HomeMy WebLinkAbout99-03988CHARLOTTE CROW,
Plaintiff
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
and ROBERT SLAGLE,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 99- 3& $ C?
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(s). 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.
Court Administrator
Cumberland County Courthouse
One Courthouse Square, 4th Floor
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
187138
NOTICIA
LE HAN DEMANDADO A USTED EN LA CORTE. Si usted quiere defenderse de
estas demandas expuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene viente (20) dias de plazo al
partir de la fecha de la demanda y la notificacion. Usted debe presenter una apariencia
escrita o en persona o par abogado y archivar en la torte en forma escrita sus defenses o
sus objeciones a [as demandas en contra de su persona. Sea avisado que si usted no se
defiende, la torte tomara medidas y puede entrar una orden contra usted sin previo aviso o
notificacion y por cualquier queja o alivio que es pedido en la petition de demanda. Usted
puede perder dinero o sus propiedades o otros derechos importantes para usted.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO IMMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO TIENE
ABOGADO O SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SUFICIENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVICIO,
VAYA EN PERSONA O LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUYA DIRECCION SE
ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR
ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Court Administrator
Cumberland County Courthouse
One Courthouse Square, 4th Floor
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
CHARLOTTE CROW, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO. 99. 39 P S ( ?,
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE,
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
and ROBERT L. SLAGLE,
Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
AND NOW comes Plaintiff, CHARLOTTE CROW, by and through her attorneys, Mette,
Evans & Woodside, P.C. and files the Complaint and avers as follows:
1. Plaintiff, CHARLOTTE CROW, is an adult individual who resides at 231 North
Hanover Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. Defendant, ROBERT L. SLAGLE, is an adult individual who resides at 8
Foxfield Court, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
3. Defendant, ROBERT L. SLAGLE, is the owner of the property located 419 East
High Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
4. Defendants, MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE are the owners of business
registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES.
5. The accident hereinafter related occurred on or about January 9, 1998, on the
premises of Defendant LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES, located at 419 E. High Street, Carlisle,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
COUNTI
CHARLOTTE CROW v. MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE
SUPPLIES
6. At all times relevant, Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE, t/d/b/a
LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES operated, supervised, maintained, and/or controlled the business
located at 419 E. High Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
At all times relevant, Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a
LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES acted by and through its duly authorized agents, servants, workmen
and/or employees, acting within the scope of their authority and employment and in the course of
Defendant's business.
At the aforesaid time and place, Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES was open for business for individuals to purchase office
supplies and office-related merchandise.
9. On January 9,1998, Plaintiff, a customer of Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and
ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES who was ninety-two (92) years old at the time,
entered Defendants' business to shop.
10. At the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff was a business invitee of the Defendant
to which the highest degree of care is owed.
11. At the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff was leaving Defendants MELVIN L.
LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES business when she fell to the ground
due to a defectively designed and/or maintained exit passage.
12. At the aforesaid time and place, the exit passageway of Defendants MELVIN L.
LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES was designed and/or maintained in a
negligent, careless and defective manner.
13. The aforesaid negligent, careless, reckless and defective design and/or
maintenance of the exit passageway caused Plaintiff to fall into a parked car then onto the ground
causing her to suffer serious and permanent injuries as hereinafter related.
14. Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE
SUPPLIES knew, or through the exercise of reasonable care should have known, the aforesaid
defective nature of the exit passage and should have taken the necessary steps to warn Plaintiff of
the hazard and/or take measures to protect the Plaintiff against such hazards.
15. The negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness of Defendants MELVIN L.
LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES consisted of, inter alia the following:
(a) Designing, constructing and/or maintaining the exit passage in such a
way as to include a step with a minimum elevation change in lieu of a
ramp;
(b) Failing to provide a handrail to assist customers in properly negotiating
the steps;
(c) Failing to adequately mark, highlight, illuminate, or otherwise warn
customers of stepping surfaces within the exit passage;
(d) Failing to exercise reasonable care to inspect for an/or discover the defect;
and
(e) Permitting the exit passage to remain in an unreasonably dangerous,
unsuitable and unsafe condition, having actual or constructive notice of the
defect.
16. As a direct result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness,
Plaintiff sustained the following injuries:
(a) depressed fracture of the nose;
(b) gash to her forehead requiring sutures;
(c) numerous and severe lacerations to her arms and legs;
(d) permanent scarring and disfigurement to her forehead;
(e) loss of consciousness and elevated white blood count requiring
hospitalization;
(f) back pain and fatigue; and
(g) injury to left arm which is permanent.
17. As a direct and proximate cause of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff required hospitalization, plastic surgery consultation, in-patient
rehabilitation services, and visiting nursing services.
18. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has suffered u permanent decrease in her mobility due to increased
fatigue and lack of stamina.
19. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Pluintiffhas incurred medical expenses.
20. As u direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the PluintifT has and will continue to suffer great pain, suffering inconvenience and
discomfort.
WI Ilatl?PORE, Plaintiff CFIARLOTTE CROW, demands judgment in her favor and
against the Dalendants in all amount in excess of 535,000, plus costs and interest and other relief
as the court deemsfust.
COUNT II
CHARLOTTE CROW V ROBERT SLAGLE
21. Paragraphs 1 - 20 are incorporated herein by reference.
22. At all times relevant, Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE owned, operated,
supervised, maintained, and/or controlled the property located at 419 E. High Street, Carlisle,
Pennsylvania.
23. At all times relevant, Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE acted by and through his
duly authorized agents, servants, workmen and/or employees, acting within the scope of their
authority and employment and in the course of Defendant's business.
24. At the aforesaid time and place, the property owned by Defendant ROBERT L.
SLAGLE housed LINES' OFFICE SUPPLIES, which was open for business for individuals to
purchase office supplies and office-related merchandise.
25. On January 9,1998, Plaintiff, a customer to Defendant LINE'S OFFICE
SUPPLIES, which is situated on the property owned by Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE, who
was ninety-two (92) years old at the time, entered Defendant's property to shop.
26. As the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff was a business invitee of the Defendant
to which the highest degree of care is owed.
27. At the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff was leaving Line's Office Supplies,
located on the property owned by Defendant ROBERT SLAGLE, when she fell to the ground
due to a defectively designed and/or maintained exit passage.
28. At the aforesaid time and place, the exit passageway of Defendant LINE'S
OFFICE SUPPLIES, located on the property owned by Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE, was
designed and/or maintained in a negligent, careless and defective manner.
29. The aforesaid negligent, careless, reckless and defective design and/or
maintenance of the exit passageway caused Plaintiff to fall into a parked car then onto the ground
causing her to suffer serious and permanent injuries as hereinafter related.
30. Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE knew, or through the exercise of reasonable
care should have known, the aforesaid defective nature of the exit passage and should have taken
the necessary steps to wam Plaintiff of the hazard and/or take measures to protect the Plaintiff
against such hazards.
31. The negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness of Defendant ROBERT L.
SLAGLE consisted of, inter alia the following:
(a) Designing, constructing and/or maintaining the exit passage in such a
way as to include a step with a minimum elevation change in lieu of a
ramp;
(b) Failing to provide a handrail to assist customers in properly negotiating
the steps;
(c) Failing to adequately mark, highlight, illuminate, or otherwise warn
customers of stepping surfaces within the exit passage;
(d) Failing to exercise reasonable care to inspect for an/or discover the defect;
and
(e) Permitting the exit passage to remain in an unreasonably dangerous,
unsuitable and unsafe condition, having actual or constructive notice of the
defect.
32. As a direct result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness,
Plaintiff sustained the following injuries:
(a) depressed fracture of the nose;
(b) gash to her forehead requiring sutures;
(c) numerous and severe lacerations to her anus and legs;
(d) permanent scarring and disfigurement to her forehead;
(e) loss of consciousness and elevated white blood count requiring
hospitalization;
(f) back pain and fatigue; and
(g) injury to left arm which is permanent.
33. As a direct and proximate cause of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff required hospitalization, plastic surgery consultation, in-patient
rehabilitation services, and visiting nursing services.
34. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has suffered a permanent decrease in her mobility due to increased
fatigue and lack of stamina.
35. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has incurred medical expenses.
36. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has and will continue to suffer great pain, suffering inconvenience and
discomfort.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff CHARLOTTE CROW, demands judgment in her favor and
against the Defendants in an amount in excess of $35,000, plus costs and interest and other relief
as the court deems just.
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
By:
ANDREW H. DOWLING
Supreme Court No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17011
717-232-5000
\Uk Attorneys for Plaintiff
DATED: (,p'??1J
187139
VERIFICATION
I, CHARLOTTE CROW, hereby acknowledge that I am the Plaintiff in this action; that I
have read the foregoing Complaint; and that the facts stated therein are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that any false statements herein are made subject to penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.
Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Z-1,-4?-art
CHARLOTTE CROW
DATED: a,r /99Y
187138
CHARLOTTE CROW, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
and ROBERT SLAGLE,
Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing document upon the
person(s) and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the requirements of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of same in the United States Mail,
at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first class postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
MELVIN L. LINE
ENID LINE
LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES C. B. James, Claims Department
419 E. High Street ZURICH INSURANCE COMPANY
Carlisle, PA 17013 PO Box 2049
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
ROBERT SLAGLE
8 Foxfield Court
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
BY:
ANDREW H. DOWLING, ESQUIRE
Supreme Court I.D. No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
Telephone: (717) 232-5000
q Attorneys for Plaintiff
DATED: Ubj1)9
??
? ? ? ?
a
CASE NO: 1999-03988 P
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
CROW CHARLOTTE
VS.
LINE MELVIN L ET AL
DAWN KELL , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
CUMBERLAND County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according
to law, says, the within NOTICE AND COMPLAINT was served
upon LINE MELVIN L T/D/B/A LINES OFFICE SUPPLIES the
defendant, at 14:32 HOURS, on the 1st day of July
1999 at 419 EAST HIGH STREET
CARLISLE, PA 17013 CUMBERLAND
County, Pennsylvania, by handing to MELVIN L. LINE
a true and attested copy of the NOTICE AND COMPLAINT
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
•. .. ..
