HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-4259NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
8 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Plaintiff(s)
V.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
REBECCA KREBS
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
DEVIN BREWER
10 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
NOTICE
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: CA-46151 04VII-Rim
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 OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET
FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE, Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
8 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Plaintiff(s)
V.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
REBECCA KREBS
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
DEVIN BREWER
10 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
COMPLAINT
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: Coq - 41 Z Sq CZ a -r..
Plaintiff, by and through undersigned counsel, hereby demands judgment against
defendants, and complains against them as follows:
Plaintiff, Kathy M. Witters, is an adult individual and was, at all times relevant
hereto, the owner and occupant of the property located at 8 Poplar Street, ) Vormleysburg, PA
17043.
2. Defendant, Nikolaos Seitz (hereinafter referred to as "Seitz"), is an adult
individual and was, at all times relevant hereto, the owner of the property located at 10 Poplar
Street, Wormleysburg, PA 17043 (hereinafter the "subject property") and resided in the first and
third floors of same.
3. Defendant, Rebecca Krebs (hereinafter referred to as "Krebs"), is an adult
individual and, at all times relevant hereto, resided in an apartment located in the front of the
second floor of the property located at 10 Poplar Street, Wormleysburg, PA 17043.
4. Defendant, Devin Brewer (hereinafter referred to as "Brewer"), is an adult
individual and, at all times relevant hereto, resided in an apartment located in the rear of the
second floor of the property located at 10 Poplar Street, Wormleysburg, PA 17043.
5. On or about January 13, 2008, Seitz permitted his tenants to smoke cigarettes in
an area that was unsafe for that activity.
6. On or about January 13, 2008, a fire erupted on the second floor balcony of the
subject property as a result of the careless disposal of smoking materials by one or all of the
defendants.
7. On or about January 13, 2008, Seitz, after arriving at the subject property between
1:00p.m. and 1:30p.m., began to detect the odor of burning wood and subsequently searched his
premises, including the basement in which he observed a smoke condition.
8. On or about January 13, 2008, Krebs, after awakening in her apartment at
approximately 2:00 p.m., immediately began to smell smoke, discussed her suspicions with
Seitz, who informed her that he was unable to locate the source of the smell, and then returned to
her apartment to take a shower.
9. None of the defendants called emergency or fire officials or others after smelling
smoke or conducted any further inspections.
10. The fire, which resulted in extensive damage to Plaintiff's real and personal
property, as well as the imposition of additional expenses and hardship besides, was directly and
proximately caused by Defendants as is further and more fully described below.
COUNT I - NEGLIGENCE
PLAINTIFF vs. NIKOLAOS SEITZ
11. Plaintiff repeats the allegations set forth in the prior paragraphs of this Complaint
as though they were set forth at length herein.
12. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence and carelessness of Defendant, individually and/or by and through his tenants,
renters, occupants, residents, lodgers, guests, boarders, and/or servants, more specifically
described as follows:
a. failing to inspect and/or test smoke detection devices in the subject
property;
b. failing to recommend and/or take other necessary and appropriate
precautions to ensure the smoke detection devices were in proper working
condition;
C. failing to maintain a safe and habitable premises;
d. failing to take all precautions necessary under the circumstances to
safeguard the premises from risk of fire;
e. failing to ensure the safety of the premises from the risk of fire through the
lease agreement with tenants;
f. failing to contact the proper authorities or others after observing a smoke
condition in the subject premises;
g. failing to take necessary and appropriate precautions to warn tenants,
neighbors and/or others of a possible fire after observing the smoke
condition;
h. leasing to tenants who carelessly and improperly disposed of smoking
material at the subject premises, which the defendant knew or should have
known created an unreasonable risk of harm to the subject premises and
others;
i. allowing tenants to smoke materials in an area that was inappropriate and
unsafe for such activities; and
j. otherwise failing to use due care under the circumstances in ways that may
be further revealed during the course of discovery.
13. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and carelessness of Defendant,
Plaintiff sustained and incurred damage to her real and personal property, as well as the
imposition of additional expenses and hardships, in an amount in excess of $50,000.00.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests judgment against Defendant, individually,
jointly, severally and/or otherwise in an amount in excess of $50,000.00, plus costs incident to
this suit, delay damages, damages for interference with enjoyment of real property, and attorney
fees, and for such other relief as this Honorable Court shall deem appropriate under the
circumstances.
COUNT II- NEGLIGENCE
PLAINTIFF vs. REBECCA KREBS
14. Plaintiff repeats the allegations set forth in the prior paragraphs of this Complaint
as though they were set forth at length herein.
15. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence and carelessness of Defendant, acting both jointly and severally with the remaining
co-defendants as more specifically described as follows:
a. improperly disposing of a smoking material at the subject premises which
defendant knew or should have known created an unreasonable risk of
harm to the subject premises;
b. failing to inspect and/or test smoke detection devices in the subject
premises;
C. failing to take all precautions necessary under the circumstances to
safeguard the premises from the risk of fire;
d. failing to make sure the smoking material was not still smoldering before
it came into contact with another combustible;
e. failing to notify the proper authorities of a possible fire in the subject
premises; and
f. otherwise failing to use due care under the circumstances in ways that
may be further revealed during the course of discovery.
16. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and carelessness of Defendant,
Plaintiff sustained and incurred damage to her real and personal property, as well as the
imposition of additional expenses and hardships, in an amount in excess of $50,000.00.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests judgment against Defendant, individually,
jointly, severally and/or otherwise in an amount in excess of $50,000.00, plus costs incident to
this suit, delay damages, damages for interference with enjoyment of real'. property, and attorney
fees, and for such other relief as this Honorable Court shall deem appropriate under the
circumstances.
COUNT III- NEGLIGENCE
PLAINTIFF vs. DEVIN BREWER
17. Plaintiff repeats the allegations set forth in the prior paragraphs of this Complaint
as though they were set forth at length herein.
18. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence and carelessness of Defendant, acting both jointly and severally with the remaining
co-defendants as more specifically described as follows:
a. improperly disposing of a smoking material at the subject premises which
defendant knew or should have known created an unreasonable risk of
harm to the subject premises;
b. failing to inspect and/or test smoke detection devices in the subject
premises;
C. failing to take all precautions necessary under the circumstances to
safeguard the premises from the risk of fire;
d. failing to make sure the smoking material was not still smoldering before
it came into contact with another combustible; and
e. otherwise failing to use due care under the circumstances in ways that
may be further revealed during the course of discovery.
19. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and carelessness of Defendant,
Plaintiff sustained and incurred damage to her real and personal property, as well as the
imposition of additional expenses and hardships, in an amount in excess of $50,000.00.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests judgment against Defendant, individually,
jointly, severally and/or otherwise in an amount in excess of $50,000.00, plus costs incident to
this suit, delay damages, damages for interference with enjoyment of real property, and attorney
fees, and for such other relief as this Honorable Court shall deem appropriate under the
circumstances.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY:
/WARD ?', f.
J. YD, JR., ESQUIRE
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
VERIFICATION
I, Francis Guillemette, do hereby state that I am a representative for Erie Insurance Group
in the within action, and as such do hereby verify that the statements made in the foregoing
Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. The
undersigned understands that the statements therein are made subject to penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.
§ 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Dated:
FRANCIS GUILLEMETTE
G)
P',x TL J'' i 4 t"1;J
G t..: ?. E ?. L. •'r 1 t L '.1 J
Vls.5o P1. IATT1
CK.+ 11 b 33R
ut Awl Igq
Sheriffs Office of Cumberland County
R Thomas Kline
Sheri
??ti4' f l LIl lid j?"If
Ronny R Anderson ??
Chief Deputy
,
Jody S Smith
Civil Process Sergeant cr Pic r )v "SEE
Edward L Schorpp
Solicitor
FI-F
Kathy Witters
vs.
