HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-5884i0079752007-00019
Court Order with a Rule 236
Luzerne County Prothonotary
9/21/200711:5713 AM
RICHARD TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife,
Plaintiffs
VS.
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT,
INC., and JHT HOLDINGS, INC.,
Defendants
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF LUZERNE COUNTY
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No. 7975 of ,007
Before: Judge Hugh F. Mundy `-'
ORDER
AND NOW, this day of 2007, after review, it is
hereby ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED as follows:
1) The Preliminary Objections of the Defendants, Daniel Cook, Arizona Truck
Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings, Inc., filed pursuant to Rule
1028(a)(1), alleging improper venue, are SUSTAINED;
2) This matter is to be transferred to the Court of Common Pleas of
Cumberland County pursuant to Rule 1006(d)(3), Pa.R.C.P.;
3) The Prothonotary is hereby directed to mail notice of the entry of this
Order to all counsel of record pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 236.
BY THE COURT:
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r LUZERNE COUNTY PROTHONOTARY VIEWER
Luzerne County Prothonotary Viewer
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?'? Case -Case Number= 0079752007
Case Details
Case Number: 0079752007
Initial Filing 7/13/2007
Date: 8:13:09 AM
Initial Filing Complaint
Type:
PFA Number:
Caption Turner, Richan
Plaintiff: D.
Caption Cook, Daniel
Defendant:
Judgement N
Indicator:
Lis Pendens N
Indicator:
Status: Cashiered
Judge:
Sealed: N
CERJIFIED FROM THE RECORDS THI
DAY OF .D. 20
MORAN PROTHONOTARY
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PAGE 1 OF 2
Sequence Docket Tvoe Filing Date Docket Text
Select 1 Complaint 7/13/2007 8:13:09 AM
Select 2 Notice to Defend and Claim Rights 7/13/2007 8:13:48 AM
Select 3 Certificate Of Service 8/2/2007 12:38:52 PM
Select
Select 4
5 Notice To Plead
Preliminary Objections 8/2/2007 12:39:20 PM
8/2/2007 12:39:33 PM
Select 6 Certificate Of Service 8/2/2007 12:39:49 PM
Select 7 Brief 8/2/2007 12:38:30 PM
Select 8 Certificate Of Service 8/22/2007 12:16:10 PM
Select 9 Brief 8/22/2007 12:15:58 PM
Select 10 Certificate Of Service 8/22/2007 12:23:42 PM
Selled 11 Answer 8/22/2007 12:23:29 PM
Select 12 File Transmittal 8/28/2007 4:05:10 PM
Select 13 Sheriffs Service 8/31/2007 2:53:56 PM
Select. 14 Sheriffs Service 8/31/2007 2:54:26 PM
Select 15 Sheriffs Service 8/31/2007 2:54:47 PM
Select 16 Sheriffs Service 8/31/2007 2:53:25 PM
Select 17 Undeliverable Mail 8/31/2007 3:04:36 PM
Select 18 Praecipe To Reinstate Complaint 9/1712007 8:34:08 AM
Select 19 Court Order with a Rule 236 9/21/2007 11:57:13 AM
Defendants: R
Name Addrese_Lm.Q..1. Address City state Zip Attorney
Line_2 .
code .
1854 Statler,
Select Cook, Daniel HENDERSONVILLE ASHEVILLE NC 28803 John
ROAD Andrew
Select ARIZONA
TRUCK 2402 SOUTH 19TH
PHOENIX
AZ 85009-
CENTER STREET 5009
AUTO
TRUCK 3203
Select TRANSPORT TERMINAL 553 ORCHARD MACUNGIE PA 18062
,
INC. ROAD
Select JHT
HOLDINGS, 4320 39TH
AVENUE
KENOSHI
WI
53144
INC.
JILL A. ,
PER ? ?Lj o" -Plaintiffs:
Name Address Line
1 Address.
Line 2
Ci_yt
State Zip
Code
Attorney
Turner 297 DAIRY Langan,
Select ,
Richard D BARN HILL STILLWATER PA 17878 Gerard
. ROAD William Jr.
S
l
t TURNER, 297 DAIRY
B
e
ec
NANCY ARN HILL STILLWATER PA 1 17878
ROAD
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Judgments: El
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HTTP://MCWEB/PSIVIEWER/ENTiTYDETAIL.ASPX 9/2R/?)n07
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
297 DAIRY BARN HILL ROAD
STILLWATER, PA. 17878
PLAINTIFFS
VS.
DANIEL COOK
1854 HENDERSONVILLE ROAD
ASHEVILLE, N.C. 28803
AND
ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
2402 SOUTH 19T" STREET
PHOENIX, ARIZONA, 85009-5000
AND
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC.
TERMINAL 553
3203 ORCHARD ROAD
MACUNGIE, PA. 18062
AND
JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
4320 39TH AVENUE
KENOSHI, WI 53144
DEFENDANTS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
LUZERNE COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
'III 19I1111111
0079752007-00002
Notice to Defend and Claim Rights
Luzerne County Prothonotary
7/13/2007 8.13:48 AM
NO. 2007-CIV- r) q 1 !7
NOTICE TO DEFEND AND CLAIM RIGHTS
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 an attorney and filing
writing with the Court your defenses or objections tot he claims set forth against you. You are
warned that if you fail to do so, the case may proceed without you and the Court without
further notice may enter a judgment against you 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 OCT
= -
HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICES
SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Northern Pa. Legal Service Pa. Lawyer Referral Service ---
Scranton Electric Building - 3rd Floor PO Box 1086 - 100 South Street
Scranton, Pa. 18503 Harrisburg, Pa. 17103
(570) 341-0184 800-692-7375 "•°
c?
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
297 DAIRY BARN HILL ROAD
STILLWATER, PA. 17878 : LUZERNE COUNTY
PLAINTIFF : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
VS. : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DANIEL COOK
1854 HENDERSONVILLE ROAD
ASHEVILLE, N.C. 28803
AND
ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
2402 SOUTH 19T" STREET
PHOENIX, ARIZONA, 85009-5009
AND
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC
TERMINAL 553
3203 ORCHARD ROAD
MACUNGIE, PA 18062
AND
JHT HOLDINGS, INC. :
4320 39T" AVENUE
KENOSHI, WI 53144
DEFENDANTS NO. 2007-CIV-
COMPLAINT
AND NOW comes the Plaintiffs, Richard Turner and Nancy Turner, his wife, by
and through their attorneys, O'Malley & Langan, P.C. and complain as follows:
1. Plaintiffs, Richard Turner and Nancy Turner, his wife, are adult competent
individuals residing at 297 Dairy Barn Hill Road, Stillwater, Luzerne County,
N
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Pennsylvania. c: ---
2. Defendant, Daniel Cook, is an adult individual residing at 1854 Henderse villa = _?
S:
Road, Asheville, N.C.
1 y'_
1111oil
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0079752007-00001 O
Complaint
Luzeme County Prothonotary
7113/2007 8:13'09 AM
3. Defendant, Arizona Truck Center is an Arizona Company. with its principal
place of business located at 2402 South 19th Street, Phoenix, Arizona.
4. Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, is a Kentucky Corporation, doing business
at Terminal 553, 3202 Orchard Road, Macungie, Pa. 18062.
5. Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc. is a Wisconsin Corporation with its principal
place of business located at 4320 39th Avenue, Kenoshi, WI 53144.
6. The events and occurrences giving rise to Plaintiff's cause of action took
place on July 23, 2007, at approximately 11:35 a.m. Middlesex Township, Cumberland
County, Pa.
7. On the aforementioned date and time, Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, was
lawfully, carefully and prudently operating his 2003 Kawasaki 1500 motorcycle south on
SR Route 11, Harrisburg Pike, Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, Pa.
8. On the aforementioned date and time, Defendant, Daniel Cook, was
operating a 2005 Mack, CV713C tractor trailer south on SR Route 11, Harrisburg Pike,
Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, Pa.
9. Said 2005 Mack CV713C tractor trailer was owned by Defendants, Arizona
Truck Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings. Inc.
10. At all times relevant hereto, South SR Route 11, is a two lane roadway.
11. At all times relevant hereto, Defendant Daniel Cook, was driving said 2005
Mack CV7 13C tractor trailer and was in the course of his employment with Defendants
Arizona Truck Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings, Inc. and was
acting as the servant, agent, workman and /or employee of Defendants, Arizona Truck
Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings, Inc.
12. At all times relevant hereto, Defendant, Daniel Cook while in the course of
his employment and while traveling south on SR Route 11, changed from the left lane
to the right lane, directly in the path of Plaintiff, Richard Turner, forcing him off the
roadway, causing him to strike a curb and causing the motorcycle to overturn.
13. As a result of this collision, Defendant, Daniel Cook was cited with "improper
driving actions".
14. As a further result of this collision, Plaintiff Richard Turner, suffered severe
and permanent injuries more fully set forth below.
COUNT I - NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD D. TURNER V. DANIEL COOK
15. Plaintiffs incorporate herein by reference paragraphs One through Fourteen
(14) inclusive as thought the same ad been set forth at length.
16. The negligence, recklessness and carelessness of Defendant, Daniel Cook,
was a proximate cause of the Plaintiff's injuries and consisted of the following:
(a) failing to operate his vehicle under proper and adequate control under the
aforesaid circumstances;
(b) failing to operate his vehicle at a safe speed;
(c) failing to keep a proper lookout for the road ahead of him and for other
cars and objects along the road;
(d) failing to operate his vehicle with due regard for the rights, safety and well-
being of Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, under the aforesaid circumstances
(e) failing to operate his vehicle with due caution and control.
(f) failing to advise other drivers, including the Plaintiff, of his intention to change
lanes of travel; and
(g) improperly changing lanes of travel
17. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant Daniel Cook, Plaintiff Richard D. Turner sustained severe
and permanent injuries, including but not limited to:
(a) Grade 3, AC separation of left shoulder
(b) Multiple contusions
(c) Multiple abrasions
(d) injuries to various soft connective tissues, nerves and muscles,
all of which have left him sick, sore, lame and disabled, much to his detriment and
financial loss.
18. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, the Plaintiff has suffered a loss of earnings, and will suffer a loss of earning
capacity in the future.
19. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant,
Daniel Cook, the Plaintiff has undergone great pain and suffering.
20. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, the Plaintiff has suffered a permanent diminution of his ability to enjoy life and
life's pleasures.
21. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, the Plaintiff has been forced to receive and undergo various medical treatment
and services for treatment of his injuries.
22. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, the Plaintiff has incurred various medical expenses for the aforementioned
treatment and will continue to incur such medical expenses for the foreseeable future.
23. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and carelessness of
Defendant, Daniel Cook, Plaintiff has undergone great mental anguish, physical pain
and emotional suffering from which he still suffers and will continue to suffer for an
indefinite period of time in the future.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, demands judgment either jointly
or severally against the Defendant, Daniel Cook, in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT II - NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER VS. ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
24. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs One through Twenty-
three (23) inclusive, as though the same were set forth at length.
25. The negligence, recklessness, carelessness of Defendant Arizona Truck
Center was a proximate cause of the Plaintiff's injuries and consisted of the following:
(a) failing to properly supervise the actions of Defendant, Daniel Cook, whom
they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation of a motor
vehicle;
(b) failing to properly instruct Defendant, Daniel Cook, as to the safe and proper
operation of a motor vehicle;
(c) entrusting the use and operation of the motor vehicle to Defendant, Daniel
Cook, whom they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation
of a motor vehicle.
26. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff sustained the following
injuries:
(a) Grade 3, AC separation of left shoulder
(b) Multiple contusions
(c) Multiple abrasions
(d) injuries to various soft connective tissues, nerves and muscles,
all of which have left him sick, sore, lame and disabled, much to his detriment and
financial loss.
27. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has suffered a loss of
earnings, and will suffer a loss of earning capacity in the future.
28. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has undergone great pain
and suffering.
29. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has suffered a permanent
diminution of his ability to enjoy life and life's pleasures.
30. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has been forced to
receive and undergo various medical treatment and services for treatment of his injuries.
31. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has incurred various
medical expenses for the aforementioned treatment, and will continue to incur such
expenses for the foreseeable future.
32. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has undergone great
mental anguish, physical pain and emotional suffering, from which he still suffers and will
continue to suffer for an indefinite period of time in the future.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, demands judgment either jointly or
severally against Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT III - NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER V. AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT INC.
33. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs One through Thirty-
two (32) inclusive, as though the same were set forth at length.
34. The negligence, recklessness, carelessness of Defendant Auto Truck
Transport, Inc. was a proximate cause of the Plaintiff's injuries and consisted of the
following:
(a) failing to properly supervise the actions of Defendant, Daniel Cook, whom
they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation of a motor
vehicle;
(b) failing to properly instruct Defendant, Daniel Cook, as to the safe and proper
operation of a motor vehicle;
(c) entrusting the use and operation of the motor vehicle to Defendant, Daniel
Cook, whom they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation
of a motor vehicle.
35. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc. the Plaintiff sustained the
following injuries:
(a) Grade 3, AC separation of left shoulder
(b) Multiple contusions
(c) Multiple abrasions
(d) injuries to various soft connective tissues, nerves and muscles,
all of which have left him sick, sore, lame and disabled, much to his detriment and
financial loss.
36. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., the Plaintiff has suffered a loss
of earnings, and will suffer a loss of earning capacity in the future.
37. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., the Plaintiff has undergone great
pain and suffering.
38. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport Inc., the Plaintiff has suffered a
permanent diminution of his ability to enjoy life and life's pleasures.
39. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc. the Plaintiff has been forced to
receive and undergo various medical treatment and services for treatment of his injuries.
40. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., the Plaintiff has incurred various
medical expenses for the aforementioned treatment, and will continue to incur such
expenses for the foreseeable future.
41. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., the Plaintiff has undergone great
mental anguish, physical pain and emotional suffering, from which he still suffers and will
continue to suffer for an indefinite period of time in the future.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, demands judgment either jointly or
severally against Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT IV - NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER V. JHT HOLDINGS INC.
42. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs One through Forty-one
(41) inclusive, as though the same were set forth at length.
43. The negligence, recklessness, carelessness of Defendant JHT Holdings,
Inc. was a proximate cause of the Plaintiff's injuries and consisted of the
following:
(a) failing to properly supervise the actions of Defendant, Daniel Cook, whom
they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation of a motor
vehicle;
(b) failing to properly instruct Defendant, Daniel Cook, as to the safe and proper
operation of a motor vehicle;
(c) entrusting the use and operation of the motor vehicle to Defendant, Daniel
Cook, whom they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation
of a motor vehicle.
44. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc.. the Plaintiff sustained the following
injuries:
(a) Grade 3, AC separation of left shoulder
(b) Multiple contusions
(c) Multiple abrasions
(d) injuries to various soft connective tissues, nerves and muscles,
all of which have left him sick, sore, lame and disabled, much to his detriment and
financial loss.
45. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc.., the Plaintiff has suffered a loss of
earnings, and will suffer a loss of earning capacity in the future.
46. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc. the Plaintiff has undergone great
pain and suffering.
47. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., the Plaintiff has suffered a
permanent diminution of his ability to enjoy life and life's pleasures.
48. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc. the Plaintiff has been forced to
receive and undergo various medical treatment and services for treatment of his injuries.
49. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., the Plaintiff has incurred various
medical expenses for the aforementioned treatment, and will continue to incur such
expenses for the foreseeable future.
50. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., the Plaintiff has undergone great
mental anguish, physical pain and emotional suffering, from which he still suffers and will
continue to suffer for an indefinite period of time in the future.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, demands judgment either jointly
or severally against Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT V - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. DANIEL COOK
51. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference Paragraphs One (1) through Fifty
(50) inclusive, as though the same had been set forth at length.
52. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Daniel Cook, Plaintiff, Nancy Turner has been deprived of
the society, companionship, contribution and consortium of her husband, Richard
Turner, much to her great detriment and loss.
53. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Daniel Cook, Plaintiff Nancy Turner has suffered a
disruption in her daily habits and pursuits and the loss of enjoyment of life, all of which
have been to her great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Nancy Turner demands judgment either jointly
or severally against the Defendant, Daniel Cook, in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT VI - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
54 . Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference Paragraphs One (1) through
Fifty-three (53) inclusive, as though the same had been set forth at length.
55. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, Plaintiff, Nancy Turner has been
deprived of the society, companionship, contribution and consortium of her husband,
Richard Turner, much to her great detriment and loss.
56. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, Plaintiff Nancy Turner has suffered a
disruption in her daily habits and pursuits and the loss of enjoyment of life, all of which
have been to her great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Nancy Turner demands judgment either jointly
or severally against the Defendant Arizona Truck Center, in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interests and costs.
COUNT VII - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT INC.
57 . Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference Paragraphs One (1) through
Fifty-six (56) inclusive, as though the same had been set forth at length.
58. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., Plaintiff, Nancy Turner has been
deprived of the society, companionship, contribution and consortium of her husband,
Richard Turner, much to her great detriment and loss.
59. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., Plaintiff Nancy Turner has
suffered a disruption in her daily habits and pursuits and the loss of enjoyment of life, all
of which have been to her great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Nancy Turner demands judgment either jointly
or severally against the Defendant Auto Truck Transport, Inc., in an amount in excess of
Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interests and costs.
COUNT VIII - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. JHT HOLDINGS INC.
60 . Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference Paragraphs One (1) through
Fifty-nine (59) inclusive, as though the same had been set forth at length.
61. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., Plaintiff, Nancy Turner has been
deprived of the society, companionship, contribution and consortium of her husband,
Richard Turner, much to her great detriment and loss.
62. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., Plaintiff Nancy Turner has
suffered a disruption in her daily habits and pursuits and the loss of enjoyment of life, all
of which have been to her great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Nancy Turner demands judgment either jointly
or severally against the Defendant JHT Holdings, Inc., in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interests and costs.
Respectfully submitted:
O'MALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
ZV =
erard W. Langa ?,Jr 7,squire
Attorney for Plaintiff
I. D. # 46938
9 N. Main Street
Pittston, Pa. 18640
(570) 883-1321
VERIFICATION
I, Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire, Attorney for Plaintiffs, being duly sworn to law,
depose and say that based upon the facts set forth herein, are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and belief. I have been unable to obtain the
Verification of the Plaintiffs, Richard and Nancy Turner to attach to the Complaint prior
to the date on which I was required to file the Complaint.
Upon my ability to meet with my clients, I will obtain a Verification from Richard
and Nancy Turner and will substitute their Verification at that time.
Gerard W. Langan, ., E quire
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Date:_ 7 // /G ,
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: John A. Statler, Esq.
I.D. No. 43812
Wade D. Manley
I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
wdm@jdsw.com
RICHARD TURNER and NANCY
TURNER, his wife,
Plaintiffs
V.
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK
TRANSPORT, INC., and JHT
HOLDINGS, INC.
Defendants
Attorneys for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNA.
NO. 2007-CIV- 7975
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMAND€D
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: RICHARD TURNER and NANCY TURNER, Plaintiffs
c/o Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
O'Malley & Langan, PC
9 N. Main St.
Pittston, PA 18640
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Ma
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r
AND NOW, this 10
, day of August, 2007, you are hereby notified to file a
written response to the enclosed Preliminary Objections within 20 days of the date of
service hereof or judgment may be entered against you.
By: t(14A ON il III
oo79752007-00004
Notice To Plead
Luzerne County Prothonotary
8/2/2007 12:39.20 PM
John A. Sttl r
Attorney I. No. 43812
Wade D. Ma le
Attorney I.D. No. 87244
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: John A. Statler, Esq.
I.D. No. 43812
Wade D. Manley
I. D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
wdm@jdsw.com
RICHARD TURNER and NANCY
TURNER, his wife,
Plaintiffs
V.
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK
TRANSPORT, INC., and JHT
HOLDINGS, INC.
Defendants
Attorneys for Defendant
'III 19 Ella ' Elf MIM o
1
Preliminary Objections
Luzerne County Prothonotary
8/71200712:39:33 PM
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNA.
NO. 2007-CIV- 7975
CIVIL ACTION - LAW , o
=:
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED ,v =
rn
w
DEFENDANTS', DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER, AUTO
TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC., and JHT HOLDINGS, INC'S,
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
AND NOW, come the Defendants, Daniel Cook, Arizona Truck Center, Auto Truck
Transport, Inc. and JHT Holdings, Inc., by their attorneys, Johnson, Duffle, Stewart &
Weidner, P.C., and file these Preliminary Objections to the Plaintiffs' Complaint and in
support thereof, aver as follows:
1. Plaintiff initiated the instant case by filing a Complaint on July 13, 2007 in
Luzerne County. See, Plaintiffs' Complaint attached hereto and marked as Exhibit A.
10
2. This is an action for damages arising out of a motor vehicle accident which
occurred on July 23, 2005. See, Exhibit A, ¶6.
3. The accident occurred on SR 11, Harrisburg Pike in Middlesex Township,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. See, Exhibit A, ¶¶6-8.
4. Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1028(b) requires that all Preliminary
Objections to a pleading be raised at one time.
5. Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1028(a)(3) states: "Preliminary
Objections may be filed by any party to any pleading and are limited to the following
grounds: improper venue." Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(1).
1. PRELIMINARY OBJECTION PURSUANT TO Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(1) -
IMPROPER VENUE
6. The Defendants incorporate by reference herein paragraphs 1-5 of their
Preliminary Objections as though set forth herein at length.
7. In the Complaint, Plaintiffs allege that defendant, Daniel Cook, is an adult
individual residing at 1854 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC. See, Exhibit A, ¶2.
8. Plaintiffs allege that Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, is an Arizona
company, with its principal place of business located at 2402 South 19th Street,
Phoenix, AZ. See, Exhibit A, 53.
9. Plaintiffs allege that Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, is an Kentucky
corporation, doing business at a terminal located at 32202 Orchard Road, Macungie,
Lehigh County, PA. See, Exhibit A, ¶4.
10. The corporate office for Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, is located at
402 South Main Street, 3rd Floor, Joplin, MO 64801.
•
11. Plaintiffs allege that Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., is a Wisconsin
corporation, with its principal place of business located at 4320 39th Avenue, Kenosha,
WI. See, Exhibit A, ¶5.
12. Plaintiffs' Complaint lacks any further averment pertaining to the location
or activities of the Defendants.
13. In fact, the only reference to Luzerne County in Plaintiffs' Complaint is
Plaintiffs' residence. See, Exhibit A, ¶1.
14. The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure allow for an action to be filed
only in a county in which an individual may be served, where the cause of action arose
or where property at issue is located. Pa.R.C.P. 1006.
15. Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1006, based on the allegations set forth in Plaintiffs'
Complaint, venue as to Defendant, Daniel Cook, is only appropriate in Cumberland
County, where the cause of action arose according to Plaintiffs' personal injury
Complaint because he is a resident of North Carolina.
16. Pa.R.C.P. 1006 allows for venue against corporations in compliance with
Pa.R.C.P. 2179.
17. Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 2179 allows an action against a
corporation to brought in and only in:
(a) the county where its registered office or principal place of business
is;
(b) a county where it regularly conducts business;
(c) the county where the cause of action arose;
(d) a county where a transaction or occurrence took place out of which
the cause of action arose; or
(e) a county where the property or a part of the property which is the
subject matter of the action is located provided that equitable relief
is sought with respect to the property.
Pa.R.C.P. 2179 (a).
18. Defendants, Arizona Truck Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc. and JHT
Holdings, Inc., are corporations.
19. Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 2179, based on the allegations set forth in Plaintiffs'
Complaint, venue as to Defendants, Arizona Truck Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc.
and JHT Holdings, Inc., is only appropriate in Cumberland County, where the cause of
action arose according to Plaintiffs' personal injury Complaint.
20. Venue relates to the right of a party to have the controversy brought and
heard in a particular judicial district. McGinley v. Scott, 401 Pa. 310, 164 A.2d 424
(1960); Searles v. Estrada, 856 A.2d 85 (2004), app. denied, 582 Pa. 701 871 A.2d 192
(2005).
21. Corporations have a constitutional right to seek a change of venue. Purcell
v. Bryn Mawr Hosp., 525 Pa. 237, 242, 579 A.2d 1282 (1990); Felts v. Delaware.
Lackawanna and Western Railroad, et al, 195 Pa. 21, 45 A. 493 (1900).
22. Pa.R.C.P. 1006(b) directs that venue for personal actions against
corporations be controlled by Rule 2179. The same procedural test is applied to both
venue and jurisdiction to determine if both exist. Purcell v. Bryn Mawr Hosp., 525 Pa.
237, 242, 579 A.2d 1282 (1990); County Construction Company v. Livengood
Construction Corporation, 393 Pa. 39, 142 A.2d 9 (1958).
23. Venue is the place in which a particular action is to be brought and
determined; it is a matter for the convenience of the litigants. Jurisdiction refers to the
competency of a court to determine controversies of the general class to which the case
belongs and to bind the parties by its decision. Id., 142 A.2d at 13.
24. Improper venue shall be raised by preliminary objection and if not so
raised shall be waived. If a preliminary objection to venue is sustained and there is a
county of proper venue in the State the action shall not be dismissed but shall be
transferred to the appropriate court of that county. The costs and fees for the transfer
and removal of the record shall be paid by the plaintiff. Searles, 856 A.2d 85 (2004),
app. denied, 582 Pa. 701 871 A.2d 192 (2005).
25. In the instant matter, Plaintiffs averments confirm that the cause of action
arose in Cumberland County and that all Defendants reside and operate from locations
outside of Luzerne County.
26. Given that venue properly lays in Cumberland County and does not
properly lay in Luzerne County, under the laws and procedural rules in this
Commonwealth, this matter must be transferred to Cumberland County.
WHEREFORE, the Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court
transfer Plaintiffs' cause of action to the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1006(d)(3).
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By: "4
Wade D.(Ma a Esquire
Attorney I. 87244
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendant
DATE: S ((/ O?
305821
cxk,?kf
07/27/2007 09:29 776-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 03/19
RICHARD D. TURNER ,and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
297 DAIRY BARN HILL ROAD
STILLWATER, PA. 17878
PLAINTIFFS
VS.
DANIEL COOK
1854 HENDERSONVILLE,ROAD
ASHEVILLE, N.C. 28803
AND
ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
2402 SOUTH 19TH STREET
PHOENIX, ARIZONA, 85009-5000
-••••AND.
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC.
TERMINAL 553
3203 ORCHARD ROAD
MACUNGIE, PA. 18052
AND
JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
4320 39TH AVENUE :
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: LUZERNE COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
KENOSHI, WI 53144
DEFENDANTS ; NO. 2007-CIV-q
NOTICE TO DEFUND AND CLAIM-RIGHTS
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 an attorney arid filing
writing with the Court your defenses or objections tot he claims set forth against you. You are
warned that if you fail to do so, the case may proceed without you and the Court without
further, notice may enter a judgment against you for any money claimed In the Complaint or for
any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other
rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT
HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICES
SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Northern Pa. Legal Service
Scranton Eifctric Building - 3'ti Floor
Scranton, Pa. 18503
(570) 341-0164
Pa. La "
wyer Referral Service C,
PO Box 1086 -100 South Street c
Harrisburg, Pa. 17103 r
800-692,7375
x? ry
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 04/19
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
297 DAIRY BARN HILL ROAD
STILLWATER, PA. 17878
VS.
PLAINTIFF
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
LU7_ERNE COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL. DEMANDED
DANIEL COOK
1854 HENDERSONVILLE ROAD
ASHEVILLE, N.C. 2BB03
AND
ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
2402 SOUTH 19TH STREET
PHOENIX, ARIZONA, 85009-5009
AND
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC
TERMINAL 553
3203 ORCHARD ROAD
MACUNGIE, PA 18062 :
AND
JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
4320 39TH AVENUE -
KENOSHI, WI 53144
DEFENDANTS NO.2007-CIV-
COMPLAINT
AND NOW comes the Plaintiffs, Richard Turner and Nancy Turner, his wife, by
and through their attorneys, O'Malley & Langan, P.C. and complain as follows:
1. Plaintiffs, Richard Turner and Nancy Turner, his wife, are adult competent
individuals residing at 297 Dairy Barn Hill Road, Stillwater, Luzerne County,
r--
c?
Pennsylvania.
2. Defendant, Daniel Cook, is an adult individual residing at 1854 Hendersc;?vil ?? ;==1
Road, Asheville, N.C.
•A•
1
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL ?AGE 05/19
3. Defendant, Arizona Truck Center is an Arizona Company. with its principal
place of business located at 2402 South 19' Street, Phoenix, Arizona.
4. Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, is a Kentucky Corporation, doing business
at Terminal 553, 3202 Orchard Road, Macungie, Pa. 18062,
5. Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc. is a Wisconsin Corporation with its principal
place of business located at 4320 391' Avenue, Kenoshi, Wf 53144.
6. The events and occurrences giving rise to Plaintiffs cause of action took
place on July 23, 2007, at approximately 1125 a.m, Middlesex Township, Cumberland
County, Pa.
7. On the aforementioned date and time, Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, was
lawfully, carefully and prudently operating his 2003 Kawasaki 1500 motorcycle south on
SR Route 11, Harrisburg Pike, Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, Pa.
8. On the aforementioned date and time, Defendant, Daniel Cook, was
operating a 2005 Mack, CV7130 tractor trailer south on SR Route 11, Harrisburg Pike,
Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, Pa.
9. Said 2005 Mack CV713C tractor trailer was owned by Defendants, Arizona
Truck Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings. Inc.
10. At all times relevant hereto, South SR Route 11, is a two lane roadway.
11. At all times relevant hereto, Defendant Daniel Cook, was driving said 2005
Mack CV7 13C tractor trailer and was in the course of his employment with Defendants
Arizona Truck Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings, Inc. and was
acting as the servant, agenf, workman and /or employee of Defendants, Arizona Truck
07/27/2007 09:29 770-614-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 06/19
Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings, Inc.
12. At all times relevant hereto, Defendant, Daniel Cook while in the course of
his employment and while traveling south on SR Route 11, changed from the left lane
to the right lane, directly in the path of Plaintiff, Richard Turner, forcing him off the
roadway, causing him to strike a curb and causing the motorcycle to overturn.
13. As a result of this collision, Defendant, Daniel Cook was cited with improper
driving actions".
14_ As a further result of this collision, Plaintiff Richard Turner, suffered severe
and permanent injuries more fully set forth below.
COUNT I --NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD D. TURNER V. I]AMEL COOK
16. Plaintiffs incorporate herein by reference paragraphs One through Fourteen
(14) inclusive as thought the same ad been set forth at length.
16. The negligence, recklessness and carelessness of Defendant, Daniel Cook,
was a proximate cause of the Plaintiff's injuries and consisted of the following-
(a) failing to operate his vehicle under proper and adequate control under the
aforesaid circumstances; '
(b) failing to operate his vehicle at a safe speed;
(c) failing to keep a proper lookout for the road ahead of him and for other
cars and objects along the road;
(d) failing to operate his vehicle with due regard for the rights, safety and well-
being of Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, under the aforesaid circumstances
(e) failing to operate his vehicle with due caution and control.
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 07/19
(f) failing to advise other drivers, including the Plaintiff, of his intention to change
lanes of travel; and
(g) improperly changing lanes of travel
17. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant Daniel Cook, Plaintiff Richard D. Turner sustained severe
and permanent injuries, including but not limited to:
(a) Grade 3, AC separation of left shoulder
(b) Multiple contusions
(c) Multiple abrasions
(d) injuries to various soft; connective tissues, nerves and muscles,
all of which have left hire sick, sore, lame and disabled, much to his detriment and
financial loss,
18. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, the Plaintiff has suffered a loss of earnings, and will suffer a loss of earning
capacity in the future.
19. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant,
Daniel Cook, the Plaintiff has undergone great pain and suffering.
20. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, the Plaintiff has suffered a permanent diminution of his ability to enjoy life and
life's pleasures.
21. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, the Plaintiff has been forced to receive and undergo various medical treatment
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 08/19
and services for treatment of his injuries.
22_ As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, the Plaintiff has incurred various medical expenses for the aforementioned
treatment and will continue to incur such medical expenses for the foreseeable future.
23. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and carelessness of
Defendant, Daniel Cook, Plaintiff has undergone great mental anguish, physical pain
and emotional suffering from which he still suffers and will continue to suffer for an
indefinite period of time in the future.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, demands judgment either jointly
or severally against the Defendant, Daniel Cook, in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
COU 11 NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER VS, ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
24. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs one through Twenty-
three (23) inclusive, as though the same were set forth at length.
25. The negligence, recklessness, carelessness of Defendant Arizona Truck
Center was a proximate cause of the Plaintiff's injuries and consisted of the following:
(a) failing to properly supervise the actions of Defendant, Daniel Cook, whom
they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation of a motor
vehicle;
07/27/2007 99:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 09/19
(b) failing to properly instruct Defendant, Daniel Cook, as to the safe and proper
operation of a motor vehicle;
(c) entrusting the use and operation of the motor vehicle to Defendant, Daniel
Cook, whom they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation
of a motor vehicle.
26. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff sustained the following
injuries:
(a) Grade 3, AC separation of left shoulder
(b) Multiple contusions
(c) Multiple abrasions
(d) injuries to various soft connective tissues, nerves and muscles,
all of which have left him sick, sore, lame and disabled, much to his detriment and
financial loss.
27. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has suffered a loss of
earnings, and will suffer a loss of earning capacity in the future.
28. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of [Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has undergone great pain
and suffering.
29, As a direct and proximate resuit of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has suffered a permanent
diminution of his ability to enjoy life and life's pleasures.
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 10/19
30, As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has been forced to
receive and undergo various medical treatment and services for treatment of his Injuries,
31. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has incurred various
medical expenses for the aforementioned treatment, and will continue to incur such
expenses for the foreseeable future.
32. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has undergone great
mental anguish, physical pain and emotional suffering, from which he still suffers and will
continue to suffer for an indefinite period of time in the future.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, demands judgment either jointly or
severally against Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT 111 NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER V. AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC.
33. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs One through Thirty-
two (32) inclusive, as though the same were set forth at length.
34. The negligence, recklessness, carelessness of Defendant Auto Truck
Transport, Inc. was a proximate cause of the Plaintiffs injuries and consisted of the
following:
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 11/19
(a) failing to properly supervise the actions of Defendant, Daniel Cook, whom
they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation of a motor
vehicle;
(b) failing to properly instruct Defendant, Daniel Cook, as to the safe and proper
operation of a motor vehicle;
(c) entrusting the use and operation of the motor vehicle to Defendant, Daniel
Cook, whom they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation
of a motor vehicle.
35. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, inc. the Plaintiff sustained the
following injuries:
(a) Grade 3, AC separation of left shoulder
(b) Multiple contusions
(c) Multiple abrasions
(d) injuries to various soft connective tissues, nerves and muscles,
all of which have left him sick, sore, lame and disabled, much to his detriment and
financial loss.
36. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., the Plaintiff has suffered a loss
of earnings, and will suffer a loss of earning capacity in the future.
37. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., the Plaintiff has undergone great
pain and suffering.
38. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 12/19
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport Inc., the Plaintiff has suffered a
permanent diminution of his ability to enjoy life and life's pleasures.
39. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc. the Plaintiff has been forced to
receive and undergo various medical treatment and services for treatment of his injuries.
40. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., the Plaintiff has incurred various
medical expenses for the aforementioned treatment, and will continue to incur such
expenses for the foreseeable. future.
41. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., the Plaintiff has undergone great
mental anguish, physical pain and emotional suffering, from which he still suffers and will
continue to suffer for an indefinite period of time in the future.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, demands judgment either jointly or
severally against Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT l- V-- NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER V. JHT HOLDINGS. INC.
42. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs One through Forty-one
(41) inclusive, as though the same were set forth at length.
43. The negligence, recklessness, carelessness of Defendant JHT }holdings,
67/27/2607 69:29 776-914-6936 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 13/19
Inc. was a proximate cause of the Plaintiff's injuries and consisted of the
following:
(a) flailing to properly supervise the actions of Defendant, Daniel Cook, whom
they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation of a motor
vehicle;
(b) failing to properly instruct Defendant, Daniel Cook, as to the safe and proper
operation of a motor vehicle;
(c) entrusting the use and operation of the motor vehicle to Defendant, Daniel
Cook, whom they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation
of a motor vehicle.
44. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc.. the Plaintiff sustained the following
injuries:
(a) Grade 3, AC separation of left shoulder
(b) Multiple contusions
(c) Multiple abrasions
(d) injuries to various soft connective tissues, nerves and muscles,
all of which have left him sick, sore, lame and disabled, much to his detriment and
financial loss,
45. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc.., the Plaintiff has suffered a loss of
earnings; and will suffer a loss of earning capacity in the future,
46. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc. the Plaintiff has undergone great
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 14/19
pain and suffering.
47. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., the Plaintiff has suffered a
permanent diminution of his ability to enjoy life and life's pleasures,
48. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc. the Plaintiff has been forced to
receive and undergo various medical treatment and services for treatment of his injuries.
49. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc,, the Plaintiff has incurred various
medical expenses for the aforementioned treatment, and will continue to incur such
expenses for the foreseeable future.
60. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., the Plaintiff has undergone great
mental anguish, physical pain and emotional suffering, from which he still suffers and will
continue to suffer for an indefinite period of time in the future.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, demands judgment either jointly
or severally against Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., in an amount in excess of f=ifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 15/19
COUNT V - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. DANIEL COOK
51. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference Paragraphs One (1) through Fifty
(50) inclusive, as though the same had been set forth at length,
52. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Daniel Cook, Plaintiff, Nancy Turner has been deprived of
the society, companionship, contribution and consortium of her husband, Richard
Turner, much to her great detriment and loss.
53. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Daniel Cook, Plaintiff Nancy Turner has suffered a
disruption in her daily habits and pursuits and the loss of enjoyment of life, all of which
have been to her great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Nancy Turner demands judgment either jointly
or severally against the Defendant, Daniel Cook, in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT VI - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
54 . Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference Paragraphs One (1) through
Fifty-three (53) inclusive, as though the same had been set forth at length,
55. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, Plaintiff, Nancy Turner has been
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 16/19
deprived of the society, companionship, contribution and consortium of her husband,
Richard Turner, much to her great detriment and loss.
56. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, Plaintiff Nancy Turner has suffered a
disruption in her daily habits and pursuits and the loss of enjoyment of life, all of which
have been to her great. detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Nancy Turner demands judgment either jointly
or severally against the Defendant Arizona Truck Center, in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interests and costs.
COUNT V11- LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER'V. AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORTLINC.
57 . Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference Paragraphs One (1) through
Fifty-six (56) inclusive, as though the same had been set forth at length.
58. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., Plaintiff, Nancy Turner has been
deprived of the society, companionship, contribution and consortium of her husband,
Richard Turner, much to her great detriment and loss.
59. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., Plaintiff Nancy Turner has
suffered a disruption in her daily habits and pursuits and the loss of enjoyment of life, all
of which have been to her great detriment and loss.
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL ?AGE 17/19
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Nancy Turner demands judgment either jointly
or severally against the Defendant Auto Truck Transport, Inc., in an amount in excess of
Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interests and costs.
COUNT Vill - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
60. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference Paragraphs One (1) through
Fifty-nine (59) inclusive, as though the same had been set forth at length.
61. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., Plaintiff, Nancy Turner has been
deprived of the society, companionship, contribution and consortium of her husband,
Richard Turner, much to her great detriment and loss.
62, As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., Plaintiff Nancy Turner has
suffered a disruption in her daily habits and pursuits and the loss of enjoyment of life, all
of which have been to her groat detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Nancy Turner demands judgment either jointly
or severally against the Defendant JHT Holdings, Inc., in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interests and costs.
07/2712007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 18119
Respectfully submitted:
O'MALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
t'.4
erard W. Langan, r., squire
Attorney for Plaintiff
1,D.-# 46938
9 N. Main Street
Pittston, Pa. 18644
(570) 883-1321
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 19/19
VERIFICATION
1, Gerard W. Langan, Jr,, Esquire, Attorney for Plaintiffs, being duly sworn to law,
depose and say that based upon the facts set forth herein, are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and belief. I have been unable to obtain the
Verification of the Plaintiffs, Richard and Nancy Turner to attach to the Complaint prior
to the date on which I was required to file the Complaint.
Upon my ability to meet with my clients, I will obtain a Verification from Richard
and Nancy Turner and will substitute their Verification at that time.
Berard W. Langan, ,ft`., E6quire
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Date: '7 ?? 16 7-
RICHARD TURNER and NANCY
TURNER, his wife,
Plaintiffs
V.
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK
TRANSPORT, INC., and JHT
HOLDINGS, INC.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNA.
NO. 2007-CIV- 7975
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
ORDER
AND NOW, this day of 2007, upon consideration of
Defendants', Daniel Cook, Arizona Truck Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc. and JHT
Holdings, Inc.'s, Preliminary Objections to the Plaintiffs' Complaint, it is hereby
ORDERED AND DECREED that the Preliminary Objections are SUSTAINED.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT the captioned matter shall be transferred to
the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania pursuant to
Pa.R.C.P. 1006(d)(3) and Plaintiffs shall pay the costs and fees to accomplish transfer.
J.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this O day of August, 2007 the undersigned does hereby certify
that she did this date serve a copy of the foregoing document upon the other parties of
record by causing same to be deposited in the United States Mail, first class postage
prepaid, at Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
O'Malley & Langan, PC
9 N. Main St.
Pittston, PA 18640
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By:
Ca en Jensen
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Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: John A. Statler, Esq.
I. D. No. 43812
Wade D. Manley
I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
wdm@jdsw.com
RICHARD TURNER and NANCY
TURNER, his wife,
Plaintiffs
V.
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK
TRANSPORT, INC., and JHT
HOLDINGS, INC.
Defendants
Attorneys for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNA.
NO. 2007-CIV- 7975
IVIL ACTION - LAW
Gzl? tJ
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xx"'?
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JURY TRIAL DEMANDED X„ qo?
3 CD
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DEFENDANTS', DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC., and
JHT HOLDINGS, INC'S, BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
1. PROCEDURAL AND FACTUAL HISTORY
Plaintiff initiated the instant case by filing a Complaint on July 13, 2007 in
Luzerne County. See, Plaintiffs' Complaint attached hereto and marked as Exhibit A,
attached to Preliminary Objections. Contemporaneous with this Brief, Defendants have
filed Preliminary Objections for improper venue.
Plaintiffs' filed this action for damages arising out of a motor vehicle accident
which occurred on July 23, 2005. See, Exhibit A, 56. The accident occurred on SR 11,
Harrisburg Pike in Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. See,
Exhibit A, ¶¶6-8.
In the Complaint, Plaintiffs allege that defendant, Daniel Cook, is an adult
individual residing at 1854 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC. See, Exhibit A, 12.
Plaintiffs further allege that Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, is an Arizona company,
with its principal place of business located at 2402 South 191h Street, Phoenix, AZ.
See, Exhibit A, 13. As to Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., Plaintiffs allege it is a
Wisconsin corporation, with its principal place of business located at 4320 39cn Avenue,
Kenosha, WI. See, Exhibit A, 15. Finally, Plaintiffs allege that Defendant, Auto Truck
Transport, is an Kentucky corporation, doing business at a terminal located at 32202
Orchard Road, Macungie, Lehigh County, PA. See, Exhibit A, 14. In fact, the corporate
office for Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, is located at 402 South Main Street, 3rd
Floor, Joplin, MO 64801.
Plaintiffs' Complaint lacks any further averment pertaining to the location or
activities of the Defendants. In fact, the only reference to Luzerne County in Plaintiffs'
Complaint is Plaintiffs' residence. See, Exhibit A, ¶1.
II. STATEMENT OF QUESTION PRESENTED
A. SHOULD PLAINTIFF'S CAUSE OF ACTION BE
TRANSFERRED TO THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA BECAUSE PLAINTIFFS HAVE
FAILED TO ALLEGE ANY FACTS TO SATISFY
EITHER PA.R.C.P. 1006 OR 2179?
ANSWER: Yes.
III. STANDARD OF REVIEW
Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1028(b) requires that all Preliminary
Objections to a pleading be raised at one time. The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil
Procedure allow for preliminary objections to be filed pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028.
Pa.R.C.P. 1028 states:
"Preliminary Objections may be filed by any party to any
pleading and are limited to the following grounds:
(1) ... improper venue ...;
Pa. R.C.P. 1028(a)(1).
When ruling on preliminary objections, the court is limited to a review of the
allegations set forth in the challenged pleading. Bradford County Citizens in Action v.
Board of Commissioners of Bradford County, 64 Pa.Cmwlth. 349, 439 A.2d 1346
(1982). When ruling on preliminary objections, all well and clearly-pleaded facts must
be generally accepted as true but not a pleader's conclusions or averments of law.
Santiago v. Pennsylvania National Mutual Casualty Insurance Company, 418 Pa.Super.
178, 613 A.2d 1235 (1992).
Ill. ARGUMENT
Venue relates to the right of a party to have the controversy brought and heard in
a particular judicial district. McGinley v. Scott, 401 Pa. 310, 164 A.2d 424 (1960);
Searles v. Estrada, 856 A.2d 85 (2004), app. denied, 582 Pa. 701 871 A.2d 192 (2005).
Corporations have a constitutional right to seek a change of venue. Purcell v. Bryn
Mawr Hosp., 525 Pa. 237, 242, 579 A.2d 1282 (1990); Felts v. Delaware, Lackawanna
and Western Railroad, et al, 195 Pa. 21, 45 A. 493 (1900).
Pa.R.C.P. 1006(b) directs that venue for personal actions against corporations
be controlled by Rule 2179. The same procedural test is applied to both venue and
jurisdiction to determine if both exist. Purcell v. Bryn Mawr Hosp., 525 Pa. 237, 242, 579
A.2d 1282 (1990); County Construction Company v. Livengood Construction
Corporation, 393 Pa. 39, 142 A.2d 9 (1958).
Venue is the place in which a particular action is to be brought and determined; it
is a matter for the convenience of the litigants. Jurisdiction refers to the competency of a
court to determine controversies of the general class to which the case belongs and to
bind the parties by its decision. Id., 142 A.2d at 13.
If a preliminary objection to venue is sustained and there is a county of proper
venue in the State the action shall not be dismissed but shall be transferred to the
appropriate court of that county. The costs and fees for the transfer and removal of the
record shall be paid by the plaintiff. Searles, 856 A.2d 85 (2004), app. denied, 582 Pa.
701 871 A.2d 192 (2005).
The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure allow for an action to be filed only in
a county in which an individual may be served, where the cause of action arose or
where property at issue is located. Pa.R.C.P. 1006. Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1006,
based on the allegations set forth in Plaintiffs' Complaint, venue as to Defendant, Daniel
Cook, is only appropriate in Cumberland County, where the cause of action arose
according to Plaintiffs' personal injury Complaint because he is a resident of North
Carolina.
Pa.R.C.P. 1006 allows for venue against corporations in compliance with
Pa.R.C.P. 2179. Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 2179 allows an action against a
corporation to brought in and only in:
(a) the county where its registered office or principal place of business
is;
(b) a county where it regularly conducts business;
(c) the county where the cause of action arose;
(d) a county where a transaction or occurrence took place out of which
the cause of action arose; or
(e) a county where the property or a part of the property which is the
subject matter of the action is located provided that equitable relief
is sought with respect to the property.
Pa.R.C.P. 2179 (a).
Defendants, Arizona Truck Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc. and JHT Holdings,
Inc., are corporations. Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 2179, based on the allegations set forth in
Plaintiffs' Complaint, venue as to Defendants, Arizona Truck Center, Auto Truck
Transport, Inc. and JHT Holdings, Inc., is only appropriate in Cumberland County, where
the cause of action arose according to Plaintiffs' personal injury Complaint.
III. CONCLUSION
In the instant matter, Plaintiffs averments confirm that the cause of action arose
in Cumberland County and that all Defendants reside and operate from locations
outside of Luzerne County. Given that venue properly lays in Cumberland County and
does not properly lay in Luzerne County, under the laws and procedural rules in this
Commonwealth, this matter must be transferred to Cumberland County pursuant to
Pa.R.C.P. 1006(d)(3) with Plaintiffs ordered to pay costs and fees to accomplish
transfer.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
(V)k
By:
Wade Dret nley, squire
Attorney No. 87244
301 Mar treet
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendant
DATE: 8 1 t I d?
305829
c,,, ?- L,. f
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 03/19
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
297 DAIRY BARN HILL ROAD
STILLWATER, PA. 17878
PLAINTIFFS
VS.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: LUZERNE COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DANIEL COOK
1854 HENDERSONVILLE,ROAD :
ASHEVILLE, N.C. 28803
AND
ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
2402 SOUTH 19TH STREET
PHOENIX, ARIZONA, 88009-5000
...AND.
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC.
TERMINAL 553
3203 ORCHARD ROAD
MACUNGIE, PA. 18062
AND
JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
4320 39TH AVENUE
KENOSHI, WI 53144
DEFENDANTS ; NO. 2007-CIV-q Q I
NOTICE TO DEFENb AND CLAN-RIGHTS
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 an attorney acid filing
writing with the Court your defenses or objections tot he claims set forth against you. You are
warned that if you fail to do so, the case may proceed without you and the Court without
further, notice may enter a judgment against you for any money claimed In the Complaint or for
any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other
rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT
HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICES
SET FORTH BELOW TO FEND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Northern Pa. Legal Service
Scranton Electric Building - 3' Floor
Scranton, Pa. 18503
(570) 341-0184
"'
i
Pa. Lawyer Referral Service
PO Box 1086 -100 South Street c
Harrisburg, Pa. 17103 i`
800-692-7375 w
r'
07/2712007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 04/19
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
297 DAIRY BARN HILL ROAD
STILLWATER, PA. 17878
PLAINTIFF
VS,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
LUZERNE COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAD. DEMANDED
DANIEL COOK
1854 HENDERSONVILLE ROAD :
ASHEVILLE, N.C. 28803
AND
ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
2402 SOUTH 19TH STREET
PHOENIX, ARIZONA, 85009-5009
AND
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC
TERMINAL 553
3203 ORCHARD ROAD ;
MACUNGIE, PA 18062
AND
JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
4320 39TH AVENUE
KENOSHI, WI 53144 :
DEFENDANTS NO.2007-CIV-
COMPI.AIIUT
AND NOW comes the Plaintiffs, Richard Turner and Nancy Turner, his wife, by
and through their attorneys, O'Malley & Langan, P.C. and complain as follows:
1. Plaintiffs, Richard Turner and Nancy Turner, his wife, are adult competent
individuals residing at 297 Dairy Barn Hill Road, Stillwater, Luzerne County, ? ?•._
l:
Pennsylvania. <-. 2. Defendant, Daniel Cook, is an adult individual residing at 1854 Henderscst?viH?' r.=
Road, Asheville, N.C. 7 T. .?
coo
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 05119
3. Defendant, Arizona Truck Center is an Arizona Company. with its principal
place of business located at 2402 South 191h Street, Phoenix, Arizona.
4. Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, is a Kentucky Corporation, doing business
at Terminal 553, 3202 Orchard Road, Macungie, Pa. 18062.
5. Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc. is a Wisconsin Corporation with its principal
place of business located at 4320 39'4 Avenue, Kenoshi, WI 53144.
6. The events and occurrences giving rise to Piaintifrs cause of action took
place on July 23, 2007, at approximately 11,35 a.m, Middlesex Township, Cumberland
County, Pa.
7. On the aforementioned date and time, Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, was
lawfully, carefully and prudently operating his 2003 Kawasaki 1500 motorcycle south on
SR Route 11, Harrisburg Pike, Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, Pa.
8. On the aforementioned date and time, Defendant, Daniel Cook, was
operating a 2005 Mack, CV713C tractor trailer south on SR Route 11, Harrisburg Pike,
Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, Pa.
9. Said 2005 Mack CV713C tractor trailer was owned by Defendants, Arizona
Truck Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings. Inc.
10. At all times relevant hereto, South SR Route 11, is a two lane roadway.
11. At all times relevant hereto, Defendant Daniel Cook, was driving said 2005
Mack CV7 13C tractor trailer and was in the course of his employment with Defendants
Arizona Truck Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings, Inc. and was
acting as the servant, agent, workman and /or employes of Defendants, Arizona Truck
07/27/2007 09:29
770-814-6930
LIBERTY MUTUAL
Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings, Inc.
