occurrence rule in Pennsylvania

20 Pennsylvania opinions name it 6 courts 1978–2025 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Pennsylvania courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (10)

Case	Followed	Cited
Robbins & Seventko Orthopedic Surgeons, Inc. v. Geisenbergergreen pasuperct · 1996 · cited in 7 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1997–2018 2 sentences 2018See Robbins & Seventko Orthopedic Surgeons, Inc. v. Geisenberger, 674 A.2d 244, 246 (Pa. Super. 1996) (“In Pennsylvania, the occurrence rule is used to determine when the statute of limitations begins to run in a legal malpractice action. 2015See Robbins & Seventkov Orthopedic Surgeons, Inc. v. Geisenberger, 674 A.2d 244, 248 (Pa. Super. 1996) (rejecting appellants’ argument to toll statute of limitations in legal malpractice claim while appeal of underlying action pending, stating: “[i]n Pennsylvania, the method used to determine when the statute begins to accrue is the occurrence rule or the discovery rule when appropriate.”); see also Wachovia Bank, supra at 573-74 (recognizing that, in some jurisdictions, statute of limitations on malpractice claim accrues at time of damage, such as at time when judgment is entered in underlyin	6	7
Wachovia Bank, N.A. v. Ferrettigreen pasuperct · 2007 · cited in 4 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2015–2019 2 sentences 2019See Nicolaou, supra, 195 A.3d at 892 (holding the discovery rule is tied to actual or constructive knowledge of at least some form of harm and of a factual cause linked to another's conduct, without the necessity of notice of the full extent of the injury, the fact of actual negligence, or the precise cause); Wachovia Bank, N.A., 935 A.2d at 572 ("[An exception to the occurrence rule] is the equitable discovery rule which will be applied when the injured person is unable, despite the exercise of due diligence, to know of the injury or its cause. 2018To determine when the statute of limitations begins to run in a malpractice action, this Court applies the occurrence rule, which provides that “the statutory period commences upon the happening of the alleged breach of duty.” Id. at 572 .	3	4
Bailey v. Tuckergreen pa · 1993 · cited in 4 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1996–2007 2 sentences 2003The Robbins court, in its discussion of Bailey v. Tucker, 533 Pa. 237 , 621 A.2d 108 (1993), a criminal defense malpractice case, explains that in applying the discovery exception to the occurrence rule, the Bailey Court determined that a criminal defendant becomes aware that his attorney was responsible for the defendant’s harm when the attorney-client relationship is terminated. 2003The Robbins court, in its discussion of Bailey v. Tucker, 533 Pa. 237 , 621 A.2d 108 (1993), a criminal defense malpractice case, explains that in applying the discovery exception to the occurrence rule, the Bailey Court determined that a criminal defendant becomes aware that his attorney was responsible for the defendant’s harm when the attorney-client relationship is terminated.	3	4
Glenbrook Leasing Co. v. Beausanggreen pasuperct · 2003 · cited in 3 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2013–2017 2 sentences 2017(See id.); Gleenbrook Leasing Co. v. Beausang, 839 A.2d 437, 441-42 (Pa. Super. 2003), affirmed, 881 A.2d 1266 (Pa. 2005) (“[i]n Pennsylvania, the method used to determine when the statute begins to accrue is the occurrence rule or the discovery rule when appropriate.”) (citation omitted). 2015See Glenbrook Leasing, supra. Nor does the equitable discovery exception to the occurrence rule apply.	3	3
