HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-4085Stephen G. Held, Esquire
I.D.#72663
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Telephone: (717) 238-2000 Attorney for Plaintiffs
Fax: (717) 233-3029
E-mail: HELD(a0hrlaw.com
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. q N'5-
2008 CIt
Civil Action - (XX) Law
( ) Equity
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, MARION MATTESKY
and as Administratrix of the ESTATE 317 North College Street
OF MARK TRIMBLE, Deceased Carlisle, PA 17013
264 Henderson Street
Carlisle, PA 17013 MICHAEL MATTESKY
403 North Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
JOHN E. MOLISON
versus 403 North Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Plaintiff(s) & Defendant(s) &
Address(es) Address(es)
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF SAID COURT:
Please issue A Writ of Summons in the above-captioned action.
X Writ of Summons Shall be issued and forwarded to ( ) or ey (XX)Sheriff
Stephen G. Held
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110 Signat a of Attorney
(717) 238-2000 Supreme Court I No. 72663
Name/Address/Telephone No. Date
of Attorney
WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S):
YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED PLAINTIFF(S) HAS/HAVE COMMENCED AN
/S/ a A ON)??A71'0?IY?OU.
Prothonotary U ?y
Date: /U? ,2G0 by 6L
Deputy
( ) Check here if reverse is used for additional information
PROTHON. - 55
C
r
?o
x
o
co"Ar
C
33b
?o
c?
?5
C?O??
CASE NO: 2008-04085 P
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
TRIMBLE RUTH ET AL
VS
MATTESKY MARION ET AL
MICHELLE GUTSHALL , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS was served upon
MATTESKY MARION
the
DEFENDANT , at 2102:00 HOURS, on the 21st day of July , 2008
at 317 NORTH COLLEGE STREET
CARLISLE, PA 17013
MARION MATTESKY
by handing to
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS
together with
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Service 5.00
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
-/.0/
bp 3 3 . 0 0
Sworn and Subscibed to
before me this day
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
07/23/2008
HANDLER HENNING ROSENBERG
By:
Deputy Sheriff
of A. D.
t
CASE NO: 2008-04085 P
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
TRIMBLE RUTH ET AL
VS
MATTESKY MARION ET AL
KENNETH GOSSERT , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS was served upon
MATTESKY MICHAEL the
DEFENDANT , at 2022:00 HOURS, on the 15th day of July 2008
at 403 NORTH BEDFORD STREET
CARLISLE, PA 17013
MICHAEL MATTESKY
by handing to
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
So Answers:
6.00
5.00
00
10.00 R. Thomas Kline
00
21.00 07/23/2008
HANDLER HENNING ROSENBERG
Sworn and Subscibed to
before me this
of
By.
day AO-Utt Sher
, A. D.
SHERIFF'S RETURN - NOT FOUND
CASE NO: 2008-04085 P
COMMONTWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
TRIMBLE RUTH ET AL
VS
MATTESKY MARION ET AL
R. Thomas Kline Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff, who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT
MOLISON JOHN E but was
unable to locate Him in his bailiwick. He therefore returns the
WRIT OF SUMMONS
the within named DEFENDANT , MOLISON JOHN E
403 NORTH BEDFORD STREET
CARLISLE, PA 17013
NOT FOUND , as to
DEFENDANT NO LONGER LIVES AT GIVEN ADDRESS.
NO FORWARDING ON FILE AT POST OFFICE.
Sheriff's Costs: So answer;..
Docketing 6.00
Service .00
Not Found 5.00 R. Thomas,'Kline
Surcharge 10.00 Sheriff of Cumberland County
.00
A ? 21.00 HANDLER HENNING ROSENBERG
07/23/2008
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this day of
A. D.
s
w
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, and as
Administratrix of the ESTATE OF MARK
TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiff,
CIVIL DIVISION
NO. 4085 - 2008
PRAECIPE FOR APPEARANCE
V.
MARION MATTESKY,
MICHAEL MATTESKY, and
JOHN MOLISON,
Defendants.
(Jury Trial Demanded)
Filed on Behalf of the Defendant,
Marion Mattesky
Counsel of Record for This Party:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
Pa. I.D. #83058
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE and SKEEL, L.L.P.
Firm #911
1017 Mumma Road, Suite 300
Lemoyne, PA 17043
(717) 901-5916
#16470
r .
•
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, and as CIVIL DIVISION
Administratrix of the ESTATE OF MARK
TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiff, NO. 4085 - 2008
V.
MARION MATTESKY,
MICHAEL MATTESKY, and
JOHN MOLISON,
Defendants.
(Jury Trial Demanded)
PRAECIPE FOR APPEARANCE
TO: THE PROTHONOTARY
Kindly enter the Appearance of the undersigned, Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire, of the
law firm of Summers, McDonnell, Hudock, Guthrie & Skeel, L.L.P., on behalf of the
Defendant, Marion Mattesky, in the above case.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Respectfully submitted,
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, L.L.P.
By:
KgvirTD. Mauch, Esquire
C unsel for Defendant,
Marion Mattesky
0-
10
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing PRAECIPE
FOR APPEARANCE has been mailed by U.S. Mail to counsel of record via first class
mail, postage pre-paid, this 4T" day of August, 2008.
Stephen G. Held, Esquire
Handler, Henning & Rosenberg, L.L.P.
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Michael Mattesky
403 North Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17103
John E. Molison
403 North Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, L.L.P.
By:
Ket?rD. Ruch, Esquire
Counsel for Defendant,
Marion Mattesky
`-?'?" t-T ?TY
`
I
C
C.r°t
-ra
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, and as
Administratrix of the ESTATE OF MARK
TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiff,
V.
CIVIL DIVISION
NO. 4085 - 2008
PRAECIPE FOR RULE
TO FILE COMPLAINT
MARION MATTESKY,
MICHAEL MATTESKY, and
JOHN MOLISON,
Defendants.
(Jury Trial Demanded)
Filed on Behalf of the Defendant,
Marion Mattesky
Counsel of Record for This Party:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
Pa. I.D. #83058
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE and SKEEL, L.L.P.
Firm #911
1017 Mumma Road, Suite 300
Lemoyne, PA 17043
(717) 901-5916
#16470
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, and as CIVIL DIVISION
Administratrix of the ESTATE OF MARK
TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiff, NO. 4085 - 2008
V.
MARION MATTESKY,
MICHAEL MATTESKY, and
JOHN MOLISON,
Defendants.
(Jury Trial Demanded)
PRAECIPE FOR RILE TO FILE COMPLAINT
TO: The Prothonotary
Kindly rule the Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, in her own right, and as Administratrix of the
Estate of Mark Trimble, deceased, to file a Complaint in Civil Action within twenty (20)
days.
Respectfully submitted,
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, L.L.P.
By:
KetinlTRaut.h, Esquire
Co nsel for Defendant,
Marion Mattesky
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing PRAECIPE
FOR RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT has been mailed by U.S. Mail to counsel of record
via first class mail, postage pre-paid, this 4T" day of August, 2008.
Stephen G. Held, Esquire
Handler, Henning & Rosenberg, L.L.P.
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Michael Mattesky
403 North Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17103
John E. Molison
403 North Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, L.L.P.
By: a
K in D. Ra ch, Esquire
C unsel for Defendant,
Marion Mattesky
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, and as
Administratrix of the ESTATE OF MARK
TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiff,
CIVIL DIVISION
NO. 4085 - 2008
V.
MARION MATTESKY,
MICHAEL MATTESKY, and
JOHN MOLISON,
Defendants.
(Jury Trial Demanded)
RULE
AND NOW, this -, day of 2008, upon
consideration of Defendant, Marion Mattesky's Praecipe for Rule to File a Complaint, a
Rule is hereby granted upon Plaintiff to file a Complaint within twenty (20) days of
service, or suffer judgment Non Pros.
Rule issued this day of A-aoU2J , 2008.
s L?P.
Prothonot nt,g
Distribution to:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
Summers, McDonnell, Hudock, Guthrie &
Skeel, L.L.P.
1017 Mumma Road, Suite 300
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Stephen G. Held, Esquire
Handler, Henning & Rosenberg, L.L.P.
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Michael Mattesky
403 North Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17103
John E. Molison
403 North Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
?
,.,.?. " `E i
-'Y"
'_ ??j
i
??
` ? ri??
Stephen G. Held, Esquire
I . D.#72663
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Telephone: (717) 238-2000
Fax: (717) 233-3029
E-mail: HELD aahhrlaw.com
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 4085-2008
Civil Action - (XX) Law
( ) Equity
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right,
and as Administratrix of the ESTATE
OF MARK TRIMBLE, Deceased
264 Henderson Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Plaintiff(s) &
Address(es)
MARION MATTESKY
317 North College Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
MICHAEL MATTESKY
403 North Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorney for Plaintiffs
JOHN E. MOLISON
versus 24 South Hanover Street #3
Carlisle, PA 17013
Defendant(s) &
Address(es)
PRAECIPETO REISSUE WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA:
Please reinstate the Writ of Summons in the above-captioned action in order that
Defendant JOHN E. MOLISON, can be served at 24 South Hanover Street, #3, Carlisle,
PA 17013, pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 401(2).
