News from 2012
Woman who wore fake penis at work sues company for retaliatory discharge
A Northeastern Pennsylvania woman who wore a prosthetic device to prepare her for a gender change procedure has filed a lawsuit against her former employer in federal court, alleging the company illegally terminated her because of her forthcoming operation.
Negligence claim filed against Philadelphia-based nursing care facility
The daughter of a woman who sustained a hip fracture after she fell out of a wheelchair at the residential treatment facility she had been confined to while recovering from a previous hip ailment has filed a civil claim against the medical facility, alleging the company didn’t do a proper job of keeping watch over the woman at the time of the alleged incident two years ago.
Lawsuit filed against makers of Gianvi birth control drug by Texas woman
A 27-year-old Texas woman who claims that she suffered a pulmonary embolism this past summer after taking the birth control drug Gianvi for less than a year, has filed a mass tort claim against the drug’s manufacturers in Pennsylvania state court.
Legal malpractice suit filed against Jenkintown, Pa. attorney
A Philadelphia man is suing an attorney he had hired to represent him in a previous drug liability case, alleging the lawyer failed to bring a timely claim on the plaintiff’s behalf.
Credit union and repo service sued by Pa. woman, blamed for husband's suicide
A Huntingdon Valley, Pa. woman has filed a lawsuit against a local credit union and an automobile repossession service company, alleging a string of actions that began with allegations of fraud, and ended with the taking of the family vehicle, led to the suicide death of her husband in the summer of 2010.
Lawyers for SEPTA cops accused in beating seek to transfer suit to federal court
Legal counsel for two SEPTA police officers being sued for allegedly beating and unlawfully arresting a train passenger in the spring of 2008 has filed a request to have the case transferred from state court to federal court in Philadelphia.
Judge: No sovereign immunity for Pa. troopers accused of pepper spraying, urinating on arrestee
A Pennsylvania woman can move forward with her claim against five state police troopers who allegedly sprayed her with pepper spray and urine after she was already handcuffed and subdued, after a federal judge in western Pennsylvania ruled the officers cannot be covered by sovereign immunity for acts done outside the scope of their employment.
Evidence suppression motion by criminal defendant in gun possession case is denied by judge
A suppression motion by a Philadelphia man who had been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm has been denied by a federal judge.
Former nurse sues Hahnemann University Hospital for discriminatory firing
A Philadelphia woman who worked as a certified nursing assistant for Hahnemann University Hospital before her firing has filed a job discrimination lawsuit against her former employer in federal court, alleging her termination was unlawful.
NFL seeks to consolidate brain injury class action litigation in Philadelphia
The National Football League (NFL) has filed papers in federal court in Philadelphia seeking to consolidate multiple lawsuits brought on by former players who claim to have suffered brain injuries relating to concussions developed during game play.
Judge closes book on class action filed against Pepsi by merchandisers
A federal judge in western Pennsylvania appears to be closing a case in which Pepsi merchandisers were suing the soda retailer for allegedly not paying overtime compensation.
Fired employee sues food additive company for racial discrimination
A former employee for a food additive company who alleges his firing last fall was related to his complaints of racial discrimination has filed a federal job discrimination lawsuit against the Philadelphia-based company.
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.