HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-04175IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 2001=~// '~
Civil Action - (XX) Law
1 Equity
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
EMMERT BANZHOFF, JR. 4n ~-.
HELEN BANZHOFF
5516 Green Village Road
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Plaintiftls) &
Address(es)
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF SAID COURT:
please issue A Writ of Summons in the above-captioned action.
Defendantlsl &
Address(es)
X Writ of Summons Shall be issued and forwarded to ( (Attorney IXX)Sheriff
W. Scott Henning, Esquire
1300 Linalestown Road
P.0. Box 1177
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(7171 238-2000
Name/Address/Telephone No.
of Attorney
CHERYL EVE HINKLE
20 Carter Place
Carlisle, PA 17013
Signature of
Supreme Court ID
Date: 7!2/2001 ~
WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S):
YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED PLAINTIFF(S) HAS/HAVE COMMENCED AN
ACTION AGAINST YOU.
Date: ~JGt.,L_v qT 2~ o I
( 1 Check here if reverse is used for additional information
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SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2001-04175 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
BANZHOFF EMMERT JR ET AL
VS
HINKLE CHERYL EVE
DOUGLAS DONSEN Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS was served upon
HINKLE CHERYL EVE the
DEFENDANT at 1524:00 HOURS, on the 23rd day of July 2001
at 20 CARTER PALCE
CARLISLE, PA 17013 by handing to
CHERYL HINKLE
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS together with
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Service 6.50
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
34.50
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this ~ ~ day of
amo( A.D.
r thonotary
So~ erii~~...i
R. Thomas Kline
07/24/2001
HANDLER HENNING & ROSENBERG
By: ~~~~.
Deputy Sheriff
EMMERT BANZHOFF, JR. and
HELEN BANZHOFF,
Plaintiffs
v.
CHERYL EVE HINKLE,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO.2001-4175 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the
following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this complaint and notice
are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing
with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are
warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be
entered against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the
complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or
property or other rights important to you.
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
Telephone 717-249-3166 or 800-990-9108
HANDLER,
Sy
W. Scot He
I.D. #32298
ROSENBERG,LLP
1300 Linglestown Roac
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-2000
Attorney for Plaintiffs
EMMERT BANZHOFF, JR. and IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
HELEN BANZHOFF, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plairotiffs
v. NO.2001-4175 CIVIL
GHERYL EVE HINKLE, .
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
AND NOW come the Plaintiffs, Emmert Banzhoff, Jr. and Helen Banzhoff, by and
through their attorneys, HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP, by W. Scott
Henning, Esq., and make the within Complaint against the Defendant and aver as follows:
1. Plaintiff, Emmert Banzhoff, Jr., is an adult individual currently residing at 5516
Green Village Road, Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania 17201.
2. Plaintiff, Helen Banzhoff, is an adult individual currently residing at 5516
Green Village Road, Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania 17201.
3. Defendant, Cheryl Eve Hinkle, is an adult individual residing at 20 Carter
Place, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
4. On oraboutJuly9,1999, Plaintiff Emmert Banzhoff, Jr. was operating a 1999
Dodge Intrepid bearing the Pennsylvania registration number BWS-0840. (Hereinafter
"Plaintiff's" vehicle).
5. On or about July 9, 1999, Defendant Cheryl Eve Hinkle was operating a 1999
Mercury Sable bearing the Pennsylvania registration number ENDORFN. (Hereinafter
"pefendant's" vehicle).
6. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff was insured under a motor vehicle
insurance policy issued by Mennonite Auto Aid under which he elected to have Full Tort
status.
7. At all times material to this action, there were no adverse weather or road
conditions.
8. On or about July 9,1999 at approximately 10:00 p.m., Plaintiff s vehicle was
traveling on Route 114 in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania and
was stopped at a red traffic signal in the right hand lane of said roadway at the intersection
of Route 114 and Shadow Oak Drive.
9. At approximately the same time and place, suddenly and without any
warning, Defendant Cheryl Eve Hinkle, who had been traveling in the same direction
violently struck the rear of Plaintiff's stopped vehicle.
10. As a direct and proximate result of the reckless, careless and negligence of
Defendant, the Plaintiff, Emmert Banzhoff, Jr., sustained serious and permanent injuries
as set forth more fully below.
COUNT I -NEGLIGENCE
Emmert Banzhoff. Jr. v. Cheryl Eve Hinkle
11. Paragraphs 1 through 10 are incorporated herein as if fully set forth at
length.
