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Home My WebLink About00-02578 "".C'''"",.",_"",'_ RONALD E. SHERIFF, Plaintiff : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA !: i I i , , V. : NO. 2000-;;157% CIVIL TERM I I I i I I , i SUN LIFE OF CANADA Defendant : CIVIL ACTION - LAW : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED NOTICE , , , You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by an attorney and filing in writing with the court, your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so, the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. I I !;, r , YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. Cumberland County Bar Association 2 Liberty Avenue Carlisle, PA 17013 (717)249-3166 II RONALD E. SHERIFF, Plaintiff : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA V. : NO. 2000-;)578 CIVIL TERM SUN LIFE OF CANADA Defendant : CIVIL ACTION - LAW : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED COMPLAINT COUNT I 1) Plaintiff is Ronald E. Sheriff, an adult individual residing at 168 East Penn Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 17013. 2) Defendant is Sun Life of Canada, hereinafter "Sun", Defendant has an office with an address of One Sun Life Executive Park, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 12481 and is believed to be a Delaware Corporation. 3) Defendant Sun provided to Plaintiff, a policy of disability insurance, copies unavailable. Said policy was in effect during 1999. 4) The written information provided to Plaintiff by Defendant Sun or its agents, stated that Plaintiff had insurance coverage that would pay disability coverage during the time that Mr. Sheriff..." because of Injury or Sickness, is unable to perform all of the material and substantial duties of his own occupation and is not engaged in any occupation for wage or profit.", and during the time that Mr. Sheriff was under the ..."continuing care of a Physician providing appropriate treatment by means of examination and testing in accordance with the disabling condition." II 5) Mr. Sheriff has suffered for a number of years from a disabling condition diagnosed as petit mal/absence epilepsy. He has been treated and continues to be 6) There has been a worsening of the condition to the point where Dr I I I , , r treated by J. Craig Jurgensen, M.D. for this disorder. Jurgensen has opined that Mr. Sheriff is no longer safe in the workplace. 7) Plaintiff has provided information to Sun in reference to this condition, I I I I , most recently on or about March 2, 2000. A copy of that communication is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference and marked exhibit "/!\'. 8) Plaintiff avers that all conditions precedent to recovery have been fulfilled. 9) Plaintiff has been denied coverage under the policy of insurance issued by the Defendant. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against the defendant in an amount in excess of $25,000.00 plus interest, costs and any other relief deemed just and proper. COUNT II 10) Plaintiff incorporates paragraphs 1 through 9 herein. 11) Plaintiff avers that the defendant's actions in denying the payment of disability benefits constitute bad faith pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.A. Section 8371. II I .. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against the Defendant in an amount in excess of $25,000.00, interest, costs, delay damages and damages under 42 Pa.C.S.A. ~ 8371 upon determination by the Court that the insurer has acted in bad faith. II II Respectfully submitted, O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER By , K0i5~ Robert L. O'Brien, Esquire Attorney for Plaintiff 1.0. # 28351 17 West South Street Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 (717) 249-6873 ,. Ii i , !: I verify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint are true and I 11 [, i' I I I I': I' correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. ~ 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. f, I , I' . 1: , f'i " 1-; I: I' Dated: 4"(& (a-v i) " r: i'l I' , " i 1 II ~. " " ""'-"""! Law Offices h \~ Co!>'I " !i I' 'I I. , I I I O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER 17 West South Street Carlisle, Pennl1)llvania 17013 Roben L. O'Brien DavidA. Baric Michael A. Scherer (717) 249-6873 Fax (717) 249-5755 E-mail: obs@obalaw.com dlred:rob"'-@f>"Ilbrw.__ March 2, 2000 Shandy Page Senior Claims Administrator Sun Life of Canada One Sun Life Executive Park Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02481 RE: Ronald Sheriff Group Policy No. 61302 Dear Ms. Page: Mr. Ronald Sheriff has retained this office to pursue a course of litigation in the event that his disability benefits cannot be resolved. Enclosed you will find a letter from Dr. Jurgensen, his doctor, outlining his opinion of Mr. Sheriff's condition. Dr. Jurgensen indicates that Mr. Sheriff is not capable of maintaining his safety in any type of work place. I have also enclosed copies of Mr. Sheriff's records from Dr. Jurgensen's office. Mr. Sheriff continues to see Dr. Jurgensen on a regular basis as evidenced by the office notes. He was seen, most recently by Dr. Jurgensen on February 28,2000. Please review the enclosed materials and respond to this office. In the event that your company continues to disclaim liability please forward a copy of the .insurance policy so I can correctly reference the applicable provisions in the Complaint I have drafted. Sincerely, O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER <;: '1-- "8(3~ Robert L. O'Brien, Esquire RLO/af Enc. cc: Ronald Sheriff EXHIBIT "A" ~-". ijl, BELVEDERE MEDICAL CORPORATION 850 WALNUT BOTTOM ROAD CARLISLE, PA 17013 Internal Medicine J. CRAIG JURGENSEN, M.D.