HomeMy WebLinkAbout97-06684
It. J. MARZELLA .'k ASSOCIAn:S, I',C.
!IV: ZlIchllry I). CIIIIIJlhcll, ESlJulrc
l.cIIIllJlhclI@I'jnulr1.cllll.colII
I'cllluylvllnln SnJlrclllc COIII'II.I). No, 1)3177
3513 Norlh Front Street
Hllrrlshnrll, I'cnnsylvllnlll 17110
TelcJlhonc: (717) 234-711211
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Atlol'ueys fOl' !'llIlntlffs,
1'lIh'lclll Gordonllnd
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IN THE COURT or COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
P ATRIClA S. GORDON llI1d
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Civil Aclion - Luw
No.: 97-6684
Mediclil Professional Liabilily Action
PlainlilTs
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.;
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.:
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.;
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA., P.C.;
CARLISLE HOSPTIAL
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Plaintiffs
Civil Aelion - Law /"
No.: 97-1879 V
Medical Professional Liabilily Action
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M.D., and.
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IS. Admillcd ill pllrl. Ills IIdmlllcd thlltll courtmusl IIblllc alllletiol\ ir one full
YCllr hils pllsscd Ill\cr II dclendlllll hils I'lIcd II NOllcC or Su"mcstion of Iklllh Ilnd thc
1'llIlnlllrh[\(1 notllppoinlcd II pcrsolllll rcprcsclllllllvc iiII' Ihe dcccllsed. 111 MUl)dIlYv..
I)J)~!~rwrHl!r"tS.o;r.Yi~g'i, 2S I'll. D. &. CAlli 2X9, IlJ9S WI. H47ti21 (C. 1'. \INS), I.lclendllnt
Underwritcl' Services tiled IIl10tke of suggcsllollof dClllh on October 14, I'J')]. Delendlllll
Undcrwriter Scrvlces thcll wlliled morc lhllllll YCllr, IIl1d IHI Dccember 21), IlJIJ4 tilcd II
petitioll lor rule to show clluse why lhe IIctioll should lIot be IIbllled due 10 plllintiff's lililme
to IIppoint II reprcscntntivc. See M\l!ldlJ)',1I1 291.
16. Dcnied. It is specitieally denlcd lhlltl'llIintiffmust show IIIlY excuse fi.lr the
delny, whether It be rellsonnble or nol, slncc nOlle of the detelldllnts in lhis action have
lilllowed tbe neccssary procedure 10 peliliolllhis llllnornble court for abalement of the
instllnt action. ['urlhermore, in P'!)j!J!.~rY, Clemens, 703 A.2d 708, 709 (l'a.Supel'. 11)1)7)
Defendnnts tiled n Motion IlIld Suggestiollof Dcnth on July 27, 1993, which was made
effective by eOUl't order on April 21, 1995. Defclldallls proceeded to wllit one (illl year and
on April 24, 19% tiled their I'etilion for Abalcmclltalld Molion to Dismiss. 1<1. lit 709.
The court wellt 011 to 1I0te that, "On September II, 19%, the petition lilr abatement was
grant cd because appellant's counsel lililed to have a personal representative appointcd
within one year oftbe tilillg of the suggestioll ofdcath pursuant to 20 l'a.C.S. ~337S." .!.<!,
at 709. The defelldants in the instant case tililed to follow this procedure by failillg to filll a
Motion and Suggestion of Death required by 20 l'a.C.S. ~3375.
17. Admilled in parI. It is admittcd that appointment of a representative after a
defendant's petition to abate was tiled docs not deleat the petition; so long as defendant's
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PATRICIA S. (jOIWON
und ROBERT (jORDON,
hcr hushund,
Pluintin:~
IN Till': COURT OF COMMON PWAS OF
ClJMIIJ':Rl.AND COUNTY. Pl':NNSYl.VANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION ... l.A W
AESTllET1C &
RECONSTRUC('IVI:
SURGERY OF CENTRAL:
PENNSYLVANIA. P.C.. , :
HERBERT C.
PEARLMAN. M.D., und
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defcndunts
NO. 97-11\79 CIVil. TI.:RM
PATRICIA S, GORDON
und ROBERT GORDON.
hcr husband.
PlnintilTs
IN TIlE COURT OF COMMON Pl.EAS OF
ClJMBERLAND COUNTY. PI':NNSYl.V ANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION "- I ,A W
JAMES D. TAGGART,
M.D.: CARLISLE
IMAGING ASSOCIATES.:
P.C.; LA WRENCE K.
THOMPSON, M.D.;
AESTHETIC &
RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL:
PA.P.C.; and CARLISLE:
HOSPITAL
Defendants
NO. 97-66H4 CIVIL TERM ./
ORDER OF COlJRT
AND NOW, this 13'h day or July. 2005. upon considcration or Pluintifrs' Pctition
To Amcnd Captions in Accordancc with Pa. R.C.P. 1033. Dcfcndants I.nwrcncc
Thompson. M.D, und Acsthctic & Rccollstructivc Surgcry of Ccntl'lll PCTlnsylvunia.
P.c.'s Responsc t<.l Pluintiffs' Pctition To Amcnd thc Captiolls. and thc Rcsponsc of
n
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Dcrendunt~ Jumes D. Tuggnl'l, M.D.. und Cnrlisle Imnging Assoclnles 10 1'IIllnlilTs'
Petition To Amenu CnJ1lion in Aeeol'dunce wilh I'll. R.C.P. 1033. nnd I>elcndnnl. Clldisle
lluspitul's Response to Plninlin:s' Petition To Amend the Cnplions. n hcnring Is
sehednled 1'01' Wcdnesdny, OClobcr 5. 2005, nt 10:30 n.m.. In Courtrllllln No. \,
"'''''\
CUlIlberlllnu County Courthouse. Cnd!!lle. I'cnnsylvnnin.
REGARDING TIlE JOINT Petition To Abntc Consoliullteu AClion PUl'sullnlto 20
I'n. C.S.A. 3375 ~3375 IInd I'llIintirrs' Responsc to Dclcnuunts' Joint Petilion To Abnte
Consoliuntcu Actions Pursullnt to 20 Pn. C.S.A. ~3 375. n belll'ing is schcduled IiII'
Weullesuuy. October 5, 2005, ut 10:30 n.m.. in Courtroom No. I. CUll1bedund County
Coul'thousc, Curlislc. Pcnnsylvunlu.
BY TilE COURT.
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iIJ ""y Ol":b.... ' J.
Robin J.Marzclla. Esq.
lU. Marzella & Associatcs. P.C.
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, P A 17110-1438
Attorney lor Plainti rfs
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Stephanie Cartlcy. Esq.
Burley. Snyucr, Scnft & Cohen. L.L.c.
126 East King Strect
I..uncaster. P A 17602-2893
Attorney for Defenuant
Carlislc Hospital
c)_.
. RECEIVED JUN 21100{f
R, J, MARZ~~l,LA & ASSOCIATES, JI,C.
IJYI ZlIcllllry D. ClIlIlphcll, ESlJulrc
zc limp hcll@rJlllllrzcllll.cOIII
JlclIlIsylvllnhl Suprclllc Courll,I>. No. 93177
3513 North Front Slreet
Harrlsburg,l'cllllsylvllulll 17110 Allol'JlCYS for 1'llIlnllffs,
Tclcphone: (717) 234-7828 1'lItrlclll Gordolllllld
fJlID.mllc; l7.17j.1tJ:!:..~l!ltL_._....__~....___. ...~_~..... HRlm:LQ.l/nl9J1-__._.____
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PATRICIA S. GORDON lInd
ROBERT GORDON, her husbllnd,
Civil Action - LlIW
No.: 97-6684
Medicnl Professionul Liability Action
Plllintifls
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.;
CARLlSLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.:
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.;
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA., P.C.;
CARLlSLE HOSPTIAL
Defendllnts
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
.._~M.__.___.__.___~________.__.________._____________----..-----------------.-.-----------.-.------------.--
PATRICIAS. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Civil Action - LaY
No.: 97-1879
Medicul Professional Liability Action
Plaintiffs
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.c.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M.D., and
CARLlSLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
R.J. MARZELLA & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
BY: Zachary D. Campbell, Esquire
zcampbell@rJmarzelln.col1l
Pennsylvania Supreme Court I.D. No. 93177
3513 Nmth Front Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110
Telephone: (717) 234.7828
flt~IDnik;...._=(ll7.l..2.J.1:GJlJl;L.~,_....,.~~ ,
Attorneys for Plaintiffs,
patrlcln Gordon und
., RQJlcrtGQ[~19JJ~.~-.~~,._."~
y.:,
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON Pl.EAS
CUMBERLAND COllN'IY. PENNSYLVANIA
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Civil Action. I.aw
No.: 97.(,684
Medical prol'esslonall.labillty Action
Plaintiffs
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.:
CARLISLE IMAGING'ASSOCIATES. p,c.
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.;
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUClWE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA., P.c.:
CARLISLE HOSPTIAL
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
..~....._...................._u......._...._.....u...............................................................................
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON. her husband,
Civil Action. Law
No.: 97.1879'/
Medical Professional Liability Action
Plaintiffs
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCIWE
SURGERY OF CENTRAl. PA, P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M.D., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAl..
D{~l'endants
.JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Civil 97.6684
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PLAINTIFFS' PETITION TO AMEND CAIYrJONS IN ACCORDANCE WITIII'A.R.C.P. J 033
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AND NOW, Plaintitls, Patrlcl'l Gordon. dece'lsed. and Robert Gordon by i1l1d
through their ~ttorneys, R.J. Marzell'l & As.soclates. P.c., submit the followlnll Petition to
Amend the Captions In the Consolidated inst'lnr. civil 'Inion and '1ver the following:
I. On or about April I. 1998, Plallllllls commenced the Instal1t '1ctlon by WilY
of tiling a Complaint.
2. Thereafter. on or about September 7. 2000, Plaintiff Patricia S. Gordon
passed away.
3. On or abollt June 16. 2005, the Register of Wills for Cumberland COUllty,
Glenda Farner Strasbaugh, issued Letters of Administration, c:r.A.. on the Est'lte of
Patricia S. Gordon, to her husband. Robert W. Gordon. (A copy of the Short Certificate
granting letters of Administration. Cr.A., to Robert W. Gordon is att'lched hereto as
Exhibit "A").
4. Therefore. PlaintilT$ petition this coun to amend the captions for the
PI'lintilTs in the consolidated actions to read: Robert W. Gordon. individually, '1nd as
Administrator of the Estate of Patricia S. Gordon. deceased.
Civil 97.6684
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND CoUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION. LAW
PATRICIA 5. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs
No. 97-6664 CIVIL TERM
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
LIABILITY ACTION
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PAl P.C"
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
_ Defendants
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs
JURY TRIAL DEMANDEQ
No. 97-1879
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PAl P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN. M.D., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ORDER
AND NOW, this _ day of
, 2005, upon consideration
of Defendants' Joint Petition to Abate Consolidated Action and Plaintiffs' Response
thereto, It are hereby ORDERED that the above consolidated actions docketed at No.
97.6684 In the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County are hereby DISMISSED,
with prejudice.
BY THE COURT:
J.
-.
"
2. The first action brought by Plaintiffs sounds In alleged medical malpractice
against the Defendants James D, Taggart, Carlisle Imaging Associates, P,C" Lawrence
K. Thompson, M.D,. Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central PA, P.C" Henry
Crist, M.D., and Carlisle Hospital and was commenced by the filing of a Writ on or
about December 4, 1997. Thereafter a Complaint was flied on or about April 1 , 1998.
3. The second action also sounds In alleged malpractice against Defendants
William p, Graham, II, M,D., Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central PAl P,C"
Herbert Pearlman, M,D" and Carlisle Hospital and was commenced by the filing of a
Writ on or about April 11 , 1998, Thereafter a Complaint was flied on July 29, 1998.
4. On February 15, 2001 the two actions were consolidated by Order of
Court under docket number 97-6684. Several Defendants have been dismissed from
this consolidated action and Herbert C. Perlman, M.D., Carlisle Hospital, Lawrence K.
Thompson, M.D. and Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central Pennsylvania, P.C.
are the remaining Defendants.
5, This action centers upon allegations that the Defendants failed to timely
diagnose Patricia Gordon with breast cancer.
B. After all Defendants answered the Complaint and during the discovery
phase of this case, Mrs. Gordon died. According to her medical records Ms. Gordon
died on or about September 7, 2000 at Swain Health Center under hospice care, ~
portion of Medical Records attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
7, However, In the four and a half years since Mrs. Gordon's death, no
letters of administration were taken out nor was an estate established on her lJehalf.
8. Accordingly, Defendants now file the Instant Joint Petition seeking a Court
Order which abates the Instant consolidated actions pursuant to 20 Pa.C.SA S 3375.
;,1
Section 3375 allows for abatement of an action where no letters of administration are
timely taken,
9. Specifically, 20 Pa.C,SA !j 3375 provides:
If a p/alntlff or petitioner In any action or proceeding now pending
or hereafter brought dies and a personal representative Is not
appointed within one year after a suggestion of sllch death Is flied
In the action or proceeding, any defendant or respondent may
pellllon the court to abate the action as to the cause of acllon of
the decedent. Copies of the petition shall be served upon the
executor named In the will, If known to the defendant, and
otherwise upon all known next of kin entitled to letters of
administration. 'The court shall abate the action as to the cause
of action of the decedent If the delay In taking out/etters Is not
reasonably explained,
~ 20 Pa,C.SA ~ 3375 (emphasis added).
10, Under section 3375 any defendant may petition the Court to abate the
decedent's cause of action one year after the death Is noted In the related court filings.
Moreover, the action must be abated If the delay In taking out letters of administration Is
not reasonably explained. See 20 Pa.C,SA ~ 3375.
11. In the Instant case Defendants are entitled to abatement of the
consolidated actions, Mrs. Gordon's death Is undisputed and was noted In Court filings
of this case as early as August 14, 2001, On that date Defendant Crist flied a Motion to
Compel. Within his MOllon to Compel, Defendant Crist attached a "Supplemental
Request for Production of Documents" that he had served on Plaintiffs. The
Supplemental Request for Production of Documents stated, In part:
The documents covered by this request are as follows:
1. All Videotapes shOWing Plaintiffs Decedent,
Patricia S. Gordon, Including all audio.
2, Colored photocopies of all photographs of Plaintiff's
Decedent, Patricia S. Gordon, from January 1, 1995, to
September 4, 2000"."
4. A total of all medial expenses Incurred by Plaintiffs
Decedent which are claimed to be related to this IIl1gatlon.
5. A total of the actual paymants !node to alllleath care
providers of Plaintiffs Decedent which are claimed to be related
to this lIt1gallon.
See exhibit A of Defendant Crist's Motion to Compel attacbed hereto as Exhibit "B"
(emphasis added); see also Plaintiffs' Response to Defendant Crist's Motion to Compel
Responses to Supplemental Interrogatories dated September 11,2001, Introductory
paragraph.
12. According to the deposition testimony of Mr. Gordon, as of May 7,2001
no estate had been established for Mrs, Gordon. See Deposition of Robert W. Gordon,
p. 114, I. 21 -115, I. 22 attached hereto as Exhibit "C".
