Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Chapter 55 - Liability for Tortious Acts of Children
Section 5504 - Establishing liability in civil proceedings

(a) Petition.--If a judgment has been rendered against the child in a civil action for injury because of the tortious act of the child and the judgment has not been satisfied within a period of 30 days, the injured person may petition the court for a rule to show cause why judgment should not be entered against the parent.
(b) Answer and trial.--The parent may file an answer to the petition, and, if there is any dispute as to unlitigated facts, the case shall be set down for trial.
(c) Judgment.--If there is no dispute as to the unlitigated facts, the court shall authorize the entry of a judgment against the parent. In no case shall the judgment against the parent exceed the limitations set forth in section 5505 (relating to monetary limits of liability).
(d) Action against parent.--Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, a victim of a willful, tortious act of a child may initiate a civil action directly against the parent or parents of the child who committed the tortious act for the purpose of receiving compensation for the injuries suffered, not to exceed the limitations set forth in section 5505.
(Apr. 21, 1994, P.L.128, No.15, eff. 60 days)

1994 Amendment. Act 15 added subsec. (d).

Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes