HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-6017DOUGLAS LAW OFFICE
27 W. HIGH ST.
POB 261
CARLISLE PA 17013
TELEFHONE 717-243-17~0
WILLIAM P. DOUGLAS, ESQ.
Supreme Court I.D.//37926
Chiz Rider Ministries, Inc.
In the Court of Common Pleas of
Plaintiff Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
VS
o3 --
Civil Term
Maplewood Transportation, Inc.
Defendant
Civil action law
Jury Trial Demanded
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. IF YOU WISH TO DEFEND AGAINST THE
CLAIMS SET FORTH IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES, YOU MUST TAKE ACTION
WITHIN TWENTY DAYS AETER THIS COMPLAINT AND NOTICE ARE
SERVED, BY ENTERING A WRITTEN APPEARANCE PERSONALLY OR BY
ATTORNEY AND FILING IN WRITING WITH THE COURT YOUR DEFENSES OR
OBJECTIONS TO THE CLAIMS SET FORTH AGAINST YOU. YOU ARE WARNED
THAT IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO, THE CASE MAY PROCEED WITHOUT YOU AND
A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU BY THE COURT WITHOUT
FURTHER NOTICE FOR ANY MONEY CLAIMED IN THE COMPLAINT OR FOR
ANY OTHER CLAIM OR RELIEF REQUESTED BY THE PLAINTIFF. YOU MAY
LOSE MONEY OR PROPERTY OR OTHER RIGHTS IMPORTANT TO YOU.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH
BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT
HIRING A LAWYER.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE
TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY
OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO
FEE.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle PA 17013 717-249-3166
DATE: November 17, 2003
o
o
5.
6.
7.
Complaint
The plaintiff, Chiz Rider Ministries, Inc., is a Pennsylvania corporation
with a place of business at 110 Science Park Court, State College, Centre
County, Pennsylvania.
The Defendant, Maplewood Transportation, Inc., is a Pennsylvania
Corporation with a place of business at 275 Mulberry Drive,
Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. At all time relevant
hereto the defendant was acting through their agent within the scope of
his employment.
On or about, July 7, 2003, the plaintiff's agent Charles Rider III, was
operating his vehicle, in the vicinity of 227 Locust Point Road, Silver
Spring Township.
At about the same time and place, the defendant's agent was operating his
vehicle in the vicinity of 227 Locust Point Road, Silver Spring Township.
The defendant struck a tree and caused debris to strike the vehicle of the
plaintiff causing property damage.
The impact occurred as a direct and proximate result of the defendant's
negligence.
The defendant was negligent in the following respects:
a) failing to maintain a proper lookout;
b) failing to drive within the assured dear distance ahead;
c) failing to operate his vehicle in a safe and prudent manner;
d) failing to stop his vehicle before colliding with a tree.
As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the defendant the
plaintiff suffered property damage which includes but are not limited to
necessary repairs in the amount of $19,929.31.
9. The plaintiff has suffered an ongoing loss of use of his vehicle and has
incurred and continues to incur costs incidental therewith.
Wherefore it is prayed that judgment be entered in favor of the plaintiff and against the
defendant in an amount an amount requiring compulsory referral to arbitration. In the
event of appeal a jury trial is hereby demanded.
NovemberX~,2003
R~pectf-ully ~a~mit~ed,
William P. Douglas, E~.
Attorney for Plainti~
AFFIDAVIT
I hereby swear or affirm that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my
knowledge and/or information and belief.
This is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. §4904 relating to unswom
falsification to authorities.
Date:
Chiz Rider Ministries, Inc.
POST & SCItELL, P.C.
BY: JOHN R. CANAVAN
I.D. #:84728
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
CHIZ RIDER MINISTRIES, INC.
Plaintiff,
V.
MAPLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION, INC.
Defendant.
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
MAPLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION,
INC.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NO: 03-6017
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter my appearance on behalf of D
relative to the above-captioned matter.
IdentifiCation No: 84728
Post & 8chell, P.C.
wood Transportation, Inc.
Attorney for Defendant, Maptewood
Transportation, Inc.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, John R. Canavan, an attorney for the law firm of Post & Schell, P.C., hereby certifies
that on the date listed below, I did serve a tree and correct copy of the foregoing document upon
the following person(s) at the following address(es) by sending same in the United States mail,
first-class, postage prepaid:
Date:
William P. Douglas, Esquire
27 West High Street
P.O. Box 261
Carlisle, PA 17013-0261
(Counsel for PlaintifjO
Post &
~ohn
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: JOHN R. CANAVAN
I.D. #:84728
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
CHIZ RIDER MINISTRIES, INC.
