News from February 2016
Judge resolves motions to quash and for protective order in Speedway station slip-and-fall case
PHILADELPHIA – On Wednesday, a Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas judge resolved both a motion to quash and a motion for a protective order that had been filed by defense counsel in a gas station slip-and-fall case.
Claims resolved in case of Philly police detective claiming Whistleblower Law retaliation
PHILADELPHIA – A judge from the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas has rendered a settlement enforcement motion moot, in the case of a Philadelphia Police Department detective who claims he was retaliated against by his supervisor in violation of Pennsylvania’s Whistleblower Law.
Premises liability defendants seek to dismiss complaint for improper service, lack of claim specificity
PHILADELPHIA – Defendants in a city slip-and-fall action have filed objections to the plaintiff’s complaint, both for improper service and related to the counts’ alleged lack of specificity in the complaint.
Federal appeals court upholds $790K default judgment against real estate group
PHILADELPHIA – On Tuesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed a trial court ruling which retained a six-figure judgment against a Wisconsin-based real estate investment group.
Complaint's loss of consortium claim against Ford Motor Company dismissed
PHILADELPHIA – A federal appeals court has upheld a trial court ruling declaring summary judgment for Ford Motor Company and in dismissing a loss of consortium claim filed against it.
Breach of contract claim against Philly law firm ruled as time-barred
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has ruled an attempt by a Pittsburgh couple to charge a Philadelphia law firm with breach of contract is time-barred, through a doctrine essentially preventing federal court appeals of state court decisions.
Employment retaliation claim against U.S. Department of Homeland Security dismissed
PHILADELPHIA – A federal court has dismissed a civil suit’s retaliation claim brought by a Transportation Security Agency agent against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Couple blames Domestic Corporation for wife's injuries
PHILADELPHIA — A Wernersville couple is suing an RV accessories supplier, alleging the wife was injured due to a faulty part.
Worker alleges Miller Flooring failed to pay proper overtime
PHILADELPHIA — A former employee is suing a West Chester flooring company, alleging his employer failed to provide the correct overtime pay.
Nursing homes free to hire applicants with criminal histories; Pennsylvania won't appeal decision striking down law
HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania will not appeal an appellate court's ruling that struck down a law prohibiting nursing homes and long-term care facilities from hiring employees with criminal histories.
Fired worker accuses Nexgen Industrial of age discrimination
PITTSBURGH — A Greensboro woman is suing a Rices Landing business, alleging she was terminated because of her age.
Ex-worker alleges Centimark fired him in retaliation for his race, religion
HARRISBURG — A former worker man is suing a Canonsburg home improvement business, alleging he was fired due to his race and religion.
Ex-employee alleges Deep Well Services fired him due to his race
PITTSBURGH — A former employee is suing an energy services company, alleging his termination was due to his race.
Asbestos transparency bill sitting in House Judiciary Committee
The Fairness in Claims and Transparency Act, designed to add transparency to the Pennsylvania asbestos recovery system and follows legislation proposed around the country, is awaiting action by the House Judiciary Committee.
Appeals court upholds dismissal of breach of contract suit against Margolis Edelstein
PHILADELPHIA – A federal appeals court has struck down a breach of contract action brought by a pair of major insurance providers against a prominent law firm and one of its attorneys.
Overtime compensation suit against WHYY will proceed, says federal court
PHILADELPHIA – A federal court has ruled a former employee’s claims of a local radio and broadcast television network not paying her for overtime compensation will proceed.
Federal appeals court dismisses salary dispute suit involving UPS, Teamsters Union
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled in accordance with a trial court in dismissing an employee pension plan litigation initiated against United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Teamsters).
Federal court denies transfer of uninsured coverage suit to federal court in Delaware
PHILADELPHIA – A federal court has denied a motion from Geico Advantage Insurance Company to transfer a contract suit filed against it here seeking uninsured motorist coverage to the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.
Pittsburgh non-profit alleges contractors breached fiduciary duties
PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh non-profit is suing two contractors, alleging denial of benefits and wage deductions.
Visually impaired customers seek permanent injunction against American Casino
PITTSBURGH — Two visually impaired women are suing a Las Vegas casino, seeking a permanent injunction that would abolish digital access barriers that allegedly prevent blind individuals from using websites.