Pa. House Votes To Limit Defendants' Financial Liability In Some Lawsuits

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - The state House has passed and sent to the Senate a bill that would make a major change to lawsuit liability in Pennsylvania.

The bill passed by the House would, in lawsuits involving multiple defendants, limit the financial liability of those defendants deemed to be less than 60% at fault.

Chester County Republican Curt Schroder (pictured), sponsor of the bill, said defendants would only pay their "fair share" of the judgment, "As opposed to being required to pay 100% of the damages, when in fact they are liable for only a small fraction of those damages."

But fellow Republican Kate Harper of Montgomery County warned that the measure could have unintended consequences, "Other defendants will have a financial incentive to pin the blame on others."

Governor Corbett praised the House action. The bill now goes to the Senate, which is expected to consider the matter in the coming months.

Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060