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EAST SHORE ORTHOPEDIC ASSOCIATES, P.C.
450 POWERS AVENUE. SUITE 101
HARRISBURG, PA 17109
(717) 561-4870
fED, I,D, 12$01753221
12-15-97
.
TAX 10 "
MICHAEL BELICIC
813 BALTIMORE PIKE
GARDNER PA 17324
015 998
DATE
PROC
-------------~---------------------~------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
DR PL DIAGNOSES
r.H,I,ROFS
99242
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U-19-94 99212
99212
20610
J0670
J0704
J 2000
99212
36-20-9' 99213
36-21-9' 29826
36-21-9' 29822-'1
_:-0'-9' 99213
'1-18-96 99212
';:-26-96 99212
~-16-96 99212
~-16-96 73030
~-2'-96 99212
~-11-96 99213
!'-20-96 99212
:-2'-97 73030
.
LEVEL 2 OP CONSULTAT KZ 3 726.1 726.2
PRUD PO (S93.09)
LEVEL 2 ESTABLISHED KZ 3 726.1 726.2
PRUD INS PO (S93,09)
LEVEL 2 ESTABLISHED KZ 3 726.1 726,2
PRUD INS PO (S1720.19)
ASP/IN SHO HIP KNEE KZ
INJECTION CARBOCAINE KZ
CELESTONE SOLUSPAN P KZ
PRUD INS PO (S1720.19)
INJECTION MARCAINE KZ 3 726.1 726.2
PRUD INS PO (SI720.19)
LEVEL 2 ESTABLISHED KZ 3 726,1 726.2
PRUD INS PO (SI720.19)
LEVEL 3 ESTABLISHED KZ 3 726.1 726.2
ARTHROSCOPY SHOULDER KZ 2 726.1 726.2
PRUD INS PO <SI720.19)
APPLIED TO DEDUCTIBLE S 2'0.00
PER BLS EOB, PATIENT REIMBURSED 824.00,.S206.00 CO
PAY AND S 2'0.00 DEDUCTIBLE. .BALANCE IS PT RESPON
ARTHROSCOPY SHOULDER KZ 2 726.1 726.2
PRUD INS PO <SI720.19)
LEVEL 3 ESTABLISHED KZ 3 726.0
PER BLS EOB 11/26/96, PT REIMBURSED 32.00, S8-COPA
PER BLS EOB 11/26/96.. .DH
LEVEL 2 ESTABLISHED KZ 3 726.0
LEVEL 2 ESTABLISHED KZ 3 726.0
PT REIMBURSED FOR THESE SERVICES..DH
PER EOB 11/2~/96. .DH
LEVEL 2 ESTABLISHED KZ 3 726.12
COPAY
XR SHOULDER
COPAY
LEVEL 2 ESTABLISHED KZ 3 726.12
COPAY
LEVEL 3 ESTABLISHED
LEVEL 2 ESTABLISHED
XR SHOULDER
APPLIED TO
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3'.00
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DEDUCTIBLE S
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726.2
733.41
Sf) .1l0
715 .91
3
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TOTAL CHARGES
INSURANCE PAYMENT
BLUE SHIELD PAYMENT
PAYMENT RECEIVED
INSURANCE ADJUSTMENT
3540.00
1813.28
920.00
80.00
- 9 7. R3
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:s injury related to: Q Work ):!1::Auto 0 Home 0 Other
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."alure of problem (Whot dre 1.1."1 treotinrJ you ror?~.sJ:~u.uli~.s::_oc...\ ~
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Address "",," ,'..':.., ':.;, '..'.', ,;
Claim'
Claim Representative
A{\T(JMOBILE' AccioENnl
P\ud~\I.H1tD '
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State _______ Zip
Phone (
3. IF Y()CJ HAVE OBTAINED THE SERVICES OF AN ATTORNEY, PLEASE COMPLETE
We will provide your attorney with requested information, however, we will NOT bill your attorney
for services rendered to you.
:'Horney -:::r~l\\e 9, ~\Tllk 11' r J 3~. Law Flrm~\DvJ~ril\\orl\e/\-\'r.7\\ I ~\00.0e( ~ }...,....d :;'0'1
Address' '\-\\h'r\ s::.-\-. c.:a,\\sle-,\=lC\.-
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EAST SHORE ORTHOPEDIC ASSOCIATES, P.C.
ORTliOPEDIC, TRAUMA nc, llANO [; SPINAl. Sc.RGERY . 5F'ORTS MEDICINE [, DAriCE ORTlfOPEDICS
Reeert R, Kaneda, D.O.
Ketl, L. Zellger, 0.0.
~50 Powers A\lenue. Sultl! 101
~iarrI1blJra. Pennsyl....ania 171 09.~926
Telephone (717) 561-4870
Fox (717) 561.4878
;n~urance Cal'rler \3\ u € Cross / B \ \J.e 0:;::; \\1 () \ ('\\
Group Numbcr ~ O~ Sd-. lQL\(;l.C'lL\ Agree.ment Number
I request that payment of authorized insurancc b~nelits be mode on my behalf to East Shore Orthopedic Associates, pc.
',R.R. Koneda, D.O.jK.L. Zeliger, D.O.) for any s~rvicp.s furni~hed me by these physicians, I authorlzc theSe physicians to
re~ease to the above Insurance carrier any Information necessory to determine these bencflts or the bcneflts payable to
relftted services.
--.~,)~L _'
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Signature of Patient
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"~';\','!:l~~}:l!"'i~,., ,,:'.: ,SaSQUEHANNA ORTHOPEDIC ASSOCIATESLTD,
-'~(~.'~~I::."" .,',;".J':,f,_!':'."i ~.' ;":",? '. " ." ". .' '." .' ," .,.~. .', , ",..
(, ,', i'1:i :~.:: .i.\ .ORTIIOPffi/C, mAUM~ TIC. II~NQ :- SPINAL SURGERY. SPORTS MEDICINE /; ~~CE ORTHOPEDICS
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~~j;", '.. ..' INS(J~N~EINFORMATION -
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Group
Occupation
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Subscriber's Name ~ 1J1,c/;J(lQJ
d- 'YA:l S
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Prim-arv insurance
. Add;es~' '...
Ins~red;s Narne-fr1~O oJ.
Insured's Addiess
Insured'~ Bh'thdate It ,,9 .r 0 J
Insured's Employer ~
Insured's .Employer's Address
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Secondary Insurance
Address
Insured's Name
Insured's Address
Insured's Birthdate
Insured's Employer_
Insured's Employer's Address
I.D. or Social Security /I
Group
Occupation
Work Phone (
Subscriber's Name
HISTORY OF INJURY
Is Injury Related To: Work Auto 1- Home Other
Date Of Injury /.. / / / /..2. (./ If Ofr Work, Date Last Worked
/. I -
Nature Of Problem (What are we treating you for?) R I;' 1-1 -~ ;_'1 I~ /A--'t
Have you been treated for above problem? \/1:" S Where? ~
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Were X.rays taken? y......5 Where? _t5...1I2 ,..., c' .......
F"amlly Doctor I4J,.-I < '< t.--
Address (,1:>-;!. " t:..
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~eferred B~: 1'<>,"'" < .",- -~
Address
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U~t Any Allergi,es
Do you have lI,hlstory of:
Heart Dlsell~e. Q Hypertension: Q . Gout Q ,Ola~~les 0 .' ..y:::.~yrold Problem Q
Kidney Disease Q Arthrllls Q Ulcers a: Cancer' 0
Helg~t ~/.9".., Weight, / '7 S-~. ":;~::'C::'::.:-
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ADDITIONAL iNFORMATION REQ(JJRED REGARDING:. ,. ',., .,
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}):.,':,:".'. . WORKMEN'SCOMPf;NSATlON:CLA~,S 'I:.:i.~
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Addi~~s....@:f -~:).. f""T r~ City ..~- ..' St~te~ ZI~
. Inilura~;~e Carrier . .:;',:dalm 1/<.":"."
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. HEALTH INFORMATION
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AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS
;::J v I-( "I ~ Vl -;-;"4< I
. City (lI c-J/ .sh" '"
Claim Representative
State fJ)9 Zip /9 097/
me; r ;-1'1 ~ln r:'v I-~ !
YOUR Automobile Insurance Carrier
Address fi () /3 L? )( 9 7 '7
Clalrn I/< ~1o.01l{ U()~ I -:JOY-)'
Claim Representative Phone II ( )
3) IF YOU HAVE OBTAINED THE SERVICES OF AN ATTORNEY, PLEASE COMPLETE:
~~ ~w~m
Address
Phone (
SUSQUEHANNA ORTHOPEDIC ASSOCIATES, LTD.
O.mllrd I. z.us.t, 0,0.
Rob'lt R. Kened.. D.O.
Ktilh L Z.Uge1', 0,0.
OOrfA?P!D/C. 1TV.UHAT1C ~ND & MlINi\LSlJRCZRY. SP\';RT~ MrDlONllj DN1CLORrJK)Pf!DIC~
t!r.nber L
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allent
I request that payment of authorized insurance benefits be made on my behalf to Susquehanna Orthopedics
Associates, Ltd. (B. I. Zellger, D.O./R, R, Kaneda, D,O./K. L. Zeliger, 0,0.) for any services furnished me by
these physicians, I authorize these physicians to release to the above insurance carrier any Information
necessary to determine these benefits or the benefits payable to related services,
~r;h Carrier
Agreement Number
450 Powotrs Avtnut. Suite 101
Harri5burg, Pellnsylvllnio 17109.'926
Telephol'eo (717) 558.8222
fox (717) 561 .2.555
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We will gladly submit charges to your Insurance carrier; however, If payment is denied all charges will be your
responsibility. If dny attorney is involved with your case, we will provide YOLlr attorney with requested
information. However, we will NOT bill your attorney for services rendered to you,
.
Thank you for your time and patience in completing this f::j>~~!.L~
Patient's Signature
meHAEL llELleIC
. .
FILE
NOTES
J /18/96
HIs rt. shoulder motion Is essentially normal except in to extensIon and external
rotation still tIght, The therapist needs to keep working on stretchIng that, as
well as strellgthening to the shoulder. He's not having much pain alld is working
without difficulties. Recheck (3) wks. hoping he has improved motion that he can
stop P.T. and do this on his own.
KLZ: ser
3/26/.96 :
His shoulder rallge of motion is near normal with flexion/abduction, extension across
the body and external rotation, internal rotation behind the body are still tight
but better than they were. COlltinue to work on it over the next couple of months
and if he has not gained it back by the end of Nay, we will consider manipulation
under anesthesia. I'll stop P.T, at this time and continue it on his own. He's
not complaining of any pain,
KLZ:ser
7/16/96
His shoulder has been bothering him for about a month and a half 110101. The last
time we saw him it was doing well. He had been using Some pipe wrenches and
possiblj pulling hard on them. He may have strained his shoulder or rotatllr
cuff, developing a little bursitis that has been bothering him on and off since.
I am going to try him on some Naprosyn, as that had worked in the past, and I'll
see him at the end of next week, He knows I'll be moving to Dubois, and if he's
better by the time I go, then we have our answer. If not, then we can consider
some physical therapy for the shoulder to treat it, or try injecting it, and
having him then see by Dr. Kaneda,
KLZ/jep
7/25/96
His pain is in the shoulder still, but it's very localized now over the front of
the shoulder right along the biceps tendon and when we rotate the shoulder internal
and externally pressure right over the tendon we feel it snap back and forth and he
Is in significant discomfort and reproduces his pain. I do not recommend injecting
the biceps tendon because of the possibility of spontaneous rupture or fragmentation.
However, I would recommend physical therapy as the best way to address this since
anti-inflammatories did not help much. We'll write for phYSical therapy over the
next two weeks having him rechecked after the first week of therapy by Dr. Kaneda.
Further care can be determined at that time.
KLZ/kir
.
mCHAEL IlELICIC
FILE NOTES
7/19/95
His shoulder is doing well at this time. He lacks only yome internal rotation,
he hasn't really worked on. that much, and he'll concentrate more on that now,'
His strength is good, He seems to be doing well at work. Therefore, I'm only
going to see him as needed if he has any problems. If all is doing well, he just
needs to keep working on stretching and strengthening to his shoulder,
KLZ/jep
g/7 /95
He was seen today in followup. He was doing real well with his shoulder until
approximately three weeks ago when a guy was thrown into his right shoulder
at work resulting in pain in the shoulder which has been getting better since
that time. He has lost a little bit of internal rotation and external rotatior.
since that ooint, but since his shoulder is quieting down from some irritation
of the rotator cuff and axi llary nerve, I think that if he begins to stretch
it back out he'll be ok, I also see no problem with him hunting and shooting
a bow, or shooting a mussel loader. that is just a matter of comfort. If he
can handle it, he might want to consider a recoil pad for his shoulder for the
mussel loader because the shoulder is bruised and further bruising will not be
helpful to it healing. If he finds difficulty pulling back a compou'nd bow.
long bow or recurve and finds that the only way he can hunt would be with the use
of a crossbow he can obtain a permit from the game commission and l'd be more than
happy to complete it for him.
KLZ/kir
12/5/95
He was doing well until this last September when someone fell into his shoulder
(as we documented). H19 pain subsided from that, but he seems to have lost some
motion, He has now developed a frozen shoulder on the right, or an adhesive
capsulitis. I'm going to recommend some PT to try to loosen this up and will
recheck him in a couple of weeks. If it '5 not starting to show improvement.
we'll then talk to him more about manipulation of the shoulder under anesthesia.
KLZ/jep
"'1'/
EAST SHORE ORTHOPEDIC ASSOCIATES, P,C.
ORTHOPEDIC, TRAU~\ATIC, HAND [, SPINAL S(/RGERY . SPORTS MEDICINE Ij DANCE ORTHOPEDICS
Robert R. Kened,}. 0.0" P,C
Keith L. Zeiiger, 0.0, P.c.
450 Pl)wen Avenue, Suil~ 101
Harrl,burg, PA 171 09.~9Z6
Ttr,phone (717) ~61.4870
FIX (717) ~61.4878
June 23, 1995
Benjamin J. Pariser. 0.0,
5255 East Simpson Ferry Road
Mechanicsburg. PA 17055
RE: Michael Belicic
Dear Dr. Pariser:
I saw Michael Belicic in the office today, 6/23/95. in follow-up. His right
shoulder is doing well status post arthroscopic acromioplasty which was performed
on 6/21/95, His prtoperative pain is gone, and his motion is very good; he has
near full range of motion. He will continue to work on the remainder of the
motion and work on strengthening.
We removed tre sutures today and applied steri-strips. He can get it wet
in a bath or shower starting tonight, and may go swimming in a che~ically treated
pool starting today if he wishes. He would like to return to work, and says he'd
be driving an automatic pick-up truck, delivering parts but not loading or
unloading them. If that's the case, he'll be alright With it.
I would like to recheck him next Thursday to see how he's doing. If he's
doing okay on his own, we'll continue; if he needs some physical therapy, "'e'll
plan to send him for that.
I thank you very much for allowing me to participate in the care of your
patient.
Sincerely,
Keith L. Zeliger. D.O.
KLZ/jep
Dictated but not read
.
EAST SHORE ORTHOPEDIC ASSOCIATES, P.C.
ORTHOPEDIC. TRAU~\ATIC, HAND [, SPINAL SURGERY' SPORTS MEDICINE f, DANCE ORnlOPEDICS
Robert R. Kanedol, D.O" P.C.
Ke"h L. Z.lIg.., 0.0.. P.C.
4~O Powers Avenue, Suite 101
H."r.burg, PA 17109.'926
rel.phone (717) '61.4670
F.. (717) '61,4678
rebruary 6, 1996
Jam..s D. rlow..r, Jr.
rLOWER, MORGENTHAL.fLOWER & LINDSAY
11 East High Str....t
Carlisle. PA 1713>413-3016
R~: nICHAEL OELICIC
Dear Attorn..y rlow..r:
"ichael Oelicic is a 36 year old right hand dominant
plumb..r. At his first. visit, 9/28/95. he stBted that hB WBS
involv..d in a car ",ccid..nt. HB was th... drivllr of a truck that.
struck anothp.r v..hicle, During the accid...nt. his shoulder harness
did not hold and h.. struck his chest on the stllll?r ing wh....l. He
states he has had pain in the right shoulder and right arm since
th. Bccident. He was initially Been at Carlisle Hospital and then
trontlld by Dr. eenjamin Pariser. He did not respond to NSAID
therBpy.
At the timO!' of th.. initial visit. my diagnosis WBS rotator
cuff t..ndonitis with subacromial bursitis and impingement syndromp..
as w..11 ..s a t..ar in th.. ..nt..rior glenQid l",brum, I t.reatlld him
with Physical Therapy and changlld th~ NSAID m..dication.
On May 16,19'35, Micha..l had two steroid injpctions, a trial
of physical th..rapy and .."t...nded NSAID trp.atmOl'nt, II.. h",d no r..lief.
At that tim.., I gav.. him on.. final injE'ction, Having no r..1ip.f from
any trp'",tm'l1nt, Michael opted for a Diagnostic a'ld Operativ..
Arthroscopy of his right shoulder.
Michael had surg..ry 6/21/95 at Grandview Surgery Center.
[luring surgp.ry, it was not...d that Mich....l had" small tear in th..
ant...rior gl<!'noid labrum. This "as arthroscopically debrided. IIv
also h..d significant impingement and an arthroscopic acromioplasty
"as pl\?rform..d.
Michael had good mo'.ion. r..lief ot pOlin and improving strength
fcllowing thp. surgery ..nd by 7/19/95. hp. "OlS doing well, lacking
only some intllrnal rotatlon.
.
, . SUSQUEHANNA ORTHOPEDIC ASSOCIATES, LTD
450 Powers Avenue
Harrisburg, Pa 17109
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL
NAME ,j;"dt,,(, A~u-
AGE 3''';'
CHIEF COMPLAINT' /J , a j ;/.JI '.; ...) . , /,
/a~ (Jx'~('~l1l.,!A.... .~ ~r;: I-~. ~ j..,v{-() ~'-
..JI~ w... An ( ;; r.h t L(7../... j.tlt.... 7 ~ C'/u4.~' //.
et~ t&'rU~ . d1
HIST~RY OF ILLNESS/IN~UEl;;1) jI il ~. - /1. tfy duc:,-~ :1 Ii: ' '" ?t.. ld:lR-d'" 4-7<-/-~
J4A- ~~0,nr.a1 j1~ i:J::'06 ~<-/ f~ ),",,-d/.L~f
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~ T<.I-,.d:uvJL #c..L- '.ft.tA/./-'-f L'dd.,:.( 'c ~ eke/;
TR.EATMENT REG~ED: (X.RAY. MRI, .P,T., MEDICAll0NS! " .
~C(.I ~<A.-6__ /~ ~ -/;.).9'(.(,-", x/~<./' j,....(f/ bt#~ /~ '4~...:.uw ,
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"'T ME~STO'" r r'"' .4~ ,4....:....-<
DATE 1- o?f 9y
· LLERGIES:
)/ ~J)d
~:;::~ENT ^IEDICA,TIONS' /I' ..-..-x.,-
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:'CCUP,\ TION // i C:"i'Y .e~t-;.t.-.
WORK STATUS
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:--\7E L-\ST WORKED
.
INITIALS
4..
,
,...,
"
,:"";'
'., ~ '
NAME
"
'j"
SYSTEMS REVIEW
CARDIOVASCULAR: fK-/.-<!J
( I) SJOKE
( ) HEART ATTACK
( ) ANGINA
( ) CHEST PAIN
( ) CIRCULAT10N PROBLEMS
( ) HI'JH BLOOD PRESSURE
( ) CONTROLLED
RESPIRATORY:
(~FFICUL TV BREATHING
( ) ASTHMA
( ) MORNING COUGH HOW LONG?
( ) ALLERGIES
GASTRO'INTESTINAL.:.x. t4 .
( ()STP'MACH ULCERS ) ACTIVE (
( ) NERVOUS STOMACH
( ) RECENT CHANGE IN BOWEL HABITS
( ) CONSTIPATION ) DIARRHEA
) HEALED
BLEEDING PROFILE: !~
((hA/}.ILY HISTORY OF BLEEDINO
( ) FREQUENT NOSE BLEEDS
( ) EASY BRUISING
( ) UVER DISEASE.
..
GENITO.URlNARY:
(/~tffFICUL TV VOIDING
( ) BLOOD IN URINE
( ) INCONTINENCE
( ) PAINFUL URINATION
NEURO.MUSCULAR; ,/ /U.&~
( (}fR'tQ~EN-r!HEAD"CHES
( ) SEIZURE DISORDER
.
( ...n6iNT PAIN ~..., ,
( ) BEING TREATED FOR ARTHRITIS
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EAST SHORE ORTHOPEDIC ASSOCIATES, P.C.
, '
. OPERATION/PROCEDURE AUTHORIZATIONS
.
I hereby authorized the performance upon
[c:lolI'ing operation(s) of procedure (s):
\r\ fLI",,:>-,,\
Date: s-ll<-9S
('\\,e,)\C,!d (j~,\c...c...
Time: 5 ,".;C: AM, ~
of the
c:; ~~.. <:o>\\~,,\~(' -:::.
?" c,c- ~s....\<!..~\-o""o, :3 (L <'(".-\'l<on:~,"'I..
I
L\ (c: (\,("':"\",""l'CI..', ~
t: be performed under the direction ofDr.(s) ~ < .-\-\-" 2,,--\,~r
ar.d such associates and assistants as he may designate. I consent to the performance of such operation(s) and procedure(s) In
acdition to or different from those now contemplat~d, whether arising from present or unfore$een conditions, which the above
r.amed doctor or his associates may consider necessary or advisable during the course of the operation,
i consent to the administration of such anesthetics as may be considered appropriate by the physicians responsible for this service.
Fer the purpose of advancing medical education, I consent to the admittance of quaiifled observers to the Operating Room ~nd the
taking of photographs and x,rays,
I consent to the disposal by hospital authorities of any tissue or parts which may be removed.
Certain risks and consequences that are associated with the operatlon(s) set forth above have been explained to me to my
satisfaction uy the above named doctor or his associates. I understand the possibility of complications which may affect the results
a~:f I realize that there Is no guarantee as to the results of the operation(s) or procedure(s},
I ';nderstand it is anticipated that surgery will be performed on
13'j) days from the signing of this consent.
c-
C;- \l- - I':::,
within thirty
I :~tend to be legally bound by this consent which I am signing voluntarily after it has been completed and after I hav~ read il ~nd
i":'y understand it.
~'<___ '{, \.\., - ~\\"'~ ,/ ,A~-~,-/':'
7'\, ~
, (SignoM. of P'tI.nl)
\:,~~en patient is under eighteen (18) years of age or is incompetent to give COl1sent:
(Si~nature of Wltnt55j
(Slsn~l'Jre cf person aulhcri:ed to ccnsenl fer ~,)lltnq
(R""lOr,\/1Ipl
PHYSICIAN'S CE~TJFICA TION
: 'ereby certify that the patient or person authcrized to consent for patient who e~ecuted the forgoing consent did so after h~ving
:~e~ adVised orally as to the matters referred to In the consent and after haVing l".elved ans\\er,\ to Jny qll~\llon\ regardlnglhe
:- :::'paled pr0cedure ,._
~ - \ '." -( \ ';- x \ 7~LI,-<~=__,
. ,e," t (,,'U.". "I Ph) \I,'"," ,
(~ ,1 J;/ ). 'I !I
DATE TRANSCRIBED:
6/25/95
P~T1ENT: Michael Belicic
DATE: 6/21/95 NO: 14691
SURGEON: Kelth Zeliger, 0,0.
ANESTHESIOLOGIST:
PRE.OP OX: See below,
POST.QP OX: Same,
PROCEDURE: See below.
GRANDVIEW,SURGERY CENTER
OPE:f;';"TIVE R~PORT'
dATE DICTATED: 6/21/95
DESCRIPTION:
PRE-OP OX: Impingement syndrome, right shoulder wi th torn anter ior
glenoidlabrum,
PROCEDURE: Arthroscopic acromioplasty of the right shoulder with
repair of torn glenoidlabrum.
Sponge counts, needle counts were correct,
Gross Findings: At the time of surgery Michael Belecic was noted
to have a small tear in the anterior glenoidlabrum which was ablo
to be debrided arthroscopically, as well as was noted to have
significant impingement in the subacromial space, which we treated
with an arthroscopic acromioplasty.
Procedure: Michael Belicic was turned to the lateral position with
the left side down, right side up on the operating room table, held
in place with a vacuum beanbag, and his right arm was placed in the
arthroscopic arm holder. He was prepped and draped in the standard
fashion for surgery of the right shoulder. Following this, an 16
gauge spinal needle was used to locate through the posterior aspect
of the shoulder into the glenohumeral joint, which was t.hen
distended with sterile saline solution, after which a stab wound
was made with a # 11 blade, 1 cm poster ior 2 cm medial to the
posterior lateral edge of the acromion, after whi=h using technique
of sharp and blunt trocars, insertion of arthroscopic cannula,
following insertion of the arthroscope, the knee was distended with
sterile saline solution. Using the arthroscopy pump a thorough
arthroscopic examination was performed of the glenohumeral joint.
Next, a WiSSinger rod was placed through from posterior to anterior
through the arthroscopic cacnula, A stab wound was made along the
anterior aspect of the cannula, over which was fed a cannula, and
switched with an arthroscopic shaver, The arthroscopic shaver was
then used to debride the tear of the glenoid labrum, Once this was
completed the shaver was removed, the scope was removed from the
glenohumer.al joint after the JOlnt had been suctioned dry, and then
placed upward into the subacromial space, Once this was done the
shoulder was distended by uSlng the arthroscopy pump. after which
an arthroscopic shaver was placed through the anterior portal in
the subacromial space, and debr idement was done of the bursa as
w~ll as the resection of the coricoacromial li;ament,
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
. I ","
" ,of ~ 'I
,.' '{
,,', I '--.-"
.....:-_~-
Signature of Surgeon
.
!It '~IA
_,Ili
i?~icia~
,~JIilys
;V~girlg
JCel\ter MRI REPORT
REFERRING PHYSICIAN:
BJ Pariser, D.O.
5255 Simpson Ferry Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
CAMP HILL
PHYSICIANS IMAGING CENTER
4349 Corllsle Pike
Camp HilI. PA 17011
(717) 731.1166
FAX (717) 731.1396
NAME:
FILE #:
DOH:
DATE OF STUDY:
BELICIC, MICHAEL
C185543820
05-09-62
06-21-94
CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS: Pain in the right shoulder. Evaluate for rotator
cuff tear.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE RIGHT SHOULDER
SEQUENCES: Oblique coronal Tl, proton density T2 weighted, sagittal
Tl weighted and wtial gradient echo images of the right shoulder was
perfonnc~,
COMMENTS: The bone marrow signal is nonnal. There is a defect
involving the posterior lateral aspect of the humeral head with mild sclerotic
and cystic changes in the subcortical region. Findings are consistent with a
Hill-Sachs defonnity. Mild bony overgrowth to the acromioclavicular joint
is present, occurring along both the superior and inferior aspects of this joint,
resulting i~, downward displacement (mild) of the supraspinatus muscle.
Rotator cuff muscles and tendons are intact. No signal aberrations are
present within the tendons, The muscle bellies are of nonnal configuration.
The long head of the biceps tendon is in a normal location within the
bicipital groove. The biceps tendon anchor to the superior glenoid labrum is
intact. Anterior and posterior glenoid labrum are intact. There is redundancy
of the subscapularus senovium along the inferior aspect of the anterior joint
space. The anterior inferior labrum in this region is not as well seen as at
superiorly. This could represent a mild cartilaginous Bankant lesion. No
bony defects are detected.
.
Providing Non'Clacntrophoblc i'Y1R1 Services
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27 B~~d Avenue
ALEXANDER SPRING REBAB, INC.
ca~lisie, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 245-234l
TBIS INFORMATION IS FOR YOUR RECORDS.
TBANK YOU FOR YOUR RtII'ERJlAL
""INITIAL EVALU~""
PATIENT,
BIRTI! DATIl.
PHYSICIlUh
Michael BslLcic
05/09/62
Benjamin Pariss~, D.O.
DIAGNOSIS. R ahoulde~ pain
DATE PT INITIATED, 05/09/95
PATIENT IDI, 564558
8' M~. Bellcic is a 33 y~. old mals who is pr~sently working tull time as a plumbe~. He
initially injured his R shoulder on 06/11/94 du~ing an HVA. The pt. atatea his ca~ ran head en
into el\othe~ vehicle which apparently d~ove throullh a atop silln. Hr. BeUdc states that h1a
cllr hit the othe~ vehicle two timee & then hit a van. He'has received a cortisone injection
which reduced pain tor 1 1/2 moe.. He received a aecond injection one month ago which caussd
no reduction ot pain. He comp1aina over the anterior, superior & poeterior R shoulder, espe-
cially when abducted at 900 & during pullinll or rowing motion. such as when he is pulling on a
w~ench. He nceiv4d x-rays and an HRI 2-J mos. allo but does n"t know the preciee ruults.
There is a possible labrel tear. He reporte his pain levsl as 5-6/10 on averalle. Preaent
medioation includes Naprosyn. He has tried Prednisone. Earller treatment for hie ehoulder
pain had included moist heat, ultrasound & ice.
O. gQservations, In the standinll position, an area of poaaibls atrophy is notsd ovsr the R
supraspinatus muscle belly compared to the L. N~ abnormal laxity is preaent at the acromio-
clavicula~ joint. However, there is complaints ot pain .to palpation at ths acromion. There i.
no obvious edema at the R shoulder.
PalDation. Tenderneas is elicited at the R biceps tendon., both the lonll & short heads, the
suprupinstus tendon & the muscle bellies ot the suprupinatus 'intraspinatus. Tender'ness is
also noted ov~r & behind the coracoacromial ligament. Pt. reports recent onset ot L upper
trape.ius & posterio~ scalene discomtort.
BQHL Active ROH is IINL as is paesive motion. Subacromial pain ie noted during passive rota-
tion & impinllement teating.
Strenoth. R shoulder tlexion, abduction & external rotation are 4+/5 with signiticant pain
~eproduced during resiated tlexion & abduction. Only mild tendernese ia noted durinll reeisted
external rotation.
other teats. The drop arm test is negative tor e1gniticant rotator cut! tear. However, pain
is reproduced durinll this test & mild weakness ot the supraspinatus is noted in this position
with 4 to 4+/5 strength. Impingement test is poeitive for reproduction ot discomtort. 8icipi-
tal tendon test ia negative & laxity testa are negative. NO joint crepitus i. reproduced
during testing.
A. Hr. Belicic prssents with chronic tendinitis ot the R shoulder involving the rotator cutt.
No signs ot a tear are noted & no abnormal laxity is present. Pain is not reproduced during
laxity testing nor i. crepitus asaociated with a labral tear present. Hr. Belicic is almost
one year post injury & has already been lhrough a serie. ot modalities & injection.. Rehab
potential at this point ie theretore limited & should simply concentrate on strengthening
eotivitiee within a sate ROH.
2. Tolernte overhead work & Dush/cull
motions without eianlficant increase of
. Daln.
LONG TERlI GOALS
1...Jlolerate ADL & work with onlv mild
~'ll!lder cain.
2.
snORT TERM GOALS
1. OacreSS8 Dftin 30-40'.
J.
plan, PT is to
& home pro'Jram,
be pertormed 2x per wk. for up to 3 wk.. & concentrnte on therapeutic exerci.e,
ice & e=~~_l s.tj!n.u I ''In it needed.
~_ Dnte. 05/09/95
Christopher K. Fish"r, P.T.. PT-001447-E Dictated but not read.
SIGNATURE,
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"'. !\lE~A~DEI'l~P~~~~.R~II'\BI/i' . ..', ....
,\\ Carll ,,~!~! r:~f,~~~~1~1~;~~~~~';I{I~t\~'" ".1,717' ~4?-234 I
VIEW, SIGN AND .~E~~,~1i~g~~'~I~~~v_~,~:.~.O.R,. YUUR REFERRAL.
F T E THENT ,.' .' "'\'r~, IIJ~"b'b'.olU" 'Borl:l
'LAN 0 R A .. . .;<~. ,y.~\ t'i!j,~~:,\.,~ ,I" '" Eli,l 4 ~ ,.:B_.---.----
'." '," (':,\.' ~;'~"~ir:\l:-I'" III ."
tHchael ~!tl\c:iCI.;~'~~~.~ .~ '. ~iN.i.n~r~~;.' -L._12/0l:l,195.
""~'I1'~'" ,,,f' '1'1.' ," ("" , ,.
~_!'~:/~I" 'ER~\)i,:.\,'!I"H!i~O/"5 ::..u1/12/96
\ .t.~~:~J~'>o ~ ~"r''rf6~U,\\l\'''''!' ....." " ' .'
I<elth L. 20110er. 11.0. "'''Diel3ll'9:i~I",:~t'(';:;. "h~I\I~"'C;DIIUlltlll R.lhouldl![-,--_
,1< '~', "~v41(~~;,r,~ \\;\~;,,"II,I)I\\'II"'~'/f".\'1 I
, . . (~'., . ~',..~ ~', \' ,I,: J" . 't' ,.
RTlNENT'HEDICAL ltIFOR~IA,~u" Had arthroGc..." II r 'R'( ul r':: ~
., II......'... . ,. ~~I.\~>>,I'!tt~~t "', 1'~'';4~l ~,\.I."~'(~'.I~JI'(;,lf:,\~t ! i' It',' . "
TE OF ONSET Ob/el/95 'REHAB POTENTlAC.'!'~"''-\: . ~.$:lfu!SER~lt.,.", Phvslc;ll' Ihe";lDV'
Y~'FOR'REF~~RING"T~;S':~AT'I~N~,'t~ OUK !:.I::R~I~; '!~~~>J;:Z~~'~:'AA;i':~~'(:"u~'-i';~":\~-i~L FOLLOW:':,~.
.' , ,-,,71,');'","J' .11~.\' ~ .. (Ii.,' .~~\.r,,,,, "
, ' .. .' .. " .Ii,' ~, I, ..,10'11:..... !.'Il' I ~ .,.ij'/~,!P..'lIf". '/,'. ,," 'l ."
,JOR FINOIIIGS ll-EIlTIFIEO OURltlG ~. 1 ItITERltl '1ISIT INCLUDE,
R t;hCluldo," flp.nte.\1 1)-15~r). 1bductioll ')-110o~ lR 0_,.,.0" ER 0-1..00.
Patlerlt& ahoulder has a 'leI'! hard endfe~l.
Ho,'klng full time as plumb"".
Difficulty working overhllad with pipe.
~~cre;ltlonal fishing/casting lure difficult.
"
27
.
IE OF BIRTH
--l!5/IJ91 be
fSICIAN
"~,i . ' . ~ I
'(
;SESSHENT I
jheslve'capllulitlll R shoulde,.
.. ,. J "'~ I ' .',' '," ," . .
. ..I.~I "",,' ~~.,,~~.
111'" , ,'." .,
_Atl OF. TREATl1ENT I ' ' FREOUENCY,
At-ITICIPATEO DURATlOtIl
I. ;
..
: I
,'"'' I :., ',1,'::1.' ,',,' '.:
2"'(;)'.:"4 .;., '~'.'
2 "3 (j)'(W
'...f....
, ." '~r ','.' J . ",' .',..,. ~,
.; ~t' ,.'" \'t.r~ .~J~' lU,~ ..~~I.~, ;,~:,.{ .
'I/w.ek'....~ " .'.t;,:. .I,,..",'r. "\J"l~r" .
. .-,..t.,' ,. ,',' ,"',' .
I! ".,1;' "', ,f'. 'I
b . 7','" 'S.."'.w..ekll':) .'
I'"
'. .., ~ 'I
, '..
,.I'
REATtIEtlT, .1.
I. 2.
110lllt heat.
.JJ.liD'_"-9und.
Thel"ilCeutic
4.
5.
3.
" t \' e t c b.!.!N-,--
6.
! I(Jr<T rEr<H GO'''.S
.JD.f1 ~4\..,;; .' =hCdJld~I' acti'/I? Rj.-il~_._
LQrIG TEr,l'I GO,'1_5
L, ...lr'f.0_~.f,f'51J .h':,c\ ldel" F.:otl.
-_____.0
..flth.mQ.U~P.l.Li";.!Llli!L,!3. sbsc.~L~0-____ a._l.n..'Qrc~!rJl'" abiill't_ove,'h~d if ca"sible.
O? il1.
" JosePh~~~-$.r;
'HYSICIAN COMMENTS:
3.
--.-'
t\,
PT -,),) 129'I-E
O.\te: 12/'!8d5
nictated hut nat read.
1 certlfy' that 1 ha'le ~~~dml\led the patlellt L\lld n:hclb SEH-'1icl~l! aloe \1ec:::el!'E!.~,,"Y ?nd ~'1ill be p,'o'lld-
~~d l.oJhill! th~ p~tien~ 15 IJndel- my C;\re. Thl=! ploll1 c..f tn~j;\tmf?nt 1,01111 be ,-e'liF?wed every 6') day!\ ClI-
a!5 p~ti[mt,'~ condItion l"an.i1n~c. ,.fhiE pi'tlL\lt dCles not l"f?qulre a 'SC'cli.'ll n6ed!5 a51!-p.':!:ment.
PH'IS lciMI D,'I E I;). - ('f -..., S'"
ASR 12/94
.
27 Brookwood Avenue
ALEXANDER SPRING REHAB, INC.
Carlisle, pennaylvania 17013
(717) 245-2}41
.
THIS INFORMATION IS FOR YOUR RECORDS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFERRAL
..INITIAL .VALUATION""
PATIENT.
BIRTH DATE.
PHYSICIAN,
Michael Bell.c:l.c
05/09/62
aenjemin Periaer, D.O.
DIAGNOSIS. R shoulder pain
DATE PT INITIATED, 05/09/95
PATIENT 101. 564558
9. Mr. 8elicic ie a 33 yr. old male who ie presently working full time as a plumber. He
initielly injured hie R ehoulder on 06/11/94 during an MVA. The pt. statsa his car ran head on
into another vehicle which apparently drove through a stop sign. Mr. Beiicic states that his
car hit the other vehicle two times & then hit a van. He has received a cortiaone injection
which reduced pain for 1 1/2 mos.. He received a second injsction one month ago which caused
no reduction of pain. He complains over the anterior. superior & posterior R shoulder, e.pe.
cially when abducted at 900 & during pulling or rowing motions euch ae when he i. pulling on a
wrench. He raceived x-raye and an MRI 2-3 mos. ago but doss not know the preci.e results.
There ia a pOllible lebral tear. He reports his pain level as 5-6/10 on average. Preeent
medication includes Naprosyn. He hae tried Prednisone. Earlier treatment for hil shoulder
pain had included moist heat, ultraeound & ice.
O. Observations. In the standing position. an area of possible atrophy is noted over the R
supraspinatue muscle belly compared to the L. No abnormal laxity is present at the acromio-
clavicular joint. However, there ie complaints of pain to palpation at the acromion. There i.
no obvious ed.ma at the R ahoulder.
PalDation. Tendernesa il elicited at the R biceps tendons, both the long & ahort heada, the
supraspinatus tendon & the muscle belliee of the supraspinatus & infraspinatus. Tendernes. is
al.o noted over & behind the coracoacromial ligament. Pt. reports recent oneet of L upper
trape.iu. & poaterior ecalene diecomfort.
8QHL Aotive ROM ie WNL as ia passive motion. Subacromial pain is noted during paasive rota-
tion , impingemen~ teeting.
Strenath. R Ihoulder flexion. abduction & external rotation are 4+/5 with significant pain
reproduced during reeisted flexion & abduction. Only mild tsnderness is noted during resisted
external rotation.
Other te.ta. The drop arm test is negative for significant rotator ~uff tear. However. pain
i. reproduced during this test & mild weakness of the supraspinatus ia noted in this position
with 4 to 4+/5 atrength. Impingement teet is pooitive for reproduction of discomfort. 8icipi-
tal tendon tast ie negative & laxity tests are negative. No joint crepitus is reproduced
during te.ting.
A. Mr. Belicic presents with chronic tendinitis of the R shoulder involving the rotator. cuff.
No sign. of a tear are noted & no abnormal laxity is pressnt. Pain is not reproduced during
laxity teoting nor is crspitus associated with a labral tear present. Mr. Belicic is almost
one year po.t injury & has already been through a series of modalities & injections. Rehab
potential at thie point is therefore limited & should si,mpiy concentrate on strengthening
activitie. within a safe ROM.
SHORT TERM GOALS
1. Cecreaee cain 30-40\.
LONG TERM GOALS
l.-Iolerate ADL & work with only mild
shoulder pain.
2. Tolerate overhead work & Dush/oull 2.
motion. without sianiticant increase ot
_oain. 3.
Plan: PT ie to be performed 2x per wk. tor up to 3 WkB. & concentrate on therapeutic exercise,
a home program, ice & electrical stirn on if needed.
Christopher K. Fisher, P.T., P'f-001447-E
_____ Date: 05/09/95
Dictatod but not read.
SIGNATUR~ .
."
1
ALEXANDER SPRING REHAB, INC.
PATIENT: ~I c..hOc.1 f.?,(""/Js:J (' .
5/I'C:/O.-c; Co-x:el-cd - h(.)S fDu:::cf1'-.
.....
lol
e::;J-'
17L- d"Jr.,i.-uJ ~
~.I'lr - -:1"), ~,,~,,~', ot:+",- <.~II.....1 ~ \.... ,f r+ w.,.
~'.-\.\I'""1 p:r. - d:e:J ""a?- rQ.LL~~ ~t"" ,5"---.7 '
""~
.
27 Brookwood'Avan~e
lU.EIAHDER SPRING UIIAB, INC.
. Carlhle. Pannaylvanla 1'013
(717) 245::2341
.
THIS INFORMATION IS FOR YOUR RECORDS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR RIFERRAL
**1KlTIAL EVALUATION"'
PATIINT,
BIRTH DATil'
PHYSICIMII
Michaal aallc ic
05/09/62
Keith Zelioar, D.O.
DIAGNOSIS. Adhe.iva capa~litia R aho~ldar
DATE PT INITIATED. 12/08/95
PATIENT 10/. 564558
51 Michael raport. that h. had been here ln PT for one previo~. time 05/09/95. Mowever, he
had ao m~ch pain in the R .ho~lder that he did not want to ret~rn ~ ~ltimately did need arthro-
.cople: .~roery of the R .ho~lder. Thi. wa. done on 06/21/95 by Dr. Zelio.r. At th~t time Dr.
Zelioer did .nco~rage PT treatment b~t the pt. did not p~r.~e PT - he worked on hi. own at home
, did event~.lly oet .ome tightne.. in the R .ho~lder. He hag dlffic~lty working overhead a.
well a. thino. like ca.tlng hia fiehing rod. Aleo p~llinq back hi. archery bow. Pt. report a
that he ie a pl~mber. He i. working f~ll tlme. He j~.t hae diffic~lty with overhead motion..
Me i. not takinq any medication & is in qsneralLy good health.
0' Thi. indlvid~al amb~lates to PT clinic. He is accompanied by his wife & .on. ROM teatino
i. a. follow.. Flexion 0-1580. abd~ctlon 0-1100. internal rotation 0-440. external rotation 0-
400. There wa. a very hard end feel to tho R aho~lder ROM. Pt. did tolerate gentle man~a1
mobiliaation. followed by a~tive assistive ROM, UBE exercise. overhead p~lley. & ice after
exercl.e on the fir.t visit. His L .ho~lder ia WNL. RUE. elbow, wriat & hand ara al.o WNL.
A. R .ho~lder adhesive cape~litis followlng arthroscopic s~rqery of the R sho~lder.
p, Initiate this inoivld~al on ROM. stretching & flexibility to the R sho~lder.
Frequency. 3x per wk. for 4-5 wks..
TREATMENT, 1.
2.
3.
Moist heat.
Ultra.ound.
TherAc8utic .tretchina.
4.
5.
6.
SHORT TERM GOALS
1. -Incr_aae R .~2Ylggr active ROM.
LONO TERM GOALS
1. Increased R shoulder ROM.
2. ~mDt to mobilize the R shoulder.
2. Imcroved work abilitv overhead if Do..ible.
Pain.
3.
SIGNATURE.
~.PT,
Jon B. B~lot , 'P.T., PT-001299-E
Date, 12/08/95
Dictated b~t not read.
27 Ilrookwood' Avenue
~EXANDER SPRING REHAB, INC.
,C"rlI..51G, Pennsylvania 17(113
(717) 24:5-J!34I
PLEASE REVIEW, SIGN AND
.
RETURN. THA~K YOU f~ ~~R REFERRAL.
- ",'" Vt.\J ~"'''
SI;.\"liol lD II 564558
..PlAN OF TREATMENT..
NAME
Michael Elelldc
DATE INITIATED
IE?/OS/95
DATE OF B IIlTH
(5/1)9/6E?
PERIOD COVERED
01/1E?/96 - Oe/16/9~
PHYSICIAN
Keith L. Zeliaer. M.D.
DIAGNOSIS
Adhesive caosulltls R shoulder,
PERTINENT MlODICAL INFORMATION Had ;lrthroscoo Ic surael'Y R shoulder.
DATE OF ONSET
06/E?1/95
REHA8 POTENTIAL
Fair
SERV I CE
Physical Theraoy
THANK YOU FOR REFFRRING THIS PATIENT TO OUR SERVICES. FORMAL INITIAL EVALUATION WILL FOllOW.
MAJOR FINDINGS IDENTIFIED DURING INITIAL I aNTERIMJ VISIT INCLUDE,
I. Patient reports improyement In ability to use arm R at work and In home tasks especially
oyerhead.
2. Fluxion remains 0-1650, abduction 0-1300, IR 0-50(', ER 0-450 (passiva ROM).
3. Able to increase l"ecreational and WoOd, tasf~s.
ASSESSMENT I
R adhesive capsulitis shoulder.
TREATMENT, I.
E?
3.
~iYe/assistive ROr1.
Stretches.
Kinetic exercises.
I ti.>G)4 ~ x/week
I 2 3 S 6 7 S weeks
4.
~
....
6.
PLAN OF TREATMENT, FREOUENCY I
ANTICIPArED DURATION,
SHORT TERM GOALS
1. Imoroye R shoulder active ROM.
LONG TER~I GOALS
1. Imer(,vem'mt in R sh"'tldel' functiol1.
2. Imerove ADL function.
2. Incni~;se ~ctive f\:OM.
3.
SIGNATURE:
tJ.!.
D. te, 01/12/96
Dlct.ted but not read.
