Adopted April 4, 1990 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1041.2 lets the court, in a multi-party action, require the parties to follow the streamlined asbestos-style procedure and to use a special caption designation identifying the group of cases.
(a)In an action which involves multiple parties, the court, on motion of any party or on its own motion, may require the parties to follow the practice and procedure prescribed by Rule 1041.1(a) and (c) through (f).
(b)If a significant number of cases is affected by the order, the court may require that the caption of legal papers filed contain a special designation identifying the category of case and that the prothonotary maintain a record of all such cases by separate docket, docketing code or other appropriate means.
End
Plain-English Summary
This rule extends the streamlined procedure beyond asbestos. In an action involving multiple parties, the court — on a party’s motion or its own — may require the parties to follow the practice and procedure of the asbestos rule, and where a significant number of cases is affected may require a special caption designation identifying the group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the streamlined asbestos procedure be used in other mass cases?
Yes. In a multi-party action, the court may require the parties to follow the asbestos-style alternative procedure and use a special caption designation.
Official Note
Official Note: The court is given discretion to determine if the procedure prescribed for asbestos litigation would be appropriate in other litigation involving, for example, mass torts, product liability or other toxic substances.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1041.2 adopted April 4, 1990, effective July 1, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 2281.
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. This rule has not been amended since its adoption. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:alternative proceduremulti-party captionmass litigation procedure