42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 85

in effect

42 Pa.C.S. § 8501 Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section: "Act." Includes a failure to act. "Commonwealth party." A Commonwealth agency and any employee thereof, but only with respect to an act within the scope of his office or employment. "Employee." Any person who is acting or who has acted on behalf of a government unit whether on a permanent or temporary basis, whether compensated or not and whether within or without the territorial boundaries of the government unit, including any volunteer fireman and any elected or appointed officer, member of a governing body or other person designated to act for the government unit. Independent contractors under contract to the government unit and their employees and agents and persons performing tasks over which the government unit has no legal right of control are not employees of the government unit. "Injury." Includes death. "Judicial determination." Any determination by a court of competent jurisdiction including any settlement approved by such court. "Local agency." A government unit other than the Commonwealth government. The term includes, but is not limited to, an intermediate unit; municipalities cooperating in the exercise or performance of governmental functions, powers or responsibilities under 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 23 Subch. A (relating to intergovernmental cooperation); and councils of government and other entities created by two or more municipalities under 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 23 Subch. A. (Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.946, No.129, eff. 60 days) 2000 Amendment. Act 129 amended the def. of "local agency." Prior Provisions. Former section 8501 was added April 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, and repealed October 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142. The subject matter of former section 8501 is now contained in section 8502 of this title. Cross References. Section 8501 is referred to in sections 1123, 1515, 8332.3 of this title; sections 17312, 17342 of Title 16 (Counties); section 1711 of Title 74 (Transportation).

42 Pa.C.S. § 8502 Enforcement proceedings.

(a) Venue.--Except as otherwise prescribed by general rules the venue of any action or proceeding by a Commonwealth agency to enforce any statute or regulation or order of a government unit may be laid in any court having jurisdiction of the subject matter. (b) Bond.--Neither a Commonwealth agency nor a district attorney shall be required to give bond in connection with any application for equitable relief incident to the enforcement of any statute or regulation or order of a government unit. Cross References. Section 8502 is referred to in sections 17312, 17342 of Title 16 (Counties); section 1711 of Title 74 (Transportation).

42 Pa.C.S. § 8521 Sovereign immunity generally.

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, no provision of this title shall constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity for the purpose of 1 Pa.C.S. § 2310 (relating to sovereign immunity reaffirmed; specific waiver) or otherwise. (b) Federal courts.--Nothing contained in this subchapter shall be construed to waive the immunity of the Commonwealth from suit in Federal courts guaranteed by the Eleventh Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Cross References. Section 8521 is referred to in sections 17312, 17342 of Title 16 (Counties); section 1711 of Title 74 (Transportation); section 6109 of Title 75 (Vehicles).