13. Specifically addressing whether or not letters of administration were taken
out Mr, Gordon testified to the following:
0: And the plaintiffs In the case prior to your wife's death were you
and your wife. Now that she Is deceased, Mr. Gordon, has there been an
estate setup, do you know?
A. I don't know what you mean--estate set up.
0: It's just a legalterrn when someone dies and either --did your wife
have a Will, for Instance?
A: We both did,
0: Okay, you both had a Will. In order to have the Will processed, It
sometimes has to go through a court presses (sic). And In order for the
Will to go through the court process, the court sets up something that's
called an estate and that's to deal with all of your wlfe's.-her Will and any
personal belongings and paying bills or debt that she personally owed as
opposed to you having together, Have you gone though that process?
A: No. We just went to a lawyers, Mrs, brown, and she made out the
Wills for us.
fum Deposlllon of Robert W. Gordon, p. 114, I. 21 -115, I. 22 attached hereto as
Exhibit "C".
.14. As clearly Indicated above, at this lime more than one year has passed
since Mrs. Gordon's death was noted In the Court filings and no estate has been
established. Mr. Gordon's tesllmony offers no explanallon or Insight as to why an
estate was not established. Defendants bellave and therofore aver that no letters of
administration have been tal~en out as of this date,
15, Where there Is a delay of more than one year In appointing a personal
representative after the death of the plaintiff and no reasonable explanation Is offered
for the delay, the court must abate the action and has no discretion to do otherwise,
~ Mundav v. Underwriters Servlcas, 25 Pa. D. & C.4th 289, 1995 WL 847621 (C.P.
1995)(statlng ".. .slnce the legislature established a standard for not abating the action
(wa~ the delay reasonably explained), It Is unlikely that the legislature Intended to give
the court additional discretion unrelated to this standard.")
16, Defendants believe and therefore aver that Plaintiff does not have a
reasonable explanation for tile delay In filing letters of administration, See e,q, Dohner
v, Clemens, 703 A.2d 708,710 (Pa.Super, 1997)(afflrmlng a Trial Court's decision to
abate an action where neither counsel for Plaintiff or a family member flied letters of
administration and where the Trial Court held that "the delay was not reasonably
explained, stating, "we do not believe It Is reasonable to expect Defendants, and the
judicial system In general, to await the resolution of Plaintiff's family tensions before
appointment of a personal representative.").
17. Moreover, appointment of an executrix after a petition to abate has been
flied does not defeat the petition to abate. See e,q. ~c1ttl v. Mercv Hosoltal of
Plttsburah, PICS Case No, 00-2128 (C.P. Alleghany Oct. 17,2000).
18. Pursuant to section 3375, copies of the petition for abatement must be
served upon the executor named In the will, If known to the defendant, and otherwise
upon all known next of kin entitled to letters of administration. Defendants are without
specific knowledge of the contents of Ms. Gordon's will but upon Information and belief
have served the Instant motion upon decedent's husband by and through his counsel of
record. ~jl20 Pa,C,S,A. S 3375. Accordingly, a certificate of service of the Instant
petition Is attached hereto as Exhibit "0",
WHEREBY, Moving Defendants hereby request that this Honorable Court grant
the Instant Petition for Abatement and enter an Order of Court abating the above
consolidated actions against all Defendants.
Respectfully submitted,
Dated: ~ (-m /0 S"
Q(\~ h '0-JJ-.^-l.---~
April C, Simpson, Esquire
Britt D. Russell, Esquire
McQuaide Blasko Law Offices
600 Centervlew Drive, M.C, A560
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 533-1199
,
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Andre~ oul ro, s~ulre ~ -. '0 --
Michael C. Mongiello
Foulkrod Ellis, P.C,
2010 Market Street
Camp HIli, PA 17011
~~Av~mAu(1{+1I'J
Step an e Ca ley, squ re \ \
Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC
126 East 1<lng Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2832
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Andrew Foulkrod, Esq.
FOULKROD ELLIS, P.C.
2010 Market Street
Camp Hili, PA 17011
,
McQUAIDE, BLASKO, FLEMING &
FAULKNER, INC.
By:
~\r~~_~
Britt D. Russell
Sworn to and SUbs,pbed
before me this P..'l day
of ay, 2005
MlCII'1 1IlW......
ANlO:) I.WlMlIIM& -'
llIlN AIIIIGN
IoIOH .."..,.,
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs
No, 97.6684 CIVIL TERM
v,
JAMES D. TAGGART, M,D"
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P,C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PAl P.C"
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA )
) ss:
COUNTY OF DAUPHIN )
Britt D. Russell, Esquire, attorney for Defendants Lawrence K. Thompson, M,D.
and Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central PA, P,C. In the above-captioned
matter, after having been duly SWOI'n according to law, deposes and says that a true
and correct copy of Joint Petition to Abate Consolidated Action Pursuant to 20
Pa.C,S.A. ~ 3375 was mailed by regular mall at the post office In Hershey,
Pennsylvania, postage prepaid, this 27111 day of May, 2004 to:
Robert Gordon
c/o Robin Marzella, Esq.
RJ MARZELLA & ASSOCIATES
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
McQUAIDE, BLASKO, FLEMING &
FAULKNER, INC.
Sworn to and SubscrJbed
before me this :J..1.!!i.day
of May, 2005.
By: ~~b~
Britt D. Russell
IlOTMW.IMI.
IlIIAN<lA M MOIl'
NaIary NIIIo
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PROGRESS NOTES
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l'OST & SCHEU" I'.C.
BY: EVAN BLACK, ESQUIRE
J.D. 1117884
240 GRANDVlEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
AnORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
HENRY S. CRIST, M,D.
PATRICIA S, GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, Hllr Husband,
IN TIlE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
Plaintiffs
I'.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M,D.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, r.c"
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCIWE SURGERY
OF CENTRAL PENNSYL V ANIA,P.C.,
HENRY S. CRIST, M,D., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
DOCKET NO. 97-6684
CIVIL ACnON - LAW
Ddendants
JlJR Y TRIAL DEMANDED
QlWER
AND NOW, this
day of
, 200 I, upon due consideration of the attached
Motion of Defendant Henry S. Crist, M.D. to Compel Responses lrOlIl Plailltift:~ to his May 9, 2001
Supplemental Request for Production of Documents, it is hereby ORDERED that Plaintiffs shall provide
complete and full answers to tbe May 9, 200 I Supplemcntal Request for Production of Doeumcnts within
ten (10) days of the date oft.his Order.
Failure to comply with tbis Order will result in sanctions as provided by the Pennsylvania Rules of
Civil Procedure 4019.
BY THE COURT:
Judge
4,b,
4. On Juuc 5, 2001, Phlinllll's' counscl prlllluccd onc of the llve rcqucsted IlcnlH, <lull itcm being
photogrnphs ofPluinWl', Pnlriciu Gordon, A copy ofPlnintln:~' Icllcr cnclosing lhc photographs is nllachcd
hcreto as Exhibit "B."
5, On or llbout Junc II, 200 I, moving Defcndant forwnnlcd II ICllcr to Pluintiffs' counsel
notifying hcr of hcr fnilurc to fully rcspond to moving Dctcndunt's Supplcmcntal Rcquest for Production of
Documents and Tangible Itcms and askcd I;lr hcr udvisement us to whcn such Items would be providcd, a
copy of which is nllnchcd hercto as Exhibit "C."
6. To dalc, Plaintin:~' counscl hus not rcsponded, uJlswcrcd and/or objcctcd to uny of moving
Defendunt's nbove-mcntioncd outstunding discovcry rcqucsts,
7. Pa. R.C.!', 4009.12(n) providcs thut Ilnswers to Requcsts for Production of Documents be
served within thirty (30) days atlcr the datc of scrvicc of thc rcquest.
8, To datc, approxinmtcly threc months havc passcd since Plaintiffs rcceivcd scrvice of moving
Dcfcndant's discovcry und PlaintiffS havc yct to filc full and complcte rcsponses to moving Defcndant's
requcst.
9. All of thc discovcry sought by moving Ddcndunt through his requcsts is relevant to the
instant nction, in confonllance with I'n. R.C.P. 4001 and 4003.
10. Our Rales ofCivill'roccdure provide for tho liberal granting of discovery,
II. Plaintiffs havc failed to comply with discovcry as rcquired by I'n. R.C.I'. 4009.
12. I'lnintiffs hnvc hnd morc than nmplc time to respond to moving Dcfendnnt's requests.
13. Moving Dcfcndant avcrs that answering 1111 of the abovc-mentioned discovery req'Jests
would not burdcn or oppress Plaintiffs,
14. Pa. R.C.P. 4019(a)(I) providcs thatupoll Motion of a party. the Court may make an
appropriate Order if a purty fuils to rcspond to discovcry.
-2-
POST & SCIIELL, P.C.
BY: EVAN BLACK, ESQUIHE
!.D. 1117884
240 GRANDVIEW A VENUE
CAMP IIILL; I'A 17011
(717) 731-1970
A'lTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
llENRY S, CIWi'l', M.D,
PATRICIA S, GORDON und ROBERT
GORDON, Her Husbund
IN TlIE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
Plaintiffs,
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D" CARLISLE
IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P,C" LAWRENCE
K. THOMPSON, M.D., AESTIIETlC &
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY OF
CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA, P.C., HENRY
S. CRIST, M.D., and CARLISLE HOSPITAL
Defendants.
DOCKET NO. 97-6684
CIVIL ACTION. LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
SIl.ITLEMI~NT A I. REQliESUDRl'ROIllIC.'fiOl.'UlE.IlO.CIlMENTS A NO
TAN G mLEJ1'.EMS...OE.lll~EENUA.l'fUIEl'ffiY..S._CRJ.Sl'.M.J)..AD D R FSSJill
TI1J!IAINTlEE..{MA.Y.9,.2001)
Pursuant to Rule 4009 orthe Pennsylvania Rules of Civil. Proccdure, Defendant requests thnt
Plaintiff produce the documents hcreinafter described and pcrmit Defcndant, through his allomeys,
to inspect them und copy such ofthcmlls they may desire. Defendant requests that the documents
be made available for this inspection at the offices cf Defendant's attomeys located at 240
Grandview Avenue, Suite 100, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, within thirty (30) days of the date of
servicc hereof. Defendant's attol1lcys will be responsible for thesc documents so long as they arc
in their possession. The documcnts will be propcrly rctumcd aner copying has becn complcted.
This requcst is intended to cover all documcnts in the possession, custody, and control of the
Plaintiff, her agents, employecs, insurancc carricrs, llnd attomcys and is considercd to be continuing
und, therefore, should be Illl1llltlcd or supplclilcnted IL~ you reeeivc lill'lh,:r or uddltlonul infol1nation .. -
up to the tlllle of trial.
The doeulllents covered hy this request ure as follows:
I, All vidcolilpes showing Plaintiff's Decedent, l'uhiciu S, Gordon, Including all audio,
,
2. Colored photocopies of nil photogl'llphs ofl'laintlfl's Decedent, Plitricia S, Gordon,
frol1l11 Jllnuary I, 1995, to Septelllber 4,2000. Please do uotsubll1it black IInd white photocopies
or photogrnphic prints, Colored photocopies of the photographs lire re'luestcd,
3. A wrillentohll of 1111 out-of-pocket expel~ses reluted to l1Iediclll costs Incurred by
Plaintifl's Decedent.
4. A total of IIl1l11edical expenses incul1'cd by Pluintifl's Decedent which are c1l1imed
to be relllted to this litigation.
5. A total oflhe actual payments l1Iade to nil helllthcare providers ofPlaintitl's Decedent
which are claimed to be related to this litigation,
POST & SCHELL, P. C.
B~~
y----------------
EVAN BLACK, ESQ.
Date::?-L/-1J11
Allomey for Defcndant
Henry S. Crist, M. D.
-2-
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J.lt J NOlllH PilON! ~me r, IIA"11IiUIJI1l1, reNN~Ylv^"j,^ 17110
11UH7BW IlOtIl.lJIlHlIi 7172H.OlJlJ3rM
ARZELLA
.1.
'~''':' \, ',' 1, !
....
Auorneys &: Coullselors At Law
\,
lUll!! ~, 200 I
"~
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S. Wolter Foulkrod III, Esquire
S. WALTER FOUI.KROD III & ASSOC.
2215 Forest flllls Drive, Suite 35
1',0. Dox 6600
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Stephallle Corlley, Esquire
DARLEY, SNYDER, SENFr&COflEN
126 East King Street
Lll1cllster, PA 17602
Evan Blacl<, Esquire
POST & SCHELL
10 I North Front Street
Harrlsburg,I'A 17101
April L. Chamberlain, Esquire
MCQUAID, IllASKO, SCHWARTZ,
FLEMING & FAULKNER, INC.
811 University Drive
State College, I'A 1680 I
Re: Patricia Gordon, et ux. v.James D. Taggll!'t, M.D.. et al.
Cumberland COllnty C.C.I'. No. 9Hi684
Deal' Counsel:
In supplement to our Responsc to Requcst for Production of Documents, enclosed
please find fivc pictures of Patricia Gordon IJrovlded to liS by Mr. Gordon.
Thanl< you for attention to this mattcr.
Very truly yours,
R.J. Marzella & Associates, ",C.
~M/Ibs
Enclosllr!!s
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Exhibit C
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Hllhert W, (jllnhlll
-.--.------.--.... ----,..-..__._._._-------_.._.__._.~--_.._-.-
l'oV' III
I C'\Ull01lIhl~'!
2 A. Ye~, I huve.
.\ Q, Ami were yuu -. did you
4 receive II selllellce frollllheJmlge'/
5 A. 'n)ltl'~ ]une Ihe 121h,
6 Q, Sn, yun heginll senlcllce 011
7 ]nn" 121h'l
II A. Yes, lIIa'lIl11.
9 Q, Do yuu huve 10 sl)<,lId UIlY lime
10 In jull'l
II A. Yes, 1 will.
12 Q. Do yun kllnw how lIIudllillle'/
13 A. My dishi,! ultollley lawyer
14 IlUllollclher und il'~ 15 duys nile IIlllrllh
15 IInd 15 duys ullolher.
l<i Q, For uny of Ihe IJlh"r 111'0 Dlll
17 uffellses Ihlll you hud, did you ever IHlve
18 lu go 10 )1111 for Ihoor .. like II e<lllllly
19 juil'/
20 A. y,.s, Forly.live fur Ihe
21 firsl i11ll1II 1II01llh for the second.
22 Q. Do you ,",cull whenlhosc
23 were'/
2,1 A. Sevell yeurs IIgo.
l'uHrll.l
--- ._-_._----------~-,~~---,---_..-_.._..~--
1 Q. IIl1ve you ,:v,'r heen charged
2 wilh any lither Iype of offense Ihal's
3 cUllsidcred 10 he ..like a nUl Is
4 considered dlher IIlraflie or a criminal
5 offellsc'/
6 A. No. Notlhall reclllI, no.
7 Q. You also mentioned Illis
8 1Il0ming Ihat you look SOllie medicllllun..
I) Xanax and Ihat you look Prozac .. IInd YOll
10 sllid..
II A. Prilosec.