///,-I
t?(oQ
Date:
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
By:
St hen G. a d, Esquire
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-2000
Attorneys for Plaintiff
-!h
P ? o
c?
-T,
IRA
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2008-04085 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
TRIMBLE RUTH ET AL
VS
MATTESKY MARION ET AL
MICHELLE GUTSHALL
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS was served upon
MOLISON JOHN E
the
DEFENDANT , at 0009:20 HOURS, on the 16th day of August , 2008
at 24 SOUTH HANOVER STREET, APT 3
CARLISLE, PA 17013 by handing to
JOHN MOLISON DEFENDANT
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs: So Answers:
Docketing 18.00
Service 5.00
Affidavit _„Ipg
Surcharge 9) .00
10.00 R."Thomas Kline
,, ,,
33.00 08/19/2008
HANDLER HENNING & ROSENBERG
Sworn and Subscibed to By:
before me this day Deputy Sheriff
of A.D.
Stephen G. Held, Esquire
I.D.#72663
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Telephone: (717) 238-2000 Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Fax : (717) 233-3029
E-mail: Held@HHRLaw.com
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
and as Administratrix of the ESTATE : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
OF MARK TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiffs D8 - 4085
: No. -4958.2eee-
V.
MARION MATTESKY, MICHAEL
MATTESKY, and JOHN E. MOLISON :
Defendants : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the
following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice
are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with
the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that
if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against
you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other
claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights
important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A
LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE
YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO
ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Lawyer Referral Service
4th Floor, Cumberland County Courthouse
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
AVISO
USTED HA SIDO DEMANDADO/A EN CORTE. Si ustdd desea defenderse de las demandas que
se presentan mas adelante en las siguientes paginas debe tomar accion dentro de los proximos
veinte (20) digs despues de la notificacion de esta Deanda 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
reclamacion 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 VAYAA 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.
Lawyer Referral Service
4th Floor, Cumberland County Courthouse
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
By: qko
S p n Id, Esquire
Stephen G. Held, Esquire
I.D.#72663
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Telephone: (717) 238-2000 Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Fax : (717) 233-3029
E-mail: Held@HHRLaw.com
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
and as Administratrix of the ESTATE : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
OF MARK TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiffs
No. 4058-2008
V.
MARION MATTESKY, MICHAEL
MATTESKY, and JOHN E. MOLISON
Defendants : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark
Trimble, Deceased, by and through her attorneys, HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG,
by Steven G. Held, Esquire, and makes the within Complaint against Defendants, Marion
Mattesky, Michael Mattesky and John E. Molison, and in support thereof, avers as follows:
1. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, is an adult individual currently residing at 264
Henderson Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
2. Mark Trimble (hereinafter "Plaintiff's Decedent") formerly resided at 264
Henderson Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
3. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, is the mother of Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble.
4. Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble, was born on April 14, 1971, and was 35
years of age on July 18, 2006.
5. Defendant, Marion Mattesky, is an individual currently residing at 317 North
College Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
6. Defendant, Michael Mattesky, is an adult individual currently residing at 403
North Bedford Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
7. Defendant, John E. Molison, is an adult individual currently residing at 24
South Hanover Street, #3, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
8. At all times material hereto, Defendant, Marion Mattesky, was in ownership
and control of the premises located at 403 North Bedford Street, Carlisle, Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania 17013. (hereinafter referred to as the "Premises").
9. At all times material hereto, Defendants, Michael Mattesky and John E.
Molison, resided at and were in possession of said Premises located at 403 North Bedford
Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
10. On or about July 18, 2006, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Plaintiff's Decedent,
Mark Trimble, was an invitee and lawfully on said Premises.
11. At approximately the same time and place, Plaintiffs Decedent was grilling
at an outdoor grill located on a porch attached to the rear of the residence of said Premises
when he stumbled and/or fell off the edge of the porch falling approximately twelve inches
to the ground and becoming impaled on a broken ax handle that was carelessly and/or
negligently left laying upon the ground. Plaintiff's Decedent died instantly.
12. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendants, Marion
Mattesky, Michael Mattesky and John E. Molison, Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble,
suffered a severe perforation to the chest, which eventually caused his death by
2
Exsanguination, at the age of thirty-five, as set forth in full hereinafter.
13. Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble, left the following persons surviving him,
entitled to recover damages for his death under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania:
(a) Caleb Trimble - Son
(b) Alexis Raines - Daughter
14. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, is the duly appointed, qualified, and acting
Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble and this action is brought by Plaintiff on behalf
of the Estate and the aforementioned survivors.
COUNT I - WRONGFUL DEATH - NEGLIGENCE
Ruth Trimble. Administratrix of the Estate of
Mark Trimble v. Marion Mattesky
15. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
incorporates and makes part of this Count paragraphs 1 through 14 above, as if the same
were set forth fully below.
16. This civil action is brought pursuant to the Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act,
42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8301 et seq. and Rule 2201 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
17. Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble, did not bring any other action during his
lifetime and no other action for the death of said Decedent has been commenced against
Defendant herein or any other person.
3
18. This civil action is being brought to recover, on behalf of all statutory
beneficiaries of the Plaintiff's Decedent, all damages legally available under the Wrongful
Death Act.
19. The occurrence of the aforesaid incident and the fatal injury resulting
therefrom were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of the Defendant,
Marion Mattesky, generally and more specifically as set forth below:
(a) In failing to protect invitees, in particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark
Trimble, from the dangerous conditions existing on Premises;
(b) In failing to warn of the latent and/or hidden danger she knew or
should have known existed on said Premises;
(c) In failing to reasonably inspect the rear of said Premises, so as to
discover the dangerous conditions therein;
(d) In failing to discover the dangerous instrumentality which existed in
allowing a broken pick ax handle to lay around the premises where it
could kill and/or injure her invitees, and, in particular, Plaintiffs'
Decedent, Mark Trimble;
(e) In failing to take reasonable precautions to protect invitees and, in
particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble, from the foreseeable
danger existing from the broken pick ax left laying on said Premises;
and
4
(f) In allowing the pick ax to remain in a dangerous condition when
Defendant knew or should have known that said condition existed and
that invitees, and in particular Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble,
would traverse said Premises unaware of any potential dangerous
conditions.
20. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Marion
Mattesky, Plaintiff's Decedent sustained mortal injuries including, but not limited to, a
perforating chest wall injury, lacerations through the right and left lungs, lacerations through
the right pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery and rib fractures, which
subsequently resulted in his instant death on July 18, 2006.
21. By reason of the death of Plaintiff's decedent, Mark Trimble, the
aforementioned survivors have incurred funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses,
expenses of administration, and have sustained severe pecuniary loss.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
deceased, seeks damages from the Defendant, Marion Mattesky, in an amount in excess
of the compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland County.
COUNT II - SURVIVAL ACTION - NEGLIGENCE
Ruth Trimble, as Administratrix of the Estate of
Mark Trimble v. Marion Mattesky
22. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
5
incorporates and makes part of this Count paragraphs 1 through 21 above, as if the same
were set forth fully below.
23. In her capacity of personal representative of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble brings this action pursuant to the Pennsylvania Survival Act, 42 Pa.
C.S.A. § 8302, et seq. and 20 Pa. C.S.A. § 3373, et seq.
24. The occurrence of the aforesaid incident and the fatal injury resulting
therefrom were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of the Defendant,
Marion Mattesky, generally and more specifically as set forth below:
(a) In failing to protect invitees, in particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark
Trimble, from the dangerous conditions existing on Premises;
(b) In failing to warn of the latent and/or hidden danger she knew or
should have known existed on said Premises;
(c) In failing to reasonably inspect the rear of said Premises, so as to
discover the dangerous conditions therein;
(d) In failing to discover the dangerous instrumentality which existed in
allowing a broken pick ax handle to lay around the premises where it
could kill and/or injure her invitees, and, in particular, Plaintiffs'
Decedent, Mark Trimble;
(e) In failing to take reasonable precautions to protect invitees and, in
particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble, from the foreseeable
6
danger existing from the broken pick ax left laying on said Premises;
and
(f) In allowing the pick ax to remain in a dangerous condition when
Defendant knew or should have known that said condition existed and
that invitees, and in particular Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble,
would traverse said Premises unaware of any potential dangerous
conditions.
25. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Marion
Mattesky, Plaintiff's Decedent sustained mortal injuries including, but not limited to, a
perforating chest wall injury, lacerations through the right and left lungs, lacerations through
the right pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery and rib fractures, which
subsequently resulted in his instant death on July 18, 2006.
26. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Michael
Mattesky, Plaintiffs Decedent consciously suffered physical pain, mental pain, and anguish
and a claim is made therefore.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
seeks damages from the Defendant, Marion Mattesky, in an amount in excess of the
compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland County.
7
COUNT III - WRONGFUL DEATH - NEGLIGENCE
Ruth Trimble. Administratrix of the Estate of
Mark Trimble v. Michael Matteskv
27. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
incorporates and makes part of this Count paragraphs 1 through 26 above, as if the same
were set forth fully below.
28. This civil action is brought pursuant to the Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act,
42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8301 et seq. and Rule 2201 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
29. Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble, did not bring any other action during his
lifetime and no other action for the death of said Decedent has been commenced against
Defendant herein or any other person.
30. This civil action is being brought to recover, on behalf of all statutory
beneficiaries of the Plaintiff's Decedent, all damages legally available under the Wrongful
Death Act.
31. Defendant, Michael Mattesky, resided at and was in joint possession of the
Premises located at 403 North Bedford Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17013.
32. The occurrence of the aforesaid incident and the fatal injury resulting
therefrom were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of the Defendant,
Michael Mattesky, generally and more specifically as set forth below:
8
(a) In failing to protect invitees, in particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark
Trimble, from the dangerous conditions existing on Premises;
(b) In failing to warn of the latent and/or hidden danger he knew or should
have known existed on said Premises;
(c) In failing to reasonably inspect the rear of said Premises, so as to
discover the dangerous conditions therein;
(d) In failing to discover the dangerous instrumentality which existed in
allowing a broken pick ax handle to lay around the premises where it
could kill and/or injure his invitees, and, in particular, Plaintiffs'
Decedent, Mark Trimble;
(e) In failing to take reasonable precautions to protect invitees and, in
particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble, from the foreseeable
danger existing from the broken pick ax left laying on said Premises;
and
(f) In allowing the pick ax to remain in a dangerous condition when
Defendant knew or should have known that said condition existed and
that invitees, and in particular Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble,
would traverse said Premises unaware of any potential dangerous
conditions.
9
33. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Michael
Mattesky, Plaintiffs Decedent sustained mortal injuries including, but not limited to, a
perforating chest wall injury, lacerations through the right and left lungs, lacerations through
the right pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery and rib fractures, which
subsequently resulted in his instant death on July 18, 2006.
34. By reason of the death of Plaintiffs decedent, Mark Trimble, the
aforementioned survivors have incurred funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses,
expenses of administration, and have sustained severe pecuniary loss.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
seeks damages from the Defendant, Michael Mattesky, in an amount in excess of the
compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland County.
COUNT IV - SURVIVAL ACTION - NEGLIGENCE
Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of
Mark Trimble v. Michael Mafteskv
35. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
incorporates and makes part of this Count paragraphs 1 through 34 above, as if the same
were set forth fully below.
36. In her capacity of personal representative of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble brings this action pursuant to the Pennsylvania Survival Act, 42 Pa.
C.S.A. § 8302, et seq. and 20 Pa. C.S.A. § 3373, et seq.
10
37. The occurrence of the aforesaid incident and the fatal injury resulting
therefrom were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of the Defendant,
Michael Mattesky, generally and more specifically as set forth below:
(a) In failing to protect invitees, in particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark
Trimble, from the dangerous conditions existing on Premises;
(b) In failing to warn of the latent and/or hidden danger he knew or should
have known existed on said Premises;
(c) In failing to reasonably inspect the rear of said Premises, so as to
discover the dangerous conditions therein;
(d) In failing to discover the dangerous instrumentality which existed in
allowing a broken pick ax handle to lay around the premises where it
could kill and/or injure his invitees, and, in particular, Plaintiffs'
Decedent, Mark Trimble;
(e) In failing to take reasonable precautions to protect invitees and, in
particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble, from the foreseeable
danger existing from the broken pick ax left laying on said Premises;
and
(f) In allowing the pick ax to remain in a dangerous condition when
Defendant knew or should have known that said condition existed and
that invitees, and in particular Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble,
11
would traverse said Premises unaware of any potential dangerous
conditions.
38. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Michael
Mattesky, Plaintiff's Decedent sustained mortal injuries including, but not limited to, a
perforating chest wall injury, lacerations through the right and left lungs, lacerations through
the right pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery and rib fractures, which
subsequently resulted in his instant death on July 18, 2006.
39. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Michael
Mattesky, Plaintiffs Decedent consciously suffered physical pain, mental pain, and anguish
and a claim is made therefore.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
seeks damages from the Defendant, Michael Mattesky, in an amount in excess of the
compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland County.
COUNT V - WRONGFUL DEATH - NEGLIGENCE
Ruth Trimble, as Administratrix of the Estate of
Mark Trimble v. John E. Molison
40. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
incorporates and makes part of this Count paragraphs 1 through 39 above, as if the same
were set forth fully below.
41. This civil action is brought pursuant to the Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act,
42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8301 et seq. and Rule 2201 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
12
42. Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble, did not bring any other action during his
lifetime and no other action for the death of said Decedent has been commenced against
Defendant herein or any other person.
43. This civil action is being brought to recover, on behalf of all statutory
beneficiaries of the Plaintiff's Decedent, all damages legally available under the Wrongful
Death Act.
44. Defendant, John E. Molison, resided at and was in joint possession of the
Premises located at 403 North Bedford Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17013.
45. The occurrence of the aforesaid incident and the fatal injury resulting
therefrom were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of the Defendant, John
E. Molison, generally and more specifically as set forth below:
(a) In failing to protect invitees, in particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark
Trimble, from the dangerous conditions existing on Premises;
(b) In failing to warn of the latent and/or hidden danger he knew or should
have known existed on said Premises;
(c) In failing to reasonably inspect the rear of said Premises, so as to
discover the dangerous conditions therein;
(d) In failing to discover the dangerous instrumentality which existed in
allowing a broken pick ax handle to lay around the premises where it
13
could kill and/or injure his invitees, and, in particular, Plaintiffs'
Decedent, Mark Trimble;
(e) In failing to take reasonable precautions to protect invitees and, in
particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble, from the foreseeable
danger existing from the broken pick ax left laying on said Premises;
and
(f) In allowing the pick ax to remain in a dangerous condition when
Defendant knew or should have known that said condition existed and
that invitees, and in particular Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble,
would traverse said Premises unaware of any potential dangerous
conditions.
46. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant,John E.
Molison, Plaintiff's Decedent sustained mortal injuries including, but not limited to, a
perforating chest wall injury, lacerations through the right and left lungs, lacerations through
the right pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery and rib fractures, which
subsequently resulted in his instant death on July 18, 2006.
47. By reason of the death of Plaintiffs decedent, Mark Trimble, the
aforementioned survivors have incurred funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses,
expenses of administration, and have sustained severe pecuniary loss.
14
n
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
seeks damages from the Defendant, John E. Molison, in an amount in excess of the
compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland County.
COUNT VI - SURVIVAL ACTION - NEGLIGENCE
Ruth Trimble. Administratrix of the Estate of
Mark Trimble v. John E. Molison
48. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
incorporates and makes part of this Count paragraphs 1 through 47 above, as if the same
were set forth fully below.
49. In her capacity of personal representative of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble brings this action pursuant to the Pennsylvania Survival Act, 42 Pa.
C.S.A. § 8302, et seq. and 20 Pa. C.S.A. § 3373, et seq.
50. The occurrence of the aforesaid incident and the fatal injury resulting
therefrom were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of the Defendant,
John E. Molison, generally and more specifically as set forth below:
(a) In failing to protect invitees, in particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark
Trimble, from the dangerous conditions existing on Premises;
(b) In failing to warn of the latent and/or hidden danger he knew or should
have known existed on said Premises;
15
(c) In failing to reasonably inspect the rear of said Premises, so as to
discover the dangerous conditions therein;
(d) In failing to discover the dangerous instrumentality which existed in
allowing a broken pick ax handle to lay around the premises where it
could kill and/or injure his invitees, and, in particular, Plaintiffs'
Decedent, Mark Trimble;
(e) In failing to take reasonable precautions to protect invitees and, in
particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble, from the foreseeable
danger existing from the broken pick ax left laying on said Premises;
and
(f) In allowing the pick ax to remain in a dangerous condition when
Defendant knew or should have known that said condition existed and
that invitees, and in particular Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble,
would traverse said Premises unaware of any potential dangerous
conditions.
51. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, John E.