- NEUROLOGY STEVEN l. HATLEBERG, M.D. DAVID P. ALBRIGHT, M.D. SEVOALlNA V. BOSHNAKOV, M.D. Sephen J. Hogg, Esquire 19 S. Hanover Street, Suitc 101 Carlisle, PA 17013 February 15,2000 RE: Ronald Eo Sheriff DOB: 1111153 Dear Mr. Hogg: I examined Ronald initially in June 1982. He presented at that time in status epilepticus. His seizures are generalized, and major, and feature total loss of consciousness (inattention, unresponsive to caU, movement). He came under control during hospital treatment, and was placed on antiepileptic medication with Zarontin. Depakote was started thereafter, but initially caused adverse digestive side effects. He had had infrequent convulsive seizures earlier in his life. Seizures hwe unfortunately not come under control despite maximal doses of standard antiepileptic tr ~atment with three medications (Zarontin, Depakote, and Ativan). Electroencephalograms have documented the presence of infrequently recurring attacks of generalized spike-and-slow wave activity - characteristic of petit mal (absence) epilepsy. Ronald has attempted to live, work, and support a family with this very serious diagnosis. He has in fact risked driving safety by operating his car in the hopes of low frequency seizures. He has also been troubled by headaches. No structural or anatomic pathologies were identified in his brain scanlMRI. He required a short hospital sta:' in 1993 and again in 1997 to manage prolonged epileptic seizures. There has been confusion in the disability board and insurance companies related to the fact that his seizures are "nonconvulsive." I have the feeling that the use of the word "nonconvulslve" has wrongly suggested to non-medical reviewers that his seizures are nonpathologic or harmless. Seizures in fact are recurring fairly frequently, on a daily basis and in fact during sleep. Prolonged electroencephalographic monitoring recently in January revealed frequently recurring epileptic discharges - which fortunately do not express clinically in every instance. He is at risk, however, for an attack of unconsciousness and epileptic stupor on a daily basis. Ron is unfortunl:\tely'refractory to maximal antiepileptic treatment. No surgical or interventional measures are available to treat this type of epilepsy. The diagnosis of petit mal/absence epilepsy makes l1im incapable of operating any machinery, driving a car, or working in a factory. . . Thank you very much. .., Very .truly yours, \4~~~~' J. Craig Jurg~sen, M.D. JCJ/gmj MEDICAL REDJlIOO IlELJY\SE 1. I hereby authorize [M;; lN1'E1lN/\L MEDICINE to release any illfolll11111oll regarding the medical, dental, mental, alcohol or w:ug auuse hislol)' and/or treatment to the I'I."OVider. Insurance COIIPilIlY, 1:lllvloyel- or Organization listed below. ;i/~ (It!:LA~V '. 2. I hereby authorize: to release any infoDl1alion regat:ding the medical, dental, menlal, alcohOl or drug abuse histOlj' and/or treilbl1ent lo: UC lNl'EllNllL MEDICINE 050 wM.tur 001"101 1101\I) Cl\!U,lSl.E, l'A 17013 (717)243-3944 Patient's Name: (l'lease Print) Dale of 01rlh: Social SecU1-ily " 1-'/'/- V J. - :;; 3 V / I'ATIENl'..!.S--Sf e- X ~URB (Parent or Gua ian if Minor) . ? . ~/ . ,~cL ..h~ ./" Dale: ~~~ Date:.Jj 27/00 i'\ C\\.\ \ c\ q C\ - V \' E''G<C:. \i I,- - ~~ _l. ., . . J/w"/. NAME I~,( , '--T"/ . IXE (I-t- $.3 ADDRESS .~ OIl\QC6IS 0JRRENl' MFDlCATIW Iff. '7"- 1f-15 .qq . 5~ +-. --~~G___~=-Z~/\llrL.':----___ ______._____...AtL~____ . ~ ~<".. ~,~M_u;.u ------.=2------- -.--..-- - ..-.-.---.-.--..- - . .- ------.... ~-~+C-.-~~~--fV'. ~.. ~=-1)~~7 ~~~=-Q~YuPh'~. ~ ~fiWN~----J.S.2Q..-( ~1 ___.__._.__ .u.._________.___.... c_~--I O~_~-,J[\1-n--. / ..j/---- ~ ef..</{ 'Iz- s_.20-99 .:<. 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""^-'f :t-:+-_ l----A --- -~:::!AY-=---0vV'\N'(\..&J'...A-'V\ CJY -"'-..t--t i _.L_~~_-Af~~-=-Q~. :;:/~ . . .1~~L,--""1.-ffd_.--.. ..H-_J~ . r~(:\.. :O-!~IL~l u'f " l~.~. =J~'~~~~~,~u~lto-\P~~ {f [_______~~-uu- ...~~~.J'- /..2.- ,rl-'?,! ,).'-j,:< I 1_____________.__.__._._.______ -- .... ._u u._'._ I [~~-~_:___ n . _~_____ ______ \=-===-'=-=------ ...... \- .--.------ -.-----,.-.--- .-.-- -.-. r _____._._____._n __ .________._ ._~._..,,_._,.u_,_ i . 1_ -. .- - .---. - .---.. -- --..-...... .-. -.- .n.._.. 1..------ .~.-~ .~I." ~..\- .r CLIENT INFORMATION PATIENT DATA ii'. :~ OMEGA MEDICAL LABORATORIES ~ ~ l.: toll free in PA (800) 222.4493 AX (610) 378.1399 2001 STATE HILL ROAD SUITE 100 WYOMISSING. PA 19610 (610)378-1900 .. . 7 _ .:..;.1:' SHER I FF , RON~\U)' E i i-, ACCESSION: X'~I;/1('41112 I;, ~GE,DOB: 45,11/01/53 SEX I. PHONE: 171 7 1 258-0508 DRAWN: 0,,/16/'39 8:27[;: 10: 1774223418 II~ REF: ". f: "the blood test centers" FASTING? NO --TEST-- --RESULT-- --UNITS-- :~l --REFERENCE RANGE-- HFPATIr. FIINr.TTnN PANF1 ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE SGOT lAST f.;GPT IAL T ALBU~lI N TOTAL BILIRUBIN nIRFr.T RlI I RI m IN INDIRECT BILIRUBIN 98 17 15 4.4 0.4 0-L 0..3 U/L 30',1',0 U!L 5-45 U/L 5-l.5 G/DL 3..5-5.5 MG/DL 0.1-1.2 _J1GLDL____~'\._0=_0...lI___"___ t~G/DL 0.1.-1. 0 I ~ALPROIC ACID (DEPAKENEl 109.2 HI MCG/~lL The,'apeut ic:50-100 Valproic Reid levels above lS~ mrg/ml may be needed to treat some patients. However,the probability of toxici.ty 0. e. hepatotoxicity or thrombocytopenia) increases with concentrations ) 11171 mcg/ml (females) and )135 mcg/ml (males). " i ,- , I" i" LAST DOSE ~ALPROIC ACID 4/16/99 7:00 AM *** FINAL REPORT *** SHERIFF,RONALD E 320 S MIDDLESEX ROAD CARLISl_E, PA 17011-, ,/ I,{ ill /'1/ '11/'1/1, 1."', 1/ II '. ~. , 'I' lk ,'I: .1 [, f' I I' I I' I: I' , \ / Patient: Ronald Sheriff Date: January 19,2000 SLEEP CONSULTATION Chief Complaint: "I can't tell between tiredness and my seizures." Identifying Information: Ron is 46 years old, presently unemployed, with absence epilepsy. Present lllness: Ron has had seizures since he was young. He presented in nonconvulsive epileptic status in 1982. Electroencephalogram showed nearly continuous generalized 3/sec spike-and-wave activity. He was placed on treatment with