More than four decades after its enactment, Pennsylvania’s Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act (PSTCA) remains one of the most important, and most misunderstood, statutes governing municipal liability. Enacted to restore balance after the collapse of absolute...
Few municipal leaders expect to confront allegations of sexual abuse, serious injury, or systemic oversight failures. Yet the Commonwealth Court’s decision in L.F.V. v. Philadelphia School District makes clear that courts and the legislature are increasingly willing...
Understanding Zoning Litigation in Pennsylvania Zoning decisions shape how communities grow, develop, and function. In Pennsylvania, local zoning boards and municipal governing bodies make decisions affecting land use, property development, and community planning....
For many municipalities, the assumption is simple: if a claim arises, insurance will respond. The L.F.V. v. Philadelphia School District decision shows why that assumption can be dangerously incomplete, particularly when sexual abuse allegations fall within the Ninth...
Why Workplace Investigations Matter for Employers When allegations of misconduct arise in the workplace—such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or policy violations—employers must respond promptly and carefully. Conducting an internal workplace investigation...
Understanding Product Recall Risks for Manufacturers Product recalls can create immediate legal, financial, and reputational risks for manufacturers. Whether a recall stems from a safety concern, regulatory issue, or potential product defect, companies must act...
For decades, Pennsylvania’s Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act (PSTCA) has provided local governments with a vital layer of protection against civil liability. But in practice, that protection is often misunderstood—sometimes dangerously so. The Commonwealth...
Why the First 24 Hours of a Crisis Matter Unexpected events can place organizations under immediate pressure. Allegations of misconduct, regulatory inquiries, data breaches, workplace incidents, or financial irregularities can quickly evolve into complex legal and...
Understanding Reservation of Rights Letters in Insurance Claims When an insurer begins investigating a claim but questions whether the policy ultimately provides coverage, the company may issue a reservation of rights letter. This document informs the policyholder...
When Pennsylvania lawmakers amended the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act (PSTCA) in 2019 to add a ninth exception for sexual abuse, the intent was clear: victims of sexual misconduct should not be barred from seeking justice simply because the alleged negligence...
Understanding the PHRC Complaint Process for Employers When an employee files a discrimination complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), the employer must respond quickly and carefully. The PHRC is responsible for enforcing the Pennsylvania...
When the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania issued its June 9, 2025, decision in L.F.V. v. Philadelphia School District, it reminded every township, borough, and school district in Pennsylvania of one crucial fact: governmental immunity is not absolute. The case...