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\\MAINSERVER\PUBLIC\rogcr\litigation\Hoffmpn Summons.doc 07/;2/99
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN, CIVIL ACTION-LAW
Plaintiff
vs. NO. 99- yy`
CIVIL TERM
MANOR CARE, INC., doing
Business as MANOR CARE
HEALTH SERVICES, JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendant
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA:
SIR: PLEASE ISSUE WRIT OF SUMMONS IN THE ABOVE-
CAPTIONED CIVIL ACTION.
Date: July 22, 1999
Roger M. M ro genthal, Esquire
ID# 17143
FISHMAN & MORGENTHAL
95 Alexander Spring Road #3
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-6333
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Address of Defendant:
940 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle, PA 17013
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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Cumberland
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN
V&
MANOR CARE, INC. DOING BUSINESS
AS MANOR CARE HEALTH SERVICES
940 WALNUT BOTTOM ROAD
CARLISLE, PA 17013
Court of Common Pleas
No. ______ 99-4445_CIVIL______-_--_ ly__--
ht ___ CIVIL ACTION LAW
ToMANOR CARE_INC doing__t??2d119S.S__a5 MANOR CARE HEALTH SERVICES,
You are hereby notified that
-------------------------------------- if3ALAH_-E.._1iQEFMAN-----------------------------------
the Plaintiff haS commenced an action in ___--___.__ CIVIL_ ACTION LAW
against you which you are required to defend or a default judgment may be entered against you.
(SEAL)
RIK
- --------------------
P thon
Date _ --------------------- 19-99 By XUJ-1-1-
--------------
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SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 1999-04445 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
HOFFMAN BEULAH E
VS.
MANOR CARE INC ET AL
RICHARD SMITH , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
CUMBERLAND County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according
to law, says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS was served
upon _MANOR CARE INC D/B/A MANOR CARE HEALTH SERVICES the
defendant, at 15:35 HOURS, on the 26th day of July
1999 at 940 WALNUT BOTTOM ROAD
CARLISLE, PA 17013 CUMBERLAND
County, Pennsylvania, by handing to ROBERT MCQUILLAN (ADMIN)
a true and attested copy of the WRIT OF SUMMONS
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
So answe
18.00
3.00 000
8.00 omas ine, eri
07%27 199
by
Sworn and subscribed to before me
this _,17 day o
19A. D.
» (/ DD., per"'
A:\Hoflinan Notice to delend.doc 11/10/99
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN,
Plaintiff
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
vs.
MANOR CARE, INC., doing
Business as MANOR CARE
HEALTH SERVICES,
Defendant
NO. 99- 4445 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL OF TWELVE
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 riling in writing with the
court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail
to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the court
without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief
requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT
HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, CO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET
FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN CET LEGAL HELP.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
2 LIBERTY AVENUE
CARLISLE, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
oger M. Morgemh I, Esquire
Attorney IDk 17143
FISFIMAN $ MORGENTHAL
Attorneys for plaintiff
95 Alexander Spring Rd.. Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717)249-6333
C:\My Documents\Litigation\I-Iof roan Complaint.doc
.11/10/99
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN, CIVIL ACTION-LAW
Plaintiff
vs.
NO. 99- 4445 CIVIL TERM
MANOR CARE, INC., doing
Business as MANOR CARE
HEALTH SERVICES, JURY TRIAL OF TWELVE
Defendant DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
And now comes Beulah E. Hoffman, Plaintiff in the above matter, and states the
following cause of action:
I . Plaintiff is Beulah E. Hoffman, an adult individual residing at 1712
Newville Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. Defendant Manor Care, Inc., doing business as Manor Care Health
Services, is a corporation doing business under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with its principal place of business at
940 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
3. On July 28, 1997, Plaintiff's husband, Leroy D. Hoffman, now deceased,
was a resident at Defendant's facility at 940 Walnut Bottom Road,
Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
4. On that date, at approximately 3:00 P.M., prevailing time. Plaintiff arrived
at Defendant's facility at 940 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle, Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania (hereinafter "the home") to visit her husband
5. After leaving her vehicle in the parking lot of the home, Plaintiff walked
to the main entrance of the home, carrying her purse and some laundry
that she had done for her husband.
C:\My Documents\t.itigation\llotltuan Contplaint.doc
-11/10/99
6. At all times relevant to this claim, the door at the main entrance of the
home was a large, heavy automatic door that was operated by pushing a
"push plate" from the outside, and from the inside either by a push plate or
by manually opening the door.
The business premises of the Defendant, including the main entrance area
and the said door, were open to and used by the general public including
Plaintiff, at all times relevant hereto.
8. The Plaintiff was a business invitee of the Defendant at all times relevant
hereto.
9. As the Plaintiff approached the said door from the outside, with her left
arm outstretched to touch the outer push plate to open the door so that she
could enter the home, an employee of Defendant whose name is not
known to Plaintiff pressed the interior push plate in order to open the door
to exit the hone.
10. When the interior pressure plate was pushed by said unknown employee,
the door swung open with great force, striking the Plaintiff on the left arm
and knocking her to the ground, causing her to sustain the serious personal
injuries hereinafter set forth.
11. The unknown employee of the Defendant, after seeing the injuries caused
to Plaintiff, was apologetic and remorseful, explaining that she could not
see the Plaintiff approaching the door from the outside because of where
the interior push plate was located.
12. Based on the remarks of the unknown employee and other unknown
persons at the scene, Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that had the said
door been opened manually, rather than with the push plate, the said
employee would have been able to see through a window at the door and
have avoided the accident entirely.
13. The aforesaid accident and the injuries resulting to the Plaintiff occurred
solely as a result of the negligence, carelessness and recklessness of
Defendant, which was in exclusive control of the said door and the main
entrance to the home, which said negligence, carelessness and
recklessness consisted of the following:
A. Failing to design and engineer the main entrance to the
home and the said automatic door so that said door
functioned in a proper and safe manner;
C:\My Documents\Litigation\lloll'mmn Complaint.duc
.11/10/99
B. Failing to recognize and correct the obvious hazard created
by the placement of the interior push plate, which could not
be operated from a position where persons approaching the
door from the outside could be seen and protected;
C. Failing to detect and appreciate the foreseeability of harm
to persons approaching the said door caused by its opening;
D. Failing to warn Plaintiff of the likelihood that she could be
struck by the opening door;
Failing to make changes to the design and/or operation of
the automatic door and main entrance to assure that persons
attempting to enter the home would not be struck by the
opening door;
F. Failing to use additional windows or a closed-circuit video
camera to enable persons inside the home to see anyone
approaching the main entrance before the automatic door
was opened by using the interior push plate;
G. Failing to provide other adequate safeguards to prevent the
injury to the Plaintiff,
H. Failing to instruct its employees about the danger to others
caused by opening the door using the interior push plate
and requiring its employees to open the said door manually;
and
Being otherwise negligent, careless and reckless under the
circumstances.
14. By reason of the above said accident, Plaintiff sustained injuries to her left
arm and body, including but not limited to a broken left wrist and
abrasions and bruises over her entire body.
15. By reason of the said injuries, Plaintiff has incurred and will continue to
incur various expenses for physicians, therapists and other medical care
providers in an effort to treat and cure herself of the said injuries.
C:\My Documents\Litigation\1loffman Complaint.doe
.11/10/99
16. By reason of the said injuries, Plaintiff has also sustained great pain,
suffering, anguish, shock, and injury to her nerves and nervous system,
and site will continue to suffer the same in the future.
17. By reason of the said injuries, Plaintiff was permanently deprived of her
former active lifestyle, in that she was rendered unable to drive a motor
vehicle, take care of her home and do other normal activities of daily
living without assistance.
18. By reason of the said injuries. Plaintiff was required to depend upon
ramily members and friends for transportation, hired persons for assistance
at home, and was required to pay for meals to be delivered to her because
she could no longer cook for herself.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demandsjudgment against Defendant Manor
Care, Inc., doing business as Manor Care Health Services for unliquidated
damages in an amount in excess of the limit for compulsory arbitration in
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, together with interest and costs of suit.
Roger M. Morg nthal, Esquire
Attorney ID#! 17143
FISHMAN & MORGENTHAL
95 Alexander Spring Rd.. Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorneys for Plaintiff
A;\Moore Verilication.doc
11/10./99
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN,
Plaintiff
VS.
MANOR CARE, INC., doing
Business as MANOR CARE
HEALTH SERVICES,
Defendant
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
NO. 99- 4445 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL OF TWELVE
DEMANDED
VERIFICATION
I, BEULAH E. HOFFMAN, verify that I am the plaintiff in this action
and that the Complaint as filed is true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements herein
are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. j 4904 relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
BEULAH E. FMAN
Date: ! 0 `? ? _
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McKISSOCK & HOFFMAN, P.C.
BY: William J. Mundy
Identification No. 57679
1700 Market Street, Suite 3000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 246-2100
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN
VS.
Attorney for Defendant
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NO. 99-4445 CIVIL TERM
MANOR CARE, INC., doing Business:
as MANOR CARE HEALTH SERVICES
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
AND
DEMAND FOR JURY OF TWELVE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter my appearance as attorney for Defendant
Manor Care, Inc., doing business as Manor Care Health Services in
the above matter.
The Defendant Manor Care, Inc., doing business as Manor
Care Health Services here by demands a jury of twelve (12) jurors
in the above-captioned case.
McKISSSSOOCK & HOFFMAN, P.C.
BY:
William J. Mundy
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McKISSOCK & HOFFMAN, P.C.
BY: William J. Mundy
Identification No. 57679
BY: Brandon R. Wind
Identification No. 78229
1700 Market Street, Suite 3000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 246-2100
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN
Vs.
MANOR CARE, INC., d/b/a MANOR CARE
HEALTH SERVICES
ORDER
AND NOW, to wit this day of
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 99-4445
2000, it is hereby ORDERED,
ADJUDGED and DECREED that defendants, Manor Care, Inc., d/b/a Manor Care Health
Services' Preliminary Objections are SUSTAINED and:
1. Subparagraphs (g) and (i), of Paragraph 13 of Plaintiff's Complaint are
STRICKEN; in the alternative, Plaintiff is hereby directed to provide a more specific pleading
in support of his claims of negligence;
2. All allegations of recklessness are STRICKEN.
BY THE COURT:
Attorney for Defendant,
MANOR CARE, INC.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
J.
McKISSOCK & HOFFMAN, P.C.
BY: William J. Mundy
Identification No. 57679
BY: Brandon R. Wind
Identification No. 78229
1700 Market Street, Suite 3000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 246-2100
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN
VS.
MANOR CARE, INC., d/b/a MANOR CARE
HEALTH SERVICES
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 99-4445
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS OF DEFENDANT, MANOR CARE HEALTH
SERVICES TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
Defendant, Manor Care Health Services, (hereinafter "Manor Care"), by and through its
counsel, McKissock & Hoffman, P.C., hereby files these Preliminary Objections to Plaintiff's
Complaint and, in support thereof, avers as follows:
1. The present civil action was commenced by the filing of a Complaint in the Court
of Common Pleas of Cumberland County on or about November 10, 1999. A true and correct
copy of said Complaint is attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
2. According to the Complaint, Beulah E. Hoffman, had been visiting a patient of
Defendant Manor Care's nursing home on July 28, 1997, during which time she was allegedly
Attorney for Defendant,
MANOR CARE, INC.
struck by an electric door being opened by an employee of the facility.
I. Motion to Strike for Lack of Specificity
3. Rule 1028(a)(2) permits the filing of preliminary objections in the nature of a
motion to strike a pleading because of lack of conformity to law or rule of court.
4. Rule 1019(a) requires the material facts upon which a cause of action is based to
be stated in a concise and summary form.
5. Pennsylvania law requires a plaintiff to plead sufficient facts to give a defendant
notice of what the plaintiff's claim is and to adequately inform the defendant of the relevant
issues.
6. Subparagraphs (g) and (i) of Paragraph 13 of Plaintiff's Complaint aver that
Defendant Manor Care was negligent as follows:
13. (g) Failing to provide other adequate safeguards to prevent the injury
to the Plaintiff;
(i) Being otherwise negligent, careless, and reckless under the circumstances.
7. Such boilerplate averments fail to contain the requisite specificity.
8. Vague allegations of negligence afford Plaintiff with the opportunity to introduce
new theories of recovery at any time prior to the commencement of trial and after the expiration
of the statute of limitations. See, Connor v. Allegheny Hospital. 501 Pa. 306, 461 A.2d 600
(1983).
9. Defendant is prejudiced because it does not know what specific acts constitute the
alleged negligence of which Plaintiff complains as alluded to in the broad language of the above-
cited subparagraphs. Defendant is, therefore, unable to prepare a proper defense to such
nonfactual allegations and cannot sufficiently answer Plaintiff's allegations in these paragraphs.
2
WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests this Honorable Court to strike
subparagraphs (g) and (i) of Paragraph 13 of Plaintiff's Complaint or, in the alternative, direct
Plaintiff to provide a more specific pleading.
II. MOTION TO STRIKE ALLEGATIONS OF RECKLESSNESS.
10. Throughout the Complaint, plaintiff alleges that defendants acted in a "reckless"
manner.
11. However, the Complaint fails to set forth any factual averments required under
the law to support such a claim.
12. Absent factual allegations which support a claim of reckless indifference to the
rights of others, plaintiff cannot, as a matter of law, sustain such a claim or a claim for
exemplary damages. Chambers v. Montgomery, 411 Pa. 339, 192 A.2d 355 (1963); Feld v.
Merriam, 506 Pa. 383, 485 A.2d 742 (1984).
WHEREFORE, defendant, Manor Care, respectfully requests this Honorable Court to
grant their Preliminary Objections and enter the attached Order.
McKISSOCK & HOFFMAN, P.C.
BY:
William J. Mundy
Brandon R. Wind
Attorney for Defendant Manor Care
3
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PAroger\litigation\Hoffman Notice to defend.doc 01/17/00
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN,
Plaintiff
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
vs.
NO. 99- 4445 CIVIL TERM
MANOR CARE, INC., doing
Business as MANOR CARE
HEALTH SERVICES,
Defendant
JURY TRIAL OF TWELVE
DEMANDED
NOTICE
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the
following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this complaint and notice are
served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the
court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail
to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the court
without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief
requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT
HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET
FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
2 LIBERTY AVENUE
CARLISLE, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
7
'Roger M. Morgenth I, Esquire
Attorney ID# 17143
FISHMAN & MORGENTHAL
Attorneys for Plaintiff
95 Alexander Spring Rd., Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-6333
\\MAINSERVER\PUBLIC\roger\litigation\Hoffntan AMENDED Complaint.doc 01/17/00
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN,
Plaintiff
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
VS.
MANOR CARE, INC., doing
Business as MANOR CARE
HEALTH SERVICES,
Defendant
NO. 99- 4445 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL OF TWELVE
DEMANDED
AMENDED COMPLAINT
And now comes Beulah E. Hoffman, Plaintiff in the above matter, and states the
following cause of action:
1. Plaintiff is Beulah E. Hoffman, an adult individual residing at 1712
Newville Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. Defendant Manor Care, Inc., doing business as Manor Care Health
Services, is a corporation doing business under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with its principal place of business at
940 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
3. On July 28, 1997, Plaintiffs husband, Leroy D. Hoffman, now deceased,
was a resident at Defendant's facility at 940 Walnut Bottom Road,
Carlisle, Cumberland County. Pennsylvania.
