Legal Question in Personal Injury in Pennsylvania
Additional defendants in tort case
Dear Friends,
An accident occured (1999), at the end of private road we use an others, leading unto state highway. Plantiff is currently sueing The State, Borough, and Township in which we reside under tort litigation. About a week ago we receive, from county sheriff, a writ notifiy us that we have been named as additional defendants from the Pa Dept of Trans. From the information that I've gathered the State,
Borough, and Township have submitted statements to the court denying, for the most part, any or all responsibility for the matter. As additional defendants, along with Pa Dept of Trans, will we get a chance to provide the court with our testimony ''The Rest of the Story'' if needed. At the present time we have not received any further information or instruction. I understand that these cases take awhile to litigate. Any assistance or suggestions that you can provide will be appreciated. Thank you very much for your attention and consideration.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Additional defendants in tort case
Depending on what you received from the Sheriff you should seriously consider consulting with an attorney immediately. If you have been brought into a lawsuit and don't respond right away you could be considered in "default" and liable to pay everything the plaintiff is asking for without telling your side of the story. It sounds like the plaintiff sued the state, etc. and now the state is suing you.
I don't know enough of the facts here but you should also contact your homeowner's insurance to see if they will cover this and provide an attorney for you.
Run, don't walk to an attorney to see what papers were given to you.
Re: Additional defendants in tort case
You certainly will get a chance to defend yourself. To do that, it's absolutely necessary to follow the court rules as far as filing the necessary answers, discovery requests, and so forth.
Fortunately, your homeowners insurance coverage should provide a defense, so you must immediately notify your insurance company, so they can provide a lawyer to protect your rights.
Re: Additional defendants in tort case
I agree with my colleagues and now you have another name to consult with should it prove necessary.
Contact your homeowners insurance company immediately.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please call or e-mail one of the respondents or another attorney.
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