Newsroom
Andre J. Webb Appointed as Co-Chair of Campaign for Qualified Judges
The Campaign for Qualified Judges is the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Political Action Committee, the purpose of which is to raise and spend funds to support two classes of candidates: those running in primary, special or general elections for judicial office and incumbent judges seeking retention; provided that each candidate has been rated “Highly Recommended” or “Recommended” by the Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention of the Association.
Andre J. Webb and Kevin M. Ellis Obtain Successful Dismissal of Clients
Andre J. Webb and Kevin M. Ellis obtained a successful dismissal of clients, involved in the agriculture business, through Preliminary Objections to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. Plaintiff’s Complaint alleged that the clients were Plaintiff’s employers, yet were nonetheless liable to Plaintiff for injuries suffered in an agricultural building collapse involving a fatality in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Andre and Kevin argued that Plaintiff’s claims against the clients were barred by the exclusivity provision of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act and barred by Plaintiff’s failure to properly serve the clients with original process prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations. After the Preliminary Objections were filed, the Court granted all relief sought by Andre and Kevin, dismissing all claims against the clients with prejudice, allowing the clients to avoid having to engage in discovery and protracted litigation.
GGM is pleased to announce new Litigation Associate Briana Pearson
GGM is pleased to announce our newest team member, Briana Pearson. Brianna has joined the firm as an associate specializing in defense of professional liability, product liability, and catastrophic injury. Before joining GGM, Briana worked at a Pennsylvania general practice law firm, representing clients in labor and employment and personal injury matters.
GGM is pleased to announce new Litigation Associate Ashley Baker
We are thrilled to announce that Ashley Baker has come aboard GGM as an associate within the casualty and transportation practice groups. Before joining GGM, Ashley operated a Pennsylvania firm focused on supporting and advocating for commercial truck drivers and transportation entities. Before the practice of law, Ashley herself was a business operator and commercial truck driver.
GGM is pleased to announce new Litigation Associate Hugh Daulerio
GGM is delighted to share that Hugh Daulerio has joined the firm’s casualty and transportation practice groups. Hugh has over a decade of experience as a trial lawyer in personal injury litigation, having advocated for both plaintiffs and the defense throughout Pennsylvania. Hugh is a Rutgers University Law School graduate, where he also obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree.
Full Dismissal in $70 Million Truck Accident Case in Pennsylvania
We are thrilled to announce a significant legal win for our commercial trucking clients. Matt McColgan successfully helped secure our client’s dismissal from a $70 million case in Pennsylvania, reinforcing vital principles for the industry.
In this case, the Court entered summary judgment in our client’s favor and agreed on two pivotal points:
- In dismissing a negligent entrustment claim: a longstanding relationship between a commercial lessor and lessee does not itself automatically establish a commercial lessor’s notice that the lessee may hire an incompetent driver. This decision provides clarity on the importance of evidence beyond routine business associations.
- In dismissing a negligent maintenance claim: a lessor’s duty to maintain its vehicles is triggered only by notice of a defect; the presence of a purported defect alone is insufficient. Despite the plaintiff’s experts claiming the truck was unroadworthy due to an “out-of-spec” braking system, the court agreed that a commercial lessor has no obligation to inspect beyond regular maintenance intervals.
Defense victories like this are not without the hard work involved in fully developing the facts of a case, as well as the collaborative efforts by the client team. Our firm remains dedicated to representing the interests of commercial trucking companies to ensure their businesses can continue to operate safely and with confidence.
New Pennsylvania Bill Allows Injured Workers to Receive Benefits Via Direct Deposit
The Pennsylvania General Assembly has passed a bill that would require insurers to make direct deposit the default method for paying temporary total disability workers’ compensation benefits.