Commc'ns Network Int'l, Ltd. v. Mullineauxgreen pasuperct · 2018 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2019–2025 2 sentences 2025Mullineaux, 187 client first realizes actual loss. 5 Communications Network International, Ltd. v. Mullineaux, 187 A.3d 951,961 (Pa. Super. 2019Under the occurrence rule, the statutory period commences upon the happening of the alleged breach of duty." Communications Network International, Ltd. v. Mullineaux, 187 A.3d 951, 960-61 (Pa.Super. 2018) (quotation and bold omitted).	2	2
Moore v. Pennsylvania Board of Probation & Parolegreen pa · 2005 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2015–2017 2 sentences 2017(See id.); Gleenbrook Leasing Co. v. Beausang, 839 A.2d 437, 441-42 (Pa. Super. 2003), affirmed, 881 A.2d 1266 (Pa. 2005) (“[i]n Pennsylvania, the method used to determine when the statute begins to accrue is the occurrence rule or the discovery rule when appropriate.”) (citation omitted). 2015Under this rule, the statutory period commences upon the happening of the alleged breach of duty.” Glenbrook Leasing Co. v. Beausang, 839 A.2d 437, 441 (Pa.Super.2003), aff’d, 881 A.2d 1266 (Pa.2005).	1	2
Nicolaou, N., h/w, Aplts. v. J. Martin M.D.green pa · 2018 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019 2 sentences 2019See Nicolaou, supra, 195 A.3d at 892 (holding the discovery rule is tied to actual or constructive knowledge of at least some form of harm and of a factual cause linked to another's conduct, without the necessity of notice of the full extent of the injury, the fact of actual negligence, or the precise cause); Wachovia Bank, N.A., 935 A.2d at 572 ("[An exception to the occurrence rule] is the equitable discovery rule which will be applied when the injured person is unable, despite the exercise of due diligence, to know of the injury or its cause. 2019See Nicolaou, supra, 195 A.3d at 892 (holding the discovery rule is tied to actual or constructive knowledge of at least some form of harm and of a factual cause linked to another's conduct, without the necessity of notice of the full extent of the injury, the fact of actual negligence, or the precise cause); Wachovia Bank, N.A., 935 A.2d at 572 ("[An exception to the occurrence rule] is the equitable discovery rule which will be applied when the injured person is unable, despite the exercise of due diligence, to know of the injury or its cause.	1	1
Fiorentino v. Rapoportgreen pasuperct · 1997 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017 1 sentence 2017See also Fiorentino v. Rapoport, 693 A.2d 208, 216, 219 (Pa.Super. 1997), appeal denied, 549 Pa. 716 , 701 A.2d 577 (1997) (stating: “Evidence which demonstrates that a plaintiff has suffered the loss of property rights under a contract will suffice to establish ‘actual injury’ or ‘harm’ in a legal malpractice action”; “In Pennsylvania, the occurrence rule is used to determine when the statute of limitations begins to run.	1	1