Molison, Plaintiff's Decedent sustained mortal injuries including, but not limited to, a
perforating chest wall injury, lacerations through the right and left lungs, lacerations through
the right pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery and rib fractures, which
subsequently resulted in his instant death on July 18, 2006.
16
r
52. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, John E.
Molison, Plaintiff's Decedent consciously suffered physical pain, mental pain, and anguish
and a claim is made therefore.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
seeks damages from the Defendant, John E. Molison, in an amount in excess of the
compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland County.
Respectfully submitted,
Date: t6 W
IL t
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
By: %70
Steve G. Held, Esquire
I.D. No. 72663
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 238-2000
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
17
L
U
VERIFICATION
The undersigned hereby verifies that the statements in the foregoing document
are based upon information which has been furnished to counsel by me and
information which has been gathered by counsel in the preparation of this lawsuit.
The language of the document is of counsel and not my own. I have read the
document and to the extent that it is based upon information which I have given to
counsel, it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. To
the extent that the contents of the document are that of counsel, I have relied upon
my counsel in making this Verification. The undersigned also understands that the
statements made therein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. Section
4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Ruth Trimble, in her own right and as Administratrix
of the Estate of Mark Trimble
Date: 9- Z 3- 6 67"
Stephen G. Held, Esquire
I.D.#72663
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Telephone: (717) 238-2000 Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Fax : (717) 233-3029
E-mail: Held@HHRLaw.com
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
and as Administratrix of the ESTATE : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
OF MARK TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiffs
No. 4058-2008
V.
MARION MATTESKY, MICHAEL
MATTESKY, and JOHN E. MOLISON :
Defendants : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
On 10/6/08, 1 hereby certify that a true and correct copy of Plaintiffs' Complaint was served
upon the following by depositing same in the United States Mail, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
SUMMERS, MCDONNELL, HUDOCK, GUTHRIE & SKEEL
1017 Mumma Road/Suite 300
Lemoyne, PA 17043
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
Dated: 10/6/08 Q-Inl?
Stephen A$V
I.D. #72663
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-2000
Attorney for Plaintiff(s)
q
co
?
J0 I,
Stephen G. Held, Esquire
I.D.#72663
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Telephone: (717) 238-2000 Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Fax : (717) 233-3029
E-mail: Held -HHRLaw.com
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
and as Administratrix of the ESTATE : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
OF MARK TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiffs qo'
No. A098-7008
V. :
MARION MATTESKY, MICHAEL
MATTESKY, and JOHN E. MOLISON :
Defendants : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PLAINTIFF'S REPLY TO NEW MATTER OF
DEFENDANT, MARION MATTESKY
53. The averment of this paragraph is a conclusion of law to which no
responsive pleading is required. To the extend this averment may be
deemed factual, it is hereby denied. By way of amplification, Plaintiff's
decedent was not negligent.
54. The averment of this paragraph is a conclusion of law to which no
responsive pleading is required. By way of amplification, Plaintiff's
decedent did not assume the risk of his injuries.
55. The averment of this paragraph is a conclusion of law to which no
responsive pleading is required. By way of amplification, Defendant
Marion MATTESKY did not act prudently and with the degree of care
necessary under the circumstances.
56. The averment of this paragraph is a conclusion of law to which no
responsive pleading is required. By way of amplification as stated above,
Plaintiff's decedent was not negligent.
57. This averment is an improper attempt to circumvent the Rules of
Pennsylvania Civil Procedure. As such this is not an appropriate subject
of new matter and no response is required.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests this Honorable Court to enter judgment in her
favor and against the Defendant.
Respectfully submitted,
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
Dated: 11/26/08
Stephen "e&(
I. D. #72663
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-2000
Attorney for Plaintiff(s)
Stephen G. Held, Esquire
I.D.#72663
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Telephone: (717) 238-2000 Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Fax : (717) 233-3029
E-mail: Held HHRLaw.com
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
and as Administratrix of the ESTATE CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
OF MARK TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiffs
: No. 4058-2008
V.
MARION MATTESKY, MICHAEL
MATTESKY, and JOHN E. MOLISON
Defendants : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
On 12/1/08, 1 hereby certify that a true and correct copy of Plaintiffs' Reply to Defendant,
Marion Mattesky's New Matter was served upon the following by depositing same in the United
States Mail, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
SUMMERS, MCDONNELL, HUDOCK, GUTHRIE & SKEEL
1017 Mumma Road/Suite 300
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Michael Mattesky
403 North Bedford Street,
Carlisle, PA 17013.
John E. Molison
24 South Hanover Street, #3,
Carlisle, PA 17013.
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
Dated: 12/1/08 -AX
Stephen G. Hel
I . D. #72663
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-2000
Attorney for Plaintiff(s)
f^ -l
OF TF!?
20 It h;?'f ? I S-h 1` r l
Ct;IJ; u!`l'
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, and as
Administratrix of the ESTATE OF MARK
TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiff,
CIVIL DIVISION
NO. 4085 - 2008
MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
V.
MARION MATTESKY,
MICHAEL MATTESKY, and
JOHN MOLISON,
Defendants.
(Jury Trial Demanded)
Filed on Behalf of the Defendant,
Marion Mattesky
Counsel of Record for This Party:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
Pa. I.D. #83058
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE and SKEEL, P.C.
Firm #911
100 Sterling Parkway, Suite 306
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 901-5916
#16470
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, and as CIVIL DIVISION
Administratrix of the ESTATE OF MARK
TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiff, NO. 4085 - 2008
V.
MARION MATTESKY,
MICHAEL MATTESKY, and
JOHN MOLISON,
Defendants.
(Jury Trial Demanded)
MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
AND NOW, comes the Defendant, Marion Mattesky, by and through her counsel,
Summers, McDonnell, Hudock, Guthrie & Skeel, P.C., and Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire,
and files the following Motion for Summary Judgment and in support thereof avers as
follows:
1. BACKGROUND FACTS
1. This matter arises out of an accident that occurred on July 18, 2006, at 11
p.m. at a home located at 403 North Bedford St, Carlisle, Cumberland County
Pennsylvania.
2. The home was owned by Marion Mattesky and had been rented by her
since its purchase to her son, Michael Mattesky.
3. Mr. Mattesky also rented the property from its previous owner.
4. Michael Mattesky subleased a room to John Molison just prior to the time
of the accident.
5. Mr. Molison left immediately following the accident and has not been
located since that time.
6. On October 8, 2008, the Plaintiff filed a Complaint in wrongful death and
survival alleging negligence against Lessor, Marion Mattesky, and Lessees, Michael
Mattesky and John Molison.
7. Counts 1 and 2 of the Complaint specifically allege that Ms. Mattesky was
negligent by failing to warn Mr. Trimble of an alleged dangerous condition, a pick ax
with a broken handle standing on it head. A true and correct copy of the Complaint is
attached hereto as Exhibit "A."
8. Ms. Mattesky now brings this Motion for Summary Judgment in response
to these counts.
II. ARGUMENT
9. In Pennsylvania, a Motion for Summary Judgment may be properly
granted when the pleadings, depositions, Answers to Interrogatories, admissions,
affidavits, and expert reports show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact
and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Hopewell Estates.
Inc.. v. Kent, 646 A.2d 1192 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1994); Pa. R.C.P. 1035.2.
10. Summary Judgment serves to eliminate a waste of judicial time and
resources in cases where a trial would be a useless formality. Lies v. Balmer, 547 A.2d
691 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1989).
a. Marion Mattesky is not subject to liability as the alleged dangerous
condition came into existence after her lessee took possession of the property.
11. The Restatement Second of Torts, the recognized law in Pennsylvania,
provides that "a lessor of land is not subject to liability to his lessee or others upon the
land with the consent of the lessee or sublessee for physical harm caused by any
dangerous condition which comes into existence after the lessee has taken
possession." Restatement (Second) of Torts § 355. Bleam v. Gateway Professional Ctr.
Assocs., 636 A.2d 172, 173 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1993).
12. In this matter, the dangerous condition alleged by the Plaintiff is a broken
pick ax.
13. The pick ax was placed in its alleged dangerous position less than one
month prior to the occurrence of the accident. See Deposition Transcript of Michael
Mattesky attached hereto as Exhibit "B" at page 32, line 20.
14. As the alleged dangerous condition came into existence after Michael
Mattesky took possession of the property, Marion Mattesky is not subject to liability for
the injuries suffered by Mr. Trimble who was present upon the land due to the consent
of Mr. Mattesky.
15. Therefore, Counts 1 and 2 of the Plaintiffs Complaint should be dismissed
with prejudice.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Marion Mattesky, respectfully requests that this
Honorable Grant the Motion for Summary Judgment and dismiss Counts 1 and 2 of the
Plaintiffs Complaint with prejudice.
b. In the alternative, should the Court find that the existence of the alleged
dangerous condition occurred before the property was leased an owner or
possessor of land is not liable for injuries if the alleged dangerous condition is
obvious.
