HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-1862GAILA L. DUNCAN, a married women,
CHARLES A. DUNCAN, a married man,
FELICIA CUELLAR, a minor end KHADIJA
DUNCAN, a eingle women,
Plaintiffs
ANGELA R. KERR,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL REQUESTED
PREACIPE FOR A WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please issue a Wdt of Summons on Angela R. Kerr, 215 North Baltimore Avenue, Mount Holly
Springs, Pennsylvania, 17065.
Date: A.odl 23. 2002
By:
Ju~'~ ~. DoIgos
A~ome~, for the Plaintiffs
I..D.~I~. 68738
P.O. Box 60809
Harrisburg, PA 17106-0809
717 541-9660
WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO: ANGELA R. KERR
Defendant
You are hereby notified that the Plaintiff's, GAILA L. DUNCAN, CHARLES A. DUNCAN, FELiCIA
CUELLAR and KHADIJA DUNCAN, have commenced an action against you.
_ _ pRo~HONoT~-'-
SEAL OF COURT
GAILA L. DUNCAN, a married women,
CHARLES A. DUNCAN, a married man,
FELICIA CUELLAR, a minor and KHADIJA
DUNCAN, a single women,
Plaintiffs
Vo
ANGELA R. KERR,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL REQUESTED
pREACIPE FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please enter the appearance of Judith F. Dolgos, Attorney at Law a attorney of record on
behalf of the Plaintiffs in the above captioned action.
Date: April 22; 2003 By:
I.I;L~N6. 68738
P.O. Box 60809
Harrisburg, PA 17106-0809
717 541-9660
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Judith F. Dolgos, Esquire, attorney for Plaintiffs Duncan et. al., hereby certify that I have
sewed the foregoing Preacipe, by placing a true and correct copy of the same in the U S Mail, First
Class, postage pre-paid addressed as follows:
Date: Apdl 23, 2003
Angela R. Kerr
215 North Baltimore Avenue
Mount Holly SpHnge, PA 17065
By:
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2003-01862 p
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
DUNCAN GAILA L ET AL
VS
KERR ANGELA R
JACOB BAKER , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS was served upon
KERR ANGELA R the
DEFENDANT , at 0900:00 HOURS, on the 30th day of April
at CUMBERLAND CO SHERIFF'S OFFICE ONE COURTHOUSE SQ
CARLISLE, PA 17013 by handing to
ANGELA KERR SHELLENBERGER
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS together with
, 2003
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
18 00
4 83
00
10 00
00
32 83
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this ? ~ day of
~ A.D.
~rothondtary '
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
04/30/2003
JUDITH DOLOGOS
By:
0 v D-e-puty Sheriff
BENNETT, BRICKLIN & SALTZBURG LLP
BY: Howard G. Ford, Esquire
Identification No. 65828
711 HYDE PARK
DOYLESTOV~N, PA 18901
(215) 489-0815
ATTORNEY FOR: Defendant,
Angela R. Kerr
GAILA L. DUNCAN, a married woman, :
CHARLES A. DUNCAN, a married man,:
FELICIA CUELLAR, a minor and :
KHADIJA DUNCAN, a single woman :
VS.
ANGELA R. KERR
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA.
: NO. 03-1862
PRAECIPE TO FILE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please enter a rule upon plaintiffs, Gaila L. Duncan, Charles A. Duncan, Felicia
Cuellar, a minor and Khadija Duncan, to file a Complaint wir~hin twenty (20) days hereof or
suffer the entry of a Judgment of Non Pros.
BENNETT, BRICI~IN & ~I~rZBURG LLP
HOWARD G. FORD, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Defendant
RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
AND NOW, this~'~d]X'ay of ~"~l'--, 2003, a Rule is hereby entered upon plaintiffs,
Gaila L. Duncan, Charles A. Duncan, Felicia Cuellar, a minor and Khadija Duncan to file a
Complaint herein within twenty (20) days after service hereof or suffer the entry of a
Prothonotary _ fr~ ~
By: JUDITH F. DOLGOS, Esquire
IDENTIFICATION NO: 68738
P.O. BOX 60809
HARRISBURG, PA 17106-0809
(717) 541-9660
ATI'ORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFFS
GAILA G. DUNCAN, a married woman,
CHARLES A. DUNCAN, a married man,
FELICIA CUELLAR, a minor and
KHADIJA DUNCAN, a single woman,
Plaintiffs
V.
