HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-1521Robert F. Claraval, Esq.
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. 19222
Attorney for Plaintiffs
MICHELE REED,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant
Og- 15a1
NO. 2008 CV
C i vl(Ter-m
CV
: CIVIL ACTION -LAW
NOTICE - COMPLAINT
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
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(800) 990-9108
l
Robert F. Claraval, Esq.
CLARAVAL & CLARAVAL
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. 19222
Attorney for Plaintiff
MICHELE REED, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 08-1521
V.
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP :
Defendant : CIVIL ACTION -LAW
PLAINTIFF'S REPLY TO
DEFENDANT'S NEW MATTER
19. Denied. Paragraph 19 is a conclusion of law to which no response is required.
Moreover, Plaintiff has full tort coverage.
20. Denied. Paragraph 20 is a conclusion of law to which no response is required.
21. Denied. It is denied that Plaintiff was in any way contributorily negligent. It is
specifically denied that Plaintiff: (a) failed to drive at a safe speed (b) failed to yield (c) failed to
comply with traffic control devices (d) failed to comply with directions of traffic control officers
and/or flagman (e) failed to stop for a vehicle before causing a crash (f) failed to keep alert and
maintain a proper lookout for the presence of other motor vehicles (g) failed to keep adequate and
proper control over her vehicle so as to avoid contact with the defendant's vehicle (h) operated her
vehicle in careless disregard for the rights and safety of others (i) operated her vehicle in willful and
wanton disregard for the safety of others 0) failed to stop at a properly posted traffic control signal
(k) failed to yield the right of way.
22. Denied. Paragraph 22 is a conclusion of law to which no response is required.
23. Denied. It is unknown what is plead in paragraph 23 as to the term "plaintiff s alleged
harm."
24. Denied. Paragraph 24 is a conclusion of law to which no response is required.
CLARAVAL &CLARAVAL
Date: 20 0
By:
ROBERT F."tLARAVAL
500 North Third Street, 2°a
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. #19222
Attorneys for Plaintiff
VERIFICATION
The language of the foregoing document is that of counsel and not necessarily my own;
however, I have read the foregoing document and to the extent that it is based upon information that
I have given to counsel, it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief;
to the extent that the content of the foregoing document is that of counsel, I have relied upon counsel
in making this verification.
I understand that any false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C. S.A.
§4904, relating to unworn falsification to authorities.
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MICHELE REED
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MICHELE REED,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 08-1521
V.
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant CIVIL ACTION -LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I have this day served Plaintiff's Reply to Defendant's New
Matter by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the following person:
Jefferson Shipman, Esq.
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
CLARAVAL & CLARAVAL
Date: By
DENISE I. WILLIAMS
_
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NOTICIA
Le han demandado a usted an la corte. Si usted guiere defenderse de estas demandas
expuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene viente (20) dias de plazo al partir de la fecha de la
demanda y la notificacion. Usted debe presentar una apariencia escrita o en persona o por abogado
y archivar en la corte en forma escrita sus defensas o sus objeciones a las demandas en contra de su
persona. Sea avisado gue si usted no se defienda, la corte tomara medidas y puede entrar una Orden
contra usted sin previo aviso o notificacion y por cualquier gueja o alivio gue es pedido en la peticion
de demanda. Usted puede perder dinero o sus propiedades o otros derechos importantes para usted.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO
TIENE ABOGADO O SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SUFICIENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVICIO,
VAYA EN PERSONA O LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUYA DIRECCION SE
ENCUNENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR
ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(800) 990-9108
Robert F. Claraval, Esq.
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. 19222
Attorney for Plaintiffs
MICHELE REED, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2008 CV CV
V.
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant CIVIL ACTION - LAW
COMPLAINT
Parties
1. The Plaintiff Michele Reed resides at 47 Edgewood Drive, Mechanicsburg,
Pennsylvania, 17055.
2. The Defendant Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp resides at 142 East Main Street,
Apartment C, Blain, Pennsylvania, 17006.
Background
3. On April 4, 2006 at approximately 11:20 a.m. Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving her
1999 Chevrolet.
4. On that same date the Defendant Martha Lee was driving a 2005 Hyundai Elantra
owned by Darryl A. Higley.
5. Plaintiff Michele Reed was traveling west on PA 114 and was properly entering the
intersection at Route 114 and US 11 in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
6. At that same time the Defendant Martha Lee was traveling north on US 11 and was
approaching the intersection at PA 114.
7. The intersection on that date was controlled by flashing traffic lights and a flagman.
8. Without regard to the Plaintiff Michele Reed's vehicle which was lawfully proceeding
through the intersection of Route 114 and US 11, or the flashing traffic signals or the flagman, the
Defendant Martha Lee pulled directly into Michele Reed's lane of travel.
9. Defendant Martha Lee's vehicle struck the driver's side of Michele Reed's car,
causing it to travel into a concrete barrier on the east side of Route 114.
10. The force of the impact caused serious injury to Plaintiff Michele Reed.
-1-
Negligence
11. The collision and all of the hereinafter mentioned injuries and damages sustained by
the Plaintiff Michele Reed are the direct result of the carelessness, recklessness and negligence of
the Defendant Martha Lee as more particularly described below.
(a) In failing to stop her vehicle before causing a collision with the vehicle Plaintiff
Michele Reed was driving.
(b) In failing to keep alert and to maintain a proper lookout for the presence of other
motor vehicles, more specifically, the Plaintiff Michele Reed's vehicle.
(c) In failing to keep adequate and proper control over her vehicle to avoid contact with
the automobile which the Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving.
(d) In operating her vehicle with careless disregard for the rights or safety of others in
violation of the Motor Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
specifically 75 Pa.C.S. §3714 "Careless Driving."
(e) In operating her vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others
lawfully on the roadway specifically including Michele Reed in violation of 75
Pa.C.S. §3736.
-2-
(f) In failing to stop at a properly posted traffic control signal in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.
§3112.
(g) In violating 75 Pa.C.S. §3324, failure to yield when entering a roadway.
Damages
12. The force and impact of the collision as caused by the negligence of the Defendant
Martha Lee caused serious and permanent injury to the Plaintiff Michele Reed for which she has
received extensive medical care.
13. The Plaintiff Michele Reed suffered the following injuries as a result of the
negligence of the Defendant:
(a) Closed head injury;
(b) Concussion;
(c) Post-concussive syndrome;
(d) Chronic headache;
(e) Cervical injury;
(f) Lumbar injury;
(g) Fibromyalgia
-3-
(h) A greater susceptibility to cervical and lumbar injury;
(i) Limitation in range of motion of cervical and lumbar spine; and
0) Possible aggravation of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
14. As a result of the negligence of the Defendant Martha Lee as described herein, the
Plaintiff Michele Reed has suffered and will continue to suffer mental and physical pain, great
difficulty in carrying out and engaging in life's activities, a loss of life's pleasures and enjoyment,
humiliation and embarrassment.
15. Plaintiff Michele Reed has and may in the future sustain a loss of earnings and an
impairment to her earning capacity.
16. Plaintiff Michele Reed has been forced to expend sums of money for medical
services, medication, therapy and related expenses in the past and will be required to continue to do
so in the future.
17. All of Plaintiff Michele Reed's injuries as herein described are continuing and will
continue into the foreseeable future, as will the treatment costs thereof.
18. The negligence of the Defendant Martha Lee has resulted in the general deterioration
of Plaintiff Michele Reed's well-being.
-4-
WHEREFORE, the PlaintiffMichele Reed demands judgment against the Defendant Martha
Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp in an amount which exceeds the compulsory arbitration limits of
Cumberland County, together with delay damages if applicable and costs of suit.
CLARAVAL & CLARAVAL
Date: .3 .S
Date:s l o g/
By:
JZOBERT F. CLARAVAL
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. # 19222
Attorneys for Plaintiff
By: 10A -? roaow?
MAR ANN KENNEDY CLARA A
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-4763
Supreme Court I.D. #87347
-5-
Attorneys for Plaintiff
VERIFICATION
The language of the foregoing document is that of counsel and not necessarily my own;
however, I have read the foregoing document and to the extent that it is based upon information that
I have given to counsel, it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief;
to the extent that the content of the foregoing document is that of counsel, I have relied upon counsel
in making this verification.
I understand that any false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C. S.A.
§4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
1-,b a h /' 4??
MICHELE REED
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SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NO: 2008-01521 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
REED MICHELE
VS
LEE MARTHA AKA MARTHA ESTEPP
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:
LEE MARTHA AKA MARTHA ESTEPP
but was unable to locate Her
deputized the sheriff of PERRY
serve the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
County, Pennsylvania, to
On March 20th , 2008 , this office was in receipt of the
attached return from PERRY
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Out of County
Surcharge
Dep Perry Country
Postage
18.00
9.00
10.00
83.60
122.32`
03/20/2008
ROBERT CLARAVAL
Sworn and subscribe to before me
this day of
in his bailiwick. He therefore
So answers
R. Thomas Kline
Sheriff of Cumberland County
3/;L 7/08
A. D.
In The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
a
Michele Reed
vs.
Martha Lee aka Martha Estepp
Now, March 7, 2008
No. 08-1521 civil
I, SHERIFF OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA, do
hereby deputize the Sheriff of Perry 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, March 17, , 20 08 , at 4:35 o'clock P M. served the
within Complaint
upon Martha Lee aka Martha Estep
at 142 E. Main St. Blain, PA 17006 (Blain Borough)
by handing to Chad Higley- Person in Charge
a True & Attested
and made known to Him
So answers,
Sworn and subscribed before
me this IJM day of ?, 20 D
wwEf F. F660GER, Notary YUU"
mmm" Boo. Percy :ounty
?..w. rw irm Feb.t6,2fl12
copy of the original Complaint
COSTS
SERVICE _
MILEAGE _
AFFIDAVIT
the contents thereof.
Der M. Bates
Deputy Sheri of Perry County, PA
s
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I . D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
MICHELE REED,
V.
Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP, :
Defendant : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
PLEASE enter the appearance of the undersigned on behalf of the Defendant in
the above-captioned matter.
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
4.fferson J. Ship an, Esquire
. . 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Attorneys for Defendant
DATE:
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing has been duly served upon the
following counsel of record, by depositing the same in the United States Mail, postage
prepaid, in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, on April 21, 2008:
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2"d Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
efferson J. Shipman, Esquire
D. #: 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Attorneys for Defendant
330239
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Robert F. Claraval, Esq.
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. 19222
Attorney for Plaintiffs
MICHELE REED,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant
: NO. 08-1521
: CIVIL ACTION -LAW
NOTICE - AMENDED COMPLAINT
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
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(800) 990-9108
NOTICIA
Le han demandado a usted an la corte. Si usted guiere defenderse de estas demandas
expuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene viente (20) dias de plazo al partir de la fecha de la
demanda y la notificacion. Usted debe presentar una apariencia escrita o en persona o por abogado
y archivar en la corte en forma escrita sus defensas o sus objeciones a las demandas en contra de su
persona. Sea avisado gue si usted no se defienda, la corte tomara medidas y puede entrar una Orden
contra usted sin previo aviso o notificacion y por cualquier guej a o alivio gue es pedido en la peticion
de demanda. Usted puede perder dinero o sus propiedades o otros derechos importantes para usted.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO
TIENE ABOGADO O SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SUFICIENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVICIO,
VAYA EN PERSONA O LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUYA DIRECCION SE
ENCUNENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR
ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(800) 990-9108
Robert F. Claraval, Esq.
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. 19222
Attorney for Plaintiffs
MICHELE REED, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 08-1521
V.
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant CIVIL ACTION - LAW
AMENDED COMPLAINT
Parties
1. The Plaintiff Michele Reed resides at 47 Edgewood Drive, Mechanicsburg,
Pennsylvania, 17055.
2. The Defendant Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp resides at 142 East Main Street,
Apartment C, Blain, Pennsylvania, 17006.
Background
3. On April 4, 2006 at approximately 11:20 a.m. Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving her
1999 Chevrolet.
4. On that same date the Defendant Martha Lee was driving a 2005 Hyundai Elantra
owned by Darryl A. Higley.
Plaintiff Michele Reed was traveling west on PA 114 and was properly entering the
intersection at Route 114 and US 11 in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
6. At that same time the Defendant Martha Lee was traveling north on US 11 and was
approaching the intersection at PA 114.
7. The intersection on that date was controlled by flashing traffic lights and a flagman.
8. Without regard to the Plaintiff Michele Reed's vehicle which was lawfully proceeding
through the intersection of Route 114 and US 11, or the flashing traffic signals or the flagman, the
Defendant Martha Lee pulled directly into Michele Reed's lane of travel.
9. Defendant Martha Lee's vehicle struck the driver's side of Michele Reed's car. Ms.
Reed then drove to the curb on the east side of Route 114.
10. The force of the impact caused serious injury to Plaintiff Michele Reed.
-1-
Negligence
11. The collision and all of the hereinafter mentioned injuries and damages sustained by
the Plaintiff Michele Reed are the direct result of the carelessness, recklessness and negligence of
the Defendant Martha Lee as more particularly described below.
(a) In failing to stop her vehicle before causing a collision with the vehicle Plaintiff
Michele Reed was driving.
(b) In failing to keep alert and to maintain a proper lookout for the presence of other
motor vehicles, more specifically, the Plaintiff Michele Reed's vehicle.
(c) In failing to keep adequate and proper control over her vehicle to avoid contact with
the automobile which the Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving.
(d) In operating her vehicle with careless disregard for the rights or safety of others in
violation of the Motor Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
specifically 75 Pa.C.S. §3714 "Careless Driving."
(e) In operating her vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others
lawfully on the roadway specifically including Michele Reed in violation of 75
Pa.C.S. §3736.
-2-
(f) In failing to stop at a properly posted traffic control signal in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.
§3112.
(g) In violating 75 Pa.C.S. §3324, failure to yield when entering a roadway.
Damages
12. The force and impact of the collision as caused by the negligence of the Defendant
Martha Lee caused serious and permanent injury to the Plaintiff Michele Reed for which she has
received extensive medical care.
13. The Plaintiff Michele Reed suffered the following injuries as a result of the
negligence of the Defendant:
(a) Closed head injury;
(b) Concussion;
(c) Post-concussive syndrome;
(d) Chronic headache;
(e) Cervical injury;
(f) Lumbar injury;
(g) Fibromyalgia
-3-
(h) A greater susceptibility to cervical and lumbar injury;
(i) Limitation in range of motion of cervical and lumbar spine; and
0) Possible aggravation of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
14. As a result of the negligence of the Defendant Martha Lee as described herein, the
Plaintiff Michele Reed has suffered and will continue to suffer mental and physical pain, great
difficulty in carrying out and engaging in life's activities, a loss of life's pleasures and enjoyment,
humiliation and embarrassment.
15. Plaintiff Michele Reed has and may in the future sustain a loss of earnings and an
impairment to her earning capacity.
16. Plaintiff Michele Reed has been forced to expend sums of money for medical
services, medication, therapy and related expenses in the past and will be required to continue to do
so in the future.
17. All of Plaintiff Michele Reed's injuries as herein described are continuing and will
continue into the foreseeable future, as will the treatment costs thereof.
18. The negligence of the Defendant Martha Lee has resulted in the general deterioration
of Plaintiff Michele Reed's well-being.
-4-
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff Michele Reed demands judgment against the Defendant Martha
Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp in an amount which exceeds the compulsory arbitration limits of
Cumberland County, together with delay damages if applicable and costs of suit.
CLARAVAL & CLARAVAL
Date:
Date: L3 ?-U
By:
-5-
ROBERT rCLARAVAL 1
500 North Third Street, 2 n, Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. #19222
Attorneys for Plaintiff
MARY KENNEDY C:
500 N Third Street, 2"d F
Harris urg, PA 17101
(717) 233-4763
Supreme Court I.D. #87347
Attorneys for Plaintiff
AL
VERIFICATION
I, Robert F. Claraval, being duly sworn according to law, depose and state that I am the
attorney for the Plaintiffs in this action and that the information contained in the foregoing document
is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.
I understand that any false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 N.C.S.A.
§4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
MICHELE REED, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 08-1521
V.
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant CIVIL ACTION -LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I have this day served a true and correct copy of Plaintiff's
Amended Complaint by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the following person:
Jefferson Shipman, Esq.
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
CLARAVAL & CLARAVAL
Date: ??a 3J0? By
DENISE I. WILLIAMS
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MICHELE REED, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 08-1521
V.
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I have this day served the originals of Plaintiff's Interrogatories
Addressed to Defendant and Plaintiff's Request for Production of Documents Addressed to
Defendant by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the following person:
Jefferson Shipman, Esq.
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
CLARAVAL & CLARAVAL
Date: By
DENISE I. WILLIAMS
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Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: hs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
MICHELE REED,
V.
Attorney for Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION -- LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
YOU ARE REQUIRED to plead to the within Answer and New Matter within 20 days of s
service hereof or a default judgment may be entered against you.
JO ON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
Je erson J. Shipman, squire
I.D. #: 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Attorneys for Defendant
Date: May 7, 2008
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner Attorney for Defendants
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: ys@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
MICHELE REED, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER AND NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT, MARTHA LEE,
A/K/A MARTHA ESTEPP, TO AMENDED COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the Defendant, Martha Lee, a/k/a Martha Estepp, by and
through her counsel, Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner, and Jefferson J. Shipman,
Esquire, and files the following Answer and New Matter to Plaintiffs Amended
Complaint:
1. Admitted upon information and belief.
2. Admitted.
3, Admitted only that on April 4, 2006 at approximately 11:20 a.m. Plaintiff
Michele Reed was driving a 1999 Chevrolet.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted only that Plaintiff Michele Reed was traveling west on Pa. 114
entering the intersection at Route 114 and U.S. 11 in Silver Spring Township,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
6. Admitted that Defendant Mrs. Lee was traveling north on U.S. 11 and was
properly and legally entering the intersection at Route U.S. 11 and Route 114 in Silver
Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
7. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that the intersection on the
date in question was controlled by a flashing traffic light. After reasonable investigation,
Mrs. Lee is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of
the remaining averments of Paragraph 7 and the same are therefore denied and strict
proof is demanded at the time of trial.
8. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 8 are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be required, the
averments contained therein are specifically denied. By way of further answer, it is
specifically denied that Mrs. Lee was negligent in any manner with respect to Plaintiffs
alleged cause of action and further, that the Reed vehicle failed to yield and pulled
directly into Mrs. Lee's lane of travel.
9. Denied as stated.
10. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 10, relating to Plaintiffs alleged injuries, and the same are therefore denied
and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
11. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 11 and each and every
subparagraph a. through g. is a conclusion of law and fact to which no response is
response is required. If a response is deemed to be required, the averments contained
in Paragraph 11 and each and every subparagraph a. through g. is specifically denied.
a. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee was negligent in
allegedly failing to stop her vehicle before allegedly causing a collision with the
vehicle Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving;
b. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee failed to keep alert
and maintain a proper lookout for the presence of other motor vehicles, more
specifically, the Plaintiff Michele Reeds vehicle;
C. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee failed to keep
adequate and proper control over the vehicle so as to avoid contact with the
automobile which the Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving;
d. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee operated her vehicle
with careless disregard for the rights of others in violation of the Motor Vehicle
Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, specifically, 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3714
"Careless Driving";
e. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee operated her vehicle
in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others lawfully on the roadway,
specifically, including Michele Reed allegedly in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3736;
f. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee failed to stop at a
properly posted traffic control signal in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3112; and
g. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee violated 75 Pa.C.S.A.
§3324, and failure to yield when entering a roadway.
12. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 12 are in part conclusions
of law and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be
required, the averments contained therein are specifically denied. By way of further
response, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to
the truth of the remaining averments of Paragraph 12 relating to Plaintiffs alleged
injuries and the same are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of
trial.
13. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 13 are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is
without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in Paragraph 13 relating to Plaintiffs alleged injuries and the same
are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
14. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 14 are in part conclusions
of law and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be
required, the averments contained therein are specifically denied. After reasonable
investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as
to the truth of the remaining averments of Paragraph 14 and the same are therefore
denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
15. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 15 and the same are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the
time of trial.
16. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 16 and the same are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the
time of trial.
17. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 17 and the same are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the
time of trial.
18. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 18 are in part conclusions
of law and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be
required, the averments contained therein are specifically denied.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Martha Lee, a/k/a Martha Estepp, respectfully
requests that judgment be entered in her favor and that Plaintiffs Complaint be
dismissed with prejudice.
NEW MATTER
By way of additional answer and reply, the Defendant interposes the following
New Matter defenses:
19. That the Plaintiffs alleged cause of action may be barred in whole or in
part by the provisions of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law
and by the Limited Tort Option.
20. That the Plaintiffs alleged cause of action may be barred in whole or in
part by the Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Act.
21. That the Plaintiff herself was contributorily negligent in the following:
a. Failing to drive at a safe speed;
b. Failing to yield;
C. Failing to comply with traffic control devices;
d. Failing to comply with directions of traffic control officers and/or
flagmen;
e. Failing to stop her vehicle before causing a collision;
f. Failing to keep alert and maintain a proper lookout for the presence
of other motor vehicles;
g. Failing to keep adequate and proper control of her vehicle so as to
avoid contact with the Defendant's vehicle;
h. Operating her vehicle in careless disregard for the rights and safety
of others in violation of the Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
specifically 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3714, "Careless Driving";
i. Operating her vehicle in a willful and wanton disregard for the
safety of others lawfully on the roadway, specifically including Defendant, in
violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3736;
j. In failing to stop at a properly posted traffic control signal in
violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3112; and
k. In violating 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3324 involving failure to yield when
entering a roadway.
22. That if it should be found that there was any negligence on the part of the
Answering Defendant, which is denied, then in that event any such negligence was not
a substantial factor nor factual cause of the Plaintiffs harm.
23. That the Plaintiffs alleged harm may have been pre-existing the date of
this accident.
24. That the Plaintiffs alleged cause of action may have been caused in
whole or in part by the negligence of third parties or entities not presently involved in
this action.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Martha Lee, a/k/a Martha Estepp, respectfully
requests that judgment be entered in her favor and that Plaintiffs Complaint be
dismissed with prejudice.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
J erson J. Shipman, Esquire
I. D. #: 51785
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Attorneys for Defendant
Date: May 7, 2008
330618
VERIFICATION
I, Martha Lee, have read the foregoing Answer, 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 unswom falsification to
authorities.
A12Yz'a--" A..e'
Martha (Lee
DATE:
330629
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing has been duly served upon the following, by
depositing the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, on
May 7, 2008:
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2"d Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
Jrso n J. Ship n, squire
: 51785
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Attorneys for Defendant
C:, Q
C
TI! 'n
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
Attorney for Defendant
MICHELE REED, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant
V,
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
TELCO INCORPORATED
1224 Cross Keys Road
Reading, PA 19605-9505
Additional Defendant
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS TO JOIN ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT
Kindly issue a Writ of Summons in the above-captioned action against the
following Additional Defendant advising that Defendant, Martha Lee a/k/a Martha
Estepp, has joined them as an Additional Defendant in the above action and that they
will be required to defend:
Telco Incorporated
1224 Cross Keys Road
Berks County
Reading, PA 19605-9503
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
J erson J. Sh' man, Esquire
1. #: 51785
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Date : May 12, 2008 Attorneys for Defendant
R
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing has been duly served upon the
following, by depositing the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, in
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, on May 12, 2008:
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
Claraval and Claraval
500 North Third Street, 2"d Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
Jeff son J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. #: 51785
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Attorneys for Defendant
331084
r??. HiM
r ,--
WRIT TO JOIN ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT
Cumberland County, ss:
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to
TELCO INCORPORATED
1224 Cross Keys Road
Reading, PA 19605-9505
You are notified that MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
has joined you as an additional defendant in this action, which you
are required to defend.
Date: 5/13/08 /11,
C s . Lon othon ary
By:
Deputy
(Seal)
No. 08-1521 Civil Term
MICHELE REED
vs
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant
TELCO INCORPORATED
1224 Cross Keys Road
Reading, PA 19605-9505
Additional Defendant
WRIT TO JOINED AN
ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT
JEFFERSON J. SHIPMAN, ESQUIRE
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
PO BOX 109
LEMOYNE, PA 17043
(717) 761-4540
ID# 51785
Attorney for Defendant
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NO: 2008-01521 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
REED MICHELE
VS
LEE MARTHA AKA MARTHA ESTEPP
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 ADD'L DEFENDANT , to wit:
TELCO INCORPORATED
but was unable to locate Them
deputized the sheriff of BERKS
serve the within WRIT TO ADD'L DEFEN.
On June 5th , 2008 , this office was in receipt of the
attached return from BERKS
Sheriff's Costs: So answers- %?.
Docketing 18.00
Out of County 9.00
Surcharge 10.00 R. Thomas ine
Dep Berks County 30.06 Sheriff of Cu erland County
Postage 1.35
68.41
? G //p p ( ,
06/05/2008
JOHNSON DUFFIE STEWART WEIDNER
Sworn and subscribe to before me
this day of
County, Pennsylvania, to
in his bailiwick. He therefore
A. D.
In The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Michelle Reed VS Martha Lee aka Martha Estepp
VS.
Telco Incorporated
No.
Now, ; May 16, 2008 , I, SHERIFF OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA, do
hereby deputize the Sheriff of
Berks
deputation being made at the request and risk of the Plaintiff.
County to execute this Writ, this
08-1521 civil
Sheriff of Cumberland County, PA
Please mail return of service to Cumberland County Sheriff. Thank you.
Affidavit of Service
Now,
20 , at o'clock M. served the
within
M -;=
upon C`?
Cc
at < 7, -1
r
by handing to a
v:
-Ij
a
and made known to
copy of the original
So answers,
the contents thereof.
Sheriff of
Sworn and subscribed before
me this day of , 20
COSTS
SERVICE
MILEAGE _
AFFIDAVIT
County, PA
Ty«
COUNTY OF BERKS, PENNSYLVANIA
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Courthouse- Td Floor
633 Court Street Phone: 610.478.6240
Reading, PA 19601 Fax: 610.478.6222
Eric J. Weaknecht, Sheriff Anthony Damore, Chief Deputy
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
DOCKET NO. 08-1521
COMMONWEALTH OF
PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF BERKS
Personally appeared before me, JASON WOLFE, Deputy for Eric J. Weaknecht, Sheriff of Berks County,
633 Court Street, Reading, Pennsylvania, who being duly swom according to law, deposes and says that on
MAY 29, 2008 at 2:40 PM, he served the annexed WRIT TO JOIN ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT upon
TELCO INCORPORATED, within named defendant, by handing a copy thereof to JOHN HINVER,
SECRETARY, at 1224 CROSS KEYS ROAD, READING, MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP, Berks County,
Pa., and made known to defendant the contents thereof.
DEPUTY SHERIFF Q"ERKS CO., PA
Sworn and subscribed before me
2ND day of JUNE, 2008
t
O bY PUBLI ADING, BERKS O., PA
Service made as set forth above.
NOTARIAL SEAL
REBECCA OXENREIDER So Answers,
Notory Public
READING chy, um COUNry
1MV Commlalon ExpMes Fob 22, 2012
SHE OF BERKS COUNTY, PA
Sheriffs Costs in Above Proceedings
$ 100.00 DEPOSIT
$ 30.06 ACTUAL COST OF CASE
$ 69.94 AMOUNT OF REFUND
All Sheriff s Costs shall be due and payable when services are performed, and it shall be lawful for him to
demand and receive from the party instituting the proceedings, or any part liable for the costs thereof, all
unpaid sheriff's fees on the same before he shall be obligated by law to make return thereof.
_Sec. 2, Act of June 20, 1911, P.L/ 1072
Dedicated to public service with integrity, virtue & excellence
www.countvofberks.com/sheriff
JAI, ,?f1iU4
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MICHELE REED,
V.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant
V.
NO. 08-1521
TELCO INCORPORATED,
Additional Defendant CIVIL ACTION -LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I have this day served Plaintiff's Answers to Defendant's
Interrogatories and Plaintiff's Response to Defendant's Request for Production of Documents by first
class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the following person:
Jefferson Shipman, Esq.
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Date: Ile
CLARAVAL & CLARAVAL
By
DENISE I. WILLIAMS
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Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire Attorneys for Defendant:
I.D. No. 51785 Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 7614540
MICHELE REED,
V.
MARTHA LEE a/k/a
MARTHA ESTEPP,
V.
Plaintiff
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
TELCO INCORPORTED,
1224 Cross Keys Road
Reading, PA 19605-9505
Additional Defendant
NOTICE
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims
set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this
Complaint and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by
attorney and filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set
forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without
you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for
any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the
Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW.
THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A
LAWYER.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE
TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER
LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Telephone: (717) 249-3166
AVISO
USTED HA SIDO DEMANDADO/A EN CORTE. Si usted desea defenderse de
las demandas que se presentan mas adelante en las siguientes paginas, debe tomar
accion dentro de los prbximos veinte (20) dias despues de la notificacibn de esta
Demanda y Aviso radicando personalmente o por medio de un abogado una
comparecencia escrita y radicando en la Corte por escrito sus defensas de, y
objecciones a, las demandas presentadas aqui en contra suya. Se le advierte de que
si usted falla de tomar accion como se describe anteriormente, el caso puede proceder
sin usted y un fallo por cualquier suma de dinero reclamada en la demanda o cualquier
otra reclamaci6n o remedio solicitado por el demandante puede ser dictado en contra
suya por la Corte sin mas aviso adicional. Usted puede perder dinero o propiedad u
otros derechos importantes para usted.
USTED DEBE LLEVAR ESTE DOCUMENTO A SU ABOGADO
INMEDIATAMENTE. SI USTED NO TIENE UN ABOGADO, LLAME O VAYA A LA
SIGUIENTE OFICINA. ESTA OFICINA PUEDE PROVEERLE INFORMACION A
CERCA DE COMO CONSEGUIR UN ABOGADO.
SI USTED NO PUEDE PAGAR POR LOS SERVICIOS DE UN ABOGADO, ES
POSIBLE QUE ESTA OFICINA LE PUEDA PROVEER INFORMACION SOBRE
AGENCIAS QUE OFREZCAN SERVICIOS LEGALES SIN CARGO O BAJO COSTO A
PERSONAS QUE CUALIFICAN.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Telephone: (717) 249-3166
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendant:
Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp
MICHELE REED, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
MARTHA LEE a/k/a
MARTHA ESTEPP,
Defendant
V.
TELCO INCORPORTED,
1224 Cross Keys Road
Reading, PA 19605-9505
Additional Defendant
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the Defendant Martha Lee, by and through her attorneys
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner and files this Third-Party Joinder Complaint against
Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated as follows:
1. Additional Defendant herein is Telco Incorporated, 1224 Cross Keys Road,
Reading, Berks County, PA 19605-9503.
2. This matter involves an automobile accident that allegedly occurred on
April 4, 2006, at the intersection of Route 114 and U.S. 11 in Mechanicsburg,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania ("the intersection").
3. The Defendant incorporates by reference the allegations of Plaintiffs
Complaint attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
4. The Defendant also incorporates herein her Answer and New Matter
attached hereto as Exhibit "B".
5. It is believed that, at the time of the alleged accident, the traffic control
signals were flashing red for Route 114 and yellow for U.S. Route 11.
6. It is believed and therefore averred that the traffic signals were undergoing
maintenance by Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated.
7. It is believed and therefore averred that an employee or agent of Telco
Incorporated caused the traffic signals to be inoperational and/or flashing.
8. Defendant Martha Lee was traveling eastbound on U.S. 11 when she
noticed that the traffic signals pertaining to her lane of travel were flashing yellow.
9. Ms. Lee did not notice or observe any flagmen or individuals directing
traffic at the intersection as she approached.
10. However, it is believed and therefore averred that despite the flashing
yellow and red signals directing traffic, an employee or agent of Telco Incorporated
began directing traffic at the intersection.
11. The employee or agent of Telco Incorporated was inconspicuously
directing traffic in the intersection despite the fact that the signals were still set to yellow
and red flashing lights.
12. As Ms. Lee approached the intersection she proceeded with caution
through the intersection observing the yellow flashing signal light.
13. However, Ms. Lee did not observe anyone directing traffic in the
intersection.
14. As Ms. Lee proceeded through the intersection, she made contact with a
vehicle operated by Plaintiff Michele Reed which was proceeding west on Route 114.
15. Plaintiff has alleged injuries as a result of the accident as set forth in her
Complaint.
16. Employees or agents of Telco Incorporated, for which Telco Incorporated
is vicariously liable, were controlling traffic flow at the intersection at the time of the
accident, either through the flashing signal lights or personal direction.
17. The accident between Plaintiff and Defendant occurred only because
Telco Incorporated negligently controlled and/or directed the flow of traffic at the
intersection.
18. The negligence of Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated includes:
(a) Failing to safely direct traffic through the intersection in a conspicuous and
organized manner;
(b) Failing to set the traffic signals at the intersection in a safe manner;
(c) Failing to use signs, flags, or other conspicuous notices on the ground to
alert drivers of traffic direction in, the intersection in addition to, or in place
of, the flashing signal lights;
(d) Inattentiveness to existing traffic conditions including the approaching
vehicles;
(e) Carelessness in the control of traffic flow in the intersection;
(f) failure to provide a safe means of passage through the intersection for the
Defendant and Plaintiff; and
(g) Otherwise creating and permitting a dangerous condition of traffic flow and
direction at the intersection.
19. The Plaintiff's injuries are the proximate result of the negligence of the
Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated and their agents or employees.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant Martha Lee avers that the Additional Defendant
Telco Incorporated is solely liable to the Plaintiff Michele Reed or liable over to the
Defendant on the Plaintiff's claims or, in the alternative, liable to the Defendant for
contribution and/or indemnification.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
Jefflorsd'n J. Shipmarf, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendant Lee
Date: July 18, 2008
Robert F. Claraval, Esq.
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. 19222
Attorney for Plaintiffs
MICHELE REED,
V.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 08-1521
MARTHA LEE, &Wa MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant
: CIVIL ACTION -LAW
NOTICE - AMENDED COMPLAINT
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
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(800) 990-9108
NOTICIA
Le han demandado a usted an la corte. Si usted guiere defenderse de estas demandas
expuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene viente (20) dias de plazo al partir de la fecha de la
demanda y la notification. Usted debe presentar una apariencia escrita o en persona o por abogado
y archivar en la corte en forma escrita sus defensas o sus objeciones a las demandas en contra de su
persona. Sea avisado gue si usted no se defienda, la corte tomara medidas y puede entrar una orden
contra usted sin previo aviso o notification y por cualquier guej a o alivio gue es pedido en la petition
de demanda. Usted puede perder dinero o sus propiedades o otros derechos importantes para usted.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO
TIENE ABOGADO O SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SUFICIENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVICIO,
VAYA EN PERSONA O LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUYA DIRECCION SE
ENCUNENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR
ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(800) 990-9108
Robert F. Claraval, Esq.
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. 19222
Attorney for Plaintiffs
MICHELE REED, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 08-1521
V.
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant CIVIL ACTION - LAW
AMENDED COMPLAINT
Parties
1. The Plaintiff Michele Reed resides at 47 Edgewood Drive, Mechanicsburg,
Pennsylvania, 17055.
2. The Defendant Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp resides at 142 East Main Street,
Apartment C, Blain, Pennsylvania, 17006.
Background
3. On April 4, 2006 at approximately 11:20 a.m. Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving her
1999 Chevrolet.
4. On that same date the Defendant Martha Lee was driving a 2005 Hyundai Elantra
owned by Darryl A. Higley.
5. Plaintiff Michele Reed was traveling west on PA 114 and was properly entering the
intersection at Route 114 and US 11 in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
6. At that same time the Defendant Martha Lee was traveling north on US 11 and was
approaching the intersection at PA 114.
7. The intersection on that date was controlled by flashing traffic lights and a flagman.
8. Without regard to the PlaintiffMichele Reed's vehicle which was lawfully proceeding
through the intersection of Route 114 and US 11, or the flashing traffic signals or the flagman, the
Defendant Martha Lee pulled directly into Michele Reed's lane of travel.
