Chimicles & Tikellis LLP filed suit on behalf of a class of physicians and research scientists who allege injuries caused by the illegal activities of the officers and trustees of Allegheny Health Education and Research Foundation (“AHERF”). AHERF was the charitable foundation that owned and operated hospitals, medical practices and a medical school in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Plaintiffs raised claims under RICO and Pennsylvania state law alleging that defendants, as part of a fraudulent scheme, misrepresented to physicians the financial viability and corporate mission of AHERF in order to gain access to plaintiffs’ businesses and professional reputations to enrich and benefit themselves. On December 15, 1999, Judge Ronald Buckwalter of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled that plaintiffs’ complaint raised valid RICO and state law claims. The matter was settled as part of a global settlement of claims against AHERF resulting in a substantial recovery to class members.

   Friday, July 04th, 2008