IN THE NEWS
Child Facility to Close
State won’t renew Glade Run license Child facility to close- One of Glad Run Lutheran Services’ residential buildings will soon no longer be in service following incidents of staff negligence. The Department of Human Services issues a non-renewal notice last week to the child residential facility operated by Glade Run at 70 Beaver Road. “If [...]
State Revokes Glade Run Residential Care Facility’s Operations License
By Andy Sheehan | November 14, 2016 at 7:16 pm ZELIENOPLE (KDKA) — State investigators say lax oversight at a Butler County residential treatment facility for children with autism and other developmental disabilities continues to jeopardize the safety of those who live there. On Monday, the state Department of Human Services once again revoked Glade [...]
Judge Gives Green Light
Pisanchyn Law Firm’s recent allowance to pursue a civil suit against a Susquehanna County gun store employee was featured in the Legal Intelligencer, Philadelphia Attorney’s Premier News Source. A gun shop and its owner, whose son—an employee at the store—shot and killed a man, can be held civilly liable for the fatal shooting, a Pennsylvania [...]
Court allows lawsuit against gun shop owner to proceed
BY TERRIE MORGAN-BESECKER / Published: July 19, 2016 The father of a man who was fatally shot outside a Susquehanna County home can proceed with a lawsuit against the gun shop owned by the killer’s father, a Lackawanna County judge ruled Monday. Judge Terrence Nealon said George Rogers presented sufficient evidence to support his claims [...]
GM agrees to pay at least $1.9 million to family of Dunmore man
The settlement, negotiated by attorney Michael Pisanchyn of Scranton, comes from a fund GM set up to compensate victims of the defective switch. Terms of the settlement are confidential, but public documents related to the claims process reveal family members will be paid at least $1 million in damages, plus $300,000 for each dependent. That equates to at least $1.9 million for Mr. McHale’s family.
Family settles fatal motorcycle accident suit for $1.5 million
By Terrie Morgan-Besecker / The Times-Tribune (TNS) Posted Apr 6, 2016 at 2:30 PM Updated Apr 6, 2016 at 2:30 PM The family of a Scranton man killed when a tractor- trailer struck his motorcycle reached a $1.5 million settlement with the trucking firm. Thomas M. Burke Sr., 65, of Park Drive, Scranton, was riding [...]
$1.5 Million Motorcycle Accident Settlement
A recent Pennsylvania Jury Verdict Review & Analysis summarized the Pisanchyn Law Firm’s $1.5 Million Motorcycle Accident recovery. 1,5000,0000 Recovery – Motor Vehicle Negligence – Negligent Lane Change – Motorcycle/Truck Collision – Alleged Wrongful Hiring and Retention of Truck Driver – Wrongful Death at Age 65 Lackawanna County, PA The plaintiff’s decedent was a 65-year-old [...]
Attorney Pisanchyn on KQV News
Attorney Pisanchyn talks with KQV News about the need to get his clients, who have been sexually assaulted while in Butler County Jail, out of the facility. An arrest warrant has been issued and charges have been filed in relation to this case against Luis Quinones, a Trinity Services Group employee, who worked in the [...]
Hearing for Inmates Who Were Sexually Assaulted
Inmates in sex assault case get hearing to leave prison The two Butler County Prison inmates who claim they were sexually assaulted in the prison will get their day in court. County President Judge Thomas Doerr today scheduled a hearing for a petition by two inmates wanting to be released after reporting a prison food [...]
Two clients were sexually assaulted by prison employee while incarcerated
BUTLER, Pa. —An attorney filed a motion Friday to get his two clients out of the Butler County Prison where he claims they were sexually assaulted by an employee. “I have a feeling that they are going to have problems long-term from being assaulted in a place where they were helpless, vulnerable and had to [...]
Inmates accuse worker of making sexual advances
BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — An investigation is underway at the Butler County Prison after inmates claimed a worker made sexual advances on them, the inmates’ attorney told Channel 11 News Friday. Two inmates have come forward, saying they have been subjected to sexual innuendos, advances and contact while serving their time at the prison. Channel [...]
15-year-old sues Zelienople youth treatment facility
By Elizabeth Behrman Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 5:45 p.m. The family of a boy who says he was sexually assaulted at a Zelienople youth treatment facility has sued, saying the center’s employees allowed it to happen and responded to his complaints with verbal abuse rather than reporting it to the police. The 15-year-old, who was [...]