Joseph
PHYSICIAN COMMENTS:
PT -(10 1299-E
I certify that I ha.e ".aminEd the patient and reh;lb servlce~ 8re necessary .nd WIll be pro.10"
ed while the patiel1t ls under' my cal'e. The plan (,f tl"eatmomt will be I'evlewed eYII"y 60 day,; c"
as patient's cond1tion warrants. T 15 patient does not raqull-e a social r1E&d5 ~sseS5mentl
F'HYS1CIAN
DATE
'-~ -0 . U
AGE 12/'-'4
AlEXANDER SPRING REHAB, INC.
27 Broo~wDDd.Avenup. Cdr 1Ilile, Pe""~y hOlm. 17Ql3 (717) 24:5-2341
. .
PLEASE REVIEW, SIGN AND RETURN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFERRAL'.
"pLAN OF TREATHENT** ![J # _36"''::1'~8
NAME t1ich~I1Lhlir tc --.....-.------. DHrE HIi -: IiHE~ 1 a ,":,8,' '75
DATE OF BIRTH
1)~/(t9/6a
RERIOD COIEF-ED
<'2'-1,~/9" - '):!/lo,9t:
PHYSICIAN
Ku'th L. Zallaer. M.D.
DIAGflOS rs
",'Jiles I \'~ (; ~CS,J 1l.!Ji...I3.J.h(,~' I -Jer.
PERTrtlENT MEDICAL INFORMATrOM
Ho:!cd ,iW th,o,='sc2R.!.S.J!-!J.:.9ilr'l.
DATE OF ONSET ---22L?1/9~
REHAB POTE~lTlAL ,_~d
SEFiV r CE
Ph/~ ic" I Th~I".'l,---
THANK YOU FOR REFERRING THIS PATIENT TO OUR SERVICES. FORMAL INITIAL EVALUATION WILL FOLLO~.
">llOR FINDINGS IDENTrFIED DURING INll'lAL I ~TI'""'II-i=>
l. liemc,"st,'ating Impl'oved ilctlve RON a",j p.!i.iVli F:otl R uppal'
2. Risponding to m~nual stretching t6~hnl~u~i.
:3. Ab Ie tc ,",01"1 on le,b oVlirhead no",.
4. F,'eportlng less pain of the R stlouldac.
'.'IS IT WCLUOE:
i?:t tl.~m i t) .
ASSESSMENT I
R ihoulda," .dheliive capel'lltis.
TRE';TNEMT: (, Thlllr.;oeutlc 'J,",,'ci!e.
2. J:1!!nual stretchi'''J.
3.
cW 3 Q 5 X/Wli,,1
2 3 '" I; " 8 w,,~h.
,/
,4.
"
~.
o.
PLAN OF TREATt1Etn I FFEOUENC'II
AtlTrCIPATED DURATION:
SHOP T TER~l GOALS
I. t'Ia"lml:9 !ctlve ROM ~otl!lnti~1 cof the F,
~h,:"u 1 det.
c:. ~'-""91!lIcQl1tl"C'l R sh'."Jlder D~II1,,_,__,__
LONG TERrI GO':'LS
l. Eie ~ble to ':;r:!nt.i.D.!d.Lw':II'~ i"!.lJ .;.t
(~f wed..,
E..RestJln~ r~CI-~~tl~nal ~~ti\.~tlfs
~.l!:!,/lt, trdl .':hr;,n.J..L1 ':ir:!~:i':l'l.
C \. al!i'I',~: l: "!.
iuer. itli.
;,
SIGNATURE,
~1-tc
. i .. FT-<;r)12v'-?'-E
DJtl!~ ')E/2::;;.~
~ict~t~d bLtt :lot ,-6id.
u
Jo~eph
PHYSICIAN COMl'lENTSI
I :i\.t~fv th~t I h:3ve '1:';.\t1\111ed !.~'2 0iOtl~llt .;".:! ,"rcr-,.;b ifr?t'/tC:i= ill.fi1 11tr:'t':7r:e9,. a(1:~ Iflill b~ .,j\-;, .::-
!~oJ ~lnllE the pi't:.ent i'~- 1..llije- .1"y ..::n-~. ~.h~.~l'H" .;.f tl"€llit'lcllt, ,,,,111 bE t-,thlslled li\l(il.';- o( (j,:. 3: .
!'il Oi=it.ll?nt'; .:onditlcn V'~l':-?ii~. Tr'll': ~::''',l(....Ol'l; ,jr:I':H ",(It tlii'~UI"9 :0 .iK':1..:41 \"1';';0= ~:i~~;ii!t'ot:,ir..
FH":iC:,oi'i __,__//, _, __ r.,'~T!, ~-=,~ 1-!Jt
(~Sj';, IE.~...
1
'"
ALEXANDER SPRING REHAB, INS,
JU/J.tJ, U~, .
.
PATIEm':
t/3/r{; (~: (jJ~l (),
e.c.d} (..1_"'-( d..tl.
(,. (~
1/ J
('nx-u,_..,.J. ,
/t)F
"
,
/
....J..1!J..' pm-,-;.:; n~ u..<rt:c.l'\'" ,.;,f'cn A""'c,/J/~'r'_.Yl CA. , ~ f\......OILL:.... Pii\,~
-'- C:;-, t:]1I s: @:J c;huuJclur ~ (,'YYl t ,.uh n t ralnhvl +0 cI cui,
O. I !J ~ !:J..i1l -,1.j o1S. {:ILl Ll& ;.' (&~V ~lL-L/lL4l
~lCL11111\1 m;Lo/s. , AM)f.lY~1 I e~Jj:" (Yl'-t{pr(1') / p1\/t;;ru.tn(:,
(l _ 1flL/1 t q1 U/\1 /r.) (, I I
A. ll)~~ LUW,
r.,_~ V-
I>' UillJ. 1,1.
/}t, U1 (\
fLU I s{n 'Pr&
/, 9'- 9~_ (J .-K IJ lP ;tg /.u "tJ a/
C ~/ /lI.f!tfh-
11'//1C ?A1'.L,,'CA~I'~ 0u.C.12I.,:.......Rl'';:'.~... -~v>"'(j D.LO~ P1Ad')z.,
collision with II co-worker,) Defendant beHeves that this factual dispute regarding causation
precludes the entry ofsllmmary judgment on the issue of what constitutes a "serious injury."
A review of the medical records. which have been submitted by Plaintiffs in support of their
Motion, is appropriate, Aller the accident in July 1994, Dr, Keith Zeliger diagnosed Plaintiff with
rotator cuff tendinitis with subacromial bursitis and impingement syndrome, as well as a tear in the
anterior glenoid labrum, ~ Dr, ZeHger letter dated February 6, 1996. a copy of which is attached
hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "^''' Dr. Zeliger initially treated Plaintiff with physical
therapy and medication, w.. Later, Plaintiff received steroid injections on two separate occasions.
ld. This course of treatment was not successlill and Plaintiff opted for arthroscopic surgery, which
took place on June21, 1995,.w.
According to Dr, Zeliger's notes, the surgery was successful. w.. Dr, Zeliger noted that
Plaintiff has a small tear in the anterior glenoid labrum and signilicant impingement. w.. Both were
surgically repaired, w.. After surgery, Plaintiff had good motion, relief of pain and improving
strength, w.. By July 19,1995, thirteen months after the accident, Plaintiff was doing well, lacking
only some internal rotation, ~ Dr, Zeliger's notes dated July 19, 1995, September 7. 1995 and
December 5. 1995. a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "8." On
July 19.1995. Dr. Zeliger noted that "[h]is shoulder is doing well at this time," .w.
According to Plaintiffs testimony. PlaintitTmissed only one week of work aller this surgery
and was on light duty tilr three to lilllr weeks, s..<:!: Plaintifts' Brief at p, 2, After this period of light
duty. Plaintiff claims that he IVas restricted from doing work overhead. ~ Plaintiffs' Brief at PI',
"2,
2.3. The medical records dated July 19, 1995, less than one month following surllery, state that
"[h]is strength is good. He seems to be doing well at work."
Unfortunately. Plaintitl" suffered a second injury at work sometime in August 1995 il' which
a co-worker was thrown into his shoulder. According to the medical records of September 7, 1995,
Plaintill""was doing real well with his shoulder until approximately three weeks ago when a guy was
thrown into his right shoulder at work resulting in pain in the shoulder which has been gelling belleI'
since that time," W. He had pain following this injury and in December developed a frozen
shoulder. W. This injury continued to worsen, requiring Plaintitl"to undergo a second more serious
operation in March 1997. S.s:s: Plaintiffs' Bridat p. 3.
Plaintiff claims to suffer residual problems with his shoulder. Defendant btlieves that there
is at least a factual dispute as to the cause of these residual problems, The medical records support
the conclusion that all of the problems about which Plaintiff now complains are a direct result of the
second accident ;It work in August 1995, not the molor vehicle accident. S.s:s: Exhibits "A" and "B."
Further. there is no indication in the medical records that Plaintiff had to curtail his recreational
activities in any way following the Iirst surgery, nor is there any mdication thaI Plaintiff has sutTered
a diminution of earning capacity,
Defendant helieves that the factual dispute regarding causation ofPlaintit'rs injuries after
August 19')5 precludes the entry of partial summary judgment in this case.
.)-
.........\1
EAST SHORE OHIHUl-'tUI~ A:::i:::iU\.:If\1 r.~, Y.\..,
ORTHOPEDIC, TRAUMATIC, HAND (, SPINAL SURGERY. SPORTS MEDICINE r, DANCE ORTHOPEDICS
Rob~rt R. KantJa. DO, PC
Ktltt'l l Zfhgt!1 0 0 PC
450 Powers Avenue, SUite 101
H...,.burg, PA 171 09.~926
hl,phon, (717) ~61 ,4870
F.. (717) ~~I,4878
F.bruary OS, 199€>
Jamvs D. Flow.r, Jr.
FLOWER, MORGENTHAL,FLOWER ~ LINDSAY
11 East H~gh Str..t
Carlal., PA 17103-3016
REI ftICHAEL BELICIC
D.ar Attorney Flower,
fticha.1 B.1icic ~s a 32 year old right hand dom].nant
plumb.r. At his tirst v].sit, 9/28/95, h. stat.d that h. was
involv.d ~n a car acc~d.nt.. HIE' wa.. th.. dr].v.r ot a truck that
struck another v.hicl.. Dur~ng th~ accident, his shoulder harne.s
did not hold and h. .truck his chest on the st..ring whe.1- He
stat.s h. has had pain in th. r].ght shoulder and right arm since
the acc].dent. He was in~t~ally s..vn at Carl].sl. Hospital and then
tr.at.d by Dr, B.njamin Par~ser. H.. d~d not r~spond to NSAID
th.rapy.
At th.. tim. ot th. in].tial v~s].t, my diagnosis was rotator
cu!t t.ndonit~s with subacromial burs1tis and impingemll'nt syndrome,
as well as a tear in th. ant.rior glenoid labrum. I tr..at.d him
with Physical Th.rapy and changed th.. NSAID med1cation.
On May 16,1995, Michael had two steroid inj.ctions, a trial
o! physical th..rapy and vxtended NSAID treatment, He had no r..li..!.
At that t].m., I gav.. him on. tinal inJect10n. Having no r..l]...t trom
any treatm.nt, Micha.l opted tor a D1agnost1c and Op..rat1ve
Arthroscopy ot his right sh~uld..r.
Micha.1 had surgery 6/21/95 at Grandview Surgery C..nt.r.
During surg.ry, 1t was noted that M1chael had a small t..ar in the
illnt.rior glen01d labrum. This was arthroscopically debrid.d. He
also had s1gn1f1c~nt impingement and an arthroscopic acrom10plasty
was performed.
M1chael had good mot10n, reli..t ot pa1n and improving str.ngth
tollow1n9 th.. surgery and by 7/19/95, h.. was d01ng '1..11, laclo:1ng
only som" 1nt..rna1 rotation.
EXHIBIT "A"
\::\\lIp~l\JlJIHU)tH. ':;I.JIIJ /l'll' liNt
that he must still prove the causal connection between the accident and his InJuries, regardless
of the Court's ruling on whether those injuries are "serious" as a matter of law,
Plaintiff IS employed as a plumbing foreman, His wr:lrk experience Is in physical
labor, including plumbing, auto body work and auto mechanics, As a plumbing foreman, he has
the same physical duties and requirements as a plumber, with additional supervisory duties.
(M.B.7-8)
As a result of the accident, Mr, 8elicic's truck was totaled and he broke the shllter
off with his right hand, which went on to otrike the dashboard, (M,B.9"10) After the accident,
Mr. Beliclc found that it was painful to lift his arms over his he$d to work with pipes and tools,
particularly pulling on pipe wrenches to connect or loosen pipes, (M,B, 13) He had pain In the
morning, which would be increased with exertion during the day, (M,B. 21"22) Fortunately, his
job as a supervisor allowed him the flexibility to stop working when he was in pain and allow
someone else to finish the job he was involved in, (M,B, 23) Physical therapy and cortisone
treatments (Plaintiff believes that he has had as many as five cortisone injections) (M.B. 24) were
unsuccessful in resolving his symptoms, He found that he had sharp pain upon exertion and
his condition degenerated to the extent that he had a constant aching pain even at rest (M,B,
25)
On June 21. 1995, Plaintiff had arthroscopic surgery to his right shoulder. (M.B,
23) Following the arthroscopic surgery, he missed about one week of work (M.B, 26) and was
on light duty for three to tour weeks, and even after the light duty was over, he was restricted
on doing work over his head, (M,B. 27) This restriction on working overhead Vias very
,
~. \\l;p."lIVIWJIUH)('S\UHI('U'UMI'
significant to his job, since typically, he would be working above his head for as much as six to
seven hours per day, (M.B, 34)
Plaintiff continued to have pain, and his symptoms were aggravated by a collision
with a co"worker, He eventually required a second surgery in March of 1997. In contrast to the
earlier arthroscopic surge'ry, this surgery was an open Neer acromioplasty with Mumford
resection, involving an Incision which opened and exposed the shoulder Joint. His recovery from
this surgery was much more protracted. He missed about two and one"hall weeks of work
(M.B. 42) and was then on light duty for approximately three additional months. (M.B, 43) Since
his recovery from this surgery, his symptoms have, in fact, been much Improved. (M,B, 44) He
now only has significant pain perhaps twice a week, and on the other days of the week will have
some achiness. (M.B,45)
Even though his symptoms have improved a great deal, he sllll has residual
problems (apparently permanent) which interfere with his work and have changed the way he
conducts his daily life, At work, he cannotlifl more than seventy to seventy"five pounds without
pain, (M,B, 51) He is generally achy in damp or cold weather. (M.B, 57) He has discomfort
sleeping and a couple of times a week ends up sleeping on the couch, since he knows that if
he is on the couch he will not roll over and hurt his arm in his sleep. (M.B. 54) When he hunts
with a bow, he does not pull the bow back in the same way he did before the accident and
when fishing, casts to the side rather than overhead. (M.B, 58-59) He is unable to throw a
baseball or a football with his eleven year old son. (M.B, 58) He has a reduced range of
motion. (M,B. 59) Plaintiff finds that driving aggravates his discomfort. (M.B. 60) There
J
(: \wp.~IIJUfJIII)()('S\III~Ul,'U' .IIMF
of time the Impairment lasted, (4) the treatment required to correct the Impairment, and (5) any
other relevant factors. Dodson at 1233.4. We must show that Mr. Beliclc's injury caused him
serious impairment by objective medical evidence, Id, At 1233. The Impalrmr 'It does not need
to be permanent, but the consequences of the injury must have had a serious impact on Mr,
Belicic's life for an extended period of time and must substantially interfere with his normal
activities, .k!. At 1234.
The extent of Mr, Beliclc's impairment is considerable, He had a torn anterior
glenoid. labrum which required surgery to correct. The Injury was severe enough to limit his work
activities and impinge on his ability to perform ordinary household tasks, The injury was evident
from objective medical evidence including x"ray and MAl reports, physician examinations,
arthroscopic examination, surgical examination, a post" operative surgical pathology report and
other medical evidence.
The particular body function impaired Is the movement and strength of Mr,
Beliclc's right arm, He suffered from pain and a limited range of motion that made his work
difficult or impossible to accomplish. He was unabie to work on pipes above his head or turn
wrenches hard and at times he had to switch duties to driving a truck or other light tasks. He
also had to deal with pain most of the time,
Mr. Belicic's impairment lasted three years at its greatest severity and was not
resolved until he recovered from the open shoulder surgery. Even now he has stiffness and
weakness in his shoulder and is unable to do everything he did previous to the accident. During
the year after the accident. Mr. Belicic saw several doctors, was on prescription medication
:;
. .
In Dodson the Superior Court affimled the trial court's determination that the plaintiff's
injuries and complaints of pain did not constitute an impairment of function. Dodson, 445
Pa.Super, at 489, 665 A2d at 1228. Dodson testilied that he was able to do the same work he
did betbre thl.! accident but with pain, and that hl.! could no longer bowl, play softball or lift
weights. III The trial court determined that the case involved a sol\ tissue injury with residual
pain rather than an impairment of function. III
In a more recent case the Superior Court rl.!versed and remanded a trial court's
detennination that a plaintiff failed to establish a serious impairment ofa body function, Leonelli
v McMullen. 700 A.2d 525 (Pa. Super Ct. 1997). The trial court based its determination on the
facts that the plaintiff was able to secure l.!mploymentlil\een months after the accident, she
voluntarily refrained from certain activities, and did not immediately consult a physician, III at
528-529. The Superior Court disagreed and held that the record as a whole provided sufficient
evidence that plaintiff's "injuries substantially interfered with her normal activities for a substantial
period of time." ld.. at 529.
I think that viewing the record in the light most favorable to the non.moving party, the
Defendant, there is a triable issue offact as to whether the Defendant caused plaintiff's long-
term injuries. I also think there is a triable issue as to whether Plaintiff suffers serious impairment
of a body function or simply suffers from residual pain
2
01231 465 A2d 1231
465 A.2d 1231. 5021'u. 241. Vunimo v. LowL" Ilu~ks lIosp. In~, (I'u. 19113)
Pa., I
502Pu 241
Cbarle. VA TflMO and Dor!, Vaulmo bl, ..If., on
tb.lr....n
bebalf IlDd Dorl, VaUlmo, II Guardian Ad Ut.m
for
Jam.. Vattlmll, an Incompetent, Appellee,
v.
LOWER BUCKS HOSPITAL, INC., Appellant.
Supreme Court of p~lU1sylvuniu,
Argu.:d April Ill. 1911.1
DL'CidOO S~pt. 211, 19113,
PurL'Ills on their own behulf ulld moth..,. a, ijuunhun
lid litem for son uppeulOO Irom order of th~
Adrninistrutor for Arbitrution Punels ll>r lIeultll Cure
whict! suslaillL-d hospilal's demWTer 10 eompluillt liIed
pursuanl to Heulth Cure Scrvi~es Mulpructi~e A~I
which uverrOO thul hospital employees ncgliijenlly
fuilOO 10 provide son with udequule ~..-e und
supL'\"Vision. The Conunollweulth Court. No. 42 1'.D.
1979. ROijcrs, J. reversed und remWlded, 59
Pu.Cmwlth. I. 4211 A2d 765. lIospilul p~titiolled lor
ullowWlce of uppeul to the Supreme Court, luul the
pelition wus grWlled. The Supreme Court, No,
81.3-437, in un opinion by FluhL'rty, J, unnoUll~ill8 the
judgmenl of the Court. held Iltut: (I) umounts
expendOO by pw-enls 10 del~nd son in civil uction und
criminul aClion resulting from lire set hy son in hospilul
10 which son hlld bL'Cn udmined lor c..-e und
supervision could nol be recoverOO I.rom hospilul, und
(2) compluinl filOO by purents on their 01.-0 bchulf Wid
by moUlL" as guurdiun ud litL'IlI lor son sullicicnlly
ulleg~ cause of uelion aguiust hospilul lor nmowlts
paid by p..-cnts lor son's medical expenses und lllr
son's mentol Wlguish. 10'" of employmenl, WId public
hwnilialion. boscd on theory of hospilul's negligenl
supervision of son.
Affirmed in port WId rever",d in purl. und rcmunded
for triul.
Hutchinson. J, joinOO in opinion of Fluberty, J,
WUloWlcing the juJl!tnL'Ilt of the Court WId IiIOO
concurrinij opinion.
Roberts. C.J..IilOO concluTinij opinion.
Nix, J. liIed opilllon con~wTillg in purl und
diSSL'Illinij in port. in which McD.'Tl1Ioll, J, Jllincd,
l.urSL'Il Wid Zuppulu, JJ., IiIL-d opinions concwring in
purl WId dbsellting in pwt
1 INDEMNITY $=>112(41)
2011 "h.
2011k I .1 Implied Conlrucls
2011k13,2 Joint Tortl~usors or porties in pwi
Ddielo
2011U .1,2(4) Porticul..- Cluims und liubilities
2011k I .1,2(4 I) In ijencrul.
Fonnerly 2011klJ.2(4)
Pu. 19113
AmOWlls of money espclld~ by purcnls to deli:nd
son 11\ ~ivll uclioll broul!ht by representative of pUliont
killed in lire set by son in hospitol to which son had
bL'Cn udmillL-J lor cure WId supervision und in resuhing
criminul u~tion aguinst son lor ftrsl-degree murder Wid
urSOIl could nut b.: (L'CoverOO Irom hospital pur'UWIlto
IIculth Curc Services Malpruetice Act of 1975 on
theory thai ,uch expenditures were legally caused by
hospital's fuHure 10 pwvide adequate supervision of
son. who wa, purunoid"schizophrenic thai hod
abnonnal fa",inution With tires. 40 P.S. ~ 130LlOI et
S4:q.
2, MENTAL m:ALTlI <!=5 120
257A "no
257 All Cure and Support of Menlully Disorder~
Persons
257 AIl(A) Custody WId Cure
257 Ak5 1 Restrainlor TreaUllenl
257 Ak5 UO Civil liabilitie,; IlClious Wid
proeeedinijs.
Fornlerly 257Ak5 I
Pu,I9HJ
Compluinl, tiled pursullllI to Health Cure SL'rVicc:s
Mulpra~tice Act of 1975 by pMenls on their OWII
behulf und by mother as ijuurdiun ad litem lor son. who
wus purw1<lId,schuophrcnic thal hlld abnormal
I.scmutwn with lire IlIId wu, udmillOO to hospitol lor
cure und ,upem,ion, sutlicielllly ulleged couse of
u~lion uguill't hosp'lullor 1lll10Wlts e\pL'Ilded und 10 be
expended by purenls lor medicul IlIId psychiatric cure
lI.,d U'eatlTlcnl of SOli WId for son's men18lunguish, loss
of employment. Wid public hwnillulion. bosed on
theury of hospllul's neijliijent supervi,ion of son. who
set tire m huspilul that kIlled onc pOlienl oruI thul
r~sultcd in civil action ugainst son in dt.."C~ascd patit..~t's
representutive's SUil a~uinsl hospitul Wid criminal
proeceding u~uin'l son Iilr lirst,degree murder Wid
urson. 40 P,S, ~ IJOLlOI et scq,
Copyrighl (c) We,1 Group 199~ No cloilllluunginullJ.S. G',wl wurks
465 A,2d 1231, 5021'a. 241, Vanimo v. Lower Buck> Hosp, , Inc., (I'a. 19K3)
.1131 15021'a. 243) Fn.'Ilric D. Rubin. Newton, lor
appellant
Williwn E. Fairall, Jr.. Bristol, lor appcll&:<:.
Before ROBERTS. C1., and NIX, LARSEN,
FLAHERTY. McDERMOTT, HUTCHINSON and
ZAPPALA, J1.
OPINION ANNOUNCING THE JUDGMENT OF
nn: COURT
FLAHERTY, JUlltice.
On August 14, 1976 J.mes Vanimo was udmlned to
the Lower Buck> Hospital in Bucks Cmml},
Pennsylvania because hc exhibitoo bi,WTc behavior
and an abnonnal fascin.tion with lire. lIe was
transportC<! to the hospital by his purcnts and the
Bristol Township Police. At the hospital he was
diagnosed as parunoid"schizophr.'Oic and WIJ:I placed in
a lieIIIi"priv.te room unu...,. sedation but without
sup..'rVision. A few hour. after his parents lel\ thc
hospital. Jwnes allegedly set a fire m the room, causing
or contributing to the de.th of the othcr occupant of the
room.
As a result of this inciu..'Ot Jwnes WIIS charg.'I.l with
first degt&:<: muru..... and arson and WIIS prosecuted in a
criminal action; he w.s also joined as WI addition.1
defendant in u civil suit broUght by the r,'prcsentative
of the deceased p.tient against Ole hospllaL
In the presenl .ction James' purenls on their own
behalf, and his mother as guardian ad litem tor Jmnes,
IIS:Ier1 thai the ho'pital w.s negligent in its care and
treatment of James, The IIction w.s brought pursuant
10 the Health Care Serviee. Malproctke Aet of 1975.
40 P.S. ~ 1301.101 e/ /S02 Pa. 244/ ,ffq. for vuriou.,
damuges to both parents and son. The hospital liIed
preliminary objections in the n.ture of a demurrer 10
the complaint, and the Administrator, Arbitration
Ponels for Health Care .ustained the prclllnmary
objcctiOll8 by order of April 17, 1979. Plaintilf,
appealed to Commonwealth Court, 59 Pa.Cmwlth. I.
428 A2d 765, which reversed the administrator's order
on April 24, 1981. and the hospital petltioncd Ibr
allowancu of .ppe.1 10 thi. Court. The petition Was
gtanted.
The CL'il: coml.l~ before thls ClllU1 tl)r review of
whether preliminary obj.'Ctions III the n.ture of a
<lernurr..,. should be sUlltain.'I.l, and in that context Ole
hospital raises thr." argurn.'Ot.: (I) the ho.pllol has no
'a.. 1
duty to protect a mental patk'Ot from damJlges sulfered
as a n:sult of eourt p.-oc.:C<!ing. broaght by tIu:
Conunonwe.lth; (2) the injury to JamCll Wto nol
proximately or legally c.....'<I by tho: hospital's
negligcnce; (3) there i. no cause of action for COWlSeI
1,,'Cs in the circwnstances of this case, lIS c11limo:d in the
complaint.
The Conunonwealth Court correctly .t.ted the scope
of the review of an appcllate court when th.'I"ll is a
ch.llenge to the .ust.ining of preliminary obj""tions in
the n.lare of. ,lcmurrer:
All material faels sct lonh in the complaint lIS well as
.u iJ~erences reason.bly deduciblc therefrom are
awnittoo .., true tor [the pw-pose of this review. J
C/evellSleill v. RizzUlo, 439 Pa. 397, 266 A.2d 623
( 1970). The question preSl.'Ot.'f.I by Ole dcmurr.'r is
wheth..,.. on the facts .verrcd. the I.w says with
cert.inly that no r.'COwry i. possible. lIoffmall v.
.\//.ley/cordla 1I0'pilalll/ Phi/adolph/a. 439 Pa. 50 I,
267 A2d 867 (1970). Where. doubt '1233 exists
as to whethL'r a ,lcmurrer .houJd be sustuined, thi.
doubt should be resolv.'I.l in favor of owrruling it.
Bir! v. Plu/ade/phia E/eclric Co., 402 P.. 297, 167
A2d 472 (1960)
Turning to thc complaint, ... a general matt.'r, in order
to rculver the plaintill's must allcge and prove thaI the
hospil.1 ow.'f.I . duty to James. that tho hospital
brcached its duty, and that this bre.ch w... lhe legal
cau..., of the inJone. of which James and hi. par.'Ols
now complam, 8rall1la1l v. /S02 Po, US/I.all/ama.
1I0'p,'a/, 490 Pa, 588, 417 A2d 196 (1980), On a
demurrer. the ho.pil.1 m.y not ch.llenge the m.teri.1
foct, or inJerence. therefrom which are plcaded in the
complaint, but m.y chalk'Oge the existence of B legal
dUly or that its negligence, If .uch "xisted, w... thclcgw
c.use (i,c, the proximate c.u.'IC) of pl.intiIT.' injuries.
As m.'Otioned carllcr. thc ho.pital a....'r\s th.t it,
conduct was not 11 (eglll cause of pluintifl':i' injuric:i and
it claims .. well th.t it had no duty of can: to prOl.'Ct a
melltal p.tient Irom dumage. e.u.sed by a enminol
pWSt.ocution.
The damages in the complamt dlegcdly cau.sed by the
hospital's negligcnce are trc.t.'I.l in two counts. In the
lirst, Jame.' parent' :lCek r.'Covery lor (I) wnounts
cxpcnded and to be exp.."ded lor m.'I.lieuJ and
psychilltrlC care and treatment, (2) amounts expended
to defend Jwncs in civil und criminal .ctions brought a,
a reslllt of the lirc: (J) cmotlOnal distress, hwnihation,
embarrassment and an.xicty In the Sl.'Cond counl.
JlUlll::i' ~ul.IJ'dil1l1 ad 1i1~m seeks n.-co\'lt:ry for (I) ]wn~:il
Copynght (c) We.t Omu!' I ')')x No c1allll to onglllal lJ S Oovt work.
465 A.2d 1231, 5021'a. 241, Vatllmo v, Lower Hucks 1I0sp, Inc. (1'. 19113)
m''Illl1l, emolional. IIIld phy.ical pain and IIIl~Ulsh; (2)
Jame.' loss of hi. ''IllpIO)menl; (3) Jwn~s' puhhc
humiliation. cmbwTO,srnenl, lI/lxic.y, IIIld m",I.1 and
cmollonal dislI~ss.
At its root,lhc concept of I~~al c.us~ (the trlldllional
'proximat~ call.'ll:') is WI micul.tion of policy related
to socilll IIIllIl.'COnomie consid.:raliolCl DeWl Prosser
ha.s d.:scribcd proximate or le~ul c.u'.lion us Itlllows:
Oncc il i. e.tabhshed lItal lite dcfcndllllt's conduct
has in fucl Ix..,n one of lite c.u..... of !he plallllill's
injury, !hen: n.'Illuin. !he queslion wlu:lIt,... !he
deli:ndunt should b.: I~~ully responsible lur whuI he
Iw eau:led. lJnlik~!he f.ct of eausullon. willt which
it i. 01\,'0 hopeleS:lly confu.'<Cd. this is ~S:lCnli.lly a
problem oflaw. II is som~lIme. said 10 b.: a question
of whe!her !h~ condlll:t hus Ix,~n so .i~niliclUll IIIld
importlllll a eall.'ll: !halllt~ defendanl should h~ le~all)'
retipOllllible, But bo!h .il!llilicWlcc WId importWlce
twn upon conelU:lion, in l~l1lI.'l ofleg.1 policy, so !hut
thi. become. ~s:tenllully a quest/()/I oj ...h.,h., 1/" /
j02 Po. 246/ policy oj Ihe law ...iII e,.,."d Ihe
re,pon.J,bllil)! Jar Ihe cOI"luel /0 ,he eo,uequmees
which have IIIJael oeeun."d,
Prosser, Law oj Tom ~ 42 (4l1t Ed,) (Emphasis
added). Thi. Court, in accord wi!h Pros....,. has sluled:
'th~ concept [of proximat~ c.us~I, lik~ lIt.1 of
negligence il1elf, 1'.... deSIgned not only to pennit
recovery for a wrong but 10 pl,",e .lll:h limits upon
liability IllI 1lI~ deemed .odully or ,'Conomlc.lly
desirable from time 10 time.' Grol/lY v. Campbell,
493 Pa. 88. 94. 425 A.2d 379. 382 (I9111). cilln~
Whim" v. I.ojelki, 437 I'a. 448, 455, 263 A.2d 1l1l9.
893 (1970).
A1l a gClleral rule, however. in lite absence of policy
consideratiollll which would limilli.billly. If an aClor's
neglig= is the I~gal caw", of dan1.ges su.'tained hy
BIlother, !he aclor i. liable for !hose dwnagcs. See
GraillY v. Campbell, 493 l'a. 81l. 95, 425 A.2d 379.
383 (1981) (Concurrin~ Opimon of Mr. JusllCC N,,).
UIllJ..., !h~ anaIY'I' of 'legal cau."," set I.'M III thc
R..talement of Torts, Second WId .doplcd hy litis
Court, ford v. J,1/rle." 474 Pa. 588, 594, 37') A2d
Ill, 114 (1977), !he que.lIon is whether the
del.'ndant's condlll:t was a '.ubstlUlllal loclor" in
producing th~ injury. Reslalem''Ilt of Torts, S""'lIld ~
431 (1965). Secllon 433 of!h~ Restalemenl :tels I,'M
a method of d.:1''IIIlining whe!her negligent conducl is u
.ubstBlltial faclor in prouucing !h~ injury
~ 433, ConsiuelUliuns ImportlUlt m lJele'mlllm~
Pall 3
Whdher Negll~ent Cunuucl is SUbsllUllial Factor in
I'ruuuem~ I hum
The Mluwmg con.iJcr.tilllL' IlIC in th''lTlliClw. or in
cOlllhmallon with olle UJ111th.... · UJ4 impurtant in
delemllning whe!her the actor's conJuct i. a
suhstlmtialloctllr ill bringmg ubout hllllU 10 Wlo!her:
(.) the nwub.:r or uther loctors whIch "'lIltribule 'II
pruulll:lIlg !he hllllU IlIIU the cst, 'Ill of the ell,,"t which
~'ey huve in producin\! il;
(b) whe!her the aClur's conduct has crealed a t<lIC~
ur ...'Ties uf lorces which llIe in colltinuoU:l WId uCIIW
upcr.tiun up lu the time of the hWTII, or has cNalcJ a
.Ilualiun 1502 1'. 2471 hW1llI~ss wll~ss aClcJ upon
hy uth.... lurces lur which the actur is nul respon.sible;
(c) lapse of time.
A~dli,-Court observcJ in /'o,.d v. )r1/rl", "upra,
ordmllllly lIie dCI''ll11inMiun \If whe!h,., the <lc1i:II<IMI'."
c.in.Juct was . subsllllltial c.u....: of !h~ injuri~'
~ljmpl'lin<;J\lfshllUltl nol b.luh'O Irumthe jW)' if!h..:
l.ory mu~ r.asonahly dilf,., as 10 w~,-th,., the conuuct.of
t1ie d.:fendanl hILS hwn a subslWlual facL'Jr ID caLlllil1g
'iJie hW1ll. Set 01.0 Restat''lIIent of TutU. s.:conJ ~
434. .lLWLICllllrC rui;l!:ll llIl whic,h a jury may,\ot
a:.eusonubly diII.r. it is proper for !he .trial court.\O
<1l:1;id. th,'IlI. If, un lh. oth,., hand, a jW)' may
r~a"ol\uhly dllli.... on wh~th,... th~ Jcf~ndUJ1t'. contlu.:l
was. suhslunli.1 fuctor in caWling the Injury, generany,
!lie c.", must io lu lite jW)' on lho:te issues. (FNl) .
With respecI hl the claim. lur dwnages rduted \0
uefendtng !he criminal and Civil actions, th~ ho.pital
asserts lItul it had nu dUly to protect a~ain.t lIunn
relateu to !he Communwealth'. decision to bring a
cnmm.1 UCllon. WlU thut th....e is no authority fur
aWl\ldin~ dwna~e' t<1I the def.n...., of a civil acllon in
the cltl.:wnslanccs nfthis case.
The pl.inllll's' VI.W of these uW1lag~s is Ih.t !h,'Y llIe
merely the nom,al lur~sccable conscqu,'Ilcc, of the
dct"ndlUll'" tortiou< conuucl. Such dtunagcs llIe, in
essence, II ucrnW1U tllr indemnificillion. rL"COVC1)' for
whIch may he, (502 Pa, 2481 .ccordmg 10 pru.......,.
even when the indemnitee is nol free from aclive fault.
(FN2)
.11JS (502 1'., 2491 In the pre:tent cas~. plainlltr.'
claIm I<lr Ieg.1 pm:ess dwnages re,ls in IllIg~ pm on
!he theory !hilI Clcn !huul!h JlUlles is a juint actiw
Il'r11,:.,,'r (anu thll' '" 1I1S1' '.lloull'). hc shoulu not be
Copynght (C) West Omup I'!'ill No c1UlIllll'"ngmallJ.S (juvt. wU/ks
465A,2d 1231.5021'0. 241. Vallimov.l.ow''rllu~ksHu.p.,ln~..(l'a.19K3)
pn:cludcd frum uw..'lMili~alion Ibr I~~al pruc~..
damesc. since: he WWl ''lltru:ll<'<i tu !h~ ~ure wId
supervi.ion of the ho.pital WId w... helple.. in facl If
nol in law to prevenl !he injury which OCCWT.....
Under !hi. view. jll:llie~ require. r.'CoveIY Ibr all
damese.. includlDS !he 1e~al procc.. dama~e.. b.'Cau.'le
the ho.pillll Wlderluok to prevenl injury of !he very ..,rt
!hal occurred. Recovery I\,r le~al pnICe~' dlUllU~e.
tlowinp from .ueh a brea~h uf duty i. r""'lUl"ed.
morwver. by the Restal.went uf Tort.. Second ~
914(2) (1979):
(2) One who throul!h !he lorl of lUIo!her h.. becn
required to a~1 in !he prol.'Clion of hi. IIltere.t. by
brinSinS or defending lUI action a~ainst a third pcrson
is entil"~lto rccoV''r reasonable compen.ali'lIl Ibr !he
101111 of lim~, allomey I\:e. WId other e'l".'nditure.
!hereby .uft\:red or inCWT.'<i in !he eurli~r a~lion,
A "'l1llOn thaI is !lOmelime. advlUlccd Ibr such
impo.ition of liability i. drawn Irom !he masll:r-servlUlt
cwo:.. wh''re some commentator. have lell il udvi.able.
WI a mau.'r of poli~y. lu ....il!llliabilily vicwiuu.ly 10
employers in order \U promote .lIlety WId avoid
llCCidents. (FN3) Thi. reusonin~, by [502 Pa. 2501
BI1B!ogy. ..236 would seem to opply 10 !he presenl
case. where !he ho'pitol, urguubly, is in !he shoe. uf IlIl
employer who hus .sswned control, IlIld !herelbre.
should WId could have prevented !he lire IlIld re.nlling
injury.
The"" urgwnent. notwi!h.IWldlllg, !he d.'Cided ease
law of I'ennsylvllllia provide. no au!horily Ibr
indenmity recovery in !he eilcwn.tWl"". of !hi. ease.
In Bulld"J Supply v. McCube. which involved a c10im
for indemnity. or in !h~ a!lemative. eoninbution, !hi.
Court dislin8Uished !he two type. of claim. a. fulluw.:
There is ... 0 Ilmdwnental dillerence belwe'Cn
indenmity IlIld eoninbulion. The right of Indemnity
re.b upon a dilr''renee belwe..." !he primury lUId !he
secondary liohility of IWo person. each of whom i.
made responsible by the law to WI injure'" porty II IJ
a right which enure.s 10 a penon who, w"hout tlcllW
/au/lon hlJ own part. 110.. been compelled, by /'fa.yon
0/ Jom, legaloMgallon, /() pay /502 I'a. 251/
damagtJ oCCcJJlm,ed by Ihe 1IIIIItll IIf!gllHl!lI"f! of
allolh,r. alld for which he hlmu/f 1.1 (mil'
Jecondarlly habl,. The dillerenee between prilll"ry
WId secondary liability is nol based on a Jlllerence in
degl'lle" of nC81i~ence or un any doctrine of
comparati'r't! ncgli8cn~c It Jcpcmls un IJ
diJfcn:nce in the chuructcr or ~I"d of the wr{lllll:i
which eall:lC the injury lUId in the nalure or Ihe legal
Pa.,"
obli~alion owed by each of !he wrongdoers to !he
inJurul person, S.'COndwy liability exisb. for
.,wllple, where there is a relation of .wployer wid
employ..., or principal lIIld .ge'lll.... Without
multiplyin~ tn.IWlce. ... III, Imporlanl pO/III 10 b.
"lJIf!d IIr all ,III! e(l.'tf.' ,,~ ,hat Je,'o"dary OJ
d/.llllllllllsheJ /",1/1 primary liability I'IIJ/.! UpOIl a
fi"'/I Ilral I" IIlIpll/,d or COIIJll1iC!iVt Dilly. beinS
based on ..>me le8al relalion bel,,,,..n !he porties. or
urising frum somc pl)silivc rule of conunun or
.Ialulory law or because of a f.i1ure 10 dlseov.'r or
eurre'CI a del\.'Ct or reme'<iy a dlUl~e"ous condition
eau....'<i by the acl or Ule une primwily re.ponsible. In
the CUS4: of concurrent or joint tortfcusors, having no
leg,,1 r.e1alloll 10 une lUIo!her. euch of !hew owing !he
.wne dUly 10 U,e inJurul parlY. WId involve'<i in WI
aeddenl in which !he iniury occurs, !h..,e is complete
wlllllimily WIlong !he authllritie. everywh''re !hat no
rI~hl of indenlllily exist, un behalf of either against
!he other; in .uch . c..... th..,e is only a common
liabllily WId nol a .econdlO) un.. ev," !hough one
lIlay have been very much mllre negligent !hWl !he
other.
366 Pa. 322. 325,32K. 77 A2d 368, 370"371 (1951)
(Emph..i. supplied in !he cia...,.).
[I J The hlllding in ,1I<{'abe w"" that plaintill' WIIS not
ubi..: to recover indemnity bl."Cousc his own active
negligence was e.tabll.he'" a. a coninbuling factor by
!he r.'Cord in !he case. 366 Po, al 335. 77 A2d at 374.
Thu." !h. rule is !hal where one'. acl,Vi negligence: has
b.'Cn e.tabllshed in a prior aClion, IlIld!he ,,'COrd of !hat
Iili~alllln i. introduced in the present action for
indelTlIlily. indenutity is not available if tile elaimWlt's
"etive fault has been eSlablished in !he prior aelion. In
!he preSl.'llt ease Jumc.' own complaintlldmits his [502
Pu. 252)acl,vt pUrl in the evenls wbieh resulted in
injury; tliu.,. under McCabe Jumes may nol ,,'COv.'r for
dlUllage. IICea.ioned by !he le801 proce.., ei!her civil or
criminaL A. Pro.ser .ug8e.,s. .,ueh a resull. 01
bOllom, i. a polley de~l.ion 10 aUIICate re.ponsibillty to
une porty ra!her !han !he other. bUlon balWlee, whe're a
duim n:lutinf1: tu legal proccss dumugcs i:i conCt."TJled,
liS nctn'ccn juint or concurrent acUl-'f! tortJcaso~. the
c1aml!\lr inllemnilicalion .hould be denied, as it w... in
,1I<{'lIbe. Tllis rule i. based upon the IlIlcie'lll principle
"lJurla propria IUnJ cadel In hrllt!ficum !acietlllJ (one
.lIuuld nol be allowcd 10 derive benelit Irom hi. own
wrun~ful aCl), which, .. il applie. lu a claim lbr !he
r."uvcl) or dama8c, incurred in a ..137 previou.,
legal prllCe... rcmallls !he law uf Perm.'ylvWlia.
Acc()rdlll~ly. dama8e. relaleJ III !he legal pro...., may
nlll he r~cO\'l..'rcd as a mutter una\\',
CopYright (c) We'l Owu!, I ~')X Nu c1alln 10 urlglllal t !.S, Om'!. work.
465 A2d 1231, 502 Po, 241, Valhmo v. l.o"''f Buck. /10'1'., Inc., (Po. 19113)
I Iwn now 10 . consider.lion of the dwn.@..
rcmaining al illllue in lbi, .ase Nol.1 i..ue on thi,
.ppc:a1 is lb. pun:nls' emotion.1 di'lre.. claim Thai
claim w.. deni",\ by lbe Commonwealth Coun WId lb.
denial w.. not r.i",-'" .. error on Ibi, .ppc:u1. Also no
longer 01 issue, bec.use of lbe eurher dl:<cu..ion, ure
civil and criminal defense Jtunage.. Such d,,",alle.
m.y not be claimed. The lIu'TlII@e clailtl:l ,"'Cnaining on
beh.lf of Ibe parenls ure expendimre, I,,, medical WId
pll)'chi.lric cure. Ownage' a.",-'Ct.'" on Jume.' behalf
are mc:nlul Wlllui.h, 10'" of .mplo)n"'nl WId pubhc
humiliation.
^" to the hospit.I's claim lbal ils conducl i. not the
leg.l cause oflbe l\.maining dwnage,. In lbe absence of
pohcy re.""ns that would hmit ,"'Covcry for the
remllining dam.ges. . d.t.rminahon as 10 wh.lb.r the
h""pitol'. conduct was lbe kg.1 c.u.... of such duma@..
is gre.lly aided by .pphc.tion of lbe f.ctors set oul in
lbe Resl.t"",,..nl'. ~ 433, Jupra: (I) lbe nwnber of
factor. contribuling to lbe harm; (2) "helber the
actor's conduct cre.',,,, a lorce th.1 was cominuous lip
to lbe time of harm; (3) lbc period of time that clapscd
betwe.,n lbe actor's conducl WId lb. harm.
With regard to the lirst cOIl.,ider.tion, 011 11t.lac/J aJ
plead.d, lbe only factors contribuhn@ to lbe remainin@
(502 Pa. 253) injunes are lb. ho'pit.l'. conduct WId
vlllioWl Commonweallb acts, WId lbus. I would not
hold as . mBller of law lb.t lbe ho'pital" conducl, us
alleged, wa, nol a .ub,tanh.1 faclor, With rcgard to
lbe "'-..:ond consid.r.tion, lbe ho'pil.I'. conducl
arguably cre.led forcc, lbal were in cominuou., und
a.tivc operation up 10 lb. time of Injury. and lbllS,
again, I would not .ay as a mall.'f of 1.11' lb.1 lbe
ho.pital's conducI wa. not a I.gal cau.... of the Injuries
asserted. Finully, the I..t con.iderahon, the lapse of
lime betw.'Cn lbe hospital'. conducI and lbc Injury,
arguably. was neghgible or 1""I.WWlt Since lbese
consideralions ,uig""t lb.t . jury millhl d,ll.r un
whelb... the hospital'. conduct WIlS . 'sUbstWlliul
faclor' in prlXlucing the plainhll:'" remaining dwna@es,
ordinarily, in Ibe .b",-'Jlcc of pohey reason. 10 the
conlrlll)' or lbe preSCJle<' of a sUP''f'''-''',"g c.use, tho
que.hon whelber the ho.pital'. conducl w.s lbe k@al
cause of plalnhll:'" n:m.ining dwna@e. '" one lor th.
jury to dct''mline.