Plaintiff,
MAPLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION, 1NC.
Defendant.
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
MAPLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION,
INC.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NO: 03-6017
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
TO:
Transportation, Inc. within twenty (20) days of service hereof or
NOTICE TO PLEAD
PLAINTIFF
You are hereby noticed to plead to the enclosed New Matter of Defendant Maplewood
a ~/fault may be entered against
John~ Can~van, Esquire
Identt~catio~[ No: 84728
Post 8/Schell, P.C.
Attorney for Defendant, Maplewood
Transportation, Inc.
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: JOHN R. CANAVAN
I.D. #:84728
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
CH1Z RIDER MINISTRIES, INC.
Plaintift;
MAPLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION, INC.
Defendant.
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
MAPLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION,
INC.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NO: 03-6017
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT MAPLEWOOD
TRANSPORTATION, INC. TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
Defendant Maplewood Transportation, Inc. ("Defendant"), by and through its attorneys,
Post & Schell, P.C., hereby submits this Answer with New Matter to PlaintifFs Complaint as
follows:
1. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and, accordingly, all such
allegations are denied.
2. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that Defendant is Maplewood
Transportation, Inc., with a place of business located at 275 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg,
Pennsylvania. The corresponding allegations are denied because Plaintiff fails to identify "their
agent" with sufficient specificity. All remaining allegations are denied as conclusions of law,
3. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations and, accordingly, all such
allegations are denied. Any remaining allegations are denied pursuant to Rule 1029(e) of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
4. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that an employee of Defendant was
operating a motor vehicle in the area described in the Complaint on the day in question. The
corresponding allegations are denied because Plaintiff fails to identify "defendant's agent" with
sufficient specificity. To the extent any further response is required, the allegations are denied as
conclusions of law.
5. Denied. The corresponding allegations are denied pursuant to Rule 1029(e) of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. To the extent any further response is required, the
allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
6. Denied. The corresponding allegations are denied pursuant to Rule 1029(e) of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. To the extent any further response is required, the
allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
7. Denied. The corresponding allegations are denied pursuant to Rule 1029(e) of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. To the extent any further response is required, the
allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
8. Denied. The corresponding allegations are denied pursuant to Rule 1029(e) of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. Further, after reasonable investigation, Defendant is
without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations
and, accordingly, all such allegations are denied. To the extent any further response is required,
the allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
9. Denied. The corresponding allegations are denied pursuant to Rule 1029(e) of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. Further, after reasonable investigation, Defendant is
10.
11.
12.
ofevidence.
13.
without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations
and, accordingly, all such allegations are denied. To the extent any further response is required,
the allegations are denied as conclusions of law.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Maplewood Transportation, Inc. respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff.
NEW MATTER
Plaintiff's claims may be barred by the statute of limitations.
Plaintiffs claims may be barred in whole or in part by the doctrine of preemption.
Plaintiff's claims may be barred in whole or in part by the doctrine of spoliation
Plaintiff's claims may be barred or limited by the doctrines of res judicata or
collateral estoppel.
14. Plaintiffs damages, if any, were caused by the intervening wrongdoing of other
over whom Defendant had no duty to control and for whom this Defendant is not responsible.
15. The perils or dangers of which Plaintiff complains, to the extent they exist, the
same being denied, were open and obviously known to Plaintiff, who nevertheless conducted
himself in such a manner as to expose himself to said perils and dangers.
The damages alleged by Plaintiff are not recoverable under the applicable law.
The damages claimed and alleged by Plaintiff were not proximately caused by
16.
17.
Defendant.
18.
Plaintiff's claims may be barred in whole or in part by the contributory and/or
comparative negligence of Plaintiff or that of his agents.
19. The alleged damages were the results of actions and/or omissions of Plaintiff
and/or persons other than Defendant or its agents.
20. Plaintiff's damages, if any, may have been caused by a pre-existing condition of
the vehicle which was not caused by any action and/or omission of Defendant.
