News from January 2012
Train conductor sues SEPTA over work-related injury
A train conductor for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority who claims he sustained serious physical injuries after slipping from the back of a train three winters ago has filed a complaint against the transit agency in federal court.
Black motorist claims unlawful police detention in civil rights suit
A Philadelphia man who claims he was the target of an unlawful police detention, following a traffic altercation because of his race, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city cops involved in the incident.
Former Philly cop sues over ouster
A former Philadelphia police officer who claims she was fired because of work-related injuries has filed a job discrimination lawsuit against the City of Philadelphia and the police department’s leading official.
Fired Pa. police officer cannot move forward with complaint against municipality, judge rules
A former Bethel Township, Pa. police officer who claimed he was relieved of his duties in retaliation for pushing the formation of a union cannot move forward with his complaint against the department, after a federal judge in Philadelphia ruled the plaintiff has already had his day in court.
Special judge assigned to review juvenile cases following 'Kids for Cash' judicial scandal completes work
The Pennsylvania judge who was specially appointed by the state Supreme Court in early 2009 to review juvenile cases that had been handled by two since-imprisoned former Luzerne County, Pa. judges, has officially concluded his duties, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts announced Thursday.
Judge denies life insurance benefits to son of murder victim; money was to be used for mother's criminal defense
The adult son of a Bucks County, Pa. woman accused in the shooting death of her husband in late 2010 will not immediately receive his late father’s life insurance policy, a federal judge in Philadelphia has ruled.
Out-of-county judge to be assigned in former county Commissioner Matthews perjury case
The president judge of Montgomery County’s Common Pleas Court has ordered Court Administrator Michael R. Kehs to locate an out-of-county magisterial district judge to preside over the pending preliminary hearing for James Matthews, the county commissioner charged with perjury for lying to a grand jury investigating claims of impropriety.
Newly elected Philadelphia Traffic Court Judge fails final exam; can't begin work
What should have been a happy start to the New Year for newly elected Philadelphia Traffic Court Judge Christine Solomon no doubt ended up in disappointment after Solomon learned she had failed a judicial examination given to all incoming freshman minor court jurists.
Damage from busted water main leads to lawsuit against City of Phila.
The principals of a Philadelphia-based plumbing company are suing the City of Philadelphia in state court for damage the plaintiffs contend was done to their property as a result of flooding caused by a broken water main in the city’s Northwest section.
Fentanyl Patch overdose spurs wrongful death claim against drug manufacturers
The spouse of a woman who allegedly died as a result of using a Fentanyl pain patch has filed suit in state court against the companies involved in the manufacture, design and sale of the product.
Phila. woman files legal malpractice suit against former attorney
A Philadelphia woman who had hired a North Wales, Pa. attorney to represent her in a slip-and-fall case some years back is suing her former counsel in state court, alleging the lawyer didn’t do enough to pursue her case after it was initially dismissed by a judge.
Massachusetts man files asbestos claim in Phila. courts
A New England man who claims his mesothelioma diagnosis this past summer is directly related to his work history has filed a lawsuit against companies engaged in the manufacture and design of products containing the fiber.
Judge partly grants, partly denies city's motion to dismiss suit by police officer
A federal judge in Philadelphia has granted in part and denied in part a motion by the city to dismiss an employment discrimination complaint filed by a municipal police officer who alleges she was discriminated against when her superiors arbitrarily refused her request to attend church services while on duty
Thrice terminated PGW worker sues utility for discriminatory firing
A former Philadelphia Gas Works employee who had twice been fired from his job with the utility, and subsequently twice reinstated, is suing the agency in federal court, alleging that his third and final termination this past summer was discriminatory in nature.
Teacher sues religious school for not renewing contract
A Bucks County, Pa. woman who worked as a science teacher at a suburban Philadelphia religious school for 13 years before she was let go has filed a federal job discrimination lawsuit against her former employer, alleging her teaching contract was not renewed because of her age.
Ballard Spahr appoints new Litigation Department head
The Philadelphia-based law firm of Ballard Spahr, which employees 500 attorneys in 13 offices nationwide, announced Tuesday that it has named lawyer John B. Langel as chair of the company’s Litigation Department, Ballard Spahr’s largest practice group, with more than 200 attorneys in its 13 offices.
Settlement reached in Lower Merion webcam 'spying' case
A settlement has been reached in one of the lawsuits filed against the Lower Merion School District over the institution’s webcam controversy, in which it was alleged that the cameras in laptop computers issued to students snapped images of the youngsters without their knowledge.
Fired school services employee sues for wrongful termination
A Philadelphia woman who claimed she was terminated from her job at a school services business for reasons related to her disability has filed a federal discrimination complaint against the company.