Negligence lawsuit filed against Glade Run Lutheran Services
By Kate Malongowski Calkins Media | Posted: Wednesday, May 11, 2016 6:00 pm ZELIENOPLE — The family of a juvenile who was allegedly sexually assaulted while staying at a Butler County-based mental health treatment facility has filed a civil lawsuit in Allegheny County. According to the 30-page lawsuit filed Wednesday against Glade Run Lutheran Services [...]
Lawsuit alleging abuse, neglect of teen
ZELIENOPLE, Pa. — A family is suing Glade Run Lutheran Services, a group home in Zelienople, claiming that a 13-year-old boy was abused and neglected at the facility. Abuse and neglect lawsuit filed against Glade Run Lutheran Services in Zelienople PA Attorneys for the boy and his family spoke Wednesday with Channel 11 News after [...]
Bad Faith Verdict Published
Car Passenger Alleged Insurer Acted in Bad Faith on UIM Claim The Pisanchyn Law Firm’s recent verdict in a Bad Faith case has been published in Pennsylvania Verdict Search. Insurance companies have a duty to act in good faith to their clients and the Pisanchyn Law Firm will fight to ensure they do on behalf [...]
GM agrees to pay at least $1.9 million to family of Dunmore man
Pisanchyn Law Firm Fights for Justice Against GM By TERRIE MORGAN-BESECKER Published: April 28, 2016 Joan Occulto always suspected a mechanical problem caused the 2007 car crash that killed her grandson, but no one believed her. Joan Occulto holds a box containing her grandson’s ashes at her home in Dunmore. Louis McHale-Occulto was killed in [...]
Fatal Motorcycle Accident Settlement Reached
Family settles fatal motorcycle accident suit for $1.5 million By Terrie Morgan-Besecker The Times-Tribune (TNS) The family of a Scranton man killed when a tractor- trailer struck his motorcycle reached a $1.5 million settlement with the trucking firm. Thomas M. Burke Sr., 65, of Park Drive, Scranton, was riding his 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle on [...]
Insured Gets Four Times Underlying Damages in Bad-Faith Suit
On Aug. 26, 2009, plaintiff Bernie Clemens was the passenger in a vehicle owned by Timothy Kruger that was struck by the vehicle of Ana Burrell in Mount Pocono. Clemens sustained serious injuries to his neck, face and shoulders as a result of the accident, according to court documents.
$900,000 Settlement for Motor-vehicle Case
The Pisanchyn Law Firm’s recent $900,000 verdict in a truck accident case has been published in Pennsylvania Verdict Search. Truckers and truck companies have a duty to drive their large loads safely without harming others on the road and the Pisanchyn Law Firm will fight to ensure they do on behalf of our clients. Click [...]
Pisanchyn Law Firm’s $900K Recovery Featured in PA Jury Verdict Review
$900,000 Recovery – Motor Vehicle Negligence – Intersection Collision – Outrageous Conduct Warranting Punitive Damages – Drunk Driving – Hit and Run – Cervical and Lumbar Disc Injuries – Damages/Causation only
Families blame MD for poor care
Relatives of a 10-year-old disabled foster child who died at an Anne Arundel County group home last month and the guardian of another resident whose inadequate care there led to a serious illness have filed notice that they intent to sue the state for failing to supervise the facility’s operator.
LAW CHANGING COURT OPINION—- DISBALED PERSON’S HEIRS HAVE RIGHT TO RECOVER FOR THE LOSS OF THE DISABLED PERSON’S COMFORT, SOCIETY, AND COMPANIONSHIP
The state Superior Court recently upheld a $3 million verdict by a jury that found a group home negligent in the 2009 death of a woman with cerebral palsy following a van accident in Bloomsburg.
Super. Ct. rebuffs bid to minimize wrongful death recovery
Decedent’s mother, who is mentally disabled, was unable to testify eloquently at trial about the effect of losing her daughter. Her disability also limited the amount of contact she had been able to have with her daughter. Defendants argued that her testimony was insufficient to support the amount the jury awarded under the Wrongful Death Act and the trial court agreed, granting a new trial.
Man Sues Over Drunken Driving Texting Crash
Kevin Lepka, of Railroad Avenue, claims he suffered serious neck and back injuries after his 1992 Jeep was struck by a 1995 Pontiac Grand Am driven by Michelle Marko, of Garfield Street, Nanticoke, on Dec. 31, 2011.