21. Plaintiff may have failed to mitigate his damages.
22. Plaintiff may have failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
23. Defendant acted at all times in a reasonable manner.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Maplewood Transportatio~Inc. re~ctfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor and against Plaijfi~tff.
//
POST ~SC~L, i
Identil~carion No: 84728
Post & :hell, P.C.
Attorm for Defendant, Maplewood
Tram }ortation, Inc.
VERIFICATION
I, Glerm Soller~berger, an Officer ofMaple~,ood Tran~vorta~ion, Inc. do h~by swe~
~d ~ ~t ~e ~s md ma~ers se~ fo~ ~ ~e foregoi~ doc~ ~e md co~cct to ~e
best of my ~owledge, ~o~a~o~ ~d belief The ~der~ed ~d~s~ ~a ~e ~tem~
~de ~erein ~e m~de ~bjecl ~o ~e p~es of 18 Pa. C.S. ~4904 ~a~ng to ~swom
DA~:f~ficafi°n tO au~ofifies. ~
1 un SoHen?rger . ..
Mnplewood
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Johrl R. Canavan, an attorney for the law firm of Post & Schell, P.C., hereby certifies
that on the date listed below, 1 did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing document upon
the following person(s) at the following address(es) by sending same in the United States mail,
first-class, postage prepaid:
Date:
William P. Douglas, Esquire
27 West High Street
P.O. Box 261
Carlisle, PA 17013-0261
(Counsel for PlaintifJ)
/
Post & Sche I, P.(~.
/
SHERIFF'S RETURN -
CASE NO: 2003-06017 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
CHIZ RIDER MINISTRIES INC
VS
MAPLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION INC
REGULAR
CPL. MICHAEL BARRICK
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who being
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
MAPLEWOOD TP~ANSPORTATION INC
DEFENDANT , at 1622:00 HOURS,
at 275 MULBERRY DRIVE
MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055
DAVID MCNEAL, DOCK MANAGER, ADULT IN CHARGE
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE
, Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
duly sworn according to law,
was served upon
the
on the 19th day of November , 2003
by handing to
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18o00
Service 6.21
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
34.21
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this /0 ~ day of
' ~0W~L, ~.~ ~ ON-.5 A.D.
F /Prothonotary '
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
11/20/2003
DOUGLAS LAW
DOUGLAS LAW OFFICE
27 W. HIGH ST.
POB 261
CARLISLE PA 17013
TELEPHONE 717-243-1790
WILLIAM P. DOUGLAS, ESQ.
Supreme Court I.D.# 37926
Chiz Rider Ministries, Inc.
Plaintiff
VS
Maplewood Transportation, Inc.
Defendant
In the Court of Common Pleas of
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
No. 03 -- (~G I~ Civil Term
Civil action law
Jury Trial Demanded
Reply to New Matter
10.
Denied. The allegations of the plaintiffs original complaint are
incorporated herein and reference is made thereto as if fully set forth at
length.
11 - 23. Denied. The allegations are denied as legal conclusions to which no
response is necessary. To the extent a response is deem to be necessary the
allegations are denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e) and strict proof is
demanded at the time of trial.
Wherefore, it is prayed that the New Matter of the defendant be dismissed and
judgment be entered in favor of the plaintiff and against the defendant.
January 14, 2004
,Respe ~cffu~ub~tted
William P. Douglas,~sq.
Attorney for the Plaintiff
AFFIDAVIT
I hereby swear or affirm that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my
knowledge and/or information and belief.
This is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. {}4904 relating to unswom
falsification to authorities.
Date: January 14, 2004
William P. Douglas, Es~
PI~CIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR TRIAL
(Must be typewritten and sulraitted in duplicate)
TO THE PNOTHONOTARY OF CL~ERLASD COUNTY
Please list the followin9 case:
(Check one) (,~) for JURY trial at the next term of civil court.
( ) for trial without a jury.
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must he stated in full)
Chiz Rider Ministries, Inc.
( Plaintiff )
vs.
Maplewood Transportation, Inc.
( Defendant )
vs.
(check one )
(x) Civil Action - Law
( ) Appeal from Arbitration
( )
(other)
The trial list will be called on
and
April 6, 200/,
May 3, 2004
Trials comnence on
April 14, 2004
Pretrials will be held on
(Briefs are due 5 days before pretrialS. )
(The ?rty listing this case for trial shall
proviae forthwith a copy of the praecipe to
all counsel, pursuant to local Rule 214.1. )
No. 03-6017 Civil 19
Indicate the attorney who will try case for the partywho files this praecipe:
William P. Douglas, Esquire
Indicate trial counsel for other parties if known:
John R. Canavan, Esquire, Post & Schell~ P.C. 240 Grandview Ave.~ Camp Hill, PA 17011
This case is ready for trial.