Conccming Ibe po:<sibihty U,.t JOln..' acL, w.re .
supcnleding (FN4) oau.... of lbe injuries h. and hi,
parenls sutlered, we nole at Ibe outscl our .gre.ment
wilb the Commonwealth Coun's un.ly.is of
,u""'f<Cdinll e.use in thi. c.se:
Pa.e 5
IEI"''n wh.'TI.' WI inl<.'fwning uct is wronlllW it doo:.
nol bco:om. . supcrsc<hng ..u.... unle,", looking
relros","'Ctively Irom lbe harm lhrough the scqU<.'ncc
of ev.'nl. by which it was produced, it is so
eXIr.ordinur) .s nol to havc been rellSOn.bly
1,,,eS<.'Cabl.,
Cf Re.tat.,,,.'lI1 of Torb, S.'COnd ~~ 435, 447; ROJJ
v. l'mb. 4MI Po. 446, 392 A2d 1376 (1978);
IJI./IIa/l v. Gold, 431 Pa. 3411, 246 A2d 376 (1968).
II_C."". hardlr,b.lh,,!:'~tl.502 Po, 2541, .xlruordiJ1l11}'
thai. p.rsun\\ho is, admincd to a ho.p,talb.icausc_of
'paranuid"""hi,ophr''rIio behavior, WId J?w1icularly. un
abnorm.1 fa.....in.tiun wilb lire, when he i.' left .
un.upcr..-....'" in Ibe h'l'pilul, sels . ru:~. I\:; lbi.CoUrt
slut....Jin1'lwnrIOlJ v. JVtaber:
Th. I.w is nol so unaware "f re.lily lbat it will permit
. tonJ.a.or lu IWll hi. wTonglill ael into WI immunity
by a'scnin@ Ibatlllo evenlUll! Jtunage re.ulted from.
mol'. immediale CUll><.' when it i. "1238 clear that
thi. inuned,ale e.u.'lC WD.' put into o","'fOlion by hIS
own tortiOU.i conduct.
380 1'.. 5'!O, 595. 112 A2d 344. 347 (1955).
Therdore, the act of Junte, inselllng lbe lire,w..!llllllll a
;;i!re;;';;di;;~Ciiu:O:;;I' iii" inJUnescOmpl.iIled of
-- _.-- . - --- .. - .. - --- ---
(2) Thus, vle\\in@ all materi.1 f.els pleaded '" the
complaint lIS lruc, und .sking whelber as a man.r of
1.11' lb. inJurie. rem.ining at is.ue may not be
'"'COw..'" in Ibi, .ction, ur whelber the jury could
dill.r .. 10 whelbor the ho,pital', conduel WIIS 8
"sub,tWltial- c.u.... uf thc above injuri.., I conclude, in
li llht of lbe cOll.<Iderulions .....1 fonh in Restut''I1lent ~
433, di.....u.,<Cd curlier, WId in the ubsence of policy
eun..deration. which millht p...'Clude recovery, lba\ tho:
j!!!}'.millb1 diIL:r "" to whclhl:r lbe hosl'ital'!llOOllllul;l
w.as . .ubslunti.1 ealJSC oflbe remllining injuries.Jmd
lilU~ lbul the CllSC must @O tu lbe jury on all the
-~~~Ilining ~ orl!wDui~~~ .. -.
Atlirm.d in port WId rever...'" in pw1, und remWlded
lor Irial.
1l1lTCIIINSON, J., Joins WId tiles . coneurrinl!
upmlon.
ROBERTS, CJ., til,.s . concurring opinion.
NIX, I., tile, . concurring WId disS<.'nting opinion in
which McDERMOTT, 1., joins.
COp)'nllhl (c) West Group I '!9K No e1aonlo on@inallJ.S. (jov\. work.
l.ARSEN WId ZAPPALA, JJ., tile concurring and
I
<Ii_nling opinion..
465 A2d 1231,502 Po. 241, Vatllmo v. Low,,. Buck. Hosp., Inc., (1'0. 19113)
Pa._ 6
(502 P.. 25SJHUTCHINSON, Justice, eoncurrins
[I )[2) I join Mr. Juslke rluhelty'. opinion
BIUloWlcing lbc judl.!l1lenl of the Court in holding there
can be no recovery. a' . maUer of policy. lur these
pl.intiff.' litigation rdated costs. Mor,'ovcr, I .Iso
cOIlCur in hi. rever...1 of thc grant of delendant'.
demum:r to lbose portion. of thc compl.int orgu.bly
seekinS non.lillg.tion Nlat.:.! dllll1.gc.. If plamtitl;, in
facI seek, and CWl prove, aggr.v.tion of thc
incompel<,nt plaintill'. illness hy virtue of the ho.pit.l'.
negligence in not prewnting him Irom seuillg the lire.
l'IXOvery i. av.il.blc under well-settled pnnciple.,
rccol!Jlizc:d by Mr. Jusllce Fluhcrty, Howewr, if it IS
I.t,,. delennin,-d, .. .ugge.t.:.! by Mr, Jo.,tice NIX in hi.
concurring and di.senting opinion, that the only
dum.ge. plaintiff., .u1I.rcd a. a re.ult of the hospital's
negligence ","" Nlat,-d to the civil und crinllnal
lICtiOns broughl .guinst thcir word, 1 would deny
l'IXOvery .. a maU,,. of I.w. I belie... this is unplied
by the majority. On demWTcr. however, I IUn
unwilling to r..d the compluint os limited .olely '.0
dumage. l10wing from the litigation,
ROBERTS, Chi.f Justice, concurring.
[11(2) I agr.. With the deteooin.tion th.t neither
Jamc. Vauimo nor hi. por''llt. may seck recovery
against appellant; Lower Buck. 1I0'pit.I, Inc., Ii" the
COSI of defending either t/u: criminal pro..:cution
broughl .gain.t Jume. Vauimo or the civil suit
instituted .gainst .ppellant by the d.:cea'lCd p.lIent'.
estate, in which JwnC:i VI1Uimo wus named u.'i un
additional defendant. Nor muy appell, 'C' reeovcr Ii"
any consequences of the criminul pro...'Cution,
including incare,,..tion and invohUltary commllmclll.
On this r,"COrd, recovery may be sought only lor any of
the n,maining dam.ges allcg,oJ to havc been cau...-d by
appellant'. failure to provide Jwne. Vult1mo with
proper .upervi.ion upon his .dmission 10 uppcllant's
emergency psychiatric cor. unit.
NIX. Jusll.., concurring and (hssentmg,
[I) Thi. appe.1 furth,,. illo.,u.tes the dlllicullles
encounlered whL'll we uUcmpt to deline the extent of
neglig''llce [502 Po. 256Jliabilit) in temts of causallon,
(FN I) The ....1 i..ue i. how for .s . m.Uer of low
should the ho.pilal be held monelorily rcsponSlble Ii"
the cluimed eun'iCquences of Its ullcgcd brcuch l,f dut),
To become ''Ill!10ll.'led in. .1139 fllCtual ..sc.sment
of cuu.~~ IlOd l:Ili..'Cts obscures the pulicy considerations
thut should conuullllc delennin.tion A mel.phy.ic.1
WI.ly.is of c.o..... lUId <l1.:el:l illllurc. the f.uh
p,,-dic.le of C"'lUnon low nesligenee and frequently
produccs respon"bility liIl oul of pmportion to the
conduct of the \lTongdocr. (FN2)
The 'lUIle c\'11 is present when uttempt. ore mud.: 10
u.... Ii"c.......ablhly a. . panace.. While loreso.'Cability
of the injury IS c1eurly a faclor in delining ( aty, if it i.
.ceepted a. the sole criteria we couhl "ut logic.lly
coniine thc e'I''Ilsion of Ii.bility '.'..It,ln reWlOn.ble
Iinllts, Even a Iinutoo im.gin.tion ClUl c....te
irmunlerublc hyputheses, lIC<:ompWli.:.! by 'l.ggering
Implication., by o.sing lure...'Cability Il.'l the sole bll.'lis
I." delinins the e'tent of liabIlity. Fore.....abilily i.
h<:sl utill'.cd .s . bu.,is to limit liability lor
cOllscqucnct::i which un: not fnrc.::iCcn, nthc.'1' thWl ,,~ the
b.si. lor UIl e'I''It"on of liability to thUI which can h<:
lhc(lTcticully 1i.)rc~'Cn.
Thi. "ppeul presenls the que.tion of the porlUllel,,.s of
llubilny of UIl .lIeged torU..sor lur the aelion. of one
whu wus cntru."'ih:d to its clln: und :'Iupc..'TVi:'iion and who
nesligently[S02 Pu. 2571 discharg.:.! th.1
responSIbility, My inill.1 dlSal!l"''Cmenl is with the
.usse.tion by Mr, Jo.,tice F1uh,TlY th.t WlY portion of
this IIlqUIl)' i. propcrly a'l.,illlled 10 thc f.cUinder Ihr
resolulion. Questions such .., when the dUly arises,
Wh.l would <:onsmute . hreach of that duty, and the
cousequence. lor which the 10rtleWlOr m.y be held
lcsitilllulcly responsible arc que.tions of I.w requiring
judici.1 delennination, Only Ill,,"r thcse guidepo.ts are
clcarly llr1iculaled CUll lbe r.cUind.r pr<l''''Cd to
detennine whelbL~ the ca.. in question .upports the
request.:.! rclier
The duty ulleged here " predic.led upon James
VUlllmo's menial illnes:! (schilOph"'llic, parlUloid"type)
with an Irre.istible fascin.tion Ihr lire. It i. allesed
tll.II1.. rcsuh of acceptins V.nimo in this condition..
. p.tient, lhe ho.pital und..'r1ook to provide 0 .tandard
of supervision and surveillance over thc patk'lll that
would huve prcventcd him Irom seuing the lire and
cuu.ing thc resultant harm, (FNJ) Aceepllng these
.1Iesulion. iu lblS proc.durul po.ture, (FN4) it
nevcrtheless mo.st bc ","ph.slLed th.1 the ho.pit.I'.
uction. did not "llbe lire. The dereliction ...illll.:.! to
the hospit.1 w.s it., lailurc 10 prevent the occurrencc.
The W1disputed genesi. of lbe lire und the re.u1lant
dUlllUSC w.s thc W1derlyms mental illness of V.uimo.
Tho., pl.ced in proper persp,'Ctive, we must d..'Cide
\lhat the hospltul Clll) be fuirly held .ccount.ble for...
result of its l'tulure to prev''Ilt the occWTence. In
n",klllS ,uch . Judgmenl, It should he our (502 1'.. 258
Cop}'TillthllC) West (imup }lNM Nlll.:luim to llnglnlJl U.S. (i\lvt. wmks
465A2d1231,502Pu. 241, VUllimo".lAl"~rBucksllosp"lnc,,(l'a 1983)
J objective to ccllSOnably undlilirly compL'Osute I"r thc
col!llizable 10.. bul not to proville a winlllilll. (FN5)
*1140 UnllL'C well eslJlblishoo prL'CclIent, if pluinlilI
pnxlUl:CS sufficienl evillL'O.:c: to lIemoru;trute the menial
condition of Jwnes warrunlOOthe Juty a,,,,.rtL'd, (FN6)
the hospillll wolllJ clelltly be responsible for injury to
the person or prop<:rty of third pl1rties where s""h
injury rosultoo from u hospitul's ne@li@enl failure 10
meet its responsibility. Sill, ..g., Rhill... v. 1/,1711,
481 Pa, 165, 392 A2J 298 (1978); S'lIIler v.
P.ychlalric blJliluIt of Wa.hillglOlI, D.C., 538 F,2d
121 (4th Cir.), em. d.lli.d, 429 V.S 827,97 S,Cl. 83,
50 L.Ed.2d 90 (1976); RUlli River [,ulllher Co. v.
SIal" 282 NW2d 882 (MiM.1979); [JOCIO"
I/o.pllal. [I/c. v. Koval., 16 Ariz.App. 489. 494 P.2d
389 (1972); Annat, 48 ALR3d 1288 (1973);
Restatement (Second) of Torts ~ 319 &; commL'Ot (u),
illus, (2) (I %5); cf Annot, 38 ALRJd699 (1971).
The hospital is also Wlquestionably liable t"r actual
physical hwm to the person und proPL'CIY of ils
mL'Otally disturbed putiL'Ot rL'SultinS from it. lililure 10
use due cllte in the supervision of thai patient Set,
',g.. B.II v. N.w York City I/.allh am[ I/o.pilal." 90
A.D.2d 270, 456 NYS,2d 787 (1982); Pay", v.
Milwauk.. Sallllor/ulII Foulldalioll, [lie.. 8 I Wis.2d
264,260 N. W,2d 386 (1977); .11.1", v. ROJJ G,".ral
I/o.pllal, 69 CaUd 420. 71 CalRptr. 903, 445 P2d
519 (1968); Visliea v, Pruhyleriall I/a.pila[, 67
Cal.2d 465, 62 Cal,Rptr. 577,432 P.2d 193 (1967);
Annot, 19 AL.R 4th 7 (1983); Annat, 17 AL.R. 4th
1128 (1982); Annot, 70 ALR2d 347 (1960); W.
Prosser, Law of Toru ~ 33, ut 172 (4th 00. 1971).
(FN7)
(502 Pa. 259J I wn convmcc:d thaI a rcasonablc
roms of the instunt complainl mdicates thai the
dumases sought here llIe bL1'ond those llIeas where the
right to rL'COvery has bL'L'O previously recognizoo. I wn
also of the belief thai the presently rL'COl!JlizL'dlimils of
liability arc fair and udequute 10 eumpensate !llr
injuries from neslisent acts of this nalure und thatlhe
eXten:lioru; instWltly rUluestOO llIe nol warrunted. I.
therefore, ail"'C with Mr. Justice Flaherty'. conclusion
sustainins the preliminllI)' objectiolU to the AppeIlL"'"
claim for dumases related to de:li:ndin@ the criminal WId
civil actions.
I wn equally convinced that the remaimn@ claIm.
should also be dismis'lCd und would IllIinn 10 entircty
the April 17, 1977 ordL'T of the Adrmm.trator of
Arbitration Pune," for Ilealth CllIe. The dwna@c
claims rL'IIlainin~ on h.:half of the plllcnl. were
expenditure. for m.'IIlcal und p.ychiatric CIllC. (FNK)
'a.1 7
The dumu@e. ...sertoo on Jwne.' behalf were for menial
un@uish, loss of employment WId public humiliation.
From the complaint II is clcar that these dumages arc
alle@oo 10 have re.lIIled Irom the emotional di.tee..
re.u1lin@ Irom hi. involWlllU)' C<lmmiunent 10 unother
hospilal WId the expL'lience of bein~ chllt@oo with
murder in the Ii!'t del'lL'" and IlCSOn.
Th~ ba". Ji,r the rejL'Ction of these claims lII'C
ob\'ious. First, the relationship betwC\.'O the 1II1eSed
nc@Ii~,cnl conducl WId th~ a....'Il00 hwm is tenuous .1
best Wh.'O thc complained of incidL'Ot occurred.
Jwne. was al thaI lime involWllurily(S02 Pa. 260J
cllmmill.'d because of his mcnlal dillicultie.. There i.
no indication in the complainl that hi. subsequent
conlinuL'd involunllU)' conJinL'IIlent rcsultoo from uny
reUSllO. othcr thM the Wlderlyin~ m~ntlll condition thul
'1241 caused him to be placL'II involWltarily in the
cllle of appellWlt Th... thcrc is no nexus between the
appdlunl" alle@oo nc@Ii@L'Oce und the complained of
m\'olWllary conJinement to justiry eompensallon for
that experience by appellant
Equally a. lenuo... IS W1Y ar~wtlent allemptin~ to hold
app~lIunt responsible lor the dL'Cision to brinll
pro...'Cullon, AppellL'" are ur@ing that the hospitlll be
held responsible tor the inllL'(lL'OlIent judl!fficnt of a
brunch of @ovcmmenllo commence prosecullon. It is
the prosecution lor the act. rathL'C thun the occurrence
of the act, which i. alle@ed to be the bllSis of this claim.
Whercin it is rellSOnablc \0 hold the bo.pilJll for the
dircet consequcnce. of its act, it i. not rellSOJlI1ble to
extend the Iiabihly to the conseqllL'Oces of
govenunental re.ponse. to the conduct in question over
which the hospital hud no control. Nor cunlcSilimucy
bc gl\'en to .uch a position by a strained causation
unaly.is or by the fact that the re.ult may conceivably
have bwn li,resecablc
Second, the aWllld of compensation I"r the decision
10 bnn@ criminal prosecution woald ol!i:nd the cllldinal
premise J"'li1iin@ the award of dwnases in ncshsence
ca...,s, Dwnages llIe awlltded to COmpL'DSatc lor un
injury or harm The in.titution of criminal pro..ss is
lk.isncd to servc a societal purpo"" und cannot be
properly elassilied a.. a hlUm or WI injury. To
';onelude: otherwise would re.all in the 8Domuly of
chlll@ing one with faull lor thc occurrcnce of u socielJll
@ood. Wc should nol rL'C"l!Jl/c indiVIdual dlstre"" or
dISpleasure thai may now from thc PropL'C funClioninS
of government dCL'IIl',,) to be in the besl inlerc.t of
.ocicty as a whole.
CopyTillhl (c) Wesl Oroop 199K No elaim 10 on~mal U.S, 00\1. works
Even those ..ho would insisl upon 1IIlL'CJlrelins the
465 A.2d 1231,502 Pa. 241, Vauimo v. Lo,,,... Bucks Ho,p., Inc" (I'a. 19K3)
complaint lI:I alleging iliat ilie ''\11otional di,tress 'Jf
Jwne.llowed from the occurr.'ll"" of the tire il:lcU'must
confront the question thHt Ihe aUowance of re",!Very
here would (502 I'a. 2611 require a liJr grealer erosion
of Ihe traditional doclrine requiring physical injW)' or
impoctlhan has eVL'" bc:<.'ll .u@gested bo:fore. Prior 10
our decision in M.d.mlall v, Hrodsky, 436 I'a, 40 I ,
261 A.2d 84 (1970), no recowry could be had lor
emolional distress negligently in/lieled unless it was
lIOOlIIJpanied by physical injury or physical impact.
See, Bosley v, Alldrews, 393 I'a. 161, 142 A.2d 263
(l958)~ G.fr., v, RO,ltlllhal, 3841'a, 123, 119 A2d
250(1956); Polere v. Phlladtlplrio, 3KO I'a. 5KI, 112
A2d 100 (l955)~ JIm v, P1lilaJtlphia
Tra/lilpOrlatlOlI Co.. 35K Pa. 144, 56 A2d1l9 (l9411)~
HuS/an v, Frttmall.tburg Borough, 212 I'a. 54K, 61 A
1022 (1905); Ewing v, Piluburgh Railway Co" 147
Pa. 40, 23 A 340 (1892); Fox v. Borkey, 126 Pa.
164, 17 A 604 (1889). In NieJenllall, we discarded
the 'impact rule' with the language:
We Wday choose to abandon the requircmcnt of a
physical impocI as a prL'COndition to recovery I,,,
damages proximately caused by tho tort in only those
casos !ike ilie one belore us where thc plaintil\' was in
por50nuJ <lwtger of physical impacI because of the
direction of a negligenl force against him und where
plaintill' actWlUy did fear the physical impact.
436Pa, at413,261 A2d at 90.
Th, leJI &upouJed ill Nit!demlaIJ bf!,'ame known lU
Ih, :olle of dallStr rlr.ory.
In 1979, in the C&:lC of Sillll v. HUI'J, 4K6 Pa. 146.
404 A2d 672, il was found thaI the 'zone of d'IDger"
test was too restrictive when the plaintitl' aeluaUy
witn.ssed tho accident which caused scrio~s injW)' 10
one having a close relationship with the plaintill' and,
as a result of the impacI of the evenl. suslalned
emotional shock resulting in mL'lllal as well as phYSIcal
injuri.s to the witnessing plainlitl'.
However, in the C&:lC of YOIIJnelr v. RoJi,', 495 Pa.
243, 433 A2d 459 (19KI), this court was evenly
divided as 10 the recognition of a claim lor damages for
infliction or emotional distress upon a lather whosc son
was fataUy injured atk... being struek by un aUlomobile
but the father was neither a witness 10 the incident nor
in the immediate viciniI)', Those (502 Pa. 2621
rnemb"'Ts of the COW1 in favor of n..-":o~mZintlll cause of
action there w~re willin@ to expulld the rule of 81/111 to
· 1141 include recovery lor ''\11otional lnJW)' 10 a
pur~nt who does not witn~ss, hut is lold of, physical
Pa.. 8
injury to his child. Up to thi.time the expWlded view
of SI/I/I has y~1 to be IIdopted by a majority of this
Court, Moreover, th,: reque'led """>very hL'l'C far
exe........ even 01al urged in rOIlJrieh.
The JIlStilicalion lor the eXC\'Plion in Sillll 10 the
physical injury or physical impact rule of Bo.l.y v.
A"Jr.ws, supm, or the zone of dunger theory of
Ni.JtnIlOIl v. HroJs~}', .upra, Wl\:l:
Where a parent or c10sc blood rdative actually
wllllesses a traunlatie serious injw-y 10 a loved one,
we expressed in Sillll thai the L,nolional impUCI
r~ve...beraling Irom thaI event was allellSt as polent ll.'l
that which /lowed from the persollal exposure to
danger und~r the zone of danger theory articulate'll in
jV;~dl!mJ(m.
The conunon theme bctwe'Cn the !hrL'C themie. is
thai in each instance the negligence of the uctor
results in 0 S4:nsory experience thut CllUSC8 tJle
rcsulling m~nlal distress.
rOIlJ,.,eh v. Rodie, supra al 250"251, 433 A2d at
462,463, (Opinion in Support of AJlinnunce, Nix, J.)
^" noled in rallJrieh all of the accepled theories
supporting .\:Covery arc p"mised upon the neglig~nce
of un actor which result, in a sensory experience
ca~sin~ the alkg~d resultin@ mentuJ distress. Under
the old rule it was of course a trawnutic encount.... with
the 10rtf~llSOr which caused the injw-y or honn from
which the emolional distre.. followed. Under ilie
"zone of danger" lhcory it WIl."I the emim."01 e:<poslUe to
immcdiale physical hwm cmanating from the actions of
the lortli:asor placing the plninlH\' in lear of inJW)' or
honn. In Sillll il was the witne.sing of the traumalic,
ne@ligent acl of Ihe lorUellSOr causing serious injW)' or
death to a child. Even in rallJrielr. whL'l'C recovery
was nol allowed, there was a traunlatie ev."t in which (
502 Pu. 263) the child of the plainlill' Wll.'l killed ll.'l a
resullo!' the tortli:asor's negligence. The disagreement
u.s to whether ,,'Covery should be allowed centL,ed
upon the lact thai lhe ewnt was not witnessed by the
plaintill'.
The inslant laCIUal selling is di'linguishable b.,cause
the trllwnallc ev~nl was physically sel in motion by the
plainlllI As hu.s hL'Cn prcviou.,ly stressed, the alleged
negligence of Ole hospital was passive. Thu., the
alh,wWlcc of OIlS claim is tantwnount not only to a
complete lIbrO~l1l1on of 1\11 lonncr rClilriction:i upon
Copynght (c) West (iroup I 'J,)ll No CIOlIll loon~lnalll s. (iovt works
465 A.2d 1231,5021'0.241, Vollimu v Luw.:r Ilu.:ks lIusp , In.:., (1'0, 19K3)
n:cuv.'t)' lor o:tnuliunol dislte" dalin. II also pcnnils
IIu: llI.lR"llClion uf lhe deli,ndalll lu b.: th.: pr",1Ieale uf
liabilily al!wll:lt il for consequcnc.:s di""lly r.:suhllll!
frum the owrt IlCI of the plailllill' himself Su.:h 0
@rOlesquc distortiun of lrodiUonal low WId 0 nomlal
Wld..'flltW1ding uffauh musl be culldemn.'\!,
McDERMOTT, J., Juins III Ihls ellllcurrllll! WId
dis"'''linl! opilllun,
LARSEN, Juslic.:, "'lIIeurrilll! wid dlssenlilll!.
[21 ( juin in Mr. Juslice Flaherty's 1IllinnWlcc III' the
Conunonwe.lth Court'. opinion, bull dls",-"llrum Mr.
JlJ:jtic.: Floh.'r1y'. rev'''Slllof thalupilllon,
I disagree with Mr. Juslic.: Flaherty's Ircalmenlof the
V.uimu.' claim for relmbursemo:nl of allome)s' I."s
expended in dcf."dinl! Jumes in civtl WId crinllnal
procccdinl!' arisinl! oUlof the incidents in this case.
Firsl. I believe thai lhe hospilal hod a dUly 10 prolect
.gaill:ll this Iype of harm, NIII only was thc inill.lion
of criminal proo:cdinrs agaillsl James thc tuclual
cons.:quencc of the hospital's alleged tuilurc 10 propcrly
supervise and care for JWIles, bUI il was also a
foreseeable conscqu.:ncc of .uch eonduel on lh.: pW1uf
lhe hospilal. &, Lel7'O v. Thoma. "j/ll".. IlIe.. 45 I
Pa. 37,41. 301 A.2d 70S, 70K (1973) ('Conducl is
n.:gligo:nt if lhe hWlnJill .:onsequ."..... could rcosonably
have been t'ore""'-'n and prevenl.'<i by lhe exercise uf
reasonable cure.'),
[502 Pa. 2641 Nevo:rtheless, the hospilal arl!ues thaI
'he criminal prucccdinl!' inilialed againsl JWIles were
lhe cons.:quene.: of lhe pro",,,uI,,r's d."ision,making
process, rath... thon · 1243 the 'nonnal, naluru! or
probable conscqucnccs of medical malpraclice.' (FN I)
This argument has no men!, Even thllUgh crimlllal
proceeding. were the rcsult of a d.."ision madc b) the
prosecutor, it wos slill ''1I1in,''lly fureseeable lhat WI
individual wilh a propensily l'or '1I1I1ing Iircs would be
subject to crimin.1 pro",-"ution if lhe hospllal lutlcd lu
properly discharge its dUly 10 supervise Ihal individual.
In additiun. I do nol .gr..... thai JWIles' conduct acls os
a bar 10 Ihe r<:<:owl)' of leg.llCes,
Mr. JlJ:jlice Fluh.'r1y relics upon WI aUmIS",on III the
compl.inl lh.t JlUlIes played WI 'oe,,"" 1'1111 III the
e,CIlts which resulted in injury" to support ils
conclu."IlUn that JamC:i wa:i un "ac'twt! torUcnsur" und
lhlJ:j ineligible to r_iw ind..'IlU\iliclllion. Mr JU'lic.:
~'Iuhcrty's Opinion, slip 01'. at 14, I 1<," ever, a review
PII' 9
uf Ih.: cu,'e law suppon. lhe pmpu.ilion that JWIlcs is
nut WI aeliw tonJi:asor, despite lhe fllCts lh.t he
uJlIliu.'\!ly sll1l1.'\! ~IC lire WId lh.1 he mllY be held
c.villy liable Iilr the death of his roommale. (FN2)
I.unl! a@u, this Court hdd lhal
"A perSllll wilh . mental delici.'llcy i, civilly liaole for
his lorts; he IS liable to bear lhe conse:qucne... uf his
inlinnity as he is liable 10 bear his mblonWle., on ,lie
1'1'1I""1'1. ,110' wilen, 0 Iou .,u., b. bom, by olle of
!WtJ III"oe,1II p.rsOIl.I, ".11011 b. bome by hi., who
on'a,uollt!c/ i:,": l.ancQJtt!r County National Bank v.
,\100/", 7K Pa. 407, 21 AR 24 (I1175); Wail" eou,
195 1'0. 43K, 46 AIL 72 (1900).
/,,.,,.. v. CI.m.lII, 70 I) & <:'2d 47, 63 (1974)
(cmphllSls ulkk'<i) These e.se:s reveal lhal lhe
menl.lIy delidenl deli:ndWlI i, conSidered WI innoc''llt
WId nol responSIble Iilr his 1502 1'.. 2651 action., WId
lhal he llIay be held le".Uy Iiuble nol because he was
nel!li@elll, but based upon ~le policy considerution thlll
sumeone must bi:1U' the cspc.~:iC:i of Wl lnnOC4."I1t
plaimlll's II1JIII'}' tIlI1t that il is mllre JUSllo impose: lhosc
expenses upon the per"'lIl who, allhuugh withoutluult,
caused the injury lhWl upon the innocent plainliff. In
view ofth.. policy, it would be. hursh resuh 10 regurd
Janles as WI acli,'" tonJi:us", lor purposes ofindernnily.
In addition, according 10 tllllse aulhorilies eil.'<i by lhe
majority, the Plll'J'ose of indemnily i.
10 prewm a re,ult which is rel!urded as WljusI or
WlsalisluCIOl}',.
Thus .1 i, generally al!l'ccd lhal lhere m.y be
indcllUlil) in luv", of one who is held responsible
""Idy by imputalion of law lk."au... of his rel.tion 10
lhe aelual wrongdoer ..
h ha, Ii."n ,aid thai il is pcnniued only where lhe
mdellll1ilor has ow.'<i . dUly of hi, own to lhe
mdemnilee, thaI il is based on II 'llI'eat dilfcr.'llce' in
lhe I!lovity uf the fault of lhelwolorUi:asors', or lhal il
rc~ds upon a dispropurtit,m or ditT,-.,.'-Tlce in character
of the dulies owed by the Iwu 10 lhe injured
plaintilL. Indemnily is a shillinl! of re'ponsibility
trom the should."s of one person tu wlOlher; WId lhe
dUly lu IlIdcrnnlly will be fL'CogniLed in cases where
comrmUlily opinion would consid... lh.1 in Juslice IIu:
responsibility should rest upon one rulh." than lhe
Copyrighl (cJ Wesl <imup 19')1l NoelullIll" ""@lIlal (J S <iovl wurks
.-.1,
465 A.2d 1231,502 1'. 241, V.ttimo v. L"w~or llw:ks 1I0sp ,Inc., (1'.. 19113)
otlu.or. 'illis m.y be b.'C.u:o: or the rel.lion or the
pW'lies to one unother, und the ",1n..:qu''Ilt dUly owcd,
or it m.y be bee..... or . sil!llilicunt dlllerence 10 the
kind or q..llty of their condw:l.
I'roOllCT. 7'h, Law ,,!7'ort.s ~ 51 (4th .-.1), quolcd Irom
Mr J..tice: Fllllterty's Opinion. .111' 01'. .t 1l.9 In 2
,'Itt, abo Build". Supply v. .l/cCah" 366 1'.. 322,
325-6.328,77 A.2d 3611, 370. 371 (1951). 'Iuoted
from Mr. JlI:llic.: Fluberty's OpinIOn, shp 01' .t 13:
(502 Po. 2661 The dilTerenee betw...n primury und
sccorulury lI.billly .. depcnw. on . dilli:r.llce .1244
in the character or kind of the WTon~s which c.use the
injury und in the nature of the leg.l obll~.tion owcd
by each of the wrong<locro to the injured p..or""n,.
[TJhe importunl poinl to be noted 10 .11 the cu.... is
that secorulury as distinguishc<l from primury lIabillly
rClll:l upon a f.ult th.1 is imput.'l! or constructive only
All of the eonsi<h.or.tions menrjonc<l in these
authorilies f.vor the .1I0wunce of indemnity In tins
cuse. Jwnes was nol held criminally hable for his acts,
snd if he is held civilly liable it will be 'or pohey
reosons. nol bee.u.... he was .t lilUll; uny habihty on
the part of Jwnes will be imput.-.I or .:onstructive, The
hospital dearly owed a duty W Jwnes to prev.'Ilt him
from eanying out preciscly th.t action which he
8CCOIIlplished. In ud<Iilion, th.ore is a greal 'Jillerence
in the degrees of fauh, of the hospituJ und Jwnes. the
hospital was at faull w the extenl il breached its duty 10
care for Jwnes, while Jwnes' mcntal condition
precludes him from being at lilUlt al all. Finally, two
basic tort pohcies"pWlishm"ll und delerrenee--will be
well servcd if the hospital i. hdd rcsponsible 10' the
foreseeable cons.:qu..'Ilccs of its actions; these pohcies
will not be served .t all if the rcsponsibllity is letl with
JwnCll' parents, who did everything thcy could when
they look Jornes to the ho'pital bel<"e he had hun
snyone. In a case such .s thi.. Jo.,tiee requires the
shilling ofresponsibihty from one tortlea"", 10 unoth.r,
I would hold that legal 1t.'Cs arc "'CllVerable In tillS
ClL'" once: lIabihty 'Uld d.mage. havc been proven at
bioi, und thU:l I would aJlinn the order of the
Commonwealth Court in ,ts entirety.
ZAPPALA, Jo.,tice. "'Incurring ill part with und
di""'-'Ilting in part from the Judgmenl or the court,
[21 I concur with the resull wUluunced lll<luy by
JU.1tic.: rluberty in hIS Oplllion AnnoW1CIn~ tbe
Judgm''lllur the Cuurt. pemlllllllg Ihe Appdlecs' case
P... 10
to prol"'Cd to the Jury (502 Pa 2671 on the iSlluc of the
ho'pltal's negh~,,"cc resullin~ in lIuma~e dsim.o for
medic.1 SlId ps,chiabic cure, m''lltal Wlguish. 10.. of
emplo)ment und public hunlilialion. It is clear, as
Ju.1ticc F1uberty hus stat~'l!, that in ur<ler to ,.""vcor, the
Appellees mll:ll prove thUI the ho.pital owcd a duty to
JllIlles, the hospllal breach&:<! It. duty, WId th.1 the
breaeb uf that dUly is the 1c~al eau.... uf the injuries
sulli:rc<l by Jwnes WId hi. parents. Oi~nw."in~ th~
Appclk'Cs' dalms at this 'tage is pn:mature, as
reasonable men may dltler as to whethe, the hospituJ
uwed a duty to Jwne,. undthatthe failure 10 hunor .uch
dUly cao.sed the Appcll~....s' IIlJuries, Therefore, th~
Appellees mu.t hi: ~I"'n the opportWlity lu presenl
whawver evidence they have to s"lain their claims.
Fur the swne re....ms, I mo.'t ,esJl<-'CtlWly dis.....'Illlrom
Jusllce Fluberty's Opinion in sustainin~ the preliminary
objections 10 the Appell.....s' claims for lIumages relatc<l
10 dcli:ndmg the criminal and civil aelions. I ilisagree
with Juslice Fluberty's charaelenzalion of this claim of
the Appclk'Cs a. a demandl"r indemnification, as I fail
10 ..... uny dllJi:'~n"e betw",-'ll this c1aml und the
rem.min~ dalm, the majonty is 1"-mUlling to go 10
trial.
Jun,es wu.' ailimlled by th~ ho.pital with the lull
knowledge uf his propensily "" sellin~ lires. By
a<lmillm~ JllIlles WIth the knowk-.lge of his condttion.
the huspilal .gr...d to prO\;d. the necessary medical
und psychiatric treaunents. Fwth.'fI1lore, Jwnes was
placed in the hospital becao... of his parents' fear of
potential harm tu Jwnes or uth.ors lL1 the resull of his
mental condition. It is not WlfellSOnable 01' .gain.'1
public policy to impose upon the hospital the duty to
supervise James so as to prevent harm eith.or 10 himself
ur others. This the bospilal failed to do, resulling in
barm 10 both Jwnes und the palient .haring bis room,
There""e, a jury .:ould rea""nably impose a duty upon
the hospit.1 which the bospilal WlfellSOnably breached.
The only remainin~ issue is whether the hospit.I's
ne~hgence cun be deterrninc<lto be the !egal cause of
the Appellees' mjurics, As Justice Fluberty corr.'Clly
stales, the issue is whether the AppcllWlt's eonduel is a
.124!l. substunt,"! tuct,,, III cau-sing the Appellees'
injuries lIa",,/ Y. 8a.,Mlle, (502 Pa. 26111 481 P..
256, 392 A 2d 1280 (1978); S.. a/.a, Ju.,tice
I'umeroy's upiniun in "'hilllel' Y. l.al..ki, 437 Po. 448.
263 A2dllll~ (1~70) S.....liun 433 of the Restalemelll
of Torls 2d sels rurth IUClors to be consi<lered in
dctcmlininkt whether u dcl~"t1dunt':i condition i:i 0
suhslanlla! Iuclu, m pnl<lucm~ the complained of
IIlJUfll':S. One relevant cnnsll.lcrution is the extent olh...,.
Cup)nllht (C) West Owup 1')')8 No clalmtu "n~mallJ S (jml wu,ks
465A2d 1231,5021>.. 241, V.Illmov,l.owerllu~ksllosp"ln~" (1'.. 19M3)
f.~lors h.ve conlribuled 10 the d~l~ndunl's inJw-i~,. If
the Appel":e. would h.w .ulli:roo their inJlIn~.
I1Olwith.stllllilin8 tlle ne8:i8<:11t condu~1 of the huspilal,
then the coOOuct of the hospit.1 cunnol be <ktemull~d
to haw b.....'Il . .ub.tunllal fa~lor in ~ausmll the said
injuri,,,,. The ho'pit.l ."..'1n. to arllue that the
Commonwe.lth or the ,",e..'<Icnt'. IWllIly, not the
ho.pillll. inill.too proe.....-.lin8. all.ilLsI Jwncs lil< hIS
.CllOl1:l. Then:tilre, either mdlvidually or IUlleth~r, the
lICllOll of the Commonwe.lth .nd th~ dL'C.d.nl'. linnily
w.. the .ub.lanll.l Iilctur in ~.u.inll the Appel:L'I:"
inJurie.. This po.illon is unt.n.ble in tl,.t the a~lion.
of buth the Conunonwe.hh und the dL'C.d.nt'. Iwuily
wen: the resull of the initi.1 lortious conduct of th.
ho.pital. ar.d nol a cau... of tlle App.llees' mjun..,
Without the ho'pillll's la~k of .upervision, Jllllles would
not have killed hi. ho.pital roommal.. Th.r.t<m:, bolb
civil and criminal proo.'C<!inlls would h.ve b~~n
wmoce"'llll)'.
Accordinl!lY, I would a/linn th~ d~cisioll of lbe
Conunonw.alth Cuun.
FN I. ~ 434. Fun~lions of Coun und Jwy
( I) It is the funcllon of the coun to d.l~mlln.
(a) whether the evidenee u.s to the lit~ls mak.. un
issue upon wllicl, IIIe JUIY may rfQJollably diff., ..
to wbeth..T the conduct of the dcl~ndunl h.s b..'l:n .
.ub.tanti.1 faclor in causillll the harm to the plainlitl';
(b) wheth.r lb. harm 10 the plainlill' is c.pabl~ of
apportionment wnonll two or more ~.u...s; and
(c) the queslions of causatioll and apportionm.nl, III
allY cOJe In whiclr lire jury /IIay 1101 rea.wllobly
diff".
(2) It is the fun.lion of the jwy to d~l~mllne, ill OilY
COJ< ill wlriclr ilmay reasollably diffe,. 011 lire lSS"e,
(a) wh.ther the <kl~ndunt'. condu~t ha. b.~n a
substantial fa~tor in causing the hwm 10 the plaintlll',
WId
(b) lbe .pportlonm.nt of the harm to two or more
C8l1:M:~,
(Emph""is add..-.l)
FN2. Accordin8 to Pro.ser:
The right to ind.:mlllly may uris<: wilbllul
.i!J"ecmenl. and by oper.tion of I.w 10 pr.vent a resuh
po.o 11
whi~h is r.llurdL-.l as unju.st or Wl.'ilItislil.lory.
Althoul!h the wld.nt sJl<.'Cious urllunl''Ilt that the
court,s will 1101 .id one lortl~a""r all.i/lllt anotlr.T
b..".usu no un. should b. pL'ffillned to lilund a ..u...
of .~llon on his 0'1'11 \\Tllllll, would appear 10 .pply
quit. .s fully to ind.:mnily "" 10 contribullon. the
court. h.w b''l:n much llIore disposed 10 rejcct it
\\ here indenmily IS involved.
Thu. il is Ilen.rally .I!l\.'l:d that th''fe may be:
ind.nullty in litvor of on. who i. h.ld respon.ibl.
""lel~ by impuI.lion of I.w h..".usc of hi. rd.lion 10
the .~Iual wronlldoer, .. where WI employer i.
viearillusly liable li,r the tort of a s<:rvunl or un
independent conlrUClllr~ or an innoc\.."f1t pBrtnl..~ or
camer is held Iiubl. tilt the ..ts of another, or the
owner uf WI uUlomubilc for the conduct of lhe
driwr..
Tilt! prllldplt! ;s '101, h()w~ver, limited 10 ,IIo.,e who
are per,lOlIally f,.ee frumfaull. A .imilw' 00'1 hu.s
be.n .pplied 10 IIldenmity .Ilaillslll supplicr of goods
when. rd.iler lIr u...r of the ll00ds incw-s liability by
re."lIlllf n.lllill~nt reliance upon hi. proP'T car.....
AIl.in, il is qUlle Ilen.rally ogreed thaI ther. may b.
indenmily In litvor of on. who was under only a
s<:condwy dUlY where anoth.:r w"" primarily
responsible, as where a municipal corporalion, h.ld
Iiabl. lilr failw-e 10 kL"''P its 'Ir......ts in safe oondition.
",.ks r.~overy !film the p.rson who has cre.led the
condilion, or . property owner who h.s p.rmined it;
or WI owner of lund held Ii.ble lilr injwy r"""ived
upon II su.. the wronlldocr who created the hllZard....
[I)t has bL"n ,ullllesl'-.J thallln. who i. Iiabl. m.rely
li'r ordinwy n.lllig"nee should have ind,..mnity from
""olber who hu.s h..'I.'tlllUllty of intentillllally wrongful
or rccklcs~ conduct. There is. however, no vi~ible
support lilt su~h . proposilion, other than the obvious
tilct th.1 there ~un be 110 indemnily in Iilvor of lbe
int.ntillnal or r.~kkss tortfe.sor hims<:lf., Finally, it
ha. .ven be.n held th.t the doctrin. of the I""t cl.ar
chunc. is 10 b. appli.d to pennit indenmity for the
.arlier Ii.bllily "Il.insl the 1.ler..
Out of all tlll', il i. .xtr.mely dillicult to sIal. any
Ilen.ral rule or principl. as III when indemnity will be:
.lIow,-.l nnd when il will nol. Ii lra.I be... said Ilral iI
i.v pt!nlllllt!d ()"~\,' where thl! 'nt/emili/or Juu owed a
duty of hi" OW" /0 thl! ;"dtt1tmilt!t!,' ,hal iI iJ baud on
a "I<real oIiffaellce" illlhe Kmvlly IIflhe faull ofllr.
two tv"~ft!a,wr.J: or Ihm it rl/JI.' upon a
cll.fpropurlicJtJ or difft!rt!"(;~ m character of the
dlllie.. ow"d h.v IIIe /WII 10 Ihe i'yured plaintiff
ClIpyrrllhl(c) West Gmup I'!'IX No dalm lOllrillin.' US (i1l'1. works
465 A.2d 1231,502 Pa. 241, Vallimo v. l.ower Ilud"dlosp, Inc., (I'a. 19113)
Probably nono of lhe"" is the complete arumer, WId,
as is so often lhe ea"" in Ibo law of Ions, no one
oxplllllalion CWl be: tOWld ",hich will covcr all of lhe
c....'S. Indemnity Is a shifiing of "'spollsibOIlY from
,he shoulders of Oil. p.rsoll '" (I/Io,h.r; 011.1 ,h.
duty 10 Ind.nmlty 14',11 b, "'coglllud ", cases wh.r.
commulllty oplnloll would cOlIsld.r ,ha' III1"Sli,-. Ih.
"sponsiblhty should "'s' UpOlI 011. ra,h.r IhOl, Ih.
o,hdr. This may b. b.cause of ,h. r.latloll of Ih.
parties 10 mil a"olh~,', and /,,~ C()"J~qlltlll dUly
014".1; or It may b. because of a Slglllfica",
diff,,,,",, IlIlh. killd or quality of ,h,'r cOlldu<'l.
Th. I.aw of Tor's. ~ 51 (41b Ed.) (EmphasIS
supplied).
ArgWlbly, in Ibis CIiSC, all !hr...: general tesls "'r
indcmnilicalion lU'e mel: (I) Ibe ind.mmlor (in
plainlitJ's view, Ibe hospital) owed a duty of It. own
to Ibe indemnilcc (in plaintill's view, JlIffies); (2)
lb.,. is a "[Uoal ditTerence" in Ibe gmvity of fauh of
Ibe two "124S. IOnteasors in Ibal Ibe hospital's
alleged negliecnce was a precondition of JlIffies' aClS;
(3) Ibere IS, IU'guably, 'a disproponion" in Ibe
character of duties owed lhe lh.'CC0.'ied by Ibe hospital
and JllIlles.
FN3. Accorilinglo Harp.'f IlIld James:
(NJeilb.'f lb. faoh ..peet nor Ibe evid.nc. o..p."t of
Ibe master's right of control e~plains vieurious
liabilily, for Ibis is imposed, as WI everyday maller, in
CB:ICS where Ibe masl<'f has laken all Ibe steps Ihat
re"""nuble foresighl would suggest, including Ibo""
which involve Ibe exerCIse of control Indeed, Ibe
court is nol even interesled in hearing whelber Ibe
masler exercised his righl of control well Wld
prudently. If Ibc mllSter had Ibal righl. he wall be
liable if lh. servant Was negligent, even Ibough Ibe
lIlB:It.'f was not on lhe ....'Ile IlIld Ibough his traming,
selection, equipment, supervision WId operating rules
left nothing to be desired. The Ca""s in ",hieh
defendanl who has no vielU'ioll:l responsibility is held
for failure 10 oxercise a righl of control over Ibe
conducl of 1lIl0lber person presenl a murked eontra.t
to Ibe vicarious liability of a fauh.lree principal
Whal has h<....'Il said shows Ibat viearioll:l i1abllity may
nol rationally be jo..tified on IlIlY 1b.'Ory of Ibe masler's
personal tauh which is work.'<! oul Ibrough his
general righl of control. II docs not I(lllow, however,
Ibal Ibis nghl of control is ahog.lber irrelevanllo Ibe
jo.stilieation of vicarious liabllily, It has some
rc:l,:vWlce. but lhllt silUliticlUlce lics nul in lUl)'
P.a. 12
conn.",lion belw"ell controllllld faull bUI ralb.., in illi
beanng on the pOSSlbilily or uecilh.'Ilt p.-.:vcnlion,
There is Iinle uoubl Ihal .mploy..". or labor lU'e
wllong rhOIi4: stralegieally plae.'<! to pmmole accid..'Il1
pn:vcntiun in cUlm\.'\:tiun with their o}l\."I'ution:i....