ANGELA R. KERR (SHELLENBERGER),
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No: 03-1862
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
JURY TRIAL REQUESTED
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 sewed, by entedng 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 my
proceed without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief
requested by plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAVVYER AT ONCE . IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A
LAVVYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW
TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY LAVVYER REFERRAL SERVICE
Court Administrator
4th Floor
Cumberland County Courthouse
Carlisle, PA 17013
717 240-6200
By: JUDITH F. DOLGOS, Esquire
IDENTIFICATION NO: 68738
P.O. BOX 60809
HARRISBURG, PA 17106-0809
(717) 541-9660
ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFFS
GAILA G. DUNCAN, a married woman,
CHARLES A. DUNCAN, a married man,
FELICIA CUELLAR, a minor and
KHADIJA DUNCAN, a single woman,
Plaintiffs
V.
ANGELA R. KERR (SHELLENBERGER),
Defendant
AVISO
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO: 03-1862
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL REQUESTED
Le han demandado a usted en la core. Si usted defenderse de estas demandas
expuestas en law paginas siguientes, usted tiene veinte (20) dias de plazo al partir de la fecha de la
demanda y la notificacion. Hace falta asentar una comparencia escdta o en persona o con un abogado y
entregar a la corte en forma escdta sus defensas o sus objeciones a las demandas en contra de su
persona, Sea avisaso que si usted no se difiende, ia corts tomara medidas y. puede continuer ia
demanda en contra suya sin precio aviso o nofificacion. Ademas, la corte puede decodor a favor del
demandante y requiem que suted cumpla con todas law pmvisiones de esta demanda. Usted puede
perder deiero o sus propiedades u otros derechos impertantes para usted.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABOGADO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO TIENE
ABOGADO O SI NO TIENE ELDINERO SUFICIENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVICO, VAYA EN
PERSONA O LLAME FOR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUYA DIRECCION SE ENCUENTRA ESCRITA
ABA JO PARA A AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR ASISTENClA LEGAL.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE
Court Administrator
4th Floor
Cumberland County Courthouse
Carlisle, PA 17013
717 240-6200
By; JUDITH F. DOLGOS, Esquire
IDENTIFICATION NO: 68738
P.O. BOX 60809
HARRISBURG, PA 17106-0809
(717) 541-9660
A'I-I'ORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFFS
GAILA G. DUNCAN, a married woman,
CHARLES A. DUNCAN, a married man,
FELICIA CUELLAR, a minor and
KHADIJA DUNCAN, a single woman,
Plaintiffs
V.
ANGELA R. KERR (SHELLENBERGER),
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No: 03-1862
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL REQUESTED
Plaintiffs, by and through their attorney, Judith F. Dolgos, Esquire, hereby complain
against Defendant and aver as follows:
COUNT I.
1. Plaintiff, Gaila Duncan, is a married, adult individual who resides at 2236 Penn
Street, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, 17110.
2. Defendant is an adult individual believed to be residing at 215 Baltimore Avenue,
Mt. Holley Springs, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
3. On or about April 28, 2001, Plaintiff Gaila Duncan was stopped in traffic in her
vehicle in the West bound lane of Market Street, in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, at the Sporting Hill Shopping Center, when Defendant, operating her vehicle also
in the West bound lane, and failing to maintain a safe distance, struck Plaintiff's vehicle in the
rear.
4. As a result of the collision, Plaintiff sustained severe and disabling injuries.
The accident was due to the negligence and carelessness of Defendant,
including:
A. Failing to keep her vehicle under proper control;
B. Failing to keep a proper lookout;
C. Failing to maintain a safe distance;
D. Failing to warn Plaintiffs of an unreasonable risk of harm; and
E. Violating state and local laws and ordinances relative to the above
allegations of negligence.
6. As a result of Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff, Gaila Duncan sustained injuries
to her nerves, bones, muscles, joints and fascia, suffering pain and suffering mental and
emotional distress, which are and may be continuing in nature.
7. As a result of her injuries, Plaintiff Gaila Duncan incurred medical bills and
expenses for care and treatment, lost earnings and/or capacity and suffered loss of life's
pleasures and diminution of daily activities.
8. As a result of the accident, Plaintiff Gaila Duncan sustained damages and lost the
use of her vehicle.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Gaila Duncan demands judgment against Defendant in an amount
in excess of $ 50,000.00, exclusive of interest, costs and delay damages.
COUNT II.
