not necessary for plaintiff to show that he exercised the highest degree of care, or that the care exercised by him was perfect.

1960Co., 219 Iowa 301, 308 , 257 N.W. 771, 775 , the court said: “ ‘Under the doctrine of contributory negligence, it is not necessary for plaintiff to show that he exercised the highest degree of care, or that the care exercised by him was perfect.

31938–1960
Handeland v. Brown green
iowa · 1974
2 sentences

1982In Handeland v. Brown, 216 N.W.2d 574 (Iowa 1974), the court held the contributory negligence defense is inapplicable to a parental claim for medical expense and loss of services, companionship and society under Iowa R.Civ.P. 8.

1982In Handeland v. Brown, 216 N.W.2d 574 (Iowa 1974), the court held the contributory negligence defense is inapplicable to a parental claim for medical expense and loss of services, companionship and society under Iowa R.Civ.P. 8.

21980–1982
Morgan v. Perlowski green
iowa · 1993
1 sentence

2022Coop., 267 N.W.2d 39, 44 (Iowa 1978) (concluding submission of repetitive instructions on assumption of risk in a contributory negligence case defendant’s challenge to the negligence marshalling instruction for its failure to set out the elements of a “premises liability type of case.” 508 N.W.2d at 729–30. 13 was reversible error); Rosenau, 199 N.W.2d at 133 (finding no error in refusal to give assumption of risk instruction because it involved the same elements and facts as the contributory negligence instruction).

12022–2022
Schuller v. Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc. green
iowa · 1982
1 sentence

1987The pertinent facts of this case are fully set forth in the first appeal, Schuller v. Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc., 328 N.W.2d 328 (Iowa 1982), wherein the Iowa Supreme Court reversed a jury verdict in favor of Hy-Vee on the grounds that the trial court erred in refusing one of plaintiff’s requested jury instructions and refusing to modify a contributory negligence instruction.

11987–1987
Speck v. Unit Handling Div., Litton Systems green
iowa · 1985
2 sentences

1985As we thereafter said in Rozevink v. Faris, 342 N.W.2d 845, 849 (Iowa 1983), “that holding delineated a rule for a specific category of eases and displaced a single doctrine, the doctrine of contributory negligence.” 366 N.W.2d at 545 .

1985We went on to say that we would decline to apply new chapter 668 piecemeal to cases filed before July 1, 1984, because to do so would complicate the many eases arising in this interim period and create a truly anomalous situation in Iowa tort law if we ignored the statute’s explicit wording concerning its effective date on some issues but complied with that expressed legislative intent on other issues. 366 N.W.2d at 546 .

11985–1985
Alvis v. Ribar green
ill · 1981
2 sentences

1982It also rejected an argument that the contributory negligence rule had been codified by statutes making it applicable under various liability statutes: “We believe that in enacting such statutes the legislature did not focus on the merits of the contributory negligence rule, but, rather, conformed the statutes to the then-existing law as announced by the court.” Id. at 23 , 52 Ill.Dec. at 33, 421 N.E.2d at 896 .

1982It also rejected an argument that the contributory negligence rule had been codified by statutes making it applicable under various liability statutes: “We believe that in enacting such statutes the legislature did not focus on the merits of the contributory negligence rule, but, rather, conformed the statutes to the then-existing law as announced by the court.” Id. at 23 , 52 Ill.Dec. at 33, 421 N.E.2d at 896 .

11982–1982
Hoffman v. Jones green
fla · 1973
2 sentences

1982The first state to make the change by judicial decision was Florida in Hoffman v. Jones, 280 So.2d 431 (Fla.1973).

1982The first state to make the change by judicial decision was Florida in Hoffman v. Jones, 280 So.2d 431 (Fla.1973).

11982–1982
Stewart v. Madison green
iowa · 1979
2 sentences

1980Plaintiffs did not fully brief this issue because shortly after they filed their motion to strike, this court handed down its decision in Stewart v. Madison, 278 N.W.2d 284 (Iowa 1979), which declined to abrogate the doctrine of contributory negligence.

1980Plaintiffs did not fully brief this issue because shortly after they filed their motion to strike, this court handed down its decision in Stewart v. Madison, 278 N.W.2d 284 (Iowa 1979), which declined to abrogate the doctrine of contributory negligence.

11980–1980
Rickabaugh v. Wabash Railroad green
iowa · 1950
2 sentences

1973We must take them as we find them and do our best to apply them as new fact situations arise.” ( 242 Iowa at 750 , 44 N.W.2d at 661 .) Of course, that “saner and more workable rule” has now been adopted by the new contributory negligence standard enacted by the legislature in 1965 and found in sec *687 tion 619.17, The Code.

1973We must take them as we find them and do our best to apply them as new fact situations arise.” ( 242 Iowa at 750 , 44 N.W.2d at 661 .) Of course, that “saner and more workable rule” has now been adopted by the new contributory negligence standard enacted by the legislature in 1965 and found in sec *687 tion 619.17, The Code.

11973–1973
Yeary v. Holbrook green
va · 1938
2 sentences

1944For a case much in point, see Yeary v. Holbrook, 171 Va. 266, 288 , 198 S. E. 441, 451 , where, after the plaintiff’s verdict, *424 it was urged that the contributory-negligence instruction was erroneous.

1944For a case much in point, see Yeary v. Holbrook, 171 Va. 266, 288 , 198 S. E. 441, 451 , where, after the plaintiff’s verdict, *424 it was urged that the contributory-negligence instruction was erroneous.

