HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-6639v
BRIAN SHERMAN,
V.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
JAMES THOMAS Sr., and
PENNSYLVANIA FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY ASSIGNED
CLAIMS PLAN,
NO. 07- 0(039 C?iu?(T m
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendants
NOTICE
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth
in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint
and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and
filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against
you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a
judgment may be entered against you by the court without further notice for any money
claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You
may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF
YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR
TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN
GET LEGAL HELP.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
2 Liberty Avenue - Carlisle, PA 17013
Telephone 717-249-3166 or 800-990-9108
HANDLER, HENNI
By
Ury Rosen 'erg, Esq.
0569
M. Feather, Esq.
ID No. 79456
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-238-2000
Attorneys for Plaintiff
BERG, LLP
v
COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, by and through his attorneys,
FAWP Directories\TFC\ComplaintsWssigned Claims Plan\Sherman.wpd
BRIAN SHERMAN,
Plaintiff
V.
JAMES THOMAS Sr., and
PENNSYLVANIA FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY ASSIGNED
CLAIMS PLAN,
Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP, by David H. Rosenberg, Esq., who makes
the within Complaint against the Defendants, James Thomas, and the Pennsylvania
Financial Responsibility Assigned Claims Plan, and avers as follows:
1. Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, is an adult individual and citizen of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania residing at 186 Carriage Drive, Newville, PA 17241.
2. Defendant, James Thomas, Sr., is an adult individual and citizen of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania residing at Big Spring Terrace Lot 76, Newville, PA 17241.
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3. Defendant, Pennsylvania Financial Responsibility Assigned Claims Plan
(hereinafter referred to as "PFRACP"), is an entity with a registered address at Eleven
Penn Center, Suite 701, 1835 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, and established by
the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to the Act 6, July
1, 1990, Amendments, to provide basic loss benefits, including, but not limited to,
uninsured-motorist and personal-injury protections benefits for those claimants who,
through no fault of their own, have no other source of insurance coverage.
4. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, was a front-seat
passenger in a 1972 Chevrolet Nova S.S., owned and operated by Defendant, James
Thomas, bearing Pennsylvania registration number 5399 SME.
5. At all times material hereto, Defendant, James Thomas, was the owner and
operator of said 1972 Chevrolet Nova S.S., bearing Pennsylvania Registration number
5399 SME.
6. At all times material hereto, said 1972 Chevrolet Nova S.S., owned and
operated by Defendant, James Thomas, was not insured.
7. At all times material hereto, Defendant, James Thomas, was not a named
insured under any motor vehicle insurance policy.
8. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, owned an un-
registered, un-insured motor vehicle, did not reside with any relatives who owned a motor
vehicle, was not an insured or named insured under any policy of automobile insurance,
and was not within the course and scope of his employment.
9. On or about July 21, 2006, Defendant, James Thomas , was traveling
westbound on Oak Flat Road, in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
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10. At all times material hereto, Defendant James Thomas, lost control of said
vehicle, causing 150 feet of tire marks on the roadway, then leaving the roadway and
traveling an additional 25 feet in the southwest direction before striking a telephone pole,
5 feet from the ground. The impact caused said vehicle to roll onto the roof, trapping both
Defendant and Plaintiff inside the vehicle.
11. Prior to embarking on the journey that resulted in the crash, Defendant
James Thomas, had been consuming alcohol and/or illicit drugs.
12. At the time of the crash, Defendant, James Thomas, was driving under the
influence of alcohol.
13. Blood alcohol testing performed after the crash confirmed a blood alcohol
content of .21 %.
14. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, the
Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, sustained serious and extensive injuries as set forth more
specifically below.
COUNT I - NEGLIGENCE
BRIAN SHERMAN v. JAMES THOMAS
15. Paragraphs 1-14 are incorporated herein as if fully set forth below.
16. The occurrence of the aforementioned collision and the resultant injuries to
Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, are the direct and proximate result of the negligence,
carelessness, and/or recklessness of the Defendant, James Thomas, generally, and more
specifically, as set forth below:
(a) In driving Defendant's vehicle in willful and/orwanton disregard forthe
safety of persons or property, in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3736;
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(b) In driving Defendant's vehicle in careless disregard for the safety of
persons and property, in violation of 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 3714;
(c) In driving while intoxicated, in violation of 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 3802;
(d) In driving Defendant's motor vehicle at a time when he was unfit
to do so, due to his consumption of alcohol and/or drugs;
(e) In failing to properly and adequately observe the traffic conditions
then and there existing;
(f) In otherwise driving Defendant's vehicle upon a roadway in a manner
endangering persons and property and in a manner with careless
disregard to the rights and safety of others in violation of the Motor
Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
17. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, James
Thomas, the Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, sustained injuries including, but not limited to, a
fractured pelvis and right fibula.
18. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, James
Thomas, the Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, has suffered a loss of income and may in the future
continue to suffer a loss of income and/or earning capacity, to his financial detriment and
loss.
19. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, James
Thomas, the Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, has suffered physical pain, discomfort, and mental
anguish, and he will continue to endure the same for an indefinite period of time in the
future, to his physical, emotional, and financial detriment and loss.
20. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, James
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Thomas, the Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, has been compelled, in order to effect a cure for
aforesaid injuries, to expend money for medicine and medical attention, and will continue
to do so in the future.
21. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, James
Thomas, the Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, continues to receive treatment and incur expenses
as a result of said injuries, and will continue to do so in the future, to his detriment and loss.
22. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, James
Thomas, the Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, has suffered a loss of life's pleasures and he will
continue to suffer the same in the future, to his detriment and loss.
23. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, James
Thomas, the Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, has been, and will in the future be, hindered from
attending to his daily duties, to his detriment, loss, humiliation, and embarrassment.
24. Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, believes and, therefore, avers that his injuries are
permanent and serious in nature.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, seeks damages from the Defendant,
James Thomas, in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland
County, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT II
BRIAN SHERMAN v. PFRACP
25. Paragraphs 1-24 are incorporated herein as if fully set forth below.
26. Pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S.A. §§1751-1757, the PFRACP was established and
exists to provide basic loss benefits for residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
-5-
who become injured in collisions arising from the use of motor vehicles occurring in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and who have no other source of insurance benefits or
coverage.
27. On the date of the collision in question, Plaintiff, Jane Brian Sherman;
(a) Was a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
(b) Was injured as a result of a motor vehicle collision occurring in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
(c) Was not the owner or occupant of a motor vehicle owned by the
Federal Government or any of its agencies, departments, or
authorities;
(d) Was not the owner or occupant of a motor vehicle owned by a self-
insurer or by an individual or entity who or which is immune from
liability for, or is not required to provide, benefits or uninsured- and
underinsured-motorist coverage;
(e) Was otherwise not entitled to receive any first-party benefits under
§1711 (relating to required benefits) or 1712 (relating to availability of
benefits) applicable to the injuries arising from the collision; and
(f) Was not the operator or occupant of a recreational vehicle not
intended for highway use, motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized
pedacycle or other like type of vehicle required to be registered under
this title and involved in the collision.
28. Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, is, in all other respects, an eligible claimant
pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S.A. §1752 and is entitled to recover for losses and damages he has
-6-
sustained pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S.A. §1754.
29. As a result of this collision, for which Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, was not at
fault, he suffered serious injuries as outlined above.
30. Furthermore, at the time of this collision, Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, was not
otherwise entitled to receive any first-party benefits under §1711 (relating to required
benefits) or §1712 (relating to availability of benefits) applicable to the injuries arising from
this collision and as a result thereof, Plaintiff required reasonable and necessary medical
treatment and incurred medical bills for said treatment.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, demands judgment against Defendant,
PFRACP, for the applicable statutory uninsured motorist benefits.
COUNT III
BRIAN SHERMAN v. PFRACP
31. Paragraphs 1-30 are incorporated herein as if fully set forth below.
32. The facts set forth herein establish that Defendants are individually, jointly
and/or severally liable for Plaintiff, Jane Brian Sherman's, injuries and damages.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, demands judgment in his favor
and against Defendants, James Thomas and PRFACP, individually and/or jointly and/or
severally, for an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland
County, exclusive of interest and costs.
Respectfully submitted,
HANDLER, HENNING "OWNBERG, LLP
Date:-1_! 0' By:
CID id Rosenberg, Esq.
o. 2 569
M. Feather, Esq.
ID No. 79456
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-238-2000
Attorneys for Plaintiff
-7-
VERIFICATION
The undersigned hereby verifies that the statements in the foregoing document
are based upon information which has been furnished to counsel by me and
information which has been gathered by counsel in the preparation of this lawsuit.
The language of the document is of counsel and not my own. I have read the
document and to the extent that it is based upon information which I have given to
counsel, it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. To
the extent that the contents of the document are that of counsel, I have relied upon
my counsel in making this Verification. The undersigned also understands that the
statements made therein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. Section
4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date: O ??