4. On that date, at approximately 3:00 P.M., prevailing time, Plaintiff arrived
at Defendant's facility, at 940 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle, Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania (hereinafter "the home") to visit her husband
After leaving her vehicle in the parking lot of the home, Plaintiff walked
to the main entrance of the home, carrying her purse and some laundry
that she had done f'or her husband.
\\MAINSERVER\PUBLIC\roger\litigation\Hoffman AMENDED Complaint.doc 01/17/00
6. At all times relevant to this claim, the door at the main entrance of the
home was a large, heavy automatic door that was operated by pushing a
"push plate" from the outside, and from the inside either by a push plate or
by manually opening the door.
The business premises of the Defendant, including the main entrance area
and the said door, were open to and used by the general public including
Plaintiff, at all times relevant hereto.
8. The Plaintiff was a business invitee of the Defendant at all times relevant
hereto.
9. As the Plaintiff approached the said door from the outside, with her left
arm outstretched to touch the outer push plate to open the door so that she
could enter the home, an employee of Defendant whose name is not
known to Plaintiff pressed the interior push plate in order to open the door
to exit the home.
10. When the interior pressure plate was pushed by said unknown employee,
the door swung open with great force, striking the Plaintiff on the left arm
and knocking her to the ground, causing her to sustain the serious personal
injuries hereinafter set forth.
11. The unknown employee of the Defendant, after seeing the injuries caused
to Plaintiff, was apologetic and remorseful, explaining that she could not
see the Plaintiff approaching the door from the outside because of where
the interior push plate was located.
12. Based on the remarks of the unknown employee and other unknown
persons at the scene, Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that had the said
door been opened manually, rather than with the push plate, the said
employee would have been able to see through a window at the door and
have avoided the accident entirely.
13. Tile aforesaid accident and the injuries resulting to the Plaintiff occurred
solely as a result of the negligence of Defendant, which was in exclusive
control of the said door and the main entrance to the home, which said
negligence consisted of the following:
A. Failing to design and engineer the main entrance to the
home and the said automatic door so that said door
functioned in a proper and safe manner;
\\MAJNSERVER\PUBLIC\roger\litigation\HoffmanAMENDED Complaint.doc 01/17/00
B. Failing to recognize and correct the obvious hazard created
by the placement of the interior push plate, which could not
be operated from a position where persons approaching the
door from the outside could be seen and protected;
C. Failing to detect and appreciate the foreseeability of harm
to persons approaching the said door caused by its opening;
D. Failing to warn Plaintiff of the likelihood that she could be
struck by the opening door;
E. Failing to make changes to the design and/or operation of
the automatic door and main entrance to assure that persons
attempting to enter the home would not be struck by the
opening door;
F. Failing to use additional windows or a closed-circuit video
camera to enable persons inside the home to see anyone
approaching the main entrance before the automatic door
was opened by using the interior push plate;
G. Failing to provide motion sensors or other electronic
devices to detect a person approaching the main entrance
and alert persons inside the home to that fact; or
H. Failing to instruct its employees about the danger to others
caused by opening the door using the interior push plate
and requiring its employees to open the said door manually.
14. By reason of the above said accident, Plaintiff sustained injuries to her left
arm and body, including but not limited to a broken left wrist and
abrasions and bruises over her entire body.
15. By reason of the said injuries, Plaintiff has incurred and will continue to
incur various expenses for physicians, therapists and other medical care
providers in an effort to treat and cure herself of the said injuries.
16. By reason of the said injuries, Plaintiff has also sustained great pain,
suffering, anguish, shock, and injury to her nerves and nervous system,
and she will continue to suffer the same in the future.
17. By reason of the said injuries, Plaintiff was permanently deprived of her
former active lifestyle, in that she was rendered unable to drive a motor
\\MAINSERVER\PUBLIC\roger\litigation\HoftinanAMENDED Complaint.doc 01/17/00
vehicle, take care of her home and do other normal activities of daily
living without assistance.
18. By reason of the said injuries, Plaintiff was required to depend upon
family members and friends for transportation, hired persons for assistance
at home, and was required to pay for meals to be delivered to her because
she could no longer cook for herself.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant Manor
Care, Inc., doing business as Manor Care Health Services for unliquidated
damages in an amount in excess of the limit for compulsory arbitration in
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, together with interest and costs of suit.
-714 1O7J4'tL
Roger M. Morgedthal, Esquire
Attorney ID# 17143
FISHMAN & MORGENTHAL
95 Alexander Spring Rd., Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorneys for Plaintiff
(717) 249-6333
(717) 249-7334 Fax
roger 3carlislelaw.com
\\MAINSERVER\PUBLIC\rogcr\litigation\Hoffman Veritication.doc
01/I7/00
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN,
Plaintiff
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
VS.
MANOR CARE, INC., doing
Business as MANOR CARE
HEALTH SERVICES,
Defendant
NO. 99- 4445 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL OF TWELVE
DEMANDED
VERIFICATION
I, BEULAH E. HOFFMAN, verify that I am the plaintiff in this action
and that the Amended Complaint as filed is true and correct to the best of
my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements
herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904 relating to
unswom falsification to authorities.
ZLUL? A? ?
BEULAH E. H0
Date: ^ 01GvO
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BEULAH E. HOFFMAN,
Plaintiff
V.
MANOR CARE INC.,
Defendant
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 99-4445
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
Kindly enter my appearance as co-counsel, with William Mundy, Esquire, on
behalf of Defendant, Manor Care Health Services, in the above captioned matter.
McKISSOCK & HOFFMAN, P.C.
BY:
Date: i-a8'Ob
Edwin A.D. Schwarz
Attorney I.D. No.: 75902
105 North Front Street
Suite 205
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-0103
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 Slates Mail,
first-class postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
Roger M. Morgenthal, Esquire
95 Alexander Spring Rd.
Carlisle, PA 17013
McKissock & Hoffman, P.C.
BY:
Edwin A.D. Sefiwattz, Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. No. 75902
105 North Front Street
Suite 205
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Telephone: (717) 234-0103
DATED: /- ;.18- 0 0
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BEULAH E. HOFFMAN, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA.
Plaintiff
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
VS.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
MANOR CARE INC., doing business
as MANOR CARE HEALTH SERVICES, NO. 99-4445
Defendant
DEFENDANT'S ANSWER AND NEW MATTER
TO PLAINTIFF'S AMENDED COMPLAINT
Defendant, Manor Care, inc., d/b/a Manor Care Health Services,
(hereinafter referred to as Manor Care) by and through its
attorneys, McKissock & Hoffman, P.C., responds to Plaintiff's
Amended complaint by the filing of the foregoing Answer and New
Matter, and as such, provides as follows:
1. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is
without insufficient information or knowledge to form a belief as
to the truth of the averments contained in Paragraph 1 of
Plaintiff's Amended Complaint and as such, the averments contained
in Paragraph 1 of Plaintiff's Amended Complaint are denied and
strict proof thereof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of
trial.
2. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that
Manor Care, Inc., is a Corporation "doing business" in the
Commonwealth. The remaining averments contained in Paragraph 2 of
Plaintiff's Amended Complaint are denied and strict proof thereof,
if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
3. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that on
or about July 28, 1997 an individual by the name of Leroy D.
