HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-4556FRIEDMAN &LEVIN ASSOCIATES
By: Craig R. Levin, Esquire
Identification No.: 51408
1420 Walnut Street, Suite 1420
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 563-7642
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This is not an Arbitration Matter.
A Major Jury Trial is Demanded.
Attorney for Plaintiff
STEPHANIE MAZZA COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
7936 March Brown Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada
Plaintiff,
v.
SCOTT SCHAUFERT
BERNADETTE SCHAUFERT
6 Boxwood Lane
Camp Hill, PA 17011
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
NO.: p'7_ ~f 55'(o C:-vt l Terms
COMPLAINT -CIVIL ACTION
CIVIL ACTION -COMPLAINT
2V- Motor Vehicle
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FRIEDMAN &LEVIN
ASSOCIATES
1420 WALNUT STREET'
SUITE 1420
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19]02
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 appeazance personally or by attorney and by 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 any 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. 1F YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT
AFFORD ONE, GO AND TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET
FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET
LEGAL HELP.
CUMBERLAND BAR ASSOCIATION
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
(800)990-9108
Aviso
Le had demandado a usted en la Corte. Si usted quiere defenderse de
esias demandas exptuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene
veinte (20) dies de plazo al partir de la fecha de la demanda y la
notification. Hate falta asentaz una comparencia escrita o en persona
o con un abogado y entregar a la Corte en forma escrita sus defenses
o sus objeciones a las demandas en contrta de su persona. Sea
avisado que si usted no se defiende. la Corte tomara medidas y puede
con[inuarla demanda en contra suya sin previo avisio o notifacion.
Ademas, la torte puede decider a favor del demanda[e y require que
usted cumpla con todas las provisioner de elate demanda. Used
puede perder dinero o sus propiedades u otros derechos importantes
para usted.
LLF.VE ESTATE DEMANDA A UN ABOGADO O SI NO TIENE
EL DINERO SUFFIC[ENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVlC10N.
VAYA EN PERSONA O LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA
OFICINA CUYA DIRECCION SE ENCUENTRA ESCRIT.A
ABAJO PARA AVERIC'UAR DONDE SE PUEUE CON'SEGUIR
ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
ASOCIACION DE LICENDIADOS DE CUMBERLAND
32 S. Bedford Street
Cazlisle, PA 17013
(717)249-3166
(800)990-9108
FIRST COUNT- NEGLIGENCE
I . Plaintiff, STEPHANIE MAZZA, is an individual who resides at the address
listed above.
2. Defendants, SCOTT SCHAUFERT and BERNADETTE SCHAUFERT, are
individuals residing at the address listed above.
3. At all times material to this Complaint, Defendants, SCOTT SCHAUFERT
and BERNADETTE SCHAUFERT owned, possessed, maintained and/or controlled, a rat
terrier dog which they knew had a vicious and/or dangerous propensity and disposition,
abnormal to its class and that the dog was liable to attack, injure, bit and claw mankind.
4. On or about August 24, 2005, Plaintiff, STEPHANIE MAZZA was a lawful
invitee at the premises of Defendant's, SCOTT SCHAUFERT AND BERNADETEE
SCHAUFERT, at 6 Boxwood Lane, Camp Hill, PA 17011, when, suddenly and without
warning and/or provocation, Plaintiff was viciously attacked and bitten by Defendants' dog,
which severely gauged, ripped, tore and bit the Plaintiff s face, causing severe and permanent
injuries more fully hereinafter described.
5. Defendants, SCOTT SCHAUFERT and BERNADETTE SCHAUFERT, had
prior knowledge of their dog's dangerous propensities.
6. The negligence, recklessness and/or carelessness of the Defendants, SCOTT
SCHAUFERT and BERNADETTE, acting as aforesaid, consisted of the following:
a. permitting said vicious dog to run uncontrolled throughout the
property accessible to invitees, licensees, etc., including
Defendants' property;
b. permitting said dog to attack Plaintiff;
c. failing to properly restrain and/or confine said vicious dog;
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FRIEDMAN & I.EVIN
ASSOCIATES
1420 WALNUT SIREET
SURE 1420
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102
d. failing to keep said vicious dog under the reasonable control of
some person;
e. failing to warn Plaintiff or give notice of any kind that said dog
was vicious and ferocious;
f. failing to property attend and secure said vicious dog;
g. failing to attend and control said dog, despite that Defendants' knew, or
should have known that said dog was an animal of vicious propensities
and liable to become ferocious and uncontrollable;
h. permitting said dog to become ferocious, vicious and uncontrollable
under these particular circumstances;
failing to take steps to protect Plaintiff after actual and/or constructive
notice that said attack was forthcoming;
j. failing to exercise due care under the circumstances;
k. disregarding the rights and safety of Plaintiff;
1. failing to properly train said dog;
m. permitting the attack against Plaintiff to continue despite Plaintiff s
obvious inability to defend herself;
n. violating 3 P.S. § 459-305 of the Pennsylvania Statutes as well as other
pertinent ordinances and statutes relating to the custody of canines;
o. negligence as a matter of law;
p. failing to muzzle or otherwise prevent the said dog's ability to attack
and/or otherwise act in an aggressive and/or violent manner against the
Plaintiff; and
q. in being otherwise careless, reckless andlor negligent, the particulars of
which are presently unknown to minor-Plaintiff but which she may
learn through discovery procedures provided by the Pennsylvania Rules
of Civil Procedure or which they may learn at the trial of this case.
7. The aforesaid incident was due solely to the negligence, carelessness and/or
recklessness of the Defendants, SCOTT SCHAUFERT and BERNADETTE SCHAUFERT,
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FRIEDMAN & I.EVIN
ASSOCIATES
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PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102
acting as aforesaid, and was due in no manner whatsoever to any act or failure to act on the
part of the Plaintiff, STEPHANIE MAZZA.
8. The negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness as stated above were the
direct and proximate cause of Plaintiff, STEPANIE MAZZA's injuries and damages.
9. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants', SCOTT SCHAUFERT and
BERNADETTE SCHAUFERT's negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness, Plaintiff,
STEPHANIE MAZZA suffered injuries including but not limited to multiple complex facial
lacerations due to dog bite of the left upper lip with loss of substance and sensation, all of
which injuries have in the past and will in the future cause Plaintiff great pain and suffering
and has resulted in permanent scarring.
10. As a further result of this accident, Plaintiff, STEPANIE MAZZA has been or
will be obliged to receive and undergo medical attention and care and to expend various sums
of money and to incur various expenses for the injuries she has suffered and she may be
obliged to continue to expend such sums or incur such expenditures for an indefinite time in
the future. Said expenditure may result in the imposition of a medical insurance lien.
11. As a further result of this accident, Plaintiff, STEPHANIE MAZZA has and
will continue to suffer a severe impairment of her future earning power and capacity.
12. As a further result of this accident, Plaintiff, STEPANIE MAZZA, has suffered
medically determinable physical and/or mental impairment which prevents her from
performing all or substantially all of the material acts and duties which constitute her usual
and customary activities.
13. As a further result of the accident aforementioned, STEPHANIE MAZZA has
suffered severe physical pain, mental anguish and humiliation and she may continue to suffer
same for an indefinite period of time in the future.
14. The conduct of the Defendants, SCOTT SCHAUFERT and BERNADETTE
SCHAUFERT, as aforesaid, was done in disregard to risks so obvious to Defendants that they
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FRIEDMAN & I,EVIN
ASSOCIATES
1420 WALNVI' STREET
SUITE 1420
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102
knew or should have known of said risks and the risks were so great that Defendants knew or
should have known that it was highly probable that harm would ensue to Plaintiff, or persons
similarly situated, due to their respective conduct.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, STEPHANIE MAZZA, demands judgment against
Defendants, SCOTT SCHAUFERT and BERNADETTE SCHAUFERT, in a sum in excess of
Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, plus interest and costs.
