HomeMy WebLinkAbout96-02734
96-2734 CIVIL TERM
accident Mr. Books sustained multiple contusions, a laceration
of the right forehead, cervical and lumbar strains, concusaion
injury to the right optic nerve, and post-traumatic stress
syndrome. The forehead laceration has resulted in permanent
scarring and permanent nerve damage.
Two physicians will be called by use of video
deposition. Dr, Yates, a plastic surgeon, and Dr. Azizkhan, who
was the physician at the emergency room at Holy Spirit when Mrs.
Book was admitted, and also who treated her after she was
released from the hospital. Also a Dr. Jo Ann Coslet, a
psychologist, will be offering testimony concerning the effects
of the injuries, The Defendant has no medical witnessea to be
called at the trial,
It would appear that the Defendant is clearly liable
for the accident. However, at the pretrial counsel for the
Defendant was not ready to admit liability for the accident
inasmuch as he does wish to call hia client as a witness in the
trial.
Both parties shall furnish to the other any medical
records that they wish to offer at trial. If there's an
objection to any of these I direct that counsel let me know of
this on or before Wednesday, November 6th, 1996.
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HIt'IIAHIU' MiellNO
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November 7, 1996
The Honorable Harold E. Sheely, P.J.
Cumberland County Courthouse
One Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013
REI Book v. Herr
Civil Action No.1 96-2734 Civil Term
Dear Judge Sheely:
I understand trial in the above action will begin on
November 12, 1996. For your information, enclosed is a copy of
Attorney Gover's November 4, 1996 letter to me in which Defendant
admitted liability. With the admission of liability, this trial
may now be completed in one day. Should you have any questigns,----
please do not hesitate to contact me. --//-
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RASjmlm
Enclosure
Very S~~l?OUrs.-
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Richard A. Sad lock
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cc: Matthew R. Gover, Esquire
4603 NanTli rRaN1 STREtT. IIARIlISRURO, PA 17110.1700
17171230-679\
rAX \7171238.5810
- '
NEALON & GOVER
/II. .."ort..IONAL CO""O,.,..TION
ATTORNE:YS AT LAW
.JAMes 0 N[AL.ON, 111
M...TTH[W R GoVeR
301 MARKeT 6TR[[T . tiHH n.OOR
PO 80)( 86&
HARRISBURG, P[NN6"(LVANIA 17loe.OBee
7I'.232.8g00
,....x 717.230.8118
November 4,1996
Richerd A. Sedlock
ANGINa & ROVER
4503 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
RE: Sandra and James K. Book vs James N. Herr
Cumberland County Docket 96-2734
Dear Rich:
I discussed this matter with my client and Allstate and we are prepared to admit liability
In this matter.
Matthew R. Gover
NEALON & GOVER
MRG/shk
oc. J<aren DiMartile
II . DAMAGES
During the two impacts, Mrs. Book was violently thrown about
the van.
Glass shattered and covered Mrs. Book and her baby.
Fortunately, the baby escaped serious injury. Mrs. Book was not so
fortunate.
As a result of the accident, Mrs. Book sustained
multiple contusions, a laceration of the right forehead, cervical
and lumbar strains, concussion injury to the right optic nerve, and
post-traumatic stress syndrome.
The forehead laceration has
resulted in permanent scarring and permanent nerve damage.
Mr. and Mrs Book seek all damages recognized by law, including
pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life's
pleasures, and loss of consortium.
III. WITNESSES
1.
Plaintiffs;
Defendant, as on cross-examination;
2.
\. ".
James A. Yates, H.D., via videotape deposition; , I j, oJ"
. i ,.! '.1....\ '\'1"" f
Reza G. Az1zkhan, M.D., via videotape ~ep,o~;~~.~~~!, 1," ',,,,,,,," ~
Jo Ann Cos1et, Ed.D" via deposition; and ..
Officer J. R. Sadler of the Silver spring Township police
Department.
Plaintiffs will supplement this list, if necessary, in a
3,
4,
5.