PAGE 06/19
12. At all times relevant hereto, Defendant, Daniel Cook while in the course of
his employment and while traveling south on SR Route 11, changed from the left lane
to the right lane, directly in the path of Plaintiff, Richard Turner, forcing him off the
roadway, causing him to strike a curb and causing the motorcycle to overturn.
13. As a result of this collision, Defendant, Daniel Cook was cited with "improper
driving actions".
14. As a further result of this collision, Plaintiff Richard Turner, suffered severe
and permanent injuries more fully set forth below.
COUNT I - NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD D. TURNER V. DANIEL COOK
15. Plaintiffs incorporate herein by reference paragraphs One through Fourteen
(14) inclusive as thought the same ad been set forth at length.
16. The negligence, recklessness and carelessness of Defendant, Daniel Cook,
was a proximate cause of the Plaintiffs injuries and consisted of the following:
(a) failing to operate his vehicle under proper and adequate control under the
aforesaid circumstances; '
(b) failing to operate his vehicle at a safe speed;
(c) failing to keep a proper lookout for the road ahead of him and for other
cars and objects along the road;
(d) failing to operate his vehicle with due regard for the rights, safety and well-
being of Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, under the, aforesaid circumstances
(e) failing to operate his vehicle with due caution and control.
07/2712007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 27119
(f) failing to advise other drivers, including the Plaintiff, of his intention to change
lanes of travel, and
(g) improperly changing lanes of travel
17. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant Daniel Cook, Plaintiff Richard D. Turner sustained severe
and permanent injuries, including but not limited to:
(a) Grade S, AC separation of left shoulder
(b) Multiple contusions
(c) Multiple abrasions
(d) injuries to various soft connective tissues, nerves and muscles,
all of which have left him sick, sore, lame and disabled, much to his detriment and
financial loss,
18. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, the Plaintiff has suffered a loss of earnings, and will suffer a loss of earning
capacity in the future:.
19. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant,
Daniel Cook, the Plaintiff has undergone great pain and suffering.
20. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, the Plaintiff has suffered a permanent diminution of his ability to enjoy life and
life's pleasures.
21. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, the Plaintiff has been forced to receive and undergo various medical treatment
07!27/2027 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL °AGE 08119
and services for treatment of his injuries.
22_ As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, the Plaintiff has incurred various medical expenses for the aforementioned
treatment and will continue to incur such medical expenses for the foreseeable future.
23. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and carelessness of
Defendant, Daniel Cook, Plaintiff has undergone great mental anguish, physical pain
and emotional suffering from which he still suffers and will continue to suffer for an
indefinite period of time in the future.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, demands judgment either jointly
or severally against the Defendant, Daniel Cook, in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
COU 11-1<IEGI-IGENCE
1ZICHARD TURNER VS. ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
24. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs One through Twenty-
three (23) inclusive, as though the same were set forth at length.
25. The negligence, recklessness, carelessness of Defendant Arizona Truck
Center was a proximate cause of the Plaintiff's injuries and consisted of the following:
(a) failing to properly supervise the actions of Defendant, Daniel Cook, whom
they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation of a motor
vehicle;
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 09/19
(b) failing to properly instruct Defendant, Daniel Cook, as to the safe and proper
operation of a motor vehicle;
(c) entrusting the use and operation of the motor vehicle to Defendant, Daniel
Cook, whom they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation
of a motor vehicle.
26. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff' sustained the following
injuries:
(a) Grade 3, AC separation of left shoulder
(b) Multiple contusions
(c) Multiple abrasions
(d) injuries to various soft connective tissues, nerves and muscles,
all of which have left him sick, sore, lame and disabled, much to his detriment and
financial loss.
27. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has suffered a loss of
earnings, and will suffer a loss of earning capacity in the future.
28. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has undergone great pain
and suffering.
29. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has suffered a permanent
diminution of his ability to enjoy life and life's pleasures.
07127/2027 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 10/19
30, As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has been forced to
receive and undergo various medical treatment and services for treatment of his injuries,
31. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has incurred various
medical expenses for the aforementioned treatment, and will continue to incur such
expenses for the foreseeable future.
32. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, the Plaintiff has undergone great
mental anguish, physical pain and emotional suffering, from which he still suffers and will
continue to suffer for an indefinite period of time in the future.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, demands judgment either jointly or
severally against Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
CQUNT 111-NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER V. AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC;
33. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs One through Thirty-
two (32) inclusive, as though the same were set forth at length.
34. The negligence, recklessness, carelessness of Defendant Auto Truck
Transport, Inc, was a proximate cause of the Plaintiff's injuries and consisted of the
following:
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 11119
(a) failing to properly supervise the actions of Defendant, Daniel Cook, whom
they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation of a motor
vehicle;
(b) failing to properly instruct Defendant, Daniel Cook, as to the safe and proper
operation of a motor vehicle;
(c) entrusting the use and operation of the motor vehicle to Defendant, Daniel
Cook, whom they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation
of a motor vehicle.
35. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc. the Plaintiff sustained the
following injuries:
(a) Grade 3, AC separation of left shoulder
(b) Multiple contusions
(c) Multiple abrasions
(d) injuries to various soft connective tissues, nerves and muscles,
all of which have left him sick, sore, lame and disabled, much to his detriment and
financial loss.
36. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., the Plaintiff has suffered a loss
of earnings, and will suffer a loss of earning capacity in the future.
37. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., the Plaintiff has undergone great
pain and suffering.
38. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
07!2712007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 12/19
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport Inc., the Plaintiff has suffered a
permanent diminution of his ability to enjoy life and life's pleasures.
39. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc_ the Plaintiff has been forced to
receive and undergo various medical treatment and services for treatment of his injuries.
40. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., the Plaintiff has incurred various
medical expenses for the aforementioned treatment, and will continue to incur such
expenses for the foreseeable. future.
41. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., the Plaintiff has undergone great
mental anguish, physical pain and emotional suffering, from which he still suffers and will
continue to suffer for an indefinite period of time in the future.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, demands judgment either jointly or
severally against Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT BL, NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER V. JHT HOLDINGS INC.
42. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference paragraphs One through Forty-one
(41) inclusive, as though the same were set forth at length.
43. The negligence, recklessness, carelessness of Defendant JHT Holdings,
07/27/2007 E19:29 776-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 13119
Inc. was a proximate cause of the Plaintiffs injuries and consisted of the
following:
(a) failing to properly supervise the actions of Defendant, Daniel Cook, whom
they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation of a motor
vehicle;
(b) failing to properly instruct Defendant, Daniel Cook, as to the safe and proper
operation of a motor vehicle;
(c) entrusting the use and operation of the motor vehicle to Defendant, Daniel
Cook, whom they knew or should have known was not capable of safe operation
of a motor vehicle.
44. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc.. the Plaintiff sustained the following
injuries:
(a) Grade 3, AC separation of left shoulder
(b) Multiple contusions
(c) Multiple abrasions
(d) injuries to various soft connective tissues, nerves and muscles,
all of which have left him sick, sore, lame and disabled, much to his detriment and
financial loss,
45. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc.., the Plaintiff has suffered a loss of
earnings; and will suffer a loss of earning capacity in the future,
46. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc. the Plaintiff has undergone great
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 14/19
pain and suffering.
47. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., the Plaintiff has suffered a
permanent diminution of his ability to enjoy life and life's pleasures.
48. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc. the Plaintiff has been forced to
receive and undergo various medical treatment and services for treatment of his injuries.
49. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., the Plaintiff has incurred various
medical expenses for the aforementioned treatment, and will continue to incur such
expenses for the foreseeable future.
50. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., the Plaintiff has undergone great
mental anguish, physical pain and emotional suffering, from which he still suffers and will
continue to suffer for an indefinite period of time in the future.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Richard D, Turner, demands judgment either jointly
or severally against Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
07/271/2007 09:29
770-814-6930
PAGE 15119
LIBERTY MUTUAL
COUNT V Loss of CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. DANIEL COOK
51
Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference Paragraphs One (1) through Fifty
(50) inclusive, as though the same had been set forth at length,
52, As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Daniel Cook, Plaintiff, Nancy Turner has been deprived of
the society, companionship, contribution and consortium of her husband, Richard
Turner, much to her great detriment and loss.
53. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Daniel Cook, Plaintiff Nancy Turner has suffered a
disruption in her daily habits and pursuits and the loss of enjoyment of life, all of which
have been to her great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Nancy Turner demands judgment eitherlointly
or severally against the Defendant, Daniel Cook, in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT VI - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
54 . Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference Paragraphs One (1) through
Fifty-three (53) inclusive, as though the same had been set forth at length,
55. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, Plaintiff, Nancy Turner has been
07/27/2007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL
deprived of the society, companionship, contribution and consortium of her husband,
Richard Turner, much to her great detriment and loss.
56. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
PAGE 16119
carelessness of Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, Plaintiff Nancy Turner has suffered a
disruption in her daily habits and pursuits and the loss of enjoyment of life, all of which
have been to her great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Nancy Turner demands judgment either jointly
or severally against the Defendant Arizona Truck Center, in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($60,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interests and costs.
COUNT Vil - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT. INC.
57 . Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference Paragraphs One (1) through
Fifty-six (56) inclusive, as though the same had been set forth at length.
58. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., Plaintiff, Nancy Turner has been
deprived of the society, companionship, contribution and consortium of her husband,
Richard Turner, much to her great detriment and loss.
59. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., Plaintiff Nancy Turner has
suffered a disruption in her daily habits and pursuits and the loss of enjoyment of life, all
of which have been to her great detriment and loss.
07/27/2007 09:29
770-814-6930
LIBERTY MUTUAL
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Nancy Turner demands judgment either jointly
PAGE 17/19
or severally against the Defendant Auto Truck Transport, Inc., in an amount in excess of
Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interests and costs.
COUNT VIII - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
60 . Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference Paragraphs One (1) through
Fifty-nine (59) inclusive, as though the same had been set forth at length.
61. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., Plaintiff, Nancy Turner has been
deprived of the society, companionship, contribution and consortium of her husband,
Richard Turner, much to her great detriment and loss.
62, As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., Plaintiff Nancy Turner has
suffered a disruption in her daily habits and pursuits and the loss of enjoyment of life, all
of which have been to her great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Nancy Turner demands judgment either jointly
or severally against the Defendant JHT Holdings, Inc., in an amount in excess of Fifty
Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars, exclusive of interests and costs.
0712712007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL PAGE 18/19
Respectfully submitted:
OVALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
erard W. Langan, Jr., quire
Attorney for Plaintiff
I, D.- # 46938
9 N. Main Street
Pittston, Pa. 18640
(570) 883-1321
0712712007 09:29 770-814-6930 LIBERTY MUTUAL
U,
VERIFICATION
PAGE 19119
I, Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire, Attorney for Plaintiffs, being duty sworn to law,
depose and say that based upon the facts set forth herein, are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and belief. I have been unable to obtain the
Verification of the Plaintiffs, Richard and Nancy Turner to attach to the Complaint prior
to the date on which I was required to file the Complaint.
Lam. ? r•
Upon my ability to meet with my clients, I will obtain a Verification from Richard
and Nancy Turner and will substitute their Verification at that time.
Gerard W. Langan, J(, Uquire
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Date:
4
Li
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this s? day of August, 2007 the undersigned does hereby certify
that she did this date serve a copy of the foregoing document upon the other parties of
record by causing same to be deposited in the United States Mail, first class postage
prepaid, at Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
O'Malley & Langan, PC
9 N. Main St.
Pittston, PA 18640
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
BY: djee? /V
Ca n Jenson/
'111114mill
07952007_111
II
00003 00003 49
cate of Service
Luze Cern'rtifiCounty Prothonotary V Y-
8/2/200712:38:52 PM
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007975 'I
2007_
00011
Answer
Luzerne County prothonotary
8122/2007 1223:29 PM
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
LUZERNE COUNTY
PLAINTIFFS : CIVIL ACTION - LAW 'N
=
?
- V0
VS. : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ro
N
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK °,co
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, : a
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
DEFENDANTS
...............................................................
: NO. 7975 - C OF 2007
...................................................... o
..................
...
ANSWER OF THE PLAINTIFFS.
RICHARD TURNER AND NANCY TURNER.
TO THE PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS OF THE DEFENDANTS
NOW COMES the Plaintiffs, Richard Turner and Nancy Turner, his wife,
who responds to the Preliminary Objections of the Defendants as follows:
1. Admitted.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
4. The allegation in Paragraph 4 is a conclusion of law to which no
responsive pleading is required.
5. The allegation in Paragraph 5 is a conclusion of law to which no
responsive pleading is required.
6. Admitted.
7. Admitted.
8. Admitted.
9. Admitted.
10. Plaintiff's are without knowledge or information sufficient to forma
belief as to the allegation contained in Paragraph 10. Strict proof is demanded.
11. Admitted.
12. Plaintiff's are unable to answer this allegation as it is unclear what the
Defendants are alleging, making it difficult for the Plaintiffs to respond.
Strict proof demanded.
13. Admitted.
14. The allegations in paragraph 14 are conclusions of law to which no
responsive pleading is required.
15. The allegations in paragraph 15 are conclusions of law to which no
responsive pleading is required.
16. The allegations in paragraph 16 are conclusions of law to which no
responsive pleading is required.
17. The allegations in paragraph 17 are conclusions of law to which no
responsive pleading is required.
18. Admitted.
-2-
19. Denied. Auto Truck Transport, Inc., regularly conducts business in
Macungie, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 2179, venue would be
proper against Auto Truck Transport, Inc. in Lehigh County.
Strict proof demanded.
20. The allegations in Paragraph 20 are statements of decisional law to
which no responsive pleading is required.
21. The allegations in Paragraph 21 are statements of decisional law to
which no responsive pleading is required. By way of further answer, the concept of
change of venue found in Pa.R.C.P. 1006(d) differs from that of improper venue.
22. The allegations in Paragraph 22 are statements of decision law to
which no responsive pleading is required.
23. The allegations in Paragraph 23 are statements of decision law to
which no responsive pleading is required.
24. The allegations in Paragraph 24 are statements of decision law to
which no responsive pleading is required.
25. Admitted.
26. Denied. Auto Truck Transport, Inc. regularly conducts business in
Macungie, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 2179, venue would be
proper against Auto Truck Transport, Inc. in Lehigh County. Pa. R.C.P. 1006(c)(1)
-3-
allows venue for all Defendants in any county where venue rests for one Defendant.
Strict proof demanded.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff's respectfully request this Honorable Court to
dismiss the Preliminary Objections of the Defendants. In the alternative, the Plaintiffs
request that the matter be transferred to Lehigh County where venue rest for the
Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc.
Respectfully submitted,
O'MAL EY & LANGAN, P.C.
A _
Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiffs,
Richard Turner and Nancy Turner
9 N. Main Street, P.O. Box 664
Pittston, PA 18640
(570) 883-1321
-4-
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
PLAINTIFFS
VS.
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, :
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
LUZERNE COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANTS : NO. 7975 - C OF 2007
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
ORDER
AND NOW, this
day of
2007, upon consideration of Defendant's Preliminary Objections, and Briefs in Support
of Opposition of the same, it is hereby Ordered and Decreed that the Preliminary
Objections are DISMISSED.
IN THE ALTERNATIVE, it is hereby Ordered and Decreed that the
captioned matter shall be transferred to the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County,
Pennsylvania pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.(d)(3) and Plaintiffs shall pay the costs and fees to
accomplish the transfer.
SO ORDERED.
J.
Court of Common Pleas
of Luzerne County
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
PLAINTIFFS
VS.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
LUZERNE COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
0
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK .5 C
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, : ,
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC. N xY,or
M
A"
DEFENDANTS : NO. 7975 - C OF 2007
w CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that I served a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Answer of the Plaintiffs, Richard Turner and Nancy Turner, to
the Preliminary Objections of the Defendants, upon the following individual by first class
United States mail under date of August 21, 2007:
Prothonotary - Luzerne County
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 N. River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
John A. Slater, Esquire
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
O'MALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
Bu: /V
?A'rtrd W. Langan, Jr., E§(uire
9 N. Main Street, P.O. Box 664
Pittston, PA 18640
(570) 883-1321
1901 IN 2III
0079752007-00010
Certificate Of Service
Luzerne County Prothonotary
8122/2007 12:23:42 PM
KBIA, Rull III
0079752007-00009
Brief
Luzerne County Prothonotary
8122/2007 12 15-58 PM
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
LUZERNE COUNTY
PLAINTIFFS : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
VS. : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
' N
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, :
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
N mZ?
DEFENDANTS : NO. 7975 - C OF 2007
BRIEF OF PLAINTIFFS IN CD
OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANTS'
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
On July 23, 2005, Richard Turner suffered serious personal injuries when the
tractor trailer, being operated by Daniel Cook, struck the motorcycle he was driving.
The motor vehicle collision occurred on SR 11, Harrisburg Pike, Middlesex Township,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The Defendant, Daniel Cook, resided at the time in
Asheville, North Carolina. The truck being operated by Mr. Cook was owned, leased or
hired by the Defendants, Arizona Truck Center, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT
Holdings, Inc. Of the three corporate defendants, the Defendant, Auto Truck Transport
of Kentucky maintains a place of business located in Macungie, Lehigh County,
Pennsylvania.
On July 13, 2007, the Plaintiffs, Richard Turner and Nancy Turner, filed an eight
count civil complaint sounding in negligence against the Defendants. The Plaintiffs filed
their Complaint in the Court of Common Please of Luzerne County.
