HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-4503BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
:IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
:CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:NO. ~/-z/~Z~3 CIVIL TERM
:JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims
set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this
Complaint and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by
attorney and filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set
forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without
you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for
any money claimed in the Complaint of for any other claim or relief requested by the
Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
:IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
:CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
:NO. CIVIL TERM
:JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
1. Plaintiff, Brenda L. Martin, is an adult individual currently residing at 169
Meadow Drive, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania 17257.
2. Burger King of Shippensburg is a business operating at 38 Walnut Bottom
Road, Shippensburg, Shippensburg Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17257.
3. At all times relevant hereto Defendant, Burger King of Shippensburg, was
in the business of providing food products to the general public which are offered for
sale at its business location in Shippensburg Township, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania referenced above.
4. On or about May 2, 2000 at approximately 7:30 P.M., Plaintiff, Brenda L.
Martin did drive to the business location of the Defendant.
5. At that said time and place the Plaintiff, Brenda L. Martin, did drive her
vehicle to the drive thru window of the said Burger King of Shippensburg to place an
order for products offered for sale by the said Defendant Burger King.
6. At that said time and place the Plaintiff, Brenda L. Martin, did order from
Defendant a Whopper, Jr. and a coffee which were delivered to her through the drive
thru window and into her vehicle upon payment for the same.
7. After receiving the products the Plaintiff did open the plastic tear away
3iece covering the opening to insert creamers which were provided by the Defendant for
use in the coffee.
8. The Plaintiff thereafter did pull away from the drive thru window in her
vehicle and did enter traffic to return to her home by entering the Walnut Bottom Road
towards the Borough of Shippensburg.
9. As the Plaintiff was proceeding in her vehicle the coffee inside of the
coffee cup did spill onto her pants and immediately caused severe pain, burning and
extreme discomfort.
10. As a result of the spilling of the coffee onto her pants the Plaintiff did
receive serious and permanent injuries as more fully set forth below.
COUNTI
NEGLIGENCE
11. Paragraph 1-10 ara hereby incorporated by references as set forth in their
full text.
12. Plaintiff's injuries were the direct and proximate result of the reckless and
negligent conduct of defendant generally and specifically with regard to the following:
A. The defective design of the lid to the coffee cup which was provided
to the Plaintiff at Defendant's business location;
B. The defective manufacturer and service of the product by the
Defendant in that the coffee sold to the Plaintiff was excessively hot
and provided in such a way as it was foreseeable that severe
burning would occur when the coffee spilled;
C. Burger King of Shippensburg was negligent in disregarding the
foreseeable risk associated with providing excessively hot coffee to
the Plaintiff in a package that was negligently designed and
manufactured and which did, in fact, cause the injuries suffered by
the Plaintiff.
13. As a direct and proximate result of the reckless, wanton, careless and
negligent conduct of the Defendant, Plaintiff has suffered significant and permanent loss
and injury including but not limited to:
B.
C.
D.
Past and future pain and suffering;
Embarrassment and humiliation;
Disfigurement;
Loss of enjoyment of life and it's pleasure;
F.
G.
H.
Past and future incidental cost;
Past and future mental anxiety;
Past and future medical expenses; and
Cost of this action.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests this Honorable Court to enter Judgment against
Defendant in an amount in excess of $25,000.00 plus cost and interest.
COUNT II
BREACH OF WARRANTY
14. Paragraphs 1- 13 ara hereby incorporated by reference as set forth in their
text.
15. The actions of the Defendant violated the Pennsylvania Uniform
Commercial Code in that the product sold to the Plaintiff was manufactured and
distributed by the Defendant in a fashion that it did not fit the ordinary purposes for
which such products are used thereby violating the warranty of marketability.
16. The Defendant, by manufacturing, marketing, advertising and selling this
product represented that it was safe for its intended use and by placing this defective
product in the stream of commerce have breached the warrant of marketability.
17. As a result of the accident caused solely by the Defendant's breach of
warranty, Plaintiff suffered severe injuries as more fully set forth below.
18. As a result of the accident caused solely by the Defendant's breach of
warranty, Plaintiff has sustained or may sustain the following damages:
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Past and future pain and suffering;
Past and future loss of life's enjoyment;
Past and future incidental cost;
Past and future mental anxieties;
Past and future medical expenses;
Embarrassment and humiliation; and
Disfigurement
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests this Honorable Court to enter judgment against
Defendant in an amount in excess of $25,000.00 plus cost and interest.
COUNT III
PRODUCTS LIABILITY
19. Paragraph 1-18 above are hereby incorporated by reference as set forth in
their full text.
20. At all times relevant to this action, Defendant Burger King of Shippensburg
was engaged in the manufacture and sale of coffee which was sold in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for distribution to the general public as the ultimate
consumers.
21. Defendant expected the coffee it sold by them to reach consumers or
users in the condition in which it was sold.
22. At all times relevant hereto Plaintiff utilized the products sold to her for its
intended use and was unaware of any defect in the product package or product itself or
that any danger to herself or others could result by using said product.
23. At all times relevant hereto the coffee and cup in which it was sold to
Plaintiff was in a defective condition and unreasonably dangerous to a user, consumer
or others in that a defect in design existed. A condition was not observable by a
consumer who, lacking the technical knowledge and skills required to measure the
temperature of the liquid or control the covering of the cup in which the liquid was sold,
relied on the duty of the Defendant to deliver the coffee at the time of sale in a condition
fit for use for the purpose intended. A breach of the duty by the Defendant and the
defective condition of the coffee and cup in which it was sold was the proximate cause
of the injury sustained by the Plaintiff, Brenda L. Martin.
24. As a result of the accident caused solely by the Defendant's breach of
duty and the defective condition of the coffee and cup, more fully described above,
Plaintiff Brenda L. Martin, at all times relevant hereto received serious medical injuries
as more fully outlined above.
25. As a result of the accident caused solely by the Defendant's creation of a
defective product, Plaintiff has sustained or may sustain the following damages:
A. Past and future pain and suffering;
B. Past and future loss of life's enjoyment;
C. Past and future incidental cost;
D. Past and future mental anxiety;
E. Past and future medical expenses;
F. Embarrassment and humiliation; and
G. Disfigurement
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests this Honorable Court to enter judgment against
the Defendant in an amount in excess of $25,000.00 plus cost and interest.
COUNT IV
STRICT LIABILITY
26. Paragraphs 1-25 are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in
their full text.
27. The Defendant, Burger King of Shippensburg, breached its non-delegable
duty to provide a non-defective product into the stream of commerce.
28. At all times relevant hereto Plaintiff was using the product for its intended
and normal use and there were no substantial changes to the product from the time it
left control of the Defendant until the time of the accident.
29. PlaintifFs injuries were the direct and proximate result of the conduct of the
Defendant, Burger King of Shippensburg, and that the following defects were present in
the product sold to the Plaintiff at said time and place:
^. The defective design and manufacture of the cup;
B. The defective design and manufacture of the lid;
C. The defective manufacture of the product coffee in the cup;
D. The defective design and manufacture of the coffee and cup in
such a way to prevent excessive injuries to the Plaintiff in the case
of spillage which was foreseeable and normal; and
E. The defective design and manufacture of the coffee and cup in
such a way as to fail to avoid serious injury by occupants in
vehicles in the case of a spill similar to the one which occurred
herein.
30. The conditions referenced above were in existence at the time of the sale
of the product to the Plaintiff and at the time the product left Defendant's control and
these defects were a substantial factor in causing Plaintiffs injuries.
31. Defendant, Burger King of Shippensburg, failed in its duty as a guarantor
of the safety of its product in that it failed to manufacture its coffee, cup and lid with
every element necessary to make it safe for use by the consuming public and
specifically by Plaintiff Brenda L. Martin.
32. The Defendant breached it's duty to warn, post sale of the defective
design and manufacture of its coffee by failing to provide complete and accurate
information to protect against the foreseeable risk of harm that this defect presented.
33. The Defendant is strictly liable for the defective design and manufacture of
the coffee, cup and lid due to the occurrence of a foreseeable accidental spill, which
were to occur during normal use.
34. As a result of the accident caused solely by the Defendant's breach of its
duty as a manufacturer and producer of such products, Plaintiff has sustained or may
sustain the following damages:
A. Past and future pain and suffering;
B. Past and future loss of life's enjoyment;
C. Past and future incidental cost;
D. Past and future mental anxiety;
E. Past and future medical expenses;
F. Embarrassment and humiliation; and
G. Disfigurement
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests this Honorable Court to enter judgment against
the Defendant in an amount in excess of $25,000.00 plus costs and interest.
COUNT V
UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES ACT
35. Paragraphs 1-34 above are hereby re-alleged and incorporated as if set
forth in their full text.
36. The Defendant, at all times relevant hereto, was engaged in trade in
commerce as defined in the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices Act, 73 P.S. §201-1 et
seq.
37. The Defendant was, at all times relevant hereto, engaged in unfair or
deceptive acts or practices as set forth more fully in the said Unfair Trade Practices Act.
38. As a direct result of the actions of the Defendant, all in violation of the
Unfair Trade Practices Act, the Plaintiff has suffered a loss in excess of $25,000.00 and,
are therefore, is entitled, pursuant to the provisions of the Act, to an award of actual
damages, treble damages, costs and reasonable attorney fees.
WHEREFORE, for all the above reasons, the Plaintiff requests judgment in her
favor in an amount in excess of $25,000.00 plus treble damages, plus costs and
reasonable attorney fees.
Respectfully Submitted
TURO LAW OFFICES
Carol L cingr'a~elli, Esqu~ '
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 245-9688
Attorney for Plaintiff
VERIFICATION
~ verify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint are true and correct.
understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18
Pa.C.S. ~4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities,
_~c,~ ~.0~ 0~,
,IcP)ate (.3
Brenda L. Martin
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the Complaint upon
Burger King of Shippensburg by Cumberland County Sheriff's Department on the
day of ., 2001, addressed as follows:
Burger King of Shippensburg
38 Walnut Bottom Road
Shippensburg, PA 17257
TURO LAW OFFICES
Carol L. cin'granelli, Es(~i
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 245-9688
Attorney for
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2001-04503 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
MARTIN BRENDA L
VS
BURGER KING RESTAUR3kNT
DOUGLAS DONSEN , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE was served upon
BURGER KING RESTAUP~ANT the
DEFENDANT , at 1915:00 HOURS, on the 31st day of July
at 38 WALNUT BOTTOM RD
, 2001
SHIPPENSBURG, PA 17257 by handing to
DAMIEN TURNER, MANAGER
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Service 12.35
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
40.35
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this ~? day of
~rdthonot ary '
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
08/01/2001
TURO LAW OFFICES
De~ty'-~heri f f
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
305 North Front Street
Post Office Box 999
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108
(717) 237-7100
E-Mail: secl(~.tthlaw.com
Attorneys for Defendant:
Burger King Restaurant
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
,PRAECIPm FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCF
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please enter the appearance of Stephen E. Geduldig,
Esquire, and Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, as attorneys for
Defendant, Burger King Restaurant, in the above-captioned
matter, reserving our right to answer or otherwise plead to
Plaintiff's Complaint.
:139817.1
By:
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
Attorneys for Defendant,
BURGER KING RESTAURANT
CERTIFICATE OF SERVI~m
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing document was served by depositing the same in the
United States Mail, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, on the ~ day of August, 2001, on all counsel
of record as follows:
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TU1RO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Attorneys for Plaintiff
:139819.1
THOI4AS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ORDER
AND NOW, this day of , 2001, upon
consideration of Defendant's Preliminary Objections to
Plaintiff's Complaint in the Nature of a Motion to Strike or
Alternatively in the Nature of a Motion for More Specific
Pleading, it is hereby ORDERED that Counts V and II of
Plaintiff's Complaint are STRICKEN.
Alternatively, Plaintiff is ORDERED to plead with
specificity the material facts on which she bases her claims set
forth in Counts V and II of her Complaint.
BY THE COURT,
Distribution List:
Attorney for Plaintiff:
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Attorney for Defendant:
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER
Post Office Box 999
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108-0999
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFt=R, LLP
305 North Front Street
Post Office Box 999
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108
(717) 237-7100
E-Mail: se_~i_~aw, co m
Attorneys for Defendant:
Burger King Restaurant
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
: NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
DEFENDANT'S PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS ~-
TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT IN THE NATURE OF A ~i
MOTION TO STRIKE, OR ALTERNATIVELY . ] :~
IN THE NATURE OF A MOTION FOR A MORE SPECIFIC PLEADinG ..~
Defendant Burger King Restaurant,
attorneys,
Objections
Rule of Civil Procedure 1028
following:
1. Plaintiff filed a
July 31,
coffee she
restaurant.
attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
2. Count V of Plaintiff's Complaint alleges
Defendant
by and through its
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, hereby files Preliminary
to Plaintiff's Complaint pursuant to Pennsylvania
and in support thereof avers the
Complaint in this matter on or about
2001, alleging that she sustained burns as a result of
spilled on herself while leaving from Defendant's
A true and correct copy of Plaintiff's Complaint is
that
violated the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices Act.
3. To set forth a cause of action under this Act,
Plaintiff must establish that Defendant made a false
representation, that the false representation was deceiving or
had a tendency to deceive, and that the representation was
likely to make a difference in the purchasing decision. Fay v.
Erie Insurance Group, 1999 Pa. Super. 7, 723 A.2d 712 (1999).
4. Plaintiff's Complaint fails to aver that Defendant
made a false representation, how the alleged false
representation was deceptive, and that the alleged false
representation made a difference in Plaintiff's purchasing
decision.
5. Plaintiff merely avers, in boilerplate form, that
Defendant "engaged in unfair or deceptive acts or practices as
set forth more fully in the said Unfair Trade Practices Act."
See paragraph 37 of Plaintiff's Complaint.
6. The overall purpose of the Unfair Trade Practices Act
is to prevent fraud. Commonwealth v. Monumental Properties,
Inc., et al., 459 Pa. 450, 329 A.2d 812 (1974).
7. Rule 1019 (b) of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil
Procedure provides that "averments of fraud or mistake shall be
averred with particularity." Pa.R.C.P. 1019(b).
8. Plaintiff fails to plead with the required specificity
a claim under the Unfair Trade Practices Act. Lindstrom v.
Pennswood Village, 417 Pa. Super. 495, 612 A.2d 1048 (1992).
9. Defendant's formulation of a meaningful defense
depends on it knowing the details concerning the alleged false
representation to Plaintiff.
10. Because of Plaintiff's failure to plead with any
specificity how Defendant allegedly made a false representation
to Plaintiff, Defendant is
defense to the Plaintiff's
thereby.
11. Plaintiff also
unable to plead to or formulate a
allegations and is prejudiced
alleges a Breach of Warranty claim
against Defendant in Count II of her Complaint.