Hoffman was a resident at Defendant's facility located at 940
Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, PA. After
reasonable investigation, Defendant is without sufficient
information or knowledge to form a belief as to the truth of the
remaining averments contained in Paragraph 3 of Plaintiff's Amended
Complaint and as such, the remaining averments contained in
Paragraph 3 of Plaintiff's Amended Complaint are denied and strict
proof thereof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
4. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is
without sufficient information or knowledge to form a belief as to
the truth of the averments contained in Paragraph 4 of Plaintiff's
Amended Complaint and as such, the averments contained Paragraph 4
of Plaintiff's Amended Complaint are denied and strict proof
thereof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
5. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is
without sufficient information or knowledge to form a belief as to
the truth of the averments contained in Paragraph 5 of Plaintiff's
Amended Complaint and as such the averments contained Paragraph 5
of Plaintiff's Amended Complaint are denied and strict proof
thereof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
6. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that
there is a doorway at the main entrance of Defendant's facility
which is primarily used for egress and ingress of residents,
employees, and visitors of residents. The remaining averments
contained in Paragraph 6 of Plaintiff's Amended Complaint are
denied as improper subjective characterizations and as such, the
remaining averments in Paragraph 6 of Plaintiff's Amended
Complaint, and all reasonable inferences drawn therefrom, are
specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded, if
relevant, at the time of trial. By way of further response,
Defendant specifically denies Plaintiff's characterization of the
door as being "large" and "heavy" and as such, strict proof
thereof, if relevant, at the time of trial.
7. The averments contained in Paragraph 7 of Plaintiff's
Amended Complaint are admitted in part and denied in part. It is
admitted that there is a doorway at the main entrance of
Defendant's facility which is primarily used for egress and ingress
of residents, employees, and visitors of residents. The remaining
averments contained in Paragraph 7 of Plaintiff's Amended Complaint
are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof, is demanded at
time of trial. By way of further response, Defendant avers that
the facility is for the private use of its residents, employees,
and visiting family and medical personnel for the residents and as
such, Plaintiff's characterization Defendant's facility being open
"to the general public" is improper and is hereby denied.
M
8. The averment contained in Paragraph 8 of Plaintiff's
Amended Complaint represents a conclusion of law to which no
response is required. If it is later judicially determined that a
response is so required, the averment contained in Paragraph 8 of
Plaintiff's Amended Complaint is specifically denied and strict
proof thereof, if relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
9. Denied. Plaintiff has failed to specifically identify
the alleged employee as referenced in Paragraph 9 of Plaintiff's
Amended Complaint and, accordingly, all allegations of employment
are specifically denied. By way of further response, all
allegations contained in Paragraph 9 of Plaintiff's Amended
Complaint are generally denied in accordance with Pa. R.C.P.
1029(e), and strict proof thereof, if relevant, is demanded at the
time of trial.
10. Denied. Plaintiff has failed to specifically identify
the alleged employee as referenced in Paragraph 10 of Plaintiff's
Amended Complaint and, accordingly, all allegations of employment
are specifically denied. By way of further response, all
allegations contained in Paragraph 10 of Plaintiff's Amended
Complaint are generally denied in accordance with Pa. R.C.P.
1029(e), and strict proof thereof, if relevant, is demanded at the
time of trial.
11. Denied. Plaintiff has failed to specifically identify
the alleged employee as referenced in Paragraph 11 of plaintiff's
Amended Complaint and, accordingly, all allegations of employment
are specifically denied. By way of further response, all
allegations contained in Paragraph 11 of Plaintiff's Amended
Complaint are generally denied in accordance with Pa. R.C.P.
1029(e), and strict proof thereof, if relevant, is demanded at the
time of trial.
12. Denied. Plaintiff has failed to specifically identify
the alleged employee or other persons at the scene as referenced in
Paragraph 12 of Plaintiff's Amended Complaint and, accordingly, all
allegations of employment are specifically denied. By way of
further response, all allegations contained in Paragraph 12 of
Plaintiff's Amended Complaint are generally denied in accordance
with Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e)I and strict proof thereof, if relevant, is
demanded at the time of trial.
13 (A)-(H). The averments contained in Paragraph 13 (A)-
(H), inclusive, of Plaintiff's Amended Complaint represent
conclusions of law to which no response is required. if it is
later judicially determined that a response is so required, the
averments contained in Paragraph 13 (A)-(H) of Plaintiff's Amended
Complaint are specifically denied and strict proof thereof, if
relevant, is demanded at the time of trial. By way of further
response, it is specifically denied that Defendant was negligent in
any manner set forth in Paragraph 13 (A)-(H) of Plaintiff's Amended
Complaint or in any other respect.
14. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 14 of
Plaintiff's Amended Complaint are generally denied as stated in
accordance with Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e), and strict proof thereof, if
relevant, is demanded at the time of trial.
15. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 15 of
Plaintiff's Amended Complaint are specifically denied in accordance
with Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e)I and strict proof thereof, if relevant, is
demanded at the time of trial.
16. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 16 of
Plaintiff's Amended Complaint are specifically denied in accordance
with Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e), and strict proof thereof, if relevant, is
demanded at the time of trial.
17. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 17 of
Plaintiff's Amended Complaint are specifically denied in accordance
with Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e), and strict proof thereof, if relevant, is
demanded at the time of trial.
18. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 18 of
Plaintiff's Amended Complaint are specifically denied in accordance
with Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e), and strict proof thereof, if relevant, is
demanded at the time of trial.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Manor Care, Inc., d/b/a Manor Care
Health Services, respectfully request this Honorable Court enter
Judgment in its favor and dismiss Plaintiff's Amended Complaint
with prejudice and further grant Defendant all such other relief as
is proper and just.
NEW MATTER
19. Plaintiff's claims are barred and/or limited because of
the conduct of the Plaintiff under the doctrines of comparative
negligence and/or assumption of risk, to the extent that subsequent
discovery may implicate.
20. Plaintiff's claims are barred and/or limited by virtue of
any consent signed by Plaintiff under the doctrines of release and
consent, to the extent that subsequent discovery may implicate.
21. Plaintiff's claims are barred and/or limited because the
injuries alleged to have been sustained by the Plaintiff are the
result of some person, party or entity of Defendant, Manor Care,
Inc., d/b/a as Manor Care Health Services, exercised no control.
22. Nothing done or omitted by the Defendant, Manor Care,
Inc., d/b/a Manor Care Health Services, was the proximate cause of
any injuries alleged to have been sustained by the Plaintiff.
23. Plaintiff's failure to exercise due care was the
proximate cause of any injuries alleged to have been sustained by
Plaintiff.
24. Plaintiff's Amended Complaint fails to identify the
alleged "employees" who acted or failed to act at any time relevant
to the Plaintiff's cause of action.
25. Plaintiff's Amended Complaint fails to identify the
alleged "employees" were acting "within the scope of their
employment authority" at any time relevant to the Plaintiff's cause
of action.
26. Plaintiff's action is barred by the applicable statute of
limitations, to the extent subsequent discovery may implicate.
27. Plaintiff has failed to set forth the requisite elements
to assert personal injury action to recover damages from Defendant,
Manor Care, Inc., d/b/a as Manor Care Health Services.
28. If there is a judicial determine that Pa.R.C.P. 238 is
constitutional, said constitutionality being expressly challenged
i
as being in violation of the due process and equal protection I
clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States
Constitution, 42 U.S.C. Section 1983; Article I, §1, 6, 11, 25; and
Article V §10(c) of the Pennsylvania Constitution, then liability
for any interest imposed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil
Procedure should be suspended during any such period of time that
Plaintiff:
(a) failed to convey to Defendant, settlement figure;
(b) delayed in responding to any interrogatories properly
served;
(c) delayed in responding to any request for production
of documents and/or things as properly served;
(d) delayed in producing Plaintiff for deposition on
service of proper notice;
(e) delayed in producing Plaintiff for physical
examination, upon proper notice; and
(f) delayed in any other manner to discovery requests
properly made by Defendant and the result of any of the
delays as asserted above, Plaintiff should be estopped
from obtaining any interest because of the violation of
the discovery rules.
