ANAMOSA, Iowa — The Iowa Supreme Court is considering a case that could affect the ability of state employees to sue their co-workers.

A wrongful death lawsuit was filed by the widow of Correctional Officer Robert McFarland, who was killed by inmates in 2021 at the Anamosa State Penitentiary.

The lawsuit claims that McFarland's co-workers acted recklessly and did not have the proper training or policies in place. The suit argues these failures ultimately led to his death.

The Iowa Attorney General's Office has attempted to have the case dismissed, arguing that Iowa law does not permit such a suit and that any remedy should be pursued through the Iowa Workers' Compensation Act.

However, a district judge disagreed with the state's position. The state has since appealed the ruling to the

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