12. To satisfy the pleading requirements for a Breach of
Warranty claim, the Complaint should disclose the nature of the
warranty, set forth its terms, state when, by whom and by
authority it was made, whether it was written or oral, its
breach, and the damages resulting therefrom, clearly and
explicitly, and in terms neither vague nor evasive. Fishbein v.
Corel Corp., 29 Pa. D. & C. 4th 289 (1996) (citing Pennsylvania
Law Encyclopedia, Vol. 32, Sales ~294.)
13. Plaintiff's Complaint only avers in boilerplate form
that the product "did not fit the ordinary purposes for which
such products are used thereby violating the warranty of
marketability" and that Defendant represented that the product
was safe for its intended use by placing the alleged defective
product in the stream of commerce.
Plaintiff's Complaint.
14. The mere allegation that
pleading practice
warranty.
15.
itself,
Complaint fails to
alleged warranty.
See paragraphs 15 and 16 of
a purchased product was
defective is inadequate and violates Pennsylvania's fact-
in a complaint alleging a breach of implied
Toth v. Glessner, 16 D. & C. 3d 338 (1979).
Keeping in mind that Plaintiff alleges that the
as well as the container, was defective, Plaintiff's
aver which product allegedly violated any
16. Plaintiff's Complaint fails to plead with the
necessary specificity required to allow Defendant to formulate
proper defense against Plaintiff's Breach of Warranty claim.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Burger King, respectfully
requests that this Honorable Court grant the Preliminary
Objections of Defendant and strike Count V and Count II of
or order her to specifically plead, in
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS,
By:
THOMAS & H~--~]~R, LLP
coffee
Plaintiff's Complaint,
the above matter.
:141320.1
STEPHEN E. GEDULDIG, ESQUIRE
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
Attorneys for Defendant,
BURGER KING I~ESTA~
1~: 23. 717530~
~n:erpr 9£e$ 1 71~
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plain[iff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendanl
:IN T~'IE COURT OF COMMON Pm'EA$ OF
:CUMBERLAND COUNT~, PENNSYLVANIA
iNO. ?/- ~'J"~lVl L TER, M
..
;JUR' TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTI
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT.
set fo~h in the following pages, you must tak
Complaint and Notice are sewed, by enteriri~
attorney and fiJing in writing with the Court your
forth against you. You are warned that if you ~
you and a judgment may be entered against;
any money claimed In the Complaint of for a
Plaintiff, You may lose money or property or c
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFO
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OU'
you wish to defend against the daims
action within twenly (20) day-, after this
written appearance personally or by
(lefenses or objections to the claims se[
ail to do so the case may proceed without
,ou by the Court without further notice for
my other claim or relief requested by the
{her rights irnpottal~t lo you.
'YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
~,D ONE. GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
NHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Cumberland CountylBar AasoclaLIon
2 Liberty Agenus
C-~trge. P/~ 17ol.3
(717) 24918166
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BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAUI:[ANT,
Defendant
COMPh
1. Plaintiff. Brenda L. Martin, is an ~
Meadow Drive, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania 1
2. Burger King of Shlppenst~J~g is
RoaQ, Shippensbur§, Shippensburg Townshi
17257.
At all times teleran{ hereto De
in the business of providing focx:l produ~ to tf
sale at its business location in Shlppensburg
Pennsylvania referenced above.
:IN THIE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
:CU~ tERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
:NO. CIVIL TERM
:JUl= TRIAL DEMANDED
JNT
dult individual cun'ently residing at 189
'257.
~uslness operating st 38 Walnut Bottom
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
rlant, Burger King of Shippensburg, wes
e general public which are offered for
3wnship, Cumberland County.
4. On or about May 2, 2000 at appe )x~mately 7:30 P.M.. Plaintiff, Brenda L.
Martin did drive to the business Ioc~;;on of the Defendant.
5. At that said time end place the Plaintiff, Brenda L Ma~n, did drive her
vehicle to the drive thn~ window of the said BuYer King of Shippensburg to place an
order for produc~ offered for ,,ale by' the said [~lefendant Burger King.
6. At that said lime and place the P~alntlff, Brenda L. Me~n, did order from
Derendanl a Whopper, Jr. and a coffee which 1Yore delivered to her through the drive
thru window and into her vehicle upon paymar
7. After receiving the products the F
· g the opening to insert creamers ~
use in the coffee.
8. The Plaintiff thereafter did pull ay
vehicle and did enter traffic to return to her ho~
towards the Borough of Shippar~sburg.
for the same.
laintiff did open the plastic t~ar away
Yhlch were provided by the Defendant for
'ay from the drive thru window In her
le by entering the Walnut Bottom Road
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9. As the Plaintiff wes prooeeding i
coffee cup did ~pill onto her pants and irnmed
extreme discomforL
10. As a resuff of the spilling of the t
receive serious and pen'nanent Injuries as mo
COUN
NEGLIGI
11.
full text.
12.
Paragraph 1-10 am hereby incor
Pfalnliff's Injuries were the
her vehicle the coffee inside o!
ately c-used severe pain, burning and
0flee onto h~ pan~ ~ Plain~ did
· fully set fo~ be~W.
NCE
~mt~ by referents as set ~
a~ pmxima~ reset of t~ ~less and
negligent conduct of defendant generally and ~pedfically with
to
the
following:
A. The defective design of the lid to the coffee cup which was provided
to the Plaintiff at Oefenda~lt's business location;
The defective manufactur
Defendant in that the co~
and provided in such a wi
burning would occur whet
Bu~ger. King of ~hippensb
fores~able risk associate
sr and service of the product by the
~e sold to the Plaintiff was excessively hot
y as ~ was foreseeable thai severe
,ihs coffee spilled;
,r9 was negligent in disregarding the
~ wffh providing excessively hot coffee to
13.¸
negligent conduct of the Defendant, Plaintiff h~'m suffered signilicent and
and injury including but n~ limited to:
A. Past and future pain and ~ ~,ffering;
B. Embarrassment and hum lation;
C. Disfigurement;
D.
the Plaintiff In a package hat was negligently designed and
manufactured and which Vd, in faCt, cause the injuries suffered by
the Plaintiff. ~
As a direct and proximate result 3fthe reckless, wanton, careless and
permanent loss
Loss of enjoyment of life ~nd it's pleasure;
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Pa; an~ ~ Inc~an~ c, ogt;
Eo
F. Past and future mental a~:le~y;
G. Past ancl ~uture medical ~(~penses;
H. Cost of Ihls action.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff r~quests this I~ in an amount in excess of $25.000
,Co4
14. Paragraphs 1- 13 are hereby
text.
15.
Commercial Code in that the product ~old to U
distributed by the Defendant in a fashion that i
which such IOroducts are used thereby violatin
16. The Defendant, by manufecbJrin
and
0noreble Court to enter dudg~lent against
OO plus coat and interest.
INT II
=rix)rated by reference es sst forth in their
The actions of the Del'endant riveted the Pen neylvanla Uniform
,e Plaintiff was manufactured and
; did not fit the orcllnary purposes for
the warranty of marketabilily.
, marketing, adverUs~ng and selling this
=rocluc! represented that it was safe for ~.s tnt{ nded use and by placing this defective
in be stream of commerce have brea~ ~ed the warrant of marketability.
17. As a result of the accident cause,~l solely by the Defendant's breach of
wan'anty, Plaintiff suffered severe injuries aa r ~ore fully set forth below.
18, As a result of the accident caus~ ~olely by the Defendant's breach of
warranty, Plaintiff has sustalnecl or may m,r.~i~ the following darn~es:
A. Past and future pain and ~uffering;
C.
D.
E,
F.
G.
Past and futura IDea of lif~'~ enjoyment;
Past and futu re. indden tall cost;
Past and future mental an~iefJes;
Past and future medical eJ*penses;
Embarrassment and bum'~Jation; and
DisRg,rement
Aug-o~.-ol o~:zzP Russo31 Enterprises 1 717 763 7172 P 06
WHEREFORE. Plaintiff ~
requests Utls 3norabJe Court to enter judgment against
Defendant in an amount in excess of $25,000I )0 plus cost and interest.
.PRODUCT I LIABILI.TY
19. Paragraph 1-18 above are heret
their fuji text,
20. At all times relevant Io this act~o~
was engaged in the manufacture end sale of
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for distributi~
consumers.
21. Defendant expected the coffee
incorporated by ref'~'renc~ aS set forth
Defendant Buyer ~ng ~ Shippenabu~
Dfl~ which was sold in ~e
[o ~e ge~ral public as the ultimate
~ld ~ t~m ~o ma~ ~sumem or
users in the condition in which i! was sold, j
22. At ell times relevant hereto Plaintiff utili~'ed the products sold to her for its
intended uSe and was unaware of any defect ill the product package or product Itself or
I '
that any danger to herself or others cou d regret by using said product.
23. At aB times r~evant hereto the coffee and cup in which it was sold to
Plaintiff was in a defective ~ondition and unrei
or others in that a defect in design existed. A
consumer who, lacldng the technical knowladc
temperature of the liquid or ~',ntro{ the cov~dr
relied on the duty of the Defendant. to deliver !
f~ for use for the purpoee intended. A breech
defective condition of the coffee and cup in w~
of the injury sustaineKI by the Plaintil'f, Brenda
24. AS a result of the accident caus~
duty and the defective c~ndition of tho coffee
PJaintiR Brenda L. Martin. et afl times mJavent
es more fully outlined above.
eonably dangerous to e user, ~onsutner
=~ndition was not observable by a
e and sldlls required to measure Ute
of Ihe cup in which the liquid was sold,
e coffee at the time of s~e in a
Ethe du~ by the De~e~ant and
~h E was sold wes the p~xima~ ~use
.. Ms,in.
t ~lely by ~e Defendant's bme~ of
nd ~p, more ~lly described a~ve,
tere~ re~ seri~s medical J~uries
RUS-86-2081 18:14 8?7?626238 97~ P, 89
Aug-O~-01 01:22P Russoli
25. As a result of the accident taus;
~ot'ectiv® product Plaint~ has su=~alned or r
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
d solely by the Defendant's creation of a
ly sustain the following dam;egos:
Past and future pein and fauffering:
Past and future loss of life
Past and future ,ncidenbal
Pest and future mental ar
Past and fulute medical ~
Embarrassment and hurt
Diaflgumrneflt
enjoyment;
Cost;
fiery;
ipenses;
Iletion; and
WHEREFORE, P~aintiff reque~ this
Defendant in an amoun! In excess of $25
COUN
STRICT
26. Paragraphs 1-25 are hereby in[
their ful] text.
27. The Defendant, Burger Kin;; of S
duty Io prov(c~e a non-defective produCt into th
28. At all times relevant hereto Plain
and normal use and there were no substantial
left control of the Defendant unt~ the time of th
29. Plaintiff's injudes were the direct
Defendant, Burger King of Shippensburg, and
the product sold to the Plaintiff at said time ar~
A. The defective design and
~norable Court to enter judgment against
00.00 plus cost and Interest.
'IV
=orated by reference ae if'set forth
ippensburg, breached fie non-delegable
~ stream of commerce.
~wa$ using ~he product for its intended
Changes to the product from Ihs time it
~ accident.
Ind proximate result of I~e Conduct of l~e
hal; the following defects were pre, ant in
pJac. e:
ttanufac~ure of the cuD;
B. The defective design and l~anufacture of Ihs lid:
C. The defective manufacture; of the product coffee in the cup;
O. The defective design and. nanufacture of the coffee and Cup in
such a way to prevent ex( ~ssive injuries to the Plaintiff in the case
ol spillage whJr. J~ wes for ~eeble end normal; and
AUG-8~-2001 18:14 877762~2~8 97% P.10
AW§=01-01 01:22P Rus$ogi Enterprises 1 717 763 7172 P.OB
E. The defective daalgn andlmanufacture of the coffee and cup in
such a way ss ~o fall to a~Oid~ serious injury by occupents in
vehicles in the case of a ~p{ll similar to the one which occun'ed
herein.
30, The conditions referenced abov ~, w~re in existence at th.e, time of the sale
of the pn>duct t~ the Plaintiff and et Its time tJ le woduct left Defendant s control and
these defects were a subst,,ntial fa=tar In oau lng Plaintiff's injuries.
31. Defendant, Bu~ger King of Shipl ensburg, failed in its duty es a guarantor
of the safety of its product in that it failed I~ m~ inufacture its coffee, cup arid lid with
eveP/element necessary to make it safe I'or u le by [he consuming public and
specifically by Plaintiff Brenda L. Marlin.
32, The Defendant breached ifs dut I to warn. post sale of the defective
design and manufacture of Its coffee by falling to provide complete and accurate
Information to protect against the foreseeable risk of harm that this defect presented.
33. The Defendant is strictly liable fi: t' the defective design and manufacture of
the coffee, cup and lid due to the occurrence ~ a foreseeable accidental spill, which
were to occur dudng normal use.
34. As a result of the accident caus~
dUty as a manufacturer and producer of such
sustain the following clamages:
B.
C.
[3.
E.
F.
G.
Past and futura pein and
Past and future lass o1: lift
Past and ~utura incidents,
Past end future mental a~
Past and future medical e
Embarrassment ~nd huml
Disfigu r®ment
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff mcluests this H
the Defendant tn an amount in excess of $25,~
solely by the Defendant's breach of its
3r0ducts, Plaintiff has sustained or may
uffering:
enjoyment;
ooet;
[lation; and
)notable Court te enter judgment against
~0.00 plus costs and Interest.
RUG-06-2001 10:14 8797626238 98Z P.11
/~u.g-O~'-Ol 01:23P Russoqi
Enterp~'l~,es 1 717 763 7172 P.O9
cou.kv
UNFAIR TRADE PI~CTICES ACT
35. Pars§raph= 1-34 above are he41b¥ re.alleged and In~mted
~h in ~elr full tern.
36. The ~ant. at all times ~e~nt hem~, w~ engag~ in
~mmer~ as de, ned in ~e ;enns~nla Un'ir Trade Pm~ A~, 73 P.S. {201-1
sea.
37. The De~endant was, at =11 ~ relevant hereto, engag~ In unfair or
de~p~e a=ts or pr=~S ~ s~ ~ ~e f~lly in ~e said Unfair Tm~ ~i~s A~.
~. ~ a ~lre= msu~ ~ ~e a~ons ~ ~e De~ant, all in vi~on ~ me
A=, the Ptain~ has s~er~ a loss in ex.ss of $25~000.00 an~,
Unfair
Pmct~es
a~ the~fore. ~ entitled, pumuant ~ ~e prov~ions of ~e Act, to en award of actual
damages, treble damages. ~sts e~ ~asona~le affomey fees.
WHEREFORE, for all the abova r~so~, the Plain~ff r~uests Judgment in her
favor in an amount in ~ss ~ ~5,0~.00 pl~s treble damages, ptus ~sts and
reasenable a~omey fees.
