News from 2015
Third Circuit rules against class of drivers seeking overtime pay
PHILADELPHIA – On May 12, a federal appeals court affirmed a lower court’s decision in a class action lawsuit that prevents drivers for a West Chester-based charter bus company from being eligible for overtime compensation pay.
Philadelphia was especially tough place to fight asbestos claims, bankrupt company's attorney testified
Editor’s note: This article is part of a series examining evidence submitted in Garlock Sealing Technologies’ bankruptcy proceeding that was recently unsealed as a result of Legal Newsline’s legal challenge.
Expert witness in fatal car crash case can't testify to health of driver's eyes
ALLENTOWN – This week, a federal judge stated an optometrist called as an expert witness in a negligence case surrounding a fatal motor vehicle accident in 2012 must keep her testimony within the strict confines of her medical expertise.
Judge dismisses bad faith claim against State Farm
PHILADELPHIA – A major insurance provider had its motion to dismiss a claim of acting in bad faith towards a policy holder who sustained serious injuries in 2012 motor vehicle accident granted in federal court last week.
AOL dismissed from $22M case
PHILADELPHIA – Per a federal judge, America Online (AOL) was dismissed as a party to a lawsuit filed against one of its subsidiaries by a business group that sought to create a joint venture with that same subsidiary prior to AOL acquiring it.
Philadelphia wins judgment in case brought by fired police officer facing criminal charge
PHILADELPHIA – A federal judge has granted a motion for partial summary judgment in favor of the City of Philadelphia, and against a former Philadelphia police sergeant arrested and terminated for conduct unbecoming of an officer.
Judge won't dismiss former employee's case against Valley Day School
PHILADELPHIA – The former longtime finance director of a local school for special needs students had most of the claims levied against his ex-employer survive a defense motion to dismiss in federal court.
Judge finds no reason slip-and-fall suit against NYC McDonald's should be heard in Philly
PHILADELPHIA – Because of a lack of personal jurisdiction, a lawsuit brought by a Pennsylvania couple against a McDonald’s location in New York City has been dismissed by a Philadelphia federal judge.
Roman Catholic dioceses of Pittsburgh, Erie petition U.S. SC over contraception mandate
WASHINGTON - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and Diocese of Erie have filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court over the contraception requirement of President Barack Obama’s federal health care law.
Judge limits recovery in class action against Rite Aid to actual damages
PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia federal judge has dismissed a portion of a class action lawsuit filed against Rite Aid over its practice of conducting background screenings on new hires.
Partner's exit from NFL concussion plaintiffs firm leads to lawsuit
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On May 26, a former partner in a law firm that played a key role in the NFL concussion lawsuit in Philadelphia federal court has sued his former firm, alleging it owes him millions of dollars in compensation.
Prisoner alleges damages from transport treatment
A Florida man has sued a Tennessee transport firm, a correctional facility, six officials and a municipal entity, alleging multiple counts of negligence and civil rights violations.
Longtime hospital worker cites discrimination in lack of promotion
A Warrington woman has sued her former employer, alleging violation of employment law.
Attorney withdrawing from case against strip club, cites disagreement over case strategy with plaintiff
PHILADELPHIA – A man who claims he was injured in a fall in a local gentleman’s club may need to seek new representation, after his attorney motioned to withdraw his appearance from the litigation.
Defendants want slip-and-fall case heard in Delaware County
PHILADELPHIA – Defendants accused of negligence in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas have requested an evidentiary hearing to determine if that court is the proper venue to hear their case.
Trucker who fell on ice at plant asked to prove why case should be heard in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA – A trucker allegedly injured in a fall at an energy plant will have to show why his case should be heard in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.
Cleaning company sued over slip, says plaintiff filed it in the wrong court
PHILADELPHIA – A Reading couple have sued a pair of commercial cleaning and sanitation companies for negligence after the wife allegedly slipped on a wet floor in the course of her work duties.
Defendants in slip-and-falls suits say they weren't properly noticed, object to 'recklessness' charge
PHILADELPHIA – Separate negligence lawsuits filed against Philadelphia condominium management companies will be the subject of a hearing to ascertain whether the defendants were improperly served, according to court records.
Prisoner cites deliberate indifference to medical needs
An Allegheny County man brought allegations against a prison warden and several staff, alleging civil law infringement in 2013. Michael K.
Older worker cites age discrimination
An elderly Lycoming County woman has sued her employer, alleging age discrimination.