Pennsylvania Court Orders New Trial on Claims Against Demolition Firm, Insurer

PHILADELPHIA - Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Court said Aug. 4 that improper testimony and errors in jury instructions require a new trial on mold and water damage claims arising from a 1999 row house demolition. Murray v. City of Philadelphia, et al., No. 479 C.D. 2005 (Pa. Commwlth. Ct.).

Ruling on appeals of post-trial motions by both sides, Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Court vacated a jury award of $153,541.12 for Dora Hooker, whose mother accused a demolition company of causing water damage and mold in her home.

Ethel Murray, Hooker's late mother, sued the City of Philadelphia and Fayette Street Corp. in the …