HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-1167A Orphans Court
LISA HATHCOX, INDIVIDUALLY AND
AS PARENT AND NATURAL GUARDIAN
OF CHRISTOPHER HATHCOX AND
ELLA JEAN NICHOLS,
Plaintiffs
v.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
ARGENBRIGHT SECURITY, INC.
AND
ARGENBRIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
AND
US AIRWAYS
AND
AMERICAN AIRLINES
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
1 - 03.• IIt,1
NO. _
al • oa- ~1 ~`~ p
ORDER APPR VINE SETTLEMENT AND ORDER FOR DISTRIBUTION
AND NOW,~tI ~ Q~pon consideration of Petition for Leave to
Settle or Compromise a Minor's Action, in the above captioned matter, it is hereby
ORDERED and DECREED that petitioner is authorized to enter into a settlement with
Defendants, Argenbright Security, Inc., Argenbright Holdings Limited and American
Airlines on behalf of Christopher Hathcox, a minor, in the sum of Five Hundred Dollars
and 00/100 ($500.00). The funds shall be held in a restricted account not to be
withdrawn before the minor attains majority or upon prior leave of the court.
J.
LISA HATHCOX, INDIVIDUALLY AND
AS PARENT AND NATURAL GUARDIAN
OF CHRISTOPHER HATHCOX AND
ELLA JEAN NICHOLS,
Plaintiffs
v.
ARGENBRIGHT SECURITY, INC.
AND
ARGENBRIGHT HOLDINGS LIMITED
AND
US AIRWAYS
AND
AMERICAN AIRLINES
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
NO.
PETITION FOR LEAVE TO SETTLE OR COMPROMISE MINOR'S ACTION
To the Honorable, the Judges of the Said Court:
This Petition of Christopher Hathcox, a minor, by his Guardian, Lisa Hathcox and
by his attorneys, Paul F. D'Emilio, Esquire and Stephanie E. Chertok, Esquire
respectfully requests:
1. Petitioner is Christopher Hathcox, a minor, by his mother and natural guardian,
Lisa Hathcox, and his attorneys, Paul F. D'Emilio, Esquire and Stephanie E. Chertok,
Esquire.
2. The minor was born on June 11, 1992, and his social security number is
3. The minor resides with Lisa Hathcox at the following address: 1208 Redwood Hill
Circle, Carlisle, PA 17013.
4. No guardian has been appointed for the minor.
5. The minor's mother is Lisa Hathcox who resides at the following address: 1208
Redwood Circle, Carlisle, PA 17013.
6. The minor's father is James Hathcox. Mother has legal and physical custody of
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natural guardian of Christopher Hathcox is an individual residing
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at 1208 Redwood Hills Circle, Carlisle, PA 17013.
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2. Plaintiff, Ella Jean Nichols is an individual residing at 1208
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Redwood Hills Circle, Carlisle, PA 17013.
Lisa Hathcox and Ella Jean Nichols are sometimes referred to
-as the "adult Plaintiffs".
3. Defendant, Argenbright Security, Inc. is a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of Georgia and authorized to
do business within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with its
principal place of business at Scott Plaza 2, Suite 310, Essington,
PA 19113.
4. Defendant, Argenbright Holdings Limited is a corporation that
owns all of the outstanding capital stock of Argenbrigrt Security,
Irc., and has its principal place of business in Fulton County,
Atlanta Georgia.
5. Argenbright Holdings Limited provides pre-departure screening
at various airports though--out the United States including the
Philadelphia Airport through its wholly-owned subsidiary
argenbryync Securi~~v, lnc.
6. At the Philadelphia Airport, various airlines, including US
Airways and American Airlines, have contracted with Argenbright
Holdings Limited, and/or its subsidiary Argenbright Security, Inc.
(collectively hereafter "Argenbright") to conduct pre-departure
screening and to provide other security services.
7. At all times material hereto, Argenbright was providing
___ - _ _
security services for and as the agent of American Airlines,
including during the events set forth below.
8. At all times hereinafter mentioned the security checkpoint was
being manned at the time by employees of Argenbright Security.
9. Upon information and belief, Argenbright Security had been
hired by American Airlines to provide security for its terminal and
gate areas at the Philadelphia Airport.
10. Defendant, American Airlines is a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of Texas and authorized to do business in
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with offices at P.D. Box 619612 MD
2400 Dallas/Ft. Wort:i, TX 75261-9612.
11. Defendant US Airways is a corpora~.on organized and existing _-
under tre laws of Virginia and au~horized to do Ausiness in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with offices at 2345 Crystal Drive,
Arlington, VA 22227.