Respectfully Submitted,
FRIEDMAN & LEVIN ASSOCIATES
BY: --~
CRAIG VIN, ESQUIRE
Att for Plaintiffs
Date: _7 3067
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'RIEDMAN & LEVIN
ASSOCIATES
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PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102
knew or should have known of said risks and the risks were so great that Defendants knew or
should have known that it was highly probable that harm would ensue to Plaintiff, or persons
similarly situated, due to their respective conduct.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, STEPHANIE MAZZA, demands judgment against
Defendants, SCOTT SCHAUFERT and BERNADETTE SCHAUFERT, in a sum in excess of
Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, plus interest and costs.
Respectfully Submitted,
FRIEDMAN & LEVIN ASSOCIATES
BY:
CRAIG R. LEVIN, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Date:
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FRIEDMAN & LEVIP
ASSOCIATES
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SUl'IE 1420
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102
VERIFICATION
I, STEPHANIE MAZZA, hereby verify that I am a Plaintiff in the foregoing
action and do hereby swear and depose that the averments made in the foregoing pleading
are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. The
undersigned understands that the statements herein are subject to the penalties of Pa. C.S.
§4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
T
S ~ PHANIE MAZZA
Date: ~
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION
Stephanie Mazza, CASE NUMBER: 07-4556
Plaintiff ISSUE NUMBER:
v.
Scott Schaufert and Bernadette Schaufert,
PLEADING:
PRAECIPE FOR APPEARANCE
Defendants
CODE AND CLASSIFICATION:
FILED ON BEHALF OF:
Defendants.
COUNSEL OF RECORD:
DENNIS J. BONETTI, ESQUIRE
Pa. ID# 34329
MARK R. ZOGBY, ESQUIRE
Pa. ID# 84032
CIPRIANI & WERNER, P.C.
1011 Mumma Road, Suite 201
Lemoyne, PA 17043
(717) 975-9600
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
Stephanie Mazza,
Plaintiff
v.
Scott Schaufert and Bernadette Schaufert,
Defendants
CASE NO: 07-4556
PRAECIPE FOR APPEARANCE
TO: PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Kindly enter my appearance on behalf of the Defendants, Scott and Bernadette
Schaufert, in the above-captioned matter.
A JURY TRIAL IS DEMANDED
CIVIL DIVISION
BY:
Respectfully submitted,
bENNIS J~I~'1"TI, ESQUIRE
MARK R. OCBY, ESQUIRE
Attorney for the Defendants
Scott and Bernadette Schaufert
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
That counsel for the Defendants hereby certifies that a true and correct copy of its
PRAECIPE FOR APPEARANCE has been served on all counsel of record, by first class
mail, p stage pre-paid, ccordin to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, on the
--~~~ day of , 2007.
Craig R. Levin
Friedman & Levin Associates
1420 Walnut Street, Suite 1420
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Respectfully submitted,
CIPRIA ERNER, P. .
BY:
DENNIS J. B ,ESQUIRE
MARK R. ZOGBY, ESQUIRE
Attorney for the Defendants
Scott and Bernadette Schaufert
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SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
~ CASE NO: 2007-04556 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
MAZZA STEPHANIE
VS
SCHAUFERT SCOTT ET AL
MARK CONKLIN
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
was served upon
SCHAUFERT SCOTT the
DEFENDANT at 1440:00 HOURS, on the 22nd day of August 2007
at 6 BOXWOOD LANE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
SCOTT SCHAUFERT
by handing to
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Service ~ 13.44
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
Sworn and Subscibed to
before me this
day
So Answers :, ,,~
S~~s~c~C .a~
R. Thomas Kline
08/23/2007
FRIEDMAN & LEVIN ASSOCIATES
By:
.D ut eriff
of A.D.
