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LITIGATION
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
LITIGATION

From time to time, in addition to those identified below, we are subject to legal proceedings, claims, investigations, and proceedings in the ordinary course of business. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, we make a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. These provisions, if any, are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case. Litigation is inherently unpredictable. We believe that we have valid defenses with respect to the legal matters pending against us and are vigorously defending these matters. Given the uncertainty surrounding litigation and our inability to assess the likelihood of a favorable or unfavorable outcome in the above noted matters and our inability to reasonably estimate the amount of loss or range of loss, it is possible that the resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, cash flows or results of operations. At December 31, 2014, no litigation loss is deemed probable or reasonably estimated.

 

In February 2014, Patrick T. Mooney, M.D., our former President and Chief Executive Officer, and his wife, Elizabeth Mooney, filed a complaint against the Company and certain of its directors and officers in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County.  The complaint, which alleges (i) that Dr. Mooney’s termination was without cause so that he is entitled to certain severance benefits under his employment agreement and associated statutory remedies; (ii) that certain legally required disclosures by us and our General Counsel defamed Dr. Mooney; and (iii) that Dr. Mooney’s wife is entitled to damages under a theory of loss of consortium, seeks in excess of $20 million in damages. The Company has denied the allegations of the complaint and asserted counterclaims against Dr. Mooney based upon the same conduct which provided the cause for his termination.  Thereafter, the Company restructured the counterclaims and affirmative defenses.  The Company believes that it has strong defenses to the claims asserted and intends to defend them vigorously.

 

In July 2014, Dr. and Mrs. Mooney filed another complaint in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County against the Company, certain of its directors and Officers and a former Director and officer alleging (i) wrongful use of civil proceedings and (ii) abuse of process in the original filing of the counterclaims withdrawn in the earlier action.  Mrs. Mooney also asserted another claim for loss of consortium.  This complaint seeks in excess of $30 million in damages.  The Company has denied the allegations.  The Company believes that this action is without merit, that it acted lawfully and in good faith, and that it has strong defenses to the claims asserted.  Accordingly, the Company intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit.

 

In August 2014, Dr. Mooney filed a complaint in Delaware Chancery Court against the Company for advancement of defense costs related to his February 2014 complaint, many of which the Company had paid to date and the remainder of which were subject to a good faith dispute that counsel for the Company and Dr. Mooney had been attempting to amicably resolve.  Dr. Mooney also demanded that the Company pay for his attorneys fees related to his July 2014 complaint against the Company, amongst other matters.  The Company filed a Motion to Dismiss. A hearing on the merits was held on January 15, 2015 and we are awaiting the Courts ruling.