HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-1115BENITA A. GARRETT and DAVID L.
GARRETT, Her Husband
6150 Springford Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Plaintiffs
V.
CAMP HILL APARTMENT ASSOCIATES,
L.P., INDIVIDUALLY AND D/B/A SOCIETY
HILL APARTMENTS, MADISON OF
SOCIETY HILL APARTMENTS and
MADISON GROUP APARTMENTS,
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
BERGEN CAMP HILL GP LLC,
INDIVIDUALLY AND D/B/A CAMP HILL
APARTMENT ASSOCIATES, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
SOCIETY HILL APARTMENTS
2902 Chester Brook Court
Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011
and
MADISON OF SOCIETY HILL
APARTMENTS
2902 Chester Brook Court
Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011
and
MADISON APARTMENT GROUP, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
BPG MADISON-GP, LLC, INDIVIDUALLY
AND T/D/B/A MADISON APARTMENT
GROUP, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067,
and
MADISON GP LPN, INC., INDIVIDUALLY
AND D/B/A MADISON APARTMENT
GROUP, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO49 ' 1 115 , 2009 ,i v i l Tom'"
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 the
Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you
fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the
Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief
requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A
LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE
YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO
ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Telephone: (717) 249-3166
Toll Free: (800) 990-9108
AVISO
LISTED HA SIDO DEMANDADO/A EN CORTE. Si usted desea defenderse de las demandas
que se presentan m6s adelante en las siguientes p6ginas, debe tomar accion dentro de los
proximos veinte (20) dias despues de la notificacion de esta Demanda y Aviso radicando
personalmente o por medio de un abogado una comparecencia escrita y radicando en la Corte
por escrito sus defensas de, y objecciones a, las demandas presentadas aqui en contra suya.
Se le advierte de que si usted falla de tomar accibn como se describe anteriormente, el caso
puede proceder sin usted y un fallo por cualquier suma de dinero reclamada en la demanda o
cualquier otra reclamacion o remedio solicitado por el demandante puede ser dictado en contra
suya por la Corte sin mas aviso adicional. Usted puede perder dinero o propiedad u otros
derechos importantes para usted.
USTED DEBE LLEVAR ESTE DOCUMENTO A SU ABOGADO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI
LISTED NO TIENE UN ABOGADO, LLAME O VAYA A LA SIGUIENTE OFICINA. ESTA
OFICINA PUEDE PROVEERLE INFORMACION A CERCA DE COMO CONSEGUIR UN
ABOGADO.
SI LISTED NO PUEDE PAGAR POR LOS SERVICIOS DE UN ABOGADO, ES POSIBLE QUE
ESTA OFICINA LE PUEDA PROVEER INFORMACION SOBRE AGENCIAS QUE OFREZCAN
SERVICIOS LEGALES SIN CARGO O BAJO COSTO A PERSONAS QUE CUALIFICAN.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Telephone: (717) 249-3166
Toll Free: (800) 990-9108
105389.1
BENITA A. GARRETT and DAVID L.
GARRETT, Her Husband
6150 Springford Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Plaintiffs
V.
CAMP HILL APARTMENT ASSOCIATES,
L.P., INDIVIDUALLY AND D/B/A SOCIETY
HILL APARTMENTS, MADISON OF
SOCIETY HILL APARTMENTS and
MADISON GROUP APARTMENTS,
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
BERGEN CAMP HILL GP LLC,
INDIVIDUALLY AND D/B/A CAMP HILL
APARTMENT ASSOCIATES, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
SOCIETY HILL APARTMENTS
2902 Chester Brook Court
Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011
and
MADISON OF SOCIETY HILL
APARTMENTS
2902 Chester Brook Court
Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011
and
MADISON APARTMENT GROUP, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
BPG MADISON-GP, LLC, INDIVIDUALLY
AND T/D/B/A MADISON APARTMENT
GROUP, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067,
and
MADISON GP LPN, INC., INDIVIDUALLY
AND D/B/A MADISON APARTMENT
GROUP, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. d 9- 2009
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
Parties
1. Plaintiffs, Benita A. Garrett and David L. Garrett, her husband, are adult
individuals who currently reside at 6150 Springford Drive, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, PA
17111, and at all times relevant hereto resided at Apartment No. 702, 2907 Westbury Court,
Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011, as tenants of the Landlord identified herein.
2. Defendant, Camp Hill Apartment Associates, L.P., is a limited partnership with a
place of business located at 770 Township Line Road, Suite 150, Yardley, Bucks County, PA
19067. Camp Hill Apartment Associates, L.P., did business as Society Hill Apartments,
Madison Of Society Hill Apartments And Madison Group Apartments.
3. Defendant, Bergen Camp Hill, GP LLC, is the general partner of Camp Hill
Apartment Associates, L.P., and does business as Camp Hill Apartment Associates, L.P. and
has an address of 770 Township Line Road, Suite 150, Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067.
4. Defendant, Society Hill Apartments, is a corporation, partnership, limited liability
company or fictitious name of another entity with an address of 2902 Chester Brook Court,
Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011.
5. Defendant, Madison of Society Hill Apartments, is a corporation, partnership,
limited liability company or fictitious name of another entity with an address of 2902 Chester
Brook Court, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011.
6. Defendant, Madison Apartment Group, LP, is a limited partnership or other entity
with an address of 770 Township Line Road, Suite 150, Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067.