12 Q, I'IIl sorry.. Pril",ec, okay.
13 And Ihey were taken al aronnd 7:00 a.n1.'!
14 A. Yes.
15 Q. During the cOllrsc of Ihe day
16 thaI we've been here .- andjust for
17 documenting Ihe record, it',; now 12:30--
18 have YOlllak~n any more mcdkntion Ihis
19 Illoming?
20 A. No, ma'nm.
21 Q. And Ihe plaintiffs in Ihe
22 I:a:;e prior 10 YOllr wlfe's dealh Were YOll
23 and your wife. Now Ihal she is deceased.
24 Mr. (Jordon, has Ihere been an eSlale sel
Pllge 114
t up, do Ylln kllow'!
2 A. I dOIl'1 klll)w whlll YOllllleau ..
.I eslUte sd "I'.
0\ Q. II's justa kgallerm when
5 "llIIeolll: dies und eilher.. did YOllr wife
CI have II Will, for Il1>lallcc'/
7 A, We bolh did.
8 l), OkIlY, YOII hoth had a Will.
9 In order 10 huve the Willl'roccssed, il
10 sllmelime.\ hus 10110 Ihrollgh a courl
11 presses. Aud inonl,'r for Ihe Will 10 go
12 Ihrllllgh Ihe I:OIlItl'roce,", Ihe CllllJl sels
1.1 lip somelhing Ihlll's calle<l an eslllle IUld
14 Ihal's to dell I with all of yuur wife's..
15 her Willllnd I\ny personal belongings IIl1d
16 paying uny bills or<lehllhal she
17 P"lSolHllly owed as llpposed 10 you having
I H logelher. lIave y'.lll gone Ihrough Ihal
19 pn"'ess'/
20 A. No. We just wenllo II
21 lawyer, Mrs. Brown, IInd she made 0111 the
22 Wills for liS.
2.3 Q, Okay. AI any time since your
2.1 wife WilS diagnosL'd with breast clInccr in
_'__.._~..".._'__~_.'_h_......__
I'age 116
I Janoary of 11)9Cr, Mr. Gor<lon, did ellher
2 YOllor YOllr wife ever do any kind of
J research on brellst cancer'/ And by Ihlll I
4 mean <lid YOIl go to Ihe lihrary, read IIny
5 hooks, gd on Ihe illl,'mel'/
(} A. No, we didn't, malum.
7 Q. And if YOIl cml excuse me, Mr.
S Gordon, 1 have some noles here for Ihe
9 deposllion and I Wllnllo make celtain -.
10 I don't walllto IIsk you the same
II qlleslions over IIgain thai Mr. [JIaek Illay
12 hllve "ked. So, if you don'lmind,
13 peri'.liclllly I'm going to refer to my
14 noles 10 Iry to not he dllplicating his
15 'I"estlons'l
J 6 A. 'Illal', okay.
17 Q. WIIS the marriage Ihal YOIl hlld
I H 10 Palrida, as far as Ihe length of lime
19 is cnnccn1l'd. was il the longclit marriage
20 YOIl had or was Ihlllto l.ois Ann RlIpp'!
21 A. Ilhlnk Tri.lh was longer.
22 f). And Ihe two of younevcr had
23 any children togelher; corrccl?
24 A. No, we didn't.
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Capilal ('ourl RqJ\lrtlng
2'1 (Pllges 113 10 116)
(srKI) '1(,().2(,26
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8YI ZncJlIlI'Y O. ClIlIIJlhcll, 1':HIIIIII'c
lClllllp hc II<'iil r J 1II11I'lCIIIl.COIII
l'cnnsylvllnlll SUllrclIIc COllrtl.l), No. 1).1177
.151.1 North Front Strcct
IIl1rrlshllrg, l'cnnHylvllnl1l 17110
Tclcphonc: (717) 2.14-711211
fll~iJlJIllll;'...(717)2JHIlIlJ, ,
AtllH'ncYH for 1'llIlntlt't's,
I'lItrlclll Gordon und
IM),crt (JlIrI,19J1 ..". ". L,
IN TilE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husbllnd,
Civil Action. Luw /
No,; 97-66114 /
McdiculProlcHsionul Liublllty Action
Pluinlins
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.;
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.(;,;
LAWRENCE K, THOMPSON, M,D,;
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA" P.C.;
CARLISLE HOSPTIAL
Delclldunts
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
~-~......--.---_...._--_._.-.-..------_.._._.__._..---.-----.---------.-------.-.--.------....----------------
PATRICIA S, GORDON und
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Civil Action - Law
No.: 97-11179
Medicul Prolcssiollul Linbility Action
Pluintiffs
v,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C"
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M.D., nnd
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
DeIclldnnts
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
15. Admlttcd in pllrl. It is admittcd thllla courl must ahatc anllclion ifone full
ycar has pllssed allcr II dclcndllal hils IiIcd a Notice llf Suggeslilln of Death and the
I'llIintlll'hlld nOlllppoialed a pcrsllnlllreprcscntlltlvl~ iiII' Ihe deceascd, In MlImhIY_Y,
!Jnderwriw!'s 5~D~I~cs, 25 I'll. D. & C.41h 2H9, 1995 WI. H47621 (C,I', I ()95), Dctcndant
Underwritcr Serviccs med anotlcc of suggl:slion of death lln October 14, 1993. Defendant
Underwritcr Serviccs thcn wllitcd morc lhllnll YCllr, and on DCl'cmbcr 29, 1994 tilcd II
pctition for rulc to show CIIUSC why the Ilcllon should not be IIblltcd due to plainliff's fililurc
tOllppoinl1l represcatlltive, See M...!JlL@Y., lit 29 I,
16, Denied. Ills speciliclllly denied Ihlltl'laintlffmust show IIny excuse for lhe
delllY, whcther it be rCllsonable or not, since nonc of the detcndants in this action have
followed thc necesslll)' procedurc to pclitionthis llonornblc courtl!)r lIbatemcnt of the
instllntaction. Furlhcll1l0re, In !.:lohn~LY..'-CJj:mc;J.ti, 703 A.2d 70H, 709 (l'a.Supcr. 1997)
Delcndants tilcd a Motionallll Suggestion of Death on July 27, 1993, which was made
eflcelivo by court order on April 21, 1995. Detcndants proceeded to wait one full year and
on April 24, 1996 mcd their I'etllionlor Abatcment and Molion to Dismiss. !i!. at 709.
Thc court went on to note that, "On September II, 1996, the pclition for llbatement was
granted because appellant's eounsellililed to have a personal rcpresentative appointed
within one ycar of the Iiling of the suggestion ofdcalh pursuant to 20 l'a.C.S. *3375," Id.
lit 709, The defendants inthc instant case failed to follow this procedure by failing to tile a
Motion and Suggestion of Death required by 20 l'a.C.S. *3375.
17. Admitted in part. It is udmitted that appointmcnt of a rcpresentative uncr a
delcndant's pelitionto abate was liIed docs not defeat the petition; so long as defendant's
-I
Civil 97-66R-I
I
I I
I
. I
~ ,-
petition tOllbute WlIS tiled more tllUn one yenr nller thnt defendnntliled n Notice of
Suggestion of Denth, which did nut tnke plnce In the Instnntnctlon,
18. Admitted.
WIIERIWORE, Plnlntiffs respectfully reqllestthls Ilonuruhle Court enter the
lIttaehed Order und DENY Defendants' Petition to Ahnle the Consolidated Aetiuns heelluse
ull of the Detcndants failed to tile the requisite Notice ofSllggestlon ufDcoth und thcn
wait one full yenr belore filing the instnnt Petition to Ahnte in uccordnnce with 20 Pn,C.S.
93375.
Respectfully submitted,
R. ,I. MlIrzcllll & Assocllltcs, I'.C.
Dated:
(, j"/z,,. ')
I I
BY:~ i ,
~qhrnpbell, Esquire
Attorney [denti !icntion No, 93177
5
Civil 97,66R4
I,
f
I
,
CERTlFICA'n;: 011 S I-:RV ICE
L'''.' ",...."..
I, Adulll G. Reedy, hereby certify tlJUt u true und eOn'l:et copy of the lllregoing
document wus served upon ull counsel of record this IlIth duy of Juue 2005 by depositing
suld copy inl1nited Stutes mull ut Hurrishurg, Pennsylvuniu First-Cluss delivery, addressed
us lollows:
Stephunie Curtley, Esquire
BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN, LLC
126 Eust King Street
Lancaster, P A 17602
April Chmnberluin Simpson, Esquire
McQUAIDE BLASKO
811 University Drive
State College, P A 16801.6699
Andrew H. Foulkrod, Esquire
FOULKROD ELLIS, P.C.
1800 Linglestown Road, Suite 305
Harrisburg, PA 17110
R. J. Marzella & Associates, l',C.
B'0Z G~
Adam G. Reedy .
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IN TilE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYI ,v ANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LA W
PATRICIA S. GORDON LInd
ROBERT <JORDON, h~r hll~bnnd,
Plnllllln:~
No, 97-6684
v,
MI':DICAI. PROFESSIONAL
l.lABIl.lTY ACTION
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LA WRENCl: K, THOMPSON, M,D"
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA" P,C.,
CARLISLE IIOSPITAL,
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Ikr~ndLlnt~
PATRICIA S, GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, h~r hu~bnnd,
Plnlnlirr~
No, 97-1879
v,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA., P,C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M,D., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
JUR Y TRIAL DEMANDED
[)~r~ndant~
DEFENDANT CARLISLE HOSI'ITAL'S RESPONSE
TO I'LAINTII1I1'S PF.TITION TO AMEND THE CAPTIONS
AND NOW, D~r~ndant Carli~l~ Hospital r~sponds to Plaintin'~ Pclition to Am~nd the
CLlptions a~ rollows:
)-4. Responding Dcfendnnt obje~l~ to the nl11endment of the Caption~ L1~ p~tltioned by
Plaintifr, R[)b~rt (Jordon. Thi~ cnsc has becn pending for seven (7) yenrs. Plaintifl~ Patricia S.
(Jordon, di~d on Sept~mbe\' 7, 2000. Thcr~aner, Pluintin~ Robert (Jordon, took no aClion
whatsoever to open an Estate, nud huve the Estute sllbstitllt~d us u Plaintiff in this l11ulter. Given
1444068. )
~'t'l:':' j
Plulntlfl's Ihllurc to suhstltutc thc Eslulc us u purty fill' ncurly I1vc (5) YCllrs,lln Muy 27, 2005,
Dclimdunlsjolntly IiIcd u Pctltlllulllr ^hutclllcutllndcr provisions ofthc 11rohutc Cud\!, whkh
provldc Illr ubutcl11cutof an uctllln whcrc u plulntllT hus Hlllcd Illtll11dy SUbSlltutc thc I':stutc us u
purty 10 thc mullcr. Dclcndunls' PClillonflJr Abutcmcntoftb\! ^cllllnls currcntly pcudlnB hcllll'c
thc Court. ^s sct forlh In Dclcnduuls' 1'\!llllon, u I'\!tltlunllll' ^hutcmcllI of u Civil ^ctlllllllndcr
thc Probatc Cudc Is uut dcfcatcd whcr\! 1.\!IlCrS of ^dmlulsl.rulllln ur\! uhtulu\!d subscqucntlllthc
filing of u Pctltlonlllr ^butclll\!nl of thc ^cllon, ^ccurdlngly, Plalnllfl's Pctlllontu ^mcnd
should bc d\!nl\!d,
WIIEREFORE, Dcfcndaut Carlisi\! Ilospllulrcspcclfully rcqU\!SIS thallhls Iluuorublc
COllrt dcny thc Plaintiff's Pctillonto ^mcnd thc Cuptlons lIntll sllch tlmc us thc Dcfcudunts'
Pctltlon for ^balclllcllt of thc Action has bccn dctcrmlncd hy thc COLII'I.
Datc: _~""~ ~Cf
~Ou,c)
BARLEY SNYDER LLC
--) ? -.
BY: S;//~
Stcpll.iillc Ca flcy, Es( 1I
^I.lorncys lor Dcfcndar
Carllslc Hosp tal
-)
'J
126 Eust King Strcct
Laucustcr, P A 17602
(717) 399-1536
Court l.D. No. 79136
1444068.1
2
Plulntill's rullul": to subslltute lhe l\slull: us u purly ror nellrly live (5) yeurs, on Muy 27, 200S,
Derendunts jolnlly Hied a Pelltion 1'01' ^bulelllenlundel' provlslllllS of the Probute Code, which
provide Ii.lr ubulelllcntof anuelion where a pluintlff has tillled to tilllcly substllute Ihe l\slale us a
purly to the Illaller, Delcndunls' I'etlllonli.lr ^IJIIlelllenl ofthc ^etlon is currently pending belilre
the Courl, ^s set Ii.ll'lh in Delcndunls' Petition, a Pelltionli.lr ^bulemenl of a Civil ^etlon under
the Probllle Code is nol dclcllled where I.ellers of ^dmlnistrallon arc obtained subseljuellt to Ihe
filing ofa Petllion for ^batelllenlofthe ^elion, ^eeordingly, I'lulnlitrs Pelltion It I ^lIlend
should be denied,
WllEREFORE, Dclcndant Carlisle Ilospllal respectfully rCljuests IIJllt Ihis llonoruble
Courl deny the I'lainlitrs Petition to ^mend the Captions unlil such time as the Delcndanls'
Pctition Ii.lr ^blllelllenloflhe ^clion has been determined by lhe Court.
I3^RLEY SNYDER LLC
Dale: ~"".e. "clCf ~OD5 BY: __~
Slephunle Ca fley, ESt u
^llorneys for DelcndUl
Carlisle Bosp tal
126 East King Slreel
Luncusler, P^ 17602
(717) 399-1536
Courll.D, No. 79136
14oI.1068.t
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'~ECEIVED JUL 052005,/
IN TIlE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERI.AND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIl. ACTION - LAW
PATRICIA S. GORDON uno
ROBERT GORDON, h.:r husbuml.
Pluintill's
No, 97.661l4
v.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
LIABILITY ACTION
JAMES D. TAGGART, M,D.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, p,c.,
LA WRENCE K. THOMPSON, M,D.,
. AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL M., P,C"
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
JURY TRIAL DEMANDEL>
Def.:noants
PATRICIA S. GORDON ano
ROBERT GORDON, her husbund,
'PlainlilTs
No. 97-11l79
v,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA., P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M.D., und
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
De fend lints
OJunm
AND NOW, this __ day of ,2005, upon consideration of
Defendant Carlisle Hospital's Response 1.0 the Plaintiffs Petition to Amend the Captions of the
Consolidated Actions, it is hereby ORDERED that Plaintiffs Petition to Amend the Caption is
DENIED.
BY THE COURT:
J.
1444068.\
RECEIVED JUL 0620051 i
IN TIlE COURTOF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LA W
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Plalnliffs
No, 97-6684
v.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
LIABILITY ACTION
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D"
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.e.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D"
AESTIIETlC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA.,P.C"
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs
No. 97-1879
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA., P.C.,
IlERDERT C. PERLMAN, M.D" and
CARLISLE IIOSPITAL,
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
O)UlER
AND NOW, this _ day of .,2005, upon consideration of
Defendant Carlisle Ilospitul's Response to the Plaintifl's Petition to Amend the Captions of the
Consolidated Actions, it is hereby ORDERED thatPlaintitrs Pelition to Amend the Cuption is
DENIED.
