HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-3393BARBARA A. WISER, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO: EYl - ?.3 l..luc L ?t
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a
THE VALLEY RESTAURANTNALLEY MOTEL;
R.L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THE VALLEY RESTAURANT,
Defendant : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS
To the Prothonotary:
Please issue a writ of summons in the above captioned action.
Writ of Summons shall be issued and forwarded to the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office.
Respectfully submitted,
Rominger & Associates
Date: June 7, 2007
arl E. Rominger, Esquire
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 241-6070
Supreme Court ID # 81924
Attorney for Plaintiff
WRIT OF SUMMONS
To The Above Named Defendants:
Barbara J. Wiser d/b/a R.L. Meals and Mary Meals d/b/a
The Valley Restaurant/Valley Motel Valley Motel/The Valley Restaurant
1580 Ritner Highway 1580 Ritner Highway
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED PLAINTIFF HAS COMMENCED AN
ACTION AGAINST YOU.
Pro notary
Date: JtwE- 17t 26o7 By:
Deputy
b
C?
W
N
? r. a
-rim
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
41 CASE NO: 2007-03393 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
WISER BARBARA A
VS
WISER BARBARA J D/B/A 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
WISER BARBARA J D/B/A THE VALLEY RESTAURANT/VALLEY MOTEL the
DEFENDANT , at 1044:00 HOURS, on the 14th day of June , 2007
at 1580 RITNER HIGHWAY
CARLISLE, PA 17013
BARBARA J WISER
by handing to
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS
day
together with
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Service 4.80
Postage .58
Surcharge 10.00
.00
33.38
Sworn and Subscibed to
before me this
of
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
06/14/2007
ROMINGER 8, WHARE ljj
By:
A. D.
SHERIFF'S RETURN - NOT FOUND
' CASE NO: 2007-03393 P
COMMONTWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
WISER BARBARA A
VS
WISER BARBARA J D/B/A ET AL
R. Thomas Kline Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff, who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT
MEALS R L but was
unable to locate Him in his bailiwick. He therefore returns the
WRIT OF SUMMONS ,
the within named DEFENDANT MEALS R L
1580 RITNER HIGHWAY
CARLISLE, PA 17013
BARBARA WISER HAS OWNED BUSINESS SINCE 1972
SHE DOES NOT KNOW DEFENDANT.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Service .00
Not Found 5.00
Surcharge 10.00
00
t.l X910 ( 21.00
So
NOT FOUND , as to
R. Thomas Kline
i f of Cumberland County
OMINGER & WHARE
06/14/2007
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this day of
A. D.
SHERIFF'S RETURN - NOT FOUND
-v
CASE NO: 2007-03393 P
COMMONTWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
WISER BARBARA A
VS
WISER BARBARA J D/B/A ET AL
R. Thomas Kline
duly sworn according to law,
inquiry for the within named
MEALS MARY D/B/A VALLEY MOTE
unable to locate Her in his
WRIT OF SUMMONS ,
-,Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff, who being
says, that he made a diligent search and
DEFENDANT
Ii/ THE VALLEY RESTAURANT but was
bailiwick. He therefore returns the
the within named DEFENDANT
THE VALLEY RESTAURANT
1580 RITNER HIGHWAY
NOT FOUND , as to
MEALS MARY D/B/A VALLEY MOTEL/
CARLISLE, PA 17013
BARBARA WISER HAS OWNED BUSINESS SINCE 1972
SHE DOES NOT KNOW DEFENDANT.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Service .00
Not Found 5.00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
21.00
So an
1:Z. Thomas Kline
Ski f of Cumberland County
i
MINGER & WHARE
06/14/2007
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this day of
A. D.
BARBARA A. WISER,
Plaintiff
V. : CIVIL ACTION - LAW //
:NO: 01-3393 (2
*wt ?
1 L
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a
THE VALLEY RESTAURANT/VALLEY MOTEL;
R.L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THE VALLEY RESTAURANT,
Defendant : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED n o
-n
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS "` c
To the Prothonotary: , I j Q
Please issue a writ of summons in the above captioned action.
Writ of Summons shall be issued and forwarded to the Cumberland County Sheriff s Off qb. c:)
Respectfully submitted,
Rominger & Associates
Date: June 7, 2007
2---
<arl E. Rominger, Esquire
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 241-6070
Supreme Court ID # 81924
Attorney for Plaintiff
WRIT OF SUMMONS
To The Above Named Defendants:
Barbara J. Wiser d/b/a RL. Meals and Mary Meals d/b/a
The Valley Restaurant/Valley Motel Valley Motel/The Valley Restaurant
1580 Ritner Highway 1580 Rimer Highway
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED PLAINTIFF HAS COMMENCED AN
ACTION AGAINST YOU.
Date: Juk 'yt A007
Protho tart'
By:
Deputy
TRUE COPY FROM RECORD
In Testimony whereof, I here unto set my hared
and the seal of said C °t at Carlisle, Pa.
This ... ... day of.J"E.-.,, 7
rothonotary
{
z I: I i v I I it i5 t03z
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
•A* By: Wade D. Manley
eo I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
wdm@jdsw.com
BARBARA A. WISER,
Plaintiff
V.
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a THE VALLEY
Attorneys for Defendant Barbara J. Wiser
d/b/a The Valley Restaurant/Valley Motel
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 07-3393 CIVIL TERM
RESTAURANTNALLEY MOTEL, TRIAL BY A JURY OF TWELVE DEMANDED
R.L. MEALS AND MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THE VALLEY
RESTAURANT,
Defendants
PRAECIPE TO ENTER APPEARANCE AND RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
AND NOW, this /3 "'day of August, 2008, enter our appearance for Defendant Barbara
J. Wiser d/b/a The Valley Restaurant/Valley Motel and issue a Rule to Plaintiff to file a Complaint
within twenty (20) days of the date of service thereof, or suffer judgment of non pros.
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By:
Nwk
Wade 13. Minleiv
TO THE PLAINTIFF:
FILE COMPL
AND NOW, this 14" day of August, 2008, a Rule is hereby issued to you to file your
Complaint in the above-captioned action within twenty (20) days of the date of service hereof, or
suffer judgment of non pros.
PROTHONOTARY
By:
341170 Deputy
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 43 day of August, 2008, the undersigned does hereby certify that she
did this date serve a copy of the foregoing document upon the other parties of record by causing
same to be deposited in the United States Mail, first class postage prepaid, at Lemoyne,
Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Karl E. Rominger, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By:
M elle H. Spangler
:341170
22740-2349
C=Y
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t
"71
f N.?
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY
BARBARA A. WISER, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NOV - E313
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a
THE VALLEY RESTAURANT/VALLEY MOTEL,:
R.L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THE VALLEY RESTAURANT,:
Defendant : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the
following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are
served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court
your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do
so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the court
without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief
requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Phone: (717) 249-3166
(800) 990-9108
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY
BARBARA A. WISER, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO: 07-3393
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a
THE VALLEY RESTAURANT/VALLEY MOTEL,:
R.L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THE VALLEY RESTAURANT,:
Defendant : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiff, Barbara Wiser, through her counsel, Karl E. Rominger,
Esquire, and respectfully files the following Complaint, and in support thereof avers the following-
1 . Plaintiff, Barbara Wiser, is an adult individual residing at 1838 Ritner Highway,
Shippensburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17257.
2. Defendant, Barbara J. Wiser d/b/a The Valley Restaurant/Valley Motel (hereinafter
"The Valley") is a duly licensed restaurant doing business at 1580 Rimer Highway, Carlisle,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
3. Defendant, R.L. Meals and Mary Meals d/b/a Valley Motel/The Valley Restaurant
(hereinafter "The Valley") is a duly licensed restaurant doing business at 1580 Ritner Highway,
Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
4. At all times mentioned herein, defendants were in exclusive possession,
management, and control of the restaurant, individually and through their employees who are acting
within the course and scope of their employment by Defendant and in furtherance of defendant's
business.
5. On or about July 8, 2005, plaintiff was a business visitor to the restaurant, and as she
was entering the restaurant via the parking lot, there existed a concrete parking block/curb/bumper
that was broken and as Plaintiff was walking her foot became wedged between the concrete parking
block/curb/bumper and the macadam, which caused plaintiff to stumble, and fall, resulting in
serious and permanent injuries as set forth below.
6. The accident was caused exclusively and solely by the defendants' negligence,
carelessness, and recklessness in that:
A. Defendants negligence to replace and/or fix the broken concrete parking
block/curb/bumper posed an unreasonable risk of injury to plaintiff and other business visitors;
B. Defendants failed to make a reasonable inspection of the parking lot which
would have revealed the existence of the dangerous condition posed by the concrete parking
block/curb/bumper which was broken and had a gap between the macadam and itself.
C. Defendants failed to give warning of the dangerous condition posed by the
concrete parking block/curb/bumper, by not placing an adhesive between the concrete parking
block/curb/bumper and the macadam, or taking any other safety precautions to prevent injury to
the plaintiff and other business visitors.
D. Defendants failed to remove the concrete parking block/curb/bumper from
the parking lot when the concrete parking block/curb/bumper became a dangerous condition to
plaintiff and other business visitors.
E. Defendants failed to give warning of the dangerous condition posed by the
concrete parking block/curb/bumper.
F. The lighting and parking lot layout were maintained and operated in a negligent
manner.
10. Solely as a result of the defendant's negligence, carelessness and recklessness,
plaintiff sustained injuries to her foot; all of which injuries have caused plaintiff great pain and
suffering, which may continue for an indefinite time in the future and may be permanent.
11. Solely as a result of defendant's negligence, carelessness and recklessness, plaintiff
has and will in the future be obliged to expend monies for medicine and medical care in order to
treat and help her injuries.
12. Solely as a result of defendant's negligence, carelessness and recklessness, plaintiff
has and will in the future be unable to attend to her usual and daily duties and employment, to her
financial detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request that this Honorable Court find in favor of the
Plaintiff and against the Defendants, for an amount not more than the statutory limits for
compulsory arbitration, including costs of this suit and attorney's fees.
Respectfully submitted,
ROMINGER & ASSOCIATES
Date: September 2, 2008
Karl E. Rominger, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 81924
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 17013
Tel: (717) 241-6070
Attorney for Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY
BARBARA A. WISER, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO: 07-3393
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a
THE VALLEY RESTAURANT/VALLEY MOTEL,:
R.L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THE VALLEY RESTAURANT,:
Defendant : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
VERIFICATION
I, Karl E. Rominger, Esquire, attorney for the Plaintiff herein, have sufficient knowledge of
the facts contained in this Complaint and verify that the statements made in the foregoing
Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, based upon information received from
the Plaintiff. I understand that false statements herein made are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.
C.S.A. §4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. A verification executed by the Plaintiff
will be filed of record as soon as it becomes available.
Date
Karl . Rominger, Esquire
s
a
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: Wade D. Manley, Esquire
I. D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
wdm@jdsw.com
BARBARA A. WISER,
Plaintiff
V.
Attorneys for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a THE VALLEY
RESTAURANT/VALLEY MOTEL, NO. 07-3393
R. L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THEVALLEY RESTAURANT,
Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: BARBARA A. WISER, Plaintiff
c/o Karl E. Rominger, Esquire
Rominer & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
AND NOW, this L day of September, 2008, you are hereby notified to plead
responsively within twenty (20) days of the date of service hereof, or judgment may be entered
against you.
JOHNSON, DUF7STEWART & WEIDNER
By:
Wade . Marale
DATE: q 1? I (/
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: Wade D. Manley, Esquire
I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
wdm@jdsw.com
BARBARA A. WISER,
Plaintiff
V.
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a THE VALLEY
RESTAURANTNALLEY MOTEL,
R. L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THEVALLEY RESTAURANT,
Defendants
Attorneys for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 07-3393
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER OF DEFENDANTS TO
PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT INCLUDING NEW MATTER
AND NOW, this ;'O day of September, 2008, come the Defendants, Barbara
J. Wiser d/b/a The Valley Restaurant/Valley Motel, R. L. Meals and Mary Meals d/b/a Valley
Motel/The Valley Restaurant, by and through its attorneys, Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner,
P.C., to file the following Answer With New Matter to the Plaintiffs Complaint, and in support
thereof avers as follows:
1. Denied. The Defendants are without information sufficient to form a belief as to
the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this paragraph, therefore the same are denied
and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
2. Admitted.
2
3. Admitted.
4. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. If it is deemed that a response is required, the averments
contained in this paragraph are specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at time
of trial.
5. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. If it is deemed that a response is required, the averments
contained in this paragraph are specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at time
of trial.
6. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. If it is deemed that a response is required, the averments
contained in this paragraph are specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at time
of trial.
10[sic]. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. If it is deemed that a response is required, the averments
contained in this paragraph are specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at time
of trial.
3
11. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. If it is deemed that a response is required, the averments
contained in this paragraph are specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at time
of trial.
12. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. If it is deemed that a response is required, the averments
contained in this paragraph are specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at time
of trial.
WHEREFORE, the Defendants demand judgment in their favor and against the
Plaintiffs and request that Plaintiff's Complaint be dismissed with prejudice.
NEW MATTER
By way of additional answer and reply, the Defendants raise the following New Matter:
13. Plaintiffs Complaint failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.
14. Plaintiff's claims and/or alleged losses are barred or limited by the Pennsylvania
Comparative Negligence Act, or by the doctrine of contributory negligence.
15. The Plaintiff failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances during
the following:
4
a. Walking inattentively without first ascertaining whether it was safe to do
so.
b. Knowingly and voluntarily encountering an obvious danger;
C. Failing to wear suitable shoes;
d. Failing to watch where she was going; and
e. Walking a hurried or otherwise inappropriate manner.
16. Plaintiffs failure to exercise reasonable care for her own safety was a substantial
factor in the happening of the alleged incident.
17. If a dangerous condition existed at the time of the alleged incident, which is
denied, the Defendants did not have actual or constructive notice of the alleged dangerous
condition prior to the incident.
18. Plaintiffs injuries and/or losses, if any, were not caused by the acts, omissions or
breaches of duty by the Defendants.
19. The Plaintiff knowingly and voluntarily assumed the risk of her injuries under the
circumstances then and there existing by identifying a dangerous condition, appreciating its
dangerous character and voluntarily proceeding to encounter that condition.
5
WHEREFORE, the Defendants demand judgment in their favor and against the Plaintiff
and respectfully request that the Plaintiffs Complaint be dismissed with prejudice.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNS N, DUF;FIIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By:
Wade D. Manley, Esq ire
Attorney I.D. No. 8724
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendants
DATE: eFI-41 Y
344097
22740-2349
6
VERIFICATION
1, BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a The Valley RestaurantfValley Motel, hereby
acknowledge that I am a Defendant in this action; that I have read the foregoing Answer
to Plaintifrs Complaint Including New Matter; 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. §4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
d% 4 '1
ARBARA J. WISE /b/a
The Valley Restaurant/Valley Motel
DATE:
9-, yet-o'??
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Answer of
Defendants to Plaintiffs Complaint Including New Matter upon all parties or counsel of record by
depositing a copy of same in the United States Mail at Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, with first-class
postage prepaid on the 1 Sf day of dc/ , 2008, addressed to the following:
Karl E. Rominger, Esquire
Rominer & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By:
Wade D. Manley, Es uir
Attorney I.D. No. 8724
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendants
h?
.:J
-r
1
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY
BARBARA A. WISER, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO: 07-3393
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a
THE VALLEY RESTAURANT/VALLEY MOTEL,:
R.L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THE VALLEY RESTAURANT,:
Defendant : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFF'S ANSWER TO
DEFENDANT'S NEW MATTER
AND NOW, comes Barbara A. Wiser, by and through her counsel, Karl E. Rominger,
Esquire, and in support of her Answer, avers as follows:
13. Conclusion of law and requires no answer.
14. Conclusion of law and requires no answer.
15. A-E Denied. By way of further answer Plaintiff was walking appropriately
with suitable foot ware at all times.
16. Conclusion of law and requires no answer. By way of further answer if one
is deemed required it is Denied.
17. Conclusion of law and requires no answer. By way of further answer if one
is deemed required it is Denied.