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MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crams Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 15595-tba CMR
Attorney for Defendant PFRACP
BRIAN SHERMAN COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
No. 07-6639
VS.
JAMES THOMAS, SR.
and PENNSYLVANIA
FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
ASSIGNED CLAIMS PLAN : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
Kindly enter the appearance of the undersigned on behalf of Defendant, Pennsylvania Financial
Responsibility Assigned Claims Plan, in the above captioned case.
By:
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER
COLEM OGGIN
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant PFRACP
ID# 73672
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Dated: December 6, 2007
w •
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 15595-tba CMR
Attorney for Defendant PFRACP
BRIAN SHERMAN COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
No. 07-6639
VS.
JAMES THOMAS, SR.
and PENNSYLVANIA
FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
ASSIGNED CLAIMS PLAN : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire, of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, do hereby
certify that on December 6, 2007, I served a copy of Defendant PFRACP's Entry of Appearance via First Class
United States mail, postage prepaid as follows:
David H. Rosenberg, Esquire
Gregory M. Feather, Esquire
Handler Henning & Rosenberg, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Attorneys for Plaintiff
James Thomas, Sr.
Big Spring Terrace, Lot 76
Newville, PA 17241
Defendant
Christopher M. Reeser
cy.a
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE N.: 2007-06639 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
SHERMAN BRIAN
VS
THOMAS JAMES SR ET AL
MICHAEL BARRICK , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE was served upon
THOMAS JAMES SR
the
DEFENDANT , at 2113:00 HOURS, on the 29th day of November-, 2007
at CUMBERLAND COUNTY PRISON 1101 CLAREMONT ROAD
CARLISLE, PA 17013
JAMES THOMAS SR
by handing to
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Service 16.32
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
44.32
Sworn and Subscibed to
before me this day
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
12/12/2007
HANDLER HENNING SENBERG
By:
Deputy eriff
of A. D.
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE Nq: 2007-06639 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
SHERMAN BRIAN
VS
THOMAS JAMES SR ET AL
R. Thomas Kline
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT
to wit:
PENNSYLVANIA FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ASSIGNED CLAIMS
but was unable to locate Them in his bailiwick. He therefore
deputized the sheriff of PHILADELPHIA
serve the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
County, Pennsylvania, to
On December 12th , 2007 , this office was in receipt of the
attached return from PHILADELPHIA
Sheriff's Costs: So
Docketing 6.00 -----
Out of County 9.00 '
Surcharge 10.00 R. Thomas Kline
Dep Philadelphia 116.00 Sheriff of Cumberland County
Postage 1.31
142.31 ? %a??a?b 7
12/12/2007
HANDLER HENNING ROSENBERG
Sworn and subscribe to before me
this day of
A. D.
In The Court of Common' Plews of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Brian Sherman
VS.
James Thomas Sr et al
SERVE: Pennsylvania Financial No.
Responsibility Assigned
Claims Plan
(WJJs S U ", ? County,
Now, Ncvunber 19. 2007 , I, SHERIFF OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA, do
hereby deputize the Sheriff of
Philadelphia County to execute this Writ, this
deputation being made at the request and risk of the Plaintiff.
Sheriff of Cumberland County, PA
Please mail return of service to Cumberland County Sheriff. Thank you.
Affidavit of Service
Now, 'ki Ov e.M 6e-r ) ? " , 20 07, at 2 = L15 o'clock M. served the
within
upon
j? t-
at (?15
by handing to ?,a O a yln e V/ o V)?Y1 r M), t vi -
a
and made known to
copy of the original
So answers,
07-6639 civil
the contents thereof.
Sworn and subscribed before
me this, 5 day of M , 200--j
1
/- ke, ? ? 4---c. -7c)
COSTS
SERVICE
MILEAGE _
AFFIDAVIT
$
Gregory M. Feather, Esq.
I.D.#79456
David H Rosenberg, Esq.
I.D.#20569
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
1300 Lingiestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Telephone: (717) 238-2000 Attorneys for Plaintiff
Fax : (717) 233-3029
E-mail: FeatherCaaHHRLaw.com
BRIAN SHERMAN, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. : NO. 07-6639
JAMES THOMAS Sr., and
PENNSYLVANIA FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY ASSIGNED
CLAIMS PLAN,
Defendants CIVIL ACTION - LAW
STIPULATION TO STRIKE COUNT III FROM PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
tk
AND NOW, this _ day of January, 2008, Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, and
Defendant, Pennsylvania Financial Responsibility Assigned Claims Plan, by and through
their respective attorneys, Gregory M. Feather, Esq., and Christopher M. Reeser, Esq.,
do hereby stipulate and agree to the following:
1. This case arises out of a motor vehicle collision that occurred on July 21,
2006.