12. All times hereinafter the Defendant, Argenbright Security,
Inc. operated and maintained-control security at the US Airways and
American Airlines Security checkpoint, terminal "A" of the
Philadelph_a Incerna~.~.on al Airy crt .
13. At all times hereinafter mentioned the Defendants acted
through their workman, agents, serrants and employees, then and
there engaged in the business of the Defendants and acting within
the scope of their employment.
Factual Alleaatfons
14. At all times hereinafter mentioned Defendants were in
DEC 16 2002 3:41PM HP LASERJET 3200 .
. controlled and operated the
maintained, Y ort.
possession of,
Final at the Philadelphia International Ai_p
International to left the
about October 10, Y999, Plaintiffs
15. On or terminal at
al ate check point at the international
internation g scanner
International Airport and entered the security
Philadelphia
check point. backpacks and a
removed ~wo ~2)
16. Plaintiff, Lisa Hathcox
d them together with a video camera on the
" f annyPack ~~ and place the metal
checked, Plaintiffs' then went through
bzlt to be she metal detectors they
ctcrs. After plaint-ffs' came out of
dete moved toward the=r
acks ar~d f annYpack and
tY:en put on the backp wheel chair since Mrs . Nic:.ols v~zas
gate. They went to retrieve a --
o ed a cane. US Air promised t:~at a wheelchair
handicapped and n..ed ~ there was none.
their arrival but
would pe at the gate upon
dcwn the walkway, Plaintiffs were
entering
Thereafter, about half way
f skipping'the security gave at the c^-eckpoint,
~ accused o a ent that
i Plaintiffs advised the security g
'~, into a sterile area. check and their bags had been
they had gone through the security ~_oa
P1ainLitis °nt~ ~--
~i The security agent was satisfied and
~ checked. Dint, Plain=tiffs were
' to their plane. At that p
I a shuttle bus and airways staff.
the police
I ~bY
~ pulled off the shuttle bus subsequently, Plaintiffs
Plaintiffs and their bags were searched.
0 on the plane.
were then released back to the shuttle bus tOagn forced to deplane
17 , Once they had boarded, Plaintiffs were ag
~~ the FAA. Plaintiffs answered all of the FAA
for "questioning by
DEC 16 2002 3:43PM HP LR5ERJET-3200 p'~
- ~ ~. '
questions and then were sent to the Airport Police Department.
Plaintiffs were promised that there their grandmother who was
waiting in Harrisburg would be notifed of the delay but she was
not. Eventually, Plaintiffs were released and sent home on a
mini-bus or van from Philadelphia to Harrisburg Airport and which
was their ultimate destination and had to take a taxi to Carlisle
since their ride left.
18. Adult Plaintiffs were charged with violation of Federal
Aviation Regulation 107.2a which states that it is an offense for
any person to attempt to enter a sterile area without submitting to
the screening of his or her person or property. The sterile area
is that part of an airport between the security check pont and the- _
passenger boarding gate doer. Plaintiff cou_d be found liable and
subject to a civil penalty.
19. The FAA ultimately found that the adult Plaintiffs were not
guilty of any violation. No explanation was given for the repeated
searches, the detention• at ,a security office for more than two (2)
hours and the unfounded charges. The FAA has refused ~o produce
t::ei, investiga~~.•re files and now claims tze ~~._es were destrcyed.
20. Plaintiffs continually requested that the video surveillance
camera be reviewed which would confirm their position but
Defendar_t9 failed, refused and neglected to do so.
21. On April 17, 2000, a Criminal Information was filed by the
United States Attorney against Argenbright Security, Inc.,
j Argenbright Holding, Limited and a series of individuals (the
"Criminal Fraud Action").
22. The Information in the Criminal Fraud Action charges, among
DEC 16 2002 3:46PM HP LRSERJET 3200 P•d
other things, that Argenbright intentionally failed to properly
train and failed to, conduct proper background checks of the
employees conducting security at the?Philadelphia Airport.
23. The Information in the Criminal Fraud Action further charges
that Argenbright and others conspired to and did falsify records
and test results and made false statements concerning the security
at the Philadelphia Airport to both the FAA and United States
Attorney's Office.
24. The actions and cmissions of the Defendan~s were so
outrageous, wilful, wanton ar~d in reckless disregard of she health
and weal being of the Plaintiffs as to entitle the Plaintiffs to
punitive damages. As a direct and proximate result of Defendantst ---
negligence and willful and wan~on ccnduct Plaintiff have suffered
the injuries set forth above.
25. The actions, omissions and conduct of the Defendants and their
agents, workmen, servants and employees were grossly negligent,
wanton, reckless, outrageous and in total disregard for the rights
of the Plaintiffs so that as a result Plaintiff is entitled to
reascnabie attorney gees.
26. As a direct and proximate result of the misconduct herein
described, Plaintiffs experience and continue to experience
physical and mer_tal pain and anguish, humiliation, embarrassment,
sickness, disability, emotional distress, physical pain and
suffering, loss and/or reduction of enjoyment of life, shock to
their nerves and nervous systems which will continue in the future,
DEC 16 2002 3:49PM HP LASERJET 3200 P•9
incurred expenses including legal fees and economical loss in
connection with their defense of the charges that were lodged
against them, wrongful detention,loss. of reputation in the
community and other damages, losses and injuries.
WHERFFORT, Plaintiffs demand judgment against all of the
Defendants in an amount in excess of the jurisdictional amount,
tcgether with costs, delay damages, interest, and any other relief
this Court deems appropriate.
COUNT I
Plaintiffs v. All Defendant -
Assault and Battery
27. Plaintif~s incorporate by reference all of the allegations
contained in paragraphs 1 through 26, inclusive, as full as thcugh ._~
t:~e same were herein set forth at length.
28. By reason of the aforesaid Defendants acts were done with the
intent to put the Plaintiffs in reasonable and immediate
apprehension of harmful and offensive contact and did in fact cause
such apprehensior_ to Plaintiffs.
29. Defendants did touch Plaintiffs without their express consent.
WHI:REF~JRE, Plaintiffs demand judgment against the Defendants,
Argenbright Security, Inc., in an amount in excess of the
jurisdictional amount, together with costs, delay damages,
interest, and any-other relief this Court deems appropriate.
COUNT II
Plaintiffs v. All Defendants
False Imprisonment/False Arrest
30. Plaintiffs incorporate by reference all of the allegations
lltl: lti ~UU~ ;~: 5~'_f'M HI-' LH5tt1Jt I ;~~UU P• lu
contained in paragraphs 1 through 29, inclusive, as fully as though
the same were herein set forth at length.
31. Defendants' unlawful seizure, false-_arreat, confinement and
imprisonment of Plaintiffs was against their will and said conduct
was without probable cause and without the privilege to do so.
~AEFORE, Plaintiffs demand judgment against the Defendants
ir. an amount in excess of the jurisdictional amount, together with
costs, delay damages, interest, and any other relief this Court
deems appropriate.
COVN'T III
Plaintiffs v. All Defendants
Intentional Misconduct and Conspiracy
32. Plaintiffs incorporate by reference all of the allegations- --
contained in paragraphs I through 31, inclusive, as full as though
t:~le same were herein set forth at length.
33. Argenbright had a duty to properly train, supervise and
control their employees.
3~. Argenbright, its management ar~d employees, among other things:
a. failed to conduct employment checks on persons employed
~t t:~c °1:~._adelpn~a ~i rcrt;
b. falsely certified to the FAP. that the employment checks
had been done;
c. failed to properly conduct testing of screeners;
d. failed to properly train their employees;
e. failed to properly test their employees;
f. failed to properly supervise their employees; and
DEC 16 2002 3:54PM HP LRSERJET 3200
g. manned checkpoints with untrained employees.
35. Argenbright did not properly train, supervise, control or
adequately screen the background of fts employees.
36. Argenbright's failure to properly train, supervise, control or
adequately screen the background of its employees was intentional,
willful and outrageous and done with knowledge of the danger it
posed to individuals using the Philadelphia Airport.
37. Argenbright's failure tc properly train and supervise was
intentional, willful and outrageous.
38. The failure cf Argenbright to properly supervise, train and
control employees at the Phi=adelphia Airport, was a part of and in
furtherance of a conspiracy involving defendants Argenbrightm
Security, Inc_, Argenbright Holding Limited and others.
39. The nature and extent of the conspiracy referred to above is
set forth in the Cri~r.inal Information filed in the Criminal Fraud
Act_cn, which is incomecrated hereir_ by reference as if set forth
fully and at length.