Depakote. The seizures came under fair control. He was able to return to work as a janitor. In the past few years though, seizures have returned. Additional medication has been ordered - including Depakote, plus Zarontin. In addition though, he reports a nearly constant feeling of tiredness and fatigue through the day. At night he goes to bed at II p.m. He reports sleep is restless, and "I keep waking up." There is an observed report of obstructive snoring. He wakes in the morning teeling poorly rested. He has had wake-up cramps and hand spasms. He recently gained ten pounds. His wife observes that he is frequently inattentive and quiet through the day, suggesting absence seizures. The differential between daytime sleepiness and seizures needs to be decided. i~; '; r :I} ~: J\ I" ,c; ~': 'i! "' / ;;1 Past Medical History: He has not had previous surgery. There is no history of head injury. Current medication consists of Depakote 500 mg four per day, Zarontin 250 mg six per day. ';1 Family History: His father died of abdominal cancer. There are no siblings. He and his wife have two sons who are well. [, Social History: He finished a high school education. There is a prior history of bicuspid aortic valve. He has been married for 20 years. He previously worked for Cumberland Valley School District as a:janitor. About five years ago he operated a delivery truck. Review of Systems: ENT - Negative. Cardiorespiratory - He does not smoke cigarettes. GI - His weight has increased. No history of vomiting, diarrhea. GU - Negative. Neurologic - He has frequently recurring headaches. MRI scan of the brain was negative in July 1999. Interictal EEGs in the past have shown frequently recurring symmetric spike-and-slow wave activity. Physical Exam: Weight 242 pounds, blood pressure 140/80. Eyes - Pupils are equal and reactive to light. Mouth - Dentition is poor. Uvula is minimally enlarged. Chest - The lungs are clear to auscultation. Heart - Heart tones are normal. There is no murmur. Abdomen - No masses are felt. There is no tenderness. Extremities - The joints are normal. There is no edema. Neurologic- Mood level is depressed. His voice is clear. Muscles are soft. Tendon reactions are hypoactive. There is no tremor. 0-- '. 1<' ,,,. ,;' ~:: ' i,; ." iii !i: " I,' Page 2 January 19,2000 RE: Ronald Sheriff n .,' I.- :1: I.i Plan: He'll undergo a polysomnographic study. i Ii 1:1; I' 1.1 n' ~i! I" Vi Impression: 1. Absence epilepsy. 2. Possible obstructive sleep apnea. 3. Excessive daytime sleepiness. ;" 1,:\ ie' . Jurg~ JC g . r i:, 'I' I " C ii, Ii ! I ;i .' I, ,r. . . BELVEDERE MEDICAL CORPORATION 850 WALNUT BOTTOM ROAD CARLISLE. PA 17013 Internal Medicine J. CRAIG JURGENSEN, M.D.- ~EUROLOGY STEVEN L. HATLEBERG, M.D. DAVID P. ALBRIGHT, M.D. SEVDAlINA V. BOSHNAKOV, M.D. OcLobcr 12, 1999 Sun Life of Canada Alln Pamcla E. Allard Onc Sun Life Exccutive Park Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 RE: Ronald E. Sheriff (DOB 11/1/53) SSN: 177-42-2341 PN: 61302 Dear Ms. Allard: I have sent records previously on the medical condition of Ronald Sheriff. I understand there is concern for his epilepsy diagnosis and the effect it has upon his work ability. He is troubled by noneonvulsive seizures. This means that he has seizures that do not feature motor convulsive activities. His seizures consist mainly of quiet spells of inallenLion. The spells have bccn documented on numerous occasions in the EEG laboratory. Somc individuals with absencc cpilcpsy like this are resistant to antiepileptic medications. I have observed him in the office when he has additional quiet spells of inattention - during which time he is unable to listcn, respond, or speak. The episodes last from onc to morc minutes in duration. I havc indicaLed LhaL for this rcason it's noL permissible lor him to drivc a car. Physically though hc is wcll cnough such that hc is able to do work at home. ,- His present treatment schedule con . sts of Depakote, ZaronLin, and Dilantin. Please give consideration to Ronald in his serious n-;~~oiogie-diagoosisihat'prevcnts him [rom doing physical work. Thank you vcry much. Very truly yours, r~t~ I~~fu~,_ J. CraigJm~lSen, M.D. JCJ/gmj ~ . ... RONALD E. SHERIFF, Plaintiff, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA v. No. 2000-2578 CIVIL TERM SUN LIFE OF CANADA, CIVIL ACTION - LAW Defendant. h I , , PRAECIPE FOR APPEARANCE TO: PROTHONOTARY Please enter the appearance of the undersigned on behalf of Defendant, Sun Life of Canada, in the above-captioned matter. Respectfully submitted, KLETT ROONEY LIEBER & SCHORLING 9'rAJ ~ #~ TODD P. PRUGAR, E~ PA ID No. 72889 240 North Third Street, Suite 600 Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 231-7700 Attorneys for Defendant, SUN LIFE OF CANADA KRLSHAR: 14~28.1 ... i': " I I I I,: I I I I I I I I 1: I I; I I': CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing PRAECIPE FOR APPEARANCE was served on this 16th day of May, 2000, by First Class U.S. Mail, upon the following: Robert 1. O'Brien, Esquire O'BRIEN BARIC & SCHERER 17 West South Street Carlisle, P A 17013 i" I , h I j-' " i', i:: S'~( k1 ~ - TODD P. PRUGAR,~ KRLSHAR: 14828.1 J, RONALD E. SHERIFF, Plaintiff, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA v. No. 2000-2578 CIVIL TERM SUN LIFE OF CANADA, CIVIL ACTION - LAW Defendant. NOTICE OF FILING OF NOTICE OF REMOVAL TO: PROTHONOTARY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY Robert L. O'Brien 17 West South Street Carlisle, P A 17013 NOTICE is hereby given that on the 19th day of May, 2000, Defendant filed a Notice of Removal of the above-captioned action from the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland COUllty, Pennsylvania, to the United States District Court for the Middle District of , I , Pennsylvania. A true and correct copy of the Notice of Removal is attached hereto as Exhibit "A." KRLStIAR.: 14843.1 - ~ KRLSHAR: 14843.1 1lI ,~~ , Respectfully submitted, KLETT ROONEY LIEBER & SCHORLING 5'{/;tAA~ TODD P. PRUGAR, ESQUIRE PA ID No. 72889 I ! 