Buchanan Secures Favorable Decision for Allegheny Health Network and Allegheny Clinic

PITTSBURGH – Jaime Tuite and Nicholas Bell secured a non-precedential opinion in the Pennsylvania Superior Court on behalf of Allegheny Health Network and Allegheny Clinic that affirms the previous trial victory. This is another victory for the healthcare industry because it demonstrates the courts’ willingness to enforce the plain language of its agreements, including notice provisions and non-renewal clauses.

The case stemmed from claims made by Dr. Shyam Thakkar. He alleged multiple breach of contract claims and violation of the wage payment and collection law, asserting wages, damages, and attorneys' fees. Thakkar also claimed that he was entitled to 180 days' notice under the Physician Agreement.  The Court’s opinion affirmed that Thakkar was entitled only to 90 days' notice and that the physician’s agreement was terminated on June 30, 2020.  As a result, when he ceased employment on June 30, 2020, Allegheny Clinic owed Thakkar no wages, no malpractice insurance, no privileges, etc., despite his arguments to the contrary.