Judge Rules That Negligence Case Filed By Injured Harness Driver Against Local Harrah's Track Can Proceed In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Court judge has denied a request by the defendants to transfer to Delaware County the pending case in which seriously injured harness driver Anthony Coletta alleges that the Harrah's Chester-based track was 'dangerously defective' and posed a threat to the safety of the drivers and their horses. In the civil action (January Term – 002714), Mr. Coletta's Complaint alleges that the track owner-operator, despite knowing of the hazardous conditions, failed to take corrective measures that could have prevented the November 17, 2013 collision because it did not want to spend the necessary time or money.

In an effort to transfer the case from Philadelphia County to Delaware County, lawyers for the defendants argued unsuccessfully that all of the track's operations are located in the suburban county. In issuing its Order, the Court adopted the arguments by lawyers from Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C., that Philadelphia is the appropriate venue in which to try Mr. Coletta's case.

Attorneys Michael F. Barrett and Joseph G. DeAngelo argued that there was precedent to support the assertion that defendant, Chester Downs & Marina, LLC, maintained a registered office address at 1621 Wood Street, Philadelphia, 19103, at the time the suit was filed, despite defendant's attempts to argue otherwise.  

"We are pleased with the decision of the Court and look forward to trying the case on behalf of Mr. Coletta in Philadelphia," said Mr. Barrett. Mr. DeAngelo noted that Mr. Coletta continues to receive medical care, including rehabilitation therapy, as a result of suffering multiple fractures, brain and skull injuries as a direct result of being thrown from his sulky and then trampled.

SOURCE Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C.