i
~ CASE N0: 2007-04556 P
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
MAZZA STEPHANIE
VS
SCHAUFERT SCOTT ET AL
MARK CONKLIN Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE was served upon
SCHAUFERT BERNADETTE
the
DEFENDANT at 1440:00 HOURS, on the 22nd day of August 2007
at 6 BOXWOOD LANE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011 by handing to
SCOTT SCHAUFERT, HUSBAND
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Service .00
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
a~o~+o~ ~.,... .00
16.0 0
Sworn and Subscibed to
before me this day
of
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
08/23/2007
FRIEDMAN & LEVIN ASSOCIATES
By:
Deputy heriff
A.D.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION
Stephanie Mazza, CASE NUMBER: 07-4556
Plaintiff ISSUE NUMBER:
CODE AND CLASSIFICATION:
FILED ON BEHALF OF:
Defendants.
v.
PLEADING:
Scott Schaufert and Bernadette Schaufert,
PRAECIPE FOR WITHDRAWAL OF
Defendants APPEARANCE
COUNSEL OF RECORD:
DENNIS J. BONETTI, ESQUIRE
Pa. ID# 34329
MARK R. ZOGBY, ESQUIRE
Pa. ID# 84032
CIPRIANI & WERNER, P.C.
1011 Mumma Road, Suite 201
Lemoyne, PA 17043
(717)975-9600
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION
Stephanie Mazza,
CASE NO: 07-4556
Plaintiff
v.
Scott Schaufert and Bernadette Schaufert,
Defendants
A JURY TRIAL IS DEMANDED
PRAECIPE FOR WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE
TO: PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Kindly withdraw my appearance on behalf of the Defendants, Scott and
Bernadette Schaufert, in the above-captioned matter.
Respectfully submitted,
& WERNER, P.C.
BY: ~''~//'-
NNIS J. BONETTI, ESQUIRE
tiornev for the Defendants
Scott and Bernadette Schaufert
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
That counsel for the Defendants hereby certifies that a true and correct copy of its
PRAECIPE FOR WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE has been served on all counsel of
record, by first class mail, postage pre-paid according to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil
Procedure, on the ~'~ day of ~~~~lZ.-- , 2008.
Craig R. Levin
Friedman & Levin Associates
1420 Walnut Street, Suite 1420
Philadelphia, PA 19102
BY:
Respectfully submitted,
CIP1tY9oNI/~ WERNER, P.C.
~-Fj1~VNIS J. BONETTI, ESQUIRE
SARK R. ZOGBY, ESQUIRE
Attorney for the Defendants
Scott and Bernadette Schaufert
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION
Stephanie Mazza,
Plaintiff
V.
Scott Schaufert and Bernadette Schaufert,
Defendants
CASE NO: 07-4556
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STIPULATION TO STRIKE
The parties hereto, by and through their respective counsel, hereby agree and stipulate as
follows:
1. All counsel represent and warrant that they are authorized to enter into this
Stipulation on behalf of each of their respective clients;
2. The following shall be stricken from the Complaint:
a. "recklessness" from paragraph 6, paragraph 7, paragraph 8
and paragraph 9;
b. Paragraph 60);
C. "as well as other pertinent ordinances and siatutes relating
to the custody of canines" from paragraph 6(n);
d. "or otherwise prevent" and "and/or otherwise act in an
aggressive and/or violent manner against the" from
paragraph 6(p);
e. Paragraph 6(q);
3. This Stipulation can be executed in counterparts and becomes effective when all
counsel have executed a copy of this Stipulation on behalf of their respective clients.
Date:
Date: ? -1 '(9
CIPRIANi & WERNER, P.C.