-2-
7. Defendant, BPG Madison-GP LLC, is the general partner of Madison Apartment
Group, L.P., and does business as Madison Apartment Group, L.P., with an address of 770
Township Line Road, Suite 150, Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067.
8. Defendant, Madison GP LPN, Inc. is the general partner of Madison Apartment
Group, L.P., with an address of 770 Township Line Road, Suite 150, Yardley, Bucks County, PA
19067.
Facts
9. Plaintiffs, Benita A. Garrett, and her husband, David Garrett, were tenants at
Apartment No. 702, 2907 Westbury Court, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011, on
September 1, 2006. The apartment is located in the apartment complex known as Society Hill
Apartments and also known as Madison of Society Hill Apartments. (Hereinafter the apartment
complex will be referred to as Society Hill Apartments.)
10. Plaintiffs, Benita Garrett and her husband, David Garrett, remained tenants of the
aforesaid apartment until August 31, 2008.
11. Society Hill Apartments are located on a tract of land in Lower Allen Township at
the intersection of Lisburn Road and Slate Hill Road designated as 2900 Lisburn Road, Camp
Hill, PA 17011.
12. Plaintiff Benita Garrett's apartment was located in a multi-story building at the
Society Hill Apartments. The apartment that Ms. Garrett shared with her husband was located
on the ground floor.
13. Access to the ground floor of the building in which Ms. Garrett's apartment was
located can be obtained through an entrance/exit door located on the ground floor (hereinafter
"Exit Door").
-3-
14. At all times relevant hereto, the closing of the Exit Door was controlled by a
hydraulic door closer.
15. The hydraulic door closer did not properly control the closing of the Exit Door and
the Exit Door would close very rapidly and with excessive force.
16. On March 4, 2007, in the afternoon, Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, was entering her
apartment building using the Exit Door. As she entered the building, the door rapidly slammed
shut striking Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, with great force on her back, knocking her to the floor.
17. Thereafter, Ms. Garrett crawled along the floor of the hallway to her apartment,
knocked on the door and her husband opened it and she entered and called her doctor.
COUNTI
18. At all times relevant hereto the owner(s) of the Society Hill Apartments, the
owner(s) of the building in which Plaintiff Benita Garrett's apartment was located and the
landlord(s) of Benita Garrett and David Garrett was/were: Camp Hill Apartment Associates,
L.P., Individually and d/b/a Society Hill Apartments, Madison Of Society Hill Apartments and
Madison Group Apartments; Bergen Camp Hill GP LLC, Individually and d/b/a Camp Hill
Apartment Associates, LP; Society Hill Apartments; Madison of Society Hill Apartments;
Madison Apartment Group, LP; BPG Madison-GP LLC, Individually and t/d/b/a Madison
Apartment Group, LP, and/or Madison GP LPN, Inc., Individually and t/d/b/a Madison Apartment
Group, LP.
19. Hereinafter, Camp Hill Apartment Associates, L.P., Individually and d/b/a Society
Hill Apartments, Madison of Society Hill Apartments and Madison Group Apartments; Bergen
Camp Hill GP LLC, Individually and d/b/a Camp Hill Apartment Associates, LP; Society Hill
Apartments; Madison of Society Hill Apartments; Madison Apartment Group, LP; BPG Madison-
GP LLC, Individually and t/d/b/a Madison Apartment Group, LP, and Madison GP LPN, Inc.,
-4-
Individually and t/d/b/a Madison Apartment Group, LP, shall be referred to collectively as
"Landlord" and all allegations with respect to Landlord herein are made with respect to each of
the Defendants individually and the Defendants collectively.
20. Defendant, Landlord had actual or constructive notice of the issues that existed
with respect to the closing of the Exit Door in ample time to have taken corrective measures
prior to Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, being injured.
21. Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, at all times relevant hereto, as a tenant of Defendant,
Landlord was a business invitee entitled to the highest duty of care.
22. Defendant Landlord, its agents, servants and employees, were negligent,
careless, grossly negligent or reckless in that it and its agents, servants and employees failed to
properly maintain the subject door and closer, failed to properly adjust, repair, maintain or
replace the door and closer such that the Exit Door would close rapidly and with considerable
force, creating a risk of harm to persons using the Exit Door.
23. Defendant, Landlord, its agents, servants and employees, knew of the dangerous
condition created by the manner in which the Exit Door would close, knew that the conditions
created a substantial risk of harm to tenants and others on the premises using the Exit Door and
failed to take timely appropriate measures to correct the condition.
24. Defendant, Landlord failed to properly supervise and oversee its agents, servants
and employees, particularly any property manager or maintenance manager.
25. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness, gross
negligence or recklessness of Defendant, Landlord, its agents, servants and employees,
Plaintiff suffered severe, significant, substantial injuries, including injuries to her low back and an
aggravation of pre-existing conditions in her back.
-5-
26. As a result of the injuries suffered by Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, due to the
negligence, carelessness, gross negligence or recklessness of Defendant, Landlord, its agents,
servants and employees, Benita Garrett has undergone medical care and continues to have
medical care which, in the future, may include surgery.
27. As a result of her injuries, Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, has incurred and will continue
to incur medical expenses.
28. As a result of her injuries, Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, has endured pain, suffering,
loss of life's pleasures, emotional distress, mental anguish, embarrassment and humiliation.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, demands judgment in her favor against
Defendants in an amount in excess of the amount required for arbitration pursuant to local rules,
plus interest, costs, punitive damages and damages for delay.
