HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-50410
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
No. ct? - -), q1 Civil Term
JOHN BURKENTINE
AND CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
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 of 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
(717) 249-3166
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH,
Plaintiff
V.
JOHN BURKENTINE
AND CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 03- s0y1 Civil Term
COMPLAINT
1. Plaintiff, Eric L. Diffenbaugh, is an adult individual residing at 457 Whitmer Road,
Shippensburg, Cumberland County, PA 17257.
2. Plaintiff Diffenbaugh is in the business of rendering professional land surveying
and engineering services, with offices located at 25 Broad Street, Newville, Cumberland
County, PA.
3. Defendant, John Burkentine, is an adult individual of Glenville, York County, PA
17329.
4. Defendant, Carl Sensenig, is an adult individual with the last known address of
1015 Steinmetz Road, Denver, Lancaster County, PA 17517.
5. Defendants, Burkentine and Sensenig are the owners of a real estate
development project known as "Shippensburg Village" located in Southampton
Township, Cumberland County, PA.
6. On or about April 30, 2000 Plaintiff Diffenbaugh and Defendants Burkentine and
Sensenig entered into an agreement whereby Plaintiff Diffenbaugh would provide
surveying and engineering services on the Shippensburg Village project owned by
Defendants Burkentine and Sensenig. A copy of the agreement is attached and made a
part hereto.
7. The agreement provided that Plaintiff Diffenbaugh would receive payment of
$60,000.00 for work done to gain preliminary plan approval from Southampton
Township, Cumberland County and such sum would be paid in two equal installments of
$30,000.00 with the finial installment to paid no latter than April 30, 2003.
8. Plaintiff Diffenbaugh did provide such surveying and engineering services as to
gain preliminary plan approval from Southampton Township, Cumberland County and
was paid the initial some of $30,000.00 on or about March 4, 2000.
9. Despite repeated demand the Defendants have failed and refused to pay the
second sum of $30,000.00 which is due to Plaintiff and has been due since April 30,
2003.
10. The Defendants, pursuant to the agreement signed by them with Plaintiff, now owe
Plaintiff Eric Diffenbaugh the sum of $30,000.00 plus interest from April 30, 2003 until
the date of this Complaint and until date of trial and judgment.
WHEREFORE, for all the above reasons, Plaintiff Eric Diffenbaugh hereby
demands judgment in his favor against defendants Burkentine and Sensenig jointly and
severally in the sum of $30,000.00, plus interest and costs of this action.
Date
Submitted
RO?IAW FFICES
Ron Turo, Esquire
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 245-9688
Attorney for Plaintiff
VERIFICATION
I, Ron Turo, 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 on Turo, Esquire
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH,
Plaintiff
V.
JOHN BURKENTINE
AND CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: No. 03-5041 Civil Term
ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE
I Neil Slenker, Esquire am the attorney for John Burkentine, defendant in the
above captioned matter. I have been authorized by my client to accept service in this
case and do so as evidenced by my signature below.
io i d3
Date Slenker, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant
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ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH,
Plaintiff
V.
JOHN BURKENTINE
AND CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 03-5041
Civil Term
ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE
I Matthew Creme, Jr., Esquire am the attorney for Carl Sensenig, defendant in
the above captioned matter. I have been authorized by my client to accept service in
this case and do so as evidenced by my signature below.
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH,
Plaintiff
No. 03-5041
V.
JOHN BURKENTINE and CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO PLAINTIFF:
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED to file a written response to the enclosed document
within twenty (20) days of service hereof or a default judgment may be entered against you.
Respectfully .submitted,
NIKOLAUS & HOHENADEL, LLP
By:'Matthew J. Creme, Jr.
Attorney I.D. 432141
Bernadette M. Hohenadel
Attorney I.D. 428330
Nadine C. Smith
Attorney I.D. #89388
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 299-3726
Attorneys for Defendant Carl Sensenig
a d3
Date: ?
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH,
Plaintiff
V. No.: 03-5041
JOHN BURKENTINE and
CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
ANSWER OF DEFENDANT CARL SENSENIG TO THE COMPLAINT
AND CROSS CLAIM
Defendant Carl Sensenig, by and through his undersigned attorneys, hereby responds to
the Complaint in this matter as follows:
1. Denied. Defendant is without sufficient information or knowledge to admit or
deny the averments of this paragraph. Strict proof thereof is demanded.
2. Denied. Defendant is without sufficient information or knowledge to admit or
deny the averments of this paragraph. Strict proof thereof is demanded.
3. Admitted.
Admitted.
It is specifically denied that Defendants are the owners of a development project
known as "Shippensburg Village" located in Southampton Township, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania. To the contrary, it is averred that Shippensburg Village, LTD, of which
Defendants are equal Shareholders and Directors, owns the real estate development project.
6. It is admitted that on April 30, 2000 PlaintiffDiffenbaugh and Defendants
Burkentine and Sensenig signed an Agreement to pay Plaintiff for surveying and engineering
services on the Shippensburg Village project. A copy of the Agreement is attached to the
03-5041
Complaint and the language thereof speaks for itself. It is averred that the work was performed
by Plaintiff prior to the date of the agreement and before Defendant Sensenig became involved in
the Shippensburg Village project.
7. It is admitted that the Agreement provided that Plaintiff would be paid
compensation in the amount of $60,000.00, for the surveying and engineering work performed to
gain preliminary plan approval for the project and that the payments were to be made in two
equal installments of $30,000.00. The Agreement, a copy of which is attached to the Complaint,
speaks for itself.
8. It is admitted that Plaintiff Diffenbaugh did provide the surveying and
engineering services as agreed for preliminary plan approval from Southampton Township,
Cumberland County and that the initial installment of $30,000.00 was paid by Defendant Carl
Sensenig. It is specifically averred that said surveying and engineering services were performed
before Defendant Sensenig became involved in the project and before the agreement was signed
and that the payment was made by Defendant Sensenig on or about March 8, 2000.
It is admitted that Plaintiff has demanded payment of the second installment of
$30,000.00 due on or before April 30, 2003. It is specifically denied that this sum is due to
Plaintiff from Defendant Carl Sensenig and strict proof thereof is demanded.
10. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no response is required. Strict
proof thereof is demanded. The terms of the Agreement, a copy of which is attached to the
Complaint, speak for themselves.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Carl Sensenig respectfully requests the entry of judgment in
his favor on the claim set forth in the Complaint.
2
03-5041
CROSS CLAIM
The averments of all preceding paragraphs are incorporated as if set forth herein
at length.
2. On or about April 30, 2000, Plaintiff Diffenbaugh entered into an Agreement with
Defendants John Burkentine and Carl Sensenig to provide surveying and engineering services for
preliminary plan approval in exchange for $60,000.00, such to be paid in two $30,000.00
installments.
3. The surveying and engineering services on Shippensburg Village were performed
before Defendant Sensenig became involved in the project and before the Agreement was signed.
4. Defendants John Burkentine and Carl Sensenig signed the Agreement in an
individual capacity on behalf of Shippensburg Village.
Defendants John Burkentine and Carl Sensenig are equal Shareholders and
Directors of Shippensburg Village, LTD, pursuant to the terms of an "Agreement Relating to the
Common Stock of Shippensburg Village, LTD."
6. Defendant Sensenig paid the first installment of $30,000.00, by personal check,
on March 8, 2000, which was after the work was performed.
7. Defendant Burkentine failed to pay the final installment of $30,000.00 due April
30, 2003 or any other amount due under the agreement.
8. Defendant Sensenig is not in breach of the Agreement entered into with Plaintiff
Diffenbaugh and that he made payment of $30,000 under the Agreement.
9. In the event it is determined that Plaintiff has stated a claim entitling him to relief,
then Defendant John Burkentine is solely liable to Plaintiff on that claim by reason of his failure
to have made any payment pursuant to the terms of the Agreement.
03-5041
10. In the event Defendants are found liable for the balance due Plaintiff under the
terms of the Agreement and judgment entered as to them, then Defendant Burkentine is liable to
Defendant Sensenig for the $30,000.00 together with interest thereon.
WHEREORE, Defendant Carl Sensenig respectfully requests the entry of judgment in his
favor and against Defendant Burkentine on the claim asserted and requests this Court to find that
Defendant John Burkentine is solely liable to Plaintiff Diffenbaugh for the sum owed, or is liable
over to Defendant Sensenig in the amount of $30,000.00 together with interest thereon and costs
of suit.
Respectfully submitted,
NIKOLAUS & HOHENADEL, LLP
A
By: /
Matthew J. Creme, Jr.
