Overview
Most disputes settle. The ones that do not need someone who has actually stood up in the room. HBRB represents individuals and businesses in the Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas, before magisterial district judges, and in federal court.
Getting involved early usually costs less than getting involved once positions have hardened — and it keeps more options open.
What this covers
- Contract and business disputes
- Real estate, boundary and easement disputes, and quiet title actions
- Collections and enforcement of judgments
- Property damage and insurance coverage disputes
- Landlord-tenant proceedings
- Appeals to the Pennsylvania appellate courts
Worth knowing in Pennsylvania
The clock is shorter than people expect.
Most injury and property damage claims must be filed within two years, and most written contract claims within four (42 Pa.C.S. §§ 5524, 5525). Missing the deadline ends the claim regardless of its merits.
Smaller claims start in front of a district judge.
Magisterial district courts hear civil claims up to $12,000. It is faster and far less formal — and either side can appeal for a fresh hearing in the Court of Common Pleas.
Many cases go to arbitration before they see a jury.
Counties route Common Pleas cases under a local dollar threshold to compulsory arbitration before a panel of attorneys first. It is quicker, and the result can still be appealed for a trial.
General information about Pennsylvania law, current as of publication. It is not legal advice, and every matter turns on its own facts — call the firm to talk about yours.
Attorneys in this area
Katherine A. Haberl-ThomasCivil Litigation. Katie completed the Civil Litigation Certificate Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, worked for the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office in the Civil Litigation Division, and clerked for the Indiana County Court of Common Pleas.
Christopher M. BuellLitigation. Chris is admitted in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and before the U.S. District Courts for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Southern District of West Virginia and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Montgomery V. BellCivil Litigation. Monte has practiced before local magistrate and county courts and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and served as an Assistant District Attorney for Indiana County from 2015 to 2019.
Have a civil litigation matter? We'd be glad to help.
Call the firm to talk it through, or see the full range of what Haberl, Buell, Rice & Bell handles.