Pennsylvania Civil Litigation Lawyers

Under Pennsylvania's law, civil litigation is a legal process brought by a private or public entity, which is not concerned with criminal activity.

Pennsylvania civil litigation serves the purpose of providing persons with compensation for legal injustices or wrongs that have been committed against them.

In Pennsylvania, the major purpose of civil litigation is not punishment or deterrence. Both of those goals are the province of the criminal justice system. Rather, civil litigation in Pennsylvania is meant to provide the victims of wrongdoing with tangible (usually monetary) redress.

What Are Common Subjects of Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania civil litigation can come up in basically any context. However, some situations are more likely to lead to civil litigation than others:

Personal Injury: Personal injury in Pennsylvania is probably the issue that most often leads to civil litigation. When someone is physically hurt because of the intentional or negligent conduct of another, they have a right to recover the costs associated with the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, etc.

Employment: It's also common for the employment relationship to lead to civil litigation in Pennsylvania. This relationship can become very combative at times, so this shouldn't come as a surprise. Unlawful practices like racial discrimination, and failing to pay at least minimum wage, are frequent sources of civil litigation in Pennsylvania.

Family Disputes: Most people in Pennsylvania know that the family relationship can be convoluted, to say the least. Disputes involving divorce, community property, and child custody can quickly lead to civil litigation in Pennsylvania.

Do I Need a Pennsylvania Civil Litigation Attorney?

In Pennsylvania, many people get immersed in civil litigation, thinking that a lawsuit is something that would happen to someone else, but not them. And the issues involved in civil litigation are almost always extremely complicated.

Therefore, if you're facing an issue that might lead to civil litigation, it's necessary that you speak with an experienced Pennsylvania civil litigation attorney.

Interesting Facts About Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of America's oldest states, being only the second state to join the Union. Formally known as The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the area was settled as early as the 1630's. With 253 members in its legislature, Pennsylvania has the second largest legislature in the nation. Pennsylvania is named after its founder, William Penn.

Education has always been a focal point of Pennsylvania life. The state is home to a large number of nationally recognized universities. Some of these have law schools associated with them, such as the law schools at Penn State University, Temple University, and the University of Pittsburgh. A significant number of Pennsylvania Supreme Court cases have also involved education, including Abington v. Shempp (1963) and Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971).

Pennsylvania's court system is called the "Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania". At the basic level are the Courts of Common Pleas, which are organized into 60 different judicial districts. Appeals are heard either at the Superior Court or at the Commonwealth Court. The Pennsylvania state Supreme Court also hears appeals and other matters of a more complex nature. There are also minor municipal courts with limited jurisdiction beneath the Courts of Common Pleas.

Pennsylvania lawyers are skilled at handling legal claims of all types. Lawyers in Pennsylvania participate in continuing legal education and various programs in order to refine their skills. An experienced Pennsylvania attorney can assist you with any legal disputes or inquiries you might have.