HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-1648MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP,
Plaintiff
ROBB1NS MOTOR TRANSPORTATION,
INC., and STEPHEN J. ALCAVAGE,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2004- t (~ ~[ ~
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following
pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are served,
by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with a 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 fm'ther 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 NOTICE TO A LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE
A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE
CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL
SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-3166
LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER,
BRENNeMAN
& SPARE
SNELBAKER, BRENNEMAN & SPARE, P. C.
By:
Keith O. Brenneman, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-8528
Attorney for Plaintiff
Pennsylvania, in or about the intersection of Giant Lane and U. S. Route 11, when he caused the
track he was operating to collide with a traffic signal pole owned and operated by Plaintiff and
located at the southeast comer of the intersection of Giant Lane and U. S. Route 11.
7. As a result of the collision by the truck operated by Defendant Alcavage with the
traffic signal pole, the traffic signal pole broke at its base and fell onto U. S. Route 11 and the
truck operated by Defendant Alcavage, causing damage to the concrete base on which the pole
was mounted, the traffic signal pole and all appurtenant lights, wiring and fixtures on the traffic
signal pole.
COUNT I
PlaintiffMiddlesex Township v. Defendant Stephen J. Alcavage
8. The averments of Paragraphs 1 through 7, inclusive, above are incorporated by
reference in this Paragraph in their entirety.
9. Defendant Stephen J. Alcavage was negligent, reckless and careless in the operation
of the track owned by Defendant Robbins identified in Paragraph 4, above, on November 19,
2003 in the following particulars:
a. By operating the truck without regard for the location and placement of
the traffic signal pole at the southeast comer of the intersection of Giant Lane
and U. S. Route 11;
b. By causing the truck he was operating to collide with the traffic signal pole
identified above;
c. By failing to negotiate the turn at the intersection of Giant Lane and U. S.
Route 11; without striking the traffic signal pole identified above;
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LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER,
~REnNEMAN
& SPARE
By operating the track over, onto and/or upon the curb adjoining Giant
Lane and U. S. Route 11 and by doing so, striking the traffic signal pole
identified above;
By failing to stop the track or change its course of direction before striking
the traffic signal pole; and
By failing to keep a proper lookout in the direction in which he was
proceeding.
10. Solely as a direct, factual and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness and
recklessness of Defendant Alcavage as described above, the concrete base, traffic signal pole and
appurtenant lights, wiring and fixtures on the traffic signal pole were damaged as described in
Paragraph 7, above.
11. Solely as a direct, factual and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness and
recklessness of Defendant Alcavage and the damage to the concrete base, traffic signal pole and
appurtenances described above, Plaintiff has been required to expend the sum of$11,867.93 to
repair the damage caused by Defendant Alcavage and to make the traffic signal pole operational.
12. Defendants and their insurance carrier have failed and refused to respond to repeated
requests by Plaintiff to pay and reimburse Plaintiff in the amount set forth above.
13, Neither Defendants nor their insurance carrier have contested either liability in this
matter or the amount necessary to repair the damage caused by Defendant Alcavage as described
herein.
14. Due to the failure of Defendants and/or their insurer to pay and reimburse Plaintiff
for its losses described herein, Plaintiff was caused to utilize its Solicitor in order to enforce its
-3-
rights of recovery against the Defendants in this matter.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Middlesex Township demands judgment against Defendant
Stephen J. Alcavage in the mount orS11,867.93 together with interest, costs of this action and
attorney's fees.
COUNT II
Plaintiff Middlesex Township v. Defendant Robbins Motor Transportation, Inc.
15. The averments of Paragraphs 1 through 14, inclusive, above are incorporated by
reference in this Paragraph in their entirety.
16. At all times described above, Defendant Alcavage was acting within the scope of
his authority and employment as an agent, servant and employee of Defendant Robbins.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Middlesex Township demands judgment against Defendant
Robbins Motor Transportation, Inc. in the amount of $11,867.93 together with interest, costs of
this action and attorney's fees.
The amount claimed in this action does not exceed the amount established for mandatory
arbitration in Cumberland County.
SNELBAKER, BRENNEMAN & SPARE, P. C.
