Philadelphia Injury Attorney Blog

The popular AMC television show “Mad Men” captures with authenticity the lifestyles and working habits at a fictional advertising agency during the 1960’s. The themes of the plot center around adultery, sexism, alcoholism, racism, and other behaviors that some might consider to be unlawful today in the workplace.

Sexual harassment in Pennsylvania and across the country is an ongoing problem in the workplace. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 defines sexual harassment as occurring when “one employee makes continued, unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical contact of a sexual nature to another employee against his or her wishes”. Generally, there are two types of sexual harassment: Quid Pro Quo and a Hostile work environment.

Quid Pro Quo is defined as “you do something for me and I’ll do something for you” and is typically found in a situation where a superior of an employee demands sexual favors in exchange for getting or keeping a job or job benefit. The company may be held liable for damages caused as a result of the supervisor’s action.

In the “hostile work environment” scenario, conduct is unwelcomed based on sex that is severe or persuasive and this generally involves sexual advances, touching, degrading comments, pornography, vulgar language, drugs of a sexual nature, or questions of a sexual nature. An employer can be held responsible for damages if such behavior rises to a level that causes the workplace to be intimidating, hostile, or offensive.

When I started my career as a legal intern in government offices in the late 1970’s and progressed through several law firms, I watched office interpersonal behavior that was once considered acceptable, as manifested on “Mad Men”, become actions which could potentially give rise to a legal claim entitling the claimant to recovery of damages for loss of income, emotional pain, mental anguish, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages.

If you are being sexually harassed on the job, review your employer’s policy prohibiting sexual harassment and follow the steps necessary to file a claim. Clearly notify the offender or your employer in no uncertain terms to stop. Always make a written record if possible and present it to your employer. If your employer takes retaliatory steps against you, this may give rise to a legal claim. If the harassing behavior continues, it is wise to consult with an experienced sexual abuse or sexual harassment attorney who may determine whether or not to file a Complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or in some cases state agency.

Our law firm recently resolved a sexual abuse and invasion of privacy claim on behalf of an employee who was non-consensually repeatedly photographed in restroom facilities at her job, as well as another claim where the victim was sexually and physically abused.

While it may be fun to watch “Mad Men”, the sexual escapades and drinking on the job that occur on TV may not be so much fun if they happen to you or a loved one today at your office.

If you are the victim of sexual abuse or assault claim while on the job, it’s not so funny and sometimes the actual facts can be more strange and harsh in consequences.

The Philadelphia sexual abuse attorneys at Reiff and Bily have handled sexual abuse cases for over three decades. Sexual abuse is one of the most atrocious offenses that can be proffered upon a victim. Sexual abuse cases and unlawful contact litigation often involve physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, grief counselors, teachers, camp counselors, Scout masters, clergy, or individuals who typically abuse a position of perceived trust, power, authority, strength, or fear over the victim.

While most people think of sexual abuse as a criminal offense, there is also a very important civil side. Sexual abuse can cause extreme long-term physical and emotional harm to those who suffered the abuse. This can result in lost wages and expensive medical bills. One of our landmark physician sexual abuse cases involved a young female victim who was repeatedly molested and raped by her treating psychiatrist. The case resolved for a multiple seven figure amount.

If you are somewhere and an employee abuses you while working in the scope of their employment, the employer may be liable for the employee’s actions. Recently, charges were filed against an instructor in Cherry Hill at The Prism Institute, a for-profit career-training center. The instructor allegedly fondled students’ breasts while teaching them how to operate an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. Two female students originally came forward, and four more have followed.

The prosecutor’s office in Camden County is handling the criminal case, but this might not be the end of it. These women may be able to bring a civil suit not only against the instructor personally, but against The Prism Institute. Sometimes it is as simple as an employer failing to do the necessary background checks that are required, that make them liable. Other times, it may be the employer’s lack of training and regulations that can allow sexual abuse in the workplace to occur. The Philadelphia sexual abuse attorneys at Reiff and Bily handle sexual abuse litigation in Pennsylvania and believe that these predators must be held accountable and brought to justice for the sake of their victims.

If you or a loved one is a victim of sexual abuse, feel free to contact our office for a free, no obligation, and totally confidential consultation online at www.reiffandbily.com or toll free at 1-800-421-9595.

