Insurers and defendants in Pennsylvania may be facing a new hurdle at trial: Anchoring. House Bill No. 1913, a newly proposed piece of legislation, seeks to permit plaintiffs’ attorneys to suggest specific dollar amounts for noneconomic damages to a jury. This practice, often referred to as “anchoring,” relies on a
Client Advisory: New Legislation Would Include Members of Fire Departments Injured While Engaged in Organized Fundraising Activities in the Course and Scope of Employment The Pennsylvania Senate recently introduced SB 1053 to expand the definition of who is considered an “employee” for purposes of determining workers’ compensation coverage. Currently, under
Automation to the Petition for Medical Treatment (PMT) Program Starting September 26, 2025 The PMT Program addresses cases in which an authorized treating physician has recommended treatment for a condition or body part that has already been approved by the Commission. New automation within the program is designed to speed
Mental injuries for First Responders On October 29, 2024, Governor Shapiro signed Senate Bill 365 into law as Act 121 of 2024, which amends the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act as it pertains to compensation for mental-mental injuries/post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) for first responders. The new law takes effect on October
CLIENT ADVISORY Virginia Client Advisory Generous Virginia juries demonstrate importance of expert testimony, and presenting a reasonable defense. In 2024, Virginia juries repeatedly returned verdicts in excess of $1 Million. Throughout the state, in eight cases involving motor vehicle accidents and other tort claims, juries awarded a combined total of
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has recently launched an inquiry into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at 20 large law firms, signaling a broader federal focus on how DEI initiatives align with anti-discrimination laws. While this current action targets law firms, the underlying concerns and potential legal