Pocono International Raceway, Inc. v. Pocono Produce, Inc.green pa · 1983 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003 2 sentences 2003Robbins & Seventko Orthopedic Surgeons Inc. v. Geisenberger, supra, 449 Pa. Super, at 372-73, 674 A.2d at 246 , citing Pocono Raceway v. Pocono Produce Inc., 503 Pa. 80, 85 , 468 A.2d 468, 471 (1983). 2003Robbins & Seventko Orthopedic Surgeons Inc. v. Geisenberger, supra, 449 Pa. Super, at 372-73, 674 A.2d at 246 , citing Pocono Raceway v. Pocono Produce Inc., 503 Pa. 80, 85 , 468 A.2d 468, 471 (1983).	1	1
Curtis v. Commonwealthgreen pacommwct · 1978 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1979–1979 2 sentences 1979See Curtis v. Commonwealth, 38 Pa. Commonwealth Ct. 113 , 391 A.2d 1331 (1978). 1979See Curtis v. Commonwealth, 38 Pa. Commonwealth Ct. 113 , 391 A.2d 1331 (1978).	1	1

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

Case	Negative	Cited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Pennsylvania. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (11)

Case	Cited	Years
Draves v. Draves neutral pasuperct · 1946 2 sentences 1984A plaintiff who fails to set forth a particular occurrence should not be permitted to prove the occurrence at the hearing: Draves v. Draves, 160 Pa.Superior Ct. 35, 49 A.2d 840 (1947). 1978A plaintiff who fails to set forth a particular occurrence should not be permitted to prove the occurrence at the hearing: Draves v. Draves, 160 Pa. Superior Ct. 35 , 49 A. 2d 840 (1947).	2	1978–1984
Spiritrust Lutheran v. Wagman Construction, Inc. green pasuperct · 2024 1 sentence 2025SpiriTrust Lutheran, supra. Therefore, the court did not err in concluding that the statute of limitations on Appellants’ five tort claims began to run by February 3, 2015 (when this Court affirmed the trial court in Valentino), and expired by February 3, 2017 (prior to Appellants’ filing of the writ of summons against Wheeler on February 28, 2017). 2.	1	2025–2025
O'Kelly v. Dawson green pasuperct · 2013 2 sentences 2025The court cited “the occurrence rule … to determine when the statute of limitations begins to run.” Id. 2025Under the occurrence rule, the statute of limitations period “is triggered on the date when an allegedly injured party first knew, or should have known, that an alleged act of malpractice occurred.” Id.	1	2025–2025
Garcia v. Community Legal Services Corp. green pa · 1987 2 sentences 2007We reiterated that, in Pennsylvania, the occurrence rule (ie., the occurrence of the breach of a duty) governs when the statute of limitations begins to run in a legal malpractice action, and the statute of limitations “is tolled only until the injured party should reasonably have learned of this breach.” Id. 2007Id. ¶ 26 Applying the occurrence rule in the instant case, Wachovia’s legal malpractice and breach of contract causes of action against Ferretti accrued at the time Attorney Ferretti allegedly breached a duty owed to Wachovia when she failed to mark the Bucks County judgment against Pisani “satisfied,” which failure allegedly occurred on September 8, 1992.	1	2007–2007
Rambo v. Commissioner of Police green pa · 1982 2 sentences 2003Malinder v. Jenkins Elevator & Machine Co., 371 Pa.Super. 414 , 538 A.2d 509 (1988); DeFrancesco v. Western Pennsylvania Water Co., 329 Pa.Super. 508 , 478 A.2d 1295 (1984); Rambo v. Commissioner of Police, 301 Pa.Super. 135 , 447 A.2d 279 (1982); Hillbrook Apartments v. Nyce Crete Co., 237 Pa.Super. 565 , 352 A.2d 148 (1975); Crowell Office Equipment v. Krug, 213 Pa.Super. 261 , 247 A.2d 657 (1968); Beckham v. Travelers Insurance Co., 206 Pa.Super. 488 , 214 A.2d 299 (1965). 2003Malinder v. Jenkins Elevator & Machine Co., 371 Pa.Super. 414 , 538 A.2d 509 (1988); DeFrancesco v. Western Pennsylvania Water Co., 329 Pa.Super. 508 , 478 A.2d 1295 (1984); Rambo v. Commissioner of Police, 301 Pa.Super. 135 , 447 A.2d 279 (1982); Hillbrook Apartments v. Nyce Crete Co., 237 Pa.Super. 565 , 352 A.2d 148 (1975); Crowell Office Equipment v. Krug, 213 Pa.Super. 261 , 247 A.2d 657 (1968); Beckham v. Travelers Insurance Co., 206 Pa.Super. 488 , 214 A.2d 299 (1965).	1	2003–2003
