Pennsylvania Personal Injury Laws
Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar and has no statutory cap on non-economic or compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Philadelphia is one of the most plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions in the country, consistently producing large jury verdicts in catastrophic injury and medical malpractice cases. Pennsylvania's choice no-fault auto insurance system affects how car accident claims are handled.
Statute of Limitations
2 years
Fault Rule
Modified Comparative Fault (50% Bar)
Non-Economic Damages Cap
No Cap
Fault Rule: Modified Comparative Fault (50% Bar)
You can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Average Settlement Amounts in Pennsylvania
Settlement amounts vary based on injury severity, liability, and other factors. Below are estimated average settlements for common injury types in Pennsylvania.
| Injury Type | Average Settlement |
|---|---|
| Car Accident | $23,000 |
| Slip and Fall | $19,000 |
| Dog Bite | $36,000 |
Key Pennsylvania Personal Injury Statutes
- •42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524 (statute of limitations)
- •42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7102 (modified comparative fault, 51% bar)
- •3 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 459-502 (dog bite liability)
Damage Caps in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not impose a general cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases. This means there is no statutory limit on pain and suffering awards in most cases.
Pennsylvania does not have a specific medical malpractice damages cap.
Injury Claims in Pennsylvania
Learn more about specific injury types and how Pennsylvania law applies to each.
Major Cities in Pennsylvania
Personal injury attorneys in Pennsylvania serve clients in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, and surrounding areas. If you have been injured in any of these cities, the same state laws described above apply to your claim.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed personal injury attorney in your state.