Personal Injury in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers typically charge contingency fees of 33.33% before trial and 40% during trial. The state follows a modified comparative negligence standard with a 51% bar — plaintiffs who are 51% or more at fault cannot recover damages. Pennsylvania has a unique auto insurance system offering the choice between "full tort" and "limited tort" coverage. Limited tort policyholders can only sue for non-economic damages if they suffer a "serious injury," which significantly impacts claim values and attorney strategies. Workers' compensation in Pennsylvania is a no-fault system with specific fee schedules, and claims are handled through the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. The statute of limitations for personal injury in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of injury. Premises liability cases are common in Pennsylvania's older building stock, and the state recognizes the doctrine of negligence per se when a defendant violated a safety statute.