pstrongPennsylvania

Pennsylvania Court Halts $2.7M Punitive Damages in Nursing Home Case, Sparking Changes in Legal Strategy for Defense Attorneys

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PITTSBURGH — A recent ruling by the Pennsylvania Superior Court has significant implications for punitive damages awarded in negligence cases. On May 19, 2025, the court vacated a $2.7 million punitive damages verdict in the case of Bernavage v. Green Ridge Healthcare, determining that the trial court erred by allowing an amendment to the plaintiff’s complaint that introduced allegations of recklessness at the trial’s outset. The court ruled that this late amendment came as an “unfair surprise” to the defense. In Pennsylvania, juries can grant punitive damages when a defendant’s actions are deemed outrageous, particularly … Read more

Pennsylvania Enforces ‘Paul Miller’s Law’ Banning Handheld Cellphone Use While Driving

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Philadelphia, Pa. — A new law banning all handheld cellphone use while driving takes effect Thursday in Pennsylvania, marking a significant step towards enhancing road safety. The legislation, known as “Paul Miller’s Law,” responds to the dangers posed by distracted driving, particularly involving the use of cellphones. Named in memory of Paul Miller, a 21-year-old who lost his life to a distracted driver in 2010, the law expands previous regulations that only prohibited texting while behind the wheel. Under the new rules, any use of handheld devices is forbidden, even when drivers are stopped at … Read more

Pennsylvania Moves Toward Reading Revolution: New Bills Push for Science-Backed Curricula Amid Literacy Crisis

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PHILADELPHIA — Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing a pair of bipartisan bills aimed at transforming reading instruction across the state’s public schools by emphasizing research-backed instructional methods. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that all students learn reading skills fundamental to their academic success, including phonics, decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension. These initiatives respond to alarming statistics; recent national assessments revealed that only about one-third of Pennsylvania fourth graders achieved proficiency in reading. The legislation builds on a prior law establishing training programs for educators focused on the science of reading, with the goal of aligning classroom … Read more