Civil Litigation & Business Disputes
Bucks County civil litigation and business dispute attorney handling contract claims, consumer fraud, and commercial cases in Pennsylvania courts.
I'm Being Sued
Deadlines, defenses, what to expect
I Need to Sue Someone
Claims, costs, whether it's worth it
How Lawsuits Work
Served with papers? You have 20 days to respond. Start here.
Understanding the Litigation Timeline
The Pleadings: How a Lawsuit Starts (and How It Can End Early)
How to Respond to a Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
Statute of Limitations: Pennsylvania Filing Deadlines
Discovery: A Plain-Language Guide
Just got served?
You have 20 days to respond. Call now. We can usually assess your situation in one meeting.
Get Started →Types of Cases
Contractor & Home Improvement Disputes
Consumer Protection & Warranty Litigation
Bucks County Used Car Lemon Law (Ordinance No. 168)
Foreclosure Defense & Mortgage Workout
Personal Injury & Negligence in Pennsylvania
Insurance Coverage Disputes & Bad Faith
Types of Business & Civil Disputes I Handle
Landlord-Tenant Law in Pennsylvania
Defamation, Libel & Slander in Pennsylvania
Product Liability Claims in Pennsylvania
Contempt of Court in Pennsylvania
Courts, Procedures & Enforcement
Magisterial District Courts: Small Claims & Landlord-Tenant
Judgment Collection: What Happens After You Win
Summary Offense Defense in Bucks County
Pennsylvania Speeding Tickets & Points
Statute of Limitations: Pennsylvania Complete Guide
Arbitration, Mediation & ADR
Common Questions
How much does a lawsuit cost?
It varies enormously. A straightforward breach of contract case might cost $5,000–$15,000 through trial. A complex commercial dispute with experts and extensive discovery can run $25,000–$50,000 or more. We provide cost estimates at the outset and update them as the case develops.
Should I sue?
That depends on whether you can collect a judgment, the strength of your case, and whether the expected recovery justifies the cost and time of litigation. I'll give you an honest assessment.
What if I got served with a lawsuit and I ignore it?
The plaintiff will request a default judgment, and the court will enter judgment against you without a hearing. You lose by forfeit. If you've been served, you have 20 days to respond. Contact an attorney immediately.
What is the statute of limitations?
It varies by claim type. Breach of contract is 4 years. Personal injury is 2 years. Property damage is 2 years. Fraud is 2 years from discovery. Do not wait; deadlines can bar your claim permanently.
A contractor took my deposit and disappeared. What can I do?
This is potentially both a UTPCPL violation (home improvement fraud) and common law fraud/breach of contract. The UTPCPL is powerful here because a court may, in its discretion, award up to three times actual damages plus attorney's fees. File a police report for theft by deception, then consult an attorney.
How long will my case take?
Most civil cases in Bucks County take 12–24 months from filing to trial, assuming no appeals. Many cases settle earlier.
Do most cases go to trial?
No. The vast majority of civil cases settle before trial; estimates range from 90 to 95%.
Can I recover my attorney fees?
Generally no. Pennsylvania follows the 'American Rule'; each side pays their own fees unless a statute or contract provides otherwise. Some specific statutes (wage claims, consumer protection) do allow fee-shifting.
How do I file a small claim?
File a Civil Complaint (Form AOPC 308A) at the Magisterial District Court that has jurisdiction. The MDJ handles civil claims up to $12,000.
What happens if I lose at the MDJ?
You can appeal to the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. For civil cases, you have 30 days; for residential landlord-tenant possession cases, you have only 10 days. The appeal is a trial de novo , the case starts completely over.
What is the UTPCPL and why does it matter?
The Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (73 P.S. § 201-1 et seq. ) lets a court award, in its discretion, up to three times actual damages plus attorney fees. This makes even smaller consumer claims viable. It covers home improvement fraud, vehicle misrepresentation, deceptive business practices, and more.
I bought a car with serious defects. What are my options?
Several depending on whether it's new or used. For new vehicles: the PA Lemon Law (73 P.S. § 1951). For new or used: breach of warranty under the UCC and Magnuson-Moss. For dealer fraud: UTPCPL claims with potential treble damages.
What happens at a deposition?
You sit in a conference room, are sworn in by a court reporter, and the opposing attorney asks you questions. Everything you say is on the record and can be used at trial. Listen carefully, answer only what was asked, don't volunteer, don't guess.
What is compulsory arbitration in Bucks County?
Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 7361 and Bucks County Rule *1301(a), civil cases where the amount in controversy is $50,000 or less go to compulsory arbitration before a panel of three arbitrators. Cases involving title to real estate are excepted, no matter the amount. Arbitration is non-binding; either party can appeal to a trial de novo within 30 days.
My contract has a mandatory arbitration clause. Can I still go to court?
Generally no. Courts will typically enforce binding arbitration clauses under the Federal Arbitration Act. However, unconscionable clauses can sometimes be challenged.
Do I have to turn over my emails and text messages?
Almost certainly, if they're relevant. Electronic records are all discoverable. Once litigation is anticipated, you have a duty to preserve everything.
Should I try mediation before filing a lawsuit?
In most cases, yes. Mediation is faster, cheaper, and less adversarial. Many Bucks County judges will order mediation anyway.
What is a confession of judgment clause?
A clause that lets the other party get a court judgment against you without prior notice or a hearing, simply by filing a complaint. These are common in PA commercial leases and promissory notes. Read every contract carefully.
What are interrogatories?
Written questions the other side sends you that you must answer in writing, under oath. You have 30 days to respond. Your answers are binding.
Recent Legal Developments
Pennsylvania law changes that affect civil litigation. These updates reflect current law as of our last review.
- No Intent Required: UTPCPL Imposes Strict Liability for Deceptive Conduct · Businesses face strict liability without proof of intent to deceive
- PA Supreme Court Rules Treble Damages Cannot Be Capped by Punitive Damages · UTPCPL treble damages are independent and uncapped remedies
- Contractor Fraud: $222,648 in Treble Damages for Shoddy Roof Work · PA Superior Court upheld treble damages and attorney fees for construction fraud
Ready to Discuss Your Situation?
If you have been served with a complaint, the clock is already running: a defendant generally has 20 days to respond before the plaintiff can seek a default judgment. Free consultations available.
Book a Free Consultation Or call 215-949-0888