City of Ames v. Ratliff

The City of Ames appeals from a district court judgment denying its claim in probate for medical expenses paid on behalf of the decedent under the terms of a health insurance plan the decedent’s father had with the City. The district court concluded that the City’s claim was barred by Iowa Code section 633.336 (1989) which exempts wrongful death proceeds from the debts and charges of the estate. We disagree with the district court’s characterization of the City’s claim as a debt or charge and reverse.

On August 27, 1988, Ricky Ratliff was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident. Ricky…