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Pennsylvania: rules and deadlines at a glance
Every 10 topic we track for Pennsylvania on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Pennsylvania compares.
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Malpractice rules · Small claims limits · Small estate limits · Debt time limits · Shared fault rules · Medicaid expansion · ACA marketplace · Claim deadlines · Estate and inheritance tax
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.
| Medical malpractice | 2 years |
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| Wrongful death | 2 years from death |
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| Damage cap | No cap (barred by the state constitution) |
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| Expert affidavit or certificate | Certificate of merit within 60 days of filing |
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| Before you sue | None required |
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| Dollar limit | $12,000 |
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| Filing fee | $68.50 to $171 plus county charges |
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| Lawyers | Optional |
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| Small estate limit | $50,000, not counting real estate |
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| Wait after death | None |
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| Real estate | No |
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| Credit cards / open accounts | 4 years |
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| Written contracts | 4 years |
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| Promissory notes | 6 years |
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| Rule | Modified comparative negligence (51% bar) |
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| When you are barred | Barred if you are 51% or more at fault |
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| Expanded? | Yes |
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| Since | Jan. 1, 2015 |
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| Marketplace type | State-run marketplace |
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| Where to enroll | Pennie |
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| Acknowledge | 10 working days (unless paid sooner) |
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| Accept or deny | 15 working days after proof of loss |
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| Pay | Not set by rule |
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| Estate tax | No state estate tax |
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| Inheritance tax | Yes: exemption No exemption (spouses are exempt); rates Up to 15% |
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