News from March 2016
Title company seeks to get out of legal liability in Glen Mills home sale
PHILADELPHIA – A Virginia title agency is suing a family in an effort to avoid any legal liability in connection with benefactors of a Glen Mills home sale who are still haggling over how to divide a check from the sale.
Technology business alleges former employee used trade secrets
PHILADELPHIA — A Berks County technology company is suing a former employee and his company, alleging he operated in competition against the plaintiff while still employed by his original company.
Company accuses Rajant of patent infringement
PHILADELPHIA — A New York company is suing a Malvern business, alleging three counts of patent infringement.
Handicapped child's family alleges Mars Area School District owes attorney fees
PITTSBURGH – The parents of a handicapped child are suing a local school district in an effort to recoup costs associated with a hearing regarding the child's mandated accommodations during his time in the district.
Colwyn man did not prove fraud claims against PECO, Third Circuit says
PHILADELPHIA – A federal appeals court has affirmed a District Court ruling dismissing a Colwyn man’s complaint against PECO Energy Company, a PECO Bankruptcy Department attorney and a trustee from U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
President Obama nominates Rebecca Ross Haywood to serve on Third Circuit Court of Appeals
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has nominated a member of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Western Pennsylvania to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Third Circuit dismisses racial discrimination claims from former Pa. state trooper
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit upheld a trial court judgment dismissing an African-American trooper’s claims of racial discrimination against the Pennsylvania State Police.
Former owner alleges Abington Pain Medicine breached stock purchase deal
PHILADELPHIA — The former owner of a medicine business is suing the buyers of the company, alleging breach of the stock purchase agreement with more than $400,000 owed.
Confidential information dispute leads to court action
PHILADELPHIA — The principal employee of a consulting business is suing an Iowa company, seeking permanent injunctive relief surrounding the alleged unlawful taking of confidential information.
Client alleges USAA Insurance fails to pay due benefits
PHILADELPHIA — A Pennsylvania woman is suing USAA Insurance Agency, alleging refusal to compensate her for injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Former conductor accuses Norfolk Railway of discrimination
PHILADELPHIA — A former conductor is suing Norfolk Southern Railway Company, alleging wrongful termination and discrimination.
Client accuses Aetna Life of wrongful termination of disability pay
PHILADELPHIA — A former supermarket manager is suing Aetna Life Insurance, alleging wrongfully withholding disability benefits.
Federal appeals court rejects breach of contract and bad faith claims against USLI
PHILADELPHIA – Ruling in line with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a federal appeals court has determined United States Liability Insurance Company & Group (USLI) had no duty to defend or indemnify Adam Hammond, and rejected Hammond’s claims of breach of contract and bad faith.
Lack of jurisdiction causes dismissal of lawsuit against preschool daycare
PHILADELPHIA – A federal appeals court has dismissed a personal injury action against a preschool learning center for a lack of jurisdiction.
Third Circuit cites Rooker-Feldman doctrine in barring state court judgment appeal
PHILADELPHIA – One party’s attempt to appeal the dismissal of a complaint challenging judgment levied against him in a state court mortgage foreclosure action is barred by the Rooker-Feldman doctrine.
State Farm did not act in bad faith when handling couple's underinsured motorist claim
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has turned away a couple’s argument that State Farm Mutual Insurance Company acted in bad faith in handling their claim for underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits.
Fraud and conversion claims dismissed against company that planned Papal visit campground
PHILADELPHIA – A federal court in Philadelphia has dismissed claims of fraud and conversion against an event planning company tasked with operating a campground in the city, during the visit of Pope Francis last fall.
Third Circuit dismisses judicial fraud complaint and related recusal motion
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has affirmed a ruling from a lower federal court which both prevented a recusal motion from proceeding and dismissed a judicial fraud complaint in its entirety.
Equal protection charge filed against City of Philadelphia over trash collection fee dismissed
PHILADELPHIA – A multi-unit property owner who filed a federal complaint alleging the City of Philadelphia violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment has had that charge dismissed.
PennDOE's request to review U.S. Department of Education financial recovery order denied
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit recently denied a petition from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to review an amount owed to the U.S. Department of Education for misuse of federal funds.