Sheriff's Costs: So ansrG
Docketing 18.00
Service 3.10
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 8.00 omas in eri
$Z 9J.iuME/06%1999 S & WOODSID?EE
07
by ciW Y? C? h XX.
epu y S eri f
sworn and subscribe to before me
this G day of
19? A.D.
Q,
Iel-O ono ary'
d
CASE NO: 1999-03988 P
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
CROW CHARLOTTE
VS.
LINE MELVIN L ET AL
DAWN
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
CUMBERLAND County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according
to law, says, the within NOTICE AND COMPLAINT was served
upon SLAGLE ROBERT L the
defendant, at 14:32 HOURS, on the 1st day of July
1999 at 8 FOXFIELD COURT
MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055 CUMBERLAND
County, Pennsylvania, by handing to METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
a true and attested copy of the NOTICE AND COMPLAINT
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs: So answers:
Docketing 6.00
Service 6.20
Affidavit .00 .Or
Surcharge 8.00 _ z2
$20.20 ME TE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
0706/1999 '
by a uYh y>
h
epu y eri
sworn and subscribe to before me
this 4 "- day o
19qq A. D.
?---
ro ono ary '
SHERIFF'S RETURN - NOT FOUND
CASE NO: 1999-03988 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
CROW CHARLOTTE
VS.
LINE MELVIN L ET AL
R. Thomas Kline , Sheriff, who being duly sworn according
to law, says, that he made a diligent search and inquiry for the within
named defendant, to wit: LINE ENID T/D/B/A LINES
OFFICE SUPPLIES
but was unable to locate Her in his bailiwick. He therefore returns
the NOTICE AND COMPLAINT
NOT FOUND , as to the within named defendant
LINE ENID T/D/B/A LINES OFFICE SUPPLIES
RETURN NOT FOUND AS PER ATTY, 7/6/99, LINES HAVE
BEEN DIVORCED 10 YRS, ENID NO LONGER A PARTNER.
Sheriff's Costs: So answer
Docketing 6.00
Service nd 5..00
00
Surcharge 8.00
R7 I oma?s K?ire, - 5 eri
$T-c?= 0E TE, EVA?NS & WOODSIDE
7199
Sworn and subscribed to before me
this 6 a day of C1 Af_
199,7 A.D.
/ I 11 oEiFono y
r.
CHARLOTTE CROW,
Plaintiff
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
and ROBERT SLAGLE,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 9C _?O
OO
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(s). 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.
Court Administrator
Cumberland County Courthouse
One Courthouse Square, 4th Floor
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200 TRUE COPY FRO- M RECORD
to Testimony whereof, I hwre unto set my hand
and the seal of said Court at Carlisle, Pa.
This IF day ot?1931yi?
/Prothonotary
187138
NOTICIA
LE HAN DEMANDADO A LISTED EN LA CORTE. Si usted quiere defenderse de
estas demandas expuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene viente (20) dias de plazo al
partir de la fecha de la demanda y la notificacion. Usted debe presentar una apariencia
escrita o en persona o por abogado y archivar en la cone en forma escrita sus defenses o
sus objeciones a las demandas en contra de su persona. Sea avisado que si usted no se
deflende, la torte tomara medidas y puede entrar una orden contra usted sin previo aviso o
notificacion y por cualquier queja o alivio que es pedido en la petition de demanda. Usted
puede perder dinero o sus propiedades o otros derechos importantes para usted.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO IMMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO TIENE
ABOGADO 0 SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SUFICIENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVICIO,
VAYA EN PERSONA O LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUYA DIRECCION SE
ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR
ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Court Administrator
Cumberland County Courthouse
One Courthouse Square, 4th Floor
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
CHARLOTTE CROW, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE,
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
and ROBERT L. SLAGLE,
Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
AND NOW comes Plaintiff, CHARLOTTE CROW, by and through her attorneys, Mette,
Evans & Woodside, P.C. and files the Complaint and avers as follows:
Plaintiff, CHARLOTTE CROW, is an adult individual who resides at 231 North
Hanover Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. Defendant, ROBERT L. SLAGLE, is an adult individual who resides at 8
Foxfield Court, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
3. Defendant, ROBERT L. SLAGLE, is the owner of the property located 419 East
High Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
4. Defendants, MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE are the owners of business
registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES.
5. The accident hereinafter related occurred on or about January 9, 1998, on the
premises of Defendant LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES, located at 419 E. High Street, Carlisle,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
COUNTI
CHARLOTTE CROW v. MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE
SUPPLIES
6. At all times relevant, Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE, t/d/b/a
LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES operated, supervised, maintained, and/or controlled the business
located at 419 E. High Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
At all times relevant, Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a
LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES acted by and through its duly authorized agents, servants, workmen
and/or employees, acting within the scope of their authority and employment and in the course of
Defendant's business.
8. At the aforesaid time and place, Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES was open for business for individuals to purchase office
supplies and office-related merchandise.
9. On January 9,1998, Plaintiff, a customer of Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and
ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES who was ninety-two (92) years old at the time,
entered Defendants' business to shop.
10. At the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff was a business invitee of the Defendant
to which the highest degree of care is owed.
11. At the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff was leaving Defendants MELVIN L.
LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES business when she fell to the ground
due to a defectively designed and/or maintained exit passage.
12. At the aforesaid time and place, the exit passageway of Defendants MELVIN L.
LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES was designed and/or maintained in a
negligent, careless and defective manner.
13. The aforesaid negligent, careless, reckless and defective design and/or
maintenance of the exit passageway caused Plaintiff to fall into a parked car then onto the ground
causing her to suffer serious and permanent injuries as hereinafter related.
14. Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE
SUPPLIES knew, or through the exercise of reasonable care should have known, the aforesaid
defective nature of the exit passage and should have taken the necessary steps to warn Plaintiff of
the hazard and/or take measures to protect the Plaintiff against such hazards.
15. The negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness of Defendants MELVIN L.
LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES consisted of, inter alia, the following:
(a) Designing, constructing and/or maintaining the exit passage in such a
way as to include a step with a minimum elevation change in lieu of a
ramp;
(b) Failing to provide a handrail to assist customers in properly negotiating
the steps;
(c) Failing to adequately mark, highlight, illuminate, or otherwise wam
customers of stepping surfaces within the exit passage;
(d) Failing to exercise reasonable care to inspect for an/or discover the defect;
and
(e) Permitting the exit passage to remain in an unreasonably dangerous,
unsuitable and unsafe condition, having actual or constructive notice of the
defect.
16. As a direct result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness,
Plaintiff sustained the following injuries:
(a) depressed fracture of the nose;
(b) gash to her forehead requiring sutures;
(c) numerous and severe lacerations to her arms and legs;
(d) permanent scarring and disfigurement to her forehead;
(e) loss of consciousness and elevated white blood count requiring
hospitalization;
(f) back pain and fatigue; and
(g) injury to left arm which is permanent.
17. As a direct and proximate cause of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff required hospitalization, plastic surgery consultation, in-patient
rehabilitation services, and visiting nursing services.
18. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has suffered a permanent decrease in her mobility due to increased
fatigue and lack of stamina.
19. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has incurred medical expenses.
20. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has and will continue to suffer great pain, suffering inconvenience and
discomfort.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff CHARLOTTE CROW, demands judgment in her favor and
against the Defendants in an amount in excess of $35,000, plus costs and interest and other relief
as the court deems just.
COUNT II
CHARLOTTE CROW V. ROBERT SLAGLE
21. Paragraphs 1 - 20 are incorporated herein by reference.
22. At all times relevant, Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE owned, operated,
supervised, maintained, and/or controlled the property located at 419 E. High Street, Carlisle,
Pennsylvania.
23. At all times relevant, Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE acted by and through his
duly authorized agents, servants, workmen and/or employees, acting within the scope of their
authority and employment and in the course of Defendant's business.
24. At the aforesaid time and place, the property owned by Defendant ROBERT L.
SLAGLE housed LINES' OFFICE SUPPLIES, which was open for business for individuals to
purchase office supplies and office-related merchandise.
25. On January 9,1998, Plaintiff, a customer to Defendant LINE'S OFFICE
SUPPLIES, which is situated on the property owned by Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE, who
was ninety-two (92) years old at the time, entered Defendant's property to shop.
26. As the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff was a business invitee of the Defendant
to which the highest degree of care is owed.
27. At the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff was leaving Line's Office Supplies,
located on the property owned by Defendant ROBERT SLAGLE, when she fell to the ground
due to a defectively designed and/or maintained exit passage.
28. At the aforesaid time and place, the exit passageway of Defendant LINE'S
OFFICE SUPPLIES, located on the property owned by Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE, was
designed and/or maintained in a negligent, careless and defective manner.
29. The aforesaid negligent, careless, reckless and defective design and/or
maintenance of the exit passageway caused Plaintiff to fall into a parked car then onto the ground
causing her to suffer serious and permanent injuries as hereinafter related.
30. Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE knew, or through the exercise of reasonable
care should have known, the aforesaid defective nature of the exit passage and should have taken
the necessary steps to wam Plaintiff of the hazard and/or take measures to protect the Plaintiff
against such hazards.
31. The negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness of Defendant ROBERT L.
SLAGLE consisted of, inter alia the following:
(a) Designing, constructing and/or maintaining the exit passage in such a
way as to include a step with a minimum elevation change in lieu of a
ramp;
(b) Failing to provide a handrail to assist customers in properly negotiating
the steps;
(c) Failing to adequately mark, highlight, illuminate, or otherwise warn
customers of stepping surfaces within the exit passage;
(d) Failing to exercise reasonable care to inspect for an/or discover the defect;
and
(e) Permitting the exit passage to remain in an unreasonably dangerous,
unsuitable and unsafe condition, having actual or constructive notice of the
defect.
32. As a direct result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness,
Plaintiff sustained the following injuries:
(a) depressed fracture of the nose;
(b) gash to her forehead requiring sutures;
(c) numerous and severe lacerations to her arms and legs;
(d) permanent scarring and disfigurement to her forehead;
(e) loss of consciousness and elevated white blood count requiring
hospitalization;
(f) back pain and fatigue; and
(g) injury to left arm which is permanent.
