News from November 2016
Pennsylvania enacts 'Netflix tax' to boost state revenue and combat effect of 'cord-cutting'
HARRISBURG – In efforts to dodge cable company prices and avoid paying for hundreds of unwanted channels, millions of Americans (now called “cord-cutters”) have opted out of a traditional cable subscription in exchange for a self-selected combination of video-streaming services, including Netflix and others.
Pittsburgh news anchor, fired over Facebook post, has good case, attorney says
PITTSBURGH - The lawsuit of a Pittsburgh news anchor fired over a Facebook post perceived as racist by some is an example of why employers need concrete social media policies in place, a Connecticut attorney says.
Superior Court determines middle finger not obscene, overturns father's conviction
HARRISBURG – The disorderly conduct conviction of Jason Roy Waugaman for giving his ex-wife, Kacie Boeshore, the middle finger while exchanging their children was
overturned by the Superior Court of Pennsylvania on Oct. 31.
Arch Insurance Company granted judgment in excess of $3 million plus interest in breach of contract lawsuit
PHILADELPHIA – A federal judge has entered a multimillion-dollar default judgment plus interest against a Delaware man in an insurance-based breach of contract lawsuit.
Motel 6 trademark infringement case headed back to Pennsylvania federal court
PHILADELPHIA – A panel of appellate judges has ruled to vacate a trial court’s decision with interpretation to statutes surrounding counterfeiting and pre-judgment interest in a trademark use action.
Superior Court transfers PHFA sovereign immunity issue action to Commonwealth Court
HARRISBURG – The Superior Court of Pennsylvania has relinquished jurisdiction over a matter involving the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and sovereign immunity, and opted to transfer it to the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.
Superior Court remands wrongful death action to Allegheny County court
HARRISBURG – By order of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, a wrongful death action is headed back to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas for further proceedings.
TransUnion, Experian, Equifax accused of issuing false information
PHILADELPHIA — A consumer is suing TransUnion LLC, Experian Information Solutions Inc. and Equifax Information Services, alleging breach of duty and negligent misrepresentation.
Wells Fargo Financial Pennsylvania claims heirs didn't pay mortgage
PITTSBURGH — A financial institution is suing several heirs of Belford K. Austin, alleging breach of contract in connection with a mortgage.
Forbes Regional Hospital, others accused of negligence in child's care
PITTSBURGH — The parents of a minor are suing West Penn Allegheny Health System Inc., d/b/a Forbes Regional Hospital; Jadyn Swerbinsky, P.A.; Alyssa B. Rotolo, M.D.; Emergency Medical Physicians of Allegheny County Ltd.; Clare W. Budd, D.O.; Ken Gibson, M.D.; and UPMC Community Medicine Inc., d/b/a Partners in Health-UPMC, alleging negligence in medical care.
Panther Sales, AP Metal Sales accused of breaching contract
PITTSBURGH — Labor funds are suing Panther Sales Inc. and AP Metal Sales LLC, alleging breach of contract by the employers.
Schlumberger Tech Corp. accused of violating wage laws
PITTSBURGH — A former employee has filed a class action lawsuit against Schlumberger Tech Corp., claiming that the employer violated wage laws.
Jay's Pub LLC accused of violating laws governing wages, rights
PHILADELPHIA — A former employee is suing Jay's Pub LLC, d/b/a Growler's, d/b/a La Casa De Tu Madre; Jason Evenchik; and Joshua McCullough, alleging that the employers violated wage laws and terminated him for requesting accommodations and workers' compensation benefits after a workplace accident that damaged his vision.
Uniontown Hospital, others accused of negligence in man's care
PITTSBURGH — An administrator of a deceased man's estate has filed a lawsuit against several parties, alleging negligence in medical care.
Steelcity Autowerks accused of failing to meet terms of financial agreement
PITTSBURGH — An Illinois corporation is suing Steelcity Autowerks Inc. and Basil Georgiadis of Pennsylvania, alleging breach of contract.
Pittsburgh Steak Co. accused of not paying for goods
PITTSBURGH — A supplier is suing Pittsburgh Steak Co. Inc. and Dean Kostas, citing alleged breach of contract.
National Recovery Agency accused of violating telephone law
HARRISBURG — A woman has filed a class action lawsuit against NRA Group LLC, d/b/a National Recovery Agency, citing alleged violation of telephone harassment statutes.
Man alleges Ametek wrongfully terminated him for taking leave
ERIE – A Cokeburg man claims his employer penalized him for taking time off to care for his wife.
Appellate court throws out appeal of former hospital employee and affirms prior settlement approval
PHILADELPHIA – Three appellate court judges have thrown out an appeal pertaining to a settlement in a wrongful termination action involving a former employee of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Former bartender accused Granite City Food & Brewery of violating wage laws
PITTSBURGH — A former bartender has filed a class action lawsuit against Granite City Food & Brewery Ltd. and Doe Defendants 1-10, claiming the former employers underpaid her.