42 Pa.C.S. § 8522 Exceptions to sovereign immunity.

(a) Liability imposed.--The General Assembly, pursuant to section 11 of Article I of the Constitution of Pennsylvania, does hereby waive, in the instances set forth in subsection (b) only and only to the extent set forth in this subchapter and within the limits set forth in section 8528 (relating to limitations on damages), sovereign immunity as a bar to an action against Commonwealth parties, for damages arising out of a negligent act where the damages would be recoverable under the common law or a statute creating a cause of action if the injury were caused by a person not having available the defense of sovereign immunity. (b) Acts which may impose liability.--The following acts by a Commonwealth party may result in the imposition of liability on the Commonwealth and the defense of sovereign immunity shall not be raised to claims for damages caused by: (1) Vehicle liability.--The operation of any motor vehicle in the possession or control of a Commonwealth party. As used in this paragraph, "motor vehicle" means any vehicle which is self-propelled and any attachment thereto, including vehicles operated by rail, through water or in the air. (2) Medical-professional liability.--Acts of health care employees of Commonwealth agency medical facilities or institutions or by a Commonwealth party who is a doctor, dentist, nurse or related health care personnel. (3) Care, custody or control of personal property.--The care, custody or control of personal property in the possession or control of Commonwealth parties, including Commonwealth-owned personal property and property of persons held by a Commonwealth agency, except that the sovereign immunity of the Commonwealth is retained as a bar to actions on claims arising out of Commonwealth agency activities involving the use of nuclear and other radioactive equipment, devices and materials. (4) Commonwealth real estate, highways and sidewalks.--A dangerous condition of Commonwealth agency real estate and sidewalks, including Commonwealth-owned real property, leaseholds in the possession of a Commonwealth agency and Commonwealth-owned real property leased by a Commonwealth agency to private persons, and highways under the jurisdiction of a Commonwealth agency, except conditions described in paragraph (5). (5) Potholes and other dangerous conditions.--A dangerous condition of highways under the jurisdiction of a Commonwealth agency created by potholes or sinkholes or other similar conditions created by natural elements, except that the claimant to recover must establish that the dangerous condition created a reasonably foreseeable risk of the kind of injury which was incurred and that the Commonwealth agency had actual written notice of the dangerous condition of the highway a sufficient time prior to the event to have taken measures to protect against the dangerous condition. Property damages shall not be recoverable under this paragraph. (6) Care, custody or control of animals.--The care, custody or control of animals in the possession or control of a Commonwealth party, including but not limited to police dogs and horses and animals incarcerated in Commonwealth agency laboratories. Damages shall not be recoverable under this paragraph on account of any injury caused by wild animals, including but not limited to bears and deer, except as otherwise provided by statute. (7) Liquor store sales.--The sale of liquor at Pennsylvania liquor stores by employees of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board created by and operating under the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the "Liquor Code," if such sale is made to any minor, or to any person visibly intoxicated, or to any insane person, or to any person known as an habitual drunkard, or of known intemperate habit. (8) National Guard activities.--Acts of a member of the Pennsylvania military forces. (9) Toxoids and vaccines.--The administration, manufacture and use of a toxoid or vaccine not manufactured in this Commonwealth under the following conditions: (i) The toxoid or vaccine is manufactured in, and available only from, an agency of another state. (ii) The agency of the other state will not make the toxoid or vaccine available to private persons or corporations, but will only permit its sale to another state or state agency. (iii) The agency of the other state will make the toxoid or vaccine available to the Commonwealth only if the Commonwealth agrees to indemnify, defend and save harmless that agency from any and all claims and losses which may arise against it from the administration, manufacture or use of the toxoid or vaccine. (iv) A determination has been made by the appropriate Commonwealth agency, approved by the Governor and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, that the toxoid or vaccine is necessary to safeguard and protect the health of the citizens or animals of this Commonwealth. (v) The toxoid or vaccine is distributed by a Commonwealth agency to qualified persons for ultimate use. The Commonwealth shall make the toxoid or vaccine available to a qualified person only if the person agrees to indemnify, defend and save harmless the Commonwealth from any and all claims and losses which may arise against the Commonwealth from the manufacture, distribution, administration or use of the toxoid or vaccine. (10) Sexual abuse.--Conduct which constitutes an offense enumerated under section 5551(7) (relating to no limitation applicable) if the injuries to the plaintiff were caused by actions or omissions of the Commonwealth party which constitute negligence. (Dec. 11, 1986, P.L.1481, No.151, eff. imd.; Nov. 26, 2019, P.L.641, No.87, eff. Nov. 26, 2019) 2019 Amendment. Act 87 added subsec. (b)(10). See sections 9 and 10(3) of Act 87 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to severability and applicability. 1986 Amendment. Act 151 amended subsec. (b). Cross References. Section 8522 is referred to in sections 5522, 8528 of this title; sections 17312, 17342 of Title 16 (Counties); sections 1510.1, 1711 of Title 74 (Transportation); section 6109 of Title 75 (Vehicles).

42 Pa.C.S. § 8523 Venue and process.

(a) Venue.--Actions for claims against a Commonwealth party may be brought in and only in a county in which the principal or local office of the Commonwealth party is located or in which the cause of action arose or where a transaction or occurrence took place out of which the cause of action arose. If venue is obtained in the Twelfth Judicial District (Dauphin County) solely because the principal office of the Commonwealth party is located within it, any judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Dauphin County shall have the power to transfer the action to any appropriate county where venue would otherwise lie. (b) Process.--Service of process in the case of an action against the Commonwealth shall be made at the principal or local office of the Commonwealth agency that is being sued and at the office of the Attorney General. Cross References. Section 8523 is referred to in sections 17312, 17342 of Title 16 (Counties); section 1711 of Title 74 (Transportation).