40. The false report would not have occurred had Argentbright's
emciov°es been crcrerly trainee and/cr supersised.
41. The false report would not have occurred but for the
intentional, willful, and outrageous conduct of Argenbright.
42. The failure to properly train, supervise and control their
erYroloyees was outrageous, intentional, willful, and done with
knowledge of the danger it posed to .individuals using the
Philadelphia International Airport like the Hathcox family.
p.ll
UL v 1 U LU\.IL J • •/ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~~ LI IJ I. I\.I 1~ ~ ...L V ~./
r . ~ .-
43. Aa the direct and proximate result of Argenbright's
outrageous, intentional and willful misconduct as set forth above,
Plaintiffs' were falsely arrested] and. sustained severe and
permanent injury and other damages.
WHFsREFORB, Plaintiffs demand judgment against the Defendants
in an amount in excess of the jurisdictional amount, together with
costs, delay damages, interest, and any other relief this Court
deems appropriate.
COIINT IV
Plaintiffs v. Argenbright Security, Inc. and
Argenbright Holdings Limited
Negligence
44. Plaintiffs incorporate by reference all of the allegations
contained in paragraphs 1 through 43, inclusive, as full as though.
the same were herein set forth at length.
45. Argenbright had a duty to exercise reasonable care in
selecting, supervisir_~g, training and controlling its employees.
46. Argenbright failed to exercise reasonable care ire selecting,
supervising, training, and controlling its employees.
47. Araenbright's failure to properly select, supervise, train
and/cr control its employees was negligent, reckless and grossly
negligent.
48. Argenbright breached its duties of selectir~g, supervising,
training and controlling its employees and other employees were not
properly selected, supervised, trained and~or controlled.
49. The failures of Argenbright to properly select supervise,
train and control its employees was the direct and proximate cause
r. . 1 J
DEC 16 2002 4:OOPM HP LRSERJET 3200
of the false imprisonment of the Plaintiffs and of the damages
Plaintiffs have sustained.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs demand judgment against the Defendants
in an amount in excess of the jurisdictional amount, together with
costs, delay damages, interest, and any other relief this Court
deems appropriate.
COUN'P IV
Plaintiffs v. American Airlines and IIS Airways
Negligence
50. Plaintiffs incorporate by reference all of the allegations
contained in paragraphs Z through 49, inclusive, as full as though
the nacre were herein set forth at length.
51 . American Airlines and US Airways have the primary duty for t e
security of its gate~and operations area.
52. American and US Airways were negligent in that they faired to
have any supervisory persons present at the security checkpoint at
terminal "A".
53. American and USAir were•~urther negligent in that they failed
to monitor the actions and activities of Argenbright, its agent.
54. Had American and JSAir properly monitored or s~.:perrised the
actions and activities of Argenbright they would have discovered
Argenbright's ongoing criminal, fraudulent, reckless and negligent
conduct well before it was discovered by the FAA or the United
States Attorney.
55. As the direct and proximate result of American's and USAir's
failure to supervise and monitor the activities of Argenbright,
Argenbr'ght was able to engage in a course of conduct which was
crimina,, fraudulent, reckless and negligent, which conduct
present d an extreme danger to the kra~relling public and to the
persons using the Philadelphia Airport.
56. As the direct and proximate result of the negligence of
Americas and USAir as set forth above, the Plaintiffs were falsely
arreste ~ and sustained severe and permanent injury and their family
sustain~yyd other damages. _
WHBRl~FORE, Plaintiffs demand judgment against the Defendants
in an mount in excess of the jurisdictional amount, together with
a
casts, delay damages, interest, and any other relief this Court
deems a~prapriate. m .-
DATE:
PA ~ F . D EMTEI O', W S Q . ,
STEPHANIE E. CHERTOK, ESQ.,
ATTGRNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS
VgRIFICA-TS~~aN
Lisa Hathcox, Individually aad as parent and natural guardian
of Christopher Hathcox and Ella Jean Nichols, Plaintiffs in the
above captioned matter verifies that the facts contained in the
foregoing C:ornplaint are true and correct. I under~~aiid that false
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.
Section 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
lii 5~., l~~
DATE : ~ I a~ f a ~~
Lisa Hathcox, Individually and -
as parent and natural guardian
of/ Christopher Hathcox -
DATE : ~1 d ~ j ~ ~ f ~.~~~.~ ~-'V ~~i2il/G
Ella J n Nichols