33. As a direct and proximate cause of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff required hospitalization, plastic surgery consultation, in-patient
rehabilitation services, and visiting nursing services.
34. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has suffered a permanent decrease in her mobility due to increased
fatigue and lack of stamina.
35. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has incurred medical expenses.
36. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has and will continue to suffer great pain, suffering inconvenience and
discomfort.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff CHARLOTTE CROW, demands judgment in her favor and
against the Defendants in an amount in excess of $35,000, plus costs and interest and other relief
as the court deems just.
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
By: l
ANDREW H. DOWLING
Supreme Court No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17011
717-232-5000
Attorneys for Plaintiff
DATED: (1.^)?
187138
VERIFICATION
I, CHARLOTTE CROW, hereby acknowledge that I am the Plaintiff in this action; that I
have read the foregoing Complaint; and that the facts stated therein are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that any false statements herein are made subject to penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.
Section 4904, relating to unworn falsification to authorities.
Z11" s-7iz lam. "'/
CHARLOTTE CROW
DATED:
187138
CHARLOTTE CROW, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
and ROBERT SLAGLE,
Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing document upon the
person(s) and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the requirements of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of same in the United States Mail,
at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first class postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
MELVIN L. LINE
ENID LINE
LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
419 E. High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
ROBERTSLAGLE
8 Foxfield Court
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
C. B. James, Claims Department
ZURICH INSURANCE COMPANY
PO Box 2049
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
BY:
ANDREW H. DOWLING, ESQUIRE
Supreme Court I.D. No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
Telephone: (717) 232-5000
DATED: U L;k?h/
Attorneys for Plaintiff
J', -
C3 .
CHARLOTTE CROW, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO. gel - 395
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
and ROBERT SLAGLE,
Defendants 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(s). 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.
Court Administrator
Cumberland County Courthouse
One Courthouse Square, 4th Floor
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
TRUE- ?;O'Py
,? ? r; ,n v cr'r ; r7l h
ii 14iat;;pi; 'tvbCf t. I '!J( •1,L` et1C1
3^.. i.1i0 58ii !( 1•fv r.'l':'i ?'( (.n?laB, F2t
187138
NOTICIA
LE HAN DEMANDADO A LISTED EN LA CORTE. Si usted quiere defenderse de
2estas demandas expuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene viente (0) dias de plazo al
partir de la fecha de la demanda y la notiticacion. Usted debe presenter una apariencia
escrita o en persona o par abogado y archivar en la cone en forma escrita sus defensas o
sus objeciones a las demandas en contra de su persona. Sea avisado que si usted no se
defiende, la cone tomara medidas y puede entrar una Orden contra usted sin previo aviso o
notifieacion y por cualquier queja o alivio que es pedido en la peticion de demanda. Usted
puede perder dinero o sus propiedades o otros derechos importantes para usted.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO IMMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO TIENE
ABOGADO O SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SUFICIENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVICIO,
VAYA EN PERSONA O LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUYA DIRECCION SE
ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR
ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Court Administrator
Cumberland County Courthouse
One Courthouse Square, 4th Floor
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
CHARLOTTE CROW, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE,
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
and ROBERT L. SLAGLE,
Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
AND NOW comes Plaintiff, CHARLOTTE CROW, by and through her attorneys, Mette,
Evans & Woodside, P.C. and files the Complaint and avers as follows:
Plaintiff, CHARLOTTE CROW, is an adult individual who resides at 231 North
Hanover Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. Defendant, ROBERT L. SLAGLE, is an adult individual who resides at S
Foxfield Court, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
Defendant, ROBERT L. SLAGLE, is the owner of the property located 419 East
High Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
4. Defendants, MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE are the owners of business
registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES.
5. The accident hereinafter related occurred on or about January 9, 1998, on the
premises of Defendant LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES, located at 419 E. High Street, Carlisle,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
COUNTI
CHARLOTTE CROW v. MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE, t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE
SUPPLIES
6. At all times relevant, Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE, t/d/b/a
LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES operated, supervised, maintained, and/or controlled the business
located at 419 E. High Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
At all times relevant, Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE ?, %b/a
LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES acted by and through its duly authorized agents, servants, workmen
and/or employees, acting within the scope of their authority and employment and in the course of
Defendant's business.
8. At the aforesaid time and place, Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES was open for business for individuals to purchase office
supplies and office-related merchandise.
9. On January 9,1998, Plaintiff, a customer of Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and
ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES who was ninety-two (92) years old at the time,
entered Defendants' business to shop.
10. At the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff was a business invitee of the Defendant
to which the highest degree of care is owed.
11. At the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff was leaving Defendants MELVIN L.
LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES business when she fell to the ground
due to a defectively designed and/or maintained exit passage.
12. At the aforesaid time and place, the exit passageway of Defendants MELVIN L.
LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES was designed and/or maintained in a
negligent, careless and defective manner.
13. The aforesaid negligent, careless, reckless and defective design and/or
maintenance of the exit passageway caused Plaintiff to fall into a parked car then onto the ground
causing her to suffer serious and permanent injuries as hereinafter related.
14. Defendants MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE
SUPPLIES knew, or through the exercise of reasonable care should have known, the aforesaid
defective nature of the exit passage and should have taken the necessary steps to warn Plaintiff of
the hazard and/or take measures to protect the Plaintiff against such hazards.
15. The negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness of Defendants MELVIN L.
LINE and ENID LINE t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES consisted of, inter alia the following:
(a) Designing, constructing and/or maintaining the exit passage in such a
way as to include a step with a minimum elevation change in lieu of a
ramp;
(b) Failing to provide a handrail to assist customers in properly negotiating
the steps;
(c) Failing to adequately mark, highlight, illuminate, or otherwise wam
customers of stepping surfaces within the exit passage;
(d) Failing to exercise reasonable care to inspect for an/or discover the defect;
and
(e) Permitting the exit passage to remain in an unreasonably dangerous,
unsuitable and unsafe condition, having actual or constructive notice of the
defect.
16. As a direct result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness,
Plaintiff sustained the following injuries:
(a) depressed fracture of the nose;
(b) gash to her forehead requiring sutures;
(c) numerous and severe lacerations to her arms and legs;
(d) permanent scarring and disfigurement to her forehead;
(e) loss of consciousness and elevated white blood count requiring
hospitalization;
(f) back pain and fatigue; and
(g) injury to left arm which is permanent.
IT As a direct and proximate cause of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff required hospitalization, plastic surgery consultation, in-patient
rehabilitation services, and visiting nursing services.
18. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has suffered a permanent decrease in her mobility due to increased
fatigue and lack of stamina.
19. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has incurred medical expenses.
20. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has and will continue to suffer great pain, suffering inconvenience and
discomfort.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff CHARLOTTE CROW, demands judgment in her favor and
against the Defendants in an amount in excess of $35,000, plus costs and interest and other relief
as the court deems just.
COUNT II
CHARLOTTE CROW V. ROBERT SLAGLE
21. Paragraphs l - 20 are incorporated herein by reference.
22. At all times relevant, Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE owned, operated,
supervised, maintained, and/or controlled the property located at 419 E. High Street, Carlisle,
Pennsylvania.
23. At all times relevant, Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE acted by and through his
duly authorized agents, servants, workmen and/or employees, acting within the scope of their
authority and employment and in the course of Defendant's business.
24. At the aforesaid time and place, the property owned by Defendant ROBERT L.
SLAGLE housed LINES' OFFICE SUPPLIES, which was open for business for individuals to
purchase office supplies and office-related merchandise.
25. On January 9,1998, Plaintiff, a customer to Defendant LINE'S OFFICE
SUPPLIES, which is situated on the property owned by Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE, who
was ninety-two (92) years old at the time, entered Defendant's property to shop.
26. As the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff was a business invitee of the Defendant
to which the highest degree of care is owed.
27. At the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff was leaving Line's Office Supplies,
located on the property owned by Defendant ROBERT SLAGLE, when she fell to the ground
due to a defectively designed and/or maintained exit passage.
28. At the aforesaid time and place, the exit passageway of Defendant LINE'S
OFFICE SUPPLIES, located on the property owned by Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE, was
designed and/or maintained in a negligent, careless and defective manner.
29. The aforesaid negligent, careless, reckless and defective design and/or
maintenance of the exit passageway caused Plaintiff to fall into a parked car then onto the ground
causing her to suffer serious and permanent injuries as hereinafter related.
30. Defendant ROBERT L. SLAGLE knew, or through the exercise of reasonable
care should have known, the aforesaid defective nature of the exit passage and should have taken
the necessary steps to warn Plaintiff of the hazard and/or take measures to protect the Plaintiff
against such hazards.
31. The negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness of Defendant ROBERT L.
SLAGLE consisted of, inter alia the following:
(a) Designing, constructing and/or maintaining the exit passage in such a
way as to include a step with a minimum elevation change in lieu of a
ramp;
(b) Failing to provide a handrail to assist customers in properly negotiating
the steps;
(c) Failing to adequately mark, highlight, illuminate, or otherwise wam
customers of stepping surfaces within the exit passage;
(d) Failing to exercise reasonable care to inspect for an/or discover the defect;
and
(e) Permitting the exit passage to remain in an unreasonably dangerous,
unsuitable and unsafe condition, having actual or constructive notice of the
defect.
32. As a direct result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness,
Plaintiff sustained the following injuries:
(a) depressed fracture of the nose;
(b) gash to her forehead requiring sutures;
(c) numerous and severe lacerations to her arms and legs;
(d) permanent scarring and disfigurement to her forehead;
(e) loss of consciousness and elevated white blood count requiring
hospitalization;
(l) back pain and fatigue; and
(g) injury to left arm which is permanent.
33. As a direct and proximate cause of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff required hospitalization, plastic surgery consultation, in-patient
rehabilitation services, and visiting nursing services.
34. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has suffered a permanent decrease in her mobility due to increased
fatigue and lack of stamina.
35. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has incurred medical expenses.
36. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness, the Plaintiff has and will continue to suffer great pain, suffering inconvenience and
discomfort.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff CHARLOTTE CROW, demands judgment in her favor and
against the Defendants in an amount in excess of $35,000, plus costs and interest and other relief
as the court deems just.
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
By: i-
ANDREW H. DOWLING
Supreme Court No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17011
717-232-5000
J? _ Attorneys for Plaintiff
DATED: (?')?/?
197138
VERIFICATION
1, CHARLOTTE CROW, hereby acknowledge that I am the Plaintiff in this action; that I
have read the foregoing Complaint; and that the facts stated therein are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that any false statements herein are made subject to penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.
Section 4904, relating to unworn falsification to authorities.
CHARLOTTE CROW
DATED: ??yw ?S /gC?fy
187138
CHARLOTTE CROW, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
and ROBERT SLAGLE,
Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing document upon the
person(s) and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the requirements of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of same in the United States Mail,
at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first class postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
MELVIN L. LINE
ENID LINE
LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
419 E. High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
ROBERT SLAGLE
8 Foxfield Court
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
BY:
C. B. James, Claims Department
ZURICH INSURANCE COMPANY
PO Box 2049
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
ANDREW H. DOWLING, ESQUIRE
Supreme Court I.D. No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
P. 0. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
Telephone: (717) 232-5000
4 Attorneys for Plaintiff
DATED: I ??/9
cum
Karen S. Coates, Esquire
Attorney I.D. # 52654
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP
305 North Front Street
P. O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
(717) 237-7121
Attorneys for Defendants Line and Line's Office Supplies
CHARLOTTE CROW,
Plaintiff
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE,
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES,
and ROBERT SLAGLE,
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA.
NO. 99-3988
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE
Enter the appearance of Karen S. Coates, Esquire and the law firm of Thomas,
Thomas & Hafer, LLP as counsel for Defendants Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, Ud/b/a Line's
Office Supplies in the above captioned matter.
:HOMAS. THO S & HA 13,, LLP
Karen S. Coates, Esquire
Attorney 1. D. # 52654
305 North Front Street
P. 0. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
(717) 237-7121
Date: August 12, 1999 Attorneys for Defendants Line
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I do hereby certify that on this day I served a true and correct copy of the
foregoing document by first class mail, postage pre-paid, addressed to the following:
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Matte, Evans & Woodside
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17011
Robert L. Slagle
8 Foxfield Court
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Date: , 1999
:68901.1
THOMAS; HO AS & , FER, LLP
,Karen S. Coates; Esquire
Karen S. Coates, Esquire
Attorney I.D. # 52654
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, Li
305 North Front Street
P. O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
(717) 237-7121
Attorneys for Defendants Line and Line's Office Supplies
CHARLOTTE CROW,
Plaintiff
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE,
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES,
and ROBERT SLAGLE,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA.
NO. 99-3988
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: Plaintiff Charlotte Crow and Defendant Robert Slagle
You are hereby notified that you are required to respond to the enclosed Answer
with New Matter and Crossclaim within twenty (20) days of service or a judgment may be
entered against you.
Date: October 4, 1999
Attorneys for Defendants Line and Line's
Office Supplies
305 North Front Street
P. O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
(717) 237-7121
Karen S. Coates, Esquire
Attorney I.D. # 52654
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP
305 North Front Street
P. O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
(717)237.7121
Attorneys for Defendants Line and Line's Office Supplies
CHARLOTTE CROW,
Plaintiff
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE,
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES,
and ROBERT SLAGLE,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA.
NO. 99-3988
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANTS' ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
AND NOW, Defendants Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies, by
and through their attorneys, Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, and files the following Answer to
Plaintiffs Complaint.
Admitted.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
4. Denied. It is admitted that Defendant Melvin L. Line is the owner of a business
registered within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies. It is,
however, specifically denied that Enid Line is an owner of the business and proof is demanded.
5. Denied. After reasonable investigation, answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averment and proof is
demanded.
COUNTI
CHARLOTTE CROW v. MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE
T/D/B/A LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
6. Admitted in part and denied in part. The averments of Paragraph 6 are admitted
to the extent that at all times relevant, Defendant Melvin L. Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies,
operated, supervised, maintained and/or controlled a business located at 419 East High Street,
Carlisle, Pennsylvania. It is, however, specifically denied that Enid Line had any involvement
whatsoever in the business enterprise.
Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that at all times relevant,
Defendant Melvin L. Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies acted by and through its duly authorized
agents, servants, workmen, and/or employees acting within the scope of their authority and
employment in the course of Defendant Melvin L. Line's business. It is, however, specifically
denied that Enid Line had any involvement with the business whatsoever and proof is
demanded.
8. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that at the aforesaid time and
place, Defendant Melvin L. Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies was open for business for
individuals to purchase office supplies and office related merchandise. It is, however,
specifically denied that Enid Line had any involvement in the business whatsoever and proof is
demanded.
9. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that on January 9, 1998,
Plaintiff was a customer of Defendant Melvin L. Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies. It is,
however, specifically denied that Enid Line had any involvement whatsoever in the business.
Furthermore, with respect to the allegation that Plaintiff was 92 years old at the time and
entered Defendant's business to shop, the allegation is specifically denied since after
reasonable investigation, answering Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient
to form a belief as to the truth of the averment and proof is demanded.
10. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 10 constitute legal conclusions to which no
response is required. By way of further answer, answering Defendants are without knowledge
or information sufficient to form a belief as to whether Plaintiff was a business invitee at the time
of the incident and proof is demanded.
11. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 11 constitute legal conclusions to which no
response is required. By way of further answer, it is specifically denied that Plaintiffs alleged
fall was due to a "defectively designed and/or maintained exit passage" and proof is demanded.
Furthermore, it is specifically denied that answering Defendants had any involvement in the
design and/or maintenance of said passage.
12. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 12 constitute legal conclusions to which no
response is required. By way of further answer, it is specifically denied that answering
Defendants were negligent and/or careless in any manner whatsoever. Furthermore, it is
specifically denied that answering Defendants had any involvement in the design of the exit
passage and/or that they maintained the area in a negligent, careless and defective manner and
proof is demanded.
13. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 13 constitute legal conclusions to which no
response is required. By way of further answer, it is specifically denied that answering
Defendants were negligent, careless and/or reckless in any manner whatsoever with respect to
maintenance of the exit passageway. Furthermore, it is specifically denied that answering
Defendants had any involvement in the design and/or maintenance of the exit passageway and
proof is demanded. With respect to the cause of Plaintiffs fall; the location of Plaintiffs fall; and
the nature of the injuries allegedly sustained; the averments are specifically denied since after
4
reasonable investigation, answering Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient
to form a belief as to the truth of the averments and proof is demanded.
14. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 14 constitute legal conclusions to which no
response is required. By way of further answer, it is specifically denied that the exit passage
was defective in any manner whatsoever and/or presented a hazard to persons exercising
reasonable care for their own safety and proof is demanded. Furthermore, it is specifically
denied that answering Defendants should have taken steps to warn Plaintiff or to protect
Plaintiff, as the condition was not hazardous.
15. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 15, including subparagraphs (a)-(e)
constitute legal conclusions to which no response is required. By way of further answer, it is
specifically denied that answering Defendants were negligent, careless and/or reckless in any
manner whatsoever. Furthermore, it is specifically denied that answering Defendants were
negligent, careless and/or reckless in:
(a) Designing, constructing and/or maintaining the exit passage
in such a way as to include a step with a minimum elevation change in lieu
of a ramp, and proof is demanded;
(b) Failing to provide a handrail to assist customers in properly
negotiating the steps, and proof is demanded;
(c) Failing to adequately mark, highlight, illuminate, or otherwise
warn customers of stepping surfaces within exit passage, and proof is demanded;
(d) Failing to exercise reasonable care to inspect for and/or discover
the defect, and proof is demanded; and
(e) Permitting the exit passage to remain in an unreasonably dangerous,
unsuitable and unsafe condition, having actual or constructive notice of the defect,
and proof is demanded.
16. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 16 constitute legal conclusions to which no
response is required. By way of further answer, it is specifically denied that answering
Defendants were negligent, careless and/or reckless in any manner whatsoever. With respect
to the injuries allegedly sustained by the Plaintiff, as outlined in subparagraphs (a)-(g), the
averments are specifically denied since after reasonable investigation, answering Defendants
are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments
and proof is demanded.
17. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 17 constitute legal conclusions to which no
response is required. By way of further answer, it is specifically denied that answering
Defendants were negligent, careless and/or reckless in any manner whatsoever. With respect
to the alleged medical treatment required by the Plaintiff, the averments are specifically denied
since after reasonable investigation, answering Defendants are without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments and proof is demanded.
18. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 18 constitute legal conclusions to which no
response is required. By way of further answer, it is specifically denied that answering
Defendants were negligent, careless and/or reckless in any manner whatsoever. With respect
to the allegation that Plaintiff has suffered a permanent decrease in her mobility due to
increased fatigue and lack of stamina, the averments are specifically denied since after
reasonable investigation, answering Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient
to form a belief as to the truth of the averments and proof is demanded.
19. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 19 constitute legal conclusions to which no
response is required. By way of further answer, it is specifically denied that answering
Defendants were negligent, careless and/or reckless in any manner whatsoever. With respect
to the allegation that Plaintiff has incurred medical expenses, the averments are specifically
denied since after reasonable investigation, answering Defendants are without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments and proof is demanded.
20. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 20 constitute legal conclusions to which no
response is required. By way of further answer, it is specifically denied that answering
Defendants were negligent, careless and/or reckless in any manner whatsoever. With respect
to the allegation that Plaintiff has and will continue to suffer great pain, suffering inconvenience
and discomfort, the allegations are specifically denied since after reasonable investigation,
answering Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth of the averments and proof is demanded.
WHEREFORE, Defendants Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies,
respectfully request that judgment be entered in their favor.
COUNT II
CHARLOTTE CROW v. ROBERT SLAGLE
21. Paragraphs 1-20 of Defendants Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, Ud/b/a Line's Office
Supplies' Answer to Plaintiffs Complaint are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth
at length.
