HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-5623COZEN O'CONNOR
By: Martin P. Duffey, Esquire
Identification Nos. 57559
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-2780
Attorneys for Plaintiff,
Erie Insurance Group a/s/o
PA Public Works Equipment Co.,
Public Works Equipment Company,
LLC and Kenneth Moyer
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP as subrogee of
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT CO.
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC and KENNETH MOYER
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Plaintiff,
V.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING
& MANUFACTURING, INC.
Term, 2008
No. 09 - Ci?i 1?'I
NOTICE TO DEFEND
Defendants.
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 AN 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 AND CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO THE TELEPHONE OR
THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
32 SOUTH BEDFORD STREET
CARLISLE, PA 17013
1-800-990-9108
717-249-3166
COZEN O'CONNOR
By: Martin P. Duffey, Esquire
Identification Nos. 57559
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-2780
Attorneys for Plaintiff,
Erie Insurance Group a/s/o
PA Public Works Equipment Co.,
Public Works Equipment Company,
LLC and Kenneth Moyer
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP as subrogee of
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT CO.
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC and KENNETH MOYER
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Plaintiff,
V.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING
& MANUFACTURING, INC.
: Term, 2008
No. 69 F - 5-4 23
Defendants.
COMPLAINT
1. The plaintiff, Erie Insurance Group (hereinafter "Erie"), is a corporation duly
organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with its principal
place of business located at 100 Erie Insurance Place, Erie, Pennsylvania.
2. At all times relevant hereto, Erie was authorized to issue insurance policies in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and insured the real and personal property of PA Public Works
Equipment Co., PA Public Works Equipment Company, LLC and Kenneth Moyer, under
policies of insurance Nos. Q44-0151140, Q08-0180381 and Q59-2406916.
3. The defendant, Gettel Enterprises, Inc. (hereinafter "Gettel"), is a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania with its principal place of
business located at 480 Corman Road, Carlisle, PA 17013.
4. The defendant, Northland Distributing & Manufacturing, Inc. (hereinafter
"Northland"), is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Minnesota,
with its principal place of business located at 2716 Crescent Drive, International Falls, MN
56649.
5. Prior to September 1, 2007, defendant, Gettel, was a tenant in a building located
at 238 N. Locust Point Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 (hereinafter "the building").
6. Prior to September 1, 2007, Gettel purchased and installed a wood burning
furnace outside of the building.
7. Prior September 1, 2007, Gettel then moved and reinstalled the aforesaid wood
burning furnace inside of the building.
8. At all times material hereto, defendant, Northland, manufactured, designed,
distributed and sold the aforesaid wood burning furnace.
9. On or before September 1, 2007, Gettel vacated the aforesaid building.
10. On or about September 1, 2007, plaintiff's insured, PA Public Works Equipment
Co., became a tenant in the building.
11. On December 29, 2007, at approximately 7:00 p.m., a fire erupted in the building.
12. Upon information and belief, the fire was caused by the wood burning furnace.
13. The fire then spread to other areas of the building, causing extensive damage and
destruction to the contents therein.
14. As a result of the aforementioned fire, plaintiff's insureds suffered extensive and
substantial damage to their real and personal property.
15. Pursuant to the terms of its insurance policies, Erie has paid for damages caused
by the fire and is thereby subrogated to its insureds' rights of recovery to the extent of the
payments made against any and all parties responsible for causing these damages.
COUNT I - NEGLIGENCE
PLAINTIFF v. GETTEL ENTERPRISES INC.
16. Plaintiff repeat and incorporate by reference the allegations contained in 1
through 15 above as though each were fully and completely set forth at length herein.
17. The incident referred to in paragraph 11 was caused by the negligence,
carelessness, and/or reckless acts of defendant, Gettel, in each of the following ways:
(a) installing the wood burning furnace inside of the building;
(b) failing to investigate and determine whether the wood burning furnace
could be safely used inside of the building;
(c) failing to install the wood burning furnace inside the building in a manner
in which it could be safely used;
(d) failing to adequately hire, train and supervise the persons who installed the
wood burning furnace;
(e) failing to adequately and properly install, maintain, service, inspect, repair
and/or operate the wood burning furnace;
(f) permitting, allowing and/or causing an uncontrolled fire to occur inside
the building;
(g) failing to warn plaintiff's insured of the dangers associated with using the
wood burning furnace inside of the building;
(h) failing to provide plaintiff's insured with adequate instructions regarding
the use of the wood burning stove;
(i) failing to comply with applicable standards, ordinances and/or codes
pertaining to the installation, maintenance, service and inspection of the
wood burning furnace; and
(j) failing to hire properly certified and qualified contractors to install, inspect
and certify the wood burning furnace.
18. As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing negligence, carelessness and
recklessness on the part of defendant, Gettel, plaintiff sustained severe and substantial damages
as described above.
WHEREFORE, plaintiff, Erie Insurance Group a/s/o PA Public Works Equipment Co.,
PA Public Works Equipment Company, LLC and Kenneth Moyer, demand judgment against
defendant, Gettel Enterprises, Inc., in an amount in excess of $50,000.00 together with
prejudgment interests, the costs of prosecuting this action and damages for delay.
COUNT II - STRICT PRODUCTS LIABILITY
PLAINTIFF v. NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING & MANUFACTURING INC.
19. Plaintiff repeats and incorporates by reference the allegations contained in 1
through 18 above as though each were fully and completely set forth at length herein.
20. At the time the wood burning furnace left the control of the manufacturer and
distributor, defendant, Northland, the subject furnace was in a defective condition, making it
unsuitable and unsafe for its intended and anticipated use in violation of the Restatement
(Second) of Torts, Section 402A.
21. The injuries and damages suffered by plaintiff were a direct and proximate result
of the defectively manufactured and/or defectively designed furnace.
22. The furnace was designed, manufactured, distributed and/or sold in a defective
condition in that it failed to provide proper and adequate warnings to foreseeable users, including
the other defendant herein and plaintiff's insured.
23. Among other things, the furnace was designed, manufactured, distributed and/or
sold in a defective condition in that it failed to advise foreseeable users that it should not be
installed inside of a building and/or failed to provide adequate instructions for the proper manner
to install the furnace inside of a building so that it would be safe to use and not pose a danger to
foreseeable users and others.
