Mallory v. Norfolk Southern R. Co

Robert Mallory sued Norfolk Southern in Pennsylvania over workplace injuries that occurred in other states. The Court vacated the Pennsylvania court's judgment and said Pennsylvania's business-registration law, which requires out-of-state companies to consent to being sued there, does not violate due process.

Out-of-state companies registered to do business in Pennsylvania may face lawsuits there even when the underlying events happened elsewhere. For example, an employee could sue a registered company in Pennsylvania over an injury suffered in another state.

The case returns to the Pennsylvania courts after the Supreme Court vacated the earlier judgment. Those courts must continue the case consistent with the Supreme Court's decision.

The Court said Pennsylvania's corporate-registration law does not violate due process. It vacated the Pennsylvania court's earlier judgment and sent the case back.

Out-of-state companies registered to do business in Pennsylvania may be sued there over claims arising elsewhere. Workers and other plaintiffs may use Pennsylvania courts against those companies.

The case returns to Pennsylvania courts. They must take further action consistent with the Supreme Court's decision.