Date: March 12, 2004
Print Narm~: William P. ouglas~
Attorney for: Plaintiff
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: LAURA H. SCHEFF
I.D. #:54636
1857 WILLIAM PENN WAY
P.O. BOX 10248
~ANCASTER, PA 17605-0248
q7-291-4532
:HIZ RIDER MINISTRIES, INC.
Plaintiff,
MAPLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION, 1NC.
Defendant.
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBEP~,AND COUNTY
NO: 03-6017
JURY TRL[L DEMANDED
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE;
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please enter my appearance on behalf of Defendant, Maplewood Transportation, Inc.,
the above-captioned matter.
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
~ L^~ameH~ gfoCr Defendant
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: JOHN R. CANAVAN
I.D. #:84728
240 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
(717) 731-1970
CHIZ RIDER MINISTRIES, 1NC.
Plaintiff,
V.
MAPLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION, INC.
Defendant.
ATTOPGqEYS FOR DEFENDANT
MAPLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION,
INC.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NO: 03-6017
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly withdraw my appearance on behalf of Defendant, Maplewood Transportation,
Inc. relative to the above-captioned matter, bi//~Ie
Respect full~su d,
John , quire
Identi ation No: 84728
Post & Schell, P.C.
Date:
Attorney for Defendant, Maplewood
Transportation, Inc.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Sandra Morales, an employee of the law offices of Post & Schell, P.C., do hereby
:ertify that on the date set forth below, I did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing
document upon the following person(s) at the following address(es) by sending same in the
United States mail, first-class, postage prepaid:
William P. Douglas, Esquire
Douglas Law Office
29 W. High Street
P.O. Box 261
Carlisle, PA 17013
DATE:
SANDRA MORALES
CHIZ RIDER MINISTRIES, INC. :
Plaintiff :
V. :
MAPLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION, :
INC., :
Defendant :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAK~D COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
03-6017 CIVIL TERM
IN RE: PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
A pretrial conference was held before the Honorable
George E. Hoffer, President Judge, on Tuesday, April 13, 2004.
At this pretrial conference in this motor vehicle
accident case, William P. Douglas, Esquire, represents the
plaintiff, and Laura H. Scheff, Esquire, represents the
defendant.
Defendant will be admitting liability for causing
damage to plaintiff's bus. The extent of the damages will be
what is at issue focusing primarily on loss of use and expenses
and loss of income during which time plaintiff's tour bus was out
of commission.
This is a non-jury trial, and it will be set for 1:30
on June 7, 2004, in Courtroom Number 3. Defendant desires to
take the plaintiff individual's oral deposition, and this
scheduling will give plenty of time to both sides to get that
arranged. At least ten days prior to trial, plaintiff must file
with the Court a complete set of Findings of Fact and Conclusions
of Law covering all aspects of their claim. Defense counsel
shall respond within five days of receiving plaintiff's suggested
Findings and Conclusions.
By the Court,
03-6017 Civil Term
In Re: Pretrial Conference
Page 2
William P. Douglas, Esquire
For the Plaintiff
Laura H. Scheff, Esquire
P.O. Box 10248
Lancaster, Pa. 17605-0248
For the Defendant
Court Administra~
Prothonotary L/
:mtf
~ONO~O~ 3~ 3O
OOUGLAS LAW OFFICE
27 W. HIGH ST.
POB 261
CAIl.LISLE P A 17013
TELEPHONE 717-243-17\10
WILLIAM P. OOUGLAS, ESQ.
Supreme Court 1.0.# 37926
Chiz Rider Ministries, Inc.
In the Court of Common Pleas of
Plaintiff Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
vs
No. 03.- 6017 Civil Term
Maplewood Transportation, Inc.
Defendo.nt
Civil action law
Jury Trial Demanded
Praecipe to Settle and Discontinue
Dear Mr. Long,
Please mark the above captioned matter settled and discontinued.
~'jL
William P. Dou as, Esq.
Attorney for laintiff
February 15, 2005
."
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