Category: Litigation / Personal Injury

What is Summary Judgment?

Not all cases end up going to trial. Some are settled. Others are dismissed at an early stage for procedural reasons. Still other cases are disposed of on the eve of trial by a mechanism known as summary judgment.The rules of civil procedure provide that… Continue reading

Changes in the Durable Power of Attorney

A very effective and popular estate planning device over the past decade has been the “durable” power of attorney. A power of attorney is a document a person (the “principal”) executes to give authority to another (the “agent”) to act on the principal’s behalf. The… Continue reading

Slip and Fall Injuries

With the slick winter weather we are seeing a rise in the number of slip and fall incidents occurring in public places. Serious injuries, including broken bones, back injuries, and various types of strains and sprains are being reported. Normal, healthy people rarely fall down… Continue reading

Pardon Me!

Since Bill Clinton left office the subject of pardons has been in the news almost daily, due largely to the pardon granted Marc Rich. As a result, the idea of granting a pardon to a convicted criminal may be getting a bad rap. Without question… Continue reading

Your Deposition — Be Prepared

If you or your business is involved in any sort of civil litigation, whether it is a basic collection case or a complex personal injury action, there is strong possibility that you will be required to give a deposition. A deposition is an opportunity for… Continue reading

The Military Tribunal and the End of Political Harmony

Proximate Causation

Proximate cause, also known as legal cause, exists when the defendant’s negligent act is a substantial factor in bringing about an injury to the plaintiff. For example, in a wrongful death action, it is essential to prove that the wrongful act of the defendant was… Continue reading

The Medical Malpractice Crisis

For months, there has been much written and reported on the medical malpractice crisis in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Doctors in several states have staged temporary work stoppages to protest the high cost of medical malpractice insurance. In Pennsylvania, the Rendell administration has established… Continue reading

Deadlines

A deadline is defined as a time limit, especially the time by which an article, etc. scheduled for publication must be completed. As my editor called to remind me about my deadline for this piece, I began thinking about the pain and loathing that have… Continue reading

Terminating Democracy?

Ah, California! If it didn’t exist, we’d have to invent it. Almost certainly, if the polls are to be believed, in the recall campaign the present Governor, Gray Davis, is yesterday’s headline, a goner! He is barely at a 25% approval rating and, at least… Continue reading