18. Conclusion of law and requires no answer. By way of further answer if one
is deemed required it is Denied.
19. Conclusion of law and requires no answer. By way of further answer if one
is deemed required it is Denied.
J
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs demands judgment in her favor and against the Defendant.
Respectfully submitted,
ROMINGER & ASSOCIATES
Date: December 23, 2008
Karl E. Rominger, Esquire
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Tel: (717) 241-6070
Supreme Court I.D. No. 81924
Attorney for Plaintiff
J
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY
BARBARA A. WISER, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
:NO: 07-3393
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a
THE VALLEY RESTAURANT/VALLEY MOTEL,:
R.L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THE VALLEY RESTAURANT,:
Defendant : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Karl E. Rominger, Esquire, certify that I this day served a copy of the within Plaindfi s
Answer to Defendant's New Matter upon the following by depositing the same in the United
States mail, first class, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
Wade D. Manley, Esquire
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER, P.C.
501 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
Date: December 23, 2008
Respectfully submitted,
ROMINGER & ASSOCIATES
Karl E. Rominger, Esquire
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Tel: (717) 241-6070
Supreme Court I.D. No. 81924
Attorney for Plaintiff
-TI
r.a
' i.I
FILED-&FCE
1
TAP
2010 J; -g P11 1: 11
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: Wade D. Manley, Esquire
I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
wdm@jdsw.com
BARBARA A. WISER,
Plaintiff
V.
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a THE VALLEY
RESTAURANT/VALLEY MOTEL,
R. L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/T'HEVALLEY RESTAURANT,
Defendants
6 1J ?y?IN f
Attorneys for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 07-3393
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANTS' MOTION FOR STATUS CONFERENCE
AND NOW, this 74k day of January, 2010, come the Defendants by and through
their undersigned attorneys, Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, P.C., and file the following
Motion for Status Conference and in support thereof avers as follows:
1. This case involves a claim for personal injuries to the Plaintiff resulting from a trip
and fall accident which occurred on or about July 8, 2005.
2. On October 20, 2008, undersigned counsel for the Defendants served written
discovery on Plaintiff's counsel.
3. In June of 2009, after several requests for responses to the written discovery,
Plaintiff served some medical records, but other documentation appeared missing.
4. On July 29, 2009, undersigned counsel requested Plaintiff to provide support for
liens Plaintiff claims are attached to her claim and provide a demand.
5. Without receiving a response, on October 22, 2009, Plaintiffs counsel was again
contacted requesting documents and a status report in order to move this case forward toward
resolution.
6. Again, no response has been received by Plaintiffs counsel.
7. The Defendant has attempted to contact Plaintiffs counsel to finalize outstanding
issues of document production and damages without a response.
8. A status conference is requested to set deadlines for document production and
finalization of damages and to set a date for trial.
9. Currently, neither party has requested a jury trial.
10. No judge has been assigned to this matter nor made a ruling related to this
matter.
11. Plaintiffs counsel has not responded as to his position in filing the instant
Petition.
WHEREFORE, the Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court enter an
Order scheduling a Status Conference.
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By:
Wade D. Mane , Esquire
Attorney I.D. . 87244
301 Market St et
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendants
DATE: t ffl(a
:387783
22740-2349
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Defendants'
Motion for Status Conference upon all parties or counsel of record by depositing a copy of same
in the United States Mail at Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, with first-class postage prepaid on the
day of 2010, addressed to the following:
Karl E. Rominger, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
Vv
By:
Wade . M ley Esquire
Attorney I. C(. No 87244
301 Market et
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendants
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CUMBER
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PEW
BARBARA A. WISER,
Plaintiff
V.
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a THE VALLEY
RESTAURANT/VALLEY MOTEL,
R. L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THEVALLEY RESTAURANT,
Defendants
ORDER
Sara I 1 2010 G
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 07-3393
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
AND NOW, this _kAf day of 2010, upon consideration of the
foregoing Motion for Status Conference, it is ORDERED that a Status Conference is scheduled for
2010, at ?.m. in Courtroom cl of the Cumberland
County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
BY THE COURT:
41"R- N.'a'` LY I el
KU&I 1?owlt
??r1jttt LFICL
BARBARA A. WISER, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. CIVIL ACTION - LAW
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a THE VALLEY
RESTAURANTNALLEY MOTEL, NO. 07-3393
R. L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THEVALLEY RESTAURANT,
Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ORDER
S Y =? r- u
AND NOW, this day of April, 2010, by agreement of the parties, the following
case management deadlines are established:
1. All written discovery shall be propounded within fifteen (15) days of the date of
this Order, and answered within thirty (30) days of this Order;
2. All depositions of the parties shall be completed within sixty (60) days of the date
of this Order;
3. Plaintiff shall produce any and all expert reports within seventy-five (75) days of
the date of this Order;
4. Defendants shall produce any and all expert reports within one hundred and
twenty (120) days of the date of this Order;
5. The case shall be listed for an arbitration hearing at the convenience of the
parties at any time after one hundred and twenty (120) days of the date of this Order.
BY THE COURT:
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Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Wade D. Manley, Esquire
I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
wdm@jdsw.com
BARBARA A. WISER,
Plaintiff
V.
Attorneys for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a THE VALLEY c
RESTAURANT/VALLEY MOTEL, : NO. 07-3393 ?.
