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Legal Updates for Lawyers' Professional Liability

Legal Updates For Lawyers’ Professional Liability – RESULTS & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Presented by the Lawyers' Professional Liability Practice Group

July 28, 2022

RESULTS *

Christopher Block and Erica Goldring (Roseland) prevailed on a motion to strike the plaintiff’s expert in a complicated New Jersey professional malpractice matter. Following two rounds of briefing and two rounds of oral argument, the court agreed that the plaintiff’s expert’s opinion was a net opinion and did not provide any substance or evidence of a lack of a duty of care.

Lara Bream and Edwin Schwartz (Harrisburg) were successful in obtaining a dismissal of a complaint filed in the Middle District of Pennsylvania against a New York attorney for alleged malfeasance regarding the appointment of a guardian of an elderly woman that is alleged to have resulted in the dissipation of $2.2 million in assets.

Josh Byrne and Alesia Sulock (Philadelphia) succeeded in having a complaint dismissed, with prejudice, on preliminary objections in a legal malpractice action in Philadelphia County. Josh and Alesia had preliminary objections sustained on this multiple-count legal malpractice claim that arose out of representation in a hotly-contested divorce matter. The plaintiff's complaint was dismissed, with prejudice, as to all defendants.

Josh Byrne (Philadelphia) successfully defeated a petition for allowance of appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel that sought to change a private reprimand to a public reprimand. In a highly unusual move, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel filed a petition for allowance of appeal seeking to have the decision of the Disciplinary Board changed from a private reprimand to a public reprimand, in a case with potential national implications. Josh successfully defeated this petition, thus maintaining his client's privacy.

Josh Byrne (Philadelphia) recently achieved dismissal of a disciplinary complaint against an attorney. The complaint involved allegations of multiple violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct arising from an underlying representation. After Josh responded to the complaint, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel exercised its prosecutorial discretion to dismiss the complaint, despite determining that there were potential violations of at least three Rules of Professional Conduct.

Josh Byrne (Philadelphia) achieved dismissal of a complaint before the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs against a home appraiser based upon allegations of an improper appraisal.

Josh Byrne (Philadelphia) succeeded in getting a joinder complaint brought by an AM Law 100 firm against his client in a legal malpractice/breach of fiduciary duty action arising out of a multi-million dollar business transaction dismissed on preliminary objections in Philadelphia.

Edwin Schwartz (Harrisburg) achieved a successful dismissal of a Disciplinary Board complaint against an attorney who had been involved in a complex and messy family dispute regarding the creation and operation of brewery and events venue.

Yael Dadoun and Edwin Schwartz (Harrisburg) obtained a dismissal of a Disciplinary Board complaint filed against a York County attorney by a sitting judge on the Court of Common Pleas of York County related to the attorney’s representation of a client an underlying hostile divorce action.

*Prior Results Do Not Guarantee A Similar Outcome

 

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Josh Byrne, chair of our Disciplinary Board Representation Practice Group, weighs in on potential red flags for banks in use of IOLTA accounts. Read the article here: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/wells-fargo-ponzi-suit-airs-bank-risk-in-law-firm-trust-accounts

Josh Byrne (Philadelphia) presented at the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s annual Spring 2022 Avoiding Legal Malpractice Program on June 24th. “Avoiding Legal Malpractice” was presented by the PBA Professional Liability Committee and featured information on a variety of issues that have been identified as common areas where attorneys can be exposed to liability or malpractice claims and focuses on steps we can all take to avoid, or at least mitigate, potential claims.