Devin Brewer
SHERIFF'S RETURN OF SERVICE
Case Number
2009-4259
07/06/2009 04:36 PM - R. Thomas Kline, Sheriff, who being duly sworn according to law, states that he made a
diligent search and inquiry for the within named defendant to wit: Devin Brewer, but was unable to locate
him in his bailiwick. He therefore returns the within Complaint and Notice as not found as to the defendant
Devin Brewer. The address requested for service at 10 Poplar Street Wormleysburg, PA 17043 is vacant.
An exact address is not available.
07/07/2009 05:41 PM - Dennis Fry, Deputy Sheriff, who being duly sworn according to law, states that on July 7, 2009
at 1741 hours, he served a true copy of the within Complaint and Notice, upon the within named
defendant, to wit: Nikolaos Seitz, by making known unto Laurel Montecalvo, Sister of defendant at 5950
Huntington Commons Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025 its contents and at the same time
handing to her personally the said true and correct copy of the same.
07/07/2009 05:41 PM - R. Thomas Kline, Sheriff, who being duly sworn according to law, states that he made a
diligent search and inquiry for the within named defendant to wit: Rebecca Seitz, but was unable to locate
her in his bailiwick. He therefore returns the within Complaint and Notice as not found as to the defendant
Rebecca Seitz. Laurel Montecalvo current resident at 5950 Huntingdon Commons Enola, PA 17025
states the defendant does not reside there. The Enola Postmaster has advised a P.O. BOX 433
Harrisburg, PA 17108 for the defendant. She may reside at 23 S. 3rd Street Harrisburg, PA 17101. An
exact address is not available.
SHERIFF COST: $97.90
SO ANSWERS,
July 10, 2009 R THOMAS KLINE, SHERIFF
Deput-f Sherif
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
Plaintiff(s)
V.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
and
REBECCA KREBS
and
DEVIN BREWER
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 09-4259
PRAECIPE TO REINSTATE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly reinstate the attached Complaint with regard to the above captioned matter, the
original of which was filed on June 24, 2009.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY';`.
C A J. BO , JR., ESQUIRE
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: July 28, 2009
F LEA!-'"HICE
THE
r lUt!
2 O9 JU"L 31 Ph 3: 21
4 10 -oc, P C-3 ATrY
CCk 3p9q t
WILLIAM J. FERREN & ASSOCIATES
Patrick J. Moran, Esquire
I.D. No.: 61580
Ten Sentry Parkway, Suite 301
Blue Bell, PA 19422
(215) 274-1701 Attorney for defendant, Nikolaos Seitz
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION
Kathy M. Witters File No.: 2009-4259
V. Civil Action - Law
Nikolaos Seitz, Rebecca Krebs
and Devin Brewer
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE AND DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter my appearance as attorney for defendant, Nikolaos Seitz, in the above captioned
matter.
Defendant, Nikolaos Seitz, by and through their undersigned counsel, hereby demand a trial by
a jury of twelve
WILLIAM J. FERREN & ASSOCIATES
By:
Patrick J. oran, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant, Nikolaos Seitz
R FD- ; i
r;.
OF TH,
M9 AUG 26 P "'I 28
PCiU'y611.VAMA
Sheriffs Office of Cumberland County
R Thomas Kline
Sheri
Ronny R Anderson
Chief Deputy
Jody S Smith
Civil Process Sergeant
Edward L Schorpp
Solicitor
4
1
OFF "E CF ??IE 5-ERIFF
OF THE 1'? IAPY
Kathy Witters
vs.
Devin Brewer
M9 AUG 2n AM 1v J 3
A _ iY
PEI IT + ? T1+ 1.i'?
Case Number
2009-4259
SHERIFF'S RETURN OF SERVICE
08/11/2009 R. Thomas Kline, Sheriff who being duly sworn according to law states that he made a diligent search and
inquiry for the within named defendant, to wit: Devin Brewer, but was unable to locate him in his bailiwick.
He therefore deputized the Sheriff of Wyoming County, PA to serve the within Complaint and Notice
according to law.
08/11/2009 R. Thomas Kline, Sheriff who being duly sworn according to law states that he made a diligent search and
inquiry for the within named defendant, to wit: Rebecca Krebs, but was unable to locate her in his
bailiwick. He therefore deputized the Sheriff of Dauphin County, PA to serve the within Complaint and
Notice according to law.