A revered and distinguished football coach of 46 years was dismissed by the Penn State University Board of Trustees along with University President Graham Spanier after the U. S. Education Department announced a Federal investigation of conduct at Penn State. Other University officials have also been charged with failing to report an incident in 2002 when former Assistant Coach Gerald Sandusky was alleged to be sexually assaulting a child. The recent events in the streets of State College, Pennsylvania by thousands of students indicate the humiliation, disgrace, and disgust that the abhorrent and horrific behavior of the sex offender and those with knowledge of the behavior has unleashed.

Yes, like many other sexual offenders whether they be clergy, doctors in medical institutions, psychiatrists, or law enforcement officials, this situation clearly illustrates how one individual, or a small group of individuals who have power, authority, and engaged in a cover-up, can bring down one of the most revered educational and athletic institutions and affect the legacy of its students and graduates who are also victims of this offense. The anger expressed by the students on the Penn State campus on Wednesday evening, November 9th, led to the overturning of a news van and a chemical spray to disperse demonstrators. Joe Paterno was the proud and revered coach for 46 years at Penn State and a mentor to so many not only in the field of athletics but in the way he conducted himself and his players. Coach Paterno always seemed to be a model of integrity and morality.

As an experienced Pennsylvania sexual abuse attorney, I do believe it was in the best interests of Penn State’s Board of Trustees to have a change in leadership as well as fire Joe Paterno and the University President. Although I am sure that this was a most difficult decision, there is something much greater at stake than the Penn State athletic teams. Although Joe Paterno conducted his most distinguished career in a conservative and moral fashion, it is my personal opinion as a Pennsylvania sexual abuse attorney that nothing approaches the horrors and gross negligence that allowed a close associate of Joe Paterno’s to allegedly repeatedly prey upon children whose lives will be forever scarred.

I am led to understand that even Joe Paterno admitted that he should have done more to stop the physical and psychological suffering outlined in brutal detail in the Grand Jury report surrounding this horrific incident. Obviously, as his actions clearly reflect, Coach Paterno chose to do nothing about it and the real victims of this tragedy like so many of the sexual abuse scandals that have affected the church and the Archdiocese is a loss of credibility, morality, and integrity that will accompany the true believers of the Penn State legacy. I am fond of stating that “without integrity nothing stands," and a man must be judged by his actions and not his words.

The cowardly actions of those who had knowledge of these horrific sexual offenses will reveal a lack of strength and courage and an altering of the conscience and moralities emphasized by Coach Paterno which has now broken the hearts of so many who revered him and who are also victims of these offenses. Time always discovers the truth.

The last few years have revealed to the American and international public some of the most unimaginable stories and horrors of sexual abuse. Increasingly adults in their 30's, 40's, and 50's are coming forward to reveal some of the greatest horrors that one can imagine. As a young attorney, I prosecuted rape cases and then when I went on to briefly practice criminal law on the defense side, I was asked by my superiors to represent a number of sexual abuse perpetrators. Although it was very much against my conscience and made me physically and mentally ill after handling a number of these cases, I recognized how mentally ill some individuals can be and dramatically decided to change my practice to the civil side of law representing victims of sexual abuse. I purchased an office building in Philadelphia and among my tenants was Women Organized Against Rape and a psychiatrist who specialized in treating victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Thereafter, a close immediate family member was the victim of a horrific sexual assault and rape, and therefore, I began to take a greater interest in the subject matter of sexual abuse only to realize that there was an epidemic of sexual abuse and violence lurking beneath the cover or veneer of many prominent individuals, nursing home officials, politicians, church officials, and physicians.

The recent Penn State sexual abuse scandal involving the alleged sexual assaults of minor male children by Gerald Sandusky over a period of years illustrates how an individual with power and authority, who on the surface is a renowned football coach praised for his civic affairs who was allegedly devoted to helping troubled young boys and others, forever ruined the lives of victims and has the potential to bring one of the holiest of football and educational institutions tumbling to its knees from a reputation standpoint.

According to the investigation, Sandusky was a highly regarded Penn State defensive coordinator for 23 years, and while coaching started The Second Mile in State College, PA which was defined as a foster home dedicated to helping troubled boys. Sandusky's charity was dedicated to helping children with absent or dysfunctional families and designed to help children who needed support to benefit from positive human interaction. Of course as the tale is told and will be explored no doubt by newspapers, lawyers, and university officials, these sexually abused victims did anything but benefit from this program's "positive" human interaction. Like many other victims, these young boys were extraordinarily vulnerable due to their social situations and stations in life, and I can assure you of one thing that no matter what is in store for the sexual perpetrators, the lives of these victims will be permanently scarred.