22-36. These averments are not directed to answering Defendants and therefore, no
response is required.
WHEREFORE, Defendants Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies,
respectfully request that judgment be entered in their favor.
NEW MATTER
37. Plaintiff has failed to state a cause of action upon which relief can be granted as
to answering Defendants Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, ttd/b/a Line's Office Supplies.
38. Defendant Enid Line had no involvement in the ownership or operation of Line's
Office Supplies at the aforesaid time and place.
7
39. Answering Defendants were not negligent, careless or reckless in any manner
whatsoever.
40. Plaintiffs alleged fall had nothing to do with maintenance of the exit passageway.
41. Answering Defendants Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office
Supplies merely occupied the building on the date of the alleged fall and had absolutely no
involvement in the design or construction of the building.
42. Any acts or omissions of answering Defendants were not substantial causes or
factors of the subject incident and did not result in the injuries and losses allegedly sustained by
the Plaintiff.
43. The incident and/or damages described in Plaintiffs Complaint were caused or
contributed to by the Plaintiff.
44. The negligent acts or omissions of other individuals and/or entities constitute
intervening, superseding causes of the damages and/or injuries alleged to have been sustained
by the Plaintiff.
45. Plaintiffs cause of action is barred by the contributory negligence of Plaintiff.
46. Plaintiffs claims are limited or otherwise barred by application of Pennsylvania's
Comparative Negligence Act, 42 Pa. C.S. §7102.
47. The injuries and damages allegedly sustained by the Plaintiff were caused by her
contributory negligence and carelessness as follows:
(a) In failing to watch where she was walking;
(b) In failing to maintain a proper lookout;
(c) In failing to use due care and caution under the circumstances,
including the failure to observe an open and obvious condition;
(d) In failing to discover and/or observe the alleged defect and/or
the alleged dangerous condition complained of;
(e) In failing to take precaution to avoid injury;
(f) In failing to take an alternate path; and
(g) In failing to exercise reasonable care for her own safety.
48. Any condition with which Plaintiff was confronted on the premises of 419 East
High Street was open and obvious.
49. Answering Defendants had no notice of the allegedly dangerous condition.
WHEREFORE, Defendants Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, Ud/b/a Line's Office Supplies,
respectfully request that the Complaint be dismissed and judgment be entered against Plaintiff.
RULE 2252(d) NEW MATTER DIRECTED TO DEFENDANT ROBERT SLAGLE
50. The averments of Paragraphs 1-4 and Paragraphs 22-46 of Plaintiffs Complaint
are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth at length.
51. In the event the injuries and damages claimed by Plaintiff Charlotte Crow are
found to exist, then Defendant Robert Slagle is alone liable to Plaintiff for those injuries and
damages.
52. In the event any liability is found to exist on the part of answering Defendants
Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies, which liability is specifically denied,
then Defendant Robert Slagle is liable over to Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, Ud/b/a Line's Office
Supplies or is jointly and severally liable to the Plaintiffs.
53. Defendants Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies assert
this crossclaim against Defendant Robert Slagle to preserve their rights of contribution and/or
indemnity.
WHEREFORE, in the event it is determined that Plaintiff suffered the injuries and
damages as a result of the claims set forth in her Complaint, Defendants Melvin L. Line and
Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies request that Defendant Robert Slagle be found fully
9
liable. In the event that Defendants Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies
are found liable to the Plaintiff, which liability is specifically denied, then Melvin L. Line and Enid
Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies request that Defendant Robert Slagle be found liable over to
them or be found jointly and severally liable to the Plaintiff, thus entitling the Lines to indemnity
or contribution.
WHEREFORE, Defendants Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies,
respectfully request that judgment be entered in their favor.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS AS & ER, LLP
aren S. Coat quire
Attorney 1. D. # 52654
305 North Front Street
P. O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
(717) 237-7121
Date: October Y , 1999 Attorneys for Defendants Melvin L. Line and
Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies
10
VERIFICATION
1, Melvin L. Line, Defendant in this action, do hereby verify that the statements
made in the foregoing Answer to Complaint with New Matter are true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements made herein are subject to
the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. 4904 relating to unswom falsification to authorities.
Melvin L. Line, t/d/b/a
Line's Office Supplies
Melvin L. Line
Date: 1999
11
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I do hereby certify that on this day I served a true and correct copy of the
foregoing document by first class mail, postage pre-paid, addressed to the following:
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Mette, Evans & Woodside
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17011
Robert L. Slagle
8 Foxfietd Court
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Date: '1999
:70770.1
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CHARLOTTE CROW,
Plaintiff
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE,
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
and ROBERT L. SLAGLE,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 99-3988 Civil
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFF'S RESPONSE TO NEW MATTER
37. The averments in Paragraph 37 are legal conclusions to which no answers is
required. If it is deemed that an answer is required the allegations are specifically denied.
38. According to documents obtained from the Corporation Bureau, both Melvin L.
Line and Enid Line have interest in the business of Line's Office Supply. See documents
attached hereto.
39-49. The averments in these paragraphs are legal conclusions to which no answer is
required. If it is deemed that an answer is required, each and every allegation is hereby
specifically denied. To the contrary, Plaintiff's Complaint is incorporated herein by reference.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment in her favor and against the Defendants and
that Plaintiff's New Matter be stricken and dismissed.
By:
DATED: October 20, 1999
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
ANDREW H. DOWLING
Supreme Court No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17011
717-232-5000
Attomeys for Plaintiff
201235
\yyfi?ation for lr;lM-lino (On or Lonlucting usincss
iInlcr An Assurnrl or ?fictitious _7\?amc
TO THE rECRETARY OF THE COswONrEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA: i
`.r -.' .o•-p .c<, .un •nr :e •{.¢e-.e•.•s .i -. All 0 4.e GenerC At«ebl of the
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NAMES RESIDENCES
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m9CB 54 A9 VA IN.. 1e4g4
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I? I l tin>hr?1 tllr uodol .Ign,N1 rtes. Jl.lr , ,."L? ?I Ju. n?nu,• to IN..ICw. d this _
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF FORM
A. This form 1% applicable only (1) where names of parties at interest are to be added to a reglarWM. or
(2) where names of parties of Interest are to be added and others deleted. In those caeca where parties
are to Ire withdrawn and none added. Film U9CB 54.28.8 (Statement of Cancellation of or Withdrawal
from Business Carried an Under are Assunu•d or Fictitious Name) shall be used.
B. livery person who Is named In Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the form and all other parties to the reglatradon
who have not withdrawn In an earlier application or statement must sign the application.
C. Where a corporation is a member of a partnership with Individuals or otherwise conducting a bustrwu
with individuals under a ilctltiuus name. the application shell be signed on its behalf by its president
or vice president and secretary or trraeorer and shall bear the corporate seal. There shall be filed
9lmultanmN.1v Form DSCR. 15A2 (Apploatloo far an Amendment to a Corporate Fictitious Name
RegNtration.I
D. romtN and Information relative to Nina It the office of the prothonotary of the proper county, shall
h, 9eo used by direct Inquiry addresscil to the prothonotary.
1. All hdi rniatlnn shill No typed or pnnnNl, to black Ink,
I. Make cheek payable to, Secretary of the (mnmon vealth. (CASII WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED).
C„ Send appllcati in and check to Corl"nation Bureau. Department of State, Room 808 North Me
III 4g . I larri9burg. PR. 17120.
31V1S
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C7 )(!p
3.1-75:23 84:2
Filed this _-}9th day of
APPL ICA NT S ACCT NO _ JUr fs]S_
rscs 54 2A as foes 10 141
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
nny fat, srs 3.1.75:23 Department of State
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I line for numb-•t reel n
filters Mrters etl FWNASSetn V ?? % ??1
htln to Yt
bnerNnlleatlso COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Mina sepnnnss DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
CORPORATION BURF.AL' Secretaryofthe Commonwealth lee
(Bon for Certification)
In avoidance with the requirements of srction 61.1 of the act of May `tg, 1915 (1'. L 887) (54 II. S. 1288a),
the undenlgnal person(s), desiring to add name. of parovs In Interest, or to both add and delete names of
parties in Interest. choice (do) hereby certify dia t:
1. The name, style or designation heretofore N•gi%tvred is,
LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
7. 1'he list preceding filing with respect to such mane was made In the Office of the Secretary or the Cornelison.
wealthon. July 27th, 1973
IO.IfI
.1. The name(s) and address(es). Including street dnd number, If any, of the parties In Interest to be added to
said registration Is (am):
NAMES RESIDENCES
,i wn ?? onunt .con 11,1111 Rn'cosel
ENID V. LINE 550 West Perin Street, Carlisle, Pa., 17013
A The mune(r) and address(es), Including, strn•t :red number, If any, of the former parties in interest to be
dolutrd thin sold registration is (nn•).
NAMES IIF.SIDF.N('ES
nnum to ,o 111111 ore case,
Not applicable
1\1
CHARLOTTE CROW, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO. 4q- 3`l88 c G
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES
and ROBERT SLAGLE,
Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing document upon the
person(s) and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the requirements of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of same in the United States Mail,
at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first class postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
Karen S. Coates, Esquire
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP
305 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 999
6" Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17108
Robert Slagle
8 Foxfield Court
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
BY:
ANDREW H. DOWLING, ESQUIRE
Supreme Court I.D. No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
Telephone: (717) 232-5000
Attorneys for Plaintiff
DATED: October 20, 1999
CHARLOTTE CROW and
Plaintiff
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID
LINE, t/d/b/a LINE'S
SUPPLIES and ROBERT L.
SLAGLE,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
NO. 99-3988
CML ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IMPORTANT NOTICE
TO: Robert Slagle
8 Foxffeld Court
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
DATE OF NOTICE: October 21,1999
YOU ARE IN DEFAULT BECAUSE YOU rIAVE FAILED TO FILE IN
WRITING WITH THE COURT YOUR DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE
COMPLAINT SET FORTH AGAINST YOU. UNLESS YOU ACT WITHIN TEN
DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED
AGAINST YOU WITHOUT A HEARING AND YOU MAY LOSE YOUR
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.