42 Pa.C.S. § 8524 Defenses.

The following common law defenses are available: (1) An official of a Commonwealth agency, or a member of the General Assembly or the judiciary may assert on his own behalf, or the Commonwealth may assert on his behalf, defenses which have heretofore been available to such officials. (2) An employee of a Commonwealth agency, or a member of the General Assembly or of the judiciary may assert on his own behalf, or the Commonwealth may assert on his behalf, the defense that the employee was acting pursuant to a duty required by a statute or statutorily authorized regulation. (3) An employee of a Commonwealth agency, or a member of the General Assembly or of the judiciary may assert on his own behalf, or the Commonwealth may assert on his behalf, the defense that the act was within the discretion granted to the employee by statute or statutorily authorized regulation. Cross References. Section 8524 is referred to in sections 17312, 17342 of Title 16 (Counties); section 1711 of Title 74 (Transportation).

42 Pa.C.S. § 8525 Legal assistance.

When an action is brought under this subchapter against an employee of the Commonwealth government, and it is alleged that the act of the employee which gave rise to the claim was within the scope of the office or duties of the employee, the Commonwealth through the Attorney General shall defend the action, unless the Attorney General determines that the act did not occur within the scope of the office or duties of the employee. In the latter case, if it is subsequently determined that the act occurred within the scope of the office or duties of the employee, the Commonwealth shall reimburse the employee for the expense of his legal defense in such amounts as shall be determined to be reasonable by the court. If an action is brought against a Commonwealth government employee for damages on account of injury to a person or property and it is not alleged that the act of the employee which gave rise to the claim was within the scope of his office or duties, and he successfully defends the action on the basis that the act was within the scope of his office or duties, and he has given prior notice to the Attorney General and the Attorney General has refused to defend the action, he shall likewise be entitled to the reasonable expenses of the defense. Cross References. Section 8525 is referred to in sections 17131, 17133, 17162, 17312, 17342 of Title 16 (Counties); sections 6006, 6018 of Title 64 (Public Authorities and Quasi-Public Corporations); sections 1711, 1722 of Title 74 (Transportation).

42 Pa.C.S. § 8526 Counterclaim by the Commonwealth.

In any action initiated under this subchapter, the Commonwealth may set forth any cause of action or set-off which it has against the plaintiff. A counterclaim need not diminish or defeat the relief demanded by the plaintiff. It may demand relief exceeding in amount or different in kind from that demanded by the plaintiff. Cross References. Section 8526 is referred to in sections 17312, 17342 of Title 16 (Counties); section 1711 of Title 74 (Transportation).

42 Pa.C.S. § 8527 Indemnity relating to inmate health care.

The Commonwealth shall indemnify against liability a municipal corporation for a claim against the municipal corporation arising from an act or omission of the municipal corporation, its officials, its employees or agents when participating in a program for the provision of medical treatment in a health care facility to inmates from a Commonwealth correctional facility pursuant to a program authorized by the Department of Corrections. This indemnification shall not extend to claims of medical malpractice against any person nor to claims against the health care facility, its employees or agents nor to claims against the municipal corporation that are the result of gross negligence, wanton and reckless acts or intentional misconduct by the municipal corporation, its officials, employees or agents. (Feb. 12, 1992, P.L.1, No.1, eff. imd.) 1992 Amendment. Act 1 added section 8527. Cross References. Section 8527 is referred to in sections 17312, 17342 of Title 16 (Counties); section 1711 of Title 74 (Transportation).

42 Pa.C.S. § 8528 Limitations on damages.

(a) General rule.--Actions for which damages are limited by reference to this subchapter shall be limited as set forth in this section. (b) Amount recoverable.--Damages arising from the same cause of action or transaction or occurrence or series of causes of action or transactions or occurrences shall not exceed $250,000 in favor of any plaintiff or $1,000,000 in the aggregate. (c) Types of damages recoverable.--Damages shall be recoverable only for: (1) Past and future loss of earnings and earning capacity. (2) Pain and suffering. (3) Medical and dental expenses including the reasonable value of reasonable and necessary medical and dental services, prosthetic devices and necessary ambulance, hospital, professional nursing, and physical therapy expenses accrued and anticipated in the diagnosis, care and recovery of the claimant. (4) Loss of consortium. (5) Property losses, except that property losses shall not be recoverable in claims brought pursuant to section 8522(b)(5) (relating to exceptions to sovereign immunity). (d) Exclusions.--This section shall not apply to damages awarded under section 8522(b)(10). (Nov. 26, 2019, P.L.641, No.87, eff. Nov. 26, 2019) 2019 Amendment. Act 87 amended subsec. (c)(5) and added subsec. (d). See sections 9 and 10(3) of Act 87 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to severability and applicability. Cross References. Section 8528 is referred to in section 8522 of this title; sections 17312, 17342 of Title 16 (Counties); section 1711 of Title 74 (Transportation).