9. Defendant Martha Lee's vehicle struck the driver's side of Michele Reed's car. Ms.
Reed then drove to the curb on the east side of Route 114.
10. The force of the impact caused serious injury to Plaintiff Michele Reed.
-1-
Negligence
11. The collision and all of the hereinafter mentioned injuries and damages sustained by
the Plaintiff Michele Reed are the direct result of the carelessness, recklessness and negligence of
the Defendant Martha Lee as more particularly described below.
(a) In failing to stop her vehicle before causing a collision with the vehicle Plaintiff
Michele Reed was driving.
(b) In failing to keep alert and to maintain a proper lookout for the presence of other
motor vehicles, more specifically, the Plaintiff Michele Reed's vehicle.
(c) In failing to keep adequate and proper control over her vehicle to avoid contact with
the automobile which the Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving.
(d) In operating her vehicle with careless disregard for the rights or safety of others in
violation of the Motor Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
specifically 75 Pa.C.S. §3714 "Careless Driving."
(e) In operating her vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others
lawfully on the roadway specifically including Michele Reed in violation of 75
Pa.C.S. §3736.
-2-
(f) In failing to stop at a properly posted traffic control signal in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.
§3112.
(g) In violating 75 Pa.C.S. §3324, failure to yield when entering a roadway.
Damages
12. The force and impact of the collision as caused by the negligence of the Defendant
Martha Lee caused serious and permanent injury to the Plaintiff Michele Reed for which she has
received extensive medical care.
13. The Plaintiff Michele Reed suffered the following injuries as a result of the
negligence of the Defendant:
(a) Closed head injury;
(b) Concussion;
(c) Post-concussive syndrome;
(d) Chronic headache;
(e) Cervical injury;
(f) Lumbar injury;
(g) Fibromyalgia
-3-
(h) A greater susceptibility to cervical and lumbar injury;
(i) Limitation in range of motion of cervical and lumbar spine; and
0) Possible aggravation of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
14. As a result of the negligence of the Defendant Martha Lee as described herein, the
Plaintiff Michele Reed has suffered and will continue to suffer mental and physical pain, great
difficulty in carrying out and engaging in life's activities, a loss of life's pleasures and enjoyment,
humiliation and embarrassment.
15. Plaintiff Michele Reed has and may in the future sustain a loss of earnings and an
impairment to her earning capacity.
16. Plaintiff Michele Reed has been forced to expend sums of money for medical
services, medication, therapy and related expenses in the past and will be required to continue to do
so in the future.
17. All of Plaintiff Michele Reed's injuries as herein described are continuing and will
continue into the foreseeable future, as will the treatment costs thereof.
18. The negligence of the Defendant Martha Lee has resulted in the general deterioration
of Plaintiff Michele Reed's well-being.
-4-
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff Michele Reed demands judgment against the Defendant Martha
Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp in an amount which exceeds the compulsory arbitration limits of
Cumberland County, together with delay damages if applicable and costs of suit.
CLARAVAL & CLARAVAL
Date: JOS
Date: ?-3
By:
-5-
Attorneys for Plaintiff
1VUIM Y N1V fIr"1V1Vr.L Y l
500 N?qfi Third Street, 2"d 1
Harris urg, PA 17101
(717) 233-4763
Supreme Court I.D. #87347
Attorneys for Plaintiff
500 North Third Street, 2nd Ploor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. #19222
VERIFICATION
I, Robert F. Claraval, being duly sworn according to law, depose and state that I am the
attorney for the Plaintiffs in this action and that the information contained in the foregoing document
is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.
I understand that any false statements herein are made subjectto the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A.
§4904, relating to unworn falsification to authorities.
MICHELE REED,
V.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant
NO. 08-1521
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I have this day served a true and correct copy of Plaintiff's
Amended Complaint by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the following person:
Jefferson Shipman, Esq.
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
CLARAVAL & CLARAVAL
Date: 37 o By Lnw, WjW'W1xpy
DENISE I. WILLIAMS
0
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
MICHELE REED,
V.
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant
O `" O
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cry .:
co
Attorney for Defend 0
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2"d Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
YOU ARE REQUIRED to plead to the within Answer and New Matter within 20 days of s
service hereof or a default judgment may be entered against you.
JO ON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
T fferson J. Shipman, squire
.D. #: 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Attorneys for Defendant
Date: May 7, 2008
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
MICHELE REED,
V.
Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER AND NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT, MARTHA LEE,
A/K/A MARTHA ESTEPP, TO AMENDED COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the Defendant, Martha Lee, a/k/a Martha Estepp, by and
through her counsel, Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner, and Jefferson J. Shipman,
Esquire, and files the following Answer and New Matter to Plaintiffs Amended
Complaint:
1. Admitted upon information and belief.
2. Admitted.
3, Admitted only that on April 4, 2006 at approximately 11:20 a.m. Plaintiff
Michele Reed was driving a 1999 Chevrolet.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted only that Plaintiff Michele Reed was traveling west on Pa. 114
entering the intersection at Route 114 and U.S. 11 in Silver Spring Township,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
6. Admitted that Defendant Mrs. Lee was traveling north on U.S. 11 and was
properly and legally entering the intersection at Route U.S. 11 and Route 114 in Silver
Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
7. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that the intersection on the
date in question was controlled by a flashing traffic light. After reasonable investigation,
Mrs. Lee is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of
the remaining averments of Paragraph 7 and the same are therefore denied and strict
proof is demanded at the time of trial.
8. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 8 are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be required, the
averments contained therein are specifically denied. By way of further answer, it is
specifically denied that Mrs. Lee was negligent in any manner with respect to Plaintiffs
alleged cause of action and further, that the Reed vehicle failed to yield and pulled
directly into Mrs. Lee's lane of travel.
9. Denied as stated.
10. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 10, relating to Plaintiff's alleged injuries, and the same are therefore denied
and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
11. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 11 and each and every
subparagraph a. through g. is a conclusion of law and fact to which no response is
response is required. If a response is deemed to be required, the averments contained
in Paragraph 11 and each and every subparagraph a. through g. is specifically denied.
a. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee was negligent in
allegedly failing to stop her vehicle before allegedly causing a collision with the
vehicle Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving;
b. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee failed to keep alert
and maintain a proper lookout for the presence of other motor vehicles, more
specifically, the Plaintiff Michele Reeds vehicle;
C. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee failed to keep
adequate and proper control over the vehicle so as to avoid contact with the
automobile which the Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving;
d. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee operated her vehicle
with careless disregard for the rights of others in violation of the Motor Vehicle
Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, specifically, 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3714
"Careless Driving";
e. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee operated her vehicle
in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others lawfully on the roadway,
specifically, including Michele Reed allegedly in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3736;
f. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee failed to stop at a
properly posted traffic control signal in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3112; and
g. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee violated 75 Pa.C.S.A.
§3324, and failure to yield when entering a roadway.
12. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 12 are in part conclusions
of law and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be
required, the averments contained therein are specifically denied. By way of further
response, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to
the truth of the remaining averments of Paragraph 12 relating to Plaintiff's alleged
injuries and the same are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of
trial.
13. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 13 are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is
without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in Paragraph 13 relating to Plaintiff's alleged injuries and the same
are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
14. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 14 are in part conclusions
of law and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be
required, the averments contained therein are specifically denied. After reasonable
investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as
to the truth of the remaining averments of Paragraph 14 and the same are therefore
denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
15. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 15 and the same are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the
time of trial.
16. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 16 and the same are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the
time of trial.
17. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 17 and the same are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the
time of trial.
18. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 18 are in part conclusions
of law and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be
required, the averments contained therein are specifically denied.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Martha Lee, a/k/a Martha Estepp, respectfully
requests that judgment be entered in her favor and that Plaintiff's Complaint be
dismissed with prejudice.
NEW MATTER
By way of additional answer and reply, the Defendant interposes the following
New Matter defenses:
19. That the Plaintiffs alleged cause of action may be barred in whole or in
part by the provisions of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law
and by the Limited Tort Option.
20. That the Plaintiffs alleged cause of action may be barred in whole or in
part by the Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Act.
21. That the Plaintiff herself was contributorily negligent in the following:
a. Failing to drive at a safe speed;
b. Failing to yield;
C. Failing to comply with traffic control devices;
d. Failing to comply with directions of traffic control officers and/or
flagmen;
e. Failing to stop her vehicle before causing a collision;
f. Failing to keep alert and maintain a proper lookout for the presence
of other motor vehicles;
g. Failing to keep adequate and proper control of her vehicle so as to
avoid contact with the Defendant's vehicle;
h. Operating her vehicle in careless disregard for the rights and safety
of others in violation of the Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
specifically 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3714, "Careless Driving";
i. Operating her vehicle in a willful and wanton disregard for the
safety of others lawfully on the roadway, specifically including Defendant, in
violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3736;
j. In failing to stop at a properly posted traffic control signal in
violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3112; and
k. In violating 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3324 involving failure to yield when
entering a roadway.
22. That if it should be found that there was any negligence on the part of the
Answering Defendant, which is denied, then in that event any such negligence was not
a substantial factor nor factual cause of the Plaintiffs harm.
23. That the Plaintiffs alleged harm may have been pre-existing the date of
this accident.
24. That the Plaintiff's alleged cause of action may have been caused in
whole or in part by the negligence of third parties or entities not presently involved in
this action.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Martha Lee, a/k/a Martha Estepp, respectfully
requests that judgment be entered in her favor and that Plaintiffs Complaint be
dismissed with prejudice.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
J erson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. #: 51785
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Attorneys for Defendant
Date: May 7, 2008
330618
VERIFICATION
I, Martha Lee, have read the foregoing Answer, 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.
artha(, ee
DATE:
330629
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing has been duly served upon the following, by
depositing the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, on
May 7, 2008:
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2"d Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
Je erson J. Ship n, Esquire
1. . #: 51785
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Attorneys for Defendant
VERIFICATION
I, Martha Lee, have read the foregoing Joinder Complaint 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.
Martha e
Date:'--/ (Is (D$
330629
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Third-Party Complaint has been duly
served upon the following, by depositing the same in the United States Mail, postage
prepaid, in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, on July 18, 2008:
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
Claraval and Claraval
500 North Third Street, 2na Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
Jane A. North, Esquire
Deasey, Mahoney & Valentini, Ltd.
1601 Market Street, Suite 3400
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2301
Attorney for Telco, Inc.
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
14 ZLj -
Jeff s . Shipman
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DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
By: JANE A. NORTH, ESQUIRE
Identification No. 63728
1601 Market Street, 34 h Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-578-9400 Attorney for Additional Defendant, Telco, Inc.
059.23066
MICHELE REED COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff, CUMBERLAND COUNTY
vs. c CIVIL ACTION - LAW
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP NO. 08-1521
Defendant,
vs.
TELCO INCORPORATED
Additional
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE AND DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
Kindly enter my appearance on behalf of Additional Defendant, Telco, Inc., in the above-
captioned matter.
Defendant, by its undersigned counsel, hereby requests a trial by jury of twelve members
plus two alternates.
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
By: 4A. I
611 F ANE A. NORTH, SQUIRE
Dated: 7/16/08
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET - PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
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DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
By: JANE A. NORTH, ESQUIRE
Identification No. 63728
1601 Market Street, 34th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-578-9400 Attorney for Additional Defendant, Telco, Inc.
059.23066
MICHELE REED e COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff, CUMBERLAND COUNTY
vs.
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP E CIVIL ACTION -LAW
Defendant,
vs. : NO. 08-1521
TELCO INCORPORATED
Additional Defendant.
PRAECIPE FOR RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly issue a Rule upon Defendant, Martha Lee, a/k/a Martha Estepp to file a Joinder
Complaint in the above matter within twenty (20) days after service of the Rule or suffer the
entry of a judgment of non-pros
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
By: Qh /)A _L a6A
NE A. NORTH, ESQUIRE
ttorneys for Defendant, Telco, Inc.
RULE TO FILE JOINDER COMPLAINT
TO: Defendant, Martha Lee, a/k/a Martha Estepp
You are notified that a Rule is hereby entered upon you to file a Joinder Complaint within
twenty (20) days after the date of service of this Rule upon you. If you do not file a Complaint
within this time, a JUDGMENT OF NON PROS will be entered against you.
BY: CURTIS R. LONG
Dated: _7 Al O$ Prothonotary
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
M-? _ .....,.,
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Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: hs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
MICHELE REED,
V.
Attorney for Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant
V.
TELCO INCORPORATED,
Additional Defendant
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE PREREQUISITE TO SERVICE OF A SUBPOENA
PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
As a prerequisite to service of a subpoena for documents and things pursuant to
Rule 4009.22, Defendant hereby certifies that:
(1) A Notice Of Intent To Serve A Subpoena, with copies of the subpoenas
attached thereto, was mailed, via Certified Mail, or delivered to each party at least
twenty days prior to the date on which the subpoenas were sought to be served;
(2) A copy of the Notice of Intent including the proposed subpoenas, is
attached to this Certificate;
(3) No objection to the subpoenas has been received, and
(4) The subpoenas to be served are identical to the subpoenas attached to
the Notice Of Intent.
JOHNS , DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By
Jeffers J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. #: 51785
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
DATE: W*v Attorneys for Defendant
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing has been duly served upon the
following, by depositing the same in the United States Mail, certified mail, in Lemoyne,
Pennsylvania, on M a
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By
Jefferso J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. #: 51785
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Attorneys for Defendant
?*.. ,t ,
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
MICHELE REED,
V.
Plaintiff
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant
V.
TELCO INCORPORATED,
Additional Defendant
Attorney for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE OF INTENT TO SERVE SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE
DOCUMENTS AND THINGS FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.21
TO Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Defendants intend to serve nine (9) subpoenas identical to
the ones that are attached to this notice. You have twenty (20) days from the date listed below
in which to file of records and serve upon the undersigned objections to the subpoenas. If no
objections are made, the subpoenas may be served.
JOH , DUFFIE, STEWAR & WEIDNER
By
Jeffers n J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. #: 51785
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
DATE: Attorneys for Defendant
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing has been duly served upon the
following, by depositing the same in the United States Mail, certified mail, in Lemoyne,
Pennsylvania, on 111)-1W
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By
Jeffe on J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. #: 51785
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Attorneys for Defendant
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
Michele Reed,
Plaintiff
vs.
Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estep,
Defendant
vs.
Telco Incorporated,
Additional Defendant
File No. 08-1521
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR THINGS
FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO: Dr. Saniiv H. Naidu
(Name of Person or Entity)
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce
the following documents or things: All documents pertaining to Michele Reed DOB: 6/29/62 SSN: 203
42-2406 identified in the Attached Addendum to Subpoena
at Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, 301 Market Street P.O. Box 109, Lemoyne PA 17043.
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this
subpoena, together with the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address
listed above. You have the right to seek in advance the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or
producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena within twenty (20) days
after its service, the party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Jefferson J Shipman Esquire
ADDRESS: 301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
TELEPHONE: 717-761-4540
SUPREME COURT ID #: 51785
ATTORNEY FOR: Defendants
DATE: / klp
Se of the Court
BY THE COURT:
P othonota*.-i n
D eputy
(Eff. 7/97)
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
Attorney for Defendants
MICHELE REED,
V.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant
V.
TELCO INCORPORATED,
Additional Defendant
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ADDENDUM TO SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS
OR THINGS PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22 ADDRESSED TO
DR. SANJIV H. NAIDU
Please provide legible copies of the following documents.-
1 . All medical records, reports, diagnostic test results and correspondence
for a ten (10) year period prior to April 4, 2006, up to and including the present date,
relating to any of the medical conditions and/or injuries listed below:
a. Aggravation of thoracic outlet syndrome
b. Closed head injury
c. Concussion
d. Chronic headache
e. Cervical injury including range of motion limitations
f. Lumbar injury including range of.motion limitations
g. Fibromyalgia
Michele Reed,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
Plaintiff
vs.
Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estep,
Defendant
vs.
Telco Incorporated,
Additional Defendant
File No. 08-1521
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR THINGS
FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO: Dr. Ellen Smith
(Name of Person or Entity)
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce
the following documents or things: All documents pertaining to Michele Reed DOB: 6/29/62 SSN: 203-
42-2406 identified in the Attached Addendum to Subpoena
at Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, 301 Market Street P.O Box 109, Lemoyne PA 17043.
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this
subpoena, together with the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address
listed above. You have the right to seek in advance the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or
producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena within twenty (20) days
after its service, the party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
SUPREME COURT ID #
ATTORNEY FOR:
Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
717-761-4540
51785
Defendants
BY THE COURT:
Pro onotary/G? ivil D' ision
DATE:
Seal of the Court
Deputy
(Eff. 7/97)
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
Attorney for Defendants
MICHELE REED,
V.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant
V.
TELCO INCORPORATED,
Additional Defendant
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ADDENDUM TO SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS
OR THINGS PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22 ADDRESSED TO
DR. ELLEN SMITH
Please provide legible copies of the following documents:
1. All medical records, reports, diagnostic test results and correspondence
for a ten (10) year period prior to April 4, 2006, up to and including the present date,
relating to any of the medical conditions and/or injuries listed below:
a. Aggravation of thoracic outlet syndrome
b. Closed head injury
c. Concussion
d. Chronic headache
e. Cervical injury including range of motion limitations
f. Lumbar injury including range of motion limitations
g. Fibromyalgia
Michele Reed,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
Plaintiff
vs.
Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estep,
Defendant
vs.
Telco Incorporated,
Additional Defendant
File No. 08-1521
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR THINGS
FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO: Turnpaugh Chiropractic Health
(Name of Person or Entity)
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce
the following documents or things: All documents pertaining to Michele Reed DOB: 6/29/62 SSN: 203-
42-2406 identified in the Attached Addendum to Subpoena
at Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, 301 Market Street P.O. Box 109, Lemoyne PA 17043.
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this
subpoena, together with the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address
listed above. You have the right to seek in advance the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or
producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena within twenty (20) days
after its service, the party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
ADDRESS: 301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
TELEPHONE: 717-761-4540
SUPREME COURT ID #: 51785
ATTORNEY FOR: Defendants
DATE: 211&1a
Seal of the Court
BY THE COURT:
PrQ onotary/Cler , Ivll Di ision
Deputy
(Eff. 7/97)
I F I
V.
