News

In April 2024, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed into law SB256, titled “Motor Vehicle Insurance; remedies for bad faith for refusal of claims,” which had an effective date of July 1, 2024.  SB256 established a cause of action for bad faith claims handling on the part of an uninsured or underinsured motorist carrier.  The law… read more

Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP (“TT&H”) is proud to announce that two of our attorneys will be recognized in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, those attorneys being: R. Burke McLemore, Jr. Harrisburg, PA Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers Peter E. Schurig Richmond, VA Commercial Litigation; Corporate Law We are also proud… read more

SIGNIFICANT CASE SUMMARIES Federal Case Summary Witters v. Smith United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania No. 1:23-CV-1441, 2024 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 102346 Decided: June 10, 2024 District Court confirms that Pennsylvania law does not allow for loss of consortium and companionship claim for pets. Background Agents of the Pennsylvania Board of… read more

SIGNIFICANT CASE SUMMARIES Pennsylvania Case Summaries Brown-Boyd v. SEPTA Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court No. 1167 C.D. 2022 Decided: July 15, 2024 Bus driver was “operating” a public bus, such that sovereign immunity did not apply, when she stopped the bus to allow decedent to exit, but allegedly failed to lower the handicap ramp. Background Plaintiff-decedent, Brenda… read more

SIGNIFICANT CASE SUMMARIES Maryland Case Summaries Doctor’s Weight Loss Centers, Inc. v. Blackston Maryland Supreme Court No. 17, Sept. Term 2023 Decided: July 31, 2024 Maryland Supreme Court applies Virginia damages cap to Maryland resident’s medical malpractice damages award. Background Plaintiff Shelly Blackston had a liposuction procedure at Dr. Heron’s office in Alexandria, Virginia. After… read more