2. On or about October 22, 2007, Plaintiff filed a Complaint against Defendant,
James Thomas, Sr. and Defendant Pennsylvania Financial Responsibility Assigned Claims
Plan (hereinafter "PFRACP").
3. Defendant, James Thomas, Sr., is uninsured, currently incarcerated, and has
not had an attorney enter an appearance on his behalf at the time of the filing of this
stipulation.
4. Count III of Plaintiffs complaint alleged that Defendant, PFRACP was
individually, jointly and/or severally liable for Plaintiffs injuries and damages.
5. Defendant, PFRACP, prepared proposed Preliminary Objections to Count III
of Plaintiffs complaint.
6. Count III of Plaintiffs complaint does not contain any allegations against
Defendant, James Thomas, Sr.
7. After reviewing Defendant PFRACP's proposed preliminary objections,
Plaintiff agrees that Count III of Plaintiffs complaint should be stricken from the complaint.
8. Plaintiff, Brian Sherman and Defendant, PFRACP hereby stipulate to remove
Count 111 from Plaintiffs complaint.
HANDLER, HENNING &
By:
GregoryFeather, Esq.
I.,: No. 9456
D ` v' Rosenberg, Esq.
I.D. No. 20569
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-2000
Attorneys for Plaintiff
LLP MARSHALL, DENNEHEY, WARNER,
COLEMAN.. r606GIN
By: C
Christopher M. Reeser, Esq.
I.D. No. 73632
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 651-3509
Attorneys for Defendant PFRACP
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10 J?
co
c.r
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 15595-00234
Attorney for Defendant PFRACP
BRIAN SHERMAN COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
No. 07-6639
VS.
JAMES THOMAS, SR.
and PENNSYLVANIA
FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
ASSIGNED CLAIMS PLAN :
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO:
David H. Rosenberg, Esquire
Gregory M. Feather, Esquire
Handler Henning & Rosenberg, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Attorneys for Plaintiff
James Thomas, Sr.
Big Spring Terrace, Lot 76
Newville, PA 17241
Defendant
You are hereby notified to plead to the enclosed Answer with New Matter within twenty (20) days from
service hereof or a default judgment may be filed against you.
Respectfully submitted,
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER
COLEMAN $)GOGGIN
By: l i
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
Attorney for Defendants
ID# 73672
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Dated: February 18, 2008
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 15595-00234
Attorney for Defendant PFRACP
BRIAN SHERMAN
Plaintiff
Vs.
JAMES THOMAS, SR.
and PENNSYLVANIA
FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
ASSIGNED CLAIMS PLAN :
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 07-6639
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
DEFENDANT PENNSYLVANIA FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ASSIGNED CLAIMS
PLAN'S ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT WITH
CROSSCLAIM
1. Denied. Answering Defendant does not have sufficient information to form a belief
as to the truth or falsity of the averment in Paragraph 1 and proof thereof is demand at trial.
2. Denied. Answering Defendant does not have sufficient information to form a belief
as to the truth or falsity of the averment in Paragraph 2 and proof thereof is demand at trial.
3. Denied as stated. Defendant PFRACP does provide basic loss benefits to claimants
who meet certain eligibility criteria, only. The benefits are limited in amount and pertain only to
medical expenses and uninsured motorist coverage.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted.
6. Admitted.
7. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
8. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
9. Admitted.
10. Admitted.
11. Admitted.
12. Admitted.
13. Admitted.
14. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
COUNT I - NEGLIGENCE
Brian Sherman v. James Thomas
15-24. The allegations in Paragraphs 15-24 are directed at a party other than Answering
Defendant and therefore no responsive pleading is required.
WHEREFORE, Defendant PFRACP requests judgment be entered in its favor.
COUNTII
Brian Sherman v. PFRACP
25. Defendant PFRACP repeats and incorporates its answers to Paragraphs 1-24 as if set
forth verbatim.
26. Denied as stated. Defendant PFRACP does provide basic loss benefits to claimants
who meet certain eligibility criteria, only. The benefits are limited in amount and pertain only to
medical expenses and uninsured motorist coverage.
27. a-f. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
28. All allegations in Paragraph 28 is a legal conclusion to which no responsive pleading
is required.