BY THE COURT:
J.
1444068.1
FOULI<ROD ELLIS
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011
Telephone: [717] 213-4200
Faxl (717) 213-4202
Attorneys for Defendants,
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D., &
CARLISLE II1AGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.
PATRICIA S, GORDON and
ROBERT 'r. GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
DOCKET NO. 97-6684
JAMES D. TAGGART, M,D.!
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES,
P,C.; LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON,
M.D, I AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE:
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA, I
P.C,; AND CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFF'S PETITION TO AMEND
CAPTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH Fa. R.C.P. 1033
The instant Petition ignores Defendant's Joint Motion to
Abate by reason of Plaintiff's failure to substitute parties,
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Respectfully submitted,
FOULKROD ELLIS
PROFESS ONAL CORPORATION
By:
Andrew . Foulkrod, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 77394
Date:
June
tL-
, 2005
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs
No, 97-6684 CIVIL TERM
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
LIABILITY ACTION
v.
JAMES 0, TAGGART, M.D"
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C"
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C..
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs
JURYTR~LDEMANDED
No. 97.1679
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M,D., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ORDER
AND NOW, this _ day of _ ' 2005, upon consideration
of Defendants Lawrence Thompson, M.D. and Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of
Central PA, P.C.'s Response to the Plaintiff's Petition to Amend the Captions of the
Consolidated Actions, It are hereby ORDERED that Plaintiffs Petition to Amend the
Caption Is DENIED.
BY THE COURT:
J.
"
Andrew Foulkrod, Esq,
FOULKROD ELLIS, P,C.
2010 Market Street
Camp Hili, PA 17011
'1
McQUAIDE, BLASKO, FLEMING &
FAUl.KNER, INC.
By: ~ C.~
April C. Simpson
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
NoL1onl6col
Slnphanle A. readley, NoblY P\JbIlc
Slala CoIIogo 130<0. Ccntro County
My QmnIssJon E>PKos Mar. 6, 2008
Momb.r, Pennsylvania AlISoclollon 01 NljlUfh'1I
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PATRICIA S. (jORDON
und ROBERT (jORDON.
11\:1' husbund,
Plulntifls
IN TIII~ COURT OF COMMON PLI~AS OF
CUMIlEIU.ANIl COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
AESTlIETIC &
RECONSTRUCT( VE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL:
PENNSYLVANIA.P.C..
HERBERT C.
PEARLMAN. M.D.. and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL.
Dclcndanls
NO. 97-1 H79 CIVIL TERM
PATRICIA S. GORDON
und ROBERT GORDON.
hcr husband.
Pluinti ITs
IN TilE COURT OF COMMON PI.EAS OF
CUMBERl.AND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA
v.
CIVil. ACTION -I.A W
JAMES D. TAGGART.
M.D.; CARLISLE
IMAGING ASSOCIATES.:
P.C.; LAWRENCE K.
THOMPSON. M.D.;
AESTHETIC &
RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL:
PA.I'.C.; and CARLISLE:
HOSPITAL
Dcfcndants
NO. 97-66H4 CIVil. TERM I
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW. this 2211" day of Junc. 2005. upon consideration of I'luintiffs' Pctition
To Amcnd Captions in Accordancc with I'a. R.C.I'. 1033. II Rulc is hcrcby issucd upon
Dclcndants to show causc why thc rclicfrequcsted should not hc gruntcd.
..............~l-4..,........._....~._~""""'..............,,''-'~.......~L_''...~_.,.....~.._.~'-...''--~LJ''"''''......'-----------..................---'........~...................-""-"...........,....
PLAINTIFFS' PETITION TO AMEND CAI'nONS IN ACCORDANCE WIn! I'A.R.C.I'. 1033
__..._..........."...~....................._...."".,,""..~,~-'-."'-"-"-'---'-.w.'-.c_,........-.,,'_._'=''''---___"-'--''-'.'' ....,......,"-".._-"'--=.."'"'~"=....,,...w_....~n_'..~-~~
AND NOW, I'laintltls, Patricia Gordoll, deceased, and Robert Gordoll by omd
through their attol'l1eys, R.J. Marzella & Associates, I',c., submit the following Petition to
Amend the Captions In the Consolidated Instnnt civil action and aver the following:
1. On or about April 1, 1998, I'lnlntltrs commenced the Instilnt action by way
of filing a Complaint.
2. Thereafter, on or about September 7, 2000, Plaintiff Patrir.la S. Gordon
passed away.
3. 011 or ,lbout June Hj, 2005, the Register of Wills for Cumberland County,
Glenda Farner Strasbaugh. Issued Letters of Administration, c:r.A" on the Estate of
Patricia S. Gordon, to her husband, Robert W, Gordon. (A copy of the Short Certificate
granting letters of Administration. c:r.A., to Robert W. Gordon Is attached hereto as
Exhibit "A").
4. Therefore, Plaintiffs petition this court to ,ll11end the captions for the
Plaintiffs in the consolidated actions to rend: Robert W, Gordon, Individually, and as
Administrator of the Estate of Patricia S. Gordon, deceased.
Civil 97.66K4
't~
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Robin J, Marzella, Esquiro
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, pa 17110-1438
For the Plaintiffs
'J~biq~
Stephanie Carfley, Esquire
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PH 17602-2893
For the Defendant Carlisle
lIospital
April Chamberlain Simpson, Esquire
811 University Drive
State College, PA 16801-6699
For Defendants Dr, Lawrence
K. Thompson and Aesthetic &
Reconstructive Surgery of Central
Pennsylvania, P.C.
Pcb
I
expc)rt report.,
.1. Within:n ddY:; of today':; ddt.,~, t.hu
Defendant:;, Jdmon n. 'l'a'l'1drt, M,n., and Cadi:;).,] Imilgin'l
Associilteli BhuLl return to coumi<Jl for C.ulislo lIoBpital the
original pathology :;lide:; in this miltturl
~). It i:l not,:;d for the I:'leord that counsel for
Defendant Carlisle 1I0spital has brought to the COllrt.'s attention
the representiltlon that original x-ray filmn which had been
supplied by tho hospital to opposing counsel for Jumes D.
Taggart, M.D" and Carlisle Imaging Associates, and for
Plaintiffs have been returned damaged, as a consequence of which
a spoliation isslle may present itself in this case in the form of
a motion in limine filed by Defendant Carlisle Hospital.
By tho Court,
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/; Wesley O1er, .Ir., J.
Robin J. Marzella, Esquire
3513 N. Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
For Plaintiffs
Michael C. Mongiello,
1800 Linglestown Road
Suite 305
Harrisburg, PA 17110
For James D. Taggart,
Esquire
I' .), y.Off
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~('jflt,' ,1)1"III.l_I""1
M.D. & Carlisle Imaging Associates, P.C.
April Chamberlain Simpson, Esquire
811 University Drive
State College, PA 16801-6699
For Lawrence K, Thompson, M,D. & Aesthetic & Reconstructive
Surgery
Stephanie Carley, Esquire
126 Ea3t King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2893
For Carlisle Hospital
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l)nAECII)I~ '1'0 AMI~NI) CAPTIONS
To the Prothonotury ofCumberlund Cuunty:
Pleuse umend the ubove euptions, us to the Pluil1tll1~. 10 reud us Illllows:
Robert W. Gordon. indlvlduully. und us Adminlstrntor of the Estute ofPlltriclu S.
Gordon, deccllsed.
Respectfully subl11itlcd,
n. J. Murzcllll & Assocllltcs, P.C.
Dlltcd:~~
Civil 97.6684
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FOULKROD ELLIS
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011:
Telephone, [717J 909-7006
Fax, (717] 909-6955
Attorneys for Defendants,
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.. &
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT T. GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
DOCKET NO. 97-6684
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.;
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES,
P.C.; LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON,
M.D.; AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE:
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA, :
P.C.; AND CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PETITION FOR STATUS CONFERENCE
OF DEFENDANTS JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D. AND
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.
AND NOW come Defendants, James D. Taggart, M.D. and Carlisle
Imaging Associates, P.C., by and through their counsel, Foulkrod
Ellis Professional Corporation, and petition this Honorable Court
for a status conference in light of the following:
1. This is a medical professional liability action in
which Plaintiffs' allege failure to diagnose breast cancer.
2. The pleadings in this matter closed in October of 1998.
3. Substantive discovery is wholly complete.
4. Expert reports have been exchanged amongst all parties.
5. A status conference for the purpose of establishing a
trial date certain will ensure that this litigation proceeds to
final resolution in a timely and efficient manner.
6. The Honorable J. Wesley Oler, Jr. has previously ruled
on issues in this matter.
WHEREFORE, Defendants, James D. Taggart, M.D. and Carlisle
Imaging Associates, P.C. respectfully requested that this
Honorable Court enter the attached Order.
Respectfully submitted,
FOULKROD ELLIS
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
Date:
2-11 (OS
By:
III (IJU)
Michael C. Mongiello, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 87532
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing petition for Status Conference was served upon all
counsel of record this~~day Of~2005 by depositing
said copy in the United States Mail at Ha~bUrg, Pennsylvania,
postage prepaid, first class delivery, and addressed as follows
Robin J. Marzella, Esquire
R. J. Marzella Esquire & Associates, P.C.
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
April C. Simpson, Esquire
McQuaide Blasko
811 University Drive
State College, PA 16801-6699
Stephanie Carfley, Esquire
Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2832
Date: ;), ~ '1>5
FOULKROD ELLIS
PROF~SSIONAL CORPOb: I
By:'~M
Lauren M. Heckman, Paralegal, LPN
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fEB 0 7 200~f'
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT T. GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERI~ COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
DOCKET NO. 97-6684
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.;
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES,
P.C.; LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON,
M.D.; AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE:
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA, :
P.C.; AND CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TR:[AL DEMANDED
ORDER
AND NOW, this ~ day of
F~~b.
, 2005,
upon consideration of the Petition for Status Conference of
Defendants, James D. Taggart, M.D. and Carlisle Imaging
Associates, P.C" it is hereby ORDERED and DECREED that a Status
Conference will be held in Courtroom I
of the Cumberland
County Courthouse on~ // / ."la>5 a.t /:30
BY THE COURT:
a,m.~
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PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT T. GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.;
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES,
P.C.; LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON,
M.D.; ASTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA,
P.C.; AND CARLISLE HOSPITAL
Defendant
NO. 97-6684 CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 11th day of April, 2005, upon
consideration of the Petition for Status Conference of Defendants
James D. Taggart, M.D. and Carlisle Imaging Associates, P.C., and
following a conference held in the chambers of the undersigned
judge in which Plaintiffs were represented by Robin J. Marzella,
Esquire, Defendants James D. Taggart, M.D., and Carlisle Imaging
Associates P.C. were represented by Andrew H. Foulkrod, Esquire,
Defendants Lawrence K. Thompson, M.D. and Aesthetic &
Reconstructive Surgery of Central Pennsylvania were represented by
April Chamberlain Simpson, Esquire, and Carlisle Hospital was
represented by Stephanie Carfley, Esquire, and pursuant to an
agreement of counsel it is ordered and directed as follo'ls:
1. Defendant Carlisle Hospital shall promptly furnish
to counsel for James D. Taggart, M.D., and Carlisle Imaging
Associates, P.C., the original mammograms related to the
above-captioned case for review of any damage done to those items,
and the said counsel shall thereafter promptly transmit the
mammograms to counsel for Plaintiffs for a similar review and for
transmission back to Defendant Carlisle Hospital within 45 days of
today's date.
2. Any remaining dispositive motions shall be filed
on or before May 31, 2005.
Un I : I :..,1,.,.1 ;",' I \I 1'.-1 (or'lZ
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By the Court,
~bin J. Marzella, Esquire
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, pa 17110-1438
For the Plaintiffs
~ePhanie Carfley, Esquire
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2893
For the Defendant Carlisle Hospital
~ril Chamberlain Simpson, Esquire
811 University Drive
State College, PA 16801-6699
For Defendants Dr. Lawrence
K. Thompson and Aesthetic &
Reconstructive Surgery of Central
Pennsylvania, P.C.
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
No. 97-6684 CIVIL TERM
Plaintiffs
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
LIABILITY ACTION
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, MD.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
No. 97-1879
Plaintiffs
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, MD., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
JOINT PETITION TO ABATE CONSOLIDATED ACTION PURSUANT TO
20 PA.C.S.A. & 3375
All Defendants by and through their counsel, McQuaide, Blasko, Fleming &
Faulkner, Inc., Foulkrod Ellis, P.C. and Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC file the
within Joint Petition to Abate Consolidated Action Pursuant to 20 Pa.C,S.A. S 3375:
1. This instant malpractice action consists of two lawsuits which were
consolidated for discovery and trial.
"
2. The first action brought by Plaintiffs sounds in alleged medical malpractice
against the Defendants James D. Taggart, Carlisle Imaging Associates, P.C., Lawrence
K. Thompson, M.D., Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central PA, P.C" Henry
Crist, M.D., and Carlisle Hospital and was commenced by the filing of a Writ on or
about December 4, 1997. Thereafter a Complaint was filed on or about April 1, 1998.
3. The second action also sounds in alleged malpractice against Defendants
William P. Graham, II, M.D., Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central PA, P.C.,
Herbert Pearlman, M.D., and Carlisle Hospital and was commenced by the filing of a
Writ on or about April 11 , 1998, Thereafter a Complaint was filed on July 29, 1998.
4. On February 15, 2001 the two actions were consolidated by Order of
Court under docket number 97-6684. Several Defendants have been dismissed from
this consolidated action and Herbert C. Perlman, M.D., Carlisle Hospital, Lawrence K.
Thompson, M.D. and Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central Pennsylvania, P.C.
are the remaining Defendants.
5. This action centers upon allegations that the Defendants failed to timely
diagnose Patricia Gordon with breast cancer.
6. After all Defendants answered the Complaint and during the discovery
phase of this case, Mrs. Gordon died. According to her medical records Ms. Gordon
died on or about September 7,2000 at Swain Health Center under hospice care. See
portion of Medical Records attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
7. However, in the four and a half years since Mrs. Gordon's death, no
letters of administration were taken out nor was an estate established on her behalf.
8. Accordingly, Defendants now file the instant Joint Petition seeking a Court
Order which abates the instant consolidated actions pursuant to 20 Pa.C.SA S 3375.
Section 3375 allows for abatement of an action where no letters of administration are
timely taken.
9. Specifically, 20 Pa.C.SA S 3375 provides:
If a plaintiff or petitioner in any action or proceeding now pending
or hereafter brought dies and a personal representative is not
appointed within one year after a suggestion of such death is filed
in the action or proceeding, any defendant or respondent may
petition the court to abate the action as to the cause of action of
the decedent. Copies of the petition shall be served upon the
executor named in the will, if known to the defendant, and
otherwise upon all known next of kin entitled to letters of
administration. The court shall abate the action as to the cause
of action of the decedent if the delay in taking out letters is not
reasonably explained.
See 20 Pa.C.SA S 3375 (emphasis added).
10. Under section 3375 any defendant may petition the Court to abate the
decedent's cause of action one year after the death is noted in the related court filings.