COUNT II
29. All prior and subsequent paragraphs of the within Complaint are incorporated
herein as if they are fully set forth at length.
30. In the alternative to being owners of the premises at issue in this case,
Defendant, Society Hill Apartments, Madison of Society Hill Apartments, Madison Apartment
Group, LP, BPG Madison-GP, LLC, Individually and t/d/b/a Madison Apartment Group, LP
and/or Madison GP LPN, Inc., Individually and t/d/b/a Madison Apartment Group, LP served as
the manager of the Society Hill Apartments at all times relevant hereto.
31. Hereinafter in Count II, Society Hill Apartments, Madison of Society Hill
Apartments, Madison Apartment Group, LP, BPG Madison-GP, LLC, Individually and t/d/b/a
Madison Apartment Group, LP and/or Madison GP LPN, Inc., Individually and t/d/b/a Madison
Apartment Group, LP, shall be referred to collectively as Manager and all allegations with
-6-
respect to Manager herein are made with respect to each of the aforesaid Defendants
individually and the Defendants collectively.
32. Defendant Manager had actual or constructive notice of the issues that existed
with respect to the closing of the door in ample time to have taken corrective measures prior to
Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, being injured.
33. Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, at all times relevant hereto, at the Society Hill
Apartments, was a business invitee entitled to the highest duty of care.
34. Defendant Manager, its agents, servants and employees were negligent,
careless, grossly negligent or reckless in that it and its agents, servants and employees failed to
properly maintain the subject door and closer, failed to properly adjust, repair, maintain or
replace the door and closer such that the Exit Door would close rapidly and with considerable
force creating a risk of harm to persons using the Exit Door.
35. Defendant Manager, its agents, servants and employees knew of the dangerous
condition created by the manner in which the Exit Door would close, knew that the conditions
created a substantial risk of harm to tenants and others on the premises using the Exit Door and
failed to take timely appropriate measures to correct the condition.
36. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness, gross
negligence or recklessness of Defendant Manager, its agents, servants and employees, Plaintiff
suffered severe significant substantial injuries set forth in Count I.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, demands judgment in her favor against
Defendants in an amount in excess of the amount requiring referral for compulsory arbitration
pursuant to local rules, plus interest, costs, punitive damages and damages for delay.
-7-
COUNT III
David L. Garrett v. All Defendants
37. All prior and subsequent paragraphs of the within Complaint are incorporated
herein as if fully set forth at length.
38. As a result of the injuries to his wife, Benita Garrett, Plaintiff, David L. Garrett,
has been and will be deprived of the society, companionship, contributions, services and
consortium of his wife, Benita Garrett, to his great detriment and financial loss.
39. As a direct and proximate result of the tortious conduct of, Defendants, Plaintiff,
David L. Garrett, has suffered serious injuries, damages and losses that are described herein.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, David L. Garrett, demands that judgment be entered in his favor
and against Defendants, in an amount in excess of the amount requiring referral to compulsory
arbitration pursuant to local rules, plus interest, costs of suit, punitive damages and damages for
delay.
Respectfully submitted,
NSBEOG, P.C.
DATE: 3 U
105389.1
By:,
-8-
'S? tp4*§ l•M.-Gcher, 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 PLAINTIFFS
VERIFICATION
I, BENITA A. GARRETT, Plaintiff, acknowledge that the facts stated 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 made subject to the penalties of
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Benita A. Garrett
105389.1
VERIFICATION
I, DAVID L. GARRETT, Plaintiff, acknowledge that the facts stated in the foregoing
document are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
1 understand that any false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
&'AiL
David L. Ga rett
105389.1
0
BENITA A. GARRETT and DAVID L.
GARRETT, Her Husband
6150 Springford Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 1115 2009 CIVIL TERM
V.
CAMP HILL APARTMENT ASSOCIATES,
L.P., INDIVIDUALLY AND D/B/A SOCIETY
HILL APARTMENTS, MADISON OF
SOCIETY HILL APARTMENTS and
MADISON GROUP APARTMENTS,
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
BERGEN CAMP HILL GP LLC,
INDIVIDUALLY AND D/B/A CAMP HILL
APARTMENT ASSOCIATES, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
SOCIETY HILL APARTMENTS
2902 Chester Brook Court
Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011
and
MADISON OF SOCIETY HILL
APARTMENTS
2902 Chester Brook Court
Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011
and
MADISON APARTMENT GROUP, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
BPG-MADISON GP, LLC, INDIVIDUALLY
AND T/D/B/A MADISON APARTMENT
GROUP, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067,
and
MADISON GP LPN, INC., INDIVIDUALLY
AND D/B/A MADISON APARTMENT
GROUP, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO REINSTATE COMPLAINT
TO: PROTHONOTARY, CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
Please reinstate the Complaint in the above captioned action.