2
29. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
30. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
WHEREFORE, Defendant PFRACP requests judgment be entered in its favor.
COUNT III
Brian Sherman v. PFRACP
31. Stricken by Stipulation of the parties.
32. Stricken by Stipulation of the parties.
WHEREFORE, Defendant PFRACP request judgment be entered in its favor.
NEW MATTER
33. Plaintiffs' claims are barred or limited by the Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence
Act, 42 PA.C.S. §7102.
34. Plaintiffs' claims are barred by Plaintiffs' voluntary assumption of the risk.
35. Defendant Pennsylvania Financial Responsibility Assigned Claims Plan's (herein
after "The Plan") liability, if any, for damages arising from the motor vehicle accident in
question is limited to no more than $5,000.00 for the medical expense for each person otherwise
allegeable for plan benefits, 75 Pa.C.S. § 1752, et. seq., and no more than $15,000.00 per person,
less all medical expenses paid or payable by The Plan for additional coverage claims paid under
75 Pa.C.S. §1754. Plaintiff s claims in excess of these limits are hereby denied in their entirety
as contrary to law.
36. If it is determined that Plaintiff had a collateral source of benefits for the injuries and
damages alleged in this Complaint, the value of all such benefits must be deducted from the
Plaintiffs alleged loss in determining Plaintiffs net loss. Plaintiffs claims in excess of his
3
alleged net loss are barred by the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law
(MVFRL)
37. If it is determined that Plaintiff was domiciled in a state other than Pennsylvania at
the time of the alleged accident, Plaintiff is ineligible for benefits from The Plan pursuant to
§1752(a)(1) of the MVFRL
38. In order for the Plaintiff to recover from The Plan, Plaintiff bears the burden of
proving that the uninsured driver involved in the accident in question was responsible for the
accident. 75 Pa.C.S. §1754
39. If it is determined that as of the date of the alleged accident, Plaintiff owned a motor
vehicle or a motor vehicle was owned by Plaintiffs household, Plaintiffs claims for relief are
barred by 75 Pa.C.S. §1752(a)(3).
40. The Plan did not issue an insurance policy in this action and Plaintiff is not insured by
The Plan. The Plan did not insure the vehicle involved in the accident in question at anytime
relevant hereto. Plaintiff is not entitled to recover lost wages from The Plan pursuant to § 1753 of
the MVFRL
41. Any and all injuries or damages sustained by Plaintiff were caused by the negligence
of a third party or third parties against whom The Plan has a right of subrogation pursuant to
§ 1757 of the MVFRL.
WHEREFORE, Defendant PFRACP requests judgment be entered in its favor.
CROSSCLAIM PURSUANT TO Pa.RC.P.1031.1
42. Paragraphs 1-24 of Plaintiffs Complaint are incorporated herein as if set forth at
length without adoption.
4
43. The Pennsylvania Financial Responsibility Assigned Claims Plan asserts it right of
subrogation pursuant to 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 1756 against its co-defendant James Thomas, Sr.
44. Defendant Pennsylvania Financial Responsibility Assigned Claims Plan joins co-
defendant James Thomas, Sr. in order to protect its common law right of contribution based on
the averments made against co-defendant in Plaintiffs Complaint.
45. Defendant Pennsylvania Financial Responsibility Assigned Claims Plan joins co-
defendant James Thomas, Sr. in order to preserve its statutory right to subrogation.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Pennsylvania Financial Responsibility Assigned Claims Plan
requests judgment be entered in its favor and against co-defendant James Thomas, Sr.
By:
Dated: February 18, 2008
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER
COLE OGGIN
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant PFRACP
ID# 73632
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
5
' J
L
VERIFICATION
I, Anne Roettger, hereby state and aver that I have read the foregoing document which has been drafted
by my counsel. The factual statements contained therein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief although the language is that of my counsel, and, to the extent that the content of the
foregoing document is that of counsel, I have relied upon counsel in making this Verification.
This statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities.
ANNE ROETTGER
P rqa
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M
CT,
rul :0
kz -<
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 15595-00234
Attorney for Defendant PFRACP
BRIAN SHERMAN COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
No. 07-6639
VS.
JAMES THOMAS, SR.
and PENNSYLVANIA
FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
ASSIGNED CLAIMS PLAN :
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire, of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, do hereby
certify that on February 18, 2008, I served a copy of Defendant PFRACP's Answer with New Matter and
Crossclaim via First Class United States mail, postage prepaid as follows:
David H. Rosenberg, Esquire
Gregory M. Feather, Esquire
Handler Henning & Rosenberg, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Attorneys for Plaintiff
James Thomas, Sr.