Beckham v. Travelers Insurance neutral pasuperct · 1965 2 sentences 2003Malinder v. Jenkins Elevator & Machine Co., 371 Pa.Super. 414 , 538 A.2d 509 (1988); DeFrancesco v. Western Pennsylvania Water Co., 329 Pa.Super. 508 , 478 A.2d 1295 (1984); Rambo v. Commissioner of Police, 301 Pa.Super. 135 , 447 A.2d 279 (1982); Hillbrook Apartments v. Nyce Crete Co., 237 Pa.Super. 565 , 352 A.2d 148 (1975); Crowell Office Equipment v. Krug, 213 Pa.Super. 261 , 247 A.2d 657 (1968); Beckham v. Travelers Insurance Co., 206 Pa.Super. 488 , 214 A.2d 299 (1965). 2003Malinder v. Jenkins Elevator & Machine Co., 371 Pa.Super. 414 , 538 A.2d 509 (1988); DeFrancesco v. Western Pennsylvania Water Co., 329 Pa.Super. 508 , 478 A.2d 1295 (1984); Rambo v. Commissioner of Police, 301 Pa.Super. 135 , 447 A.2d 279 (1982); Hillbrook Apartments v. Nyce Crete Co., 237 Pa.Super. 565 , 352 A.2d 148 (1975); Crowell Office Equipment v. Krug, 213 Pa.Super. 261 , 247 A.2d 657 (1968); Beckham v. Travelers Insurance Co., 206 Pa.Super. 488 , 214 A.2d 299 (1965).	1	2003–2003
Hillbrook Apartments, Inc. v. Nyce Crete Co. green pasuperct · 1975 2 sentences 2003Malinder v. Jenkins Elevator & Machine Co., 371 Pa.Super. 414 , 538 A.2d 509 (1988); DeFrancesco v. Western Pennsylvania Water Co., 329 Pa.Super. 508 , 478 A.2d 1295 (1984); Rambo v. Commissioner of Police, 301 Pa.Super. 135 , 447 A.2d 279 (1982); Hillbrook Apartments v. Nyce Crete Co., 237 Pa.Super. 565 , 352 A.2d 148 (1975); Crowell Office Equipment v. Krug, 213 Pa.Super. 261 , 247 A.2d 657 (1968); Beckham v. Travelers Insurance Co., 206 Pa.Super. 488 , 214 A.2d 299 (1965). 2003Malinder v. Jenkins Elevator & Machine Co., 371 Pa.Super. 414 , 538 A.2d 509 (1988); DeFrancesco v. Western Pennsylvania Water Co., 329 Pa.Super. 508 , 478 A.2d 1295 (1984); Rambo v. Commissioner of Police, 301 Pa.Super. 135 , 447 A.2d 279 (1982); Hillbrook Apartments v. Nyce Crete Co., 237 Pa.Super. 565 , 352 A.2d 148 (1975); Crowell Office Equipment v. Krug, 213 Pa.Super. 261 , 247 A.2d 657 (1968); Beckham v. Travelers Insurance Co., 206 Pa.Super. 488 , 214 A.2d 299 (1965).	1	2003–2003
Crowell Office Equipment v. Krug green pasuperct · 1968 2 sentences 2003Malinder v. Jenkins Elevator & Machine Co., 371 Pa.Super. 414 , 538 A.2d 509 (1988); DeFrancesco v. Western Pennsylvania Water Co., 329 Pa.Super. 508 , 478 A.2d 1295 (1984); Rambo v. Commissioner of Police, 301 Pa.Super. 135 , 447 A.2d 279 (1982); Hillbrook Apartments v. Nyce Crete Co., 237 Pa.Super. 565 , 352 A.2d 148 (1975); Crowell Office Equipment v. Krug, 213 Pa.Super. 261 , 247 A.2d 657 (1968); Beckham v. Travelers Insurance Co., 206 Pa.Super. 488 , 214 A.2d 299 (1965). 2003Malinder v. Jenkins Elevator & Machine Co., 371 Pa.Super. 414 , 538 A.2d 509 (1988); DeFrancesco v. Western Pennsylvania Water Co., 329 Pa.Super. 508 , 478 A.2d 1295 (1984); Rambo v. Commissioner of Police, 301 Pa.Super. 135 , 447 A.2d 279 (1982); Hillbrook Apartments v. Nyce Crete Co., 237 Pa.Super. 565 , 352 A.2d 148 (1975); Crowell Office Equipment v. Krug, 213 Pa.Super. 261 , 247 A.2d 657 (1968); Beckham v. Travelers Insurance Co., 206 Pa.Super. 488 , 214 A.2d 299 (1965).	1	2003–2003