TUCKER
By:
106727.1 Attorney's I.D. No. PAA803
(
'
DATE: ///()
111 North Front Street
P. O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(717) 234-4121
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
OF THE F9C?? ?IRf?(
2009 APR -3 Pig !: 45
p-T# ala3 ao(P
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NO: 2009-01115 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
GARRET BENITA A ET AL
VS
CAMP HILL APRTMENT ASSOC ET AL
R. Thomas Kline
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT to wit:
CAMP HILL APARTMENT ASSOCIATES LP
but was unable to locate Her
deputized the sheriff of BUCKS
in his bailiwick. He therefore
serve the within COMPLAINT & NOTTrR
County, Pennsylvania, to
On April 20th , 2009 , this office was in receipt of the
attached return from BUCKS
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Out of County 9.00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
nn
G ? V V
04/21/2009
TUCKER ARENSBURG
So answers:
R. Thomas Kline
Sheriff of Cumberland County
Sworn and subscribe to before me
this day of
A. D.
BLED--O .FiCE
OF THE PcRiT PNOTARY
2009 APP 21 PH 2: 4 D
##?? t
PENNOY, ff '.)t`v
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NO: 2009-01115 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
GARRET BENITA A ET AL
VS
CAMP HILL APRTMENT ASSOC ET AL
R. Thomas Kline
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT
BERGEN CAMP HILL GP LLC
but was unable to locate Them
deputized the sheriff of BUCKS
to wit:
AND D/B/A CAMP HILL APT ASSOC
in his bailiwick. He therefore
serve the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
County, Pennsylvania, to
On April 20th , 2009 , this office was in receipt of t
attached return from BUCKS
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Out of County .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
nn
04/21/2009
TUCKER ARENSBURG
So answer
R. Thomas Kline
Sheriff of Cumberland County
Sworn and subscribe to before me
this day of
A. D.
FILED-,Cll?'`iGE
OF THE PtP 'MI--".-l- ,,0TARY
2009 APP 2 1 P 2= 4 0
V?u 'J r T i
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NO: 2009-01115 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
GARRET BENITA A ET AL
VS
CAMP HILL APRTMENT ASSOC ET AL
R. Thomas Kline
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT
MADISON APARTMENT GROUP LP
but was unable to locate Them
deputized the sheriff of BUCKS
to wit:
in his bailiwick. He therefore
serve the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
County, Pennsylvania, to
On April 20th , 2009 , this office was in receipt of the
attached return from BUCKS
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Out of County .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
.00
16.00
04/21/2009
TUCKER ARENSBERG
So answers-
R'. '
Thomas Kline
Sheriff of Cumberland County
Sworn and subscribe to before me
this day of
A. D.
RLEL-0;FIDE
OF THc P?'_,l TT?,_Tf"%CJTARY
2009 APR 21 PH 2* 40
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NO: 2009-01115 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
GARRET BENITA A ET AL
VS
CAMP HILL APRTMENT ASSOC ET AL
R. Thomas Kline
, Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT , to wit:
BPG MADISON-GP LLC
but was unable to locate Them
deputized the sheriff of BUCKS
in his bailiwick. He therefore
serve the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
County, Pennsylvania, to
On April 20th , 2009 , this office was in receipt of the
attached return from BUCKS
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Out of County .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
-V -vv
04/21/2009
TUCKER ARENSBERG
Sworn and subscribe to before me
this day of
So answer
Rl-
R! Thomas Kline
Sheriff of Cumberland County
A. D.
FRLE C r=i" a*E
OF THE PR07h;n?NFT.RY
..? _„ dom.
2004 APR 21 Pit 2: 4, 0
?L tf R-Y
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NO: 2009-01115 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
GARRET BENITA A ET AL
VS
CAMP HILL APRTMENT ASSOC ET AL
R. Thomas Kline
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT , to wit:
MADISON GP LPN INC
but was unable to locate Them
deputized the sheriff of BUCKS
serve the within COMPLAINT k NnTTrP.
County, Pennsylvania, to
On April 20th , 2009 , this o
attached return from BUCKS
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Out of County .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
.00
16.00
04/21/2009
TUCKER ARENSBERG
ce was in receipt of the
So answers-
R. Thomas Kline
Sheriff of Cumberland County
Sworn and subscribe to before me
this day of
in his bailiwick. He therefore
A. D.
FILED-C -!:luE
OF THE ItRY
2009 APR 2 t PH 2: 4 Q
}4 p
'J('`?? i
c-N
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2009-01115 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
GARRET BENITA A ET AL
VS
CAMP HILL APRTMENT ASSOC ET AL
DENNIS FRY
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
MADISON OF SOCIETY HILL APARTMENTS
DEFENDANT
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
was served upon
the
, at 0014:25 HOURS, on the 2nd day of March , 2009
at 2902 CHESTERPRooK rnrTRT
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
TONI STOCKDALE
by handing to
COMMUNITY DIRECTOR
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE
together with
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs: So Answers:
Docketing 18.00
Service 11.70
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00 R. Thomas Kline
.00
39.70 04/21/2009
TUCKER ARENSBERG
Sworn and Subscibed to By:
before me this day Deputy, heriff
of A. D.
FILED--0'--'!"'E
OF THE 2HI, AP G 1 Pill 2. 41
C4 s' t)r vT\i°
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2009-01115 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
GARRET BENITA A ET AL
VS
CAMP HILL APRTMENT ASSOC ET AL
DENNIS FRY
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
SOCIETY HILL APARTMENTS
DEFENDANT
at 0014:25 HOURS, on the
at 2902 CHFSTRR RRnnu r-nTTDT
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
TONI STOCKDALE
was served upon
the
2nd day of March , 2009
by handing to
COMMUNITY DIRECTOR
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE together with
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Service .00
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
nn
i - . V V
Sworn and Subscibed to
before me this day
of
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
04/21/2009
TUCKER ARENSBERG
By.