12. The occurrence of the aforementioned collision and all the resultant
injuries to Plaintiff are the direct and proximate result of the recklessness, carelessness
and negligence of the Defendant, Cheryl Eve Hinkle, generally and more specifically, as
set forth below:
2
(a) In failing to be reasonably vigilant to observe the road and traffic conditions
then and there existing;
(b) In failing to operate her vehicle in such a manner that would allow her to
apply the brakes and stop before striking the rear of Plaintiff s vehicle;
(c) In failing to operate her vehicle under proper and adequate control so that he
could have avoided striking Plaintiffs vehicle;
(d) In failing to properly regulate the speed of her vehicle so as to prevent a rear-
end collision;
(e) In failing to operate her vehicle at a speed and under such control so as to
be able to stop within the assured clear distance, in violation of 75 Pa. C.S.A.
§ 3361;
(f) In failing to operate her vehicle at a speed that was safe for existing
conditions, in violation of 75 Pa. C.S.A. §3361;
(g) In failing to maintain proper and adequate observation of the existing road
and traffic conditions;
(h) In failing to keep a proper lookout for vehicles lawfully stopped on Route 114
in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County;
(I) In failing to exercise reasonable care in the operation and control of her
vehicle, in violation of 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 3714;
Q) In following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent;
(k) In failing to have due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon
and the condition of the highway, in violation of 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 3310(a);
3
(I) In failing to be continuously alert, in failing to perceive any warning of danger
that was reasonably likely to exist, and in failing to have her vehicle under
such control that injury to persons or property could be avoided;
(m) In driving her vehicle on Route 114 in a manner endangering persons and
property and in a manner with careless disregard to the rights and safety of
others in violation of the Motor Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania; and
13. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Cheryl
Eve Hinkle, the Plaintiff, Emmert Banzhoff, Jr. has suffered serious injuries, including, but
not limited to, injuries to his neck and low back, a lumbar strain/sprain; a cervical
strain/sprain; trauma induced headaches; blurry vision; upper extremity pain; weakness
and numbness.
14. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, the Plaintiff,
Emmert Banzhoff, Jr. has suffered lost wages/income and will in the future continue to
suffer a loss of income and/or loss of earning capacity.
15. As a direct and proximate result ofthe negligence of Defendant, the Plaintiff,
Emmert Banzhoff, has suffered great physical pain, discomfort, and mental anguish, and
he will continue to endure the same for an indefinite period of time in the future, to his great
physical, emotional, and financial detriment and loss.
16. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Plaintiff,
Emmert Banzhoff, Jr. has been compelled, in order to effect a cure for aforesaid injuries,
to expend money for medicine and/or medical attention, and will be required to expend
money for the same purposes in the future, to his great detriment and loss.
4
17. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, the Plaintiff,
Emmert Banzhoff, Jr. has suffered a loss of life's pleasures, and he will continue to suffer
the same in the future, to his great detriment and loss.
18. As a direct and proximate result of negligence of Defendant, the Plaintiff,
Emmert Banzhoff, Jr. has been, and will in the future be, hindered from attending to his
daily duties, to his great detriment, loss, humiliation, and embarrassment.
19. Plaintiff, Emmert Banzhoff, Jr. believes and, therefore, avers that his injuries
are permanent in nature.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Emmert Banzhoff, Jr. seeks damages from Defendant,
Cheryl Eve Hinkle, in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration limits of
Cumberland County.
COUNT 11- LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
Helen Banzhoff v. Cheryl Eve Hinkle
20. Paragraphs 1-19 are incorporated herein as if fully set forth at length.
21. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Cheryl Eve
Hinkle, Plaintiff, Helen Banzhoff, has suffered a loss of consortium, society and comfort
from her husband, and she may continue to suffer similar loss in the future.
22. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Cheryl Eve
Hinkle, Plaintiff, Helen Banzhoff, has been compelled, in order to effect a cure for her
husband's injuries, to expend large sums of moneyfor medicine and medical attention, and
may be required to expend large sums of money for the same purposes in the future, to
her great detriment and loss.
5
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Helen Banzhoff, seeks damages from the Defendant,
Cheryl Eve Hinkle, in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration limits for
Cumberland County.
Respectfully Submitted,
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
Date: ~- ~`~'~~ By.
