The new rules go into effect on January 1, 2015. In short, a plaintiff seeking $75,000 or less in monetary damages can now elect to have his or her case resolved through an expedited process. If the plaintiff chooses this option, the case will be streamlined and subject to various limitations regarding, e.g., the number of depositions that can be taken, and will include fewer pre-trial motions and a shorter trial. For example, in an expedited jury case, the matter must be submitted to a jury within 2 business days, and each side has strict time limitations regarding the presentation of their case (6 hours per side).
The new procedures (found in Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.281) should make it more affordable to take smaller disputes all the way to trial. As a result, the new rules should increase parties' access to justice and increase the number of jury trials.
For more information about new rules for civil lawsuits, contact the Goosmann Law Firm at info@goosmannlaw.com or call 712-226-4000.
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