Deputy he ff
A. D.
FILE ID-ID VCE
OF THE PRO-i r ?`° CTAPY
2009 APR 21 Hi 2. 4 1
STEPHEN L. BANKO, JR., ESQUIRE
Pa. Supreme Court I. D. No. 41727
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
3510 Trindle Road Attorney for Defendants
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone: (717) 760-7501
FAX: (717) 975-8124
E-mail: sbanko@maroolisedelstein.com
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
BENITA A. GARRETT and
DAVID L. GARRETT, Her Husband,
Plaintiffs
V. DOCKET NO. 1115 2009 Civil Term
CAMP HILL APARTMENT ASSOCIATES,
L.P.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
and
BERGEN CAMP HILL GP, LLC,
and JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
MADISON APARTMENT GROUP, L.P.
and
BPG-MADISON GP, LLC,
Defendants
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA:
Kindly enter my appearance on behalf of Defendants, Camp Hill Apartment
Associates, L.P., Bergen Camp Hill GP, LLC, Madison Apartment Group, L.P. and BPG-
Madison GP, LLC, in the above-captioned matter.
EDELSTEIN
Date: By. AJ I C\
S N L. BA KO, JR.
Attornev for Defendants
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on all
counsel of record by placing the same in the United States mail at Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania, first-class postage prepaid, on the day of ,
2009, and addressed as follows:
Stephen M. Greecher, Jr.
TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C.
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(Counsel for Plaintiffs)
C) (? 7
Aiu,}sla-Ali-6awan, Secretary
3
Fi' ED-UF?
OF THE ?^M
2Cu9 AVRX 27 F ; 0
1 t
?V-
BENITA A. GARRETT and DAVID L.
GARRETT, Her Husband
6150 Springford Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Plaintiffs
V.
CAMP HILL APARTMENT ASSOCIATES,
L.P., INDIVIDUALLY AND D/B/A SOCIETY
HILL APARTMENTS, MADISON OF
SOCIETY HILL APARTMENTS and
MADISON GROUP APARTMENTS,
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
BERGEN CAMP HILL GP LLC,
INDIVIDUALLY AND D/B/A CAMP HILL
APARTMENT ASSOCIATES, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
SOCIETY HILL APARTMENTS
2902 Chester Brook Court
Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011
and
MADISON OF SOCIETY HILL
APARTMENTS
2902 Chester Brook Court
Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011
and
MADISON APARTMENT GROUP, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
BPG-MADISON GP, LLC, INDIVIDUALLY
AND T/D/B/A MADISON APARTMENT
GROUP, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067,
and
MADISON GP LPN, INC., INDIVIDUALLY
AND D/B/A MADISON APARTMENT
GROUP, LP
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 1115 2009 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Fi?F
OF THE e = :` '` '%.^RY
2009 APR 29 Pill 12: 4
I. ,r
BENITA A. GARRETT and DAVID L.
GARRETT, Her Husband
6150 Springford Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Plaintiffs
NO. 1115 2009 CIVIL TERM
V.
CAMP HILL APARTMENT ASSOCIATES,
L.P
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
BERGEN CAMP HILL GP, LLC,
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
MADISON APARTMENT GROUP, L.P.
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
BPG-MADISON GP, LLC,
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067,
Defendants
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 Amended Complaint and
Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing
with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that
if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you
by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or
relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A
LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
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 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Telephone: (717) 249-3166
Toll Free: (800) 990-9108
AVISO
USTED HA SIDO DEMANDADO/A EN CORTE. Si usted desea defenderse de las demandas
que se presentan mfis adelante en las siguientes peginas, debe tomar accibn dentro de los
prbximos veinte (20) dias despues de la notificacibn de esta Demanda y Aviso radicando
personalmente o por medio de un abogado una comparecencia escrita y radicendo en la Corte
por escrito sus defensas de, y objecciones a, las demandas presentadas aqui en contra suya.
Se le advierte de que si usted falla de tomar accibn como se describe anteriormente, el caso
puede proceder sin usted y un fallo por cualquier suma de dinero reclamada eh la demanda o
cualquier otra reclamacibn o remedio solicitado por el demandante puede ser dictado en contra
suya por la Corte sin mfis aviso adicional. Usted puede perder dinero o propiedad u otros
derechos importantes para usted.
LISTED DEBE LLEVAR ESTE DOCUMENTO A SU ABOGADO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI
USTED NO TIENE UN ABOGADO, LLAME O VAYA A LA SIGUIENTE OFICINA. ESTA
OFICINA PUEDE PROVEERLE INFORMACION A CERCA DE COMO CONSEGUIR UN
ABOGADO.
SI USTED NO PUEDE PAGAR POR LOS SERVICIOS DE UN ABOGADO, ES POSIBLE QUE
ESTA OFICINA LE PUEDA PROVEER INFORMACION SOBRE AGENCIAS QUE OFREZCAN
SERVICIOS LEGALES SIN CARGO O BAJO COSTO A PERSONAS QUE CUALIFICAN.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Telephone: (717) 249-3166
Toll Free: (800) 990-9108
105389.1
BENITA A. GARRETT and DAVID L.
GARRETT, Her Husband
6150 Springford Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Plaintiffs
V.
CAMP HILL APARTMENT ASSOCIATES,
L. P.
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
BERGEN CAMP HILL GP, LLC,
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
MADISON APARTMENT GROUP, L.P.
