Legal Question in Consumer Law in Pennsylvania

I won Arbitration, and 30 days for Appeal have past, Now what?

I live in Lancaster, PA.

I was sued by Unifund. They sued in 2006, and I kept them tied up until Jan 26, 2009. When the case went for compulsory arbitration. The 3 judge panel of the court kind, NOT that NAF rubber stamp kind.

Well, I won the Arbitration, but got ''No Damages'' Award. That's good enough for me. The actual ruling says ''For the Defendant, against the Plaintiff''.

However, They can appeal, and can file for a Trial De Novo in 30 days. That 30 days has now passed, now what??

I read the RCP, inside and out, and it states VERY clearly, that they have 30 days from the Notice of award entry on the docket. That 30 days ran out on Feb 27, 2009.

But i cant find ANYWHERE what a defendant is supposed to do if the Plaintiff, who lost in arbitration, doesn't file for Trial De Novo in the 30 day period allowed.

I just know these clowns will wait a few months, or years to pull a dirty trick, if I haven't filed god knows what to make the Arbitration FINAL.

And as far as I can tell, if the 30 days passed, and you didn't file the Trial De Novo appeal, its over.

If it isn't, I am asking what I need to do now, the RCP isn't clear at all at this point.


Asked on 3/12/09, 10:05 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Greg Artim Morrow & Artim, P.C.

Re: I won Arbitration, and 30 days for Appeal have past, Now what?

You can actually enter judgment on the award. What that means is that the Arbitration Award can be made into a final judgment in your favor. Should cost a few dollars, less than $50. You simply need a copy of the award and you can ask the Prothonotary of your county to enter judgment based upon that award.

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Answered on 3/12/09, 10:22 am
Greg Artim Morrow & Artim, P.C.

Re: I won Arbitration, and 30 days for Appeal have past, Now what?

You can actually enter judgment on the award. What that means is that the Arbitration Award can be made into a final judgment in your favor. Should cost a few dollars, less than $50. You simply need a copy of the award and you can ask the Prothonotary of your county to enter judgment based upon that award.

Read more
Answered on 3/12/09, 10:22 am


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