R. L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a nR :.
VALLEY MOTEL/THEVALLEY RESTAURANT,
Defendants : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
C,
PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF ARBITRATORS
TO THE HONORABLE, THE JUDGES OF SAID COURT:
_t
Wade D. Manley, counsel for the Defendants in the above action respectfully represent
that:
1. The above-captioned action is at issue.
2 The parties have stipulated to list the matter for an arbitration hearing by Order
entered by the Honorable M.L. Ebert, Jr., a copy is attached as Exhibit A.
The following attorneys are interested in the case as counsel, or are otherwise
disqualified to sit as arbitrators: Wade D. Manley for Defendant and Karl E. Rominger for
Plaintiff.
e?c? 3ya78 /
WHEREFORE, your Petitioner prays your Honorable Court to appoint three (3)
arbitrators to whom the case shall be submitted.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By: ?v
Wade D. Manley
Attorney for Defendants
413283
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
G
AND NOW, this /5?" day of September, 2010, the undersigned does hereby certify
that she did this date serve a copy of the within Petition for Appointment of Arbitrators upon the
other party of record by causing same to be deposited in the United States Mail, first class
postage prepaid, at Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Karl E. Rominger, Esquire
Rominer & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
By:
Wade D. Manley
BARBARA A. WISER, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
vs. CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 07-3393 CIVIL
BARBARA J. WISER, R.L.
MEALS and MARY MEALS
Defendants
ORDER
AND NOW, this 21- day of September, 2010, the appointment of John J. Mangan,
Esquire, as a member of the Board of Arbitrators in the above-captioned case is VACATED.
Jeff Lawrence, Esquire, is appointed in his place.
BY THE COURT,
Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire
Chairman, Board of Arbitrators
,,?eff Lawrence, Esquire
,,,-TAn J. Mangan, Esquire
Court Administrator - (20 4tc?
Am r
?xl
???? W? Sew In the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland
Plaintiff
aw , S W, sey ,L VYteaJS &,,-d Mo-,l M,-ftls County, Pennsylvania No. 0 -7 - y3q,3
Defendant
Civil Action - Law.
Oath
We do solemnly swear (or affirm) that we will support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United States
and the Constitution of this Commonwealth we harge the duties of our office with fi
Signature Signature Signa e
Gl ?'? J EPF ??
t_?
w,n S - Suva"
Name (Chairman) Name Name
5 v,-a &-A Su r?
Law Firm Address
Law Firm
Address
T
Mrr?t 9 A5 5oc 1 4T?
wa Firm
,19. HA"Over_
Address
4- i (V (2
,me 004E c? b vim, Pw l -2055 1? r'*' V7 M"
City, Zip City, Zip City, Zip
/OR, r !A Award Q a2,14 8 3s ?o
We, the undersigned arbitrators, having been duly appointed and sworn (or affirmed), make the following
award: (Note: If damages for delay are awarded, they shall be separately stated.)
fit/ Q TZ ?1C? t ?l ?G?/Gn L d
h 1
.Arbitrator, dissents. (Insert name if applicable.)
Date of Hearing: J a c'a?,? (??7y D
Date of Award: o
Notice of Entry of Award
Now, the'' ?- day of 20 16 , at_, ?_•M., the above
award was entered upon the docket and notice thereof given by mail to the parties or their attorneys.
Arbitrators' compensation to ?e paid upon appeal: $
By. ^F
Prothonotary VawDeputy
0? T#LPRO Nf WO FILED-OFFICE
2010 DEC 17 PM 2: 20
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
4.
Barbara A. Wiser
VS
Barbara J. Wiser, et al
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
N0.07-3393
?+n
NOTICE OF APPEAL'
C
FROM AWARD OF BOARD OF ARBITRATORS ='? 5
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Notice is given that Barbara A. Wiser
;J n
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c,1
appeals from
the award of the board of arbitrators entered in this case on December 16, 2010
A jury trial is demanded J. (Check box if a jury trial is demanded. Otherwise
jury trial is waived.)
I hereby certify that
a 1. the compensation of the arbitrators has been paid, or
?2. application has been made for permission to proceed in forma pauperis.
(Strike out the inapplicable clause.)
App t or Attorney for Appellant
NOTE: The demand for jury trial on appeal from
compulsory arbitration is governed by Rule
1007.1 (b). No affidavit or verification is
required.
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9-14 D-5375-
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PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR TRIAL
(Must be typewritten and submitted in duplicate)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Please list the following case:
(X) for JURY trial at the next term of civil court
( ) for trial without a jury
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be stated in full)
BARBARA A. WISER,
vs.
(Plaintiff)
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a THE VALLEY
RESTAURANTNALLEY MOTEL,
R. L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THE VALLEY
RESTAURANT,
(Defendants)
(check one)
(X) Civil Action - Law
( ) Appeal from Arbitration
(other)
The trial list will be called on June 21, 2011.
Trials commence on July 18, 2011. n o ZFt
Pre-trials will beheld on July 6, 201roGo ? rn
-
(Briefs are due 5 days before pre-trit? ?
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Q
C-) 30 C) - n.
CD,
r°' 7)
No. 2007-3393, Civil Term -<
Indicate the attorney who will try case for the party who files this praecipe:
Wade D. Manley, Johnson Duffle, P.O. Box 109, Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
For Defendants
Indicate trial counsel for other parties if known:
Karl E. Rominger, Esquire, Rominer & Associates, 155 South Hanover Street,
Carlisle, PA 17013
For Plaintiff
This case is ready for trial.
Date: Apri14, 2011
:436702
o'/i Aar. o A*j
Signed:
Print Name: Wade Manley
Attorney for Defendants
?ek 31el 38
RV'4' -?5-7 56 l
J
BARBARA WISER,
PLAINTIFF
V.