29. Inasmuch as Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure,
specifically Rule 1032, provides that a party waives all defenses
not presented byway of answer, Defendant, Manor Care, Inc., d/b/a
Manor Care Health Services, upon advice of counsel, hereby asserts
all affirmative defenses as set forth in Pennsylvania Rules of
Civil Procedure 1030, those defenses to include, in addition to the
defenses already enumerated above, assumption of the risk, consent,
contributory negligence, discharge and bankruptcy, demised,
estoppel, failure of consideration, fair comment, illegality,
immunity from suit, impossibility of performance, justification,
latches, license, payment, privilege, release, statute of frauds,
statute of limitations, truth and waiver, with these said
affirmative defenses being subject to demonstration during the
discovery process and proof, as relevant, at the time of trial.
Respectfully submitted,
McKissock & Hoffman, P.C.
Hy
William J. MurQT
Supreme Court I.D. No. 57679
Edwin A.D. Schwartz
Supreme Court I.D. No. 75902
105 North Front Street
Suite 205
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Telephone: (717) 234-0103
Dated: 0 - -'o
1, Thom Wright, NHR, hereby verify that the statements and
responses in Defendant's Answer and New Matter to Plaintiff's
Amended Complaint are true and correct to the best of my
information, knowledge and belief. I understand that the
statements are made subject to the penalties of PA.C.S. Section
4904, relating to the unsworn falsification to authorities.
I-di - l
Thom Wright, NH
Date: -* 7/CV)
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, first-class postage prepaid, addressed as
follows:
Roger Morganthal, Esquire
FISHERMAN & MORGANTHAL
95 Alexander Spring Road
Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17103
McKissock & Hoffman, P.C.
BY: Edwin A.D. S wartz, Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. No. 75902
105 North Front Street
Suite 205
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Telephone: (717) 234-0103
Date: Z-zZ-Ov
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\\MAINSERVER\PUBLIC\roger\litigalion\llorfmon reply to new matteedoc
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN, CIVIL ACTION-LAW
Plaintiff
VS. NO. 99- 4445 CIVIL TERM
MANOR CARE, INC., doing
Business as MANOR CARE
HEALTH SERVICES, JURY TRIAL OF TWELVE
Defendant DEMANDED
PLAINTIFF'S REPLY TO NEW MATTER
And now comes Beulah E. Hoffman, Plaintiff in the above matter, and makes the
following reply to New Matter of Defendant:
19. Denied as a legal conclusion to which no reply is required.
20. Denied as a legal conclusion to which no reply is required. By way of
further answer, Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that she signed no
consent as referred to by Defendant.
21. Denied as a legal conclusion to which no reply is required.
22. Denied as a legal conclusion to which no reply is required.
23. Denied as a legal conclusion to which no reply is required. By way of
further answer, Plaintiff avers that at all times relevant hereto, she
03/14/00
exercised due care.
\\MAINSERVER\PUBLIC\roger\litigation\Hol'fmmti reply to new mattecdoc
24. Admitted, because knowledge of such identities is within the exclusive
control of Defendant, and discovery will be conducted to ascertain the
same.
25. Admitted, because knowledge of such identities is within the exclusive
control of Defendant, and discovery will be conducted to ascertain the
same.
26. Denied as a legal conclusion to which no reply is required. By way of
further answer, Plaintiff's complaint was timely filed.
27. Denied as a legal conclusion to which no reply is required.
28. Denied as a legal conclusion to which no reply is required.
29. Denied as a legal conclusion to which no reply is required.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment as set forth in her Complaint
against Defendant Manor Care, Inc., doing business as Manor Care Health
Services for unliquidated damages in an amount in excess of the limit for
compulsory arbitration in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, together with
interest and costs of suit
Date: 3' Z I"-e n4=
Roger M. Morgenthal, Esquire
Attorney ID# 17143
FISHMAN & MORGENTHAL
95 Alexander Spring Rd., Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorneys for Plaintiff
(717) 249-6333
03/14/00
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 the same in the
United States Mail, first class postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
Edwin A. D. Schwartz, Esquire
McKISSOCK & HOFFMAN, P.C.
105 North Front Street
Suite 205
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Date: dO ?11hA'J4
Roger M. Mo genthal, Esquire
Attorney ID# 17143
FISHMAN & MORGENTHAL
95 Alexander Spring Rd., Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorneys for Plaintiff
(717) 249-6333
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BEULAH E. HOFFMAN,
Plaintiff
V.
MANOR CARE, INC.,
doing business as MANOR:
CARE HEALTH
SERVICES,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 99-4445 CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 16°i day of July, 2001, upon consideration of Defendant's
Motion To Compel Discovery, a Rule is hereby issued upon Plaintiff to show cause why
the relief requested should not be granted.
RULE RETURNABLE within 20 days of service.
BY THE COURT,
Roger Morganthal, Esq.
95 Alexander Spring Road
Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorney for Plaintiff
Edwin A.D. Schwartz, Esq.
2040 Linglestown Road
Suite 302
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Attorney for Defendant
/I
J. Wesley OlecyJr,
b?
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a
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA.
Plaintiff
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
VS.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
MANOR CARE, INC., doing business .
as MANOR CARE HEALTH SERVICES,: NO. 99-4445
Defendant
ORDER
AND NOW, this day of 2001, in
consideration of Defendant's Motion to Compel Discovery, and any responses thereto, it
is hereby ORDERED that Plaintiff shall provide full and complete responses to
Defendant's First Set of Interrogatories as addressed to Plaintiff within
days of the date of this Order or suffer sanctions as may later be applied for by
Defendant.
BY THE COURT:
J.
McKissock & Hoffman, P.C.
Edwin A.D. Schwartz, Esquire
Attorney I.D. 75902
2040 Linglestown Road
Suite 302
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 540-3400
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN,
Plaintiff
vs.
MANOR CARE, INC., doing business
as MANOR CARE HEALTH SERVICES,:
Defendant
Attorneys for Defendant
Manor Care, Inc.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 99-4445
DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY
Defendant, Manor Care, Inc., d/b/a Manor Care Health Services, (hereinafter
referred to as "Manor Care") by and through its attorneys, McKissock & Hoffman, P.C.,
respectfully requests this Court to enter an Order to Compel the Plaintiff, Beulah E.
Hoffman, to provide Defendant, Manor Care, with the full and complete Responses to
Defendant's First Set of Interrogatories addressed to Plaintiff, and in support thereof
avers the following:
1. On July 22, 1999, Plaintiff, Beulah E. Hoffman, filed a Praecipe for Writ of
Summons under the above caption.
2. Subsequently, on or about January 27, 2000, Plaintiff filed an Amended
Complaint under the above caption averring that Defendant was liable for injuries that
Plaintiff purportedly sustained while visiting the Defendant's facility. Plaintiff alleges that
she suffered injuries from being struck by an automatic door at the entrance to the
facility.
3. On or about March 20, 2000, Defendant served Plaintiff with its First Set of
Interrogatories. A true and correct copy of Defendant's First Set of Interrogatories is
attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by reference.
4. In accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure 4006,
Responses to Defendant's First Set of Interrogatories should have been served on or
about April 19, 2000.
5. On April 20, 2000, Defendant's counsel forwarded a letter to Plaintiffs
counsel to seek information as to when Defendant could expect Plaintiffs responses to
Defendant's First Set of Interrogatories. A true and correct copy of Defendant's
counsel's April 20, 2000 correspondence to Plaintiffs counsel is attached hereto as
Exhibit "B" and incorporated herein by reference.