Josh Byrne’s (Philadelphia) article “Mental Health, Malpractice Avoidance and Ethical Conduct” was published in the July edition of The Legal Intelligencer. You can read the article here: https://marshalldennehey.com/articles/mental-health-malpractice-avoidance-and-ethical-conduct

Josh Byrne (Philadelphia) presented the seminar “Dealing with Difficult Opposing Counsel 2022” for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. Josh co-presented this program with other experienced lawyers and professional liability professionals, including the Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. This session offered tools, techniques, and insight into practical and effective methods of dealing with difficult opposing counsel while complying with the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Charlene Seibert (Pittsburgh), a shareholder and member of the firm’s Lawyers’ Professional Liability Practice Group, has been appointed to a three-year term as a Hearing Committee Member of District IV or the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Hearing Committee Members perform essential roles in Pennsylvania’s disciplinary system, chief among them to review Disciplinary Counsel’s recommended dispositions and to conduct hearings into formal charges of attorney misconduct and petitions for reinstatement. These efforts, which include reviewing pleadings and briefs, weighing evidence, and writing reports, are critical to guiding the Board and the Supreme Court in their determinations.

Jack Slimm and Jeremy Zacharias (Mount Laurel) presented a webinar entitled “Virtual Trials in New Jersey: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.” This was presented to an audience comprised of claims professionals, attorneys and various insurance companies. Jack and Jeremy explained their experience with trying cases in a virtual and hybrid setting, and gave practical pointers and strategies in trying a case, picking a jury, and presenting evidence in a virtual format. Jack and Jeremy introduced the firm capabilities in a technological standpoint and the staffing that is needed for trying a virtual or a hybrid case.

 

Legal Update for Lawyers’ Professional Liability – July 2022 is prepared by Marshall Dennehey to provide information on recent legal developments of interest to our readers. This publication is not intended to provide legal advice for a specific situation or to create an attorney-client relationship. We would be pleased to provide such legal assistance as you require on these and other subjects when called upon. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING pursuant to New York RPC 7.1 Copyright © 2022 Marshall Dennehey, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the express written permission of our firm. For reprints or inquiries, or if you wish to be removed from this mailing list, contact tamontemuro@mdwcg.com.

Firm Highlights

Result

Summary Judgment Secured, Preserving $750,000 in Coverage for Insured in Major Trucking Liability Dispute

Ray Freudiger and Michael A. Roberts (both of Cincinnati) successfully obtained summary judgment on behalf of their client in a coverage dispute arising from a May 19, 2022, motor vehicle accident. A permissive driver operated a box truck for an interstate trucking company and caused severe injuries to two tort victims. Prior to the accident, the insured had procured a commercial auto policy for the trucking company with stated limits of $1,000,000. Following the accident, the insurer initiated a declaratory judgment action asserting that only reduced bodily injury limits of $25,000/$50,000 applied and later counterclaimed, alleging it would not have insured the driver had he been properly submitted for approval under the policy. After extensive discovery, briefing, and oral argument, the court rejected the insurer’s attempt to shift responsibility for the $750,000 in coverage it was legally required to provide for permissive drivers under Ohio law, granting summary judgment in favor of the insured and preserving $750,000 in liability exposure.

blue facade of a hospital sign against blue sky

Result

Defense Verdict in Complex Medical Malpractice Trial

Event

Pennsylvania Appellate Update 2025-2026

On August 21, 2026, Casey will serve as a panelist for the live webcast program, “Pennsylvania Appellate Update 2025-2026” presented by the Appellate Advocacy Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Pennsylvania Bar Institute. The program is divided into three parts—Criminal, Civil, and Administrative. Casey will serve as a panelist for the Civil portion, along with Christina McKinley of Blank Rome, Ben Baer of Injury Law Partners, John Masslon of Keller Postman, Jonathan Bruno of Bruno Litigation LLC, and moderator, Ezza Ahmed of Buchanan Ingersoll.  Registration and more information: https://www.pbi.org/product/pennsylvania-appellate-update-2025-2026/

Thought Leadership

Commonwealth Court Holds That a Claimant Who Was Struck By a Car While Crossing the Street During an Unpaid Break Was In the Course and Scope of Employment