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067
and
BPG-MADISON GP, LLC,
770 Township Line Road, Suite 150
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 1115 2009 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
AMENDED COMPLAINT
Parties
1. Plaintiffs, Benita A. Garrett and David L. Garrett, her husband, are adult
individuals who currently reside at 6150 Springford Drive, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, PA
17111, and at all times relevant hereto resided at Apartment No. 702, 2907 Westbury Court,
Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011, as tenants of the Landlord identified herein.
2. Defendant, Camp Hill Apartment Associates, L.P., is a limited partnership with a
place of business located at 770 Township Line Road, Suite 150, Yardley, Bucks County, PA
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
19067.
3. Defendant, Bergen Camp Hill, GP LLC, is the general partner of Camp Hill
Apartment Associates, L.P., and has an address of 770 Township Line Road, Suite 150,
Yardley, Bucks County, PA 19067.
4. Defendant, Madison Apartment Group, L.P., is a limited partnership or other
entity with an address of 770 Township Line Road, Suite 150, Yardley, Bucks County, PA
19067.
5. Defendant, BPG-Madison GP, LLC, is the general partner of Madison Apartment
Group, L.P., with an address of 770 Township Line Road, Suite 150, Yardley, Bucks County, PA
19067.
Facts
6. Plaintiffs, Benita A. Garrett, and her husband, David Garrett, were tenants at
Apartment No. 702, 2907 Westbury Court, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, PA 17011, on
September 1, 2006. The apartment is located in the apartment complex known as Society Hill
Apartments and also known as Madison at Society Hill Apartments. (Hereinafter the apartment
complex will be referred to as Society Hill Apartments.)
7. Plaintiffs, Benita Garrett and her husband, David Garrett, remained tenants of the
aforesaid apartment until August 31, 2008.
8. Society Hill Apartments are located on a tract of land in Lower Allen Township at
the intersection of Lisburn Road and Slate Hill Road designated as 2900 Lisburn Road, Camp
Hill, PA 17011.
9. Plaintiff Benita Garrett's apartment was located in a multi-story building at the
Society Hill Apartments. The apartment that Ms. Garrett shared with her husband was located
on the ground floor.
-2-
10. Access to the ground floor of the building in which Ms. Garrett's apartment was
located can be obtained through an entrance/exit door located on the ground floor (hereinafter
"Exit Door")
11. At all times relevant hereto, the closing of the Exit Door was controlled by a
hydraulic door closer.
12. The hydraulic door closer did not properly control the closing of the Exit Door and
the Exit Door would close very rapidly and with excessive force.
13. On March 4, 2007, in the afternoon, Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, was entering her
apartment building using the Exit Door. As she entered the building, the door rapidly slammed
shut striking Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, with great force on her back, knocking her to the floor.
14. Thereafter, Ms. Garrett crawled along the floor of the hallway to her apartment,
knocked on the door and her husband opened it and she entered and called her doctor.
COUNTI
15. At all times relevant hereto the owner of the Society Hill Apartments and the
owner of the building in which Plaintiff Benita Garrett's apartment was located and the landlord
of Benita Garrett and David Garrett was Camp Hill Apartment Associates, L.P., its general
partner being Bergen Camp Hill GP LLC.
16. Hereinafter, Camp Hill Apartment Associates, L.P., and Bergen Camp Hill GP,
LLC, shall be referred to collectively as "Landlord" and all allegations with respect to Landlord
herein are made with respect to each Defendant individually and the Defendants collectively.
17. Landlord had succeeded to the obligations of the prior owner at the time of
closing on the Landlord's acquisition of the Society Hill Apartments.
-3-
18. Defendant, Landlord had actual or constructive notice of the issues that existed
with respect to the closing of the Exit Door in ample time to have taken corrective measures
prior to Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, being injured.
19. Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, at all times relevant hereto, as a tenant of Defendant,
Landlord was a business invitee entitled to the highest duty of care.
20. Defendant Landlord, its agents, servants and employees, were negligent,
careless, grossly negligent or reckless in that it and its agents, servants and employees failed to
properly maintain the subject door and closer, failed to properly adjust, repair, maintain or
replace the door and closer such that the Exit Door would close rapidly and with considerable
force, creating a risk of harm to persons using the Exit Door.
21. Defendant, Landlord, its agents, servants and employees, knew of the dangerous
condition created by the manner in which the Exit Door would close, knew that the conditions
created a substantial risk of harm to tenants and others on the premises using the Exit Door and
failed to take timely appropriate measures to correct the condition.
22. Defendant, Landlord failed to properly supervise and oversee its agents, servants
and employees, particularly any property manager or maintenance manager.
23. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness, gross
negligence or recklessness of Defendant, Landlord, its agents, servants and employees,
Plaintiff suffered severe, significant, substantial injuries, including injuries to her low back and an
aggravation of pre-existing conditions in her back.
24. As a result of the injuries suffered by Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, due to the
negligence, carelessness, gross negligence or recklessness of Defendant, Landlord, its agents,
servants and employees, Benita Garrett has undergone medical care and continues to have
medical care which, in the future, may include surgery.
-4-
25. As a result of her injuries, Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, has incurred and will continue
to incur medical expenses.
26. As a result of her injuries, Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, has endured pain, suffering,
loss of life's pleasures, emotional distress, mental anguish, embarrassment and humiliation.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, demands judgment in her favor against
Defendants in an amount in excess of the amount required for arbitration pursuant to local rules,
plus interest, costs, and damages for delay.
COUNT II
27. All prior and subsequent paragraphs of the within Complaint are incorporated
herein as if they are fully set forth at length.