Cumberland County Lawyer Referral
Court Administrator
Cumberland County Courthouse
1 Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
By:?
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Sup. Ct. I.D. #39692
3401 North Front Street
P. 0. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
(717) 232-5000
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing
document upon the person(s) and in the manner indicated below, which service
satisfies the requirements of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by
depositinga copy of same in the United States Mail, at Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, with first class postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
Karen S. Coates, Esquire
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP
305 N. Front St., P. 0. Box 999
Harrisburg,.PA 17108
and
Robert Slagle
8 Foxfield Court
Mechanicsburg, P.4,17055
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE 11 ??
BY:
ANDREW H. DOWLING, ESQUIRE
Supreme Court I. D. No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
P. 0. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
Telephone: (717) 232-5000
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
DATED: October 21, 1999
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POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: JOHN W.DORNBERGER
I.D. #69293
BY: JACK R. CANAVAN
I.D. # Admitted 12/9/99
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
ROBERT L. SLAGLE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
CHARLOTTE CROW
Plaintiff,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID
LINE, t/d/b/a LINE'S
SUPPLIES and ROBERT L.
SLAGLE
Defendants.
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
NO. 99-3988
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Kindly enter our appearance on behalf of Defendant Robert L. Slagle, in connection with the
above-captioned case.
Respectfully submitted,
& SCHELL, P.C.
JACK R. CANAVAN, I
Attorneys for Defendant
Robert L. Slagle
1, Kelley Spangler, an employee of the law offices of Post & Schell, P.C., do hereby certify that on the date
listed below, I did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing document upon the following person(s) at the
following address(es) by sending same in the United States mail, first-class, postage prepaid:
Andrew Dowling, Esquire
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17011
Melvin L. Line
Enid Line
Line's Office Supplies
419 E. High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
,1 4 D„ I anfflq Day
KELLEY S AN LER
Dated: 12 oZa cn
_ c
i
i.
i^+
NOTICE TO PLEAD
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: JOHN W. DORNBERGER
I.D. # 69293
BY: JOHN R. CANAVAN
I.D. #84728
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
CHARLOTTE CROW
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID
LINE, t/d/b/a LINE'S
SUPPLIES and ROBERT L.
SLAGLE
Plaintiff,
Defendants.
TO: Plaintiff and Co-Defendant:
You are hereby notified to plead to
the enclosed New Matter and Cross-
Claim of Defendant Robert L. Slagle
within twenty (20) days from service
hereof or a default judgment may be
entered against you.
Robert L. Slagle
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
ROBERT L. SLAGLE
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 99-3988
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER, NEW MATTER AND CROSS-CLAIM
OF DEFENDANT ROBERT I Si A I F TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
Defendant Robert L. Slagle ("Defendant"), by and through his attorneys, Post & Schell, P.C.,
hereby files this Answer, New Matter and Cross-Claim to Plaintiffs Complaint as follows:
Denied. After reasonable investigation Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and, accordingly, all such
allegations are denied.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted in part; denied in part. The corresponding allegations are denied to the
extent that Plaintiffs Complaint is vague as to the exact location of Plaintiffs alleged accident and
fails to identify "property" with sufficient specificity. Defendant admits that he was the owner of
certain real property located at 419 E. High Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania on
January 9, 1998. After reasonable investigation Defendant is without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and, accordingly, all such allegations are
denied.
4. Denied. The corresponding allegations are directed to parties other than Defendant
and, therefore, no response is required. To the extent any responses are required, the allegations are
denied as conclusions of law.
5. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and, accordingly, all such
allegations are denied.
6. Denied. The corresponding allegations are directed to parties other than Defendant
and, therefore, no response is required. To the extent any responses are required, the allegations are
denied as conclusions of law.
-2-
7. Denied. The corresponding allegations are directed to parties other than Defendant
and, therefore, no response is required. To the extent any responses are required, the allegations are
denied as conclusions of law.
8. Denied. The corresponding allegations are directed to parties other than Defendant
and, therefore, no response is required. To the extent any responses are required, the allegations are
denied as conclusions of law.
9. Denied. The corresponding allegations are directed to parties other than Defendant
and, therefore, no response is required. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and,
accordingly, all such allegations are denied. To the extent any response is required, the allegations
are denied as conclusions of law.
10. Denied. The corresponding allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
11. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and, accordingly, all such
allegations are denied. Any remaining allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
12. Denied. The corresponding allegations are directed to parties other than Defendant,
and, therefore, no response is required. To the extent any response is required, the allegations are
denied as conclusions of law.
13. Denied. The corresponding allegations are directed to parties other than Defendant,
and, therefore, no response is required. To the extent any response is required, the allegations are
denied as conclusions of law.
-3-
14. Denied. The corresponding allegations are directed to parties other than Defendant
and, therefore, no response is required. To the extent any response is required, the allegations are
denied as conclusions of law.
15. Denied. The corresponding allegations are directed to parties other than Defendant
and, therefore, no response is required. To the extent any response is required, the allegations are
denied as conclusions of law.
16. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and, accordingly, all such
allegations are denied. Any remaining allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
17. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and, accordingly, all such
allegations are denied. Any remaining allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
18. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and, accordingly, all such
allegations are denied. Any remaining allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
19. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and, accordingly, all such
allegations are denied. Any remaining allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
20. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and, accordingly, all such
allegations are denied. Any remaining allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter Judgment
in favor of Defendant and against Plaintiff.
-4-
21. Defendant incorporates by reference its Answers to paragraphs 1 through 20 as if set
forth at length fully herein.
22. Admitted in part; denied in part. The corresponding allegations are denied because
Plaintiff fails to identify the portion of the leasehold/real property where Plaintiff was allegedly
injured with sufficient specificity. The corresponding allegations are further denied because Plaintiff
fails to identify "at all times relevant" and "property" with sufficient specificity . Defendant admits
he was the owner of certain real property located at 419 E. High Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania on
or about January 8, 1998. Defendant denies that he operated, supervised, maintained or controlled
the property located at 419 E. High Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania as alleged.
23. Denied. The corresponding allegations are denied because Plaintiff fails to identify
"at all times relevant", "duly authorized agents, servants, workmen, and/or employees", "scope of
their authority and employment" and "course of Defendants business" with sufficient specificity.
Any remaining allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
24. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that Line's Office Supply operated a
retail business at 419 E. High Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania on January 8, 1998. The corresponding
allegations are denied because Plaintiff fails to identify "at the aforesaid time and place" and
"property" with sufficient specificity. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and,
accordingly, all such allegations are denied. Any remaining allegations are denied as conclusions
of law.
-5-
25. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and, accordingly, all such
allegations are denied.
26. Denied. The corresponding allegations are denied because Plaintiff fails to identify
"at the aforesaid time and place" with sufficient specificity. Any remaining allegations are denied
as conclusions of law.
27. Denied. The corresponding allegations are denied because Plaintiff fails to identify
"at the aforesaid time and place" and "property" with sufficient specificity. It is denied that the exit
passage was defectively designed and/or maintained or that the actions or omissions of Defendant
were the proximate cause of Plaintiffs alleged damages. To the contrary, Defendant acted in a
reasonable manner under the circumstances. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remaining factual
allegations and, accordingly, all such factual allegations are denied. Any remaining allegations are
denied as conclusions of law. Defendant incorporates this averment to each and every paragraph of
this Answer as if set forth therein at length.
28. Denied. The corresponding allegations are denied because Plaintiff fails to identify
"at the aforesaid time and place", "exit passageway" and " property" with sufficient specificity.
It is further denied that any portion of 419 East High Street was designed and/or maintained in a
negligent, careless or defective manner or that the actions or omissions of Defendant was the
proximate cause of Plaintiffs alleged damages. To the contrary, Defendants acted in a reasonable
manner under the circumstances. Any remaining allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
29. Denied. The corresponding allegations are denied because Plaintiff fails to identify
"exit passageway" with sufficient specificity. It is further denied that any portion of 416 East High
-6-
Street was designed and/or maintained in a negligent, careless, reckless or defective manner or that
the actions or omissions of Defendant was the proximate cause of Plaintiffs alleged damages. To
the contrary, Defendant acted in a reasonable manner under the circumstances. After reasonable
investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth of the remaining factual allegations and, accordingly, all such factual allegations are denied.
Any remaining allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
30. Denied. The corresponding allegations are denied because Plaintiff fails to identify
"exit passage" with sufficient specificity. It is further denied that the Defendant was negligent,
careless or reckless or that the actions or omissions of Defendant was the proximate cause of
Plaintiffs alleged damages. To the contrary Defendant acted in a reasonable manner under the
circumstances. Any remaining allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
31. Denied. It is denied that the Defendants were negligent, careless or reckless or that
the actions or omissions of Defendant was the proximate cause of Plaintiffs alleged damages. To
the contrary, Defendant acted in a reasonable manner under the circumstances. After reasonable
investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth of the remaining allegations and, accordingly, all such allegations are denied. Any remaining
allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
32. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and, accordingly, all such
allegations are denied.
33. Denied. It is denied that the Defendant was negligent, careless or reckless or that the
actions or omissions of Defendant was the proximate cause of Plaintiffs alleged damages. To the
contrary, Defendants acted in a reasonable manner under the circumstances. After reasonable
-7-
investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth of the remaining allegations and, accordingly, all such allegations are denied. Any remaining
allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
34. Denied. It is denied that the Defendant was negligent, careless or reckless or that the
actions or omissions of Defendant was the proximate cause of Plaintiffs alleged damages. To the
contrary, Defendants acted in a reasonable manner under the circumstances. After reasonable
investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth of the remaining allegations and, accordingly, all such allegations are denied. Any remaining
allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
35. Denied. It is denied that the Defendant was negligent, careless or reckless or that the
actions or omissions of Defendant was the proximate cause of Plaintiffs alleged damages. To the
contrary, Defendants acted in a reasonable manner under the circumstances. After reasonable
investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth of the remaining allegations and, accordingly, all such allegations are denied. Any remaining
allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
36. Denied. It is denied that the Defendant was negligent, careless or reckless or that the
actions or omissions of Defendant was the proximate cause of Plaintiffs alleged damages. To the
contrary, Defendants acted in a reasonable manner under the circumstances. After reasonable
investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth of the remaining allegations and, accordingly, all such allegations are denied. Any remaining
allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Robert L. Slagle respectfully requests that this Honorable Court
enter Judgment in favor of Defendant and against Plaintiff.