Moreover, the action must be abated if the delay in taking out letters of administration is
not reasonably explained. See 20 Pa.C.SA S 3375.
11. In the instant case Defendants are entitled to abatement of the
consolidated actions, Mrs. Gordon's death is undisputed and was noted in Court filings
of this case as early as August 14, 2001. On that date Defendant Crist filed a Motion to
Compel. Within his Motion to Compel, Defendant Crist attached a "Supplemental
Request for Production of Documents" that he had served on Plaintiffs. The
Supplemental Request for Production of Documents stated, in part:
The documents covered by this request are as follows:
1, All videotapes showing Plaintiff's Decedent,
Patricia S. Gordon, including all audio.
2. Colored photocopies of all photographs of Plaintiff's
Decedent, Patricia S. Gordon, from January 1, 1995, to
September 4,2000.....
4. A total of all medial expenses incurred by Plaintiff's
Decedent which are claimed to be related to this litigation.
'.
5. A total of the actual payments made to all heath care
providers of Plaintiff's Decedent which are claimed to be related
to this litigation.
See exhibit A of Defendant Crist's Motion to Compel attached hereto as Exhibit "8"
(emphasis added); see also Plaintiffs' Response to Defendant Crist's Motion to Compel
Responses to Supplemental Interrogatories dated September 11, 2001, introductory
paragraph.
12. According to the deposition testimony of Mr. Gordon, as of May 7, 2001
no estate had been established for Mrs. Gordon. See Deposition of Robert W. Gordon,
p. 114,1. 21 -115, I. 22 attached hereto as Exhibit "C".
13. Specifically addressing whether or not letters of administration were taken
out Mr. Gordon testified to the following:
Q: And the plaintiffs in the case prior to your wife's death were you
and your wife. Now that she is deceased, Mr. Gordon, has there been an
estate setup, do you know?
A. I don't know what you mean--estate set up.
Q: It's just a legal term when someone dies and either --did your wife
have a Will, for instance?
A: We both did.
Q: Okay, you both had a Will. in order to have the Will processed, it
sometimes has to go through a court presses (sic). And in order for the
Will to go through the court process, the court sets up something that's
called an estate and that's to deal with all of your wife's--her Will and any
personal belongings and paying bills or debt that she personally owed as
opposed to you having together. Have you gone though that process?
A: No. We just went to a lawyers, Mrs, brown, and she made out the
Wills for us.
See Deposition of Robert W. Gordon, p. 114, I. 21 -115, I. 22 attached hereto as
Exhibit "C".
14, As clearly indicated above, at this time more than one year has passed
since Mrs. Gordon's death was noted in the Court filings and no estate has been
established. Mr. Gordon's testimony offers no explanation or insight as to why an
"
estate was not established. Defendants believe and therefore aver that no letters of
administration have been taken out as of this date.
15. Where there is a delay of more than one year in appointing a personal
representative after the death of the plaintiff and no reasonable explanation is offered
for the delay, the court must abate the action and has no discretion to do otherwise.
See Mundav v. Underwriters Services, 25 Pa. D, & C.4th 289, 1995 WL 847621 (CP.
1995)(stating ". ..since the legislature established a standard for not abating the action
(was the delay reasonably explained), it is unlikely that the legislature intended to give
the court additional discretion unrelated to this standard.")
16. Defendants believe and therefore aver that Plaintiff does not have a
reasonable explanation for the delay in filing letters of administration. See e.a. Dohner
v. Clemens, 703 A.2d 708, 710 (Pa.Super. 1997)(affirming a Trial Court's decision to
abate an action where neither counsel for Plaintiff or a family member filed letters of
administration and where the Trial Court held that "the delay was not reasonably
explained, stating, "we do not believe it is reasonable to expect Defendants, and the
judicial system in general, to await the resolution of Plaintiffs family tensions before
appointment of a personal representative."),
17. Moreover, appointment of an executrix after a petition to abate has been
filed does not defeat the petition to abate. See e.a. Ruscitti v. Mercv Hospital of
Pittsburah, PICS Case No. 00-2128 (C.P. Alleghany Oct. 17, 2000).
18. Pursuant to section 3375, copies of the petition for abatement must be
served upon the executor named in the will, if known to the defendant, and otherwise
upon all known next of kin entitled to letters of administration. Defendants are without
specific knowledge of the contents of Ms. Gordon's will but upon information and belief
'.
have served the instant motion upon decedent's husband by and through his counsel of
record. See 20 Pa.C.SA 9 3375. Accordingly, a certificate of service of the instant
petition is attached hereto as Exhibit "D".
WHEREBY, Moving Defendants hereby request that this Honorable Court grant
the instant Petition for Abatement and enter an Order of Court abating the above
consolidated actions against all Defendants.
Respectfully submitted,
Dated: c;(2-110~
O\.\~ b~-~
April C. Simpson, Esquire
Britt D. Russell, Esquire
McQuaide Blasko Law Offices
600 Centerview Drive, M.C. A560
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 533-1199
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Andrew Foulkrod, Esquire .:....~.'O--
Michael C. Mongiello
Foulkrod Ellis, P.C.
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
~iA bi.u>>r' thy ~~O~,'(t1I' J
Stephanie Cartley, Esquire - \ \
Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2832
'.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
No. 97-6684 CIVIL TERM
Plaintiffs
v,
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA )
) ss:
COUNTY OF DAUPHIN )
Britt D. Russell, Esquire, attorney for Defendants Lawrence K. Thompson, M.D,
and Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central PA, P.C. in the above-captioned
matter, after having been duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that a true
and correct copy of Joint Petition to Abate Consolidated Action Pursuant to 20
Pa.C.S.A. S 3375 was mailed by regular mail at the post office in Hershey,
Pennsylvania, postage prepaid, this 2ih day of May, 2004 to the attorneys of record:
Stephanie Cartley, Esq.
BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN, LLC
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2832
Robin Marzella, Esq.
RJ MARZELLA & ASSOCIATES
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
'.
Andrew Foulkrod, Esq.
FOULKROD ELLIS, P.C.
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
McQUAIDE, BLASKO, FLEMING &
FAULKNER, INC.
By:
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Britt D. Russell
Sworn to and Subsl1bed
before me this :l.'1 day
of May, 2005
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
No. 97-6684 CIVIL TERM
Plaintiffs
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D"
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, MD"
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA )
) ss:
COUNTY OF DAUPHIN )
Britt D. Russell, Esquire, attorney for Defendants Lawrence K. Thompson, MD.
and Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central PA, P.C. in the above-captioned
matter, after having been duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that a true
and correct copy of Joint Petition to Abate Consolidated Action Pursuant to 20
Pa.C.SA S 3375 was mailed by regular mail at the post office in Hershey,
Pennsylvania, postage prepaid, this 2ih day of May, 2004 to:
Robert Gordon
clo Robin Marzella, Esq.
RJ MARZELLA & ASSOCIATES
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
McQUAIDE, BLASKO, FLEMING &
FAULKNER, INC.
Sworn to and Subs~bed
before me this :<7 day
of May, 2005.
By: ~~tJ~
Britt D, Russell
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POST & SCHELL, P.c.
BY: EVAN BLACK, ESQUIRE
LD. # 17884
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
HENRY S. CRIST, M.D.
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, Her Husband,
IN lliE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND com, PA
Plaintiffs
v.
DOCKET NO. 97-6684
JAMES D. TAGGART, M,D.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.e.,
LAWRENCE K.lliOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONS1RUCTIVE SURGERY
OF CENTRAL PENNSYL V ANlA, P.e.,
HENRY S. CRIST, M.D., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
ORDRR
AND NOW, this
day of
,2001, upon due consideration of the attached
Motion of Defendant Henry S. Crist, M.D. to Compel Responses from Plaintiffs to his May 9, 2001
Supplemental Request for Production of Documents, it is hereby ORDERED that Plaintiffs shall provide
complete and full answers to the May 9, 2001 Supplemental Request for Production of Documents within
ten (10) days of the date of this Order.
Failure to comply with this Order will result in sanctions as provided by the Pennsylvania Rules of
Civil Procedure 4019.
BY THE COURT:
Judge
40\\0
POST & SCHELL, P.c.
BY: EVAN BLACK, ESQUIRE
J.D. # 17884
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
AITORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
HENRY S. CRIST, M.D.
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, Her Husband,
IN 1HE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, P A
Plaintiffs
v.
DOCKET NO. 97-6684
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.c.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AES1HETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA, P.C.,
HENRY S. CRIST, M.D., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
MOTION TO COMPEL OF DEFENDANT HENRY S. CRIST, M.D.
nTRF,CTRn TO PLAINTIFFS
AND NOW, comes the Defendant, Henry S. Crist, M.D" by and through his attorneys, Post &
Schell, P.c., to file the following Motion to Compel Plaintiffs' Answers to May 9, 2001 Supplemental
Request for Production of Documents and Tangible Items.
1. Plaintiffs commenced this action by filing a Complaint on or about April 1, 1998.
2. On or about May 9, 2001, moving Defendant served Plaintiffs' counsel with a Supplemental
Request for Production of Documents and Tangible Items, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A."
3. In the above-mentioned Supplemental Request for Production of Documents and Tangible
Items, moving Defendant requested the production of five items.
4. On June 5, 2001, Plaintiffs' counsel produced one of the five requested items, that item being
photographs of Plaintiff, Patricia Gordon. A copy of Plaintiffs' letter enclosing the photographs is attached
hereto as Exhibit "B."
5. On or about June 11,2001, moving Defendant forwarded a letter to Pl;lintiffs' counsel
notifying her of her failure to fully respond to moving Defendant's Supplemental Request for Production of
Documents and Tangible Items and asked for her advisement as to when such items would be provided, a
copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "C."
6. To date, Plaintiffs' counsel has not responded, answered and/or objected to any of moving
Defendant's above-mentioned outstanding discovery requests,
7. Pa. R.C.P. 4009.I2(a) provides that answers to Requests for Production of Documents be
served within thirty (30) days after the date of service of the request.
8. To date, approximately three months have passed since Plaintiffs received service of moving
Defendant's discovery and Plaintiffs have yet to file full and complete responses to moving Defendant's
request.
9. All of the discovery sought by moving Defendant through his requests is relevant to the
instant action, in conformance with Pa. R.C.P. 4001 and 4003.
10. Our Rules of Civil Procedure provide for the liberal granting of discovery.
11. Plaintiffs have failed to comply with discovery as required by Pa. R.C.P. 4009.
12. Plaintiffs have had more than ample time to respond to moving Defendant's requests.
13. Moving Defendant avers that answering all of the above-mentioned discovery requests
would not burden or oppress Plaintiffs.
14. Pa. R.C.P. 4019(a)(I) provides that upon Motion of a party, the Court may make an
appropriate Order if a party fails to respond to discovery.
-2-
WHEREFORE, moving Defendant Henry S. Crist, M.D. respectfully requests this Honorable Court
to enter an Order requiring Plaintiffs to file full and complete answers and responses to his May 9, 200 I
Supplemental Request for Production of Documents and Tangible Items Addressed to Plaintiffs within ten
(10) days of service of this Honorable Court's Order.
RespectfuIIy submitted,
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
Date: ~. /1, ,;loa I
~3'~
EV BLACK, ESQUIRE
ill # 17884
Attorney for Defendant Henry S. Crist, M,D.
-3-
EXHIBIT
"A"
POST & SCHELL, P.c.
BY: EVAN BLACK, ESQUIRE
LD. # 17884
240 GRAND VIEW AVENUE
CAMP HIL( PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
HENRY S. CRIST, M.D,
Plaintiffs,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
P ATRlCIA S. GORDON and ROBERT
GORDON, Her Husband
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D., CARLISLE
IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C., LAWRENCE
,- K. THOMPSON, M,D., AESTHETIC &
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY OF
CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA, P.C., HENRY
S. CRIST, M.D., and CARLISLE HOSPITAL
Defendants.
DOCKET NO. 97-6684
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
SUPPLEMRNTAL REQTTRST FOR PRODTTCTJON OF DOCTTMRNTS AND
T ANGTlU ,R ITRMS OF DRFRNDANT lIRNRY S. CRIST, M. D. ADDRRSSIW
TO PLATNTJFF (MAY 9, 2001)
Pursuant to Rule 4009 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, Defendant requests that
Plaintiff produce the docwnents hereinafter described and permit Defendant, through his attorneys,
to inspect them and copy such ofthem as they may desire. Defendant requests that the documents
be made available for this inspection at the offices of Defendant's attorneys located at 240
Grandview Avenue, Suite 100, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, within thirty (30) days of the date of
service hereof. Defendant's attorneys will be responsible for these documents so long as they are
in their possession. The documents will be properly returned after copying has been completed.
This request is intended to cover all documents in the possession, custody, and control of the
Plaintiff, her agents, employees, insurance carriers, and attorneys and is considered to be continuing
and, therefore, should be modified or supplemented as you receive further or additional information
up to the time of trial.
The documents covered by this request are as follows:
1. All videotapes showing Plaintiffs Decedent, Patricia S. Gordon, including all audio.
2. Colored photocopies of all photographs of Plaintiffs Decedent, Patricia S. Gordon,
from a January 1, 1995, to September 4,2000. Please do not submit black and white photocopies
or photographic prints. Colored photocopies ofthe photographs are requested.
3. A written total of all out-of-pocket expenses related to medical costs incurred by
Plaintiff's Decedent.
4. A total of all medical expenses incurred by Plaintiffs Decedent which are claimed
to be related to this litigation.
5. A total ofthe actual payments made to all healthcare providers of Plaintiffs Decedent
which are claimed to be related to this litigation.
POST & SCHELL, P. C.
By
EVAN BLACK, ESQ.
Date: 5/ r /01
Attorney for Defendant
Henry S. Crist, M, D.
-2-
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POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: EVAN BLACK, ESQUIRE
LD. # 17884
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 170Il
(717) 731-1970
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
HENRY S. CRIST, M.D.
Plaintiffs,
IN THE COURT OF CO:rvtMON
PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY rl' A c:
'",~,
PATRICIA S, GORDON and ROBERT
GORDON, Her Husband
,)1
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D., CARLISLE
IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C., LAWRENCE
K. THOMPSON, M.D., AESTHETIC &
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY OF
CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA, P.c., HENRY
S. CRIST, M.D., and CARLISLE HOSPITAL
Defendants.
DOCKET NO. 97-6684
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CIVIL ACTION - LAW
~'-T.J
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JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CF.RTlFTC,l. TF. OF SF,RVTCF,
I, Rebecca S. Rusbatch, an employee of the law offices of Post & Schell, P.c., do hereby certity that
on the date listed below, I did serve a true and correct copy of a Supplemental Request for Production of
Documents and Tangible Items of Defendant Henry S. Crist, M. D. Addressed to Plaintiff (May 9,2001)
upon the following person(s) at the following addressees) by sending same in the United States mail, first-
class, postage prepaid:
Patrick Lauer, Jr., Esquire
2108 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011-4706
Robin J. Marzella, Esquire
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, P A 17110
April L. Chamberlain, Esquire
Mcquaide Law Offices
811 University Drive
State College, P A 16801
Stephanie Carfley, Esquire
Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen
126 East King Street
Lancaster, P A 17602c2893
S. Walter Foulkrod, III, Esquire
Foulkrod Ellis, P. C.