6.
reasonable time prior to trial.
SANDRA LEE BOOK and
JAMES K. BOOK, her husband,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA
VS
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JAMES N. HERR,
Defendant
NO. 96-2734
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRETRIAL MEMORANDUM OF DEFENDANT. JAMES N. HERR
I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
On October 22, 1995, Sandra Lee Book was involved in an
automobile accident with James N. Herr. At the time of the
accident James Herr was traveling on Wertzville Road and
rear-ended Mrs. Book as she was preparing to make a right
hand turn on to Beard Road.
II . DAMAGES
This section is not applicable to the Defendant.
III. WITNESSES
A. Plaintiffs as on cross-examination.
B, All Plaintiff's treating physicians.
C. Officer J. R. Sadler of Silver Spring Township
Police Department.
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SANDRA LEE BOOK and
JAMES K. BOOK, her hueband,
Plaintiffs
: IN TilE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
I CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
v,
NO. CIl- . 1rlJlI C..,.l -7;>.'1"
JAMES N. HERR,
Defendant
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICB TO DEFEND
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against
the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action
within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are served,
by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and
filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the
claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to
do so the case may proceed without you and judgment may be entered
against you by the Court without further notice for any money
claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested
by the Plaintiff, You may lose money or property or other rights
important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE, IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE
SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP,
Court Administrator
Cumberland County Courthouse - 4th Floor
One Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013-3387
(717) 240-6200
SANDRA LEE BOOK and
JAMES K. BOOK, her husband,
plaintiffs
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
v,
NO. 9L . ,}'IJ 'f (~",'[
'-
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JAMES N. HERR,
Defendant
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
C 0 H P L A I N T
1. plaintiffs Sandra Lee Book and James K. Book are wife and
husbandr adult individuals, citizens of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, who reside at 5 Mountain View Drive, Mechanicsburg,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2, Defendant James N. Herr is an adult individual, citizen
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, who resides at 3875 Sterling
Way, COlumbia, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
3, The facts and occurrences hereinafter related took place
on or about october 22, 1995, at approximately 5:17 p.m., on state
Route 0944 (Wertzville Road), at its intersection with Beard Road,
Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
4. At that time and place, Plaintiff Sandra Lee Book wa.
operating a 1989 Dodge Caravan and was travelling eastbound on
Wertzville Road, Silver Spring Township, Cumberland county,
,
Pennsylvania,
90190/CLN
5, At that time, Plaintiffe' ten day old daughter was a
restrained passenger in the front passenger seat of the van.
6, At that time and place, Defendant James N. Herr was
operating a 1993 Chevrolet K-15 and was travelling eastbound on
Wertzville Road, directly behind Plaintiff sandra Lee Book.
7. At that time and place, Plaintiff Sandra Lee Book
initiated her right turn signal, slowed her vehicle, and prepared
to make a right turn onto Beard Road.
8. At that time and place, Defendant James N. Herr operated
his vehicle at a high rate of speed and struck the Book vehicls
with such force it propelled the Book vehicle forward, consequently
crashing into an embankment.
9, At that time and place, the front portion of Defendant
Herr's vehicle violently collided with the rear portion of the Book
vehicle.
10, The foregoing accident and all of the injuries and
damages set forth hereinafter sustained by Plaintiffs Sandra Lee
Book and James K. Book are the direct and proximate result of the
negligent, careless, wanton, and reckless manner in which Defendant
James N. Herr operated his motor vehicle as followSI
(a) failure to have his vehicle under such control as
to be able to stop within the assured clear
distance ahead I
2
right arm and axilla, contusion and abrasion of the right knee,
contusion of the right ankle, contusion of the left thigh,
concussion with orbital contusion, cervical and lumbar strains,
contusion to right optic nerve resulting in blurred vision, and
emotional distress,
13. By reason of the aforesaid injuries sustained by
Plaintiff Sandra Lee Book, she was forced to incur liability for
medical treatment, medications, hospitalizations and similar
miscellaneous expenses in an effort to restore herself to health,
and claim is made therefor.
