Schnader Attorneys Noted in Law360 Article for Firm Client UPMC

Paul H. Titus and Thomas S. Gricks III were noted as counsel to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (“UPMC”) in a Law360 article “UPMC Denies Insurer’s False Ad Campaign Claims” on September 23, 2011. In a bid to dismiss Highmark Inc.’s false advertising and breach of contract suit, Schnader client UPMC argued that Highmark had failed to describe any false statements UPMC had made as part of an alleged campaign to steal Highmark’s customers. “Nowhere do the ads state the actual text of the false messages Highmark claims,” UPMC said in documents filed on September 22. UPMC also noted that the complaint relies largely on paraphrases and inferences. In July, Highmark sued UPMC in Pennsylvania federal court after UPMC announced that it would not renew contracts that granted Highmark policyholders discounted rates for medical services at its hospitals. UPMC terminated its relationship after Highmark decided to invest in a competitor.

The case is Highmark Inc. et al. v. UPMC et al., case number 2:11-cv-00919, in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.