News from September 2021
Johnson & Johnson prevails in first talc cancer trial to come to Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA – After almost five weeks of trial, the first talcum powder/cancer trial in Philadelphia has resulted in a jury verdict victory for Johnson & Johnson, defeating claims that its baby powder product led a Bucks County woman to develop ovarian cancer.
Third Circuit revives FOX 29 news anchor's improper image use case against Facebook, citing state IP law
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has reinstated litigation from a local television news anchor who sued a series of social media entities for an alleged improper use of her image across the Internet, overcoming a federal law which usually prevents lawsuits against third-party providers of online content due to the case focusing on intellectual property rights.
Whitehall store owner claims license application rejection and local policy on skill games circumvents state and federal law
PITTSBURGH – A Whitehall Borough store owner claims that local policy towards skill machines and mechanical device licenses is being selectively enforced against him, in violation of state and federal law.
Doctor says no attempt at service of complaint surrounding road-rage death should dismiss him from case
MEDIA – A Delaware County doctor insists that he was not properly served with negligence litigation surrounding a road rage-influenced motor vehicle accident in Upper Chichester Township, which resulted in one woman’s death.
Case of college students allegedly threatened through Snapchat sent to California federal court
PITTSBURGH – Litigation from two college students who say that social media app Snapchat was designed to protect perpetrators using it to harass innocent people will now be heard in a California federal court.
Debra Steiner Friedman Appointed to Philadelphia Youth Network’s Board of Directors
Debra Steiner Friedman Appointed to Philadelphia Youth Network’s Board of Directors.
Troutman Pepper Recognized in 2021 IFLR1000 Rankings
Troutman Pepper Recognized in 2021 IFLR1000 Rankings.
What Employers Need to Know About the Vaccination Mandate on September 27, 2021
What Employers Need to Know About the Vaccination Mandate on September 27, 2021.
Comfort dogs will be allowed to take the stand in Pennsylvania trials
HARRISBURG – The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has unanimously decided that a trial witness may be accompanied by a “comfort dog” on the stand, if that action both leads to truthful testimony and minimizes harm to a defendant.
After two girls die in house fire, lawsuit filed against property owner, manager in Lancaster County
LANCASTER – The family of both a young woman and toddler who died in a residential structure fire in Columbia Borough in January 2020 have filed legal action for survival and wrongful death, against both the owner and property manager.
SEPTA bus driver who struck pedestrian appeals loss in wrongful termination lawsuit
PHILADELPHIA – A federal appellate court will now consider the claims of a Black SEPTA bus driver who says he was racially discriminated against, when he was terminated after striking a pedestrian on the job.
Delco woman settles claims for injuries allegedly sustained during international flight with British Airways
PHILADELPHIA – A Delaware County woman who claimed she was injured inside the bathroom of a British Airways flight from New York to London and brought legal action against the airliner under the Montreal Convention treaty, has settled her claims against the airline.
Philly Jesus update: Judge throws out claim for municipal liability in street preacher's false arrest case
PHILADELPHIA – For now, a federal judge has thrown out a claim for municipal liability against the City of Philadelphia from a street preacher locally known as “Philly Jesus” who was arrested when he was evangelizing in a public park just before Christmas in 2019.
Couple allege wife required surgery after falling down steps at shop
PITTSBURGH — A couple allege the wife suffered severe injuries which required surgery after falling down steps at a business in Wexford.
Pa. man who severed right hand while using saw sues companies from Italy, Indiana and Pennsylvania
PITTSBURGH – A Western Pennsylvania man has charged companies in Italy, Indiana and Pennsylvania with collective negligence and strict liability, after an up-cut saw severed his right hand just above his wrist during his work.
Federal judge grants summary judgment to Travelers Insurance in $32M case over damaged Delco parking garage
PHILADELPHIA – A federal judge has granted summary judgment to Travelers Insurance, defeating litigation from Delaware County where it sought insurance coverage to the tune of $32 million, for damages it alleged it suffered when a 12-ton panel fell on one of its parking garages and adjacent buildings.
In opioid wrongful death lawsuit, Delaware County judge overrules objections from doctor and pharmacist defendants
MEDIA – In a lawsuit from a Delaware County woman against her former doctor, a pharmacist and their pharmacy - which alleged their reckless negligence of prescribing large amounts of opioid medication led to the death of her husband - the defendants have had their preliminary objections largely overruled.
Walmart denies liability for serious burn injuries, which plaintiff allegedly suffered after using Coppertone sunscreen
PHILADELPHIA – Walmart denies complicity in alleged liability shared between it and three other companies for severe burns a Montgomery County woman said she suffered after using Coppertone sunscreen.
Carpet cleaning company, accused of firing employee for not working in COVID safe areas, defends self
PITTSBURGH – A carpet cleaning service accused of wrongfully terminating a former employee for his objection to working in areas where protective measures were not being practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic, has again argued that the plaintiff has not shown a public policy exception to his at-will employment status.
Lawsuit: Woman suffers injuries after hotel shower door shatters
LANCASTER — A woman who allegedly suffered injuries when the glass shower door in her hotel room shattered into pieces after being closed is claiming negligence.