Jennifer L. DeFlitch

Representative Matters: Premises Liability (Allegheny County, PA) - Obtained dismissal with prejudice of a premises liability action arising from an alleged slip-and-fall on ice at a King's restaurant. Plaintiff claimed injuries resulting from a fall caused by icy conditions on the property. The court granted the defense Motion to Dismiss with prejudice after the plaintiff passed away and plaintiff's counsel failed to notify the court of the death or timely substitute a personal representative or administrator within one year.; Negligence (Allegheny County, Pennsylvania) - Represented a homeowner sued by neighboring property owners for alleged sewer damage arising from residential construction. Successfully positioned the client as a non-liable party based on reliance on licensed contractors. Despite a settlement demand and efforts to reach a global resolution, the matter concluded with the client fully released without any financial contribution.; Premises Liability (Erie County, Pennsylvania) - Secured dismissal of a personal injury action arising from alleged burns caused by a defective coffee cup lid at a drive-thru after plaintiff passed away and plaintiff's counsel failed to substitute an administrator or notify the court. After more than a year of inaction, the defense filed a Motion for Summary Judgment based on the failure to continue the action. In response, plaintiff filed a Praecipe to Discontinue, and the statute of limitations expired, precluding any refiling of the claims.; General Liability (Blair County, Pennsylvania) - Defense obtained a prompt resolution of a loss of consortium action arising from a motor vehicle accident following enforcement of a pre-suit release. Although the underlying bodily injury claim had been resolved through settlement, with the plaintiff executing a release of all claims including consortium, the plaintiff's spouse later filed suit individually and as administratrix of the estate after the plaintiff's unrelated death. Defense asserted the release as a complete bar through responsive pleadings, including counterclaims invoking indemnification and hold harmless provisions. Following the filing of these pleadings, plaintiff's counsel withdrew the action in its entirety.; General Liability (Allegheny County, Pennsylvania) - Defense secured a favorable arbitration award on behalf of a nail salon in a negligence action alleging that a pedicure caused an infection requiring surgical intervention. Plaintiff claimed the service resulted in an ingrown nail and subsequent complications. Defense established that the alleged condition was unrelated to the services performed, and the arbitration panel returned a defense verdict.; Property Damage / Premises Liability (Somerset County, Pennsylvania) - Defense obtained summary judgment in a property damage action arising from a fire at a community center, where plaintiff sought approximately $130,000 in damages. Plaintiff alleged that the client, a local church, caused the fire after using the facility the prior day. Defense demonstrated that multiple groups had access to the premises over a two-day period and that no evidence identified who placed materials on a stove or activated the appliance. The court found the claims lacked evidentiary support and granted summary judgment in favor of the client.