42 Pa.C.S. § 8541 Governmental immunity generally.

Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, no local agency shall be liable for any damages on account of any injury to a person or property caused by any act of the local agency or an employee thereof or any other person. Cross References. Section 8541 is referred to in section 8542 of this title; section 9158.5 of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses).

42 Pa.C.S. § 8542 Exceptions to governmental immunity.

(a) Liability imposed.--A local agency shall be liable for damages on account of an injury to a person or property within the limits set forth in this subchapter if both of the following conditions are satisfied and the injury occurs as a result of one of the acts set forth in subsection (b): (1) The damages would be recoverable under common law or a statute creating a cause of action if the injury were caused by a person not having available a defense under section 8541 (relating to governmental immunity generally) or section 8546 (relating to defense of official immunity); and (2) The injury was caused by the negligent acts of the local agency or an employee thereof acting within the scope of his office or duties with respect to one of the categories listed in subsection (b). As used in this paragraph, "negligent acts" shall not include acts or conduct which constitutes a crime, actual fraud, actual malice or willful misconduct. (b) Acts which may impose liability.--The following acts by a local agency or any of its employees may result in the imposition of liability on a local agency: (1) Vehicle liability.--The operation of any motor vehicle in the possession or control of the local agency, provided that the local agency shall not be liable to any plaintiff that claims liability under this subsection if the plaintiff was, during the course of the alleged negligence, in flight or fleeing apprehension or resisting arrest by a police officer or knowingly aided a group, one or more of whose members were in flight or fleeing apprehension or resisting arrest by a police officer. As used in this paragraph, "motor vehicle" means any vehicle which is self-propelled and any attachment thereto, including vehicles operated by rail, through water or in the air. (2) Care, custody or control of personal property.--The care, custody or control of personal property of others in the possession or control of the local agency. The only losses for which damages shall be recoverable under this paragraph are those property losses suffered with respect to the personal property in the possession or control of the local agency. (3) Real property.--The care, custody or control of real property in the possession of the local agency, except that the local agency shall not be liable for damages on account of any injury sustained by a person intentionally trespassing on real property in the possession of the local agency. As used in this paragraph, "real property" shall not include: (i) trees, traffic signs, lights and other traffic controls, street lights and street lighting systems; (ii) facilities of steam, sewer, water, gas and electric systems owned by the local agency and located within rights-of-way; (iii) streets; or (iv) sidewalks. (4) Trees, traffic controls and street lighting.--A dangerous condition of trees, traffic signs, lights or other traffic controls, street lights or street lighting systems under the care, custody or control of the local agency, except that the claimant to recover must establish that the dangerous condition created a reasonably foreseeable risk of the kind of injury which was incurred and that the local agency had actual notice or could reasonably be charged with notice under the circumstances of the dangerous condition at a sufficient time prior to the event to have taken measures to protect against the dangerous condition. (5) Utility service facilities.--A dangerous condition of the facilities of steam, sewer, water, gas or electric systems owned by the local agency and located within rights-of-way, except that the claimant to recover must establish that the dangerous condition created a reasonably foreseeable risk of the kind of injury which was incurred and that the local agency had actual notice or could reasonably be charged with notice under the circumstances of the dangerous condition at a sufficient time prior to the event to have taken measures to protect against the dangerous condition. (6) Streets.