240 North Third Street, Suite 600 Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 231-7700 i [: ,. 1 , , i Attorneys for Defendant, SUN LIFE OF CANADA , I I I' 1'; 2 .',- il^- IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA RONALD E. SHERIFF, Plaintiff, v. No. I ~ L V 6u - 01 0 Y SUN LIFE OF CANADA, Judge Defendant. Magistrate ,'1 NOTICE OF REMOVAL f, l;j lij h I:; , n AND NOW, comes the Defendant, SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (incorrectly denominated as "Sun Life of Canada"), and respectfully notifies this " , I:' f:~ Court of the removal of the above-styled action from the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland ,:;i ", County, Pennsylvania, to the United States District Court for the Middle District of ~.: ~l " Pennsylvania, pursuant to 28 U.S.C !l1331, !l1367, !l1441, and 29 U.S.C" !l1132, and in support thereof states as follows: 1. This action is being removed to federal court based upon the following alternative federal jurisdictional bases: federal jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. !l1331 and under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. !l1001 ~ seq. (hereafter "ERISA"); and supplemental jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. !l1367. KRLSHAR: 14841.1 ~' , 'tff't\'.! d :1 !;I '''I i'j ~: ' ,i i: 1:1 ,I I'j 1'1 , :.j 2. On or about April 26, 2000, plaintiff filed in the state court, a Complaint in the above-entitled civil action in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, ::'i 'I ) at Docket No. 2000-2578. ,',' ":! , ~. The aforesaid state court action is a suit of a wholly civil nature of which the !;) I i:'1 1.1 ';i '1 Li I j'.! I',' I' I i~j :'! U ",I , " United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has original jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. 91331, 91367, and 29 U.S.C. 91132, and is one that may be removed by petitioner pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 91441. 4. This Court has federal question jurisdiction over the action because plaintiff, as a I I' I! 1:1 I' 1,.1 1:1 I " ! participant and/or beneficiary under an employee welfare benefit plan, seeks recovery of benefits under said employee welfare benefit plan. The plan is controlled by ERlSA: , ::.] a. At all times relevant hereto, Fry Communications, Inc. established and/or 'I 1:1 maintained an employee welfare benefit plan and plaintiff was covered ~1 , I , ;'; , i,'j Ii under said employee welfare benefit plan, and, as such, plaintiff was a participant and/or beneficiary under said employee welfare benefit plan; ,'1' i. b. The plan is one established or maintained by an employer as defined by :,j d , :,j ERlSA, 29 U.S.C. 91002(5). That section defines an employer as "any person acting directly as an employer, or indirectly in the interest of an employer, in relation to an employee benefit plan. . . ."; c. The plan was established and is maintained for, among other things, the purpose of providing, among other things, disability benefits for participants and/or beneficiaries of the plan; d. The plan was and is therefore an employee welfare benefit plan within the KRLSHAR: 14841.1 2 meaning of29 U.S.C. SI002(1); e. Plaintiffs claim is one for recovery of benefits and other relief under said employee welfare benefit plan; and f. Pursuant to 29 U.S.C. sI132(e), the district courts of the United States have original jurisdiction over actions brought by fiduciaries, participants, and beneficiaries to recover benefits or other relief under employee welfare benefit plans. 5. In addition and alternatively, this Court has federal question jurisdiction under ERISA of this matter and, to the extent this Court should determine that any of plaintiff's claims are not preempted by ERISA, this Court would have supplemental jurisdiction over such claims because such claims are so related to claims in the action within the Court's original jurisdiction that they form part of the same case or controversy under Article III of the United States Constitution. 6. This action is therefore one of which the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has original federal question jurisdiction under 28 U.s.c. S 1331 and 1441(b), as well as 29 U.S.C. SI132, and/or supplemental jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. S1367 and this action may be removed to this Court by petitioner pursuant to 28 U.S.C. SSI441. Cumberland County, Pennsylvania is within the venue of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. 7. This petition is being filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. S 1446 within thirty (30) days of service of the initial pleading in which a removable claim is asserted, and is removable in that: a. The time for filing this petition under 28 U.S.C. SI446 has not expired; 3 KRLSHAR 14841.1 , 'r?i;j !'~1 .<] '" 'I !;j !i u i;j :1 'I 'I 'I 1.'1 , " ','I' I: :'1 ,! I 1 ;1 :1 :1 ';1 'i 11 II ;1 il ~i b. Plaintiff artfully crafted his pleading based wholly upon state law causes of action, claims and/or theories of recovery; and c. In the companion cases of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company v. Taylor, 481 U.S. 58 (1987), and Pilot Life Insurance Co. v. Dedeaux, 481 U.S. 41 (1987), the United States Supreme Court established that state law claims such as those asserted by plaintiff herein are preempted by ERISA, in that ERISA, 29 U.S.C. S 1132, provides the plaintiffs exclusive cause of action and displaces entirely any state cause of action, thus rendering plaintiff s case, however pleaded, exclusively a federal question case removable to this Court; d. To the extent any of plaintiffs claims are governed by state law, this Court has supplemental jurisdiction over such claims. , , 11 1_1 il t'! [I 'I [-1 ii II b I' II I: II 'j 11 I; " iJ ;! !j 11 'I " I I " I " 8. Therefore, defendant files this Notice of Removal of this action from the Court of Common Pleas, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in which it is now pending, to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. There are attached to this notice, marked Exhibit" A" and incorporated by reference, true and correct copies of all process, pleadings, and orders served upon defendant in this action. WHEREFORE, defendant notifies this Court of the removal of this action from the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. KRLSHAR: 1484 Ll 4 .