As used in this chapter ‘‘action’’ means any civil action or proceeding brought in or appealed to any court of record which is subject to these rules; ‘‘action for wrongful death’’ means in the case of rules 2202, 2203 and 2206, an action arising under the laws of this Commonwealth and in the case of rules 2204 and 2205, an action arising under the laws of this Commonwealth or any other jurisdiction; ‘‘personal representative’’ means the executor or administrator of the estate of a decedent duly qualified by law to bring actions within this Common- wealth.
Rule 2201.Definitions.
Adopted February 14, 1939 · Last amended December 16, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2201 defines the terms used in the chapter on wrongful-death actions, including what counts as an 'action.'
Full Text of Rule 2201
Plain-English Summary
A wrongful-death action lets a deceased person's family recover for the death caused by another's wrongful act. This opening rule defines the chapter's terms — chiefly that an 'action' means any civil action or proceeding subject to these rules — framing the rules that follow on who may sue and how.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wrongful-death action?
An action to recover for a death caused by another's wrongful act, on behalf of those entitled to damages.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2201 adopted February 14, 1939, effective September 4, 1939; amended March 27, 1956, effective July 1, 1956; amended April 18, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1820; amended December 16, 2003, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 9. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255307).
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: wrongful death definitionswrongful death actiondeath claim definition