Lawyer Fined $45K For Witness Intimidation

A three-judge Pennsylvania Superior Court panel upheld a nearly $45,000 fine against insurance defense attorney Nancy Raynor for intimidating a witness during a medical malpractice case. While representing a physician, Raynor wrote a note to the general counsel of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania saying one of its doctors – who was set to testify against Raynor’s client – was opening HUP to lawsuits. HUP was not a party to the case. Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Paul Panepinto levied the fine against Raynor in November 2014, but it was overturned in June by a separate Superior Court panel. The most recent ruling reinstated the fine, saying, “The clear intent of this passage was to pressure HUP into coercing [its doctor] to either change her opinion or refrain from testifying.” Raynor now owes $44,993.25 in legal fees and other expenses incurred by the plaintiff as a result of Raynor’s actions.