~ .lll"' Respectfully submitted, KLETT ROONEY LIEBER & SCHORLING l' , F ! i 1 I Ii 5u-L( q~ TODD P. PRUGAR, ES~ PA ID No. 72889 240 North Third Street, Suite 600 Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 231-7700 :ii :'1 :;1 >:J i I;! Attorneys for Defendant, SUN LIFE OF CANADA :,j i:; , \'; I' 'Ii , i , r: I: c' KRLSHAR: 14841.1 5 , MFlY 15 '0FJtb~L~~.l.E~F;t!iTE1~~SS.~~t.Dl~t;; b~~~64 1401 ~. 1,_ I ~ s..,-a Pl2l3 MAY p.'J '00 16: 14 ~,; . '"+1 1\ \1 II 'I II RONALD E. SHERIFF, ,I Plaintiff '- i I -." - .. : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA /' it II \1 SUN LIFE OF CANADA I! Defendant :1 V. : NO. 2000-.2518 CIVIL TERM : CIVIL ACTION ~ LAW :-:~~-- " "/I"Q ",- L... I I I I ;I 1\ il " " :\ j i You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth . Ii in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this complaint and 'I notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by an attorney and flling in I' writing with the court. your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you, You are ;1 warned that if you fail to do so, the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be II entered against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint I; or for any other claim or relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or ,\ othe!' rights Important to you. II [I 'I !, !! ;, .. !! II \\ :1 [. :1 II II (1 : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED I"!r." ' ,fiHl (J 2 zoon """-- , .","i, lli~':. NOTICE YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO ORTEL.EPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GeT LEGAL HELP. Cumberland County Bar Association 2 Liberty Avenue Carlisle, PA 17013 (717)249-3166 I \ i I d EXHIBIT I A l RuE. COP" FROM RECOt~1lO In 1 estIfnOiIy wnereol. \ Mfe unto sat my anO lSlI $lIII at said court at ,~'~o.. T\Il~ ~[~ ~~ ;;-~~J,^~~~;':OI~. . . Pr(ltl'lonotar# - < ~ ~ -,'"' , MAY 15 '00, tg}13~~~A.:.TE,;~~~ctl~I'p~~2J~;-~!=,4-1401 .~, , I. I 938 PI2I4 r'IH,'pi'2' 813 16: 1;; Iti2b' II J ',- RONALD E. SHERIFF, Plaintiff : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA I I V, III SUN LlFE OF CANADA 'I Defendant I ,I 1\ ., Ii i! II I. ii : NO. 2000- ;ln~ CIVIL TERM : C!VIL ACTION - LAW : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED COMPLAINT COUNT I 1) Plaintiff is Ronald E. Sheriff, an adult individual residing at 16S East Penn Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 17013. Ii iI il II office with an'address of One Sun Life Executive Park, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts I' II Ii d II \I !I II I' il i' II I , 2) Defendant is Sun Life of Canada. hereinafter .Sun". Defendant has an 12481 and is believed to be a Delaware Corporation. 3) Defendant Sun provided to Plaintiff, a policy of disability insurance, copies unavailable. Said policy was in effect during 1999. 4) The written information provided to Plaintiff by Defendant Sun or its agents, stated that Plaintiff had insurance coverage that would pay disability coverage during the time that Mr. Sheriff..: because of Injury or Sickness, is unable to perform all of the material and substantial duties of his own occupation and is not engaged in any occupation for wage or profit.', and during the time thal Mr. Sheriff was under the ....continuing care of a Physician providing appropriate treatment by means of examination and testing in accordance with the disabling condition.' 1\ MAY l~ '~1(j:ctJ u~~n~t~"IJ,~t. ~J.~4t,J lJ~i ""ro~ "'4...,lJ. ...::1...... .......,ll' ,-.Lc"l;;, L....nW iotl...l 1. 938 F'eS . '~~~(':'.1> ,'\lei 16:15 .. II ~ 5) Mr. Sheriff has suffered for a number of years from a disabling condition diagnosed as petit mal/absence epilepsy. He has been treated and continues to be I treated by J. Craig Jurgensen, M.D. for this disorder. 'I II. 6) There has been a worsening of the condition to the point where Dr Jurgensen has opined that Mr. Sheriff is no longer safe in the workplace. 7) Plaintiff has provided information to Sun in reference to this condition, most recently on or about March 2, 2QOO. A copy of that communication is attached I. , il " I' " I hereto and incorporated herein by reference and marked exhibit "A". ,. [i Ii il '1 by the Defendant. 8) Plaintiff avers that all conditions precedent to recovery have been fulfilled, 9) Plaintiff has been denied coverage under the policy of insurance issued WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against the defendant in an , I amount in excess of $25,000.00 plus interest, costs and any other relief deemed just !l I. I , , II ii I II and proper. COUNT 11 10) Plaintiff incorporates paragraphS 1 through 9 herein. 11) . Plaintiff avers that the defendant's actions in denying the payment of disability benefits constitute bad faith pursuant to 42 Pa.C,S.A, Section 8371. "" ,,' I. I "'.. MI'l'f'~~ '010 16: 15 I I ~ -~ . MAY 15 '00, Wi 3~!;:BQI~IEIlI~!?c.tI!1I'pT.!Sfi:_ 2J.lh'\64-1401 I. , 338 1'06 I --- I i II I, in excess of $25.000.00. interest, costs. delay damsl;)es and damages under 42 I! Ii I I j II I I I I WHEREFORE. Plaintiff demands judgment against the Defendant in an amount Pa.C.S.A ~ 8371 upon determination by the Court that the insurer has acted in bad faith. Respectfully submitted, O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER By , ~ r..u.,-~ Robert L O'Brien, Esquire Attorney for Plaintiff l.D. # 28351 17 West South Street Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 (717) 249-6873 I 11 il I, , i 1\ II 1 \1 .