6. On May 18, 2000, Defendant's counsel forwarded another letter to
Plaintiffs counsel requesting information as to when Defendant could expect Plaintiffs
responses to Defendant's First Set of Interrogatories. Defendant's counsel's May 18,
2000, letter also advised Plaintiffs counsel as to the possible filing of a Motion to
Compel Discovery in the event Plaintiff continued to refuse to respond to the
outstanding discovery. A true and correct copy of Defendant's counsel's May 18, 2000
correspondence to Plaintiffs counsel is attached hereto as Exhibit "C" and incorporated
herein by reference.
7. On or about May 23, 2000, Defendant's counsel received a letter dated
May 22, 2000 from Plaintiffs counsel indicating Plaintiff responses to the outstanding
discovery would be provided "within the next several weeks". A true and correct copy of
Plaintiffs counsel's May 22, 2000 correspondence to Defendant's counsel is attached
hereto as Exhibit "D" and incorporated herein by reference.
8. Despite the passage of several weeks (actually the passage of several
months), Plaintiff did not provide any responses to the outstanding discovery.
9. On December 1, 2000, Defendant's counsel forwarded another letter to
Plaintiffs counsel requesting information as to when Defendant could expect Plaintiffs
responses to Defendant's First Set of Interrogatories. Defendant's counsel's December
1, 2000, letter again advised Plaintiffs counsel as to the possible filing of a Motion to
Compel Discovery in the event Plaintiff continued in her refusal to respond to the
outstanding discovery. A true and correct copy of Defendant's counsel's December 1,
2000 correspondence to Plaintiffs counsel is attached hereto as Exhibit "E" and
incorporated herein by reference.
f
10. On or about December 12, 2000, Defendant's counsel received a letter
dated December 11, 2000 from Plaintiffs counsel indicating Plaintiff responses to the
outstanding discovery would be provided "in 30 days of less". A true and correct copy
of Plaintiffs counsel's December 11, 2000 correspondence to Defendant's counsel is
attached hereto as Exhibit "F" and incorporated herein by reference.
11. On or about February 6, 2001, Defendant's counsel received a letter dated
February 6, 2000 from Plaintiffs counsel indicating that Plaintiffs counsel had "all the
information to complete the answers to interrogatories". A true and correct copy of
Plaintiffs counsel's February 6, 2001 correspondence to Defendant's counsel is
attached hereto as Exhibit "G" and incorporated herein by reference.
12. Finally, on June 12, 2001, Defendant's counsel forwarded a final letter to
Plaintiffs counsel insisting on Plaintiffs responses to Defendant's First Set of
Interrogatories. Defendant's counsel's June 12, 2001 letter outlined the fact that the
discovery requests were now delinquent by more than a year and insisted on Plaintiffs
responses. A true and correct copy of Defendant's counsel's June 12, 2001
correspondence to Plaintiffs counsel is attached hereto as Exhibit "H" and incorporated
herein by reference.
13. To date, Defendant's counsel has received no response to the outstanding
discovery from Plaintiff.
14. Accordingly, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure,
Defendant respectfully requests this Honorable Court Order Plaintiff to provide
Defendant full and complete Responses to Defendant's First Set of Interrogatories
addressed to Plaintiff.
15. Counsel for Defendant certifies that he has attempted contact with
Plaintiffs counsel in an effort to resolve this discovery dispute as evidenced by Exhibits
B, C, E and H, as attached hereto. However, despite such attempts by Defendant's
counsel, no response to the outstanding discovery has been received.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Manor Care, Inc., d/b/a Manor Care Health Services,
respectfully requests this Honorable Court Order Plaintiff to provide Defendant with the
full and complete Responses to Defendant's First Set Of Interrogatories and further
award Defendant's counsel all such reasonable costs and fees associated with the
necessity of filing Defendant's instant motion to Compel.
Respectfully submitted,
McKissock & Hoffman, P.C.
By:
Edwin A.D. Schwa e
Attorney I.D. No. 75902
2040 Linglestown Road
Suite 302
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Date: July 3, 2001 (717) 540-3400
EXHIBIT "A"
C:%COR ELUANORCARE.HOFFMAMOISCO VERMOGS.320
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN,
Plaintiff
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA.
vs.
MANOR CARE, INC., d/b/a MANOR
CARE HEALTH SERVICES,
Defendant
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 99-4445
DEFENDANT, MANOR CARE, INC. d/b/a
MANOR CARE HEALTH SERVICES', FIRST SET
OF INTERROGAJQRIES TO PLAINTIFF, BEULAH E H FFMAN
TO: Beulah E. Hoffman
c/o Roger Morganthal, Esquire
FISHER & MORGANTHAL
95 Alexander Spring Road
Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17103
You are required to respond to the attached Interrogatories within the time
prescribed by the Rules of this Court. These Interrogatories are continuing in character
so as to require you to file supplemental responses to the Interrogatories if you obtain
further or different information prior to trial. Where the words "incident" or "occurrence"
are used, they refer to events which took place as alleged in the Complaint.
DEFINITIONS
I. As used herein, the word "Plaintiff' refers to Beulah E. Hoffman her agents,
representative, attorneys, prior business entities (if any) and all other persons acting or
purporting to act on behalf of Plaintiffs.
il. All references in these Interrogatories to "document" shall include the plural
and shall mean, without limitation unless otherwise indicated, the original and each copy
of each and any writing, evidence of indebtedness, memorandum, letter, correspondence,
telegram, note, minutes, contract, agreement, inter-office communication, bulletin,
circular, procedure, pamphlet, photograph, study, notice, summary, invoice, diagram, plan,
drawing, diary, record or note of telephone conversation, chart, schedule, entry, print,
representation, record, report and tangible item or thing of written, readable, graphic,
audible, or visual material, of any kind or character, whether handwritten, typed, xeroxed,
photostated, printed, duplicated, reproduced, recorded, photographed, copied,
microfilmed, microcarded, or transcribed by any means, including, without limitation, each
interim as well as final draft and each revision which in the possession or subject to the
control of you or your present or former agents, employees or representatives, including
counsel and including any related corporations.
III. Whenever in these Interrogatories there is a request to identify a document:
a. state the type of document (e.g., letter, etc.);
b, set forth its date;
C. identify the signer or signers and the addressee or addresses;
d. set forth the title, heading or other designation, numerical or
otherwise, of the document;
e. identify the person (or, if widely distributed, set forth the organization
or classes of persons) to whom the document was sent; and
f. set forth the present or last-known location of the document and of
each copy thereof having notations or marking unique to such copy.
IV. Whenever in these Interrogatories there is a request to identify any oral
communication:
a. state the type of communication (e.g., conversation, telephone call,
etc.);
b. state where and when such communication occurred:
C. identify by full name, title and job description, all persons who
participated in such communication or who observed or heard such communisations at the
time of their occurrence; setting forth which person effected such communication and
which person received the same;
d. identify all documents embodying or in any way relating to such
communication, if any; and
e. state the substance of any such communication.
V. "Accident" or "occurrence" refers to the events described in and which will
form the basis for Plaintiffs Amended Complaint.
1NBIRUCTIONS
1. In answering these Interrogatories, you shall furnish all information available
to you at the time of answering, including information in the possession of your agents,
and shall supplement your answers in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil
Procedure.
I
It. If you claim, in your answer to any Interrogatory, that any requested facts,
documents or other information are "privileged" and not subject to discovery, you shall so
state and, in addition, state every fact supporting your claim that such fact, document or
other information is "privileged" and with respect to any document, you shall identify the
document by stating the date and subject matter of the document, the name of the person
who prepared the document and the name of the person for whom the document was
intended.
State the following:
a) Your full name;
b) Date and place of birth;
c) Home address;
d) Occupation.