DaW / '
Resr~
TURC
ct~lly Submitted
, LAW OFFICES
Carol IL. Cing~anelli, Esqu~e
28 Sd~th Pitt Street
C, aflls~e, PA 17013
(717) ~45-g668
Att~r~y for Plalnt~F
AUG-OG-2001 10:~4 879762~2~ 9?% P.12
Au~-OI~01 01:Z~P Russol9 EnteT-p~'9~e$ I 717 753 7172 P.i0
VERIFIC/~TION
I verify thru lhe ~alement$ m~l~ In 1}~ foregoing Complaint ~re u'ue and c=rrecl.
I undemtend ti'tat falee statemenfs h,et~t~ a~ made ,subject to the perlaltie~ of 18
Pa.C.S. §4904 relating to unaworn falsifica/~on[to author, ties.
~ato £3
RIJ5-06-200% 18:14 8???626238 97~ P. i3
CER?IFIC~TE IF ~ERV. lCI=
heret)y certify that I served a true
Burger K~ng of Shippensbung by Cumberle
~ of . .2001.
mhd correct copy of the Complaint upon
Rd County Sheriffs Department on the
~ddre$$ed as
Burger King of ~ippensburg
38 Walnut Bo~lom Road
Shippenmburg~ PA t ?257
TUR,
Cst
28 $,
Carl
(717
AttoJ
LAW OFFICES
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing document was served by depositing the same in the
United States Mail, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, on the ~ day of August, 2001, on all counsel
of record as follows:
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Attorneys for Plaintiff
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
Stephen E. Geduldig, E~'quire
:139819.1
PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
Please list the within matter for the next Argument Court.
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be stated in full)
BRENDA L. MARTIN, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v. : NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
BURGER KING RESTAURANT, :
Defendant : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
State matter to be argued (i.e., plaintiff's motion for new trial,
defendant's demurrer to complaint, etc.): Defendant's Preliminary
Objections to Plaintiff's Complaint
2. Identify counsel who will argue case:
(a) for plaintiff:
Address:
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(b) for defendant:
Address:
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
305 N. Front St., P.O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
I will notify all parties in writing within two days that this case has
been listed for argument.
4. Argument Court Date: October 24, 2001
Dated: August 30, 2001 Attorney for Defendant, Burger King
:141932.1 Restaurant
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing document was served by depositing the same in the
United States Mail, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, on the ~ day of August, 2001, on all counsel
of record as follows:
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Attorneys for Plaintiff
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
Stephen E. Geduldig, E~uire
:139819.1
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
305 North Front Street
Post Office Box 999
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108
(717) 237-7100
E-Mail: se.q~,,tthlaw.com
Attorneys for Defendant:
Burger King Restaurant
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
V.
Burger King Corporation, Douwe
Egberts Coffee Service, Inc., and
Douwe Egberts Superior Company,
Additional Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO JOIN ADDITIONAL DEFENDANTS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF SAID COURT:
Please issue writ of summons in the above-captioned action to Additional Defendants to
be served by deputized shedff at the following addresses:
Douwe Egberts Coffee Service, Inc.
c/o C.T. Corporation Systems
1515 Market Street
Suite 1210
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(by Deputized Shedff)
Burger King Corporation
c/o C.T. Corporation Systems
1515 Market Street
Suite 1210
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(by Deputized Sheriff)
Douwe Egberts Superior Company
c/o C.T. Corporation Systems
1515 Market Street
Suite 1210
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(by Deputized Shedff)
Date:
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP
STEPHEN E. GEDULDIG, Esc[~ire
I.D. Number: 43530
305 N. Front St., 6th FI.
P.O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 237-7141
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true and correc~ copy of the foregoing document was
served by depositing the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, at
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on the { 5 h'- day of October, 2001, on all counsel of
record as follows:
Attorneys for Plaintiff:
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Additional Defendants:
Douwe Egberts Coffee Service, Inc
c/o C.T. Corporation Systems
1515 Market Street
Suite 1210
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Douwe Egberts Superior Company
cio C.T. Corporation Systems
1515 Market Street
Suite 1210
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Burger King Corporation
c/o C.T. Corporation Systems
1515 Market Street
Suite 1210
Philadelphia, PA 19102
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
:144635.1
Cumberland County, ss:
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Bur_~er KJ~9 e'nrnorat~on, l~n~ V,21~r+e
(~Na~e o~ A&litiorml Defendant)
Coffee Service, Inc., and Douwe Egberts Superior Ccmpany
You are notified that ~ur~er King Restaurant
(Name (s) of Defendant (s) )
has (1-me~) joined you as an additional defendant in this action, which you are re-
quired to defend.
Date.
October 1, 2001
Curtis R. Lonq, Prothonotary
Douwe Egberts Coffee Service, Inc.
c/o C.T. Corporation Syste~
1515 Market Street, Suite 1210
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Douwe Egberts Superior C~%pany
c/o C.T. Corporation Systems
1515 Market Street, Suite 1210
Philadelphia, PA 19102
BurGer King Corporation
c/o C.T. Corporation Systems
1515 Market Street, Suite 1210
Philadelphia, PA 19102
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN, P.C.
By: Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
Identification No. 39766
1515 Market Street, 19th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 563-9811
Attorney for: Defendant,
Burger King Corporation
BRENDA L. MARTIN
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE SERVICE,
INC. and DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR
COMPANY
Additional Defendants
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter my appearance on behalf of Additional Defendant, Burger King
Corporation, in regard to the above-captioned matter.
SWEENEY/~H~///
By: Gu~erco~gli, i~°
Attorney for Additional Defendant,
Burger King Corporation
DATE:
Law
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPORATION, et al
Additional Defendants
:IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
:CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:NO.C)I-zl~-o.~ CIVIL TERM
:JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
OBJECTIONS TO SUBPOENA PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.21
The Plaintiff, Brenda L. Marlin, objects to the proposed subpoenas that are attached
herein for the following reasons:
1. Plaintiff objects to the subpoena proposed to be served on Henry Wehman,
M.D., addressed as follows: Stevens Center, 33 State Avenue, Carlisle, PA
17013. Said subpoena is objectionable as the materials sought are irrelevant to
the subject matter of the pending litigation; the materials are not reasonably
calculated to lead to discovery of admissible evidence; the discovery of said
materials will cause unreasonable annoyance and the invasion of personal,
private matters which are irrelevant to these proceedings.
2. Plaintiff objects to the subpoena proposed to be served on Ruth Kovacs, M.D.,
addressed as follows: Stevens Center, 33 State Avenue, Carlisle, PA 17013.
Said subpoena is objectionable as the materials sought are irrelevant to the
subject matter of the pending litigation; the materials are not reasonably
calculated to lead to discovery of admissible evidence; the discovery of said
materials will cause unreasonable annoyance and the invasion of personal,
private matters which are irrelevant to these proceedings.
Date
TURO LAW OFFICES
car~)l L. Cingra e ', q '
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 245-9688
Attorney for Plaintiff
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
Vo
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
et al. :
Additional Defendants :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
TO:
Records Custodian
Henry Wehman, M.D.
Stevens Center
33 State Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-6033
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce the following
documents or things:
Complete copies of any and all records, reDorts, correspondence, notes, memos and
dia;Inostic studies reclardina:Brenda L. Martin; Date of Birth 8130152; S.S. No.: 176-
46-6114, at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, P.O. Box 999, Harrisbur.q, PA 17108-0999
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this subpoena, together with
the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request ~ the address listed above. You have the right to seek
in advance, the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena, within twenty (20) days after its service, the-
party serving this subpoen'~'may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
TELEPHONE: (717) 237-7119
SUPREME COURT ID~: 43530
Attorney for Defendant Burger King Restaurant
BY THE COURT:
DATE:
Seal of the Court
Prothonotary/Clerk, Civil Division
Deputy
: 148242.5
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPORATION, et al. :
Additional Defendants :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
TO:
Records Custodian
Ruth Kovacs, M.D.
Stevens Center
33 State Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-6033
Within twenty (20) flays after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce the following
documents or things:
Comolete cooies of any and all records, reports, correspondence, notes, memos an, I
d a¢;nostic studies reqardina:Brenda L. Martin; Date of Birth 8130152; S.S. No.: 176
46-6114, at Thomas, Thomas & Haler, LLP, P.O. Box g@g, Haf, i=burq, PA 17108-099:i
You may deliver or mall legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this subpoena, together with
the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request st the address listed above, You have the Hght to seek
in advance, the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or produdng the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena, within twenty (20) days after its service, the*
party serving this subpoen"~msy seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
TELEPHONE: (717) 237-71 lg
SUPREME COURT ID~: 43530
Attorney for Defendant Burger King Restaurant
BY THE COURT:
DATE:
Seal of the Court
Prothonotary/Clerk, Civil Division
Deputy
: 148242.6
CERTIFICATE OF SERVlCF
I hereby certify that I served a true and cor_r~ect copy of the
aforegoing Objections to Subpoenas on the _,~_~_'"~ay of November,
2001 by depositing the same in the United State Mail, postage
prepaid, addressed as follows:
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Thomas, Thomas & Haler
305 N. Front Street, 6th Floor
P. O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
Sweeney & Sheehan
19th Floor
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia-1983, PA 19102
Robert A. Lerman, Esquire
Griffith, Strickler, Lerman Solymos & Calkins
110 South Northern Way
York, PA 17402-3737
TURO LAW OFFICES
Col L Cmgranelh,~squ~re
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 245-9688
Attorney for Brenda Martin
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
305 North Front Street
Post Office Box 999
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108
(717) 237-7100
E-Mail: se.q(~tthlaw.com
Attorneys for Defendant:
Burger King Restaurant
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
Vo
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE SERVICE,
INC., and DOUWE EGBERTS
SUPERIOR COMPANY,
Additional Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: Plaintiff and counsel:
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED TO FILE A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE
ENCLOSED NEW MATTER WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS OF SERVICE HEREOF OR
A JUDGMENT OF NON PROS MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU.
Respectfully submitted,
: 149004.2
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
By: ~
STEPHEN E. GEDULDIG, ESQUIRE
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
Attorneys for Defendant,
Bb-RGER KING RESTAb-RANT
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
305 Nor[h Front Street
Post Office Box 999
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108
(717) 237-7100
E-Mail: se.q~,tthlaw.com
Attorneys for Defendant:
Bu~ger King Restaurant
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
Vo
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
Vo
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE SERVICE,
INC., and DOUWE EGBERTS
SUPERIOR COMPANY,
Additional Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER AND NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT,
BURGER KING RESTAURANT, TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
King
undersigned counsel,
Thomas & Hafer, LLP,
AND NOW,
Restaurant" throughout ("Defendant"),
Stephen E.
and files
Matter
comes Defendant, wrongfully identified as "Burger
by and through its
Geduldig, Esquire, of Thomas,
the following Answer and New
to Plaintiff's Complaint:
1. Admitted that Brenda L. Martin is an adult individual.
The remaining averments of paragraph 1 of Plaintiff's Complaint
are denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e) .
2. Denied. There is no such thing as "Burger King of
Shippensburg" and "Burger King of Shippensburg" is not the
business operating at 38 Walnut Bottom Road, Shippensburg,
Shippensburg Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17257.
On the contrary, there is a Burger King Restaurant operating at
38-40 Walnut Bottom Road, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.
3. It is denied that "Defendant, Burger King of
Shippensburg" is a party to this lawsuit. It is also noted that
"Burger King Restaurant" is designated as the Defendant in the
caption.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Denied pursuant to Pa.
Denied pursuant to Pa.
Denied pursuant to Pa.
Denied pursuant to Pa.
Denied pursuant to
Denied pursuant to
Denied pursuant to
R.C.P 1029(e).
R.C.P 1029(e)
R.C.P 1029(e)
R.C.P 1029(e)
Pa. R.C.P 1029(e)
Pa. R.C.P 1029(e)
Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e)
WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that Plaintiff's
Complaint be dismissed in its entirety and judgment entered in
its favor.
Count I
Negligence
11.
incorporation.
12{A)-(C).
R.C.P. 1029(e).
13(A)-(H).
R.C.P. 1029(e).
WHEREFORE,
No response is required as this is a paragraph of
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa.
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa.
Complaint be dismissed in its entirety and
its favor.
Defendant respectfully requests that Plaintiff's
judgment entered in
Count II
Breach of Warranty
14. No response is
incorporation.
15.
1029(e).
16.
1029(e).
17.
1029(e).
required as this is a paragraph of
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa. R.C.?.
18(A)-(G).
R.C.P. 1029(e).
WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully
Complaint be dismissed in its entirety
its favor.
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa.
requests that Plaintiff's
and judgment entered in
Count III
Products Liability
19. No response is required as this is a paragraph of
incorporation.
20. Denied. It is denied that "Defendant Burger King of
Shippensburg" was engaged in the manufacture and sale of coffee.
21. No response is required as this is a legal conclusion.
22. Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
1029{e).
23.
1029(e).
24.
1029(e).
25(A)-(G).
R.C.P. 1029(e).
WHEREFORE,
Complaint be
its favor.
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
Defendant respectfully requests that Plaintiff's
dismissed in its entirety and judgment entered in
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa.
Count IV
Strict Liability
26.
incorporation.
27. Denied as
1029 (e) .
28. Denied as
1029 (e) .
29(A)-(E) .
R.C.P. 1029(e) .
30. Denied as
1029 (e) .
31.
1029 (e) .
32.
1029 (e) .
33.
1029 (e) .
34 (A)-(G) .
R.C.P. 1029(e) .
No response is required as this is a paragraph of
legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa.
legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
Denied as legal conclusions and pursuant to Pa.
WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that
Complaint be dismissed in its entirety and
its favor.
Plaintiff's
judgment entered in
5
Count V
Unfair Trade Practices
35-38.
WHEREFORE, Defendant
Complaint be dismissed in
its favor.
Stricken by Order of Court.
respectfully requests that Plaintiff's
its entirety and judgment entered in
NEW MATTER
39. Defendant incorporates herein by reference, the
averments and denials contained in Paragraphs 1 through 38 of its
Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint.
40. There is no entity with the legal name "Burger King
Restaurant" or "Burger King of Shippensburg" which owns,
maintains, possesses or control a Burger Ming Restaurant at 38-40
Walnut Bottom Road, Shippensburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17257. On the contrary, Grady Corporation, by assignment from
Robert J. Russoli and Robert C. Russoli, o~Jns and operates the
subject restaurant.
41. No act or omission on the part of, or product sold by,
Defendant caused or contributed to any harm alleged by Plaintiff.
42. No defect existed in any product sold by Defendant.
43. Defendant did not design or ma:%~facture any product
allegedly involved in Plaintiff's accident.
6
44. Plaintiff's claim is barred by her misused of the
products she claims as defective, denied as aforesaid.
45. Plaintiff was comparatively negligent and/or assumed
the risk of harm, if the allegations of h~r Complaint are
believed, denied as aforesaid, because she drove her car with
coffee between her legs.
46. Plaintiff's Complaint fails to allege a cause of action
of negligence.
47. Plaintiff's Complaint fails to a!.lege a cause of action
in breach of warranty.
