Worker Fails to Assert Viable Gross Negligence Against Supervisor for Assault by Client

The Iowa Court of Appeals upheld a directed verdict dismissing a worker’s gross negligence claims against her supervisor for an assault by a person with significant disabilities. Case: Jacobs v. State, No. 21-1971, 02/08/2023, published. Facts: Fantasia Jacobs worked for Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services. IVRS is a state program that provides vocational rehabilitation services to those with disabilities. Suzanne Frice was Jacobs’ supervisor. In August 2017, a minor participating in an IVRS program assaulted Jacobs with a knife. Jacobs was able to talk the minor i...