BY:
MARK R. Z JAY, , SQU1 RE -- _---
Counsel for the De enaauts,
Scott Schaufert and Bernadette Schaufert
FRIED N LE IN ASSOCIATES
d
BY:
C IG , ESQUIRE
Cou or Plaintiff
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
That counsel for the Defendants, Scott Schaufert and Bernadette Schaufert, hereby
certifies that a true and correct copy of its STIPULATION TO STRIKE has been served on all
counsel of record, by first class mail, posts e pre-paid, according to the Pennsylvania Rules of
Civil Procedure, on the a5'0' day of 12010.
Craig R. Levin, Esquire
Friedman & Levin Associates
1420 Walnut Street, Suite 1420
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Respectfully submitted,
CIPRIANI & WERNER, P.C.
BY:
MARK R. Z B ESQUIRE
Counsel for the Defendants,
Scott Schaufert and Bernadette Schaufert
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION
Stephanie Mazza,
Plaintiff
v.
Scott Schaufert and Bernadette Schaufert,
CASE NUMBER: 07-4556
ISSUE NUMBER:
PLEADING:
ANSWER WITH NEW MATTED
Defendants
TO: STEPHANIE N4AZZA
YOU ARE IIERE13Y NOTIFIED TO PLEAD TO THE
ENCLOSED ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER AND
CROSSCLAIM WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS FROM
SERVICE HkREC OR A EFAULT JUDGMENT
MAY B 7EI D AG S j' YOU.
RK R. 20G , S ARE
CODE AND CLASSIFICA'T'ION:
FILED ON BEHALF OF:
Defendants.
COUNSEL OF RECORD:
MARK R. LOGBY, ESQUIRE
Pa.IT)# 84032
CIPRIANI & WERNER, P.C.
1011 Mumma Road, Suite 201
Lemoyne, PA 17043
(717) 975-9600
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION
Stephanie Mazza,
CASE NO: 07-4556
Plaintiff
V.
Scott Schaufert and Bernadette Schaufert,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER
AND NOW, comes Defendants, Scott Schaufert and Bernadette Schaufert, by and
through their attorneys, Cipriani & Werner, P.C., and hereby files the following Answer With
New Matter to Plaintiffs' Complaint.
FIRST COUNT - NEGLIGENCE
1. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in paragraph 1
of Plaintiff's Complaint and the same are therefore denied.
2. Admitted.
3. Denied. Defendant is advised by counsel and therefore avers that the allegations
contained in paragraph 3 of Plaintiff's Complaint state conclusions of law to which no answer is
required. By way of further answer, the averments contained in paragraph 3 are denied pursuant
to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
4. Denied. Defendant is advised by counsel and therefore avers that the allegations
contained in paragraph 4 of Plaintiff's Complaint state conclusions of law to which no answer is
required. Byway of further answer, the averments contained in paragraph 4 are denied pursuant
to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e). By way of further answer, after reasonable investigation, Defendant is
without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments
concerning the nature and extent of injuries suffered by Plaintiff and the same is therefore
denied.
5. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 5 are denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P.
1029(e).
6. Denied. Defendant is advised by counsel and therefore avers that the allegations
contained in paragraph 6 including sub-paragraphs (a) through (q) inclusive state conclusions of
law to which no answer is required. To the extent a further answer is required, the averments
contained in paragraph 6 including sub-paragraphs (a) through (q) inclusive are denied pursuant
to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
7. Denied. Defendant is advised by counsel and therefore avers that the allegations
contained in paragraph 7 of Plaintiff's Complaint state conclusions of law to which no answer is
required. By way of further answer, the averments contained in paragraph 7 are denied pursuant
to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
8. Denied. Defendant is advised by counsel and therefore avers that the allegations
contained in paragraph 8 of Plaintiff's Complaint state conclusions of law to which no answer is
required. By way of further answer. the averments contained in paragraph 8 are denied pursuant
to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e). By way of further answer, after reasonable investigation, Defendant is
without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief' as to the truth of the averments
concerning the nature and extent of injuries suffered by Plaintiff and the same is therefore
denied.