W. Sco He n' g, Esquire
Attorn I. 32298
1300 Linglest wn Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-2000
Attorney for Plaintiffs
6
VERIFICATION
The undersigned hereby verifies that the statements in the foregoing document
are based upon information which has been furnished to counsel by me and information
which has been gathered by counsel in the preparation of this lawsuit, The language
of the document is of counsel and not my own. I have read the document and to the
extent that it is based upon information which I have given to counsel, it is true and
correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. To the extent that the
contents of the document are that of counsel, I have relied upon my counsel in making
this Verification. The undersigned also understands that the statements made therein
are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. Section 4904, relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
A~~~~~.~
Emmert Banzho~-c
el~zhoff
Date: ~ ~ 6 3
EMMERT BANZHOFF, JR. and IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
HELEN BANZHOFF, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiffs
v. NO. 2001-4175 CIVIL
CHERYL EVE HINKLE,
CML ACTION -LAW
Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
On the 15th day of July, 2003, I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of Plaintiffs'
Gomplaint with Notice to Defend was served upon the following by depositing in U.S. Mail,
certified delivery:
pate: 7/15/03
Cheryl E. Hinkle
20 Carter Place
Carlisle, PA 17013
Respectfully Submitted,
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
By:
W. Scott Henlri'ng, s i
I.D. No. 32298 /
1300 Linglestown o~rC
Harrisburg, PA 1711(0
(717) 238-2000
Attorney for Plaintiffs
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RAWLE & HENDERSON ur
By: Kimberly J. Keiser, Esquire
Identification No.: #53315
One S. Penn Square, 16~h Floor
The Widener Building Attorney for Defendant,
Philadelphia, PA 19107 Cheryl E. Hinkle
(215) 575-4200
EMMERT BANZHOFF, JR. and
HELEN BANZHOFF
Plainfiffs,
v.
CHERYL EVE HINKLE
Defendant.
COURT OF COMMON PLEA5
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
NO.2001-4175 -CIVIL
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter my appearance in the above-captioned case for Defendant Cheryl
Eve Hinkle.
Date: ~-r~~'
RAWLE & HENDERSON, LLP
Bar:
Kimberly J.~Keiser,,~squire
P.t±arney far Defeat, o
Cheryl Eve Hinkle O~°,~, a
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RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP
By: Kimberly J. Keiser, Esquire
Identification No. 53315
The Widener Building
One South Penn Square
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-575-4200
You aze hereby notified to file a written response
to the enclosed NEW MATTER within twenty (20) days from service hereof or a
judgnent may be entered against you.
By VVIEfitp
C./`'mberly J. Kei\ser,
Attorney for Defendant,
Cheryl Eve Hinkle
EMMERT BANZHOFF, JR. and
HELEN BANZHOFF
Plaintiffs,
v.
CHERYL EVE HINKLE
Defendant.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
NO.2001-4175 -CIVIL
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER AND NEW MATTER OF CHERYL EVE HINKLE
TO PLAINTIFFS, EMMERT BANZHOFF, JR. AND
HELEN BANZHOFF'S COMPLAINT
Cheryl Eve Hinkle (hereinafter referred to as responding defendant}, answers plaintiffs'
Complaint as follows:
Denied. After reasonable investigation, responding defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the averments
contained in paragraph 1 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
2. Denied. After reasonable investigation, responding defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the averments
contained in paragraph 2 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
3. Admitted.
4. Denied. After reasonable investigation, responding defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the averments
contained in paragraph 4 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
874365 v.l
Admitted.
6. Denied. To the extent paragraph 6 contains conclusions of law, no response is
required. As to any remaining allegations, after reasonable investigation, responding defendant
is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the
averments contained in paragraph 6 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
Denied. After reasonable investigation, responding defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the averments
contained in paragraph 7 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
8. Denied. After reasonable investigation, responding defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the averments
contained in paragraph 8 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
9. Denied. After reasonable investigation, responding defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the averments
contained in paragraph 9 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
10. Denied. To the extent paragraph 10 contains conclusions of law, no response is
required. As to any remaining allegations, after reasonable investigation, responding defendant
is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the
averments contained in paragraph 10 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
COUNT I -NEGLIGENCE
EMMERT BANZHOFF. JR. v. CHERYL EVE HINKLE
11. Responding defendants incorporate herein paragraphs 1 through 10 above as if set
forth herein at length.