Continue reading "Sex Abuse By Those In Positions Of Power Mentally and Emotionally Cripples The Victims and Ultimately Tears Down The Finest and Holiest Of Institutions" »

Recently a client presented to our office after she discovered that the place of her employment had a camera installed (without notice) in a toilet stall that she was using. In a similar case, according to news sources a Virginia family is suing Starbucks over a hidden camera positioned under the sink and pointed at the toilet in a unisex bathroom in Washington, DC. In both cases, it was determined that the camera was on and recording digital images. According to news sources, this was not the first time a camera was found hidden inside a Starbucks restroom. Recently several Pennsylvania businesses were noted to have secret cameras hidden in bathrooms filming employees or other business visitors.

As an experienced catastrophic injury and sexual abuse attorney for over 32 years, it is clear that placing hidden cameras in a bathroom without notice is a complete invasion of privacy and would be considered an abuse beyond the expected normal use and privacy boundaries of a surveillance camera giving rise to legal action for damages.

In general, it is illegal for a business owner or operator to obtain video surveillance in a place of expected privacy. The same constitutes a violation of specific privacy laws. Each state’s law is different with regard to the prohibition of unauthorized installation of security cameras in specific locations. In Pennsylvania, you are entitled to install a security camera in your home for purpose of safety or home security. However, you may not place one in a restroom. Individuals have a right to uninterrupted privacy in areas that they would not normally expect to be observed such as bathrooms or bedrooms.

If you have been the victim of a privacy invasion due to a hidden camera in a bathroom, you are entitled to recover financial damages. The experienced invasion of privacy and catastrophic injury lawyers of Reiff & Bily have successfully represented victims and their families for over 30 years with a successful track record. As always, we offer a free, no obligation consultation. Contact us toll free at 1-800-421-9595 or online at case results.

According to a government report released in the first week of June, there have been nearly 300 alleged sexual assaults at the Department of Government Affairs medical facilities over the last three years through the end of 2010. Many of these allegations were not reported to higher ups by Virginia police as required by law. The Government Accountability Office reported that of the 284 alleged sexual assaults from January 2007 through July 2010 there were 65 classified as rape, 185 inappropriate touching, 8 forceful medical examinations, 13 forced oral sex, and 11 other types of non-classified sexual assaults. Many of the victims were employees, patients, visitors, and other outsiders not affiliated with the VA with both men and woman being victims but most alleged to be men. The VA Inspector General was not notified about 2/3 of the sexual cases involving rape allegations according to the study. The VA claims that it is reviewing the GAO's recommendations and taking steps for improvement. Obviously it goes without saying the reporting of sexual abuse allegations is essential in order to provide secure facilities for patients.

As an experienced sexual abuse lawyer who has investigated claims involving clergy sexual abuse, and physician sexual abuse, it is my opinion that the VA failed to properly protect patients and staff because it did not take allegations seriously enough to address them.

Unfortunately when individuals are vulnerable, defenseless, or in an inferior position to those with authority, they are often taken advantage of by people they put their trust in such as doctors, therapists, senior ranking employees, psychiatrists, and often times clergy. Victims of sexual assault not only have physical pain and suffering, but also the psychological pain of being violated and are left with emotional scars such as feelings of low self worth, low self esteem, denial, crying spells, paranoia, helplessness, loneliness, shame, anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, and flashbacks. Post-traumatic stress disorder and numbness, withdrawal, depression, and fear of relationships, and promiscuity are also common symptoms. Many times victims of sexual abuse turn to drugs or alcohol to help them dull the pain that constantly haunts and torments them.

Continue reading "Sexual Abuse Attorney Questions Why Sexual Assaults At VA Medical Facilities Were Not Reported" »

Recently a story broke where the manager of a Bucks County, Pennsylvania restaurant was arrested and charged with groping and fondling female teenage employees ages 15 and 16. The restaurant manager, age 50, was already on the Megan list registry for sexual offenders in Pennsylvania. According to news sources, the manager was charged with indecent assault, unlawful contact with minors, corrupting the morals of minors, and related offenses for allegedly fondling and groping three female employees. The restaurant is a well known national franchise and as an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer for over three decades who has successfully handled sexual abuse cases, one can not begin to explain the physical and emotional pain of being violated which leaves emotional scars such as feelings of low self esteem, denial, crying spells, paranoia, helplessness, loneliness, shame, anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, inability to sleep, and post-traumatic stress disorders. Many victims of sexual abuse turn to drugs or alcohol to help dull the pain that constantly haunts and torments them.