Attorney I.D. #32141
Bernadette M. Hohenadel
Attorney I.D. #28330
Nadine C. Smith
Attorney I.D. #89388
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 299-3726
Attorneys for Defendant Carl Sensenig
4
VERIFICATION
I, Carl Sensenig, verify that the facts set forth in the foregoing Answer and Cross Claim
are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I acknowledge that had
I knowingly made false statements in this document, I would be subject to the penalties of a
misdemeanor of the third class pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 4904 regarding unsworn
falsification to authorities.
Date: CaIZ e
Carl Sensenig G;pr
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE;
1 hereby certify that I have this day served a true and correct copy of the foregoing
document upon the following person(s) and in the manner listed below, which service satisfies the
requirements of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure
Service Delivered By First-Class Mail as Follows:
Ron Turo, Esquire
Turo Law Offices
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
NIKOLAUS & HOHENADEL, LLP
Date: LOA c By:
Matthew J. Creme, Jr.
Attorney I.D. #32141
Bernadette M. Hohenadel
Attorney I.D. #28330
Nadine C. Smith
Attorney I.D. #89388
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 299-3726
Attorneys for Defendant Carl Sensenig
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
i
ERIC L. DIFFENBAI-GH,
laintiff
VS.
JOHN BURKENTP
CARL SENSENIG,
AND NOW,
and through his attc
Plaintiff.
1. Adm
2. Adm
3. Adm
4. Adm
AND
No. 03-5041 Civil Term
day of October, 2003, comes the Defendant, John Burkentine, by
the law firm of Stock and Leader, to answer the Complaint filed by
upon information and belief.
upon information and belief.
5. Denied The facility known as "Shippensburg Village" is a mobile home park
located in Cumberl d County, Pennsylvania owned by a corporation called "Shippensburg
Village, Inc."
6. Admitt d in part, denied in part. Admitted that :Defendant John Burkentine signed
the Agreement, a cop of which is attached to the Complaint. The remainder of this averment is
denied in that it is attempt to characterize and/or restate the terms of a written agreement,
which speaks for
7. Denied. This averment is an attempt to characterize and/or restate the terms of a
written agreement, which speaks for itself and it is therefore denied.
8. Admitt$d.
9. . Admitted in part, denied in part. Admitted that Defendant John Burkentine has
not paid to Plaintiffn additional Thirty Thousand and NO/100 ($30,000.00) Dollars. The
I
remainder of this averment is a conclusion of law to which no response is required, and it is
therefore denied.
10. Denied] This averment constitutes a conclusion of law to which no response is
required, and it is therefore denied.
Defendant, John Burkentine, demands judgment in his favor and against
Plaintiff Eric L.
Respectfully submitted,
STOCK AND LEADER
By:
DWif A. Slenker, Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. #77974
Susquehanna Commerce Center East
Suite 600
221 West Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17404
Telephone Number: (717) 846-9800
Fax: (717) 843-6134
Attorney for Defendant John Burkentine
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PAGE 02
VERIFICATION
I hereby
upon tniormatiot
language of the ,
extent that the s
correct to the be:
ANSWER is thx
acknowledge tha
the penalties of I
Date
m that the following facts are correct: The attached ANSWER is base
ich has been furnished to counsel in the preparation of this document. Th
WER is that of counsel and not mine. I have read the ANSWER and to th
is based upon information which I have given to counsel, it is true an
my knowledge, information and belief. To the extent that the content of th
counsel, I have relied upon counsel in making this Verification. I hereh
averments of fact set forth in the atirre.said ANSWER are made subject t
C S 49(W relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
.1?4.
77
ERIC L. DIFFENB,
vs.
JOHN BURKENTII
CARL SENSENIG,
AND NOW,
Esquire, of the law
hereby certify that
depositing the same
to:
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
JGH, No. 03-5041 Civil Term
Plaintiff
AND
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
isZJ! day of 2003, I, Neil A. Slenker,
rm of Stock and Leader, attorneys for the Defendant, John Burkentine,
served the within Answer of Defendant, John Burkentine this day by
the United States mail, postage prepaid, in York, Pennsylvania, addressed
n Turo, Esquire
RO LAW OFFICES
South Pitt Street
•lisle, PA 17013
STOCK AND LEADER
/
By
An, Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. 477974
Susquehanna Commerce Center East
Suite 600
221 West Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17404
Telephone Number: (717) 846-9800
Fax: (717) 843-6134
Attorney for Defendant, John Burkentine
LI)
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CA
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH,
Plaintiff
V.
JOHN BURKENTINE
AND CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 03-5041 Civil Term
ANSWER OF PLAINTIFF TO CROSS CLAIM
OF DEFENDANT SENSENING
1. No answer required.
2. Admitted.
3. The allegations of this paragraph are not within the knowledge of plaintiff and
proof of the same is demanded at trial.
4. The allegations of this paragraph are not within the knowledge of plaintiff and
proof of the same is demanded at trial.
5. The allegations of this paragraph are not within the knowledge of plaintiff and
proof of the same is demanded at trial.
6. Admitted.
7. Admitted.
8. Denied. This allegation is legal conclusion to which no responsive pleading is
Required. It is denied that Defendant Sensening has no further legal obligation to the
plaintiff pursuant to the written document which has been made a part of this compla nt.
9. The allegations of this paragraph are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is required. The allegations of this paragraph are directed to
Defendant Burkentine consequently the plaintiff cannot answer the same.
WHEREFORE, for all the above reasons, plaintiff requests judgment in his
is favor in the amount of $30,000.00, jointly and severally against the defendants
Burkentine and Sensening.
y ubmitted,
7Rey,
Zo Tdro, Esquire
furo aw Offices
28 S uth Pitt Street
Carli le, PA 17013
M7 245-9688
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the Answer of Plaintiff to
Cross Claim of Defendant Senening upon Matthew J. Creme, Jr., Esquire and Neil A.
Slenker, Esquire, by depositing same in the United States Mail, first class, postage pre-
paid on the _ 4day of C)?_eerL, 2003, from Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
addressed as follows:
Matthew J. Creme, Jr., Esquire
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
Neil A. Slenker, Esquire
Stock & Leader
221 West Philadelphia Street, Suite E600
York, PA 17404
TURO LAW OFFIC
Ron Turo, Esq ire
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 245-9688
Attorney for Plaintiff
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certi that I have this day served a true and correct copy of the foregoing
document upon the following person(s) and in the manner listed below, which service satisfies the
requirements of the P nnsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure
Service Delivered By First-Class Mail as Follows:
Ron Turo, Esquire
Turo Law Offices
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Neil A. Slenker, Esquire
Stock and Leader
Susquehanna Commerce Center
East Building, 6`h Floor
221 West Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17404
Date: /o - 57 -0
NIKOLAUS & HOHENADEL, LLP
By:L 'K- A&ta ?
Matthew J. Creme, Jr.
Attorney I.D. #32141
Bernadette M. Hohenadel
Attorney I.D. #28330
Nadine C. Smith
Attorney I.D. #89388
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 299-3726
Attorneys for Defendant Carl Sensenig
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH, No. 03-5041
Plaintiff
VS.
JOHN BURKENTINE and CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants CIVIL ACTION - LAW
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, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH
BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING
A LAWYER.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER., THIS OFFICE MAY BE
ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY
OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO
FEE.
Lawyer Referral Service of
The York County Bar Association
The York County Bar Center
137 East Market Street
York, Pennsylvania 17401
Telephone No. (717) 854-8755
AVISO
Le han demandado en corte. Si usted desea defender contra las demandas dispuestas
en las paginas siguientes, usted debe tomar la accion en el plazo de veinte (20) dias despues
de esta queja y se sirve el aviso, incorporando un aspecto escrito personalmente o y
archivando en escribir con la corte sus ddefensas u objeciones a las demandas dispuestas
contra usted el abogado le advierte que que si usted no puede hacer asi que el caso puede
proceder sin usted y un juicio se puede incorporar contra usted compra la corte sin aviso
adicional para cualquier dinero demandado en la queja o para cualquier otra demanda o
relevacion pedida por el demandante. Usted puede perder el dinero o la caracteristica de otra
endereza importante a usted.
USTED DEBE LLEVAR ESTE PAPEL SU ABOGADO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI
USTED NO HACE QUE UN ABOGADO VAYA A O LLAME POR TELEFONO LA
OFICINA DISPUESTA ABAJO. ESTA OFICINA PUEDE PROVEER DE USTED LA
INFORMACION SOBRE EMPLEAR A UN ABOGADO. SI USTED NO PUEDE
PERMITIRSE AL HIRE A UN ABOGADO, ESTA OFICINA PUEDE PODER PROVEER
DE USTED LA INFORMACION SOBRE LAS AGENCIAS QUE LOS SERVICIOS
JURIDICOS DE LA OFERTA DE MAYO A LAS PERSONAS ELEGIBLES EN UN
HONORARIO REDUCIDO O NINGUN HONORARIO.
