News from May 2017
Labor Department sues Jack Frost Construction for allegedly failing to pay overtime
PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. Department of Labor is bringing suit against Jack Frost Construction Inc. and owner Billy J. Sallurday, citing alleged unpaid wages and violation of Workers' Compensation acts.
Banks seek alleged debt of over $36,000 from Pittsburgh consulting company
PITTSBURGH — A bank based in Buffalo, New York, is suing Source Consulting Services LLC and owner Thomas K. Sorce, citing alleged breach of contract for an outstanding balance on a loan.
Dissenting justice: Lawmakers overstepped authority with frivolous lawsuit measure
HARRISBURG – Two members of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, including Justice Christine Donohue, dissented from the majority view in a prominent case which examined the constitutionality of the Dragonetti Act as applied to attorneys in the state.
Supreme Court: State law offering protection from frivolous lawsuits can punish lawyers
HARRISBURG – After a challenge to its constitutionality in reference to attorneys, a 5-2 ruling from the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on April 26 has upheld the Dragonetti Act.
Ophthamologist's wrongful termination claims dismissed as time-barred in federal court
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has ruled the claims of a pediatric ophthalmologist who believes he was wrongfully terminated under federal law as dismissed.
Superior Court upholds judgment to dismiss pharmaceutical patent suit
PHILADELPHIA — The Pennsylvania Superior Court on April 3 upheld a lower court’s judgment in a licensing agreement dispute between a pharmaceutical company and the creators of a drug technology.
Testimony of plaintiff's expert not enough, Superior Court rules in med-mal case
PHILADELPHIA – The Superior Court of Pennsylvania recently upheld a lower court ruling that granted a request for compulsory non-suit in a lawsuit filed against Dr. David A. Vaughn and Surgical Specialists of Lancaster.
California company says eye doctor breached contract to provide work, research
PITTSBURGH — A California company is suing Wendy Strouse Watt O.D. and her company Blanda Enterprises Inc., citing alleged breach of contract.
Operating engineers' union claims New Castle contractor owes payments
PITTSBURGH — A union is suing East Coast Paving & Sealcoating Inc., citing alleged breach of contract.
Complaint alleges debt collection letter contained contradictory, unclear information
PHILADELPHIA — A consumer is suing Security Financial Solutions LLC, a debt collector based in Carnegie, citing alleged misrepresentation in debt collection.
Amtrak materials clerk says she tripped over wires in workplace, suffering injuries
PHILADELPHIA — A Delaware woman is suing National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), citing alleged hostile work environment, insufficient measures taken to prevent injuries, liability and negligence.
Lice removal franchising company sues former franchisee for unfair competition
PHILADELPHIA — A Pennsylvania company is suing Lice Lifters of Harrisburg LLC and owner Latoya Wright, citing alleged breach of contract and unfair competition.
Woman claims debt collector, repo firm took car despite payment not being in default
PHILADELPHIA — A woman is suing Credit Acceptance Corporation and MJ Repo Services LLC, alleging the debt collector misrepresented payments owed in order to repossess her car.
Power tool manufacturer says Delaware couple's product liability suit wasn't filed in proper jurisdiction
PHILADELPHIA – Counsel for a Delaware power tool manufacturer has objected to a Wilmington, Del., couple’s product liability complaint, which alleges one of their tools had a blade that catastrophically injured one of the plaintiffs last year.
Supreme Court rules 4-3 that SEPTA isn't subject to City of Philadelphia's Fair Practices Ordinance
HARRISBURG – A recent 4-3 decision from the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania over the application of the Fair Practices Ordinance (FPO) to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, said the agency was not subject to the auspices of that anti-discrimination legislation in Philadelphia.
Former FDA commissioner says Xarelto's manufacturers didn't warn patients of drug's risks
NEW ORLEANS – In the first week of the first federal bellwether trial connected to Xarelto, the former commissioner of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) testified to his belief that the manufacturers of Xarelto misled patients on potential risks associated with the blood-thinning medication.
Third-party financing of litigation is a crime in Pennsylvania
The negative effects of champerty and the bad incentives it creates are well-documented and have been known for centuries. Nevertheless, it has its appeal for attorneys hoping to profit by it without being challenged and held accountable.
Victim of hairstyling injury opposes argument her claims are barred by Pa. state laws
PHILADELPHIA – A woman who is suing her hairstylist and his employer for supposedly injuring her during the application of a hairstyle known as a “quick-weave”, opposes his claims that she knew the risks of such a procedure and that her case is barred by Pennsylvania laws.
Judge says West Bradford Township did not violate federal bankruptcy code, case dismissed
PHILADELPHIA – A federal appeals court ruled to dismiss the case of a couple who believed a township should be sanctioned for allegedly violating federal bankruptcy code, an identical decision which had been reached from a lower court.