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Premises Liability

Practice Group Overview


In the late 1970s, the founding partner, Mr. Cipriani, had an opportunity to represent a major ski resort in southwestern Pennsylvania. As a young lawyer, he helped shape the law in the downhill ski industry throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Building on that success, the firm has represented resorts throughout Pennsylvania, southern New York, and northern West Virginia, as well as virtually every ski product manufacturer.

Presently, because of the aggressive attitude of the ski industry in retaining the highest level of representation, the industry has avoided the expenses associated with frivolous litigation, allowing it to provide the best possible product for the fewest dollars. As such, the industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has maintained itself, while other jurisdictions have seen their ranks noticeably dwindle.

This firm takes great pride in having led the way among a very small, select group of litigators nationwide representing the ski industry. Most recently, the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania accepted the industry’s position espoused by C&W in the case of Hughes v. Seven Springs Mountain Resort, effectively insulating the industry from the types of cases which otherwise caused many resorts to cease operations.

From that relationship, the firm has evolved into representing four season resorts in all facets of their operation, including labor and worker’s compensation issues, hotel/management issues, premises liability matters, and recreational sports law matters. Those services include contractual documentation support, risk analysis and prevention, prelitigation negotiation, and, of course, litigation representation when necessary.

The firm acts as litigation counsel to several hotels and hotel chains. In that context, we have litigated innkeeper suits and related matters necessitating the development and maintenance of clear operational policies.

Additionally, the firm is also recognized in the retail representation arena acting as litigation counsel to major department store and freestanding chains, including Federated Department Stores, Boscov’s, Big Lots, and Toys R Us. Issues unique to that industry are analyzed, safety and reporting procedures are reviewed, and matters are expeditiously resolved. Cases have involved contractual issues, real estate negotiations and litigation, personal injury matters, as well as claims of false imprisonment and discrimination, all of which have been resolved to the satisfaction of our clients.

Practice Group Attorneys