Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform (PCCJR) opposed an effort in the state House to significantly increase the minimum award amount for violations of the Unfair Trade Practices Act/Consumer Protection Law. The proposal was brought forth in an amendment to H.B. 1594. The amendment would have raised the minimum amount that can be awarded from…
Coalition Updates: Health Care
Institute for Legal Reform Unveils List of “Most Ridiculous Lawsuits of 2021”
Frivolous lawsuits over candy, coffee, butter, and funny videos all made the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform’s (ILR) list of the “Most Ridiculous Lawsuits of 2021.” Taking the top spot was a suit filed against the candy Tootsie Rolls claiming they “are unhealthy because the candy has sugar and trans fats.” In a press…
Pennsylvania’s Reapportionment Process Advances to Next Stage, But Not Without Conflict
Every 10 years, following the release of the U.S. Census data, the Commonwealth is required to redraw its congressional and state legislative districts. As a result of stagnant population growth, the Commonwealth will lose one Congressional seat – going from the current 18 to 17. The reapportionment process can often be a contentious one and this year…
Striking a Blow Against Litigation Tourism
For many years, a business could be sued in Pennsylvania courts by the mere fact that the company registered to do business in Pennsylvania. In what is sure to strike a blow against “litigation tourism,” the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has declared that the Pennsylvania statute that allowed such expansive jurisdiction “clearly, palpably, and plainly violates the…
PCJR Executive Director Discusses PA’s Litigation PRoblems
PCCJR’s Executive Director, Curt Schroder, appeared on Lincoln Radio Journal this week in a wide ranging discussion of problems plaguing Pennsylvania’s courts. Listen to the broadcast here.
State Supreme Court Ruling Expands “Traveling Employee Doctrine” to Include Employer Sponsored Happy Hours
A recent ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court significantly expands employers’ workers compensation liability. Will it mean the end of office happy hours and office holiday gatherings? The case, Peters v. Workers Compensation Appeals Board, centers on injuries sustained in a car crash by a traveling salesperson for Cintas Corporation following a work-sponsored happy hour. In a unanimous…