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHELE REED,
V.
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
TELCO INCORPORATED,
Attorney for Defendants
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendant : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Additional Defendant
ADDENDUM TO SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS
OR THINGS PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22 ADDRESSED TO
TURNPAUGH CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH
Please provide legible copies of the following documents:
1. All medical records, reports, diagnostic test results and correspondence
for a ten (10) year period prior to April 4, 2006, up to and including the present date,
relating to any of the medical conditions and/or injuries listed below:
a. Aggravation of thoracic outlet syndrome
b. Closed head injury
c. Concussion
d. Chronic headache
e. Cervical injury including range of motion limitations
f. Lumbar injury including range of motion limitations
g. Fibromyalgia
Michele Reed,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
Plaintiff
vs.
Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estep,
Defendant
vs.
Telco Incorporated,
Additional Defendant
File No. 08-1521
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR THINGS
FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO: Holy Spirit Hospital _
(Name of Person or Entity)
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce
the following documents or things: All documents pertaining to Michele Reed DOB: 6129/62 SSN: 203-
42-2406 identified in the Attached Addendum to Subpoena
at Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, 301 Market Street P.O. Box 109, Lemoyne PA 17043.
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this
subpoena, together with the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address
listed above. You have the right to seek in advance the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or
producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena within twenty (20) days
after its service, the party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Jefferson J. Shipman. Esquire
ADDRESS: 301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
TELEPHONE: 717-761-4540
SUPREME COURT ID #: 51785
ATTORNEY FOR: Defendants
BY THE COURT:
Proth notary/Cler 4ilD-is-ion
DATE: ?cf
Seal of the Court
Deputy
(Eff. 7/97)
J 0 a
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
MICHELE REED,
V.
Plaintiff
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant
V.
TELCO INCORPORATED,
Additional Defendant
Attorney for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ADDENDUM TO SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS
OR THINGS PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22 ADDRESSED TO
HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL
Please provide legible copies of the following documents:
1. All medical records, reports, diagnostic test results and correspondence
for a ten (10) year period prior to April 4, 2006, up to and including the present date,
relating to any of the medical conditions and/or injuries listed below:
a. Aggravation of thoracic outlet syndrome
b. Closed head injury
c. Concussion
d. Chronic headache
e. Cervical injury including range of motion limitations
f. Lumbar injury including range of motion limitations
g. Fibromyalgia
? r
Michele Reed,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
Plaintiff
vs.
Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estep,
Defendant
vs.
Telco Incorporated,
Additional Defendant
File No. 08-1521
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR THINGS
FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO: _ Dr. Michael F. Lupinacci
(Name of Person or Entity)
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce
the following documents or things: All documents pertaining to Michele Reed DOB: 6/29/62 SSN: 203-
42-2406 identified in the Attached Addendum to Subpoena
at Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, 301 Market Street P.O. Box 109, Lemoyne PA 17043.
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this
subpoena, together with the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address
listed above. You have the right to seek in advance the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or
producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena within twenty (20) days
after its service, the party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
ADDRESS: 301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
TELEPHONE: 717-761-4540
SUPREME COURT ID #: 51785
ATTORNEY FOR: Defendants
DATE: 7///1/10
Seal of the Court
BY THE COURT:
Prot o il D ision
Deputy
(Eff. 7/97)
1 I , .
V.
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHELE REED,
V.
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
TELCO INCORPORATED,
Attorney for Defendants
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Additional Defendant
ADDENDUM TO SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS
OR THINGS PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22 ADDRESSED TO
DR. MICHAEL F. LUPINACCI
Please provide legible copies of the following documents:
1. All medical records, reports, diagnostic test results and correspondence
for a ten (10) year period prior to April 4, 2006, up to and including the present date,
relating to any of the medical conditions and/or injuries listed below:
a. Aggravation of thoracic outlet syndrome
b. Closed head injury
c. Concussion
d. Chronic headache
e. Cervical injury including range of motion limitations
f. Lumbar injury including range of motion limitations
g. Fibromyalgia
Michele Reed,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
Plaintiff
vs.
Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estep,
Defendant
vs.
Telco Incorporated,
Additional Defendant
File No. 08-1521
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR THINGS
FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO: Healthsouth Rehab Center
(Name of Person or Entity)
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce
the following documents or things: All documents pertaining to Michele Reed DOB: 6/29/62 SSN: 203-
42-2406 identified in the Attached Addendum to Subpoena
at Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner, 301 Market Street P.O. Box 109, Lemoyne PA 17043.
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this
subpoena, together with the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address
listed above. You have the right to seek in advance the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or
producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena within twenty (20) days
after its service, the party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Jefferson J. Shipman. Esquire
ADDRESS: 301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
TELEPHONE: 717-761-4540
SUPREME COURT ID #: 51785
ATTORNEY FOR: Defendants
BY THE COURT:
Proth otary/Clerk Divi ion
DATE: r L i ZZ Seal of the Court
Deputy
(Eff. 7/97)
? ? I
V.
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I. D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHELE REED,
V.
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
TELCO INCORPORATED,
Attorney for Defendants
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendant : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Additional Defendant
ADDENDUM TO SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS
OR THINGS PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22 ADDRESSED TO
HEALTHSOUTH REHAB CENTER
Please provide legible copies of the following documents:
1. All medical records, reports, diagnostic test results and correspondence
for a ten (10) year period prior to April 4, 2006, up to and including the present date,
relating to any of the medical conditions and/or injuries listed below:
a. Aggravation of thoracic outlet syndrome
b. Closed head injury
c. Concussion
d. Chronic headache
e. Cervical injury including range of motion limitations
f. Lumbar injury including range of motion limitations
g. Fibromyalgia
? r+
Michele Reed,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
Plaintiff
vs.
Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estep,
Defendant
vs.
Telco Incorporated,
Additional Defendant
File No. 08-1521
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR THINGS
FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO: PinnacleHealth F_redricksen Outpatient Center
(Name of Person or Entity)
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce
the following documents or things: All documents pertaining to Michele Reed DOB: 6/29/62 SSN: 203-
42-2406 identified in the Attached Addendum to Subpoena
at Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, 301 Market Street P.O. Box 109, Lemoyne PA 17043.
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this
subpoena, together with the certificate of compliance, to the party. making this request at the address
listed above. You have the right to seek in advance the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or
producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena within twenty (20) days
after its service, the party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
SUPREME COURT ID #:
ATTORNEY FOR:
DATE:
Seal of the Court
Jefferson J. Shipman. Esquire
301 Market Street
Lemoyne. PA 17043
717-761-4540
51785
Defendants
BY THE COURT:
?'7a?
Proth notary/CI , ivil Dfvision
Deputy
(Eff. 7/97)
t
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I. D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
Attorney for Defendants
MICHELE REED,
V.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant
V.
TELCO INCORPORATED,
Additional Defendant
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ADDENDUM TO SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS
OR THINGS PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22 ADDRESSED TO
PINNACLEHEALTH FREDRICKSEN OUTPATIENT CENTER
Please provide legible copies of the following documents:
1. All medical records, reports, diagnostic test results and correspondence
for a ten (10) year period prior to April 4, 2006, up to and including the present date,
relating to any of the medical conditions and/or injuries listed below:
a. Aggravation of thoracic outlet syndrome
b. Closed head injury
c. Concussion
d. Chronic headache
e. Cervical injury including range of motion limitations
f. Lumbar injury including range of motion limitations
g. Fibromyalgia
1 i a •
Michele Reed,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
Plaintiff
vs.
Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estep,
Defendant
vs.
Telco Incorporated,
Additional Defendant
File No. 08-1521
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR THINGS
FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO: Good Hope Familv Phvsicians
(Name of Person or Entity)
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce
the following documents or things: All documents pertaining to Michele Reed DOB: 6/29/62 SSN: 203-
42-2406 identified in the Attached Addendum to Subpoena
at Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, 301 Market Street. P.O. Box 109, Lemoyne, PA 17043.
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this
subpoena, together with the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address
listed above. You have the right to seek in advance the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or
producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena within twenty (20) days
after its service, the party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
ADDRESS: 301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
TELEPHONE: 717-761-4540
SUPREME COURT ID #: 51785
ATTORNEY FOR: Defendants
BY THE COURT:
Proth notary/Cler ' it Div' ion
DATE: Z/' r.
Seal of the Court
Deputy
(Eff. 7/97)
0 ( - r
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
Attorney for Defendants
MICHELE REED,
v
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant
V.
TELCO INCORPORATED,
Additional Defendant
NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ADDENDUM TO SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS
OR THINGS PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22 ADDRESSED TO
GOOD HOPE FAMILY PHYSICIANS
Please provide legible copies of the following documents:
1. All medical records, reports, diagnostic test results and correspondence
for a ten (10) year period prior to April 4, 2006, up to and including the present date,
relating to any of the medical conditions and/or injuries listed below:
a. Aggravation of thoracic outlet syndrome
b. Closed head injury
c. Concussion
d. Chronic headache
e. Cervical injury including range of motion limitations
f. Lumbar injury including range of motion limitations
g. Fibromyalgia
J *? •
Michele Reed,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
Plaintiff
vs.
Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estep,
Defendant
vs.
Telco Incorporated,
Additional Defendant
File No. 08-1521
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR THINGS
FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO: Hampden Township EMS
(Name of Person or Entity)
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce
the following documents or things: All medical records trip reports correspondence regarding an
accident date of April 4 2006 pertaining to Michele Reed DOB: 6/29/62 SSN: 203-42-2406
at Johnson Duffle Stewart & Weidner. 301 Market Street P.O. Box 109, Lemoyne, PA 17043.
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this
subpoena, together with the certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address
listed above. You have the right to seek in advance the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or
producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena within twenty (20) days
after its service, the party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
SUPREME COURT ID #:
ATTORNEY FOR:
DATE:
Seal of the Court
Jefferson J Shipman Esquire
301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
717-761-4540
51785
Defendants
BY THE COURT:
Protho tary/Clerk i it ivis' nn
Deputy
(Eff. 7/97)
r?s w
c-z
C%Z
ci
` FJ 7
co
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
By: JANE A. NORTH, ESQUIRE
JORDAN S. NAMEROW, ESQUIRE
Identification No. 63728/206134
1601 Market Street
Suite 3400
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2301
215-578-9400
059.23066
MICHELE REED
Plaintiff,
VS.
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant,
VS.
TELCO INCORPORATED
Additional
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED TO FILE A
WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE ENCLOSED NEW
MATTER WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS FROM
SERVICE HEREOF OR A JUDGMENT MAY BE
tENNTERED AGAIN T YOU.
Namerow, Esquire
Attorneys for Additional Defendant, Telco, Inc.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 08-1521
ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT TELCO INCORPORATED'S ANSWER TO THE
THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT WITH NEW MATTER
AND NOW, by and through its undersigned counsel, Additional Defendant, Telco
Incorporated (hereinafter "Answering Defendant'), sets forth the following Answer with New
Matter to the Third Party Complaint filed by Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp:
Upon information and belief, admitted.
2. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
this paragraph. Therefore, the same are denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time
of trial.
Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
4. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
this paragraph. Therefore, the same are denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time
of trial.
6. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
2
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
7. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied.
Furthermore, Answering Defendant specifically denies it or its employees or its agents were
negligent in any way or that any such conduct on the part of Answering Defendant caused or
contributed to any injury, damage and/or loss to the Plaintiff Reed, the existence of which is
denied. To the extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation,
the Answering Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to
the truth of the averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are
specifically denied. Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict
proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
8. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
this paragraph. Therefore, the same are denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
9. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
this paragraph. Therefore, the same are denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
10. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
3
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
11. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
12. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
13. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
this paragraph. Therefore, the same are denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
14. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
4
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
15. Denied in part, admitted in part. It is admitted only that Plaintiff Reed alleges she
sustained injuries. The remainder of the allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions
of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied.
To the extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the
Answering Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth of the averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically
denied. Furthermore, Answering Defendant specifically denies that the alleged injuries, if
truthful, are causally related to the incident set forth in Plaintiff Reed's Complaint. Moreover, all
averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
16. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied.
Furthermore, Answering Defendant specifically denies it or its employees or its agents were
negligent in any way or that any such conduct on the part of Answering Defendant caused or
contributed to any injury, damage and/or loss to the Plaintiff Reed, the existence of which is
denied. To the extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation,
the Answering Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to
the truth of the averments contained in this paragraph, and accordingly, said averments are
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specifically denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. By way of further
response, all averments of agency are specifically denied.
17. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied.
Furthermore, Answering Defendant specifically denies it was negligent in any manner at any
time material hereto. To the extent that any of these allegations are deemed factual, after
reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendants are without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in this paragraph.
Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time
of trial. By way of further response, all averments of agency and causation are specifically
denied.
18(a-g). Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph, including each and
every one of its sub-parts, are conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly,
said allegations are specifically denied. Furthermore, Answering Defendant specifically denies it
was negligent and/or careless in any way or that any such conduct on the part of Answering
Defendant caused or contributed to any injury, damage and/or loss to the Plaintiff Reed, the
existence of which is denied. To the extent that any of these allegations, including the
allegations in the sub-parts, are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. By way of further response, all averments of
agency and causation are specifically denied.
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19. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied.
Furthermore, Answering Defendant specifically denies it was negligent in any manner at any
time material hereto or that any such conduct on the part of Answering Defendant caused or
contributed to any injury, damage and/or loss to the Plaintiff Reed, the existence of which is
denied. To the extent that any of these allegations, including the allegations in the sub-parts, are
deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without knowledge
or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in this
paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied. Strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial. By way of further response, all averments of agency and causation
are specifically denied.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Telco Incorporated demands judgment in it favor and
against Plaintiff Reed and/or Co-Defendant Lee.
NEW MATTER
20. Answering Defendants incorporate by reference paragraphs 1-19 of their Answer
to the Third Party Complaint as though the same were set forth fully herein.
21. The Third Party Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
22. Plaintiff Reed's and Defendant Lee's claims are barred by the applicable statute
of limitations.
(a) The alleged motor vehicle accident which is the subject of Plaintiff Reed's
occurred on April 4, 2006.
(b) Plaintiff Reed served her Complaint on Defendant Lee on March 17, 2008.
(c) On April 25, 2008, Plaintiff Reed filed an Amended Complaint with the
Court.
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(d) The applicable statute of limitations to recover damages for personal
injury or property damage arising from alleged negligent or intentional
conduct is two years in Pennsylvania.
(e) Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 2253(a)(1) dictates that a Joinder
Complaint must be filed sixty days after the service upon the original
defendant of the initial pleading of the plaintiff or any amendment thereof.
(f) Defendant Lee failed to comply with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil
Procedure by not filing her Third-Party Complaint against Answering
Defendant until July 18, 2008, well after the time allotted by the
applicable rules.
23. Defendant Lee's claims are barred by the Doctrine of Latches.
24. At all times relevant hereto, Answering Defendant acted in a reasonable and
proper manner.
25. Answering Defendant owed no duty to Plaintiff Reed or Defendant Lee at any
time material hereto.
26. This Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over this matter.
27. This Court lacks personal jurisdiction over Additional Defendant.
28. Service was improperly made upon Additional Defendant.
29. Any acts and/or omissions on the part of this Answering Defendant which are
alleged to constitute negligence, all of which are specifically denied, were not substantial causes
or factors which led to the subject incident, and did not result in the injuries and/or losses alleged
to have been sustained by Plaintiff Reed.
30. The incident and damages alleged in Plaintiff Reed's Complaint and Defendant
Lee's Third Party Complaint were caused solely by the negligence of Plaintiff Reed and
Defendant Lee and Plaintiff Reed's and Defendant Lee's claims are therefore barred.
31. Plaintiff Reed's and Defendant Lee's claims are barred and/or limited pursuant to
the provisions of the Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Act. 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 7102.
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32. The subject incident and alleged damages, if any, sustained by Plaintiff Reed were
not caused by any negligence, carelessness or recklessness on the part of this Answering
Defendant, but instead were caused solely by the negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness on
the part of Plaintiff Reed and/or Defendant Lee and/or some third party or parties other than
Answering Defendant, over whom Answering Defendant had no control or right of control at any
time.
33. Plaintiff Reed's and/or Defendant Lee's actions and/or omissions were negligent
and such negligence was a superseding, intervening cause of the alleged accident which bars
and/or limits all claims by Plaintiff Reed and Defendant Lee arising there from.
34. Plaintiff Reed did not suffer any injuries or damages as a result of the alleged
incident referred to in Plaintiff Reed's Complaint and/or Defendant Lee's Third-Party
Complaint.
35. Plaintiff Reed failed to mitigate any damages she allegedly sustained.
36. Plaintiff Reed's respective claims may be limited pursuant to the applicable tort
option or precluded as benefits recovered elsewhere under the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle
Financial Responsibility Law, 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 1701, et seq.
37. Answering Defendant asserts all the defenses available under the Pennsylvania
Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law, 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 1701, et seq., as amended and
avers that Plaintiff Reed's remedies are limited exclusively thereto and, therefore, the present
action is barred.
38. Nothing done or omitted by Answering Defendant was the proximate cause of any
damages alleged by Plaintiff Reed and/or Defendant Lee.
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39. Answering Defendant denies it is solely liable, jointly liable or liable over to
Plaintiff Reed and/or Defendant Lee.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Telco Incorporated, demand judgment in their favor and
against Plaintiff Reed and/or Defendant Lee.
NEW MATTER CROSS CLAIM PURSUANT TO Pa. R.C.P. 1031.1
40. Answering Defendant incorporates by reference paragraphs 1-38 inclusive, of its
Answer with New Matter to the Third-Party Complaint, as though the same were set forth fully
herein.
41. If the averments in Plaintiff Reed's Complaint and/or Defendant Lee's Third
Party Complaint are proven at the time of trial, which said averments Answering Defendant
specifically denies, the Plaintiff Reed's damages and/or injuries were caused solely by the
recklessness, carelessness, negligence or other culpable conduct of Defendant, Lee. Defendant
Lee is alone liable to Plaintiff Reed, jointly and severally liable to Plaintiff Reed or liable over to
Answering Defendant on the cause of action declared in the Plaintiff Reed's Complaint and/or
Defendant Lee's Third Party Complaint.
