--- title: "Suing Commercial Contractors in Iowa: Not Any More Difficult Than It Used to Be" description: Suing commercial contractors in Iowa is not any more difficult than it used to be after a proposed law did not go through. image: https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/SuingCommercial.jpg --- [![Goosman Lawfirm](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Goosmannlaw%20October2017/images/Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png?width=1250&name=Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png "Goosman Lawfirm")](http://goosmannlaw.com/) - [COVID-19 Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - Our Team - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/attorneys/) - [Non-Attorney Staff](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/non-attorney-staff/) - Practices & Industries - [Practices](https://goosmannlaw.com/practices/) - [Banking & Finance](https://goosmannlaw.com/banking-finance/) - [Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Workouts](https://goosmannlaw.com/bankruptcy-restructuring-workouts/) - [Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/business/) - [Divorce & Family Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/divorce-family-law/) - [Employment](https://goosmannlaw.com/employment-law/) - [Environmental, Health & Safety](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-safety/) - [Estate Planning](https://trustlawcounsel.com) - [Gestational Surrogacy & Adoption](https://goosmannlaw.com/gestational-surrogacy-adoption/) - [International Law](http://goosmannlaw.com/international-law/) - [Litigation / Trial Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/litigation-trial-law/) - [Local Counsel](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/local-counsel/) - [Mergers & Acquisitions](https://goosmannlaw.com/mergers-acquisitions/) - [Rapid Response](https://goosmannlaw.com/rapid-response/) - [Industries](https://goosmannlaw.com/industries/) - [Agribusiness & Cooperatives](https://goosmannlaw.com/agribusiness-cooperatives/) - [Construction](https://goosmannlaw.com/construction/) - [Cyber Law and Telecommunications](https://goosmannlaw.com/cyber-law/) - [Education](https://goosmannlaw.com/education/) - [Health Care](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-care/) - [Manufacturing](https://goosmannlaw.com/manufacturing-law/) - [Multifamily Housing](https://goosmannlaw.com/multifamily-housing-law/) - [Non-Profit & Tax Exempt Organizations](https://goosmannlaw.com/non-profit-law/) - [Real Estate](https://goosmannlaw.com/real-estate/) - [Transportation](https://goosmannlaw.com/transportation/) - [Tribal](https://goosmannlaw.com/tribal/) - Our Firm - [Firm News](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/firm-news) - Careers - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/attorneys/) - [Administration](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/administration/) - [Internships](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/internships/) - [Client Testimonials and Results](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/client-testimonials-and-results/) - [Culture, Diversity, and Community](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/culture-diversity-and-community/) - [Women-Owned Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/women-owned-business/) - [Associations & Memberships](https://goosmannlaw.com/associations-memberships/) - [Firm History](https://goosmannlaw.com/firm-history/) - Blogs - [CEO Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/ceo-on-your-side) - [Construction Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Cyber Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Deal Maker](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/deal-maker-on-your-side) - [Divorce Docket](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Food for Thought](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/agricultural-lawyer-on-your-side) - [HR Legal Insider](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side) - [Law Doc](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/health-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Paralegal Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/paralegal-review/) - [Real Estate Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/real-estate-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Risky Business](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/risk-manager-on-your-side) - [The Banker’s Suit](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/banking-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trial Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/trial-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trust Law Counsel](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side) - Resources - [COVID-19 Resource Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - [Podcast](http://podcast.goosmannlaw.com/) - [Videos](https://goosmannlaw.com/videos/) - [FREE eBooks & Tools](https://goosmannlaw.com/free-ebooks-tools/) - Contact Us - [Office Locations](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/) - [Sioux City Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-city-law-firm/) - [Sioux Falls Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-falls-law-firm/) - [Omaha Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/omaha-law-firm/) - [Spirit Lake & Spencer Law Firms](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/spirit-lake-and-spencer-law-firm/) - [Real Estate Closings Office](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/real-estate-closing-office/) - [Submit a Testimonial](https://goosmannlaw.com/submit-a-testimonial/) - [Sign Up for Our Newsletter](https://goosmannlaw.com/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/) - [Pay Online](https://goosmannlaw.com/pay-online-3/) - [  (855) 843-4531](tel:855-843-4531) ![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/close-button.png) [tel:855-THE-GLF1](tel:855-THE-GLF1) [Construction](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/construction) # [Suing Commercial Contractors in Iowa: Not Any More Difficult Than It Used to Be](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/suing-commercial-contractors-in-iowa-not-any-more-difficult-than-it-used-to-be) By [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)   |  25, May 2015 [READ NOW](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/suing-commercial-contractors-in-iowa-not-any-more-difficult-than-it-used-to-be) [Read Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/suing-commercial-contractors-in-iowa-not-any-more-difficult-than-it-used-to-be#article) [![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Logo1.jpg?width=60&name=Logo1.jpg)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team) [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)  Tags: [Construction](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/construction) ![Suing Commercial Contractors in Iowa: Not Any More Difficult Than It Used to Be](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/SuingCommercial.jpg?width=621&name=SuingCommercial.jpg "Suing Commercial Contractors in Iowa: Not Any More Difficult Than It Used to Be") Suing commercial contractors in Iowa is not any more difficult than it used to be. Iowa legislative session is wrapping up, it appears a proposed law to protect Iowa’s commercial builders from additional litigation is not going to become a law. HF 2094 was passed by the House but did not make its way through the Senate. The bill would have made it more difficult to sue Iowa’s contractors and other professionals who provide services on new non-residential construction projects. More specifically, HF 2094 would have reduced Iowa’s Statute of Repose (the period within which a lawsuit must be filed) relative to claims arising from commercial construction projects from 15 years to 10 years. A copy of HF 2094 can be found [here](http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&hbill=HF2094). I believe this proposed legislation is good for Iowa for various reasons, and it will likely rear its head during next year’s legislative session. Iowa’s 15-year Statute of Repose is one of the longest Statutes of Repose in the United States. Most states have 4 to 10 year Statutes of Repose; many are in the 4 to 6 year range. As a construction attorney and litigator, I believe Iowa’s Statute of Repose is too long and leads to, among other things, higher insurance premiums and higher construction costs. In addition, a supermajority of claims related to the construction and design of commercial projects arise in the first five years after a project is finished, while disputes become more difficult to litigate after 15 years due to, among other things, lost witnesses and fading memories. A 10-year Statute of Repose would strike a fair and reasonable balance between the practical realities of construction and the interests of Iowa’s contractors, design professionals and other construction-related professionals. For additional information regarding [litigation](http://goosmannlaw.com/practice-areas/trial-lawyers/) and commercial contractors in Iowa, contact the [Goosmann Law Firm](http://goosmannlaw.com/) at [info@goosmannlaw.com](mailto:%20info@goosmannlaw.com) or call 712-226-4000. [![CONTACT US](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/489404/ec70fe7d-ad02-40c5-93ba-4800375ab6e9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/489404/ec70fe7d-ad02-40c5-93ba-4800375ab6e9) ### Select Different CTA for each Post from Blog Editor [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422) ### Subscribe Our Blog Thanks for submission!! - Recent - Popular ### Posts by Topic - [Construction Law (9)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/construction-law) - [Construction (8)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/construction) - [Construction Contracts (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/construction-contracts) - [Construction Contract (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/construction-contract) - [LEED Certification (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/leed-certification) - [Labor Productivity (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/labor-productivity) DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By visiting this website, blog, or post you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Goosmann Law Firm attorneys and website publisher. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from Goosmann Law Firm, PLC, or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. #### Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post. Put your Comment Below. [Previous Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/arbitrating-construction-disputes-–-how-do-i-keep-the-costs-down) ##### [Arbitrating Construction Disputes – How do I Keep the Costs Down?](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/arbitrating-construction-disputes-–-how-do-i-keep-the-costs-down) [Next Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/save-your-entrepreneurial-dream-the-most-common-injuries-on-construction-projects) ##### [Save Your Entrepreneurial Dream: The Most Common Injuries on Construction Projects](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side/save-your-entrepreneurial-dream-the-most-common-injuries-on-construction-projects) ### Contact Info **Sioux City Location** P. 712-226-4000 F. (712) 224-4517 **Sioux Falls Location** P. (605) 371-2000 F. (605) 275-2039 **Omaha Location** P. (402) 280-7648 F. (402) 505-3967 --- [Disclaimer](http://goosmannlaw.com/list-all-blogs/disclaimer/) | [Privacy Policy](http://goosmannlaw.com/privacy-policy/) ### Locations **Sioux City Location** 410 5th Street Sioux City, IA 51101 **Sioux Falls Location** 5010 S. Minnesota Avenue, Suite 100 Sioux Falls, SD 57108 **Omaha Location** Advent Building 17838 Burke Street, Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68118 ![Goosmann](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/goosmann-white.png?width=250&name=goosmann-white.png "Goosmann") Goosmann Law Firm is a FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM with locations in Sioux City, Iowa, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Omaha, Nebraska. Goosmann Law attorneys are licensed to practice in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Their attorney team's practices and industries include but are not limited to Agribusiness and Cooperatives, Banking and Finance, Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Workouts, Business, Construction, Cyber Law and Telecommunications, Divorce and Family Law, Education, Employment, Environmental Health and Safety, Gestational Surrogacy and Adoption, Health Care, Litigation and Trial Law, Manufacturing, Mergers and Acquisitions, Municipal, Nonprofit and Tax Exempt Organizations, Real Estate, and Transportation, Tribal, Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, and Probate Law. Goosmann © Copyright 2017