9. Paragraphs 1 through 8 are incorporated herein as if set forth in full below.
10. Plaintiff, Khadija Duncan is an adult individual residing at 2236 Penn Street,
Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, 17110.
11. Plaintiff, Khadija Duncan was a restrained, front seat passenger in the vehicle
driven by Plaintiff Gaila Duncan.
12. As a result of the collision, Plaintiff Khadija Duncan has sustained severe and
disabling injuries.
13. As a result of Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff~ Khadija Duncan sustained injuries
to her nerves, bones, muscles, joints and fascia, suffering pain and suffering mental and
emotional distress, which are and may be continuing in nature.
14. As a result of her injuries, Plaintiff, Khadija Duncan incurred medical bills and
expenses for care and treatment, lost earnings and/or capacity and suffered loss of life's
pleasures and diminution of daily activities.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Khadija Duncan demands judgment against Defendant in an
amount in excess of $50,000.00, exclusive of interest, costs and delay damages.
COUNT III.
15. Paragraphs 1 through 14 are incorporated herein as if set forth in full below.
16. Plaintiff, Felicia Cuellar, is a minor, who resides at 2236 Penn Street, Harrisburg,
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, 17110.
~ 7. Plaintiff, Felicia Cuellar was a restrained, rear seat passenger in the vehicle driven
by Plaintiff, Gaila Duncan.
18. As a result of the collision Plaintiff, Felicia Cuellar has sustained severe and
disabling injuries.
19. As a result of Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff, Felicia Cuellar sustained injuries
to her nerves, bones, muscles, joints and fascia, suffering pain and suffering mental and
emotional distress, which are and may be continuing in nature.
20. As a result of her injuries, Plaintiff, Felicia Cuellar incurred medical bills and
expenses for care and treatment, lost earnings and/or capacity and suffered loss of life's
pleasures and diminution of daily activities.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Felicia Cuellar demands judgment against Defendant in an
amount in excess of $50,000.00, exclusive of interest, costs and delay damages.
COUNT IV.
21. Paragraphs 1 through 20 are incorporated herein as if set forth in full below.
22. Plaintiff, Charles A. Duncan, is a married man, husband of Plaintiff Gaila Duncan,
who resides at 2236 Penn Street, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, 17110.
23. As a result of the collision and the resulting injuries to his wife, Plaintiff, Charles
Duncan has lost the companionship and services of his spouse, which loss is continuing in
nature.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Charles S. Duncan demands judgment against Defendant in an
amount in excess of $50,000.00, exclusive of interest, costs and delay damages.
Date: November 24, 2003 Respectfully submitted,
I, Gaila L. Duncan, certify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint, are true
and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that false statements herein are
made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. ~ 4904, retating to unsworn falsification to
authorities.
Dated: ~/~_¢r?/t'/'N~-~¢2- I! Z. O0~:~
(~aila L. Duncan
I, Charles A. Duncan, certify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint, are
true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that false statements
herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. ~, 4904, relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities.
"=---C'h~rles A. Dunca~ v /
I, Felicia Cuellar, certify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint, are true
and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that false statements herein are
made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. ~ 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities.
Dated:
Felicia Cuellar
i, Khadija Duncan, certify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint, are true
and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that false statements herein are
made subject to the penalties of :18 Pa. C.S.A. ~ 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities.
Khadija p~u(nca n
VERIFICATION
I, Felicia Cuellar, certify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint, are true
and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that false statements herein are
made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. ~, 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities.
Dated:
Felicia Cuellar
I, Khadija Duncan, certify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint, are true
and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that false statements herein are
made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. ~ 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities.
Dated: /~ ~ Z//Z~.~
Khadija ~ncan
TO THE WITHIN NAMED
PLAINTIFF
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED TO
FILE A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO
THE ENCLOSED
BENNETT, BRICKLIN & SALTZBURG LLP
BY: Howard G. Ford, Esquire
Identification No. 65828
711 HYDE PARK
DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901
(215) 489-0815
NEW MATTER
WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS
FROM SERVICE HEREOF OR A
JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED
AGAINST YOU
ATTORNEY FOR: Defendant,
Angela R. Kerr
GAILA L. DUNCAN, a married woman, :
CHARLES A. DUNCAN, a married man,:
FELICIA CUELLAR, a minor and :
KHADIJA DUNCAN, a single woman :
VS.
ANGELA R. KERR
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA.