1800 Linglestown Road, Ste. 305
Harrisburg, PA 17110
DATE: 5/9/01
CIcJ
RE
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EXHIBIT
"B "
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3513 NORTH FRONT STREET, HARRLIBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17110
717.234.7828 888.838,3426 717.234.6883 FAX
ARZELLA
.I.
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June 5, 2001
"~
Attorneys &. Counselors At Law
S. Walter Foulkrod III, Esquire
S. WALTER FOULKROD III & ASSOC.
2215 Forest Hills Drive, Suite 35
P.O. Box 6600
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Stephanie Cartley, Esquire.
BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Evan Black, Esquire
POST & SCHELL
101 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
April L. Chamberlain, Esquire
MCQUAID, BlASKO, SCHWARTZ,
FLEMING & FAULKNER, INC.
811 University Drive
State College, PA 16801
Re: Patricia Gordon, et ux. v. James O. Taggart, M.D., et al.
Cumberland County c.c.P. No. 97-6684
Dear Counsel:
In supplement to our Response to Request for Production of Documents, enclosed
please find five pictures of Patricia Gordon provided to us by Mr. Gordon.
Thank you for attention to this matter.
Very truly yours,
R. J. Marzella & Associates, P.c.
B
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Enclosures
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POST & SCHELL, P.C.
ATTORNEYS AT LAw
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA I 70 I I
(717) 731-1970'
FACSIMILE: (7171731-1985
t 800 JOHN F. KENNEDY BLVO.
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19.03-7480
(2151587-1000
FAX: (215) 567-1444
CNG I DOMINION TOWER
62.5 UBERTY AVE. SUITE 2800
PITTSBURGH, PA 152.22<31 10
(412) 577-2972
FAX: (4 I 21 577-2973
1857 WILLIAM PENN WAY
P.O. BOX 10246
LANCASTER, PA 17605-0248
(717) 291-4532.
FAX: 017>291-1609
1245 S, CEDAR CREST
BOULEVARD
SUITE 300
ALLENTOWN. PA 18103
(6101433-0193
FAX: (61 OJ 433-3972
ADAMS PLACE - SUITt -3
70 I WHITE HORSE ROAD
VOORHEES,N~ 08043
(856) 627-8900
FAX; ISSSl 827-4451
June 11, 2001
JOY M. FREUNDEL
(7 I 7) 61 2-6042
..JFREUtlOEL@PosTSCHIU..L..COM
FILE NO. 0079/84469
Robin J. Marzella, Esquire
3515 North Front Street
Harrisburg, P A 17110
RE: Gordon v. Crist, M.D.
Dear Ms. Marzella:
On or about May 9, 2001, we served you with Defendants Supplemental Request for
Production of Documents. To date, we have not yet received your client's responses.
Would you please advise us as to when we might expect to receive them? Your prompt
attention to this matter is sincerely appreciated,
Very truly yours,
Joy M. Freundel
Paralegal
JMF/jmf
op
CRRTTFTCATE OF SRRVTCR
I, Candice M. Baker, an employee of the law offices of Post & Schell, P.C., do hereby certify that on the date
listed below, I did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing document upon the following person(s) at the
following addressees) by sending same in the United States mail, first-class, postage prepaid:
Patrick Lauer, Jr., Esquire
2108 Market Street
CampHill,PA 17011-4706
Robin J. Marzella, Esquire
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, P A 1711 0
April L. Chamberlain, Esquire
McQuaide Law Offices
811 University Drive
State College, P A 16801
Stephanie Carfley, Esquire
Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen
126 East King Street
Lancaster, P A 17602-2893
S. Walter F oulkrod, III, Esquire
FoulkrodEllis, P. C.
1800 Linglestown Road, Ste. 305
Harrisburg, P A 1711 0
Date: f%;
-
y; rlti 1011 ~
Robert W, Gordon
Page 113 Page 115
1 court on this? 1 up, do you know?
2 A. Yes, 1 have. 2 A. 1 don't know what you mean -"
3 Q. And were you -- did you 3 estate set up.
4 receive a sentence from the judge? 4 Q. 1I's just a legal term when
5 A. That's June the 12th. 5 someone dies and either -- did your wife
6 Q. SO, you begin a sentence on 6 have a Will, for instance1
7 June 12th? 7 A. We both did.
8 A. Yes, ma'am. 8 Q, Okay, you both had a Will.
9 Q. Do you have to spend any time 9 In order to have the Will processed, it
10 in jail? 10 sometimes has to go through a court
11 A. Yes, I will. 11 presses, And ill order for the Will te go
12 Q. Do you know how much time? 12 through the court process, the court sets
13 A. My district attorney lawyer 13 up something that's called an estate and
14 got together and it's 15 days one month 14 that's to deal with all of your wife's -- '
15 and 15 days another. . 15 her Will and any personal belongings ,md
16 Q. For any of the other two Dill 116 paying any bills or debt that she
17 offenses that you had, did you ever have 17 personally owed as opposed to you having
18 to go to jail for those -- like a county 18 together. Have you gone through tllat
19 jail? 19 process?
20 A. Yes. Forty'five for the 20 A. No. We just went to a
21 first and a month for the second. 21 lawyer, Mrs. Brown, and she made out the
22 Q. Do you recall when those 22 Wills for us.
23 were? 23 Q. Okay. At any time since your
24 A. Seven years ago. 24 wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in
Page 114 Page 116
I Q. Have you ever been charged 1 January of 1996, Mr, Gordon, did either .
2 with any other type of offense that's 2 you or your wife ever do any kind of
3 considered to be -- like a DUI is 3 research on breast cancer? And by that I
4 considered either a traffic or a criminal 4 mean did you go to the library, read any
5 offense? 5 books, get on the internet?
6 A. No. Not that I recall, no; 6 A, No, we didn't, ma'am.
7 Q. You also mentioned this 7 Q. ' And if you can excuse me, Mr.
8 morning that you took some medication -. 8 Gordon, I have some notes here for the
9 Xanax and that you took Prozac -- and you 9 deposition and I Want to make certain .-
10 said -- 10 I don't want to ask you the same
11 A. Prilosec. 11 questions over again that Mr. Black may
12 Q. I'm sorry -- Prilosec, okay. 12 have asked. So, if you don't mind,
13 And they were taken at around 7:00 a.m.? 13 periodically I'm going to refer to my
14 A. Yes. 14 notes to try to not be duplicating his
15 Q. , During the course of the day 15 questions?
16 that we've been here -- and just for 16 A. That's okay.
17 documenting the.record, it's now 12:30-- 17 Q. Was the maniage that you had
18 have you taken any more medication this 18 to Patricia, as far as the length of time
19 morning? 19 is concerned, was it the longest maniage
20 A. No,ma'am. 20 you had or was that to Lois Ann Rupp?
21 Q. And the plaintiffs in the 21 A. I think Trish was longer.
22 case prior to your wife's death were you 22 Q. And the two of you never had
23 and your wife. Now that she is deceased, 23 any children together; correct?
24 Mr. Gordon, has there been an estate set 24 A. No, y-;e didn't.
-
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29 (pages 113 to 116)
Capital Court Reporting
(800) 760-2626
f):hibll D
Exhibit D
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
No. 97-6684 CIVIL TERM
Plaintiffs
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, MD.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA )
) ss:
COUNTY OF DAUPHIN )
Britt D. Russell, Esquire, attorney for Defendants Lawrence K. Thompson, M.D.
and Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central PA, P.C. in the above-captioned
matter, after having been duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that a true
and correct copy of Joint Petition to Abate Consolidated Action Pursuant to 20
Pa.C.SA 9 3375 was mailed by regular mail at the post office in Hershey,
Pennsylvania, postage prepaid, this 27th day of May, 2004 to:
Robert Gordon
c/o Robin Marzella, Esq.
RJ MARZELLA & ASSOCIATES
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
McQUAIDE, BLASKO, FLEMING &
FAULKNER, INC.
Sworn to and Subs9rJbed
before me this :<7 It? day
of May, 2005.
By: 'br.\:t'b~
Britt D. Russell
NOWlW. 8W
~MIlOIY
NolaIy NllIc
llBIII\' JWl! IW"''' COUNIY
My Con.............. Mar" 2lllI9
PATRICIA S. GORDON
and ROBERT GORDON,
her husband,
Plaintiffs
v.
AESTHETIC &
RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL:
PENNSYLVANIA, P.C.,
HERBERT C.
PEARLMAN, M.D., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
PATRICIA S. GORDON
and ROBERT GORDON,
her husband,
Plaintiffs
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART,
M.D.; CARLISLE
IMAGING ASSOCIATES, :
P.C.; LAWRENCE K.
THOMPSON, M.D.;
AESTHETIC &
RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL:
PA, P.C.; and CARLISLE:
HOSPITAL
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 97-1879 CIVIL TERM
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 97-6684 CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF COURT
~
AND NOW, this 8th day of June, 2005, upon consideration of the Joint Petition To
Abate Consolidated Action Pursuant To 20 Pa. C.S.A. 93375, a Rule is hereby issued
upon Plaintiffs to show cause why the relief requested should not be granted.
RULE RETURNABLE within 15 days of service.
~bin J. Marzella, Esq.
R.J. Marzella & Associates, P.C.
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1438
Attorney for Plaintiffs
~ephanie Carfley, Esq.
Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, L.L.C.
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2893
Attorney for Defendant
Carlisle Hospital
~il C. Simpson, Esq.
Britt D. Russell, Esq.
McQuaide Blasko Law Offices
600 Centerview Drive, M.C. A560
Hershey, P A 17033
Attorney for Defendants Dr. Lawrence
K. Thompson and Aesthetic &
Reconstructive Surgery of Central
Pennsylvania, P.C.
BY THE COURT,
J.
~rew H. Foulkrod, Esq.
Michael C. Mongiello, Esq.
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Defendants
James D. Taggart, M.D., and
Carlisle Imaging Associates, Inc.
:rc
R. J. MARZELLA & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
BY: Zachary D. Campbell, Esquire
zcampbell@rjmarzella.com
Pennsylvania Supreme Court I.D. No. 93177
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110
Telephone: (717) 234-7828
Facsimile: (717) 234-6883
Attorneys for Plaintiffs,
Patricia Gordon and
Robert Gordon
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Civil Action - Law
No.: 97-6684
Medical Professional Liability Action
Plaintiffs
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.;
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.:
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.;
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA., P.C.;
CARLISLE HOSPTIAL
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Civil Action - Law /'
No.: 97-1879 v
Medical Professional Liability Action
Plaintiffs
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M.D., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFFS' RESPONSE TO DEFENDANTS' JOINT PETITION TO ABATE
CONSOLIDATED ACTIONS PURSUANT TO 20 P A.C.S. ~3375
AND NOW, Plaintiffs, Patricia Gordon, deceased, and Robert Gordon by and
through their attorneys, R. J. Marzella & Associates, P .C., submit the following Response
to Defendants' Joint Petition to Abate Consolidated Actions Pursuant to 20 Pa.C.S. S3375.
1. Admitted.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted.
6. Admitted.
7. Denied. Letters of administration are currently in the process of
application.
8. Denied. It is specifically denied that the Defendants have satisfied the
requirements of20 Pa.C.S. S3375 allowing abatement ofthe consolidated actions because
the Defendants never filed a Notice of Suggestion of Death with this Honorable Court,
which is the prerequisite for filing a Petition for Abatement.
9. Admitted in part. In pertinent part, 20 Pa.C.S.A. S3375 provides:
If a Plaintiff or petitioner in any action or proceeding now pending
or hereafter brought dies and a personal representative is not
appointed within one year after a suggestion of such death is flIed
in the action or proceeding, any defendant or respondent may
petition the court to abate the action as to the cause of action of the
decedent. Copies of the petition shall be served upon the executor
2
Civil 97-6684
named in the will, if known to the defendant, and other wise upon
allknown next of kin entitled to letters of administration. The court
shall abate the action as to the cause of action of the decedent if the
delay in taking out letters is not reasonably explained.
See 20 Pa.C.S. &3375 (emphasis added).
10. Denied. It is specifically denied that the Court shall abate the decedent's
cause of action one year after the death is mentioned in court filings. Rather, the Court
shall only abate the decedent's cause of action if an estate is not raised within one year after
a suggestion of such death is filed in the action or proceeding. 20 Pa.C.S. 93375 clearly
requires more than mere mention of the death in a court filing, it requires the filing of a
Notice of Suggestion of Death by any such defendant seeking abatement.
11. Denied. It is specifically denied that the Defendants are entitled to
abatement of the consolidated actions because all of them have failed to satisfy the
prerequisite for abatement under 20 Pa.C.S. 93375, which is to file a Notice of Suggestion
of Death and then wait a year to see if Plaintiff has indeed raised an estate.
12. Admitted.
13. Admitted.
14. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Mrs. Gordon's death
was mentioned in Mr. Gordon's deposition. However, it is denied that mere mention of
Ms. Gordon's death meets the requirements of20 Pa.C.S. 93375, which states that the
defendants must file a Notice of Suggestion of Death with this Honorable Court, then wait
a year before a Petition for Abatement is proper.
3
Civil 97-6684
15. Admitted in part. It is admitted that a court must abate an action if one full
year has passed after a defendant has filed a Notice of Suggestion of Death and the
Plaintiffhad not appointed a personal representative for the deceased. In Munday v.
Underwriters Services, 25 Pa. D. & C.4th 289, 1995 WL 847621 (C.P. 1995), Defendant
Underwriter Services filed a notice of suggestion of death on October 14, 1993. Defendant
Underwriter Services then waited more than a year, and on December 29, 1994 filed a
petition for rule to show cause why the action should not be abated due to plaintiffs failure
to appoint a representative. See Munday, at 291.
16. Denied. It is specifically denied that Plaintiff must show any excuse for the
delay, whether it be reasonable or not, since none ofthe defendants in this action have
followed the necessary procedure to petition this Honorable court for abatement of the
instant action. Furthermore, in Dohner v. Clemens, 703 A.2d 708, 709 (Pa.Super. 1997)
Defendants filed a Motion and Suggestion of Death on July 27, 1993, which was made
effective by court order on April 21, 1995. Defendants proceeded to wait one full year and
on April 24, 1996 filed their Petition for Abatement and Motion to Dismiss. Id. at 709.
The court went on to note that, "On September 11, 1996, the petition for abatement was
granted because appellant's counsel failed to have a personal representative appointed
within one year of the filing ofthe suggestion of death pursuant to 20 Pa.C.S. S3375." Id.
at 709. The defendants in the instant case failed to follow this procedure by failing to file a
Motion and Suggestion of Death required by 20 Pa.C.S. S3375.
17. Admitted in part. It is admitted that appointment of a representative after a
defendant's petition to abate was filed does not defeat the petition; so long as defendant's
4
Civil 97-6684
petition to abate was filed more than one year after that defendant filed a Notice of
Suggestion of Death, which did not take place in the instant action.
18. Admitted.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request this Honorable Court enter the
attached Order and DENY Defendants' Petition to Abate the Consolidated Actions because
all of the Defendants failed to file the requisite Notice of Suggestion of Death and then
wait one full year before filing the instant Petition to Abate in accordance with 20 Pa.C.S.
S3375.