BARBARA WISER
D/B/A THE VALLEY RESTAURANT/
VALLEY MOTEL,
R.L. MEALS AND MARY MEALS
D/B/A VALLEY MOTEL/THE VALLEY
RESTAURANT,
DEFENDANTS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 07-3393 CIVIL
IN RE: PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 6th day of July, 2011, after pre-trial conference with counsel in
this matter,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AND DIRECTED that:
1. Trial counsel in this case shall be Karl Rominger, Esquire for Plaintiff and
Wade Manley, Esquire for Defendant.
2. There are no judicial conflicts in this matter.
3. Counsel for the Defendant has indicated that he may file a Motion in Limine
regarding the photographs of the curve protectors in question. Defense Counsel
maintains that photographs of curve protectors which were not involved in the Plaintiff's
fall should not be admitted to the record. I indicated that this matter would be ruled on
by the trial judge.
4. Counsel have indicated that the trial will take approximately 1 day.
5. Each party will be granted four peremptory challenges.
6. There is no need for a view in this matter.
7. Counsel has agreed that jurors will not be allowed to take notes.
8. The parties shall prepare an exhibit list. Two copies of this exhibit list shall be
provided to the Court prior to the commencement of trial. All visual aids used in the
case shall be disclosed to the opposing party.
9. Counsel for each party is directed to file with the Court on or before 12:00
p.m. on Friday, July 15, 2011, a list of the numbered standard jury instructions the party
is requesting. If a party is proposing a unique jury instruction or requesting significant
modification of a standard instruction, it shall provide the full text of the proposed
instruction to the Court.
10. Can or before 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 15, 2011, the parties will provide a
proposed verdict slip to the Court for review.
By the Court,
Ahk-
M. L. Ebert, Jr., J.
? Karl Rominger, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
v' Wade Manley, Esquire 3
Attorney for Defendant m,Q'-, c ' "r"
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ourt Administrator
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Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Wade D. Manley, Esquire
I . D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
wdm@jdsw.com
r- I t%
4 iBERLAND COUN
DVPI SYLVANIA
Attorneys for Defendants
BARBARA A. WISER,
Plaintiff
V.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a THE VALLEY
RESTAURANT/VALLEY MOTEL, : NO. 07-3393
R. L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THEVALLEY,
RESTAURANT
Defendants : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANTS' MOTION IN LIMINE TO PRECLUDE EVIDENCE OF THE
NECESSITY OF SURGERY ON HER TOE AND ESTIMATE OF COST
AND NOW, come the Defendants, by and through their counsel, Johnson, Duffie,
Stewart & Weidner, P.C., who file this Motion in Limine by respectfully stating the following:
On July 8, 2005, after finishing her meal at the Valley Restaurant and Motel the
Plaintiff alleges that she left the restaurant and injured her pinkie toe on her right foot when it
went under a deteriorated portion of the curb protector immediately in front of the door to the
restaurant.
2. The Plaintiff has presented no expert medical report in the referenced matter
regarding the necessity of surgery on the toe she allegedly injured.
3. This matter is an appeal from an arbitration award and during the hearing the
Plaintiff testified that her treating physician told her she needed surgery and that her doctor
gave her an estimate of what the surgery would cost.
4. The Plaintiff's medical records however do not state anywhere that surgery on
her toe world be required or indicate that he would provide Plaintiff with an estimate of how
much such a procedure would cost.
5. It is believed the Plaintiff was confused at the arbitration hearing concerning
possible surgery as a record from a November 19, 2007 visit to John Sekel, DPM indicates that
he suggested she have a ganglion cyst located on her ankle removed and that he would provide
her a cost estimate of that procedure. See, November 19, 2007 report of John Sekel, DPM,
attached hereto as Exhibit A.
6. With no medical expert to provide testimony, it is believed that the Plaintiff will be
seeking permission to allow the medical records to be introduced to provide medical evidence.
7. Therefore, the Plaintiff should not be permitted to introduce medical evidence
that a testifying expert would not be allowed to introduce.
8. Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 4003.5(c) states:
To the extent that the facts known or opinion held by an
expert have been developed in discovery proceedings under
subdivision (a)(1) or (2) of this rule, his direct testimony at the trial
may not be inconsistent with or go beyond the fair scope of his
testimony in the discovery proceedings as set forth in his
deposition, answer to an interrogatory, separate report, or
supplement thereto.
Pa.R.C.P. 4003.5(c).
9. Therefore, the Plaintiff is bound by the fair scope of the medical records she
provided during discovery.
10. Due to the fact there is no indication in the records that the Plaintiff would need
surgery on her toe nor provide an estimate of the cost of such a surgery, the Plaintiff must be
precluded from offering any such evidence at the time of trial.
11. No response to a request for concurrence was provided.
WHEREFORE, the Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court preclude
any evidence that the Plaintiff would need surgery on her toe nor provide an estimate of the cost
of such a surgery at trial in the captioned matter.