: NO. 03-1862
DEFENDANT'S ANSWER TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
WITH NEW MATTER AND NEW MATTER CROSSCLAIM
PURSUANT TO PA.R.C.P. 2252(d)
Defendant, Angela Kerr, by and through her attorneys, Bennett, Bricklin & Saltzburg
LLP, hereby responds to plaintiffs' complaint as follows:
1. Denied. Defendant is without information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief
as to the truth of the averments contained within this paragraph of plaintiffs' complaint and
strict proof thereof is demand at the time of trial.
2. Admitted.
3 - 8. Denied. To the extent that the allegations contained within these paragraphs of
plaintiffs' complaint constitute conclusions of law, such allegations are deemed denied and no
response is needed. To the extent that a substantive response is required, defendant denies that
she acted carelessly, recklessly and/or negligently. To the contrary, defendant acted with due
care at all material times. As to the injuries and/or damages, if any, sustained by the
plaintiffs, after reasonable investigation, defendant lacks sufficient information or knowledge
to form a belief as to the truth of such allegations which are, therefore, denied.
By way of further answer, defendant denies that any such injuries and/or damages were
caused by defendant.
WHEREFORE, defendant, Angela Kerr requests judgment in her favor and against
plaintiffs together with the costs of defense of this action.
COUNT II
9. Defendant, Angela Kerr, incorporates herein by reference the averments set forth in
paragraphs 1 through 8 of this answer, as though the same were set forth at length herein.
10 - 14. Denied. To the extent that the allegations contained within these paragraphs
of plaintiffs' complaint constitute conclusions of law, such allegations are deemed denied and
no response is needed. To the extent that a substantive response is required, defendant denies
that she acted carelessly, recklessly and/or negligently. To the contrary, defendant acted with
due care at all material times. As to the injuries and/or damages, if any, sustained by the
plaintiffs, after reasonable investigation, defendant lacks sufficient information or knowledge
to form a belief as to the truth of such allegations which are, therefore, denied.
By way of further answer, defendant denies that any such injuries and/or damages were
caused by defendant.
WHEREFORE, defendant, Angela Kerr requests judgment in her favor and against
plaintiffs together with the costs of defense of this action.
COUNT III
15. Defendant, Angela Kerr, incorporates herein by reference the averments set forth in
paragraphs 1 through 14 of this answer, as though the same were set forth at length herein.
16 - 20. Denied. To the extent that the allegations contained within these paragraphs
of plaintiffs' complaint constitute conclusions of law, such allegations are deemed denied and
no response is needed. To the extent that a substantive response is required, defendant denies
that she acted carelessly, recklessly and/or negligently. To the contrary, defendant acted with
due care at all material times. As to the injuries and/or damages, if any, sustained by the
plaintiffs, after reasonable investigation, defendant lacks sufficient information or knowledge
to form a belief as to the truth of such allegations which are, therefore, denied.
By way of further answer, defendant denies that any such injuries and/or damages were
caused by defendant.
WHEREFORE, defendant, Angela Kerr requests judgment in her favor and against
plaintiffs together with the costs of defense of this action.
COUNT IV
21. Defendant, Angela Kerr, incorporates herein by reference the averments set forth in
paragraphs 1 through 20 of this answer, as though the same were set forth at length herein.
22 - 23. Denied. To the extent that the allegations contained within these paragraphs
of plaintiffs' complaint constitute conclusions of law, such allegations are deemed denied and
no response is needed. To the extent that a substantive response is required, defendant denies
that she acted carelessly, recklessly and/or negligently. To the contrary, defendant acted with
due care at all material times. As to the injuries and/or damages, if any, sustained by the
plaintiffs, after reasonable investigation, defendant lacks sufficient information or knowledge
to form a belief as to the truth of such allegations which are, therefore, denied.
By way of further answer, defendant denies that any such injuries and/or damages were
caused by defendant.
WHEREFORE, defendant, Angela Kerr requests judgment in her favor and against
plaintiffs together with the costs of defense of this action.
NEW MATTER
24. Answering defendant incorporates the preceding paragraphs of this answer as though
fully set forth herein.
25. Plaintiffs' claims may be barred in whole or in part by the provisions of the
Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law ("MVFRL") and any amendments
effectuated to that law by Act 6.
26. The claims of plaintiffs for products, services, and accommodations for professional
medical treatment, emergency services, medical and vocational rehabilitation services, work
income losses, past, present or future and any and all other economic losses are not recoverable
from answering defendant under the provisions of the MVFRL.