Pressure of legal liability on Ihe ''Illploy.'f Iberelhre is
pressure pill in Ibe right place to avoid aceilh.'Ill..
ThIS reasoning has nolbing to do wilh lauh It is true
of course Ibal lu.hillly based on a linding af lhe
masler's limit will pul pressure on lhe employ"'f 10 be:
curelilL But Ibe imposition of striel Iiabilily on lII1
emp'oyer will e,en even greuler pressure to preV<'Il1
aceldenls and perhaps will ol\.'Il ''Ileourag'' Ibe u.se of
de..iees or I."hni,!ues which would not have oceurr.-d
to Ibe reasonably prud&.'Il1 mllll hud he nol been bidden
l<> use hIS YllIlkcc ingenuity 10 'achieve Ibe
impossihl~.1l
2/,,,14' ofT",.,. ~ 26.3,
"124~_ FN4, The lenns 'inlerv''Iling" and
":superseding" cau.'iC huve 10 do with \:OlJ.:iC:i of injwy
which ure mdeI"'Ildent of and come aft.'f Ibe
detendanl's negligence, but which operale 10 pl'Oduce
o hWln. An "inh:r\'cninll" COl1$: is mc.."I'.:ly on.: wising
allcr Ibe negligence of lhe dellmdunt. und does nol
relieve Ibe deli:ndunt or liability, 01l.'Il because Ibe
inl.:n:cning cau.'iC WllS forc:iCl:oblc, or if not
l(lfe:JCeuble, Was a nom,"1 incidenl of rhe risk crealed.
A 'supcr...'<!ing' cause also arises aft.'f lh.
defendant's negligence, bUI, docs operale 10 relieve
lhc delendwu of liability, ""uully lor rel1SOllS having
10 do wilb Ibe 'remOleness" of Ibe euusc or Ibe ha'ltl
Irom Ibe original negligence of Ibe deli.'lldunt. See
Pr<>sser,l.aw of Torts ~ 44 (41b I'd.).
FN I. Vinson, Proximale Causc Fog SpreaUs, 69
Ameriellll Bur Journal, 1042 (1983); Gr...:n, Ibe
Causal Rclatton Issue in Negligence Law, 60
Mich.!..Rev, 543 (1962); Willill/ll.s, Call:lalion m lb.
Law, Comb.!..1. 62 (1961); POWld. Call:lalion. 67
Yale 1..1. I (1957); Morris, Duty, Negligence WId
Causallon, 1014, Pa.!..Rev. 189 (1952); Myers,
CausallOn and Common Sense, 5 U,Mianli L. 2, 238
( 195 I); Prosser, Proximate Cau.sc in Calilomio, 38
Cal.l..Rev, 369 (\950); Or."n, Proximate Cause in
Texas Negligence Law, 2!1 Tex I..Rev. 71, 621. 755
(1950)
FN2. In delennilllng Ibe eXlst''Ilce of a duly of care, il
mo.'l be "mcmbered Ibal lhe eoneepl of duly IlIllounlli
I u no mutc than "the swn lolul of those \:()I1."Iidero(iorui
of polley which led Ibe law 10 say Ibat rhe purticuJlU'
pluintill' is cntitlt:d h) proh..-ction" fwm thc hwm
Copynghl (c) West Oroup 1998 No claim 10 ongtoull J.S. (io"l ",orks
,..
'1346 611 A.2d 1346
611 A.2d 1346,148 Pu.Cmwllh. 494, Cha~ko v. Com., Depl, ofTrW1:lp., (l'u.Cmwllh. 1992)
PI.' I
148 PuCmwllh 494
Saramma CHACKO and Punnoooe Chlcko,
HUlband and Wit.,
C.llnamma John and Oomm.n Juhn, HUlhand
and Wit., Appellanl',
..
COMMONWEALTH of P.nn'yl.anla,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
tIkIa '.nndol and Clly of Phllld.lphla Ind
PhUad.lphla Electric Company 1IIk11 PICO
.1 ilL, App.II....
Conununweallh Court or PelUlSylvll/lia.
Arg~ Murch 2, 1992
Dccidc:d JWlc 12, 1992.
Automobile plL'l"'-'Ilger. who were injun'\! wh~n thcir
diabelic dri.... 10.. consdou.ne:l:l broughl suil, ,nter
aliI, .gainst eily ror its allcg.'\! neghgent deSign WId
signing of rollllway. The Common PI~a" l\lIlrt,
Philadelphia COWlly, No. 2138 S.'Jllemb... Term,
1987, Swnuel M. Lchn:r. J. 1lIW11.'\! dly'. motion tlll
sununury judgment, and .pI"'al wus tuken. Th~
Commonweulth Court, No. 935 CD, 1991, Lederer,
Scnjor Judge, held thul: (I) ~ilY had no duty 10 post
trll/Jie warning or speed hmit signs. WId (2) <!river'.
loss or consciousness WllS, in WlY e"'Ilt, a "sup~rsC<!mg
causc' of llCCillcnt.
Affirmed.
I. AUTOMOUll.ES '*=279
4ijA m"
48A VI Injuries from Delect. or Obstruclion. in
Hil!hways und Other Public PI.ces
48A VI(A) Nslure and GroWl<i. or Liability
48Ak277 Precaulions Againstlnjun~s
48Ak279 NOllces, wwnrng sign.ls, or hghts,
P..Cmwlth. 1992.
MWlieipali\y hl!d no duty 10 post tralli~ wllITIing or
spa:<! limit signs, and was not hahle 1", neeidenl
occwring lIS allegOO resull or it. inodequote .igning of
roudway.
2. AUTOMOBILES ~265
48A m"
48A VI InJurie. Irom Del.,<:t. or Oh,:truellllns m
llil!hway. und Other Pohlie Plnees
48A VI(A) Nalure und GlllWl<l.. of Liahility
48Ak263 Ohstrucllon..
48Ak265 Pulen and wires,
Pa.Cmwlth, 1992.
lIy ''Ilacting ordlllwl~e governing plue.mCDt of utility
poles III rclullon 10 rolldwllY, mWlidpality did not
asswne ohligation 10 ''Iltl'ICe its ordinun~e und WOJ not
liable lor aCCident oe~WTing us aUegOO resull of the
neglig.'01 placement of ulility pole, ov... which it hud
no Clln:, ~u.'itody ur contrul, ".)1.) clOtS&: tu nuldwoy.
3, NHiUGl,NCE e=>62( I)
272 ....
27211 Pro,imale Cuuse oflnJll/}'
272k62 Inlervenrng Ellicienl CalL...
272k62(1) In general.
PuCmwlth,I9n
"Superseding ~ause" i. uel of third person or other
I,"ce which hy its inlervl.'Illion prevenl. allegOO toil,
Ica"or Irom being Iiahle lor hwm which his lIJ1lCl:edenl
negligence is NuhstWltial fll~tor in brinllinll about.
See publiealion Wor<is and phr...... lor other judiciul
consLructions IUld ddinitions.
4 NHiL!(jENCE e=>62(1)
272 'm
27211 Pm,imale CIlU"" of lnjll/}'
272k62 Inlervening Ellieienl CUlL...
272k62(1) In general.
PaCmwlth. I ~92,
Among fa~lors to be eOlL,idL..ed in determining
whether subsequ.'!)t Illlce i. "intervening caLl:lC' or
Hsup\..,.scdinl~ couse" arc whether force is opc..'1'8tin[l:
independently of WlY .iluution created by allegOO lort.
Icasor's prior negligence WId whether or nol il i. .
1I0mlal result of that situation,
5, AIJTOMOBILES <$::=>282
48A .m
48A VI Injunes from Del."ts or Ob.tructions in
llighways and Other Publi~ Places
4K^VI(A) Nature und GroWl<is ofLiabilily
48Ak282 Pro~imate caLL....
Pa.Cmwlth. I ~92.
Diuhctic driver's loss of consciousncliS was
"supersC<!mg cause," such as would rcli~..
mWlicipalily of WlY Iillhilily to <!river's p...sengers for
ils alleged negligent signing of roadway,
6 NI'Ol.l(jENCE e=>136(25)
272 .....
272IV Aelions
272IV(C) Triol
272k 136 QuestlonN Illl Jury
272kI36(25) Pro,imlltc caLL... ul'mjury.
Pa,Cmwlth. I'N2
COp)Tlght (c) Wesl Group 1~~8 No damllll ollgllwllJ.S, (joVI wurks
I
i
611 A2d 1346, 1481'..CI1I"lIh, 494, Ch.cko v, COlli., Dcpl. of Tran,p., (P..Cm"llh. 1992)
In s.'lu:rlll, i,sue of "helher 8iwn I"re.: is
s.Jl"rS<:dins or interwnins CULL.., I' '1ucslion to ne
rl'llOlved by lo.:llinlkr; ho"ewr, In c."", where jury
muy nol rellSOnubly diller, it is proper I\,r coun to mllke
lkll.'I11lin.lion of c.u...tion.
*1347 [14111'.Cmwllh, 4'i5j Ellus !I Landuu, 1\"
.ppdlants.
Jo,,:ph A McGlnl.'Y. tor .ppd!.......
IMore DOYLE and FRIEDMAN, JJ, w1d
LEDERER, s..'Oior Judge
LEDERER, s..'Oior Jud8e.
PI.inlill. SurWlUll. Ch.cko (Ch.cko) w1d CdinWllnl.
John (John), togelher with lheir pl.intit1'- SpoLL,",S
(c.:olleetiwly Appellant'), .ppe.ll;-om .n order or lhe
Court of Conunon I'lellS of I'hil.delphia Counly
!!fanlin8 a motion for ,ummary judgmem tiled ny
delendant City of I'hiladelphi. (Cil)'), For the
lollowinS rell.'JOns, we a1lirm,
(148 1'..Cmwllh. 4961 Thi. person.1 injury "cllon
arise, from an aulomobile u""ident which ''''''UfTe,11ll
the Cil)' of Philadelphia on S''Plember 20, 19115.
Chacko and John were pllSS4.'ngers in an .ulomonile
operated by d.:f.'Odant Ruby Matlhew, (M.tthews)
Matthews. who ,ull.rs from dianetes, lost
coII'ICiouslle", and lhl.'l1 c.:ontrol of lhe vehiclc. The
vehicle lelllhe roadway and 'lnJck . ulilily pule oWlled
by d.:lenoollt philud.:lphia Electric Company (I'ECO)
Liubilil)' WllS ..,serted .gainst the Cily on the theories
thuIlhe Cil)" (I) negligcmly d.:si[!lled lhe mud; (2J
fuiled to po,t proper tr.me wuming and spe...! Iimil
si8l1'; and (3) ulluwed PECO to place the ulilil)' pole
too clo"" to the roadway, in violabon or . Clly
ordin8llce. The ni.! coun, ho"ever, !!fant...! the City's
motion .1348 for swmnary jud[!ll1enl a., to all three
issues.
Holdin8 Ilrst thai Appellant.' claims were bmcd by
Section 8541 or the Judicial Code, 42 l'u,C.S, ~ 11541,
und citin8 thi, eoun', opinion in Crow_II v. CII}' of
Philad,lphla, 131 1'., Commonwealth Cl. 4111, 570
A2d 626 (1990), lhe tri.1 court concluded th.t lor.
dangerous c.:ondilion to come wilhin lhc delined
exceptions to ~uvcmmcnt111 immunity, the condition
must c.u......, nol m"'rely r.cilit.te, the c1.,mWlI's Injury
The tri.1 coun next rej~....ted AppeIlWlI" contemion thUI
Ii.bilily could be !!foundC-: in the Clly'. li1llure 10 posl
.~ limil or trallie wamin8 ,igns, recognizing th.1
lhe eil)' had no common low or stululory dUly 10 du su.
P..I 2
Fin"lIy, lhe cuurt rejecled Appellwll.' 1lI'8W11..'01 thai the
improper lucatiun of pEeo's ulilily pole WllS
aCliunonle ag.lIIst the Cily. As Wl ..witional basi. lor
ils d~clsion, the eulltl poimed out lhut .wrunary
juJgl1l~nl wus proper "even if the City w.'re unable 10
av.i1 ilS4.'lf or the immunily 'Ialute. A trior uf 1""1
could nol relL"mably conelUlJc lhal any action of the
Clly w., a cuntribuling lil~lur 10 Pluintill.' injune"
given that the driver hll1! no ~ontrul over hi. [,iel
vehlck.1 ull." Trial Court Opinion .12-3.
The lSSU~' preSl.'Oled Ii" uur con,id"'rution IlI'I.' a.
lo!lo".: (I) Wheth~r the trial eoun c.:onunin....! an error
of I.w 1II concluding th.t th~ Cily hud no duty 10 po.t
tralli~ wuming or specd Iimil .i[!llS; (2) whelher it WllS
elTor 10 conclude th.1 no 11411 Pa.Cmwlth. 4971 ealL'le
of .etion I.y 1\" the Cily's lililure 10 enJ'''~e ils own
ordinance; and (3) whether ow' "....ent deci.ion in
Buschmall v, Drnck, 139 Po. Commonwealth Ct 182,
590 A2d 53 (1991) (owmtling in purt Craw_II v. Ciry
of Phillld.lpllla, 1311'..Conunonwe.lth Ct 418.570
A.2d 626 (1990)). requir~. a reversal of lhe trial
court's lillding thaI the Cily i. immune from Iiabilil)'
under S......lion 11541.
Our slWldurd and scope of review arc well
establi,hed. Swrunw-y judgntenl is proper only "if the
plcudin~:i. depositions. W1~W...'fS to intc:rrogutories, and
admissions Oil tile, logether with the a11id.vils, if any,
show lhat there is no genuine issue os to any mat",,;ol
f.cl and th.t the moving party i, entilled to . jud[!ll1ent
.s a maner of law." p..Rep. No. 1035(b). Theell.'J<.'
must 0.: cleur and free from doubt and the record
viewed 1II the light most favoruble to lhe non"movin8
plltly. Pmmylvllllill Public Ulihry Commi,,,;oll Bar
..tssociorioll v. 7'IlOrnburgh, 62 Po, Conunonwealth et
llll, 434 A.2d 1327 (1981), alf'd 498 Po. 589, 450
A.2d 613 (19112). Thi, c.:ourt', inquiry inlo lhe trial
coun', gralll of ,ummw-y Jud[!ll1l.'11t i. limited 10 a
determination of whelher the trial coun .bused ils
discrctillll or c.:onunined Wl error ol'law. Buschman.
[II Appellant's li"l issu~ i. ea..ily di.,poS<:d of In
order to overcome the immunity eonJerroo by the
Judleiul Code, the 1"0 relluirements set torth in 42
p..CS ~ 11542(.) mLL.I be sati,tied. Firsl. AppellWll!l
must ,how th.lthey possess u common low or .talutory
cause of action aguinst the h.K.:ul agency und second,
Appellant. mLL.t ,huw thUI the" e.lL'Ie of a~lion fall,
within une of the ~xeeplion.to governmenl.l immunil)'
eonlmned within ~ 8542(b), Carl_r v. Clry of
Plriladdphla, 137 I'u.Commonweallh Ct 152, 5115
A 2d 578 ( 19'i I) Thi. court has consist..'OtJy held that
n'-=lthl.:r statute nor common law imposes u duty to en...-ct
Copynghl (e) Wesl Owup l'ilJll No c1ulm to u"8I11ollJ,S. (iOYI. works
,,'
611 A."d 1346, 148 Po.Cmwhh. 494, Chocku v. CUIII"I)~pl. ofTrllllsp., (Po.cmwllh 19'.12)
trllllic contrul.. /J, Th''felore, AppclllllllS ore unable
to ""timy lhe lirst uf lhe twu requirement' n.'C~s.llI}' tu
deleal lhe Cily'. immWlity, and lhe trial court was
correcl in wanting .wtunlll)' judgm~nt on lhi. i"ue
(148 Po.Cmwllh. 4981 [21 The trial coun WIl. also
com.'C1 in wanting .urrunlll}' Judgm,"l un lhe issue of
lhe City's fuilur~ lu .'Illorce II. U\lll urdinWlc~. (FN I)
In Bu/lallll/ v. SIIrader. 112 Pu,Currununw~uhh Cl.
228,535 A2d 684 (1987), we held lhul u munl~lpulily
h... no · 1349 duty 10 enlllr~e it, uwn urdinwlce
Furth.'f, the ulilily pole in qU~sliun WdS U\lIl''\! by
PECO Wld w... not in lhe Cily'. 'pussessiun" ur lis
'cure, custody or contrul,' ... lhosc lenns huv~ b.'Vn
defined for purpose:! of lhe gowrrunentul inununily
e.""ption IlCI forth in ~ 8542(b) of lhe Judiciul Cude.
Sit, e.g., Mentzel' v, Oglllbene, 126
Pa.Corrunonweallh Cl. 178, 559 A,2d 79 (1987),
appeal dellled 523 Po. 644,565 A2d 1168 (1989),
and Bu/lallnl. Therelore, nu duty i. imposed on lhe
City lor Wly dang.'fOUS condition respecling lhe pule.
Absent a duty running from lhe ull~ged lortleusor to the
injured party, lh''fe can be no cause uf u~tion lllr
negligen.:c:. Bu/lalllll.
We turn now 10 the linul i"ue lor our consid~rution.
In Bu.lellmall, lhi. coun ov.-rruled Crowell in so for as
il held that a gov.-nunenlul unil ~an never be jointly
liable with a non.govcnun~nlul purty. App~lIants
conlend thuI our a~tion now requires us 10 reverse the
trial coun. whi~h relied in purt on Cmwell in grunling
lhe City's motion. We disagree. A. the abuve-quoted
IWll!Ill1ge from the trial coun'. opinion show., swnmlll)'
judgm''Ilt was granl.'\! b.'Cause the triul judge
concludlOd lhal Matthew'. loss of ~onseiousne" wus lhe
superseding ~uuse of Appellanls' injuries and nOl, as
AppcllWltsur8lle, solely beeause the Cily could nol bc
foand joinily liable wilh lhc nongovernmenlal
defendunt.. Consequently, our holding in Bu..ellme",
doe, not require reversul.
In Bu.cI,lllall we observed lhu!:
[While] the pWlel in Crowell errcd when il suggesled
lhul joint lortf~usor liability w... no longer availabl~
against a gov''fIUl1enlal unil[,] [tJhe pancl was
correct ... in [148 PaCmwllh. 4991 holding thatlhe
City was not liable to lhe ClOwells, nol b.'Cause lhe
City could not be u joint tortfeasor, bUI becau", lhe
criminal conduct of Lewis, i,e. driving while undcr
the intluencu. was U JuperJt!ding caUJc! which
absolved lhc City of any Iiabilily.
Bu.lehmall, 139 Pa. COllllllunw~ahh Ct. al 187, 590
P... 3
A.2d Ul 55 (dtin~ M"",',,") v. )foutll Study Gmle/', 514
Pa, 351, 523 A2d 1118 (1987) and Moo," v,
IJepa/'lIll'''' of JII.llee, 114 I'a.commonweallh Cl. 56.
538 A~d III (1988)) (''Illphasis uJdcd). Thus, our
opilll<ln in /Ju.dm,QII does nol prevenl a lindinglhat a
govemmelllal unlllllay be ahsolv.,.) !fom Iiabilily WIder
tradili<lnall<lrt pllnciple. of ~aasati<ln.
[31141 Assul11l1lg arguelldo thUI the acts WId
<lmissions alleged agaillstth~ City were legal can... of
Appellanls' injwies, lhe prop.'f inquiry i. whelhcr the
subsequent loss of con..:i<luslless sutli:red by MUllhewa
was WI inlervening cau"" which would not absolve the
City uf liabililY, or a sup..orseding cause, which woald.
s.. "alllmo v. l.ower BliCk.! lIo.pllal. IlIe" 502 Po.
241, 465 A.2d 1231 (1983). The Restal''l1lent
(Second) <If Turts (R~statelllent 2d) deline. a
superseding cau", lIS 'Wl acl of a third person or olher
lorce which by ils illl.'fVention prevent. lhe actor from
being liable lor huon to anulh.'f which his antecedent
negligence i. a sub'tWllial lact<lr in bringing uboat.'
Re.lalem~nt 2d 9 440. Among the lactors to consider
hI dctcnnining whelher . subsequent 1'0"," i. Wl
inlervcning or .uperseding ~ause ore whelher the lorce
is operaling ind~pend:nlly of Wly .iluation ercalOO by
the lirsl actur'. n~gligenee and whelher it is or is not a
n<lnllal resuh of lhat .ilanlion. Restatement 2d 9
442(c).
[51[61 In I"allimo, the Supreme Coun qU<lled with
appro\'allh.s court's analy.is of superseding causes:
[1:1\'en where an inlervening act is wronglul it doe.
not becollle a superseding cause unless, looking
retrospccti\'e1y Irum lhc huon throagh lhe sequence
<If events by which II was produced, it is so
extraordinlll)' us not to have been reasonably
loreseeable.
[14M PaCmwlth, 5001 502 I'a. ut 253. 465 A2d at
1237 (quoling 59 l'aConunonweallh Cl. 1,9"10,428
A2d .1350.765,769 (1981)). Matthews's loss of
consciousness was indeed extraordinary and not
reas<mably torcsc~ablc It operat.'<l inili:pendenlly ot:
Wid cWUlol be said t<l bc a nonnal resuh of. Wly
situali<ln cn:al~d by the Cily's purport~d acts and
omlSSluns Accordingly, we hold lhat !he trial coun
did nol err or abuse ils discr~lion in c<lncludinglhal the
driver's loss of consciousness was a supcrscdin@ cuuse
ur Appellwll1' injuries and in granting swnmary
judgmenl <In lhUl basis, (FN2)
For the (,,,cgoing rcasons, lhe order of the trial coun
is atlimled.
Copyrighl(c) W~sl Group I'NM Nodaim 1<1 <llIgll1al lJ.S, Go\'1. works
..
A
*208 633 A2d 208
633 A.2d 208, 430 l'a,Sup.:r. 10. R~iIIy V. Ti.T8lll1.'O Inc., (l'a.Super. 1993)
'a.. I
430Pa.Super. 10
William K.IUILLV, App.llaol,
v.
TIIRGARTEN INC. T/A Black Hon. Tavem,
aod Wlnlfnd M.
Frlu A. '.nonal R.pn.tnlallve 0' Ih. E.lale 0'
Tbom.. J.
Frlu, aod Uma "Viral., Inc. and 87,Been,lnc.
T/A
Brookhaven Dblrlbulon, (Two C....).
Superior Court of PeM.'i)'lvll/lia,
ArllUCd Moy 20, 1993-
Filed Nov. 12,1993.
Minor, who Wllll injured when police .hot him atl~r
he threal<.'Oed hi. lilth.:r and police with kniti: while
intol<icated. commL'Oced ne81i8ence oelion a8ainst
various llell.:rs of alcohol. Deli:ndll/lt. filed motion for
summary judllmenl which Wllll grll/lted by th~ COlll1 of
Common Pleas, Delawore COWtty. Civil Division No,
91.10946. CloUll<:, J. Minor appeall>!. Th~ Superior
Coout, Nos. 04158 & 041591'111. 92, /lolliuon, J., held
that altholl8h defendants br~aehe<l their duty Wlder
Drllll1 Shop Act by servin8 alcohol to minor, minor's
llSSIIulls on his father and police, "" well o. h.s
.ubsequenl wOWldin8 by police, w~re not naturalll/l<l
probable results of defendants' foilur~ to comply with
Ac~ and so trial court did not abuse its di""retion III
concludin8 that defi:ndanLs' br~lICh of dUly 11'0' nol
proximoto: couse of minor's injurie.,
Atftmted.
I. APPEAL AND ERROR *='863
30
30XVI Review
30XVJ(A) Scope, Stll/ldards, ll/ld Extenl. in
General
30k862 Exto:nt of Review Dependenl on Natur~
ofDeci.ion App~aled from
30kll63 In 8''Ocrol.
(Set headnote texl belowl
I. APPEAL AND ERROR *='949
30
30XVI R~vl~w
30XVI(H) Discretion of LOW'T Court
30k949 AlloWOJlce of r"ITII:dy ll/ld maUer. of
pr\1Cedur~ in llen.Tol.
Po. Super. 1993-
Order grll/llin8 motion for swmnary judl!loent will not
be r~v.:rscd llbS<.'Il1 <'!Tor vI' loll' or abuse of wscn:tion.
2 NEGLIGENCE *'" I
272 'm
2721 Aels or Omission. ConslitUlinll Ne8IiS''IICC
272I(A) P.=nal CondUCI in General
272kl Nalure ond ~"'IT1enls of nefllis.'Oce in
8""."al.
Po, Super. 1993
The ",ur elem~nLs r=cSSill)' to eslabli.h cause of
oction in ne8Iis,'Il"" Dre: (I) duty or oblisstion
r''COl!Ilized by law; (2) breach of that duty by
deli:ndant; (3) esu.ol eonn.'Ction belw....,o defendant's
breach of duty ll/ld resullin8 injury; and (4) IICtuallOllS
or dwna8e .utTered by complainll/ll.
3. NEGLIGENCE *=,56(3)
272 m.
27211 Proximole Couse of Injury
272k56 Ellieient Couse ofInjwy in G.'O.Tal
272k56(3) Violation of .talule, orwnlln"". or
mWlieipal reBulation.
Po Super. 1993.
Ureoeh of .Iotulory duty doc. nol eslablish cause of
action in ne81i8enee absent proof of causation and
inJW)'; 10 soti.lY requirem''Ilt of cOllSlltion, complainllnt
must demon:.trllle thot breach wos both proximal.:
cause WId aetlll" calise of hi. injwy.
4. NEGLIGENCE *=' 136(25)
272 m.
2721V Actions
272IV(C) Tnol
272k136 Que,lion.lor Jury
272kI36(25) Proximate cause of injury.
Po.Sup~r. \993.
Proximal~ cause is question or low to be determined
by judse, ll/ld ilmu.st be established before question of
actual cause lOllY be PUllo jury.
5. NEGLIGENCE *='59
272 ....
27211 Proximole Cou....: uf Injury
272k57 NOIW'al ond Probable Con..qlll.'Occs
272k59 Con""quence, that should have I",en
fon:$.'\.'11,
Po. Super. 1993.
In delert1ljnin~ whether delimdant'. breach or duty
wa. proximole cuu."" of plainlill's injury, court must
delenuine whether injury would hove lJ<.'Cn fore.'lCCJl by
ordinill)' person a, natural probable outcome of acl
eomplallled of
Copyrisht (c) West Group \998 Noelalm 10 ori811l0lll,S, (jOV\' work.
"
633 A2.! 20H, 430 Pu.Super. 10, Reilly v. Tier~llJ1en Inc., (I'a.Super, 1993)
6.INTOXICATlNG l.IQlJORS *,"291
223 ....
223XI Civil DW1lu~e Low.
223k2H4 (irowul.. uf AClion
223k291 Proximule cuu"" of inJW).
P..Su"".... 1993
Ahhoul!h hcen..,,," breuchcd th.:ir dUly uf cur.: un.!er
Drwn Shop ACI hy ""rvin~ uleohull" minur, thoy woro
nol h.ble lor inJurio" minor .u.'luine'<l whon ho wu..
shot by pohco I~\e'" throulonin~ his futhor Md poli"o
with knife whilo inloxiculcd, min"r'. u,"aull upon his
tinho.... un.! police, lI.'l well a. hi. sub""quonl wlll.ulin~
hy pohce We're 1I0t nUlurul IllId probublo rosull. uf
h...'IlJlCCu' failure 10 comply with Ael, WI.! so Iic.:n""os'
negligen~ WIlS not proximat\: COLLie of minur':i injuric:s.
47 P.S. ~~ 4.40101 scq, 4.493(14)
1430 Po. Sure '1", III Gurllllld 11 elielT", Jr., Mcdio,lllr
oppellunl. (Submille.!)
Robert 1', lI.gun, Droxelllill. Ihr Tiorglll1on & Fritz,
appellees.
Murk 1. Connor, Me.!i., lor Limo Bewrugo. app.:II<,;,
Eme'l lunnelli, Phlludelphia, lor H7-Ikers, In".,
appellee.
[430 Po. Super. 121 Bolore WIEAND, CIRILLO un.!
HOFFMAN, J1.
1I0FFMAN, Judge.
Thi. i. on appeal from the November 16, 1992 Md
December 9, 1992 orde'r' grllllling uppdlees'.
TiergllJ1en. In.:., lIa Bla.:k Hor"" Tovem, und Winifrcd
Fritz, lIS personal reproselllolivc of the eslolo of
ThomllS FrilZ, *209 Limo Bevcrogo, Inc. Md
87"Beer.. Inc, lIo Brookhuwn Distributor., mUlion. lor
.ummary judgment. Appclllllll, Williwn Reilly,
presenls the following is.uos for our review:
I. The lower court orrcd by ruling os u mUll<'I" of luw
thaI thc conducI of the police in shooting tho minor
plainliff WIIS wdawful W1d wu.. a ,upor:seding couse
2. The lower court <'lTed by rullll~ a. a moiler of luw
thol the criminal conducI ,,1' tho mlllor plamlilI
him""lf was a ,uporsc.!ing coo.... of honn,
3. The luwer court erred by ruling os a mallor of luw
thai the ossauliive eon.!uet of 1110 minor plalllllll' and
the ,hoolin~ of him by pohce were wllorescouhle
c()n~qlh:ncc:i of hi:i intoxication; and by con1using
P.a. 2
IllreS<...abihly of injury with 10rc.....lIbitity of the
monner or oxtelll o!"injwy.
4 Tho low.:r COW1 erre'<l in eon.:Ii.lllin~ thai the
d<..ision of the U.S. DlStricl Court lor the Euslem
DistricI uf PellllsylvW1la in Cam,/1 v. Stauffer
Rt!!ItlW'ulJl Compcmy WllS Ct>nlrolhng.
5, (itvcn th.: Iilcls as slated, i. il e.s.:nlial lor the
pluinlill'lu pl.:ud IllId prol'': a'lllI el<'111<'111 of hi. eaWl<:
of BClion thai il wus Il're.....able by dcli.1ldanl hquor
Iic.:n.....s thalthc furnishing of Blcohol to him mil!hl
cuu..: him to be 'Come viulenl IllId .uicidullllld mil!ht
rosult in hIS bclll~ shol by police'!
Appellwll's Bri.:f al 3,6, For the reu",1lS scl f"rth
below, 1'': utlinn.
In revi.:wing WI "rder grlllllmg .ummary judgm<'11I, un
appcllate c"urt "mu'l Bec.:pl os true 011 well pleoded
liI':ls in the nun.muving pwty's pleudings, giving the
lion, moving party the benelil of all reasonable
mtcr.:nce. to bc drown th.:relrom[430 Pa.Saper. 131 ..
..lJkew lJy Askew v. Zeller, 361 Pa.Super. 35,37,521
A,2d459, 461 (\ 9H7) (dllltion omilled).
Applyin~ this .llllldurd of review, the relevllllI Iilcts
ure us lollows:
During tho laic uft.:muon IllId curly evening h"ur. of
Muy 9, 1990, plaintilI Williwn Reilly, a minor,
pureh......t two cu...:s of be.:r trom defendanl, Lima
IJ.:vcrage, Th.:reutler, h.: IllId his lii<'IId, consumed
the b.:.:r Md then purch....'<I 1llI0th.:r c""" of beer
trom d&:lcndlllll. Hrookhawn Distribalor. The third
casc of b.:or was purtially consumed by the plainliff
IllId hi, lii':lllls. Lal.:r that eV<'IIing, plainliff,
uccompllllied by hIS liiends, wu.. scrvcd ex.:e..ive
amounls of ale"hol at d&:lclldlllll, B1o.:khorsc Tavern.
Fullowin~ the conswnplion uf aicohol at the
lIIackhorsc Tav.:m, ploimill' wlllkcd 0 short dislllllce
lu his home whereupon he ~Ol into W1 ar~lIIllenl with
his Iilther Pluimil\' threutcncd 10 hann t.im""U' ur his
lilL~er With u kilchen knitc, IllId did injure himself
with Ihe knilc, lie then plL.hcd hi, futh.:r inlo the
Iireplaee, llIJurin~ his father,
Thereallor, SIIlI.: Police were culled W1.! they tricd
unsueees:i1olly lo p<'I"suade pluinlill' 10 .urr<'IIder hi.
kmlc. The police tinully .urroundcd pluinlit}' at
gllllpollll in IllI upon Iield neur his home. Plainlit}'
still I elu...:d to surrender Ihe knilc W1d re'P"aledly
usk.:d th.: pohce 10 shoot him, S.:verullime. during
the .:ncoMter, plllllllil\' moved W1ll/or lung.:d lowurd.
CUPlllg!1t (c) We'l Oroup i'1')H Nu c1aimlu ungillllllJ.s. (iuvt. works
633 A2d 208, 430 Pa.Sup,'t. 10, Reilly v. Tier~llrten Inc, (I'. Super. 1993)
poliCl: with the knite asking to be shol [)urin~ the
con/\J:ii'lR, one of the police ollie,'ts lired two
I!Wlsh<lt:! in/1icting ilCvere wound., to plaintill's
abdomen lII1d pelvi.. Although he survived thc
shooting, pluinlift' .ullered """ous Wld pennWlenl
injuries.
Trill! Court Opinion .t 1-2.
Appel!...,. filed mollon.' for swmnury judl!Jn''Ilt which
W''rI: SUbilCqucntly 8TlII1t,'d by the tri.1 coW1. Post
verdict motions were filed Wld deni,oJ, This timely
appell! followed.
ESSl.'Illllilly, appeIlWltlLSsc:rt. th.t the tri.1 COW1 erred
in 8TilI1ting oppel!....' motion., lor SWlUIlury JuJ~menl
We Jis.8Tee.
(430Pa.Sup,'t. 141 [I) In reviewing Wl orJer 8Twlling
a motion for swnmury jud8l1lent. Wl .ppell.le COW1
mUllt detennine:
wheth,'t the plwntitr hILS .lIe8'oJ filcL, su/liclcnt to
e.tablish a primaJacle Cll:iC. If SO, the ""conJ step is
to determine whether th''te is Wly JiserepWlcy .. to
lII1Y foct:! material to the case. Fin.lly, it mUllt be
determined whether, in 8TWlting .wmn.ry JuJglllCllt,
the trial COW1 hIlS lL'urped improperly the role of thc
jury by resolving any materi.1 issues of tilcl
*110, Dudley v. USX Corp.. 414 1'.. Super. 160,
168-69, 606 A2d 916, 920 (1992). An order
8TWlting a motion for .wnmury jud8l1lent will not be
reversed abilCnt ilI1 error of I.w or Wl abuse of
discretion. McDonald v. Marriol/ COIp.. 388
Pa,Supcr. 121, 125, 564 A2d 1296, 1298 (1989)
(citation omitted),
[2] The four elemenls necessury to est.blish a cnlL""
of oction in negligence arc: . duty or obligation
rccogniz,'d by law; bre.ch of th.t dUly by the
defendant; ealLsal ClllUlccllon bctw,..n Ihe JelenJant's
breuch of that duty WlJ the resulting injury; anJ actu.1
I""" or d/UTIage sutlercJ by the cOlllplainWlI S..
Omer v. Alalli<'k, 515 Po. 132, 135,527 A2J 521,
523 : 1987)
In the instlll1t CiL'lC. appellWlt dewly cstablisheJ th.t
appellee. owed him. Juty of care, Thc PelUlsylvWlI.
Dr8lll Shop Ad est.blishcs . duty on the part of bar
owners not to serve alcohol 10 minors, (FN I)
Appellees bre.ched thai Juty by ""r\'ing okohol to
appellWlt whell he w.s . minor S.. I/err v. IJoO/ell,
398 Po. Super 166,172,580 A2J 1115, 1118 (1988)
Pale 3
(Ole ilCrvin~ of alcohol to any person under the age of
21 is ne81i~enee per sc:). See 01,10 Mal/hews v,
hOllleczllY, 515 1'. 105, 527 A.2J 508 (1987)
(eommerd.llieenSl.'Cs m.y be helJ liable for injuries
calL"-'d by the ilCf\'ice of .Icohol to minors).
(430 P.SuP''t. 151 [3)lIowever, the bn:uch of a
statutory Juty Ju,,. not est.blish 0 eawle of .ction in
negli~ence, ab""nt proof of c.lL'llltion lII1d injury,
J'en"", v. Sltuh, 367 P..Super. 36, 46, 532 A.2J 441.
446 (19M7); Slmoll v. Shirley, 269 Pa.SuJl<.'t. 364,409
A2J 1365 (1979) (s.loon 01.1 viul.ted st.tute by
""rvin~ weuhul to minor, who WILS .ubsc:qu..~llly
involveJ in a car .ccident, will not incur civil liability
without cvidence th.t Illinor wo. served while vi.ibly
IIlI0sic.led). To ..tisly the rcquirement of caus.tion.
the eomplalnwll mlLsl Jemonslr.te t/wl the bre.ch wa.
both Ole pmsimate C.lL... and the actual cause of hi.
IIlJury, .\lcDollald, 3M8 1'.. Super, lit 125, 564 A2J .t
1298,
[4115) Proslln.te couse, is. que.tion of I.w, to be
detcnnineJ by the judg,,, WId it IllUllI be e.t.blished
bclore the queslion of .ctUllI COlL... m.y be pulto the
jury. "',,,,ok v, Jeallllelle Di". Alem. Ifo,p., 4 JO
1'.. Super. 603, 606, 600 A2d 616, 618 (1991);
.-I,kew by ..1Jkew, 361 P.,S.p''t. .1 41, 521 A.2d .1
463. A Jctemlin.tion of l.gol c.lL,otion, essc:nti.lly
regard., 'whether the ne~ligencc, if Wly, WILS so remote
that .. a m.ller of I.w, [the actor] CWlllot be helJ
le~ully respolliiible lor [the] hann which sub..quently,
oceWTeJ' Novak, 410 Po. Super. at 606, 600 A2J at
(illl (citation omllled). Therelore, the coW1 mUllt
detennine whether the injury woulJ have b....n foreS<.'CII
by lII1 orJlnury person .. the natur.1 Wld probable
outcome of the .ct eompl.ined uf Alerrill v. Clly oj
Che."er, 344 Pa.Super. 505, 508, 496 A.2J 1220,
1221 (1985),
[6] In the instWlt eiL'lC. appellant's ....ult. upon hi.
f.ther WIJ the intervenin~ pulice, .., well.s the police'.
subsequent wounJin~ of appellill1t, W''te not the natural
anJ probublc results of .ppell,"'" Iililure to comply
with the Drwn Shop Act /d. (liability i. contingent
upun Ole prob.bility or I'Jre"",.bility of the re.ulting
Injury, not merely the pussibility that it eoulJ occur).
As the remoteness of the lIe~Ii~''Il1 act to the injw-y i.
lU'eut, tbe tri.1 court JiJ not .buse its J,scretion in
concluJing th.t there w.s no prosim.te c.u"". A,kew
hyA..kew, 361 PuSuper, at 42, 521 A.2J .t463.
)410 P.Super. 161 Appellant has not est.blisheJ a
~~ausc uf uction in nct\lip;l.'tlcc. Fal1,~.'l! v. .''oUllrtOJ/.
Po, Trwup. .-hllh., 338 p. Super. 130, 135, 487 A.2J
Cupyright (c) West Oroup 1998 No dOlmtu Orl811l.llIS. Oovt "orb
665 A,21l 1223,445 Pa.Super. 479, Dudsun v. Elwy, (PaSuper 1995)
'U2J 665 A 211 1223
445 PaSupcr, 479
Michel Timothy DODSON, Appclhlnt,
v,
Frederick WUU.m ELVEV.
Superior Cuon ufPelUlsylvunia.
Ar~ued Apnl 28, 1995,
Filed Sept 28, 1995.
MOlurist who hud sclecled Iimiled 1<>11 upliun under
MOlor Vehicle FmunclUl RespunHlhilily Lull' (MVFIU.)
uruI who sulli:r.'Il elbow IIlJury III uUlumubile aeeidcnt
brought uction IIlluinst second driver involveu in
accident. Wld sl,,'cond dri\'er mo\'t..-d for swnmury
judgment based on eontentiun Ihulmolurist hud nul mel
""riOu., injW)' thre,huld lUlder limited lun upliun, The
Coon of Common Pleas, /lIui.. Cuunty, Civil Divisiun,
Nu. 92 CP 1948. Kupnvu, J., grunlcd mutiun, und
molorisl uppeuled, The Superior Cuun, Nu 01275
Pittsburgh 1994, Beck, J., held lhut: (I) miliul
delcnninatiun of whether mUlurist hus mel threshuld
lUlder Iimiled ton uplion is mude by Jud~e, und only
where lhl;rc i:i substantial disput..: of fuct on issue is
question lor jwy~ (2) whcre evidence cunclusi\'e1y
eSlablishes that thrcshuld hus been mel, jW)' muy
d.'\:ide only issues of dumu~es und Iiuhilily~ and (3)
evidence conclusi\'e1y estublishcd lhul ,hreshuld hud
nol bc..-cn met us no serious interterence with motorisl's
daily Iili: us result uf injury hud been shown.
AIlinned.
Saylor, J , tiled a diS""lllin~ opinion,
L AUTOMOBILES 1$:::>251.15
48A un
48A V Injuries Irum Opcrutiun, ur U"" of
Highway
48A V(D) Elle.:t of No Faull SIal utes
48Ak251.15 Nature of injury; ""rious or
""nnanent injury,
[See headnole Ie\! belowJ
L AUTOMOBILES 1$:::>251.17
48A .,..
48A V Injuries Irum Operaliun, ur lIse uf
Highway
48A V(D) Elli:CI of Nu Fault Slat utes
48Ak251.17 EI.'ments uf recowry; ecunumlc or
non.c..'1:onomic lo'.i.'i.
P.ae 1
PuSuper 1995.
'Limiled lort '>plion' of MOllll' Vehicle Financial
ResponsibIlity Law (MVFRL) authoriles insurer 10
olli:r aUlumubile ilt,urunce cuverage al l\.'d_'\I
premium rates lu in,ur.'<.\s whu ~IVC up righllo sue lor
nun.'\:unumic dama~es, such as pain unll suJli:rin~;
Iimih..'ll h.n1 ckoclnr may sue fnr nnnc.."Conomic dwnoglo:s
only ,I' h~ or she sulli:rs scriuu., injury in aUlomobile
uc~ident 75 Pa.c.SA ~ 1705(d).
S.," puhliculiun Words and Phras.:s lor other Judiciul
cunslruclions nnd definition:i,
2 APPEAL AND ERROR I$:::>H63
30
30XVI Re\'iew
30XVI(AJ Scope, Stwldards, and E~lenl, in
General
30kH62 Extent or Review Depcmlcnlun Nature
of Dec;,ion Appealed from
3UkH63 In ~eneral.
Po. Super 1995.
ReVIew IlIl uppeul Irom SUIlUJlury judgment is
plenury, und coun Iherelore mu.,1 d~I''nI1ine whether
Wl~ontru\'ened uUeHulions of pl~udings and other
pel1JlHlsibk materiul, tiled in suppon of and in
Opposilion lo mOlion re\'eal lItal lItere is no 8li:nuinc
issue of material till.:t, lmll that movant is entitled to
Judgment us mailer of luw. Rul~s Civ.Pr<>:., Rule
1035(h). 42 PlI.c.S.A
3. APPEAL AND ERROR 1$:::>9J4( I)
30
30XVI Review
30XVI(G) Presun>p,ion,
30k934 JudiPn''Il1
30k934( I) In g~neral.
Pu.Sup~r. 1995,
On uppeul li-olll surnrnury judgment, r=rd mlJ:lt be
\'iewed in light most lilVurable 10 nunmoving party, and
all doubls as lu e,islence of malerial fu~t mlJ:lt be
resolved a~ainst mU\'lIlg purty. Rules Civ.Proc., Rule
1035(b), 42 Pa,c.SA
4, AUTOMOBII.ES <t:o>25 ),11
4HA ....
48A V Injurics li-om Operation, or Use or
Highway
4XA V(l)) Elli:clufNo Fuult Slalules
48Ak25 I. II Abolilion or lort ilubilitv in general.
Pa.Supcr 1995.
Limited 101'1 option und~r Molur Vehiele Financial
ResponsibIlity Law (MVFRL) r~quircs ulUnnative
",kcla,," hy IIlsnred, \\h~re no eleclion is made, rull
Copyri~hl (c) WC.,t (jroup I'NK No e1l11m 10 origlllullJS. (juVl works
665 A.2d 1223, 445 Pu.Sup~r. 479, Dodson v. Elvey. (PuSup~r. 1995)
tUll option I~ d.....'ffi.'\! 10 upply. 75 PU.c.SA ~
1705(u)(3 ).
5. STATUTES <1=216
361
361 VI Con.truclion und Op'-'fulion
361 VI (A) 11~n~ru1 Rul~. of Con~tructi()n
3611;213 ExtrillOi~ Aid,tnCollOtruction
3611;216 Motiw. und opinion. ofl~gislutor..
Pa,Sul"'f. 1995,
u:giolutur~'. rcj~ction of propo...'\! ~tututory hmguuge
during debule, which in~vilubly includes politicul
compromi..., i. not concl...ivo evid..'Rce of kgiolutivc
inlcnt
6. STATUTES <1=216
361
361 VI Con.truclion und Op''fulion
361 VI(A) G''R~rul Rulo. of Con.truclion
3611;213 ExtrillOie Aid, to Con.truction
361 lal6 Motiv~. und opinion. of legi.lulor~.
[S..., h~udnot~ texl below I
6. STATUTES 41;:;>217.2
361
361 VI Construclion und O!",rution
361 VI(A) Generul Rulo. of Consuuction
3611;213 Extrinsic Aids 10 Construction
3611;217 ,2 L~glslutivc history of uct
Pu,Sup~r. 1995.
Whut is .uid during dcbutc on Ilo<,r of Hou.. or
Selwt. .hould not b~ r~lied upon in limnuluting
I~gi.lulive inl'"lll, und court i. nol t,..., 10 di.regard
plum m~3Jling of sIUIUI~ in order to udopl ils I~giolutive
hi.tory ,
7. JURYe::>14(1)
230 m.
23011 Righi 10 Triul by Jury
2301; 14 Purticular Actions und Proc...,dmg.
