Q:

Who are the Parties in a Pennsylvania Civil Suit?

A:

Plaintiffs

The main parties in a civil suit are called plaintiffs and defendants. Plaintiffs are the individuals who file the lawsuit. They control the action, are entitled to all information relating to the case, and make decisions, such as when to settle. The plaintiff in a Pennsylvania civil suit can be the crime victim, survivors of the crime victim, or persons responsible for the crime victim.

Family Members

Family members who might bring a civil suit include the parents, spouse, children, or siblings of the crime victim.

Defendants

The defendants are the parties against whom civil actions are brought. The defendants in a Pennsylvania civil suit can be the perpetrators, persons who helped the perpetrators, or individuals or organizations whose negligence has contributed to the commission of the crime (third parties).

Offenders

The offenders are the individuals who committed the original offense, regardless of whether they were found guilty by a Pennsylvania criminal court.

Third Parties

In some civil cases, a