48. Plaintiff's Complaint fails to allege a cause of action
in product liability.
49. Plaintiff's Complaint fails to allege a cause of action
in strict liability.
50. Defendant asserts that
the doctrines of res judicata and/or
are asserted herein.
51. Any damages, losses and/or
this action may be barred by
collateral estoppel, which
injuries allegedly
sustained by Plaintiff were caused in whole or
conduct of Plaintiff in:
(a)
{b)
in part by the
Misusing the product.
Failing to read or follow instructions,
and warnings accompanying the product.
notices
52. At
manufactured,
defects.
WHEREFORE, Defendant
Complaint be dismissed in
its favor.
:14g004.1
all times herein mentioned, any products designed,
fabricated or sold were safe and free from any
By:
respectfully requests that Plaintiff's
its entirety and judgment entered in
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
STEPHEN E. GEDULDIG, ESQUIR~
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
Attorneys for Defendant,
BURGER KING RESTAURANT
VERIFICATION
I, Robert Ru.~soll, herebv veriiy Lna~ the averments made in
the fore~4oinQ oocumcnL are crue and correct. . under~tand that
fa]s~ s~al:,emenLs na~'a~n are made subject ~o the pena]tJ~s of 18
Pa. C.S.A. 490~ re]st~ng LO unsworn Laluification to
authorities.
· ,,Itl I-~_._
Robert Ru$$oli
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing document was served by depositing the same in the
United States Mail, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg,
~ day of November, 2001, on all
P~nnsylvania,
on
the
counsel of record as f~llows:
Attorneys
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
for Plaintiff
Robert A. Lerman, Esquire
GRIFFITH, STRICKLER, LERF~%N, SOLYMOS & CALKINS
110 South Northern Way
York, Pennsylvania 17402-3737
Attorneys for Additional Defendants, DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE
SERVICE, INC. and DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY
Guy Mercogtiano, Esquire
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN
19th Floor
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19102-1983
Attorneys for Additional Defendant, Burger King Corporation
:139819.1
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
Stephen E. ~.~eduldig, .ire
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
THOMAS, TItOiVIA~ & HAFER, LIP
305 North Front Street
Post Ofllee Box 999
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108
(717) 237-71OO
E-M~al: seg(~tthlaw, com
Attorneys for Defendant:
Burger King Restaurant
BRENDA L. M3IRTIN,
Plaintiff
Vo
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE SERVICE,
INC., and DOUWE EGBERTS
SUPERIOR COMPANY,
Additional Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANT BURGER KING RESTAURANT'S MOTION TO COMPEL
AND NOW comes the Defendant, Burger King Restaurant, by its
attorneys, Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, and moves your Honorable
Court to Order Plaintiff to comply with discovery requests for
record production regarding her history of psychiatric or
psychological care or treatment, and in support thereof aver as
follows:
1. On July 26, 2001, Plaintiff filed a Complaint to
commence an action against Defendant to recover damages arising
out of a hot beverage spill incident on May 2, 2001. Plaintiff
alleges she
limited to,
and future mental anxieties. See Plaintiff's Complaint,
hereto and marked Exhibit "A", Paragraph 13 (F).
of
suffered physical injuries, including but not
burns to her genital area, disfigurement, and past
attached
2. On or about November 6, 2001, Defendant sent a Notice
Intent to Serve Subpoenas To Produce Documents and Things for
Discovery Pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 4009.21, and copies of said
proposed subpoenas, two of which included subpoenas to providers
who are believed to have provided psychological care or
treatment to Plaintiff. Copies of the referenced Notice and
proposed subpoenas are attached hereto and marked Exhibit "B".
3. On or about November 15, 2001, Plaintiff filed
Objections to Subpoena Pursuant to Rule 4009.21, including
objection to subpoenas directed to Henry Wehman, M.D., at
Stevens Center, 33 State Avenue, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and
directed to Ruth Kovacs, M.D., at Stevens Center, regarding
Plaintiff's psychiatric or psychological care or treatment. See
Plaintiff's Objections to Subpoena Pursuant to Rule 4009.21,
attached hereto and marked Exhibit ~C".
4. Plaintiff objected to Defendant's subpoena for
psychological records on the basis that the ~materials sought
are irrelevant to the subject matter of the pending litigation;
the materials are not reasonably calculated to lead to discovery
of admissible evidence; and the discovery of said materials will
cause unreasonable annoyance and the invasion of personal,
private matters which are irrelevant to these proceedings".
5. The Commonwealth Court has held that where a plaintiff
in a civil suit places his or her mental condition directly at
issue, the privilege is waived as to that condition and the
plaintiff must either consent to the disclosure of the
information at issue or be precluded from pursuing claims
related to his or her emotional and mental condition. Rost v.
State Bd. of Psychology, 659 A.2d 626 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1995).
6. By alleging mental anxiety, loss of life's enjoyment,
and embarrassment and humiliation, Plaintiff has placed her
psychiatric and psychological condition at issue, and such care
is relevant to the proceedings.
7. Under Pennsylvania law, the ~privilege of
confidentiality in medical records 'evaporates' when the patient
brings a personal injury action which calls into question his
physical or mental condition." Q~-~L~, 150 F.R.D.519,
521 (M.D. Pa.1993).
8. Information regarding Plaintiff's history of
psychological or psychiatric care or treatment is essential to
the defense of this action.
9. Denying Defendant access to Plaintiff's psychological
records would be manifestly unfair and grossly prejudicial to
Defendant because the records are relevant to refuting
Plaintiff's injury claim.
10. Moreover, Plaintiff has waived any objection to
production of this material based on privilege by not asserting
it as a basis for objection to this discovery.
WHEREFORE Defendant, Burger King Restaurant, respectfully
requests this Honorable Court to issue an Order overruling
Plaintiff's objection to Defendant's request for records
pursuant to subpoenas directed to Henry Wehman, M.D., and Ruth
Kovacs, M.D., and to execute any appropriate authorizations
requested by the providers, within twenty (20) days of the date
of the Order, or be precluded from pursuing her claims related
to her emotional and mental condition.
I, -7-01
:150882.1
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS, THOF~AS & ~{AFER, LLP
STEPHEN E. GEDULDIG, ESQUIRE
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
Attorneys for Defendant,
Bu~§erF~§ Re$~au~t
· 08/0~6/20(;1 09:07 PAX $7?'7626238
Aug-Ol-Ol O1:21P RUS~O
GALLAGIZER BASSET SERVICE
' ffn%erprlses 1 72
~005/014
BRENDA L. MARTIN.
PlainUff
Mo
BURGER KiNG RESTAURANT,
Defendant
NOTI
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT.
-.et forth in the following pages, you must tat(
:IN T~'IE C, OURT OF COMMON PEEAS OF
:CUN~BERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA
!N O. ?/- ~/J'~-~IVIL TERM
:
:JUR f TRIAL DEMANDED
If you wish to defend against the claims
, action within twenty (20! days after this
Complaint and Notice are served, by enterir~ a written appearance pemonafly or by
attorney and filing in writing with the Court yo~r defenses or objections to the claims set
forth against you. You are warned that if you 1 ail to do so the case may pmceecl without
you and a judgment may be entered against
any money claimed In the Complaint of for a
Plaintiff, You may lose money or pmpenty or ¢
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO
NOT HAVE A LAWYE. R OR CANNOT AFFOI
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT
by the Court without further notice fo?
other claim or relief requested by the
Ihor rights impol~el~t to you,
YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. If YOU DO
~O ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
NHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Cumberland CountylBar AssedsUon
Liberty Aivenu e
Ca~|sle, F',~ 17013
(717) 24~8166
P. 05
05/d'6,'2001 d9:07 FAX 87776262.38
GALLAGHER BASSET SER¥ICE
Enterprises I 7:1
~005/014
763 717Z uP.03
BRENDA L. MARTIN.
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Oofcndant
:IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
?UM~ERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
!NO.~ CIVIL TERM
;JURy TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPL
1. Plaintiff, Brenda L. Ma~in, is an ~
Meadow Ddve, Shippensbu~g, Pennsylvania 1
2. Burger King of Shlppenst~Jtg is
Roa(;I, Shippensbur§, Shippensburg Township~
17257.
3. At all times relevant hereto Defe~
in the business of providing food products to ti
sale at its business location in Shlppensburg 'I
Pennsylvania referenced above.
INT
dult individual cu~ently residing et 169
'257.
business operating at 38 Walnut Bottom
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
dant, Burger King of Shippensburg, was
general public which are offered for
I~vnship, Cumberland County.
4. On or about May 2, 2000 at app~ 3ximately 7:30 P.M., Plaintiff, Brenda L.
Martin did drive to the business Io~on of the Defendant.
5. At that said time end place the Plaintiff. Brenda L. Martin, did drive her
vehicle to the drive thru window of the saki BuYer King of Shlppensburg to
place
an
order for products offered for sale by' the said I~¢endant Burger King,
6. At that said time and place the P~alntlff, Brenda L. Merlin, did order from
Defendanl a Whopper. Jr. and a coffee which Were delivered to her through the drive
thru window and into her vehicle upon paymer
7. After receiving the products the F
~iece covering the opening to insert creamers,
usa in the c~ffee.
8. The Plaintiff thereafter did pull aY
vehicle and did enter traffic to relum to her her
towards the Borough of Shippe~sburg.
for the same.
laintiff did open the plastic tear away
Yhich were provided by [he Defendant for
'ay from the drive thru window In her
le by entering the Walnut Bottom Road
(19:07 FAX $777826235
AC~9-OI-O1 Ol:21P lusso~ '
GALLAGHER BASSET SERVICE
763 7172 P.04
9. As the Plaintiff was ptoaeeding i~her vetticJe the coffee inside al
ec~3--ff~ee--cu-p-'-di--d-~pit-II-'°ntOx~mme~:,.r.omxor~- her pants and immediately ceased severe pain, bumirlg and
/
10. As a msuti of the splliing of the qbffee onto her pants the Plaintiff did
receive serious and permanent injuries es rnol~ fully set forth below.
E
1 t. Paragraph 1-10 are hereby inca
full texl.
12. Plaintiffs injuries were the ditecl
negligent conduc-[ of defendant generally and
A.
~rated by references as set forth in their
,nd proximate result of the reckless and
Specifically with regard to the following:
The defective design oft.he lid to the coffee cup which was provided
to the Plaintiff at Defendant's business location;
The defective manufactur
Defendant in thai the coif
and provided in such a w~
burning would occur whe~
Burger. King of ~htppensl:
foreseeable risk asaoeiat~
and service of the product by the
~e sold to the Plaintiff was excessively hot
as it was foreseeable that severe
~,l:he coffee spilled;
L~rg was negligent in disregerdirig 1he
with providing excessiYely hot coffee to
the Plaintiff In a package ~hat was negligently designed and
manufactured and whlcl~ ~d, ~n fact, cause the injuries suffered by
the Plaintiff.
13. As a dim<:t and proximate result ~f the reckless, wanton, careless and
negligent conduct of the Defendant, Plaintiff h~,s suffered signi6cant and permanent loss
and Injury including but no1 limited to:
A. P~st and future pain and ~ffefing;
B. Embarrassment and hum~iation;
C. Disfigurement; [
D. Loss of enjoyment of life ~nd it's pleasu re;
'Au'g-'Ol-01 01:21P Rus:~O" ' Knterprises I ?.~ 762 7172
E. Pas~ and future Incidental cost;
F. Peal and futura mental arlxlety;
G. Past ar~l future medical ekpenses; and
Cost of this action.
WHEREFORE, PiainfJff requests this H ;~nomble Court to enter Judgment against
Defendant in an amount in excess of $25.000 00 plus cost and in[erest.
COl INT II
BREACH OI: W_.~I~_.RANTY
14. Paragraphs 1- 13 are hereby in¢ ;rporat~d by refe~nce as set forth in their
text.
Commercial Code in that the p~3duct sold to
distributed by the Defendant in a fashion thai
which such products are used thereby violatin!
16. The Defendant, by manufacturin,
15. The actions of the Defendant vi~lated the Pennsylvania Uniform
la Plaintiff wes manufactured and
', did not lit the oMInary purposes for
the warranty of marketability.
marketing, advertising and selling this
3roduc! represented that it was safe for Es intended use and by placing this del:active
:)roduct in !11e slream of commerce have brea~t~ed the warrant of marketability.
--
17. As a result of the accident caus .e.~l solely by the Defendant's breach of
warranty, Plaintiff suffered severe injt~ie$ aa n~re fully' set forth below.
18, As a result of the accident cauae~ selely by the Defendant's breach of
warranty, Plaintiff has sustained or may
A- Past and future pain
B. Past and futura lose of lif!
C. Past and futu re incidental
D. Past and future mental ar
E,
F.
G.
h the following damages:
iUffering;
'S enjoyment;
cost:
Past and future medical eJ*penses;
Embarrassment and humiliation; and
OisRgurement
RUG-06-2801 18:14 87~?~26238 9~Z P.0~
08/0,6/2001 09:07 FAX 8777626238
GALLAGHER BASMET
1 ~n%erpr t se~ 1
763 717~ P.O6
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests this H
Defendant in an amount in excess of
COl
~RODUC'I
19. Paragraph 1-18 above are here[
their full text.
20. At all times relevant Ia this actka
was engaged in Ihs manufacture and sa[~ of
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for distributi¢
21. Defendant expected the coffee i
2notable Court to enter judgment against
00 plus cost and interest.
NT 111
~ LIABILITY
incorporat~:l by reference as set forth in
Defendant Burger King of Shlppenaburg
)Ilea which wes sold in ~a
to the general public as the ultimate
~old by them to reach consumers or
users in the condition in which it was sold. }
22, At all times relevant hereto Plaintiff utdized' the products auld to her for its
intended use and was unawar~ of any defec, tiP, the product package or produci itself or
that any danger to herself or ethan could res~tt by using said produc~,
23. At ail times re~evant hereto the coffee and c~p in which il was sold to
Plaintiff was in a defective oondition and unre~
or others in that a defect in design ex'rated. A
consumer who. lacking the technical kno~dedg
temperature of the liquid or oontrol the
relied on the duty of'he Defendant. to deliver !
fit for use for the purpose intended. A breech
defective condition of the coffee and cup in
of the injury sustained by the Ptaintiff, Brenda
24. AS a result of the accident caus~
duty and the def~ctiYe c~ndition of the coffee
Plaintiff Brenda L. Martin. et all times relevant
es more fully outlined above.
~onably dangero~Jo to a u~er, consumer
I~mdition was not observable by a
· and skills required to measure
I of the cup in which the liqu~ wa~ ~ld.
~ ~ffee at the time of sNe in
tithe du~ by the Defe~ant nod the
ch R was sold wes the p~ximate
L. Ma~in.
d ~fely by ~e Defendant's bme~ of
md ~p. more ~lly described a~ve.
qere~ re~ seri~s medical injuries
AUg-01-01 01:22P
Russ(' i Ent~rpr~se~ I 7 763 7172
!