-- (i) A dangerous condition of streets owned by the local agency, except that the claimant to recover must establish that the dangerous condition created a reasonably foreseeable risk of the kind of injury which was incurred and that the local agency had actual notice or could reasonably be charged with notice under the circumstances of the dangerous condition at a sufficient time prior to the event to have taken measures to protect against the dangerous condition. (ii) A dangerous condition of streets owned or under the jurisdiction of Commonwealth agencies, if all of the following conditions are met: (A) The local agency has entered into a written contract with a Commonwealth agency for the maintenance and repair by the local agency of such streets and the contract either: (I) had not expired or been otherwise terminated prior to the occurrence of the injury; or (II) if expired, contained a provision that expressly established local agency responsibility beyond the term of the contract for injuries arising out of the local agency's work. (B) The injury and dangerous condition were directly caused by the negligent performance of its duties under such contract. (C) The claimant must establish that the dangerous condition created a reasonably foreseeable risk of the kind of injury which was incurred and that the local agency had actual notice or could reasonably be charged with notice under the circumstances of the dangerous condition at a sufficient time prior to the event to have taken measures to protect against the dangerous condition. (7) Sidewalks.--A dangerous condition of sidewalks within the rights-of-way of streets owned by the local agency, except that the claimant to recover must establish that the dangerous condition created a reasonably foreseeable risk of the kind of injury which was incurred and that the local agency had actual notice or could reasonably be charged with notice under the circumstances of the dangerous condition at a sufficient time prior to the event to have taken measures to protect against the dangerous condition. When a local agency is liable for damages under this paragraph by reason of its power and authority to require installation and repair of sidewalks under the care, custody and control of other persons, the local agency shall be secondarily liable only and such other persons shall be primarily liable. (8) Care, custody or control of animals.--The care, custody or control of animals in the possession or control of a local agency, including but not limited to police dogs and horses. Damages shall not be recoverable under this paragraph on account of any injury caused by wild animals, including but not limited to bears and deer, except as otherwise provided by statute. (9) Sexual abuse.--Conduct which constitutes an offense enumerated under section 5551(7) (relating to no limitation applicable) if the injuries to the plaintiff were caused by actions or omissions of the local agency which constitute negligence. (c) Limited definition.--As used in this section the amount of time reasonably required to take protective measures, including inspections required by law, shall be determined with reference to the actual equipment, personnel and facilities available to the local agency and the competing demands therefor. (d) Evidence.--Whenever any plaintiff claims liability under subsection (b)(1), evidence is admissible to demonstrate that the plaintiff, at any time during the course of the alleged negligence, was engaged or participating in willful misconduct, including, but not limited to, the illegal possession of controlled substances, firearms or ammunition. (June 10, 1982, P.L.452, No.132, eff. imd.; July 6, 1995, P.L.290, No.43, eff. 60 days; Nov. 26, 2019, P.L.641, No.87, eff. Nov. 26, 2019) 2019 Amendment. Act 87 added subsec. (b)(9). See sections 9 and 10(3) of Act 87 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to severability and applicability. 1995 Amendment. Act 43 amended subsec. (b)(1) and added subsec. (d). Section 2 of Act 43 provided that Act 43 shall apply to a cause of action that accrues on or after the effective date of Act 43. 1982 Amendment. Act 132 amended subsec. (b)(6). Cross References. Section 8542 is referred to in sections 5522, 8553, 8557 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 8545 Official liability generally.