On or about August 1, 2007, the Defendants collectively filed Preliminary
Objections raiding Improper Venue as the sole preliminary objection. At the same time,
the Defendants filed their brief in support of the Preliminary Objections. The time is
now ripe for Plaintiffs to file their response.
ISSUE:
WHETHER THE COURT SHOULD GRANT DEFENDANTS' PRELIMINARY
OBJECTIONS AND TRANSFER THIS MATTER TO CUMBERLAND COUNTY
FOR DISPOSITION?
ANSWER: No.
ARGUMENT:
Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1028(a) provides that "Preliminary
Objections may be filed by any party to any pleading and are limited to the following
grounds (1).... improper venue." Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1032(a) in
relevant part provides "a party waives all ... objections which are not presented... by
preliminary objection..." "If a preliminary objection to venue is sustained and there is a
county of proper venue within the state the action shall not be dismissed but shall be
transferred to the appropriate court of that county." Pa.R.C.P. 1006(e)
Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1006 provides the general rules for venue
-2-
in actions brought in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Of specific reference,
Pa.R.C.P. 1006(a)(1) provides that "an action against an individual may be brought in
and only in a county in which (1) the individual may be served or in which the cause of
action arose." For purpose of corporate defendants, Pa.R.C.P. 2179 (a) provides as
follows: "a personal action against a corporation or similar entity may be brought in and
only in:
(1) the county where its registered office or principal place of business is
located;
(2) a county where it regularly conducts business;
(3) the county where the cause of action arose;
(4) a county where a transaction or occurrence took place out of which the
cause of action arose, or
(5) a county where the property or a part of the property which is the
subject matter of the action is located provided that equitable relief is
sought with respect to the property.
(emphasis added)
Finally, Pa.R.C.P. 1006 (c)(1) states: "an action to enforce a joint or joint and
several against two or more defendants... may be brought against all defendants in
any county in which the venue may be laid against any one of the defendants."
Having set forth the appropriate venue rules, as well as the relevant factual
background, the Plaintiffs submit that the Defendants' preliminary objections should be
dismissed, or in the alternative, the matter transferred to the Court of Common Pleas of
-3-
Lehigh County. The insistence by the Defendants that Cumberland County is the only
place for the case to be transferred is misplaced.
Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1006(c)(1) and 2179(a), Lehigh County serves as the
appropriate venue for transfer of this claim. The Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, is a
Kentucky corporation doing business at Terminal 553, 3202 Orchard Road, Macungie,
Pennsylvania. See Paragraph 4 of Plaintiffs' complaint. Pa.R.C.P. 2179 provides that
proper venue for a corporation includes "a county where it regularly conducts business."
Likewise, service of process in this matter was perfected on the Defendant, Auto Truck
Transport, at its Macungie facility. No objection to service of process at that address
has been raised; therefore, we can conclude that Auto Truck Transport regularly
conducts busine3ss in Lehigh County.
Pa. R.C.P. 1006(c)(1) allows for an action seeking joint and several liability
against more than one defendant to be brought against all defendants in any county in
which venue rests against one defendant. Since Auto Truck Transport regularly
conducts business in Lehigh County, this matter may be brought against all defendants
in Lehigh County.
CONCLUSION:
Based on the foregoing, the Plaintiffs, Richard Turner and Nancy Turner, request
that this Honorable Court dismiss the Preliminary Objections of the Defendants, or in
-4-
the alternative, transfer this claim to Lehigh County, where the Defendant, Auto Truck
Transport, regularly conducts business.
Respectfully submitted,
O'MAXLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
l?
Gerard W. Langan, jJr.s71
Attorney for Plaintiffs,
Richard Turner and Nancy Turner
9 N. Main Street, P.O. Box 664
Pittston, PA 18640
(570) 883-1321
-5-
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
LUZERNE COUNTY
PLAINTIFFS : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
VS. : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK No
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, : 7a
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
C3 p
DEFENDANTS : NO. 7975 - C OF 2007 1? P,
z;o
.?
.cam......
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that I served a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Brief of Plaintiffs in Opposition to Defendants' Preliminary
Objections, upon the following individual by first class United States mail under date of
August 21, 2007:
Prothonotary - Luzerne County
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 N. River Street
Wlkes-Barre, PA 18711
John A. Slater, Esquire
Johnson, DufFe, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
O'MALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
By:
G ar W. Langan, Jr., Es re
9 N. Main Street, P.O. Box 664
Pittston, PA 18640
(570) 883-1321
1
111110, ?¦'
00797 1111111
52007-00008
Certificate of Service
Luzerne County Prothonotary
8/22/2007 12:16:10 PM
PETER JOHN \A0c--E5
Salicitcr
?Llty PraZhorctcry
Jill A. Moran
I'ratnonotan,/
LUZERVE COUNTY COURTHOU5E
200 North River 5tre.t
VAl'ke3-Barre, Pennsylvania 15711-1001
Phone (570) 825-1745 Fax (570) 825-1757 TOO (570) 825-1500
FILE TRANSMITTAL FORM
i'
Plaintiff _
DOCKET NO: .
. ? ? I wi. tl III
Iii
111
0079752007.00012
File Transmittal
-
. Luzerne County Prothonotary
812a12007 4.05:10 PM
Defendant.
TRANSMITTED TO:
JUDGE
_..:_.......:...'....__._.........COUT Fil`711i11N1JTKE'ITOt{ . __. _............_ .._.......v_ ._..._.......... _._. _.........
MASTER
OTHER:
Prothonotary Staff Initial: m,"Y' Received sy:
LUZERNE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Fax (570) 825-1
825-1651
200 NORTH RIVER STREET • WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA 18711
SHERIFF SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS: You must file one instruction sheet
LESS RECEIPT, and AFFIDAVIT OF RETURN for EACH DEFENDANT. Please type or print legibly. Do Not detach any copies,
1. PLA NTIFF S) 2. CART NUMBER
ll60
c. D FEN ANT(S) d ( ) I U6 C14. TI WRIT fCOMPLAIO-V
"-T- riuz?- 01 Will
D ESS (Street, or FD, Apartment NiQ., C,iVt/??B-orc
7A NDICATE UNUSU L SERVICE: ERT MAIL ? DEPUTIZE E
Now,
This deputation being made at the request and risk of the plai
vp;, SfOte alnd\A zip lode).
)ST ? ? OTHER J f?I t` J_Tl ?1F
20 , I, SHERIFF OF LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., do hereby deputize the Sheriff of
County to execir ar]?ma thereof according to law.
f.
SHERIFF OF LUZERNE COUNTY
8. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT WILL ASSIST IN EXPEDITING SERVICE.
9. PRINTPE NAME ANDr ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY/ORIGINATOR
s
(w 'nNJL 1 ?I?JIJ St?lnJ`'V r , ??
11,
i Olt APPLICABL OWRff OF 9%CyffON: N.B. WAIVER OF WATCHMEN-Any deputy sheriff levying upon
or atta ing any property under wit ay leave same without a watchman, in custody of whomever is found
in possession, after notifying person of levy or attachment, without liability on the part of such deputy or the sheriff
to any plaintiff herein foilillipy loss, destruction or removal of any such property before sheriff's sale thereof.
AMOUNT PAID
SPACE • FOR USE OF SHERIFF • - DO NOT W RITE BELOW T HIS LINE
10. I ackr 7l a rec pt of the writ GNATU f Au adz LCSD eputy 11. Date i ed 12. Expiration/Hearing Date
or r t as iiMated above.
i
TO BE OMPLETED BY SHERIFF
13. S?" a et nown to Defendant(s)
on the .i1 a day of 20 , at o'clock, M.,
at '? r` County of luzeme.
_ Q
Commonwealth of Wnsylvania, in the manner described below:
? Defendant(s) personally served.
? Adult family member with whom said Defendant(s) reside(s). Relationship is
? Adult in charge of Defendant's residence.
? Manager/Clerk of place of lodging in which Defendant(s) reside(s).
? Agent or person in charge of Defendant's office or usual lace of business.
r I ?
Other 14
n the day of , 20 at o'clock, M.
Defendant not found because:
? Moved ? Unknown
? No Answer ?
Va
cannt ? Other
?
?
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REMARKS: 2Z
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RETURNED:
O ANSWERS,
1 I ' - gnature of De ty
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1 B. Signature Sheriff 19. Date
0079752007-00013
Sheriffs Service
Luzerne County Prothonotary SHERIFF OF LUZERNE COUNTY
8/31/2007 253.56 PM
22. Date Received
WHITE: Prothonotary PINK: Luzerne County Sheriff YELLOW: Attorney
TTD (570) 825-1860
Jyu ewle coulap Afjeriff's 00471rtutent
irweme countp courVouot
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1652
RICHARD D. TURNER, ET UB
Plaintiff
Vs.
DANIEL COOK, ET AL
Defendant
JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
4320 39TH AVENUE
KENOSHI, WI 53144
Fax: (570) 825-1849
Date: JULY 13, 2007
Number: 7975-2007
Attorne : r=r'-1ARD W. LANGAN
PhrT-, P0) 883-1321
ICE AND COI FLAINT
- T VI'L ACTION "
Dear Sir or Madam:
Enclosed. please find a CERTIFIED copy of the above captioned case, served. upon you according.
to the Rules of Civil Process.
Please be Governed Accordingly.
Very Truly Yours,
Barry L. Stankus,
Sheriff. Luzerne County
U.S Z Post al Ser vice
CE RTIFI ED MAIL RE CEIP I
(DoM estic M ail Only ; No Ins urance Coverage Prov ided)
For de livery inf ormation visit ou r websit e at www
us
, .
ps.co m,y
7975-07
a
Postage $
Certified Fee !
f1l
O
Return Receipt
Fee
Postmark
C3 (Endorsement Required) Here
C3 Restricted Delivery Fee
(Endorsement Required)
O
M1 Total Postage & Fees
ru
? sent To JHT HOLDINGS,
Stets ApIV, __._."-- nqq
--'-----------------------
or PO Box No.
City S
- - --
.--KEROSBl.--?-..-
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fefe, -----
¦ Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete
item 4 if Restricted Delivery Is deollred.
¦ Print your name and address on the reverse
so that we can return the card to you.
¦ Attach this card to the back of the mailplece,
or on the front If space permits.
1. Article Addressed to:
JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
4320 39TH AVENUE
IMOSKI, WI 53144
7975-07 CIVIL MCL 7/13/07
Agent
? ? Addressee
g, /Mem/o) C. Date of Delivery
14
D. Is delivery address do nt from item 1? ? Yes
If YES, enter delivery address below: )kNo
3. service Tips
® Certified Mail ? Express Mail
? Registered ? Return Receipt for Merchandise
? Insured mail ? C.O.D.
4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) ? Yes
2. Article Number
(Transfer from service label) 7 0 0 6 2760 0003 4 711 9061
PS Form 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 102595-02-M-1540
LUZERNE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Fax (570) 825-1849
COUNTY (570) 825-1651
+ 200 NORTH RIVER STREET • WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA 18711
SHERIFF SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS: You must file one instruction sheet
PROCESS RECEIPT, and AFFIDAVIT OF RETURN for EACH DEFENDANT. Please type or print legibly, Do Not detach any copies.
1. PL NTIF ) L 2. CQURT NUMBER -
el tj
3. DEFEN ANTO Q TYPE OF WRIT OMPLA '
AhA Tr-1 I
v i L `-
6. AD RESS (Street, or FD, Apart ent No., City. Boro. , Sta a and Zip Code).
AT ._
7. INDICATE UNUSUAL SE TWICE: >01 RT. MAIL ? DEPUTIZE L?l PO ? OTHER
Now, 20 , I, SHERIFF OF LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., do hereby deputize the Sheriff of
County to exe!y ?makvil thereof according to law.
This deputation being made at the request and risk of the plaintiff.
ZIX7
SHERIFF OF LUZERNE COUNTY
8. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT WILL ASSIST IN EXPEDITING SERVICE.
9. PRINT/TYPE ?NAME ^ f AND ,ADDRESS OF ATTONE?Y/ORI ?NATOR
O tAPPLICA "RIT OF?TION: N.B. WAIVER OF WATCHMEN-Any deputy sheriff levying upon
bLQWchIng any props under with' wr ay leave same without a watchman, in custody of whomever Is found
in possession, after notifying person of levy or attachment, without liability on the part of such deputy or the sheriff
to nnv ninintiff harain for anv loss. destruction or removal of anv such DroDerty before sheriff's sale thereof.
AMOUNT PAID
SPACE BELOW FOR USE OF SHERIFF ONLY - DO NOT W RITE BELOW THIS LINE
10. 1 acknowledgereceipt of the writ l /'S ION E of tho zed LC D Deputy 11. Dat iled 12. Expiration/Hearing Date
or comploinfW indicated above. T
F - TO COMPLETED BY SHERIFF
Mz
13. S d rrEe known to Defendant(s)
oni?18Q day of 20 , at o'clock, M,
at _j :? C•1 County of Luzeme.
y
Cc n nth nnsylvania, in the manner described below:
? ant(05ersonally served.
r
? milyWgmber with whom said Defendant(s) reside(s). Relationship is
? A ult idcha?of Defendant's residence.
? Manager/Clerk of place of lodging in which Defendant(s) reside(s).
? Agent or person in charge of Defendant's office or us al place of business.
11V
9
'Other
,4
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n the day of 20 , at o'clock, M.
Defendant not found because:
Vacant 0 Other
No Answer 0
? Moved ? Unknown ?
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REMARKS: ?
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RETURNED:
SO ANSWERS,
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9. Date
1
0079752007-00014 7
Sheriffs Service
Luzerne County Prothonotary
SHERIFF OF LUZERNE COUNTY
8131/2007 2.54 .26 PM
-
22. Date Received
WHITE: Prothonotary PINK: Luzerne County Sheriff YELLOW: Attorney
) 825-1860
• ?u?errre ?ourrtp ?fjeriff',s' ?epartmertt
X u erne caufto courtfioar
Fax: (570) 825-1849
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1652
RICHARD D. TURNER, ET U%
Plaintiff
Vs.
DANIEL COOK, ET AL
Defendant
Date: JULY 13, 2007
Number: 7975-2007
ttorne : GERARD W. LANGAN
Phone: (570) 883-1321
,Type: NOTICE AND CO1rRYWNT
IN CIVIL ACTION
ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
2402 SOUTH 19TH STREET
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85009-5000
Dear Sir or Madam:
Enclosed please find a ..... CERTIFIED copy of the above captioned case, served upon you. according
to the Rules.of Civil. Process.
Please be Governed Accordingly.
Very Truly Yours,
Barry L. Stankus,
Sheriff. Luzerne County
A16 .- i.a? ..Y
¦ Complete items 1, 2, ai,. Aso compl-:
item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. '
` ¦ Print your name and address on the reverse
so that we can return the card to you.
¦ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece,
or on the front if space permits.
1. Article Addressed to:
A.
B. Rene me) C." of Delivery
D. Is delivery address diffwent from item 1? ? Yes
If YES, enter delivery address below: ? No
ARIZONA TRUER CENTER
2402 SOUTH 19TH STREET
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85009-5000
3. Service Type
IN Certified Mail ? Express Mail
? Registered ? Return Receipt for Merchandise
? Insured Mail ? C.O.D.
7975-07 CIVIL MCL 7/13/07 4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) ? Yes
2. Article Number
(Transfer from service label) 7006 2760 0003 4 711 9047
PS Form 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 102595.02-M-1540
• .••.
C3
793-5-2007
Postage $
Certified Fee
ITl -? 4i Postmark
? Return Receipt Fee
(Endorsement Required) i Here
C3
M Restricted Delivery Fee
O (Endorsement Required)
N Total Postage & Fees
ru
L C3 2402 SOUTH 19TH STREET ---------------
4 - PHOENI$; --ARIZ01VA •---- 950U9-50G0--
qE 570) 825-1
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Fax (570) 825-1849
VT Y
,
200 NORTH RIVER STREET • WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA 18711
SHERIFF SERVi WE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS: You must file one instruction sheet
ACESS RECEIPT, and AFFIDAVIT OF RETURN for EACH DEFENDANT. Please type or print legibly. Do Not detach any copies.
1. Pl..,19S) t ?? 2. COURTVUMB R -Q107) ls?
3. EFE DA (S d 4. TYPE OF WRIT or COMPL NT
fETC., TO SERVICE OR DESCRIPTION 91F PRO Y TO E LEVIED, ATTACHED OR SOLD.
SERVE 5. NAME OF INDIVIDUAL, COMPANY, C RA O ,
AT ADDRESS (Street, or RFD, Ap rtment No. City, Bor T p., State d Zip Code)
7. INDICATE UNUSUAL SERVICE: ERT MAIL ? DEPUTIZE ? POST ? OTHE
C/JC
Now, 20 ,1, SHERIFF OF LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., do hereby deputize the Sheriff of
County to exegil ism' aroma thereof according to law.
?S?
This deputation being made at the request and risk of the plaintiff.
SHERIFF OF LUZERNE COUNTY
8. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT WILL ASSIST IN EXPEDITING SERVICE. AMOUNT PAID
9. PRINT/TYPE NAM AND AD RES OF ATTORNEY/ORIGINATOR
GleA ? r`?E
L APPOUAW ON W O EXECUTION: N.B. WAIVER OF WATCHMEN-Any deputy sheriff levying upon
or attaching any property and n writ may leave same without a watchman, in custody of whomever is found
in possession, after notifying person of levy or attachment, without liability on the part of such deputy or the sheriff
to any plaintiff herein for any loss, destruction or removal of any such property before sheriff's sale thereof.
