Maloney v. Valley Medical Facilities, Inc.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court
984 A. 2d 478 (2009)
- Written by Josh Lee, JD
Facts
Max Maloney (plaintiff) sued Dr. Maurice Prendergast, Dr. Richard Brennan, and several institutional entities (defendants), alleging medical malpractice and vicarious liability for allegedly failing to timely diagnose and treat osteosarcoma in his wife. Maloney settled with Brennan before trial. The settlement agreement released Brennan and the institutional defendants, including Prendergast’s employers, from all claims. However, the settlement agreement also contained an express reservation of rights against Prendergast. Prendergast and his employers filed motions for summary judgment, arguing that, under the common-law rule governing releases, the settlement with Prendergast’s employers also released Prendergast. The trial court granted the motion, and Maloney appealed. The court of appeals reversed, and Prendergast appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Saylor, J.)
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