News from May 2017
Racketeering lawsuit against Philadelphia asbestos firm refiled in Pennsylvania
After having its lawsuit dismissed by an Illinois federal judge in March, Illinois-based industrial manufacturer John Crane Inc. has filed another lawsuit against a Philadelphia asbestos law firm -- this time, in a Pennsylvania federal court.
Conrail and CSX claim they didn't violate FELA in case of injured former machinist and trackman
PHILADELPHIA – Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) and CSX Transportation, Inc. have categorically denied the claims of a New York man and former employee who alleged they violated the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), by not providing him with a safe work environment over the course of a near four-decade-long career.
Defective vehicle case involving General Motors headed to arbitration
PHILADELPHIA – A case brought by a Littlestown woman against General Motors, revolving around an allegedly-defective Chevrolet vehicle and GM’s supposed violation of consumer protection laws will head to arbitration this fall.
Additional defendant denies liability in tenants' bed bug lawsuit
PHILADELPHIA – An additional defendant in a personal injury action has denied responsibility for allegations they did not protect a group of tenants from being attacked by bed bugs.
Third Circuit finds State Police troopers did not use excessive force
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit recently affirmed a lower court’s ruling that entered a jury verdict for four Pennsylvania State Police troopers accused of using excessive force after a high-speed chase.
Conrail denies violating FELA in former machinist's personal injury lawsuit
PHILADELPHIA – Counsel for Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) assert the company did not forgo its responsibilities under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) and did provide a plaintiff with a safe work environment over the course of his 39-year career, despite his allegations to the contrary.
Superior Court reverses ruling, says six-figure sum in Wells Fargo account not exempt from garnishment
PHILADELPHIA — The state Superior Court has reversed a Bucks County judgment, with the appeals court holding that nearly $200,000 in a Wells Fargo bank account wasn't exempt from garnishment by Bollard & Associates.
Superior Court reinstates wrongful death lawsuit against hospital
HARRISBURG — The Superior Court of Pennsylvania on May 8 reversed a lower court’s decision that granted judgment to a hospital where a woman died in an emergency room based on the timeliness of the plaintiff's filing.
Lighting company says OKT Lighting infringed patent
PHILADELPHIA — A Massachusetts company is suing OKT Lighting a/k/a Shenzhen OKT Lighting Co. Ltd. a/k/a OKT Lighting International Group Ltd., citing alleged copyright infringement and patent infringement.
Bethel Park woman sues Block Communications, Aetna for wrongful denial of benefits
PITTSBURGH — An individual is suing Block Communications Inc. Welfare Plan and Aetna Life Insurance Company, citing alleged breach of contract.
Class action filed against Navient claiming student loan debt servicer committed fraud
SCRANTON — An individual has filed a class action lawsuit against Navient Corporation, Navient Solutions Inc. and Navient Solutions LLC, citing alleged breach of contract and fraud for its handling of student loan debt.
Local Teamsters group says woman refuses to return accidental benefits overpayments
PHILADELPHIA — A labor group is suing Kathleen Ward, citing alleged breach of contract for keeping benefits that were distributed to her by mistake.
Provider of weight-loss plans sues DietInsight for allegedly making false statements
PHILADELPHIA — A company offering weight-loss programs is suing ABC Co. d/b/a DietInsight, which allegedly is affiliated with plaintiff's competitors, citing alleged negligent misrepresentation and unfair competition.
Furniture company says Banner Life Insurance, others sent unwanted fax ads
PITTSBURGH — A furniture company has filed a class action lawsuit against Banner Life Insurance Company, William Penn Life Insurance Company, DJM Advisory Group and Donald Quirke for alleged violation of telephone harassment statutes.
Walsh Construction says Pennsylvania subcontractor owes money stemming from PennDOT project
PHILADELPHIA — A Chicago contractor is suing W.G. Tomko Inc., of Finleyville, citing alleged breach of contract.
Former employees bring class action against MEC Construction for unpaid wages
PITTSBURGH — Two former employees have filed a class action lawsuit against MEC Construction LLC, of Mount Morris, citing alleged unpaid wages and violation of Workers' Compensation acts.
Allen Sleep Trend Pad infringes on patent, company claims
PHILADELPHIA — A New Kensington corporation is suing Allen Medical Systems Inc., a Massachusetts business, citing alleged patent infringement.
Case & Sons Cutlery says Colorado knife seller infringed trademarks
ERIE — A Pennsylvania cutlery seller is suing Roadsideimports LLC, a Colorado company, citing alleged unfair competition for using the plaintiff's trademark on its products.
Consumer files class action against Samsung for overheating cell phones
PITTSBURGH — An individual has filed a class action lawsuit against Samsung Electronics America Inc., alleging design defect, liability and product liability for selling cell phones that overheated and caught fire.
Suit alleges Fiat Chrysler misled customers on fuel efficiency
PITTSBURGH — A New Castle company has filed a class-action lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler Automobile M.V. and FCAUS LLC, vehicle manufacturers, citing alleged design defect, liability, negligence and product liability.