Dragonetti Actions
Pennsylvania's Dragonetti Act gives you a legal remedy when someone files a civil lawsuit against you without probable cause and with malicious intent. If you were the target of a baseless civil action, Dutko & Chwiecko Trial Attorneys can evaluate your claim and pursue accountability.
The Dragonetti Act, 42 Pa. C.S. §§ 8351–8354, creates a civil cause of action against a party who initiates or continues a civil proceeding without probable cause and with a primary purpose other than securing proper adjudication of the claim.
To bring a Dragonetti claim, the underlying civil action must have terminated in your favor — whether by dismissal, summary judgment, verdict, or other resolution. We analyze the record of the prior proceeding to assess whether the elements are met.
A successful Dragonetti claim can yield compensation for attorney fees and costs incurred defending the wrongful suit, harm to reputation, emotional distress, and other losses caused by the improper litigation.
The defendant must have started or continued a civil proceeding against you — not merely participated as a witness or third party.
The party bringing the suit lacked a reasonable basis to believe the claims were legally valid and factually supported at the time of filing.
The lawsuit was filed primarily for a purpose other than legitimate adjudication — such as harassment, coercion, competitive harm, or retaliation.
The underlying proceeding ended in your favor, establishing that the original claims lacked merit.
You suffered quantifiable harm — legal costs, reputational injury, lost business, or emotional distress — as a direct result of the wrongful proceeding.
The harm you suffered flows directly from the defendant's decision to initiate or continue the baseless civil action against you.
Dragonetti claims require a thorough understanding of both the prior civil proceeding and Pennsylvania's exacting statutory framework. Our attorneys analyze the record of the underlying case, assess the opposing party's conduct, and determine whether the elements for a viable claim are present before advising you to proceed.
We represent clients across Berks, Lehigh, and Schuylkill counties who have been subjected to meritless litigation. If you believe you were targeted by a lawsuit filed in bad faith, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options.
If a civil action against you was terminated in your favor, you may have a Dragonetti claim. Contact Dutko & Chwiecko for a free consultation.