25. As a ~sult o( the a~dent ~usJU solely b) ~e Defendan('~ ~aUon of a
dofe~ve p~u~t, Plaint~ has ~u~tained or m~y sustain (he foUowin~ dame,s:
A. Past and ~um ~in ~nd ~ffering:
Post a~ ~um loss ~ li[~'~ enjoyment;
C. ~st a~ f~re
D. Past ~nd ~tum ~n~l a~ie~y;
E. Pest e~ ~um m~l~l · ~penses;
F. Emba~nt and ~m II~ion; end
G.
Disfigurement
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests th~s H ~norable C:ou~t to enter judgment against
the Defendant in an arnoun! in excess of $25 ~90.00 plus cost end interest.
c0U iv
STRIC_I' LII I ILITY
26. Paragraphs 1-25 are hereby inr..c ~orated by reference aa if se! forth in
their full text,
27. The Defendant, Burger King of ,~ ippensl0urg, breached its non-~lelegable
duty to provide a non,~efective product Into th ~ stream ol~ commerce.
28. At all times relevant hereto Plain I~' wes using the product for its intended
and normal use and them were no substantial Changes to the product ~om the time it
left conlrol of the Defendant until the time ofU~ a accident.
29. PlaintifFs in)uries were the direct and proximate result of the conduct of
Defendant, Burger King of Shippensburg, and Ihat the following defecl~ were present in
the product sold to the Plaintiff at said time ami place:
A. The defec~ve design end *tenufac~ure of the
B. The defective design and l~anuracture of the lid;
C. The defective manufacture, of the product coffee in the cup;
O. The defective design =,nd. nanufac'ture of the coffee eno cup in
such a way to prevent exc~ ~ssive injuries to the Plaintiff in the case
ol spillage w'ttJ.~q wes ~ eeeble end noiTnal; and
ArJG-06-2~O1 1~:14 8???626238 37X P.10
AU~I-01-O1 03.:22P Russf i En'l;erprises 1 ? 763 7172
E. The defective deelgn and
such a way as to fail to
vehicles in the case of a
herein.
30, The c~ndltlons referenced
of the product m the Plaintiff and st Me time ti
~hese defects were a substantial factor In
31. Defendant, Buyer King of Shlpl
of the safety of its product in that It failed to m
even/element necessary to make it safe [or
specifically by Plaintiff Brenda L, Marlin.
32. The Defendant breached MS dr
design and manufacture of Its coffee by falltnl;
Infom~al~on to protect against the foreseeable
33. The Defendant is Mrlctly liable
manufab--ture of'the coffee and cup in
~bid serious injury by oCcupants in
w'll Similar to the one which occurred
~. w~re in existence at the time of'the sale
~e p~oduct left Defendant s control and
ting Plaintiff's injuries,
ensbu~g, failed in its duty as a guarantor
Ilnufacture its coffee, cup and lid with
,e by the consuming public and
~ to warn, post sale of the defective
to provide complete and accurate
~isk of harm that this defect presented.
t' the defective design and manufacture of
the coffee, cup and lid due to the occurrence ~ a foreseeable accidental spill, which
were to occur during normal use.
34. As a result of the accident cause
duty as a manufacturer and producer of ouch
sustain the following damages:
A. Past and future pein and
B. Past and future less o1: life
C. Past and ~ut~re inckle~l
D. Para and ftYmm nmntal er
E. Past and futura medical e
F. Embarrassment and hum
G. Disfigurement
WHEREFORE. Plaintiff requests this H
the Defendant in an amount in excess of $25
d solehj by the Defendant's breach
>r0duCts, Plaintiff has sustained or may
~uffering;
enjoyment;
~ost;
zloty;
/:pense. s:
[latlon; and
)notable Court b3 enter judgment against
100.00 plus costs and Interest.
AUG-8~-2881 18:14 877762~238 98~ P.11
09:07 FAX $777526235
Aug-01-01 01:23P Russ~
BASSET SERVICE
1 7 763
717Z
[~ 012,'014
, .~
cou r v
UNFAIR TRADE PI~e~CTICES ACT
35. Paregrapha 1-34 above are hereby re.alleged and incorporated as E set
~h in their full te~.
36. The ~fe~ant, at air t~mes ~e~nt hem~, w~ engSg~ in t~e in
~mmer~ as de~n~
Soo.
37. The Def~dant was, at ~1 fl~ relevant hereto, engag~ In unfair or
de~p~e a~ts or pre~s ~ s~ ~ ~e f~Jly in the said Unfair T~e Pm~J~s A~.
38. ~ a dlre~ result ~ ~e a~ons ~ ~e Dare.ant, all in vi~on ~ the
Unfair T~de Pm~es A~. the Plaint~ has s~ ~er~ a less in ex,ss of $25,000.00 and
are therefore, is entitled, pursuant to the provi
damages, treble damages, exists ansi eeasona
WHEREFORE, for all the above reasor
favor in an amount in excess of ~25,0D0.00 pi
reasonable attomey fees.
ions of the Act, to an award of actual
de affomey fees.
B, the Plaintiff requests judgment I. her
la treble damages, plus oosts anti
/ ,
ReSl:~l~,t~ y Submitted
TURQ LAW OFFICES
28 S~uth Pitt Street
Carlisle. PA '~7013
(717) ~245.9668
A~corR~y for Plalnti~
GALLAGHER BASSET SERVICE ~]013/014
VERIFlC~
I ~rffy that the statements m~la In the
I unde~siand that folee ~tatements herein
Pa,C.S. §4904 relating Io unawom falsificalia
mort
foregoing Complaint am we and correct.
made subject to the penaltie~ c~ 18
aut~orities.
Bren~ I~ L. Marlin
RrJG-O~-2DO[ 10:14 87775262ZS 97% P.13
CERTIFICATE iF :SERVICE
I hereby cerlify that I served a tree ~nd correct copy of the Complaint upon
Burger King of Shippensbung by Cumberland County S~erifl',~ Department mn the
day of .2001, Iddressed as follows:
Burger King of ~ippensburg
38 Walnut Bo~fom Road
Shippengl3urgJ PA 17257
TUR~
28 $~
Cadh
(717]
Atto~
LAW OFFICES
.. Clngran~li, ES~l~im
Je. PA. 17013
245-9688
~ey for
AUG-OS-2001 10:14 87776260~8 97~ P.14
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
305 North Front Street
Post Office Box 999
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108
(717) 237-7100
E-Mail: seq~,tthlaw.com
Attorneys for Defendant:
Burger King Restaurant
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE SERVICE,
INC., and DOUWE EGBERTS
SUPERIOR COMPANY,
Additional Defendants
TO: Counsel and Parties of Record
Defendant, BURGER KING RESTAUI~NT, intends to serve subpoenas identical to
the ones attached to this notice. You have twenty (20) days from the date listed below in
which to file of record and serve upon the undersigned an objection to the subpoenas. If no
objection is made, the subpoenas may be served.
STEPHEN E. GEDULDIG, ESQUIRE
305 NORTH FRONT STREET - 6TH FLOOR
HARRISBURG, PA 17108
(717) 237-7119
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANT
BURGER KING RESTAURANT
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing document was served
by depositing the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, on the ~/~'~q~ day of November, 2001, on all counsel of record as
follows:
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania i70i$
Attorneys for Additional Defendants, DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE
SERVICE, INC. and DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY
Robert A. Lerman, Esquire
GRIFFITH, STRICKLER, LERMAN, SOLYMOS & CALKINS
110 South Northern Way
York, Pennsylvania 17402-3737
Attorneys for Additional Defendant, Burger King Corporation
Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN
19th Floor
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102-1983
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
:148241.1
BRENDA L. MARTIN, :
Plaintiff :
BURGER KING RESTAURANT, :
Defendant :
BURGER KING CORPORATION, et al. :
Additional Defendants :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
TO:
Records Custodian
Ruth Kovacs, M.D.
Stevens Center
33 State Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-6033
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce the following
documents or things:
Complete copies of any and all records, reports, corresDondence, notes, memos and
diagnostic studies regarding:Brenda L. Martin: Date of Birth 8/30/52: S.S. No.: 176-
46-6114. at Thomas. Thomas & Hafer. LLP. P.O. Box 999. Harrisburg. PA 17108-0999
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this subpoena, together with
the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address listed above. You have the right to seek
in advance, the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or producing the things sought.
if you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena, within twenty (20) days after its service, the
party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
TELEPHONE: (717) 237-7119
SUPREME COURT ID#: 43530
Attorney for Defendant Burger King Restaurant
BY THE COURT:
DATE:
Seal of the Court
Prothonotary/Clerk, Civil Division
Deputy
: 148242.6
BRENDA L. MARTIN, :
Plaintiff :
BURGER KING RESTAURANT, :
Defendant :
BURGER KING CORPORATION, et al. :
Additional Defendants :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
TO:
Records Custodian
Henry Wehman, M.D.
Stevens Center
33 State Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-6033
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce the following
documents or things:
Complete copies of any and all records, reports, correspondence, notes, memos and
diagnostic studies regarding:Brenda L. Martin: Date of Birth 8~30~52: S.S. No.: 176
46-6114. at Thomas. Thomas & Hafer. LLP. P.O. Box 999. Harrisburg. PA 17108-0999
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this subpoena, together with
the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address listed above. You have the right to seek
in advance, the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena, within twenty (20) days after its service, the
party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
ADDRESS: P.O, Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
TELEPHONE: (717) 237-7119
SUPREME COURT ID#: 43530
Attorney for Defendant Burger King Restaurant
BY THE COURT:
DATE:
Seal of the Court
Prothonotary/Clerk, Civil Division
Deputy
: 148242.5
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
:IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
:CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPORATION, et al
Additional Defendants
:NO~l--qS'C,[ CIVIL TERM
:
:JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
OBJECTIONS TO SUBPOENA PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.21
The Plaintiff, Brenda L. Martin, objects to the proposed subpoenas that are attached
herein for the following reasons:
1. Plaintiff objects to the subpoena proposed to be served on Henry Wehman,
M.D., addressed as follows: Stevens Center, 33 State Avenue, Carlisle, PA
17013. Said subpoena is objectionable as the materials sought are irrelevant to
the subject matter of the pending litigation; the materials are not reasonably
calculated to lead to discovery of admissible evidence; the discovery of said
materials will cause unreasonable annoyance and the invasion of personal,
private matters which are irrelevant to these proceedings.
2. -,Plaintiff objects to the subpoena proposed to be served on Ruth Kovacs, M.D.,
addressed as follows: Stevens Center, 33 State Avenue, Carlisle, PA 17013.
Said subpoena is objectionable as the materials sought are irrelevant to the
subject matter of the pending litigation; the materials are not reasonably
calculated to lead to discovery of admissible evidencei the discovery of said
materials will cause unreasonable annoyance and the invasion of personal,
private matters which are irrelevant to these proceedings.
Date
TURO LAW OFFICES
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquir, e~'
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 245-9688
Attorney for Plaintiff
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
Vo
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPORATION, et al. :
Additional Defendants :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
TO:
Records Custodian
Henry Wehman, M.D.
Stevens Center
33 State Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(7t 7) 243-6033
Within Iwenty (20) days after service of this aubpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce the following
documents or things:
ComPlete copies of any and all records, reports, corresoondence, notes, memos ami
dla;nostlc stud;es reaardlno. Brenda L. Martin; Date of Birth 8130152; S.S. No.: 176
46-6t14, at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer. LLP, P.O. Box 999, Harrisburq, PA 17108-099.,~
You may deliver or mall legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this subpoena, together with
the certilicete of compliance, to the party rnstdug this request at the address listed above. You have the dght to seek
In advance, the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or producing the things sought.
If you fall to produce the d_~_..menls or things required by this subpoena, wilhln twenty (20) days after its cen~'ice, the-
party sen4ng this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with It.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
TELEPHONE: (717) 237-7119
SUPREME COURT ID~: 43530
Attorney for Defendant Burger King Restaurant
BY THE COURT:
DATE:
Seal of the Court
~rothonotary/Clerk, Civil Division
:148242.5 Deputy
BRENDA L. MARTIN, :
Plaintiff :
:
BURGER KING RESTAURANT, :
Defendant :
BURGER KING CORPORATION, et al. :
Additional Defendants :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
TO:
Records Custodian
Ruth Kovacs, M.D~
Stevens Center
33 State Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-6033
Within twenty (20) days alter rentice of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce the following
documents or things:
Comolete CODieS Of al'IV and all records, reoorts, corresoondence, no,es, memos and
diaonosfic studies reaardinq:Brenda L. Marlin; Date of Birth 8130152; S.S. No.: 176
46-6114, at Thomas. Thomas & Hafer, LLP. P.O. Box 999, Harrisburq, PA 17108-099;i
You may deliver or mall legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this subpoena, together with
the redJlinate of COmldlanna, to the pady making this request at the address listed above. You have the right to seek
In advance, lite reasonable cost of preparing the copies or produdng the things Sought.
If you fall to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena, within twenty (20) days after Its sewioe, the.
party renting this 8ubpoerla'm-~y seek a coud order compelling you to comply wi~ It.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
TELEPHONE: (717) 237-7119
SUPREME COURT ID~: 43530
Attorney for Defendant Burger King Restaurant
BY THE COURT:
DATE:
'Seal of the Court
Prothonotary/Clerk, Civil Division
Deputy
:1~242.6
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a true and cor_.rect copy of the
aforegoing Objections to Subpoenas on the .....7~.'~. a.y of November,
2001 by depositing the same in the United State Mail, postage
prepaid, addressed as follows:
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer
305 N. Front Street, 6th Floor
P. O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
Sweeney & Sheehan
19th Floor
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia-1983, PA 19102
Robert A. Lerman, Esquire
Griffith, Strickler, Lerman Solymos & Calkins
110 South Northern Way
York, PA 17402-3737
TURO LAW OFFICES
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 245-9688
Attorney for Brenda Martin
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing document was served by depositing the same in the
United States Mail, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, on the ~4~ day of December, 2001, on all
counsel of record as follows:
Attorneys
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
for Plaintiff
Robert A. Lerman, Esquire
ORIFFITH, STRICKLER, LERMAN, SOLYMOS & CALKINS
110 South Northern Way
York, Pennsylvania 17402-3737
Attorneys for Additional Defendants, DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE
SERVICE, INC. and DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY
Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN
19th Floor
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19102-1983
Attorneys for Additional Defendant, Burger King Corporation
u398~9.~
THOMAS, THOMAS a MAFER, LLP
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
305 North Front Street
Post Office Box 999
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108
(717) 237-7100
E-Maih ~
Attorneys for Defendant:
Burger King Restaurant
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
Vo
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
et al:
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVAIqIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
As a prerequisite to service of subpoenas for documents and things pursuant to Rule
4009.22, Defendant certifies that:
1. A Notice of Intent to Serve Subpoenas with copies of the subpoenas attached
thereto was mailed or delivered to each party at least twenty days prior to the day on which
the subpoenas were sought to be served;
2. A copy of the Notice of Intent, including the proposed subpoenas, is attached
to this Certificate;
3. No objection to the subpoenas has been received; and
4. The subpoenas which will be served are identical to the subpoenas which are
attached to the Notice of Intent to Serve Subpoenas.