Respectfully submitted,
R. J. Marzella & Associates, P.C.
Dated: G!, /zao S-
f I
By:
Z . ampbell, Esquire
Attorney Identification No. 93177
5
Civil 97-6684
..
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Adam G. Reedy, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing
document was served upon all counsel of record this 10th day of June 2005 by depositing
said copy in United States mail at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania First-Class delivery, addressed
as follows:
Stephanie Carfley, Esquire
BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN, LLC
126 East King Street
Lancaster, P A 17602
April Chamberlain Simpson, Esquire
McQUAIDE BLASKO
811 University Drive
State College, PA 16801-6699
Andrew H. Foulkrod, Esquire
FOULKROD ELLIS, P.C.
1800 Linglestown Road, Suite 305
Harrisburg, P A 17110
R. J. Marz~lla & Associates, P.C.
By:
Adam G. Reedy
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PlAINTIFFS' PETITION TO AMEND CAPTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA.R.C.P, 1033
AND NOW, Plaintiffs, Patricia Gordon, deceased, and Robert Gordon by and
through their attorneys, R.j. Marzella & Associates, p,c., submit the following Petition to
Amend the Captions in the Consolidated instant civil action and aver the following:
1. On or about April 1, 1998, Plaintiffs commenced the instant action by way
offiling a Complaint.
2. Thereafter, on or about September 7,2000, Plaintiff Patricia S, Gordon
passed away.
3, On or about June 16, 2005, the Register of Wills for Cumberland County,
Glenda Farner Strasbaugh, issued Letters of Administration, CTA, on the Estate of
Patricia S, Gordon, to her husband, Robert W. Gordon, (A copy of the Short Certificate
granting letters of Administration, CTA, to Robert W, Gordon is attached hereto as
Exhibit "A").
4, Therefore, Plaintiffs petition this court to amend the captions for the
Plaintiffs in the consolidated actions to read; Robert W, Gordon, individually, and as
Administrator of the Estate of Patricia S. Gordon, deceased.
Civil 97-6684
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request this Honorable Court enter the
attached Order granting the Petition to Amend the Captions of the Consolidated instant
action to read; Robert W, Gordon, individually and as Administrator of the Estate of
Patricia S, Gordon, deceased,
Respectfully submitted.
R.j. Marzella & Associates, p,c.
Dated:
b /17 (oS
, .
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Civil 97 -6684
Exhibit "A"
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.
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
SHORT CERTIFICATE
I,
GLENDA FARNER STRASBAUGH
esta te of PA TRICIA S GORDON
Register for the Probate of Wills and Granting
Letters of Administration in and for
CUMBERLAND County, do hereby certify that on
the 16th day of June, Two Thousand and Five,
Le t ters of ADMINlSTRA TlON C. T.A.
in common form were granted by the Register of
said County, on the
, late of NORTH NEWTON TOWNSHIP
(First, Middle, l8stJ
in said county, deceased, to ROBERT W GORDON
(FiTst, Middle. Last)
and that same has not since been revoked.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
seal of said office at CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA, this 16th day of June
Two Thousand and Five.
File No.
PA File No.
Date of Death
S.S. #
2005-00544
21- 05- 0544
9/07/2000
535-54-5906
~~ "i~b,~)fuJl~~
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NOT VALID WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIGNATURE AND IMPRESSED SEAL
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Adam G. Reedy, hereby certifY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing
document was served upon all counsel of record this 17th day of June 2005 by depositing
said copy in United States mail at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania First-Class delivery, addressed
as follows:
Stephanie Carfley, Esquire
BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN, LLC
126 East King Street
Lancaster, P A 17602
April Chamberlain Simpson, Esquire
McQUAIDE BLASKO
811 University Drive
State College, PA 16801-6699
Andrew H. Foulkrod, Esquire
FOULKROD ELLIS, P,C.
1800 Linglestown Road, Suite 305
Harrisburg, PA 17110
R. J. Marzella & Associates, P.C.
BY,:;7 (~f3
Adam G. Reedy
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PATRICIA S. GORDON
and ROBERT GORDON,
her husband,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
AESTHETIC &
RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL:
PENNSYLVANIA, P.C.,
HERBERT C.
PEARLMAN, M.D., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
NO, 97-1879 CIVIL TERM
PATRICIA S. GORDON
and ROBERT GORDON,
her husband,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JAMES D. TAGGART,
M.D.; CARLISLE
IMAGING ASSOCIATES,:
P,C.; LAWRENCE K.
THOMPSON, M.D.;
AESTHETIC &
RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL:
PA, P.C.; and CARLISLE:
HOSPITAL
Defendants
NO. 97-6684 CIVIL TERM
/
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 22nd day of June, 2005, upon consideration of Plaintiffs' Petition
To Amend Captions in Accordance with Pa. R.C.P. 1033, a Rule is hereby issued upon
Defendants to show cause why the relief requested should not be granted,
. .,
lif\r\r'1!~l^SN~.,l?c!
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RULE RETURNABLE within 20 days of service,
Zachary D. Campbell, Esq.
p. Marzella & Associates, P.C.
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1438
Attorney for Plaintiffs
~phanie Carfley, Esq.
Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, L.L.C.
126 East King Street
Lancaster, P A 17602-2893
Attorney for Defendant
Carlisle Hospital
~il C. Simpson, Esq.
Britt D. Russell, Esq,
McQuaide Blasko Law Offices
600 Centerview Drive, M.C, A560
Hershey, P A 17033
Attorney for Defendants Dr. Lawrence
K. Thompson and Aesthetic &
Reconstructive Surgery of Central
Pennsylvania, P,C.
~ew H. Foulkrod, Esq.
Michael C. Mongiello, Esq,
20 I 0 Market Street
Camp Hill, P A 17011
Attorney for Defendants
James D. Taggart, M.D., and
Carlisle Imaging Associates, Inc.
:rc
BY THE COURT,
.I:
.J
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PATRICIA S. GORDON and /'
ROBERT GORDON, her husband, No, B7-6684 CIVIL TERM
Plaintiffs
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
LIABILITY ACTION
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D"
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P,C"
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
PATRICIA S, GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
No. B7-1879
Plaintiffs
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M.D., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANTS LAWRENCE THOMPSON. M.D. ,~ND AESTHETIC &
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.Co'S RESPONSE
TO PLAINTIFF'S PETITION TO AMEND THE CAPTIONS
AND NOW, Defendants Lawrence Thompson, M.D. and Aesthetic &
Reconstructive Surgery of Central PA, P.C., respond to Plclintiffs Petition to Amend the
Caption as follows:
1-4. Responding Defendants object to the amendment of the Caption as
Petitioned by Plaintiff, Robert Gordon. This case has been pending for seven (7) years.
On September 7,2000, Plaintiff, Patricia S, Gordon, died. Thereafter, Plaintiff, Robert
Gordon, took no action whatsoever to establish an Estate, and to have the Estate
substituted as a Plaintiff in this matter. As a result, on May 27,2005, all Defendants in
this matter jointly filed a Petition for Abatement of the acticm under provisions of the
Probate Code, which provide for abatement where a Plaintiff has failed to timely
substitute the Estate as a party to the matter. The Defendants' Petition for Abatement
of the Action is pending. Under the law of this CommonwElalth, a Petition for
Abatement of a Civil Action under the Probate Code is not defeated where Letters of
Administration are obtained subsequent to the filing of a Petition for Abatement of the
Action.
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court deny
the Plaintiff's Petition to Amend the Captions until such time as the Defendants' Petition
for Abatement of the Action has been determined by the Court.
Respectfully submitted,
~t.~
April ,Simpson, Es uire
Britt D. Russell, Esquire
McQuaide Blasko Law Offices
811 University Drive
State Colle~Je, PA 16801
(814) 238-4926
Dated: June 21, 2005
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
No. 97-6684 CIVIL TERM
Plaintiffs
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA. P.C.,
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA )
) ss:
COUNTY OF CENTRE )
April C. Simpson, Esquire, attorney for Defendants Lawrence K. Thompson,
M.D. and Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central PA, P.C. in the
above-captioned matter, after having been duly sworn according to law, deposes and
says that a true and correct copy of Defendants Lawrence Thompson, M.D. and
Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central PA, P.C.'s Response to Plaintiffs
Petition to Amend the Captions was mailed by regular mail at the post office in State
College, Pennsylvania, postage prepaid, this ~ I St" day of June, 2005, to the
attorneys of record:
Stephanie Cartley, Esq.
BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN, LLC
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2832
Robin Marzella, Esq.
RJ MARZELLA & ASSOCIATES
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Andrew Foulkrod, Esq.
FOULKROD ELLIS, P.C,
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
,
McQUAIDE, BLASKO, FLEMING &
FAULKNEF~. INC.
By: .t~ C.~
April C. Simpson
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Notarial Seal
Stephanie A. Peachey, Notal)' Public
Stale College Boro, Canlre County
My Commission Expires Mar, 6. 2008
Member. Pennsylvania Associatlon Of Notarial;
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
No. 97-6684 CIVIL TERM
Plaintiffs
v,
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P,C.,
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA )
) ss:
COUNTY OF CENTRE )
April C. Simpson, Esquire, attorney for Defendants Lawrence K. Thompson,
M.D, and Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central PA, P.C. in the
above-captioned matter, after having been duly sworn acc()rding to law, deposes and
says that a true and correct copy of Defendants Lawrence Thompson, M.D. and
Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central PA, P.C.'s Response to Plaintiffs
Petition to Amend the Captions was mailed by regular mail at the post office in State
College, Pennsylvania, postage prepaid, this ;) I Sf- day of June, 2005, to the
attorneys of record:
Stephanie Cartley, Esq.
BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN, LLC
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2832
Robin Marzella, Esq.
RJ MARZELLA & ASSOCIATES
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Andrew Foulkrod, Esq.
FOULKROD ELLIS, P.C.
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
McQUAIDE, BLASKO, FLEMING &
FAULKNER, INC,
By: j.~ C~
April C, Simpson
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Notarial Seal
S1ephanie A. Peachey. Notary Public
state College Bora, Centre County
My Canmission Expires Mar. 6, 2008
Member. Pennsylvania Association Of Notaries
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FOULKROD ELLIS
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011
Telephone: [717] 213-4200
Fax: [717] 213-4202
Attorneys for Defendants,
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D., &
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT T. GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLN~ COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
DOCKET NO, 97-6684
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.;
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES,
P.C.; LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON,
M.D.; AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE:
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA, :
P.C.; AND CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRI,A.L DEMANDED
RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFF'S PETITION TO AMEND
CAPTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH Pa. R.C.P. 1033
The instant petition ignores Defendant's Joint Motion to
Abate by reason of Plaintiff's failure to substitute parties,
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Respectfully submitted,
FOULKROD ELLIS
PROFESS ONAL CORPORATION
~~
By:
Andrew Foulkrod, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 77394
Date:
June
~"L-
, 2005
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing document was served upon all counsel of record this
rJ-3 ""day of June, 2005, by depositing said copy in the United
States Mail at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, postage prepaid, first
class delivery, and addressed as follows:
Robin J. Marzella, Esquire
R. J. Marzella Esquire &
Associates, P.C.
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
April C. Simpson, Esquire
McQuaide Blasko
811 University Drive
State College, PA 16801-6699
Stephanie Carfley, Esquire
Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2832
FOULKROD ELLIS
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
By:
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PATRICIA S, GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs
No. 97-6684
v.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
LIABILITY ACTION
JAMES D, TAGGART, M.D.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M,D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA., P.C.,
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs
No. 97-1879
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA., P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M.D., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
DEFENDANT CARLISLE HOSPITAL'S RESPONSE
TO PLAINTIFF'S PETITION TO AMEND THE CAPTIONS
AND NOW, Defendant Carlisle Hospital responds to Plaintiffs Petition to Amend the
Captions as follows:
1-4. Responding Defendant objects to the amendment of the Captions as petitioned by
Plaintiff, Robert Gordon. This case has been pending for seven (7) years. Plaintiff, Patricia S.
Gordon, died on September 7, 2000. Thereafter, Plaintiff, Robert Gordon, took no action
whatsoever to open an Estate, and have the Estate substituted as a Plaintiff in this matter. Given
1444068.1
1
Plaintiffs failure to substitute the Estate as a party for nearly JfJve (5) years, on May 27, 2005,
Defendants jointly filed a Petition for Abatement under provisions of the Probate Code, which
provide for abatement of an action where a plaintiff has failed to timely substitute the Estate as a
party to the matter. Defendants' Petition for Abatement of the Action is currently pending before
the Court. As set forth in Defendants' Petition, a Petition for Abatement of a Civil Action under
the Probate Code is not defeated where Letters of Administration are obtained subsequent to the
filing ofa Petition for Abatement of the Action. Accordingly, ;Plaintiffs Petition to Amend
should be denied.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Carlisle Hospital respectfully requests that this Honorable
Court deny the Plaintiffs Petition to Amend the Captions until such time as the Defendants'
Petition for Abatement of the Action has been determined by the Court.
BARLEY SNYDER LLC
~
Stepnanie C
Attorneys for efend
Carlisle Hosp tal
Date: 0U",-e. ~q .;)005
BY:
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 399-1536
Court I.D, No. 79136
1444068.1
2
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of Defendant Carlisle Hospital's
Response to Plaintiffs Petition to Amend the Captions was served this ;.)~y of
~......e , ,2005, by first class mail, postage prepaid, upon the following:
Robin J, Marzella, Esquire
R.J, Marzella & Associates, P.C.
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Andrew Foulkrod, Esquire
Foulkrod Ellis
20 I 0 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
April C. Simpson, Esquire
McQuaide Blasko
811 University Drive
State College, P A 16801-6699
BARLEY SN
By:
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2893
(717) 299-5201
Court LD. No. 79136
1444068.1
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
No. 97-6684 CIVIL TERM
Plaintiffs
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JUFIY TRIAL DEMANDED
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA )
) ss:
COUNTY OF DAUPHIN )
Britt D. Russell, Esquire, attorney for Defendants Lawrence K. Thompson, M.D.
and Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central PA, P.C. in the above-captioned
matter, after having been duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that a true
and correct copy of Brief in Support of Joint Petition to Abate Consolidated Action
Pursuant to 20 Pa,C.SA 93375 was mailed by regular mail at the post office in
Hershey, Pennsylvania, postage prepaid, this 12th day of July, 2005 to the attorneys of
record:
Stephanie Cartley, Esq.
BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN, LLC
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2832
Robin Marzella, Esq.
RJ MARZELLA & ASSOCIATES
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Andrew Foulkrod, Esq.
FOULKROD ELLIS, P,C.
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
McQUAIDE, BLASKO, FLEMING &
FAULKNER, INC.
By:
Ww*f()QwN
Britt D. Russell
Sworn to and Sub~s;ribed
before me this J),rl day
of July, 2005
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PATRICIA S. GORDON
and ROBERT GORDON,
her husband,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
AESTHETIC &
RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL:
PENNSYLVANIA, P.C.,
HERBERT C.
PEARLMAN, M.D" and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
NO. 97-1879 CIVIL TERM
PATRICIA S. GORDON
and ROBERT GORDON,
her husband,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JAMES D, TAGGART,
M.D.; CARLISLE
IMAGING ASSOCIATES,:
P.C.; LAWRENCE K.
