Q: Why Should You File a Civil Lawsuit

A: You may benefit from filing a civil action in Pennsylvania as follows:

• Control of the Case. You have greater control in a civil suit than in a criminal case because (1) you are a party to the civil case, (2) you cannot be excluded from the courtroom, and (3) you have final approval of settlement proposals.


• Compensation. A civil action can provide you with greater compensation for the monetary damages you suffered, such as medical expenses and lost income. Also, a civil action can compensate you for emotional damage. 


• Justice and Accountability. A civil suit can hold offenders directly accountable to you. These suits give you your “day in court,” regardless of whether there was a criminal conviction or even a prosecution. 


• Crime Prevention. In addition to suing perpetrators, you can often sue other responsible parties. Civil actions provide economic incentives for crime prevention. Often, businesses such as hotels, apartments, and shopping centers fail to enact proper security measures because they view such expenses as unnecessary. When the courts hold businesses accountable for lapses in safety, proper security becomes cheaper than the cost of defending lawsuits. Crime victims’ civil suits have resulted in increased security protection in public places, better oversight and supervision of daycare facilities, and countless other improvements.

The Monahan Law Practice
300 North Pottstown Pike
Suite 210
Exton, PA 19341-2233

Phone: (610) 363-3888
Fax: (610) 363-2429