An employee of a local agency is liable for civil damages on account of any injury to a person or property caused by acts of the employee which are within the scope of his office or duties only to the same extent as his employing local agency and subject to the limitations imposed by this subchapter. Cross References. Section 8545 is referred to in sections 8550, 8557 of this title; section 9158.5 of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses).

42 Pa.C.S. § 8546 Defense of official immunity.

In any action brought against an employee of a local agency for damages on account of an injury to a person or property based upon claims arising from, or reasonably related to, the office or the performance of the duties of the employee, the employee may assert on his own behalf, or the local agency may assert on his behalf: (1) Defenses which are available at common law to the employee. (2) The defense that the conduct of the employee which gave rise to the claim was authorized or required by law, or that he in good faith reasonably believed the conduct was authorized or required by law. (3) The defense that the act of the employee which gave rise to the claim was within the policymaking discretion granted to the employee by law. For purposes of this subsection, all acts of members of the governing body of a local agency or of the chief executive officer thereof are deemed to be within the policymaking discretion granted to such person by law. Cross References. Section 8546 is referred to in sections 8542, 8550 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 8547 Legal assistance.

(a) Mandatory provision of legal assistance generally.--When an action is brought against an employee of a local agency for damages on account of an injury to a person or property, and it is alleged that the act of the employee which gave rise to the claim was within the scope of the office or duties of the employee, the local agency shall, upon the written request of the employee, defend the action, unless or until there is a judicial determination that such act was not within the scope of the office or duties of the employee. (b) Optional provision of legal assistance generally.--When an action is brought against an employee of a local agency for damages on account of an injury to a person or property, and it is not alleged that the act of the employee which gave rise to the claim was within the scope of his office or duties, the local agency may, upon the written request of the employee, defend the action, and such undertaking to defend thereafter may be withdrawn only with the approval of the court. If the local agency has refused a written request to defend the action, and it is judicially determined that the act was, or that the employee in good faith reasonably believed that such act was, within the scope of the office or duties of the employee and did not constitute a crime, actual fraud, actual malice or willful misconduct, the local agency shall reimburse the employee for the expenses of his legal defense in such amounts as shall be determined to be reasonable by the court. (c) Control of litigation.--When, pursuant to subsection (a) or subsection (b), the local agency defends an action against an employee thereof at the request of the employee, it may assume exclusive control of the defense of the employee, keeping him advised with respect thereto, and the employee shall cooperate fully with the defense, except that in situations where the legal counsel provided by the local agency determines that the interests of the employee and the local agency conflict, the local agency shall obtain the express written consent of the employee for such interested representation or shall supply independent representation.

42 Pa.C.S. § 8548 Indemnity.

(a) Indemnity by local agency generally.--When an action is brought against an employee of a local agency for damages on account of an injury to a person or property, and he has given timely prior written notice to the local agency, and it is judicially determined that an act of the employee caused the injury and such act was, or that the employee in good faith reasonably believed that such act was, within the scope of his office or duties, the local agency shall indemnify the employee for the payment of any judgment on the suit. (b) Indemnity by employee generally.--No employee of a local agency shall be liable to the local agency for any surcharge, contribution, indemnity or reimbursement for any liability incurred by the local agency for damages on account of an injury to a person or property caused by an act of the employee which was within the scope of his office or duties or which he in good faith reasonably believed to be within the scope of his office or duties. No employee of a local agency shall be liable to the local agency for any surcharge, contribution, indemnity or reimbursement for any expenses or legal fees incurred by the local agency while defending the employee against a claim for damages on account of an injury to a person or property caused by an act of the employee. (c) Cooperation.--In any action against a local agency or an employee thereof for damages on account of an injury caused by the act of the employee in which action the employee has not fully cooperated with the local agency in the defense of the action, the provisions of subsection (b) shall not apply. Cross References. Section 8548 is referred to in section 8550 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 8549 Limitation on damages.

In any action brought against an employee of a local agency for damages on account of an injury to a person or property in which it is judicially determined that the act of the employee caused the injury and that such act was, or that the employee in good faith reasonably believed that such act was, within the scope of his office or duties, damages shall be recoverable only within the limits set forth in this subchapter. Cross References. Section 8549 is referred to in section 8550 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 8550 Willful misconduct.

In any action against a local agency or employee thereof for damages on account of an injury caused by the act of the employee in which it is judicially determined that the act of the employee caused the injury and that such act constituted a crime, actual fraud, actual malice or willful misconduct, the provisions of sections 8545 (relating to official liability generally), 8546 (relating to defense of official immunity), 8548 (relating to indemnity) and 8549 (relating to limitation on damages) shall not apply. Cross References. Section 8550 is referred to in section 4352 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations).

42 Pa.C.S. § 8553 Limitations on damages.

(a) General rule.--Actions for which damages are limited by reference to this subchapter shall be limited as set forth in this section. (b) Amounts recoverable.--Damages arising from the same cause of action or transaction or occurrence or series of causes of action or transactions or occurrences shall not exceed $500,000 in the aggregate. (c) Types of losses recognized.--Damages shall be recoverable only for: (1) Past and future loss of earnings and earning capacity. (2) Pain and suffering in the following instances: (i) death; or (ii) only in cases of permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent disfigurement or permanent dismemberment where the medical and dental expenses referred to in paragraph (3) are in excess of $1,500. (3) Medical and dental expenses including the reasonable value of reasonable and necessary medical and dental services, prosthetic devices and necessary ambulance, hospital, professional nursing, and physical therapy expenses accrued and anticipated in the diagnosis, care and recovery of the claimant. (4) Loss of consortium. (5) Loss of support. (6) Property losses. (d) Insurance benefits.--If a claimant receives or is entitled to receive benefits under a policy of insurance other than a life insurance policy as a result of losses for which damages are recoverable under subsection (c), the amount of such benefits shall be deducted from the amount of damages which would otherwise be recoverable by such claimant. (e) Exclusions.--This section shall not apply to damages awarded under section 8542(b)(9) (relating to exceptions to governmental immunity). (Nov. 26, 2019, P.L.641, No.87, eff. Nov. 26, 2019) 2019 Amendment. Act 87 added subsec. (e). See sections 9 and 10(3) of Act 87 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to severability and applicability.