Believe it or not, statistics indicate that 1 out of every 3 girls and 1 out of every 6 boys will be victims of sexual abuse by the time they are 18. Most responsible businesses require that all adults working in an environment with teenagers must pass a background check. Background checks are most effective in the sense that many sexual predators are not willing to have their background’s checked. In the case at hand, it would appear to this experienced sexual abuse lawyer that a careful background check would have indicated that the perpetrator of these awful offenses was a sexual offender. A background check is a relatively inexpensive and necessary tool for preventing incidents such as this.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a sexual assault or abuse, please contact one of our experienced Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyers for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

According to news sources, a doctor who worked at a Conshohocken, PA weight control center was arrested on multiple counts of aggravated indecent assault after several female patients complained to police that the doctor inappropriately touched them. One victim told police that the doctor told her "you are getting extra special treatment for losing all the weight" and then used a massager on her genitals according to court documents filed. Another victim claims to have had her breasts grabbed by the doctor. Another victim who claims she was sexually assaulted by the doctor, screamed and protested when the doctor purportedly stated "if you need a man, I'm a man" according to further court documents.

Over the years, the Pennsylvania sexual abuse attorneys of Reiff & Bily have prosecuted many sexual abuse cases whether it is by physicians, teachers, or clergy. It appears that sexual abuse offenses continue to increase in frequency and often go unpunished. Sexual abuse is one of the most atrocious betrayals to be proffered upon a victim by a treating physician. The skilled sexual abuse lawyers of Reiff & Bily recognize that such insidious and devastating behavior can leave a victim with lifelong psychiatric and psychological ramifications. The skilled and experienced sexual abuse victim lawyers of Reiff & Bily understand that sexual abuse can lead to a total and complete downward spiral and significant posttraumatic stress disorders. Sexual abuse victims have the legal right to sue the predators that harm them, as well as the institutions that made it possible, did not stop it, or tried to hide it. The sexual abuse attorneys of the Beasley Reiff Law Group understand that such exploitation must not go unpunished.

The sexual abuse attorneys of Reiff & Bily have recently joined forces with the legendary Beasley Firm to create the Beasley Reiff Law Group. The experienced sexual abuse lawyers of the Beasley Reiff team work with a caring group of clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical experts who will perform a confidential case evaluation dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse. Our skilled sexual abuse legal team also employs certified nurses and physicians. Our sexual abuse lawyers have a long history representing some of the most high profile medical sexual abuse claims in Pennsylvania and the United States. For a free, no obligation and confidential consultation, please contact us online at www.reiffandbily.com, www.beasleyfirm.com or www.beasleyreifflawgroup or toll free at 1-800-588-0130.

The experienced defective product and catastrophic injury lawyers of the Beasley Reiff Law Group salute the United States government in their launch of a public database that allows people to report and search safety complaints on thousands of products from cribs to toys to power tools. The new site, , is overseen by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and went live as scheduled on Friday, March 11, 2011. The database allows individuals to file reports of injury or potential harm about household products, baby gear, and more. In the coming weeks, consumers will be able to file reports with the agency.

The Pennsylvania product defect lawyers of the Beasley Reiff Law Group have been representing catastrophically injured and wrongfully killed consumers since 1957. Our experienced product liability lawyers have been awarded in excess of $2 billion dollars and have recovered hundreds of verdicts, settlements, and awards in excess of $1 million dollars.

Philadelphia has been in the headlines once again concerning clergy abuse. The Archdiocese announced on Tuesday, March 8th that 21 priests would be put on leave because of allegations that they sexually abused or behaved improperly with minors. Unfortunately, we believe that the Archdiocese acted too late and only responded after the fact when the Philadelphia Grand Jury found that 37 local priests were serving in the ministry despite accusations of questionable behavior.

Under Pennsylvania law, an individual is entitled to bring a civil action arising from childhood sexual abuse if he or she is under 18 at the time the cause of action occurred and the individual shall have a period of 12 years after attaining 18-years of age in which to commence an action for damages regardless of whether the individual files a criminal complaint regarding the childhood sexual abuse.