\ c'; 1-': ;;'1 '>i :1 "~I " i..i " , " t !' i, I I, II , I: :! !:~ i'1 )'-; F~ I " !'I I ,,' " H i., I i: j,' " i! , ":i i'l , " ,I i'i i'i " f,! i,:j I, " jj MAY 15 '121121 1121:34 EBENSTEIN&SCHMIQT~E.~1~~494 141211 , 11A'f'1.2 '121121 16: 16 938 Pe7 / '- I verify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, I understand that false ,I statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. ~ 4904, relating to '1 unsworn falsification to authorities. H r I I' ,I " II II Dated: 4"((, (<TV I I \1 I, II I! )1 , II , - .~ ,-, t f' iJ ( fj i' ! i: I I j L' , I',' r: i'- " !,; I', Ii H: I,:: I~, I ~ l~" ~ : ~; "'HY 1:' '0k! 1,;l!'J,4 ~ti~l!I~iU~~~t~I'1IJII(( ~19 464-1401 ;-"'dl-"to.JJ.-"4-~ ~l'l ,-ire:,....,..",." VL.., I. . 1-. > 938 ?<18 I I, I1A'/ P~8'~~ 16:16 . I I "1;< \ O'BBlBN,lWUc.. SCHZItBR --. J 7 Well South SlnItl CQrli.l~ P*IlIUJIIwm/Q J TIJ/J Ro"", L. O'Bri*" DDvIci A. BQrl~ Miclw.tl A. Schenr (/17) 249-6873 F_ (/11) 149-S7S$ E-mail: ob4@oM_.com 6-L~~a..L-... ~.- March 2, 2000 Shandy Page Senior Claims Administrator Sun Life of Canada One Sun life Executive Park Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02481 RE: Ronak:l Sheriff Group Policy No. 61302 Dear Ms, Page: Mr. Ronald Sheriff has retained this office 10 pursue a course of litigation in the event that his disability benefits cannot be resolved. Enclosed YOI.I will find a letter from Dr. Jurgensen, his doctor, outlining his opinion of Mr. Sheriff's condition. Dr. . JUrger1S$!'1 indicates that Mr. Sheriff is not capable of maintaining his safety in any type of work. place. I have also enclosed copies of Mr. Sheriff's records from Dr. Jurgensen's office. Mr. Sheriff continues to see Dr. Jurgen$en on a regular basis as evidenced by the office notes. He was seen, most recently by Dr. Jurgensen on February 28, 2000. Please review the enclosed materials and respond to this office, In the event that your company continues to disclaim liability please forward a copy of the ,insurance pollcyso J can correctly reference the applicable provisions in the Complaint I have drafted. Sincerely, O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER <; ~1X3~ Robert L. O'Brien, Esquire RLO/af Ene. Co: Ronald Sheriff EXHIIlI'I' "A" .-- .....- .....- ...._. _a. _ _..... "'_ " 9313 F'lQ9 rr~" ".I. '00 16:17 /. " BELVEDERE MEDICAL CORPORATION 850 WALNUT BOTTOM ROAD CARLISLE. PA 11013 IIIlemlll Medicine J. CRAlGJURGENSEN. M.D.- NEUROLOGY STEVEN L. HATl.E8ERG, M.D. DAVID P. ALBRIGHT, M.D. SEVDALlNA V. BOSHNAKOV. M.O, Sephen J. Hogg, Esquire 19 S. Hanover Street, Suite 101 Carlisle, I> A 17013 Febroal)' IS. 2000 RE; Ronald Ii. Sheriff DOS: 1l/1I53 Dear Mr. Hogg: I examined Ronald initially in JWle 1982. He presented at that time in status epilepticus. His seizures are generalized, and major, and feature total loss of consciousness (ina!ltntion, unresponsive to call, movement). He Cam.8 under control during hospital treatment, and was placed on antiepileptic medication with Zarontin. Depakote was started thereafter. but initially caused adverse digestive $ide effects. He had had infrequent convulsive seizures ear\ier in his life. Seizures h;we unfortunately not come under control despite maximal doses of standard antiepiIeptic It latment with three medications (Zarontin. Oepalcote, and Allvan). Electroencephalograms have documented the . presenCCl of infrequently recurring attacks of genenUi:zed spike-and-slow wave activity - chan.ctenstic of petit mal (absence) epilepsy. Ronald has attempted to live, work, and support a family with this vel)' serious diagnosis. He has in fact risked driving safety by operating his car in the hopes of low frequency seizures. He has also been troubled by headaches. No structural or anatomic pathOlogies were identified in his brain scanlMRl. He required a short hospital sta:. in 1993 and agUn in 1997 to manage prolonged epileptic sei2Ures. There has been confusion ill the disability board and insurance companies related to the. ~act that his seizures are "nonconvulsive." I have the feelillg that the use of the word "nonconvuls.ive" has wrongly suggesred to non.med:cal reviewctS that his seizures are nonl'athologic or hannless. Seizures in fact are recurring fairly frequently, on a daily basis and in fact during sleep. Prolonged electroencephalographic monitoring . recently in January revealed frequently recurring epileptic diSCharges - which forrunately do not express cliniCally in every instance. He is at risk, how<lver, for an attack "r unconsciousness :md epileptic stupor on a daily basis. Ron is unfortunately'refractol)' to maximal antiepileptic treatm~nt. No surgical or interventional measures are available to treat this type of epilepsy. The diagnosis of petit mal/absence epilepsy makes him incapable of operating any machin..:l)', driving a car, or working in a factol)'. :1 I -:I ~ I }1 ., 'I i! ~i ., " ij 'i Ii " ii .1 I, Ii ,. . . 'I'halIk. you very much. ., '" . ..t :V~l)'.trUlyyours, . . C4~~~. J. Craig Jurg~sen, ~.D. . . JCJ/gmj ." . . 464 1401 . EB<:'I'j$.TEltJep,C\::!~~!rr~E,_212.-,.- MAY 15 'OO.1,~~3~_...._. .r1llU.1uu.. 111lt'X:>l\tG ll~" ./ 938 P10 r1A\r...-t..~"1a1Zl .!.o. J. ( '- 1. I hereby l.luthorize IH:: INl'ElH\[, Ml!m.ClN& to re.lease any i1,(ol1l...lio" ru94ttl.I.I\g the l11G4iCQ1, l1ental. lIlental, al.coho.\. OJ.' tl.nIg nl.>uSEI hlatu..>, Uld/or: tJ:eal:.mlml: to the l'J.'OVider, InBUJ::Qnce CO'II,liJIlY. I:l'\lloyer' or' Oc:ganhlltiCll1 listec1 \)e].cw. ~~ /lb-'-'~J<V 2. 