27. Moreover, pursuant to 75 Pa. C.S. § 1705, et seq., plaintiffs may have selected a
limited tort option when applying for insurance that was in full force and effect at the time of the
accident or were the owners of an uninsured vehicle resulting in them being "deemed" to have
elected the limit tort option.
28. Accordingly, plaintiffs may be barred from presenting claims from any non-economic
losses, as those exceptions to the limit tort election, set forth at 75 Pa. C.S. § 1705, do not apply.
29. Plaintiffs may have failed to state a cause upon which relief can be granted.
30. Plaintiffs may have been contributorily negligent.
31. Plaintiffs are negligent as a matter of law for violations of statutes and ordinances of
a county where this alleged incident occurred and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
32. Answering defendant caused no injuries or damages to plaintiffs, and any injury or
damage allegedly sustained by the plaintiffs may have been caused by a party other than
answering defendant and not within the control of answering defendant.
33. If answering defendant were negligent, any negligence being expressly denied, then
the acts and/or omissions of answering defendant alleged to constitute negligence were not
substantial factors or causes of the action or accident of which plaintiffs complain and did not
result in the injuries or damages alleged by plaintiffs.
34. The intervening negligent acts and/or omissions of other persons or entities may have
constituted superseding causes of the accident or incident of which plaintiffs complain and any
injuries or damages allegedly suffered by plaintiffs were caused by such superseding negligence
of other persons and/or entities.
35. To the extent Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1032 mandates that any and all
affirmative defenses not set forth are waived, answering defendant reserves the right to assert any
and all affirmative defenses contemplated by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure if the
same become available to answering defendant in course of discovery or trial.
WHEREFORE, defendant, Angela Kerr requests judgment in her favor and against
plaintiffs together with the costs of defense of this action.
NEW MATTER CROSSCLAIMS PURSUANT TO PA.R.C.P. AGAINST GAILA DUNCAN
36. Answering defendant incorporates all well-pleaded allegations contained in
plaintiffs' complaint directed to co-defendant, Gaila Duncan, all liability on the part of answering
defendant being specifically denied, for the purposes of these crossclaims.
37. If the averments of plaintiffs' complaint are proven, then any injuries to plaintiffs
and/or damages sustained by plaintiffs are due solely to the negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness and/or other liability producing conduct or omissions of the co-defendant, Gaila
Duncan, and are in no way due to any act or omission or liability of any kind on the part of
answering defendant.
33. In the event that it is judicially determined that plaintiffs are entitled to recover on the
causes of action declared upon, upon any theory, then co-defendant, Gaila Duncan, is alone liable
to plaintiffs and/or jointly and/or severally liable with answering defendant and/or liable over to
answering defendant by way of contribution and/or indemnity, all liability on the part of
answering defendant being specifically denied.
WHEREFORE, defendant, Angela Kerr requests judgment in her favor and against
plaintiffs together with the costs of defense of this action.
BY
HOWARD G. FORD, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Defendant
VERIFICATION
I, Angela Kerr, do hereby verify that I am the defendant in the above-captioned action
and that the facts set forth in the foregoing Defendant's Answer to Plaintiffs' Complaint with
New Matter and New Matter Crosselaim Pursnant to Pa. R.C.P. 2252(d) are tree and correct
to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements made
herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. §4904 relating to unswom falsification to
authorities.
DATE:
By:
JUDITH F. DOLGOS, Esquire
IDENTIFICATION NO: 68738
PO BOX 60809
HARRISBURG. PA ! 7106-0809
(717) 541-9660
A'IFI'ORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFFS
GAILA G. DUNCAN, a married women,
CHARLES A. DUNCAN, a married man,
FELICIA CUELLAR, a minor, and
KHADUA DUNCAN, a single women,
Plaintiffs
V.
ANGELA R. KERR (SHELLENBERGER),
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO: 03-1862
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
JURY TRIAL. REQUESTED
PETITION FOR COURT APPROVAL
OF A MINOR'S SE"I [LEMENT
Plaintiffs, by their attorney, Judith F. Dolgos, Esquire, hereby petition the Court to approve this
minor's settlement, and aver the following in support thereof:
1. Plaintiffs, Charles and Gaila Duncan, are the foster parents and were the guardians of Felicia
Cuellar at the time of the automobile accident resulting in injurf to Felicia, who is currently 17
years of age, having been born on October 11, ! 986.