SNELBAKER,
BRENNEMAN
SPARE
Date:
April 16, 2004
Keith O. Brenneman, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-8528
Solicitor for Plaintiff
Middlesex Township
-4-
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint 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. I hereby state that I am authorized on behalf
of Middlesex Township to execute this Verification.
Date: April 16, 2004
Charles W. Shughart
Chairman, Board of Township Supervisors
LAW OFFICES
SNEL~AKER.
BRENNeMAN
& SPARE
LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER.
BRENNEMaN
& SPARE
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2004-1648 CIVIL
ROBBINS MOTOR TRANSPORTATION,: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
1NC., and STEPHEN J. ALCAVAGE, :
Defendants : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
$OMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
SS.
Keith O. Brenneman, Esquire, being duly sworn a,ccording to law deposes and says: that
he is a principal in the law firm of Snelbaker, Brenneman & Spare, P. C., being the Solicitor for
Middlesex Township, the Plaintiff in the above-captioned action; that on April 16, 2004 he did
~end to Defendant Stephen J. Alcavage by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt
equested, a duly certified copy of the Complaint which was filed in the above-captioned action
as evidenced by the cover letter of the same date and Receipt For Certified Mail No. 7003 1010
)000 8130 9290; that both the Complaint and cover letter were duly received by Stephen J.
Mcavage, a Defendant herein, as evidenced by the Return Receipt card for said certified mail
tated April 22, 2004; that a copy of the aforementioned cover letter dated April 16, 2004 is
ittached hereto and incorporated by reference herein as "Exhibit A" and that the original Receipt
?or Certified Mail and the Domestic Return Receipt are attached hereto and incorporated by
:eference herein as "Exhibit B"; that service of the Complaint described above is in compliance
LAW OFFICES
SNEL~AkEr.
BRENNEMaN
& SPARE
with the Pa.R.C.P. 404(2) and 403; and that the facts stated above are tree and correct to the best
)f his knowledge, information and belief.
Keith O. Brermeman
gwom to and subscribed before me this
)~6th day of April, 2004.
Notary Public d
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Notarial Seal
Susan L Matmzi, No/aW Public
Mechanicsburg Bo{o, Cumberland County
My Commission Expires Nov. 24, 2007
Member, Pennsylvania Association Of Notaries
-2-
.~NELBAKER., BR.ENN'EMAN ~ SF'AP,.E
ATTOIKIqEYS AT LA'fi/
MECHANICSBUP,.G, PENNSYLVANIA 17055
April 16, 2004
Stephen J. Alcavage
421 First Avenue
Bellmawr, NJ 08031
Re: Middlesex Township v. Robbins Motor Transportation, Inc. and
Stephen J. Alcavage
No. 2004-1648 Civil Term, C.C.P., Cumberlnnd County., Pennsylvania
Dear Mr. Alcavage:
Enclosed please find a certified copy of a Complaint which is being served upon you in
your capacity as a Defendant in the above-referenced action.
Please be guided accordingly.
Yours truly,
Keith O. Brennenaan
KOB/sm
Enclosure
CC: Mary G. Justh, Township Secretary (w/enclosure)
By certified mail, return receipt requested, parcel No. '/'003 1010 0000 8130 9290
EXHIBIT A
LAW OFFICES
SNElbAKER.
BRENNEMAN
& Spare
L~ SE
EXHIBIT B
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NO: 2004-01648 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP
VS
ROBBINS MOTOR TRANSPORT ET AL
R. Thomas Kline
duly sworn according to law,
and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT ,
ROBBINS MOTOR TRANSPORTATION INC
but was unable to locate Them in his bailiwick.
deputized the sheriff of DELAWARE County,
serve the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
, Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being
says, that he made a diligent search and
to wit:
He therefore
Pennsylvania, to
On May 10th , 2004 , this office was in receipt of the
attached return from DELAWARE
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Out of County 9.00
Surcharge 10.00
Dep Delaware Co 32.00
.00
69.00
05/ 0/2004
R. ThOmas Kline ~
Sheriff of Cumberland County
SNELBAKER BRENNEMAN SPARE
Sworn and subscribed to before me
this // ~ day of ~
C~ A.D.