WHEREFORE, plaintiff, Erie Insurance Group a/s/o PA Public Works Equipment Co.,
PA Public Works Equipment Company, LLC and Kenneth Moyer, demand judgment against
defendant, Northland Distributing & Manufacturing Inc., in an amount in excess of $50,000.00
together with prejudgment interests, the costs of prosecuting this action and damages for delay.
COUNT III - NEGLIGENCE
PLAINTIFF v. NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING & MANUFACTURING INC.
24. Plaintiff repeats and incorporates by reference the allegations contained in 1
through 23 above as though each were fully and completely set forth at length herein.
25. The incident referred to in paragraph 11 was caused by the negligence,
carelessness, and/or reckless acts of defendant, Northland, in each of the following ways:
(a) designing, manufacturing, selling and/or distributing the wood burning
furnace in a defective condition in that it failed to provide proper warnings
to foreseeable users, including the defendants herein and plaintiff's
insured;
(b) failing to provide adequate warnings and instructions regarding the use of
the wood burning furnace;
(c) failing to warn foreseeable users that the wood burning furnace should not
be installed and used indoors;
(d) failing to provide adequate instructions and warnings on the proper
manner to install the wood burning furnace indoors such that it could be
safely used and operated therein;
(e) failing to warn plaintiff's insured of the dangers associated with using the
wood burning furnace indoors;
(fl failing to comply with applicable standards, ordinances and/or codes
pertaining to the installation, maintenance, service and inspection of the
wood burning furnace; and
(g) failing to provide a reasonably safe product for its intended and
anticipated purpose.
26. As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing negligence, carelessness and
recklessness on the part of defendant, Northland, plaintiff sustained severe and substantial
damages as described above.
WHEREFORE, plaintiff, Erie Insurance Group a/s/o PA Public Works Equipment Co.,
PA Public Works Equipment Company, LLC and Kenneth Moyer, demand judgment against
defendant, Northland Distributing & Manufacturing Inc., in an amount in excess of $50,000.00
together with prejudgment interests, the costs of prosecuting this action and damages for delay.
COZEN O'CONNOR
BY: ??,
Martin Duffey, Es r
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-2000
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
Dated: _q - 12- " ?/ ? 0
VERIFICATION
I, Francis Guillemette, do hereby depose and state that I am authorized to make this
Verification; that I have reviewed the foregoing Complaint; and that the facts contained therein
are true and correct to the best of my information and belief. I understand that the statements
made herein are made subject to the penalties relating to unswom falsification to authorities.
FRANCIS GUILLE TTE
DATED:
PHILADELPHIA\366901911 217440.000
?
'?
pe : " C> rya
_
?v; IF
COZEN O'CONNOR
By: Martin P. Duffey, Esquire
Identification Nos. 57559
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-2780
Attorneys for Plaintiff,
Erie Insurance Group a/s/o
PA Public Works Equipment Co.,
Public Works Equipment Company,
LLC and Kenneth Moyer
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP as subrogee of
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT CO.
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC and KENNETH MOYER
Plaintiff,
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
No. 08-5623
V.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING
& MANUFACTURING, INC.
Defendants.
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that on October 14, 2008, the Civil Action Complaint in
the above-captioned action was served via certified mail upon defendant, Northland Distributing
& Manufacturing, Inc. at 2716 Crescent Drive, International Falls, MN 56649, as evidenced by
the copy of the certified mail return receipt, attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
Dated: 0 ° 2-2- - , 2008
COZEN O'CONNOR
BY:
Martin Duffey, Esquire U(j
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-2000
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
Exhibit "A"
¦ Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete
item 4 If Restricted Delivery Is desired.
¦ Print your name and address on the reverse
so that we can return the card to you.
m Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece,
or on the front if space permits.
1. Article Addressed to:
d Manu??y, aric.
c?11 to Crescep4- fir.
Ind- ynodhianal F'a(l s, M N
,?;-Uuq?
2. Article Number
(Thinsfer from service MW
Ps Form 3811, February 2004
z
A. S store 13 Agent
X????? ? Addressee
B. Qelved by Prlnfed Name) C. Date of Delivery
D. Is delivery address dnmrd from item 11 ? Yes
If YES, enter delivery address below: J"O
3. Type
Crirtiw Mall 13ppm Mail
° Registered IWReturn Receipt for Mwdwx iae
° Insured mail ° C.O.D.
4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) ° Yes
;..coo L NLl Ll 6(a W
Domestic Return Receipt
1025e6-02-M.1540
('"'
C't3
'7?
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2008-05623 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP ET AL
VS
GETTEL ENTERPRISES INC ET AL
NOAH CLINE
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE was served upon
GETTEL ENTERPRISES INC
the
DEFENDANT , at 1045:00 HOURS, on the 20th day of October , 2008
at 1107 ENOLA ROAD
CARLISLE, PA 17013
PAUL GETTEL
by handing to
ADULT IN CHARGE
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Postage
Surcharge
?-
So Answers:
18.00
10.00 ?I f
? 00?S
.59 .
10.00 R. Thomas Kline
.00
38.59 10/21/2008
COZEN & O'CONNOR
Sworn and Subscibed to
before me this
By:
day Deputy Sheriff
of A. D.
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
+ CASE NO: 2008-05623 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP ET AL
VS
GETTEL ENTERPRISES INC ET AL C G
C=
NOAH CLINE Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff a_.~
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to la
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE was served upon:v' tr
aWTTRT, F.NTFRPRTSFS INC 'theco
DEFENDANT , at 1045:00 HOURS, on the 20th day of October , 2008
at 1107 ENOLA ROAD
CARLISLE, PA 17013
PAUL GETTEL
by handing to
ADULT IN CHARGE
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Service 10.00
Postage .59
Surcharge 10.00
.00
38.59
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
10/21/2008
COZEN & O'CONNOR
Sworn and Subscibed to By:
before me this day Deputy Sheriff
of A. D.
A-, -1%
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP as
Subrogee of PA PUBLIC WORKS
EQUIPMENT CO., PA PUBLIC WORKS
EQUIPMENT COMPANY, LLC and
KENNETH MOYER,
Plaintiffs
V.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 08-5623 CIVIL TERM
PRAECIPE FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO: PROTHONOTARY, DAUPHIN COUNTY
Please enter the appearance of Stephen M. Greecher, Jr. and the firm Tucker
Arensberg, P.C., as counsel for Defendant, Northland Distributing & Manufacturing, Inc., in the
above captioned action.
TUCKER AR5NSIBEAG,,F.C.
By:
to . Greecher, Jr.
Attorney's I.D. No. PA-36803
111 North Front Street
P. O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(717) 234-4121
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT,
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.
DATE:
104486.1
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 3 R' day of DECEMBER, 2008, I, Jacquelyn Zettlemoyer, Secretary
to Stephen M. Greecher, Jr., Esquire, for the law firm, Tucker Arensberg, P.C., attorneys for
Defendant, Northland Distributing & Manufacturing, Inc., hereby certify that I have this day
served the within document by depositing a true and correct copy of the same in the United
States Mail, first class, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Martin P. Duffey, Esquire
Cozen O'Connor
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
Gettel Enterprises, Inc.
480 Corman Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
DEFENDANT
104486.1
Jacq elyn ttlemoyer
r-?
V ??.{{ )
e- {;..,
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP as
Subrogee of PA PUBLIC WORKS
EQUIPMENT CO., PA PUBLIC WORKS
EQUIPMENT COMPANY, LLC and
KENNETH MOYER,
Plaintiffs
V.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.,
Defendants
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: Martin P. Duffey, Esquire
Cozen O'Connor
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 08-5623
You are hereby notified to file a written response to the enclosed New Matter and Cross-
Claim Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1031.1, within twenty (20) days from service hereof or a default
judgment may be entered against you.
TUCKER ARF,8BEF4QA6.C.
By:
Step en MI* Gre her, Jr.
Attorney'.D. PA-36803
111 North Front Street
P. O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(717) 234-4121
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT,
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.
DATE: 12/8/08
104418.1
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP as
Subrogee of PA PUBLIC WORKS
EQUIPMENT CO., PA PUBLIC WORKS
EQUIPMENT COMPANY, LLC and
KENNETH MOYER,
Plaintiffs
V.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 08-5623
ANSWER OF DEFENDANT.
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING & MANUFACTURING. INC
TO COMPLAINT, CONTAINING NEW MATTER AND CROSS CLAIM
Admitted.
2. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient
information or knowledge to form a belief as to the averments of Paragraph 2 and the
averments are therefore deemed denied.
3. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient
information or knowledge to form a belief as to the averments of Paragraph 3 and the
averments are therefore deemed denied.
4. Admitted.
5. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient
information or knowledge to form a belief as to the averments of Paragraph 5 and the
averments are therefore deemed denied.
6. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient
information or knowledge to form a belief as to the averments of Paragraph 6 and the
averments are therefore deemed denied.
7. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient
information or knowledge to form a belief as to the averments of Paragraph 7 and the
averments are therefore deemed denied.
8. Admitted that Defendant Northland designs and sells wood burning furnaces.
After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient information or
knowledge as to whether the referenced wood burning furnace had been manufactured,
designed and distributed by Defendant Northland.
9. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient
information or knowledge to form a belief as to the averments of Paragraph 10 and the
averments are therefore deemed denied.
10. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient
information or knowledge to form a belief as to the averments of Paragraph 10 and the
averments are therefore deemed denied.
11. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient
information or knowledge to form a belief as to the averments of Paragraph 11 and the
averments are therefore deemed denied.
12. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient
information or knowledge to form a belief as to the averments of Paragraph 12 and the
averments are therefore deemed denied. Further, it is specifically denied that a wood burning
furnace manufactured by Northland was the cause of the fire.
13. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient
information or knowledge to form a belief as to the averments of Paragraph 13 and the
averments are therefore deemed denied.
-2-
14. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient
information or knowledge to form a belief as to the averments of Paragraph 14 and the
averments are therefore deemed denied.
15. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient
information or knowledge to form a belief as to the averments of Paragraph 15 and the
averments are therefore deemed denied.
COUNT I-NEGLIGENCE
16-18. The allegations of Paragraph 16 to 18 are directed to another party to this action
and do not require answer by Defendant Northland.
COUNT II--STRICT PRODUCTS LIABILITY
19. The answers to Paragraphs 1 through 18 are incorporated herein by reference.
20. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Northland is without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averments that the wood burning
furnace at issue in this case was manufactured by Defendant Northland. Further, it is
specifically denied that if the furnace was a Northland furnace that the furnace was in any way
defective, unsuitable or unsafe for its intended anticipated use. Further, to the extent the
allegations of Paragraph 20 state legal conclusions the allegations require no answer.
21. Denied pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure.
22. Denied pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure.
NEW MATTER
23. Plaintiffs claim fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted against
Defendant Northland.
24. The Northland wood burning furnace was not defective in any manner and was
not manufactured, distributed or sold without proper and adequate warnings.
-3-
25. The Northland wood burning furnace was sold with proper and adequate
warnings.
26. The Northland furnace was not used as intended or anticipated.
27. Defendant Northland and the Northland wood burning furnace was not the
proximate legal or factual cause of the fire or damages at issue in this case.
28. The fire or damages at issue occurred due to the actions and/or inactions of
persons, firms or entities over whom Defendant Northland had no control.
29. The fire or damages at issue was a result of superseding or intervening causes
with respect to Defendant Northland.
30. If the allegations of the Complaint regarding moving and reinstalling the furnace
are true, the Defendant Northland's furnace had been improperly moved and reinstalled.
31. Defendant Northland also pleads violation of any applicable codes with respect to
the reinstallation of the wood burning furnace.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Northland Distributing & Manufacturing, Inc., requests that
the Complaint be dismissed and that judgment be entered in its favor.
CROSS-CLAIM PURSUANT TO PA.R.C.P. 1031.1
32. Without admitting the allegations of the Complaint, which allegations are denied,
the allegations of the Complaint, in particular Paragraphs 1-18, are incorporated herein by
reference.
33. Defendant, Gettel Enterprises, Inc., is solely liable to Plaintiffs in this case for the
damages claimed, or liable to Defendant Northland on the basis of indemnity or jointly and
severally liable with Defendant Northland, and thereby liable to Defendant Northland for
contribution.
-4-
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Northland Distributing & Manufacturing, Inc., requests that
judgment be entered in its favor and against Defendant, Gettel Enterprises, Inc.
TUCKER
By:
DATE: 12/8/08
104418.1
Attorney's I.D. No. PA-36803
111 North Front Street
P. O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(717) 234-4121
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT,
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.
-5-
Respectfully submitted,
VERIFICATION
I, KEITH HORNE, as authorized agent for NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC., one of the Defendants in the foregoing action, do hereby certify that I
am authorized to execute documents on behalf of Northland Distributing & Manufacturing, Inc.,
and acknowledge, on behalf of Northland Distributing & Manufacturing, Inc., that the statements
made in the foregoing document are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information
and belief.
I understand that any false statements herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.
C.S.A. Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Keith Horne
President
104418.1
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this day of DECEMBER, 2008, I, Jacquelyn Zettlemoyer, Secretary
to Stephen M. Greecher, Jr., Esquire, for the law firm, Tucker Arensberg, P.C., attorneys for
Defendant, Northland Distributing & Manufacturing, Inc., hereby certify that I have this day
served the within document by depositing a true and correct copy of the same in the United
States Mail, first class, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Martin P. Duffey, Esquire
Cozen O'Connor
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
Gettel Enterprises, Inc.
480 Corman Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
DEFENDANT
104418.1
Jacquely ettlemoyer
t ? rv
C7 :'rZ ?
7p q?
r?
COZEN O'CONNOR
By: Martin P. Duffey, Esquire
Identification Nos. 57559
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-2780
Attorne s for Plaintiff,
Erie Ins rance Group a/s/o
PA Publ c Works Equipment Co.,
Public Works Equipment Company,
LLC anKenneth Moyer
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP as subrogee of
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT CO.
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC and KENNETH MOYER
Plaintiff,
V.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING :
& MANUFACTURING, INC.
Defendants.
REPLY TO NEW MATT
23. Denied. The averments of this paragraph are
1029(e).
24. Denied. The averments of this paragraph are
1029(e).
25. Denied. The averments of this paragraph are d
1029(e).
26. Denied. The averments of this paragraph are d
1029(e).
27. Denied. The averments of this paragraph are d
1029(e).
T OF COMMON PLEAS
tERLAND COUNTY
o.08-5623
pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.
pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.
pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.
pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.
pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.
? A
28
Denied. The averments of this paragraph are
pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.
1029(e).
29
1029(e).
30.
1029(e).
31.
1029(e).
Denied. The averments of this paragraph are
Denied. The averments of this paragraph are
pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.
pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.
Denied. The averments of this paragraph are denied pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs, demand judgment against fendant, Northland Distributing &
Manufacturing.
COZEN O'CONNOR
BY:
Martin Di
1900 Mat
Philadelp:
(215) 665
ATTORN
Dated: 2008
>>-Ili
Street
PA 19103
FOR PLAINTIFF
2
I, Martin P. Duffey, here certify that on this
true and correct copy of Plaintiff's Reply to New Matter to
the following:
Stephen M. Greecher, Ji
Tucker Arensberg, P.C.
111 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-(
Attorneys for Defendant
Manufacturing, Inc.
Gettel Enterprises, Inc.
480 Corman Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
of December, 2008, I caused a
served by US first-class mail upon
Esquire
889
Northland Distributing &
TIN P. D
°v
??
?:,
??
?.?
<
?_?
- c;-?
?.?.
"' ?-?
-?
-
'
t
? r
r?
>?
r--
... - , -,.
;r'
;?
c..?
... _??
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: JOSEPH F. MCNULTY, JR., ESQUIRE
E-MAIL: jmcnulty@postschell.com
I.D. # 35385
1245 S. CEDAR CREST BOULEVARD
SUITE 300
ALLENTOWN, PA 18103
610-433-0193
1:K I N; INSURANCE GROUP, as subrogee of
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT CO.
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC and KENNETH MOYER,
Plaintiff,
vs.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.,
Defendants.
No. 08-5623 CIVIL TERM
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE/JURY TRIAL DEMAND
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter my appearance and demand a Jury Trial of twelve (12) on behalf of
Defendant, Gettel Enterprises, Inc., only.
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
Dated:
By.
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. .
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
JOSEPH F. CNULTY, JR.,
Attorneys for Defendant
Enterprises, Inc.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Joseph F. McNulty, Jr., Esquire, hereby verify that I served a true and correct copy of
the foregoing Entry of Appearance/Demand for Jury Trial, on counsel of record by U.S.
Mail, First-Class, Postage Prepaid, on the ,44 day of December, 2008, addressed as follows:
Martin P. Duffey, Esquire
Cozen O'Connor
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Stephen M. Greecher, Jr., Esquire
Tucker Arensberg, P.C.
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
Dated:
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
By:
JOSEPH F. MCNULTY, JR., ESQUIRE
Attorneys for Defendant
Gettel Enterprises, Inc.
..
s.'
-`?
it
_,
`
C".? i T
?' ? ? ?
--*? _
r ?
'
??
'
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: JOSEPH F. MCNULTY, JR., ESQUIRE
E-MAIL: jmcnulty@postschell.com
I.D. # 35385
1245 S. CEDAR CREST BOULEVARD
SUITE 300
ALLENTOWN, PA 18103
610-433-0193
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP, as subrogee of
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT CO.
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC and KENNETH MOYER,
Plaintiff,
VS.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.,
Defendants.
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. .
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
No. 08-5623 CIVIL TERM
ANSWER TO CROSSCLAIM OF DEFENDANT, NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC. ON BEHALF OF DEFENDANT
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC.
32. Answering Defendant incorporates by reference its Answer and New Matter when
filed as though fully set forth at length.
33. Paragraph 33 is a conclusion of law requiring no responsive pleading. To the
extent a pleading may be deemed required, it is specifically denied.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Gettel Enterprises, Inc., demands judgment.
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
By: -
Dated: JOSEPH
Attorneys
Gettel Eni
J
DC ZLTY, JR., ESQUIRE
Defendant
-ises. Inc.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Joseph F. McNulty, Jr., Esquire, hereby verify that I served a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Answer to Crossclaim of Defendant, Northland Distributing &
Manufacturing, Inc. on behalf of Defendant Gettel Enterprises, Inc., on counsel of
record by U.S. Mail, First-Class, Postage Prepaid, on the _ day of December, 2008,
addressed as follows:
Martin P. Duffey, Esquire
Cozen O'Connor
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Stephen M. Greecher, Jr., Esquire
Tucker Arensberg, P.C.
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
By:
Dated:
JOSEPH F. MCNULTY, JR., ESQUIRE
Attorneys for Defendant
Gettel En$rprises, Inc.
??
t: ''
r
._
.
r._>
...?
",'
_
c'? _
.. ,. ; ?-;
.a
??
_?,
?,;:
f -?>
... t r.1 ...?.,'
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: JOSEPH F. MCNULTY, JR., ESQUIRE
E-MAIL: jmcnulty@postschell.com
I.D. # 35385
1245 S. CEDAR CREST BOULEVARD
SUITE 300
ALLENTOWN, PA 18103
610-433-0193
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP, as subrogee of
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT CO.
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC and KENNETH MOYER,
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
No. 08-5623 CIVIL TERM
Plaintiff,
VS.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.,
Defendants.
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO THE PLAINTIFF:
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED TO PLEAD TO THE ENCLOSED ANSWER,
NEW MATTER AND CROSSCLAIM WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS OF SERVICE
THEREOF OR A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU.
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
By:
Dated: ?? JOSE H F. LTY, JR., ESQUIRE
Attoe r Defendant
Gett Enterprises, Inc.
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
BY: JOSEPH F. MCNULTY, JR., ESQUIRE
E-MAIL: jmcnulty@postschell.com
I.D. # 35385
1245 S. CEDAR CREST BOULEVARD
SUITE 300
ALLENTOWN, PA 18103
610-433-0193
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP, as subrogee of
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT CO.
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC and KENNETH MOYER,
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. .
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
No. 08-5623 CIVIL TERM
Plaintiff,
VS.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.,
Defendants.
ANSWER, NEW MATTER AND CROSSCLAIM TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT ON
BEHALF OF DEFENDANT, GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC.
1. Admitted.
2. After reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matters averred. Accordingly, they
are deemed denied and strict proof demanded.
3. Admitted.
4. Paragraph 4 is addressed to Co-Defendant and, accordingly, no responsive
pleading is required.
5. Denied as stated. It is admitted that during a specific period of time Answering
Defendant was a tenant in the building located as alleged.
6. Admitted.
.
7. Admitted.
8. Admitted. It is admitted that Northland manufactured, designed, and distributed
the unit. It is believed and therefore averred that it was purchased from Ed Watts.
9. Denied as stated. To the contrary, Answering Defendant finished its lease.
10. Admitted.
11. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matters averred. Accordingly, they
are deemed denied and strict proof demanded.
12. Denied.
13. It is denied that the fire spread from the wood burning furnace. It is admitted that
there was some damage and destruction to the contents of the building.
14. After reasonable investigation Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matters averred. Accordingly, they
are deemed denied and strict proof thereof demanded.
15. After reasonable investigation Answering Defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matters averred. Accordingly, they
are deemed denied and strict proof thereof demanded.
COUNT I - NEGLIGENCE
PLAINTIFF V. GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC.
16. Answering Defendant incorporates by reference 1-15 of the within Answer as
though fully set forth at length.
17. Paragraph 17 is a conclusion of law requiring no responsive pleading. To the
extent a pleading may be deemed required, it is specifically denied that Answering Defendant
was negligent, careless or acted in any manner in a reckless way. To the contrary, Answering
Defendant met with and complied with all applicable standards.
18. Paragraph 18 is a conclusion of law requiring no responsive pleading. To the
extent a pleading may be deemed required, it is denied.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Gettel Enterprises, Inc., demands judgment.
COUNT II - STRICT PRODUCTS LIABILITY
PLAINTIFF V. NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING & MANUFACTURING, INC.
19-23. Paragraphs 19-23 are addressed to Co-Defendant and, accordingly, no responsive
pleading is required.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Gettel Enterprises, Inc., demands judgment.
COUNT III - NEGLIGENCE
PLAINTIFF V. NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING & MANUFACTURING, INC.
24-26. Paragraphs 24-26 are addressed to Co-Defendant and, accordingly, no responsive
pleading is required.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Gettel Enterprises, Inc., demands judgment.
NEW MATTER
27. Plaintiff and its insured assumed the risk of harm.
28. Plaintiff's actions maybe barred or limited by the terms of any Lease Agreement
among the various parties and the landowner.
29. Plaintiff's actions may be barred and/or limited by the spoliation of evidence.
30. The actions of individuals or entities beyond the control of Answering Defendant
may have caused or contributed to Plaintiff's damages.
31. Plaintiffs were comparatively or contributorily negligent.
32. At the time of the loss, Answering Defendant had no control over any of the
instrumentalities purportedly involved.
33. The action of Plaintiff may be barred or limited by the terms of the insurance
policy involved and any lease, including waiver of subrogation terms.
34. Plaintiff may have released Answering Defendants.
35. Plaintiffs are collaterally estopped from pursuing the within action.
36. Plaintiff's action may be barred or limited by the terms of any agreement of sale
between the parties.
37. Plaintiff's action is precluded by the Doctrine of Unclean Hands.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Gettel Enterprises, Inc., demands judgment.
CROSSCLAIM
38. For the purpose of this crossclaim only, the allegations of Plaintiff's Complaint
are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth at length.
39. If Plaintiff was injured as alleged, said allegations being heretofore denied, Co-
Defendant is alone liable to Plaintiff, liable over to Plaintiff or liable to Defendant for
contribution and/or indemnity.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Gettel Enterprises, Inc., demands judgment.
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
By:
Dated:?'? ?
JO EPH F. MCNULTY,
/Altorneys for Defendant
Gettel Enterprises, Inc.
, ESQUIRE
N O E
01/01i2006 00:01 7177967661 GETTEL ENT I +} PAGE 01,/__01
Y:
Y:
4N
VERMCATI
1, Paul Gettel, hereby state and verify that the statements made in the foregoing
ANSWER, NEW MATTER AND CROSSCLAIM TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT ON
13EHALF OF DEFENDANT, GETTPL ENTERPRISES, INC. are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and belief. The undersigned understands that the
statements therein are trade subject to the penalties of 18 Pa-C.S. § 4904 relating to
unworn falsification to authorities.
To the extent that the foregoing contain legal conclusions or opinions, I hereby
state that my Verification is made upon the advice of counsel, upon whom I have relied
in the filing of this document.
Dated: A? --A -
-/ aL
FOR GETTEL ENTERPRISES
1, U/ r? rrfL
Print Name
-Za?? -
TITLE
OCT 13 2009
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Joseph F. McNulty, Jr., Esquire, hereby verify that I served a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Answer to Plaintiffs Complaint on behalf of Defendant, Gettel
Enterprises, Inc., on counsel of record by U.S. Mail, First-Class, Postage Prepaid, on the
Any of October, 2009, addressed as follows:
Martin P. Duffey, Esquire
Cozen O'Connor
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Stephen M. Greecher, Jr., Esquire
Tucker Arensberg, P.C.
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
Dated:
POST & SCHELL, P.C.
By: -'
JOSEP F. MCNULTY, JR., ESQUIRE
Attorneys for Defendant
Gettel Enterprises, Inc.
.7Y
2 009 0 ". f 19 F ; C?
I/
COZEN O'CONNOR
By: Martin P. Duffey, Esquire
Identification Nos. 57559
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-2780
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP as subrogee of
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT CO.
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC and KENNETH MOYER
Plaintiff,
V.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING
& MANUFACTURING, INC.
Attorneys for Plaintiff,
Erie Insurance Group a/s/o
PA Public Works Equipment Co.,
Public Works Equipment Company,
LLC and Kenneth Moyer
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION
NO.: 08-5623
Defendants.
PLAINTIFF'S REPLY TO NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT,
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC.
27. Denied, pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1029(e).
28. Denied, pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1029(e).
29. Denied, pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1029(e).
30. It is admitted that individuals and/or entities other than defendant Gettel
Enterprises, Inc. are believed to have caused and contributed to plaintiff s damages. To the
extent that this paragraph is intended to imply that plaintiff's damages were not caused, in whole
or in part, by defendant, Gettel Enterprises, Inc., it is specifically denied.
31. Denied.
32. Admitted, on information and belief.
33. Denied, pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1029(e).
100
A*
34. Denied, pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1029(e).
35. Denied, pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1029(e).
36. Denied, pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1029(e).
37. Denied, pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1029(e).
WHREFORE, plaintiff demands judgment in its favor and against defendant.
COZEN O'CONNOR
Dated: ((-3-DL
BY:
Martin P. Duffey s i
2
?f
.N
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Martin P. Duffey, Esquire, hereby certify that on the % day of November, 2009, I
served a true a correct copy of the Plaintiff's Reply to New Matter of Defendant, Gettel
Enterprises, Inc. by regular U.S. Mail to the foregoing parties and/or counsel of record:
Joseph F. McNulty, Jr., Esquire
Post & Schell
1245 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard, Suite 300
Allentown, PA 18103
Stephen M. Greecher, Jr., Esquire
Tucker Arensberg, P.C.
111 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
COZEN O' CONNOR
BY:
Martin P. Duffey, Es
PHILADELPHIA\5340851 \ 1 217440.000
RILED-
2099 NOV - 4 PH 2: 4 7
1W
CU "A
iJUN 11 y
LVAMA
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP as
Subrogee of PA PUBLIC WORKS
EQUIPMENT CO., PA PUBLIC WORKS
EQUIPMENT COMPANY, LLC and
KENNETH MOYER,
Plaintiffs
V.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW N
_o
C i 1
NO. 08-5623 rnr ??
r
n
r-n
r-J
ANSWER OF DEFENDANT.
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING & MANUFACTURING. INC..
TO CROSS CLAIM OF DEFENDANT. GETTEL ENTERPRISES. INC.
38. For purposes of Defendant, Gettel Enterprises, Inc.'s, Crossclaim, the Answers to
Plaintiffs Complaint of Defendant, Northland Distributing & Manufacturing, Inc., are incorporated
herein by reference as though fully set forth at length.
39. The allegations of Paragraph 39 state legal conclusions to which no response is
required. To the extent the allegations are deemed to be factual, the allegations are denied
pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Northland Distributing & Manufacturing, Inc., demands
judgment in its favor.
DATE: 11'
110999.1 14??F
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C.
By:
tep n . Greecher, Jr.
Attorney's I.D. No. PA-36803
111 North Front Street
P. O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(717) 234-4121
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT,
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.
VERIFICATION
I, KEITH HORNE, as authorized agent for NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC., one of the Defendants in the foregoing action, do hereby certify that I
am authorized to execute documents on behalf of Northland Distributing & Manufacturing, Inc.,
and acknowledge, on behalf of Northland Distributing & Manufacturing, Inc., that the statements
made in the foregoing document are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information
and belief.
I understand that any false statements herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.
C.S.A. Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
ei Horne
President
110999.1
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this ?v-M day of JANUARY, 2010, I, Jacquelyn Zettlemoyer, Secretary to
Stephen M. Greecher, Jr., Esquire, for the law firm, Tucker Arensberg, P.C., attorneys for
Defendant, Northland Distributing & Manufacturing, Inc., hereby certify that I have this day
served the within document by depositing a true and correct copy of the same in the United
States Mail, first class, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Joseph F. McNulty, Jr., Esquire
Post & Schell
1245 South Cedar Crest Boulevard, Suite 300
Allentown, PA 18103
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT, GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC.
Martin P. Duffey, Esquire
Cozen O'Connor
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
110999.1
4e?
Jacque) Zettlemoyer'
JU' 4 2010
POST & SCHELL, P.C. Attorneys for Defendants
BY: JOSEPH F. MCNUL Y, JR., ESQUIRE Paul W. Gettel, i/t/d/b/a Cars by Gettel, Inc.,
E-MAIL: jmcnulty@postEchell.com A/k/a Cars by Gettel, Gettel Enterprises, Inc.
I.D. # 35385
1245 SOUTH CEDAR CREST BLVD
ALLENTOWN, PA 1810
610-433-0193
PENN NATIONAL INS CE, as IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Subrogee of Hempt Broth rs, Inc., CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
VS.
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQ UIPMENT NO. 08-4880-CIVIL
COMPANY, LLC; PAPU BLIC WORKS
EQUIPMENT CO.; KEN NETH R. MOYER,
JR. i/t/d/b/a PA PUBLIC ' WORKS
EQUIPMENT CO.; G. L E SOUDER and
MARIAN SOLIDER; and PAUL W. GETTEL,
i/t/d/b/a CARS BY GET EL, INC., a/k/a
CARS BY GETTEL,
Defendants.
ERIE INSURANCE GR UP, as subrogee of
PA PUBLIC WORKS E UIPMENT CO.
PA PUBLIC WORKS E UIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC and K NNETH MOYER,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Plaintiffs,
VS.
No. 08-5623 CIVIL V
GETTEL ENTERPRISE , INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, C.,
Defendants.
7
A
I
G. LEE SOUDER
Plaintiff,
vs.
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQ IPMENT COMPANY,
LLC; PA PUBLIC WORK EQUIPMENT CO.;
KENNETH R. MOYER, ., individually and
trading and doing business a s PA PUBLIC
WORKS EQUIPMENT CC
individually and trading an .; PAUL W. GETTEL,
doing business as
CARS BY GETTEL and C ARS BY GETTEL,
INC.,
Defendants.
ERIE INSURANCE GRO UP a/s/o PA
PUBLIC WORKS EQUI PMENT CO.; PA
PUBLIC WORKS EQUI PMENT
COMPANY, LLC; KEN NETH MOYER;
JILL E. MOYER; CINCI NNATI
INSURANCE CO., (a/s/o JAMES
ZIMMERMAN), TRAVE LERS
INSURANCE COMPAN Y (a/s/o EAST
LAMPETER TWSP); an ST. PAUL
MERCYRY INSURANC E CO. (a/s/o NEW
CUMBERLAND BORO UGH),
Plaintiffs,
VS.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES , INC.;
NORTHLAND DISTRIB UTING &
MANUFACTURING, IN '..; PAUL W.
GETTEL i/t/d/b/a CARS Y GETTEL, INC.;
G. LEE SOUDER and M N SOUDER,
Defendants.
8
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NO. 2009-8511
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NO. 09-8855 - CIVIL
PA PUBLIC WORKS
COMPANY, LLC.,
VS.
G. LEE S OUDER and N
husband and wife; NOR'
DISTRIBUTING & FUl
GETTEL ENTERPRISE
W. GETTEL, Individual
as Cars by Gettel, Inc.,
Plaintiff,
SOUDER,
4ACE, INC.;
INC.; and PAUL
and doing business
Defendants.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NO. 09-8862
ORDER -(
AND NOW, this l $ day of J J, ,
2010, upon consideratio of the Motion to Consolidate for Defendants, Paul W. Gettel, i/t/d/b/a
Cars by Gettel, Inc a/k/4 Cars by Gettel, and Gettel Enterprises, Inc., it is hereby ORDERED
AND DECREED that
discovery, arbitration
Hempt, Brothers Inc., vs
The following
above captioned matters are consolidated for the purposes of
trial and will proceed under Penn National Insurance as Subrogee of
el, et al., No: 08-4880.
be notified of this ORDER:
Christopher P. Deegan, Esquire
Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby, P.C.
Two Gateway Center, Suite 1450
603 Stanwix Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Barrie B. Gehrlein
Flanagan & DiBernardo, LLP
150 East Chestnut Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Keith O. Brenneman, Esquire
Richard C. Snelbaker, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
9
Martin P. Duffy, Esquire
Cozen & O'Connor
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Stephen M. Greecher, Jr., Esquire
Tucker Arensberg, P.C.
111 North Front Street
P. O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108
Mark F. McKenna, Esquire
Theresa B. O'Brien, Esquire
McKenna & Associates, P.C.
436 Boulevard of the Allies, Suite 500
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
BY THE COURT
r
Cn
10
FiLED-0F ?0L'-
11 01 1 t1% I
THE PROTi 140"A Ry
2012 JAN 10 PM 1: 29
PENNS LVAN A i
PENN NATIONAL INSURANCE, as Subrogee
of Hempt Brothers, Inc.,
Plaintiff
V.
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC, PA PUBLIC WORKS
EQUIPMENT CO., KENNETH R.
MOYER, JR., individually and trading
and doing business as PA. PUBLIC
WORKS EQUIPMENT CO., G. LEE SOUDER
and MARIAN SOUDER; and PAUL W.
GETTEL, individually and trading and
doing business as CARS BY GETTEL and
CARS BY GETTEL, INC.,
Defendants
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP a/s/o
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
CO.; PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC; KENNETH MOYER;
Plaintiffs
V.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 08-4880 CIVIL
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 08-5623 CIVIL
LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER &
BRENNEMAN, P.C.
LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER &
BRENNEMAN, P.C.
G. LEE SOUDER,
V.
Plaintiff
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC, PA PUBLIC WORKS
EQUIPMENT CO., KENNETH R.
MOYER, JR., individually and trading
and doing business as PA PUBLIC
WORKS EQUIPMENT CO., PAUL W.
GETTEL, individually and trading and
doing business as CARS BY GETTEL and
CARS BY GETTEL, INC.,
Defendants
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP a/s/o
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
CO.; PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC; KENNETH MOYER;
JILL E. MOYER; CINCINNATI
INSURANCE CO., (a/s/o JAMES
ZIMMERMAN) TRAVELERS INSURANCE
(a/s/o EAST LAMPETER TWP); and ST. PAUL:
MERCURY INSURANCE CO. (a/s/o NEW
CUMBERLAND BOROUGH),
Plaintiffs
V.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC.;
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.; PAUL W.
GETTEL, i/t/d/b/a CARS BY GETTEL, INC.,
G. LEE SOUDER and MARIAN SOUDER,
Defendants
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC,
Plaintiff
V.
G. LEE SOUDER and MARIAN SOLIDER,
husband and wife, NORTHLAND
DISTRIBUTING & FURNACE, INC.,
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC.and PAUL W.
GETTEL, individually and doing
business as CARS BY GETTEL, INC.,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NO. 2009-8511 CIVIL
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 09-8855 CIVIL
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NO. 09-8862 CIVIL
MOTION TO STRIKE CASE FROM FEBRUARY 2012
CIVIL TRIAL LIST AND TO ESTABLISH A SCHEDULING CONFERENCE
Plaintiff G. Lee Souder, by his attorneys, Snelbaker & Brenneman, P. C., submits this
Motion and in support thereof, states the following:
Background
1. On July 15, 2010 this Court issued an Order consolidating the five actions identified
above for purposes of discovery and trial.
2. The five consolidated actions share common questions of law and fact and pertain to
losses sustained by various parties arising from the same fire.
3. Counsel has learned that the five cases are listed for trial for the February 2012 civil
trial term.
MOTION TO STRIKE FROM FEBRUARY 2012
CIVIL TRIAL LIST
4. Discovery in the consolidated cases is not complete and the parties recently
undertook efforts to schedule and participate in mediation.
5. In order to complete discovery and proceed with mediation, all counsel agree and
consent to striking these cases from the February 2012 civil trial list with the expectation that a
scheduling order will be issues establishing deadlines for, inter alia, completion of discovery
and mediation.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff G. Lee Souder requests this Court to strike the cases
consolidated under No. 08-4880 from the February 2012 civil trial list.
LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER &
BRENNEMAN, P.C.
MOTION TO ESTABLISH A SCHEDULING CONFERENCE
6. For purposes of efficiently proceeding with the five cases to trial or resolution, it
would be beneficial for the Court to hold a conference among counsel for purposes of
establishing an Order setting out various deadlines for, inter alia, completion of discovery and
mediation.
7. All counsel consent to the holding of a conference with the Court for purposes of
establishing a scheduling order for the cases that have been combined for discovery and trial.
8. In accordance with C.C.R.P. 208.2(d) concurrence of all counsel was sought in this
Motion and all counsel have indicated their consent to both striking the case from the February
2012 civil trial list and having a scheduling conference with the Court.
9. The Honorable M. L. Ebert, Jr. has previously ruled in these cases by issuing the
Order of July 15, 2010 consolidating the five cases for discovery and trial.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff G. Lee Souder requests this Court to:
A. Strike the combined cases from the February 2012 civil trial list; and
B. Issue an order establishing a scheduling conference.
Respectfully Submitted,
SNELBAKER & BRENNEMAN, P. C.
By:
/0 o1e/,Z
LAW OFFICES Date: ?.Q/y ,
SNELBAKER &
BRENNEMAN, P.C.
Keith O. Brenneman, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-8528
Attorneys for Defendant G. Lee Souder
-2-
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in the foregoing Motion are true and correct. I
understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section
4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
1h,
Keith O. Brenneman
y
Date: J'4Ny4&? Id,
LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER &
BRENNEMAN, P.C.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, KEITH O. BRENNEMAN, ESQUIRE, hereby certify that I have, on the below date,
caused a true and correct copy of the foregoing Motion to be served upon the persons and in the
manner indicated below:
FIRST CLASS MAIL POSTAGE PREPAID, ADDRESSED AS FOLLOWS:
Mark F. McKenna, Esquire
McKenna & Associates, P. C.
436 Boulevard of the Allies
Suite 500
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Christopher P. Deegan, Esquire
Weber, Gallagher, Simpson, Stapleton
Fires & Newby, LLP
Two Gateway Center, Suite 1450
603 Stanwix Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Martin P. Duffy, Esquire
Cozen O'Connor
1900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Stephen M. Greecher, Jr., Esquire
Tucker Arensberg, P. C.
111 North Front Street
P. O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
Barrie B. Gehrlein, Esquire
Flanagan & DiBernardo, LLP
150 East Chestnut Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Jeffrey B. Rettig, Esquire
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, PA 17043
SNELBAKER & BRENNEMAN, P.C.
By. Il7i----
Keith O. Brenneman, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
P. O. Box 318
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717)697-8528
JA N? !G. ?O1 Z Attorneys for Plaintiff G. Lee Souder
LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER &
BRENNEMAN, P.C.
NN NATIONAL INSURANCE, as Subrogee IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Hempt Brothers, Inc., CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
V.
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC, PA PUBLIC WORKS
EQUIPMENT CO., KENNETH R.
MOYER, JR., individually and trading
and doing business as PA. PUBLIC
WORKS EQUIPMENT CO., G. LEE SOUDER
and MARIAN SOLIDER; and PAUL W.
GETTEL, individually and trading and
doing business as CARS BY GETTEL and
CARS BY GETTEL, INC.,
Defendants
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP a/s/o
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
CO.; PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC; KENNETH MOYER;
Plaintiffs
v.
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC. and
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.,
Defendants
: NO. 08-4880 CIVIL
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 08-5623 CIVIL
LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER &
BRENNEMAN, P.C.
G. LEE SOUDER,
V.
Plaintiff
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
'COMPANY, LLC, PA PUBLIC WORKS
;EQUIPMENT CO., KENNETH R.
MOYER, JR., individually and trading
;and doing business as PA PUBLIC
!WORKS EQUIPMENT CO., PAUL W.
GETTEL, individually and trading and
doing business as CARS BY GETTEL and
CARS BY GETTEL, INC.,
Defendants
ERIE INSURANCE GROUP a/s/o
PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
CO.; PA PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC; KENNETH MOYER;
JILL E. MOYER; CINCINNATI
INSURANCE CO., (a/s/o JAMES
ZIMMERMAN) TRAVELERS INSURANCE
(a/s/o EAST LAMPETER TWP); and ST. PAUL:
MERCURY INSURANCE CO. (a/s/o NEW
CUMBERLAND BOROUGH),
Plaintiffs
V.
!GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC.;
NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTING &
MANUFACTURING, INC.; PAUL W.
'GETTEL, i/t/d/b/a CARS BY GETTEL, INC.,
G. LEE SOUDER and MARIAN SOUDER,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NO. 2009-8511 CIVIL
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 09-8855 CIVIL
LAW OFFICES
SNELSAKER &
BRENNEMAN, P.C.
A PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
'OMPANY, LLC,
Plaintiff
V.
G. LEE SOUDER and MARIAN SOLIDER,
husband and wife, NORTHLAND
DISTRIBUTING & FURNACE, INC.,
GETTEL ENTERPRISES, INC.and PAUL W
GETTEL, individually and doing
business as CARS BY GETTEL, INC.,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NO. 09-8862 CIVIL
ORDER
'11,
AND NOW, this klk day of January, 2012 in consideration of the Motion to Strike
Case From the February 2012 Civil Trial list and the concurrence of all counsel in that Motion, it
is hereby ORDERED that cases consolidated for trial under No. 08-4880 are hereby stricken
from the February 2012 Civil Trial list.
BY THE COURT:
LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER &
BRENNEMAN, RC
v' h??r?i h F' ?u y , ?sd
c
rrt ? _ r
i C-.+ 3'.
'm