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SIGNIFICANT CASE SUMMARIES Virginia Case Summary Carter v. Wake Forest Univ. Baptist Med. Ctr. Virginia Supreme Court 2023 Va. LEXIS 36 Decided: May 9, 2024 Supreme Court of Virginia rules emails, text messages and telephone calls constitute “transaction business,” but do not constitute purposeful availment for personal jurisdiction. Background Mr. Carter, a resident of Martinsville,… read more

SIGNIFICANT CASE SUMMARIES Federal Case Summary Hazen v. Woodloch Pines Resort United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania No. 3:21-CV-00174 Decided: February 16, 2024 Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment pursuant to assumption of risk doctrine denied where Plaintiff lacked awareness of “specific risk” and were genuine issue of material fact existed as… read more

SIGNIFICANT CASE SUMMARIES Pennsylvania Case Summaries Hangey v. Husqvarna Prof’l Prods., Inc. Pennsylvania Supreme Court No. 14 EAP 2022 Decided: November 22, 2023 Lawsuit against lawnmower manufacturer was properly venued in Philadelphia County where company had authorized dealer in Philadelphia who did regular business there. Background This case arises out of a lawnmower accident. Ronald… read more

SIGNIFICANT CASE SUMMARIES Maryland Case Summary Beahm v. Erie Ins. Exch. Maryland Appellate Court No. 1832, September Term 2022 Decided: January 30, 2024 Plaintiff, as an individual, was not entitled to coverage under his corporation’s automobile liability insurance policy, and Plaintiff failed to produce evidence that the insurer owed the necessary duty of care for… read more

SIGNIFICANT CASE SUMMARIES Washington, DC Case Summary Whiteru v. Washington Metro. Area Transit Auth. United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit No. 22-7154 Decided: December 29, 2023 Inquiry certified to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals as to the status of an individual as an invitee or trespasser where he… read more