1 he.ce'oy aut:ho,,'ue: to release any infOl:ll1l:l\:ion reg.utling the nled.i.c!ll. dental, mental, alcohbl or lkug ..we.. hi.story WId/OJ: \;reabr~l1t tOl \JC 1Nl'EI~ HEDIClNt 350 WIiLNJr 00l"1.Ut lIJI\I) Cl\1tt.1SLe, Ph 17013 (717 ) Z43-39"" Patient's ttane: (Pl.ease Print)' D<lle of Olrlh: Socilll Security II /"7'7- t/rJ.-;)3 ~ I :L\llll!: {Fa rent or Q.l" !.an if Minor I ~~?-,.~~ Date: ~(~~ Date:JJ 27j60 ~ c.,-,,\ \o,q C\ -- y \ e'i:;~ II" MAY 15 '00 10:36 EBENSTEIN&SCHMIDTKE 219-464 1401 . IW'IE ;tr-.<.,( ,.,) I~';;/- UP -. ~-ii--i:~-~ ./ . Hi. 9"".;;8 PH t1Af.11: '00 16:18 .I\l)I.)[tE$S .' " '. 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'/1 ...4- ... 7Y MAY 15 '00 19J2':J(_tBql9JE!t1],~CJ:lt1I.!?T.L<;I;,.2J~ :,\.64 14m , '338 P12 , -I < _, .1 , I, f1A,iI.l2'e0 16:18 """'" ' I ~ DIJllXSlS aJRRE!r1' MmIC\TIQI I 1=-~~.~~l~J>/'C:d~ I"I~-:-: . 1-__._.__....~t~L__._~ ~.~_ 1<........______.. 1---------...- .~~..-,~~.... .. ( . \ . .-~'J.~--+'--~~,--:--(V~-->>-J~--q q',(~ ~_.- -'-" '~""""~'k--'..}.NY1. -- L. . (l~ _.,._k)~~. . ~.. . . ~. i_______.~,_.... . ..... 1. L~. _... . Q)'I... :...,'._ ~~_., ..J::t vc) . .. _ ~J 1/. _ i=i<_- .~.~.-i. ~'--=3:1~~:o,. ..:. ~"""'l';l1-.~. .- . ___~L"___~~~__._, '._ ---'-'-'" ..,_._~.Ci~.-f~s.' i_.,..,.... ......- ... . '" ... 4...._...._ .. _ .__.,~. ~-?:7-'1:' \ . ~~~__.__~Q.__ ....A~~. _{" .<3'1 1~!7: ~-J- IJ'>.. ~( _ . _.G.~lJ!fi.:")-l ~l:.~ &~/1?- .;J If 0/ 73.;1!7rV -.. ...~--_._~_.__. .... . .',. ~1.2tJ~--_.. ..... 'A- . .. .-- -.--- ------.'---eJ .-...... .. ~c...kJ-1' ~ DValOSm I ~ . I aJRRENr JolEOICI\TIaf_ . ~'~O.qq ~?;.n-d.i!lo ~ C{2l(!Q9 11-:1~-41 ..:l ~J '/1.- ~ I J:J.J<.~ . '-'-A.... . ;-tj ~I.Mo~) J.0'""" >-.1./'..4i . -~~ 1'2. ,- .~~~ '~-"'j-'4 ~:lI :'\j"""=::1..A.l.L::t.. '" $' ~Q(') i-7'r- - - ~i! '~: [;10,: :i.! :i: ii, :1:'1 ,," 11','1 !I-" r II! III}I Ii I[i,: ki Iii, II':. Ii:;; :1, " II:,! II;:i Iii;! I' ,'j 11,'.','.1 '1 1:,1 Ii d:! /i.,1 il i' lil'.1 I ;':! II ", ;"'1 t,'i I::! t;: ( '1:1 lfj r:1 :~I I' 1\1 ., 1~1 ! ti 936 1"14 . 11~Y ~JJ.'<10 16: 1~ --"--; ll~' I~ lbt:l J.d..;l~ ~t!ltl'1;:);j[r,~d.:J2:~,tILu,t<l:. c.~'; 4b4 l~l . IV":' -..JJ. .......-ii:. ...A.,}I' L....l.I'- '-/'"lW VI-I I. . /' -~ DIAQCBIS aJIlRI!Itft' MElDlCATIQI iii. ! ~ Ii:: i I i ! ~ ! . /<hll \.~:,0---:1_~~:.~;;J1-.'~'o.::'~:_.:=~'.-~~~ ~N'\"" ~ _ :,' i .......; ,~~.. +- . 9--uJJ .k-ll.~Ovulv(, , '" \ ,,~\, -1 ~ - ---J~~-=..._--~'-:.::tGl_\L o.o. -. _...:JJOJ '-'... ..J....'-f ~+. . --. -- ~.....:...- 0JJtN: (\ .J(j,.J , . -A'V'I 0-( ~.+-+ _ ..b~tf-~f&'M!.=. _ <!~ _ -\ A. I~~~l 'S--ffcL.. - _.~'Ve!n- ('f)y~. - !~L\'f'l- 0- Y -I~:;:::~~~~~~~~-~~'.-\ p~Vrns. ff r"'---'-'~~'H 'H~~ ~ "------.-.____.____. _'1~'" .____.... ._ ,...._ J 1--.....- ---- 'o. ...-.-.- ... . - ........ -, I r -....o. o.' .., "" . t. .....-..,.,.. ....- ... . _.._~ ..... ..--.. .--- . 1=== -=: =- ----::. .: :::.:: \ - ---'-'---'---'''..'' -'- - .. ! "--';0-' ....~.. .. -..--- ,-... ......-. I . . ._-.- ....-. i --. "" -_.- - o.-- ......--- \.. - ---..~--""""""-..... -. -.-.." ... 1..;..;J....,-1"J "''-P ..,---- .--..-..-.-. .:i ,'...+ b ''''1,e.'1.~.''-!:I.~:l~,t.b1<~lJli,il.:.ug!;;. ~[~~bJll)j~J. 1 UMI:I .p MEDICAL u.~O~RI~ 2001 STAT!: Hill ROAD SUITE 100 WYOMIS8ING, PA181l10 (8tO) 378.1900 'the Dlaad test cente,." ~l.o . 938 P15 I _ _,I . MFiY I'i..J!li ~~ 16 :1':: " ". 101 frs8 in PA (8001 ;!22....a ;AX (8'0I37lIo1388 1ta'ftQlO-ieee0a DR J.CRAIG.JunGENSF.N f'L EbERE MEDICAL CENfEfl 50 WAL~UJT BOTTOM ROAD rAR UlE l>FI 17013 '- 5HF.RIFF,RONALO E ,ACt:SSSlON:' X\!10'C:.41il~ , AOE,OOB: 4~,l1/0l/53 6~X P~OME: /71?1!5e-G6ea DRAWNl 04/11/99 8:~7 10: 17741l:c:~41El REF: !.: ;" ~ .. _ "':0. F~STINa? NO HFPATTr. I'llNCnrnl PtlNl'1 ALKALHlE PHOSPHATAse SGOTlACT SGH/AlT ALBUMIN TOTAL BILIRUBIN nIR~r.T !II! TRIIl\TI\I INDIRECT BILIRUBIN --TEST-- --RESUL T-- --UN lTS-- --REFERENCE RANGE-- 91\ 17 IS 4.4 0.4 .Jl...L 0.3 U/L ;>''l1''1'.0 U/L ~.45 U/L 5-45 G/OL 3.5-5.~ MG/Dl 0.1-1.~ _J'.nLDL___l/I..~.:.~_~4_._.._ I~<>/DL 0.1-1.0 VALPROle ACID (OEPAKENEl 10'3.0: HI MC6/ML lh.rap.utle'5~100 Valproic Acid l.vfl~ a~Qva lS~ lI"'g~l1Ll Ilt._..., hll nssrtlltci to tre~t SQ~e patients. Kowe~er,th. prou~bility of tOKicity <i.e. hepatotoxicity or thro~bacytopania) increa~es with conCentrations } 111:1 :nrghll (fel'i1;1'~~) ~nri )135 .cy/ml (gale,). LRST DOSE VALPROIC ACID 4/16/'3'3 7:00 AM *** FINAL REPORT *** SHERIFF. RmJALD E 320 S MIDDLESEX ROAD fARLISLE, PA 17011 .r {dIll 1'11'111111/, I.'", II ,. II~L " .3" .b..JJ L6t, 1:',Ullili.'lt, 1,l.v , l!t LJ\!iI!l~ll!li!J.. ....... . ,...."" _...."" ......_<:0 >J'-"~ ...J,. ... ...,..,..... ...1-.1 I, ~iAY IY ..:.=.~'~- 00 - - 16: 20 ,-- " , sr".;.e P16 "- , Patient: Ronald Sheriff Date: January 19,2000 SLEEP CONSULTATION Chief Complaint: "I can't tell between tiredness and my seizures." Identifying Information: Ron is 46 years old, presently unemployed, with absence epilepsy. Present Illness: Ron has had seizures since he was young. He presented in nonconvulsive epileptic status in 19&2.E1ectroencephalogram showed nearly continuous generalized 3/sec spike-and-wave activi ty. He Wll3 pll.\ce<l on tl:eatment with Depakote. The seizures came under fair eonll'Ol. He Wlls able to return to work as ajanitor. In thllpast few years though, seizures have returned. Additional medication has be,en ordered - including Depakote, plus Zarontin. In addition though, he repons a nearly constant 'feeling of tiredness and fatigue through the day. At night he goes to bed at 11 p.m. He reports sleep is restless, and "1 keep waking up." There is an obsClVed report of oDsuuctive snoring. . He wakes in the morning feeling poorly rested. He has had wake-up cramps and hand spasms. He recently gained ten pounds. His wife observes that he is frequently inattentive and quiet through the day, suggesting absence seizures. The differential between daytime sleepiMSS and seizures needs to be decided. Past MediclIl History: He has not bad previous surgery, There is no history of head injury, Current medication consists of Depakcte 500 mg