News from February 2012
Motion seeking to disqualify attorney representing police in sex assault case denied by judge
A federal judge has denied a motion by a plaintiff in a police sexual assault case seeking to disqualify the attorney representing the police personnel defendants.
Transfer of SEPTA wrongful death claim sought from state to federal court
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has filed a removal notice with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania seeking to have a wrongful death suit against it transferred from state to federal court.
Fired telecommunications worker sues former employer for retaliation
A Bucks County, Pa. man who alleges he was fired from his job at a telecommunications company because he took time off work to care for his ailing child has filed a complaint against the business in federal court.
Sandusky's lawyer files motion to push back sex-abuse trial until July
The attorney representing accused child molester Jerry Sandusky filed a motion Feb. 27 asking a judge to push back the former Penn State assistant football coach’s trial until July, citing the need to take additional time to review information in the sex-abuse case.
Four new members, including chair and vice chair, appointed to Pa. Continuing Legal Education Board
Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court announced it has appointed four new members, including a new chair and vice chair, to the state’s Continuing Legal Education Board.
Judge dismisses Mayor Nutter, Police Commissioner Ramsey as defendants in civil suit
A federal judge has granted a motion to dismiss that was filed by a number of high-ranking Philadelphia officials who were named in a lawsuit initiated by a city man who alleged he was unlawfully detained and roughed up by Philadelphia police officers after an encounter in January 2011.
Fired Phila. School Dist. administrator who blew whistle on controversial procurement process sues district for retaliation
A former top administrator for the Philadelphia School District who alleges his firing was connected to his blowing the whistle on a controversial district move to award a contract to a minority firm despite the fact that the work was supposed to go to another bidder has filed a federal civil rights complaint against his former employer.
Civil complaints now available electronically at Phila. Court of Common Pleas
Members of the general public are finally able to view online and purchase civil complaints and judgments that have been filed electronically on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas website, the First Judicial District announced this week.
Judge dismisses claim against Chester County, Pa. police officers
Two Chester County, Pa. police officers who were sued by a West Vincent Township resident and his wife for alleged civil rights violations are entitled to qualified immunity and therefore cannot be sued, a federal judge in Philadelphia has ruled.
Pa. iron works company sued for alleged overtime pay violations
A Northeastern Pennsylvania man has filed a class action lawsuit against a Pennsylvania iron works company alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act relating to alleged overtime pay violations.
Aria Health faces wrongful termination and discrimination complaint
A former hospital social worker who alleges she was fired from her job of nearly a decade for reasons related to her health has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against her former employer.
Nifty Fifty's sued over retaliatory firing stemming from sexual harassment complaints
A former waitress who worked for a popular retro Philadelphia eatery has filed a federal discrimination complaint against the business, alleging she was fired in retaliation for complaining about sexual harassment.
Legally blind man sues Phila. police for unprovoked detention and beating
A legally blind Philadelphia man who claims city police officers stopped him for no reason while walking along a downtown street and beat him, despite pleadings from his companions that he had no eyesight, has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Philadelphia and the officers involved in the alleged altercation.
Ineligible Phila. Municipal Court candidate has defamation suit dismissed by federal judge
A federal judge in Philadelphia has dismissed in its entirety a complaint initiated by a woman who had claimed a host of people had conspired against her in her bid to be elected to Philadelphia’s Municipal Court.
Magisterial District Judge charged with fixing her own tickets is suspended from the bench
The magisterial district judge who was charged by the state attorney general with illegally fixing her own traffic tickets has been suspended with pay by the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board, according to local news reports.
Phila. firefighters sued by motorist for injuries sustained in fire engine crash
A Philadelphia man has filed an injury claim against the Philadelphia Fire Department and two firefighters for injuries he allegedly sustained after becoming involved in a vehicle collision with a fire engine driven by the defendants.
Mother of boy shot during birthday bash sues venue and security agent
The mother of a Philadelphia boy who was allegedly injured after being shot during a gathering at a hall in Chester, Pa. has filed a personal injury claim against the venue and the man who was heading up security during the birthday bash.
Motorcyclist who was thrown from bike sues paving company
A Lansdale, Pa. woman who claims she sustained a whole host of physical injuries after she was thrown from her motorcycle after driving over an un-level manhole cover has filed a personal injury claim against the company responsible for paving the roadway.
Philly cop named in assault and battery complaint
A Philadelphia man who alleges he was injured after being roughed up by a city police officer has filed an assault and battery lawsuit against the cop in state court.
Former Penn State professor pleads guilty in $3M grant fraud
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A former Penn State professor has pleaded guilty to the charge of committing a $3 million federal research grant fraud.