Lawyer Referral Service of the
York County Bar Association
York County Bar Center
137 East Market Street
York, Pennsylvania 17401
Telephone No. (717) 854-8755
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH,
Plaintiff
VS.
JOHN BURKENTINE and CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
No. 03-5041
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ANSWER OF JOHN BURKENTINE
TO CROSS CLAIM OF CARL SENSENIG
AND CROSS CLAIM PURSUANT TO PA.R.C.P. 2252(d)
AND, NOW, this // day of November, 2003, comes the Defendant, John
Burkentine, by and through his attorneys, the law firm of Stock and Leader, to answer the Cross
Claim of Defendant Carl Sensenig, and to assert a cross claim against Defendant Carl Sensenig,
based upon the following averments:
ANSWER
Defendant John Burkentine incorporates by reference his Answer to the
allegations contained in Plaintiffs Complaint as if they were set forth in full.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted in part. Denied in part. Some of the surveying and engineering services
to be performed by Plaintiff were performed before Defendant Sensenig became involved with
the project. Defendant Sensenig was aware of the work performed, and the work remaining to be
performed, when he sign the Agreement.
4. Denied. This averment constitutes a conclusion of law to which no response is
required, and it is therefore denied.
5. Admitted in part. Denied in part. Defendants John Burkentine and Carl Sensenig
each own twenty-five (25%) percent of the corporation known as Shippensburg Village, Ltd. It
is admitted that there is an agreement between the shareholders of Shippensburg Village, Ltd.
known as "Agreement Relating to the Common Stock of Shippensburg Village, Ltd."
6. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that Defendant Carl Sensenig
tendered a personal check for Thirty Thousand and 00/100 ($30,000.00) Dollars to Plaintiff on or
about March 8, 2000, after the work was performed. It is denied that the check tendered to
Plaintiff represented Defendant Carl Sensenig's share of any obligation created by the agreement
with Plaintiff. On the contrary, Defendant Carl Sensenig's payment of Thirty Thousand and
00/100 ($30,000.00) Dollars to Plaintiff was tendered as payment for the benefit of Shippensburg
Village, Ltd., and was tendered as a portion of Defendant Carl Sensenig's capital contribution to
Shippensburg Village, Ltd.
7. Admitted that Defendant John Burkentine did not make payment of Thirty
Thousand and 00/100 ($30,000.00) Dollars on April 20, 2003.
8. Denied. This averment constitutes a conclusion of law to which no response is
required, and it is therefore denied. It is averred that to the extent it is determined by this Court
that Defendant John Burkentine is in breach of the Agreement with Plaintiff, Defendant Carl
Sensenig is equally in default of the terms of said Agreement.
9. . Denied. This averment constitutes a conclusion of law to which no response is
required. It is specifically denied that in the event Plaintiff is entitled to relief, Defendant John
Burkentine is liable to Plaintiff.
2
10. Denied. This averment constitutes a conclusion of law to which no response is
required. It is specifically denied that in the event Defendants are found liable to Plaintiff,
Defendant John Burkentine is liable to Defendant Carl Sensenig for Thirty Thousand and 00/100
($30,000.00) Dollars plus interest.
WHEREFORE, Defendant John Burkentine respectfully requests the entry of judgment
in his favor and against Defendant Carl Sensenig, and award Defendant Carl Sensenig nothing.
CROSS CLAIM/NEW MATTER PURSUANT TO PA.R.C.P. 2252(d)
(V. DEFENDANT CARL SENSENIG)
11. Defendant John Burkentine incorporates by reference his response to the
allegations in the Complaint as set forth in his Answer, and the averments set forth in Paragraphs
1 through 10 hereof, as if set forth at length.
12. In the event that this Court should find that Defendant John Burkentine is liable to
Plaintiff on Plaintiff s cause of action, then Defendant Carl Sensenig is:
A. Solely liable to Plaintiff on Plaintiff s cause of action;
B. Liable over to Defendant John Burkentine on the Plaintiffs cause of
action; or
C. Jointly or severally liable with Defendant John Burkentine on Plaintiff's
cause of action.
WHEREFORE, Defendant John Burkentine respectfully requests that this Court enter
judgment in his favor on the claim asserted by Plaintiff and requests that should Plaintiff be
entitled to relief, this Honorable Court find that Defendant Carl Sensenig is solely liable to
Plaintiff for the amount claimed, or is liable over to Defendant John Burkentine in the amount of
3
Thirty Thousand and 00/100 ($30,000.00) Dollars together with interest thereon and costs of suit,
or that Defendants John Burkentine and Carl Sensenig are jointly and severally liable on the
Plaintiffs cause of action.
Respectfully submitted,
STOCK AND LEADER
/ //N?v 3 By:
Date Ne iPK. Slenker, Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. #77974
Susquehanna Commerce Center East
Suite 600
221 West Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17404
Telephone: (717) 846-9800
Fax: (717) 843-6134
Attorney for Defendant John Burkentine
4
11/13/2003 01:37
11, 11,21101 11:54 FAX
76324693
ATPJDMTGMD
PAGE 02
STO['K AND LEADER
VERIFIQ,ATIQN
T hereb}
PA.R.C.P. 2252(d) is based upon information which has been fumished to
BURICENT1NE I TO CROSS CLAIM OF CART, SLNSENIG AND CROSS CLAIM
PURSUANT 'counsel in the I
not mine. I h:
which I have gi
belief. To the
in making this
aforesaid Anse
falsification to
by 1
Date
?Unn Oln
that the following facts are correct The attached ANSWER OF JOT-1:V
of this docwnent. The language of the Answer is that of cntulsel and
read the Answer turd to the extent that the same is based upon information
to counsel, it is true and correct to the best of my luiowledge, information and
that the content of the Answer is that of counsel, I have relied upon counsel
I hereby acknowledge that the averments of fact set forth ill the
are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. 4904 relating to unworn
John Bu mine
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH, No. 03-5041
Plaintiff
VS.
JOHN BURKENTINE and CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this// day of ?trd4??'d?/L-_> 2003, I, Neil A. Slenker,
Esquire, of the law firm of Stock and Leader, attorneys for Defendant John Burkentine, hereby
certify that I served the within ANSWER OF JOHN BURKENTINE TO CROSS CLAIM OF
CARL SENSENIG AND CROSS CLAIM PURSUANT TO PA.R.C.P. 2252(d) this day by
depositing the same in the United States mail, postage prepaid, in York, Pennsylvania, addressed
to:
Ron Turo, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Bernadette M. Hohenadel, Esquire
NIKOLAUS & HOHENADEL, LLP
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
Matthew J. Creme, Jr., Esquire
NIKOLAUS & HOHENADEL, LLP
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
STOCK AND LEADER
By: ?
A. Slenker, Esquire
Supreme Coma I.D. #77974
Susquehanna Commerce Center East
Suite 600
221 West Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17404
Telephone Number: (717) 846-9800
Fax: (717) 843-6134
Attorney for Defendant John Burkentine
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH,
Plaintiff
vs.
JOHN BURKENTINE and CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
PRAECIPE
To the Prothonotary:
No. 03-5041
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
Please substitute the enclosed original Defendants, Verification for the facsimile
Verification attached to the Answer of Defendant, John Burkentine which was filed on October
27, 2003.
Respectfully submitted,
STOCK AND LEADER
Z?/? a/?3
Date By:
eil A. Slen.ker, Esquire
I.D. #77974
Attorney for Defendants
Susquehanna Commerce Center
East Building, 6th Floor
221 W. Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17,404
(717) 846-9800
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH,
Plaintiff
No. 03-5041
vs.
JOHN BURKENTINE and CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this ?
day of
2003, I, Lynn B. Lowe,
Secretary for Neil A. Slenker, Esquire, of the law firm of t ck and Leader, attorneys for
Defendants, hereby certify that I served' the within Praecf S
this day b
the United States mail, postage prepaid, in York, Pennsylvania, addressed depositing the same in
Ron Turo, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Matthew J. Creme, Jr., Esquire
NIKOLAUS & HOHENADEL, LLP
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
Bernadette M. Hohenadel, Esquire
NIKOL AUS & HOHENADEL, LLP
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
STOCK AND LEADER
BY 1 4L nn B. Lowe, Secretary for
Neil A. Slenker, Esquire
I.D. #77974
Attorney for Defendants
Susquehanna Commerce Center
East Building, 6th Floor
221 W. Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17404
(717) 846-9800
C> ?;
Crv
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r
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7 i<
.a
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH, No. 03-5041
Plaintiff
vs.
