Actions Speak Louder Than Words A party injured in an accident may have reasons for hesitating to get medical treatment. Maybe the injuries “didn’t seem so bad” at first. Or, as in one of our cases, an injured grandmother was primarily focused on getting treatment for her two grandchildren, after…
PA Civil Cases: Filing in Person or Online?
Filings in Civil (Non-Criminal) Cases in Pennsylvania Federal courts in Pennsylvania have required electronic filing for decades, going so far as to fine litigants $150 for trying to file a civil claim — or written defense — in person. This applies to all civil claims for negligence — car accident,…
Windfall Recovery in PA? The Collateral Source Rule
When you make a claim for negligence — whether it be from a fall on slippery property or your painting contractor tipping over a paint can in your living room (destroying your hardwood floors) — you can sue for compensation. That much is clear. But what happens your own insurance…
Defend a Case to Verdict in PA?
Each Pittsburgh lawyer in our litigation section handles cases on both the plaintiff and defense side. To date, we’ve written at length about bringing claims on the plaintiff side of litigation: overcoming the limited tort defense, bringing a claim as an injured pedestrian, or filing suit for a bike injury. …
Time Period to Bring Suit Governed by Tort Restriction
The Statute of Limitations and Limited Tort As any Pittsburgh lawyer will tell you, the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania to sue for injuries in a motor vehicle accident is two years from the accident. Pennsylvania has something called the “discovery rule,” which tolls (or extends) the statute of limitations…
PA Tort Restriction: Occupant of “Private Passenger Vehicle”
Limitations on Limited Tort Our Pittsburgh lawyers explain the limited tort election elsewhere on this blog (here). Briefly, electing limited tort on one’s motor vehicle insurance policy — to get lower premiums — precludes the right to sue for pain and suffering from a motor vehicle collision. PA’s limited tort…
Compromise Verdicts in PA
Compromise Verdict in PA Jurors in Pennsylvania are allowed to compromise, even on matters that seem to make no sense – like awarding significant money to a “limited tort” Plaintiff, whose injury was not “serious” and who failed to qualify to any exception to limited tort. This is because trials…
Defamation, Disparagement and Invasion of Privacy
“Your reputation is your most valuable asset. Protect it.” New Number: 412.342.0992 A false or misleading statement about another (or his business) can travel globally via blogs, web pages, Twitter, and Meta (Facebook). Plus, damage to your reputation can come from anywhere: a coffee shop, a beach: anywhere a cell…
In Case You Missed it… Legal Updates in PA
Been distracted? The pandemic side-tracked the entire world, including the legal community, but some notable changes in the law have happened in Pennsylvania. This blog will track many of those changes and also provide ongoing updates in the law that the public — including lawyers — may have missed. Enjoy!…
Is a Penalty Clause Enforceable in PA?
Penalty Clauses in Pennsylvania Are Not Enforceable Our Pittsburgh attorneys regularly see contract disputes go into litigation. We represent clients who face claims for non-payment of “penalty” clauses. Clauses that are obvious attempts to punish, will not be enforced. Some creativity in contract drafting is needed to effectuate punishment that…