!A -7 -ol
:150969.5
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
STEPHEN E. GEDULDIG, ESQUIRE
305 NORTH FRONT STREET - 6TH FLOOR
HARRISBURG, PA 17108
(717) 237-7119
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANTS
BURGER KING RESTAURANT
I, STEPHEN E. GEDULDIG, ESQUIRE of the law firm of THOMAS,
THOMAS, & HAFER, LLP do certify that I served the foregoing document on the following
person(s), by depositing the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania addressed as follows:
Carol L. Cingranelli. Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Robert A. Lerman, Esquire
GRIFFITH, STRICKLER, LERMAN, SOLYMOS & CALKINS
110 South Northern Way
York, Pennsylvania 17402-3737
Attorneys for Additional Defendants, DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE
SERVICE, INC. and DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY
Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN
19th Floor
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102-1983
Attorneys for Additional Defendant, Burger King Corporation
Date:
:139819.1
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Attorney i.D. No. 43530
THOMAS, THOMAS 8, HAFER, LLP
305 North Front Street
Post Office Box 999
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108
(717) 237-7100
E-Mail: seq~,,tthlaw.com
Attorneys for Defendant:
Burger King Restaurant
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Vo
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE SERVICE,
INC., and DOUWE EGBERTS
SUPERIOR COMPANY,
Additional Defendants
TO: Counsel and Parties of Record
Defendant, BURGER KING RESTAURANT, intends to serve subpoenas identical to
the ones attached to this notice. You have twenty (20) days from the date listed below in
which to file of record and serve upon the undersigned an objection to the subpoenas. If no
objection is made, the subpoenas may be served.
STEPHEN E. GEDULDIG, ESQUIRE
305 NORTH FRONT STREET - 6TH FLOOR
HARRISBURG, PA 17108
(717) 237-7119
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANT
BURGER KING RESTAURANT
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing document was served
by depositing the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg;
Pennsylvania, on the ~'"/q~ day of November, 2001, on all counsel of record as follows:
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 170 i$
Attorneys for Additional Defendants, DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE
SERVICE, INC. and DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY
Robert A. Lerman, Esquire
GRIFFITH, STRICKLER, LERMAN, SOLYMOS & CALKINS
110 South Northern Way
York, Pennsylvania 17402-3737
Attorneys for Additional Defendant, Burger King Corporation
Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN
19th Floor
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102-1983
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
:148241.1
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPORATION, et al.
Additional Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
TO:
Records Custodian
Chambersburg Hospital
112 N. 7th Street
Chambersburg, PA 17201-1700
(717) 267-3000
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce the following
documents or things:
Complete copies of any and all records, reports, correspondence, notes, memos and
diagnostic studies regardincl:Brenda L. Martin; Date of Birth 8130/52; S.S. No.: 176-
46-6114, at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this subpoena, together with
the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address listed above. You have the right to seek
in advance, the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena, within twenty (20) days after its service, the
party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
TELEPHONE: (717) 237-7119
SUPREME COURT ID#: 43530
Attorney for Defendant Burger King Restaurant
BY THE COURT:
DATE:
Seal of the Court
Prothonotary/Clerk, Civil Division
Deputy
: 148242.1
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPORATION, et al.
Additional Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
TO:
Records Custodian
Graham Medical Clinic
100 S. High Street
Newville, PA 17241-1499
(717) 776-3114
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce the following
documents or things:
Complete copies of any and all records, reports, correspondence, notes, memos and
diagnostic studies regarding:Brenda L. Martin; Date of Birth 8/30152; S.S. No.: 176-
46-6114, at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this subpoena, together with
the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address listed above. You have the dght to seek
in advance, the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena, within twenty (20) days after its service, the
party serving this subpoena may seek a court order cempelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
TELEPHONE: (717) 237-7119
SUPREME COURT ID#: 43530
Attorney for Defendant Burger King Restaurant
BY THE COURT:
DATE:
Seal of the Court
Prothonotary/Clerk, Civil Division
Deputy
: 148242.2
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
Additional
et al. :
Defendants :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
TO:
Records Custodian
Erich Metzler, M.D.
Women's Health Associates
419 Stonehedge Drive
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 218-8888
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce the following
documents or things:
Complete copies of any and all records, reports, correspondence, notes, memos and
dia.qnostic studies re.qardin,q:Brenda L. Martin; Date of Birth 8130/52; S.S. No.: 176-
46-6114, at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, P.O. Box 999, Harrisburq, PA 17108-0999
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this subpoena, together with
the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address listed above. You have the right to seek
in advance, the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena, within twenty (20) days after its service, the
party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
TELEPHONE: (717) 237-7119
SUPREME COURT ID#: 43530
Attorney for Defendant Burger King Restaurant
BY THE COURT:
DATE:
Seal of the Court
Prothonotary/Clerk, Civil Division
Deputy
: 148242.3
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
Vo
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
Vo
BURGER KING CORPORATION, et al.
Additional Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
TO: Records Custodian/Legal Department
Allstate Insurance Company
2775 Sanders Road, Suite A6
Northbrook, II_ 60062
(847) 402-5000
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce the following
documents or things:
Re: MVA Accident date: 3/6198, Case File No. 185303802502 - complete copies of
any and all records, reports, correspondence, notes, memos and medical records,
inc ud n.q those on the file iacket, re.qard n.q Brenda L. Martin; Date of Birth 8130152;
S.S. No.: 176-46-61'14, at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg,
PA 17108-0999
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this subpoena, together with
the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address listed above. You have the right to seek
in advance, the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or producing the things sought.
if you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena, within twenty (20) days after its service, the
party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
TELEPHONE: (717) 237-7119
SUPREME COURT ID#: 43530
Attorney for Defendant Burger King Restaurant
BY THE COURT:
DATE:
Sealofthe Court
Prothonotary/Clerk, Civil Division
Deputy
: 148242.4
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
Vo
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
:IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
:CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
:NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
:
:
:JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
ANSWER TO NEW MATTER
This is a paragraph of incorporation, and, therefore, no response is
required.
After reasonable
sufficient to form
This paragraph is
This paragraph is
This paragraph is
This paragraph is
This paragraph is
This paragraph is
This paragraph is
This paragraph is
This paragraph is
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Thi paragraph is
investigation, Plaintiff is without knowledge or information
a belief as to the truth of this paragraph.
a legal conclusion to which no res ~onse is rec
a legal conclusion to which
a legal conclusion to which
a legal conclusion to which
a legal conclusion to which
a legal conclusion to which
a legal conclusion to which
a legal conclusion to which
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a legal conclusion to which
uired.
no res }onse is rec uired.
no res )onse is rec uirad.
no res )onse ~s re¢ uired.
no res )onse ~s rec uired.
no res )onse ~s rec uired.
no res )onse is rec uired.
no res )onse ~s rec uired.
no res )onse is rec uired.
no res )onse ~s rec uired.
no res )onse ~s rec uired.
no response is required.
Date
Respectfully Submitted
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 245-9688
Attorney for Plaintiff
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in the foregoing Answer to New Matter are true
and correct. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties
of 18 Pa.C.S. {}4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date
Carol L. Cingf~nelli, Esqu~e
For Brenda L. Martin
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing document was served by
depositing same in the United States mail, postage prepaid, on all counsel of record as
follows:
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer
305 N. Front Street, 6th Floor
P. O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
Sweeney & Sheehan
19th Floor
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1983
Robert A. Lerman, Esquire
Griffith, Strickler, Lerman Solymos & Calkins
110 South Northern Way
York, PA 17402-3737
Date
Respectfully Submitted
TURO LAW OFFICES
By: Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 245-9688
Attorney for Plaintiff
Stephen E. Geduldig; Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
305 North Front Street
Post Office Box 999
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108
(717) 237-7100
E-Mail: ~
Attorneys for Defendant:
Burger King Restaurant
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPOP~ATION,
DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE SERVICE, :
INC., and DOUWE EGBERTS :
SUPERIOR COMPANY, :
Additional Defendants :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEbr'~NDED
DEFENDANT BURGER KING RESTAURANT'S MOTION TO COMPEL
AND NOW comes the Defendant, Burger King Restaurant, by its
undersigned counsel, Stephen E. Geduldig, and Thomas, Thomas &
Hafer, LLP, and brings the following Motion to Compel discovery:
1. On July 26, 2001, Plaintiff filed a Complaint to
commence an action against Defendant to recover damages arising
out of a coffee spill incident on May 2, 2001. Plaintiff alleges
she suffered physical injuries, including but not limited to,
burns to her genital area, disfigurement, and past and future
mental anxieties. See Plaintiff's Complaint, attached hereto and
marked Exhibit ~'A".
2. On September 24, 2001, a Notice to Take Oral
Deposition of Plaintiff was mailed to Plaintiff's counsel.
Attached hereto and marked as Exhibit "B".
3. Plaintiff's deposition took place on November 9, 2001,
at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP. At such time Plaintiff
identified several items in her possession of which Defendant
requested copies.
4. On November 21, 2001, Defendant wrote to Plaintiff's
counsel requesting several items that Plaintiff had identified
in her deposition be produced. Attached hereto and marked as
Exhibit
6. On December 26, 2001, Defendant wrote to Plaintiff's
counsel again asking for Plaintiff to produce those items
identified during Plaintiff's deposition. Attached hereto and
marked as Exhibit "D".
7. Defendant's counsel has made repeated telephone calls
to Plaintiff's counsel requesting production of those items
Plaintiff identified during her deposition, and has gotten no
response from Plaintiff.
8. The Plaintiffs' failure to respond to written discovery
requests are in violation of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil
Procedure and are delaying the progress of this case.
9. Defendant Burger King Restaurant is severely
prejudiced in defending this action in light of Plaintiffs'
failure to appropriately respond to Defendant's Request for
Production of Documents.
10. Plaintiff is represented by Carol L. Cingranelli,
Esquire, TURO LAW OFFICES, 28 South Pitt Street,Carlisle,
Pennsylvania, 17013.
11. Defendant is represented by Stephen E. Geduldig,
Esquire of Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, 305 North Front Street,
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17108.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Burger King Restaurant, respectfully
requests this Honorable Court to issue an Order compelling
Plaintiff to produce the request materials within 10 days of the
date of the Order.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP
Stephen E. Geduldig
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
Attorneys for Defendant,
Burger King Restaurant
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing document was served by depositing the same in the
United States Mail, pope. s prepaid, at Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, on the~/~ day of February, 2002, on all
counsel of record as follows:
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Robert A. Lerman, Esquire
GRIFFITH, STRICKLER, LERMAN, SOLYMOS & CALKINS
110 South Northern Way
York, Pennsylvania 17402-3737
Attorneys for Additional Defendants, DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE
SERVICE, INC. and DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY
Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN
19th Floor
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19102-1983
Attorneys for Additional Defendant, Burger King Corporation
THOMAS, THOMAS a HAFER, LLP
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Exhibit A
Aug-O1-01 Ol:ZIP RUSSO
~n~erprgses ! 7~ 7~ 7~7Z
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
PlainUff
Vo
:IN TItlE COURT OF COMMON PEEAS OF
:CUqBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
::N O. ?/- ~5"~z/~.:lVl L TERM
BURGER KING RESTAURANT, :
Defendant :JUR'
N,OTI
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT.
set fo~h in the following pages, you must tat(
?TRIAL DEMANDED
E
If you wish to defend against the claims
action within twenty (20) days aftsr this
ComPlaint and Notice are served, bY entefirlg a written appearance personally or by
attorney and filing in writing with the Court yodr lefenses or objections to the claims set
forth against you. You are warned that if you
you and a judgment may be entered against
any money claimed in the Comptalnt of for
Plaintiff. You may lose money or proi~erty or
YOU SHOULD TAK~ THiS PAPER
NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFO,
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT
Cumberland County
2 Liberty ,~
Carlisle, P~
(717) 248.
ail tO do so the case may proceed without
~3u by the Court without further notice for
~y other claim or relief requested by the
the? rights imporf~l~t to you.
'YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU [30
:~) ONE. GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
~HERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Ber Aasoclal.~3n
~el'~f8
~ 17013
1166
AIJG-O~-2001 18:14 877?626238 97X P.85
~Au'g-.01-O1 O! :2].P Russo
. . 07/317~_~01 lB: 21 73.75L-irdl~.
I 7] 763 7Z72 P. 03
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Oofcndant
:IN TIlE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
:CUM IERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:NO. CIVIL TERM
:JUR' ' TRIAL OEMANDED
COMpI. J
1. Plaintiff. Brenda L. Martin, is an ~
Meadow Drive, ShiPpensbu~g, PennsYtVsnle I
2. Burger King of Shlppenst)u~g Is
Roacl, Shippensburg, Shippensburg Township
17257.
3. At all tJme~ relevant hereto Defel
in *,he business of providing food product~ to tt
sale at its business location in Shlppensburg 3
~INT
dult individual currently residing gt 169
~'257.
~3usiness operating at 38 Walnut Bottom
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Idant, Burger King of Shippensburg, was
general public which are offered for
13~vnship. Cumberland Counb/.
Pennsylvania referenced above.
4. On or about May 2, 2000 at appr :)xlmately 7:30 P.M.. Plaintiff, Brenda L.
Martin did drive to the business location of the ~l~)efendant.
5. At that said time end place the ptaintiff. Brenda L. Me~n, did drive her
vehicle to the drive thru window of the said Bu~ger King of Shlppensburg to place sn
order for products offered for sale by the ssid 1 lei'em:lent Burger Kir~g.
6. At that ssid Nme and place the P dntlff, Brenda L. Martin, did order from
Defendanl a Whopper, Jr. and a coffee which
thru window and into her vehicle upon paymerl
7. After receiving the products the
piece covering the opening to insert creamem
usa in the coffee.
8. The Plaintiff thereafter did pull ay
vehicle and did enter traffic to return to her hor
towards the Borough of Shippensburg.
tare delivered to her through the drive
for the aame.
faintiff did open the plastic tear away
vhlch ware provided by [he Defendant for
,ay from the drive thru window In her
le by entering the Walnut Bottom Road
RUG-06-2001 18:14 S777626238 97~ P.06
9. As the Plaintiff wes prooeeding ~ her vehicle the coffee inside o! Ibe
' coffee cup did spill onto her pants and irnme¢ ItcHy caused severe pain, buming and
extreme discomfort.
10. As a result of the spilllng of the c~0ffee onto her penis the Plaintiff did
receive serious and permanent injudes aB mo~ · fully set forU1 below.
COUN
NEGLIGI TNiCE
I t. paragraph 1-10 are hereby incol ~mted by references as set foMh in {heir
full text.