As a Pennsylvania sexual abuse attorney who has prosecuted many sexual assault cases whether they be by physicians, teachers, or clergy, it appears that sexual abuse offenses continue to increase in frequency and often go unpunished. The common thread that seems to follow through many of our sexual assault cases involves an inappropriate molestation, rape, or sexual assault by a person in a position of perceived power or authority who acts in a predatory manner towards a typically inexperienced, innocent, and vulnerable younger victim. Typically it involves one of the most atrocious betrayals that one can imagine if a religious leader, teacher, or doctor.

The sexual abuse attorneys of The Beasley Reiff Law Group have handled some of the most high profile sexual assault cases in the country. Our skilled sexual abuse lawyers recognize these offenses are some of the most insidious and devastating crimes and behaviors to inflict upon a child much less an adult or other person with life long psychiatric and psychological ramifications. Our skilled and experienced sexual abuse victim lawyers understand that a sexual assault can easily qualify as one of the most traumatic situations in a person’s entire life and can lead to a complete downward spiral and significant post-traumatic stress disorders. I also personally believe that as an experienced sexual abuse lawyer that such exploitation must not go unpunished. Sexual abuse victims have the legal right to sue the predators who harm them as well as institutions that made it possible, did not stop them, or tried to hide it. Timing is especially critical due to limiting statutes of limitations. Our sexual abuse lawyers work with a team of caring, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical experts who will perform a confidential case evaluation dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse lawyers of Reiff & Bily have recently joined forces with the legendary Beasley Firm who have collectively been awarded in excess of $2 billion dollars since 1956 representing the rights of catastrophically injured consumers. Our sexual abuse lawyers have a long history representing some of the most high profile sexual abuse claims in Pennsylvania. For a free no obligation and confidential consultation, please contact us online at www.reiffandbily.com or www.beasleyfirm.com or toll free at 1-800-421-9595.

I recently read a story concerning a school janitor convicted of having sex with teenagers in Downingtown West High School. According to news sources, the janitor was a 25-year old former Downingtown West High School quarterback and was convicted on multiple sex offenses against three girls he befriended while working as a janitor at the school.

As a sexual abuse attorney who has prosecuted many sexual assault cases whether they be by physicians, teachers, or clergy, it appears that sexual abuse offenses continue to increase in frequency. As an experienced sexual assault attorney, I notice a common thread that seems to follow through many of our sexual assault cases. These cases typically involve an inappropriate molestation, rape, or assault by a person in a position of perceived power or authority who acts as a predator towards a typically inexperienced and vulnerable younger victim. Typically it involves one of the most atrocious betrayals one can imagine in a religious leader, teacher, or doctor. As a sexual abuse attorney who has personally handled high profile sexual assault cases, I am well aware that these offenses are some of the most insidious and devastating crimes and behaviors to inflict upon a child, adolescent or other person. I personally understand that a sexual assault can easily qualify as one of the most difficult and traumatic situations in a person’s entire life leading to a complete downward spiral and significant and post-traumatic stress disorders. In short, most sexual assault victims have the wind knocked out of their sails in an emotional and physically demonstrative manner often with severe economic and socially adverse consequences.

The events of sexual misconduct by teachers and other school officials, including janitors, continues to be an all too common occurrence that is vastly under reported in both public and private schools. Other investigations have revealed that many educational institutions have historically been very lax about background checks and screening applicants for teaching positions or other employment, including but not limited to janitors and support staff. We have also found that many school districts try to cover up sexual abuse by quietly dismissing a teacher, transferring them, or getting rid of the offending employee.

Our Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawyers recognize such exploitation must not go unpunished. Victims have the legal right to sue the predators who harm them, as well as the institutions that made it possible, didn’t stop it, or tried to hide it. Timing is especially critical when the abuse occurs in a public school as victims typically have a limited period of time to provide notice of their intent to file a lawsuit when the defendant is a government entity. Our sexual abuse lawyers work with a team of caring clinical psychologists and psychiatrists who will perform a confidential case evaluation dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse. The sexual abuse lawyers of Reiff & Bily have recently joined forces with the legendary Beasley Firm who have collectively been awarded in excess of $2 billion dollars since 1958. Our sexual abuse lawyers have resolved some of the most high profile sexual abuse claims in Pennsylvania and in the United States. For a no obligation, free consultation, please contact us online at www.reiffandbily.com or toll free at 1-800-421-9595.