Prothonot~ry
R. THOMAS KLINE
Shedff
EDWARD g SCHORPP
Solicitor
sw~. ,o a.¢ su~d
TO:
OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF
RONNY R.ANDERSON
Chief Depu~,
JODY S. SMITH
Real Estate Deputy
One Courthouse Square
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
MediaBoro Dela~aeC?nty [ / ~
Middlesex To. ship
Hon. Joseph M~ ~:
~laware ~ty Sheriff Robb~s Motor Tr~s~rtation Inc
04-1648 civil'
Dear Sheriff:
Enclosed please fmd
to be served upon
Notice and Ccmplaint
in your County.
Kindly make service thereof and send ~ your return ofse~ice,
Very ~n. tly yours,
' R. Thomas Kline, Sheriff
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
,Enclosures:
[r~ T~e Court of Common Pleas of Cumber[arid County, Pennsylvania
Middlesex Township
Robbins Motor Transportation Inc
SERVE: s~me
No. 04-1648 civil
Now,. April 16, 2004
hereby deputize the Sheriff of Pelaware
deputation being made at the request and risk of the Plaintiff.
Sheriff of Cumberland County, PA
, I, SHERIFF OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA, do
County to execute this Writ, this
Affidavit of Service
within
upon
at
by handing to
a
copy of the original
,20 o~, at ~.~0 o'clock ~ M. served the
'
So answers,
the contents thereof.
Sworn and subscribed before
me this __ day of
,20
COSTS
SERVICE
MILEAGE
AFFIDAVIT
County, PA
LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER.
BRENNEMAN
& SPARE
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP, : 1N THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v. : NO. 2004-1648 CIVIL TERM
:
ROBBINS MOTOR TRANSPORTATION,: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
INC., and STEPHEN J. ALCAVAGE, :
Defendants : JURY TI~AL DEMANDED
TO: Robbins Motor Transportation, Inc., Defendant
3000 Industrial Highway, Eddystone, PA 19022
Date of Notice: May 14, 2004
IMPORTANT NOTICE
YOU ARE IN DEFAULT BECAUSE YOU HAVE FAILED TO ENTER A WRITTEN
APPEARANCE PERSONALLY OR BY ATTORNEY AND FILE IN WRITING WITH THE
COURT YOUR DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE CLAIMS SET FORTH AGAINST
YOU. UNLESS YOU ACT WITHIN TEN DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A
JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU WITHOUT A HEARING AND YOU
MAY LOSE YOUR PROPERTY OR OTHER IMPORTANT RIGHTS.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS NOTICE TO A LAWYER. AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE
A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE
CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.
[F YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL
SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-3166
SNELBAKER, BRENNEMAN & SPARE, P. C.
Keith O. Brenneman, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-8528
Solicitor for Plaintiff
LAW OFFICES
SNELBaKER,
BReNnEman
& SPAre
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 Importantt Notice to be served upon the person
and in the manner indicated below:
FIRST CLASS MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, ADDRESSED AS FOLLOWS:
Robbins Motor Transportation, Inc.
3000 Industrial Highway
Eddystone, PA 19022
Stephen J. Alcavage
421 First Avenue
Bellmawr, NJ 08031
SNELBAKER, BRENNEMAN & SPARE, P.C.
)ate: May 14, 2004
By:
Keith O. Brenneman, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
P. O. Box318
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-8528
Solicitor for Plaintiff
W OFFICES
ENN~MAN
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
v. : NO. 2004-1648 CIVIL TERM
:
ROBBINS MOTOR TRANSPORTATION,: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
INC., and STEPHEN J. ALCAVAGE, :
Defendants : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE FOR JUDOMENT UPON DEFAULT
PURSUANT TO PaR.C.P. 1037(b)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please enter judgment against Defendant Robbins Motor Transportation, Inc. and in favor
of Plaintiff Middlesex Township in the mount of $11,867.93 together with interest, costs of this
action and attorney's fees due to Defendant Robbins Motor Transportation, lnc.'s failure to file
within the required time a pleading to the Complaint in this action. A certified copy of the
Complaint containing a notice to defend was served upon Defendant Robbins Motor
Transportation, Inc. on April 23, 2004.