42 Pa.C.S. § 8557 Judgment as a bar.

The judgment in an action cognizable under section 8545 (relating to official liability generally) shall constitute a complete bar to any action by the claimant, by reason of the same subject matter, against the local agency of which the defendant in such action is an employee. The judgment in an action under section 8542 (relating to exceptions to governmental immunity) shall constitute a complete bar to any action by the claimant, by reason of the same subject matter, against the employee whose act gave rise to the claim.

42 Pa.C.S. § 8558 Judgments against insured local agency.

If the judgment is obtained against a local agency that has procured a contract or policy of public liability insurance protection, the holder of the judgment may use the methods of collecting the judgment as are provided by the policy or contract and the laws of the Commonwealth to the extent of the limits of coverage provided.

42 Pa.C.S. § 8559 Judgments against self-insured local agency and those not fully insured.

For the payment of any judgment obtained under the provisions of this subchapter against a local agency that is a self-insurer or not fully covered by liability insurance, the manner of paying a money judgment shall be based upon a proof of indebtedness or evidence of any estimated tax levy necessary for payment of the judgment and any other evidence or statements which the court of original jurisdiction may require. As an alternative to paying the money judgment in this manner, the court may provide for the judgment to be paid over a period of not less than one nor more than ten years. The interest rate on any judgment where payment is extended more than three years shall be at the rate prescribed by law for the first three years and at the rate of 6% for each remaining year.

42 Pa.C.S. § 8563 General powers of local agencies.

(a) Rules and regulations.--A local agency may promulgate rules and regulations not inconsistent with this subchapter in order to implement the intent of this subchapter. (b) Delegation of duties.--Any duties placed upon a local agency under the provisions of this subchapter may be delegated to an independent contractor by a written agreement.

42 Pa.C.S. § 8564 Liability insurance and self-insurance.

(a) Purchase of liability insurance.--A local agency may purchase insurance on itself or its employees for any liability arising from the performance of their duties within the scope of their employment. (b) Employment of risk manager.--A local agency may employ a professional risk manager whose responsibility it shall be to administer a public liability insurance program for the local agency and initiate any risk management program for the local agency and its employees. (c) Joint action by local agency.--Any two or more local agencies may join together, enter into any agreements or jointly contract for the development of a group risk management program either through the provisions of the act of July 12, 1972 (P.L.762, No.180), referred to as the Intergovernmental Cooperation Law, or any other applicable statute. Any two or more local agencies may join together, enter into any agreements or jointly contract for the purchasing of public liability insurance. Any two or more local agencies may pool their public liability insurance risks through the provisions of the act of July 12, 1972 (P.L.762, No.180) or any other applicable statute. (d) Insurance pooling and coinsurance.--The pooling of insurance risks, reserves, claims or losses shall not be construed to be transacting insurance nor otherwise subject local agencies to the provisions of statutes regulating insurance or insurance companies. Local agencies may be coinsured under a master policy and the total premium may be prorated among the local agencies. Any county may undertake a group risk management program or public liability insurance program on behalf of itself and any other local agencies covered by this subchapter within the county that wish to voluntarily participate in the programs. (e) Self-insurance.--Any local agency may self-insure which must be funded on an annual basis by appropriations to establish a reserve for self-insurance purposes. References in Text. The act of July 12, 1972, P.L.762, No.180, referred to as the Intergovernmental Cooperation Law, referred to in subsec. (c), was repealed by the act of December 19, 1996, P.L.1158, No.177. The subject matter is now contained in Subchapter A of Chapter 23 of Title 53 (Municipalities Generally). Cross References. Section 8564 is referred to in sections 5602, 8002 of Title 53 (Municipalities Generally).

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