Marshall Dennehey Launches Social Services & Human Services Liability Practice Group

Marshall Dennehey announced today the launch of a Social Services & Human Services Practice Group within the firm's Casualty Department. Attorneys in the practice group will counsel and defend mental institutions, non-profit organizations, youth clubs, community social services agencies, group homes, adult day care centers and myriad other social and human services organizations against all manner of claims brought against them.

The new practice group will be led by Ralph P. Bocchino, senior shareholder in the firm's Philadelphia office. Mr. Bocchino has significant experience in the area of social services and human services liability, and has handled cases involving the Mental Health Retardation Act, elopement and wandering issues, social services protocols and state ratios, and more. In his capacity as Chairman of the Board of the Hunter Soccer Club in Glenside, PA, he is knowledgable of the Pennsylvania Youth Services Act and, outside of the club, has handled such litigation. He and the attorneys in the practice group have defended claims ranging from alleged abuse and neglect of special needs children, to complex, high-exposure wrongful death litigation.

Howard P. Dwoskin, Director of the firm's Casualty Department, said a rise in social and human services claims precipitated the development of the practice group. "As the world becomes increasingly complex, more and more individuals are relying on social and human services agencies," he said. "Their obligations in responding to community needs can create unique risks leaving them susceptible to liabilities. We are confident that our casualty litigation clients will greatly benefit from this new offering."