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,…
We Have You Covered: Western PA Attorneys
Serving a Security Guard, Enough?
A builder or contractor improving property can take a mechanic’s lien for non-payment for his work, as our Pittsburgh lawyers have written. Only, numerous technical defenses exist. For example, the property owner can strike off the encumbrance to title, if not property served with the action. Enter the parties in…
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 Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) | PA Claims
Making a “Federal Case” Out of It Pennsylvania courts have long recognized a claim for theft (or “misappropriation”) of a trade secret pursuant to both PA common law (judge-made law) and the PA legislature’s adoption of the Uniform Trade Secret Act. But those are state law claims. The Plaintiff might…
Work Restriction Agreement Litigation | Discovery Allowed in PA
Parties to non-competition litigation often wonder: how much information will the parties exchange (called “discovery”) prior to trial of the claims or defenses? Common Example Let’s say your former employer sues you for violating a work restriction agreement (allegedly). Does this mean the employer can take the depositions of all…
Bring All PA Civil Claims At Once, or Else.
Litigation is time consuming and expensive, both in terms of the filing fees and lawyer costs, making “small claims court” a desirable path for many litigants. There, you get a hearing right away (in weeks versus months) and you don’t need a lawyer. In fact, you can fill-out the Complaint…
Judge Orders Builder to Pay $318K (Attorney Fees)
It’s often a long-shot in PA to get the opposing party to pay your attorney fees for civil litigation. Ordinarily, each party pays their own attorney fees in Pennsylvania. Only two exceptions exist. The first: the parties have agreed — via a contract — that one party must pay the…
Correcting Your Credit Report (FCRA)
Correcting Your Credit Report Before, During, and After Litigation Our Pittsburgh litigation lawyers defend consumers sued for allegedly failing to pay credit card debt (and other loan obligations). We excel at getting debt collection cases dismissed or negotiated down significantly. However, two questions often linger before, during, and after litigation:…
Value of “Pain and Suffering” from a Car Accident
Pain and Suffering From a Vehicle Accident Electing “limited tort” on your own motor vehicle policy in Pennsylvania saves you a few bucks ($100-$300 per year on your premiums), but you risk waiving your right to sue for pain and suffering (or “non-economic loss”) for a car accident. So, how…
Violation by Silence? | Protection in Non-Commercial Cases
Expansion of Consumer Protections in PA Last year, our Pittsburgh lawyers wrote about how proving “fraudulent” intent is no longer necessary to maintain a claim for violation of PA’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (“UTPCPL” or “CPL” or “Act”). Rather, the Act is a “strict liability statute.” This…