2301; 14(1) In g~n~rul
I S..., h~udnole I~XI b~lmv I
7. JURYe::>2M(5)
230 ....
23011 Right to Triul by Jury
230la7 Wuiver of Right
230k28 In Civil Cu"".
230k2M(5) Form und sullicicncy ofwuiwr.
Pu.Sup~r. 1995,
While liligunt' in !",l":IOnul injury uctions huve right
und..'f Slule Conslilution 10 jury tnu!, right muy be
'a.. 2
~xprcssly or inlpli.'\Ily waiv.'\!. Const Art. I, ~ 6,
M. CONSTITUTIONAL LAW <1=106
92
92Vl V~sted Righls
921; 106 Remcdi~s.
Pu.Super. 1995
Individuul~ do not huve vest.'\! right in continued
exi~tence of inunutuble body of n~gligence or lort law.
und cuus<' of uClion muy be extingui.hed by legislature.
9. AUTOMOBILES <1=251.15
4MA ....
4MA V Injuries lrom OJ1l-.'fution, or U.. of
lIighwuy
4HA V(D) ElI~cl of No Fuult Stulule~
4Mla51,I5 Nature of injury; "..riD... or
pemlunentmjury.
[See heudnotetex! belmvl
9. AUTOMOBILES <!:=>251.17
48A ....
48A V Injuries lrom Op''fution, or U.. of
lIighwuy
48A V(D) ElIi:ct of No Fuult Stalul~s
48Ak251,I7 EI~m~nts of r~covery; economic or
Ilon-\.'Conomic loss.
IS.", hcudnotele.1 below)
9. JURYe::>14(1)
230 ....
23011 Right 10 Triu1 by Jury
230k 14 Purticulur Actions und Proc~cdings
2301;14(1) logeneral.
Pu,Sup~r. 1995.
11IOur~d who ..Iocls limitcd lort option lmd~r Motor
V~hicle Finunciul R~.ponsibiliIY Luw (MVFRL)
ullinnulivcly ugr.",s in ~.chung~ for low~r pr.'Rliwn
rut~ that uny potcntial lort aClion lor noneconomic
dwnug~s is pr.'Clud~d wherc injurics arc nol serio....
und hus no righl III jury tri..l if h~ has no cuuse of
action; provision of State Constitution glhU'ontceing
rightt" jury trial is not implicated, as no cause of uclion
~xist., Const Art, I, ~ 6~ 75 l'a,c.SA ~ 1705(d).
10.JUDGMENT 41;:;> IMI(33)
22M ,..,
228V On Mlltion or Sunmlury Pr<lC~.'\!ing
228k I M 1 Grounds ,i,r Sunllllury Judgment
228kIMI(l5) PurtlculurCu""s
22MkIMI(33) TorteuS\.'~lllg~n~rul.
Pu.S'lr\:r. I'N5
Curynght (C) WI:st liruup 199X NuclulIll Il)un~mul lJ,S (iu\'1. wurks
665 A2J 1223,445 Pu,Supcr. 479, D.,.,bon v. Elwy, (Pu.Sup~r. 1995)
In conl~SI of Sunutllll)' judlU'1~1ll mOlion in uelion
involving motorist who h... set.-el<'\I IIIUlI<'\I ton oplion
uruJ..-r MOlor V~hicl~ FinWldul R~spllllsibllity Law
(MVFRL), triul eOUl1must d~l~nnine iniliully wh~ther
mOlorist has ~slablish~d Ulat h~ or sh~ has suJler~d
serious impuinnl.-rll of lxllly t\metion, wh~lh~r
deli:ndwll hus · U2J ~stublish~d thul molonsl hus nol
sutl'cn:d serious impaimll:nt. or \\h..:lh..:r then.: rCllluin!i
lll:nuin~ issue of mutcriul fUl,,;l l"lf jury to dccil.h.:; in
<h.'Ciding wh~th~r malenal issu~ of luel eSlOls Illf jury,
jud~~ should nol I,,,,us on inJlII)' hUI should Il"us on
nutun: und extent of impuinncnl us CUIlSl:L}ucncc 01'
injw)' 75PaCSA ~ 1705(d).
1 UUDGMENT e=> 181(3.3)
228 ."..
22KV On Motion or Summury Pn",eeding
228k 181 Gruwlds l'lf Sunmllll)' JudlPncnl
228kllll(15) Purllcular Cuses
U8kllll(33) Ton ea.,",s in ~enerul.
PaSap..'T. 1995
On tiling of n'olion 1<1f swnmury Judgmenl in uelion
broa~1 by mUlorist who has seleeled Iimlled tort
opliun und~r Molur Vehicle Finundul RespllllSihililY
Low (MVFRL), wher~ Ih~re is no suhslanliul dispale uf
muterial fact lhut motorist hus nl)t met "serious
irnpuinnent of hody funetllln" threshuld, or Ulat
mOlorisl has indeed m~1 Ihr<shold, cowl should muk~
dctmninalion us mall~r of low; if threshold has nor
bt....~ met, case should be dismissed, while if CVilJ.:nCC
eondusiwly establishes that threshold has heen met,
jury may d<'Cide only Issaes of dama~es WlU Iiahllity.
75 PaCSA ~ 1705(d)
12 AUTOMOBILES e=>251,19
48A "...
48A V Injun~s Irum Operuliun, ur Use of
Hi~way
48A V(D) Elf""luf No FlIult Slulules
48Ak251.19 Eviucncc WlU luel quesllons
Po Super, 1995,
Where there is substantial JiSPUh: uf fuct on issue of
whether motorist who has sek'Cled Ii,lllleu lort opllun
under Molor Vehicl~ FlIlanclal ResponSlhihty Law
(MVFIU.) has m~1 threshulu of eSlahlishing
irnpoinnent of botly function cun~lilutinll serious injury,
question is lor jury. 75 PaCS A ~ 1705(u)
13.JUDGMENT is=> 185.3(21)
228 ....
228V On Mohonur SUll1mury Prl",<"ulll~
228kl82 MOlion or Other Applieut\llll
228k185.3 Eviuenec ar.d Atliuavils III Particular
Cases
PI.' 3
22~k 185 3(21} Torts.
Pa.Super. 1'195.
MotoriSI who ha. sdcel<'\Ilimil<'\l ton option under
Molur Vehiek FinWlei.l Responsibihty l.aw (MVFRL)
mol' not ere ale triabk issue of fact ... threshold for
brin~in~ of aelion of "'nou., injury with .ubjeclive
evidence unly, Wld lu cross ovcr thr~shold, must show
lIlatellul ulSpule uf luel by obj<'Cli\'~ m<'\Iieal evidcnc.:,
75 PaCSA, ~ 1705(d).
14 AUTOMOIlILES <$=251.15
4HA ..n
48A V Injuries trum Op~ration, or Uso: of
I!i~way
48A VO}) EIl;.'Ct of No Faalt Stalul~s
48Ak251.15 Noture of injury; scr10US or
pennunent injUl)'.
l'a,Super 1995.
In detenninin~ wheth~r insured who hIlS selected
Iimiteu lort oplion und~r Molor Vehicl~ Finoneiol
R~.ponSlhilily l.aw (MVFIU.) has .uller<'\I 'so:riou.,
impoinm..'nt of body function," us will m\.'(1 serious
injury threshuld forbnnging ofturt action, eoart muk~s
inyui!)' inlu whul h.llly lilllelion, if any. wu., impoir<'\I
because of Injuril.'S sU:itaincd, MU whcthl.'r impoimlcllt;
li.lI.;u:i is not on injmi"::i thcm:icl\'cs, but on how lnjwics
alleeled purtieular blllly limelion, and court should
consh.J..:r extent of impuinncnt, particull1J' nmetion
impaired, length of lime impainn~nl I...ted, lreolmcnt
rl.'lluirl.'d 10 con\:ct impuirml.'nt MU uny other rell.'\'ant
luelors, 75 Pa,CS.^. ~ 1705(0)
S<'C puhheullun Worus wld Phruses 11Ir other judicial
constructiuns und delinilion~,
15 AIJTOMOIlILl:S e=>251.15
4H^ ....
,liSA V Injuries Irom ()p~rolton, or U"" of
I hghwuy
411^ V(D) EtleclufNo Fault Slalut~.
4HAk25 I 15 Nutur~ of injury; ,...rious or
pennwlent injury.
Pu,Supcr. 1995.
ImpOlnnenl of hlllly sullcreu by insur~d whu has
sekcted Iimit<'\I Ion uplion under Motor Vehiel~
Financial ResponSlbihty Law (MVFRL) n<"d nol b~
permanl.'nt to bc ellnsiul.'rcd "serious impoinncnt of
budy IWlelion" anu eSlabhsh sellous injury, a. will
meet h)rt threshold under optllln; howc\'er, impairment
lO\lIl\'cs I11ml.' thUD injury ll:\I.'U: and con~qucnccs of
injury musl involve serious Impaetlllr ~st~nded perioJ
uf time Oil insured's lite, und musl interfere
subslanhally with msureu's nonnal aelivities rother
thun impo.... only m.ld ur slighl Iimilation, 10 m.:et
COPYrlgJu (c) Wesl Oroup I ~')X Nu e1ll1m 10 urlglllulll S, GO"l works
threshol.!. 75I'uC.SA ~ 1705(.!),
665 A2.! 1223,445 Pu,Sul'er. 479, Do.!..,n v, I'lvey, (l'u.Super, 1'1'15)
Paa' "
See publiculion Word, 1lII.! Phru",s I,,, olber jU<!iciul
corullrucliol1:l un.! ""!initions.
16 AUTOMOUlLES *"'251.15
48A ..."
48A V Injuries Irom Operuti,.n, or U", of
IIi@hwuy
48A V(D) EIl,:cI of No Fuull Stulutes
48Ak25 1.1 5 Nuture of injury; ",nous or
pennllllenl inJUl),
P..Sup.or. 1995.
Motorist who suller"" IlIIn injU!)' In uutolllobile
uccidenlllll.! who hu.! sdecle.! hnule.! tort opuon wI.!er
Motor Vehide Finllllciul Respon.<Iblhty Luw (MVFlU.)
.!i.! nol suller '",rioo., Illlpuinnenlof booy funclion," us
woul.! m.":1 '",nous inJ"') , thre,hol.! un.! ullow
motorist to bring action, where four months ulh:r
ueci.!"'Ilt molonsl Wll.' rdeu",.! to \lurk 1\lIb full runge
of motiun in his ann lU10 nu n:slricliuns, moturist
remumoo guinJully ""'ploye.! und r.'Ceivd no Ireulmelll
or medicatiun for puin, bone bruise \\'lL'i of no
funuwm:ntul consc:qucn~c. WlJ no serious inh:rtim:nc.:
wilb motorhl's Juily Iile resuhe.!, 75 Pu,CSA ~
1705(.1).
.lllS [445 Pa,Super, 483) Gregory A Ol:;on,
Indionu, lor appellun!.
Rulph M. Monico. 1I0lli.!uysburg, lor Fre.!erick W.
Elwy.
Jurnes R. Roneu, Jolm F. Duggun, Ilamsburg,
Lconur.! A Sloune, Me.!.., Anlicu., Curiue, r<" P A
Trial Luwy.ors.
IMore ROWl.EY, President JU<!ge, und WIEAND,
CIRILLO. OLSZEWSKL BECK, KELL Y,
POPOVICH. HUDOCK, an.! SA YI.OR, JJ.
BECK, JU<!ge:
This appeala.!"'esscs whelher un.!er Ihe "Iuniledlml
opllon" of p.'IU1sylvunia's Molor Vclucle Financial
Responsihility Law ("MVFRL"), 75 PileS ~ 1701 <'I
Jeq. (Pur.!on Supp(445 PaSuper. 484)1'1'15), it is
Ibe funellon of Ibe ju.!ge or Ibe jury to make the imllal
.!elenninalion .1226 whelber a plal/lllll' hus sullere.!
M~rioU:l iojUl)'". Wt: cunclude that, in cl.Ises like this
0"", it IS the fWleli"n of Ibe JlIllge
III The limite.! tort "plion aUlhorlles Ibe msurer to
ulli.'r uutomuhilc insuranc~ (;u\'~ragc ut rcuu..:cd
pr.,niwn rules 10 irulurOO:i \lho ~ivc up the righllO soc
I,,, noneconomic durnages, such us puin WIll swTerinl!'
A IlI1l1t.'II tort ek'Clor may' sue I,,, nont:COnomie
<lumages only if he or she sull"r. 'serious injU!)" in un
uutol1lobile ueel.!enl. 75 Pu,CS ~ 1705(.!).
Serious inJUl}' is slulutorily ""tin.'\! as ""alb, serious
iinpairm"ntuf bUlly limclioll or pemlunent ....,rious
.!isliguremenl 75 Pa c.s ~ 1702. Since uppellant
claims h~ suJli.'n.:u ~scriuus impaimh:nt of body
IUncuon', thIS opilllon respollds l1Iamly 10 the statutory
stunuanJ in\'ul\'inll thai catclllll"Y of ":i4:rious injW'}',"
ahhough Ibe pro".'IIure oUlllned IlIfra is certamly
applicable to the slutulory slun,,",'! involving
"pcnnwlent serlllus .!..!igorelllenl.' (FN I)
In lhe IIlslWII ea", the court grunt.'<l swnmury
juJgll1enl 1Il I.vor of <lc1i:nJanl,appdk.., Froo.:riek
Will"un Elvey on Ibe busis Ihullbe plllintill'.appellwll
Michael Timothy Dodson, \lho hoo dccI"" Ibe limit.'\!
lort <lpl"'n, ha.! not met his bur.!en of eSlablishing u
"SCrilJu.'i injury," j,e., SCriull'i impairment of i.xkly
funclioll The court .!ismis",.! Ibe actIon r<"
non.'Conolllie .!urnuges. Appellant liloo Ibis llppeul,
urguing Ihal tlle .!etemlinallon of the serious
impaimlenl of bUlly function shouI'! be a fuet question
"1< Ibe jury, und Ibal his injuries .!i.! inJ...:.! meel the
limited tort <lPlion wesholJ, We uffinn the trial
court's grunl of sWl1l1lary judlJl1lenl in I.mr of appellee.
121131 We begin by noting <lW' scope of review in this
appeal Irom swmnury jU.!lJI1Ien!. Our review is
plenwy, WI.! \Ie Iheret<"e musl delennine whether the
unconlrO\erted aile gal ions of the pleU41ings IlIId the
other pennissible lIlaterials liIe.! in support of un.! in
opposition to the motion reveal (445 Pa.Super. 4851
thut thcre is no llcnuinc issue of muh.:nal foct, W1d thai
the 1Il0vant is enlitl".! 10 jlllllJl1lenl as u mailer of law,
lil'l!l}iJ I'. 1:1'1<' 11U. G,.p.. 406 Pa.Super. 560, 5'14 A2.!
761 (1'191), Amu..- Y. G"a' I.alu!. lIold/llg.., IlIe.,
3117 PaSuper 56,563 A 2.1 11M2 (1989), alloe. <1m,
524 I'u. 62'1, 574 A2.! 70 (l9'JO), Sf<' PuR.Civ.P.
I035(b) (the JudlJl1lent sought shull be rendere.! if the
pleading.'i, dcpu:nlilms. answers tll interrogatories, lUlU
".!nnssion., on tile, logether with Ihe utliJuvits, if uny.
Shl)\V thllt there is nu gcnuinc issue us to Wly material
fuel and Iballhe moving party is enlitk'\! to jU41gment us
" muller of luw). The r.'Cord mo.,t he viewe.! In the
IIghl mosl li"wuble 10 Ihe nonml)\'inl! purty. WI.! all
doubt:.; lis (0 the C:\l.itcn..:e uf lJ maleriul fuct must be
rcs<ll\CIi illlumslthe 1Il0\lIlg purty, .\fa,*-, Y. Ta.mall,
5271'u. 1J2, 5M9 /I 2.1 205 (1991); ('",.,... Y. Yin}iling,
40(,l'u Super. 279, 5'14 A2d 337 (1'1'11),
ClIpynghll":) West Group I ~,),)H Nu claim to lIriginullJ,S. OO\'t wurk.s
(~I~ A 2.1 121.1, H~ I'll SlIp"r ,17'1,1 Io.bllll \' 1-1\ e,\ , 11'11 Slip'" 1')')5)
Wllh lIu" ~tulhhu~1 In IIl1ml, \\C 11111 hilL' Ih-: ,",IIlIHhll\,
e'>>lle\1 iIllll fllellllll hlld~IIIIII..1 Ill' Ihl' IIIllIlelllll' ell'"
Sinc\' IiNO, lh~ MVI"IU. n..''l'IH....~ llllhllllllhll\.' 111'111\'1"
ll. ull"'l' In.''lunmc\.' L:~I\CII1~'" 10 I" 1.:11,111111"'" III
uccUI'duIIl,:tJ with Ihe liJlhmlll~ "Nlllh:l' I" NlIlIl\.'d
In!'lw...-JM"
A "1.11I111,,111111" 01'1..",-- I he 111\1> Ill' llle
l'onUnOIl\h:nhh of P""IIl~~I\III1I1. "I\l' \11111111..' lI~hl hI
chl)l.)f'M: u J'onn Ill' lIl~lImllL.:C 111111 IlIIlIh \11111 lIy.hllllld
the nklhl uf lIJ\'mhcr!'i ul ~lIur hlllJ.~lh)hl hi M:\.'~
IiUiU1C1Ul Ctll1lpl'n!'iulll)11 1i.1I 111111I1C~ t,;lIll~..'J hy 1lllh:r
dnWfN, lJlIlh~r thlri JilJ111111' 1I1'l11l1l1lL.:I..', \tlll lUld llll\l:r
huu:ow:hl)1J IIh:tnh\.'" clt\'....'l.'d IUI"kr thh policy IIIU)'
!'M.'\.'k t'-"\:H\'IJI) li., 1111 uh.',III,:ul "lid lllhl'l lIul.~lr.lloc~ct
l:'I'CI1:il'~, lllJl lIul Ilt" IHIIII IIUl! .,tln\'lIll~ ul- 11111..:1'
nunlllllUel&U} ~1J.lIIHI~l;'~ 1I11h:~., the IIIJlII n.'r\ ,"lulkr":lllilll
nlllull the dcJilllllllllllf "~""l'hJlI~ 11I1"n ~ II.' ,cl Il1l1h 111
Ih.: puh~~' ur ulllc~~ 111I"" uf ~\clllllllh""1 lJ'~l;'J1llolJ:1
lIuleo In Ihe pollio:) upplltJ:'t Ihe IIlJllllllll'lellllUlIIlllr
1111:11": CU\cruvc ll:i ''':llllIlCd Ii\' Ill\\' 1II1dl.'1' 1111:\ "/mllled
hll'l~ ul'llun 1"1 S
Ad1hlhlHul Clt'CIU~t.':'t lllhkl Ihl, Ill'lhlll lire u\'ulluhh:
ul lu,1J1I1I1I1l11 cu~1
II, 'hili '101,1" ('1'110111--1 he I,"" Ill' Ihe
l'1I11111l1111\h:llhh Ill' P""IIII"l_\I\1I1H1I IIbll ~l\'" you Ihe
tl~htlllchuo"", II lilfIJl 111'11I'11111I11.:": Illll!..:r \\IIIt.:h you
IIIl1lnIIlIllIIllIIlUe,ll1el"III~IIII.IH 1'" SUI',r ,IXIII""
)'IIU IUhS lh~ IIlclIlh...nl III' )UlIr . 111'1 hllu:,~hllld h)
~'d. I\nuuclul ""I)IIlI'\'IlMlhlll 1~lr IIIJlII'IC~ cllu~11 h)'
1I11u:r Ilfl\L'I'N Iluller Ilu11111'111 III' Uhllflll1f.:"" YIIU und
u111I..'r hllUl'M:hullllllcmhl.'pj cO\t.'rellllllllel' 1111... Jloltcy
IIlU~' lK.'\.'~ '''''CIl\CI) Ii,I' ulllH~dlcullllld ll'.hL'r uut-Dl'-
pt~~CI ""\Il\'II.""".. ulld IHII)' u!-iu '\l,.'C~ Jilllllh,aal
f.:1I1111l\'n~ullllll IiII' IlIlIn lIlill !'ildrerlll~ lnul other
1I01ll11l11l.:11If)' dlllUII,,'-', 111 II re,ult Ill' 1I1111nc~ cllu~...d
tl\ ulh..:!' dnWf't I he 1l1ll1l11l1 I'rCIIIUUIl Itlr hIJSIt.:
ClI\CIII~e ll~ IClll1lr",'&I h..,. Ill\\. under 111I~ "full tllrtll
III'IIUIII, 'Ii
A,Mlllunul f.:1I\WU~""~ IUhlcl till:; UpUlI1l III''': It\'UIllIhle
III "Ihhlitllml,,:ml
7~ 1'111' .~ ~ 1711~llIill )
I,ll In e,"llIlII~e I~II II ,educ,d prellllum, uppellunI
c1"cl4,;\) Ih... 1IIIlllcd hJr1 IIJlhl1ll \\hcll purchusmp
uUltJlllllhlh... 1n.'HUlme!: (FN2) ^JlPdlullt Ih~n...Ji.II"or: IS
houud h..,. Uu.' '~IIIII\\o III~ ~Ijllutol') pro\ ISIIJII
hI) 1III1IIClJ IlllllJllcUlUlI\''-' ..I:neh pCrM111 \\o'hl) d..:ets
111",1 1111111",'&1 Illrt IIlh:rnull\.... 1''-'1I1I1ill:i ellgihle to s..:ck
P.ge!l
compemulIillll ti.lr L'Collomic loss sustBlned in a motor
v-'uck ueci.telll us tllC cunsequellee of the fault of
1I11"lher perStlll pw-sUlUtl 10 applicable lort law.
I '"/I!.u ,hI! "~j'uy .JIi.'itcJi/lt!d is 1I sl!rious Injw,', each
1'1''',WII who I,f bOllnd by Iht! limilt!d IOrl elt!clim,
.,hllll hi' 1'1't',:llidt!d fi~JIIl mailllaillillg all aClio" fo,.
rill).' ",ml'c:cmvmic los". ... (FN3)
1-1.15 I'll Super. 4871 75 l'a,C,S. ~ 1705(.1) (emphllllis
udde.t) The IIcl delilles "serious injury" as "a pcrsonal
inJuly "sui ling in dellth, serious impainnenl of booy
n.Ulctilln ur pl.'1111UI1cnl scriOll.'i disligun:mcnt." 75
l'u.L'X ~ 1702.
AppdhUlt susluincd CCr1uin injuri~s when he wus
Involve.t in II molor vehicle lIeeiden! with appellee.
AppellulIl Iikd the IIlslltl\l aelloll for <Lunages,
induJlIlg noneconomic dumUt1~Sl aguinst appelll.'e.
lFN.I) In IllS IImended complllinl, appellltl\l eluimc.t
Ihul h, hlld sull""d "pe'Stlllul injury resulling ill a
Sl'l'illUS impainncllt of hod}' Jlmction. II The complaint
further described uppellunt's illjw-i,s us "serious ltI\.t
l"nJllIl!elll," meludmg but nol limile.t to "cervical
~truill; lumhur strain; lliopsoa~ slrain~ impingement
.syn.trome, righl shoul.t,,,; eonllLsioll, right elbow, right
,houl.ter" Appellee, in his ncw mllller ltI\.t laler
molioll for SWllJlIlIl)' judgmelll, u"'rte.t thol appellltl\l
hllJ ehll~n lhc limited tort option in his insurance
~'J.l\'crl.lgc, IJnd lhcrclorc could nol recover noneconomic
dm;JUgcs hecause his injwies did not meet the "serious
IUJUry" Ihreshol.t setlurth by IlIw.
In his response 10 the appellee's motion for swnmary
Judgmellt, uppellltl\l lilcd an atli.tavil with Iwo
supportmg medlCul rcpurts, ltI\.t his own dcposilion
tesllmllllY. Aller revicwillg Ihc evi.tenee, the trial
court held I~ulil ruise.t no Iriuble issue of fllcl lI.' 10 '4,,'
\\hl.'lhcr ~ppellant sustuincd scriou:i impuinncnt of f\
~llxly lilnction
.1228 (445 Pu,Su"", 4881 Appelhml's aeei.t''111
,,"cun-ed Oil JIIIIUUry II, 1992. He immediately fell
pllll! in bis low blick, the buck of his he..t, his righl unn
IInd shoulder, Ulld dC\'eluped II Irolllal hea.tllchc
see,mdury to u mid,lurehell.t colllusion. He was
trullsportcd lu lhe emert1cncy room where x-my:i were
tuken ulld he WIlS given II sling 1\" his righl arm.
Appellant leslllkd Ihul he coul.t not use his unn
Ihroughllul Junuury 1992. Appellltl\l di.t 1101 relwn 10
his joh liS a warehouseman lor about tour month:i, and
lestilk.t thut he Wllre the slmg "mayb, thc ''11lire lime
11"1 wus lllI"
Cop~ri~hl (e) Wesl (jruup jiNX No claim to origiual U.S. GIJ\'t. works
Appdlulltlrelll,d with un llrthllpedisl, Dr. Fulchiero,
....J>,
665 A 2d 1223, 445l'u,Sup~r 479,llodson v. Elwy, (Pu.Sup~r. 1995)
who inlliut~d hydroth~rupy und diulUlo",d rotulor ~ul!'
dumQ~~ (ril!h! .hould~r) und Q Ii'u~tur~d elbow. (FN5)
App.:IIQnt hud ..x olli~~ visils with Dr, Fukhi~ro
b~lw....'Il JurlUIlI)' 16 urld Muy 22, 1992. App~lIunl'S
uUom~y 'c1em'\! him 10 u se~ond phy,iciurl, Dr, Smith,
who d.UlUlot<ed c~rvi~ul 'pruin, Iwnbur strum, und
iliopsou.s struin, Appellunllrcul~d with Dr Smllh lilr
~il!ht visits b~tII'.'Cn Junulll)' 24 und Au~ust 2M, 1992.
At u Junuury 24, 1992 mit, upp~lIunl hud d~er~u'ed
rWlgc: of motiun sccondury to mUS4,;lc till-hlnC~s. nnd
limited ril!ht ~lbow WId ril!ht ,houl.!.:r runl!~ of mollon.
II" hud puin on pulpunon in his low buck. Dr. Snuth
Orw.-rL'\! moist hcul unJ oltru.o;ound lor his buck und
~xcrclses for hIS shouIJ~r. On Februury 14, 1992,
uppellunt'. ri[!hl seupulu ",us inj~~I~d wltll
DL'JlOMcdrol und Lido~um~. A phy,i~ul therupy
progrwn wus institutc:d, involving nine lr~/Jtmcnls 1rom
April 9 unlil Apnl 30, 1992.
Appcllunt wus rcl~used III work, lull dUllcs withoUI
r~.triclion, on Muy 21, 199], with u lull run~~ of
motion. IIi. return 10 ",ork resulleJ In "brio!' musck
""reness but this quickly r~""lv~d," Wh~n upp~lIunl
r~lwned 10 work, he huJ th~ sum~ posin.," wilh the
sWJ'~ dUli~s us belor" th~ u~cid..nt. Uy Joly 1992,
uppellunt complum~d of som~ e1b"w und 10r~W1n
weakness. EXlllllinution showed sollle uCl..:rcilscd
str''Il~th, und he 1445 Pu.Super, 4M9] wus instroeleJ 10
eonlinu~ with hom~ ~xerdses. At his Au~usI 7, 1992
vi.il, upp~lIunt's ~XUminQlion r~wakd lull ran~e of
motion with some stifthcss at lhc- extremes of inlcnwl
and external rotation. A self-protective n:tlcx was
r~vellkd, Dr. Smith nol~d a slil!hl de~rease in ri~ht
Upp'-T cxtn..~jty strength. hut there \I."en: no
neurovascular dclicits.
In addillon, un AUl!osl 12, 1992 MRI indl~lIled "a
Slil!hl mcrea,., m "lUlal inlenslly in th~ hurneral head
consistent \'"ith murrow cdc:ma which is typically sc.:n
aller truuma." Dr. Smith opineJ that thIS was related
In a bune bruise, which would heal. und ,,,,uld be "of
no functional ~onsequen~~: althoul!h Iher~ mil!hl he il
defect shown on x-ray lor thc indclil1ltc futw'c, On
August 2M, 1992, his run~e of nlUllon had sh~ht
limitations at the cxtremes hut ,...'us othcn'ri"ic nonllul
Dr, Smith opme,l thill IIpp~lIunl "ould "suller I"n~
Icoo with some mild to mudcrut-: rill-ht upper cMrcmilY
weakness, ,. und mllrC likely than m It would develop
urthritlS in the luture, Fmally, hIS soli tissue IIlJUf)
"may h~ symptomatic perio.lieally illr the n~xl 2,3
y~urs b~lor~ re,"ll'm~ linally' In hIS July 23, 1'193
deposition Il.:Sfimllny, appdlant stated that he clll1tinucd
to 1i.'C1 'eunsliln! drwlUTun~ pum" mostly m Ius
Palle6
.houlder, bUI somelimes in his elbow us well. lie
t~stilied thai he dlles the surne work us before 1Iiir-
ucciJcrif,buitllatii IS harder 10 do, with increased pain.
Fie uses no ll'ealmenl or preseriplion medication /"r the
p"m, other thun occasional 'iClf.lr~aunL'Il1 with Tylenol.
Arl'ellwllteslili~d thai he eWIDol bowl, play ""lib all or
lill ,i'cf(lhts as he did before the accident, "" he no
long~r ~nl!ages in these reerealional Qelivities.
Appellwllnow ~llITie' his son in his len Wlll.
Upon review or the ~videne~, the trial jud~~ opined
that. "[U~'I, this is a cll:;,:!lfasotl ti.ssuc injury with
r~.idual_puin-='---W'-d(). nol lind un imrainncnl or
funeli"i, .__mJ'!.umlilr hu. lull runge or mOlion.
~ublectl\'e .~ompluinl' of pain arc insu1lici~nt 10
constitule .WI impQinnenl of body function,' The eoW1
!!,ant"l swnmlll)' judlUllenl in favor of the appel"'e.
"1219 (445 PaSuper. .190) Appellunl Wid llJtl;eus
(FN6) ur~ue thul th~ del~nnination of whether a
plamlill's injwy r~aehes the limil~d ton threshold, I.~"
\\ helhcr II con:ititul-:s a "scrious impairment of body
fun~lioll," should b~ a quesli.," lor th~ jury. Appellunt
ll:iScrts thai ullowin.l the court to mule thi:i dcd::lion
impairs plaintil!:,' eonstilutional ril!hllo a jury lria\. In
aJdilllln, appellant dllillls Ihal his injuries do in la~t
cross the Iimlt~J lort threshold, und should sulliee to
sustain his duim for noneconomic damo~l:s.
Appelke und urnieus (FN7) ur~ue that th~ limited ton
threshold provision is part of automobile insuruncc
rel"nn. lis pllrpose is 10 reJuee litiglllion of pain und
sullenn~ e1aims in minor injury cases, By cl.'Cling the
hmile.! lort opllon, a plainlil!' su~h as appdlunt
ullinnallvdy waives the ril!hllo hll\'e a jury dcei.!.: his
euse where the injuri-:s arc not serious. At the VL'T)'
leasl, appellee ur~ues that the thr~shold issue of
whether Ihe plainlil!' hus sull",,'\! seriot.. injUf)' is lor
the eow11o decide. Appellec as",n" that, m response
to u motion ti.Jr summury judgment, the eourt should
decide whether tlle plaintil!' hus presenl.'LI sulliei~nt
c\'iJcncc to creale a jury qU-::ition as to whdhcr has
IIlJuries lire St:nULLi Appellee further ur~ues thllt the
tnal cuurt properly d,l"."Cidcd therc was no ~enuine is~uc
of mlltenallu~1 illlhlS ellse that uppellllnt did nlll suner
u serious tmpumn-:nt l)f holly t\melilln.
ThIS COlin has not yet had th~ Opportunity 10 address
lhis. precis-: issuc. ('ompare .\/ro'"uy v. AkCann. 442
Pa Super, 30, 35 n I, 65M A2J 404, 406 n I (1995)
(lillllleJ !on opllon case \Vas notllied to jury unJ trial
COlin JecldeJ all '!ueslillns of law und fll~t; plainlill'did
nlll llr~ue below or on appeal that JOry ,hould hllve
deeideJ thresholJ I:;sue); /Jerg" v. Rinaldi, 438
Cllpynght (,,:) W~"t (;roup JINX No c1l11m 10 ongllli.ll us. (;'l....t. \\iorks
6<'>S A211 1223, 4451'u SUpe' 47'J,lJu.!""n v, Eh','Y, (Pu.Sup.,. I ~~5)
Pall 7
I'u SujW' 7K, 651 A 2.! 553 (1'/'101) (purtie. .upulut.'\!
Ihul plulllull'. III)Ulle. we,e nut """,iuu.,"), We lire
~uillell in uur u,,'l:I'IUn hy ,ekl'unt l'ennsylvlUliu euse.,
u., well u. eu,,"' "ulll (445 I'u Supe', 4~11 uthe,
Jurls.Jleuun, Ih,1 hUI'e ul,eudy l'J'uppk.! "ith the
hlllll.'\!turl thre,hulll I",UV
We li..1 u.tllte", IIPI",lIwn'. ur~ulllent thut the
th,e,hulll Issue ,hllulll he une 1,,, Ihe jul)' tu decide, In
~upp~lrl uf thiS Jlfupu:;llioll. uppdlWll n:lcrs to certain
IlIn~Ul'~e which I'll' 1Il11llllucell hut ,eJ''l:te.! by UUT
le~I,lulure lIunll~ the IImllill~ pllleess: "The
d..:l\.'nlUllulllm ltf\\h..:lJu:r un II1Jury CtUlstltutcs 11 seriuus
IIIJUry ~hllll hl: U llUcl'lllun of Illw uno nut u QUCSLilU1 of
fu.:t" Sculll,on Amenllmelll, A,412~, P,inte,'. Nu,
2K2'I, I-,emd Alllen.!melll, I ~~1I0l)()3~4, 01l3~4 DOS:
All 1I2/11 1 /'Ill, N 1 K Appdlwn ur~ue. thUI the
k~I,llIlllfe', ,eJ"'l:llulI uf thIS IlUl~uu~e indicates the
1"~,,lulllre'. Inlelll Ihlll Ihe threshuld delemlinlluun be
deelde,1 hy u Jury "dIe, than the ClIurt,
15J1hl W,: dll nllt '~ree, hu"ever, thut the Iv~isluture's
,eJeeuun uf 1""I'",",d .Ialulul}' lun~uu~e du,in~ dehate,
\\hli.:h IIlC\'lllIhly ilu.:luJc:i politicol compromises, is
,;um:hl!\I\'1: c\'idclI'c uf ll:i intent. Indeed, what is said
.!unn~ dehule lln the n.." llf the J Illuse ", Senule
.llUuld nul be ,eh.'\! upun in fllnllulatin~ le~i;luli\'e
IlIlenl ('011I. v, ..11",," I'.-op., IlIe., 440 Pa, 42, 26~
A 2d 74K (1 '170) Nu, ure "e Iree tll disre~urd the
plum Im:wlIl1tt uf 11 statui,: tn order to UUllpt its
k~lSluuve hlSh,l)'. (illlll"'" v. Worldwi"e hu. Co., 42K
I'a SUjWr, 30~, (',)11 A 2d 12(,3 (I ~~3), A. a mall~, llf
lilcl, we nute thul the le~isl"tllfe alsu rej."'ted other
I""po,",.! IlIn~uu~~ during d~bate, which if enacted,
c1eurly wuulJ huve e.lubli.hed appellant's injuries a.
""'f1ou,," lFNK) We doubt that appellant ,,"uld hllve
u., deciJe Ihe th,eshul.! issue aga/mlll plaimilf "1230
based ul'<m the reJ.'l:tion llf plaintill~tilvoruble
IlUl~ua~c,
1445 I'a Supe'. 4~21 171[ K I Appcllanl's ne<1
urywm:nt c&.'lh.:r~ un the fuel thut, in Pennsylvaniu,
Iiliyunt:i in pcrsl..lnul injury uctillJlS have u constitutional
ri~tlu a Jury trial. OllaVlo v, Fibreboal'd CUlp.. 421
!'a,Super. 2K4,617 A2d 1296(1~n); Constilutionof
the Commlln"ealth of l'elUlsylvl\nla, Art I, ~ 6,
Ilowev.'f, this n~t may be e<p,es.,ly 0' unpliedly
wui\'cJ, Oltavio, .Ulpra; ,""Iock ,.', ,.lnwlI. oJ 15
!'aSuper. 113,608 A21i 552.556 (I'N2), HI'/Igg by
Bragg v. Slaldulo hI.!, .-b.!ll., 350 l'uSupcr. 257, S04
A,2J 344 (I ~K6), Mu,eove" individuals do not have
u vested ri~t in Lh&: c{mtinucd existence of an
immutable body of ncglillcnc~ or tort lu\....; U Clluse uf
action may inJ~ed be e<lm~uished by Ihe lc~lSlulure
Sil/ge,' v. Sheppard, 464 I'a. 3117, 346 A211 ~~ 7,
~03-04 (I~75) (with no,!i1ult iruiurance law--40 P.S. ~
~ I OO~.IOI el 'eq. (repealcJHegislalure abrogated
lor' aClion 1'0' n~~IiBenlly inflicted dumage ill relalively
"millO'" ueeldems); BOlld v. Gallell, 292 Pa.SuP<'f.
207,437 A21i 7, 9 (I~lll), affd, 503 Pa. 286,469
A.2.! 55(, 11~83) (.wne); Sherwood v. Elgarl, 3113 Pa.
llO. 117 A2d 8~~ (I~55) (statute eliminated lort
actiun against hotclil" loss due to aeciJenlallire).
19J1n this ca"", IIppellant, a limited lort clector. ha.
ulliin1ntll'dy a~"",J, III e<chUllae for a lower prenuum
ruf~~. 'l!iut Wl)' potential turt uelloo for noneconomic
-Jiunugcs is p"l!dlldl!d where his injuries are not
"SVrillUS' 75 l'a.CS, ~ 1705(11), App~lIlUlI ha. no
ri~hl'to J!..l\IIJ. tflul if he has m) ,,'llU"'" or iielion.
The,vI"e, appdlunt'. ur~urlleiit . un this issue i.
m..:rith:si.
Appcllunl ne<tllfge. us to aJllpt the procedures used
by Ihe Michi~lUl slule cuurt. in aWnillisterin~ its
Imllted tllrt luw. In MiehiglUl. the relevUllt statule
pruvides thut "[al pe,son ,emains subject 10 tori
lIabillly lill nunl'l:unomie Illss cau:<<-'\! by hi. 0' h.'f
ownership. maintenance, or ll.'iC of u motor vehicle only
if lht! IlIjUI'c.'lJ pl!I'JOII lit'" ".ifft/red death, "eriouJ
impainllt!1Il of budy funcUon, or pen"alle'" "er;ouJ
di,'fi!?lIremelll." M.C!.. ~ 500.3135(1): M.SA ~
24,131 J5( I) (emphasis a.wed): DiFralleo v. Pickard.
427 Mi~h 32, 37, 398 NW211 896, 900 (1986).
Thus, Michlgun'. law allows tort actions I'll'
noneconomic dUJ11age:i unly when un uUlomobilc
accldem ,esults in (445 Pa,Super. 4~31 <leath. ,.,nUll:!
impuinncnt of body timction, or permanent seriOu.'i
disli~urement. Mi~h.~UIl" tort threshol.! includes the
same IlUlgua~e as PelUlsylvlUlia's limit.'\!lurt threshol.!.
75 Pa.CS, ~ 1702, 1I0w~ve'. Mi~hiBan'.1 law is
dlStin~U1;hublc lrllm Pellll.ylvania's in that M.chigan'.
IS u comprchcnsi\'C, mandutl1ry ~)'stcm. which impogcs
limited turt covcrugl: upon all llriwlrJ. In
Pennsyl\'ania, individuuls may choo.... bvtw."'n the full
lort and limited tllrt uption., 75 !'a.C.S. ~ 1705,
Nonethdess, appellant urgues thai Mi,;higan'. ca""
law ou~ht to plllVlde th~ procedural moocl fu,tthreshold .!etenmnatiuns of whethe, a plainlill' hIlS 0
threshuld,lvvel IIlJIlI-y. (FN~) In DiFrallco. .upra, Ibe
SUp"'Il1e Cuurt of MichiglUl ublUl.!lIned a trawtional
.ummary ,iudgment anlllysi. (FNIO) lUld held Ihallbe
qucstiun is ulmust always one for the jW")':
The 'iu~sti"n \\hether the plainl.l\' suJli:,ed u serioll:!
Impumncllt uf booy IUnet"'" must be .ubmlll.'\!lo the
trier of fuct whcnc.:vcr the evidence would CUU.1C
Cl)pyn~t(c) W~sl G,uup 1~9K Noelaim lu on~mallJ.S. (jmt. work.
665 A2d 1223, 445 Pu.Sup~r. 479, Oodson v. E1v~y, (Pu,SU)lcr. 1995)
rellllOnable minds 10 diller as to th~ W1S\\.". 1'hi. i.
,,., even ","ere Ihere IJ no /IIaterial JaCloal Ji'I'II/'
QJ 10 '''e nalUl~ and e"/ell/ oj lire plaill/iff. i'!illri".
DIFranco, 427 Mich, al 3M, 39K NW2d al 9lXl
(emphasis add.:d).
o.spilc the simHllrity in the way MIChigwl and
Pennsylvooia d~Jin~ the typ~s of injuries which lake
POII'lllial luwsuilS OUI of the limite" *1231 tun
eat~gory, we hold thlll the /JI!'hmcv procI'lloral
slWldard is nol applicllble 10 PennsylvWlIU. We )loint
oUlthat all insureds in Miehigwl are SUbJ~CIIO linnl~d I
445 Pa.Super. 4941 Ion eovcrugc; th~ Pennsylvwua
eke lion or 'oplion" is nol available in M.chigwl.
Perhaps in r~sponsc to this lack uf choice, the
DiFranco slWldard allows Michigwl plai11lill's' claims
10 reach a jury ~vcn if i1lere is no mat~rial dispule of
lact on the thr~shold issue, arid thus lIIay lllluw musl
claims tor noneconomic rJuml.lgcs to be pn.:scntcJ to u
jury
W~ are nol p~rsuuded thai the path Michigan has
taken is wi"" WId We rcfu", to adopl il. The path
would e",alalc Iiligation WId ullimatdy increus~ thc
cost of insuruncel and is lhcrcli:m: cuntrary to the goul
of th~ P~nn>-ylvWlia I~gislalnre. Th~ P~nnsylvWlill
MVFRL enacted 0 two tier recovery sysh:m In order to
low<l inSurooc~ rales. II on",.s insur~ds dinor~nl
levels of protection ba",d 011 the premiwlI pllid,
Berger v, Rinaldi, mpra. To pennil all ea",s where
plaintilfs claim serious. Imp'aiml""1 01' body lunclion
, roul1nely'iO--liO t.i lh.: jury would 1101 r~ill ill cosl bUI
would prove lIS expensive as IUI unrestricted righl to
Sl1~;.. To nIIow 1lOIHlolfi0Ull injury ca"'s 10 pn>ceed
through trial 10 a jury would frustrale Ihe legisllllure's
goal'~f.r~d~cing Iitigalion WId the cost of insurnnc~,
- -- - .
[10] Our resolation of this mllttcr pennitting th~ mal
court 10 make the threshold dclennmalioll of th~
c:,istcncc of serious impuinncnt of body functiun where
there is no disput~ of fuct servcs this legi:i!ativc gua!.
In the conleM of SWlI/Il1lty judgmenl lh~ court must
dCteiiiiiiiclml,aUy I) whethcr lhe plaintHI' as mllving
Plll1X .h.. ,estublished thllt hc or shc has sullored ",nous
illll'alrml'/ll of a body IUncli(~l; 2) wheLber Ule delonse
as moving party has eslubl1sh~d th"t pla"'lit\' has not
suffered seriou., impainncnt of a body IUnclion; or J)
whether thc:r.~ rcOUlinli a ~~nuilW is.suc uf material fact
for the jury to decide. ('lIrrall v, Ch"drm'" Sel\'ic,'
ellller, IlIe., 3% 1'1I.Supcr. 29. 57K A.2d K (1990)
We' ~1l1pho:iU:c thai in d\.~iding whether II materialls.'iuc
of tacl eXists lor thc JUry, thc ludge shlluld nlll "xu., "n
the injury hUl should llxus on the nalure and c,lent III'
Pal' 8
plamlill's il1lpairm~nt as a cunsequence of the injury.
-.--., -,,-
We tind supp"n l<lI our holding in other slale eourt~
\lhere a similllf hmiled Ion parudigm is in ell,,'\.'!. For
CXOOlplc, in 1445 Pa Super. 495) New Jcr",y, "''I'll<ll\ll
buying au[omuhile illsurooce now ch""", belwel"lwo
types of coverage, one of which I1mils thc right 10 seck
reco\'ct)' uf nOlh.."Conumh.: IU:<Iscs rcsultiny from
llulomohlle-relall'll injuries. O,will v, Shaw, 129 N,J.
290, 297,609A2d415,4IK(1992). (FNII) ThelilSl
Iype is purchu",d at a low"r prcmlwn rale WId like
l'e'111sylvWli" includes a "wrbal threshold' (lhat is, ulle
thal is dclincd by \lords rather thoo a dollar amounl).
fd Wher~ i1,is 'limil<"l ton" option is ",k'\.'I<'1l, the
in:'iUn:d may recover non..."Cunomic losses n:sultins only
/i'om i1lose pers"nal injuries that iiI illlo one of nine
spec.licd categones. (FN 12) 1"- The alll'Olalive 10
thc wrbal i1l1cshold oplion is the traditional tun oplion.