JOHN BURKENTINE and CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PRAECIPE
To the Prothonotary:
Please substitute the enclosed original Defendants' Verification for the facsimile
Verification attached to the Answer of John Burkentine to Cross Claim of Carl Sensenig and
Cross Claim Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 2252(d) which was filed on November 17, 2003.
Respectfully submitted,
STOCK AND LEADER
Z /2 By: _
Date eil A. Slenker, Esquire
I.D.#77974
Attorney for Defendants
Susquehanna Commerce Center
East Building, 6th Floor
221 W. Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17404
(717) 846-9800
STOCK AND LEADER
11!11%2001 11:54 FAX
VERIFICATION
I. hereby affirm that the following facts are correct:
The attached ANSWER OF JOI-hI
BURKENTINE TO CROSS CLAIM OF CARL SLNSENIG AND CROSS CLAIM
PURSUANT TO PA.R.C.P. 2252(d) is based upon information which has been furnished to
counsel in the preparation of this document. The language of the Answer is that of counsel and
not mine. I have read the Answer and to the extent that the same is based upon information
which I have given to counsel, it is true and correct to the best of my luiowledge, information and
belief. To the extent that the content of the Answer is that of counsel, I have relied upon counsel
in malting this Verification. I hereby acknowledge that the averments of fact set forth in the
aforesaid Answer are made subject to the penalties of IS Pa. C.S. 4904 relating to unswom
falsification to authorities.
John Date
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH,
Plaintiff
No. 03-5041
VS.
JOHN BURKENTINE and CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this day of 2003, I, Neil A. Slenker,
Esquire, of the law firm of Stock and Leader, attorneys for Defendants, hereby certify that I
served the within Praecipe this day by depositing the same in the United States mail, postage
prepaid, in York, Pennsylvania, addressed to:
Ron Turo, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Bernadette M. Hohenadel, Esquire
NIKOLAUS & HOHENADEL, LLP
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
Matthew J. Creme, Jr., Esquire
NIKOLAUS & HOHENADEL, LLP
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
STOCK AND LEADER
By??
Neil ,Ienker, Esquire
I.D.#77974
Attorney for Defendants
Susquehanna Commerce Center
East Building, 6th Floor
221 W. Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17404
(717) 846-9800
ry ..
:.CC IJ
1
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH,
Plaintiff
No, 03-5041
V.
JOHN BURKENTINE and CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
ANSWER OF CARL SENSENIG TO CROSS CLAIM PURSUANT TO Pa.RCP 2252(d)
1-10. No response required.
11. No response required. Defendant Sensenig incorporates herein his averments in
his Answer and in his Cross Claim against Defendant Burkentine as if fully set forth.
12. No response required. This paragraph states conclusions of law to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is required, Defendant Sensenig specifically denies
all averments therein and strict proof thereof is demanded.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Carl Sensenig respectfully requests the entry of judgment in his
favor on the claim asserted by Plaintiff. To the extent that this Court determines that Plaintiff is
entitled to relief, that Defendant Burkentine be deemed to be solely liable for any such amount.
Respectfully submitted,
NIKOLAUS & HOHENADEL, LLP
By: i'`n'?kkl t&
Matthew J. Creme, Jr.
Attorney I.D. #32141
Bernadette M. Hohenadel
Attorney I.D. #28330
Nadine C. Smith
Attorney I.D. #89388
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 299-3726
Attorneys for Defendant Carl Sensenig
2
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I have this day served a true and correct copy of the foregoing
document upon the following person(s) and in the manner listed below, which service satisfies the
requirements of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure
Service Delivered By First-Class Mail as Follows:
Ron Turo, Esquire
Turo Law Offices
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Neil A. Slenker, Esquire
Stock and Leader
Susquehanna Commerce Center
East Building, 6'h Floor
221 West Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17404
NIKOLAUS & HOHENADEL, LLP
Date: ?a a-63 By:
Matthew J. Creme, Jr.
Attorney I.D. #32141
Bernadette M. Hohenadel
Attorney I.D. #28330
Nadine C. Smith
Attorney I.D. #89388
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 299-3726
Attorneys for Defendant Carl Sensenig
ti
cs w o
s
c c'
-G F
THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH, Plaintiff
No. 03-5041
V.
JOHN BURKENTINE and CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
P, E
TO THE PROTHONOTARY: Bernadette M. Hohenadel,
Please withdraw the appearance of Matthew J. Creme, Esq.,
Esq Counsel for Defendant
. and Nadine C. Smith, Esq. and Nikolaus & Hohenadel, LLP as
Date: January 2, 2004
Please enter the appearance of Michael J.
&
Attorney I.D. #3 41 \
Bernadette M. H henade
Attorney I.D. 928330
Nadine C Smith
Attorney I.D. 489388
212 North Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 299-3726
as
1.
Date: January 2, 2004
[.D. # 27687
109S . Mar Street
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
(717)367-9440
` R
+t 7r
i
cl, -f.•iTi
J.7 Fri
Iv
U1
CHARLES LYNCH and LISA LYNCH,
his wife,
Plaintiffs
V.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: NO. 03-5343
YINGST HOMES, INC., WHEATLAND
CUSTOM HOMES, INC., AMOS ESH t/d/b/a CIVIL ACTION -LAW
DEER RIDGE CONSTRUCTION and
BYLER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY,
Defendants
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claim set forth in the following pages,
you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice is served, by entering a written appearance
personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the Court your defense or objections to the claim set forth against you.
You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and judgement 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 GO
TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH
INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE
MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL
SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
AVISO
Le han demandado en corte. Si usted desea defender contra las demandas dispuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted debe tomar la
acci6n en el plazo de veinte (20) dias despues de esta queja y se sirve el aviso, incorporando un aspecto escrito personalmente o y
archivando en escribir con la corte sus defensas u objeciones a ]as demandas dispuestas contra usted el abogado le advierte que que
si usted no puede hacer asi que el case puede proceder sin usted y unjuicio se puede incorporar contra usted compra la corte sin aviso
adicional para cualquier dinero demandado en la queja o para cualquier otra demands o relevaci6n pedida por el demandante. Usted
puede perder el dinero o la caracteristica de otra endereza importante a usted.
USTED DEBE LLEVAR ESTE PAPEL SU ABOGADO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI USTED NO HACE QUE UN ABOGADO
VAYA A O LLAME POR TELEFONO La OFICINA DISPUESTA ABAJO. ESTA OFICINA PUEDE PROVEER DE USTED LA
INFORMACION SOBRE EMPLEAR A UN ABOGADO. SI USTED NO PUEDE PERMITIRSE AL HIRE A UN ABOGADO,
ESTA OFICINA PUEDE PODER PROVEER DE USTED LA INFORMACION S013RE LAS AGENCIAS QUE LOS SERVICIOS
JURIDICOS DE LA OFERTA DE MAYO A LAS PERSONAS ELEGIBLES EN UN HONORARIO REDUCIDO O NINGUN
HONORARIO
COURT ADMINISTRATOR
4th Floor, Cumberland County Courthouse
Carlisle, PA 17013
Telephone: (717) 240-6200
A,
HAND ,Aen OSENBERG,LLP
By
leld, Esquire
I. D. No. 726,63
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg PA 17110
(717) 238-2000
Attorneys for Plaintiff(s)
F:\wpdocuments\kas\complaints\premisesliability\hole in floor\lynch.wpd
CHARLES LYNCH and LISA :IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
LYNCH, his wife, :CUMBERLAND COUNTY, :PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiffs
V. NO. 03-5343
YINGST HOMES, INC.,
WHEATLAND CUSTOM HOMES, CIVIL ACTION - LAW
INC., AMOS ESH T/D/B/A DEER
RIDGE CONSTRUCTION, and
BYLER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY,
Defendant
COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiffs, Charles Lynch and Lisa Lynch by and through
their attorneys, HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, by Stephen Held, Esquire, and
bring forth this Complaint against Defendants Yingst Homes, Inc., Wheatland Custom
Homes, Inc., Amos Esh t/d/b/a Deer Ridge Construction (hereinafter Deer Ridge
Construction), and Byler Construction Company, and avers as follows:
1. Plaintiffs, Charles and Lisa Lynch, are adult individuals residing at 826
Reese Avenue, Hershey, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, 17033.
2. Defendant, Yingst Homes, Inc., is a corporation registered and
established under the laws of Pennsylvania, with a registered office located at 7100
Fishing Creek Valley Road, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, 17112.
3. Defendant, Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., is a corporation registered
and established under the laws of Pennsylvania, with a registered office located at 449
Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 17604.
1
4. Defendant, Deer Ridge Construction, is a corporation registered and
established under the laws of Pennsylvania, with a registered office located at 159 A
Ridgeview Road, Loysville, Perry County, Pennsylvania, 17047.