Malinder v. Jenkins Elevator & MacHine Co. green pa · 1988 2 sentences 2003Malinder v. Jenkins Elevator & Machine Co., 371 Pa.Super. 414 , 538 A.2d 509 (1988); DeFrancesco v. Western Pennsylvania Water Co., 329 Pa.Super. 508 , 478 A.2d 1295 (1984); Rambo v. Commissioner of Police, 301 Pa.Super. 135 , 447 A.2d 279 (1982); Hillbrook Apartments v. Nyce Crete Co., 237 Pa.Super. 565 , 352 A.2d 148 (1975); Crowell Office Equipment v. Krug, 213 Pa.Super. 261 , 247 A.2d 657 (1968); Beckham v. Travelers Insurance Co., 206 Pa.Super. 488 , 214 A.2d 299 (1965). 2003Malinder v. Jenkins Elevator & Machine Co., 371 Pa.Super. 414 , 538 A.2d 509 (1988); DeFrancesco v. Western Pennsylvania Water Co., 329 Pa.Super. 508 , 478 A.2d 1295 (1984); Rambo v. Commissioner of Police, 301 Pa.Super. 135 , 447 A.2d 279 (1982); Hillbrook Apartments v. Nyce Crete Co., 237 Pa.Super. 565 , 352 A.2d 148 (1975); Crowell Office Equipment v. Krug, 213 Pa.Super. 261 , 247 A.2d 657 (1968); Beckham v. Travelers Insurance Co., 206 Pa.Super. 488 , 214 A.2d 299 (1965).	1	2003–2003
DeFrancesco v. Western Pennsylvania Water Co. green pa · 1984 2 sentences 2003Malinder v. Jenkins Elevator & Machine Co., 371 Pa.Super. 414 , 538 A.2d 509 (1988); DeFrancesco v. Western Pennsylvania Water Co., 329 Pa.Super. 508 , 478 A.2d 1295 (1984); Rambo v. Commissioner of Police, 301 Pa.Super. 135 , 447 A.2d 279 (1982); Hillbrook Apartments v. Nyce Crete Co., 237 Pa.Super. 565 , 352 A.2d 148 (1975); Crowell Office Equipment v. Krug, 213 Pa.Super. 261 , 247 A.2d 657 (1968); Beckham v. Travelers Insurance Co., 206 Pa.Super. 488 , 214 A.2d 299 (1965). 2003Malinder v. Jenkins Elevator & Machine Co., 371 Pa.Super. 414 , 538 A.2d 509 (1988); DeFrancesco v. Western Pennsylvania Water Co., 329 Pa.Super. 508 , 478 A.2d 1295 (1984); Rambo v. Commissioner of Police, 301 Pa.Super. 135 , 447 A.2d 279 (1982); Hillbrook Apartments v. Nyce Crete Co., 237 Pa.Super. 565 , 352 A.2d 148 (1975); Crowell Office Equipment v. Krug, 213 Pa.Super. 261 , 247 A.2d 657 (1968); Beckham v. Travelers Insurance Co., 206 Pa.Super. 488 , 214 A.2d 299 (1965).	1	2003–2003
Ellis v. Commonwealth green pacommwct · 1979 2 sentences 1980Ellis, 46 Pa. Commonwealth Ct. at 385 , 406 A.2d at 1181-82 . 1980Ellis, 46 Pa. Commonwealth Ct. at 385 , 406 A.2d at 1181-82 .	1	1980–1980

Statutes the citing opinions construe

PA § 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524 (4)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CT 43 (1988–2025) MS 36 (1974–2023) OH 21 (1989–2025) PA 20 (1978–2025) GA 18 (1940–2026) TX 17 (1948–2020) CA 16 (1946–2022) IN 16 (1979–2017) NY 16 (1945–2024) IL 14 (1948–2023) NJ 14 (1957–2025) NM 13 (1996–2022) NE 12 (1984–2022) SD 12 (1990–2020) KS 10 (1988–2015) WA 9 (1995–2026) AR 8 (1973–2020) MO 8 (1980–2025) LA 7 (1983–2019) KY 6 (1997–2025) AL 6 (1946–2015) ME 6 (1996–2019) MN 5 (1945–2017) FL 5 (1958–2014) DC 4 (1997–2014) NV 4 (1963–2014) MD 4 (1974–2022) NC 4 (1948–1996) TN 3 (2014–2019) AZ 3 (1981–2010) DE 3 (1977–2025) AK 3 (1990–2016) OR 3 (1945–2008) OK 3 (1950–2023) WV 2 (1979–2008)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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