Introduced on May 31, 2024, PA SB1232 amends the Workers’ Compensation Act to require insurers and self-insured employers to offer direct deposit for payment of temporary total disability payments. The rationale offered for this new bill centers around the inefficiencies of paper checks, noting their potential to cause delays, loss, or displacement. The bill’s supporters also suggest that the switch to direct deposit may help insurers by reducing processing time and mailing costs. However, the bill does outline that lump sum payments as a result of Compromise & Release agreements and payments for claims with an expected duration of 60 days or less may continue to be paid by paper check. Additionally, if the employee does not have an account with a financial institution capable of accepting direct deposit, they may request payment by paper check.
After effective passage date of this bill, insurers may permit or require payment by direct deposit. No later than one year after the effective passage date, all insurers will be required to offer payment by direct deposit. Should this bill pass, insurers will be required to provide an authorization form or may direct the employee to an online authorization form immediately upon availability or concurrently with a notice of compensation payable. If the direct deposit form is not validly filled out by the employee within 30 days of receiving notification of the requirement, the insurer may, at its discretion, temporarily pay by check.
While some TPAs and insurers already offer payment by direct deposit, some do not pay for this extra service and will need to do so if this bill passes, which appears likely.
Partner, Matthew J. McColgan Co-Moderates Panel at ALFA International’s 2024 Future Leaders Group Seminar
We’re proud to highlight our partner, Matthew McColgan ‘s recent engagement at ALFAI’s “Law Law Land: Becoming a Legal Star” seminar held in Beverly Hills! As a co-moderator, he led a panel focused on critical topics such as mentorship, goal planning, and emotional wellbeing for future leaders in the legal profession.
This event brought together industry leaders to discuss actionable strategies for empowering emerging talent across various sectors. Our partner’s commitment to fostering growth and support in the legal community reflects our firm’s dedication to excellence and innovation.
Unanimous Defense Verdict for Orthopedic Surgeon
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, Jack Shusted and Evan Baker obtained a unanimous defense verdict on behalf of their client, an Orthopedic Surgeon, after an eight-day trial in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas in Media, Pennsylvania.
At trial, Plaintiff claimed that the Orthopedic Surgeon failed to identify and report an abnormality in the upper lung when interpreting radiological imaging of the shoulder, which Plaintiff further claimed caused a delay in the diagnosis of a form of lung cancer called a Pancoast Tumor.
The defense showed that the Orthopedic Surgeon complied with the appropriate standard of care at all times while treating this patient. Specifically, the defense demonstrated that an Orthopedic Surgeon, who specializes in musculoskeletal issues, is not expected to identify a subtle, non-musculoskeletal finding in the lung while interpreting imaging of the shoulder. The defense presented evidence showing that even board-certified radiologists were unable to identify the subtle lung finding in the radiological imaging. The defense maintained that it is within the standard of care for an Orthopedic Surgeon to rely on a radiologist’s interpretation of the radiological imaging for any non-musculoskeletal abnormalities, as that falls within the expertise of a radiologist. At trial, it was demonstrated that the Orthopedic Surgeon properly interpreted the shoulder imaging and appropriately treated the patient’s musculoskeletal problems. Therefore, the Orthopedic Surgeon’s treatment was within the standard of care at all times while treating this patient.
Practice Group Chair Andre J. Webb to attend ALFA International’s 2024 Future Leaders Group Seminar
Practice Group Chair Andre J. Webb will attend ALFA International’s 2024 Future Leaders Group Seminar held at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on October 9-11th. Entitled “Law Law Land – Becoming a Legal Star,” the conference features next-generation ALFA International (ALFAI) leaders dancing into the challenges and opportunities facing us all in “Law Law Land.” The seminar will showcase the success that can be built on a foundation of excellent leadership, personal and professional growth, and meaningful career goals. Presentations will explore what every young lawyer should know and what happens when our best-laid plans fall short. Additionally, an analysis of the fast-emerging uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal world and its effect on research, firm billing, and in-house applications will provide an understanding of opportunities for evolution. The moderators and presenters will guide the audience through crisis planning from event to trial and sessions honing mediation skills and strategies to allow ALFAI clients and attorneys to shine. For more information, please reach out to Mr. Webb at webba@ggmfirm.com.