This case involved a claim petition filed by a claimant who sustained injuries after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in front of the employer’s premises. The employer denied the claim based on course and scope, as the accident occurred during one of two mandatory fifteen (15) minute breaks provided to the claimant. The claimant would punch out at the beginning of a break and punch back in when the break was over.  On the date of the incident, the claimant punched out and left the building to get lunch at a restaurant, which required her to cross the employer’s parking lot, and then a public street, where the injury occurred. The Workers Compensation Judge (WCJ) dismissed the petition, noting that that during the two mandatory fifteen-minute breaks per shift allowed by the employer, the claimant was free to leave the employer’s premises, and during breaks, permitted to engage in whatever activity she desired. The WCJ found that at the time of the accident, the claimant was on her own time, in the middle of the street, and going to get lunch.   The claimant filed an appeal with the Worker’s Compensation Appeal Board (Board), and the Board reversed.  According to the Board, the claimant’s location was still on the employer’s premises, as the claimant was taking her customary route while using a reasonable ingress/egress from the employer.  Further, the Board found that the “Personal Comfort Doctrine” applied, as the claimant was on a momentary departure to take care of her personal comfort, within the window of time she was allotted for her break.  The Board remanded the case, and a WCJ granted the claim petition.  The Board affirmed, and the employer appealed to the Commonwealth Court. Before the Court, the employer argued that the claimant was not in the course and scope of her employment, because the injury did not occur on its premises, and the claimant was outside the bounds of the Personal Comfort Doctrine. The Court, however, rejected these arguments, and dismissed the employer’s appeal.  The Court noted that the break given to the claimant was so cursory, when she set out to relieve her hunger for her own personal comfort,  she remained in the course of her employment when she sustained her injuries.  A Petition for Allowance of Appeal in the Supreme Court has been filed by the Employer, Giant Eagle.

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Thought Leadership

New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Legislation Updates

Since June 1, 2026, there have been no new New Jersey workers’ compensation related cases from the Appellate or Supreme Courts. As such, below will highlight any new legislative updates since February. A1023 | S3984 - Medical Use of Cannabis Under Certain Circumstances This requires workers’ compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage for the medical use of cannabis under certain circumstances. It was introduced on January 13, 2026 and referred to the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. It was also introduced on March 19, 2026 and referred to the Senate Commerce Committee. A1045  - Certain Injuries to Volunteer and Professional Public Safety and Law Enforcement Personnel This revises workers’ compensation coverage for certain injuries to volunteer and professional public safety and law enforcement personnel. It was introduced on January 13, 2026 and referred to the Assembly Labor Committee. A1384 | S2757 - Reduce Statute of Limitations in Medical Fee Disputes This reduces statute of limitations from six years to two years in medical fee disputes in workers’ compensation matters. It was introduced on January 13, 2026 and referred to the Senate Labor Committee. It was also introduced on the same day and referred to the Assembly Labor Committee. A1870 | S1379 - Workers' Compensation Benefits For Certain Workers Due to September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks This provides workers’ compensation benefits for certain public safety workers who developed illness or injury as result of responding to September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It was introduced on January 13, 2026 and referred to the Assembly Labor Committee. It was also introduced on the same day and referred to the Senate Labor Committee. On February 5, 2026, it was reported from the Senate Committee, 2nd Reading, and referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. A2779 | S1521 - Excludes Certain Illegal Aliens This excludes certain illegal aliens from workers’ compensation and temporary disability benefits. It was introduced on January 13, 2026 and referred to the Senate Labor Committee. It was also introduced on the same day and referred to the Assembly Labor Committee. A2792 | S1555 -  Prevent Intoxicated Employees from Workers’ Compensation This prevents intoxicated employees from receiving workers’ compensation. It was introduced on January 13, 2026 and referred to the Senate Labor Committee. It was also introduced on the same day and referred to the Assembly Labor Committee. A3167 | S2372 - Workers’ Compensation Insurance Requirements for Certain Corporations and Partnerships This concerns workers’ compensation insurance requirements for certain corporations and partnerships. It was introduced on January 13, 2026 and referred to the Senate Labor Committee. It was also introduced on the same day and referred to the Assembly Labor Committee. A3548 | S3571 – Maximum Benefits for Certain Volunteers This provides certain volunteer and other workers with maximum compensation benefit for workers' compensation claim regardless of outside employment. It was introduced on January 13, 2026 and referred to the Senate Labor Committee. On March 2, 2026, it was reported from the Senate Committee, 2nd Reading, and referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. It was also introduced on the same day and referred to the Assembly Labor Committee. On May 7, 2026, it was reported and referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee. A3724 - Personal Liability to Employer Officers for Failure to Pay for Coverage This provides personal liability for owner, executive officer, or executive director of employer for failure to pay for workers' compensation coverage. It was introduced on January 13, 2026 and referred to the Assembly Labor Committee. On May 7, 2026, it was reported and referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee. A4617  - Certain Workers' Compensation Supplemental Benefits and Funding Method This concerns certain workers' compensation supplemental benefits and funding method. For a permanently and totally disabled worker or surviving dependents after December 31, 1979, with some exceptions, this bill provides for an annual cost of living adjustment in the weekly workers’ compensation benefit rate. It was introduced on March 10, 2026 and referred to the Assembly Labor Committee. S241 - Inclusion in Database of Appointed Officials This requires that workers’ compensation judges and administrative law judges be included in database of appointed officials. It was introduced on January 13, 2026 to the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee. S2290 -  Mandatory Retirement Age This increases statutory mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court Justices, Superior Court Judges, Tax Court Judges, Administrative Law Judges, and Workers’ Compensation Judges from 70 to 72. It was introduced on January 13, 2026 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. S3144 - Testimony in Workers’ Compensation This concerns submission of testimony in workers’ compensation claims. It was introduced on January 13, 2026 and referred to the Senate Labor Committee. S3342  - Increase Mandatory Retirement Age This increases statutory mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court Justices, Superior Court Judges, Tax Court Judges, Administrative Law Judges, and Workers’ Compensation Judges from 70 to 75. It was introduced on February 5, 2026 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