42. Answering Defendant believes, and therefore avers, in the event that a judgment
is entered in favor of Plaintiff Reed, said judgment should be entered solely against the
Defendant, Lee, and/or if said judgment is entered in favor of Plaintiff Reed and against the
Answering Defendant, then said Answering Defendant is entitled to indemnity and/or
contribution from the Defendant, Lee, by reason of its joint and several liability.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Telco Incorporated, pray that in the event a judgment in
favor of Answering Defendant, that said judgment be entered solely against Defendant, Lee
and/or in the event that judgment is entered in favor of Plaintiff Reed and against Answering
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Defendant, that the Defendant, Lee be held jointly and severally liable to Plaintiff Reed and/or
liable over to Answering Defendant, Telco Incorporated, for indemnity and/or contribution, and,
if any event, that judgment be entered in favor of the Answering Defendant and against
Defendant Lee on all Counts and claims, including all attorneys' fees and costs incurred in the
defense of this action.
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
By
JA 4E A. NORTH, ESQUIRE
JORDAN S. NAMEROW, ESQUIRE
Attorneys for Defendant, Telco, Inc.
Dated: August 6, 2008
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VERIFICATION
The undersigned attorney hereby state that I am the Attorney for Additional Defendant,
Telco Incorporated, and I am authorized to make this Verification on behalf of Additional
Defendant, and that the statements made in the foregoing Answer with New Matter are true and
correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, and that the statements are made
subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
JO S. NAME
ROW, ESQUIRE
Dated: August 6, 2008
12
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
This is to certify that in this case complete copies of all papers in Additional Defendant
Telco Incorporated's Answer with New Matter have been served upon the following person, via
United States Mail, postage prepaid.
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
JO AN S. NAMEROW, ESQUIRE
Dated: August 6, 2008
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Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I. D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
Attorney for Defendants
MICHELE REED,
V.
Plaintiff
MARTHA LEE a/k/a
MARTHA ESTEPP,
Defendant
V.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
TELCO INCORPORTED,
Additional Defendant
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
MARTHA LEE A/K/A MARTHA ESTEPP REPLY TO NEW MATTER
AND CROSS-CLAIM OF ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT TELCO INCORPORATED
AND NOW, comes the Defendant Martha Lee, by and through her counsel,
Jefferson J. Shipman and Johnson, Duffie, Stewart and Weidner and files the following
Answer to New Matter and Cross-claim of Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated as
follows:
NEW MATTER
20. Ms. Lee incorporates herein by reference her Answer and Joinder
Complaint as though fully set forth herein at length.
21. The averments contained in paragraph number 21 are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be required, the
averments contained therein are specifically denied.
22. The averments contained in paragraph number 22 are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be required, the
averments contained therein are specifically denied. The Joinder Complaint was
properly and timely filed in accordance with Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
23. 39. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph numbers 23
through 39 are conclusion of law and fact to which no response is required. If a
response is deemed to be required, the averments contained therein are specifically
denied.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp respectfully requests
that judgment be entered in her favor and that any and all claims being asserted against
her be dismissed with prejudice.
NEW MATTER CROSS-CLAIM
PURSUANT TO PA.R.C.P. 1031.1
40. Ms. Lee incorporates herein by reference her Answer and Joinder
Complaint as though fully set forth herein at length and the answers to paragraph
numbers 20 through 39 above as though fully set forth herein at length.
41. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph number 41 are
conclusions of law and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed
to be required, the averments contained therein are specifically denied.
42. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph number 42 are
conclusions of law and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed
to be required, the averments contained therein are specifically denied.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp respectfully requests
that judgment be entered in her favor and that any and all claims being asserted against
her be dismissed with prejudice.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By:
4ornA n . Shipman, Esquire
y I.D . No. 51785
5
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendant Lee
Date: August 13, 2008
VERIFICATION
PURSUANT TO PA. R.C.P. NO. 1024(c)
Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire, states that he is the attorney for the parties filing the
foregoing Reply to New Matter and Cross-claim Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated
that he makes this affidavit as an attorney, because the party he represents lacks sufficient
knowledge or information upon which to make a verification and/or because he has greater
personal knowledge of the information and belief than that of the party for whom he makes
this affidavit; and that he has sufficient knowledge or information and belief, based upon
his investigation of the matters averred or denied in the foregoing document; and that this
statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. §4904, relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
i J. Shipman, Esquire
for Defendant Lee
Date: 81114/0 ?
I
334956
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Reply to New Matter and Cross-
Claim of Additional Defendant Telco, Incorporated been duly served upon the following,
by depositing the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, in Lemoyne,
Pennsylvania, on August 13, 2008:
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
Jane A. North, Esquire
Jordan S. Namerow, Esquire
Deasey, Mahoney & Valentini, Ltd.
1601 Market Street, Suite 3400
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2301
Attorney for Telco, Inc.
, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
Jgffersdfi J. ShipmAn, Esquire
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DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
By: JANE A. NORTH, ESQUIRE
JORDAN S. NAMEROW, ESQUIRE
Identification No. 63728/206134
1601 Market Street, Suite 3400
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2301
215-578-9400 Attorneys for Additional Defendant, Telco,
059.23066
Inc.
MICHELE REED
Plaintiff,
VS.
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant,
VS.
TELCO INCORPORATED
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 08-1521
Additional Defendant.
ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT TELCO INCORPORATED'S MOTION FOR
PARTIAL JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS
AND NOW, by and through its undersigned counsel, Additional Defendant,
Telco Incorporated (hereinafter "Additional Defendant" or "Movant"), sets forth the
following Motion for Partial Judgment on the Pleadings and in support thereof avers as
follows:
1. On March 6, 2008, Plaintiff, Michele Reed ("Plaintiff') commenced the
instant action by filing a Civil Action Compliant against Defendant, Martha Lee a/k/a
Martha Estepp ("Defendant" or "Defendant Lee") in the Cumberland County Court of
Common Pleas. A true and correct copy of the Complaint is attached hereto as Exhibit
"A"
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2. Subsequently, on April 25, 2008, Plaintiff filed an Amended Complaint
solely against Defendant Lee. A true and correct copy of the Amended Complaint is
attached hereto as Exhibit "B".
3. Plaintiff's Amended Complaint alleges that on April 4, 2006, Plaintiff was
driving her vehicle west on PA 114 in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania when she properly entered the intersection at PA 114 and US 11, which
was controlled by flashing traffic lights and a flagman. At the same time, Defendant Lee,
who was traveling north on US 11, pulled directly into Plaintiff's lane of travel, without
regard to Plaintiff's vehicle or the flashing traffic signals or the flagman, causing a
collision between Plaintiff s and Defendant Lee's vehicles. See Exhibit "B" ¶¶ 5-9.
4. The Amended Complaint further alleges that Defendant Lee failed to stop,
failed to keep alert, did not maintain a proper lookout and failed to comply with various
pertinent motor vehicle statutes. See Exhibit "B" ¶ 11.
5. On May 8, 2008, Defendant Lee filed an Answer to Plaintiff s Amended
Complaint. A true and correct copy of the Answer and New Matter of Defendant Lee to
Plaintiff s Amended Complaint is attached hereto as Exhibit "C".
6. Subsequently, on May 13, 2008, after the applicable two year statute of
limitations on tort actions had expired, Defendant Lee filed a Praecipe for Writ of
Summons to Join Additional Defendant, Telco Incorporated. A true and correct copy of
the Praecipe for Writ of Summons is attached hereto as Exhibit "D".
7. After Additional Defendant, Telco Incorporated filed a Rule to File
Joinder Complaint, Defendant Lee filed its Third-Party Complaint on July 21, 2008. A
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true and correct copy of the Defendant Lee's Third-Party Complaint is attached hereto as
Exhibit "E".
8. Defendant Lee's Third-Party Complaint contends Additional Defendant is
solely liable to the Plaintiff or liable over to Defendant Lee on Plaintiff's cause of action
or, in the alternative, liable to Defendant Lee for contribution and/or indemnification.
See Exhibit "E".
9. On August 8, 2008, Additional Defendant filed its Answer to Defendant
Lee's Third-Party Complaint and asserted that Defendant Lee's claims were barred by the
applicable statute of limitations. A true and correct copy of Additional Defendant Telco
Incorporated's Answer to the Third-Party Complaint with New Matter is attached hereto
as Exhibit "F"
10. Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1034 permits a party to file a motion
for judgment on the pleadings after the relevant pleadings are closed, but within such
time as not to unreasonably delay the trial. See Pa. R.C.P. 1034.
1. ALL CLAIMS OF SOLE LIABILITY ASSERTED AGAINST
ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT TELCO INCORPORATED ARE BARRED
BY THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
11. An action to recover damages for injury that is founded on tortious
conduct is subject to a two-year statute of limitations. See 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524.
12. The party asserting the cause of action has the affirmative duty to use all
reasonable diligence to determine the facts and circumstances and to commence the
lawsuit within the prescribed period. See Hayward v. Medical Center of Beaver County,
530 Pa. 320, 608 A.2d 1040 (1992).
13. Pennsylvania's Superior Court noted:
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z
Statutes of limitations are vital to the welfare of society and
are favored in the law. They are found and approved in all
systems of enlightened jurisprudence. They promote
repose by giving security and stability to human affairs.
An important public policy lies at their foundation. They
stimulate to activity and punish negligence. While time is
constantly destroying the evidence of rights, they supply
[the place of evidence lost or impaired by lapse of time, by
raising a] presumption which renders proof unnecessary.
Mere delay, extended to the limit prescribed, is itself a
conclusive bar. The bane and antidote go together.
Devine v. Hutt, 2004 Pa.Super. 460, 863 A.2d 1160, 1167 (citing Gravinese v. Johns-
Manville Com., 324 Pa.Super. 432, 440-41, 471 A.2d 1233, 1237 (1984) (internal
citations omitted)).
14. Whether the applicable statute of limitations has run on a claim is
generally a question of law for the trial judge. See Farinacci v. Beaver County Industrial
Development Authority, 510 Pa. 589, 511 A.2d 757 (1986).
15. Judgment as a matter of law is proper if an action is barred by the
applicable statute of limitations. See Tohan v. Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corp., 696
A.2d 1195 (Pa.Super. 1997), appeal denied, 553 Pa. 700, 718 A.2d 786 (1998); Brooks v.
Ste, 431 Pa.Super. 508, 636 A.2d 1201 (1994). See also Pro Golf Mfg. v. Tribune
Review Newspaper Co., 570 Pa. 242, 809 A.2d 243 (2002) (considering statute of
limitation in context of motion for judgment on the pleadings).
16. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 2252 any party may join
as an additional defendant any person not a party to the action who may be solely liable
on the underlying cause of action against the joining party or liable to or with the joining
party on any cause of action arising out of the transaction or occurrence or series of
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transactions or occurrences upon which the underlying cause of action against the joining
party is based. See Pa. R.C.P. 2252(a).
17. However, a person may not be joined as an additional defendant on the
basis that the person is solely liable on the plaintiff's cause of action, if an action by the
plaintiff to enforce that sole liability against the joined party would be barred by the
applicable statute of limitations. Oviatt v. Automated Entrance System Co., Inc., 400
Pa.Super. 493, 583 A.2d 1223 (1990).
18. Where the statute of limitations precludes a lawsuit directly against an
alleged tortfeasor, the party may not be joined as an additional defendant in an action for
the tort on an allegation that he is alone liable. Zachrel v. Universal Oil Products Co.,
355 Pa. 324, 49 A.2d 704 (1946); Shaull v. A.S. Beck New York Shoe Co., Inc., 369 Pa.
112, 85 A.2d 698 (1952).
19. In the instant action, Defendant Lee contends Additional Defendant is
solely liable to Plaintiff Reed. See Exhibit "E".
20. However, Plaintiff s cause of action arose on April 4, 2006, when the
accident occurred. See Exhibit "B".
21. Defendant Lee did not file the Writ of Summons until May 12, 2008, more
than a month after the statute of limitations had expired. See 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524.
Defendant Lee's delinquency bars her claim of sole liability against Additional
Defendant and extinguishes any potential right of recovery for any damages from
Additional Defendant by Plaintiff.
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22. Consequently, Defendant Lee failed to join Additional Defendant within
the applicable statute of limitations and, therefore, is precluded from pursuing the cause
of action based on Additional Defendant's alleged sole liability to Plaintiff.
23. According to the clear dictates of Pennsylvania's courts, as a matter of
law, Additional Defendant is entitled to judgment on the pleadings regarding Defendant
Lee's untimely allegations of Additional Defendant's sole liability to Plaintiff.
WHEREFORE, Additional Defendant, Telco Incorporated, respectfully requests
that its Motion for Partial Judgment on the Pleadings be sustained and Defendant Lee's
Third-Party Complaint be dismissed with prejudice.
II. DEFENDANT LEE'S CLAIM FOR COMMON LAW
INDEMNIFICATION FAILS AS A MATTER OF LAW WHEN
DEFENDANT LEE WAS ACTIVELY LIABLE AND WAS THE SOLE
CAUSE OF THE AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT
24. Additional Defendant incorporates by reference paragraphs I through 23
above as though the same are set forth fully herein.
25. Indemnity is a common-law equitable remedy that shifts the entire loss
from one defendant to another party. Willet v. Pennsylvania Medical Catastrophe Loss
Fund, 549 Pa. 613, 702 A.2d 850 (1997); Svetz v. Land Tool Co., 355 Pa.Super. 230, 513
A.2d 403 (1986).
26. The right to indemnity will only be permitted where necessary to prevent
an unjust result. City of Wilkes-Barre v. Kaminski Bros., 804 A.2d 89 (Pa. Commw. Ct.
2002).
27. The common law equitable remedy shifts the entire responsibility for
damages from a party who without any fault has been required to pay because of a legal
relationship to the party at fault. Id.
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28. Indemnity has been defined by Pennsylvania's Courts as an obligation
resting upon one party to be responsible for a loss or damage another has incurred for the
former's benefit. Potts v. Dow Chemical Co., 272 Pa.Super. 323, 415 A.2d 1220 (1979).
29. Pennsylvania's Supreme Court explained:
The right of indemnity rests upon a difference between the primary
and the secondary liability of two person each of whom is made
responsible by the law to an injured party. It is a right which
inures to a person who without fault on his own part, has been
compelled, by reason of some legal obligation, to pay damages
occasioned by the initial negligence of another and for which
he himself is only secondarily liable.
Builder's Supply Co. v. McCabe, 366 Pa. 322, 77 A.2d 368 (emphasis added).
30. The liability of the indeminitor to the tort victim is often described as
"primary" and the that of the indemnitee is referred to as "secondary." Alternatively, the
indeminitor is called the active tortfeasor and the indemnitee the passive tortfeasor. Id.
See also Builders Supply Co. v. McCabe, 366 Pa. 322, 77 A.2d 368.
31. Common law indemnity is not a fault-sharing mechanism that allows a
party whose negligence was minor to recover from the tortfeasor whose negligence was
dominant. Rather, indemnity is a fault-shifting mechanism that comes into play when a
defendant held liable by operation of law seeks to recover from a defendant whose
conduct actually caused the loss. Id.; Kaminski Bros., supra., 804 A.2d 89.
32. Consequently, there can be no indemnity between parties that allegedly
bear primary responsibility for a wrong, regardless of their relative degrees of fault.
Kaminski Bros., supra; Philadelphia Elec. Co. v. Hercules, Inc., 762 F.2d 303 (3d Cir.
Pa. 1985).
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33. Based on the pleadings, Defendant Lee cannot establish that Additional
Defendant's actions were the primary cause of the motor vehicle accident on April 4,
2006. See Exhibits "B" and "E".
34. Moreover, based on the facts as alleged in Plaintiff's Amended Complaint
and the Third-Party Complaint, Defendant Lee cannot meet her burden of proving that
the accident and Plaintiff's alleged damages were not caused by the actions of Defendant
Lee.
35. To the contrary, the pleadings support the conclusion that Plaintiff s
damages, if any, were caused exclusively by Defendant Lee's negligence and failure to
comply with the applicable traffic laws.
36. Any attempt by Defendant Lee to pursue a claim of indemnification
against Additional Defendant, when its liability is at most secondary to Defendant Lee's,
is fatally flawed and must fail based on the unequivocal statements by Pennsylvania's
Courts.
37. Absent any basis in the law, Defendant Lee should be precluded from
pursuing her claim for indemnification against Additional Defendant.
38. As a matter of law, Additional Defendant is entitled to judgment on the
pleadings regarding Defendant Lee's claim for indemnification.
WHEREFORE, Additional Defendant, Telco Incorporated, respectfully requests
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DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
that its Motion for Partial Judgment on the Pleadings be sustained and Defendant Lee's
Third-Party Complaint be dismissed with prejudice.
Respectfully submitted,
DEASEY, MAHONE & VALENTINI, LTD.
B
(,-;J E A. NO TH, ESQUIRE
JORDAN S. NAMEROW, ESQUIRE
Attorneys for Telco Incorporated
Date: t k "Z O%
-9-
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
By: JANE A. NORTH, ESQUIRE
JORDAN S. NAMEROW, ESQUIRE
Identification No. 63728/206134
1601 Market Street, Suite 3400
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2301
215-578-9400 Attorneys for Additional Defendant, Telco,
059.23066 Inc.
MICHELE REED COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff, CUMBERLAND COUNTY
VS. CIVIL ACTION - LAW
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP NO. 08-1521
Defendant,
vs.
TELCO INCORPORATED
Additional Defendant.
ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT TELCO INCORPORATED'S MEMORANDUM OF
LAW IN SUPPORT OF ITS MOTION FOR PARTIAL JUDGMENT ON THE
PLEADINGS
Additional Defendant, Telco Incorporated (hereinafter "Additional Defendant" or
"Movant"), by and through its attorneys, Deasey, Mahoney & Valentini, Ltd., hereby
submits this Memorandum of Law in further support of its Motion for Partial Judgment
on the Pleadings.
1. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
On March 6, 2008, Plaintiff, Michele Reed ("Plaintiff') commenced the instant
action by filing a Civil Action Compliant against Defendant, Martha Lee a/k/a Martha
Estepp ("Defendant" or "Defendant Lee") in the Cumberland County Court of Common
Pleas. A true and correct copy of the Complaint is attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
Subsequently, on April 25, 2008, Plaintiff filed an Amended Complaint solely against
Defendant Lee. A true and correct copy of the Amended Complaint is attached hereto as
Exhibit "B". Plaintiff s Amended Complaint alleges that on April 4, 2006, Plaintiff was
driving her vehicle west on PA 114 in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania when she properly entered the intersection at PA 114 and US 11, which
was controlled by flashing traffic lights and a flagman. At the same time, Defendant Lee,
who was traveling north on US 11, pulled directly into Plaintiffs lane of travel, without
regard to Plaintiff s vehicle or the flashing traffic signals or the flagman, causing a
collision between Plaintiff s and Defendant Lee's vehicles. See Exhibit "B" ¶¶ 5-9.
Plaintiff further alleges that Defendant Lee failed to stop, failed to keep alert, did not
maintain a proper lookout and failed to comply with various pertinent motor vehicle
statutes. See Exhibit "B" ¶ 11.
On May 8, 2008, Defendant Lee filed an Answer to Plaintiff s Amended
Complaint. A true and correct copy of the Answer and New Matter of Defendant Lee to
Plaintiffs Amended Complaint is attached hereto as Exhibit "C". Subsequently, on May
13, 2008, after the applicable two year statute of limitations on tort actions had expired,
Defendant Lee filed a Praecipe for Writ of Summons to Join Additional Defendant, Telco
Incorporated. A true and correct copy of the Praecipe for Writ of Summons is attached
hereto as Exhibit "D". After Additional Defendant, Telco Incorporated filed a Rule to
File Joinder Complaint, Defendant Lee filed its Third-Party Complaint on July 21, 2008.
A true and correct copy of the Defendant Lee's Third-Party Complaint is attached hereto
as Exhibit "E". Defendant Lee's Third-Party Complaint contends Additional Defendant
is solely liable to the Plaintiff or liable over to Defendant Lee on Plaintiffs cause of
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DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
action or, in the alternative, liable to Defendant Lee for contribution and/or
indemnification. See Exhibit "E". On August 8, 2008, Additional Defendant filed its
Answer to Defendant Lee's Third-Party Complaint and asserted that Defendant Lee's
claims were barred by the applicable statute of limitations. A true and correct copy of
Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated's Answer to the Third-Party Complaint with
New Matter is attached hereto as Exhibit "F". Additional Defendant now files this
Motion for Partial Judgment on the Pleadings and respectfully requests this Honorable
Court grant its Motion for the reasons set forth below.
II. STATEMENT OF QUESTIONS INVOLVED
Should Defendant Lee's Third-Party Complaint be dismissed with
prejudice against Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated when the claims of sole
liability to Plaintiff are barred by the applicable statute of limitations and procedural rules
related to joinder of additional parties?
SUGGESTED ANSWER: YES.
2. Should Defendant Lee's Third-Party Complaint be dismissed with
prejudice against Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated when Defendant Lee's active
liability negates the claim for indemnification as a matter of law?
SUGGESTED ANSWER: YES.
III. LEGAL ARGUMENT
A. Standard of Review
The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure provide that after the relevant
pleadings are closed, a party may move for judgment on the pleadings. See Pa. R.C.P.
1034 (a). A court should grant a motion for judgment on the pleadings where the
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DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
pleadings demonstrate that no genuine issue of fact exists, and that the moving party is
entitled to judgment as a matter of law. See Fowkes v. Shoemaker, 443 Pa. Super. 343,
346, 661 A.2d 877, 878 (1995), appeal denied, 544 Pa. 609, 674 A.2d 1072 (1996). A
court may grant judgment on the pleadings where the movant's right to succeed is "so
free from doubt that the trial would clearly be a fruitless exercise." Id. See also
Pennsylvania Financial Responsibility Assigned Claims Plan v. English, 541 Pa. 424,
429, 664 A.2d 84, 86 (1995). A court must confine its consideration to the pleadings and
accept as true all well-pleaded statements of fact, admissions, and any documents
properly attached to the pleadings presented by the party against whom the motion is
filed. See Fowkes, 443 Pa.Super. at 346, 661 A.2d at 878 (citing McAllister v. Millville
Mutual Ins. Co., 433 Pa.Super. 330, 640 A.2d 1283, appeal denied, 539 Pa. 653, 651
A.2d 540 (1994)). Similarly, the court may not consider superfluous allegations
contained in a brief or memorandum of law that is filed in opposition to a motion for
judgment on the pleadings. See Patton v. Mack Trucks, Inc., 360 Pa.Super. 1, 519 A.2d
959 (1986), appeal denied, 531 A.2d 431 (1987).
B. Defendant Lee's Claim for Sole Liability on the Part of Additional
Defendant Must be Dismissed as a Matter of Law as Due to the
Failure to Comply With the Applicable Statute of Limitations
In her Third-Party Complaint, Defendant Lee alleges that Additional Defendant is
solely liable to Plaintiff for damages caused by the April 4, 2006 motor vehicle accident.
However, Defendant Lee's Third-Party Complaint fails to adhere to the applicable statute
of limitations and neglects compliance with the rules of civil procedure. Consequently,
Defendant Lee's cause of action against Additional Defendant for sole liability on
Plaintiff s claims must fail as a matter of law.
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DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
An action to recover damages for injury that is founded on tortious conduct is
subject to a two-year statute of limitations. See 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524. The party
asserting the cause of action has the affirmative duty to use all reasonable diligence to
determine the facts and circumstances and to commence the lawsuit within the prescribed
period. See Hayward v. Medical Center of Beaver County, 530 Pa. 320, 608 A.2d 1040
(1992). Pennsylvania's Superior Court noted:
Statutes of limitations are vital to the welfare of society and
are favored in the law. They are found and approved in all
systems of enlightened jurisprudence. They promote
repose by giving security and stability to human affairs.
An important public policy lies at their foundation. They
stimulate to activity and punish negligence. While time is
constantly destroying the evidence of rights, they supply
[the place of evidence lost or impaired by lapse of time, by
raising a] presumption which renders proof unnecessary.
Mere delay, extended to the limit prescribed, is itself a
conclusive bar. The bane and antidote go together.
Devine v. Hutt, 2004 Pa.Super. 460, 863 A.2d 1160, 1167 (citing Gravinese v. Johns-
Manville Corp., 324 Pa.Super. 432, 440-41, 471 A.2d 1233, 1237 (1984) (internal
citations omitted)).
Whether the applicable statute of limitations has run on a claim is generally a
question of law for the trial judge. See Farinacci v. Beaver County Industrial
Development Authority, 510 Pa. 589, 511 A.2d 757 (1986). Judgment as a matter of law
is proper if an action is barred by the applicable statute of limitations. See Tohan v.
Owens-Coming Fiberglass Corp., 696 A.2d 1195 (Pa.Super. 1997), appeal denied, 553
Pa. 700, 718 A.2d 786 (1998); Brooks v. Sagovia, 431 Pa.Super. 508, 636 A.2d 1201
(1994). See also Pro Golf Mfg. v. Tribune Review Newspaper Co., 570 Pa. 242, 809
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DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
A.2d 243 (2002) (considering statute of limitation in context of motion for judgment on
the pleadings).
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 2252 any party may join as an
additional defendant any person not a party to the action who may be solely liable on the
underlying cause of action against the joining party or liable to or with the joining party
on any cause of action arising out of the transaction or occurrence or series of
transactions or occurrences upon which the underlying cause of action against the joining
party is based. See Pa. R.C.P. 2252(a). However, a person may not be joined as an
additional defendant on the basis that the person is solely liable on the plaintiff s cause of
action, if an action by the plaintiff to enforce that sole liability against the joined party
would be barred by the applicable statute of limitations. Oviatt v. Automated Entrance
System Co., Inc., 400 Pa.Super. 493, 583 A.2d 1223 (1990). Where the statute of
limitations precludes a lawsuit directly against an alleged tortfeasor, the party may not be
joined as an additional defendant in an action for the tort on an allegation that he is alone
liable. Zachrel v. Universal Oil Products Co., 355 Pa. 324, 49 A.2d 704 (1946); Shaull v.
A.S. Beck New York Shoe Co.. Inc., 369 Pa. 112, 85 A.2d 698 (1952).
In the instant action, Defendant Lee contends Additional Defendant is solely
liable to Plaintiff Reed. See Exhibit "E". However, Plaintiffs cause of action arose on
April 4, 2006, when the accident occurred. See Exhibit B". Defendant Lee did not file
the Writ of Summons until May 12, 2008, more than a month after the statute of
limitations had expired. See 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524. Defendant Lee's delinquency bars
her claim of sole liability against Additional Defendant and extinguishes any potential
right of recovery for any damages from Additional Defendant by Plaintiff.
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DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
Consequently, Defendant Lee failed to join Additional Defendant within the
applicable statute of limitations and, therefore, is precluded from pursuing the cause of
action based on Additional Defendant's alleged sole liability to Plaintiff. According to
the clear dictates of Pennsylvania's courts, as a matter of law, Additional Defendant is
entitled to judgment on the pleadings regarding Defendant Lee's untimely allegations of
Additional Defendant's sole liability to Plaintiff. Therefore, Defendant Lee's claim of
sole liability against Additional Defendant, Telco Incorporated, is legally deficient and
must be dismissed with prejudice.
C. Defendant Lee's Claim for Common Law Indemnification Fails as a
Matter of Law Because Defendant Lee was Actively Liable and the
Sole Cause of the Automobile Accident
Defendant Lee's Third-Party Complaint contains a cause of action based on a
common law indemnification against Additional Defendant. However, Defendant Lee's
claim ignores the fact that her actions and omissions were the only cause of Plaintiffs
alleged injuries. As a result, Defendant Lee is precluded from pursuing a claim for
indemnification against Additional Defendant when she was actively liable and was the
direct cause of Plaintiffs alleged injuries.
Indemnity is a common-law equitable remedy that shifts the entire loss from one
defendant to another party. Willet v. Pennsylvania Medical Catastrophe Loss Fund, 549
Pa. 613, 702 A.2d 850 (1997); Svetz v. Land Tool Co., 355 Pa.Super. 230, 513 A.2d 403
(1986). The right to indemnity will only be permitted where necessary to prevent an
unjust result. City of Wilkes-Barre v. Kaminski Bros., 804 A.2d 89 (Pa. Commw. Ct.
2002). The common law equitable remedy shifts the entire responsibility for damages
-7-
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
from a party who without any fault has been required to pay because of a legal
relationship to the party at fault. Id.
Indemnity has been defined by Pennsylvania's Courts as an obligation resting
upon one party to be responsible for a loss or damage another has incurred for the
former's benefit. Potts v. Dow Chemical Co., 272 Pa.Super. 323, 415 A.2d 1220 (1979).
Pennsylvania's Supreme Court explained:
The right of indemnity rests upon a difference between the primary
and the secondary liability of two person each of whom is made
responsible by the law to an injured party. It is a right which
inures to a person who without fault on his own part, has been
compelled, by reason of some legal obligation, to pay damages
occasioned by the initial negligence of another and for which
he himself is only secondarily liable.
Builder's Supply Co. v. McCabe, 366 Pa. 322, 77 A.2d 368 (emphasis added).
The liability of the indeminitor to the tort victim is often described as "primary"
and the that of the indemnitee is referred to as "secondary." Alternatively, the
indeminitor is called the active tortfeasor and the indemnitee the passive
tortfeasor. Id. See also Builders Supply Co. v. McCabe, 366 Pa. 322, 77 A.2d
368.
Common law indemnity is not a fault-sharing mechanism that allows a party
whose negligence was minor to recover from the tortfeasor whose negligence was
dominant. Rather, indemnity is a fault-shifting mechanism that comes into play when a
defendant held liable by operation of law seeks to recover from a defendant whose
conduct actually caused the loss. Id.; Kaminski Bros., supra., 804 A.2d 89.
Consequently, there can be no indemnity between parties that allegedly bear primary
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DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
responsibility for a wrong, regardless of their relative degrees of fault. Kaminski Bros.
supra; Philadelphia Elec. Co. v. Hercules Inc., 762 F.2d 303 (3d Cir. Pa. 1985).
Based on the pleadings, Defendant Lee cannot establish that Additional
Defendant's actions were the primary cause of the motor vehicle accident on April 4,
2006. See Exhibits "B" and "E". Moreover, based on the facts as alleged in Plaintiff's
Amended Complaint and the Third-Party Complaint, Defendant Lee cannot meet her
burden of proving that the accident and Plaintiff's alleged damages were not caused by
the actions of Defendant Lee. To the contrary, the pleadings support the conclusion that
Plaintiff's damages, if any, were caused exclusively by Defendant Lee's negligence and
failure to comply with the applicable traffic laws.
Any attempt by Defendant Lee to pursue a claim of indemnification against
Additional Defendant, when its liability is at most secondary to Defendant Lee's, is
fatally flawed and must fail based on the unequivocal statements by Pennsylvania's
Courts. Absent any basis in the law, Defendant Lee should be precluded from pursuing
her claim for indemnification against Additional Defendant. As a matter of law,
Additional Defendant is entitled to judgment on the pleadings regarding Defendant Lee's
claim for indemnification.
IV. REQUESTED RELIEF
Based on the foregoing, Additional Defendant, Telco Incorporated, respectfully
requests its Motion for Partial Judgment on the Pleadings be granted and Defendant Lee's
Third-Party Complaint be dismissed with prejudice. In the alternative, Additional
Defendant, Telco Incorporated, respectfully request this Honorable Court strike
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DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
Defendant Lee's causes of action based on sole liability to Plaintiff and common law
indemnification.
Respectfully submitted,
DEASEX, MAHON & VALENTINI, LTD.
By:
JAN A. NOR. , ESQUIRE
JORDAN S. NAMEROW, ESQUIRE
Date: '7 ''6 Attorneys for Telco Incorporated
l \'
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DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
Robert F. Claraval, Esq.
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. 19222
Attorney for Plaintiffs
MICHELE REED, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2008 CV CV
V.
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant CIVIL ACTION -LAW
COMPLAINT
Parties
1. The Plaintiff Michele Reed resides at 47 Edgewood Drive, Mechanicsburg,
Pennsylvania, 17055.
2. The Defendant Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp resides at 142 East Main Street,
Apartment C, Blain, Pennsylvania, 17006.
Background
3. On April 4, 2006 at approximately 11:20 a.m. Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving her
1999 Chevrolet.
4. On that same date the Defendant Martha Lee was driving a 2005 Hyundai Elantra
owned by Darryl A. Higley.
5. Plaintiff Michele Reed was traveling west on PA 114 and was properly entering the
intersection at Route 114 and US 11 in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
6. At that same time the Defendant Martha Lee was traveling north on US 11 and was
approaching the intersection at PA 114.
7. The intersection on that date was controlled by flashing traffic lights and a flagman.
8. Without regard to the PlaintiffMichele Reed's vehicle which was lawfully proceeding
through the intersection of Route 114 and US 11, or the flashing traffic signals or the flagman, the
Defendant Martha Lee pulled directly into Michele Reed's lane of travel.
9. Defendant Martha Lee's vehicle struck the driver's side of Michele Reed's car,
causing it to travel into a concrete barrier on the east side of Route 114.
10. The force of the impact caused serious injury to Plaintiff Michele Reed.
-1-
Negligence
11. The collision and all of the hereinafter mentioned injuries and damages sustained by
the Plaintiff Michele Reed are the direct result of the carelessness, recklessness and negligence of
the Defendant Martha Lee as more particularly described below.
(a) In failing to stop her vehicle before causing a collision with the vehicle Plaintiff
Michele Reed was driving.
(b) In failing to keep alert and to maintain a proper lookout for the presence of other
motor vehicles, more specifically, the Plaintiff Michele Reed's vehicle.
(c) In failing to keep adequate and proper control over her vehicle to avoid contact with
the automobile which the Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving.
(d) In operating her vehicle with careless disregard for the rights or safety of others in
violation of the Motor Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
specifically 75 Pa.C.S. §3714 "Careless Driving."
(e) In operating her vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others
lawfully on the roadway specifically including Michele Reed in violation of 75
Pa.C.S. §3736.
-2-
(f) In failing to stop at a properly posted traffic control signal in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.
§3112.
(g) In violating 75 Pa.C.S. §3324, failure to yield when entering a roadway.
Damages
12. The force and impact of the collision as caused by the negligence of the Defendant
Martha Lee caused serious and permanent injury to the Plaintiff Michele Reed for which she has
received extensive medical care.
13. The Plaintiff Michele Reed suffered the following injuries as a result of the
negligence of the Defendant:
(a) Closed head injury;
(b) Concussion;
(c) Post-concussive syndrome;
(d) Chronic headache;
(e) Cervical injury;
(f) Lumbar injury;
(g) Fibromyalgia
-3-
(h) A greater susceptibility to cervical and lumbar injury;
(i) Limitation in range of motion of cervical and lumbar spine; and
0) Possible aggravation of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
14. As a result of the negligence of the Defendant Martha Lee as described herein, the
Plaintiff Michele Reed has suffered and will continue to suffer mental and physical pain, great
difficulty in carrying out and engaging in life's activities, a loss of life's pleasures and enjoyment,
humiliation and embarrassment.
15. Plaintiff Michele Reed has and may in the future sustain a loss of earnings and an
impairment to her earning capacity.
16. Plaintiff Michele Reed has been forced to expend sums of money for medical
services, medication, therapy and related expenses in the past and will be required to continue to do
so in the future.
17. All of Plaintiff Michele Reed's injuries as herein described are continuing and will
continue into the foreseeable future, as will the treatment costs thereof.
18. The negligence of the Defendant Martha Lee has resulted in the general deterioration
of Plaintiff Michele Reed's well-being.
-4-
WHEREFORE, the PlaintiffMichele Reed demands judgment against the Defendant Martha
Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp in an amount which exceeds the compulsory arbitration limits of
Cumberland County, together with delay damages if applicable and costs of suit.