\\'hkh aHuws wm.:slrictcu n.:i.lovcry of non~"Conomic
dOOlUges, lei. All insured who mukes no ell'\.'lion is
dl"Cl1lcd 10 haw chosen the Iimiled Ion oplion, fd
In all appeallrom SWl111Illf)' jud(ll11enl elllered in favor
of II dcl"ndwlI wh~rc the trial court lound that Lbe
plainlilrhlld nol rcached the thrcshold tor noneconomic
dwnag~s, the Ncw krscy Supreme Court llIlinned,
descrihing its IUlUlysi.'i as t()lIo\\'s'
If'llI a sun11111lty judgmenl mOlion thc court d.:cide5,
[rom whalcver medical repons * I 232 WId Othl"
evidence submillv'll in suppon of 000 in opposilion 10
the motion, that lhe inj uric:; do not, us a mutter of law,
curry UIC plainlitl.s case aeross the vI,.balthreshold,
then the delcndWlI 'VIII prcvail on the lIIoll<'l1. If
hll\\'~\'cr the.: plaintil1's medical proofs: sW"vive the
millal I~sl WId the eourt discovers, Ii-om all the
illJ<lI1nallon(445 Pa.Super. 496) pre"'nled on the
motion, u legitimate factual dispute over thc notW'c
und extent of the injuries, lhen resolution of thai
disputei:j of coutse !()r the jwy...
0.''''1/1, IN N J a1307, 609 A2d aI423-24. (FNI3)
In adopllllg the sununary Judgmenl lUIalysis, th~
o.'iWIII court noted lhat its: Itrescurch failed to WlCOV\..'T
any Jurisdiction Ihlll applies a rule llll,xaling to the
coW1 the detelminulion of disput\..~ tilets: in verbal..
i1l1eshold cllses," ld. at 310, 609 A.2d al 425.
Inslelld, Wider Ule pmccdurc adopted m (JJWIIl, the
court deciJc:i the threshold issue conclusi\'~ly. either in
lilvllI of I'lainlllf <lIngaillsl plailltill', only in the absence
of a Iilclaal dlSpule, le'- al 313-14, 609 A2d al
426,27
COPlrighl (c) W~sl (jilinI' 199M No cblllll.) onglllallLS OoVI. works
665 A.2d 1223, 4451'.,Sul'er, 479, Dodson v. Elvey, (1'..Supor. 1995)
New York .pplies this same unalys," to lis own
"hmitQj lort" haw. which alluws rl.:co\ll.:l')' Illl'
nom;..:tll1ornl~ iliunu~cs unly in "sclious injlU)'" CUS4:S.
McKIM.'Y's Insurunee L.w, ~ 673, subd. I: 1.1.'<11'; v.
Hlliol/, 57 N.Y,2d 230, 234, 455 NYS2d 570,
572-73, 441 NE2d IOXX, 1090 (l9H2) (the eourt
should d.'dde the threshllld question or whether lhe
evidence wlluld WUfTunl . jU!)' linding thallhe injLU)' IS
"scriOll.'j"). New York ddincs "scriuu."i injury" by the
sum~ list of sp,-'CiJicd ~utcguric~ of injwicH us dllC~
New Jersey. Thl.: [.Ican cuW1 n:cllgnilcu thut "l.;ny
injury nol r.llin~ withlll the new dclirnllun nr seriuus
injury is minor wid. tri.1 by jury is nul pennllled"
/.icari, 57 N.Y.2d at 235. 455 NYS2d al 573,74,
441 NE.2d .1 10')1. The euurt held Ihalllie New
York le@isl.lure's @oal in abnl@aling the Inri aellun Illr
nonl(..~onomic dwnagcs in minor injury cu~s is served.
by .sSll!l1in@ Ihe 1445 1'.. Sup.,', 497)lhreshold issue 10
!he: cuw1, "in lh..: iirsl iU:"itancc where It is properly
raised, 10 delennllle \\helher the plainlllr has
cMtublishcJ II pnmn fucie \.:usc uf :;ustainil1ll serious
injury.' Id. .1237,455 NYS2J.t 574,441 NE.2d
.11091.
[11)[12)[13 J We agree. und hold lh.lnl''''' the lihn@
of a motion ti.)r surrinuiiy judgment, where there i:'l no
substunlial di'pulo uf mOleriallaetthallho plllinlitr ha.'
nut md the IIscrious impllinnent of hody function"
threshuld, or thul the plaint ill' has IIIdeed mel tlle
thresholll. lb. eourt,shuuld IIIllke the delenninalion .s a
m.ll~"or I.w. 11', upon review of Ihe undispulod
r.'COrd, the threshold has not b...n mel, the case shuuld
be dismissed. ll: on the other h.nd, tlle ovidenoe
<'<mclasivdy eSlabhshes that the pl.inlifr has sull;'red
"~riOLL'i impuinncnt of body function,'j lhen the jlU)'
m.y decide only the ISSUes uf hab.hly und dalllu~es.
We limit the jury's rule to . linding uf hahihty und
dumu~c~ in ~uch a case because to do olherwis..: \\-'uuJd
put the plaimill' to thl: duuble burden ur sh"w;n@
"SCriOLL'I impuimu.71t of body function'. twil.:e, Ol1l.:e III
the jud@o und a@ain to the jury. Finlllly, .I~there IS a
.ubslunllalllispute uf r.et un Ihe threshuld issue, tlle
qu;:.liun is one lor the jury, (FNI4) Wcfurther .UJJ
hold th.1 a pluintilrm.y nol (445 I'a SUl'er. 4'iX) ereille
a triable i:'l:iuc: llf fact with suojective evidencc only
We .@r... wllh both New York Illld New Jcrse~'s
uctemlinatiun:i thllt u plumtill: 10 cross over the
"s.:riULL'( injury" threshold, must 'lhllW II mah:nul
dispute of fact hy I,loJccllve mcdlcal C\'IOI:Ill.:C. o.~wm,
JI/pra .t J I~, 609 A2d .1 427,2'); I.I<l/n, .\II/,m III
239,455 NY.S2d.t 574,75, 4.11 NI:2d III lun
Althuugh We reool!J1l1e th.1 sul\ IlSsue IIl]LU'.es IIIU} he
I\ccompunie<1 by sabjeetive eomplulIIls ur palll thai arc
w s.:vcre that they result In U "SerilHJS lInptUmlcnt ~\r
PMII 9
booy IUnolion,".\llIImy ~. .\I<{'UlIII, Jupra .1 30, 658
A2d al 404, tho imp.imlent must be ubjeetively
munil;'sled. Oral teslimuny alone (ullless il is un
admission of a purty opponent) i, never sutlieient to
,uPI""1 a mulion Ii" summU!)' Judgment, as er.'\Iibility
is at ls:-iUe, I't'"'' Ct'IIIt'l' Ilou,w, I"". v. IIvffnum. 520
1'.. 171, 553 A2d 9U() (I9X9): NIIIII)' Wo V.
.-I111~"'.W' S"r"I)' Co., 309 Pa. 236, 163 A. 523
(1932), G<lI,'ja v. Sava)(~, 402 1'., Super. 324, 5116
A2d 1375 (1991), We wlUcrseure th.lthe inquiry
d,,,,, nul IllCll' un tllC injury it.elr hul whether the
IIlJWj' eauseJ Ser:ous imp.innenl or budy IUnelion.
[14)[151 It relllains Ii" us 10 uelennine whether
appdlant prc:-ientcd cnllullh e\'idenc~ to crcllb: a lriohie
issue or malerial laOl un the que.lion of whether he
Nul1\:reu a "serious injUf)'u und Ihus may CW1j' his case
aCfl>:-iS the limited lort thn:shoIJ. In this casc,
lIppellwl1 claim. 1I1Ul he sllst.llled . serillUS impaimlent
urbudy runel;un, (I'NI5} Thistonn is nol further (445
P.Super. 499J delined by the rdevwll stalutes. We
have nol lound any l'e.Ul.'ylvWli. eases thai
co~luNi\'c1)' delim' the t~rnl. We are pCl'suadl,.>d,
ho\.\'cver, as \'ms the trial coW1 in this en:;..:, that the
deliniliun adopled by the Mlehi@an court. in DiFral/co
v, Pickard is a useful one, (FNI6)
Ihe"senous lll1pUlnnent or budy IUnelion" threshold
cl>nlains tWI,} Inl}uiries:
.) Whal bodyliUlellllll, if .ny, w.s impaired beeause
of injw;es sustained in a mlltor vehicle occidenl'l'
b) Was lhe itllpuinnent ur body IUnelion serious'/
The 'llX;lL'i of these inquiries is not on the injuries
themsehes. hut on how the injuries um.."Ctcd 11
p.rlieular body funetiun, (kner.JJy, m.'<Iieal
testimony will he nCl,.'lleu to establish the t:xistencc,
extent, uno pcnnuncncy of the impllimlent In
deh:nlllnillg whether thc impuinnent was SCriOLL'i,
,evernl li.elurs shuuld be "un,idered: .lhC extcnt of \
Ihe Impainnelll, the purtleular body IUneliun
Imp"ued, the len@lh of time the impUlnnenl I.sled,
Ihe Irentmcnt requircd to corrcct the impainnt.,,'nt, /'.
. \2J4 .nu any other rclevunt raetors. An /
ImpOlnncnt need nllt he pCntllUlent to he serious.
427 Mlcll ut .1'1, 3'JX N,W2d al 901. S." a/.IO
Penn,.\I\'UJlIl1 SlllnJard CI'II Jury Instruetiun 6.02(1))
(I'NI)
An IInpulnnenl 1I11ul\'es more lhall the injUry ilself
The cunscquclH':CS lit' the IIljury mUsl involve a :ienou:i
1IIlPill,:t Illr all c.\h:ndcd pCrHxI HI' time \)n a pluintitl':i
(.'opyn~ht (~) West (;(lHlflll)l)X N\l dmlll tll otltllllullJ S. (jO\t work:"!
665 A2u 1223,445 I'll. Super. 479, DO<h;on v. Elvey, (I'll Super. 1'1')5)
lij~. S.. 0,,,;/1, .upm 1I1 31M, 609 A2u 1I1 429 It
musl interfere ,ub'llUlliully with the plllinlill', nunn.1
lIelivili.. lUlU nol impu:se llnly 1I mil" lIr ,lighl
limilalion. S.. Lieuri, '''pm 1I1236, 455 N YX2" 01
573.74,441 NE2u 1I11091.
(445 I'll. Super, 50111 In ueeluin~ whelher Ihe
impuimuml i:i Mscriuus," we ulso cunsider olhcr uses of
the lenn in our loll". For eXlUnple, Petm,ylvonlll'., All
pollulion Contrlll Ael uellne, ",,,rulll. hllJlly injury' .s
on. "which invlllve, 1I ,ub,tlUlll.1 Ii,k uf Jelllh,
unconsciousn':s~, extreme physical puin, pmtruch:J and
obvio~ ubsllgun."tllcn\ or pmlrUClCu loss ur implunm:nt
of lh. funelion of 1I budlly memher, 'lf~lIn lIr menllll
flleulty." 35 Pa,C,S. ~ 4009(u), See al..u 75 I'll C.S, ~
3742 (.llIlUle Je:scribin~ requiremenls "If repmlin~ IIn
lIccidenl ueline, :serious b,Klily inJw)' ,,, line winch
'erellle, 1I sub'lonliol risk uf Jc.lh lIr which e.use'
scriou.s pcnnuncnt disligun:lm:nt or pmtructcu Il)SS l)e
impainncnl of !.he t\mction uf 1m)' body memher or
orgon"). (FN 17) Obviuusly, the wmJ "seriuus" musl
be understood liS "signiticuntlt Mil "implJrtunt",
in\'olvin@ un injury Wilh con~'1ucnccs thut arc IllllfI:
thlUlju'llninor, mild or slight.
[161 We lum 10 the fllel' m Ulis eo,e, lUlU Ule tn.1
court', conclu.,ion thlll lIppellwll" injuries eoulJ nlll
constitute 0 "scrious impuirmcnt of body tunction."
We:. cunclude thllt there is no genuine issue of material
fllel with resp''Cllo the nlllure onJ extenl of .ppellwll's
injurie" Fi"l, II is WlJi'pUIL"\! thol lIppellOIll "liS
injured in the Jonuory II, 1992 oeeldelll. AIU1Uu~h he
uoe, nol spec ill' in his clJllIpl.int whlll Pllttieulor blKly
function was impaired. we IJllc.r Irom the c\'idencc that
he el.illl' impainncnl of the use of hi, nghl linn I lis
d,-,)o~ilion testimony stales that he could not use his
l1fI11 throughoUl JonUllry 1992. Ohv"m,ly, IIppelllll1l
sutl"rcd on "impoinnelll" 01'0 h,Kly funeti"n. (I'NIX)
(445 Po. Super. 5011 We musl fUlther IUllIly,e tlie
implllnncllt wHJ..:r the DiFrall(.'() outline, und
considcrin~ uur IC~lslalurc's oth..:r uses of the term, 10
discov..:r if the impllinncnl wus "scnllUS," We li>cus 1111
how the inJul'ics lI11'cctcd the IIml runctillll, the e\h:nt Ill'
the impainnenl, the dunltioll of the IllIlHlIlltlenl, the
treatment required to corn.~cllh-: lI11puirnll:nl, I1nd lIuy
oth..:r rclcvwll fllctors Oll';.m/(.:o, ,wpra III .1\), .1')X
N,W.2d 1I1901
App\:lIunt \'wus out of work Irom Ihe JlIle of Ihe
accidl..11t until MIIY 19'):!. lie "Ore un ann sling dunll~
litis tlltle. ()n MIIY 21, I ~N2, his doelors n:h.:uscd hUll
10 work with u lull run~e of 1I10tlon IInd nu n.:slncllllllS
11i:i return to work ",.J Il) l1Iu.~le Slln:IlC~iS Ihull.lulcll.l~
Pille 10
resolveJ, TrellUllelll durin~ Ulis periud of .--,"overy
involveJ physielll ther.py, mu"l h~1I1, uhro!lOWlU,
humc e.\erelses, lUld lWu inJL'Cliuns. AppclllUll
Tel11uins ~olllfully elllployed in his I<mner occup"lion
WIth no hnnlllllon,' llIl his dUlie,. AppelllUll claim' 10
ha\'e continued wcukncs:i. and dues not cn~lI~c ln
re"reulion.1 bo"hll~, "eillhtlillin~ ur sullboll, (FNI9)
hut he reccl\'e:i nu trCtltment or pn.:scriptlon medication
lilr PUII1 The t)hjl,,'C(i\'..~ iJenliticutiun uf u bun\: brui:1C
wus stilted to he of 110 fwtctionul consequence.
We ugn:L: With th..: triul ClJwt'S I1SSC:iSmCl1t thut the
c\'IJ~nce re\"euls un objl..-..:tl\'cly iJcl1liliubl..: injury
winch h., resulveJ, lell\'lIl~ .IUS ,mil' slil!hl
Iimitulitms in non function. Although we do rl.."Cngnue
thut :iuhjcclIvc compluints uf pain Il1UY result in u
seriuus uUlllllnnent of boJy 1Unctlon, Ihis is not such u
cllse St'c! .\fl4l'l'uy v, .\fc.( 'anll, JupIn. We conclude
thut Ihe rccord shows no serious interference wilh
IIppellun!" doily iii", WlJ lhlll there i, no trioble i..ue 01'
lilcI Ihlll .ppelllUll suller~d a minor rother thlUl II
",rious IIlJIlTj'. We thereloTe Illlinn the "nlry 01'
,ummllry J",I~l11ent belu" inl'ovor of oppellee.
OrJe.- lI!linneJ.,
" c
)
j ,
SA YLOll, J, tile, 0 Iliss~ntin~ Opinion.
\,
1445 PlI,Super. 5021 SA YLOR, JuJge, ui,:senlinll:
I dissent, lIlos1 respectfully, from the majorily'.
deCIsion 10 .mml the ~runl of sununory jUllgmcnl in
I'ovor "I' the Jelend.nl in thIS .elion lor personal
IllJuries su,llIineJ by the plllllll1ll' in u molor vehicle
accident I du SI,) bl.."Cuuse my n:vicw of Ihe record
persuuJcs me thut the i:isUC of wht:Lher or not the
injuries s""llIined hy Ihe plllintil!' eoulJ con,lilule a
scriuus 1I11puinncl\t of hody function Was not :i4.1 lh..e
W1J c1ellr 110m J"uht us 10 m.ke ,urnrnory judgmenl
uppnJ(lriutc,:.
On Janunry II, 1992, Dudson 'VI" operuling II molor
"e1llcle II111eh wo, slrnck hy 0 vehIcle uperllteu by
FI\'cy A... u result of the uccident Dodson, whu is
nghl,hllnJed, sullereJ injuries, lI1c1udlll~ 1I righl elbow
fwclure, wlutor ~ulr dumuge tt.J his right shoulder.
cer\'u;ul spruin, Iwubur slrain lIJld iliop:~ous slrain.
Dodson ~Illl nut retum to hi:; jub us 0 wurehuum:
clllplll)'cc from the lime: of th..: uccident wlIil May 22,
11)')2, \\hcn he WIlS rdcuHcu tu work without rcstriclion
by IU:i physicians
^t Ihe 111I1.... lit' the lIccidcnl, Dod.'ion Was insured
lllltkr II policy of lIulomllhllc insurnnc.:c issued by The
<:llpyn~hl (C) West "roup I ')l)X Nu d1l1l1ltl) on~lIil1llJ,S (io\'1 \\ork~
665 A2d 1223, 445l'u,Super. 4N, DoJ"ln v. I'Iwy, lPuSuper. 1'i'i5)
1I1l11nwr Insurllllee l'olllpllllies. Under thIs pohey,
DOOson hud d~"'tw u hmlted tori oplion pursunlll hI
the provISions of S<'\:tion 1705 of the MOlor VehIcle
FinWleiul Respon.slbihty Luw, 75 l'uCS.A ~ 1701,"
..q. ('the MVFRL'). (FNI) An insured who decl,
the "limited tort' oplion. while remulllin~ ehgible 10
:k."Ck oompcnsluiun fi>r l.:cunumic loss sustuinL-d in u
motor vehiek uccident eUUliCd by the ne~h~enee of
Wlothl..'J', is prC4:luJ..:d from maintaining l1ll LU.:tlc.lll lilr
any nt.lOl.."\X)lll)mit.: lusses Wllcss th..: insured :iustams u
'serious injury" 751'u.CS A ~ 1705(d) (FN2)
The MVFRl. uelines "serion, injury" us "u personul
injury resulting in deuth, serious impumnent of body
tUnetion, or 1445 l'u.Super 503) pemulllelll seriou,
di,li~urelllent" 75 l'uC.SA ~ 1702 (FN3) Thu"
WlUt.-r St.'CllUIl 1705, unless Illimih.:.t turt e1ectur sulll.-rs
l.1 ~';UU:'i injury, that mdividuul cunnot n,:clI\'cr
d.wnogcs fur nonecunumic IllS~S that UTe olhcr\\is..:
rc....co\'crublc in tort actions.
On Oelober 15, l'in, J)ousonliled u pe'''lnul injUry
action against Ulvcy S\.'Ckinll rceo"'-:&)' li.Jr \,.'Cununuc and
noru:oonomh: dumutt\.'s whll..:h Dudson sustained us u
re,ult of lhe ueeident (FN4) Followin~ u period of
ui,e()wry, Elvey Ii!.-u u motion l'lr 'nmmury Juugmelll
asserting lhUl Dodilln's status as a limited tort c1c(;(or
pn..-cludl,.-d, hiM n."Co\'cl)' fur nom:collumic duma~es
bl,."Cau,tte his lnjuric~ were nut SCI1UUS. Dodson IiIcd illl
uJliUavlt in opposition to !.he mution with attachmcnts
con:iistinll of his uepusilion testimony uwl twu meJi(;al
repur!:l fmlll u treulin~ physiduJl
In rulinlll (In Elvey's mutiun ful' SlUllOlIIl)' judgment,
the triul court held thul uelerminllli()n, regurulllg lhe
seriousness uf U limited turt dector's injuries must he
mude by triul courts ulthe eurhe'l pussihle 'luge III the
"1236 prllCecdm~'. lhe tnul e(Jurl rcusulled thullhe
legisluhvc hislory llf 75 l'u,C.SA 9 1705 ,e,euled Ihe
intent uf !.he Pennsylvania Ic~ushHlIre tu h.mer
insurunce pn:miums by rcJul:lnll the Ilumher ut' slIlall
cluiOls for puin and sutlcnnll. and lhut such Cll:-;t
suvin~' coulu be reul"ed unly by ullu\\lIl~ I"ul JlId~e'
(0 d\:lemlinc the s.:riou:illc:ss uf a c1aimunt':-; inJuri'':s as
U m.utter uf low. The triol court further reasoned thlll If
thi!'l issue in ull caNeS were hl hc sul1nuth:J to a JUf'" for
resolutiol1, the purpose or Section 170S \\olluld be
thwarted The triul C~HU.t thcl1 re\'il"mcd the rCt..:ord,
llI1d t.:unduded thut I )f..K1:ion had nol suslumcd 111\
impuinnenl (445 I'u Super 50,1) "I' b"ty rUII"lltJII,
uCl:ordmgly, it llruntcd J:1\'ey's ml)tilln for summary
Jud[llllent. Thi, npl'eullllll"\\ed
In rC\'lcwillll motlOIlS l~lr SUIlIIlIIlr) JlId~nh.:1\1.
Pa.e 11
I'ennsyh'wliu e"urts upply th" Illllowing stWlduru:
SUl1UllW)' judLllnent lI1uy be !!Tunteu only wh<'11 lbo
plcudiuLZs, JeposillUllS. UIl:iWl.'rs to lnIClTullulori~:i,
UIIU UUnllssltlll' un liIe, together wiOI the uJ1iduvil', if
ony, sill)\\! t.hut there is. no kl\.'uuinc bsuc U:j Iu MY
mutenul lu"t WIU lhul the mu\'in~ purty is entitku 10
Judlllllenl u, u Illllller uf luw. puRe.!'. Rulo
1035(1)),42I'u,C.SA The triul court mu,t eXWllino
Ihe record in the h~ht mllst lu\'oruble tll the nOli-
II1m'lI1l1 I'I00y und uceepl us true ull wdl-plcuded luel,
in hIS or her plcudin~' us well us gi\'" hilllor her 010
l1..:nclit of ull rcuslllluhh: inlcren(;..:s druwn theretrom
/Jthhle \'. ,\"\'11"'1\' of .-I1II,rim l.ife bu., 404
l'u.Super 205, 5'i0 A2u 352 (I'i'il); I,ower l.au
/Joc'k ('0. \'. ,IJe....",lI". lie,mllll Corp.. 395 Pu.Super.
45(" 577 A2d (131 (I'i'iO), Finully, ,ununwy
Jlldllll1ent ,hlluld be IITwlleu only in euses thut ure Ire'\:
und deur Irllln doubt. Mark., v. Ta,"'''III, 527 I'll.
132, 5X'i A2d 205 (I 'i')I),
Kel!I' h}' Kd!l' \'. !eke.l, 427 Pu.Super. 542,547,629
A2d 1002, 1004 (1'!'i3).
On IIppeul, Dou,"n ""ntellus thut the trlul ellurt errw
III ~rulltlll~ 'Ulllll1ury Judgment huseu up"n its linuillg
Ihul D"uS<1Il dId 1101 ,utler u ..nllus injury. becuu,"
SUl.:h issue should haw heen suhmith.'l.1 to a jury WIder
thl.' fucls of lhis t.:usc. l]vcy conlends, however, thut
DousolI did nol ,uller u serillus injury within tho
l11ewlillg of the Slulule WlU thut Ihe triul ellUr\ properly
dt.:temlined this issue as u muttt.:r of law in a sWlUTIury
judgment pmcL'Cuing since a limited turt elector is
pn.."CluJcd Ii-mil muilltaining an action Illf noneconomic
Jillllallcs in the llbscnce ur u SCrl(lUS injW')'.
lbe MVFRL "'u, enueleu ill I'iH4 tu ropl"ce tho
l'enn'ylvlIlllu No.Fuuil A,:l, 1'1.. 4H'i, No. 176 (I'i74).
Ilu\\'lO:\'cr, the cost of automobile insurunce in
Pcnnsylvilllll.l continued to esculate, tUld thc triul court
c~Jrrcctly disl.:cmcu thut one of the legislative purpUSC:i
III t.:nadillLZ u hmited lort llPtiun us purt of the 1445
l'aSupef. S(5)onmlbus umendmenlslo Ih" MVFRI. in
11)')0 wus 10 ItlWCr insurance: pn:miwns by reducin~ thc
lIumher of .0;1111111 cluim."i fOf puin lUlU sullcrillg. Sf/e,
l.t'Xls/ati""!! Joun/al-l/olI,'!!, No. II, Fcbrunry 7, 1990,
pp 2u1, 22J; set! al,w, llt>ry,f!" v. Ri1laldi, 4J8
l'uSul'er 7X, X2, 651 A.2u 553, 554,555 (I'i'i4)
Thus, all insured whu dects uu: limited tort option is
pr..:t.:IuJl.:J from Illuintaining un U\,:tion lor nOI1I,.'Conomic
dlllllulles, I c , puin und .<un"!1ng, wtlcss he Ill"cls the
:illllutury threshold of hu\'ing sullcrcd "SCriOU:i injury. M
75 I'll C S.A 9 1705
l'op~n~ht (C) We...t (;roup JINX Nu daltllt,) lln~lI1al tJ S. (il)"l \\llrks
665 A.2d 1223,445 Pu.Super, 479, Dod-soll v '.,hey, (Pu.Supe'. 19'15)
In ell:SCs im'olvin~ Ihis issue, u delendunl 11I11
Iypieally move li>r swnmury jlJd~J1Ielll on the husis IhuI
the pluintin' hu., nol met Ihe '""rious mJury" thre,hold
und is therelbre p,,'Cluded !Tom muinlulllln~ Ihe uetiou
tor non\.'COnomi..: IUMSCS, rcquc:iting judgmJ:nt in its
Ii.n-or which if lO'unled would lenoinate the htl~ulion
I huve no disuijr\,'Cment with the propo,ililln thut u
COW1 fill)'. in appropriate: CUSl:~, oclcl1uinc this
threshold issue in U summury JudlUlleul proe\''Cdlllg,
(FN5) The mujurily holds, however, thuI upon Ihe
filing Or" motion tl)C swnmury judgment, where then:
is no substunliul dispule or malenul ruet Ihut tlle
p1uiOlilf hus or hIlS nol met the "senous impuinnenl or
body funelion" threshold. tlle court ,houlu muk" the
detctminution us a muller of law, I submit, most
respccUully, . UJ7 Ihulthis i, tlle ullimule ",ue WId
will ulwuys be in uispule in u swnnllrry judgmelll
prOCl.'I.'lIin~ ehullenging u limileu IOrt c1eelor's righl to
proceed to trial. In my vi~\\:. Wldcr Pennsylvania's
trudilionul SW1UOIll)' judgmelll unulysis, Judgment u, u
multer of luw is uppropriute only in Ihe c1euresl or
cases, If there is tUly doubt rcgurding the seriousness
of u pluiotill'.s injuries, I beheve thulthe Issue ,huulu he
submilted to u jury. I would ulso nllle thalm eertum
inslW1ccs, while there muy b~: no dispute llVcr U1C
objective mWli1i.=slution of an impuinllcnl liS n,.:\'l.:nlcd
by u medieul diugno.is, uinerin~ inlerenees muy he
dtu\\n as rcspect~ the seriousness of SUl.':h Impuinncllt
thereby (445 Pu,Super, 5(6) muking, in my VICII.
swrunury judgment inuppropnutc in such lJ case.
In Wll1lrl.in~ the scriuusncss of 11 plainlill's injuries I
woul.u, as docs the majonly, hx,k to Miclllgan
jurisprudence IiJr guiJaJ1ce since the MYFR!.'s
threshold is modeled wIer similur language 111
Michigan's no.1'o.ult :ilnlUlc. ."t!e, 1.t!KMlull""t! Joumal.
!lou.., No. 42. JWle 13, 1989, PI', 986.987, The
Mielngun Supreme Court moS! recently uudres.sed thi,
lSSUC: in the case of DiFranco v. Pickard. 427 Mich
32. 398 N.W.2d K96 (1'186), The LJ,Joi'OIlCO emu't
began its analysis of the "serious impl1imH.:nt of hudy
function' thre.hold hy idelllilj-ing the t.,11<1\\ IIlg "'"
inquiries:
u} Whut body function, if IIny. wus Impaired hc...:uusc
ofinjurics sustained in 3 motur \'chidc HI.:ciJcnl?
b) Was the impainur.:nt ofbouy fun..:lion ."icrious?
It determined thnt "the ti.x.:u.'i of these inlluirics is nllt
on the injurks Lhcm:iClvc~, hut how the inJufh':s ulkch.:J
a purtie'!lur body limctl<m," WId held thul ~enerully,
mc:dical testimony \lllUlJ be nl:cdcd (0 l.:~tuhli:-.h thlo:
Pall' U
eXlSlenee, extenl, und pennw1I.'IIey of the impuinnL'II1.
IFN(,) The cllw1 uh""rwd thul IIhile identilying the
bouy runellllns IIhleh were III1Jluired i. u relulively
sill1ple lusk, Uclert111nll1g whether the impuinoent is
serious rcquirctl u mure complicuted cvuluulion of
Cel1all1 (445 Pu. Super 5071lueturs, which itprOCl.'Cded
III delineute unu discuss: (I) the exlenl or the
IInpUlI1l1ent; (2) tlle purtieulur h<Jdy limeliun impuire'll;
I)) Ihe lellgth of IllI1e the ill1JlUlrt11ent lusl\,'lI; (4) the
type of tn:ulmcnl n.:quin:d to cum.:cl the impuinncnt;
WIJ (5) WlY uther rcJevuntluelurs
The rhFl'tlllcv court. in c1l1hmutinl!l un thc~ factors,
noted lluJt the extent uf WI impuinncnt is olh:n
c\prcsscd in nwnl,,'ncuI tenus, such os II pcn.:fo."Iltugc
1lIlI1lul",n on lI111v"l1Ielll, IlnJ tlllll the purtieulur body
lunet",n il1lpllireu l1Iuy make u dilli:renee in this
delenll1nali<lI1 Regurdin~ the durullon or the
impuimlcnt. it Illltcd thut u pt.:ntlUflcnt impuinncnt i~
llIure serious thun u tcmporw)' impuinncnl of like
character, but thut II plumtinl~ cornplclo n,,'covcry
should not 11I':1Iu1c the fuct thul he sustained u serious
impumncnt of hody IUnction Illr U :iignllkunt p\.'liod of
tllllC. The type of tn.:uuncn\ required to corn..>ct the
impuinm:nt may also be rc:lc\'rult since, tor cxample, an
impainnelll which cun he ellITeeled only through
surgery is morc serious Lhun treatment involving only
heu re,t. Furthenuore, the pluinllll's ahilities und
uctivitles helilre und uJler the ueeident may be rdevwll
(0 the c:\tcnt that tJ1C:Y e:;tablish the: existcnce, extent
lInd Junuilll10f an impuinncnt of function.
I linu IhlS WlIIlySIS IhoughlliJl IInd reusoned, und
"oulu expliellly IIdopt il Illr pUll'oscs or providillg
gUIJunee 10 tnlll eow1s "1238 llnu juries in
I'ennsylvunlu raced with tllis ,;;ue (FN7)
The rcc~lrJ in thIS case lnulI.:lltes that immediutely
1()lIo\\in~ "'vey's colli,ion wuh Dodson, Dodson
visited a hospital emergency room whc:rc hc was
exulOmeu, gl\en u sling Ii" his rigJ-1 urnl und ,houlucr,
unu rcleused, FIllIo\VlOg his discharge Irom the
hospital cmergcncy worn, Dodson unucn\o'crlt a row
month period (If recupcrution During lhis timc,
!Jod,,,n wus e,umineu hy Dr. Fulehiero, who Dodson
\'isih.:d on upproxlIllatcly six occlIsions. [)r. Fulchk.,o
Jeh.:nmneJ thut Dodsol1 sullcrcd rutntor cUIl'dama@e in
hIS right shoulder "nu u right c1how Iraclure as a resuil
of the llcl.:idcnt lIn~1 that his. range: of motion wali
reslneleu 111 the extrellles, und reellmmenued thut(445
l'a.Super. 5081 he wellf a sling lilr his right urm unu
shouluer. III uudllion, Dr, Falch,ero dlUl!IlO""d post,
U'uumulie Impingement 'ynJrome in his ri~ht shoulder
uno n.:cotlul1cl1oed that he tuke ccrtuin prescription
('opyn~ht (e) West Uroup J'J')X Nu dUlIll to onglllullJS Ciu\'t. works
665 A.2d 1223,445 P..Super. 479, Dodson v. l'Ivey. (P.S.per IYY5)
dru~s, includm~ D.rvoccl and OruJlS, and inJ."led
Dodson'. sho.llkr with eorticosleruid and sylocame.
Dodson begun. re/(limen of physical therapy lor his
righl ann und shoulder 01 Mercy Ilospil.1 on the
recommend.lion Oi' Dr. F.khiero, which indudcd
prullfCs''ilVC n:SistWlcc exercises, clc~lricul SUOlulutil>O.
and hydrolherapy Ihrce 10 lour times d.lly, lor sevcn
da)'s tllllowing Dodson's millal VISII, and lh"" limes
per w."k Iherealler lor ,",wral \I'."ks DoJsoll ulso
was placed lJn u home e\en-:iS!.: pn>~wn l)f 1S()n\ctrics
WId th.....bund, During Ihc enllre Il.ur lII'lIl~1 penod of
tre'lIn.'llI, Dr, F.lehiero did nol .lIow DoJsolllo ret.rn
10 work
On the .dvlce of his allonlcy, D,1Json WIlS 01""
eswnlllcJ by Ilr, Vicloria Smllh 011 JaIlUlU) 24, I 'in
Dr, Smilh di.gno'lCJ D,1J",," as 01"" sutli:nllg 1'011I
cCfvil.:ill sprnill, Iwnhur struin wul iliopsoas strulIl, lUll!
noled th.l he hud a hmiled range of nlllllon m Ius nghl
elbow WId .ho.ld~r. Dr Smith also r.'Conullclllkd u
regimcn ofphysicul therupy, WId 011 Fehru.ry 14, 1'!'J2,
inj.'Cled the trigger poinl m Dousoll's righl scapulu \I ilh
Depo M.-Jrol und Liuoc.me. On March 6, I 'in, Dr
Smith nol.oJ thai Dodson had expcnellced . nu1Jer.lc
musde splLsm in his righl se.pula. D,1Json comlllued
10 ""'0 lk Smilh. .nd ill April, I YY2, hegan a
recondllioning pru~r.m .1 Keysllme Rehahllllall"1l
SysI.ms 10 eSJ'l-'Illle hIS rdease lu work The Ireulmg
physical th....api'l nuleu un April 6, I yn thai D,1J"'lIl
WU!i cxpcricnclnll muscle spasms in his right Shl}uldcr
Dr, Smith lIluicaled Ill. report ualed Augusl 3, 1')91
th.lllodson would esperiellce mIld 10 1Il,1Jerule 'oug
tenn upper cxtn:mity wcukm:ss and thullhc lfacture of
hIS elbow m.de II more hkely ~1UI he woulu develop
arthrills III Ihe lulure, lu. lollo\\,up report ualed
OClober 12. 1992, Dr Smith indieuled th.1 D,1J"'lIl
hod Ii full run~c lIf motion \\'ith slime s(illhe~s lit lhe
estJ't111es and experienced u :;lil3ht decn.:usc 10 strength
in hIS right upper extrl'lIl1lY as II resullor Ihe IllJUI)'
(445 Pa.Super, 50YI Al hIS deposllloll, I.kellon Jul)
23, 19Y3, Duu"1I1lllulcaled lhuI he had '''"n Ihe shn~,
which parliully immobih,eu hIS nghl unn uuu ,h'llIlder,
for oppwximutcly Ii.Htr months 1i.)lll)\\ inll the accident
Durin~ thi:i time, Dudson did nol pcrfnml IllS Juti\.:s 11."\
. ,,",ehuuse emplu)w. "Inch mml\ed hllmg lie
ubo I;umpluiw..-d of CllJ1tlllulnll PUIIl in hIS nght elh~)\\
and shuulder \\hich prcH.'nts hun from perli.lnnillll
certain pn....ucl.:JJent lh.:tl\'itics, mduJing Sl)l\hall,
buwlm~ .11.1 \lelghl hllmg In IIdUIIIOIl. he
cxpcnence:i problems \\ Ilh IllS n~ht dhow Ul cold
we.ther, w,d mu,1 carry his '1ll1l11 child m Ins klllll1l.
Pa.f 13
!l.se'll 011 thl.S endence, the lri.1 COW1 JclermincJ th.1
D,1J"lIl dId 1101 suslaill w'y lnll'aimlelll uf bouy
rWlcliun I "<lUld eUllcludc, howe\'Cr, th.t "hen lhi.
record IS rcvicm..-J with n.:ti.:rcnce tll the n:IC\'Wlt
crtlen. ur Utl'i'lIIm, Elvcy's righllo judgment wa. not
'" 1r.'C WlJ clear Irom Joubl ILS 10 make the elll/)' of
sWllmw)' judgmenl .pprupri'le SI.led utherwise,
D,1J"," p",lIi:rcd evulellee sullicienl 10 withslunu the
ddcnollnt's motion ti.)r the sWlunury tcnninallon uf hi:i
uctllln.
There \I'.S medle.l eVIJellee that Duu:lOn susl.ined.
ti'aclure III his n~hl elbow WId ",t.lor cull' uwn.gc in
his rtghl shoulder, .1239. WId Ih.1 the rWlge of mutiun
III Ins ri~hl IIl1n WId shuuluer w.. Iimil.'IlI," .t lellSl
I<,ur 1Ill>lIlhs 1,.lIo\llllg the injury, Dodson w.s Wlablc
tll rctum 10 work b\."ClILL'K: of his injuries, Wld he
IIIdicaleu that because ur pain in his urm WId shuulJcr,
he wus wluble tll perform certain pre.uccidcnt
ueli\'ill~S, Dodsun ulso experienced musclc spu:ims in
hIS nghl shouluer, wus II1J.'Cleu with variOu.s
medication"i, W10 wluerwent u four.mllnth pl.'rio..t of
phYSIcal ~lerapy 10 reeolluilion his elbow WId shouluer.
Also, J),1Json \\111 expenence long-Ierm upper
extrcmity \\cukness uno. mil)' oc\'dllp arthnHs in his
n~hl elbow .s . re,ult of hIS mjarie.. Th... I wuulu
holu lhal Elvcy wus nol entilled 10 juJl!ll'enlll-s. m.Uer
of law lUlU thai the issue uf whether or not Dodson
,ulli:red a seriOu.s imp.mllcllI of body JUnelion shuuld
h.ve beell submiued 10 . jUl)', Uec.u.;c the mlljorily
holds otherwise, I respecUillly dissent.
FN I, Obviou,dy, there will be Iiulc liligalion reguruing
the 'X;CUlTenc~ uf"oeulh".
FN2 Ii is ImportwlllO nole thallhe limlleu lort uption
rellulrcs an ullinnuti\'c sckcflOn by the insured,
Where no election is mude, thc full tort option is
deemed 10 upI'll'. 75P..C.S ~ 1705(.)(3),
FNJ, ThIS prll\'lSIOn, 75 P..C.S. ~ 1705(u), .1""
pW\'IJe:i certain exceptiuns It) thc oct':; limitation on
lort rel.:o\'ery. none of which ore applicablc in this
case:
( I ) An mdl\'iuuul o~lerwise buwlu by the Iimiled t'm
e1ectlon whu sustuins duma pes in u mutor vchicle
al.:cident as thc consequcnce of lhe fault of unoLhcr
per"'lrt lIl'y reeo\'er u.JJlu~es as if the indiviuual
damll~ed huu elecled Ihe full lort .h.-nl.tive
\I.hclle\'C1' the perSt.lIl at IlIIJII'
0) IS convicted lIr L1cccpt:i ^ccelcruh:d Rehllbilitutivc
IllSl'OSlllOIl (^RIl) I<It drinn~ under Ihe illl1uence of
!Ilcllh(llllr a ClllltJ'llllcd suhstuncc In Lhut uccidcnt~
Copyri~ht (C) WC:"lt (iwup JINX Nt) dllUB tu onglllull J S (itl\t \\Ol'k.'j
665 A.2.J 1223,445 Pu.Super. 479, Do.J'IOn ". Elwy, (1'..Sup~r. 1995)
(iI) is ol"'rulin~ u molor whid~ r~~ISI~r....J III unolh~r
state;
(ili) illl~lIds 10 IIlJur~ hims~lfor ullolh~r p~rson ,..; or
(iv) hus nol m.inlllin~d Iinun~I.1 r~sl'"l1sihllily us
rcquiroo by 111Is ehupl~r, '
(2) An illdividuu111th~rwise bound hy the limited lorl
~l..'Clioll sh.lI r~luin full lorl n~hls with respeel III
c1oim~ oguin.sl u pcrs..m in the business ur J~si~nintl,
mWlufuctw-ing, repairing, :iCr\'icing or olhcrwiS&.:
mllintuining motor vehicles Ilfising out of u l1d\:~t Itl
such molor Whlcl~ which IS euuscJ by '" nlll
corrcctc..~ by an act or omission m the !,;l,lUrSC of :'iUch
busincs~. uthl..T than II dcl\,"ct in u motor \'chich: WIHCh
b ol"'rnl~d by such busin~ss.
(3) An illdividu.1 olh~rwise bOWld by Ihe Imlll~d 11111
~Icclion sh.lI Muin lulllort ri~hlS if lIl]ured while 1111
occupant of 11 motor vchicle other lhWl u private
p.ssen~~r motor vehiel~,.
FN4. Appurelltly, .11 d.ims .sHerled by Ilppdlum 1,,,
(collomic dwnagcs~-mcJi\lal bills IUld lust wages--
hove b\.-en sutislicd. Wld W'c not ut issue here,
FN5. App~lke's ~videne~ mdielll~s IhuI the 11l1ll'
displllC~d rudiul n~ek (~Ibow) Ifuclur~ did nolllppeur
on initiul ,-roys. In .ddilioll, by hiS J.nu,"" 16,
1992 o!lice visil, upl'ell.nl w.s described us huvill~ u
"fuirly funelion.1 rnll~~ of molion," ulthou~h r~strieled
in the eXln:mcs.
FN6. An amicus brief was liI~d 011 behlllf lIf .ppellum
by th~ P""I1IIsylv.mill Triul Luwyers Associlllilln
(PATLA)
FN7. An umicus brief wu.s liIed 011 hehulf of .ppellee
by the I'clmsylvunill Delen.se Inslltute (I'D!),
FN8. The rejeeled Ihreshold lun~ull~e delined u
"S1..-nOLL'i injury'l tis:
A pcr"'lnul IIIJury which resuhs III deulh,
dismcmhcrmcnt~ a frLlCIW'l!; loss uf u fi:lus~
pennuncnl IO:i:'i uf use of a hody (Jellun. memher,
fWlclion or systcm~ p..:mlU1icnl t.:t.lt1scl(u..:ntlul
Iimitl.l.tiun of use uf u body fundloll lll' syslcm~ UI' U
medically dCh:nnincd injulj' or impuimlcnt oj' non-
pcnnuncnt nature \\-hich prc\'t.:nts the II1Jur\,.J pf.,.'rSllll
Ii-om pcrli.lnnini,l SUh:-;tWltlully nil or the uUltl:nul u~t..,
which con.'itituh: :iu..:h person's usual nnd l.:ll:'llol1lul')'
dlUly Ih.:tivitics I'llI' not I..:ss thun 1){J unys ilunn~ the
Paa..4
tHO duys inun..-diulely loll"wlll~ Ihn oceurr~nu~ of the
IIlJury or impuinnL1l!.
1l0S'EW 061l3/H9 N '10, AIH45, l'rinl~r's No. 1954
lell1l'hllsis udd~d)
FN'l, We ur~ uwurn Ihllllh~ COlllmonweulth Court hIlS
su~~esled IhUllh~ Miehl~wl Ullse I.w w.s implieilly
u.luPled hy our lc~isllltur~ wh~lIl'nlUlsylvuni. cnlleloo
u IlIniled tort luw with identiuIl1 thr~shold lun~U8~~.
J}rudentiu/ v. /JeptJl'lml!nt of buunmcf!, 141
l'u.Conullw 156. 5'.15 A.2d 649, 661 (1991).
I "",ewr, OilS sl.tnlllelll wus mllde in the Cllllt~XI of
rute dch:munutilms hy the InsurWlcl: Cununis:iion,,:r.
und nul WIO. resp~et to thn udmimstrulilln of Iimiloo
lort Ihreshold,. In wlY e\'Cnl, th~ COlllmonw~alth
Court's opiniuns ur~ nul hindin~ prL'C~d~nl for this
I.:ourt
FN I 0 Prior to the supreme cow'l's d"'~l:iion in
lJIl'hlllcO, Ihe trudilionuI swrunW)' jud[Unenl unulysis
wus ulih,~d 10 make threshold delenninallons in
Mlehi~un, .1'.. Co,rsidy v. M,<;,w,,.,,, 415 Mich.
4HJ, 502, 310 NW2d 22 (l9H2).
FN II. As Ul l'ennsylvlllll., this legislulion wus th~
euIlIlUlulion or scveflll ullempls lu curb the quickly
cscilluliu~ ellst of inSUf'.lOCC pn:miwns in New Jersey.
(J'WIII, 129 N.J ut 2'.16, 609 A.2.I u1417.
FN 12. The nine eUln~ori~s urn .Jescribed ...: d~uth;
dismcmncnllcnt', si~nilicunt Jisligurcmcnl; rrllctW'c~
luss ur Il lelus, pennunentloss uf use of u body or~un.
rm.:mhcr, fW1Clion Of sysh:m; p&:nnWlcnl
cunscqucntiul Iimituli"n llf use of u body organ 01'
IIIcl1lhcr~ significant limitation of U.iC of u body
fWlellun or syslem: II medieully d~lcnnin~d injury or
impllinllcllt Ill' u nun-permanent nature which
prc\'cllts Ihe injured p,..rsun from pCl'tonnmg
subslllnllully .11 or Ihe II1Ulenul Ilets which eOllslllule
thut persun's usullI un.J cuslomW)' duily .ullviti~s lor
nolless th,m 90 duys .JurUl~ the I HO dllYs inuuooillldy
liJlIowinglhc occurrence uf the injury Of impuinncnt.
O-'WIII, 12') N J III 315, 609 A 2.1 ul 427; NJ.SA
J'l6A,HIl,
. J 2J9 _ FN lJ IL is inlere.slln~ lu notn thul the New
Jcrs.:y l.c~lslaturc did not couet certain lWlguugc
sllg~ested hythen,Oovcrnor Kelln durin~ Ihe .Jr.llm~
j1i'()CCSS llfthl.lt state's limited tort Inw:
Whdhcr It pluintlll' has :ill..'iluincd u "serious injury"
must he deCIded hy thn ellurt, und not by Ih~ jury.
