Ben Seal

June 05, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

A bankrupt debtor that has commenced a civil action can substitute its bankruptcy trustee as a plaintiff in that action, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled.

By Ben Seal

9 minute read

June 05, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

A workers' compensation judge may reject the uncontradicted testimony of an independent medical witness who has examined a claimant, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled in an opinion that also called for legislative attention to a "systemic concern" with the assignment of physician exams.

By Ben Seal

5 minute read

June 05, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to address a seemingly minor discrepancy in an underinsured motorist coverage rejection form to determine whether an additional word invalidates the document's intent.

By Ben Seal

4 minute read

June 03, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

As nationwide concerns grow over the presence of lead in public drinking water, a West Philadelphia resident has filed a proposed class action alleging that the city's water supply is unsafe—and that the city has knowingly concealed any danger to residents.

By Ben Seal

5 minute read

June 01, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

In the span of an eventful holiday weekend, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General experienced a two-pronged communications crisis that further demonstrated what sources have said is an ongoing power struggle among the office's leadership created by the introduction of a new solicitor general role filled by Bruce L. Castor Jr.

By Ben Seal 
and Lizzy McLellan

7 minute read

May 31, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

After two years in which the Pennsylvania Superior Court's published opinions leaned toward the civil docket, the court's written work this year has seen a surge in criminal cases, due in part to fallout from recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. The comparative rise of published criminal decisions has coincided with a sharp drop in civil opinions that has diminished the shorthanded court's overall year-over-year output by 10 percent.

By Ben Seal

5 minute read

May 31, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

Civil RightsA group of anonymous plaintiffs can proceed with allegations that Franklin County and its sheriff's office violated their confidentiality by sending uncovered postcards through the mail regarding their applications for gun licenses, the Commonwealth Court has ruled.

By Ben Seal

9 minute read

May 31, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

A woman bringing a medical malpractice lawsuit over the stillbirth of her twins can move forward with her claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress, a Lackawanna County judge has ruled. Trial is set to begin May 31 on a variety of claims.

By Ben Seal

4 minute read

May 31, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

A bill that would grant immunity from malpractice liability for emergency health care services has cleared committee in the state House of Representatives, opening up discussions over the reach of the proposed amendment, its possible effect on patient care and what it would mean for potential litigants.

By Ben Seal

5 minute read

May 31, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

A Philadelphia trial judge should not have taken a comment in a group of defendants' answer and new matter to their insurer's motion for judgment to be an admission that they lacked coverage for an accident, the Superior Court has ruled.

By Ben Seal

5 minute read