16. The Defendant repeats and reiterates paragraphs one through fifteen as if
fully set forth at length herein.
17. A licensee is person who is privileged to enter or remain on land only by
virtue of the possessor's consent. Restatement (Second) Torts § 330.
18. In this matter, the decedent was a good friend of Mr. Mattesky and was
given consent to be on the property by Mr. Mattesky.
19. A possessor of land is subject to liability for physical harm caused to
licensees by a condition on the land if, but only if: (a) the possessor knows or has
reason to know of the condition and should realize that it involves an unreasonable risk
of harm to such licensees, and should expect that they will not discover or realize the
danger, and; (b) he fails to exercise reasonable care to make the condition safe, or to
warn the licensees of the condition and the risk involved, and; (c) the licensees do not
know or have reason to know of the condition and the risk involved. Restatement
(Second) Torts § 342.
20. A danger is deemed to be "obvious" when both the condition and the risk
are apparent to and would be recognized by a reasonable man exercising normal
perception, intelligence, and judgment. Carrender v. Fitterer, 469 A.2d 120, 124 (Pa.
1983).
21. Here the broken pick ax was 30 inches from the porch where Mr. Trimble
had been the entire afternoon. See Photographs attached hereto as Exhibit "C" as well
as the testimony contained in Exhibit "B" beginning at page 32, line 8.
22. A reasonable man exercising normal perception, intelligence, and
judgment would recognize the risk posed by a broken pick ax.
23. Accordingly, Marion Mattesky did not have any duty to warn Mr. Trimble of
the alleged dangerous condition.
24. Therefore, Counts 1 and 2 of the Plaintiffs Complaint should be dismissed
with prejudice.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant, Marion Mattesky, respectfully requests that this
Honorable Grant the Motion for Summary Judgment and dismiss Counts 1 and 2 of the
Plaintiffs Complaint with prejudice.
Respectfully submitted,
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, P.C.
By:
/,/ --
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
Counsel for Defendant,
Marion Mattesky
Stephen G. Held, Esquire
I.D.#72663
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Telephone: (717) 238-2000 Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Fax : (717) 233-3029
E-mail: Held@HHRLaw.com
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
and as Administratrix of the ESTATE CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
OF MARK TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiffs
: No. 4058-2008
V.
MARION MATTESKY, MICHAEL
MATTESKY, and JOHN E. MOLISON :
Defendants : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT: If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the
following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice
are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with
the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that
if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against
you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other
claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights
important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A
LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE
YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO
ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Lawyer Referral Service
4th Floor, Cumberland County Courthouse
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
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 acci6n dentro de los pr6ximos
veinte (20) dias despues de la notificaci6n 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 acci6n eomo 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
pars usted.
LISTED DEBE LLEVAR ESTE DOCUMENTO A SU ABOGADO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI USTED
NO TIENE UN ABOGADO, LLAME O VAYAA LASIGUIENTE OFICINA. ESTAOFICINA 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.
Lawyer Referral Service
4th Floor, Cumberland County Courthouse
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
By:
St p n Id, Esquire
Stephen G, Held, Esquire
I . D.#72663
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Telephone: (717) 238-2000 Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Fax : (717) 233-3029
E-mail: Held@HHRLaw.com
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
and as Administratrix of-the ESTATE CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
OF MARK TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiffs
No. 4058-2008
V.
MARION MATTESKY, MICHAEL
MATTESKY, and JOHN E. MOLISON
Defendants : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
rOMPI LINT
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark
Trimble, Deceased, byand through herattorneys, HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG,
by Steven G. Held, Esquire, and makes the within Complaint against Defendants, Marion
Mattesky, Michael Mattesky and John E. Molison, and in support thereof, avers as follows:
Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, is an adult individual currently residing at 264
Henderson Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
2. Mark Trimble (hereinafter "Plaintiff's Decedent") formerly resided at 264
Henderson Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
3. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, is the mother of Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble.
4. Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble, was born on April 14, 1971, and was 35
years of age on July 18, 2006.
5. Defendant, Marion Mattesky, is an individual currently residing at 317 North
College Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
6. Defendant, Michael Mattesky, is an adult individual currently residing at 403
North Bedford Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
7. Defendant, John E. Molison, is an adult individual currently residing at 24
South Hanover Street, #3, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
8. At all times material hereto, Defendant, Marion Mattesky, was in ownership
and control of the premises located at 403 North Bedford Street, Carlisle, Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania 17013. (hereinafter referred to as the "Premises").
9. At all times material hereto, Defendants, Michael Mattesky and John E.
Molison, resided at and were in possession of said Premises located at 403 North Bedford
Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
10. On or about July 18, 2006, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Plaintiff's Decedent,
Mark Trimble, was an invitee and lawfully on said Premises.
11. At approximately the same time and place, Plaintiff's Decedent was grilling
at an outdoor grill located on a porch attached to the rear of the residence of said Premises
when he stumbled and/or fell off the edge of the porch falling approximately twelve inches
to the ground and becoming impaled on a broken ax handle that was carelessly and/or
negligently left laying upon the ground. Plaintiff's Decedent died instantly.
12. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendants, Marion
Mattesky, Michael Mattesky and John E. Molison, Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble,
suffered a severe perforation to the chest, which eventually caused his death by
2
Exsanguination, at the age of thirty-five, as set forth in full hereinafter.
13. Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble, left the following persons surviving him,
entitled to recover damages for his death under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania:
(a) Caleb Trimble - Son
(b) Alexis Raines - Daughter
14. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, is the duly appointed, qualified, and acting
Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble and this action is brought by Plaintiff on behalf
of the Estate and the aforementioned survivors.
COUNT I - WRONGFUL DEATH - NEGLIGENCE
Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of
Mark Trimble v. Marion Mattesky
15. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
incorporates and makes part of this Count paragraphs 1 through 14 above, as if the same
were set forth fully below.
16. This civil action is brought pursuantto the Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act,
42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8301 et seq. and Rule 2201 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
17. Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble, did not bring any other action during his
lifetime and no other action for the death of said Decedent has been commenced against
Defendant herein or any other person.
3
18. This civil action is being brought to recover, on behalf of all statutory
beneficiaries of the Plaintiff's Decedent, all damages legally available under the Wrongful
Death Act.
19. The occurrence of the aforesaid incident and the fatal injury resulting
therefrom were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of the Defendant,
Marion Mattesky, generally and more specifically as set forth below:
(a) In failing to protect invitees, in particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark
Trimble, from the dangerous conditions existing on Premises;
(b) In failing to warn of the latent and/or hidden danger she knew or
should have known existed on said Premises;
(c) In failing to reasonably inspect the rear of said Premises, so as to
discover the dangerous conditions therein;
(d) In failing to discover the dangerous instrumentality which existed in
allowing a broken pick ax handle to lay around the premises where it
could kill and/or injure her invitees, and, in particular, Plaintiffs'
Decedent, Mark Trimble;
(e) In failing to take reasonable precautions to protect invitees and, in
particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble, from the foreseeable
danger existing from the broken pick ax left laying on said Premises;
and
4
(f) In allowing the pick ax to remain in a dangerous condition when
Defendant knew or should have known that said condition existed and
that invitees, and in particular Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble,
would traverse said Premises unaware of any potential dangerous
conditions.
20. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Marion
Mattesky, Plaintiff's Decedent sustained mortal injuries including, but not limited to, a
perforating chest wall injury, lacerations through the right and left lungs, lacerations through
the right pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery and rib fractures, which
subsequently resulted in his instant death on July 18, 2006.
21. By reason of the death of Plaintiff's decedent, Mark Trimble, the
aforementioned survivors have incurred funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses,
expenses of administration, and have sustained severe pecuniary loss.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
deceased, seeks damages from the Defendant, Marion Mattesky, in an amount in excess
of the compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland County.
COUNT II - SURVIVAL ACTION - NEGLIGENCE
Ruth Trimble, as Administratrix of the Estate of
Mark Trimble v. Marion Mattesky
22. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
5
incorporates and makes part of this Count paragraphs 1 through 21 above, as if the same
were set forth fully below.
23. In her capacity of personal representative of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble brings this action pursuant to the Pennsylvania Survival Act, 42 Pa.
C.S.A. § 8302, et seq. and 20 Pa. C.S.A. § 3373, et seq.