9. Denied. Defendant is advised by counsel and therefore avers that the allegations
contained in paragraph 9 of Plaintiff's Complaint state conclusions of law to which no answer is
required. By way of further answer. the averments contained in paragraph 9 are denied pursuant
to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e). By way of further answer, after reasonable investigation, Defendant is
without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments
concerning the nature and extent of injuries suffered by Plaintiff and the same is therefore
denied.
10. Denied. Defendant is advised by counsel and therefore avers that the allegations
contained in paragraph 10 of Plaintiff's Complaint state conclusions of law to which no answer
is required. By way of further answer, the averments contained in paragraph 10 are denied
pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e). By way of further answer, after reasonable investigation,
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments concerning the nature and extent of injuries suffered by Plaintiff and the same is
therefore denied.
11. Denied. Defendant is advised by counsel and therefore avers that the allegations
contained in paragraph 11 of Plaintiff's Complaint state conclusions of law to which no answer
is required. By way of further answer, the averments contained in paragraph 11 are denied
pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e). By way of further answer, after r-asonable investigation,
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments concerning the nature and extent of injuries suffered by Plaintiff and the same is
therefore denied.
12. Denied. Defendant is advised by counsel and therefore avers that the allegations
contained in paragraph 12 of Plaintiff's Complaint state conclusions of law to which no answer
is required. By way of further answer, the averments contained in paragraph 12 are denied
pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e). By way of further answer, after reasonable investigation,
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments concerning the nature and extent of injuries suffered by Plaintiff and the same is
therefore denied.
13. Denied. Defendant is advised by counsel and therefore avers that the allegations
contained in paragraph 13 of Plaintiff's Complaint state conclusions of law to which no answer
is required. By way of further answer, the averments contained in paragraph 13 are denied
pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e). By way of further answer, after reasonable investigation,
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments concerning the nature and extent of iniuries suffered by Plaintiff and the same is
therefore denied.
14. Defendant is advised by counsel and therefore avers that the allegations contained
in paragraph 14 of Plaintiffs Complaint state conclusions of law to which no answer is required.
By way of further answer, the averments contained in paragraph 14 are denied pursuant to
Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
WHEREFORE, Defendants, Scott Schaufert and Bernadette Schaufert, demand judgment
in their favor and against Plaintiff, without costs.
NEW MATTER
15. Plaintiff's claims may be barred by the applicable statute of limitations.
16. Plaintiff's alleged injuries and damages, if any, which are specifically denied,
may have been caused, either in whole or in part by the acts or omissions of third parties other
than Defendant.
17. Plaintiff's alleged injuries and damages, if any, which are specifically denied,
may have been pre-existing, either in whole or in part and are not causally related to the accident
giving rise to -the present litigation.
18. Plaintiff's claims are reduced or barred by the Comparative Negligence Act.
Plaintiffs contributory negligence consisted of, but is not limited to:
a. Failing to exercise reasonable care in approaching the dog at issue;
b. Placing her face directly in front of the face of the dog at issue; and
c. Failing to take evasive maneuvers in an attempting to avoid contact
with the dog at issue.
19. Discovery may reveal that Plaintiffs' claims may be barred, in whole or in part, by
one or more of the affirmative defenses set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 1030, which are incorporated
herein by reference including, but not limited to, assumption of the risk, collateral estoppel, res
judicata, release or immunity from suit.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Scott Schaufert and Bernadette Schaufert, demand judgment
in their favor and against Plaintiff, without costs.
Respectfully submitted,
CIPRIANI & WERNER, P.C.
BY:`__„t ...