28. Madison Apartment Group, L.P., its general partner being BPG-Madison GP,
LLC, served as the manager of the Society Hill Apartments at all times relevant hereto.
29. Hereinafter in Count II, Madison Apartment Group, L.P. and BPG-Madison GP,
LLC, shall be referred to collectively as Manager and all allegations with respect to Manager
herein are made with respect to each of the aforesaid Defendants individually and the
Defendants collectively.
30. Defendant Manager had actual or constructive notice of the issues that existed
with respect to the closing of the door in ample time to have taken corrective measures prior to
Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, being injured.
31. Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, at all times relevant hereto, at the Society Hill
Apartments, was a business invitee entitled to the highest duty of care.
32. Defendant Manager, its agents, servants and employees were negligent,
careless, grossly negligent or reckless in that it and its agents, servants and employees failed to
-5-
properly maintain the subject door and closer, failed to properly adjust, repair, maintain or
replace the door and closer such that the Exit Door would close rapidly and with considerable
force creating a risk of harm to persons using the Exit Door.
33. Defendant Manager, its agents, servants and employees knew of the dangerous
condition created by the manner in which the Exit Door would close, knew that the conditions
created a substantial risk of harm to tenants and others on the premises using the Exit Door and
failed to take timely appropriate measures to correct the condition.
34. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness, gross
negligence or recklessness of Defendant Manager, its agents, servants and employees, Plaintiff
suffered severe significant substantial injuries set forth in Count I.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Benita Garrett, demands judgment in her favor against
Defendants in an amount in excess of the amount requiring referral for compulsory arbitration
pursuant to local rules, plus interest, costs, and damages for delay.
COUNT III
David L. Garrett v. All Defendants
35. All prior and subsequent paragraphs of the within Complaint are incorporated
herein as if fully set forth at length.
36. As a result of the injuries to his wife, Benita Garrett, Plaintiff, David L. Garrett,
has been and will be deprived of the society, companionship, contributions, services and
consortium of his wife, Benita Garrett, to his great detriment and financial loss.
37. As a direct and proximate result of the tortious conduct of, Defendants, Plaintiff,
David L. Garrett, has suffered serious injuries, damages and losses that are described herein.
-6-
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, David L. Garrett, demands that judgment be entered in his favor
and against Defendants, in an amount in excess of the amount requiring referral to compulsory
arbitration pursuant to local rules, plus interest, costs of suit, and damages for delay.
Respectfully submitted,
DATE:
105389.1 014(17
TUCKER
.C.
StWhdn M. GfeWer, 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 PLAINTIFFS
-7-
VERIFICATION
I, BENITA A. GARRETT, Plaintiff, acknowledge that the facts stated 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 made subject to the penalties of
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904, relating to unswom falsification to authorities.
Benita A. Garrett
105389.1
VERIFICATION
I, DAVID L. GARRETT, Plaintiff, acknowledge that the facts stated 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 made subject to the penalties of
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
105389.1
David L. Garrett
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this agcy day of APRIL, 2009, I, Jacquelyn Zettlemoyer, Secretary to
Stephen M. Greecher, Jr., Esquire, for the law firm, Tucker Arensberg, P.C., attorneys for
Plaintiffs, 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:
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANTS
106384.1
owo? 92p5Lt2?1
Jac ely Zettlemoyer U (a
OF T
K,09 AIPR 29 Pl 12:.. 9
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4
4&
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
BENITA A. GARRETT and
DAVID L. GARRETT, Her Husband,
Plaintiffs
V. DOCKET NO. 1115 2009 Civil Term
CAMP HILL APARTMENT ASSOCIATES,
L.P.
and CIVIL ACTION - LAW
BERGEN CAMP HILL GP, LLC,
and
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
MADISON APARTMENT GROUP, L.P.
and
BPG-MADISON GP, LLC,
Defendants
The parties hereto, by and through their respective counsel, hereby agree to the
following:
1. Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint contains allegations of "recklessness" on the
part of Defendants;
2. Although Defendants deny such allegations, based upon this Stipulation,
Defendants will not be filing Preliminary Objections to the Amended Complaint as Plaintiffs
agree that they are not seeking to recover punitive damages against Defendants.
3. Based upon this Stipulation, Defendants will file an Answer with New Matter
to the Amended Complaint noting the existence of this Stipulation.
4. This Stipulation will be filed, but the parties agree, does not require approval
by the court to be effective.
TUCKFA/ARWSWG; P.C.
Date
Date
?f lti3) ?
By:
By:
,STe-n M. Gre er, Jr.
Attorney ID No. 6803
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(Counsel for Plaintiffs)
MA S EDELSTEIN
ST N . BANKO, JR.
Attorney 1D No. 41727
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
(Attorney for Defendants
Camp Hill Apartment Associates, L.P
Bergen Camp Hill GP, LLC, Madison
Apartment Group, L.P. and BPG-
Madison GP, LLC)
2
46
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on all
counsel of record by placing the same in the United States mail at Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania, first-class postage prepaid, on the day of ,
2009, and addressed as follows:
Stephen M. Greecher, Jr.
TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C.
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(Counsel for Plaintiffs)
(4wl'M - &Ma? -
Angela M. Gagman, S retary
3
..