24. The occurrence of the aforesaid incident and the fatal injury resulting
therefrom were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of the Defendant,
Marion Mattesky, generally and more specifically as set forth below:
(a) In failing to protect invitees, in particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark
Trimble, from the dangerous conditions existing on Premises;
(b) In failing to warn of the latent and/or hidden danger she knew or
should have known existed on said Premises;
(c) In failing to reasonably inspect the rear of said Premises, so as to
discover the dangerous conditions therein;
(d) In failing to discover the dangerous instrumentality which existed in
allowing a broken pick ax handle to lay around the premises where it
could kill and/or injure her invitees, and, in particular, Plaintiffs'
Decedent, Mark Trimble;
(e) In failing to take reasonable precautions to protect invitees and, in
particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble, from the foreseeable
6
danger existing from the broken pick ax left laying on said Premises;
and
(f) In allowing the pick ax to remain in a dangerous condition when
Defendant knew orshould have known that said condition existed and
that invitees, and in particular Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble,
would traverse said Premises unaware of any potential dangerous
conditions.
25. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Marion
Mattesky, Plaintiff's Decedent sustained mortal injuries including, but not limited to, a
perforating chest wall injury, lacerations through the right and left lungs, lacerations through
the right pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery and rib fractures, which
subsequently resulted in his instant death on July 18, 2006.
26. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Michael
Mattesky, Plaintiff's Decedent consciously suffered physical pain, mental pain, and anguish
and a claim is made therefore.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
seeks damages from the Defendant, Marion Mattesky, in an amount in excess of the
compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland County.
7
COUNT III - WRONGFUL DEATH - NEGLIGENCE
Ruth Trimble Administratrix of the Estate of
Mark Trimble v. Michael Mattesky
27. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
incorporates and makes part of this Count paragraphs 1 through 26 above, as if the same
were set forth fully below.
28. This civil action is brought pursuant to the Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act,
42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8301 et seq. and Rule 2201 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
29. Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble, did not bring any other action during his
lifetime and no other action for the death of said Decedent has been commenced against
Defendant herein or any other person.
30. This civil action is being brought to recover, on behalf of all statutory
beneficiaries of the Plaintiff's Decedent, all damages legally available under the Wrongful
Death Act.
31. Defendant, Michael Mattesky, resided at and was in joint possession of the
Premises located at 403 North Bedford Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17013.
32. The occurrence of the aforesaid incident and the fatal injury resulting
therefrom were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of the Defendant,
Michael Mattesky, generally and more specifically as set forth below:
8
(a) In failing to protect invitees, in particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark
Trimble, from the dangerous conditions existing on Premises;
(b) In failing to warn of the latent and/or hidden danger he knew or should
have known existed on said Premises;
(c) In failing to reasonably inspect the rear of said Premises, so as to
discover the dangerous conditions therein;
(d) In failing to discover the dangerous instrumentality which existed in
allowing a broken pick ax handle to lay around the premises where it
could kill and/or injure his invitees, and, in particular, Plaintiffs'
Decedent, Mark Trimble;
(e) In failing to take reasonable precautions to protect invitees and, in
particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble, from the foreseeable
danger existing from the broken pick ax left laying on said Premises;
and
(f) In allowing the pick ax to remain in a dangerous condition when
Defendant knew or should have known that said condition existed and
that invitees, and in particular Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble,
would traverse said Premises unaware of any potential dangerous
conditions.
9
33. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Michael
Mattesky, Plaintiff's Decedent sustained mortal injuries including, but not limited to, a
perforating chest wall injury, lacerations through the right and leftlungs, lacerations through
the right pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery and rib fractures, which
subsequently resulted in his instant death on July 18, 2006.
34. By reason of the death of Plaintiff's decedent, Mark Trimble, the
aforementioned survivors have incurred funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses,
expenses of administration, and have sustained severe pecuniary loss.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
seeks damages from the Defendant, Michael Mattesky, in an amount in excess of the
compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland County.
COUNT IV - SURVIVAL ACTION - NEGLIGENCE
Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of
Mark Trimble v. Michael Mattesky
{
35. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
incorporates and makes part of this Count paragraphs 1 through 34 above, as if the same
were set forth fully below.
36. In her capacity of personal representative of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble brings this action pursuant to the Pennsylvania Survival Act, 42 Pa.
C.S.A. § 8302, et seq. and 20 Pa. C.S.A. § 3373, .et seq.
10
37. The occurrence of the aforesaid incident and the fatal injury resulting
therefrom were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of the Defendant,
Michael Mattesky, generally and more specifically as set forth below:
(a) In failing to protect invitees, in particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark
Trimble, from the dangerous conditions existing on Premises;
(b) In failing to warn of the latent and/or hidden danger he knew or should
have known existed on said Premises;
(c) In failing to reasonably inspect the rear of said Premises, so as to
discover the dangerous conditions therein;
(d) In failing to discover the dangerous instrumentality which existed in
allowing a broken pick ax handle to lay around the premises where it
could kill and/or injure his invitees, and, in particular, Plaintiffs'
Decedent, Mark Trimble;
(e) In failing to take reasonable precautions to protect invitees and, in
particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble, from the foreseeable
danger existing from the broken pick ax left laying on said Premises;
and
(f) In allowing the pick ax to remain in a dangerous condition when
Defendant knew or should have known that said condition existed and
that invitees, and in particular Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble,
11
would traverse said Premises unaware of any potential dangerous
conditions.
38. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Michael
Mattesky, Plaintiff's Decedent sustained mortal injuries including, but not limited to, a
perforating chest wall injury, lacerations through the right and left lungs, lacerations through
the right pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery and rib fractures, which
subsequently resulted in his instant death on July 18, 2006.
39. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, Michael
Mattesky, Plaintiff's Decedent consciously suffered physical pain, mental pain, and anguish
and a claim is made therefore.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
seeks damages from.the Defendant, Michael Mattesky, in an amount in excess of the
compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland County.
COUNT V - WRONGFUL DEATH - NEGLIGENCE
Ruth Trimble, as Administratrix of the Estate of
Mark Trimble v. John E. Molison
40. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
incorporates and makes part of this Count paragraphs 1 through 39 above, as if the same
were set forth fully below.
41. This civil action is brought pursuant to the Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act,
42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8301 et seq. and Rule 2201 of the. Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
12
42. Plaintiff's Decedent, Mark Trimble, did not bring any other action during his
lifetime and no other action for the death of said Decedent has been commenced against
Defendant herein or any other person.
43. This civil action is being brought to recover, on behalf of all statutory
beneficiaries of the Plaintiff's Decedent, all damages legally available under the Wrongful
Death Act.
44. Defendant, John E. Molison, resided at and was in joint possession of the
Premises located at 403 North Bedford Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17013.
45. The occurrence of the aforesaid incident and the fatal injury resulting
therefrom were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of the Defendant, John
E. Molison, generally and more specifically as set forth below:
(a) In failing to protect invitees, in particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark
Trimble, from the dangerous conditions existing on Premises;
(b) In failing to warn of the latent and/or hidden danger he knew or should
have known existed on said Premises;
(c) In failing to reasonably inspect the rear of said Premises, so as to
discover the dangerous conditions therein;
(d) In failing to discover the dangerous instrumentality which existed in
allowing a broken pick ax handle to lay around the premises where it
13
could kill, and/or injure his invitees, and, in particular, Plaintiffs'
Decedent, Mark Trimble;
(e) In failing to take reasonable precautions to protect invitees and, in
particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble, from the foreseeable
danger existing from the broken pick ax left laying on said Premises;
and
(f) In allowing the pick ax to remain in a dangerous condition when
Defendant knew or should have known that said condition existed and
that invitees, and in particular Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble,
would traverse said Premises unaware of any potential dangerous
conditions.
46. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant,lohn E.
Molison, Plaintiff's Decedent sustained mortal injuries including, but not limited to, a
perforating chest wall injury, lacerations through the right and left lungs, lacerations through
the right pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery and rib fractures, which
subsequently resulted in his instant death on July 18, 2006.
47. By reason of the death of Plaintiff's decedent, Mark Trimble, the
aforementioned survivors have incurred funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses,
expenses of administration, and have sustained severe pecuniary loss.
14
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
seeks damages from the Defendant, John E. Molison, in an amount in excess of the
compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland County.
COUNT VI - SURVIVAL ACTION - NEGLIGENCE
Ruth Trimble Administratrix of the Estate of
Mark Trimble v. John E. Molison
48. Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
incorporates and makes part of this Count paragraphs 1 through 47 above, as if the same
were set forth fully below.
49. In her capacity of personal representative of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble brings this action pursuant to the Pennsylvania Survival Act, 42 Pa.
C.S.A. § 8302, et seq. and 20 Pa. C.S.A. § 3373, et seq.