14, Because of the nature of her injuries, Plaintiff Sandra
Lee Book has been advised and, therefore, avers that she may be
forced to incur similar expenses in the future, and claim is made
therefor.
15. As a result of the aforementioned injuries, Plaintiff
Sandra Lee Book has undergone and in the future will undergo great
physical and mental sUffering, great inconvenience in carrying out
her daily activities, loss of life's pleasures and enjoyment, and
claim is made therefor.
16, As a result of the aforementioned injuries, Plaintiff
Sandra Lee Book has been and in future will be sUbject to great
humiliation and embarrassment, and claim is made therefor,
4
17. As a rssult of the aforementioned injuries, Plaintiff
sandra Lee Book has sustained work loss, loss of opportunity and a
permanent diminution of her earning power and capacity, and claim
is made therefor,
18, As a result of the aforesaid injuries, Plaintiff Sandra
Lee Book has sustained uncompensated work loss, and claim is made
therefor,
19. As a result of the aforesaid accident and resulting
injuries, Plaintiff Sandra Lee Book has sustained scars which will
result in a permanent disfigurement and claim is made therefor,
20, Plaintiff Sandra Lee Book continues to be plagued by
persistent pain and limitation and, therefore, avers that her
injuries may be of a permanent nature, causing residual problems
for the remainder of her lifetime, and claim is made therefor,
CLAIM II
James K. Book v. James N. Herr
21. Paragraphs 1 through 20 of Plaintiffs' complaint are
incorporated herein by reference.
22, As a result of the aforementioned injuries sustainsd by
his wife, Plaintiff Sandra Lee Book, Plaintiff James K. Book has
been and may in the future be deprived of the care, companionship,
5
VERIFICATION
We, SANDRA LEE BOOK and JAMES K, BOOK, her husband, Plaintiffs
have read the foregoing COMPLAINT and do swear or affirm that the
facts set forth in the foregoing are true and correct to the best
of our knowledge, information and belief. We understand that this
Verification is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.c.s.A"
Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this
day of July, 1996, I hereby certify that I have served the
foregoing Answer on the following by depositing a true and correct copy of same in the
United States malls, postage prepaid, addressed to:
Richard A. Sadlock, Esquire
4503 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
II~~/,,~
Matthew R. Gover, Esquire
Dated: 1/.':1.';. ~(,
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SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
50 NORTH DUKE 51JlEET.lANCA5TER. PENNSYLVANIA 17fi02 '17111 299-8200
SHERIFF SERVICE
PROCESS RECEIPT, and AFFIDAVIT OF RETURN
f'lAINTIH/SI
Sandra Lee Book !o
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INStRUCTIONS FOR SEnVtCE OF PAOCESS on tho rovefle ullhelatllNo
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fI COUll 1 tHJMlIL1l
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D, SIGNATURE III ATTORNEY IH nUll:; ORioINATOri.--------- ..--..-...-. -]10 lllll'lHlt.l fUJ"lllf It - -. -.. [II DATI - 5/16/96 -
RiChard ^, Sad.1ock ~______:~~~~~D~~__H __ ~~B-~_??L_______ _5_-..!._~=-~___
12. BEND NOTICE OF SERVICE COpy TO NAME AND ADDRESS DElOW: IThll .,.. mull h completed II nollce II 10 be m.lled)
ANGINa & ROVNER, P,C,-..A503...tlQRTH FRONT 5T-1iA.W!ISB!lM.j~A.J}1l0 __
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SANDRA LEE BOOK and
JAMES K. BOOK, her husband,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
VS
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JAMES N. HERR,
Defendant
NO. 96-2734
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE
To the Prothonotary:
Please include the atLached verification to the Answer
previously filed in the above matter.
Respectfully submitted,
NEALON &: GOVER
n\--.