I hereby certify that a written notice of intention to file this Praecipe was mailed to
Defendant Robbins Motor Transportation, Inc. (the party against whom judgment is to be
entered) for failure to plead to the Complaint at least 10 days prior to the date of the filing of this
Praecipe, A copy of the written notice mailed to Defendant on May 14, 2004 is attached hereto
and incorporated by reference herein as "Exhibit A".
SNELBAKER, BRENNEMAN & SPARE, P. C.
Keith O, Brermeman, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-8528
Solicitor for Plaintiff
Date: May 27, 2004 Middlesex Township
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP,
Plaintiff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
: NO. 2004-1648 CIVIL TERM
ROBBINS MOTOR TRANSPORTATION,: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
INC., and STEPHEN J. ALCAVAGE, :
Defendants : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
TO: Robbins Motor Transportation, Inc., Defendant
3000 Industrial Highway, Eddystone, PA 19022
Date of Notice: May 14, 2004
IMPORTANT NOTICE
YOU ARE IN DEFAULT BECAUSE YOU HAVE FAILED TO ENTER A W-R~TTE .~.
APPEARANCE PERSONALLY OR BY ATTORNEY AND FILE IN WRITING:WI'F.~[ THE
COURT YOUR DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE CLAIMS SET FORTI~AG,~"i~NST
YOU. UNLESS YOU ACT WITHIN TEN DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A
JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU WITHOUT A HEARING AND YOU
MAY LOSE YOUR PROPERTY OR OTHER IMPORTANT RIGHTS.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS NOTICE TO A LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE
A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE
CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL
SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-3166
SNELBAKER, BRENNEMAN & SPARE, P. C.
By:
Keith O. Brenneman, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-8528
Solicitor for Plaintiff
EXHIBIT A
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 Important Notice to be served upon the person
and in the manner indicated below:
FIRST CLASS MAIL. POSTAGE PREPAID. ADDRESSED AS FOLLOWS:
Robbins Motor Transportation, Inc.
3000 Industrial Highway
Eddystone, PA 19022
Stephen J. Alcavage
421 First Avenue
Bellmawr, NJ 08031
SNELBAKER, BRENNEMAN & SPARE, P.C.
)ate: May 14, 2004
By:
Keith O. Brenneman, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
P. O. Box 318
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-8528
Solicitor for Plaintiff
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, KEITH O. BRENNEMAN, ESQUIRE, hereby certify that I have, on the below date,
caused a tree and correct copy of the foregoing Praecipe to be served upon the person and in the
manner indicated below:
FIRST CLASS MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, ADDRESSED AS FOLLOWS:
Robbins Motor Transportation, Inc.
3000 Industrial Highway
Eddystone, PA 19022
Stephen J. Alcavage
421 First Avenue
Bellmawr, NJ 08031
SNELBAKER, BRENNEMAN & SPARE, P.C.
Date: May 27, 2004
Keith O. Brenneman, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
P. O. Box 318
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-8528
Solicitor for Plaintiff
AW OFFICES
NELBAKER.
RENNEMAN
~ SPARE
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP,
Plaintiff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v. : NO. 2004.-1648 CIVIL TERM
ROBBINS MOTOR TRANSPORTATION,: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
INC., and STEPHEN J. ALCAVAGE, :
Defendants : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE
FO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please mark the above-captioned case discontinued and ended on your docket and indices
and indicate that the judgment entered against Robbins Motor Transportation, Inc. on May 27,
2004 has been satisfied.
SNELBAKER, BRENNEMAN & SPARE, P. C.
Keith O. Brenneman, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-8528
Solicitor for Plaintiff Middlesex Township
LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER.
BRENNEMAN
& SPARE
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, KEITH O. BRENNEMAN, ESQUIRE, hereby certify that I have, on the below date,
caused a tree and correct copy of the foregoing Praecipe to be served upon the persons and in the
manner indicated below:
FIRST CLASS MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, ADDRESSED AS FOLLOWS:
Robbins Motor Transportation, Inc.
3000 Industrial Highway
Eddystone, PA 19022
Stephen J. Alcavage
421 First Avenue
Bellmawr, NJ 08031
SNELBAKER, BRENNEMAN & SPARE, P.C.
Date:
Keith O. Brenneman, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
P.O. Box 318
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-8528