50. The occurrence of the aforesaid incident and the fatal injury resulting
therefrom were caused directly and proximately by the negligence of the Defendant,
John E. Molison, generally and more specifically as set forth below:
(a) In failing to protect invitees, in particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark
Trimble, from the dangerous conditions existing on Premises;
(b) In failing to warn of the latent and/or hidden danger he knew or should
have known existed on said Premises;
15
(c) In failing to reasonably inspect the rear of said Premises, so as to
discover the dangerous conditions therein;
(d) In failing to discover the dangerous instrumentality which existed in
allowing a broken pick ax handle to lay around the premises where it
could kill and/or injure his invitees, and, in particular, Plaintiffs'
Decedent, Mark Trimble;
(e) In failing to take reasonable precautions to protect invitees and, in
particular, Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble, from the foreseeable
danger existing from the broken pick ax left laying on said Premises;
and
(f) In allowing the pick ax to remain in a dangerous condition when
Defendant knew or should have known that said condition existed and
that invitees, and in particular Plaintiffs' Decedent, Mark Trimble,
would traverse said Premises unaware of any potential dangerous
conditions.
51. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, John E.
Molison, Plaintiff's Decedent sustained mortal injuries including, but not limited to, a
perforating chest wall injury, lacerations through the right and left lungs, lacerations through
the right pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery and rib fractures, which
subsequently resulted in his instant death on July 18, 2006.
16
52. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, John E.
Molison, Plaintiff's Decedent consciously suffered physical pain, mental pain; and anguish
and a claim is made therefore.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Ruth Trimble, Administratrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble,
seeks damages from the Defendant, John E. Molison, in an amount in excess of the
compulsory arbitration limits of Cumberland County.
Date:
Respectfully submitted,
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
By:
Steve G. Held, Esquire
I.D. No. 72663
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 238-2000
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
17
VERIFICATION
The undersigned hereby verifies that the statements in the foregoing document
are based upon information which has been furnished to counsel by me and
information which has been gathered by counsel in the preparation of this lawsuit.
The language of the document is of counsel and not my own. I have read the
document and to the extent that it is based upon information which I have given to
counsel, it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. To
the extent that the contents of the document are that of counsel, I have relied upon
my counsel in making this Verification. The undersigned also understands that the
statements made therein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. Section
4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Ruth Trimble, in her own right and as Administratrix
of the Estate of Mark Trimble
Date: ? - Z 3 ,- o ?'
Stephen G. Held, Esquire
I.D.#72663
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 1711Q
Telephone: (717) 238-2000 Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Fax : (717) 233-3029
E-mail: Held@HHRLaw.com
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
and as Administratrix of the ESTATE CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
OF MARK TRIMBLE, deceased,
Plaintiffs
: No. 4058-2008
V.
MARION MATTESKY, MICHAEL
MATTESKY, and JOHN E. MOLISON
Defendants : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
On 10/6/08, 1 hereby certify that a true and correct copy of Plaintiffs' Complaint was served
upon the following by depositing same in the United States Mail, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
SUMMERS, MCDONNELL, HUDOCK, GUTHRIE & SKEEL
1017 Mumma Road/Suite 300
Lemoyne, PA 17043
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG, LLP
Dated: 10/6/08 Q-1th /?
Stephenn e
I.D. #72663
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-2000
Attorney for Plaintiff(s)
I
{
NETWORK DEPOSITION SERVICES
Transcript of Michael Mattesky
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
0 Mot 'R'AL
i d
III
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, .
and as Administratrix of the
ESTATE of MARK TRIMBLE,
Deceased,
Plaintiffs
vs
Marion Mattesky, Michael
Mattesky and John Molison,
Defendants
CIVIL DIVISION
No. 4085-2008
TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS
OF DEPOSITION
DEPOSITION OF: MICHAEL MATTESKY
TAKEN BY: Defendants
DATE: February 19, 2010 at
10:00 a.m.
PLACE: Summers, McDonnell,
Hudock, Guthrie & Skeel
100 Sterling Parkway
Suite 306
Mechanicsburg, PA
BY: Jodi L. Lambert,
Court Reporter
johnstoWn - Erie - Pittsburgh - Greensburg - Harrisburg
866-565-1929
NETWORK DEPOSITION SERVICES
Transcript of Michael Mattesky
2
1
2 APPEARANCES:
3
HANDLER, HENNING & ROSENBERG
4 BY: STEPHEN G. HELD, ESQUIRE
5 For - Plaintiffs
6
7 SUMMERS, MCDONNELL, HUDOCK, GUTHRIE & SKEEL
BY: SETH T. BLACK, ESQUIRE
8
For - Defendants
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Johnstown - Erie - Pittsburgh - Greensburg - Harrisburg
866-565-1929
NETWORK DEPOSITION SERVICES
Transcript of Michael Mattesky
3
1
INDEX
2
3 DEPONENT: PAGE:
4
Michael Mattesky
5
Examination by Attorney Black . . . . . . . 4
6 Examination by Attorney Held . . . . . . . 46
Re-Examination by Attorney Black . . . . . 55
7
8
9
10
11
EXHIBITS
12
13 Mattesky
Exhibit Number
14
15
1 Copy of Photograph 24
16
2 Copy of Photograph 29
17
3 Copy of Photograph 34
18
4 Copy of Photograph 34
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Johnstown - Erie - Pittsburgh - Greensburg - Harrisburg
866-565-1929
NETWORK DEPOSITION SERVICES
Transcript of Michael Mattesky
27
1 horseshoes, just talk. Just guys hanging out in
2 the summertime having fun.
3 Q. Do you know how much beer Mark had to
4 drink?
5 A. No. I couldn't tell you.
6 Q. Do you recall?
7 A. We drank all day.
8 Q. All day from when you got --
9 A. Whenever he got to my house we started
10 drinking, whether it was 11:00 o'clock in the
11 morning, 12:00 o'clock when he got there. I know
12 we were drinking before we went to get the mower.
13 So, you know, I don't know. We were drinking from
14 at least 12:00 o'clock on.
15 Q. And would that be the same for the
16 smoking marijuana?
17 A. Not as much as we were drinking. We
18 smoked a few joints over the day.
19 Q. Was anyone else with you while you were
20 smoking the joints and drinking the beer?
I
21
A.
John smoked one of them with us. I know
22 the one we smoked John smoked with us. I don't
23 know if anybody else was there when we smoked or
24 not.
25 Q. So you don't think Andy or Keith or
Johnstown - Erie - Pittsburgh - Greensburg - Harrisburg
866-565-1929
NETWORK DEPOSITION SERVICES
Transcript of Michael Mattesky
28
1 anybody was there at that point?
2 A. Andy didn't get there until after the
3 fact. I was already standing over top of him
4 yelling at him when Andy came in the gate.
5 Q. So you guys were grilling some salmon.
6 Where did you get the salmon? Did you have to go
7 to the store?
8 A. I guess Giant.
9 Q. I mean did you get it that day? Sorry,
10 it was a poor question.
11 A. Oh, I think I had it thawed out.
12 Q. So you put it on and I guess do you see
13 Mark fall?
14 A. No. I didn't even see him fall.
15 Q. Do you know if anybody saw him fall?
16 A. At that point it was only me and John.
17 We were off to the side. We were over here talking
18 at each other, and like I said, I had looked over
19 and saw him standing there at the grill doing
20 something and turned back around, and it couldn't
21 have been 30 seconds then he wasn't there.
22 (Pointing.)
23 Q. I got a couple more photos here. If you
24 could take a look at these and see if any of them
25 show where you were at when this happened?
Johnstown - Erie - Pittsburgh - Greensburg - Harrisburg
866-565-1929
NETWORK DEPOSITION SERVICES
Transcript of Michael Mattesky
32
1 that he was moving or tripped or anything of that
2 nature?
3 A. Well, I don't think he was just standing
4 there and just decided to fall over. I mean, so he
5 was either turning to walk to do something. He
6 would have had to be in motion. I mean, my opinion
7 he would have had to have been in motion.
8 Q. I want to talk about the pick axe for a
9 little bit.
10 A. Okay.
11 Q. At the time this occurred, is it depicted
12 here in Mattesky 1 or 2 sort of where the pick axe
13 was at?
14 A. Yeah. It was leaning right about where
15 that stick's at. (Pointing.)
16 Q. You're pointing to Mattesky 1; is that
17 right?
18 A. Yes.
19 Q. How long was it in that position?
20 A. I don't know. I had used it to do
21 something out front with the sidewalks. I think I
22 was busting up the sidewalk putting new sidewalk in
23 and I broke it, the broken the handle. I think I
24 had it leaning out front for a while then I brought
25 it back and had it leaning somewhere else in the
Johnstown - Erie - Pittsburgh - Greensburg - Harrisburg
- 866-565-1929
NETWORK DEPOSITION SERVICES
Transcript of Michael Mattesky
33
1 back, and then I moved it over to here.
2 Eventually it was supposed to go down
3 here to the shed is where it was headed. I was
4 getting it there in baby steps. Unfortunately if I
5 just took it down and put the damn thing away, I
6 wouldn't be sitting here.
