News & Events

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the $500,000 governmental damages cap in its November 19, 2014 decision in Zauflik v. Pennsbury School District (http://www.pacourts.us/assets/opinions/Supreme/out/j-39-2014mo%20-%201020172982832188.pdf#search=%22pennsbury%22). The decision stems from a jury award of $14 million in favor of Ashley Zauflik, whose injuries included an amputated left leg after she was struck by a Pennsybury school bus in January 2007. While the PA Supreme Court empathized with the injured plaintiff, they declined to hold the statutory limitations that applies to state and local agencies, including school districts, unconstitutional. The court agreed with the school district that any changes to the statutory governmental immunity and damages cap must come from the legislature and not through judicial intervention.