12. Plaintiff's injuries were the direct in~ proximate result of the reckless and
negligent conduct of defendant generally and ~pecificallY with regard to the following:
A. The defective design of tiie lid to the coffee c[Jp which was provided
to the Plaintiff et oefenda~'s busineSs location;
El. The defective manufa~tur ~r and se~ice of the product by the
Defendant in that the coffl
and provided in such a wi
burning would occur whet
C. Bu~ger. King of Shippensb
foreseeable risk associate
the Plaintiff in a package
manufactured and which
the Plaintiff.
13. As a direct and proximate result
negligent conduct of the Defendant, Plaintiff h=
and Injury incJuding but no1 limited to:
Past and future pain and
Embarrassment and hum~
Disfigurement;
Loss of enjoyment of life
sold to the Plaintiff wes excessively hot
¥ as it was foreseeable that severe
,the coffee spilled;
jrg was negligent in disregarding the
d wi~h providing excessively hot coffee
hat wes negligently designed and
lid, ~n fact, cause the injuries suffered by
3fthe recMess, wanton, careless and
suffered signilicant and permanent loss
~,ffering;
Iiation;
~nd it's pleasure;
AUG-O~-2801 10:1~ 8???626238 97~ P.O?
.~u~9-~l-O1 Ol:21P Russo" '
EnteY-pr 9 sea 1 7:~
763
717~
P.05
Eo
Past and (u~ure incidenta~ cost;
Past
and futura mental ar~Xlet¥;
Past ar~! future medical ~nses; and
H. Cost of ~hls actkm.
WHEREFORE;, Plaintiff requests this H ~norable Court to enter Judgment against
Defendant in an amount in excess 0f $25.00O O0 plu~ c. cmt and interest.
COl INT Ii
.BREACH
14, Paragraphs 1- 13 am hereby inc =rporat.¢l by reference as set forth in their
text.
15. The actions of the Del'endant vic lated the Pennsylvania Uniform
Commercial Code in that the product ~old to I ma Plaintiff wes manufactured and
distributed by I~e Oefendant in a fashion that t did not fit the ordinary purposes for
which such 10mducts are used thereby violatin the warranty of marketability.
16. The Defendant, by manufacbJrin , marketing, advertising and selling this
product represented that it was safe for Its infl nded use and by placing this defective
product in the stream of commerce have brae: had the warrant of marketability.
17. As a result of the accident cause solely by the Defendant's breach of
warranty, Plaintiff suffered severe injuries as r~ore fully set forth below.
18, As a result of the accldeat cause
warranty, Plaintiff has sustained or may sushi
Past and future pain and
Past and future loss of lif!
Pest and futu re incidental
Past and future mental am
~1 az)lely by the Defendant's breach of
n the following damages:
~uffeHng;
's enjoyment;
cost;
xie~Jes;
Past and future medical eJepenses;
Embarrassment and humiliation; and
G. OisRgurement
RUG-06-2001 10:14 8'7'77626238 9FJY, P. 0~
WHEREFORE. PlainUif requests this H
Defendant In an* amount in excess of
COI
PRODUC'I
t 9. Paragraph 1-18 above em here~
their full text.
20, At all times relevant lo this eCtio~
was engaged in Ihs manufacture and sale of
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for distr,3=ufit
corlsumer~,
21. Defendant expected the coffee
users in the condition in which IT was sold.
22. At all times relevant her~o Plain
Int~nded use and was unaware of any defect
~norable Court to enter judgment against
.00 plus cost and interest.
NT ill
LIABILITY
, incorporats¢l by reference as set forth
Defendant Burger K~ng of Shlppenaburg
~lfee which was sold in the
f,o the general public as the uilimate
~old by them to reach consumers or
lff utilized the produce sold to her for its
{~e pn>duct package or p~oduc~ itself or
that any danger to herself or °them could res~t~ by using said produc~.
23. At all times relevant hereto the coffee and cup in which il was sold to
Plaintiff wa= in a defective condition and unree
or others in that a defect in design existed. A,
consumer who, lacking the technical kno~ledl:
temperature of the liquid or ¢~ntrol the co~rln
relied on the duty of the Defendant to deliver
f'~ for use for the purpose intended. A breech
defective condiUon of the coffee and cup in w~
of the injury sustained by the Plaintiff, Brenda
24. As a result of the accident ca,se
duty and the defectiv~ c~ndition of the coffee
Plaintiff Brenda L. Martin. et all times relevant
es more fully outlined above.
~3nably dangerous to e user, consumer
=ondition was not observable by a
e and skills required to measure 1Jla
of the cup in which the liquid was ~old,
coffee at the time of sale in s c~ndJtimn
~f the duty by the Defendant sod the
~h it was sold was the proximate cause
.. Martin.
~ solely by the Defendant's breach of
ind cup, more fully described above.
~ereto received serious medical injuries
RUG-06-2001 18:14 ~??7626238 37~; P.89
.A6g-O1-O1 O]. :2:~P Russ¢
i Ent~rpr~e~ 1 7
763 7172 P.07
25. As a result of the accident caust
defective product. Plaintiff has sustained or m
D.
E.
F.
G.
Past and futura pein and
Past and future loss of life
Past and future incidental
Past and future mental ae
Past end future medical e
Embarrassment and hum~
Diafigumrrmnt
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff reque~ this H
the Defendant in an amount In excess of $25
cOUI
STRICT LU
26.
their full text.
27.
Paragraphs 1-25 are hereby ina
The Defendant, Burger King of $
solely by the Defendant's ~.]'eaf~on of a
, sustain the follow~ng damages:
adflering:
'S enjoyment;
Cost:
iety;
)enses;
[lation: end
~lnorable Court to enter judgment against
00.00 Plus cost and interest.
IV
,ILITY
rporated by reference as if set forth in
4ippensburg, breached its non-delegable
duty to provide a non-defective produ~ into th1~ stream of commerce.
28. At all times relevant he~,~u~ Plain~fwas using the product for its intended
and normal use and them were no substantial~Changes to the product from abe time it
left conlrol of the Defendant until the time of th~ accidenL
29. Plaint/frs in)uries were the direct land proximate result of the conduct of
Defendant, Burger King of Shippensburg, and ~at the following defects were present in
the prOduct sold to the Plaintiff at said time an~l place:
A. The defective design and ~anufacture of the cup;
B. The de~ve design and manufacture of the lid;
C. Tl~e defe~'~'.~e manufacture; of the product coffee in the cup;
D. The defective design and T~enufacture o! the coffee and Cup in
such a way to prevent exc ~ssive injuries to the Plaintiff in the case
oi spillage wl3Jr.~ wee fore ~eable end normal; and
AUG-06-2001 10:14 8???626238 97Z P.10
.Au'~I-OI-O1 o'm ::~_p
· 07./31/2B01- 18:21
i Enterprises 1 7 763 7!7Z .,P.08
The defective design andlmanufab"ture Of ttte coffee and cup in
such a way as to fall to a~bicl serious injury by occupants in
vehicles in the case of a ~pilr similar tothe one which occurred
herein.
3,0. The c~nditions referenr..~d abov(,were in existence ~t the time of the sale
of the pnxluct to the Plaintiff and et the time t, e product left Defendant's control and
these defe~[a were · substantial teeter in cau: :lng Plaintiff's injuries.
31. Defendant, Burger King of Shipr snsbuq), failed in its duty as a guarantor
of the safety of its product in ~hat it failed to m Inufecture its coffee, cup and lid with
every element necessary to make it safe [or u le by the consuming public and
specifically by Plaintiff Brenda L. Marlin.
32. The Defendant breached ~s duty to wam. post sale of the defective
design and manufacture of Its coffee by fallin~ to prOvide complete and accurate
information to protect against the foreseeable ~isk of harm that this defect presented.
33. The Defendant is strtctly liable f~f the defective design and manufacture of
the coffee, cup and lid due to the occurrence ~ a foreseeable accidental spill, which
were to occur clurlng normal use.
34. As e result of tho accktent cause solely by the Defendant's breach of its
dUty OS a manufacturer and producer of SuCh ~3ducts. Plaint~f has sustained or may
sustain the following damages:
Past end future pein end ~uffering;
Past end future less el~ tif~'.s enjoyment:
Past and ~uture incklentelI cost;
Past and future ment~ arlxlely;
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Past and future medical e
Embarrassment and hum
Disfigurement
WHEREFORE. Plaintiff requests this
the Defendant in an amount in exoess of $25.1
(penses:
~iation; and
>notable Court to enter judgment against
~30.00 plus costs and Interest.
RUG-06-2001 10:14 877762623@ 38X P.11
Enterprises I 7. 763
7172
P.O~
cou, v
UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES AOT
T
35. Paragraph= 1 ~ above are hen~b¥ re.alleged and Jncoq~orated as if set
~o~h in their full text. I
36. The Defendant. at all limas mlevtIn! hereto, wes engage~l in tra,la In
c~mmerc~ as defined in the I~enn,~ylv~[nla Unfair Trade Practices Act. 73 P.S. §201-1 et
S~O.
37. The Defendant was, at all times relevant hereto, engaged In unfair or
deceptive egis or practices es set forth ~:we fi
I
38. As a direct result of the a~tions 0
Unfair Trade Practices Act, the Plaintiff has su
are therefore, is entitled, pursuant to the provi
lily in the said Unfair Trade Pmctlces Act.
I the Defendant, all in violation of the
feted a loss in excess of $25,000.00 and,
Ions of the Act, to an award of actual
treble damages, coats and teasona~le attorney fees.
damages,
WHEREFORE, for ell the above reasor }, the Plaintiff requests Judgment In her
favor in en amount in excess of $25, ODO.00 pirie treble damages, plus costs and
reasonable attomey fees.
Respectfully Submitted
TURO LAW OFFICES
Carol[. CinoFa~elli. Esqu~
28 Se~ith Pitt Street
C. arlis~e. PA 17013
(717) ~245.9868
Allenby for Plalntif~
IlRUi~l " '"" ~
,n l~astt~¥ ~lw'e01, I he~ UNO ~ ~ ~no
AUG-OG-2001 10: 1~ ~???G2G2~S 97% P. 12
Au~-O!-03. 01:~'3P
· 87/'41/2BO'L
~ Enterprises i ~ 7~3 73.7~ P. lO
I verl~y U'tm the statements made In the
I undersband ~ falee ~taten~nts herein
Pa.C.$. §4904 relating to unshorn falslt~ali=
~ON
~omgoing Complmir~ arm InJ~ ~nd oorrect.
r~ made subject to ~e ~ ~ 1~
to a~ori~es.
\~.~ ~0, o~
Bren¢ · L. MenJn
AlJO-O6-2001 10:14 87??626238 97% P.13
· Aug-Ol-01 01:~3P Flu.~-~, I
Enterprises~u.~-m I 7 763 717;~ P.'11
I hereby certify that I se~ed a tree
Burger King of Shippensbung by Cumberh
day of_ ,2001,
CERTIFICATE ~F ~gERVICE
Ind con'ect copy of the Complaint upon
~d County Sheriff's Department on the
ddres~ed as
Burger KJng of ~ippensburg
38 Wntnut Bo' tom Road
ShippenSburg,
TUR~
PA 17257
LAW OFFICES
28 $~
Car11~
(717]
Attor~
. L. Cin'gran~li, EsqUire ~ '
uth Pitt Street
le. PA 17013
245-9688
,ay for
RUG-06-2001 10:14 8???626238 97Z P. i4
Exhibit B
Oct~ool
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17o~3
Re: Martin v. Burger King Restaurant
Cumberland County No. o4x-45o3
Dear Attorney Cingranelli:
Enclosed please find a deposition notice for your client for November 9,
starting at 9:0o a.m. in our office. As you can see, I have contacted the court reporter.
Very truly yours,
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
SEG/tk :~ 39829.4
Enclosure
cc: Hughes, Albright (with enclosure)
Stephen E. Geduldig
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
305 North Front Street
Post Office Box 999
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108
(717) 237-7100
E-Mail: se,qL~,tthlaw.com
Attorneys for Defendant:
Burger King Restaurant
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEPOSITION NOTICE
TO: Ail parties and their counsel:
PLEASE TA~u~ NOTICE that pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of
Civil Procedure, the undersigned will take the deposition of
BRENDA L. MARTIN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2001 beginning at 9:00 A.M. AT THE
LAW OFFICES OF THOMAS, THOMAS & HAF~R, 305 NORTH FRONT ST~.~ET, 6~
FLOOR, HARRISBURG, PA 17101 upon oral examination, for the purpose
of discovery and for use as evidence in the above-captioned
action, at the offices of before a Notary Public or some other
person authorized or commissioned to administer oaths on all
matters not privileged which are relevant and material to the
issues and subject matter involved in the pending action,
including, but not limited to, the facts of the alleged incident,
and the events leading up thereto.
Parties and attorneys are directed to bring with them any and
all materials or documents which in any way relate to the subject
lawsuit.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
:1~138.1
By:
STEPHEN E. GEDULDIG, ESQUIRE
Attorney I.D. No. 43530
Attorneys for Defendant,
BURGER KING RESTAURANT
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing document was served by depositing the same in the
United States Mail, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, on the day of October, 2001, on all
counsel of record as follows:
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Attorneys for Plaintiff
THOMAS, THOMAS & HA~R, LLP
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
:139819.1
Exhibit C
(717) 237-7119
E-Mail: seg@t~hlaw, com
November 21, 2001
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17o13
Re: Martin v. Burger Kine Restaurant v. Bureer Kine Corporation. et al
Cumberland County No. ol-45o3
Dear Attorney Cingranelli:
I am following-up on the Plaintiffs deposition at which we requested the following:
3o
Please provide color photocopies of all documents, photos, receipts and so fort~ which
have been identified in Answer to Interrogatories. While I personally am not looking
forward to receiving copies of the photographs your client produced at the deposition, ff
she is going to attempt to publish these to a jury, I need copies. Please make color
photocopies. I also would request photocopies of the receipt and notes, even though I
recognize that the receipt is faded. I want to show my client what was produced. Finally,
please identify who took what photographs and on what date they were taken.
Please provide the name of the manufacturer of your client's coffee maker, the model
number and the place and date of purchase.
Please produce the log your client compiled of comparative coffee temperature readings,
which she discussed at her deposition.
Also, identify the manufacturer and the numbers on the bottom of the coffee cup, along
with any numbers and identifying features on the lid.
Please preserve for future inspection the lid and the coffee cup.
Please advise when the candy thermometer your client referenced in her deposition can
be tested.
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
Re: Martin v. Burger King Restaurant v. Bulmer King Corooration. et al
Cumberland County No. Ol-45o3
November 21, 2001
Page 2
I would like a full and complete response to my document request. This was not provided.
Finally, will you agree to the dismissal of corporate Burger King and Douwe Egberts, the
manufacturer of the coffee machine? You did not sue them, we did, and we would like to discontinue suit
against them. Under my reading of the Rules, I need to consent of all parties. Please advise.