ARK R. GONBY, ESQUIRE
Pa. ID# 84032
1011 Mumma Road, Suite 201
Lemoyne, PA 17043
(717) 975-9600
Counsel for the Defendants,
Scott and Bernadette Schaufert
VERIFICATION
I hereby affirm that the following facts are correct:
I am a Defendant in the foregoing action. The attached Answer with New Matter is
based upon information which I have furnished to my counsel and information which has been
gathered by my counsel in preparation for this lawsuit. The language of the Answer with New
Matter is that of counsel and not of me. I have read the Answer with New Matter and to the
extent that the Answer with New Matter is based upon information which I have given to my
counsel, it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. To the extent
that the content of the Answer with New Matter is that of counsel, 1 have relied upon counsel in
making this verification. I hereby acknowledge that the facts set forth in the aforesaid Answer
with New Matter is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. 4904 relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
Dated: Q-//C
Scott Schaufert
VERIFICATION
I hereby affirm that the following facts are correct:
I am a Defendant in the foregoing action. The attached Answer with New Matter is
based upon information which I have furnished to my counsel and information which has been
gathered by my counsel in preparation for this lawsuit. The language of the Answer with New
Matter is that of counsel and not of me. I have read the Answer with New Matter and to the
extent that the Answer with New Matter is based upon information which 1 have given to my
counsel, it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. To the extent
that the content of the Answer with New Matter is that of counsel, I have relied upon counsel in
making this verification. I hereby acknowledge that the facts set fuith in the aforesaid Answer
with New Matter is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. 49,04 relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
Dated:
Bernadette Schaufert G,
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
That counsel for the Defendants hereby certifies that a true and correct copy of its
ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER has been served on all counsel of record, by first class mail,
postage pre-paid, according to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, on the _D 1y' day
of 92010.
Craig R. Levin, Esquire
Friedman & Levin Associates
1420 Walnut Street, Suite 1420
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Respectfully submitted,
CIPRIANI & WERNER, P.C.
fr
BY: k.RKRZOGLtYkSQU1RF
Counsel for the Defendants,
Scott and Bernadette Schauferi
FRIEDMAN & LEVIN ASSOCIATES
Tay: Craig R. Levin, Esquire
1420 Walnut Street, Suite 1420
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-563-7642
crhi,crllaw.com
STEPHANIE MAZZA
V.
SCO'T'T SCHAUFERT, et al.
and
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COURT OF CCOMMQN PL
EA
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
NO.: 07-4556
PLAINTIFFS ANSWERS TO DEFENDANT'S NEW MATTER
LAw 0FR-
FRIEDMAN & I-EviI
AssocIAns
1420 WALNUT STREET
SUITE 1420
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102
15. Denied. Defendants' allegation is a conclusion of law to which no response is
required under the applicable Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. If deemed relevant, the
date of this accident was August 24, 2005 and the complaint was filed on August 1, 2007,
well within the applicable statute of limitations. Strict proof to the contrary is demanded at
the time of trial.
16. Denied. Defendants' allegation is a conclusion of law to which no response is
required under the applicable Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. If deemed relevant it is
answered that the acts or omissions causing Plaintiff s injuries and damages were caused by
the Defendants herein. Strict proof to the contrary is demanded at the time of trial.
17. Denied. Defendants' allegation is a conclusion of law to which no response is
required under the applicable Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. If deemed relevant it is
answered that none of the injuries caused in this incident were preexisting. Strict proof to the
contrary is demanded at the time of trial.
18. Denied. Defendants' allegation is a conclusion of law to which no response is
required under the applicable Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. If deemed relevant it is
answered that Plaintiff, at all times, exercised a reasonable amount of care in approaching the
dog, she did not place her face directly in front of the dog. Further the Plaintilf did not have
time to take evasive maneuvers in attempting to avoid contact with the dog. Strict proof to
the contrary is demanded at the time of trial.
1
IAW OFFICES
FRIEDMAN & LEVIN
ASSOCIATES
1420 WALNUT STREET
SUITE 1420
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102
19. Denied. Defendants' allegation is a conclusion of law to which no response is
required under the applicable Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. If deemed relevant it is
answered that none of the injuries caused in this incident were preexisting. Strict proof to the
contrary is demanded at the time of trial.
FRIEDMAN & L VIN ASSOCIATES
J
By: _
CRAIG R. EV SQUIRE
Attor or Plaintiff