Rule 1020.Pleading More Than One Cause of Action. Alternative Pleading. Failure to Join. Bar.
Adopted June 25, 1946 · Last amended November 3, 2023 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1020 lets a plaintiff plead more than one cause of action against the same defendant, allows alternative pleading of claims and defenses, and waives a claim arising from the same transaction that is not joined where the rule requires joinder.
(a)Pleading More Than One Cause of Action. The plaintiff may state in the complaint more than one cause of action cognizable in a civil action against the same defendant. Each cause of action and any special damage related thereto shall be stated in a separate count containing a demand for relief.
(b)Joinder. If persons join as plaintiffs under Rules 2228, 2229(a) or (e), the complaint shall state the cause of action, any special damage, and the demand for relief of each plaintiff in a separate count, preceded by a heading naming the parties to the cause of action therein set forth.
(c)Alternative Pleading. Causes of action and defenses may be pleaded in the alternative.
(d)Failure to Join—Waiver. If a transaction or occurrence gives rise to more than one cause of action heretofore asserted in assumpsit and trespass, against the same person, including causes of action in the alternative, they shall be joined in separate counts in the action against any such person. Failure to join a cause of action as required by this subdivision shall be deemed a waiver of that cause of action as against all parties to the action.
End
Plain-English Summary
This rule governs combining claims. A plaintiff may state in one complaint more than one cause of action cognizable in a civil action against the same defendant, and causes of action and defenses may be pleaded in the alternative.
Joinder carries a consequence. Where a single transaction or occurrence gives rise to more than one cause of action formerly asserted in assumpsit and trespass against the same person, those causes must be joined, and a cause not joined as the rule requires is waived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring several claims in one complaint?
Yes. A plaintiff may state more than one cause of action against the same defendant, and may plead claims and defenses in the alternative.
Can a claim be waived by not joining it?
Yes. Where one transaction gives rise to more than one cause of action against the same person, a cause that is not joined as the rule requires is waived.
Official Note
Comment. : Regarding subdivision (a), the singular includes the plural, and the plural, the singular. See Pa.R.J.A. 105. Regarding subdivision (b), mandatory joinder is limited to related causes of action heretofore asserted in assumpsit and trespass. There is no mandatory joinder of related causes of action in equity. See Pa.R.Civ.P. 2226—2248 governing joinder. See Pa.R.Civ.P. 213(a)-(b) governing the consolidation and severance of causes of action.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1020 adopted June 25, 1946, effective January 1, 1947; amended through December 16, 1983, effective July 1, 1984, 13 Pa.B. 3999; amended December 16, 2003, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 9; amended November 3, 2023, effective January 1, 2024, 53 Pa.B. 7143. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (302456) to (302457).
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:more than one cause of actionalternative pleadingjoinder of claimsfailure to join