7 Q. How long was the handle broken?
8 A. Oh, I don't know. Maybe a month, month
9 and a half until I moved it a couple times where it
10 was at.
11 Q. Whose pick axe is it?
12 A. It used to be my father's. It was mine.
13 The cops never gave it back. I guess it's theirs
14 now.
15 Q. I guess just so we're clear --
16 A. I don't want it back.
17 Q. --when we say the pick axe was sitting,
18 well, it's depicted as the handle?
19 A. Well, the handle broke off. You know,
20 you have the steel part which is one part's pointy
21 and one part's-- You know, there was about this
22 much handle sticking up from that.
23 (Demonstrating.) That was leaning against here as
24 well and then the handle itself which was split I
25 had leaning there also. I guess I was going to try
Johnstown - Erie - Pittsburgh - Greensburg - Harrisburg
866-565-1929
NETWORK DEPOSITION SERVICES
Transcript of Michael Mattesky
41
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Ocean City.
Q. He helped you frame it?
A. Yeah.
Q. Did anybody else help you?
A. I think I laid all the board myself.
Well, my daughter helped a little bit. I have a
picture of her holding a level, hammer, tool belt
on.
Q. Did Mark help you at all?
A. No, he didn't help me build the deck at
all.
Q. Before this accident happened, how often
would you and he be out on your deck?
A. We were together every day.
ATTORNEY HELD: If this helps any,
we're not alleging anything's wrong with the deck.
ATTORNEY BLACK: That will speed this
up.
ATTORNEY HELD: That's why I said that.
No, no negligent condition of the deck.
A. When I build stuff, I make it to last no
matter what it is. I have a closet I built in my
house and I guarantee the house will fall down
before the closet comes down. This was actually
designed to put a hot tub on. When we were
Johnstown - Erie - Pittsburgh - Greensburg - Harrisburg
866-565-1929
NETWORK DEPOSITION SERVICES
Transcript of Michael Mattesky
42
1 building it, we said this is for gold members. If
2 you weigh 350 or more pounds, it will still hold
3 you.
4 BY ATTORNEY BLACK:
5 Q. You had said that you guys were drinking
6 and using marijuana. Did you know if Mark had any
7 kind of drug or alcohol problem?
8 A. I know he took a lot of pills.
9 Q. Do you know if those pills were
10 prescription?
11 A. As far as drug and alcohol problem, I
12 don't think anybody that smokes pot has a drug
13 problem to be honest with you.
14 Q. Do you know if he was ever in any alcohol
15 or drug rehab program?
16 A. Not that I'm aware of.
17 Q. Do you know if he took any pills that
18 day, whether they be prescription or non
19 prescription?
20 A. He had prescription pills because if I
21 see, I don't know if it was this day or not either,
22 but I know he slept on the lawn chair for a couple
23 hours then got back up. I don't know if that was
24 that day or the day before. He took pills every
25 day.
Johnstown - Erie - Pittsburgh - Greensburg - Harrisburg
866-565-1929
. I , .
NETWORK DEPOSITION SERVICES
Transcript of Michael Mattesky
48
1 A. No, I really don't.
2 Q. Was he having any difficulty walking
3 before th e actual fall?
4 A. He's always a little lopsided. I mean,
5 like his equilibrium is kind of messed up. You
6 know what I mean? Not retarded like but --
7 Q. He's a klutz?
8 A. Yeah, kind of.
9 Q. I'm the same way. Do you know how many
10 beers he had had before?
11 A. I don't know.
12 Q. Wasn't counting?
13 A. I don't know, yeah.
14 Q. Do you know how much alcohol the three of
15 you went through that day?
16 A. Oh --
17 Q. Like a case?
18 A. Well, it was probably more than that. I
19 guarantee it was more than that. I don't know, on
20 a typical summer day from noon to midnight we could
21 go through a quarter keg. Like I said, we were
22 doing other stuff, you know, and there was breaks.
23 We just didn't sit there and do nothing but drink
24 and smoke for ten hours. You know, so you're
25 moving around. You're throwing shoes. You're
i
Johnstown - Erie - Pittsburgh - Greensburg - Harrisburg
866-565-1929
. 1 I .
NETWORK DEPOSITION SERVICES
Transcript of Michael Mattesky
49
1 burning some of that off you.
2 You know, you go to a bar and you sit
3 there for two hours you can get a lot more drunk a
4 lot quicker than drinking for five hours when
5 you're moving around and being active. So I don't
6 really think anybody was intoxicated to the point
7 of, you know, to that point.
8 Q. And then when you first saw that Mark had
9 fallen, had he gone completely off the deck?
10 A. Yeah. He was completely off the deck.
11 Not far. I mean, if you're looking here, I mean,
12 it was probably a foot distance between his feet
13 and the step. It's probably about, you know, that
14 far. (Demonstrating.) And that's where the body
15 laid, lane. I'm trying to use proper English here.
16 Q. And then Mattesky 2, where was the grill
17 that night? Was it where it's located now in this
18 photo?
19 A. Well, you know, I don't think that that
20 chair-- See, I said earlier that, in this picture
21 I said earlier that the grill was down this way
22 further but now I'm not so sure. It might have
23 been where it sits right there.
24 Q. All right, and then you understand that
25 he fell and landed on the end of the pick axe;
1'
1'
¦+
Johnstown - Erie - Pittsburgh - Greensburg - Harrisburg
866-565-1929
DEFENDANT'S
? EXHIBIT
a
a
r .
EXHIBIT
Pq --
SLR.:.-
Y • 0
1 ?
lla?
Y7
?r
j U1
i R?
M I • •
0
6 f 1 •
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing MOTION FOR
SUMMARY JUDGMENT has been mailed by U.S. Mail to counsel of record via first
class mail, postage pre-paid, this 20th day of May, 2010.
Stephen G. Held, Esquire
Handler, Henning & Rosenberg, L.L.P.
1300 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Michael Mattesky
403 North Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17103
John E. Molison
403 North Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, P.C.
By:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
Counsel for Defendant,
Marion Mattesky
E ?
CA/f, L
PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT
(Must be typewritten and submitted in triplicate)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY: (List the within matter for the next
Argument Court.)
-- -----------------------------------------------
CAPTION OF CASE n
(entire caption must be stated in full) c' `=
p"
Ruth Trimble, in her own right, and as Administrix of the Estate of Mark Trimble, deceaso `,.
N)
vs. v,
z?
Marion Mattesky, Michael Mattesky, and John Molison No 4085 2008 _-- r
--
.J
1. State matter to be argued (i.e., plaintiffs motion for new trial, defendant's demurrer to
complaint, etc.):
Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment
2. Identify all counsel who will argue cases:
(a) for plaintiffs:
Stephen G. Held, Esquire, 1300 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110
(Name and Address)
(b) for defendants:
Seth T. Black, Esq., 100 Sterling Parkway, Suite 306, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(Name and Address)
3. 1 will notify all parties in writing within two days that this case has been listed for
argument.
4. Argument Court Date: July 7, 2010
Signature
Seth Hta Esq.
Print your name
Marion Mattesky
Date: May 24, 2010
Attorney for
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Original and 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.
RUTH TRIMBLE, in her own right, and IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
as Administratrix of the Estate of CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Mark Trimble, deceased,
PLAINTIFF
V.
MARION MATTESKY,
MICHAEL MATTESKY, AND
JOHN MOLISON,
DEFENDANTS 08-4085 CIVIL TERM
BEFORE HESS, P.J. AND MASLAND, J.
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this day of July, 2010, upon consideration of the
motion for summary judgment filed by defendant, Marion Mattesky, being unopposed by
the plaintiff, the motion, IS HEREBY GRANTED. Counts 1 and 2 of plaintiffs complaint,
ARE HEREBY DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE.
By the Court,
Albert H. Maslan , J.
tephen G. Held, Esquire
For Plaintiff
Seth T. Black, Esquire
For Marion Mattesky
sal
CS rria`tl l?C?. C rt
?Y? r
aF cu
David D. Buell �fe Renee 7 Simpson
Prothonotary 1st Deputy Prothonotary
2! ILL
Irene E. 9Ytorrow
�irkS. Sohonage, ESQ =
Solicitor 1750 2nd Deputy Prothonotary
Office of the Prothonotary
Cum6er[and County, cPennsylvania
Qg -Logs CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF TERMINATION OF COURT CASES
AND NOW THIS 291H DAY OF OCTOBER, 2013,AFTER MAILING NOTICE OF
INTENTION TO PROCEED AND RECEIVING NO RESPONSE-THE ABOVE
CASE IS HEREBY TERMINATED WITH PREJUDICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
PA R.C.P.230.2.
BY THE COURT,
DAVID D. BUELL
PROTHONOTARY
One Courthouse Square • Suite 100 • Carlisle, PA 17013 • (717)240-6195 • Fa.,(717)240-6573