Iowa § 85.16 - 85.16 Willful injury — intoxication.

Full text of Iowa Iowa Code § 85.16 — 85.16 Willful injury — intoxication., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 85.16. 85.16 Willful injury — intoxication.

No compensation under this chapter shall be allowed for an injury caused: 1. By the employee’s willful intent to injure the employee’s self or to willfully injure another. 2. a. By the employee’s intoxication, which did not arise out of and in the course of employment but which was due to the effects of alcohol or another narcotic, depressant, stimulant, hallucinogenic, or hypnotic drug not prescribed by an authorized medical practitioner, if the intoxication was a substantial factor in causing the injury. b. For the purpose of disallowing compensation under this subsection, both of the following apply: (1) If the employer shows that, at the time of the injury or immediately following the injury, the employee had positive test results reflecting the presence of alcohol, or another narcotic, depressant, stimulant, hallucinogenic, or hypnotic drug which drug either was not prescribed by an authorized medical practitioner or was not used in accordance with the prescribed use of the drug, it shall be presumed that the employee was intoxicated at the time of the injury and that intoxication was a substantial factor in causing the injury. (2) Once the employer has made a showing as provided in subparagraph (1), the burden of proof shall be on the employee to overcome the presumption by establishing that the employee was not intoxicated at the time of the injury, or that intoxication was not a substantial factor in causing the injury. 3. By the willful act of a third party directed against the employee for reasons personal to such employee. [S13, §2477-m, -m1; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §1376; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §85.16] 83 Acts, ch 105, §1; 2017 Acts, ch 23, §1, 24 Wed Dec 10 22:31:17 2025 Iowa Code 2026, Section 85.16 (26, 0)

Source: official Iowa text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa § 85.16

What does Iowa Code § 85.16 cover?

Section 85.16 ("85.16 Willful injury — intoxication.") is part of the Iowa Code, the codified statutory law of Iowa. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Iowa § 85.16?

A common citation format is "Iowa Code § 85.16" (Iowa). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Iowa law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Iowa official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Iowa attorney.

How does Iowa § 85.16 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Iowa can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Iowa.