Personal Injury Law in Pennsylvania
Key rules for personal injury claims in Pennsylvania — statute of limitations, fault system, damage caps, insurance requirements, and government claim deadlines.
Key Points — Pennsylvania
- 01Choice no-fault auto — 'full tort' vs. 'limited tort' election matters enormously
- 02Modified comparative fault — barred at 51%+ fault
- 03No caps on damages
- 046-month government notice deadline
Rules at a Glance
- Statute of Limitations
- 2 years from the date of injury
- Fault System
- Modified comparative fault (51% bar) — Pennsylvania bars recovery if the injured person is 51% or more at fault.
- Damage Caps
- No general cap on damages.
- Government Notice Deadline
- Written notice within 6 months for claims against government entities under the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act.
- Auto Insurance System
- No-fault — Choice no-fault state. Drivers choose between 'full tort' (unrestricted right to sue) and 'limited tort' (restricted to serious injury threshold for pain/suffering).
- Minimum Liability Coverage
- 15/30/5.
- Workers' Comp Deadline
- Report within 120 days. File claim within 3 years.
Fault System in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania bars recovery if the injured person is 51% or more at fault.
Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. Choice no-fault state. Drivers choose between 'full tort' (unrestricted right to sue) and 'limited tort' (restricted to serious injury threshold for pain/suffering).
Minimum required liability coverage: 15/30/5..
General information only. This page explains common concepts in plain language. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. For any specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.