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By WIII OLU)
Wade D. Ma ley, Esquire
Attorney I. D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
P Telephone (717) 761-4540
i
DATE: Attorneys for Defendants
• ? ? ? t
:449168
22740-2349
?XN? Bi i
Note for BARBARA WISER on 11/19/2007 -Chart 20661-1
Subjective:This 45 year old female presents today for evaluation of ankle pain and
instability.She presents today for evaluation of recent MRI of the right ankle. She sustained a
inversion ankle sprain at work and presented initially with pain swelling and tenderness. She
presents today with continued pain and swelling and wearing her Cam walker as directed. There
are no changes in her past medical history. done byisl
Objective: Skin temperature of the lower extremities is warm to cool, proximal to distal. done
byJsl
DP pulses palpable bilateral. done byisl PT pulses palpable bilateral. done by jsJ CFT
immediate. done by jsl No edema observed. done by jsl Varicosities are not observed. done by
jsl
Dermatological Exam: No skin rash, subcutaneous nodules, lesions or ulcers observed. done by
Jsl
Neurological Exam: Touch, pin, vibratory and proprioception sensations are normal. done by JsJ
Deep tendon reflexes normal.1done by jsl
Musculoskeletal Exam: Examination of the posterior tibial tendon reveals pain to direct
palpation of the distal tendon with a palpable mass just superior to the navicular tuberostity.
There is pain and tenderness with palpation of the tendon and pain with active ROM of the
tendon for inversion and plantar flexion. done by JsJ Muscle strength is 5/5 for all groups tested.
done byisl Muscle tone is normal. done by JsJ Inspection and palpation of bones, joints
and muscles is unremarkable. done byisl
Test Results: Test Results: MRI: reveals a ganglion cyst measuring 1.lxl.3xl.5cm arising from
the distal medial posterior tibialis tendon sheath and surrounding the PT tendon. Idone byisl
Radiographic Exam:
Impression: PT tendon Ganglion cyst. done by js
Plan: Treatment Plan The treatment plan is to treat this patient with conservative and restorative
nonsurgical treatment to help alleviate the patient's symptomatology by utilizing some or all of
the standard podiatric medical care- e.g.- palliation, orthotics, injections, physical therapy and the
use of padding and strapping. Short term goals: Our plan is to decrease pain, and inflammation,
improve ambulation and to allow the patient to return to normal acitvities, work, and long term
weight bearing, pain-free and tho prevent further disability.Long term goals: Our plan is for the
patient to resume normal foot function and weight bearing, and to pervent surgical intervention.
We will reevaluate the patient's progress on a weekly or biweekly basis until symptoms complex
subsides or is resolved. Due to the nature and location of the cyst I have not recommended a local
steroid injection and aspiration would probably cause too much damage. I have recommended for
removal of the cyst due to the location wrapped around the PT tendon. She was given scripts for
bloodwork and Tylenol #3 with codiene. Right now she does not have insurance and will be
paying cash. for the procedure. I will contact both surgery centers for cost estimate. She will
Page: 1
WISER, BARBARA 11/19/2007 - 20661-1
follow uo to schedule surgery. done by jsl
John Sekel, DPM
,Tohn Sekel DPM
Page: 2
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Motion in
Limine, upon all parties or counsel of record on the day of July, 2011, via first-class
mail, as follows
Karl E. Rominger, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By: U VV'j U JA
Wade'D. Manl y, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendants
r• r
-f'I IC
. F, OTHONJTAP?
12 Ati10:')i
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Wade D. Manley, Esquire
I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
wdm@jdsw.com
C1'h 13 F?RLAN0 COUNT`,'
Fl- 'a-ySYLVAtiIA
Attorneys for Defendants
BARBARA A. WISER,
Plaintiff
V.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a THE VALLEY
RESTAURANT/VALLEY MOTEL, : NO. 07-3393
R. L. MEALS and MARY MEALS d/b/a
VALLEY MOTEL/THEVALLEY,
RESTAURANT
Defendants : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANTS' MOTION IN LIMINE TO
PRECLUDE PHOTOGRAPHS AND EVIDENCE
OF CURB PROTECTORS NOT INVOLVED IN INCIDENT
AND NOW, come the Defendants, by and through their counsel, Johnson, Duffie,
Stewart & Weidner, P.C., who file this Motion in Limine by respectfully stating the following:
1. On July 8, 2005, after finishing her meal at the Valley Restaurant and Motel the
Plaintiff alleges that she left the restaurant and injured her pinkie toe on her right foot when it
went under a deteriorated portion of the curb protector immediately in front of the door to the
restaurant.
2. The Plaintiff has provided several photographs of the restaurant and parking lot
at issue in the referenced matter, including photographs of curb protectors other than that curb
protector that the Plaintiff claims she injured herself on.
3. Photographs of the curb protector at issue are easily distinguishable from the
photographs of irrelevant curb protectors.
4. The Plaintiff has provided two photographs of the curb protector at issue that
actually show the direction and approximate location where the Plaintiff was walking at the time
of the alleged incident. See, photographs attached hereto as Exhibit A.
5. The Plaintiff's testimony also confirmed the location of the of the curb protector
at issue matches the photographs showing the direction and approximate location where the
Plaintiff was walking at the time of the alleged incident. See, deposition transcript of Barbara A.
Wiser, attached hereto as Exhibit B, p. 14-17.
6. In addition to the two photographs of the curb protector at issue, the Plaintiff has
provided at least five (5) photographs of curb protectors other than the curb protector at issue.
See, photographs attached hereto as Exhibit C.
7. A cursory review of the photographs in Exhibits A and C clearly reveal that the
curb protectors depicted in Exhibit C are in a different condition than the curb protector at issue
as depicted in exhibit A. Cf., Exhibit A and Exhibit C.
8. Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 401 defines relevant evidence as "evidence
having any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence to the
determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be without the
evidence." Pa.R.E. 401. Pa.R.E. 402 states that evidence that is not relevant is not admissible.
Pa.R.E. 402.