THOMPSON, M.D.;
AESTHETIC &
RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL:
PA, P.C.; and CARLISLE:
HOSPITAL
Defendants
NO. 97-6684 CIVIL TERM./
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 13th day of July, 2005, upon consideration of Plaintiffs' Petition
To Amend Captions in Accordance with Pa. R.C.:P. 1033, Defendants Lawrence
Thompson, M.D. and Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Central Pennsylvania,
P.Co's Response to Plaintiffs' Petition To Amend the Captions, and the Response of
-.
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Defendants James D. Taggart, M.D., and Carlisle Imaging Associates to Plaintiffs'
Petition To Amend Caption in Accordance with Pa. R.C-P. 1033, and Defendant Carlisle
Hospital's Response to Plaintiffs' Petition To Amend the Captions, a hearing IS
scheduled for Wednesday, October 5, 2005, at 10:30 a.m., in Courtroom No.1,
Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
REGARDING THE JOINT Petition To Abate Consolidated Action Pursuant to 20
Pa. C.S.A. 3375 93375 and Plaintiffs' Response to Det:endants' Joint Petition To Abate
Consolidated Actions Pursuant to 20 Pa. C.S.A. 93375, a hearing is scheduled for
Wednesday, October 5, 2005, at 10:30 a.m., in Courtroom No.1, Cumberland County
Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
BY THE COURT,
~
J esley Oler, Jr., J.
Robin J.Marzella, Esq.
R.J. Marzella & Associates, P.C.
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1438
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Stephanie CartIey, Esq.
Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, L.L.C.
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2893
Attorney for Defendant
Carlisle Hospital
~
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April C. Simpson, Esq.
Britt D. Russell, Esq.
McQuaide Blasko Law Offices
600 Centerview Drive, M.C. A560
Hershey, PA 17033
Attorney for Defendants Dr. Lawrence
K. Thompson and Aesthetic &
Reconstructive Surgery of Central
Pennsylvania, P.C.
Andrew H. Foulkrod, Esq.
Michael C. Mongiello, Esq.
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, P A 170 II
Attorney for Defendants
James D, Taggart, M.D., and
Carlisle Imaging Associates, Inc.
:rc
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs
v.
No. 97-6684
JAMES D, TAGGART, M.D.,
CARLISLE IMAGING
ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL
PENNSYLVANIA, P.C.,
HENRY S. CRIST, M.D. and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
******************************************************************************
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs
No, 97-1879
v.
WILLIAM P. GRAHAM, III, M.D,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
HERBERT C, PERLMAN, M.D.,
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
1500379,1
PRAECIPE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please withdraw the appearance of Stephanie Carfley, Esquire, on behalf of Defendant
Carlisle Hospital in the above matter.
Date:
, .......-.
/0/Z1/0)
f (
BY:
Stephanie
Attorneys or Defe
Carlisle Hospital
126 East King Street
Lancaster, P A 17602
(717) 399-1536
Court 1,D, No. 79136
Kindly enter the appearance of Thomas, Thomas & Hafer by Sarah Arosell, Esquire on
behalf of Defendant Carlisle Hospital in the above matter.
Date: /rJ);17/U-S
f f
rall W, Arosell, Esquire
Attorneys for Defendant
Carlisle Hospital
BY:
305 North Front Street
P,O. Box 999
Harrisburg, P A 17101
(717) 237-7100
[500379,[
.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing Praecipe was served
by first class mail, on this 27
dayof ()c.Icb"-..
, 2005, upon:
Robin J. Manella, Esquire
R.J. Marzella & Associates
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Andrew Foulkrod, Esquire
Foulkrod Ellis
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
April Chamberlain Simpson, Esquire
McQuaide, Blasko
811 University Drive
State College, P A 16801-6699
THOMAS, THOMAS & H1ER
BY: ~ahvtz~~
arah W, Arosell, Esquire -
Attorneys for Defendant
Carlisle Hospital
305 North Front Street
P.O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PAl 71 0 1
(717) 237-7100
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R. J. MARZELLA & ASSOCIATES, P.c.
BY: Zachary D. Campbell, Esquire
zcampbell@rjmarzella.com
Pennsylvania Supreme Court I.D. No. 93177
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110
Telephone: (717) 234-7828
Facsimile: (717) 234-6883
Attorneys for Plaintiffs,
Patricia Gordon and
Robert Gordon
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Civil Action.. Law
No.: 97..6684
Medical Professional Liability Action
Plaintiffs
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.;
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.:
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.;
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA., P.C.;
CARLISLE HOSPTIAL
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
-~--------------------------------------------------------------------------..--------------------------------
PATRICIA S. GORDON and
ROBERT GORDON, her husband,
Plaintiffs
Civil Action.. Law
No.: 97-1879
Medical Professional Liability Action
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M.D., and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
-
PRAECIPE TO AMEND CAPTIONS
To the Prothonotary of Cumberland County:
Please amend the above captions, as to the Plaintiffs, to read as follows:
Robert W. Gordon, individually, and as Administrator of the Estate of Patricia S.
Gordon, deceased.
Respectfully submitted,
R. J. Marzella & Associates, P.C.
Dated: 12 h (20<:>~
I
BYX
:~. pbell, Esquire
Attorney Identification No. 93177
Civil 97-6684
.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Adam G. Reedy, hereby certifY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing
document was served upon all counsel of record this 7th day of December 2005 by
depositing said copy in United States mail at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania First-Class
delivery, addressed as follows:
Stephanie Carfley, Esquire
BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN, LLC
126 East King Street
Lancaster, P A 17602
April Chamberlain Simpson, Esquire
McQUAIDE BLASKO
811 University Drive
State College, PA 16801-6699
Andrew H. Foulkrod, Esquire
FOULKROD ELLIS, P.c.
1800 Linglestown Road, Suite 305
Harrisburg, PA 17110
R. J. Marzella & Associates, P.C.
By:~
Adam G. Reedy
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THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
Sarah W, Arosell, Esquire
Identification Number: 58797
305 North Front Street
P.Q, Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
717/255-7231
Attorneys for Defendant Carlisle Hospital
ROBERT W. GORDON, Individually
and as Administrator 01 the Estaie ot
PATRICIA S. GORDON, deceased,
Plaintiffs
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.,
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES,
P.C., LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON,
M.D., AESTHETIC &
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY OF
CENTRAL PA, P.C. and CARLISLE
HOSPITAL
Defendants
ROBERT W. GORDON, Individually
and as Administrator of the Estate of
PATRICiA S GORDON, deceased,
Plaintiffs
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M.D. and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 97-6684
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ACTION
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 97-1879
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ACTION
STIPULATION OF COUNSEL
390568-1
< - '
STIPULATION OF COUNSEL
Plaintiff, Robert W. Gordon, by and through his counsel, Robin J. Marzella,
Esquire, R.J. Marzella & Associates, P. C. and Defendant Carlisle Hospital, by and
through their counsel, Sarah W. Arosell, Esquire, Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP,
hGreby stipulate and agree as faI!O\Ns:
1. All counsel executing this Stipulation hereby represent and warrant that
they are authorized to do so on behalf of their respective clients;
2. Plaintiff's sole claim against Defendant Carlisle Hospital is vicarious
liability for the actions and/or inactions of co-defendant, James D. Taggart, M.D.
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
01JJ2~
S h W. Arosell, Esquire
305 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108
Robin. e I
3513 North F
Harrisburg,
, Esquire
Street
17108
Attorney for Defendant
Carlisle Hospital
Attorney for Plaintiff
Date: is/06
Date: / ~/;2ft) s-
390568-1
'" -
~
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Sarah W. Arosell, Esquire, hereby certify that I have served a true and correct
copy of the foregoing document on the following person by placing same in the United
States mail, postage prepaid, on the ~y of 9C>1uA~1/' 2006:
./
Robin J. Marzella, Esquire
R.J. MARZELLA & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
3513 North F rant Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
S. Andrew Foulkrod, Esquire
FOULKROD ELLIS
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
April L. Chamberlain Smith, Esquire
MCQUAIDE BLASKO
811 University Drive
State College, PA 16801-6699
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
By:
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--Sarah W. Arasell, Esquire
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THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
Sarah W. Arosell, Esquire
Identification Number: 58797
305 North Front Street
P.O. Box 999
Harrisbu rg, P A 17108-0999
717/255-7231
Attorneys for Defendant Carlisle Hospital
ROBERT W. GORDON, Individually and
as Administrator of the Estate of
PATRICIA S. GORDON, deceased,
Plaintiffs
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D., CARLISLE
IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C. and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL
Defendants
ROBERT W. GORDON, Individually and
as Administrator of the Estate of
PATRICIA S. GORDON, deceased,
Plaintiffs
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M.D. and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 97-6684
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ACTION
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 97-1879
(Consolidated under No. 97-6684)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ACTION
MOTION FOR STATUS CONFERENCE
OF DEFENDANT, CARLISLE HOSPITAL
449129-1
AND NOW comes Defendant, Carlisle Hospital, by and through their attorneys,
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, and files this Motion for Status Conference, averring as
follows:
1. Plaintiff initiated this medical malpractice action against Defendant,
Carlisle Hospital by Writ of Summons filed on April 11, 1998. A Complaint was filed on
July 29, 1998 alleging failure to timely diagnose Patricia Gordon's breast cancer
2. There were two actions filed as noted above. The two actions were
consolidated by Order of Court to No. 97-6684 on February 15, 2001.
3. To date, substantial and protracted discovery has taken place.
4. The parties have also exchanged expert reports pursuant to the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and prior Scheduling Orders issued by the
Honorable J. Wesley Oler, Jr.
5. Defendant, Carlisle Hospital requests a Status Conference for the purpose
of expediting the resolution of this matter which has been in litigation since 1998.
6. Defendant, Carlisle Hospital avers that discovery is complete, however,
dates for the filing of dispositive motions, as well as a trial date certain should be set by
the Court at a Status Conference.
7. Counsel for all the parties have busy civil trial schedules in both
Cumberland County and the surrounding counties. Since the case involves complicated
medical issues requiring the testimony of multiple witnesses and experts, a date certain
for trial will assure the availability of not only counsel, but all witnesses, as well.
8. In addition, Plaintiff's counsel has repeatedly represented to defense
counsel that Plaintiff, Robert W. Gordon is often difficult to locate. A trial date certain
will also allow counsel to provide adequate notice to the parties of the trial date.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Carlisle Hospital, respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court grant Defendant, Carlisle Hospital's Motion for Scheduling Conference.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
By:
v~~
Sarah W. Arosell, Esquire
I.D. #58797
P.O. Box 999
305 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
(717) 255-7231
Attorney for Defendant, Carlisle Hospital
DATE: 1,/7/'/'
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Sarah W. Arosell, of the law offices of Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, do hereby
certify that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing document upon the following
persons via United States mail, first class, postage prepaid, as follows:
Robin J. Marzella, Esquire
R.J. MARZELLA & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
S. Andrew Foulkrod, Esquire
FOULKROD ELLIS
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
April L. Chamberlain Smith, Esquire
MCQUAIDE BLASKO
811 University Drive
State College, P A 16801-6699
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
Date: I ofi I~
BLOkUJ~a4.dt
Sarah W. Arosell, Esquire
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ROBERT W. GORDON, Individually and
as Administrator of the Estate of
PATRICIA S. GORDON, deceased,
Plaintiffs
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D., CARLISLE
IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C. and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL
Defendants
ROBERT W. GORDON, Individually and
as Administrator of the Estate of
PATRICIA S. GORDON, deceased,
Plaintiffs
v.
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M.D. and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
AND NOW, this 2 q (t day of
-'Y-
OCT 2 0 7006
!Jilt
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 97-6684/
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ACTION
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 97-1879
(Consolidated under No. 97-6684)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ACTION
ORDER
DLf.
, 2006. upon consideration of the
Motion for Status Conference of Defendant, Carlisle Hospital, and any response thereto, it is
hereby ORDERED that said Motion is GRANTED and a Scheduling Conference is scheduled
for the ~{J >-Iv day of ~ LA1tl~ , 2006 at II :/JO 8/p.m. before the
HonOrable}</LULI/t/ trtu.J ineuu,lou~,"_<~,
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ROBERT W. GORDON, Individually
and as Administrator of the
Estate of PATRICIA S. GORDON,
deceased,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiffs
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D, CARLISLE
IMAGING ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON, M.D.,
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C. and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants NO. 97-6684 CIVIL TERM ~
***********************************
ROBERT W. GORDON, Individually
and as Administrator of the
Estate of PATRICIA S. GORDON,
deceased,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiffs
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PA, P.C.,
HERBERT C. PERLMAN, M.D. and
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
NO. 97-1879 CIVIL TERM
(Consolidated under No. 97-6684)
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 20th day of December, 2006, upon
consideration of the Motion for Status Conference of Defendant,
Carlisle Hospital, and following a status conference in the
chambers of the undersigned judge in which Plaintiffs were
represented by Robin Marzella, Esquire, Defendants James D.
Taggart, M.D., and Carlisle Imaging Associates, P.C., were
represented by Michael C. Mongiello, Esquire, Defendants Lawrence
K. Thompson, M.D., and Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of
Central Pennsylvania, P.C., were represented by April C. Simpson,
Esquire, and Defendant Carlisle Hospital was represented by Sarah
Arosell, Esquire, and pursuant to an agreement of counsel the trial
in this matter shall be held during the Civil Term of court
commencing on April 16, 2007, and the Prothonotary is hereby
directed to list this case for trial during that term.
~~
By the Court,
~bin Marzella, Esquire
3513 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1438
For the Plaintiffs
vfarah Arosell, Esquire
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602-2893
For Defendant Carlisle Hospital
~ril C. Simpson, Esquire ,
600 Centerview Drive, M.C. A560
Hershey, PA 17033
For Defendants Dr. Lawrence
K. Thompson and Aesthetic &
Reconstructive Surgery of Central
Pennsylvania, P.C.
~ichael C. Mongiello, Esquire
2010 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
For Defendants
James D. Taggart, M.D., and
Carlisle Imaging Associates, Inc.
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PATRICIA S. GORDON and
Robert Gordon, her husband
her husband,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
DOCKET NO. 97-6684
Plaintiffs,
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
v.
JAMES D. TAGGART, M.D.;
CARLISLE IMAGING ASSOCIATES,
P.C.; LAWRENCE K. THOMPSON,
M.D., AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE:
SURGERY OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA,:
P.C.; HENRY S. CRIST, M.D.
CARLISLE HOSPITAL,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO DISCONTINUE ACTION, WITH PREJUDICE,
PURSUANT TO Pa.R.C.P. No 229
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
Kindly mark this matter discontinued, with prejudice,
pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 229.
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Dennis C. Dougherty, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing document was served upon all counsel of record this 28th day of February
2007 by depositing said copy in United States mail at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania First-Class
delivery, addressed as follows:
Sarah W. Arosell, Esquire
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer
305 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
April Chamberlain Simpson, Esquire
McQUAIDE BLASKO
81 t University Drive
State College, PA 16801-6699
Andrew H. Foulkrod, Esquire
FOULKROD ELLIS, P.c.
1800 Linglestown Road, Suite 305
Harrisburg, PA 17110
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