When someone wrongfully initiates or continues a civil lawsuit without probable cause, the legal system offers recourse. In Pennsylvania, the Dragonetti Act (42 Pa.C.S. §§ 8351-8354) provides individuals and businesses a powerful tool to fight back against baseless legal claims.
If you have been targeted by a frivolous lawsuit or subjected to legal abuse, you may have a Dragonetti claim. Learn more about how this law can protect your rights and reputation—and how Klaproth Law can help.
What is the Dragonetti Act?
The Dragonetti Act is Pennsylvania’s version of a wrongful use of civil proceedings law. It allows individuals and businesses to sue those who bring legal claims without merit, without probable cause, or with malicious intent.
To successfully bring a Dragonetti claim, a plaintiff must prove:
- The defendant initiated, procured, or continued civil proceedings against them.
- The proceedings lacked probable cause or were pursued for an improper purpose.
- The legal action ended in favor of the person being sued (i.e., dismissed, withdrawn, or ruled against the party who filed it).
The law aims to prevent legal harassment and hold accountable those who weaponize the court system for personal gain or to harm others.
“A Dragonetti Act defendant establishes probable cause if he demonstrates that he reasonably believed in the facts on which his lawsuit was based and in the viability of the legal theory under which it was brought.” Bainbridge v. U.S. Bank, N.A., No. 22-1521, 2023 U.S. App. LEXIS 29631, at *4 (3d Cir. Nov. 7, 2023) (internal citations and quotation marks omitted). “An improper purpose is one other than “securing the … adjudication of the claim on which” the lawsuit is based.” Id.
Do You Have a Dragonetti Claim?
You may have a wrongful use of civil proceedings claim if:
- You were sued without probable cause.
- The lawsuit ended in your favor (dismissed, withdrawn, or ruled against the other party).
- The party suing you acted with malice—not for a legitimate legal reason.
- You suffered financial, reputational, or emotional harm due to the lawsuit.
How Klaproth Law Can Help
If you believe you were the victim of a wrongful or malicious lawsuit, you do not have to fight alone. At Klaproth Law, we aggressively pursue Dragonetti claims to hold bad-faith litigants accountable.
🔹 Free Case Evaluation – We review your situation to determine if you qualify for a Dragonetti lawsuit.
🔹 Fighting for Maximum Compensation – You may be entitled to damages for legal fees, financial losses, and emotional distress.
Take Action – Contact us Today