()then"se Ihe hIll's essentiul purpose llf c1usin~ the
Copynght (1.:) West (inlup I 'NX N\! daUB hll1ngUlllI tl.S. (io\"t. \\ork."i
665 A.2J 1223, 445 Pa.Sup~r. 479, DuJson v, I!lwy, (l'a.Sup~r. 19'15)
Pia' IS
~uurthlll~'M: d...r 10 allluw,uils ~S~~pl thusc ilwulvm~
bona liJ~ .-:nuu.. injun~s wIll h~ dilul<~1 WIJ Ih~ hIli's
ell\,~liwne.. will he ~eully dinunish~d.
O,wIII. 129 N.J. 01297,609 A2d ul 41~, The
reJ<'<:lion uf this IWI~UII@~, huwever, did nul I'r~wnl
the O,wIII .:ourt's apph~allon uf a trudiliunul sW1Unary
jwJl!/Iu:nl Wlulysis 10 the lhreshuld delenni/llllion in
New Jer...'Y IlIw. We viel'! this 11.. wlalu@ous 10 the
l'ennsylvWlia lc~islalure', rej<'<:liun ur lhe S~anlon/
Freind Amendmenl discuss.:d '''I'm al 1227.
FN 14, We r~J~~1 th~ ,u@@e'lIun hy appdlce anJ
umi~u.. thaI ~V~n lil~l WlJ er~Jlhihly Jispal~s ralseJ 01
the threshold inquiry shoald h~ J~lemlin~J hy Ih~
cow1. In uddition, the lriul Cl)urt in this easc,
althoul!h linally Ikl~nninil1l! Ihallh~r~ was 110lriahle
I:jSUC of fuct on the threshold question. seemeu to
IiU~~cst thut II 31m 3pcmtl! ul..'Cisiun un the mutter cuuld
be muJ~ by the ~ourt, il1lh~ absel1~e of a /IIOllOI1:
... [WJe hold thallrial courts /IIasl haw thc ahlhl) on
it cU:iC~by.cl1.~ ba:-sis to uctcmlinc whether injurit:s
Hllstuim:d by II Pl8intin" urc sullicicnl to constitute II
s..~rioU:i impoinncnt uf boo}' fWlction, This
d~l~nninallol1 should b~ /IIad~ as ~arly as pus.<ihlc in
kC<'Pin~ with the ~oal uf r~ducinl! cusls. Wltllllul
imposing 0 real limitation on lhc right to mUlIltuin II
lawsuit, th~ limiled lort opliun has nu m~wlil1~,
To the ~'1<'Il1 this va@uc lan@ua@e cndurses a.",,,
'I'C/llle decision by the tnal court, we rejeel it
SUI!@eslions for u..in@ a "pr~lrial evid~nbury hew'in@"
un the thresholJ issue were sllnilarly reJe~leJ by Ihe
O,will court. 129 N.J. al 311, 60'1 A2d al 425,
Thai court held thlll such a prllCedur~ lIuuld not r~sult
in .:osl'savin@s, bUI that:
[wlhen a plainlill' prevails IIIlhe pre-trial heann~, a
'tdoubl~ trial" :iituution is cr~atcd. with hoth purties
being rcquin.\l h) pnxlucc their l.l\'iJcm:c-.induJing
medical csp\.'11s, whose services un: generally not
lncxpc:tlsi\'cntwicc: unce ut the prc~triul hcurillg, and
o@llin ot trial. Thllt rcquin:mcnt Will reduce mmhcr
litiguhun time nor expenscs, amI \..ill further congest
the courts with '\iuplicuti\'c scheduling unu lIiul
nCl:d'i."
Id. The pr<>eedure we aJupllS a ",mddle uf Ihe ",,,.I"
approach that pn':lu:rvcs the Ji~tiJlctll.m nclm:l,.'n fuet
and law lllU:stlllns. \\iltholJt sucnticilltz the ~oul or
Iiti@ulion reduction, (I DIl'IWlt'O, ,wpra ljlJr)
should decide all lhreshuld quesllulls ",her~
rcusunublc minds muy diller, even if there IS no
malerial displIle uf lil~l). MurL~lVer, we 1\()le thai a
lnal enurt re~ularly issues rulin~s un dcmwn:rs,
SlUlllllury lud~lIl~nlllluliulls Wid mulions for JwJl!IlI''Il1
un Ihe pleaJin~s III all Iypes uf cases, which un: all
"lhre,huIJ" le~al delel1l1lllalions. No facI,lindin@ is
rClluin..-J in su~h Jccisil)J\~
I:N 15 We <'p<'Cllhal lIIu,1 hli~alion will involl'C the
"scriuus impuinncnt or hudy IUnctiun" type of ~"1'iO\1:j
IIIJW)', esp<'<:lally since 1111' cale@ury IVuuld indud.:
sull ti",ue-lyp~ IlIJurlC<, Wid al"" b<'<:au,e both Ikalh
llnd pennum:nt sC'riou:i di:ili~urcm~:n' W'c more ':o!'lHy
proven t'Wl1ll}ll: uul~t.
FNI6 We nole thaI uur reJ~elion of the proc<'<iural
,landarJ adopled by the Michi@an ""urt doc, nol
dllnmish th~ appli~abilily uf ils discus,ion of the
delimbon of "",riuu.. impamllenl 01' body lim~tion."
The p",cedural paradil!lll adopled by Miehil!Wl may
he llIore SUIted III the mWldatury nalure of the limiled
lort syst~/II III Ihat stale, as Jiseu.,.-:d in /IIore Uclai!
'I//m, al 1230-31, bulour cases thol have diseus""d
lhe limiled lort uption Wid iI, "...'lio"" injury"
threshold hale p"'perly lookeJ 10 MiehiI!WI" law fur
@uidanee on delinin~ lhe threshold 1<'I1Il'.
Pennsylvania', delinitiun of thre,huld injuries is the
swne u.'i MkhillLUl's. ."f!1! A/liI'ray v. A/cea"", Jl/pra,'
JJ~r~t!,. v. Rinaldi, 3rtpra.
FNI7. In lIddltion, m th~ ~riminal law. a '..rlou,
hud.ly inJUry" is olle which neale. 0 substantial risk
of death or which ~ouse' ...'rio"" p<'I1IlWlenl
dlSli@w'emenl, or prolracled 10"' or impainn<'Il1 of the
funclionor any boo.ly /IIember or or@WI. 18 Po.C.S.
~ 2301; COlli. I. Pro"docilllo, 525 Pa, 147, 57~ A2d .
1273 (1990). "Serious ptovocalion" i. eonducl
","iutlieicnt to c:\citc un intcn~ passion in a rCll:iOnublc
pe,"on." I~ Pa.C.S. ~ 231H; COlli. v. l.amler, 457
Pa 5~2, 321 A2J '102 (1974).
"1239_ FN 18 The Irial court held lhal there WlI.. nu
impalnllelll beeau."" lhe appdlanl ha. re@ained full
range l)f movement. How....vcr. we do nl)t ugn..'\.' that
un impuinncnt must he pC'mllUlcnt to bl.:' ":iCriuus."
FN 19 AppdlulIl IJelltilied 110 restriclion. imposed by
his UllCtl)P, on thc:-ic IIctivitics.
FN I SL'CI\lln 1705 was "ddeJ 10 the MVFIU. in 1990,
liS purt of u pl1..:klJ~c of umendrncnts contain..",. in Alt.':t
1'i~O, Febrllary 7, 1'1. II, No.6 ("AeI60f 1990").
FN2 A limlled lorl ekelllr retains fulllort nl!hlS Wid i.
eligible to reC\I\'Cr for noneconomic loss under Ct.-rtain
Cupyriw,ht (e) We"it (jroup 11.)l)~ Nil c1,;imllll)nginullJS, tiu\'t. \hlrks
.
700 A.2d 52.5, l...'On~1Ii v. M~Mulk'n. (I)II.Sup~r. 1997)
'515 700 A 2.1 525
linda Marlt LEONELLI, Appellanl,
\"
Marc" Kay McMULLEN, Appollce,
Superior Court of Ponnsylv",nll
N@u..-d JW) IS, 1997.
Filed Sop!. 9, 1997.
Uninsur.-d mOlori,1 sued d,:I"nd""1 driver w1d.1" Ih~
Iimllcd lort oplion of the M<JIOr Vohick' FlIlllneilll
Re.pon.,ibility LIIW (MVFRI,) ""okin@ 10 re.;owr
nOnl..."COnOmlc dlrnagc.:~ for ~":sl.mul injuries su:stuinl,.'\l
in roW'-<.'II.! .;olli,ion. The CoW1 of Conlll1on P,"IIS,
DelllwllI'C Counly, Civil Division, No. 94,M140,
Bradley, J, lU"""IL'IlUumrnW)' ju.lgmenllor .!ol"nd""t
on l!I'Olm.! thlll mOIOrlSI .!i.! not prow ,ho sull"rL'<I
"senous injury" wilbin me""ing of MVFRl.. MOlori,1
IIppellle.!. The SIIfl<.'fior CoW1, No. 2060 Philll.!dphill
1996, Olszewski, J, hd.! Iblll genuine issue of lil.;1
existol ll~ to whelhl..'T motorist sustained "scriOU:i
injury' in 1I0ciden!.
Rev~l'...-d an.! rL'num.!c.!.
Popovich,J., tiled dissenling opinion.
L JUDGMENT*"IMI(33)
228 ..--
228V On Motion or SwnmW)' ProcL'Cdin@
228k 181 GroWld, for SwnmW)' Judl!l1l.nl
228k181(l5) PorticulurC.scs
228kI81(33) 1urt co."'s in@enerul.
Pa.SuJ1"r. 1997.
Whon oon.i<lcring moll on I"r summW)' Judgment
premi....'<I upon .v~nnent of serio"" imp.ilm.;nl of
IxxIily function in .clion involving molorisl \l'ho h..
selecled limited tort oplion under MOlor Vehicle
Financi.1 RcspoJl:iibility L.w (MVFHL), !rial coW1
musl con,i.!.." \l'hclb~r mOlorist has eSI.bhshed lblll he
or she hilS sulJi.'fo.! ,erioo., impaimlonl of bO<!i1y
function. whelbL'f del<:ndwll ho., eSI.blished lbal
motori,t h.s not sull"r.;.! sorious impaim10nl or b'x.hly
function. or wlu:thcr thCl'C remains ~cnuinc issue ~)r
mal''II.l fact ,uch lb.tlSsue sbould be ro,olved by jury,
75 P..c.SA ~~ 1702, 1705.
2. AUTOMOBILES ~25 1.15
48A ....
48A V InJurio, liom Operulion, or U"" of
lIighw.y
4gA V(D) En"cl Ill' Nil Fllull StlllUIO,
48M251.15 Naturc or inJUry, serlllUS or
Pa.. I
penn""onl injury.
P..Super.1997.
In .!olol1mning wholber d.im.'Il impaimlont is
'serio"" inJW)'," I"r PUll'o"", of.~lion by molorist who
",,"eled IImilo,1 lort option WIder Molor V~hicle
Finan~lal 1{~spon'lbilily Law (MVFllL), cuW1 must
~ollsi.!el' ~\tenl of imp.imlenl, porti~ulor bo.Jy funelioll
IInpairod, ,"lIglh of lime lbut il1lp.inn,ntlll'I.-d, lype 01'
In:ulltllJnt n':lluin:.J III cnrn."Ct impuilmcnt. wul W1Y uther
rdovw1lliIclor. 75 PII.C.SA ~~ 1702,1705.
). AUTOMOBILES *,,251,15
4!!A m.
4!!A V InJUI'i~s Irom Operalio,!, or Use of
I hghw.y
4!!AV(Il) ElIi.'elorNo FuuIlSI.l'll..
4!!Ak251.l5 N.ture of injwy; ...'lious or
penn""enl injury.
1'..Super.1997,
Injury need nul bl! pcnllLUlcnt to be "seriOllil injury,"
li'r pcrl"''''S or Iimil"d lort option wld~r Motor Vohicle
Financial R~spon"bllily LuIV (MVFRL); r.ther.
mOlOri,t musl esl.bllsh that, t'jr 'XlL'Ilok.-d periO<! of
lime. injurie, subslonllOlIy inlerli:rl>! IVith hi, or h.'f
nOl'lllll1 aclivilics, 75 P..C.SA ~i 1702, 1705.
SL'C publie.lion Words 1m.! Phr."'s for othor ju.li~ial
conslructillll:i WId uclinilions.
4, JUDGMENT *,,181(33)
22!! ..,.
2211 V On MOlion or Sunll1lW)' Pro~cc.ting
2211k 181 GWW1d., lor SlII1Ul1W)' Judgment
22!!kIKI(l5) Porticulur Cuses
22!!kIMI(33) Tort ~.scs in g~nml,
P..Super 1997,
Genuine issue uf mutcnuJ filet cxisl\.oJ us to whether
mutorist sustuincd "S\.-nous injury" in 1"CW'...."Ild
collisioll, th.rob)' prcclU<!ing swmnuty jU<!l!l1lcnt lor
del\:n.!1III1 in molorist's IIction broughl un.!er Molor
Vdllcle Fin""ciul Responsibilily L.w', (MVFRL)
limited tort Ophllll seeking to recover nonL'C(lnomic
damuges fllf pcr:sonul injuries sustuincd in collision. 75
PuC.SA i~ 1702,1705,
5, JUllliMENT *,,185.3(21)
22M ....
22M V On Mlllion ur Summary Proc~..cding
22!!k11l2 MOll"'l or Oth~r Appli~.lion
22llk1M5,3 EviJ~nce IInd Allid.vits in Purti~ulur
Cuscs
22Kk I K5J(21) Tort'
1'.. Sopor I ~'J7.
PlulIltill' opposing mution t~)r swrunury jUllwncnl
Cupyrighllol W",t Oroup I')<J!! Nudml1l to migl1llll US, GUlt wurks
7UU A.2d 525.1..."nclli v. McMullen. (Pu,Super 1'N7)
could rely on medico' repurts IIhieh lIere included
within iniliolpleuding. to eSlohhsh Ihol genuine ISsues
of foci exbted, even though pluimill' dId nol uppend
thu~ reports to her lU\SWcr in uppusitlun to sunlllIlU'}'
judgm<'1l1. Rule.Civ.Prue" Rule 10353,42 Pu,C.SA
.S26 Joel M. EUlb, Philudelph,", fur oppcllonl,
SW,m Jumi.on, philudclph,", I,)r oppel Ice,
Bel,,,e DEL SO!.E, POpOVICll WId OLSZEWSKI,
JJ
OLSZEWSKI, Judge:
Un S"plemb<'I' 23, I ~~3, Undo Murie Leonelli,
oppellunt herein. liaS injured in ulwo.velllcle elllliSlun
which wus eou.s<'\! when upp"lIonl, lowlully Slopped ul
W1 intcr~'\:liun in order to pl:nnil on umhulw1cc to
":rllss throu~ the inh:rSl,.."Ction, wus struck from hehind
by the vehicle Wiven by oppellee. Upuu witnessing Ihe
oeeidenl, the omhulunee driver lended 10 uppellw1I'S
injuries on the scene Wld then Imnsportcd her t\l U
neorby huspito!. Although oppellunl eumplained uf
bWlling poin in her neck und lUller bock, X-ruys
revealed nll Ifoelores und uppellunl IIOS releoscd Irul1l
the hospito!.
Fllr the next seven weeks appellont euntinued tu
exp<'l'ienee poin throughout her neck, bock ond lell
unTI. n""ou.... she wos unemployed und uninsured,
however. .he did nlll consult 0 physieion, llpling
illSteod 10 treot herself with b<'\! rest und Ice pucks.
[1<..0= the poin wos wlobuled, hUllever, oppellant d,d
seck treutment lrom hel' lumily physie,"n, Dr. Riehurd
Silver, in Novemher ond D<..emher uf 19~3, In his
subsequenl report, Dr, Silver euncluded Ihat oppellanl
IIhod signlficWlt cervical injuries and uccn:uscd rW1~C
of mUliun." RR at 630. A p"'grom of unti-
inJlwnmU10ry medications, ice, cxcrci'Sl: llnu physical
theropy wos r<'COnunended, Again, due 10 oppdlont's
!inoneial stroils, odditionol diugnustie leslmg lias
pr<..luded IlI1d uppelhll1t dlSeonlinued IreUlmenl 111Ih
Dr. Silver,
From D,,~cmbcr uf 19lJJ, after tcmunullllg lrcutml:nt
with Dr, Silver, Ihruugh Nuvemh<'I' or I <)~4, oppellullt
received lIeupunelure theropy, These Ireolmell11
provided oppellunt with sume degree of rcllef,
however. the lhcrupy wus uburtcd bccLlusc it~
conlinuwlcc WU:i nol cconllmicnlly ICLlsibk:.
In Junuury of I ~~5. oppellonl guined empluymelll
with u medico' eorporollull, Surgleol Orthupedles. As
Paa' 2
o medieul trwl""riher, oppellwlt wo. requir<'\!lo sit 01 0
computer lenninall,,, much or tlle doy. Although she
\\os ahle lu \\mk 0 lull 4(),hour lI'urk w<"k, uppellwll
o1\en kepi her le1\ unll in 0 sling und worked With iee
pocks Ull her lle<k w,d shoulders, As 0 result of her
~tulu.'i. upJ1cllunt n:cclvt.:d. nu..>d.icul in:iWlU1CC WKI,
oddll'Olllllly, \\0' pemllll~'I.1to use the roeillly'. physicol
Iheropy elluipment Ifee of ehurge, !Jr. Riehord J,
Levellherg, 'lIle uf oppdlunl's employers. order<'\!
uppellolll 10 under~o 0 eervlcol spine MU~llelle
Resolloncc lmogillg (MRl), \\hleh, when compor<'\!to 0
pre-uceidelll MRI, revealed 1\\,) new disc bulges os
well u.< 0 bn..d hemiulion ur 0 third disc. Ik
l.evellherr tllell reeonll1M1<Ied lhot oppellonl seck
tn':L1t11l~nt \\ilh un llrthopcLli:d anJ/ur neurulogist.
ACCllrdlll~ly, 111 JWle of I ~,)5, appellonl consulted with
Drs. Antllllny J. Pal mOCCIO, Jr. ond DOllold M.
Mct:urn:n Dr. Pulmuccio, un urthopedist.
r~..onllllended thul uppellolll wldergo 0 series of
epldurul stemidal inJeeliolls calculoled to alleviole her
puin,
On ).11)' N, I ~~4, appellom iniliuted lhe inslunt OCIIOll
III which she sought to n..-covcr, 'lifer alia,
nlllll:conomic oUJt1ut/:C:i lor pcrsonul injwics. In April
of I ~%, oppel Ice liIed 0 motion for .ummury judgment
in "hieh uppellee cluimed thol, beeou.... oppellunt Wll:l
un uninsured muturisl when :ihc wus injured, she was
deemed, hy .Iotule, 10 hove e1eeled the limited tort
optlon Wldcr the Motor Vehicle FinlUlciul
Respollsihillly Luw (MVFRI.) (FN I) Theletore,
pursuanllo the Ael, appellonl wus required prove thut
she sustuincd "scriou.-; injury" us u pn:n:quisitc to
ree,)Very. (FN2)
.S27 l'w.ther, appelle~ ar~ued thot nppelluntluiled 10
suslOin thIS threshold burden WId thol, os 0
consequence, appellee \Vas cntith..-d t~) judgment os a
matter of la\\', In .iUPpl)rt of her mution fur :mmmary
Judgmell'., IIppellee tiled uppellont's deposition
h:stllllllll}', uppcllwlt's cm&:rgcn~:y room hospital r\.~on.ls
und Ihe llIedlelll repurts ond opinions or Dr;. Silver,
Yussen, McCarren und {illIJbcrg.
Appellant, in tum, tiled on unswer in opposition to
summary judgment in which she :ipcclticully denied
thut she failed to sustuin her pretrilll threshold burd<'1l.
In supporl Ihereof, appellunt ineorporaled the tour
mcJicul reports Illlixcd to uppcllcct:i motion (or
sllll1mury Judgment Additionolly, oppellunt filed heridepllslllUll leslimuny, loken during pretriol disc<)very.
us well liS 0 sllppmling IIllidovil III which oppellunt
cluimed thai the injurIes .ull~red in the oecidenl
"droslicully ol1~cled" her hl~style in both the
ClIp}right (I.:) West (inlup JI)I)X Nu daun to orlginul l),S OU\'!. \\"or~:i
700 A.2J 525, 1.,'On~lh v. McMullen, (1'0.. Super. I ~~7)
~mploym~nt w1<I r,"r~ulionul eollleM RR 0.1 K~u.
AtI~r rcvi~win@ th~ evid~nee, lhe tnul court
eonduJ.oJ thul, .., u muller of luw, uppelllull lililcJ 10
~.tabli:lh that :me ,ullcrcJ "",nou., injw-y' u. a re,ult uf
Ih~ ueci~nl. AccorJIlI@ly, by order enl~red Muy 7,
1996, 'U1nnlury juJlP1lenl wa, enlered in Iilvor uf
uppel!..... Thi, uppeullolluw..
WIMI r~vi~wlll~ th~ propnely or u Iriul euurt'. order
Wunlin@ swnmlll)' juJ~menl, th;. Court mu.'1 \' iew Ihe
record in th~ Ii@hl mo.t Iilvuruble 10 the ud\'Cr'" pUTty
wId del~rmine wh~th~r th~ movin~ purty hu.
cstabli!ihL"\l that th~rc c.\ists no l!1cnumc isslIe uf
mUI''flul fuel und Ihul il is therel,'re enlilled lU juJ~menl
us u muller uf luw. lk-euUS4: un order ruvoruble lu lhe
movin@ purty will premuIU1'e'y end un uellon, Slulunury
juJ@mcnt is unly uppropriule in Ihe deure'l of euse,.
See, t.g" Skipw(mll v. J.f!ad Imlll.fll'll!$ A.uoc.. S47 Pu
224, 22K-30, 690 A.2J 169, 171 (I~~7)~ Alllg,'IOII
Coal Co. v. Fe/ru" Jlillillg Co., /"e.. 456 Pu.Super
270,275-77, 69OA.2d 2K4, 2K7 (1997)
(II In th~ eonte,t of u ,:Iuim lor nonmonelul)'
dum.~e. for ,,'Tiou, injwie. pur.uunllo the MVFRI.,
this Cuurt hus previou.ly held thUI il i. lor Ihe Iriul
court, ruther thllll th~ jw-y, lu illlliully delemnne
wheth,,. pluinlitl. hus eSlubli.h,oJ Iilcl. .utlicienl 10
support u Iindin@ of serious injw-y. A. delined hy lhe
Act, a serious injury is thai whieh involves "personul
injUt) re,ulling in death, serious impuirmenl of bodily
function or p\.-nnlUlcnt ~rillUS di:-iligurcmcnt.1t 75
PU.C.SA ~ 1702. See a/so Dod,oll v. E/wy, 445
Pa.Supor. 479, 49M5, 665 A,2d 1223, 1231 (1~~5) (
'" balle). Wh,'rl contemplaling a cluilll premised upon
an av~rment of ,,'Tious impuinnent of hodily funelion,
as in the pn:scnt Cll.'iC, Ihe court rlu."It consiJcr:
(1) whether the pluintill', u. the movlIlg puny, hu.
~.labli.hed thul he or .he hu. .ullered serious
impuirment of u bodily IOnclion;
(],) whcth.,. th~ dcfcndmll, u. thc movin~ purty, ha.
eSlabli:m.\1 thul the plUUllill' ha. nol .ullered "'nm..
impairment of 0. bodily IOnclion~ or
(:1) whether there remains u tlcl1uil1t;: !ssUt;: uf mllteri;11
Iilet .uch Ihulthe is,ue .hould be re.ol ved by lhe JUl)'
Su, e.g., DodlOlI. .J45 Pa.Saper. uI4~.I, (,(,; A2d ul
1231
(~I [31 Further, in delernuning IIhether u c1uull'oJ
impuinnent i:i ":il.:riOll"l," the court must cunsider the
....
P.a. J
lullowm@ fuelor.' (I) th~ ~'Ient of the impuirmcnl; (2)
Ih~ particular h<>dy '''III:lIoll impuired; (3) th~ I.'rlgth of
Inlle Ihul Ihe impainll~nl la'leJ~ (4) the type of
Irealnlenl required to eOIT,,,,1 tlle impuirment; und (5)
any uther rclevwlI Iilctur. VVcllOl/, 445 Pa.Super. at
4'iK-50I, 665 A2d ul 1231-34. See a/so MUI'ray v.
,lId 'Will, 442 PuSuper 30, 3r.-3M, 65K A.2d 404, 407
(19~5) The..e IS no requirem''rll thai un 'SIB injUt)
he pennanenl in order 10 he seriuus; ruth,,., plainllll-
must e.lubll,h thill, I\,r wt ~'lendeJ p,~iod or lime, th~
injuries ,uh.lwmully imerteroo with hi, or her normul
uelivitie. /JOe/SVII, 445 "u.Super. 0.1 4~K-501, 665
A2J all:31-34.
[41 Applying Ihi. .Iwldard, the tnul court in the
in.lunlmuUer Jel'TIlnn~d thai uppdlunl, u. 0. mailer of
Jaw, Iillled lu ~'Iuhh,h a .erious impUlrm''l1t of bodily
IUnetion anJ, thu" @runl~d uppell.",'. mollon lor
'WlUllUr)' juJgmenl We di.a[U'ce with the court thai, us
u muUer or luw, appdlwlI" injuries are nol ",rious.
Ruther, we believe thai a genuine i..ue "fmalerial fuet
e,i.ls "' 10 whelher uppdhllll" inJuri~. arc
.ompen.able llo'wilh'lluldin@ h,~ .Iulus a. a limilcJ
lort in.ured. Th~rel"re, th~ urder ur May 16, 19~6, i.
rev~r""d unJ thc co.,", i. remunJ,\! for funh,,.
pn>eced1J1gs.
In order to jU'lIly II. holdin~, the trial court cile. 10
Ihe 1"11,,,\ in~ Iilcls: (I) Iilk",n months ut\er the
accident, appellunl begun work us a m,oJieu1
transcriber, whereas; prior to the occidt.l1l. appellant
"as wlemployed; (2) ulthough appellunt rclruin. from
cn~l1ging in certain recreational activities, sh.: was
never ordered [0 .II) .0 by u phy.idun~ (3) appellunt
has not presented any ubjccliw ml:difr.~ill tvidl:ncc in
.upporl or her claim that the inJUIle. .utI.red in the
occident caused serious impainncnt of hc..... bodily
IUnehon; wld (.1) appellanl did nol immedlUlely con.ult
\\Ilh a phy.i.iunl"lIowlllg Ihe aCCIdent. Slip 01'.,8/21/
96 aI5.7. (FN3)
Initiully, \\1: mu:;t address the trial cow1':i sllltemcnt
Ihul .wllmury Jud~mcnl wus properly wunled, in purl,
hl:cuuse uppellunl did nol present "l..>bjcclivc mc..-dical
eVIJence munil\:stinll severe, di:;ublin~ poin," It/. III 6.
A. .laled, lhe pleudin~. III the m.lam mailer indudcJ
Ihe medlcul repurl. of "mr phy,ieiun.. who had
e,umined upl'ell.mt The,", report. were ullixed 10
appellee':; mutton ti:lr ~ummury jud~cm-.:nt lUlU \\Ic..1't
IJ1corJlorutc~1 hy reference in nppellwlt's aJl:j\~cr thereto,
151 ^ppcllillll \'m. 1101 re'luned, a. the tnal courl
IIII,mU[e., 10 relile Ihese report. wllb th~ court. RUlher,
I'll R C P 10351 proVide. Ihal, in oppo.in~ a mUlion
<:upynj!.ht (..:) WC:'t1 (inlllp 1\}l)M Nl' 1.:111I11110 l}n~ll1l1IIJ.S (ill\'t. ",llrk"l
700 A.2d 525, I.condh v, MeMullcn, (Pa.S"per. 1~~7)
lor ,ummury jUl.lgmelll, un udvcr"" purty II1U)'
snpplcm~lllth~ r,'Cord (on,,"r,:cl)', Ih~ ad\'Crse purl)'
muy ul",. idenlitY those portion. of Ihe eXlSlin~ record
which .upport the ud\'Cr'" purl)'" conl~nlion lhul
surnmUr) juJ@mcnt would he ill1pruper. W~ lherelllre
lind Ihul appellunl wa, enlltkoJ 10 Idenlllj: Iho IlHlr
~xisling m~dleul r~cord. a, ,upportll1~ oVldenee or her
claim thut sh" ,oller,,\! a serious illlpulmlelll of b,idal)'
IUncllon. Th~ Iilcl Ihul appellunl did nol udditlllllally
upp.:nd these reports tll her UJl:i\\cr 10 llppuslhlm lu
:iwmnW')' juUj!mcnt is, lhu.'i, of no nlllnlCnt.
With resl'ecllo the import 'hal tlle lnul eOlutl<HUld nl
uppcllwu's work record, it ili true thut uppdhmt wus
uble to guin ~mploymenl approximulcly liliven llI'llltl\.,
following the collision. Thi. Iilcl, however, eunnol b~
conclu.',ivc U:i to whether uppdlunt's injuries \\,,:rc
""riOo.. pursuunllo lh~ MVFRJ.. A. .Ialed, uppcllwll
otlen .its 01 her \\ork .lulion wilh her lell unn in u .hn~
Wid must use ilX pucks 10111".:\'lutc the puin in her m..-ck
und ,houlder,. Additionully, uppdlwll conli,',"e. 10
consull 0. phy.iciun und luke w1l1-inllwnmulory
mediculion. to alleviule her PUIII Therelore, while
appellunl's abilily 10 work may be 0 fuclor III
del~rmining Ibe ..veril)' of her injurie., w~ disu~lee
with th~ tnul cuurt thut, merely by ohlainin~
~'I'Ilploymelll, uppellant hu. lucilly admin, oJ thai her
injuries were not scriOU::f.
Next, we consiu&:T whether, us the trilll court ii-mIlJ,
the fuclthal opp~lIunt volunlarily rclcuincd Icom certum
aClivilies and lililcJ to inunedialcly con.ult willI u
phy,ieian i. Iillal 10 h~r daim. Appellant \\u..
ovulualed ulllll emergency r(K)m 1Il1ll1~dlUldy Illllo\\lIl~
.S19 the aCCident. Aller ho'pltul per,o'.lnd
del~rmined thai uppellunl did not .uller uny Icuctures in
the u~cidelll, :die wa. rdeu",d. Therealler, du~ 10
finWlciul constraints, uppcllllnt s(Ju~ht hl..lmc.lrculmcnt
for approximately sc.:v,m wc~ks prillT II.) \'isilin~ wilh
Dr. Silver.
Wt: do not helieve that these JUI.:t.'i arc cunclusive
evidence that appellant's injuries were nut serious.
Rath~r, oppdlunl:' rduclunee 10 clln.ull uddlllllllal
medical experts, supplemental tll hcr cml:r~cncy room
~vulualion, may Iilirly ho ullnbu,ed 10 lhe rael Ihal
Uppellunl was uncmployed and 11Ilinsured. To conclude
that th~ ~\'cn,wl.-ck lapse in trcaunellt is evidence of a
luck of serious injury is too speculative WllJ. thu:-;,
unwurrunled
A:i u whole, the record includes sutlicient evidence
lending 10 .how thai uppellunt'. IIlJune. suh'lllntiully
intert\:rcd with her nonnal activities ttlr a suhshmtiul
P~lle4
(I~rinJ lIt'time, SI!t! {JodJun, ,JIIprfJ. Thc lriul cuurt,
thcn:lt.m:, commilh.'l! un \.'1Tor uf law III cllllduUin~ that
appellwll tililed III ,u'luin hcr threshold hurd'11 of
I'l'llving a ""noo.. IInl'ail1l1enl of hodily IUnclion. ,o;,,~
Skll'wonh,' ""IIHMtm ('oaf. ,'Wpm,
By Sll ';lIneludill~, we .Ire" thai our holdin~ i. not
llIeanl III Imply lhUl ul'pellunl .hllulJ pr~vuil on the
llIerils or her o;1uilll. Rulher, our huldlllg 1.limil,oJ 10 0.
del~mnnlllilln Ihal, hocuuse uppellunl ,uslain"l her
I'relnul hurden III' pr'KII: sh~ shllUld b~ ~nlillcJ 10
prcsent her case to u faculndcr.
()rucl' re\'crscd~ cuse rClllunded; jwisdiction
rellnqui.hed.
POPOVIC I I, J,1iIc. u di''''nlill~ llpinilln.
p(JI'OVIClI, Jud~e, di,senlin~.
I re.pecllully disu~ree witll ihc majllrily'. cllnelusiun
Ihul lhere I' sullkienl evid~nce lending lu show thai
uppellwlt lSutlcn:d "serious injw;'," i,e., st.'lious
impuinnenl or blidy liUleti'llI. Whil~ I a@r~~ thut
upl'dlant .ubmillcd .ullieicnt ~videne~ 10 .upport h~
c!ulln thal.he ,u.luined an impuirmollllo th~ use of her
buck, lell unn und Icll le~, I CWlllot lind thai .ueh
impuimlclll \\'llS "serious." Ruther, the evidence: tends
to :show that the: conscqul:nees uf uppclhmt's injury
have mH hud. u :serious impact for an extended time on
her iii;'. AppellwlI" nomlal uclivitie. huvc nol b,,,n
curtailed .i~nilicwllly .ine~ the accident. In lilcl, u. the
mujority nutes, thc c\'idcncl: rewuls that prior to th~
uceidonl, uppdlanl wu. unemploy~d and thut durin@
her rOCll\'et)' .he wus ..eking employm~nt,
Approxllnuldy lille~n month. u11~r th~ a~cidenl, .h~
wu.' emplllyed a. u medieul Irwlscrib~r. Sh~ le.lilicJ
thul .he i. able 10 ,il ulthe cllmpuler lor ei@hllo nin~
hllur. per dllY Ilnd Ihul .ho wllrk, appro,imaldy forty
hllurs per week. While uppellwlt ~xpericnc~. puin
while I'erlonmng her wurk dull~., the puin doc. nol
Slllp her lcmn en~uglll~ in lho.. dUlies, Shc identilkoJ
IlU restrictions imposed hy her physician on her work
dUlle.. (FN I) M,l[eo\er, up~~lIunt duimed thul .h~ nu
IUllger c:nllallcs in r...'Creu'lunul ~unlening or restoring
hl.:l' h')l1lc. I fowever. she identilit..-d no rC:.itr1clions
imposed hy her physicinn on these activities. Dodwn
\', D.,.}', 4,15 l'a.Super. 47~, 665 A,2d 1223 (1995),
,,1/"O'o1l11r 1</'tIllld, 544 I'u. 60H, 674 A2d 1072 (l9~6)
(lindmg nil serillu, nnpuirmenl \Vher~ upp~llunt no
lllnger en~uged in hllw:ing, wei~htlillin~ or ""llball,
hUl physicilUl m:\'c:r impused restrictions un these
uClivllle.) She IIdmil. lhul .he ongu@e. in uerobic
exercise appro:\imulcly three limcs per week. Also,
<':opyrighl (C) We'it ()mllp JINX No dillm to onlllllullJ.~i (io\"t. \,"'orks
.
700 A,2d 525,I..eunelli v. MeMulkn, (l'IISup~r 1~~7)
ucalm''f1t durin~ appellwll" p,,.lod of r.'Cowry
involvcJ unli.inl1wll1l1ulUry m,oJ;,ullon., phYSlcul
therapy, i~, uluu.uund, ucupunelure Wld WI inj,'Cliun
Appellunt h... nul b....'rl hu'plluh/~d n,'r hus her injUry
requircJ 'W'g''I'Y. She ha. nol WOOl u cull..." hruee ur
pro.thelie devlee tolluwing the ueCld"'I. Mil/my v.
.\kCallll, 442 Pu.Super. 30, li5K A 2.1 404 (l~~5)
The: n.'cord conlllin~ II ml..-uicul repurt Ih)m JllO J. (jluss,
M.D., who e'amlll~d appellwII un Fchruury 24, I~<)li
lie found thut, un Ihe Joy uf the ",OIl1lnullun, ~Iere
w"ore no uhnonnulitics prC:ic."1l1 unl.! thot there ""...ore 110
limitalions in appellunl" runge uf muliun II~ .Iuled
thUI in his m,oJical opilllon "M.. l.eondli', repurted
injuries, OM 0 .SJO. result of the motur vchkh:
accident, huvc resolv,oJ eumpleldy No further
In:almcnt i~ nl,.'CCliSUI')' ur rccmnmcl'wcu There is no
pcnnlllu:nt impaimu...nt Il.'i Il result of the lIccidcnt."
UuscJ on the lore@olllg, I helie\'e thul the eVidence
reveul. WI obj<'Clively idenlitiuhl~ injury which ha.
resolved, 1cuvin@ only .Ii~t IUnctional limllaliun.
Nthou~ thi. Cuurt rccugni/e. thul .ubjeclive
complaints of puin may rC:lult In U St.'I'iuus irnpuinncnt
of body functilm, this is nut 'Such u Cl.ISC: 0""10",
Jupl'a. While I do nol duubl lhul uppdlWlI
expcriL"OCcd. poin. 1 conclude thut the n.'conJ show.'i no
scrious illl,'I'Ii:rence with h,,. daily lile ror OIl ~~Iended
r-,;od of IIm~, WId thulthere is no tnahlc ..,ue uf lacI
that .he .u1l.red a minor ruther thun a serum. inlury
Aecordlllgly, 1 re.p''Clfully dissenl WId \\'uuld uJlimlthe
tnaJ court'. Wunl uf .urnmury Judgment
FN I. The section uf the MVFRl, upun which Ilppdlce
relicJ read., in pertinenl pun:
(5) An own,,. of a curr,-nlly re~"lered pmule
p"",,'rl~er moM vehide who due, not haw Iinunciul
re.ponsibility ,hull be deemed 10 huvc ehuscn the
limilcJ lort ult<'rTIallvc.
75 Pa,C.SA ~ 1705(u)(5)
FN2. The MVFRL limiled Illrt upllun pru\'lde. the
followin~ covcra~e:
A. "Umll.d Tori" Opllon--The 1u\\'. of the
..
'a.. 5
CummOfl,,~ulth uf p''f1Ilsylvllllla give yuu the rillh1to
ehoo", u 10011 or insurUllcc thut Iimil. yuur ri@ht WId
Ihe ri@ht or memb,,.s of your hou...,hold to _k
Iillunciul eompen.alioll '<,r "'Jwies eau....oJ by other
dri\'Cr.. lJnJer ~Ii. l<lOTI of insurWlee, yuu und oth~r
huusehold memhcrs eo\'Cr<oJ under this policy Illuy
s.,ek reeo\'C1)' I<,r ull mcJicul und oth,,. oUI.of.pocket
e\pen",., but not for p.ln and .u<<.rln. or otb.r
nonmon.lary dama.t. unit.. Ih. InJurl..
.u<<trod .han r.1l within th. d.nnltlon or "lOrlOU'
Injury" os "'t lorth in the policy or unless one of
se\'Crul e\eeption' nOI,oJ in ~Ie policy applie., The
lUlIluul premium lor basic eo\'Cruge ... requircJ by
10" under this "limiled tort" upllon is $_,
Addnionul e,)\'eruges undcr Ihi. oplion ure uvuilabl~
alllddili'lIlal eo.t
75I'u.C.SA ~ 1705(a)(I)(A)(empho.i.~oJ),
FN3. Ilnclly, we must uJdressthe dis",nt'. reliuncc, in
pun, upon the medlcul r~purt of Dr. Jon J. Gloss to
e.labli.h Ihol ,wnmUt) judgment wo., properly
~rullled III the in'llllIl uelion. Soid report, which wus
cum piled in Fehruury or I ~96, concluded thut
uprellwll" injurie, '"...e resolved WId that appdlunt
did nul sutler permunent injuries u. 0. result of the
Seplemher, 1 ~93, aeeidenl. Thi, Cuurt ho.
'peeilicully held thul u pluinlill'necJ nol .how that un
inJUr)' i. pennunenl in orJer 10 cslubli,h thaI the .ame
i., vr wa., senous. As such, the fact that uppellunl"
injuries und pom muy have ,ub.ided 10 th~ level
where they \'.en: nu lon~cr StTious scvcrill years after
Ihe oecidcnt i. of no consequence. Appellunl nccJ
unly demonsuale thUI her injuri~. ,ub'lunlially
inlerlered With her nunnul aelivili~. for 0. sub'luntiu!
period oftimc. Docl.WII, ,'UPI'U.
FN I. While I u~ee ,nth the maJonly thut appcllunt'.
employment as not cont:lu.'ii\'c a~ to whclhcr her
injuries wer~ serious und~r the MVFRl., I lind that
her emplu}'ment und the eireum'lunee. thereof ore WI
illl[.'<'rtWlt lac 1m 10 b~ eonsidcr...!. See DodrOll,
Jflpra.
Copyri~t (c) Wcsl Group 1~9K No claim 10 original U.S. Gov!. work.
PYS!l10
1996-02836
Cumberland County Prothonotary's Office page
Civil Case Inquiry
BELICIC MICHAEL N & TAMMY S (VS) HAUBERT WILLIAM EUGENE
1
Reference No..: Filed..."....: 5/22/199~
Calle Type.. . . .: COMPLAINT Time. '1" .. .. . : 198~
Judgmeht. . . . . . : .00 Execut on Date %gl
Judge Assigned: Sat/Dis/Gntd., % /0
Jur~ Trial. . . .
Hi~ er Court 1
, Hi er Court 2
......................................................~ ........................
General Index Attorney Info
BELICIC MICHAEL N PLAINTIFF FLOWER JAMES 0 JR
813 BALTIMORE PIKE
GARDNERS PA 17324
BELICIC TAMMY S PLAINTIFF FLOWER JAMES 0 JR
813 BALTIMORE PIKE
GARDNERS PA 17324
HAUBERT WILLIAM EUGENE DEFENDANT STEINOUR CAROL A
98 FAIRVIEW STREET LOT *1
CARLISLE PA 17013
.....**...............................*.............**..........................
* Date Entries *
................................................................................
85/22/96 COMPLAINT - CIVIL ACTION
6/17/96 SHERIFF'S FILE RETURNED FILED.
Litigant.: HAUBERT WILLIAM EUGENE
SERVED : NOT FOUND
DATE RETD: 6/21/96
Costs,...: $22.80 Pd By: FLOWER MORGENTHAL FLOWER 06/17/1996
10/02/96 PRAECIPE TO REINSTATE THE COMPLAINT BY JAMES 0 FLOWE~ J~ ESO
10/16/96 SHERIFF'S RETURN FILED
Litigant.: HAUBERT WILLIAM EUGENE
SERVED : 10/12/96 PERRY COUNTY
Costs.,..: $55.00 Pd By: FLOWER MORGENTHAL FLOWER 10/16/1996
ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER
REPLY TO NEW MATTER
CERTIFICATE PREREQUISITE TO SERVICE OF A SUBPOENA PURSUANT TO RULE
4009.22
87/23/98 PLAINTIFF MICHAEL N BELICIC'S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
7/23/98 PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT BY JAMES D FLOWER JR ESO
PLAINTIFF MICHAEL N BELICIC'S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
................................................................................
* Escrow Information *
* Fees & Debits Bea Bd Pvmts/Adi End Bal *
.........................................i......*...............................
11/06/97
11/20/97
11/24/97
35.08 35,00
.5 .50
5.00 5.00
5.00 5.00
--------------------.---- ------------
45.50 45.50 .00
................................................................................
* End of Case Information *
....................................................................*...........
COMPLAINT
TAX ON CMPLT
SETTLEMENT
JCP FEE
'80
, 0
:88
~':\~{\\l\lr\lh:h~'i~'.nhll fih:' .Iul~ l,""h
.
MICHAEL N. BELlCIC and
TAMMY S, BELlCIC,
PlalntlN"
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION. IN TRESPASS
VI.
NO. 96. 2836
CIVIL TERM
WILLIAM EUGENE HAUBERT,
Defendant.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Plaintiff MICHAEL BELlCIC, through his undersigned counsel, respectfully moves
this Court, pursuant to Pa,R.C,P, ~1035, for the entry of partial summary judgment In favor of
Plaintiff, and a ruling by the Court that the injuries to Plaintiff, caused by Defendant's negligence,
constitute "serious injury" under 75 Pa,C,S, ~1705(d), as a matter of law,
In support, Plaintiff represents as follows:
1" Plaintiff's injuries resulted from an automobile accident on June 11, 1994,
which Plaintiff alleges was caused by Defendant's negligence,
2, The injuries to Plaintiff's right shoulder were objectively manifested by medical
evidence, including x-ray and MRI reports, physician examinations, arthroscopic examination,
surgical examination, and post-operative surgical pathology report,
3. The injuries to Plaintiff's right shoulder included a torn anterior gleno-Iabrum,
persistent impingement syndrome, and degenerative joint disease of the distal clavicle,
4, As a result of his injured right shoulder, Plaintiff, a plumber, suffered impaired
functioning of his right arm, including restricted active range of motion, especially an inability to
work on over-head pipes and an inability to pull hard on his wrenches.
c\~l'~'\jr\lk:h...il',mul fih: , Jul) 2.'~
~
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, MICHAEL N. BELlCIC, respectfully requests that this Court
enter partial summary judgment in Plaintiff's favor by ruling thai Plaintiff's injuries constitute 'serlous
injury'; under 75 Pa,C,S, S1705, as a matter 01 law,
FLOWER, MORGENTHAL, FLOWER & LINDSAY
Attorneys for the Plaintiffs
'}~'~L"
By .' ,\,\., , ( l
( mes 0, Flower, Jr" Esquire
\1 East High Street
rlisle, PA 17013
17) 243-5513
1.0, #27742
"
.1
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f""'I ,.....
. .:
. 2
WITNESSES
NAME EXAMINATION
MICHAEL N. BIlLICIC
BY: MS, STEWART 3. 63
BY: MR, FLOWER 56
EXHIBITS
BELICIC DEPOSITION EXHIBIT
PRODUCED AND MARKED
29
1 , FILE NOTES
2 . WORK STATUS REPORT
65
I""'v
"....,
.
3
-
1 STIPULATION
2 It is hereby stipulated by and between counsel for
3 the respective parties that reading, signing, seallng,
4 certification and filing are hereby waived; and that all
5 objections except as to the form of the question are reserved
6 to the time of trial,
7
8
MICHAEL N, 8ELICIC~ called as a witness, being
9 duly sworn, testified as follows,
10 EXAMINATION
11 BY MS, STEWART,
12
Q
Thank you, Mr, Belicic, my name is
13 Susan Stewart, I'm an attorney with McNees Wallace and
14 Nurick, and we represent William Haubert, the party you
15 brought an action against, Have you ever been deposed
16 before?