Big Spring Terrace, Lot 76
Newville, PA 17241
Defendant
Christopher M. Reeser
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David H Rosenberg, Esquire
I . D.20569
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Telephone: (717) 238-2000 Attorney for Plaintiff
Fax: (717) 233-3029
E-mail: Rosenbera(fthrlaw.com
BRIAN SHERMAN, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
JAMES THOMAS Sr., and
PENNSYLVANIA FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY ASSIGNED
CLAIMS PLAN,
NO. 07-6639
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendants
PLAINTIFF'S REPLY TO NEW MATTER
Now, comes the Plaintiff, Brian Sherman, by and through his counsel,
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP, David H Rosenberg, Esq., replies to
Defendants' New Matter as follows:
33. Denied. These averments are conclusions of law to which a
response is not required. If a response was required, these averments are specifically
denied.
34. Denied. These averments are conclusions of law to which a
response is not required. If a response was required, these averments are specifically
denied.
35. Denied. These averments are conclusions of law to which a
response is not required. If a response was required, these averments are specifically
denied.
36. Denied. These averments are conclusions of law to which a
response is not required. If a response was required, these averments are specifically
denied.
37. Denied. These averments are conclusions of law to which a
response is not required. If a response was required, these averments are specifically
denied.
38. Denied. These averments are conclusions of law to which a
response is not required. If a response was required, these averments are specifically
denied.
39. Denied. These averments are conclusions of law to which a
response is not required. If a response was required, these averments are specifically
denied.
40. Denied. These averments are conclusions of law to which a
response is not required. If a response was required, these averments are specifically
denied.
41. Denied. These averments are conclusions of law to which a
response is not required. If a response was required, these averments are specifically
denied.
WHEREFORE, Pl aintiff demands judgment against Defendant, James Thomas,
Sr. and Pennsylvania Financial Responsibility Assigned Claims Plan, for the Relief set
forth in his Complaint.
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CROSS CLAIM PURSUANT TO PA R.C.P. 1031.1
42. This does not apply to Plaintiff in this matter; therefore, no responsive
pleading is required.
43. This does not apply to Plaintiff in this matter; therefore, no responsive
pleading is required.
44. This does not apply to Plaintiff in this matter; therefore, no responsive
pleading is required.
45. This does not apply to Plaintiff in this matter; therefore, no responsive
pleading is required.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant, James Thomas,
Sr. and Pennsylvania Financial Responsibility Assigned Claims Plan, for the Relief set
forth in his Complaint.
Date: g
Respectfully submitted,
HANDLER, ING 8
By
Feather,
BERG, LLP
David H Ro nberg, Esquire
D. #32
13 inglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-2000
Attorneys for Plaintiff
3
BRIAN SHERMAN, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO. 07-6639
JAMES THOMAS Sr., and
PENNSYLVANIA FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY ASSIGNED CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CLAIMS PLAN,
Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
On the 22"d day of February, 2008, 1 hereby certify that a true and correct copy of
Plaintiffs Reply To New Matter was served upon the following by depositing in U.S.
Mail;
Christopher M. Reeser, Esq.
Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin
4200 Crums Mill Road
Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Respectfully submitted,
& .RO BERG, LLP
Date: q - o?R- D t By
(?, egoryM. Fea r, Esq.
I. D. #7945
David osenberg, Esquire
#32298
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-2000
Attorneys for Plaintiff
VERIFICATION
The undersigned hereby verifies that the statements in the foregoing document
are based upon information which has been furnished to counsel by me and
information which has been gathered by counsel in the preparation of this lawsuit.
The language of the document is of counsel and not my own. I have read the
document and to the extent that it is based upon information which I have given to
counsel, it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. To
the extent that the contents of the document are that of counsel, I have relied upon
my counsel in making this Verification. The undersigned also understands that the
statements made therein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. Section
4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date: /e -L5- 07
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BRIAN SHERMAN
Plaintiff
VS.
JAMES THOMAS, SR.
and PENNSYLVANIA
FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
ASSIGNED CLAIMS PLAN :
Defendants
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 07-6639
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO DISCONTINUE AND MARK SETTLED
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please mark the above- action, only as between BRIAN SHERMAN and
PENNSYLVANIA FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ASSIGNED CLAIMS PLAN, as settled,
discontinued and ended.
LLP
By:
Dated: 3 [ i ([ZM9
Harrisburg, PA 17110
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