Esquire
By:
Matthew R. over,
Atty. 1.0. #47593
301 Market Street -- 9th Floor
P.O. Box 865
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0865
(717) 232-9900
VERIFICATION
I, JAMES N. HERR, have read the foregoing Answer and do swear Gr affirm
that the facts set forth in the foregoing are true and correct to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief. I understand that this Verification is made subJect to the penalties
of 18 Pa.C.S,A. S4904tG unsworn falslficatlGn to authorities,
,
/
/,,{. } ;' \ (~ ~/ / L~I /
/James N. Herr
"
(_.~C.--L_
Date:
SANDRA LEE BOOK and
JAMES K. BOOK, her husband,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
VS
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JAMES N. HERR,
Defendant
NO. 96-2734
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANT, JAMES N. HERR, REQUESTED POINTS FOR CHARGE
Respectfully submitted,
'Fti\n-rs
~
~
j
By:
Mat'h w R. Gover
Attorney I.D. No. #47593
301 Market St. - 9'h Floor
P.O. Box 865
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0865
(717) 232-9900
HERR INSTRUCTION NO.2
2. The number of witnesses offered by one side or the other
does not, in itself, determine the weight of the evidence. It is
a factor, but only one of many factors which you should consider
Whether the witnesses appear too biased or unbiased; whether they
are interested or disinterested persons, are among the important
factors which go to the reliability of their testimony. The
important thing is the quality of the testimony of each witness.
In short, the test is not which side brings the greater number of
witnesses or presents the greater number of witnesses or presents
the greater quantity of evidence; but which witness or witnesses,
and which evidence, you consider most worthy of belief. Even the
testimony of one witness may outweigh that of many, if you have
reason to believe this testimony in preference to theirs.
Obviously, however, where the testimony of the witnesses appear
to you to be of the same quality, the weight of numbers assumes
particular significance.
Pa. SSJI (Civ) 5,03.
HERR INSTRUCTION NO.1
1. You are not permitted to determine your verdict based on
guesswork, speculation or conjecture, or sympathy for a party.
En9le v. Spino, 425 Pa, 254, 228 A.2d 745 (1967):
Satovich v. Lee, 385 Pa, 133, 122 A.2 212 (1956),
SANDRA LEE BOOK and
JAMES K. BOOK. her husband,
Plaint if fs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
v.
NO. 96 - 27].l Civil Term
JAMES N. HERR,
Defendant
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFFS' POINTS FOR CHARG~
AND NOW come Plaintiffs Sandra Lee Book and James K. Book by
and through their attorneys. Angina & Rovner, P. C.. and provide the
following jury instructions which they move the Court to read to
the jury.
ANGINO & RGVNER. P.C.
Richard A. Sadlock. Esquire
. I.D. No. 47281
4503 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-6791
Counsel for Plaintiffs
Date: November~. 1996
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4. In civil cases such as this one, the Plaintiffs have the
burden of proving those contentions which entitle them to relief.
When a party has the burden of proof on a particular issue,
his contention on that issue must be established by a fair
preponderance of the evidence.
The evidence establishes a
contention by a fair preponderance of the evidence if you are
persuaded that it is more probably accurate and true than not.
To put it another way, think, if you will, of an ordinary
balance scale, with a pan on each side.
Onto one side of the
scale, place all of the evidence favorable to the Plaintiffs; onto
the other, place all of the evidence favorable to the Defendant.
If, after considering the comparable weight of the evidence, you
feel that the scales tip, ever so slightly or to the slightest
degree, in favor of the Plaintiffs, your verdict must be for the
Plaintiffs. If the scales tip in favor of the Defendant, or are
equally balanced, your verdict must be for the Defendant.
In this case, the Plaintiffs have the burden of proving the
following propositions: that the Defendant was negligent, and that
that negligence was a substantial factor in bringing about the
accident.
If, after considering all of the evidence, you feel
persuaded that these propositions are more probably true than not
true, your verdict must be for the Plaintiffs.
Otherwise, your
verdict should be for the Defendant.