10. 1 acknowledge receipt of the writ ?ON17 of Auth ized LC D Depufy 11.
or complaint as Indicated above. 0
TO JIM COMPLETED BY SHERIFF
13. Served and made known to
- 0-
day of
20 , at
at
alth gnnsylvania, in the manner described below:
Jant(tlpersonally served.
omil ember with whom said Defendant(s) reside(s). Relationship is
i ch=e of Defendant's residence.
ler/Mrk of place of lodging in which Defendant(s) reside(s),
or person in charge of Defendant's office or usuoll lace of business.
! i r / 1 t
Date
_, Defendant(s)
o'clock, M,
County of Luzerne.
"Au
n t IV day of 20 , at o'clock, M.
` O
DefendarAot famd because:
? Moved ? Unknown ? No Answer ? Vacaannt/ ? Other ?.?/? -1-o"7
REMARKS: aJ "' l1 z -J -/ RETURNED:
SO ANSWERS,
mill 199
?
'II? ff__1I1I?
lei
18. Signature Sheriff er'
$ D
19. Date
0079752007-00015 _
Sheriffs Service
SHERIFF OF LUZERNE COUNTY
Luzerne County Prothonotary
813112007 2'.54-.47 PM 22. DOfe ReC@IVed
7.1997
WHITE: Prothonotary PINK: Luzerne County Sheriff YELLOW: Attorney
TTD (570) 825-1860
Xu errme coufto.0fjerfff'o'ovartmertt
zup me countp courtffiew
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1652
RICHARD D. TURNER, ET UX
Plaintiff
Vs.
DANIEL COOK, ET AL
Defendant
Fax: (570) 825-1849 I
Date: JULY 13, 2007
Number: 7975-2007
Attorney: GERARD W. LANGAN
Phone: (570) 883-1321
Type: NOTICE AND CO NT
IN CIVIL ACTION "
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC.
TERMINAL 553
3203 ORCHARD ROAD
MAf'iMCTF. PA 1 RQfi2
Dear Sir or Madam:
Enclosed please find. a. . CERTIFIED copy of the above captioned case, served. upon you according.
to the Rules. of Civil. Process.
Please be Governed Accordingly.
Very Truly Yours,
Barry L. Stankus,
Sheriff. Luzerne County
¦ Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Aleu .
item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired.
• Print your name and address on the reverse
so that we can return the card to you.
¦ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece,
or on the front if space permits.
1. Article Addressed to:
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC.
TERMINAL 553
3203 ORCHARD ROAD
MACUNGIE, PA 18062
7975-07 CIVIL MCL 7/13/07
? Agent
Received by Name) I Date qf? livery
` t A;&, °,ry1l/U/
D. Is delivery address different from item 1? ? Yes
If YES, enter delivery address below: ? No
L
3. Service Type
Xi certified mail ? Express Mail
?-Registered ? Return Receipt for Merchandiep
? Insured Mail ? C.O.D.
4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) ? Yes
2. Article Number 7006 2760 0003 4711 9054
!Transfer from service label)
PS Form 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt
Postal Service
• , MAIL,ri RECEIPT
(Domestic MW Only; No Insurance Coverage Provided)
Ln
• •
Er
? 74??-2007 .?
Postage $
P-
Certified Fee
M Postmark
Return Receipt Fee Here
(Endorsement Required)
C3
0 Restricted Delivery Fee
(Endorsement Required)
E3
Total Postage & Fees $
rU
Sent To
AUTO TERMI__NAL TRUCK__ 553 To -Y7 " -AIR DOlix__INC--_--_--
sheet, Apr:
C3 or PO Box No.
-.-__--__
? City State. ZIP+4 `-----'32?--?CHA1?--1WAD------------ --
102595-02-M-1540
LUZERNE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT F°" (570
1651
825
COUNTY -
)
101- 200 NORTH RIVER STREET is WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA 18711
SHERLFF SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS: You must file one instruction sheet
PROCESS REC EIPT, and AFFIDAVIT OF RETURN for EACH DEFENDANT. Please type or print legibly. Do Not detach any copies.
1. AINTIFF( . 2. COURT NUMBER
+ ?p U 07)
3 EFENDANT(S)
T E OF WRIT or
OMPLA
SERVE
6. DDRESS (I
AT
7. INDICATE UNUS AL SERVICE:
Now,
L c_Jy ?-
r R' , A artment No., City, Boro.,
CERT. MAIL ? DEPUTIZE ?
Thic rlan Aritinn haina made at the reauest and risk of the
r ., State oacl}Zip Code). ? is Ve- ; J Ii LLE ? C4
IST ? OTHER
20 , I, SHERIFF OF LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., do hereby deputize the Sheriff of
thereof according to law.
County to exec I7
f ??
SHERIFF OF LUZERNE COUNTY
8. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT WILL ASSIST IN EXPEDITING SERVICE.
9. PRINT/TYPE NAME AP
?.. Vq rl? I
or attaching any properly under w
in possession, after notifying perso
to any plaintiff herein for any loss,
10. 1 acknowledge receipt of the writ
or complaint as indicated above.
ZION: N.B. WAIVER OF WATCHMEN-Any deputy sheriff levying upon
ry leave same without a watchman, in custody of whomever is found
attachment, without liability on the part of such deputy or the sheriff
i or removal of any such property before sheriff's sale thereof.
13. Served and made knoV&o
on the day of
nt C.f....._ f""7
nmonwe WTnsyl=ia, in the manner described below:
? Deferl _ ISO ally served.
C] Adult a rnber,vith whom said Defendant(s) reside(s). Relationship is
? Adult F ..c f Dr ldant'S residence.
? Manager (ktf pldof lodging in which Defendant(s) reside(s).
? Agent or p j a Wn ch e of Defendant's office or usual place of business.
Defendant not found because:
Answer
? Unknown ? No
? Moved
? Vacant ? Other
REMARKS:
eE:7VP_0,Jc`_b
RETURNED: Date
_, Defendant(s)
o'clock, M..
County of Luzeme.
SO ANSWERS,
ri 6 t
1 ' 'I III g Lure of Deputy,
J
'III ? 1 B. Signature of eriff 19. Date
0079752007-00016
Sheriffs Service
Luzerne County Prothonotary SHERIFF OF LUZERNE COUNTY
8/3112007 253.25 PM
22. Date Received
I
20 , at
)DRESS OF ATTORNEY/ORIGINATOR
J . CIII_N_? v INV ? SSA
Deputy
QED BY SHERIFF
AMOUNT PAID
c~
c
C=
o
c, C= 'n
{ C
70 r- ?
1
r-
C) rn
moo
n x
V
`
1 t7
V U)
/mar _ d
7-1997
WHITE: Prothonotary PINK: Luzerne County Sheriff YELLOW: Attorney
TTD (570) 825-1860
Fax: (570) 825-1849
'fugrne countp.0fjeriff 10 orpartmeat
'Eugntr countp courtfjouge
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1652
RICHARD D. TURNER, ET UB
Plaintiff
Vs.
DANIEL COOK, ET AL
Defendant
DANIEL COOK
1854 HENDERSONVILLE ROAD
ASHEVILLE, N.C. 28803
Dear Sir or Madam:
Date: JULY 13, 2007
Number: 7975-2007
Attorne : GERARD NGON, ESQ.
Phone: (570) 883-1321
Type: NOTICE AND COMPLAINT
Enclosed. please find. a CERTIFIED copy of the above. captioned. case, served upon. you. according.
to the Rules of Civil. Process.
Please be Governed Accordingly.
Very Truly Yours,
Barry L. Stankus,
Sheriff. Luzerne County
m
Er z STA
T975-9007
C? Postage $
.7'
M Certified Fee '
O Return Receipt Fee
0 (Endorsement Required) Postmark
C3 Restricted Delivery Fee Here
O (Endorsement Required)
Total Postage & Fees $
n,
o _ __ DANIEL COOK
Sfre'et At ----"'-"'---•--
or Po P. NoIVo;
. 18541DEItSO
r NoILLE ItD
City, state, zlP+4 -----•-?1'S1fE?jI;j;Lr.____
(Page 1 of 2)
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RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
PLAINTIFFS
VS.
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
LUZERNE COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
DEFENDANTS : NO. 7975 - C OF 2007
PRAECIPE TO RE-INSTATE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
W
CD
Please Re-Instate Complaint against Defendants in the above-captioned matter.
O'MALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
1/lJ ? erard W. Langan Jr., squire
Attorney for Plaintiffs
'III ? ??? ? , I'7?1
X11 II
0079752007-00018
Praecipe To Reinstate Complaint
Luzerne County Prothonotary
9/17/2007 8:34:08 AM
?? ,n.,J
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RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PLAINTIFFS
VS. : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, :
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC. :JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANTS : NO. 2007-CIV-5884
..........................................................................................................................................
PRAECIPE TO RE-INSTATE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please Re-Instate Complaint against Defendants in the above-captioned matter.
O'MALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
YL" t
erard W/Canban, Jr., squire
Attorney for Plaintiffs
R?
8
n
R?
a
a
a
t' V
5r?:
?.7
%
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PLAINTIFFS : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
VS. : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK _
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, :
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
DEFENDANTS : NO. 2007-CIV-5884
..........................................................................................................................................
PRAECIPE TO SUBSTITUTE VERIFICATION OF PLAINTIFFS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly substitute the Verification of Richard and Nancy Turner, Plaintiffs, to the
Complaint which was filed with the Verification of Plaintiffs' attorney, Gerard W. Langan
Jr., Esquire.
OWALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
)6efard Van n, r., Esquire
Attorney for PI i s
VERIFICATION
WE, RICHARD AND NANCY TURNER, Plaintiffs, hereby verify that we
have read the foregoing Plaintiffs' Complaint and that insofar as it is based upon
r
information within our own knowledge, it is true and correct, insofar as it is based upon r
the expertise of counsel, we have relied upon counsel in making this verification. The
language of the pleading is that of counsel and not our own. We understand that this
verification is made subject to the provisions of 18 PA C.S. 4904 pertaining to unsworn
4
falsification to authorities. Al Ile-1
RIC ARD TURNER
N NCY T NER
DATE: ?L-`8- a7
f
4
CD
.r3
C
,
i
_
e
??: r e
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
PLAINTIFFS
VS.
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, :
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANTS : NO. 5884 - C OF 2007
...........................:::::::::::::::
PRAECIPE TO RE INST,g7? COMP e?NT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please Re-Instate Complaint against Defendants in the above-captioned matter.
& LANGAN, P.C.
rd W. a an, Jr., ?-
ieY for intiffc wire
oo o (7
r a t
_I
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: John A. Statler, Esquire
I.D. No. 43812
Wade D. Manley, Esquire
I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
jas@jdsw.com
wdm@jdsw.com
RICHARD TURNER and NANCY TURNER,
His Wife,
Plaintiffs
V.
Attorneys for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER, NO. Q'7. 5S8q Civi I T riv
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC., and
JHT HOLDINGS, INC., JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: RICHARD TURNER and NANCY TURNER
c/o Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
O'Malley & Langen, P.C.
9 N. Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
AND NOW, this 12*% day of NvverrrWr, 2007, you are hereby notified to plead
responsively within 20 days of the date of service hereof, or judgment may be entered against
you.
JOHNSQN, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
av"
By: IJVF]
John Statl, Esquire
Attorn v I.D. o.43812
Wade D-Malley
Attorney I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendants
9
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: John A. Statler, Esquire
I.D. No. 43812
Wade D. Manley, Esquire
I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
jas@jdsw.com
wdm@jdsw.com
RICHARD TURNER and NANCY TURNER,
His Wife,
Plaintiffs
Attorneys for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
V.
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER,
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC., and
JHT HOLDINGS, INC.,
Defendants
NO.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANTS', AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC., and
JHT HOLDINGS, INC. ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER
TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
AND NOW come the Defendants, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings, Inc., by
and through their attorneys, Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, P.C. and file the following
Answer with New Matter to the Plaintiffs' Complaint, and aver as follows:
1. Denied. After reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendants are without
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this
paragraph, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
2. Denied. After reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendants are without
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this
paragraph, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
3. Denied. After reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendants are without
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this
paragraph, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted.
6. Admitted.
7. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that the Plaintiff, Richard D.
Turner, was operating a 2003 Kawasaki 1500 motorcycle south on SR Route 11, Harrisburg
Pike, Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania at the date and time identified. It
is specifically denied that the Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, was lawfully, carefully and prudently
operating that motorcycle, as it asserts a conclusion of law to which no response is required. If
a response is deemed required, the averment that the Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, was lawfully,
carefully and prudently operating that motorcycle is specifically denied.
8. Admitted.
9. Denied. After reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendants are without
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this
paragraph, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
10. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that certain parts of South SR
Route 11 is a two lane roadway. It is denied that South SR Route 11 is entirely a two lane
roadway.
11. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, at the time of the accident, was operating a 2005 Mac CV713C tractor trailer in the
course of his employment with Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc. It is specifically denied
that Defendant, Daniel Cook, was operating the tractor trailer in the course of employment with
Answering Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc. Additionally, the remaining averments are specifically
denied as they are conclusions of law to which no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the remaining averments contained in this paragraph are specifically
denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
12. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, was traveling south on SR Route 11. The remaining averments are specifically denied
and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
13. Denied. The factual averments of this paragraph are inaccurate, irrelevant and
prejudicial to the Defendants in the filing of this civil action.
14. Denied. After reasonable investigation, the Defendants are without information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this paragraph,
and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
COUNT I
NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD D. TURNER v. DANIEL COOK
15. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-14 as if fully set forth at length herein.
16. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
17. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
18. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
19. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
20. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
21. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
22. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
23. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Answering Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court
enter judgment in their favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
COUNT II
NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER v. ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
24. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-23 as if fully set forth at length herein.
25. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
26. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
27. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
28. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
29. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
30. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
31. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
32. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Answering Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court
enter judgment in their favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
COUNT 111
NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER v. AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT. INC.
33. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-32 as if fully set forth at length herein.
34. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
35. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
36. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
37. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
38. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
39. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
40. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
41. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
COUNT IV
NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER v. JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
42. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-41 as if fully set forth at length herein.
43. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
44. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
45. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
46. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
47. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
48. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
49. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
50. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
COUNT V
LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER v. DANIEL COOK
51. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-50 as if fully set forth at length herein.
52. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
53. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Answering Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court
enter judgment in their favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
COUNT VI
LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER v. ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
54. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-53 as if fully set forth at length herein.
55. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
56. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Answering Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court
enter judgment in their favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
COUNT VII
LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER v. AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT. INC.
57. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-56 as if fully set forth at length herein.
58. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
59. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Auto Truck Transport Center, Inc., respectfully requests
that this Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with
prejudice.
COUNT VIII
LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER v. JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
60. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-59 as if fully set forth at length herein.
61. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
62. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
NEW MATTER
By way of additional answer and reply, the Answering Defendants raise the following
new matters:
63. Some or all of the Plaintiffs' claims are barred by the applicable statute of
limitations.
64. Some or all of the Plaintiffs' claims are barred in whole or in part and/or are
limited by the provisions of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law (75
Pa.C.S.A. §1701, et. seq.), and especially by §1722 of that law.
65. Discovery may reveal that the Plaintiffs have failed to mitigate their damages.
66. Discovery may reveal that some or all of the Plaintiffs' alleged injuries,
conditions, or damages pre-existed the date of the subject accident and were not caused or
aggravated by this accident.
67. Discovery may reveal that some or all of the Plaintiffs' injuries, conditions or
damages were caused by the events that occurred subsequent to the subject accident.
68. To the extent that the Plaintiffs have been or will be paid for some or all of their
damages, then the claims for those damages are barred both by §1722 of the Pennsylvania
Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law and by the defense of payment generally.
69. The Plaintiffs have failed to state a cause of action upon which any relief of any
kind can be granted.
70. The Plaintiffs' causes of action alleged are barred in whole or in part by the
doctrines of comparative negligence and/or contributory negligence, as may be applied to the
facts disclosed in discovery.
71. The mechanism in the Plaintiffs' alleged injuries was under the care, custody and
control of persons or entities other than the Answering Defendants.
72. The mechanism in Plaintiffs' alleged injuries was under the care, custody and
control of persons or entities other than the Answering Defendants, such persons including but
not limited to the Plaintiffs.
73. The Plaintiffs' causes of actions alleged damages claimed by the Plaintiffs that
were created and/or caused by individuals under circumstances over whom the Answering
Defendants had no control or right to control.
74. Sudden and unexpected conditions at the time of the accident created a sudden
emergency for drivers on the roadway, including the Answering Defendants, Auto Truck
Transport, Inc. and JHT Holdings, Inc.
WHEREFORE, the Answering Defendants respectfully request that the Plaintiffs'
Complaint be dismissed with prejudice and that judgment be entered in favor of the Answering
Defendants.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By:
John A. at er, Esquire
Attorney MY No. 43812
Wade D. Manley
Attorney I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendants
Date: 14,1 a `01
312235
VERIFICATION
,, STMArh k. 0-n??al?G , representative of JHT HOLDINGS, INC.,
have read the foregoing Answer with New Matter and hereby affirm that it is true and correct to
the best of my personal knowledge, or information and belief. This Verification and statement is
made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. §4904 relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities; I verify that all the statements made in the foregoing are true and correct and that
false statements may subject me to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. §4904.
Dated: 10P.12 1 ZOO -7
JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
e
Name: n
Title: Y P -
:312235
Nov 16 07 10:21a AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT
7042784211 p.2
i. Oe, , e/ i3 , ,s/o w r , representative of AUTO TRUCK
TRANSPORT. INC.. have read the foregoing Complaint and hereby affirm that it is true and
correct to the best of my pamonal knowiedge, or information and belief. This Verification and
statement is made subject to the penalties of IS Pa. C.S. §4904 relating to unworn falsification
to authorities; I verify that all the statements made in the foregoing are true and correct and that
false statements may subject me to the penalties of IS Pa. C.S. §4$04.
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT
Dated: /j? "'0 el 7
.11
Name:
Title:
312235
VERIFICATION
I, DANIEL COOK, have read the foregoing Answer with New Matter and hereby affirm
that it is true and correct to the best of my personal knowledge, or information and belief. This
Verification and statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. §4904 relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities; I verify that all the statements made in the foregoing are true
and correct and that false statements may subject me to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. §4904.
Dated: /.2 ?_ v r
L?' J- '?;4'
DANIEL COO
312235
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this ay of December, 2007, the undersigned does hereby certify that
she did this date serve a copy of the foregoing document upon the other parties of record by
causing same to be deposited in the United States Mail, first class postage prepaid, at
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
O'Malley & Langen, P.C.
9 N. Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By:
4Caleen S. Jensen
:312235
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01/03/2008 14:47 FAX 570 344 6199
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
O'MALLEY&LANGAN P.C. 2003
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PLAINTIFFS : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
VS. : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO 'rRUCK TRANSPORT, :
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
DEFENDA 4TS : NO. 5884 - C OF 2007
ACC _PTANCE OF YICE
I, JOHN A, STA*R, ESQUIRE, do hereby ?ic cept service of the Complaint
filed to the above-captioned docket number, on behalf of Defendant, Daniel Cook, this
3 rd' day of January, 2008.
7
John A. Sutler,
Attorney for Defendants
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RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
PLAINTIFFS
VS.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, :
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC. :JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANTS
: NO. 2007-CIV-5884
PLAINTIFFS' RESPONSE TO NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANTS
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC. AND JHT HOLDINGS. INC.
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiffs, Richard D. Turner and Nancy Turner, his wife,
by and through their attorneys, O'Malley & Langan, P.C. and respectfully responds to
Defendant's New Matter as follows:
63. The allegations contained in Paragraph 63 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 63 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
64. The allegations contained in Paragraph 64 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 64 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
65. The allegations contained in Paragraph 65 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 65 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
66. The allegations contained in Paragraph 66 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 66 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
67. The allegations contained in Paragraph 67 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 67 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
68. The allegations contained in Paragraph 68 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 68 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
69. The allegations contained in Paragraph 69 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 69 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
70. The allegations contained in Paragraph 70 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 70 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
71. The allegations contained in Paragraph 71 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 71 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
72. The allegations contained in Paragraph 72 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 72 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
73. The allegations contained in Paragraph 73 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 73 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
74. The allegations contained in Paragraph 74 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 74 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
Respectfully submitted:
OWALLEY & LANGAN, P.C. __.----
Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiffs
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RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
vs.
PLAINTIFFS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, :
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
DEFENDANTS
: NO. 5884 - C OF 2007
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that I served a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Acceptance of Service of Complaint from John Statler, Esquire,
on behalf of Defendant, Daniel Cook, upon the following individual by first class United
States mail under date of January 16, 2008
John A. Statler, Esquire
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
O'MALLY-Y & LANGAN, P.C.
By:
9Aain StreeP.O
Pittston, PA 18640
(570) 883-1321
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RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
vs.
PLAINTIFFS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, :
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
DEFENDANTS : NO. 2007-CIV-5884
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
1, Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that I served a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Plaintiffs' Answers to Interrogatories and Response to Request
for Production of Documents upon the following individual by first class United States
mail under date of February 12, 2008
John A. Statler, Esquire
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
O'MALL Y & LANGAN, P.C.
By:
an n ., s uir?
rNa in Stre , PA 18640
(570) 883-1321
?i
.7
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
PLAINTIFFS
VS.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, :
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
DEFENDANTS : NO. 2007-CIV-5884
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that I served a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Plaintiffs' Interrogatories and Request for Production of
Documents upon all Defendants upon the following individual by first class United
States mail under date of February 12, 2008
John A. Statler, Esquire
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
9 N. Main Street, F
Pittston, PA 18640
(570) 883-1321
P.O. Box 109
O'MALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
m
r
C
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: John A. Statler, Esquire
I. D. No. 43812
Wade D. Manley, Esquire
I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
jas@jdsw.com
wdm@jdsw.com
RICHARD TURNER and NANCY TURNER,
His Wife,
Plaintiffs
V.
Attorneys for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER, NO. 5884-CIV-2007
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC., and
JHT HOLDINGS, INC., JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: RICHARD TURNER and NANCY TURNER
c/o Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
O'Malley & Langen, P.C.
9 N. Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
AND NOW, this 40 day of April, 2008, you are hereby notified to plead responsively
within 20 days of the date of service hereof, or judgment may be entered against you.
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By:
John A. Statl r, Esquire
Attorney I. D N . 43812
Wade D. Man ey
Attorney I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendants
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: John A. Statler, Esquire
I.D. No. 43812
Wade D. Manley, Esquire
I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
jas@jdsw.com
wdm@jdsw.com
RICHARD TURNER and NANCY TURNER,
His Wife,
Plaintiffs
V.
Attorneys for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER, NO. 5884-CIV-2007
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC., and
JHT HOLDINGS, INC., JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
DEFENDANT'S, DANIEL COOK'S. ANSWER
WITH NEW MATTER TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
AND NOW come the Defendant's, Daniel Cook, by and through his attorneys, Johnson,
Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, P.C. and file the following Answer with New Matter to the Plaintiffs'
Complaint, and aver as follows:
1. Denied. After reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendants are without
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this
paragraph, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
2. Denied. After reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendants are without
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this
paragraph, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
3. Denied. After reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendants are without
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this
paragraph, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted.
6. Admitted.
7. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that the Plaintiff, Richard D.
Turner, was operating a 2003 Kawasaki 1500 motorcycle south on SR Route 11, Harrisburg
Pike, Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania at the date and time identified. It
is specifically denied that the Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, was lawfully, carefully and prudently
operating that motorcycle, as it asserts a conclusion of law to which no response is required. If
a response is deemed required, the averment that the Plaintiff, Richard D. Turner, was lawfully,
carefully and prudently operating that motorcycle is specifically denied.
8. Admitted.
9. Denied. After reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendants are without
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this
paragraph, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
10. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that certain parts of South SR
Route 11 is a two lane roadway. It is denied that South SR Route 11 is entirely a two lane
roadway.
11. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, at the time of the accident, was operating a 2005 Mac CV713C tractor trailer in the
course of his employment with Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc. It is specifically denied
that Defendant, Daniel Cook, was operating the tractor trailer in the course of employment with
Answering Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc. Additionally, the remaining averments are specifically
denied as they are conclusions of law to which no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the remaining averments contained in this paragraph are specifically
denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
12. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that the Defendant, Daniel
Cook, was traveling south on SR Route 11. The remaining averments are specifically denied
and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
13. Denied. The factual averments of this paragraph are inaccurate, irrelevant and
prejudicial to the Defendants in the filing of this civil action.
14. Denied. After reasonable investigation, the Defendants are without information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this paragraph,
and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
COUNT I
NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD D. TURNER v. DANIEL COOK
15. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-14 as if fully set forth at length herein.
16. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and
fact to which no response is required.
17. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and
fact to which no response is required.
18. Denied. The averments, contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and
fact to which no response is required.
19. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and
fact to which no response is required.
20. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and
fact to which no response is required.
21. . Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and
fact to which no response is required.
22. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and
fact to which no response is required.
23. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph area conclusions of law and
fact to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Answering Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court
enter judgment in their favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
COUNT II
NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER v. ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
24. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-23 as if fully set forth at length herein.
25. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
26. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
27. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
28. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
29. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
30. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
31. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
32. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Answering Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court
enter judgment in their favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
COUNT III
NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER v. AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC.
33. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-32 as if fully set forth at length herein.
34. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
35. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
36. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
37. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
38. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
39. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
40. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
41. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
COUNT IV
NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER v. JHT HOLDINGS. INC.
42. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-41 as if fully set forth at length herein.
43. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
44. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
45. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
46. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
47. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
48. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
49. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
50. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
COUNT V
LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER v. DANIEL COOK
51. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-50 as if fully set forth at length herein.
52. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
53. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Answering Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court
enter judgment in their favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
COUNT VI
LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER v. ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
54. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-53 as if fully set forth at length herein.
55. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
56. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are directed to a Defendant
other than the Answering Defendants, therefore, no response is required. If it is deemed that a
response is required, the averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law and fact
to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Answering Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court
enter judgment in their favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
COUNT VII
LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER v. AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT. INC.
57. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-56 as if fully set forth at length herein.
58. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
59. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Auto Truck Transport Center, Inc., respectfully requests
that this Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with
prejudice.
COUNT VIII
LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER v. JHT HOLDINGS. INC.
60. Defendants incorporate paragraphs 1-59 as if fully set forth at length herein.
61. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
62. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, JHT Holdings, Inc., respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor and dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
NEW MATTER
By way of additional answer and reply, the Answering Defendants raise the following
new matters:
63. Some or all of the Plaintiffs' claims are barred by the applicable statute of
limitations.
64. Some or all of the Plaintiffs' claims are barred in whole or in part and/or are
limited by the provisions of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law (75
Pa.C.S.A. §1701, et seq.), and especially by §1722 of that law.
65. Discovery may reveal that the Plaintiffs have failed to mitigate their damages.
66. Discovery may reveal that some or all of the Plaintiffs' alleged injuries,
conditions, or damages pre-existed the date of the subject accident and were not caused or
aggravated by this accident.
67. Discovery may reveal that some or all of the Plaintiffs' injuries, conditions or
damages were caused by the events that occurred subsequent to the subject accident.
68. To the extent that the Plaintiffs have been or will be paid for some or all of their
damages, then the claims for those damages are barred both by §1722 of the Pennsylvania
Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law and by the defense of payment generally.
69. The Plaintiffs have failed to state a cause of action upon which any relief of any
kind can be granted.
70. The Plaintiffs' causes of action alleged are barred in whole or in part by the
doctrines of comparative negligence and/or contributory negligence, as may be applied to the
facts disclosed in discovery.
71. The mechanism in the Plaintiffs' alleged injuries was under the care, custody and
control of persons or entities other than the Answering Defendants.
72. The mechanism in Plaintiffs' alleged injuries was under the care, custody and
control of persons or entities other than the Answering Defendants, such persons including but
not limited to the Plaintiffs.
73. The Plaintiffs' causes of actions alleged damages claimed by the Plaintiffs that
were created and/or caused by individuals under circumstances over whom the Answering
Defendants had no control or right to control.
74. Sudden and unexpected conditions at the time of the accident created a sudden
emergency for drivers on the roadway, including the Answering Defendants, Auto Truck
Transport, Inc. and JHT Holdings, Inc.
WHEREFORE, the Answering Defendants respectfully request that the Plaintiffs'
Complaint be dismissed with prejudice and that judgment be entered in favor of the Answering
Defendants.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By: A
John A. St e , Esquire
Attorney I. . o. 43812
Wade D. ey
Attorney I.D. No. 87244
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendants
Date: 4WOO
:328140
VERIFICATION
1, DANIEL COOK, have read the foregoing Answer with New Matter and hereby affirm
that it is true and correct to the best of my personal knowledge, or information and belief. This
Verification and statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. §4904 relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities; I verify that all the statements made in the foregoing are true
and correct and that false statements may subject me to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. §4904.
Dated:
DANIEL COO
:312235
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this f day of April, 2008, the undersigned does hereby certify that she
did this date serve a copy of the foregoing document upon the other parties of record by causing
same to be deposited in the United States Mail, first class postage prepaid, at Lemoyne,
Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
O'Malley & Langen, P.C.
9 N. Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By:
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RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
PLAINTIFFS
VS.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, :
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC. :JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANTS
: NO. 2007-CIV-5884
PLAINTIFFS' RESPONSE TO NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT
DANIEL COOK
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiffs, Richard D. Turner and Nancy Turner, his wife,
by and through their attorneys, O'Malley & Langan, P.C. and respectfully responds to
Defendant Daniel Cook's New Matter as follows:
63. The allegations contained in Paragraph 63 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 63 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
64. The allegations contained in Paragraph 64 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 64 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
65. The allegations contained in Paragraph 65 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 65 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
66. The allegations contained in Paragraph 66 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 66 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time
67. The allegations contained in Paragraph 67 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 67 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
68. The allegations contained in Paragraph 68 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 68 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
69. The allegations contained in Paragraph 69 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 69 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
70. The allegations contained in Paragraph 70 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 70 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
71. The allegations contained in Paragraph 71 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 71 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
72. The allegations contained in Paragraph 72 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 72 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
73. The allegations contained in Paragraph 73 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 73 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
74. The allegations contained in Paragraph 74 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 74 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
Respectfully submitted:
O'MALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
erard W. Langan, Jr.Zuire
Attorney for Plaintiffs
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RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
PLAINTIFFS
VS.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, :
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
DEFENDANTS
: NO. 2007-CIV-5884
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that I served a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Plaintiffs' Response to New Matter of Defendant Caniel Cook ,
upon the following individual by first class United States mail under date of April
2008:
John A. Statler, Esquire
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
James J. Dodd-O, Esq.
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer. LLP
3101 Emrick Boulevard
Suite 310
Bethlehem, PA 18020
O'MALLEY & LANGAN, ?.
By:
G and W. Langan, Jr., qui e
9 N. Main Street, P.O. Box 664
Pittston, PA 18640
(570) 883-1321
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THOMAS, THOMAS & AFER, LLP
By: James J. Dodd-o, squire
Attorney Identification No. 44678
3101 Emrick Boulevar
Suite 310
Bethlehem, PA 18020'.
(610) 332-7000
Attorneys for Defendant: Arizona Truck Center
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION - LAW
i
:RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife,
Plaintiffs
Vs. NO.: 2007-CIV-5884
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT,
INC., and JHT MOLDINGS, JURY TRIAL DEMANDED BY
Defendants A JURY OF TWELVE PERSONS
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please eater the appearance of the undersigned as attorneys for
Defendant Arizona Truck Center, only, in the above matter.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS, THOM & HAFER, LLP
Dated:_ U BY:
ame J. Dodd-o, Esquire
attorneys for Defendant
Arizona Truck Center
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that on the) ,/:!? day of April,
2008, a true and correct copy of the foregoing ENTRY OF APPEARANCE was
served, via U.S. First Class mail, upon the following:
Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
O'MALLEY & LAN(?AN, P.C.
9 North Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Wade Manley, Esquire
JOHNSON, DUFFIV, STEWART & WEIDNER
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
TH .S , WAS & HAFER, LLP
r ,.
BY:
'L ri A. Carr, Legal Secretary to
James J. Dodd-o, Esquire
T
r
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
By: James J. Dodd-o, Esquire
Attorney Identification No. 44678
3101 Emrick Boulevard
Suite 310
Bethlehem, PA 18020
(610) 332-7000
Attorneys for Defendant: Arizona Truck Center
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION - LAW
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife,
Plaintiffs
VS. NO.: 2007-CIV-5884
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT,
INC., and JHT HOLDINGS, INC., JURY TRIAL DEMANDED BY
Defendants A JURY OF TWELVE PERSONS
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife, Plaintiffs
C/O Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
O'MALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
9 North Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
DANIEL COOK, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT,
and JHT HOLDINGS, INC., Defendants
C/O Wade Manley, Esquire
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
It
You are hereby notified to plead to the enclosed Answer and New
Matter within twenty (20) days or a default may be entered against
you.
BY:
Dated:
li (dli?arov
THOMAS, TH
& HAFER, LLP
jymef/i. Dodd-o, Esquire
torneys for Defendant
Arizona Truck Center
2
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
By: James J. Dodd-o, Esquire
Attorney Identification No. 44678
3101 Emrick Boulevard
Suite 310
Bethlehem, PA 18020
(610) 332-7000
Attorneys for Defendant:
Arizona Truck Center
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION - LAW
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife,
Plaintiffs
VS.
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT,
INC., and JHT HOLDINGS, INC.,
Defendants
NO.: 2007-CIV-5884
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED BY
A JURY OF TWELVE PERSONS
ANSWER, NEW MATTER, AND 2252(d) NEW MATTER - CROSS-CLAIM OF DEFENDANT
ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
COMES NOW Defendant Arizona Truck Center, by and through its
undersigned counsel, James J. Dodd-o, Esquire, of Thomas, Thomas &
Hafer, LLP, and for its Answer, New Matter, and 2252(d) New Matter-
Cross-Claim to Plaintiffs' Complaint, sets forth as follows:
1. Admitted upon information and belief.
2. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
3. Answering Defendant denies the characterization set forth
in Paragraph 3 of Plaintiffs' Complaint.
3
4. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
5. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
6. Denied as stated. To the contrary, it is believed and
therefore averred that the events at issue took place on July 23,
2005.
7. Denied. Answering Defendant denies the characterization as
to the activities of Plaintiff set forth in Paragraph 7 of the
Complaint. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
8. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
9. Denied. Answering Defendant denies the characterization
set forth in Paragraph 9 of Plaintiffs` Complaint.
10. Admitted upon information and belief.
4
11. Denied. Answering Defendant specifically denies that
Defendant Daniel Cook was in the course of employment with Arizona
Truck Center as alleged. To the contrary, Daniel Cook was not a
servant, agent, workman and/or employee of Defendant Arizona Truck
Center.
12. Denied. The response set forth in Paragraph 11 above is
incorporated herein by reference thereto. By way of further response,
Answering Defendant denies the characterization set forth in Paragraph
12 of the Complaint as to the actions of Daniel Cook.
13. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
14. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
COUNT I - NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD D. TURNER V. DANIEL COOL
15. Answering Defendant incorporates herein by reference its
answers to Paragraphs 1 through 14 of Plaintiffs' Complaint as though
fully set forth herein at length.
16. The averments set forth in Paragraph 16 of the Complaint,
including Subparagraphs (a) - (g), refer to a party other than
5
Answering Defendant and, after reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a
belief as to the truth of these averments, which are therefore denied.
Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
17. The averments set forth in Paragraph 17 of the Complaint,
including Subparagraphs (a) - (d), refer to a party other than
Answering Defendant and, after reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a
belief as to the truth of these averments, which are therefore denied.
Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
18. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
19. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
20. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
6
21. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
22. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
23. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Arizona Truck Center demands judgment in its
favor.
COUNT II - NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER V. ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
24. Answering Defendant incorporates herein by reference its
answers to Paragraphs 1 through 23 of Plaintiffs' Complaint as though
fully set forth herein at length.
25. Denied. It is specifically denied that Answering Defendant
was negligent in any manner with respect to Plaintiff's alleged cause
of action. By way of further answer, it is specifically denied that
the Defendant was negligent as in the following respects:
7
(a) Denied pursuant to the provisions of Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e);
(b) Denied pursuant to the provisions of Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e);
and,
(c) Denied pursuant to the provisions of Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
26. Denied. It is specifically denied that Answering Defendant
was negligent in any manner with respect to Plaintiff's alleged cause
of action. As to the claim of injuries set forth in Subparagraphs (a)
- (d), same is denied, and after reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
27. Denied. It is specifically denied that Answering Defendant
was negligent in any manner with respect to Plaintiff's alleged cause
of action. As to the claim of loss of earnings, same is denied, and
after reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without such
knowledge or information because the means of proof are within the
exclusive control of an adverse party or hostile person. Strict proof
thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
28. Denied. It is specifically denied that Answering Defendant
was negligent in any manner with respect to Plaintiff's alleged cause
of action. As to the claim of pain and suffering, same is denied,
and after reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without
such knowledge or information because the means of proof are within
8
the exclusive control of an adverse party or hostile person. Strict
proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
29. Denied. It is specifically denied that Answering Defendant
was negligent in any manner with respect to Plaintiff's alleged cause
of action. As to the claim of permanent diminution of ability to
enjoy life and life's pleasures, same is denied, and after reasonable
investigation, Answering Defendant is without such knowledge or
information because the means of proof are within the exclusive
control of an adverse party or hostile person. Strict proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial.
30. Denied. It is specifically denied that Answering Defendant
was negligent in any manner with respect to Plaintiff's alleged cause
of action. As to the claim of medical treatment and services, same
is denied, and after reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is
without such knowledge or information because the means of proof are
within the exclusive control of an adverse party or hostile person.
Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
31. Denied. It is specifically denied that Answering Defendant
was negligent in any manner with respect to Plaintiff's alleged cause
of action. As to the claim of past, present and future expenses,
same is denied, and after reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
9
32. Denied. It is specifically denied that Answering Defendant
was negligent in any manner with respect to Plaintiff's alleged cause
of action. As to the claim of mental anguish, physical pain and
emotional suffering, in the past, at present, and into the future,
same is denied, and after reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is without such knowledge or information because the means
of proof are within the exclusive control of an adverse party or
hostile person. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Arizona Truck Center demands judgment in its
favor.
COUNT III - NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER V. AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC.
33. Answering Defendant incorporates herein by reference its
answers to Paragraphs 1 through 32 of Plaintiffs' Complaint as though
fully set forth herein at length.
34. The averment set forth in Paragraph 34 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
35. The averment set forth in Paragraph 35 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
10
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
36. The averment set forth in Paragraph 36 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
37. The averment set forth in Paragraph 37 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
38. The averment set forth in Paragraph 38 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
39. The averment set forth in Paragraph 39 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
11
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
40. The averment set forth in Paragraph 40 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
41. The averment set forth in Paragraph 41 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Arizona Truck Center demands judgment in its
favor.
COUNT IV - NEGLIGENCE
RICHARD TURNER V. JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
42. Answering Defendant incorporates herein by reference its
answers to Paragraphs 1 through 41 of Plaintiffs' Complaint as though
fully set forth herein at length.
43. The averment set forth in Paragraph 43 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
12
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
44. The averment set forth in Paragraph 44 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
45. The averment set forth in Paragraph 45 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
46. The averment set forth in Paragraph 46 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
47. The averment set forth in Paragraph 47 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
13
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
48. The averment set forth in Paragraph 48 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
49. The averment set forth in Paragraph 49 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
50. The averment set forth in Paragraph 50 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Arizona Truck Center demands judgment in its
favor.
14
COUNT V - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. DANIEL COOK
51. Answering Defendant incorporates herein by reference its
answers to Paragraphs 1 through 50 of Plaintiffs' Complaint as though
fully set forth herein at length.
52. The averment set forth in Paragraph 52 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
53. The averment set forth in Paragraph 53 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Arizona Truck Center demands judgment in its
favor.
COUNT VI - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
54. Answering Defendant incorporates herein by reference its
answers to Paragraphs 1 through 53 of Plaintiffs' Complaint as though
fully set forth herein at length.
55. Denied. It is specifically denied that Answering Defendant
was negligent in any manner with respect to Plaintiff's alleged cause
15
of action. As to the claim of loss of consortium, same is denied, and
after reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without such
knowledge or information because the means of proof are within the
exclusive control of an adverse party or hostile person. Strict proof
thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
56. Denied. It is specifically denied that Answering Defendant
was negligent in any manner with respect to Plaintiff's alleged cause
of action. As to the claim of disruption of activity, same is denied,
and after reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without
such knowledge or information because the means of proof are within
the exclusive control of an adverse party or hostile person. Strict
proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Arizona Truck Center demands judgment in its
favor.
COUNT VII - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC.
57. Answering Defendant incorporates herein by reference its
answers to Paragraphs 1 through 56 of Plaintiffs' Complaint as though
fully set forth herein at length.
58. The averment set forth in Paragraph 58 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
16
59. The averment set forth in Paragraph 59 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Arizona Truck Center demands judgment in its
favor.
COUNT VIII - LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
NANCY TURNER V. JET HOLDINGS, INC.
60. Answering Defendant incorporates herein by reference its
answers to Paragraphs 1 through 59 of Plaintiffs' Complaint as though
fully set forth herein at length.
61. The averment set forth in Paragraph 61 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
62. The averment set forth in Paragraph 62 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint refers to a party other than Answering Defendant and, after
reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of this
averment, which is therefore denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded
at the time of trial.
17
r
WHEREFORE, Defendant Arizona Truck Center demands judgment in its
favor.
NEW MATTER
63. Pursuant to the requirements of Pa.R.C.P. No. 1030,
Answering Defendant asserts that Plaintiffs' claim may be barred by
the applicable statute of limitations.
64. Pursuant to the requirements of Pa.R.C.P. No. 1030,
Answering Defendant asserts that Plaintiffs' claim may be barred by
the doctrines of res judicata or collateral estoppel.
65. Plaintiffs have failed to state a claim upon which relief
can be granted.
66. At the time of the incident, Daniel Cook was not an agent,
servant, workman or employee of Defendant Arizona Truck Center.
67. Plaintiff's injuries, as alleged, were caused by other
persons or parties which were contributory and/or intervening,
superseding causes of Plaintiff's alleged injuries.
68. The Plaintiff was contributorily negligent and/or failed to
mitigate the claimed damages, thereby limiting and/or barring
recovery.
2252(d) NEW MATTER - CROSS-CLAIM
AGAINST Daniel Cook, Auto Truck Transport, Inc.,
and JHT Holdings, Inc.
69. Answering Defendant incorporates herein by reference its
Answer and New Matter to Plaintiffs' Complaint as if fully set forth
herein at length.
18
i
70. Answering Defendant denies any liability to the Plaintiffs
on the claims of the Plaintiffs as set forth in the Complaint against
the Defendants.
71. If it is judicially determined that the allegations in the
Plaintiffs' Complaint permit a claim of recovery, then in such event,
Defendants Daniel Cook, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings,
Inc. are alone liable to the Plaintiffs and no liability rests with
Defendant Arizona Truck Center.
72. If it is determined that Defendant Arizona Truck Center is
in any way liable to the Plaintiffs for any damages which Plaintiffs
may have sustained, the existence of any such liability being
expressly denied, then in such event, Defendant Arizona Truck Center
avers that Defendants Daniel Cook, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT
Holdings, Inc. are jointly liable with Defendant Arizona Truck Center
to the Plaintiffs, or is liable over by way of contribution and
indemnification to Defendant Arizona Truck Center for any verdict
recoverable by Plaintiffs.
73. If Defendant Arizona Truck Center is in any way found to be
liable to the Plaintiffs on the claims of the Plaintiffs, the
existence of any liability being expressly denied, then in such event,
Defendants Daniel Cook, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings,
Inc. are liable over to Defendant Arizona Truck Center for
indemnification on any verdict.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Arizona Truck Center joins Defendants Daniel
Cook, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings, Inc., pursuant to
19
Pa.R.C.P. 2252(d), to protect Defendant Arizona Truck Center's right
of contribution, liability over and indemnification from Defendants
Daniel Cook, Auto Truck Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings, Inc. and
requests the Court to find said Defendants Daniel Cook, Auto Truck
Transport, Inc., and JHT Holdings, Inc. liable over by way of
contribution and/or indemnification for any verdict against Defendant
Arizona Truck Center.
BY:
Dated:
584885.1
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
J es . Dodd-o, Esquire
A or eys for Defendant
Arizona Truck Center
20
VERIFICATION
I, tJ ONN J7 O?YRIO l/ of ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER,
Defendant, hereby verify that the statements made in the foregoing
ANSWER, NEW MATTER, AND 2252(d) NEW MATTER - CROSS-CLAIM TO
PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT are true and correct to the best of my knowledge
or information and belief, as well as reports, records, conferences
and other investigatory material made available to me. To the extent
that the foregoing contains averments, which are inconsistent in fact,
I verify that my knowledge or information is sufficient to form a
belief that one or more of them is true, although I am currently
unable, after reasonable investigation, to ascertain which of the
inconsistent averments are true.
To the extent that the foregoing contains legal conclusions or
opinions, I hereby state that my Verification is made upon the advice
of counsel, upon whom I have relied in the filing of this document.
This Verification is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.
§ 4904 related to unsworn falsifications to authorities
?T
!Q t 1 e?047
Title
Dated: yDo S
586065.1
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 4?
The undersigned hereby certifies that on the day of June,
2008 a true and correct copy of the foregoing ANSWER, NEW MATTER, AND
2252(D) NEW MATTER - CROSS-CLAIM TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT was served,
via U.S. First Class mail, upon the following:
Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
O'MALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
9 North Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Wade Manley, Esquire
JOHNSON, DUFFLE, STEWART & WEIDNER
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
r
BY:
K 11 J ak4r Legal Se re ry to
Jame J. oYd Esquire
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cra
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife
PLAINTIFFS
VS.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
INC. AND JHT HOLDINGS,
DEFENDANTS
: NO.2007-CIV-5884
PLAINTIFFS' RESPONSE TO NEW MATTER AND NEW MATTER-CROSS CLAIM
OF DEFENDANT, ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiffs, Richard Turner and Nancy Turner, his wife, by
and through their attorneys, O'Malley & Langan, P.C. and respectfully responds to
Defendant's New Matter as follows:
63. The allegations contained in Paragraph 63 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 63 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict prof is demanded at the time.
64. The allegations contained in Paragraph 64 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 64 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
65. The allegations contained in Paragraph 65 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 65 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
fib. The allegations contained in Paragraph 66 are legal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 66 contain fads wyhhich require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and proof is demanded at the time.
67. The allegatjp?r! contained in Paragraph 67 are gal conclusions to which no
responsive pleading is wsary. To the extent that the allegations contained in
Paragraph 67 contain which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and's proof demanded at the time.
68lib
The allegatior contained in Paragraph 68 are legal conclusions to v** no
00
responsive pleading is necessary. To the extent that the anegations contained in
Paragraph 68 contain facts which require a responsive pleading, the same are
specifically denied and strict proof is demanded at the time.
Respectfully Submitted:
& LANGAN, P.C.
1*
VERIFICATION
WE, RICHARD AND NANCY TURNER, Plaintiffs, hereby verify that we
have read the foregoing Plaintiffs' Response to New Matter of Defendants and that
insofar as it is based upon information within our own knowledge, it is true and correct,
insofar as it is based upon the expertise of counsel, we have relied upon counsel in
making this verification. The language of the pleading is that of counsel and not our
own. We understand that this verification is made subject to the provisions of 18 PA
C.S. 4904 pertaining to unsworn falsification to authorities.
RICHARD TURNER
NANCY T RNER
DATE: 6 -,q 6-6- 4
RECEIVED
JUL 07 2008
"IMALLEY & LANGAN
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Pnn
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: John A. Statler, Esquire
I.D. No. 43812
Wade D. Manley, Esquire
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
wdm@jdsw.com
Attorneys for Defendants Daniel Cook,
Auto Truck Transport, Inc. and JHT Holdings, Inc.
RICHARD TURNER and NANCY TURNER, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
his wife, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiffs
V.
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT,
INC. and JHT HOLDINGS, INC.,
Defendants
NO. 5884-CIV-2007
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
REPLY OF DEFENDANTS
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC. AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
TO CROSS-CLAIM OF DEFENDANT ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER
AND NOW, this day of July, 2008, come Defendants, Auto Truck Transport, Inc.
and JHT Holdings, Inc., and reply to the Cross-Claim of Defendant Arizona Truck Center as
follows:
70.-73. Denied. These averments are deemed denied as a conclusions of law to
which no responsive pleading is required.
WHEREFORE, the Defendants, Auto Truck Transport, Inc. and JHT Holdings, Inc.,
demand judgment in their favor and against the Defendant, Arizona Truck Center, in its claim for
contribution, liability over to and indemnification from the claims made by the Plaintiffs, Richard
Turner and Nancy Turner.
:336994
14775-101
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By: kV Wade D. ?a)ley
VERIFICATION
1,ow , hereby acknowledge that Auto Truck Transport, Inc. is
a Defendant in this action and that I am authorized to make this verification on its behalf; that I
have read the foregoing Reply to Cross-Claim of Arizona Truck Center; and that the facts stated
therein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that any false statements herein are made subject to penalties of 18 Pa.
C.S. §4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
AUTO TRUCK T SPORT, INC.
By: --? J
do-
Date: 7 a Zpe O
/00, V
VERIFICATION
1, Inf,4? JLLQ4(?iG? , hereby acknowledge that JHT Holdings, Inc. is a
Defendant in this action and that I am authorized to make this verification on its behalf; that I
have read the foregoing Reply to Cross-Claim of Arizona Truck Center; and that the facts stated
therein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that any false statements herein are made subject to penalties of 18 Pa.
C.S. §4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
JHT HOLDINGS, INC.
By:
Date: (1-7/0
Y ?
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this ??ay of July, 2008, the undersigned does hereby certify that she
did this date serve a copy of the foregoing document upon the other parties of record by causing
same to be deposited in the United States Mail, first class postage prepaid, at Lemoyne,
Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
O'Malley & Langan, P.C.
9 North Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
James J. Dodd-O, Esquire
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP
3101 Emrick Boulevard
Suite 310
Bethlehem, PA 18020
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By: .?
-,21 zl?L J
Michelle r/ V17
:336994
14775-101
= r= rim
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Co --?
N
RICHARD TURNER and NANCY TURNER,
His Wife,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
v.
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK CENTER, NO. 07-5884
AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, INC., and
JHT HOLDINGS, INC., JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
PRAECIPE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
Please mark the above-captioned action settled and discontinued, including all
counterclaims, crossclaims and joinders of additional parties.
DATE: s/D
Respectfully submitted,
O'MALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
By:
Gerard W. Lang 6(, Jr. Esquire
O'Malley & Langan, P.C.
9 North Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
370416
14775-101
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Praecipe
upon all parties or counsel of record by depositing a copy of same in the United States Mail at
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, with first-class postage prepaid on the (1A(,' day ofd,
2009, addressed to the following:
Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire
O'Malley & Langan, P.C.
9 North Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By: V " jj_V
Wad D. n , Esquire
Attorney I. Y.N . 872 44
Attorneys fendants
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t' ?: ? _ _ `r t_ a r'?''?rs
RICHARD D. TURNER and
NANCY TURNER, his wife : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
LUZERNE COUNTY
PLAINTIFFS : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
VS. : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DANIEL COOK, ARIZONA TRUCK
CENTER, AUTO TRUCK TRANSPORT, :
INC., AND JHT HOLDINGS, INC. 0,?,' S$$'?I
DEFENDANTS
: NO. :7976 G OF 2 7
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Gerard W. Langan, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that I served a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Plaintiffs' Response to New Matter of Defendants', upon the
following individual by first class United States mail under date of January 23, 2008:
Prothonotary - Luzeme County
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 N. River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
John A. Statler, Esquire
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
O'MALLEY & LANGAN, P.C.
By: W? 1114,. a'
Ger rd W. L ft
9 N. Main Street,
Pittston, PA 186
(570) 883-1321
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