9. Even if evidence is deemed relevant, evidence may be excluded if its probative
value is outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the
jury, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative
evidence. Pa. R. E. 403
10. The condition of any curb protector other than the curb protector that the Plaintiff
alleges was involved in the incident has no tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of
consequence to the determination of whether the Defendants' negligence caused her injuries
more probable or less probable than it would be without the work order.
11. The Plaintiff has to prove the curb protector that she was allegedly injured on
breached a duty owed to her, so the condition of any other protector is not relevant.
12. As an example, a Plaintiff allegedly injured when struck by a Volvo sedan could
not introduce evidence of a Volvo tractor-trailer unit just because they are made by the same
manufacturer.
13. Even if it is determined that the condition of other curb protectors may be
relevant, the depiction of the other curb protectors could easily be confused by a juror as
depicting the curb protector at issue which weighs decisively in favor of the fact that, if admitted,
would cause severe and incurable prejudice to the Defendants.
14. No response to a request for concurrence was provided.
WHEREFORE, the Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court preclude
any photograph or evidence about curb protectors not at issue at trial in the captioned matter.
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By vi qW
Wade D. Ma ey, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
DATE: Attorneys for Defendants
:449133
22740-2349
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 07-3393 CA-Law JTD
----------------------------x
BARBARA WISER,
Plaintiff
vs -
BARBARA J. WISER d/b/a THE
VALLEY RESTAURANT/VALLEY
MOTEL, R.L. MEALS and MARY
MEALS d/b/a VALLEY MOTEL/
THE VALLEY RESTAURANT,
Defendant. .
---------------------------x
Deposition of BARBARA WISER
301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA
June 2, 2010
10:30 a.m.
IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED and agreed that the
sealing of the within transcript is waived;
IT IS FURTHER STIPULATED and agreed that all
objections except as to the form of the question
are reserved to the time of trial.
ERSA COURT REPORTING
30 South 17th Street, Suite 1520
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 564-1233 Fax (215) 564-1225
BARBARA WISER
14
1 (Erie representative enters the
2 room.)
3 Q How did you enter the restaurant
4 from the -- from where you were parked?
5 A Entered in on the smoking side.
6 They have a ramp that goes into the door where
7 the main bar is, I guess. And that is usually
8 where -- the only time I have been to eat, that's
9 where we sat.
10 Q In the smoking part?
11 A Right. We had to walk through and
12 go to the nonsmoking.
13 Q Okay. And so then when you exited
14the building, you exited from the nonsmoking
15 a rea?
16 A Right.
17 Q How close did you come to -- when
18you entered the building from your car, how close
19 had you come to walking by this area when you
20 entered?
21 A Maybe 7 or 10 feet.
22 Q So you sort of walked by it, but you
23 didn't walk through that same area?
24 A Right. A different door.
25 Q All right. So when you walked out
------------
is
1 -- when you earlier testified, you said that you
2 sort of walked and then you just felt your foot
3 give way. Is that right?
4 A No.
5 Q No. Explain that to me again.
6 A I stepped down off the step.
7 Q Off of the curb, off of the
8 sidewalk?
9 A Right. There is steps.
10 Q Okay.
11 A Anyway I stepped down off the step
12 and I don't know, trying to see where my car was
13compared -- because my car was over there.
14 Q Were you planning to walk to your
15 car?
16 A Right. Where my cigarettes were.
17 Q So you didn't have them with you.
18You were going to your car to get your
19 ciga reties?
20 A Right.
21 Q Okay. So you were looking for where
22your cigarettes were. Were there steps coming
23 out of the door?
24 A I believe that was the one where the
25ramp was, that door where they have the ramp.
16
1 Q So when you walked -- when you
2 walked out the door, you didn't have to go down
3 any steps. You sort of went down a ramp?
4 A I am trying to remember. Yes. I
5 believe.
6 Q Do you know how long the ramp was?
7 A Not long.
8 Q Not long. Not long at all?
9 A No.
10 Q How high was the ramp?
11 A I don't recall.
12 Q Was it about the height of like a
13step, one step up or was it more than -- was it
14 higher than one step up?
15 A I don't recall. It could be one or
16two steps up.
17 Q Okay. When you got to the end of
18the ramp, were you still on concrete? Like did
19the ramp come out and then flatten out to a
20sidewalk?
21 A Correct.
22 Q And was there a curb, a drop-off
23from the sidewalk?
24 A A step off, yes.
25 Q From the sidewalk?
17
1 A Right.
2 Q Okay. And did you step off on that
3 area?
4 A Right.
5 Q And where the curb stopped and there
6 was a step, what was the surface of -- did you
7 step into the parking lot?
8 A Correct.
9 Q And what was the surface of the
10parking lot, asphalt?
11 A Correct.
12 Q So you walked down -- you walked
13down the ramp, walked across some portion of a
14sidewalk, and then stepped off the curb onto the
15asphalt?
16 A Correct.
17 Q Is that when the incident happened?
18 A Yes.
19 Q Just at you stepped off the curb
20onto the --
21 A My next step is when it happened.
22 Q Your next -- okay. So you stepped
23off of the curb one step onto the asphalt. Then
24you took your second step and that is when the
25incident happened?
5 (Pages 14 to 17)
ELECTRONIC REPORTING STENOGRAPHIC AFFILIATES
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Motion in
? day of July, 2011, via first-class
Limine, upon all parties or counsel of record on the tttK
mail, as follows :
Karl E. Rominger, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By: U o* l Cij
Wade . Manl y, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendants