HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-6517IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Civil Action - Law
WILLIAM A. RITTER, SR.
301 Potato Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
Plaintiff(s) and
Address(es)
VS.
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
R.D. #1, Box 414
Landisburg, PA 17040
Defendant(s) and
Address(es)
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
Please issue a Writ of Summons in the above-captioned action. Said Writ of Summons
shall be issued and forwarded to the Cumberland County Sheriff in order to deputize the Perry
County Sheriff in order to complete service upon Defendant in order to complete service upon
service upon Defendant.
Lee C. Swartz
TUCKER ARENSBERG & SWARTZ
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(717) 234-4121
Date: ]l/]~/O[
Signature of Attorney O
Supreme Court I.D. #07258
WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT:
44994.1
YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED PLAINTIFF HAS COMMENCED AN
ACTION AGAINST YOU.
Protho~tary
Deputy t -
0 c-~
Thomas E. Brcnncr, Esquire
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
Attorney I.D. No: 32085
Attorney for Defendant Stambau~th
WILLIAM A. RITTER, Sr.
Plaintiff
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 2001-06517 Civil Term
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
Please enter the appearance of Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire of Goldberg, Katzman
& Shipman, P.C. on behalf Defendant Stambaugh.
Date:
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
Thom as-~-~Le~r enner, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 32085
320 Market Street
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
(717) 234-4161
Attorney for Defendant Stambaugh
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the foregoing document upon the person(s)
indicated below by depositing a copy of the same in the United States mail, postage
prepaid, at Hanisburg, Pennsylvania and addressed as follows:
Lee Swart~ Esquire
Tucker Arensberg & Swartz
111 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C
BY: ~
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
Attorney I.D. No: 32085
Att m frD S b u
WILLIAM A. RITTER, SR.
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COlVIIvION PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
Vo
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
Defendant
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 2001-06517 Civil Term
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please issue a Rule upon Plaintiff to file a Complaint within twenty (20) days of service
thereof or suffer the entry of a judgment of non pros.
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
Thomas~g'E~renner, Esquire
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
[717] 234-4161
Attorney I.D. No. 32085
Attorneys for Defendant Stambaugh
RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
AND NOW, this .ff~qx. day of fBa_~(_, ,2001, upon Praecipe of Defendant, a
role is hereby entered upon the Plaintiff to file'a Complaint within twenty (20) days after service
of this role or suffer the entry of a judgment of non Eros.
Prothonotary "
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the foregoing document upon the person(s)
indicated below by depositing a copy of the same in the United States mail, postage
prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and addressed as follows:
Lee Swart~ Esquire
Tucker Arensberg & Swartz
111 N. Front SWeet
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C
Thomas E.' l~enner, Esquire
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C,
P,O, Box 1268
I-larfisburg, PA 17108-1268
Attorney I.D. No: 32085
Attorney for Defendant Stambaugh
WILLIAM A. RITTER, SR.
Plaintiff
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
Defendant
1N THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 2001-06517 Civil Term
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
AFFADAV1T OF SERVICE
The Rule to File a Complaim was served upon counsel for the Plaintiff.on April 10, 2002,
as reflected on the enclosed certified mailing return receipt.
By:
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
[717] 234-4161
Attorney I.D. No. 32085
Attorneys for Defendant Stambaugh
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the foregoing document upon the person(s)
indicated below by depositing a copy of the same in the United States mail, postage
prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and addressed as follows:
Lee Swartz, Esquire
Tucker, Arensberg & Swartz
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant
I also wish to receive the
following services (for an
extra fee):
1. [] Addressee's Address
Consult postmaster for fee.
4a. Article Number
[] Registered [] Certified
[] Express Mail [] Insured
I~-R~t~m Receipt f~ ~._"~..'_r"~=?. [] COD
SENDER:
mCom~ete Item~ 3, 4a, and 4b.
Ps Form 3811, December 1994
Dete of Delivery
APR 10 ~ o~
I. Addressee's A~,=~ (Only ff requested
and fee is pald)
102595-97-B~179 Domestic Return Rece;l~l
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
I.D. No. 32085
GOLDBERG, KATZJVIAN & SHIPhIAN, P.C.
320 hlarket Street
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
(717) 234-4161
Attorneys for Defendant
WILMAM A. RITTER, SR,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
Defendants
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 01-6517
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE PREREQUISITE TO SERVICE
OF A SUBPOEHA PURSUAHT TO RULE 4009.22
As a prerequisite to service of a subpoena for documents and things pursuant to Rule
4009.22, Plaintiff hereby certifies that:
1)
A Notice of Intent to serve the subpoena, with a copy of the subpoena attached
thereto, was mailed or delivered to each party at least twenty days pdor to the date
on which the subpoena was sought to be served;
2)
A copy of the Notice of Intent, including the proposed subpoena, is attached to
this certificate;
3) Plaintiff did not object to the subpoena being sent out; and
4)
DATE: L~/~ '7/O 3-.,.
The subpoena to be served is identical to the subpoena attached to the Notice of
Intent.
Thomas E. Brenner, E~luire
Attorney I.D. ~32085
320 Market Street
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
Telephone: (717) 234-4161
Attorneys for Defendants
ThomaS E. Brenner, Esquire
I.D. No. 32085 P.C.
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN,
320 Market Street
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
(717) 234-4161
yO. LLIA~ A. RITTER, SR,
plaintiff
CW Em ND cou r ,
No. 01-6517
v. CML ACTION - LAW
NICHOLAS E. sTAMBAUGH JURY TRiAL DEMANDED
DefendantS
NOTICE OF INTENT TO SERVE SUBPO.51'iA TO
PRODUCE DOCUMENTS AND THINGS FOR
DISCOVERY pURS_UANT TO RULE 4009.~2! _
TO: Lee SwartZ, Esquire
Tacker, Arensberg & Swartz
111 Nor*.h Front Street
P.O. Box 889
I--t~risburg, PA 17108-0889
pLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Plaintiff intenda to serve a subpoena identical to the one
attached to this notice. You have t~enty (20) da~ from the date listed below in which to file of
record and serve upon the undersigned an objection to the subpoena. If no objection is made, the
subpoena may be served.
~. Brenner, Esquire
Attorney I.D. #32085
320 Market Street
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
Telephone: (717) 234-4161
A~omeys for De£endant~
wILLIAM A. RITTER, SR-,
?lainCif f
NIcHoLAS E. STAMBAUG~,
Defendant
cc~TH OF pE~SYLVANIA
File No.
01-6517
9JSPOENA TO pRCOUCE ~S OR THINGS..
FOR D I SCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO: State Farm Insurance Company, P.O. Box 257, New Cumberland, PA
17070
(N~e of Pe s~n o~ Entity)
within twenty (20) days after service of this sub~oema, you are o~de~ed by the court to
~-oduce the fol]owim~ dot--ts o~ things: your complete first party benefits file
on william A. Ritter, Sr., claim no.: 38J-468-122, date o= accz~enc:
Detester ~ I99M.
at 320 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
(Address)
Yc~J may deliver or n~il legible cooies of the d~ts or produce things requested by
this subpoena, together with the certificate of c~,oliance, to the party making this
request st the address listed above, you have the right to seek in advance the reasor~ble
cost oF preparing the c~ies or producing the things sought.
If YOU fail to prcxJuce the ck~ts or things reo~Jired by this subl~ within twenty
(20) days after its service, the party serving this subpoer~a~Y seek a court order
com~ellir~ You to c~ly with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS I E~SUED AT THE RECLEST OF THE FOLLCWING PERSON:
~:~nm~ F. Brenner, Esquire
ACORESS: 320 Market Street
H~a~u PA 17108-1268
T~SLSP~4E: 717-234-4161
SU~ COORT lO ~ 32085
A~ F~: Defendant
-' Se~l of the
Prothonotary/Clerk, d~vi Division
(Eff. 7/97}
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE_
· ' ParalegM w/Goldberg, Katanan & Shipman, P.C. do hereby certify'tha~
I, Mary K. Riding, · · ....... a -~-'-ect co,~v of the foregoing Notate of
~te~: to' S~e~e ~uYb°Pfoen~;°~;° d~i~eU;~c~fn~';;'~g~ ~a~e s ~r~e,¢)daiuf ~ the following by
depositing same into the United States Mail, first-class mail, postag p -p d, :
Lee Swarm, Esquire
Tucker, Aremberg & Swarm
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Mary IL Ridings, Paralegal w/Goldberg, gamuan & Shipman, P.C. do hereby certify tha~
on this /'7~ day of .,,g~D~'72' ,2002, a true and correct copy of the foregoing Certificate
Prerequisite to Sen'icE 'of Subpoena to Produce Documents or Things was served upon the
following by depositing same into the United States Mail, first-class mail, postage pre-paid, to:
Lee Swart~ Esquire
Tuckex, Arensberg & Swartz
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
WILLIAM A. RITTER, SR.,
Plaintiff
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH,
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
: NO. 2001-06517
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
:
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO DEFEND AND CLAIM RIGHTS
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims
set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days aRer this
Complaint and Notice are served by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney
and filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth
against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and
a judgment may be entered against you by the court without further notice for any money
claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You
may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU
DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE
THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL
HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166 or (800) 990-9108
NOTIC~
Le hah demandado a usted en la torte. Si usted quiere defenderse de estas
demandas expuestas en las paquinas siguientes, demanda y la notification. Usted debe
presentar una apariencia escfita o en persona o pot abogado y archivar en la torte enforma
eserita sus defensas o sus objeciones a las demandas en contra de su persona. Sea avisado
que si usted no se deflende, la corte tomara medidas y puede entrar una orden contra usted
sin previo aviso o notification y pot cualquier queja o alivio que es pedido en la peticinn 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 ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE
PUEDE CONSEGUIR ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166 or (800) 990-9108
TUCKER ARENSBERG & SWARTZ
Lee E. Swartz, Esquire
Attorney I. D. #07258
lll NorthFrontStreg
P. O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(717)234-4121
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Date:
WILLIAM A. RITTER, SR.,
Plaintiff
Vo
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH,
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
: NO. 2001-06517
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
:
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiff, William A. Ritter, Sr., by and through his
attorneys, TUCKER ARENSBERG & SWARTZ, and brings this Complaint against
Defendant Nicholas E. Stambaugh, and avers as follows:
1. Plaintiff, William A. Ritter, Sr., is an adult individual residing at 301
Potato Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013 (hereinafter known as
"Plaintiff').
2.
It is believed, and therefore averred, that Defendant Nicholas E.
Stambaugh is an adult individual who resides at RD#l, Box 414, Lanidsburg, Perry
County, Pennsylvania 17040 (hereinafter known as "Defendant").
3. This Court has jurisdiction over this matter on the grounds that the facts
and circumstances of the automobile accident giving rise to this action occurred on
December 23, 1999, at or about 1:45 p.m., at the intersection of North West Street and D
Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
4. At the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff William A. Ritter, Sr. was the
owner and passenger of a 1986 Dodge Aries being operated by Stacey A. Miller traveling
northbound on North West Street.
5. At the aforesaid time and place, Defendant was the operator of a 1995
Honda Passport traveling eastbound on D Street.
6. At the aforesaid time and place, Defendant was operating his vehicle in an
unsafe manner such that he failed to stop at a stop sign located at the intersection olD
Street and North West Street. Defendant's vehicle violently smack the 1986 Dodge Aries
that Plaintiff owned and in which he was a back seat passenger.
7. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid collision, Plaintiffhas
suffered severe and permanent injuries and damages as set forth herein.
8. At the time of the accident in question, Plaintiff had automobile insurance
coverage for Plaintiffs vehicle, a 1986 Dodge Aries, with State Farm Insurance
Company under policy no. 717-4606-E30-381. Plaintiff selected the Limited Tort Option
(75 Pa.C.S.A. §1705).
9. As a result of the aforementioned accident, Plaintiff suffered serious
injuries causing a serious impairment of a body function or functions as defined in 75
Pa.C.S.A. §1702 and as more fully set forth hereafter. Furthermore, the serious injuries
sustained by Plaintiff significantly affect his ability to perform normal daily activities.
Therefore, Plaintiff is not bound by the restrictions imposed by the Limited Tort Option,
75 Pa.C.S.A. §1705(d).
10. The aforesaid accident was caused solely from the negligence,
carelessness, and recklessness conduct of Defendant and was in no manner due to any act
or failure to act on the part of Plaintiff.
11. Defendant was negligent, careless and reckless in causing the aforesaid
accident as follows:
(a)
Failing to have his vehicle under proper and adequate control at all
times;
(b)
Falling to apply his brakes or take other evasive action in time to
avoid the collision;
(c)
Falling to observe Plaintiff' s vehicle on the roadway and apply his
brakes and/or take other appropriate or evasive action to avoid the
collision with Plaintiffs vehicle;
(d)
Operating his vehicle in a manner in violation of the Motor
Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: 75
Pa.C.S.A. § 3323 relating to stop signs and yield signs;
(e)
Falling to keep a reasonable lookom for other vehicles lawfully on
the roadway;
(0
Operating his vehicle with careless disregard for the safety of other
persons, including Plaintiff, in violation of the Pennsylvania Motor
Vehicle Code: 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3714;
(g)
Failing to operate his vehicle with due regard to the safety and
position of Plaintiff's vehicle; and
Falling to operate his vehicle at a safe speed pursuant to the
Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code: 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3361.
12. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid accident, Plaintiff
suffered severe serious and permanent injuries that include, but are not limited to, the
following:
(a) Right trapezius and low back strain;
(b) Acute cervical pain and tenderness;
(c) Bilateral knee pain and significant crepitation;
(d) Left knee injury resulting in total destruction of cartilage and
requiting a total knee replacement;
(e) Exacerbation and/or aggravation of chronic cervical disc disease;
(f) Left foot swelling and ecchymosis with tenderness along the
medial tarsal region;
(g)
(h)
(i)
O)
Acute left foot pain;
Exacerbation and/or aggravation of gout symptoms;
Bilateral foot swelling and tenderness; and
Various other contusions and abrasions.
13. As a result of the injuries, Plaintiff has suffered and in the future will
continue to suffer severe physical pain, mental anguish and suffering, humiliation,
inconvenience, scarring, embarrassment and loss of life's pleasures.
14. As a further direct and proximate result of the aforesaid accident and
related injuries, Plaintiff has and will continue to be limited in his normal and daily
activities.
15.
As a further direct and proximate result of the aforesaid accident and
related injuries, Plaintiff has and will continue to suffer great physical nervous, mental
and emotional distress.
16. As a further direct and proximate result oftbe aforesaid accident and
related injuries, Plaintiff has and will continue to suffer impairment to his health, strength
and vitality.
17.
As a further direct and proximate result of the aforesaid accident and
related injuries, Plaintiff has and will continue to be required to spend money for
medicine, medical care, nursing, hospital and/or surgical attention, medical appliances
and household care beyond that which he might otherwise recover.
18. As a further direct and proximate result of the aforesaid accident and
related injuries, Plaintiff has and will continue to suffer loss of income and earning
capacity beyond that which he may be otherwise entitled to recover.
19. As a further direct and proximate result of the aforesaid accident and
related injuries, Plaintiff has and will continue to suffer other financial losses beyond that
which he may otherwise be entitled to recover.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff William A. Ritter, Sr. demands judgment against
Defendant, Nicholas E. Stambaugh in an amount in excess of the limits for mandatory
arbitration, together with interest and costs of this proceeding and such other relief as this
Honorable Court deems proper under the circumstances.
Respectfully Submitted,
TUCKER ARENSBERG & SWARTZ
Dated: /-//o~ q/0 ~-'-
49256.1
Attorney I.D. #07258 ~-~
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(717) 234-4121
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
VERIFICATION
I, LEE C. SWARTZ, attorney for the Plaintiff, William A. Ritter, Sr., in the within
action, makes this verification on behalf of the Plaintiff, as Plaintiff is outside the jurisdiction of
the court and the verification of Plaintiff cannot be obtained within the time allowed for filing the
pleading, and I affirm that the facts set forth in the foregoing document are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that any false statemems herein are made subject to penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.
§4904, relating to unswom falsification to authorities.
Lee ~. Swart~ (~
49303.1
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 24th day of April, 2002, I, Cathleen A. Kohr, for the firm of TUCKER
ARENSBERG & SWARTZ, attorneys for Plaintiff, hereby certify that I have this day served a
copy of a Plaintiff's Complaint by causing a copy of the same to be placed in the United States
Mail, First Class, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
Cathleen A. Kohr
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
Attorney I.D. No: 32085
Attorney for Defendant Stambaugh
WILLIAM A. RITTER, SR. ·
Plaintiff
Vo
IN THE COURT
CUMBERLAND
CIVIL ACTION.
OF COMMON PLEAS
COUNTY, PA
, LAW
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
Defendant
No. 2001-06517
JURY TRIAL D~
PRAECIPE FOR JOINDER OF ADDITIONAL DEFE
Please issue a Writ of Summons to join Stacey A. Miller,
Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania as Additional Defen¢
Date:
GOLDBERG, KATZIvL
BY:
Attorney I.D. No
320 Market Stree
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 1
(717) 234-4161
Attorney for Deft
fivil Team
MANDED
~IDANT
}05 Creek Road,
ant in this matter.
iN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
er, Esquire
32085
'108-1268
:ndant Stambaugh
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the foregoing docun
indicated below by depositing a copy of the same in the United St
prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and addressed as follows:
tent upon the person(s)
ates mail, postage
Lee Swartz, Esq.
Tucker, Arensberg & Swartz
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
Date:
77916.1
GOLDBERG, KATZIVL
BY~(
Thomas E. Brenn
SHIPMAN, P.C
er, Esquire
Cumberland County, ss:
The Commonweakh of Pennsylvania to
You are notified that
STACEY A. MILLER
(,Nme of A
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
(Name (s) of Dele
has (have) joined you as an additional defendant in this acti
quired to defend.
Date jun~ 21. 2002
STACEY A. MILLER
905 CR]~K NOAD
CARLISLE, PA
flflitio~al Defendant)
~d'ant (s) )
~n, which you are re-
=o~ o~ .
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2001-06517 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
RITTER WILLIAM ASR
VS
STAMBAUGH NICHOLAS E
KENNETH GOSSERT , Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT TO ADD'L DEFEN. was served upon
MILLER STACEY A the
ADD'L DEFENDANT, at 1500:00 HOb-RS,
at CUMBERLAND COUNTY PRISON
CARLISLE, PA 17013
STACEY A MILLER
on the 26th day of June
1101 CLAREMONT ROAD
, 2002
by handing to
a true and attested copy of WRIT TO ADD'L DEFEN.
together with
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Service 3.45
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
31.45
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this ~ day of
~-~.~ ~'~ ~ A.D.
P~o~honotary "~
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
06/27/2002
GOLDBERG KATZMAN SHIPMAN
Thomas E. Brenne_r, Esquire
G-OLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
Attorney I.D. No: 32085
Attorney for ,Dv~end~m Stamh~,,~h
WILLIAM A. RITTER, SR.
Plaintiff
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
CIVIL ACTION- LAW
No. 2001-06517 Civil Term
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
YOU lqAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. ffyou wish to defend against the claims
set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this
Complaint and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by
attorney and filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set
forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without
you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for
any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the
Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU
DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE
THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL
HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Ave.
Carlisle, PA 17013
(800) 990-9108
Le han demandado a usted en la corte. Si usted quiere 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 pot abogado y archivar en la corte en fo~iua escrita sus defensas o
sus objectiones a las demandas en contra de su persona. Sea adisado que si usted no se
defiende, la sin previo aviso o nofificacion y por cualquier quja o puede perder dinero o
sus propiedades o otros derechos importantes para usted.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABOGADO IMMEDIATAMENTE. 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 ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR
DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Ave.
Carlisle, PA 17013
(gOO) 990-9108
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
Attorney I.D. No: 32085
Attorn for tambau
WILLIAM A. RITTER, SR.
Plaintiff
Vo
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
CIVIL ACTION- LAW
No. 2001-06517 Civil Term
~JR.Y TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER F DEFENDANT NI LA E TA A
AND NOW, comes Defendant Nicholas E. Stambaugh~ by his attorneys,
Goldberg, Katzman & Shipman, P.C., who state:
1. Admitted.
2. Denied in part. The Defendant's address is 135 Paige Hill Road,
Landisburg, Perry County, Pennsylvania 17040.
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted
6. Denied. This paragraph is denied purso_~_nt to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
7. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
o
9.
10.
wreckless.
Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
Denied. It is denied that Defendant Stambaugh was negligent, careless or
11. It is denied that Defendant Stambaugh was negligent, careless or wreckless.
It is acknowledged that Defendant Stambangh failed to observe a stop sign. The
remainder of the paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029 (e).
12. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
13. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. I~C.P. 1029 (e).
14. Denied. Tlus paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
15. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
16. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
17. Denied. Tlus paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
18. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
19. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
WHERFORE, Defendant Nicholas E. Stambaugh requests that the Plaintiff's
Complaint be dismissed with prejudice.
20.
vehicle.
Plaintiff's injuries arose from comparative negligence of the driver of his
21. Plaintiff's injuries arose from the assumption of risk by the Plaintiff under
the circumstances.
22. Plaintiff's injuries arose from his comparative negligence under the
circumstances.
23. Plaintiff's medical problems relate to conditions that do not arise from this
motor vehicle accident.
WHF~REFORE, Defendant Nicholas E. Stambaugh requests that the Plaintiff's
Complaint be dismissed with prejudice.
Date:
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
BY: ' ...............
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 32085
320 Market Street
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg PA 17108-1268
(717) 2344161
Attorney for Defendant Stambaugh
VERIFICATION
I, Nicholas E. Stambaugh, Defendant herein, have read the foregoing Answer with
New Matter and hereby affu-m that it is true and correct to the best of my personal
knowledge, or infomiation and belief.
This VerificatiOn and statement is made subject to the penalties of18' Pa.C.S. §4904
relating to unsworn falsification to authorities; I verify that all the statements made in the
foregoing are true and correct and that false statements may subject me to the penalties of
18 Pa. C.S. §4904.
Nicholas E. Stamb~u~gh fi'
CERTIFICATE OF SERVI(~
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the foregoing document upon the person(s)
indicated below by depositing a copy of the same in the United States mail, postage
prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and addressed as follows:
Lee Swartz, Esq.
Tucker, Arensberg & Swartz
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
Date:
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C
BY: (
Thonias E. Brenner, Esquire
81056.1
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
Attorney I.D. No: 32085
Attomev for D~fendant Stambm]~h
WILLIAM A. RITTER, SR.
Plaintiff
Vo
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH :
Defendant ·
No. 2001-06517 Civil Term
STACEY A. MII,LER ·
Additional Defendant ·
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE
To: STACEY A. MII.LER
905 Creek Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
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 YOUDO NOT
HAVE ALAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET
FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
1-800-990-9108
NOTICIA
Le han demandado a usted en la corte. Si usted quiere 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 objectiones a las demandas en contra de
su persona. Sea adisado que si usted no se defiende, la sin previo aviso o notificacion y por cualquier
quja o puede perder dinero o sus propiedades o otros derechos importantes para usted.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABOGADO IMMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO TIENE
ABOGADO O SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SUFICIENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVICIO, VAYA
EN PERSONA O LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFIC1NA CUYA DIRECCION SE
ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR
ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
1-800-990-9108
Thomas E. Br~ner, Esquire
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
Attorney I.D. No: 32085
Attorney for Defendnnt Stambaugh
WILLIAM A. RITTER, SR.
Plaintiff
Vo
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
Defendant
STACEY A. MII.LER ·
Additional Defendant ·
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
CIVIL ACTION- LAW
No. 2001-06517 Civil Term
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT AGAINST ADDITIONAL DEFENDANT
AND NOW, comes Defendant Nicholas E. Stambaugh, by his attorneys,
Goldberg, Katza~an & Shipman, P.C., who state:
1. The Complaint in this action was filed on or about April 24, 2002. A copy
of the Complaint is attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
2. An Answer was filed by on or about October 14, 2002 by Defendant
Stambaugh. A copy of the Answer is attached hereto as Exhibit "B".
3. Additional Defendant Stacey A. Miller was joined by Writ of Summons
filed on June 19, 2002. Ms. Miller's address is 905 Creek Road, Carlisle, Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania.
4. On December 23, 1999, PlainfiffWilliam A. Ritter, Sr. was a passenger in a
vehicle operated by Additional Defendant Stacey Miller and was involved in a motor
vehicle accident with Defendant Nicholas Stambaugh.
5. The aforesaid motor vehicle accident resulted f~om the negligence,
carelessness and recklessness of Additional Defendant Stacey A. Miller in that she:
a. failed to have the vehicle under proper and adequate control;
· b. was inattentive to the conditions of the roadway and the presence of
other vehicles on the roadway;
c. failed to avoid the vehicle operated by Defendant Stambaugh; and
e. exposed her passenger to an unreasonable risk of harm under the
circumstances then and there existing.
6. As a direct result of the negligence of Additional Defenaout Stacey A.
Miller, the Plaintiff, William E. Ritter, Sr. has alleged the injuries as set forth in his
Complaint (Exhibit "A" hereto).
7. If Plaintiff Ritter is entitled to recover any damages, then it is averred that
Additional Defendant Stacey Miller is solely liable to Plaintiff William A. Ritter, Sr.
8. flit is determined that PlaintiffRitter is entitled to recover any damages
against Defendant Stambaugh, which potential finding of responsibility is eXpressly
denied, then it is averred that Additional Defendant, Stacey Miller, is jointly and/or
severally liable with Defendant Nicholas E. Stambaugh, or in the alternative, the
Additional Defendant Stacey A. Miller is liable over to Defendant Nicholas E. Stambaugh
for contribution and/or indemnity.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Nicholas E. Stambaugh joins the Additional
Defendant, Stacey A. Miller, alleging that she is solely liable to the Plaintiff. Or, in the
alternative, is jointly and severally liable with Nicholas E. Stambaugh; or is liable over to
Nicholas E. Stambaugh for contribution and/or indemnity, and Judgment is therefore
demanded, together with such costs and expenses that are authorized in an amount in
excess of $25,000.
Date: [ ( / l ~/ O
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 32085
320 Market Street
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
(717) 2344161
Attorney for Defendant Stambaugh
VERIFICATION
I, Nicholas E. Stambaugh, acknowledged that I am. the Defendant herein~ that I
have read the foregoing Complaint Against Additional Defendant and hereby affirm that
it is true and correct to the best of my personal knowledge, or infoi-aiation and belief.
This Verification and statement is made subject to the penalties of18 Pa.C.S.
§4904 relating to unswom falsification to authorities; I verify that all the statements made
in the foregoing are true and correct and that false statements may subject me to the
penalties of lB Pa. C.S. §4904.
Date:
Nicholas E. Stambaugh /
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the foregoing document upon the person(s)
indicated below by depositing a copy of the same in the United States mail, postage
prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and addressed as follows:
Lee Swartz, Esq.
Tucker, Arensberg & Swartz
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
Stacey A. Miller
905 Creek Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
Date:
81056.
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
WILLIAM A. RITTER, SIL,
Plaintiff
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2001-06517
CML ACTION- LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO DEFEND AND CLAIM RIGHTS
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend again~ 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 aplxmrance 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 fights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU
DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE
THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL
HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166 or (800) 990-9108
NOTICIA
Le hah demandudo a usted en la cone. Si usted quiere defenderse de estas
demandas expuestas en las paquinas siguientes, demanda y la notificaeion. Usted debe
presentar una apariencia escrita o en persona o por abogado y arehivar en la torte enfom~a
escrita sus defensas o sus objeciones a las demandas en contra de su persona Sea avisado
que si usted no se defiende, la corte tomara medidas y puede entrar una orden contra usted
sin previo aviso o nofifieaeion y por eualquier queja o alivio que 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 ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DON-DE SE
PUEDE CONSEGUIR ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166 or (800) 990-9108
TUCKER ARENSBERG & SWARTZ
Date:
111 North Front Street
P. O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(717) 234-4121
Attorneys for Plaintiff
WILLIAM A. RITFER, SR.,
Plaintiff
Vo
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2001-06517
CML ACTION -. LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiff, William A. Ritter, Sr., by a~d through his
attorneys, TUCKER ARENSBERG & SWARTZ, and brings this Complaint against
Defendant Nicholas E. Stambaugh, and avers as follows:
1. Plaintiff, William A. Ritter, Sr., is an adult individual residing at 301
Potato Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013 (hereinafter known as
"Plaintiff").
2.
It is believed, and therefore averred, that Defendant Nicholas E.
Stambaugh is an adult individual who resides at RD#l, Box 414, Lanidsburg, Perry
County, Pennsylvania 17040 (hereinafter known as "Defendant").
3. This Court has jurisdiction over this matter on the grounds that the facts
and circumstances of the automobile accident giving rise to this action occurred on
December 23, 1999, at or about 1:45 p.m., at the intersection of North West Street and D
Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
4. At the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff William A. Ritter, Sr. was the
owner and passenger ora 1986 Dodge Aries being operated by Stacey A. Miller traveling
northbound on North West Street.
5. At the aforesaid time and place, Defendant 'was the operator of a 1995
Honda Passport traveling eastbound on D Street.
6. At the aforesaid time and place, Defendant was operating his vehicle in an
unsafe manner such that he failed to stop at a stop sign loeated at the intersection of D
Street and North West Street. Defendant's vehicle violently struck ~e 1986 Dodge Aries
that Plaintiff owned and in which he was a back seat passenger.
7. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid collision, Plaintiff has
suffered severe and pemaanent injuries and damages as set forth herein.
8. At the time of the accident in question, Plaintiff had automobile insurance
coverage for Plaintiff's vehicle, a 1986 Dodge Aries, with State Farm Insurance
Company under policy no. 717-4606-E30-381. Plaintiff selected the Limited Tort Option
(75 Pa.C.S.A. §1705).
9. As a result of the aforementioned accident, Plaintiff suffered serious
injuries causing a serious impairment ora body function or functions as defined in 75
Pa.C.S.A. §1702 and as more fully set forth hereafter. Furthermore, the serious injuries
sustained by Plaintiff significantly affect his ability to perfbrm normal daily activities.
Therefore, Plaintiff is not bound by the restrictions imposed by the Limited Tort Option,
75 Pa.C.S.A. §1705(d).
10. The aforesaid accident was caused solely from the negligence,
carelessness, and recklessness conduct of Defendant and was in no manner due to any act
or failure to act on the part of Plaintiff.
11. Defendant was negligent, careless and reckless in causing the aforesaid
accident as follows:
(a)
Failing to have his vehicle under proper and adequate control at all
times;
Failing to apply his brakes or take other evasive action in time to
avoid the collision;
(c)
Failing to observe Plaintiff's vehicle on the roadway and apply his
brakes and/or take other appropriate or evasive action to avoid the
collision with Plaintiffs vehicle;
(d)
Operating his vehicle in a manner in violation of the Motor
Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: 75
Pa.C.S.A. § 3323 relating to stop signs and yield signs;
(e)
Failing to keep a reasonable lookout for other ~'ehicles lawfully on
the roadway;
(0
Operating his vehicle with careless disregard for the safety of other
persons, including Plaintiff, in violation of the Pennsylvania Motor
Vehicle Code: 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3714;
(g)
Failing to operate his vehicle with due regard to the safety and
position of PlaintiWs vehicle; and
(h)
Failing to operate his vehicle at a safe speed pursuant to the
Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code: 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3361.
12. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid accident, Plaintiff
suffered severe serious and permanent injuries that include, but are not limited to, the
following:
(a) Right trapezius and low back strain;
(b) Acute cervical pain and tenderness;
(c) Bilateral knee pain and significant cr,epitation;
(d) Left knee injury resulting in total destruction of cartilage and
requiring a total knee replacement;
(e) Exacerbation and/or aggravation of chronic cervical disc disease;
(f) Left foot swelling and ecchymosis with tenderness along the
medial tarsal region;
(g) Acute left foot pain;
(h) Exacerbation and/or aggravation of gout symptoms;
(i) Bilateral foot swelling and tenderness; and
(j) Various other contusions and abrasions.
13. As a result of the injuries, Plaintiff has suffbred and in the future will
continue to suffer severe physical pain, mental anguish and suffering, humiliation,
inconvenience, scarring, embarrassment and loss of life's pleasures. '
14. As a further direct and proximate result of the aforesaid accident and
related injuries, Plaintiff has and will continue to be limited in his norii~al and daily
activities.
15. As a further direct and proximate result of the aforesaid accident and
related injuries, Plaintiffhas and will continue to suffer great physical nervous, mental
and emotional distress.
16. As a further direct and proximate result of the aforesaid accident and
related injuries, Plaintiffhas and will continue to suffer impairment to his health, strength
and vitality.
17. As a further direct and proximate result of the aforesaid accident and
related injuries, Plaintiffhas and will continue to be required to spend money for
medicine, medical care, nursing, hospital and/or surgical attention, medical appliances
and household care beyond that which he might otherwise wcover.
18. As a further direct and proximate result of the aforesaid accident and
related injuries, Plaintiff has and will continue to suffer loss &income and earning
capacity beyond that which he may be otherwise entitled to recover.
19. As a further direct and proximate result of the aforesaid accident and
related injuries, Plaintiff has and will continue to suffer other financial losses beyond that
which he may otherwise be entitled to recover.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff William A. Ritter, Sr. demands judgment against
Defendant, Nicholas E. Stambaugh in an amount in excess of the limits for mandatory
arbitration, together with interest and costs of this proceeding and such other relief as this
Honorable Court deems proper under the circumstances.
Respectfully Submitted,
TUCKER ARENSBERG & SWARTZ
Dated:
49256.1
Attorney I.D.//07258
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(717) 234-41211
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
VERIFICATION
I, LEE C. SWARTZ, attorney for the Plaintiff, William A. Ritter, Sr., in the within
action, makes this verification on behalf of the Plaintiff, as Plaintiff is outside the jurisdiction of
the court and the verification of Plaintiff cannot be obtained ~fithin the time allowed for filing the
pleading, and I affirm that the facts set forth in the foregoing document are tree and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that any false statemems herein are made subject to penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.
§4904, relating to unswom falsification to authorities.
49303.1
Lee ~. Swart~
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 24th day of April, 2002, I, Cathleen A. Kohr, for the firm of TUCKER
ARENSBERG & SWARTZ, attorneys for Plaintiff, hereby certify that I have this day served a
copy of a Plaintiff's Complaint by causing a copy of the same to be placed in the United States
Mail, First Class, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
Cathleen A. Kohr
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
Attorney I.D. No: 32085
Attorney for Defendant Stambaugh
WILLIAM A. RITTER, SR.
Plaintiff
Vo
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
Defendant
IN THE, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 2001-06517 Civil Term
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
AND NOW, comes Defendant Nicholas E. Stambaugh, by his attorneys,
Goldberg, Katanan & Shipman, P.C., who state:
1. Admitted.
2. Denied in part. The Defendant's address is 135 Paige Hill Road,
Landisburg, Perry County, Pennsylvania 17040.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Admitted.
Admitted.
Admitted
Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
o
9.
10.
wreckless.
11.
Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
Denied. It is denied that Defendant Stambaugh was negligent, careless or
It is denied that Defendant Stambaugh was negligent,, careless or wreckless.
It is acknowledged that Defendant Stambaugh failed to observe a stop sign. The
remainder of the paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029 (e).
12. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant ~to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
13. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
14. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
15. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
16. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
17. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
18. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
· 19. Denied. This paragraph is denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029 (e).
WHERFORE, Defendant Nicholas E. Stambaugh requests that the Plaintiff's
Complaint be dismissed with prejudice.
20.
vehicle.
21.
NEW MATTER
Plaintiff's injuries arose from comparative negligence of the driver of his
Plaintiff's injuries arose from the assumption of risk by the Plaintiff under
the circumstances.
22. Plaintiff's injmies arose from his comparative negligence under the
circumstances.
23. Plaintiff's medical problems relate to conditions that do not arise from this
motor vehicle accident.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Nicholas E. Stambaugh requests that the Plaintiff's
Complaint be dismissed with prejudice.
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
Date:
BY:
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 32085
320 Market Street
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
(717) 234-4161
Attorney for Defendant Stambaugh
VERIFICATION
I, Nicholas E. Stambaugh, Defendant herein, have read the foregoing Answer with
New Matter and hereby affilrn that it is tree and correct to the best of my personal
knowledge, or information and belief.
This Verification and statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. §4904
relating to unsworn falsification to authorities; I verify that all the statements made in the
foregoing are tree and correct and that false statements may subject me to the penalties of
18 Pa. C.S.§4904.
Nicholas E. Stambaugh /
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the foregoing document upon the person(s)
indicated below by depositing a copy of the same in the United States mail, postage
prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and addressed as follows:
Lee Swartz, Esq.
Tucker, Arensberg & Swartz
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
Date:.
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C
BY:
Thonias E. Brenner, Esquire
81056.1
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
GOLDBERO, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
Attorney7 I.D. No: 32085
Attorney for Defendom ~t~mhm,,Rh
WILLIAM A. RITTER, SR.
Plaintiff
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, c~A
CIVIL ACTION- LAW
No. 2001-06517 C~vil Ter~. -C,
:
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDL~_} .m.
MOTION REQUESTING RULE TO SHOW CAUSE WHY ~ ACTION
SHOULD NOT BE DISMISSED
AND NOW, comes Defendant Nicholas E. Stambaugh, by his attorneys,
Goldberg, Katzman & Shipman, P.C., who state:
1. This civil action was initiated on behalf of Wililam A. Ritter on November
16, 2001. The action involves a motor vehicle accident that occurred on December 23,
1999.
2. The parties have been advised that Plaintiff WRliam A. Ritter, Sr. is now
deceased, having passed away in November, 2002.
3. Plaintiff's counsel has not been contacted by any members of the Ritter
Family, despite his issuance of two letters, attached hereto as Exhibits "A" and "B",
advising of the need for a family member to assist in the prosecution of this action.
4. Attorney Swartz advises that he has not had any cooperation from the
family.
WI~REFORE, Defendant requests that the Court issue a Rule upon the Estate of
William A. Ritter, Jr., to show cause why this action should not be dismissed.
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C.
Date:
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 32085
320 Market Street
P.O. Box 1268
Han'isbu~g, PA 17108-1268
(717) 2344161
Attorney for Defendant Stambangh
96439.1
CELEBKATING A CENTUFLY OF 5EP-.VIC£
FILE COPY
Lee C. Swartz
IswaJlz@ tuckedaw,com
Cerlifi~d as a Civil T#al Advdcate by the
National Boa¢d of Tdal Advocacy. A
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved
Agency.
May 2, 2003
Mr. William A. Ritter, Jr.
81 Miramar Drive
Pennsville, NJ 08070
Re: Ritter v. Stambaugh
Dear Mr. Ritter:
I am enclosing a copy of my letter to you o1! November 19, 2002.
It is abso. lutely imperative that you call me ;immediately or else this case is
going to be dismissed.
Sincerely yours,
TUCKER ARENSBERG & SWARTZ
LCS:pjg
enclosure
Lee C. Swa~z
.37
~-~-- '~ 0 5/2/03
iBURG, PA 17108-0889 717-234-4121 800-257-4121 FAX 717-232-6802
,ltvw.t ucke¢law.com
-
KEP,. AI: F__ NSBF_, WAIR.TZ
CELEBRATING A CENTUR. Y OF 5ER. VICE
FiLE COPY
Lee C. Swartz
Iswadz@tu~edaw,com
Ced~lferi as a Civil Tdal Advocate ~y the
National Boarri of Trial Advocacy
November 19, 2002
Mr. William A. Ritter, Jr.
81 Miramar Drive
Pennsville, NJ 08070
Dear Mr. Ritter:
Please accept my condolences on the death of your father. As you may
be aware, I was representing him in an automobile accident case. Unfortunately,
because of his health problems, we were never really able to develop the case. In
addition, he had what is known as "limited tort" insurance coverage in Pennsylvania,
which makes it very difficult to recover unless you have sustained a "serious" injury, and
at the time that I was dealing with your father, I had not been able to establish such an
injury. It is my recommendation that we not proceed with this case since it would be
difficult to prove your father's injudes at this point.
I would appreciate your sending me a death certificate in order that I can
discontinue the lawsuit. I am enclosing a self-addressed, stamped envelope for your
convenience.
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
TUCKER ARENSBERG & SWARTZ
LCS:pjg
54635.1
Lee C. Swartz
111 NORTH FRONT STREET PO SOX 889 HARRISBURG, PA 17108-0889 7t7-2:34-4121 800-257-4121 FAX 717-232-6802
Pittsburgh · Pi[tsburgh Airport Area · Lewistown
E-mail; {apcOtuckerlaw,com
www.tuckerlaw.com
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the foregoing document upon the person(s)
indicated below by depositing a copy of the same in the United States mail, postage
prepaid, at Harrisburg, Penn.Eclvania and addressed as follows:
Lee Swartz, Esq.
Tucker, Arensberg & Swartz
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
GOLDBERG, KATZMAN & SHIPMAN, P.C
Thomas E. Brenner, Esquire
JUN S 6 ZO03~
WILLIAM A. RITTE~ SR.
pJaintiff
NICHOLAS E. STAMBAUGH
Defend8gt
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CLUVIBERLAND COUNTY, PA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 2001-06517 Civil Term
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
RULE TO SHOW CAUSE
AND NOW, this ~__ Ly of June, 2003, Plaintiff's counsel and the Estate of
William A. Ritter, Jr., are directed to show cause why this action should not be
dismissed.
Rule Returnable~ days from servcie
OCT 2 2 2003
WILLIAM A. RITT~R, SR.
I Plaintiff
NICHOLAS E. STAi
AND NOW
response filed to th,
dismissed for failure
~4BAUGH
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERILAND COUNTY, PA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
:
No. 2001-06517 Civil Term
:
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ORDER
his '~,~_~'~ day of October, 2003, as there has been no
Rule to Show Cause, this Court directs that this matter be marked
to prosecute the claim.