5. Defendant, Byler Construction Company, is a corporation registered and
established under the laws of Pennsylvania, with a registered office located at RR 2,
Box 1245, Port Royal, Juniata County, Pennsylvania.
6. At all times material hereto Yingst Homes, Inc. was in ownership,
possession, management, and control of the Premises located at and known as 4034
Caissons Court, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17025.
7. At all times material hereto Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc. was in
ownership, possession, management, and control of the Premises located and known
as 4034 Caissons Court, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17025.
8. At all times material hereto Deer Ridge Construction was in ownership,
possession, management, and control of the Premises located and known as 4034
Caissons Court, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17025.
9. At all times material hereto Byler Construction Company was in
ownership, possession, management and control of the Premises located and known
as 4034 Caissons Court, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17025.
10. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, was an
invitee upon said Premises.
11. At all times material hereto, Defendants, who had exclusive control of said
Premises, allowed an open hole in the floor to exist without a guardrail.
12. At all times material hereto, there were no warning signs posted on the
2
Premises warning of the open hole in the floor.
13. On or about October 27, 2001, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, was entering the
Premises to deliver drywall for the ongoing construction of the Premises. While pulling
the drywall on a cart across the floor of the Premises, Plaintiff was caused to fall
through the open hole in the floor and land harshly upon the basement floor below,
causing personal injuries to the Plaintiff.
COUNT I - NEGLIGENCE
Charles Lynch v. Yingst Homes, Inc.
14. Paragraphs 1 - 13 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth
at length.
15. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, believes
and therefore avers that Defendant, Yingst Homes, Inc.,was in possession,
management, and control of the Premises and was responsible for maintaining the safe
condition of the property known as 4034 Caissons Court, Enola, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, 17025.
16. At all times material hereto Defendant, Yingst Homes, Inc., assumed the
duty to provide a reasonably safe workplace for all individuals who assisted in the
construction of the Premises at 4034 Caissons Court, Enola, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, 17025.
17. The occurrence of the aforementioned incident and the resulting injuries
to Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of
Defendant, Yingst Homes, Inc., by its agents, servants, workmen or employees, acting
in the scope of their authority and employment, generally and more specifically as set
3
forth below:
(a) In causing or permitting an open hole in the floor of said Premises
to remain, thereby posing an unreasonable risk of injury to the
Plaintiff and to other persons lawfully upon the premises;
(b) In causing or permitting an open hole in the floor to remain without
a guardrail when Defendant knew or should have known of the
likelihood that the hole in the floor could cause injury;
(c) In failing to make a reasonable inspection of said Premises which
would have revealed the existence of the dangerous condition
posed by the open hole in the floor, and thereby allowing the same
to be and remain a dangerous condition when the Defendant knew
or should have known of it;
(d) In failing to ensure the open hole in the floor of said Premises was
maintained in a safe condition to prevent injury to the Plaintiff and
other persons lawfully upon the Premises;
(e) In failing to post a warning sign or device in the area to notify of the
dangerous condition of the open hole in the floor of said Premises;
(f) In failing to cover or remedy the hole in the floor of said Premises
so as to avoid the situation in which the Plaintiff fell; and
(g) In failing to maintain the floor of the Premises in a reasonably safe
condition that would prevent Charles Lynch from falling through
the open hole.
(h) In causing or permitting a floor opening measuring twelve inches or
4
more in its least dimension to remain unguarded in the floor of the
Premises [29 C.F.R. § 1910.21(a)(2)];
(i) In failing to protect each employee walking on the Premises from
falling through the floor opening, which was more than six feet
above the basement floor, by not providing a cover or guardrail
around the floor opening [29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(4)(i)];
0) In failing to guard the stairway floor opening with a standard railing
or hinged floor opening cover with removable standard railings [29
C.F.R. 1910.23(a)(1)];
(k) In failing to guard the ladderway floor opening or platform by a
standard railing with a standard toeboard on all exposed sides [29
C.F.R. § 1910.23(a)(2)].
18. Defendant, Yingst Homes, Inc., had actual knowledge or should have
known through the exercise of ordinary care and diligence that there was an open hole
in the floor where Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, fell.
19. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Yingst
Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, sustained serious injuries resulting in lower back
pain, left shoulder pain, collar bone pain, and left rib pain.
20. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Yingst
Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has undergone great physical pain, discomfort,
and mental anguish, and he will continue to enure the same for an indefinite period of
time in the future, to his great detriment and loss, physically, emotionally, and
financially.
5
21. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Yingst
Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has been, and will in the future be, hindered from
attending to his daily duties to his great detriment, loss, humiliation, and
embarrassment.
22. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Yingst
Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has, and will in the future, suffer a loss of life's
pleasures.
23. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Yingst
Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has suffered lost wages/income and will in the
future continue to suffer a loss of income and/or loss of earning capacity.
24. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Yingst
Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has been compelled, in order to affect a cure for
the aforesaid injuries, to expend large sums of money for medicine and medical
attention and will be required to expend large sums of money for the same purposes in
the future, to his great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, seeks damages from Defendant, Yingst
Homes, Inc., in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland
County, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT II - NEGLIGENCE
Charles Lynch v. Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc.
25. Paragraphs 1 - 24 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth
at length.
26. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, believes
6
and therefore avers that Defendant, Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., was in
possession, management, and control of the Premises and was responsible for
maintaining the safe condition of the property known as 4034 Caissons Court, Enola,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17025.
27. At all times material hereto Defendant, Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc.,
assumed the duty to provide a reasonably safe workplace for all individuals who
assisted in the construction of the Premises at 4034 Caissons Court, Enola,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17025.
28. The occurrence of the aforementioned incident and the resulting injuries
to Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of
Defendant, Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., by its agents, servants, workmen or
employees, acting in the scope of their authority and employment, generally and more
specifically as set forth below:
(a) In causing or permitting an open hole in the floor of said Premises
to remain, thereby posing an unreasonable risk of injury to the
Plaintiff and to other persons lawfully upon the premises;
(b) In causing or permitting an open hole in the floor to remain without
a guardrail when Defendant knew or should have known of the
likelihood that the hole in the floor could cause injury;
(c) In failing to make a reasonable inspection of said Premises which
would have revealed the existence of the dangerous condition
posed by the open hole in the floor, and thereby allowing the same
to be and remain a dangerous condition when the Defendant knew
7
or should have known of it;
(d) In failing to ensure the open hole in the floor of said Premises was
maintained in a safe condition to prevent injury to the Plaintiff and
other persons lawfully upon the Premises;
(e) In failing to post a warning sign or device in the area to notify of the
dangerous condition of the open hole in the floor of said Premises;
(f) In failing to cover or remedy the open hole in the floor of said
Premises so as to avoid the situation in which the Plaintiff fell; and
(g) In failing to maintain the floor of the Premises in a reasonably safe
condition that would prevent Charles Lynch from falling through the
open hole.
(h) In causing or permitting a floor opening measuring twelve inches or
more in its least dimension to remain unguarded in the floor of the
Premises [29 C.F.R. § 1910.21(a)(2)1;
(i) In failing to protect each employee walking on the Premises from
falling through the floor opening, which was more than six feet
above the basement floor, by not providing a cover or guardrail
around the floor opening [29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(4)(i)];
(j) In failing to guard the stairway floor opening with a standard railing
or hinged floor opening cover with removable standard railings [29
C.F.R. 1910.23(a)(1)];
(k) In failing to guard the ladderway floor opening or platform by a
standard railing with a standard toeboard on all exposed sides [29
8
C.F.R. § 1910.23(a)(2)].
29. Defendant, Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., had actual knowledge or
should have known through the exercise of ordinary care and diligence that there was
an open hole in the floor where Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, fell.
30. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant,
Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, sustained serious injuries
resulting in lower back pain, left shoulder pain, collar bone pain, and left rib pain.
31. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant,
Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has undergone great physical
pain, discomfort, and mental anguish, and he will continue to enure the same for an
indefinite period of time in the future, to his great detriment and loss, physically,
emotionally, and financially.
32. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant,
Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has been, and will in the
future be, hindered from attending to his daily duties to his great detriment, loss,
humiliation, and embarrassment.
33. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant,
Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has, and will in the future,
suffer a loss of life's pleasures.
34. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant,
Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has suffered lost
wages/income and will in the future continue to suffer a loss of income and/or loss of
earning capacity.
9
35. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant,
Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has been compelled, in order
to affect a cure for the aforesaid injuries, to expend large sums of money for medicine
and medical attention and will be required to expend large sums of money for the same
purposes in the future, to his great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, seeks damages from Defendant,
Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration
limits of Cumberland County, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT III - NEGLIGENCE
Charles Lynch v. Deer Ridge Construction
36. Paragraphs 1 - 35 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth
at length.
37. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, believes
and therefore avers that Defendant, Deer Ridge Construction, was in possession,
management, and control of the Premises and was responsible for maintaining the safe
condition of the property known as 4034 Caissons Court, Enola, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, 17025.
38. At all times material hereto Defendant, Deer Ridge Construction,
assumed the duty to provide a reasonably safe workplace for all individuals who
assisted in the construction of the Premises at 4034 Caissons Court, Enola,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17025.
39. The occurrence of the aforementioned incident and the resulting injuries
to Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of
10
Defendant, Deer Ridge Construction, by its agents, servants, workmen or employees,
acting in the scope of their authority and employment, generally and more specifically
as set forth below:
(a) In causing or permitting an open hole in the floor of said Premises
to remain, thereby posing an unreasonable risk of injury to the
Plaintiff and to other persons lawfully upon the premises;
(b) In causing or permitting an open hole in the floor to remain without
a guardrail when Defendant knew or, should have known of the
likelihood that the open hole in the floor could cause injury;
(c) In failing to make a reasonable inspection of said Premises which
would have revealed the existence of the dangerous condition
posed by the open hole in the floor, and thereby allowing the same
to be and remain a dangerous condition when the Defendant knew
or should have known of it;
(d) In failing to ensure the open hole in the floor of said Premises was
maintained in a safe condition to prevent injury to the Plaintiff and
other persons lawfully upon the Premises;
(e) In failing to post a warning sign or device in the area to notify of the
dangerous condition of the open hole in the floor of said Premises;
(f) In failing to cover or remedy the open hole in the floor of said
Premises so as to avoid the situation in which the Plaintiff fell; and
(g) In failing to maintain the floor in a reasonably safe condition that
would prevent Charles Lynch from falling through the open hole.
11
(h) In causing or permitting a floor opening measuring twelve inches or
more in its least dimension to remain unguarded in the floor of the
Premises [29 C.F.R. § 1910.21(a)(2)];
(i) In failing to protect each employee walking on the Premises from
falling through the floor opening, which was more than six feet
above the basement floor, by not providing a cover or guardrail
around the floor opening [29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(4)(i)];
(j) In failing to guard the stairway floor opening with a standard railing
or hinged floor opening cover with removable standard railings [29
C.F.R. 1910.23(a)(1)];
(k) In failing to guard the ladderway floor opening or platform by a
standard railing with a standard toeboard on all exposed sides [29
C.F.R. § 1910.23(a)(2)].
40. Defendant, Deer Ridge Construction, had actual knowledge or should
have known through the exercise of ordinary care and diligence that there was an open
hole in the floor where Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, fell.
41. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Deer
Ridge Construction, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, sustained serious injuries resulting in lower
back pain, left shoulder pain, collar bone pain, and left rib pain.
42. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Deer
Ridge Construction, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has undergone great physical pain,
discomfort, and mental anguish, and he will continue to enure the same for an indefinite
period of time in the future, to his great detriment and loss, physically, emotionally, and
12
financially.
43. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Deer
Ridge Construction, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has been, and will in the future be,
hindered from attending to his daily duties to his great detriment, loss, humiliation, and
embarrassment.
44. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Deer
Ridge Construction, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has, and will in the future, suffer a loss of
life's pleasures.
45. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Deer
Ridge Construction, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has suffered lost wages/income and will in
the future continue to suffer a loss of income and/or loss of earning capacity.
46. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Deer
Ridge Construction, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has been compelled, in order to affect a
cure for the aforesaid injuries, to expend large sums of money for medicine and medical
attention and will be required to expend large sums of money for the same purposes in
the future, to his great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, seeks damages from Defendant, Deer
Ridge Construction, in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration limits of
Cumberland County, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT IV - NEGLIGENCE
Charles Lynch v. Byler Construction Company
47. Paragraphs 1 - 46 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth
at length.
13
48. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, believes
and therefore avers that Defendant, Byler Construction Company, was in possession,
management and control of the Premises and was responsible for maintaining the safe
condition of the property known as 4034 Caissons Court, Enola, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, 17025.
49. At all times material hereto Defendant, Byler Construction Company,
assumed the duty to provide a reasonably safe workplace for all individuals who
assisted in the construction of the Premises at 4034 Caissons Court, Enola,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17025.
50. The occurrence of the aforementioned incident and the resulting injuries
to Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of
Defendant, Byler Construction Company, by its agents, servants, workmen or
employees, acting in the scope of their authority and employment, generally and more
specifically as set forth below:
(a) In causing or permitting an open hole in the floor of said Premises
to remain, thereby posing an unreasonable risk of injury to the
Plaintiff and to other persons lawfully upon the premises;
(b) In causing or permitting an open hole in the floor to remain without
a guardrail when Defendant knew or should have known of the
likelihood that the open hole in the floor could cause injury;
(c) In failing to make a reasonable inspection of said Premises which
would have revealed the existence of the dangerous condition
posed by the open hole in the floor, and thereby allowing the same
14
to be and remain a dangerous condition when the Defendant knew
or should have known of it;
(d) In failing to ensure the open hole in the floor of said Premises was
maintained in a safe condition to prevent injury to the Plaintiff and
other persons lawfully upon the Premises;
(e) In failing to post a warning sign or device in the area to notify of the
dangerous condition of the open hole in the floor of said Premises;
(f) In failing to remove or remedy the open hole in the floor of said
Premises so as to avoid the situation in which the Plaintiff fell; and
(g) In failing to maintain the floor in a reasonably safe condition that
would prevent Charles Lynch from falling through the open hole.
(h) In causing or permitting a floor opening measuring twelve inches or
more in its least dimension to remain unguarded in the floor of the
Premises [29 C.F.R. § 1910.21(a)(2)];
(i) In failing to protect each employee walking on the Premises from
falling through the floor opening, which was more than six feet
above the basement floor, by not providing a cover or guardrail
around the floor opening [29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(4)(i)];
(j) In failing to guard the stairway floor opening with a standard railing
or hinged floor opening cover with removable standard railings [29
C.F.R. 1910.23(a)(1)];
(k) In failing to guard the ladderway floor opening or platform by a
standard railing with a standard toeboard on all exposed sides [29
15
C.F.R. § 1910.23(a)(2)].
51. Defendant, Byler Construction Company, had actual knowledge or should
have known through the exercise of ordinary care and diligence that there was a hole in
the floor where Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, fell.
52. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Byler
Construction Company, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, sustained serious injuries resulting in
lower back pain, left should pain, collar bone pain, and left rib pain.
53. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Byler
Construction Company, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has undergone great physical pain,
discomfort, and mental anguish, and he will continue to enure the same for an indefinite
period of time in the future, to his great detriment and loss, physically, emotionally, and
financially.
54. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Byler
Construction Company, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has been, and will in the future be,
hindered from attending to his daily duties to his great detriment, loss, humiliation, and
embarrassment.
55. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Byler
Construction Company, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has, and will in the future, suffer a loss
of life's pleasures.
56. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Byler
Construction Company, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has suffered lost wages/income and
will in the future continue to suffer a loss of income and/or, loss of earning capacity.
57. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Byler
16
Construction Company, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, has been compelled, in order to affect
a cure for the aforesaid injuries, to expend large sums of money for medicine and
medical attention and will be required to expend large sums of money for the same
purposes in the future, to his great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Charles Lynch, seeks damages from Defendant, Byler
Construction Company, in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration limits of
Cumberland County, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT V - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
Lisa Lynch v. Yingst Homes, Inc.
58. Paragraphs 1-57 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth at
length.
59. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant,
Yingst Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Lisa Lynch, has suffered a loss of consortium, society and
comfort from her husband, and she may continue to suffer similar loss in the future.
60. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Yingst
Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Lisa Lynch, has been compelled, in order to affect a cure for her
husband's injuries, to expend large sums of money for medicine and medical attention
and may be required to expend large sums of money for the same purposes in the
future, to her great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Lisa Lynch, seeks damages from the Defendant, Yingst
Homes, Inc., in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland
County, exclusive of interest and costs.
17
COUNT VI - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
Lisa Lynch v. Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc.
61. Paragraphs 1-60 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth at
length.
62. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant,
Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Lisa Lynch, has suffered a loss of
consortium, society, and comfort from her husband, and she may continue to suffer
similar loss in the future.
63. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant,
Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., Plaintiff, Lisa Lynch, has been compelled, in order to
affect a cure for her husband's injuries, to expend large sums of money for medicine
and medical attention and may be required to expend large sums of money for the
same purposes in the future, to her great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Lisa Lynch, seeks damages from the Defendant,
Wheatland Custom Homes, Inc., in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration
limits of Cumberland County, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT VII - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
Lisa Lynch v. Deer Ridge Construction
64. Paragraphs 1-63 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth at
length.
65. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant,
Deer Ridge Construction, Plaintiff, Lisa Lynch, has suffered a loss of consortium,
society and comfort from her husband, and she may continue to suffer similar loss in
the future.
18
66. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Deer
Ridge Construction, Plaintiff, Lisa Lynch, has been compelled, in order to affect a cure
for her husband's injuries, to expend large sums of money for medicine and medical
attention and may be required to expend large sums of money for the same purposes in
the future, to her great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Lisa Lynch, seeks damages from the Defendant, Deer
Ridge Construction, in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration limits of
Cumberland County, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT VIII - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
Lisa Lynch v. Byler Construction Company
67. Paragraphs 1-66 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth at
length.
68. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant,
Byler Construction Company, Plaintiff, Lisa Lynch, has suffered a loss of consortium,
society and comfort from her husband, and she may continue to suffer similar loss in
the future.
69. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, Byler
Construction Company, Plaintiff, Lisa Lynch, has been compelled, in order to affect a
cure for her husband's injuries, to expend large sums of money for medicine and
medical attention and may be required to expend large sums of money for the same
purposes in the future, to her great detriment and loss.
19
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Lisa Lynch, seeks damages from the Defendant, Byler
Construction Company, in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration limits of
Cumberland County, exclusive of interest and costs.
Respectfully submitted,
Dated: V d 3
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG
Stephen G. Held
I.D. # 72663
1300 Linglestown Road
P.O. Box 1177
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1177
(717) 238-2000
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
20
VERIFICATION
STEPHEN G. HELD, ESQUIRE, states that he is the attorney for the party filing the
foregoing document; that he makes this affidavit as an attorney, because the party he represents lacks
sufficient knowledge or information upon which to make a verification and/or because he has greater
personal knowledge of the information and belief than that of the party for whom he makes this
affidavit; and that he has sufficient knowledge or information and belief, based upon his
investigation of the matters averred or denied in the foregoing document; and that this statement is
made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa C.S. §4904 relating to u.nswom falsification to authorities.
S d, Esquire
Date: I Oti - 31- D3
CHARLES LYNCH and LISA :IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
LYNCH, his wife, :CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiffs
V. NO. 03-5343
YINGST HOMES, INC., WHEATLAND .
CUSTOM HOMES, INC., AMOS ESH CIVIL ACTION - LAW
t/d/b/a DEER RIDGE CONSTRUCTION .
and BYLER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY:
Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
On this 31th day of December, 2003, I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing Plaintiffs' Complaint was served upon the following by United States Mail, postage
prepaid, addressed as follows:
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
320 Market Street, Strawberry Square
P O Box 1268
Harrisburg PA 17108-1268
Yingst Homes, Inc.
7100 Fishing Creek Valley Road
Harrisburg PA 17112
Amos Esh t/d/b/a Deer Ridge Construction
159A Ridgeview Road
Loysville PA 17047
Byler Construction Company
R D 2, Box 1245
Port Royal PA 17082
HANDLER HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
By
t p e G. Held. Esquire
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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:
(Check one) ( ) for JURY trial at the next term of civil court.
( x ) for trial without a jury.
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be stated in full)
Eric L. Diffenbaugh
(Plaintiff)
vs.
John Burkentine i&/T*0
CarlSensenig
(Defendant)
vs.
(other)
(check one)
(x ) Assumpsit
( ) Trespass
( ) Trespass (Motor Vehicle)
l )
The trial list will be called on
and
Trials commence on
Pretrials will be held on
(Briefs are due 5 days before pretrials.)
(The party listing this case for trial shall provide
forthwith a copy of the praecipe to all counsel,
pursuant tc local Rule 214-1.)
No.
19
Civil 03-5041
Indicate the attorney who will try case for the party who files Phis praecipe:
Ron Turo, Esquire
Indicate trial counsel for other parties if known:
Neil A. Slenker, Esquire
Michael J. Hohenadel, Esquire
This case is ready for trial.
Date: , 2004
Signed: _ /4ztzvv k
Print Nam0o Puro, Esquire_
Attorney for: Plaintiff
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ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
VS. 03-5041 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAV17
JOHN BURKENTINE and
CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
IN RE: NONJURY TRIAL
ORDER
AND NOW, this Z o . day of April, 2004, a pretrial conference in the above captioned
matter is set for Friday, May 7, 2004, at 9:00 a.m. in the Chambers of the undersigned.
BY THE COURT,
'04 -
Kevin . Hess, J.
Ron Turo, Esquire
For the Plaintiff
Neil A. Slenker, Esquire 0,
Michael J. Hohenadel, Esquire
For the Defendants
Court Administrator
Arn
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ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
vs. 03-5041 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JOHN BURKENTINE and
CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants
IN RE: PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
Present at a pretrial conference were Ron Turo, Esquire, attorney for the plaintiff;
Michael Hohenadel, Esquire, attorney for the defendant, Carl Sensenig; and Neil A. Slenker,
Esquire, attorney for the defendant, John Burkentine.
The plaintiff has brought this action seeking to recover the sum of $30,000 which he
contends is due and owing from the defendants for professional land surveying and engineering
services. The defendants essentially admit that he is owed the money but disagree as to which of
them is responsible for payment.
There is a lawsuit pending in York County between the defendants. In light of a
multitude of issues pending between the parties, the defendant, John Burkentine, intends to
submit a motion in limine to preclude testimony concerning some of these matters. Mr.
Hohenadel agreed that there is much that would be extraneous to this lawsuit.
It would appear that much of the plaintiff's case can be the subject of stipulation. The
parties will attempt to agree on those matters. In the meantime, nothing will preclude further
discovery in the case though it was agreed that July 15, 2004, will be the discovery cut-off.
A trial without a jury in this matter is set for August 6, 2004, at 9:30 a.m.
May 7, 2004 -;?F A.,
Kevi A. Hess, J.
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?1CC,CHI C'd 20
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Ron Turo, Esquire
For the Plaintiff
Neil A. Slenker, Esquire
Michael J. Hohenadel, Esquire
For the Defendants
Court Administrator
Am
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH, No. 03-5041
Plaintiff
vs.
JOHN BURKENTINE and CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DEFENDANT JOHN B URKENTINE'S MOTION INLIMINE
THIS 29th day of July, 2004, comes Defendant John Burkentine to move this Honorable
Court for the entry of an Order granting the relief requested below:
Factual Background
The within action was commenced by Complaint filed by the Plaintiff on September 23,
2003.
2. Defendant John Burkentine (`Burkentine") filed an Answer thereto on October 27, 2003.
3. Defendant Carl Sensenig ("Sensenig") filed an Answer with Cross Claim on October 21,
2003.
4. In response to the cross claim, Defendant Burkentine filed an Answer with New Matter
and Cross Claim Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 2252(d).
The within matter has been assigned to the Honorable Kevin Hess for trial on August 6,
2004.
6. A Pretrial Conference was held before Judge Hess on May 7, 2004.
The Plaintiffs claim relates to an Agreement signed by the three parties on April 30,
2000 (the "Agreement"). The Agreement called for Plaintiff Diffenbaugh to provide professional
land surveying and engineering services for the initial preliminary plan approvals for a mobile
home facility in Cumberland County known as Shippensburg Village. The facility is owned by
Shippensburg Village, Ltd, a Pennsylvania corporation owned by the Defendants and their
spouses. The agreement was signed by both Defendants.
8. According to the terms of the Agreement, Plaintiff was to be paid a total sum of $60,000
for his services. The Agreement acknowledged that as of the date of its signing, $30,000 had
already been paid. The balance of $30,000 was to be paid no later than three (3) years from the
date of the Agreement (April 30, 2003).
9. Defendant John Burkentine (`Burkentine") does not dispute the validity of the
Agreement with Plaintiff or that the sum of $30,000.00 is due and payable to Plaintiff by
Burkentine and Sensenig, and is prepared to make payment of one-half of this amount.
10. Defendant Carl Sensenig ("Sensenig") claims that Burkentine should be solely
responsible for the $30,000.00 claimed by the Plaintiff. He argues that the prior payment made
to Plaintiff prior to his execution of the Agreement should be credited solely to him, and that
Burkentine should be responsible for the remaining $30,000.00. This position has no support in
the facts of the case, and contradicts Sensenig's testimony under oath in a related proceeding. 1
The following are the relevant facts with respect to the within dispute between Burkentine and
Sensenig:
a. Burkentine and Sensenig are partial owners of Shippensburg Village, Ltd., the
corporate entity that, as mentioned above, operates the mobile home facility called
"Shippensburg Village." The development of the facility was initially pursued solely by
' The Court should note that the Burkentines and the Sensenigs are presently parties to an action pending
in York County, Pennsylvania, wherein the Sensenigs seek to remove the Burkentines from the
Company's Board of Directors and wherein the Burkentines are seeking, among other things, a court
order compelling the dissolution of the Company and the recovery of $600,000.00 from the Sensenigs
based upon the misconduct of Carl and Irma Sensenig in their capacity as officers of the Company. The
York County action is scheduled for trial before the Honorable John Kennedy on November 19 - 23, 2004.
Burkentine. In early 2000, Sensenig joined the project and the corporation was ultimately
formed on March 3, 2000. Burkentine and his spouse own 501/6 of the issued stock and Sensenig
and his spouse own 50% of the issued stock. Pursuant to an agreement between the parties,
Sensenig and his spouse were to make a capital contribution to the Company in the amount of
$150,000.00 in exchange for their stock. Per the agreement between the Burkentines and the
Sensenigs, rather than have the Sensenigs make payment to the Company of the capital amount,
the Sensenigs agreed to pay various Company expenses directly to the Company's creditors. In
furtherance of this agreement, the Sensenigs paid debts of the Company totaling roughly
$150,000.00. Included in these expenses was a March 4, 2000 payment to the Plaintiff that is
referenced in the Agreement.
b. Since the March 4, 2000 payment to Plaintiff by the Sensenigs was a portion of their
capital contribution to the Company, the Sensenigs cannot now claim that the payment represents
Sensenig's satisfaction of his personal liability under the agreement with Plaintiff. Moreover,
the April 30, 2004 agreement with Plaintiff was signed after the March 4, 2000 payment was
made on behalf of the Company. Thus by signing the agreement after the payment was made,
Sensenig acknowledged that he was jointly and severally liable for the remaining $30,000.00 due
to Plaintiff. Accordingly, pursuant to the agreement, each Defendant now owes Plaintiff
$15,000.
C. Defendant Burkentine specifically alleged these facts in his pleadings filed in the
within action.
I. Motion For Order Precluding The Introduction Of Third Party Witness Testimony and
Unidentiried Exhibits.
11. Paragraphs 1 through 10 are incorporated herein by reference.
12. This Court conducted a Pre-Trial Conference on May 7, 2004.
13. At the Pre-Trial Conference, the parties were represented by their counsel, specifically
Ron Turo, Esquire on behalf of Plaintiff Diffenbaugh, Michael Hohenadel, Esquire on behalf of
Defendant Sensenig, and the undersigned on behalf of Defendant Burkentine.
14. In accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 212.1 and Cumberland County Local Rule 212-4,
Defendant Burkentine provided this Court and counsel with a Pre-Trial Memorandum, setting
forth, among other things, witnesses to be called at trial, the subject matter of their testimony,
and exhibits to be introduced at trial.
15. Counsel for Defendant Sensenig failed to provide the Court or counsel with a Pre-Trial
Memorandum designating his witnesses and exhibits for trial.
16. Despite written request and service of formal written discovery, counsel for Defendant
Sensenig has failed to identify the witnesses he plans to call at trial, the subject matter of their
testimony, and the exhibits he will introduce at trial.
17. As a result of counsel's failure to comply with the Rules of Civil Procedure and failure to
respond to the undersigned's written request and written discovery, Defendant Burkentine is
unfairly prejudiced in that he has been unable to prepare a defense to Defendant Sensenig's cross
claims. Moreover, if Defendant Sensenig is permitted to introduce testimony from third party
witnesses and/or introduce exhibits that have not been disclosed pursuant to the rules of court,
Defendant Burkentine will be prejudiced in the form of unfair surprise.
WHEREFORE, Defendant John Burkentine requests that this Honorable Court enter an
Order precluding Defendant Sensenig from calling third party witnesses and from entering any
exhibits into evidence at the trial of this matter.
4
H. Motion For Order Precluding Testimony On Shareholder Dispute
18. Paragraphs 1 through 17 are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth at length.
19. In his Cross Claim, Defendant Sensenig admits that the Agreement was signed by the
Defendants, and alleges that he is not liable to the Plaintiff because he previously paid
$30,000.00 to the Plaintiff.
20. Defendant Sensenig alleges that he is not in breach of tlae Agreement and that if relief is
entered in favor of the Plaintiff, then Defendant Burkentine is liable to Plaintiff "by reason of his
failure to have made any payment pursuant to the terms of the .Agreement."
21. In the York County action, Defendant Sensenig has made allegations that Defendant
Burkentine failed to make the requisite investment in Shippensburg Village, and that as a result,
Defendant Burkentine is liable to Defendant Sensenig for the difference between the amount
actually invested and the requisite amount.
22. Although the issue of Defendant Burkentine's contribution is being litigated in York
County, along with numerous other issues, it has not been raised by Defendant Sensenig in this
proceeding. Moreover, the cross claim makes no mention whatsoever of a dispute concerning
Defendant Burkentine's investment and contains no allegations against Defendant Burkentine,
other than as stated above. Neither did counsel for Defendant Sensenig submit a Pre-Trial
Memorandum to this Court and counsel identifying Defendant Burkentine's corporate
investment (or lack thereof) or other liability as legal issues to be decided in this proceeding.
23. It is anticipated that Defendant Sensenig may nonetheless try to introduce testimony on
these un-pled and unrelated issues in an effort to cloud the limited and straight-forward issues
pending in this third-party collection proceeding.
24. The issue of shareholder misconduct as between the Sensenigs and Burkentines is
complex and broad in scope. It has led to lengthy discovery concerning the misappropriation of
over $300,000.00 by Defendant Sensenig and other related shareholder issues. These issues are
being fully addressed in the York County action and, given the lack of pleadings on point, have
no relevance here. The only relevant issues as between Defendants Burkentine and Sensenig are
those set forth in the pleadings and Pre-Trial Memorandum.
25. If Defendant Sensenig is permitted to introduce testimony concerning these other
unrelated shareholder disputes, either as a purported basis for setoff or to otherwise defend
against his failure to make payment as agreed, Defendant Burkentine will likewise have to
introduce similar testimony and exhibits at trial. Furthermore, these issues will require the
introduction of testimony from various third party witnesses over the course of several days. The
admission of such testimony into evidence leads to an absurd result whereby the issues that were
properly pled in the York County action and scheduled for trial there would be heard by this
Court in a case that relates solely to a third party collection against two individuals. This could
result in inconsistent verdicts and would raise the issue of res judicata and collateral estoppel in
the York County action.
26. Based upon the discussion between counsel at the Pretrial Conference regarding of
Defendant Burkentine's intent to file the within Motion, it is presumed that counsel for
Defendant Sensenig does not consent to the relief requested.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Burkentine requests that this Honorable Court enter an Order
precluding Defendant Sensenig from introducing any testimony or exhibits pertaining to the issue
of Defendant Burkentine's shareholder investment in Shippensburg Village, Ltd or otherwise
6
pertaining to the shareholder dispute pending in York County.
Respectfully submitted,
STOCK AND LEADER
July 29, 2004 By:
Date A. Sleeker, Esquire -?
Supreme Court I.D. #77974
Susquehanna Commerce Center East
Suite 600
221 West Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17404
Telephone: ('717) 846-9800
Fax: (717) 843-6134
7
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ERIC L. DIFFENBAUGH, No. 03-5041
Plaintiff
VS.
JOHN BURKENTINE and CARL SENSENIG,
Defendants CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OFSERVIC17
AND NOW, this 29th day of July, 2004, I, Neil A. Slenker, Esquire, of the law firm of
Stock and Leader, attorneys for Defendant John Burkentine, hereby certify that I served the
within MOTION IN LIMINE OF DEFENDANT, JOHN BURKENTINE this day by depositing
the same in the United States mail, postage prepaid, in York, Pennsylvania, addressed to:
Ron Turo, Esquire
TURO LAW OFFICES
28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Michael J. Hohenadel, Esquire
109 South Market Street
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
STOCK AND LEADER
By:---
Neil A. Slenker, Esquire
Supreme Court LD. #77974
Susquehanna Commerce Center East
Suite 600
221 West Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17404
Telephone Number: (717) 846-9800
Fax: (717) 843-6134
Attorney for Defendant John Burkentine
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Renee K. Simpson
Deputy Prothonotary
Curtis R. Long
Prothonotary
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John E. Slike
Solicitor
CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF TERMINATION OF COURT CASES
OVEMBER 2007 AFTER M SE - T? AgOV ?F
REsPON CE WITH PA
AND NOW THIS 5TH DAY OF N
ACCORDANCE
PROCEED AND RECEIVING N
INTENTION TO WITH PREJUDICE IN
CASE IS HEREBY TERMINATED
R C P 230.2.
BY THE COURT,
CURTIS R. LONG
PROTHONOTARY
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 (717) 240-6195 • Fax (717) 240-6573
nne Courthouse Square • Carte