(a) General rule.--Liability of the parents under this chapter shall be limited to:
(1) The sum of $1,000 for injuries suffered by any one person as a result of one tortious act or continuous series of tortious acts.
(2) The sum of $2,500 regardless of the number of persons who suffer injury as a result of one tortious act or continuous series of tortious acts.
(b) Proceedings where loss exceeds liability.--In the event that actual loss as ascertained by the court or the judgment against the child exceeds $2,500, the parents shall be discharged from further liability by the payment of $2,500 into court. The court shall cause all aggrieved parties to submit itemized statements of loss in writing and shall make distribution proportionately, whether the claims be for injuries to the person or for theft, destruction or loss of property. The court may take testimony to assist it in making proper distribution and may appoint a master to accomplish this purpose. All costs and fees incurred in these proceedings shall be paid from the $2,500 paid into court.
(c) Joint acts by children of same parent.--The limitations on liability set forth in subsections (a) and (b) shall be applicable when two or more children of the same parent engage jointly in the commission of one tortious act or series of tortious acts.
(Apr. 21, 1994, P.L.128, No.15, eff. 60 days)
Cross References. Section 5505 is referred to in sections 5503, 5504 of this title.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Chapter 55 - Liability for Tortious Acts of Children
Section 5502 - Liability of parents
Section 5503 - Establishing liability in criminal or juvenile proceedings
Section 5504 - Establishing liability in civil proceedings
Section 5505 - Monetary limits of liability
Section 5506 - Double recovery for same injury prohibited
Section 5507 - Indemnity or contribution from child prohibited
Section 5508 - Liability of parent not having custody or control of child
Section 5509 - Other liability of parent or child unaffected