2. Please state what names, other than your present one, you have ever used, and
the dates that each one was used.
3. State where you were coming from at the time of the incident as alleged in
your Amended Complaint.
4. State where you were going at the time of the incident as alleged in your
Amended Complaint.
5. Without incorporating by reference the allegations of your Amended
Complaint, state in detail your version of how the incident as alleged in your Amended
Complaint happened.
6. State the weather conditions at the time of the incident as alleged in your
Amended Complaint.
7. State the condition of the sidewalk immediately in front of the Defendants'
facility entrance wherein the incident as alleged in your Amended Complaint occurred.
8. What action, if any, did you take to attempt to avoid being struck by the door
as alleged in Paragraph 10 of your Amended Complaint.
9. Were you familiar with the doorway on which the incident occurred?
10. State the name and present or last known addresses of all persons who were
present at the scene of the incident as alleged in your Amended Complaint when it
occurred, noting specifically those who were eyewitnesses and the names and present and
last known address of each person at the time of the incident and at the present time.
11. State the names and present or last known addresses of all persons, other
than those listed in the foregoing Interrogatory, who have knowledge of any fact
concerning how the incident as alleged in your Amended Complaint occurred, and the
names and present and last known addresses of each such person's employer at the time
of the incident and at the present time.
12. State whether or not there were any defects in the doorway or obstructions
to the doorway or that the door mechanism malfunctioned, which contributed to the
happening of the incident as alleged in your Amended Complaint.
13. If your answer to the preceding Interrogatory is in the affirmative, state:
a) The location of the defects or obstructions with reference to specific
landmarks;
b) Describe the defects or obstructions (length, width, depth, etc.); and
c) The facts upon which you state the defects or obstruction contributed
to the accident.
14. State whether you assert that the Defendant made any admissions against
interest upon which you intend to rely. If so, please state:
a) The name, address and employer of any individual alleged to have
made any such admission;
b) The nature, substance and precise statement of such admission;
c) Where such admission was made;
d) To whom such admission was communicated; and
e) The names and addresses of all individuals present when such
admission was made.
15. Have you ever been examined medically or received any kind of medical
care, treatment or surgery since the date of the incident for the injuries sustained in the
incident? If so, state:
a) The name(s), address and telephone numbers of all medical
practitioners, including hospitals, who rendered you the service.
16. To the best of your knowledge or that of your attorney, has any doctor
advised you or your attorney as to the diagnosis and/or prognosis of any of your injuries?
If so, state:
a) The diagnosis and/or prognosis made of each injury;
b) The name and address of the doctor making the diagnosis and/or
prognosis.
17. Do you claim any permanent injuries as a result of the incident and, if so,
what is the nature and location of each permanent injury?
18. When, where and by whom did you last receive any treatment from a medical
practitioner or hospital, whether or not related to injuries allegedly sustained in the
incident?
19. Identify all health insurance coverage for the Plaintiff insuring her for the
damages she alleges in regard to the present action. Include in your answer a disclosure
of which of the Plaintiffs medical expenses she claims as damages or expenses that were
paid or reasonably expected to be paid by any such health insurance, including Medicare
and Medicaid; a determination of any amounts representing the difference between the
total charges for medical services rendered and the amounts of any co-payments actually
paid or reasonably expected to be paid by any such health insurance; the amounts of any
co-payments actually paid by the Plaintiff or anyone else on her behalf and the amount of
any deductible paid by the Plaintiff or reasonably expected to be paid by the Plaintiff or
anyone on her behalf.
20. Identify each person that you expect to call as an expert witness at trial in this
matter and with regard to each person state the following:
a) The subject matter upon which the expert is expected to testify;
b) The substance of facts and opinions to which the expert is expected
to testify and a summary of the grounds for such opinion;
c) The qualifications upon which each such expert intends to rely in order
to qualify as an expert at trial.
21. Identify with specificity all insurance carriers, government agencies and/or
other sources (including Medicare and/or Medicaid) for which you are receiving benefits
or made a claim for the damages and injuries allegedly sustained in the incident in
question. Please supply available policy numbers and the claim numbers.
22. Please state:
a) How long was your husband, Leroy D. Hoffman, now deceased, a
resident at Defendant's facility;
b) During your husband's residence at Defendant's facility, how often
would you visit him at the facility?
23. At the time of the incident as alleged in your Amended Complaint, were you
carrying anything? If so, please state:
a) The items you were carrying;
carried. b) The approximate size, weight and dimensions of the items being
.
24. Specify what part of your body was struck by the door.
25. Please provide the name, address and relation of all individuals who assisted
you in responding to these Interrogatories.
McKISSOCK & HOFFMAN, P.C.
BY:
Edwin A.D. Schwartz--
Supreme Court I.D. No. 75902
McKissock & Hoffman, P.C.
105 North Front Street
Suite 205
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-0103
DATE:
3-moo-oo
I hereby certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing Interrogatories
(First Set) 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, first-class postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
Roger Morganthal, Esquire
FISHERMAN & MORGANTHAL
95 Alexander Spring Road
Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17103
McKissock & Hoffman, P.C.
BY:
Edwin A.D. Sch Esquire
Supreme Court I. D. No. 75902
105 North Front Street
Suite 205
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Telephone: (717) 234-0103
Attorneys for Defendant,
Manor Care, Inc. d/b/a Manor
Care Health Services
DATED:
EXHIBIT "B"
McKISSOCK & HOFFMAN
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
105 NORTH FRONT STREET
SUITE 205
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17101
PHONE-77-17T-234-0103
EDWIN A.D. SCHWARTZ FAX: (717) 234.1350
DIRECTDIAL(717)234-0103 _
EWHWART7@MCKHOF.COM WN'NMnM01'(501H
April 20, 2000
Roger Morganthal, Esquire
FISHERMAN & MORGANTHAL
95 Alexander Spring Road
Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17103
Re: Hoffman v. Manorcare. Inc
CCP - Cumberland County
Docket M 99-4445
Our File #: 300-151
Dear Mr. Morganthal:
1700 MARKET STREET
SURE 3000
PHMOElg4A, PA 10103
(215) 2462100
FAX (2155) 2462144
16 NORTH FRANKLIN MEET
SUITE 300
WriE6TOWN, PA 18001
(215) 3461W1
FAO (21S) 3454503
105 EAST EVANS STREET
P.O. Sox 3080
WEST CHESTER, PA 19361
(010) 7365650
FAX (810) 736-0121
216 HAOOON AVENUE
SURE 603
WESIMONT, NJ 05106
(650) SS616W
FAX (656) 6561466
The purpose of this correspondence is simply to ascertain the status of your client's
responses to our Interrogatories which were previously served on March 20, 2000. 1 would
appreciate it if you would please advise me as to when I may expect to receive your
client's responses to these discovery requests.
I look forward to hearing from you shortly.
Sincerely,
Edwin 5D chwartz
for McKissock & Hoffman, P.C.
EAS:rkw
EXHIBIT "C"
McKISSOCK & HOFFMAN
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
105 NORTH FRONT STREET
SUITE 205
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17101
EDWIN A.D. SCHWARTZ
DIRECT DIAL (717) 234-0103
ESCHWARTZOMCKHOF.OOM
PHONE: (717) 234-0103
FAX: (717) 234.1350
Roger Morganthal, Esquire
FISHERMAN & MORGANTHAL
95 Alexander Spring Road
Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17103
N'V: AI4C1gI0 mm
May 18, 2000
Re: Hoffman v. Manorcare Inc
CCP - Cumberland County
Docket #: 99-4445
Our File #: 300-151
Dear Mr. Morganthal:
1700 MARKET STREET
SUITE 5000
PHILADELI4IA, PA 10103
(215) 2IW2100
FAX (215) 246.2111
10 NORTH FRANKLIN STREET
SUITE 300
DOYLESTOWN, PA 10001
(215) 3154501
FAX (215) 3404003
105 EAST EVANS STREET
P.O. BOX 3000
WESTCHESTER, PA 10301
(810)7354M
FAX (010) 7300121
210 HADDON AVENUE
SUITE 003
WESTMONT, W 05100
(am) 55015m
FAX (Sm) 5501400
Please be advised that I have not received your client's responses to the discovery
requests which remain outstanding. As you may recall, Defendant's First Set of
Interrogatories addressed to the Plaintiff were served on you on or about March 20, 2000.
On or about April 20, 2000, 1 contacted you via correspondence to determine the status
of your client's responses. To date, I have not had any response to the Interrogatories or
my correspondence of April 20"'.
I would appreciate if you would please advise me as to when I may expect to
receive your client's responses to the outstanding Interrogatories. Please be advised that
if I do not hear from you within fifteen (15) days of the date of this correspondence, I will
have no alternative but to file the appropriate Motion to Compel with the Court. If it
becomes necessary for me to proceed in filing a Motion to Compel, I will be seeking fees
and costs associated with such filing.
EXHIBIT "D"
FISHMAN &
Steven J. Fishman
Roger M. Morgenthal
May 22, 2000
Edwin A. D. Swartz, Esquire
McKISSOCK & HOFFMAN
105 North Front Street, Suite 205
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Xegehted
L
Law Offices
vo ntcxanoer spring aom, Suite 3
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013-9137
E-MAIL: roger@carlislclaw.com
(717) 249-6333
FAX (717) 249-7334
RE: HOFFMAN v. MANOR CARE, INC.
NO. 99-4445 CIVIL TERM CUMBERLAND COUNTY
YOUR FILE NO. 300-151
Dear Mr. Swartz:
1 apologize for the delay in responding to your discovery. Mrs. Hoffman and I are working on it,
and we hope to file it within the next several weeks.
During the month of April, I had a case of the flu that persisted for three weeks, and during that
time I was reluctant to visit the nursing home where she resides because of a general request that visitors
with the flu should stay away.
Mrs. Hoffman tires easily, so my sessions with her now have to be relatively short.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Very truly yours,
,A
Roger M. Morgenthal, Esquire
FISHMAN & MORGENTHAL
EXHIBIT "E"
McKISSOCK & HOFFMAr4' 1700 MMKET sTREEr
SUITE 3000
A PROFESSIONAL.CORPORATION PHI
(ADELPHIA, PA 10103
ATTORNEYS AT LAW (215)246.2100
FAX (215)2462144
105 NORTH FRONT STREET _
SUITE 205 16 NORTH FRANKLIN STREET
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17101 SUITE 300
DOYLESTOWN. PA 13001
PHONE: (717) 234-0103 (215) 3454501
FAX (215) 345.4503
FD
SCHW
MTZ FAX: (717) 234.1350
T DIAL (717)
236
DIRECT DIAL
0105
-?
- 105 EAST EVANS STREET
ESCHWAAT743MCKHOF.COM 'AW Nmw.t WEST PCHESTE .O. BOq p1%31
(610)7364350
FAX (010)7360121
216 HADDON AVENUE
SURE 303
WESTMONT, NJ 03106
December 1, 2000 FAX, (858W11)
Roger Morganthal, Esquire
FISHERMAN & MORGANTHAL
95 Alexander Spring Road
Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17103
Re: Hoffman v. Manorcare Inc
CCP - Cumberland County
Docket #: 99-4445
Our File #: 300-151
Dear Mr. Morganthal:
Please be advised that I have not received your client's responses to the discovery
'requests which continue to remain outstanding. As you may recall, Defendant's First Set
of Interrogatories addressed to the Plaintiff were served on you on or about March 20,
2000. On or about April 20, 2000 and May 18, 2000, 1 contacted you yja correspondence
to determine the status of your client's responses. Per your correspondence dated May
22, 2000 you advised that you "hope to file it within the next several weeks." It has now
been in excess of six (6) months and your answers to discovery continue to remain
outstanding.
I would appreciate if you would please advise me as to when I may expect to
receive your client's responses to the outstanding Interrogatories. Please be advised that
if I do not hear from you within fifteen (15) days of the date of this correspondence, I will
have no alternative but to file the appropriate Motion to Compel with the Court. If it
becomes necessary for me to proceed in filing a Motion to Compel, I will be seeking fees
and costs associated with such filing.
EXHIBIT "F"
FISHMAN & MORGENTHAL
Roger M. Morgenthal 95 Alexander Sprang Road, Suite 3
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013-9137
E-MAIL: roger@carlislelaw.com
(717)249.6333
December 11, 2000 PAX (717) 249-7334
Edwin A. D. Swartz, Esquire
McKISSOCK & HOFFMAN
105 North Front Street, Suite 205
Harrisburg, PA 17101
RE: HOFFMAN v. MANOR CARE, INC.
NO. 99-4445 CIVIL TERM CUMBERLAND COUNTY
YOUR FILE NO. 300-151
Dear Mr. Swartz:
Again I apologize for the delay. This has been a year in which every close relative of mine has
experienced a serious illness and hospitalization between the date of my last letter and now, and I have
been struggling to maintain a practice while dealing with their care.
Finally, everyone seems to have recovered or at least stabilized, and I am working overtime to
get caught up.
I am working on the response and meeting with Mrs. Kauffman and her relatives, and barring
any additional obstacles, the response should be filed in 30 days or less.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Very wtrrully yours,
?Ivr?`?&
Roger M. Morgenthal, Esquire
FISHMAN & MORGENTHAL
EXHIBIT "G"
Roger M. Morgenthal Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013-9137
E-MAIL: roger@carlislelaw.com
(717) 249-6333
FAX (717) 249-7334
February 6, 2001
Edwin A, D. Swartz, Esquire
McKISSOCK & HOFFMAN
105 North Front Street, Suite 205
Harrisburg, PA 17101
RE: HOFFMAN v. MANOR CARE, INC.
NO. 99-4445 CIVIL TERM CUMBERLAND COUNTY
YOUR FILE NO. 300-151
Dear Mr. Swartz:
I met with Mrs. Hoffman again last week and have all the information to complete the answers to
interrogatories.
We have not been able to locate the Medicare records for payments made immediately after the
injury, but the family is still looking for them.
Thanks for your coooperation.
Very truly yours,
Roger M. Morgenthal,
FISHMAN & MORGENTHAL
FISHMAN & MORGENTHAL
Law Offices
EXHIBIT "H"
I hereby certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing Motion to
Compel Discovery 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, first-class postage prepaid, addressed as
follows:
Roger Morganthal, Esquire
FISHERMAN & MORGANTHAL
95 Alexander Spring Road
Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17103
McKissock & Hoffman, P.C.
BY:
Edwin A.D. Sch quire
Supreme Court I.D. No. 75902
2040 Linglestown Road
Suite 302
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 540-3400
Attorneys for Defendant,
Manor Care, Inc. d/b/a Manor
Care Health Services
Date: July 3, 2001
??
• ,,?
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
BEULAH E. HOFFMAN, CIVIL ACTION-LAW
Plaintiff
vs. NO. 99- 4445 CIVIL TERM
MANOR CARE, INC., doing
Business as MANOR CARE
HEALTH SERVICES, JURY TRIAL OF TWELVE
Defendant DEMANDED
PRAECIPE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA:
Please mark the above case "Settled and Discontinued" including costs of suit.
'Roger M. Morgenthal, Esquire
ID #17143
Attorney for Plaintiff
FISHMAN & MORGENTHAL
95 Alexander Spring Road, Suite 3
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-6333
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