WHAT’S NEW
Acetaminophen Drugs May Cause Fatal Skin Reactions
It is true that Tylenol and other drugs containing acetaminophen have been linked to rare but potentially fatal skin reactions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the risk of severe skin reactions associated with acetaminophen use, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrom
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance coverage that helps protect you if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or who does not have sufficient insurance to cover the damages and injuries they caused.
Fertig v. Horace Mann Ins. Co. | Judicial Opinion
After the jury in separate underinsured motorist (“UIM”) benefits trials awarded the insured $75,000.00 in economic damages and $175,000.00 in noneconomic damages for an aggregate gross award of $250,000.00, the combined verdicts were reduced to a net UIM award of $150,000.00 to reflect a credit for the tortfeasor’s liability insurance coverage limit of $100,000.00.
Daylight Savings Car Accident Claims
There is evidence to suggest that the number of car accidents increases on the Monday following the springtime daylight saving time change. This is likely due to the loss of an hour of sleep and the disruption to the body’s internal clock, which can cause drowsiness and reduced alertness while driving.
Who Is Liable after a Parking Lot Injury?
Determining liability for a parking lot injury can depend on various factors, such as the cause of the injury and who is responsible for maintaining the parking lot. Here are some of the parties that may be liable for a parking lot injury:
How Does an Insurance Company Decide Who Was at Fault after a car accident
Determining fault after a car accident is a crucial part of the insurance claim process. Insurance companies use various methods to investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. Here are some of the factors that insurance companies may consider when deciding fault:
When is the Trucking Company Liable for an accident
Trucking companies may be held liable for accidents involving their trucks in certain circumstances. Here are some situations where a trucking company may be found liable for an accident:
ELEMENTS OF MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE LAWSUITS
Medical negligence lawsuits can be complex and involve several elements that must be proven in order to establish a valid claim. Here are some of the key elements of a medical negligence lawsuit:
Most common dog breeds that bite
It’s important to note that any breed of dog can potentially bite, and there are many factors that can influence a dog’s likelihood to bite, including their individual temperament and training, as well as the circumstances of a particular situation. However, some dog breeds are commonly associated with bites due to their history, physical traits, or other factors.
The Most Likely Offenders of Distracted Driving Are…
National Distracted Driving Awareness month. Our law firm is participating in this effort because we know first hand just how dangerous distracted driving is.
Slip, trip, or fall injury lawsuit
A slip, trip, or fall injury refers to an injury that occurs when a person slips, trips, or falls on a surface that is slippery, uneven, or cluttered. These types of accidents can result in a range of injuries, including cuts, bruises, broken bones, sprains, and head injuries.
MOST COMMON WORKPLACE INJURY
The most common workplace injuries vary depending on the type of industry and job duties. However, some of the most common types of workplace injuries include:
Most Common Distracted Driving Accident Causes
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Most Common Hospital Mistakes
There are many factors that can contribute to hospital mistakes, also known as medical errors, which can lead to harm or injury to patients. Some common causes of hospital mistakes include:
Pisanchyn Law Firm’s $250K Recovery Featured in VerdictSearch
On Aug. 27, 2014, plaintiff Destiny Fertig, 18, was driving on Route 222, in Lower Macungie Township. The front driver’s side of her vehicle was partially struck head-on by a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, when the driver of that vehicle attempted to turn left. Fertig claimed an aggravation of a preexisting condition and injuries to her neck and knee.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT
By following these steps, you can protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
The most common car accident injuries
The most common car accident injuries can vary depending on the severity and circumstances of the crash, but some of the most common types of injuries include:
Most common type of medical malpractice claim
Medical malpractice is a type of personal injury litigation that occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse, fails to provide appropriate care, and as a result, the patient is harmed. This can include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, birth injuries, and prescription errors. To prove medical malpractice, the following elements must be present:
Personal Injury Litigation
Personal injury litigation refers to a legal process where an individual seeks compensation for harm suffered as a result of another person’s negligence or intentional actions. This can include physical injury, property damage, and emotional distress.
Do Medical Malpractice Cases Make Health Care Costs Go Up?
There are many myths in personal injury litigation designed to scare people away from filing lawsuits after being negligently injured. There are 5 common myths in medical malpractice litigation and we want to bring you the truths behind these myths.