News from 2011
Philly photographer sues Comcast Corp. for copyright infringement
A Northwest Philadelphia-based photographer who claims his works were stolen and aired on a local news television program is suing the corporation that produces the show.
Pa. state Sen. John C. Rafferty announces bid for Attorney General post
John C. Rafferty, a Republican state senator from eastern Pennsylvania, has thrown his name into the mix for those seeking to become the commonwealth’s next top law enforcement official.
Pa. Supreme Court decision could affect Philly's revised DROP pension program
A Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling this week that stated a public employer cannot unilaterally eliminate pension perks without first engaging in collective bargaining with union representatives may have arisen from a dispute with firefighters in Erie, Pa., but the ruling could be felt all the way across the state in Philadelphia.
Former SEPTA maintenance worker sues for discriminatory firing
A former maintenance custodian for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority who was fired from his job in December 2009 after 16 years of employment has filed a federal civil rights claim against the transit agency, alleging his termination was related to his race.
Alleged Sandusky victim retains local counsel in Penn State sex-abuse case
The man known only as “Victim 1” in the Jerry Sandusky grand jury presentment has retained two Philadelphia-area attorneys to represent him and his mother in connection with the Pennsylvania State University child sex-abuse scandal that has rocked both the commonwealth and nation.
First lawsuit filed against Penn State in child molestation case
The first civil action arising out of the Pennsylvania State University child sex-abuse scandal has been filed in state court.
Daughter of 'house of horrors' abortion clinic victim files suit against city health department
The daughter of one of the victims of Philadelphia abortion doctor and accused murderer Kermit Gosnell has filed a federal lawsuit against Philadelphia’s public health department and the health commissioner, claiming her mother’s death is somewhat attributable to the city’s alleged lax oversight of the abortion clinic where her mother met her demise.
Pa. State Police Bureau of Liquor Enforcement named in lawsuit by restaurant owner
A Philadelphia business owner who runs a BYOB restaurant and club in the city has filed a libel/slander/misrepresentation lawsuit against the Pennsylvania State Police’s Bureau of Liquor Enforcement, alleging investigators threatened to shut down the club due to a shooting on the premises that the plaintiff contends never occurred.
Philly cops sued over alleged assault and false arrest resulting in broken arm
A Philadelphia man is suing the City of Philadelphia and a handful of municipal police officers for injuries he allegedly sustained after being assaulted by the cops during an incident this spring.
Northeastern Pa. couple files asbestos mass tort claim over husband's lung cancer
A Northeastern Pa. couple have filed a civil claim against a slew of companies that specialize in the design, manufacture and distribution of asbestos-related products, alleging the husband’s lung cancer diagnosis this summer was directly related to his coming into contact with the fiber during his working career.
Superior Court rules expert witness discovery invalid
The Pennsylvania Superior Court issued a ruling Nov. 23, reversing a trial court’s decision permitting discovery of the written communications of an expert witness.
Luzerne County company settles with EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement, of a Clean Water Act case against a battery manufacturer in Hanover Township, Luzerne County.
Bat mitzvah invitee sues synagogue and congregants over stairway slip-and-fall incident
A bat mitzvah invitee who claims he had to have spinal surgery after slipping on ice-and-snow-covered stairs at a Pennsylvania synagogue is suing the religious institution and the couple who was hosting the Jewish right-of-passage ritual.
Two charged in connection with Penn State sex-abuse scandal will face judge next month
Two men charged in connection with the Pennsylvania State University child sex-abuse scandal will face a judge next month.
DRPA corporate secretary sues bi-state agency in federal court
The former corporate secretary of the Delaware River Port Authority, the bi-state agency that operates four vehicular bridges and the PATCO train line between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is suing his former employer in federal court for wrongful termination.
Former nurse sues Aria Health System for wrongful termination
A woman who was fired from her job as a registered nurse at an area healthcare facility after a 30-year career has filed a job discrimination lawsuit against the agency.
All Centre County Common Pleas Court judges recuse themselves in Penn State case
All of the judges on the Centre County Common Pleas Court bench have recused themselves in the case involving a former Pennsylvania State University assistant football coach accused of molesting a slew of underage boys.
Pa. constables appeal PennDOT ruling revoking municipal license plates
A court battle is waging between two capitol-area Pennsylvania state constables and the commonwealth’s transportation department.
Former Pa. hospital nurse sues for job discrimination
A woman who worked as a registered nurse at Pennsylvania Hospital for nearly two decades before she was terminated last year has filed a federal job discrimination lawsuit against the trustees in charge of the Philadelphia healthcare facility.
Fired nurse sues Abington Memorial Hospital for retaliatory discharge
A former employee of Abington Memorial Hospital who alleges she was fired in retaliation for taking federally approved medical leave is suing the healthcare facility in federal court.