12. Denied. To the extent paragraph 12 contains conclusions of law, no response is
required. As to any remaining allegations, after reasonable investigation, responding defendant
874365 v.l 2
is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the
averments contained in paragraph 12 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
13. Denied. To the extent paragraph 13 contains conclusions of law, no response is
required. As to any remaining allegations, after reasonable investigation, responding defendant
is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the
averments contained in paragraph 13 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
14. Denied. To the extent paragraph 14 contains conclusions of law, no response is
required. As to any remaining allegations, after reasonable investigation, responding defendant
is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the
averments contained in paragraph 14 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
15. Denied. To the extent paragraph 15 contains conclusions of law, no response is
required. As to any remaining allegations, after reasonable investigation, responding defendant
is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the
averments contained in paragraph 15 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
16. Denied. To the extent paragraph 16 contains conclusions of law, no response is
required. As to any remaining allegations, after reasonable investigation, responding defendant
is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the
averments contained in paragraph 16 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
17. Denied. To the extent paragraph 17 contains conclusions of law, no response is
required. As to any remaining allegations, after reasonable investigation, responding defendant
is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the
averments contained in paragraph 17 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
874365 v.l
18. Denied. To the extent paragraph 18 contains conclusions of law, no response is
required. As to any remaining allegations, after reasonable investigation, responding defendant
is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the
averments contained in paragraph 18 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
19. Denied. To the extent paragraph 19 contains conclusions of law, no response is
required. As to any remaining allegations, after reasonable investigation, responding defendant
is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the
averments contained in paragraph 19 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
WHEREFORE, responding defendant requests that the Complaint against her be
dismissed and that the court grant costs, fees and such other relief as it deems equitable and just.
COUNT II -LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
HELEN BANZHOFF v. CHERYL EVE HINKLE
20. Responding defendant incorporates herein paragraphs 1 through 19 as if set forth
herein at length.
21. Denied. To the extent paragraph 21 contains conclusions of law, no response is
required. As to any remaining allegations, after reasonable investigation, responding defendant
is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the
averments contained in paragraph 21 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
22. Denied. To the extent paragraph 22 contains conclusions of law, no response is
required. As to any remaining allegations, after reasonable investigation, responding defendant
is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the
averments contained in paragraph 22 and strict proof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
WHEREFORE, responding defendant requests that the Complaint her be dismissed and
that the court grant costs, fees and such other relief as it deems equitable and just.
s~ases ~.~ q
NEW MATTER
23. Responding defendant incorporates herein paragraphs 1 through 22 above as if set
forth herein at length.
24. Plaintiff s claims are barred and/or limited by the Pennsylvania Comparative
Negligence Act, 42 Pa. CSA §7102.
25. Plaintiff s claims are barred by the doctrine of assumption of risk.
26. Plaintiff s claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations.
27. Plaintiff has failed to sue indispensable parties.
28. Plaintiff s claims are barred by the doctrine of laches.
29. Plaintiff s claims are barred pursuant to the principles of collateral estoppel and/or
res judicata.
30. Plaintiff was negligent and careless in that Plaintiff failed to exercise due care for
her own safety.
31. Plaintiff violated Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code §75 Pa. CSA §100 et. Seq.
32. Plaintiff has failed to mitigate her damages.
33. Plaintiff s damages are subject to the limited tort threshold pursuant to the
Financial Responsibility Act of 75 Pa. CSA § 1705 at et. seq.
WHEREFORE, responding defendant, requests that the Complaint against her be
dismissed and that the court grant costs, fees and such other relief as it deems equitable and just.
RAWLE & HENDERSON, LLP
Ki erly J. eiser, Esquire
Attorneys for Defendant
Cheryl Eve Hinkle
874365 v.l
,.
VERIFICATION
Cheryl Eve Hinkle, states that she is the defendant herein; that she is acquainted with the
facts set forth in the foregoing Answer and New Matter of Defendant to Plaintiffs' Complaint;
that the same are true and correct to the best of her knowledge, information and belief; and that
this statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A §4904 relating to unswom
falsification to authorities.
eryl Eve Hinkle
Dated: ~ ~/~~
874389 v.l
CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on today's date I served a true and correct copy of my
Answer, New Matter and Crossclaims to plaintiffls Complaint on behalf of Defendants by first-
class mail, postage prepaid, upon the attorney of record, addressed as follows:
W. Scott Henning
Handler, Henning & Rosenberg
P.O. Box 60337
Hamsburg, PA 17106
Via Facsimile and Regular Mail
~-
~IBEZ L~Y J. KEISER, ESQUIRE
Dater ~d
874365 v.l
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