17
A
No, ma'am.
18
Q
Okay. I'm just going to explain a little bit
19 about the process to you. I'm going to ask you a series of
20 of questions regarding your injuries that resulted from that
21 car accident you were involved in on June 11th 1994. If you
22 answer a questlon that I ask you, I'll assume that you heard
23 the question and that you understood it; is that fair?
J4
A
Yep,
25
Q
Please also answer all questions verbally as you
,....."
1'*'\
. 4
1 just did because the court reporter has a hard time taking
2 down a nod or a shrug, If you need a break at any time,
3 that's fine, Just say so and we can take a break, Are you
4 on any medications that might impair your ability to answer
5 my questions today?
6
7
A
No,
o
Is there anything else that might impair your
8 ability to answer my questions today?
9
10
11 record?
12
13
14
A
15
o
16
A
17
o
18
A
19
A
No.
o
Could you please state your full name for the
A
Michael Norman Belicic.
o
And what is your address?
813 Baltimore Pike, Gardners, E'A 17324.
How are you feeling today?
Got a little pain.
What kind of pain?
Just down through my shoulder and into my neck.
MR. FLOWER: Could the record reflect that he is
20 indicating the area on the top of his shoulder on the
21 right-hand side from the neck to the top of the shoulder,
22 BY MS, STEWART:
23
o
That's fine. Did you review any documents .in
24 preparation for this deposition today?
25
A
Not really,
r"""'I
~
. 5
1
Q
When you say not really did you review anything
2 that you can recall?
3
A
I just came in and met with my lawyer and went
4 over a few things and he asked me a couple of questions and
5 stuff,
6
Q
I just want to know if you looked at any
7 documents,
8
A
No.
9
Q
Have you ever kept a journal of your health or
10 symptoms that you've experienced over time?
11
A
No.
12
Q
Obviously, you are, But just for the record are
13 you married?
14
A Yes,
Q Dc you have any kids?
A One,
Q And is it a girl or boy?
A Boy,
Q And how old is he?
A Eleven.
Q I want to ask you a few questions about your
15
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19
;;:0
21
22 educational background, Do you have a high school degree?
23
A
No,
24
Q
How many years did YOll go through school?
25
A
Ten -- tenth grade,
1
2
3
,-.
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. 6
-
Q
And where did you go to school?
A
Mechanicsburg,
Q
And when was the last year that you were in school
4
if you can remember?
5
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A
10
Q
A
'79 -- '78 -- '79.
Q
Where did you go to work after high school?
A
L,S, Smith Ford Body Shop,
And what did you do there?
Q
Body work on cars.
Do you remember what your title was -- your
11 position was?
12
A
13
Q
14
A
15
Q
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A
17
Q
18
A
19
Q
20 Plumbing?
21
A
22
Q
Just a body man, That's what they called me,
How long did you hold that position?
About a year and a half.
Where did you go to work after that?
Jerry Means Plumbing.
And where is that located?
It was in Summerdale,
What position did you have with Jerry Means
Plumber.
Did you have any specific training to prepare you
23 for a plumber position?
24
A
25
Q
That gentleman there r.rained me.
Mr. Means?
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A Mr. Means, yes,
Q How long did you hold that position as a plumber
with Jerry M~ans Plumbing?
A About four-~nd-a-half years,
Q Where did you work after that?
A Paul Lyons Amoco on Front Street for a year,
Q And what was your position there?
A Auto mechanic,
Q What did you do after that?
A Went to work for George O. Boye~ and Sons,
Q What was your position with George O. Boyer?
A Plumber,
Q And how long did you hold that position?
A Almost 11 years,
Q Okay, Is that where you currently work?
A Yes, ma'am.
Q So you would have started working for
George O. Boyer in about 1987?
A '86. I believe it was in '86, yeah,
Q Okay, And have you had the same position with
George 0, Boyer throughout the entire 11 years?
A No. I became a foreman in I guess about seven
years ago.
Q Can you describe for me your duties as a foreman?
A Basically same thing as a plUmber does, I solder
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. 9
A
Came through the ~top ~ign -- I mean when he came
2 through, I might have had 15 feet to try and. ~top,
3
Q
You are saying another car came through the stop
4 sign as it intersected 641?
5
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A
Yes,
Q
And what kind of car was that?
A
A pickup truck, About a '71 or '72 Ford,
Okay, And can you describe for me how your truck
~~
9 hit that truck?
10
A
I hit right dead center of the front wheel on the
11 passenger's side,
12
Q
13
A
14
Q
Did you have any damage to your truck?
It was totaled.
Can you tell me what you felt physically as your
15 truck hit the other truck?
16
A
I just told my wife and my boy - - I said hang on,
17 I mean there was no stopping,
18
Q
19
A
20
Q
So your wife and son were in the truck with you?
Yes,
Can you tell me do you remember how your body
21 moved within the truck when your truck hit the other truck?
22
A
23
Q
24
A
25
Q
I went forward and broke the shifter off.
What broke the shifter off?
My hand.
Your right hand?
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A Carlisle Hospital,
Q Were you experiencing any symptoms?
A I had pain in my -- pain in my shoulder, and my
4 right hand was all swolled up and my fingers,
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6
MR. FLOWER: Sorry. Which shoulder?
THE WITNESS: Right shoulder,
7 BY MS. STEWART:
8
Q
What did the doctor you saw in the ER tell you
9 regarding any injury that you might have suffered?
10
A
He told me I was badly bruised and to go home and
11 take Tylenol,
12
Q
When did you next go to see a doctor regarding any
13 injuries resulting from the accident?
14
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16
A
The next doctor would have been Dr. Pariser,
MR, FLOWER: P-a-r-i-s-e-r.
THE WITNESS: And I do not know the date of ,'.
17 BY MS, STEWART:
18
Q
Do you know approximately how long it was after
19 you went to the hospital that you went to see Dr, Pariser?
20
21
22
A
I would say it was only a couple of weeks because
I took the Tylenol and
but it just didn't help.
Q
So you went to see Dr. Pariser because' you were
23 experiencing the same symptoms that you had before?
24
25
A
Yes,
Q
And that would be pain in your right shoulder and
,-.
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1 soreness in your right hand?
2 A Yes, ma'am,
3 Q What did Dr, Pari,ser tell you about your injuries?
4 A He sent me for an MRI,
5 Q Do you know what the results were of the MRI?
6 A What Keith Zeliger -- I don't exactly
7 know that's the doctor that read the MRI -- I don't
8 exactly remember what all he said was wrong.
9
Q
What did Dr, pariser tell you regarding a course
10 of treatment for your injuries then after he sent you for
11 your MRI?
12
A
He gave me a couple of Cortisone shots and some
13 therapy.
14
Q
What do you mean when you said he gave you some
15 therapy?
16
A
I don't know what they are. They put that gel on
17 and rub all around .- I guess ultrasound and stuff like
18 that, And then he set me up with therapy through a place
19 here in Carlisle, and I went a couple of times a week for
20 therapy.
21
o
Okay. Let me go back to the Cortisone shots you
22 said you had the first time you went to see Or, Pariser.
23 After the accident you had two Cortisone shots; is that right
24 in your right shoulder?
25
A
In my right shoulder r had one and about two weeks
. 12
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A That I don't remember,
Q Okay. I just want to ask you to take a look at a
document marked 0 445. and there's an entry 6/28/94. and if
2
3
4 you could review that and including the notes in the margin
5 there. First, does that refresh your recollection about what
6 date you might have gone to see Dr, pariser for the first
7 time after the accident?
8
A
6/28.
9
Q
Does it also refresh your recollection as to
10 whether he might have prescribed Prednisone for you?
11
MR. FLOWER: I'm wondering if there is something
12 on the preceding sheet.
13
MS. STEWART: Sure. Sorry.
MR, FLOWER: It looks as though perhaps 6/21.
14
15 BY MS, STEWART:
16
Q
Is perhaps the first visit, Okay. Can I just
17 show you on D 445 there, It appears that the doctor's note
18 indicates RX low dose of Prednisone, It appears that the
19 doctor might have prescribed Prednisone for you on 6/28/94,
20 Do you have any reason to think that that note might be
21 incorrect?
22
A
I honestly don't know. That I
23
Q
You don't know if the doctor's note might be
24 incorrect?
25
A
I don't know,
..... .
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. 21
1
A
No,
2
Q
If I could just show you a docum~nt that's marked
3 D 447 and refer you to an entry, 11/04/94. These are
4 Dr, Pariser's records, Does that entry refresh your
5 recollection at all as to whether you underwent physical
6 therapy any time before November of '947
7
A
I would have to check papers on that, but I was
8 almost positive I went to therapy in Carlisle before that.
9
Q
Okay, Well, I just want to read from the record
10 the entry dated 11/04/94 from Dr, Pariser's record that says
11 right shoulder, quote, "feels great, never underwent physical
12 therapy," Do you have any reason to dispute that entry of
13 Dr, Pariser's7
14
A
No,
15
Q
Did you continue to have problems with your
16 shoulder throughout the rest of 1993?
17
A
I honestly don't remember. I know that I was
18 in -- like I said -- pain. It would come and go and
19
Q And it was the sharp pain. t,hat you described that
you had experienced?
A Sh1U"P pain, yes,
Q And how often would you experience that?
A Every morning when I would get out of bed before I
started moving it and exercising it and taking a hot shower,
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Q
So you would notice it in the mornings then?
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Q Might that have been the date that you went for
rehab prior to your surgery?
A That was probably the date, yes.
Q Okay, Do you remember if you went for physical
therapy any other times prior to your surgery?
A No. 'rhat was the first time, And except for --
like I said, not to Pariser, but it was when he was doing
that ultrasound and stuff and making me do stuff in there in
his office,
Q That was the initial therapy that you spoke of in
June of '94?
A Probably, yes,
Q And you said it was Dr, Zeliger who recommended
this orthoscopic surgery for you in June of '95. Did he
recommend any other course of treatment? Did y~u try
anything other than this therapy that you went to prior to
the surgery?
A He .- just the Cortisone.
Q So you had another Cortisone injection in your
shoulder?
A I had probably five of them total,
Q Did any of those injections help the pain in your
shoulder?
A They helped for a week -. maybe two two weeks .-
and thp.n it would start coming back again.
,-
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. 25
1
Q
So it looks like it was just about a year's time
2 just over a year between the accident and when you had
3 the surgery that you refer to?
4
A
Yes,
s
Q
Would you say that during that year's time the
6 pain that you experienced in your shoulder was relatively
7 consistent other than the times when you had these Cortisone
8 injections that it would improve?
9
A It was getting worse - -
Q Okay, It - -
A - - as it went on, yes.
Q How was it getting worse?
A It would just - - I mean it would crack and pop and
10
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14 grind and carry on. And I would go to lift it over my head,
15 and I couldn't get it up. I mean I was trying to get Ollt of
16 the surgery. I mean I was trying anything ...
17
o
Before you described a pain that you had would be
18 a sharp pain in you~ shoulder when you got up in the
19 morning. And then later in the day after you had been
20 working and when you said that it got worse, would that pain
21
be more intense or would it just be more frequent?
A It was like an aching pain.
0 So it became an aching pain?
A Yeah.
0 Was that a constant aching pain?
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Q That pain that you were experiencing after this
accident at work did it limit your activities at all __
A No,
Q -- during that time?
A No,
Q And what did Dr, Zeliger say regarding the
condition of your shoulder?
A Boy. I honestly don't remember that,
Q Do you remember if he recommended a course of
treatment for your shoulder?
A He might have. He might have sent me for physical
therapy again, I don't honestly remember.
Q Do you remember if he prescribed any medications
for you?
A No.
Q You said you think he might have prescribed
physical therapy, Do you recall attending physical therapy
for your shoulder late in '95?
A Yeah, I believe it might have been early in '95,
Q Well, let me just show you a document No. 0 470,
and it's also again from Alexander Spring Rehab. And it
looks like it is dated 12/8/95. Could you just take a look
at that. Does that document refresh your recollection as to
whether you might have gone for rehab about December 8th of
, 95?
~
.
33
1
A
It made it less achy, but there was times that I
2 could tell that it was there,
3
Q
So in late '95 when you started going to rehab and
4 throughout the course of your physical therapy was the pain
5 that you were experiencing then was pretty much some degree
6 of achiness as opposed to a sharp pain?
7
8
A
Yes,
Q
Do you recall if you took any vacations while you
9 were going to rehab?
10
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12
13
14
15
16
A
Yes,
Q
Where did you go on vacation?
A
I went to Daytona,
Q
Daytona Beach, Florida?
A
Yep.
Q
Do you remember approximately when that was?
Probably around the middle of February -- maybe
A
17 the 9th or 10th around there, I don't know the exac~ dates,
18 but I think I was there for seven days.
19
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Q That would have been in 1996 then?
A Yeah.
Q What did you do in Florida?
A Just set around and relaxed,
Q Did you do any particular physical activities
while you were there?
A Not really, I tried to do a little fishing,
"
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~ 39
Q Did you just make an appointment on your own with
Dr. Kaneda?
A Keith Zeliger was moving and that was the doctor
that he told me that was taking his place,
Q Okay. I might have asked you this before, but do
you remember when you went to see Dr, Kaneda the first time
for YGur shoulder?
A No.
Q Do you remember if it was in 1996?
A Oh, yeah, it was in '96,
Q Do you remember if it was in the fall of '96?
A Say either in the summer -- summer or fall, yes.
Q Okay. If I could just show you a document marked
o 422. It is a letter from Dr, Kaneda to Dr, pariser dated
September 20th, 1996. Does that refresh your recollection as
to approximately when you might have gone to see Dr, Kaneda
in '96?
A That was probably it.
Q Probably September of '96 then?
A Yeah,
Q And can I just ask you. This letter says, quote,
"He is back at wcrk, but still has some persistent symptoms
in the right shoulder," Again, did you miss any work dUEl to
your shoulder r.hat you recall in '96?
A No,
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~ 41
A Yep,
Q Who recommended that surgical procedure?
A Dr, Kaneda.
Q And what did he tell you regarding why you should
5 have this procedure?
6
7
8
A
Well, he said that there was -- I guess there was
still
it was still pinching or whatever in my shoulder, I
don't
like I said, he used those big words, and I don't
9 understand.
10
Q
But he recommended the surgical procedure as a way
11 of improving the condition of your shoulder?
12
13
A
Yes,
Q
And let me just ask again. At the time that you
14 went to see Dr, Kaneda, which we determined was approximately
15 September of '96, until you had this surgery in I think it
16 was March of '97, what kind of symptoms were you experiencing
17 with your shoulder?
18
19
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21
22
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24
A Just that; dull achiness,
Q It wasn't a sharp pain?
A No.
Q Would you particularly notice it at certain times
or when you were doing certain activities?
A
Almost all of the time.
25 to do certain activities outside of work?
Q
Did this dull achiness did it affect your ability
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. 42
A I couldn't shoot my bow, It hurt real bad when I
IIhot my rifle.
o You said it hurt real bad when you shot your
rifle, How would it hurt?
A Then it was sharp pains.
o What would bring on the sharp pains .- the
position your shoulder was in when you were shooting the
rifle or the actual pulling the trigger?
A Probably a little bit of both.
o This surgical procedure thaI: you had in
approximately March of '9~ was it called a Mumford
resection? Does that ring a bell?
A Yes,
o Did you miss any work i~ connection with that
surgery?
A I think I missed almost -- I think it was
two-and-a-half weeks of work that I missed,
Q Were your activities at work limited in any way
when you returned to work after that surgery?
A I went back on light duty again.
Q And again what did light duty mean at that time?
A At that time when I went back I Wus just doing
paperwork. order materials for my jobs and walking around and
making sure that the guys were working and
Q Was it a problem for you to be on this light duty?
1
A
2
Q
3
A
4
Q
5 weElk?
6
A
7
Q
~,
~
.:
. 45
Just the achiness.
But you said it was very little?
Yeah,
And that would be approximately five days out of a
Yeah. I would say,
I want to refer you to a document marked D 404, an
8 entry of 4/09/97 from I guess Dr. Kaneda's notes. That note
9 from a follow-up vil!lit on 4/09/97 after your surgery
10 indicates that you were, quote, "abusing yourself," What
11 does that mean?
A I was using pipe wrenches and stuff,
Q And how was that abusing yourself?
A Pulling on them -- that's what I thought.
Q Was that something that the doctor had told you
you should do or be careful doing?
12
13
14
15
16
17
A
No, When he released me he told me that I could
18 go back to my regular duties, and after that is when I
19 decided that I was going to stay on light duty for a while,
20
Q
21
A
22
Q
After 4/09/977
Yes,
Because had you done some things outside or more
23 than just the light duty prior to that visit on 4/09/97?
24
A
25
Q
I don't believe.
I guess I am wondering what prompted you or, if
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. 47
o Would you say the condition of your shoulder
significantly improved over what it was prior to the surgery
in March of '97?
A Oh, yes.
o Did any of your doctors ever tell you that the
injury to your shoulder which occurred in August of '95 when
another worker was thrown into it at work caused further
damage to your shoulder --
A No,
o -- which ultimately resulted in this surgery you
had in of March of '97?
MR. FLOWER: Go ahead and answer,
THE WITNESS: No,
MR. FLOWER: Now just as a precaution: When she
is asking a question, wait until she is done,
THE WITNESS: All right.
BY MS. STEWART:
o Did you make a workers' compensation claim at work
for the incident when the worker was thrown into your
shoulder in August of '95?
A No.
o Why not?
A I didn't think about it.
o Next I just want to ask you some questions about
your activities - - outside-of -work things, I think you had
,......""
,,-..
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. 46
1 mentioned that you have hunted and fished, that those are
2 things that you did. Do you purchase hunting and fishing
3 licenses every year?
4
5
A
Q
Yes.
Is there any year when you didn't hunt or fish
6 since the accident?
15
16
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19
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A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
or fish?
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
I purchase no license for Cumberland County.
Do you purchase any licenses to hunt or fish?
Yeah,
Do you recall what counties those are in?
They are good for the whole state of Pennsylvania,
What type of fishing do you do?
Just basically bass, walleye, trout,
And you said sometimes you fish in Ocean City?
Yeah, Flounder.
Is that saltwater fishing that you do there?
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55
A Just sharp pains and stuff.
Q How long would it last when you're doing something
like raking leaves?
A It could last a couple of hours; it could go on a
day or two,
Q Would you have this pain every time that you would
rake leaves then?
A No, Not every time,
Q '{ou mentioned that you have - - now since the
surgery in March of '97 you have good days and bad days, Do
you ever take any m~dications when you have a bad day?
A No,
Q No Advil or aspirin or anything?
A (Shakes head from side to side,)
Q I'm sorry could you just --
A No.
Q answer verbally, Thanks. If I could just have
one minute to check my notes. I think I might be done, I
just want to ask you one thing, I think I just want to see
if I'm COl'rect that the only work that you missed in
connection with this accident in your shoulder would have
been when you had the surgery in June of '95 and when you had
the surgery in March of '97; is that right?
A That's correct.
MS. STEWART: Thanks, That's all that I have,
,-..
,,--
1 Mr, Flower.
2 BY MR. FLOWER:
3 0 I have some questions, Mr. Belicic. The date we
4 referred to -- and I think it was February 9th of '96 __
5 when you had related to the doctor that you had pushed that
6 heavy pipe in the ditch, do you recall that?
7 A Yes,
8 0 Did you have any change in your symptoms a couple
9 of days after that from what you had before?
10 A No.
11 0 You were asked about the occasion when the other
12 worker was thrown into you as a result of the shock which I
13 think was referred to in this note as September 7th of '95,
14 Now I wasn't quite sure of one of your answers there, What
15 were -- did you have symptoms in your shoulder prior to that
16 event occurring?
L 7 A Yes,
18 0 What kinds of symptoms did you have prior to that?
19 A Just the off-and-on pains like I had the whole
20 time from the '"
21 0 Okay. The reason that I ask that is it seemed to
22 me that your testimony could be interpreted as just that you
23 didn't have any symptoms prior to that, Was that accurate or
24 not? That is you are saying that you did have some symptoms?
25 A I did have some, yes,
~ 56
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Q Okay.
A I have had from day one pain off and on,
MS. STEWART: I just object when you say you did
have symptoms prior to that, I mean could you just specify
what period of time you're talking about or asking him
about.
BY MR, FLOWER:
Q Let's talk about the month before that incident in
which he was knocked into you. Ouring that month, generally,
what kind of symptoms did you have?
A I have had pain off and on through my shoulder.
Q All right. So you are not saying it was a
symptom-free period?
A No. I mean I have had them, but I just prett~
much learned to live with them,
Q Okay, Now are your symptoms any different in
different. weather conditions?
A Yes.
Q Would you describe that, please.
A Oampness and stuff it bothers me a good bit,
Q Is there anything related to cold weather or hot
weather?
A Cold weather it bothers me,
Q And j,f you have dampness or cold weather what
symptoms do you notice?
. 57
9
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11
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Q
A
of pain,
Q
A
Q
A
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3
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Q
A
Q
. 59
Why not?
When I throw a football or a baseball I have a lot
Okay, That kind of motion causes you pain?
Yes, Forward motion.
Okay, Your casting is sort of side-arm?
Yes.
Is there any difference in your range of motion
12 now compared to what it was before you had your injury?
13
1~
15
A
Q
A
Yeah.
Can you describe that, please?
I can get my arm about -- I don't know -- a
16 quarter of the way up my back instead of all the way up this
17 one.
18
Q
19 behind your back you can get your hand about the level of
You are indicating that if you put your right arm
20 your belt and not higher?
21
22
A
Q
Yes,
Okay, Do you have any problems relating to
23 driving now as opposed to before you had your injury?
24
25
A
Q
Yes.
Would you describe that, please?
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. 60
1
A
When I am holding the steering wheel my arm is
2 elevated like this and it starts hurting.
3
Q
When your right arm is evaluated holding onto the
4 wheel?
5
6
7
A
Yes,
Q
Are there any particular -- besides raking
leaves
gardening activities that you can't do now that
8 you could do before your injuries?
9
10
A
I honestly don't know,
Q
Are thera any particular tools that you would use
11 for gardening that you don't use now?
12
13
A
Probably a shovel,
Q
Okay, Are there any tools that you would
14 customarily use at work as a plumber that you avoid using
15 now?
16
:..7
18
A
Jackhammer, a tamper,
Q
What about the jackhammer bother~ you?
I just -- I don't want to do any damage to my
A
19 shoulqer with it.
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25
Q Ha'/e you tried using a jackhammer?
A Nope,
Q Haven't. done that since the accident?
A Nope.
Q And why don't you want to do that?
A Because I don't want to go back through any more
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surgery ,
Q You feel the vibration would be hard on your
shoulder; is that right?
A Yes,
Q Would you describe what a tamper is?
A A tamper is a compactor to tamp dirt that vibrates
up and down, jumps up and down pretty much like a jackhammer,
Q Sort of like a pounding motion?
A Yes.
Q And you avoid that; is that right?
A Yep,
Q And are there limits that you can do above your
head?
A I work above my head a little while, and then I
stop when it starts hurting.
Q And why do you stop?
A Because of the pain,
Q How long might you typically be working above your
head before you would start having pain?
A Depends on what - - if I am working with a torch or
pipe wrenches or whatever - - pipe wrenches it's not as long
as with a torch or tubing cutter.
Q What kind of motion might you be doing w.i.th a pipe
wrench?
A Pulling and pushing,
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Q Okay, Now you talked about going to slesp on the
couch.
A Yep,
Q And you said .. how ~ften does that happen?
A Nearly twice a week,
Q All right, Why do you sleep on the couch?
A Because of my shoulder.
Q Okay, What's it about sleeping on the couch that
makes that better?
A I don't roll,
Q If you are on the couch you are not going to roll?
A Right, I don't roll like I would in the bed,
Q And it has the effect of protecting your shoulder?
A Yes.
Q III there any work around the house that you
haven't done because you are different now than Y<1U were
before your accident?
A I haven't done no painting,
Q Why is that?
A Because of being two storiee and trying to paint
with my right arm over my head,
Q And what happeno if you would palnt with your
right arm over your head?
A I think it would probably start hurting,
Q Okay, Anything else around thfl house that you
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1 me I guess when I was on light duty I wasn't allowed to run
2 it.
3 Q And how long was it that you were on light duty
4 after that first surgery?
5 A I would say two -- three weeks, four weeks or
6 something like that.
7 Q And did Dr, Zeliger give you permission to go off
8 light duty after three or four weeks?
9 A Yes.
10 Q In reference to the incident in approximately
11 August of '95 when someone at wQrk was thrown into your
12 shoulder, you were talking about what symptoms you had
13 approximately that time prior to that time and -- off the
14 record just a moment,
15 (Recess, )
16 BY MS. STEWART:
17 Q Back on the record, I would like to show you and
18 have marked as Defendant's Deposition Exhibit 2 this document
19 No, D 413 and refer you to an entry dated 7/19/95, Does
20 reading that entry refresh your recollection as to what
21 symptoms you were having or pain associated with your
22 shoulder on July 19th of '957
23 A I honestly don't know,
24 Q Okay, This document D 413 which contains a
25 doctor'S entry dated 7/19/95 indicates -- it says he is,
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717-540-0220\717-393-5101
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23:4 23:7 23:10 62:11 62:12 34:17 53:12 53:13 23:19 29:12 31:20
24:4 29:10 29:11 rolling (21 54: I 2 63:9 35:4 38:4 39:13
30:3 30:9 30:21 54:13 46:5 64:17
31:8 31:9 31:12 ROM(I' 16:8 seventy PI 51:12 shower [II 21:24
51:14
31:13 32:4 33:15 ropes III 32:16 seventy-five PI 51:12 shows III 19:10
35:12 35:2~ 37:5 rolalion [II '9:15 shrug II)
37:6 38:23 39:6 51:14 4:2
39:9 39:11 40:6 rolllorl'l 19:8 19:11 Shakes (11 55: 14 sielll 10:2
40:9 40:1~ 40:21 19:14 shaking III J'7:25 lide[ll 4:21 9:11
49:16 ~O:II roughly [II 34:18 sh~II'1 18:17 18:19 54:4 ~4:5 55:14
RllDCmbeRld III 23:17 RPRlzl 1:9 67:24 21: 9 21:21 2~:18 ~~:14 59:7
RI~rt [51 2:15 29:16 rublll 12:17 J3:6 37:8 4\:19 side-arm (II 59:9
3:21 $3:24 6~:9 rubbing lit 19:7 42:5 42:6 44:6 signlzl 9:1 9:4
RI~ortcr 121 4:1 rules III 8:7 44:7 55:\ significanllll 16:8
7:12 run(z) 63:17 64:1 sheel (ZI 14:12 67:14 Significanl71'1 1~:21
Refortcr- Nolary (II running IZI K:6 shiflcr (II 9:22 9:23 16:1 4 :2
6 :11 63:18 10:7 signing III 3:J
n:porting III 17:6 ruplured III 19:6 shock II' 56:12 sitelZl 26:23 26:23
Rlprescnt III 3:14 RXIII 14:18 shOOII'! 18:20 42:1 sileslll 26:\7
n:scclion III 42:12 10:12 50:13 50:19 sillinglll 37:23
n:scrvlld III 3:~ -s- shooling 1'1 42.7 Sill III 26:20 34:17
Rlspeclive (II 3:J - 49:17 49:18 49:21 sleep (51
Sill 1:1 504 ~4:3 '4:3
Rllponsibililiel (II 8:4 SIOlll 8:19 Shop III 6:7 54:6 62:1 62:6
RlSIIII 21:16 safely III 8:7 ShOIII"1 I3l0 16:4 sleeping (11 53:21
restrict 11151:23 1610 1~:ll 191 54:8 62H
HUGHES, ALBRIGHT, FOLTZ &; NATALE
717-540-0220\717-393-5101
Index Page 7
,J..'
32:11 44:10 52:17 57:24 York 1'1 4a:9
55:5 62:20 ' 64:5 week 1111 16:17 yourselfl'l 45:10 -
1219 .
two-ed-a-halfll' 35'14 22:a 2424 26:9 45: I 3 46:2 51:17
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Tflllllolll1 II: II 49:7 548 62:5
1:21 weeks (HI 11:20 12:25 -z-
typalll 48:21 58:22 13:la 16:4 16:17 Zcliferl401
24:24 27:19 2a:1 12:6
typawritiall'l 67:11 29:la 42:17 43:14 16: 1 16:23 17:2
typically III 61:la 6-4:5 6-4:5 6-4:a 17:5 17:a 17:12
_I&htlll 51:24 17:16 la:2 18:9
-V- la:11 18:21 19:10
_I&hlll" 65:2 19:17 19:19 20:11
ulllmately III 47:10 wheel 1'1 9:10 60:1 20:18 20:24 22:21
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20:7 24:a WHEREOF I' I 67:22 27:2 27:19 2a:1 ~
UaCleAr11150:7 wbolcl2I 48:20 56:19 30:23 31:6 35:21
36:12 38:17 38:20
uac1crII' 26:21 35:22 wifcIII 9:16 9:la 39:3 49:19 49:20
67:12 10:13 50:2 51:25 53:6
uadcntaadlll 41:9 William III 1:4 63:16 63:20 6-4:7
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Z1:11 witness 1'1 3:a
up 110' 10:2 11:4 11:6 11:16 47:13
12:18 18:8 23.9 47:16 67:9 67:21
25:15 25:18 32:17 67:22
32:19 34:14 36:17 WITNESSES III 1:1
44:5 44:15 52:3 wondering 141 14:11
53:25 54:7 59:16
59:16 61:7 61:7 30:7 35:S 45:25
UlCd I" 19:5 35:20 words 141 19:5 35:21
40:14 41:8 5S:l5 40:14 41:S
58:23 65:20 65:21 worked 11127:1
Ulin114' 22:1 45:12 worker III 47:7 47:19
60:14 60:20 56:12
UluaIlY(114ol:16 worken' 1'1 47:18
wonelll 25:9 25:12
-v- 25:20
V(ll wonhllJ 10:18
1:3 WI'CIIch (1161:24
vleatioa (II 33:11 wreaches III 13:8
Vleatioallll 33:S 13:9 34:14 45:12
vehicle (118:25 61:21 61:21
verbally III 3:25 writelll 46:1
30:21 55:17 wrong (1) 12:8 18:25
vlbntel(ll 61:6 19:3 19:4 19'6
vlbntioalll 61:2 19:17 54:12
Villtl" 13:2 14:16
16:7 20:17 45:9 -y-
4S:23 yard III 54:1S 54:22
villted(., 13:13 63:2
year (" 6:3 6:14
-W- 7:6 25:2 4a:3
wait(11 47:15 48:5
waived 1'13:4 year's 121 25:1 25:5
waite III 53:25 yean 1'1 5:24 7:4
walkinllll 7:14 7:21 7:23
42:23 53:11 53:12 53:13
WalllCCtll 1:19 6H
3:13 Vcr, (III 3:24 15:a
walleye III 4a:22 1:11 15:16 23:22
watchiallll 37:23 32:1 JJ14 41:1
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57:21 57:22 5723 63:13
r
two-ad-.-halr - ZolilCl'
MICHAEL N. BELlCIC
--.,
Mulri-'aao'"
IDJOHHS, ALBRIGHT, FOLrol &; NATALE
717.~40.0220\717- 393-~ I 0 I
Index Page 9
~:\""p~I\JIWJMIKK':i\lW.lI('II' t'IIM
the Trlndle Road, approaching the intersection with Claremont Road to the north and Falrvlew
Street to the south,
5, As Plaintiff approached said intersection, Defendant HAUBERT was at or
near a stop sign southbound on Claremont Road, at the intersection of Claremont Road with
Trindle Road, Intending to traVel across Trindle Road and onto Falrvlew Street.
6, The Trindle Road, S,R, 0641, upon which Plaintiff was traveling, is a through
road and does not require a stop at the intersection with Claremont Road and Fairview Street,
whereas, Defendant was required by a stop sign to stop at the intersection with the Trindle
Road, and, consequently, Plaintiff's vehicle had the right-of-way over Defendant's vehicle at the
Intersection in question,
7, Just as Plaintiff's vehicle was approaching the intersection, Defendant
HAUBERT entered the intersection directly in front of Plaintiff, intending to cross it onto Fairview
Street, and Plaintiff was unable to avoid striking the front of Defendant HAUBERT'S vehicle, as
a result of which impact, Plaintiff's vehicle was driven south into a vehicle operated by EDWARD
B. LEWIS, of 151 Faith Circle, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013, which was waiting at the stop sign
northbound on Fairview Street, at its intersection with the aforesaid Trindle Road,
8, The sole cause of the accident in question was the negligence, carelessness
and recklessness of Defendant HAUBERT, and the accidert was in no way caused or
contributed to by any negligence on the part of Plaintiff MICHAEL N. BELlCIC,
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Michael N. Belicie and Tammy S. Bel ieie
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William Eugene Haubert
:-;e.
96-2836 Civil Term
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October 2. 1996
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MICHAEL N, BELlCIC ~nd
TAMMY S. BELlCIC,
Pl~intiffs
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: CIVIL ACTION -IN TRESPASS
v,
: No. 96.2836. Civil Term
WILLIAM EUGENE HAUBERT,
Defendant
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICA 1'E PREREQUISITE TO SERVICE OF A SUBPOENA
PURSUANT TO R\JLE 4009,22
As a prerequisite to service subpoenas for documents and things pursuant to Rule
4009.22. Defendant certi lies that:
(1) a Notice of Intent to Serve Subpoenas with a copy of the subpoenas attached
thereto was mailed or delivered to each party at least twenty (20) days prior to the
date on which the subpoenas arc sought to be served
(2) a copy of the Notice of Intent, including the proposed Subpoenas, is attached to
this Certi ficate;
(3) no objection to the subpoenas has been received; and
(4) the subpoenas which will be served are identical to the subpoenas which are
attached to the Notice oflntent to Serve Subpoenas,
Dated: November 20. 1997
McNEE~\ WALLACE llc NURICK
( J J fr--. -~
By , ~\Y {'! - {Q)A/N
Carol AJSte;nour
Attorney I.D. #55969
100 Pine Street, P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108.1166
717.237.5342
Attorneys for Defendant
MICHAEL N. BELlCIC and
TAMMY S. BELlCIC,
Plainliffs
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
: CIVIL ACTION .IN TRESPASS
v,
: No. 96.2836. Civil Term
WILLIAM EUGENE HAUBERT,
Defendilnl
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR
THINGS FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RUU: 4009,22
TO: Records Cuslodiilll for EOSI Shore Onhopedic Associ~les, P.c.
Suile 101,450 Powers Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17109.5926
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce
the following documents or things at McNees, Wallace & Nurick's offices, Seventh Floor, 100
Pine Street, (P,Q. Box 1166), Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania 17108-1166:
All records in your possession regilrding Michile! Belicic, born 05/09/62, SS# 185-54-3820,
including hut not limited to the following: All reports ilnd correspondence; notes of
treiltment or care, whether made by physicians, nurses, therapistS, or any other
practitioner of the healing arts; charts; psychiatric or psychologic:d evaluations; discharge
summaries; pychosocial histories; records of prescribed and dispensed medications;
summary of treatment to date; medical history; lab reports; graphs; laboratory orders and
test results; consultation reports; hospital charts; notes of diagnoses; conclusions;
evaluations; treatment recommendations; etc
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by
this subpoena. together with the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the
address listed above, You have the right to seek in advance the reasonable cost of preparing the
copies of producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena within twenty
(20) days after its service, the part)' serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you
to comply with it.
This subpoena was issued at the request of the following person:
C~rol A, Sleinour, Esquire, McNEES, WAllACE & NURlCK, Altorney 1.0. #55969, P,O. Box
1166, H~rrisburg. PA 17108.1166
Dated:
BY THE COURT:
By
Seal of lhe Coun
(Prolhonol~ry)
MICHAEL N. BELlCIC ond
TAMMY S. BELICIC,
Plaintiffs
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION. IN TRESPASS
v,
WILLlAM EUGENE HAUBERT,
Defendant
No, 96-2836, Civil Term
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR
THINGS FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RUU: 4009,22
TO: Records Custodian for:
Benjamin J, Pariser, 0,0,
5225 East Simpson Ferry Road
Mechanicsburg, P A 17055
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce
the follOwing documents or things at McNees, Wallace & Nurick's offices, Seventh Floor, 100
Pine Street, (P.O, Box 1166), Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania 17108.1166:
All records in your possmion regmiing Michael Belidc, born 05/09/62, 55N 185.54-3820,
including but not limited to the following: All reporu and correspondence; notes of
treatment or C3fe, whether made by physicians, nurses, therapists, or any other
practitioner of the healing art.l; chart.l; psychiatric or psychological evaluations; discharge
summaries; pychosodaJ histories; records of prescribed and dispensed medications;
summary of treatment to date; medical history; lab reports; graphs; laboratory orders and
test results; consultation report.l; hospital chart.l; notes of diagnoses; conclusions;
evaluations; treatment recommendations; etc
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by
this subpoena, together with the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the
address listed above, You have the right to seek in advance the reasono,ble cost of preparing the
copies of producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena within twenty
(20) days after ils service, the party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you
to comply with it.
This subpoena was issued at the request of the following person:
Carol A, Steinour, Esquire, McNEES, WALLACE & NURlCK, Attorney 1.0, ~55969, P,O, Box
1166, Harrisburg, FA 17l08.1166
Dated:
BY THE COURT:
By
Seal of the Court
(Prothonotary)
..
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The undenigned hereby ~enifies th~t on Ihis d~te ~ true and ~orre~t ~opy of the foregoing
Cenifi~ate was served by fi,,;t class m~i1, postage prep~id, upon the following:
J~mes D. Flower, Jr" Esquire
PLOWER, MORGENTHAL, FLOWER & UNDSAY
II Eastliigh Street
Carlisle, PA 170\3.3016
, ,
Dated: November 20,1997
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MICHAEL N. BELICIC and
TAMMY S. BELICIC,
Plaintiffs ,
I IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
I CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
I
I
I
V.
WILLIAM EUGENE HAUBERT,
Defendant.
I
I NO. 96-2836 CIVIL TERM
IN RE: PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR PARTIAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT
BEFORE tlQFFER. P.J.. OLER. GUIDO. J.J.
OPINION AND ORDER OF COURT
On June 11, 1994, Plaintiff Michael Belicic (hereinafter
"P1aintiff") was involved in a motor vehicle accident for which
Defendant has admitted responsibility. Plaintiff had selected
the limited tort option in order to reduce the premium on his
automobile insurance policy.' Therefore, before he can pursue a
claim for noneconomic damages he must address the threshold issue
of whether any of the injuries he sustained in the accident can
be considered a serious injury within the meaning of
Pennsylvania's Motor Vehi~le Financial Responsibility Law
(hereinafter "MVFRL").'
'See 75 Pa. C.S.A. S 1705(a).
'Section 1705(d) of the MVFRL reads in relevant partl
5 1705 Election of tort option.
. ..
(d) Limited tort alternative.--Each person who elects the limited
tort alternative remains eligible to seek compensation for
economic loss sustained in a motor vehicle accident as the
consequence of the fault of another person pursuant to applicable
tort law. Unless the injury austained is a .eriou. injury, each
person who is bound by the limited tort election shall be
precluded from maintaining an action for any noneconomic loss....
(emphasis added) 75 Pa. C.S.A. S 1705(d).
NO. 96-2836 CIVIL
On July 23, 1998, Plaintiff filed a Motion for Partial
Summary Judgment asking us to hold as a matter of law that the
injurios he sustained in the accident constitute "serious injury"
as defined under the MVFRL.' Defendant argues that the issue of
whether Plaintiff sustained a serious injury in the accident
should be a question for the jury. Both parties have submitted
briefs and thia matter is ready for disposition.
FACTS
In determing whether to grant a Motion for Summary Judgment
we must examine the record in the light most favorable to the
non-moving party. Citv of York v. Schaefer Temcorarv Serv..
~, 667 A.2d 495 (pa. Commw. ct. 1995); Ertel v. Patriot-News
~, 544 Pa. 93, 674 A.2d 1038 (1996). Applying that standard to
the case at bar, the Defendant would be able to produce the
following evidence at trial:
1) Plaintiff elected the limited tort option on his auto
insurance policy.'
2) Immediately after the June 11, 1994 accident, Plaintiff had
pain in his right shoulder and right arm.'
3) On June 21, 1994, he complained of tenderness and exhibited
'Section 1702 defines serious injury as "(a)personal injury
resulting in death, serious impairment of a body function or
permanent serious disfigurement." 75 Pa. C.S.A. S 1702.
'Complaint Paragraphs 4, 7-9. Answer Paragraphs 4, 7-9.
'February 6, 1996 letter of Dr. Zeliger.
2
NO. 96-2836 CIVIL
greatly reduced range of motion in his right shoulder.'
4) On July 12, 1994, Dr. Pariser noted that Plaintiff had
"recovered quite well," had full range of motion and had no
significant pain.'
5) Plaintiff had a recurrence of the problems in his shoulder
and returned to Dr. Pariser on September 21, 1994..
6) On November 4, 1994, Plaintiff indicated to Dr. Pariser that
his shoulder "feels great. ,,'
7) On December 21, 1994, Plaintiff reported that he had not
fully recovered and that changes in weather seem to affect him. ,.
0) On February 13, 1995, he reported to Dr. Pariser that he had
been shoveling snow and had some problems w.tth his shoulder. 11
9) On April 26, 1995 his shoulder pain had increased and his
range of motion was restricted. Physical therapy was
prescribed."
10) On June 21, 1995, Plaintiff had arthroscopic surgery
performed on his right shoulder by Dr. Ze1iger."
'Notes of Dr. Pariser dated June 21, 1994.
'Notes of Dr. Parisor dated July 12, 1994.
'Notes of Dr. Pariser dated September 21, 1994.
'Notes of Dr. Parisflr dated November 4, 1994.
"'Notes of Dr. Pariser dated December 21, 1994.
11Notes of Dr. Pariser dated February 13, 1995.
"Notes of Dr. Pariser dated Apr 11 26, 1995.
"FebJ: uary 6, 1996 letter of Dr. Zeliger.
:3
NO. 96-2836 CIVIL
11) On July 19, 1995 Plaintiff was "doing well." He had "good
motion, relief of pain, and improving strength...".14
12) Pluintiff improved until the end of August when an employee
at work collided with his shoulder causing an injury which
developed into a frozen shoulder. 15 A second surgery resulted in
March of 1997."
13) Plaintiff is employed as a plumbing foreman. Although he
experienced some pain in the performance of his job, he had the
flexibility to stop work at will and to order someone else to
complete his task."
14) Prior to the August 1995 collision wi.th his co-worker,
plaintiff only missed one week from work. This was a result of
his surgery on June 21, 1995. In addition, he was on light duty
for three (3) weeks as a result of said surgery."
15) Plaintiff can lift up to seventy pounds without pain. He
can actually lift more than that, but it causes pain.I'
16) Plaintiff can still bow hunt and fish," although some minor
adjustments have been necessary.
14February 6, 1996 letter of Dr. Zeliger.
"Letter of Dr. Zeliger dated February 6, 1996.
I'Letter of Dr. Kaneda dated November 5, 1997.
"Plaintiff's deposition at pages 7-8, 23.
"Plaintiff's deposition at pages 26-27.
"Plaintiff's deposition at page 51.
2OPlaintiff's deposition at pages 58-59.
4
NO. 96-2836 CIVIL
DISCUSSION
Plaintiff's Motion for Partial Summary Judgment is governed
by Pa. Rule of Civil Procedure 1035.2 which provides in relevant
part as fo1lowSl
After the relevant pleadings are closed, but within such
time as not to unreasonably delay trial, any party may move
for summary judgment in whole or in part as a matter. of law
(1) whenever there is no genuine issue of any material
fact as to a nec&ssary element of the cause of action
or defense which could be established by additional
discovery or expert report....
Pa.R.Civ.p. 1035.2. In the case of Dodson v. E1vev, 445
Pa.Super. 479, 665 A.2d 1223 (1995), our Superior Court addressed
the function of trial courts in limited tort cases. The Superior
Court stated the following I
In the context of summary judgment the court must
determine initially 1) whether the Plaintiff as moving
party has established that he or she has suffered
serious impairment of a body function; 2) whether the
defense as moving party has established that plaintiff
has not suffered serious impairment of a body function;
or 3) whether there remains a genuine issuo of matsrial
fact for the jury to decide. (citation omitted) We
emphasize that in deciding whether. a material issue of
fact exists for the jury, the judge should not focus on
the injury but should focus on the nature and extent of
plaintiff's impairment as a consequence of the injury.
445 Pa.Super. at 494, 665 A.2d at 1231.
Applying the above standard to the case at bar, we are
satisfied that genuine issues of material fact remain for the
jury to decide. Certainly there is the issue as to whether the
injury or reinjury that occurred in August of 1995 is related to
the motor vehicle accident. There is also a substantial question
5
PRAECIPE FOA LISTING CASE FOA TRIAL
(Mu.t be typewritten .nd submitted In duplicate)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Pi.... lIet the following case:
(Check onel
for JURY trial at the next term of civil court.
x
for trial without a jury.
.
--------..............---........-.--.....-...-......-.................................................................-...
CAPTION OF CASE
(enllre caption must be stated In lull)
(check one)
Assumpsit
Trespass
MICHAEL N. BELICIC and
TAMMY S. BELICIC,
( X) Trespass (Motor Vehicle)
(
(other)
(Plaintiff)
v..
WILLIAM EUGENE HAUBERT,
The trial list will be called on January 5, 1999
and
Trials commence on Februarv 1. 19.2.2..-,
(Defendant)
Pretrials will be held on ,J"nl1"ry 11 J 1999,
(Briefs are due 5 days before pretrials.)
v.,
(The party listing this case for trial shall provide
forthWith a copy of the praecipe to all counsel,
pursuant to local Rule 214.1.)
No. 96-2836 Civil Term
19 ____
Indicate th. attorney whO will try ca.e lor the party who files this praecipe:
James 0, flower, Jr.
Indicate trial counsel for other parties If known: John M. Po\lilock....___ ____ __ __
Thl. case Is ready for trial.
Si~~~~4-~
~Int Na+: ...J..ill!les -Il...,ilQ.WlU:.,. Jr.
- ---
Attorney for: P)ain,!:-iffs
Date: October 30, 19~!l___
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