empty courtroom photo

Result

Summary Judgment Secured for Life Insurance Agent

Thought Leadership

Appellate Court Rejects Horizontal Immunity Defense to Company Not Acting as Statutory Subcontractor

The First District Court of Appeal held that a property management company was not entitled to horizontal immunity under section 440.10(1)(e), Florida Statutes, in a negligence action brought by an employee of another company working on the property. The claimant was injured while servicing a swimming pool at an apartment complex. His employer had contracted with the property owner to maintain the pool. Following the accident, the claimant received workers' compensation benefits through his employer’s carrier. The claimant subsequently filed a negligence action against the property management company, alleging that it failed to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition and failed to warn him of a dangerous condition that caused his injuries. The property management company had been retained by the property owner to maintain the complex in good operating condition and to perform routine maintenance and repair work. The property management company argued that it was immune from suit under section 440.10(1)(e) of Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Law. That provision grants immunity to a subcontractor providing services in conjunction with a contractor on the same project or contract work from civil actions brought by employees of another subcontractor, subject to limited exceptions. According to the property management company, it qualified as a subcontractor working on the same project as the claimant’s employer and was therefore entitled to horizontal immunity. The trial court agreed and entered summary judgment in its favor. On appeal, however, the claimant argued, and the appellate court agreed, that horizontal immunity applies only when a contractor has sublet work arising from a contractual obligation owed to a third party. The court noted that prior decisions consistently held that an entity acting solely on its own behalf as the owner of property, rather than pursuant to a contract with a third party, is not a “contractor” under section 440.10(1), even when it hires other companies to perform work on the property. In Teed, the property management company could not establish that the property owner had a primary contractual obligation to a third party to maintain either the apartment complex or the swimming pool, which it then delegated to the claimant’s employer or the property management company. As a result, the property owner did not qualify as a statutory contractor, and the property management company was not a subcontractor entitled to horizontal immunity under section 440.10(1)(e). The First District therefore reversed the lower court’s ruling and remanded the case for further proceedings on the claimant’s negligence claim.

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