News from January 2012
Former Philadelphia Police Advisory Commission investigator cannot move forward with suit, judge rules
A former investigator for Philadelphia’s Police Advisory Commission cannot move forward with his claims that he was forced out of his job because he referred an individual to a member of the press, a federal judge in Philadelphia has ruled.
Manayunk Brewing Co. hit with racial discrimination complaint
A black man who claims he was subject to constant harassment for the six years he worked for the Manayunk Brewing Company in Northwest Philadelphia has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the bar-restaurant.
Collision on 'Nitro Racer' basis for injury claim against Seaworld
A Philadelphia couple has filed a personal injury lawsuit against Seaworld and an amusement park operated by the recreation giant, alleging their son sustained serious physical injuries, including head trauma, after he collided with his father during a ride aboard a water slide.
Former Drexel employee sues university for discrimination and retaliatory discharge
A black professor who was hired in January 2010 to work as a project coordinator at Drexel University’s PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence, and was terminated from her position three months later, is suing her former employer in federal court, alleging she was fired in retaliation for speaking out against racially discriminatory treatment she allegedly received while on the job.
Judge allows suit by former juvenile detention center counselor to proceed
A former employee of a Philadelphia youth detention center can move forward with his claims that the city failed to offer him the COBRA health insurance extension following his termination, a federal judge has ruled.
Judge in Phila. orders lawsuit against bus company transferred to Florida
A U.S. District judge in Philadelphia has ruled that a Pennsylvania woman’s lawsuit against a Florida bus company must play out in federal court in the Sunshine State.
Former dietary worker sues over failure to transfer position to new company
A woman who claims her job position was eliminated while she was out on pregnancy leave has filed a federal job discrimination lawsuit against her former company.
Phila. man sues city and police officer for alleged rough handling during detainment
A Philadelphia man who claims he sustained wrist and knee injuries at the hands of overly aggressive city police officers has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the cops in federal court.
Rite Aid sued by Muslim woman for discriminatory firing
A Chester County, Pa. woman who claims her wearing of an Islamic head covering and her Muslim faith in general led to her eventual firing from Rite Aid Corp. has filed a federal job discrimination complaint against the company.
DUI arrestee sues Phila. and police officer for false arrest related to faulty Breathalyzer reading
A motorist who claims he was arrested for, and subsequently convicted of, driving under the influence of alcohol is suing the City of Philadelphia and the officer who took him into custody, blaming a faulty machine for improperly calculating his blood-alcohol level at the time he was arrested.
Second Mile sued for return of former board member's donations
A former board member of the Second Mile, the charitable organization designed to help disadvantaged youth that was founded by former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, who faces child sex abuse charges, has filed a lawsuit against the organization, seeking the return of donations that were to be used to build a recreation center that will no longer come to fruition.
Phila. agrees to settle with animal rights activist arrested for protesting in 2009
An animal rights activist who claims he was illegally picked up by police for distributing fliers outside of a Philadelphia grocery outlet will receive $15,000 from the city to settle his claims, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania announced Tuesday.
Federal judge dismisses suit against Pa. magisterial district judge
A federal judge in Philadelphia has granted a local judge’s motion to have a complaint against him by two property owners dismissed.
Commonwealth Court rules in favor of newspaper, reporter in case involving school district emails
A state appellate court has ordered a school district in Northeastern Pennsylvania to release board members’ email messages, a request that had been made by a local newspaper reporter.
Attorney Dan McCaffery ends race for Pa. Attorney General
Soon after Republican state Sen. John Rafferty announced he was exiting the race for state attorney general, a Democratic candidate followed suit with the same news.
Pa. Supreme Court rejects legislative redistricting plan
In an unprecedented move, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Wednesday struck down as unconstitutional a legislative redistricting plan that had caused a bipartisan uproar, with Democrats accusing Republicans, who control both legislative chambers, of cutting up districts to suit their own political agendas.
Business groups in favor of change to Philly courts
The business community would like Philadelphia's courts to make permanent the suspension of mass tort cases that are tried using a process that determines damages first and liability second.
Philadelphians sue over damage to homes caused by school construction
Three Philadelphia residents have filed separate civil actions in state court against the Philadelphia Board of Education and one of the school district’s contractors, alleging their respective properties were damaged during the construction of a new school building six years ago.
Phila. banquet venue hit with personal injury claim
A Philadelphia woman who claims she suffered a broken wrist after falling down while dancing during a downtown wedding reception has filed a personal injury claim against the venue.
Class action filed against Bally's and LA Fitness over lifetime membership promise
A Philadelphia man has filed a class action lawsuit against LA Fitness, alleging the company, which last year purchased Bally Total Fitness, has refused to honor lifetime memberships held by former Bally’s members.