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Polk County v. Steinbach

374 N.W.2d 250 (1985)

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Polk County v. Steinbach

Iowa Supreme Court
374 N.W.2d 250 (1985)

Facts

Lavern Steinbach (plaintiff) received rent vouchers from the Polk County Department of Social Services (the county) (defendant). The rent vouchers did not involve federal funds. Recipients of the rent vouchers had to either repay the county or work off the debt. The county identified Steinbach as a person who could repay the debt by working. Accordingly, Steinbach entered into an agreement to work in the county’s work-experience program. Under the agreement, Steinbach would earn the minimum hourly wage, which would be applied to repaying the rent voucher. Steinbach was assigned to the county emergency-housing unit, managed by a county employee. The county employee instructed Steinbach to clean a stairwell, giving Steinbach a bucket of water and cleaning materials. The county employee could fire Steinbach for poor performance. While cleaning the stairwell, Steinbach fell over a banister and was injured. Steinbach filed a claim for workers’-compensation benefits. The county argued that Steinbach was not an employee of the county and, therefore, not eligible for workers’-compensation benefits. The industrial commissioner awarded Steinbach benefits. The county appealed, and the district court reversed. Steinbach appealed.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (McCormick, J.)

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