CLARAVAL & CLARAVAL
Date: S
By:
ROBERT F. CUARAVAL
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. #19222
Date: ?) s log
Attorneys for Plaintiff
By: ? h / j . fim/t--" Ok/ roaVV4
MAR ANN KENNEDY CLAkAVFJ-
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-4763
Supreme Court I.D. #87347
-5-
Attorneys for Plaintiff
VERIFICATION
The language of the foregoing document is that of counsel and not necessarily my own;
however, I have read the foregoing document and to the extent that it is based upon information that
I have given to counsel, it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief;
to the extent that the content of the foregoing document is that of counsel, I have relied upon counsel
in making this verification.
I understand that any false statements herein are made subjectto the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A.
§4904, relating to unworn falsification to authorities.
k& e ht 1,
MICHELE REED
30°la PC's'
Robert F. Claraval, Esq.
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. 19222
Attorney for Plaintiffs
MICHELE REED, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 08-1521
V.
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant CIVIL ACTION - LAW
AMENDED COMPLAINT
Parties
1. The Plaintiff Michele Reed resides at 47 Edgewood Drive, Mechanicsburg,
Pennsylvania, 17055.
2. The Defendant Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp resides at 142 East Main Street,
Apartment C, Blain, Pennsylvania, 17006.
Background
3. On April 4, 2006 at approximately 11:20 a.m. PlaintiffMichele Reed was driving her
1999 Chevrolet.
4. On that same date the Defendant Martha Lee was driving a 2005 Hyundai Elantra
owned by Darryl A. Higley.
5. Plaintiff Michele Reed was traveling west on PA 114 and was properly entering the
intersection at Route 114 and US 11 in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
6. At that same time the Defendant Martha Lee was traveling north on US 11 and was
approaching the intersection at PA 114.
7. The intersection on that date was controlled by flashing traffic lights and a flagman.
8. Without regard to the PlaintiffMichele Reed's vehicle which was lawfully proceeding
through the intersection of Route 114 and US 11, or the flashing traffic signals or the flagman, the
Defendant Martha Lee pulled directly into Michele Reed's lane of travel.
9. Defendant Martha Lee's vehicle struck the driver's side of Michele Reed's car. Ms.
Reed then drove to the curb on the east side of Route 114.
10. The force of the impact caused serious injury to Plaintiff Michele Reed.
-1-
Negligence
11. The collision and all of the hereinafter mentioned injuries and damages sustained by
the Plaintiff Michele Reed are the direct result of the carelessness, recklessness and negligence of
the Defendant Martha Lee as more particularly described below.
(a) In failing to stop her vehicle before causing a collision with the vehicle Plaintiff
Michele Reed was driving.
(b) In failing to keep alert and to maintain a proper lookout for the presence of other
motor vehicles, more specifically, the Plaintiff Michele Reed's vehicle.
(c) In failing to keep adequate and proper control over her vehicle to avoid contact with
the automobile which the Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving.
(d) In operating her vehicle with careless disregard for the rights or safety of others in
violation of the Motor Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
specifically 75 Pa.C.S. §3714 "Careless Driving."
(e) In operating her vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others
lawfully on the roadway specifically including Michele Reed in violation of 75
Pa.C.S. §3736.
-2-
(f) In failing to stop at a properly posted traffic control signal in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.
§3112.
(g) In violating 75 Pa.C.S. §3324, failure to yield when entering a roadway.
Damages
12. The force and impact of the collision as caused by the negligence of the Defendant
Martha Lee caused serious and permanent injury to the Plaintiff Michele Reed for which she has
received extensive medical care.
13. The Plaintiff Michele Reed suffered the following injuries as a result of the
negligence of the Defendant:
(a) Closed head injury;
(b) Concussion;
(c) Post-concussive syndrome;
(d) Chronic headache;
(e) Cervical injury;
(f) Lumbar injury;
(g) Fibromyalgia
-3-
(h) A greater susceptibility to cervical and lumbar injury;
(i) Limitation in range of motion of cervical and lumbar spine; and
0) Possible aggravation of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
14. As a result of the negligence of the Defendant Martha Lee as described herein, the
Plaintiff Michele Reed has suffered and will continue to suffer mental and physical pain, great
difficulty in carrying out and engaging in life's activities, a loss of life's pleasures and enjoyment,
humiliation and embarrassment.
15. Plaintiff Michele Reed has and may in the future sustain a loss of earnings and an
impairment to her earning capacity.
16. Plaintiff Michele Reed has been forced to expend sums of money for medical
services, medication, therapy and related expenses in the past and will be required to continue to do
so in the future.
17. All of Plaintiff Michele Reed's injuries as herein described are continuing and will
continue into the foreseeable future, as will the treatment costs thereof.
18. The negligence of the Defendant Martha Lee has resulted in the general deterioration
of Plaintiff Michele Reed's well-being.
-4-
WHEREFORE, the PlaintiffMichele Reed demands judgment against the Defendant Martha
Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp in an amount which exceeds the compulsory arbitration limits of
Cumberland County, together with delay damages if applicable and costs of suit.
Date: - 3 0?
Date: ?-3 ?-U
CLARAVAL & CLARAVAL
B4RROBERR4TT. L ARAVAL
500 North Third Street, 2nd Vloor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. # 19222
By:
-5-
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Harrisburg, FA 171 U 1
(717) 233-4763
Supreme Court I.D. #87347
Attorneys for Plaintiff
VERIFICATION
I, Robert F. Claraval, being duly sworn according to law, depose and state that I am the
attorney for the Plaintiffs in this action and that the information contained in the foregoing document
is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.
I understand that any false statements herein are made subjectto the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A.
§4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
MICHELE REED, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 08-1521
V.
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant CIVIL ACTION -LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I have this day served a true and correct copy of Plaintiff's
Amended Complaint by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the following person:
Jefferson Shipman, Esq.
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
301 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Date: yh?-3k8
CLARAVAL & CLARAVAL
By
DENISE I. WILLIAMS
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner Attorney for Defendants
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: j s@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
MICHELE REED, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
AND NOW, comes the Defendant, Martha Lee, a/k/a Martha Estepp, by and
through her counsel, Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner, and Jefferson J. Shipman,
Esquire, and files the following Answer and New Matter to Plaintiff's Amended
Complaint:
1. Admitted upon information and belief.
2. Admitted.
3, Admitted only that on April 4, 2006 at approximately 11:20 a.m. Plaintiff
Michele Reed was driving a 1999 Chevrolet.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted only that Plaintiff Michele Reed was traveling west on Pa. 114
entering the intersection at Route 114 and U.S. 11 in Silver Spring Township,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
6. Admitted that Defendant Mrs. Lee was traveling north on U.S. 11 and was
properly and legally entering the intersection at Route U.S. 11 and Route 114 in Silver
Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
7. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that the intersection' on the
date in question was controlled by a flashing traffic light. After reasonable investigation,
Mrs. Lee is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of
the remaining averments of Paragraph 7 and the same are therefore denied and strict
proof is demanded at the time of trial
8. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 8 are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be required, the
averments contained therein are specifically denied. By way of further answer, it is
specifically denied that Mrs. Lee was negligent in any manner with respect to Plaintiffs
alleged cause of action and further, that the 'Reed vehicle failed to yield and pulled
directly into Mrs. Lee's lane of travel.
9. Denied as stated.
10. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 10, relating to Plaintiffs alleged injuries, and the same are therefore denied
and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
11. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 11 and each and every
subparagraph a. through g. is a conclusion of law and fact to which no response is
response is required. If a response is deemed to be required, the averments contained
in Paragraph 11 and each and every subparagraph a. through g. is specifically denied.
a. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee was negligent in
allegedly failing to stop her vehicle before allegedly causing a collision with the
vehicle Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving;
b. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee failed to keep alert
and maintain a proper lookout for the presence of other motor vehicles, more
specifically, the Plaintiff Michele Reeds vehicle;
C. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee failed to keep
adequate and proper control over the vehicle so as to avoid contact with the
automobile which the Plaintiff Michele Reed was driving;
d. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee operated her vehicle
with careless disregard for the rights of others in violation of the Motor Vehicle
Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, specifically, 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3714
"Careless Driving";
e. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee operated her vehicle
in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others lawfully on the roadway,
specifically, including Michele Reed allegedly in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3736;
f. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee failed to stop at a
properly posted traffic control signal in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3112; and
g. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mrs. Lee violated 75 Pa.C.S.A.
§3324, and failure to yield when entering a roadway.
12. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 12 are in part conclusions
of law and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be
required, the averments contained therein are specifically denied. By way of'further
response, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to
the truth of the remaining averments of Paragraph 12 relating to Plaintiffs alleged
injuries and the same are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of
trial.
13. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 13 are conclusions of law
and fact to which no response is required. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is
without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in Paragraph 13 relating to Plaintiffs alleged injuries and the same
are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
14. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 14 are in part conclusions
of law and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be
required, the averments contained therein are specifically denied. After reasonable
investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as
to the truth of the remaining averments of Paragraph 14 and the same are therefore
denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
15. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 15 and the same are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the
time of trial.
16. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 16 and the same are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the
time of trial.
17. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Mrs. Lee is without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 17 and the same are therefore denied and strict proof is demanded at the
time of trial.
18. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 18 are in part conclusions
of law and fact to which no response is required. If a response is deemed to be
required, the averments contained therein are specifically denied.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Martha Lee, a/k/a Martha Estepp, respectfully
requests that judgment be entered in her favor and that Plaintiffs Complaint be
dismissed with prejudice.
NEW MATTER
By way of additional answer and reply, the Defendant interposes the following
New Matter defenses:
19. That the Plaintiff's alleged cause of action may be barred in whole or in
part by the provisions of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law
and by the Limited Tort Option.
20. That the Plaintiffs alleged cause of action may be barred in whole or in
part by the Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Act.
21. That the Plaintiff herself was contributorily negligent in the following:
a. Failing to drive at a safe speed;
b. Failing to yield;
C. Failing to comply with traffic control devices;
d. Failing to comply with directions of traffic control officers and/or
flagmen;
e. Failing to stop her vehicle before causing a collision;
f. Failing to keep alert and maintain a proper lookout for the presence
of other motor vehicles;
g. Failing to keep adequate and proper control of her vehicle so as to
avoid contact with the Defendant's vehicle;
h. Operating her vehicle in careless disregard for the rights and safety
of others in violation of the Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
specifically 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3714, "Careless Driving";
i. Operating her vehicle in a willful and wanton disregard for the
safety of others lawfully on the roadway, specifically including Defendant, in
violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3736;
j. In failing to stop at a properly posted traffic control signal in
violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3112; and
k. In violating 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3324 involving failure to yield when
entering a roadway.
22. That if it should be found that there was any negligence on the part of the
Answering Defendant, which is denied, then in that event any such negligence was not
a substantial factor nor factual cause of the Plaintiff's harm.
23. That the Plaintiffs alleged harm may have been pre-existing the date of
this accident.
24. That the Plaintiffs alleged cause of action may have been caused in
whole or in part by the negligence of third parties or entities not presently involved in
this action.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Martha Lee, a/k/a Martha Estepp, respectfully
requests that judgment be entered in her favor and that Plaintiffs Complaint be
dismissed with prejudice.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
J erson J. Shipman, Esquire
I. D. #: 51785
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Attorneys for Defendant
Date: May 7, 2008
330618
VERIFICATION
I, Martha Lee, have read the foregoing Answer, 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 unswom falsification to
authorities.
?artha(Lee
DATE:
330629
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing has been duly served upon the following, by
depositing the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, on
May 7, 2008:
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
40Jerson J. Shi n, squire
: 51785
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Attorneys for Defendant
N_ O
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Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
Attorney for Defendant
MICHELE REED, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO: 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA
ESTEPP,
Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
V,
TELCO INCORPORATED
1224 Cross Keys Road
Reading, PA 19605-9505
Additional Defendant
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS TO JOIN ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT
Kindly issue a Writ of Summons in the above-captioned action against the
following Additional Defendant advising that Defendant, Martha Lee a/k/a Martha
Estepp, has joined them as an Additional Defendant in the above action and that they
will be required to defend:
Telco Incorporated
1224 Cross Keys Road
Berks County
Reading, PA 19605-9503
Date : May 12, 2008
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
/7 ,
J erdori J. Shipman, Esquire
1.13. #: 51785
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Attorneys for Defendant
Johnson, Duffle, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendant:
Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp
MICHELE REED,
V.
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
MARTHA LEE a/k/a
MARTHA ESTEPP,
Defendant
V.
TELCO INCORPORTED,
1224 Cross Keys Road
Reading, PA 19605-9505
Additional Defendant
NO. 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the Defendant Martha Lee, by and through her attorneys
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner and files this Third-Party Joinder Complaint against
Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated as follows:
1. Additional Defendant herein is Telco Incorporated, 1224 Cross Keys Road,
Reading, Berks County, PA 19605-9503.
2. This matter involves an automobile accident that allegedly occurred on
April 4, 2006, at the intersection of Route 114 and U.S. 11 in Mechanicsburg,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania ("the intersection")
3. The Defendant incorporates by reference the allegations of Plaintiff's
Complaint attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
4. The Defendant also incorporates herein her Answer and New Matter
attached hereto as Exhibit "B".
5. It is believed that, at the time of the alleged accident, the traffic control
signals were flashing red for Route 114 and yellow for U.S. Route 11.
6. It is believed and therefore averred that the traffic signals were undergoing
maintenance by Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated.
7. _ It is believed and therefore averred that an employee or agent of Telco
Incorporated caused the traffic signals to be inoperational and/or flashing.
8. Defendant Martha Lee was traveling eastbound on U.S. 11 when she
noticed that the traffic signals pertaining to her lane of travel were flashing yellow.
9. Ms. Lee did not notice or observe any flagmen or individuals directing
traffic at the intersection as she approached.
10. However, it is believed and therefore averred that despite the flashing
yellow and red signals directing traffic, an employee or agent of Telco Incorporated
began directing traffic at the intersection.
11. The employee or agent of Telco Incorporated was inconspicuously
directing traffic in the intersection despite the fact that the signals were still set to yellow
and red flashing lights.
12. As Ms. Lee approached the intersection she proceeded with caution
through the intersection observing the yellow flashing signal light.
13. However, Ms. Lee did not observe anyone directing traffic in the
intersection.
14. As Ms. Lee proceeded through the intersection, she made contact with a
vehicle operated by Plaintiff Michele Reed which was proceeding west on Route 114.
15. Plaintiffhas alleged injuries as a result of the accident as set forth in her
Complaint.
16. Employees or agents of Telco Incorporated, for which Telco Incorporated
is vicariously liable, were controlling traffic flow at the intersection at the time of the
accident, either through the flashing signal lights or personal direction.
17. The accident between Plaintiff and Defendant occurred only because
Telco Incorporated negligently controlled and/or directed the flow of traffic at the
intersection.
18. The negligence of Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated includes:
(a) Failing to safely direct traffic through the intersection in a conspicuous and
organized manner;
(b) Failing to set the traffic signals at the intersection in a safe manner;
(c) Failing to use signs, flags, or other conspicuous notices on the ground to
alert drivers of traffic direction in the intersection in addition to, or in place
of, the flashing signal lights;
(d) Inattentiveness to existing traffic conditions including the approaching
vehicles;
(e) Carelessness in the control of traffic flow in the intersection;
(f) failure to provide a safe means of passage through the intersection for the
Defendant and Plaintiff; and
(g) Otherwise creating and permitting a dangerous condition of traffic flow and
direction at the intersection.
19. The Plaintiffs injuries are the proximate result of the negligence of the
Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated and their agents or employees.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant Martha Lee avers that the Additional Defendant
Telco Incorporated is solely liable to the Plaintiff Michele Reed or liable over to the
Defendant on the Plaintiffs claims or, in the alternative, liable to the Defendant for
contribution and/or indemnification.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
Jefforsdn' J. Shipman, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 51785
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendant Lee
Date: July 18, 2008
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED TO FILE A
WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE ENCLOSED NEW
MATTER WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS FROM
SERVICE HEREOF OR A JUDGMENT MAY BE
ENTERED AGAIN T YOU.
Jo . Namerow, Esquire
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
By: JANE A. NORTH, ESQUIRE
JORDAN S. NAMEROW, ESQUIRE
Identification No. 63728/206134
1601 Market Street
Suite 3400
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2301
215-578-9400 Attorneys for Additional Defendant, Telco, Inc.
059.23066
MICHELE REED
Plaintiff,
VS.
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant,
VS.
TELCO INCORPORATED
Additional
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
C C= on
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
M-
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N0.08-1521 C 51< CO
Y
-v
ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT TELCO INCORPORATED'S ANSWER TO THE
THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT WITH NEW MATTER
AND NOW, by and through its undersigned counsel, Additional Defendant, Telco
Incorporated (hereinafter "Answering Defendant"), sets forth the following Answer with New
Matter to the Third Party Complaint filed by Martha Lee &Wa Martha Estepp:
1. Upon information and belief, admitted.
2. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
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this paragraph. Therefore, the same are denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time
of trial.
3. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
4. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
5. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
this paragraph. Therefore, the same are denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time
of trial.
6. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
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Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
7. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied.
Furthermore, Answering Defendant specifically denies it or its employees or its agents were
negligent in any way or that any such conduct on the part of Answering Defendant caused or
contributed to any injury, damage and/or loss to the Plaintiff Reed, the existence of which is
denied. To the extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation,
the Answering Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to
the truth of the averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are
specifically denied. Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict
proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
8. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
this paragraph. Therefore, the same are denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
9. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
this paragraph. Therefore, the same are denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
10. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
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Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
11. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
12. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
13. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
this paragraph. Therefore, the same are denied and strict proof is demanded at the time of trial.
14. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied. To the
4
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extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Moreover, all averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial.
15. Denied in part, admitted in part. It is admitted only that Plaintiff Reed alleges she
sustained injuries. The remainder of the allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions
of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied.
To the extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the
Answering Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth of the averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically
denied. Furthermore, Answering Defendant specifically denies that the alleged injuries, if
truthful, are causally related to the incident set forth in Plaintiff Reed's Complaint. Moreover, all
averments of causation are specifically denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of
trial.
16. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied.
Furthermore, Answering Defendant specifically denies it or its employees or its agents were
negligent in any way or that any such conduct on the part of Answering Defendant caused or
contributed to any injury, damage and/or loss to the Plaintiff Reed, the existence of which is
denied. To the extent that these allegations are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation,
the Answering Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to
the truth of the averments contained in this paragraph, and accordingly, said averments are
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specifically denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. By way of further
response, all averments of agency are specifically denied.
17. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied.
Furthermore, Answering Defendant specifically denies it was negligent in any manner at any
time material hereto. To the extent that any of these allegations are deemed factual, after
reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendants are without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in this paragraph.
Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time
of trial. By way of further response, all averments of agency and causation are specifically
denied.
18(a-g). Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph, including each and
every one of its sub-parts, are conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly,
said allegations are specifically denied. Furthermore, Answering Defendant specifically denies it
was negligent and/or careless in any way or that any such conduct on the part of Answering
Defendant caused or contributed to any injury, damage and/or loss to the Plaintiff Reed, the
existence of which is denied. To the extent that any of these allegations, including the
allegations in the sub-parts, are deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering
Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
averments contained in this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied.
Strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. By way of further response, all averments of
agency and causation are specifically denied.
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19. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Accordingly, said allegations are specifically denied.
Furthermore, Answering Defendant specifically denies it was negligent in any manner at any
time material hereto or that any such conduct on the part of Answering Defendant caused or
contributed to any injury, damage and/or loss to the Plaintiff Reed, the existence of which is
denied. To the extent that any of these allegations, including the allegations in the sub-parts, are
deemed factual, after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without knowledge
or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in this
paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are specifically denied. Strict proof thereof is
demanded at the time of trial. By way of further response, all averments of agency and causation
are specifically denied.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Telco Incorporated demands judgment in it favor and
against Plaintiff Reed and/or Co-Defendant Lee.
NEW MATTER
20. Answering Defendants incorporate by reference paragraphs 1-19 of their Answer
to the Third Party Complaint as though the same were set forth fully herein.
21. The Third Party Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
22. Plaintiff Reed's and Defendant Lee's claims are barred by the applicable statute
of limitations.
(a) The alleged motor vehicle accident which is the subject of Plaintiff Reed's
occurred on April 4, 2006.
(b) Plaintiff Reed served her Complaint on Defendant Lee on March 17, 2008.
(c) On April 25, 2008, Plaintiff Reed filed an Amended Complaint with the
Court.
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(d) The applicable statute of limitations to recover damages for personal
injury or property damage arising from alleged negligent or intentional
conduct is two years in Pennsylvania.
(e) Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 2253(a)(1) dictates that a Joinder
Complaint must be filed sixty days after the service upon the original
defendant of the initial pleading of the plaintiff or any amendment thereof.
(f) Defendant Lee failed to comply with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil
Procedure by not filing her Third-Party Complaint against Answering
Defendant until July 18, 2008, well after the time allotted by the
applicable rules.
23. Defendant Lee's claims are barred by the Doctrine of Latches.
24. At all times relevant hereto, Answering Defendant acted in a reasonable and
proper manner.
25. Answering Defendant owed no duty to Plaintiff Reed or Defendant Lee at any
time material hereto.
26. This Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over this matter.
27. This Court lacks personal jurisdiction over Additional Defendant.
28. Service was improperly made upon Additional Defendant.
29. Any acts and/or omissions on the part of this Answering Defendant which are
alleged to constitute negligence, all of which are specifically denied, were not substantial causes
or factors which led to the subject incident, and did not result in the injuries and/or losses alleged
to have been sustained by Plaintiff Reed.
30. The incident and damages alleged in Plaintiff Reed's Complaint and Defendant
Lee's Third Party Complaint were caused solely by the negligence of Plaintiff Reed and
Defendant Lee and Plaintiff Reed's and Defendant Lee's claims are therefore barred.
31. Plaintiff Reed's and Defendant Lee's claims are barred and/or limited pursuant to
the provisions of the Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Act. 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 7102.
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32. The subject incident and alleged damages, if any, sustained by Plaintiff Reed were
not caused by any negligence, carelessness or recklessness on the part of this Answering
Defendant, but instead were caused solely by the negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness on
the part of Plaintiff Reed and/or Defendant Lee and/or some third party or parties other than
Answering Defendant, over whom Answering Defendant had no control or right of control at any
time.
33. Plaintiff Reed's and/or Defendant Lee's actions and/or omissions were negligent
and such negligence was a superseding, intervening cause of the alleged accident which bars
and/or limits all claims by Plaintiff Reed and Defendant Lee arising there from.
34. Plaintiff Reed did not suffer any injuries or damages as a result of the alleged
incident referred to in Plaintiff Reed's Complaint and/or Defendant Lee's Third-Party
Complaint.
35. Plaintiff Reed failed to mitigate any damages she allegedly sustained.
36. Plaintiff Reed's respective claims may be limited pursuant to the applicable tort
option or precluded as benefits recovered elsewhere under the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle
Financial Responsibility Law, 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 1701, et seq.
37. Answering Defendant asserts all the defenses available under the Pennsylvania
Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law, 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 1701, et seq., as amended and
avers that Plaintiff Reed's remedies are limited exclusively thereto and, therefore, the present
action is barred.
38. Nothing done or omitted by Answering Defendant was the proximate cause of any
damages alleged by Plaintiff Reed and/or Defendant Lee.
9
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 - 1601 MARKET STREET - PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
39. Answering Defendant denies it is solely liable, jointly liable or liable over to
Plaintiff Reed and/or Defendant Lee.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Telco Incorporated, demand judgment in their favor and
against Plaintiff Reed and/or Defendant Lee.
NEW MATTER CROSS CLAIM PURSUANT TO Pa. R.C.P. 1031.1
40. Answering Defendant incorporates by reference paragraphs 1-38 inclusive, of its
Answer with New Matter to the Third-Party Complaint, as though the same were set forth fully
herein.
41. If the averments in Plaintiff Reed's Complaint and/or Defendant Lee's Third
Party Complaint are proven at the time of trial, which said averments Answering Defendant
specifically denies, the Plaintiff Reed's damages and/or injuries were caused solely by the
recklessness, carelessness, negligence or other culpable conduct of Defendant, Lee. Defendant
Lee is alone liable to Plaintiff Reed, jointly and severally liable to Plaintiff Reed or liable over to
Answering Defendant on the cause of action declared in the Plaintiff Reed's Complaint and/or
Defendant Lee's Third Party Complaint.
42. Answering Defendant believes, and therefore avers, in the event that a judgment
is entered in favor of Plaintiff Reed, said judgment should be entered solely against the
Defendant, Lee, and/or if said judgment is entered in favor of Plaintiff Reed and against the
Answering Defendant, then said Answering Defendant is entitled to indemnity and/or
contribution from the Defendant, Lee, by reason of its joint and several liability.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Telco Incorporated, pray that in the event a judgment in
favor of Answering Defendant, that said judgment be entered solely against Defendant, Lee
and/or in the event that judgment is entered in favor of Plaintiff Reed and against Answering
10
DEASEX MAHONEY & VALENTINL LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
Defendant, that the Defendant, Lee be held jointly and severally liable to Plaintiff Reed and/or
liable over to Answering Defendant, Telco Incorporated, for indemnity and/or contribution, and,
if any event, that judgment be entered in favor of the Answering Defendant and against
Defendant Lee on all Counts and claims, including all attorneys' fees and costs incurred in the
defense of this action.
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
By
JA'A A. NORTH, ESQUIRE
JORDAN S. NAMEROW, ESQUIRE
Attorneys for Defendant, Telco, Inc.
Dated: August 6, 2008
11
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
VERIFICATION
The undersigned attorney hereby state that I am the Attorney for Additional Defendant,
Telco Incorporated, and I am authorized to make this Verification on behalf of Additional
Defendant, and that the statements made in the foregoing Answer with New Matter are true and
correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, and that the statements are made
subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A § 4904 relating to unworn falsification to authorities.
JO S. NAMEROW, ESQUIRE
Dated: August 6, 2008
12
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
This is to certify that in this case complete copies of all papers in Additional Defendant
Telco Incorporated's Answer with New Matter have been served upon the following person, via
United States Mail, postage prepaid.
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2°d Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
JoHNsoN, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
JO AN S. NAMEROW, ESQUIRE
Dated: August 6, 2008
13
DEASEX MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET - PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
This is to certify that in this case complete copies of all papers in Additional
Defendant Telco Incorporated's Motion for Partial Judgment on the Pleadings have been
served upon the following person(s), via United States Mail, postage prepaid.
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
AN S. N MEROW, ESQUIRE
Dated: 11 T 0%
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
j
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
By: JANE A. NORTH, ESQUIRE
JORDAN S. NAMEROW, ESQUIRE
Identification No. 63728/206134
1601 Market Street, Suite 3400
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-578-9400 Attorney for Additional Defendant, Telco, Inc.
059.23066
MICHELE REED COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff,: CUMBERLAND COUNTY
VS. CIVIL ACTION - LAW
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP NO. 08-1521
Defendant, ;
VS.
TELCO INCORPORATED
Additional
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
Kindly enter my appearance as co-counsel on behalf of Additional Defendant, Telco,
Inc., in the above-captioned matter.
Dated: November 6, 2008
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
By:
AN S. A EROW, ESQUIRE
DEASEY, MAHONEY & VALENTINI, LTD.
SUITE 3400 • 1601 MARKET STREET • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-2301
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire Attorneys for Defendant:
I.D. No. 51785 Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp
301 Market Street
P.O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
e-mail: jjs@jdsw.com
(717) 761-4540
MICHELE REED,
V.
MARTHA LEE a/k/a
MARTHA ESTEPP,
V.
Plaintiff
Defendant
TELCO INCORPORTED,
Additional Defendant
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 08-1521 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANT LEE'S RESPONSE TO ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT TELCO
INCORPORATED'S MOTION FOR PARTIAL JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS
1. Admitted.
2. Denied. To the contrary, the caption on Plaintiff's Amended Complaint is
identical to that of Plaintiffs original Complaint.
3. Admitted. It is admitted only that this paragraph reasonably paraphrases
the allegations within Plaintiffs Amended Complaint.
4. Admitted. It is admitted only that this paragraph reasonably paraphrases
the allegations within Plaintiffs Amended Complaint.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,'PENNSYLVANIA
5. Admitted.
6. Admitted in part. It is admitted only that Defendant Lee filed a Praecipe for
Writ of Summons to Join Additional Defendant. As to the balance of the paragraph, it
states conclusions of law to which no response is required.
7. Admitted in part. It is admitted that Additional Defendant, Telco, filed a
Rule to File Joinder Complaint. It is further admitted only that Defendant Lee
subsequently filed her Third-Party Complaint.
8. Admitted.
9. Admitted.
10. It is admitted that the cited rule speaks for itself.
I. ALL CLAIMS OF SOLE LIABILITY ASSERTED AGAINST ADDITIONAL
DEFENDANT TELCO INCORPORATED ARE BARRED BY THE STATUTE OF
LIMITATIONS
11.-18. It is admitted only that these paragraphs cite case law and a rule of
civil procedure, the texts of which speak for themselves. To the extent these paragraphs
make allegations or averments, said allegations or averments are conclusions of law to
which no response is required.
19. It is admitted only that one of the allegations in Defendant Lee's Third-
Party Complaint is that Additional Defendant is solely liable to Plaintiff Reed.
20. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no response is
required.
2
21. It is admitted only that Defendant Lee filed the Writ of Summons on
May 12, 2008. As to the balance of the paragraph, it states conclusions of law to which
no response is required.
22.-23. These paragraphs state conclusions of law to which no response is
required.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Martha Lee respectfully requests that your Honorable
Court deny Additional Defendant Telco, Incorporated's Motion for Partial Judgment on
the Pleadings.
II. DEFENDANT LEE'S CLAIM FOR COMMON LAW INDEMNIFICATION FAILS
AS A MATTER OF LAW WHEN DEFENDANT LEE WAS ACTIVELY LIABLE
AND WAS THE SOLE CAUSE OF THE AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT
24. The answers to paragraphs 1 though 23 are incorporated herein by
reference as though fully set forth herein.
25.-31 It is admitted only that these paragraphs cite caselaw, the texts of
which speak for themselves. To the extent these paragraphs make allegations or
averments, said allegations or averments are conclusions of law to which no response
is required.
31-35. These paragraphs state conclusions of law to which no response is
required.
36. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no response is
necessary. By way of further response, Defendant Lee's Third-Party Complaint seeks
3
contribution or indemnification, in the alternative, and contribution is expressly governed
by the Contribution Among Tort-feasors Act.
37.-38. These paragraphs state conclusions of law to which no response is
required.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Martha Lee respectfully requests that Your Honorable
Court deny Additional Defendant Telco Incorporated's Motion for Partial Judgment on
the Pleadings.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
By:
uire
4orneyAD. on J. Shipmanjsq?
I.No.5
17301 Mar
ket Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0109
Telephone (717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Defendant Lee
Date: November 19, 2008
4
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Response to Additional Defendant's
Motion for Partial Judgment on the Pleadings has been duly served upon the following,
by depositing the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, in Lemoyne,
Pennsylvania, on November 19, 2008:
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
500 North Third Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1167
Attorney for Plaintiff
Jane A. North, Esquire
Jordan S. Namerow, Esquire
Deasey, Mahoney & Valentini, Ltd.
1601 Market Street, Suite 3400
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2301
Attorney for Telco, Inc.
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
Jer!r6K J. Shipm6n, Esquire
710
v? '-c
PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT
(Must be typewritten and submitted in duplicate)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY: (List the within matter for the next
Argument Court.)
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be stated in full)
MICHELE REED, Plaintiff
V.
MARTHA LEE a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP, Defendant
V.
TELCO INCORPORATED, Additional Defendant
No. 1521 , 2008 Term
1. State matter to be argued (i.e., plaintiff's motion for new trial, defendant's demurrer to
complaint, etc.):
Additional Defendant m 1 o'Incorporated's Motion for
Partial-Judgment on the Pleadings
2. Identify all counsel who will argue cases:
(a) for plaintiffs:
Robert F. Claraval, 500 N. Third St., Harrisburg, PA 17101 (Plaintiffs)
(Name and Address)
Jefferson T. Shipman, -101 Market st _ , T moYne PA 17043 (Defendant)
(b) for defendants:
Jane A. North, 1601 Market St., Suite 3400, Phila, PA 19103 (Add'l Defendant)
(Name and Address)
3. 1 will notify all parties in writing within two days that this case has been listed for
argument.
4 Arni iment r..ni,rtnafp-
Robert F Claraval, Esq
Print your name
Plaintiff
Date: 09 Attorney for
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Two copies of all briefs must be filed with the COURT ADMINISTRATOR
(not the Prothonotary) before argument.
2. The moving party shall file and serve their brief 12 days prior to argument.
3. The responding party shall file their brief 5 days prior to argument.
4. If argument is continued new briefs must be filed with the COURT
ADMINISTRATOR (not the Prothonotary) after the case is relisted.
J:Y
9-
PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT
(Must be typewritten and submitted in duplicate)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY: (List the within matter for the next
Argument Court.)
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be stated in full)
MICHELLE REED
vs.
MARTHA LEE A/K/A MARTHA ESTEPP
VS.
TELCO INCORPORATED 08-1521
No. Term
1. State matter to be argued (i.e., plaintiff's motion for new trial, defendant's demurrer to
complaint, etc.):
Additional Defendant Telco, Inc.'s Notion for Partial Judgment on the
Pleadings
2. Identify all counsel who will argue cases:
(a) for plaintiffs:
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
(Name and Address)
Claraval & Claraval, 500 N. Third Street, 2nd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101
(b) for defendants:
Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire (Attorney for Defendant, Martha Lee)
(Name and Address)
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & We
idner, 301 Market 301 St., Lemoyne, PA 17043
Jordan S. Namerow, Esquire (Attorney for Addl. Def. Telco Incorporated)
easey, Mahoney & Valentin, Ltd., 1601 Market St., Ste. 3400, Philadelphia, PA
3. 1 will notify all parties in writing within two days that this case has been listed for
argument.
4. Argument Court Date:
Date:
Print your name
Telco Incorporated
Attorney for Additional Defendant
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Two copies of all briefs must be filed with the COURT ADMINISTRATOR
(not the Prothonotary) before argument.
2. The moving party shall file and serve their brief 12 days prior to argument.
3. The responding party shall file their brief 5 days prior to argument.
4. If argument is continued new briefs must be filed with the COURT
ADMINISTRATOR (not the Prothonotary) after the case is relisted.
Jordan S. Namerow, Esquire
w
LP
u? -rim
CIS
f+?'
1
MICHELLE REED,
PLAINTIFF
V.
MARTHA LEE A/K/A
MARTHA ESTEPP,
DEFENDANT
V.
TELCO INCORPORATED,
ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
08-1521 CIVIL TERM
IN RE: MOTION OF ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT TELCO INCORPORATED
FOR PARTIAL JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS
BEFORE BAYLEY, J. AND EBERT, J.
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this &*-, _day of March, 2009, IT IS ORDERED:
(1) Judgment on the pleadings is entered in favor of Telco Incorporated,
additional defendant, against defendant Martha Lee a/k/a Martha Estepp, on
defendant's claim that additional defendant is solely liable to plaintiff.
(2) The motion of additional defendant Telco Incorporated for additional relief in
the form of a partial judgment on the pleadings against defendant, Martha Lee a/k/a
Martha Estepp, IS DENIED.
By,the Court,
k!
Edgar B. Bayley, J.
C.1 Fes,
x co f?
cy
N
.0
Robert F. Claraval, Esquire
For Plaintiff
Jefferson J. Shipman, Esquire
For Defendant
Jordan S. Namerow, Esquire
For Additional Defendant
:sal
MICHELE REED,
V.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARTHA LEE, a/k/a MARTHA ESTEPP
Defendant
V.
TELCO INCORPORATED,
Additional Defendant
NO. 08-1521
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PRAECIPE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please mark the above captioned action settled and discontinued.
CLARAVAL & CLARAVAL
Date: l 3 0
ROBERT F\.F-LARAVAL
500 North Third Street, 2nd?j
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-4780
Supreme Court I.D. #19222
Attorneys for Plaintiff
FILED-U.FFOE
OF THE' PROTHO!,,iOTARY
2009 NOV 25 Pty 3: 54
Pr c,?E ar ?,n