FlLE=CE
OF TFE PROTHONOTARY'
2009 MAY -b Phi 2: 5 0
PENNSYLVANIA
t
U.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
BENITA A. GARRETT and
DAVID L. GARRETT, Her Husband,
Plaintiffs
V. DOCKET NO. 1115 2009 Civil Term
CAMP HILL APARTMENT ASSOCIATES,
L.P.,
and CIVIL ACTION - LAW
BERGEN CAMP HILL, GP LLC,
INDIVIDUALLY AND D/B/A CAMP HILL
APARTMENT ASSOCIATES, LP
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
and
MADISON APARTMENT GROUP, L.P.
and
BPG MADISON-GP, LLC, INDIVIDUALLY
AND T/D/B/A MADISON APARTMENT
GROUP, LP
Defendants
ANSWER OF DEFENDANTS TO PLAINTIFFS' AMENDED COMPLAINT
1. Admitted in part and denied in part. With regard to the current residence
address of Plaintiffs, after reasonable investigation Defendants are without knowledge
or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of said averment and, therefore, it
is denied.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted
4. Admitted.
1
r
r
5. Admitted.
6. Admitted.
7. Admitted.
8. Admitted.
9. Admitted.
10. Admitted.
11. Admitted.
12. Denied. It is believed and therefore averred that on the date of the
incident alleged in Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint, namely March 4, 2007, the door in
question operated properly and consistent with the requirements of normal weather
conditions.
13. Denied as stated. To the knowledge of Defendants, there were no
witnesses to the incident alleged in Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint. However, this
alleged occurrence was reported to the Defendants on March 5, 2007. At the time of
that report, Plaintiff-Wife reported that due to the high winds affecting the area at that
time, an entry door to her apartment building was pushed into her, knocking her to her
knees. Accordingly, it is believed and therefore averred that to the extent the incident
described in Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint occurred, it occurred as a result of weather
conditions not within the control of Defendants.
14. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments
contained in this paragraph and, therefore, they are denied.
2
r
COUNT I
15. Admitted.
16. Defendants are unable to admit or deny the statement made in this
paragraph.
17. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph state a legal
conclusion to which response is necessary. To the extent a response is deemed
necessary, it is specifically denied that any conduct on the part of Defendants was
negligent or otherwise caused, contributed to or increased the likelihood of any harm to
Plaintiffs.
18. Denied. It is specifically denied that there existed, on the date of the
alleged occurrence, a defective condition of which Defendants had any knowledge,
actual or constructive. By way of further answer, the Answer contained in paragraph
no. 17 hereof is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
19. Denied. The Answers contained in paragraph nos. 17 and 18 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
20. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph state a legal
conclusion to which no response is necessary. By way of further answer, the Answers
contained in paragraph nos. 12, 13, 17 and 18 hereof are incorporated herein by
reference as if set forth in their entirety.
21. Denied. The answer contained in paragraph no. 20 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
3
r
22. Denied. The answer contained in paragraph no. 20 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
23. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph state a legal
conclusion to which no response is necessary. By way of further answer, the Answer
contained in paragraph 20 hereof is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its
entirety. With regard to any allegation that Plaintiffs sustained personal injury as a
result with any conduct on the part of Defendants, after reasonable investigation the
Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth of said averments and, therefore, they are denied.
24. Denied. The answer contained in paragraph 23 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
25. Denied. The answer contained in paragraph 23 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
26. Denied. The. answer contained in paragraph 23 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
WHEREFORE, Defendants demand judgment in their favor and against
Plaintiffs.
COUNT II
27. The answers contained in paragraphs 1-26 hereof are incorporated herein
by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
28. Admitted.
4
29. Defendants are unable to admit or deny the statements made in this
paragraph.
30. Denied. The answer contained in paragraph no. 18 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
31. Denied. The answer contained in paragraph no. 19 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference.
32. Denied. The answer contained in paragraph no. 20 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
33. Denied. The answer contained in paragraph no. 21 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
34. Denied. The answer, contained in paragraph no. 22 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
WHEREFORE, Defendants demand judgment in their favor and against
Plaintiffs.
COUNT 111
(David L. Garrett v. All Defendants)
35. The answers contained in paragraphs 1-34 hereof are incorporated herein
by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
36. The foregoing answers to Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint regarding liability
of Defendants and alleged injuries to Plaintiff-Wife are incorporated herein by reference
as if set forth in their entirety. Accordingly, with regard to any allegation of the
entitlement of Plaintiff-Husband to damages, after reasonable investigation the
5
1 Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth of said averments and, therefore, they are denied.
37. Denied. The answers contained in paragraphs 1-36 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
WHEREFORE, Defendants demand judgment in their favor and against
Plaintiffs.
OLIA EDELSTEIN
DATE: May tD , 2009 By:
6
SteVh(3 L. B4nko, Jr.
Attorne No. 41727
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
717-760-7501
n
VERIFICATION
I, Jamie Rumer, Regional Property Manager, am authorized on behalf of
all Defendants to sign this Verification on behalf of those entities. I have read the
foregoing Answer to Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint. The factual statements contained
therein are known by me and are true and correct to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief.
This statement and verification is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.
C.S.A. Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsifications to authorities, which provides
that, if I knowingly make false averments, I may be subject to criminal penalties.
Date: 09 `
JAMIE RUMER
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on all
counsel of record by placing the same in the Uniteed// States mail at Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania, first-class postage prepaid, on the/Z?day of _ J2Z'e?
2009, and addressed as follows:
Stephen M. Greecher, Jr.
TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C.
111 North Front Street
P.O. Box 889
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0889
(Counsel for Plaintiffs)
3
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'OT ARY
I'rv