A party may obtain information concerning the wealth of a defendant in a claim for punitive damages only upon order of court setting forth appropriate restric- tions as to the time of the discovery, the scope of the discovery, and the dissemi- nation of the material discovered.
Rule 4003.7.Punitive damages.
Adopted August 11, 1997 · Last amended August 11, 1997 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceA party may discover information about a defendant's wealth in a claim for punitive damages only on a court order that sets appropriate restrictions on the timing and scope of that discovery.
Full Text of Rule 4003.7
Plain-English Summary
This rule controls discovery of a defendant’s financial condition. Because a defendant’s wealth is relevant only to the amount of punitive damages, and premature disclosure could be misused, a party may obtain that information only upon a court order setting appropriate restrictions — as to timing and otherwise.
The Official Note adds that the parties may also proceed by agreement. Requiring a court order keeps a defendant’s finances out of discovery until the case shows a genuine punitive-damages claim, protecting against fishing and undue pressure while still allowing the discovery when it is warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you discover a defendant's net worth?
Only in a punitive-damages claim and only on a court order setting appropriate restrictions.
Why the restriction?
Wealth is relevant only to punitive damages, so the rule guards against premature or abusive financial discovery.
Official Note
Official Note: Discovery may also proceed pursuant to the agreement of the parties. See Rule 4002.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 4003.7 adopted August 11, 1997, effective December 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 4462.
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: punitive damages discoverywealth discovery