-8-
37. Plaintiff has failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
38. Plaintiffs claims are barred by the statute of limitations.
39. Recovery is barred because Plaintiff assumed the risk of the occurrence of the
incident and the injuries or damages alleged.
40. Claims are bared in whole or in part by the contributory or comparative negligence
of Plaintiff or that of her agents.
41. The alleged injuries and damages were the result of the actions and omissions of
Plaintiff and/or persons other than Defendant.
42. Plaintiffs claims against Defendant are barred because Defendant was a landlord out
of possession.
43. Plaintiff has failed to mitigate her damages.
44. Defendant asserts all of the defenses, limitations and provisions of the lease between
Defendant and Line's Office Supply executed on January 3, 1993 relative to 419 E. High Street,
Carlisle, Pennsylvania and avers that the remedies of Plaintiff and co-Defendant as against
Defendant are limited exclusively thereto and therefore the present action is barred.
45. Plaintiffs injuries and/or damages, if any, were caused by the intervening
wrongdoing of others over which the Defendant had no control and for which this Defendant was
not responsible.
46. Damages alleged by Plaintiff are not recoverable under the applicable law.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Robert L. Slagle, respectfully requests that this Honorable Court
enter Judgment in favor of Defendant and against Plaintiff.
-9-
47. Defendant incorporates by reference paragraphs I through 46 of its Answer and New
Matter as if set forth at length herein.
48. If the injuries or damages were suffered by Plaintiff as alleged, the same were not
caused by Defendant, but a cause thereof would be the acts, omissions, breach of contract,
negligence, carelessness, recklessness, or liability producing conduct of Melvin L. Line and Enid
Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies.
49. Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies, is liable to Plaintiff or
is jointly and/or severely liable with Defendant or is liable or to Defendant for any monies required
to be paid by Defendant.
WHEREFORE, Defendant demands judgment against Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a
Line's Office Supplies for breach of contract, contribution and indemnity as well as for attorneys
fees, costs, interest or other expenses and such other relief as this Honorable Court may deem
appropriate.
Date: February / 000
-10-
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
Attorneys for Defendant
cent ny: Liuniai rata a u; 1111e4lulle; Jan-IV-uu /:4UAM; Page 2/2
Y RMCAIM
I. Robert L. Slagle, do hereby swear and affinn that the facts and matters set forth in the Answer
and New Matter Pursuant to 2252(d) arc true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information
and belief. The undersigned understands that the statements made therein are made subject to the
penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. §4904 relating to unsw,
DATE: /-7-00
7614 t0 2000 06:57 17172416772 PAGE. 02
I, John W. Domberger, Esq., of the law offices of Post & Schell, P.C., do hereby certify that on the date
listed below, I did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing document upon the following person(s) at the
following address(es) by sending same in the United States mail, first-class, postage prepaid:
Andrew Dowling, Esquire
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
3401 North Front Street
P. 0. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-5950
Melvin L. Line
Enid Line
Line's Office Supplies
419 E. High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Dated: February / , 2000
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Karen S. Coates, Esquire
Attorney I.D. # 52654
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP
305 North Front Street
P. O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
(717) 237-7121
Attorneys for Defendants Line and Line's Office Supplies
CHARLOTTE CROW,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA.
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID LINE,
t/d/b/a LINE'S OFFICE SUPPLIES,
and ROBERT SLAGLE,
NO. 99-3988
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
47. Defendants Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies
incorporate by reference Paragraphs 1 through 53 of their Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint with
New Matter and Crossclaims as if set forth at length.
48. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 48 constitute legal conclusions to which no
response is required. By way of further answer, it is specifically denied that Plaintiffs injuries
and/or damages were caused by any acts, omissions, breaches of contract, negligence,
carelessness, recklessness or any conduct on the part of Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a
Line's Office Supplies and proof is demanded.
49. Denied. The averments of Paragraph 49 constitute legal conclusions to which no
response is required. By way of further answer, it is specifically denied that Defendants Melvin
L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies are liable to the Plaintiff or are jointly and/or
severally liable with Defendant Robert Slagle or are liable over to Defendant Robert Slagle for
any monies required to be paid by Defendant Robert Slagle and proof is demanded.
WHEREFORE, Defendants Melvin L. Line and Enid Line, t/d/b/a Line's Office Supplies
demand judgment in their favor and against Defendant Robert Slagle with respect to his claim
for breach of contract, contribution and indemnity, as well as for attorneys' fees, costs, interest
or other expenses.
Respectfully submitted,
& HAFER, LLP
,Caren S. Cdateg, ui
Attorney I.D. # 52654
305 North Front Street
P. O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
(717) 237-7121
Date: February 17, 2000 Attorneys for Defendants Melvin L. Line, Enid Line
and Line's Office Supplies
2
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I do hereby certify that on this day I served a true and correct copy of the
foregoing document by first class mail, postage pre-paid, addressed to the following:
John W. Dornberger, Esquire
Post & Schell, P.C.
240 Grandview Avenue
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Matte, Evans & Woodside
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17011
Date: February 17, 2000
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POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: AMY L. CORYER
I.D. # 82718
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717)731-1970
CHARLOTTE CROW
Plaintiff,
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID
LINE, t/d/b/a LINE'S
SUPPLIES and ROBERT L.
SLAGLE
Dclendnnln.
A'T'TORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
ROBERT L. SLAGLE
INTHE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUM 13ERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 99-3988
CIVIL AC'T'ION -LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ENIKY (pl U'1'1?AItANC'1.
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter my appearance on behalI'll I' Defendant, Robert L. Slagle, in connection with
the above-captioned matter.
Rcspwtrully submitted,
DATE: 9// `i /O U_
POS'r &. SCHELL, P.C.
AMY L. DRYER, SQUIRE
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Jenny L. Colledge, an employee of the law offices of Post & Schell, P.C., do hereby certify that on
the date listed below, I did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing document upon the following
person(s) at the following address(es) by sending same in the United States mail, first-class, postage prepaid:
Andrew Dowling, Esquire
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-5950
Karen S. Coates, Esquire
Thomas Thomas & Hafer
305 N. Front Street
PO Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108
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DATE: ?W-(57J a
JENNY L. LLEDGE 14,
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POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: AMY L. CORYER
I.D. # 82718
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
CHARLOTTE CROW
Plaintiff,
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID
LINE, t/d/b/a LINE'S
SUPPLIES and ROBERT L.
SLAGLE
Defendants
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
ROBERT L. SLAGLE
? ?CQ
NO V
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 99-3988
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ORDER
AND NOW, TO WIT, this day of 2000, upon consideration
of the Motion of Defendant, Robert L. Slagle, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendant's Motion
is GRANTED. Plaintiff, Charlotte Crow, is to provide full and complete responses to the
outstanding Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents or be precluded from
introducing testimony, including expert witness testimony, at trial regarding same. Plaintiff is to
produce said discovery responses within twenty (20) days of the date of this order or suffer the
possibility of sanctions, upon further motion by Moving Defendant.
BY THE COURT,
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: AMY L. CORYER
I.D. # 82718
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
CHARLOTTE CROW
Plaintiff,
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID
LINE, t/d/b/a LINE'S
SUPPLIES and ROBERT L.
SLAGLE
Defendants.
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
ROBERT L.SLAGLE
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 99-3988
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
RULE. TO SHOW CAUSE
AND NOW, this ? day of v - , 2000, a Rule is issued upon Plaintiff
to show cause why Moving Defendant Robert L. Slagle's Motion to Compel Plaintiff's Responses
to Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents should not be granted.
Rule returnable o2 D days after service.
BY THE COUR
Lp. q O:t.a
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POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: AMY L. CORYER
I.D. # 82718
240GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
CHARLOTTE CROW
Plaintiff,
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID
LINE, t/d/b/a LINE'S
SUPPLIES and ROBERT L.
SLAGLE
Defendants.
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
ROBERT L. SLAGLE
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 99-3988
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANT ROBERT L. SLAGLE'S MOTION TO COMPEL
ANSWERS TO INTERROGATORIES AND REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION OF
DOCUMENTS DIRECTED TO PLAINTIFF CHARLOTTE CROW
AND NOW, comes Defendant, Robert L. Slagle, by and through his attorney, POST &
SCHELL, P.C., and for his Motion to Compel Plaintiff to file responses to Interrogatories and
Request for Production of Documents, states as follows:
1. Plaintiff filed the instant negligence action on or about June 29, 1999.
2. On February 11, 2000, Moving Defendant served Plaintiff with Interrogatories and
a Request for Production of Documents in accordance with Pa. R.C.P. 4005 and Pa. R.C.P. 4009.11.
(See Exhibit "A").
3. Due to objections made by Plaintiffs counsel regarding the number of Interrogatories,
revised Interrogatories were served upon Plaintiff by Moving Defendant on March 3, 2000. (See
Exhibit "B").
4. Plaintiff failed to respond in any fashion to Moving Defendant's discovery requests
within thirty (30) days.
5. On or about September 19, 2000, Moving Defendant forwarded a letter to Plaintiffs
counsel requesting responses to Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents. (See
Exhibit "C").
6. After not receiving the responses from the Plaintiff, the Moving Defendant, on or
about October 18, 2000, forwarded a letter requesting responses to Interrogatories and Request for
Production of Documents within ten (10) days. (See Exhibit "D").
7. On October 31, 2000, Plaintiffs counsel contacted Moving Defendant's counsel and
asked for an extension through the end of the week, November 10, 2000, to provide the Plaintiffs
responses to Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents.
8. On November 1, 2000, counsel for Moving Defendant forwarded a letter to Plaintiffs
counsel memorializing their October 31, 2000, telephone conversation and advising Plaintiffs
counsel that a Motion to Compel would be filed if the responses to Moving Defendant's discovery
responses were not provided by November 10, 2000.