11944–1944
Yance Ex Rel. Yance v. Hoskins green
iowa · 1938
2 sentences

1943We have frequently commended, for use in instructions, the statement of the contributory-negligence rule that “ ‘if the injured party contributed in any way, or in any degree directly to the injury, there can be no recovery.’ ” Yance v. Hoskins, 225 Iowa 1108, 1118 , 281 N. W. 489, 494 , 118 A. L.

1943We have frequently commended, for use in instructions, the statement of the contributory-negligence rule that “ ‘if the injured party contributed in any way, or in any degree directly to the injury, there can be no recovery.’ ” Yance v. Hoskins, 225 Iowa 1108, 1118 , 281 N. W. 489, 494 , 118 A. L.

11943–1943
Huffman v. King green
iowa · 1936
2 sentences

1938The decisive fact questions relate to the credibility of two sharply defined and diametrically opposed versions of the circumstances and occurrences of the accident giving rise to the claimed damages. ’ ’ In the very recent case of Huffman v. King, 222 Iowa 150 , 268 N. W. 144 , we find the following at page 154, 268 N. W., at page 147 : "It is the well settled rule of law in this state that if there is any evidence tending to establish plaintiff’s freedom from contributory negligence, that question is one for the jury.

1938The decisive fact questions relate to the credibility of two sharply defined and diametrically opposed versions of the circumstances and occurrences of the accident giving rise to the claimed damages. ’ ’ In the very recent case of Huffman v. King, 222 Iowa 150 , 268 N. W. 144 , we find the following at page 154, 268 N. W., at page 147 : "It is the well settled rule of law in this state that if there is any evidence tending to establish plaintiff’s freedom from contributory negligence, that question is one for the jury.

11938–1938
Smith v. Spirek neutral
iowa · 1923
1 sentence

1938It is sufficient to say briefly that, the evidence being sufficient to go to the jury on the question of Larson’s negligence, and no conclusive contributory negligence being disclosed, the case was clearly for the jury.” This court, in the case of Smith v. Spirek, 196 Iowa 1328 , 195 N. W. 736 , 737, said : "The controlling question in the determination of the instant appeal involves the doctrine of contributory negligence.

11938–1938
Ryan v. Perry Rendering Works neutral
iowa · 1932
2 sentences

1937The phraseology contained in a contributory negligence instruction in the case of Ryan v. Rendering Works, 215 Iowa 363 , 245 N. W. 301 , is not at all similar to any language used in Instruction No. 8 in the case at bar.

1937The phraseology contained in a contributory negligence instruction in the case of Ryan v. Rendering Works, 215 Iowa 363 , 245 N. W. 301 , is not at all similar to any language used in Instruction No. 8 in the case at bar.

11937–1937
Engle v. Nelson green
iowa · 1935
2 sentences

1937Defendant says that the contributory negligence which would bar plaintiff from recovery need not contribute “directly.” This question has been determined adversely to defendant in Engle v. Nelson, 220 Iowa 771 , loc. cit. 778, 263 N. W. 505 .

1937Defendant says that the contributory negligence which would bar plaintiff from recovery need not contribute “directly.” This question has been determined adversely to defendant in Engle v. Nelson, 220 Iowa 771 , loc. cit. 778, 263 N. W. 505 .

11937–1937
Banning v. Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Co. green
· 1893
1 sentence

1932I. & P. Railroad Co., 89 Iowa 74, 81 , stated the contributory negligence rule in simple, unambiguous language, which it is difficult to improve upon.

11932–1932
Morris v. C., B. & Q. R. Co. green
iowa · 1876
11911–1911
Newman v. Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Co. neutral
iowa · 1890
11911–1911
Bowman v. Humphrey green
iowa · 1906
11908–1908
Davis v. Forbes neutral
mass · 1898
11903–1903

Statutes the citing opinions construe

IA § Iowa Code § 668.3 (5) IA § Iowa Code § 668.1 (4) IA § Iowa Code § 613.15 (3) IA § Iowa Code § 619.17 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

MO 97 (1903–2024) CA 79 (1907–2026) IL 74 (1883–2024) LA 43 (1925–2024) IN 36 (1883–2023) MI 35 (1922–2026) KY 35 (1925–2022) NJ 34 (1976–2020) NY 33 (1887–2025) FL 32 (1930–2019) MD 31 (1910–2026) IA 31 (1903–2022) TN 30 (1964–2015) NC 29 (1900–2025) WA 29 (1931–2025) AZ 27 (1946–2025) AL 23 (1907–2024) DC 21 (1976–2021) NM 20 (1963–2021) PA 20 (1923–2025) TX 16 (1919–2018) OR 16 (1957–2022) SC 15 (1903–2011) MS 15 (1956–2018) CO 14 (1912–2016) WV 12 (1893–2017) OH 12 (1871–2024) VA 11 (1895–2024) GA 11 (1883–2009) MN 10 (1912–2006) CT 10 (1976–2014) WY 8 (1939–1994) UT 8 (1918–2018) NE 8 (1984–2003) WI 8 (1925–2015) SD 8 (1932–2009) KS 7 (1919–2017) AK 7 (1971–1991) MT 6 (1934–2008) OK 6 (1972–2026) HI 6 (1968–2008) MA 5 (1898–2007) ID 5 (1938–2021) VT 5 (1944–2025) AR 4 (1898–2001) NH 3 (1931–1984) DE 3 (1980–1995) ND 2 (1957–1970) ME 2 (1974–1984) RI 2 (1979–2004)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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