Pa. SSJI (Civ) 5.50; sisk v, Duffy, 201 PLI. Super. 213, 192 A.2d
251 (1%3); Reist v. Manwillet., 231 Pa. SupeL '144, 332 A.2d 518
(1974) .
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8. If you find that the Defendant is liable to the
Plaintiffs, you must then find an amount of money damages which you
believe will fairly and adequately compensate the Plaintiffs for
all the physical and financial injury they have sustained as a
result of the accident.
The amount which you award today must
compensate the Plaintiffs completely for damages sustained in the
past, as well as damages the Plaintiffs will sustain in the future.
Pa. SSJI (Civ) 6.00; Miller v. Weller, 288 F.2d 438 (3d Cir. 1961);
Frankel v. United States, 321 F. Supp. 1331 (E.D. Pa. 1970), aff'd,
466 F.2d 1226 (3d Cir. 1972).
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12. In evaluating the amount to be awarded for pain and
suffering, you should consider that the infliction of pain means
taking f "om a pet'son what is her own to possess and retain __
namely health and well-being
and that the law allows for
compensation of this loss to the extent that loss may be calculated
in money damages.
Corcoran v. McNeal, 400 Pa. 14, 161 A.2d
Iannuzzi, 403 Pa. 329, 169 A,2d 777
Rockcraft Stone Products Co., 424 Pa. 77,
367 (1960); Thomason v.
(1961); DiChiacchio v.
225 A.2d 913 (1967).
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18. The Plaintiff is entitled to be fairly and adequately
compensated for such embarrassment, humiliat ion, and emotional
distress as you believe she has endured and will continue to endure
in the future as a result of her injuries.
Pa. SSJI (Civ) 6.01G; Frankel v. United States, 321 F. Supp. 1331
(E.D. Pa. 1970), aff'd, 466 F.2d 1226 (3d Cir. 1972); Marinelli v.
Montour R.R, Co., 278 Pa. Super. 403, 420 A.2d 603 (1980); Fish v.
Gosnell, 316 Pa. Super. 565, 463 A.2d 1042 (1983).
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21. In the Commonwealth, lose of conoortium has been
recognized ao a right growing out of the marriage relationship
which the husband and wife have L'eopect i ve ly to the society,
companionship and affection of each other in theil' life together.
Any interfeL'ence with this right of conoortium by the negligent
injury to one'o spouse, affords the other spouse a legal cause of
action to recover damages for that inteL'ference.
Burns v. Peosi-Cola Metropolitan Bottlinq CQ..., 353 Pa. Super. 571,
510 A.2d 810, 812 (1986).
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23. The Plaintiff' 8 spouse is entitled to be compensated for
the 10s8 of the injured party's services to him and the loss of
companionship of his spouse.
Pa. SSJI (Civ) G.01L; Hopkins v. Blanco, 457 Pa. 90, 320 A.2d 139
(1974); Mueller v. Brandon, 2B2 Pa. Super. 37, 422 A.2d GG4 (19BO) I
Burns v. Pepsi-Cola Metropolitan Bottling Co., 353 Pa. Super. 571,
510 A.2d B10 (19BG).
24. It is not an issue in this case nor are you to concern
yourselves with how any verdict \~i1l be paid. Your verdict must
fully compensate the Plaintiffs for all injuries, past, present and
future that they have sustained.
.' .
,.J.
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C.lRTIl"lCATJI: ,OF, .SERVlCE
I, Mat'cy (" MO~'t!I', illl "lIIplll~'"'' ot the law firm of Angina &
Rovller, P,C., do lWl'ob}' t'l'l'tll~' tlhlt I illllthill day serving a true
and correct copy or PRAECIPE TO DISCONTINUE 011 the following via
postage IH"epHid, llnll cl,lIIl1lJllltl'd filil\.tJII, l'eqllested addressed as
follows:
Matthew Ie GOVfJl', EII'Iull'l'
Nea I all I. Clov!! I'
301 M"rkel: fH....w\. - IJI h Floul'
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Date: Novl!Il\hor ;!'i. llJlJli
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