Bill > HB1958

This bill amends Pennsylvania's law on comparative negligence and liability, primarily focusing on how fault is determined and damages are allocated in civil lawsuits involving multiple parties. The bill changes the terminology from "comparative negligence" to "fair share of liability" and clarifies how negligence is assessed in legal proceedings. Under the new provisions, a plaintiff can still recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as their negligence is not greater than the defendant's. The bill introduces a more detailed framework for apportioning liability among defendants, requiring that liability be calculated on a percentage basis and that courts enter separate judgments reflecting each defendant's proportionate responsibility. In most cases, defendant liability will be several (meaning each defendant is responsible only for their specific percentage of fault), but there are exceptions for certain types of cases like intentional torts or cases where a defendant is liable for more than 60% of the total damages. The bill also provides specific guidance for complex cases like exposure-related torts (such as asbestos claims), where liability will be apportioned based on each party's relative contribution to the plaintiff's exposure. The changes will apply to all causes of action that accrue after the bill's effective date, which is 60 days after enactment.

Justice

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1958