9. Plaintiff did not provide her responses to Interrogatories and Request for Production
of Documents by November 10, 2000.
10. To date, the Plaintiff still has not provided her responses to Interrogatories and
Request for Production of Documents.
11. Pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 4006(a)(2), the answering party shall serve a copy of answers
and objections, if any, within thirty (30) days after the service of the interrogatories in question.
12. As Plaintiff has failed to respond in accordance with the civil procedure rules, it is
respectfully requested that this Court issue an order directing the Plaintiff to provide full and
complete answers to outstanding discovery or be precluded from introducing testimony at trial
regarding the same.
13. Moving Defendant is prejudiced by Plaintiff's refusal to provide discovery
information as it has been precluded from ascertaining the nature of the Plaintiffs claims and/or
injuries or gaining the necessary investigative materials to further the course of the instant litigation.
WHEREFORE, it is respectfully requested that this Court issue an order directing Plaintiff
to file answers to outstanding discovery or be precluded from offering testimony, including expert
witness testimony, regarding the same.
Respectfully submitted,
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
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AMY L. CORYER" ESQUIRE
Attorney for Moving Defendant
Robert L. Slagle
Dated: 11 ? 17 /OU
AMY L. CORYER, ESQUIRE, states that she is the attorney for the party serving the
foregoing document; that she makes this affidavit as an attorney because she has sufficient
knowledge or information and belief, based upon her investigation of the matters averred or denied
in the foregoing document; that time is of the essence in the filing of this document; and that this
statement is made subject to the penalties of Pa. C.S. §4904, relating to unswom falsification to
authorities.
(l nti?le
AMY L.CORY , ESQUIRE
DATE: 11) 17 LX)
Exhibit A
I BOO JOHN F KENNEDY BLVD ADAMS PLACE SURE
PHILADELPHIA. PA 10 103 7480 701 WHITE HORSE ROAD
C21 VOORHEES. NJ 08043
FAX 121 51 587 1A44 15561 627 8000
FAX 185616274451
February 11, 2000
Andrew Dowling, Esquire
Mette, Evans & Woodside
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17011
RE: Crow v. Line's Office Products and Slagle
Dear Mr. Dowling:
THE BERKSHIRE - SUM 205
SOI WASHINGTON STREET
READING, PA 10603
18' 01 373.2256
FAX. 61 OI 375.2253
SHANRY SEMANS
171912-6011
0
SS[rAx[fyvwl9cr?ttL.cou
Enclosed please find Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents directed to
Plaintiff from Defendant Slagle.
Kindly respond in the time provided pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
Very truly yours,
Sharry Semans
Paralegal
POST & SCHELL, P.C
ATrORNEYS AT LAW
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 1701 1
O I T 73 1. 1 970
FACSIMILE 171 71 73 I - 1 985
1245 5 CEDAR CREST BOULEVARD 1857 WIWAM PENN WAY
O OURS 500 P O. BOX 10248
p ALLENTOWN, PA 18103 LANCASTER. PA 176050248
61014330193 171 71 2014532
FGX (810$4333972 J
FAX. 1717)201 1500
SDS/mys
Enclosure
cc: Karen Coates, Esquire
Exhibit B
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Exhibit C
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
240 GRANOVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 1 701 1
(717) 731.1970
FACSIMILE'. 17 1 71 731 1985
I BOO JOHN F. KENNEDY BLVD. ADAMS PLACE - SUITE 3 1 245 3. CEDAR CREST BOULEVARD 1857 WILLIAM PENN WAY THE BERKSHIRE - SUITE 205
PHILADELPHIA. PA 191007480 701 WHITE HORSE ROAD SUITE 300 P.O. BOX 10248 501 WASHINGTON STTIEET
12 15) 587- 1 OCO VOORHEES, NJ 015043 ALLENTOWN, PA 1 B 103 LANCASTER. PA 178050248 READING. PA 19603
FAX: 12 15) 587.1444 (8561 627 0900 15101 4330193 (717) 291 4532 10101375.2258
FAX 155516274451 FAX 15 101 433 3972 FAX. (7t71291 1609 FAX'. 101013752253
AMY L. CORYER
(717) 01 2.6038
September 19, 2000 A`PK"AOP41111x"F.1C..
FILE NO. 8 26/8 5 590
Andrew H. Dowling, Esq.
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
3401 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
RE: Crow v. Slagle, et al.
Dear Mr. Dowling
Please be advised that I have assumed handling of this case and any future correspondence
should be sent to my attention. I have filed an Entry of Appearance on today's date.
Upon reviewing the file, I noted that my predecessor had forwarded Interrogatories and a
Request for Production of Documents to be answered and verified by your client on February 11,
2000. Upon your filing of an objection to the number of Interrogatories, the Interrogatories were
revised and the revisions sent to you on March 3, 2000. 1 do not see where your client's responses
were ever provided. Please forward your client's verified responses to our discovery requests as
soon as possible. Once received, we will schedule the deposition of Ms. Crow.
Also, I am quite confident your client had health insurance coverage available to cover her
medical bills. Please forward documentation of the amount of the health care lien.
Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. Thank you.
Very truly yours,
Amy L. Coryer
ALC/
Exhibit D
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
ATTORNEYS AT LAw
240 GRAN/1VIEw AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 1 70 1 1
17 1 71 73 1-1070
FAC51MU.E (717) 731 - 1985
11100 JOHN F. KENNEDY BLVD. ADAMS PLACE - SUITE J 1 245 5. CEDAR CREST BOULEVARD 1857 WILLIAM PENN WAY THE BERKSHIRE - SURE 205
PHILADELPHIA. PA IQ 103 7480 701 WHITE HORSE ROAD SUITE 300 P.O BOX 10248 501 WASHINGTON STREET
121515871000 VOORHEES. NJ 08043 ALLENTOWN. PA 10103 LANCASTER, PA 175050248 READING, PA 10503
FAR. 12151 B87-1444 48561 627 80M 18101433 OIOJ (7 171291 4532 151015752258
FAX IB5516274451 FAX'. 151014333072 FAX 17171201.1500 FAX 151013752203
AMY L. CORYER
17 1 71 e 1 2-eO38
October 18, 2000 A`°"'`"®P4•'SC"X" R°"
FILE NO. e2e/85590
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
3401 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
RE: Crow v. Slagle, et al.
Dear Mr. Dowling:
I trust you were advised that we will keep our $10,000 offer open for an additional period of
time. The offer, however, should be considered formally withdrawn if not accepted on or before
October 31, 2000.
Please forward answers to Interrogatories and Request for Production within ten (10) days
in order to obviate the filing of a Motion to Compel. I look forward to receiving Ms. Crow's
responses by October 30, 2000.
If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the above number.
Very truly yours,
Amy L. Coryer
ALC/
Exhibit E
POST & SCHELL, RC.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 1 70 1 1
17171731 1070
FAC51M11-C. (717) 7O 1 - 1085
I BOO JOHN F. KENNEDY BLVD. ADAMS PLACE - SUITE 3 1245 5 CEDAR CREST BOULEVARU 1057 WILLIAM PENN WAY THE BERKSHIRE - SURE 205
PHILADELPHIA. PA IQ 103.7480 701 WHITE HORSE ROAD SURE BOO P.O. BOX 10248 501 WASHINGTON STREET
121515871000 VOORHEES, NJ 00043 ALLENTOWN, PA 10103 LANCASTER. PA 170050248 READING, PA 10003
FAX: 12151 5871444 IB 501 5278000 10101 433.0103 171 71 201 4532 10101 3752255
FAX: 185010274451 FAX 101014333072 FAX (717)201 1000 FAX'. 10 1 0) 375 2253
AMY L. CORTER
(717) 612-a038
November I, 2000 ACP„"^
FILE NO. 62 0/8 5 500
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
3401 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
RE: Crow v. Slagle, et al.
Dear Mr. Dowling:
This letter is to confirm our telephone conversation on October 31, 2000. You indicated that
you are discussing settlement with the Co-Defendant in this case. We also talked about the
possibility of obtaining a Joint Tortfeasor Release in exchange for my client's offer of $10,000. I
have enclosed a proposed Joint Tortfeasor Release should your client accept this offer.
My client has authorized me to keep our $10,000 offer on the table only through November
10, 2000. He will not authorize me to extend the offer beyond this date. Also, he informed me that
I should file a Motion to Compel your client's responses to Interrogatories and Request for
Production of Documents if the responses are not received by November 10, 2000. Again, I will
have no choice but to proceed with a Motion to Compel if the responses are not received by that date.
Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. Thank you.
Very truly yours,
Amy L. Coryer
ALC/
Enclosure
I, Kelley A. Spangler., of the law offices of Post & Schell, P.C., do hereby certify that on the date listed
below, I did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing document upon the following person(s) at the
following address(es) by sending same in the United States mail, first-class, postage prepaid:
Andrew Dowling, Esquire
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-5950
Karen S. Coates, Esquire
Thomas Thomas & Hafer
305 N. Front Street
PO Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108
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DATE: -7 -QQ Kelley A. Sp ngler t
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POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: AMY L. CORYER
I.D. # 82718
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
CHARLOTTE CROW
Plaintiff,
V.
MELVIN L. LINE and ENID
LINE, t/d/b/a LINE'S
SUPPLIES and ROBERT L.
SLAGLE
Defendants.
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
ROBERT L. SLAGLE
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 99-3988
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE FQH DISCONTINUANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
PLEASE mark the above-captioned matter ended, settled and discontinued.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew Dowling, Esq.
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF
DATE:
1, Kelley A. Spangler, an employee of the law offices of Post & Schell, P.C., do hereby certify that on
the date listed below, I did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing document upon the following
person(s) at the following address(es) by sending same in the United States mail, first-class, postage prepaid:
Andrew Dowling, Esquire
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-5950
Karen S. Coates, Esquire
Thomas Thomas & Hafer
305 N. Front Street
PO Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108
X LL' I G.
I-J bG) Kelley A. Sp gler
DATE: L
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