2. Saray Duncan, Felicia's biological sister, is currently Felicia's legal guardian, and she joins in
this petition for approval.
3. On April 28, 2001, Plaintiff Felicia Cuellar was injured when an automobile struck the rear of
her guardian's vehicle in which she was a passenger.
4. As a result of the accident, Felicia suffered back pain, which was resolved after nine visits to
Physical Therapy at Pinnacle Health, Polyclinic Rehabilitation Sen~ices.
5. Defendant, through her liability insurance company, has agreed to pay $2000.00 in
settlement of Felicia's action.
6. The settlement is beneficial to the Plaintiff because (1) all medical bills have been paid for so
that there are no outstanding medical bills due; and (2) Plaintiff appears to have made a good
recovery.
7. Plaintiffs retained Judith F. Dolgos, Esquire to represent them in this regard, and signed a
contingent fee agreement providing for one-quarter fee to be deducted from the gross amount
recovered. That fee is $500.00.
8. Settlement proceeds payable to Felicia Cuellar, the minor Plaintiff, will be $1,500.00.
9. The proceeds payable to the minor Plaintiffwill be deposited into a Certificate of Deposit or
a federally insured bank account in the name of Felcia Cuellar with the appropriate notation
that no withdrawals may be made except upon Order of Court or unti~ the minor attains her
majority.
10. Plaintiffs, the foster parents of Felicia Cue~lar, and Saray Duncan, legal guardian of Felcia
Cuellar, believe this settlement to be reasonable and in the minor's best interest.
11. Upon approval of this settlement, Plaintiffs and the legal guardian, on behalf on Felicia
Cuellar, will be required to sign a release discharging Defendants, and their liability insurance
carrier, from further liability relative to this accident.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests this Court to enter the attached Order approving the minor's
settlement.
Ju~ . ~olgos, ~squire
Attorney ~or Plaintiff Felicia Cuellar
Verification
Saray Duncan, states that she is the legal guardian of Felicia Cuellar in this matter and that the
statements made in the foregoing Petition for Approval of Minor's Settlement are true and
correct to the best of her knowledge, information and belief. ~he understands that the
statements in said pleading are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. ss 4904, relating
to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Saray Dunce, Legal Guardian
Charles A. Duncan and Gaila G. Duncan, hereby state that they are the foster parents, and were
the legal guardians of Felicia Cuellar at the time of the subject accident in this matter and that
the statements made in the foregoing Petition for Approval of Minor's Settlement are true and
correct to the best of their knowledge, information and belief. They understands that the
statements in said pleading are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. ss 4904, relating
to unsworn falsification to authorities.
aries A. ~t~ncan ~- - /Gaila G. Duncan
GAILA G. DUNCAN, a married woman, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CHARLES A. DUNCAN, a married man,: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
FELICIA CUELLAR, a minor, and
KHADIJA DUNCAN, a single woman,
PLAINTIFFS
V.
ANGELA R. KERR
(SHELLENBERGER),
DEFENDANT
AND NOW, this
: 03-1862 CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF COURT
day of February, 2004, IT IS ORDERED:
(1) Approval of the settlement of this minor's claim for $2,000 for Felicia Cuellar,
born October 11, 1986, IS GRANTED.
(2) From the settlement of $2,000, a counsel fee of $500, IS APPROVED.
(3) The net proceeds of $1,500.00 shall be placed in a federally insured interest
bearing investment in the Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Dauphin County,
Pennsylvania, in the name of Felicia Cuellar, born October 11, 1986.
(4) The account shall contain the following notation: "NO WITHDRAWAL CAN
BE MADE PRIOR TO FELIClA CUELLAR, BORN OCTOBER 11, 1986, OBTAINING
HER MAJORITY EXCEPT BY AN ORDER OF A COURT OF COMPETENT
JURISDICTION."
(5) Charles A. Duncan and Gaila G. Duncan, and legal guardian Saray Duncan
are authorized to sign any release necessary to effectuate this settlement, and to then
settle and satisfy the docket. Counsel for plaintiffs, Judith F. Dolgos, Esquire, shall file
with the Prothonotary, and forward a copy to this chambers, proof of compliance with
this order.
/~udith F. Dolgos, Esquire .~---~ ~0~~:~
For Petitioners ~ ~) ~z:~..
:sal ! I-~L~ /
Edgar B. Bayley, J.