Very truly yours,
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
SEG/tk :~ 39829.7
By:
Stephen E. Geduldig
CC:
Robert A. Lerman, Esquire
Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
bc:
Ms. Vicky Strickler (Gallagher Bassett Claim No. oo1393-OOO866-PA-o1)
Mr. Gary Pmett (Claim No. 2OOl-25452-CC)
Exhibit D
~D
(717) 237-7n9
E-Mail: seg@tthlaw.com
December 26, 2001
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
e8 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17o~3
Re;
Martin v. Burger King Restaurant v. Burger Kin~ Corooration, et al
Cumberland County No. ox-45o3
Dear Attorney Cingraneni:
Enclosed please find a copy of my letter to you of November 21, 2oo~. More than a month has
gone by since I requested the information in that letter. Will you please give me a call to discuss. Thank
you.
Very truly yours,
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, l.!,p
By:
SEG/tk :139829.9
Enclosure
Stephen E. Geduldig
ce:
Robert A. Lerman, Esquire (with enclosure)
Guy Mercogliano, Esquire (with enclosure)
be:
Ms. Vicky Stric!der (Gallagher Bassett Claim No. oo1393-ooo866-PA-ol) (with enclosure)
Mr. Gary Pruett (Claim No. 2oo~-25452-CC) (with enclosure)
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
VS.
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
VS.
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE
SERVICE, INC., AND DOUWE
EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY:
Additional Defendants :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
01-4503 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IN RE: DEFENDANTS' MOTION TO COMPEl,
ORDER
AND NOW, this ~ ¢ °~ day of February, 2002, a brief argument on the within
motion to compel is set for Thursday, April 4, 2002, at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom Number 4,
Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, PA.
BY THE COURT,
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
For the Plaintiff
ess, J.
Stephen Geduldig, Esquire
For the Defendant
Robert A. Lerman, Esquire
Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
For Additional Defendants
:rim
V1NVA'IASNN=Jd
,LLNNO0
6"1:01141/ L ~ 833 80
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
VS.
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
VS.
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE
SERVICE, INC., AND DOUWE
EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY
Additional Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
01-4503 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IN RE: DEFENDANTS' MOTION TO COMPEL
ORDER
AND NOW, this 2 ~ ' day of March, 2002, a brief argument on the defendant's
motion to compel filed December 10, 2001, is set for Thursday, April 4, 2002, at 2:30 p.m. in
Courtroom Number 4, Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, PA.
BY THE COURT,
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
For the Plaintiff
Stephen Geduldig, Esquire
For the Defendant
Robert A. Leman, Esquire
Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
For Additional Defendants
Hess, J.
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
VS.
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
¸VS.
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE
SERVICE, INC., AND DOUWE
EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY:
Additional Defendants :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
01-4503 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IN RE: DEFENDANTS' MOTION TO COMPEL PSYCHOLOGICAI,
OR PSYCHIATRIC RECORDS
ORDER
AND NOW, this
day of April, 2002, following argument thereon, the
motion of the defendant for production of mental health records is GRANTED to the extent that,
unless same are produced, the plaintiff shall be barred from adducing medical testimony in
support of a claim for special psychological or psychiatric damages.
BY THE COURT,
F~o~rOl L. Cingranelli, Esquire
the Plaintiff
phen Geduldig, Esquire
the Defendant
Margaret Grab, Esquire
For Additional Defendant Egberts
Hess, J.
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
VS.
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant
VS.
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE
SERVICE, INC., AND DOUWE
EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY
Additional Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
01-4503 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IN RE: DEFENDANTS' MOTION TO COMPEL PRODUCTION
ORDER
AND NOW, this 5/* day of April, 2002, following argument thereon, the
motion of the defendant, Burger King, for production is GRANTED to the extent that it is
ordered and directed that:
1. The items referred to in paragraph 1 of the letter of Mr. Geduldig dated November 21,
2001, shall be produced. Any and all photographs of the plaintiff shall be kept by defense
counsel under seal to be viewed only by members or employees of Thomas, Thomas and Haler
LLP, or any experts retained by said law firm in connection with this case.
2. The record can reflect that counsel for the plaintiffhas complied with paragraphs 2, 4
and 5 of the letter of November 21, 2001.
3. The items referred to in paragraphs 3 and 6 of Mr. Gednldig's November 21st letter
either have never existed or cannot be found.
BY THE COURT,
~ol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
For the Plaintiff
~8't~en Geduldig, Esquire
For the Defendant
~nFor AMargaret Grab, Esquire
dditional Defendant Egberts
:rim
Kevin ~. Hess, J.
/
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff,
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant,
BURGER KING CORPORATION, DOUWE
EGBERTS COFFEE SERVICE, INC. AND
DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY,
Additional Defendants.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 01-4503
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED.
PRAECIPE
TO THE PROTHONOTARy:
Please enter a Rule upon Defendant, Burger King Restaurant, to file a Complaint within twenty (20)
days from the date of the service of this Rule or suffer Judgr~ff~n~pros.
GRIFFI~I, STRICKLER, LERMAN, _
soryMOg & CALKINS /
Attorney for Defendants, Douwe Egberts Coffee
Service, /ne. and Douwe Egberts Superior
Company
1~5~3j~.~_ 110 South Northern Way
~ York, Pennsylvania 17402
Date: .---._ (717) 757-7602
NOW,.
, 2002, RULE ISSUED AS ABOVE.
PROTHONOTARy d '
klr/douwe-rule.z BY: G
tD~PUTY
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN, P.C.
By: Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
Identification No. 39766
1515 Market Street, 19th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 563-9811
Attorney for: Defendant,
Burger King Corporation
BRENDA L. MARTIN
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
DOUWE EOBERTS COFFEE SERVICE,
INC. and DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR
COMPANY
Additional Defendants
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE FOR RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter a Rule upon Defendant, Burger King Restaurant, 38 Walnut Bottom Road, Shippensburg, PA
17257, to file a Complaint in the above matter within twenty (20) days from the date hereof.
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN
BY , ~
Guy Me~ogliano ~/
RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
AND NOW, this o2~ day of April, 2002, a Rule is hereby granted upon Defendant, Burger King
Restaurant, 38 Walnut Bottom Road, Shippensburg, PA 17257, to file a Complaint within twenty (20) days after
service hereof, or suffer a judgment of non pros.
DATE:
~I~ROTEIONO~AR~ g
SWEENEY & SI:IEEHAN, P.C.
By: Guy Mcrcogliano, Esquire
Identification No. 39766
1515 Market Street, 196 Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 563-9811
Attorney for: Defendant,
Burger King Corporation
BRENDA L. MARTIN
Plaintiff
Vo
BURGER KING RESTAURANT
Defendant
BURGER KING CORPORATION,
DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE SERVICE,
INC. and DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR
COMPANY
Additional Defendants
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
GUY MERCOGLIANO, being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is the
attorney for Burger King Corporation, Defendant herein, that on May 8, 2002 he mailed a true and
correct copy of Rule to File Complaint to Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire, attorney for Defendant, Burger
King Restaurant, 38 Walnut Bottom Road, Shippcnsburg, PA 17257, via First Class Mail.
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this~day of ~~, ~002
r LiC/
NOTARIAL SEAL
SUZANNE M, DIGATI, Notary Public
OltY of Philadelphia, Phila. County
M~ ~;Qmrnl~alan Expkes May 3, 2004
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN, P.C.
By: Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
Identification No. 39766
1515 Market Street, 194 Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 563-9811
Attorney for: Defendant,
Burger King Corporation
In ;:c! ?:,3'v ',:,"Er'co;,, ! hsre unto set my mc
and 'fi-~a s~ai of s~d Court at Carhs'e, Pa.
his ........ day .....
BRENDA L. MARTIN
Plaintiff
Vo
BURGER KING RESTAURANT
Defendant
Vo
BURGER KING CORPORATION, :
DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE SERVICE, :
INC. and DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR :
COMPANY :
Additional Defendants :
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
NO. 014503 CIVIL TERM
IURY TRIAL DEMANDED
pRAECIPE FOR RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter a Rule upon Defendant, Burger King Restaurant, 38 Walnut Bottom Road, Shippensburg, PA
17257, to file a Complaint in the above matter within twenty (20) days from the date hereof.
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN
BY ~uy Me~0glian° ~/
RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
AND NOW, this c~ day of April, 2002, a Rule is hereby granted upon Defenrl~nt, Burger King
Restaurant, 38 Walnut Bottom Road, Shippansburg, PA 17257, to ~e a Complaint wjthln twenty (20) days after
service hereof, or suffer a judgment of non pros.
PROTHOI -ffT.kfiY (7
DATE:
1N THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
BRENDA L. MARTIN, CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Plaintiff, NO. 01-4503
V.
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant, JURY TRIAL DEMANDED.
BURGER KING CORPORATION, DOUWE
EGBERTS COFFEE SERVICE, INC. AND
DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY,
Additional Defendants.
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
Robert A. Lerman, being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is
the attorney for Douwe Egberts Coffee Service, Inc. and Douwe Egberts Superior
Company, Defendant herein, that on April 30, 2002, he mailed a tree and correct copy of
the Rule to File Complaint to Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire, attorney of record for
Defendant, Burger King Restaurant, certified mail, return re~ requested, and a copy of
the return receipt card evidencing service is attached her¢l marked Exhibi~/l' /~
P'~ERT ~' LERM'AN'U J
SWORN and SUBSCRIBED to
before me this ,/'~/~
day~ ,2002
Notary Public ~
My Commission Expires:
INOTARIAL SEAL
Catherine N. Byerts, Notary Public
Springettsbury Township, County of York
My Commission Expires Jul. 21,2003
· Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete
item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired.
· Print your name and eddress on the reveme
so that we can return the card to you.
· Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece,
or on the front if space permits.
1. Article Addressed to;
n-- oM-
_
[] Addresses
Date of Delivery
address
If YES, enter delivery address below: [] No
3. Service Type
ifled Mail
[] Registered
[] Insured Mail
[] Expmes M~dl
[] Return Receipt for Merchandise
[] C.O.D.
4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) [] Yes
2. Article Number
(Transfer from service label)
PS'Form 3811 August 2001
7001 0320 0003 4630 8579
Domestic Return Receipt ~,
102595-01 .M-2509
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff,
V.
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant,
V.
BURGER KING CORPORATION, DOUWE
EGBERTS COFFEE SERVICE, INC. AND :
DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY, :
Additional Defendants. :
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 01-4503
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED.
PRAECIPE FOR ENTRY OF JUDGMENT OF NON PROS
PURSUANT TO Pa. R.C.P. Rule 1037
TO THE PROTHONTARY:
Please enter judgment against Defendant, Burger King Restaurant, and in favor of
Defendants, Douwe Egberts Coffee Service, Inc. and Douwe Egberts Superior Company, pursuant to
Pa. R.C.P. Rule 1037(a) for failure of Defendant, Burger King Restaurant, to file a Complaint within
20 days after service of the Rule. Attached hereto and marked Exhibit 1 is a tree and correct copy of
the written Notice of Intent to File this Praecipe for Judgment of Non Pros which I certify was served
upon Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire, counsel for Defendant, Burger King Restaurant, on May 22,
2002.
Dated:
GRIFFIT/STRICKLER, LERMAN._
g LV OS a CA rd S /')
Egberts Coffee Service, Inc. and Douwe Egberts
Superior Company
110 South Northern Way
York, Pennsylvania 17402 (717) 757-7602
IN THB COURT OF COMlvION PLEAS OF CUivIBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
BRENDA L. MAKTIN, : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Plaintiff, :
v. : NO. 01-4503
BURGER KING RESTAURANT, :
Defendant, :
BURGER KING CORPORATION, DOUWE EGBERTS COFFEE :
SERVICE, INC. AND DOUWE EGBERTS SUPERIOR COMPANY, :
Additional Defendants. :
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE OF PRAECIPE TO ENTER JUDGMENT OF NON PROS
TO:
Burger King Restaurant
c/o Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP
305 N. Front Street, 6th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17108
DATE OF NOTICE: May 22, 2002
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
YOU ARE IN DEFAULT BECAUSE YOU HAVE FAILED TO FILE A COMPLAINT IN
THIS CASE. UNLESS YOU ACT WITHIN TEN DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A
JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU WrlHOUT A REARING AND YOU MAY LOSE
YOUR RIGHT TO SUE THE DEFENDANT AND THEREBY LOSE PROPERTY OR OTHER
IMPORTANT RIGHTS. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS NOTICE TO A LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU
DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
FOLLOWING OFFICE TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP:
ldr/douwe-default.z
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013 .,~
Telephone: (717)249-3~/6//
Attorney for Additional Defendants, Douwe
Egberts Coffee Service, Inc. and Douwe
Egberts Superior Company
110 South Northern Way
York, Pennsylvania 17402
(717) 757-7602
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff,
BURGER KING RESTAURANT,
Defendant,
BURGER KING CORPORATION, DOUWE EGBERTS
COFFEE SERVICE, INC. AND DOUWE EGBERTS
SUPERIOR COMPANY,
Additional Defendants.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 014503
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
ANDNOW, this3(~ dayof ~ ,2002 I, RobertA. Lerman, amemberofthe
firm of GRIFFITH, STRICKLER, LERMAN, SOLYMOS & CALKINS, hereby certify that I have, this date,
served a copy of Praeeipe for Entry of Judgment of Non Pros Pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. Rule 1037 by
United States Mail, addressed to the party or attorney of record as follows:
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esquire
Turo Law Offices
28 S. Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(Plaintiffs Counsel)
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP
305 N. Front Street, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(Counsel for Burger King Restaurant)
Idr/douwe-prp.z
Gaetano Mercogliano, Esquire
Sweeney & Sheehan
19th Floor
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1983
(Counsel for Burger King Corporation)
GR1FFIT~CKLER, LERI~AN,
RA~jf~ ' ~d~X'; 'e ~7~ 4t ~D o uwe
Egberts Coffee Semce, Inc. ~d Douwe Egbe~s
Superior Compmy
110 Sou~ No.em Way
Yor~ P~sylv~ia 17402 (717) 757-7602
BRENDA L. MARTIN,
Plaintiff
BURGER KING RESTAURANT, et al.
Defendants
:IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
:CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
: NO. 01-4503 CIVIL TERM
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please settle, withdraw and discontinue the above-captioned matter on behalf of
the Plaintiff.
Respectfully Submitted
TURO LAW OFFICES
Carol L. Cingranelli, Esqd~re
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 245-9688
Attorney for Plaintiff
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Praecipe to
Discontinue on the ~_,~..¢~ day of ,//~~ , 2002, by First Class mail
addressed as follows:
Stephen E. Geduldig, Esquire
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer
305 N. Front Street, 6t~ Floor
P. O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
Gaetano Mercogliano, Esquire
Sweeney & Sheehan
19th Floor
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1983
Robert A. Lerman, Esquire
Griffith, Strickler, Lerman Solymos & Calkins
110 South Northern Way
York, PA 17402-3737
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 245-9688
Attorney for Plaintiff