four per day, Zarontin 250 mg si~ per day. Family History: His father died of abdominal cancer. There are no siblings. He and his wife have two sons who are well. Social History: He finished a high school education. There is a prior history of bicuspid aortic valve. He has been married for 20 years. He previously worked for Cumberland Valley School District as a-janitor. About five years ago he operated a delivery truck. Review of Systems; ENT - Negative. Cardiorespiratory - He does not smoke cigarettes. GJ - His weight has increased. No histolY of vomiting, diarme3. GU. Negative. Neurologic - He has frequently recurrillg headaches. MRI scan of the brain was negative in July 1999. lnterictal EEGs in the past have shown fr;:quently recurring symmetric spike-and-slow wave activily, Physical Ell-am: Weight 242 pounds, blood pressure 140/80. Eyes - Pupils are equal and reactive to light. Mouth. Dentition is poor. Uvula is minimally enlarged. Chest. Th6 lungs are clear to auscultation. Heart. Heart tonQS are nonna!. There is no murmur. Abdomen - No mllSses are felt. There is no tenderness. Extremities. The joints are nonnal. TIlere is no edema. NeUl'ologi~- Mood level is depressed. His voice is dear. Muscles are soft. Tendon reactions are hypoactive. There is no tremor. - ..,,,, ',,:- Ii I:: ,. f~: I"~ (C- I r b- if ~ L , I' r: A~\l 1:' ''''''' \.",Ut:i g:~l,~s l~ll~~L~UlilJl ~ "d4'bJ f~1 'l'-'.l. .....,J.&. ............ _... ...".'- ...n........1oM I. , ' Page 2 January 19,2000 R.E: Ronald Sheriff Impression: 1. Absence epilepsy. 2. Possible obstructive sleep apnea. 3. Excessive daytime sleepiness. Plan: He'll undergo a polysomnograpbic: study. .D, JC ,.> 938 Pi? '- ..-1__ .' -I MAY 1'1..:1 {, 00 16: 20 '--<:,t'::' ~ W: ( " ! r i:; I, I!' I " " lJ :!: I. I:: : ~ : ii, Ii! ~ : Ii! j, I" !i ,,0 ;: ':] iii ji; I, i" , , Ii. L , 1: :! ii I1RY 1!, 1"'''l.i.~.4.~_'-l;!.s&~ltll~~~:I!.j)!f.~ .,;~ .4b'l i~{ , 938 P18 ~ ' tlfAY ~ ~.2-0 -~e l~: ~G J f- lii>'~Mljllk,: . ',- BELVEDERE MeotCAL CORPORATION 850 WAlNUT BOTTOM ROAD CARLISLE. PA 17013 I ,. tnlemal Medicine J, CRAIG JURGENSEN, M.D.- NEUROLOGY STEVEN L. HATLESERG, M,O: DAVID P. ALBRIGHT. M.O. SEVOAUNA V. BOSHNAKOV. M.D. October 12, 1999 SlIn Life of Cam.da Altn Pamela E. Allard One S\ln Life ExcclItive Part.: Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 RE; Ronald E. Shcriff(DOn 11/1/53) SSN: 177-42-234\ . PN; 61302 Dear Ms. Allard; I have sent records previously onlhe medical condition of Ronald Sheriff. I understa.nd there is coneern for his epilepsy diagnosis and the effect it has upon his work ability, He is troubled by nonconvulsive seizures. This means that he has seiz= that do not teaturc motor convulsive lIctivities; His seizures consist mainly of quiet spells of inatlcmion. The spells have been documented on numerous occasions ill the EEG laboratory. SOI1\O individuals with absence epilepsy like this are resistant to antiepileptic medications. I have observeu hiln in the office when he has additional quiet spells of inattention - dllring which time he is unabte to listen. respond. or speak. The episodes last from one 1.0 Inorc tninules in duration. I have indicated that for this reason it's 1101 p.mnissibte for him to drive a car. Physically though he is well ellough such that hc is able 10 <10 work at home. /' His present treatment schedule COI\~ of Depakole, Zarontil1, alld Dilamin. - Please give consideration to Ronald ill his serioUs l1eu"f;iogie-diagfltlSis1hat'prevcnts him from doillg physical work. Thank you very much. V cry tnily YOUI'll. O~~ l~~~" J. Craig J 1I.-g~1SI:1I. M.D. JCJ/gmj _~o " , I " , , RONALD E. SHERIFF, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Plaintiff, v. No. 2000-2578 CIVIL TERM SUN LIFE OF CANADA, CIVIL ACTION - LAW Defendant. PRAECIPE FOR APPEARANCE TO: PROTHONOTARY -~ -. ,....,;) Please enter the appearance of the undersigned on behalf of Defendant, Sun Lifi of co Canada, in the above-captioned matter. Respectfully submitted, KLETT ROONEY LIEBER & SCHORLING (..... ('1 j '~i .-/L/ .<1 ...-z...L-~ TODD P. PRUGAR, ESQ IRE PAID No. 72889 240 North Third Street, Suite 600 Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 231-7700 Attorneys for Defendant, SUN LIFE OF CAL"JADA KRLSHAR: 1482~.1 _. i; I' , I, I :': !, j,: i; !;- ";. I i~ !~ Ii II II 1,1 Ij I;i 1'1 I' ,I I' ,I II rj !:I I:j '1 1 ;j I 'I :I Il II tJ ,. ~ [1 ;1 I II :1 ~ !I ~ ! I \,,) ., . . -~ '- " ; - . '-, ,~ _ -14, o;-r"\ :-;~ ~ ~ -< _~, I . , j ., . , , CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Robert L. O'Brien, Esquire O'BRIEN BARIC & SCHERER 17 West South Street Carlisle, P A 17013 I I i I I , I I i I I I I ~ I: f.; ~; I hereby cenify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing PRAECIPE FOR APPEARANCE was served on this 16th day of May, 2000, by First Class U.S. Mail, upon the following: f' i: f' 0'c:-Li ,1-1~L-~ TODD P. PRUGAR, ESQUIJE fi - " i ,"~ !': r; H ij II ii [,j ~1 ~ ] ,I I ~ KRLSHAR: 14828. I ,I ,. , J . \ :J CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing NOTICE OF REMOVAL was served on this 19th day of May, 2000, by First Class U.S. Mail, upon the following: Robert L. O'Brien, Esquire O'BRIEN BARIC & SCHERER 17 West South Street Carlisle, PA 17013 ~'Gh \ 'u--/L! ," L'~ TODD P. PRUGAR, ESQ IRE KRLSHAR: 14841.1 6 I> , ;-1< 'c' , -~" ~ '(I I] I' IJ ,II i~ ~' "j ~,~ II ;1 ~i ~~ iiJ III " I'~ ~t~ ~! ij Ii,: \1 ~j ~~ !j t~ II ,il "' jii 1,,1 ~_1, !jj lil' ~\ 1\ jU! f<i "Jt jJ! ~i :1; I' i~ i' !~ J . ~~ , _It ~'''.': I . . , . , . , . " . , . CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that a true and correct copy ofthe foregoing NOTICE OF FILING OF NOTICE OF REMOVAL was served on this 22nd day of May, 2000, by First Class U.S. Mail, upon the following: Robert L. O'Brien, Esquire O'BRIEN BARIC & SCHERER 17 West South Street Carlisle, P A 17013 ~~~ TODD P. PRUGAR, E QUIRE KRLSHAR, 14843.1 3