08/13/2009 01:55 PM - Wyoming County Return: And now August 13, 2009 at 1355 hours I, Richard D. Montross,
Sheriff of Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, do herby certify and return that I served a true copy of the
within Complaint, upon the within named defendant, to wit: Devin Brewer by making known unto himself
personally, at RR2 BOX 91-A Meshoppen, PA 18630 it's contents and at the same time handing to him
personally the said true and correct copy of the same.
08/17/2009 Dauphin County Return: And now, August 17, 2009 I, Jack Lotwick, Sheriff of Dauphin County,
Pennsylvania, do hereby certify and return, that I made diligent search and inquiry for Rebecca Krebs the
defendant named in the within Complaint and that I am unable to find her in the County of Dauphin and
therefore return same NOT FOUND.
SHERIFF COST: $62.00
August 24, 2009
SO ANSWERS,
R THOMAS KLINE, SHERIFF
(Otfitit Of the &I?vr-t
r -f
Mary Jane De Snpuyder
Real Estate
William T. Tully
Solicitor
k R
Dauphin County
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
ph: (717) 780-6590 fax: (717) 255-2889
Jack Lotwick
Sheriff
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Dauphin
KATHY M WITTERS
REBECCA KREBS
Charles E. Sheaffer
Chief Deputy -
Michael W. Rinehart
Assistant Chief Deputy
VS
Sheriff s Return
No. 2009-T-2233
OTHER COUNTY NO. 20094529
I, Jack Lotwick, Sheriff of the County of Dauphin, State of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify and return,
that I made diligent search and inquiry for REBECCA KREBS the DEFENDANT named in the within
COMPLAINT and that I am unable to find him/her in the County of Dauphin, and therefore return same
NOT FOUND, AUGUST 17, 2009.
PER RICK WALKER, NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR, REBECCA MOVED OUT 6 MONTHS AGO,
POSSIBLY TO MARYLAND
Sworn and subscribed to
before me this 17TH day of August, 2009
11??7&1
NOTARIAL SEAL
MARY JANE SNYDER, Notary Public
Highspire. Dauphin County
M Cpmmission Expires Set 1, 2010
So Answers,
Sheriff DBy -
Deputy Sheriff
Deputy: D ARTHUR
Sheriffs Costs: $41.25 8/13/2009
In The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Kathy M. Witters
Devin Brewer
RR 2 BOX 91-A
Meshoppen, PA 18630
VS.
Civil No. 2009-4259
Now, August 11, 2009, I, SHERIFF OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA, do hereby deputize the Sheriff of
Wyoming County to execute this Writ, this deputation being made at the request and risk of the Plaintiff.
Sheriff of Cumberland County, PA
Affidavit of Service
Now, IG 12 S T l 3 *-t? , 20 0c( , at ?! SS o'clock jP M, served the
within 0 0 " >&,w , ?--
upon ??Ul?? /?il?zcl'?2_
at l ox I/-
I,J?6 J
by handing to t?-
a copy of the original ?0 A-4010LAc cv r- let 4111 Z-Awtw
and made known to b the contents thereof.
So answers,
of
Sworn and subscribed before
me this day of 20_
COSTS
SERVICE_
MILEAGE_
AFFIDAVIT
County, PA
' C?ouut ? e?if ' ,
p ?
to
?
0
W
prone: 570 -996 -2265 1 Courtboua 6quare, Tunkbannock, 3pa. 15657 ifax: 570 -S36 -3075
va,c r?cucvcu SHERIFF SERVICE, PROCESS RECEIPT AND AFFIDAVIT OF RETURN
8-14-09
August 12, 2009 I
TYPE OF WRIT: Complaint COURT NUMBER: 2009-4259
Kathy M. WITTERS
DEFENDANT(S):
Devin BREWER
me
S E R V E DDevin BREWER
RR 2, Box 91-A, Meshopl
REMARKS:Served Writ.
PA 18630
?See Attached Report?Continued on Reverse Side
Now on I, RICHARD D. MONTROSS, Sheriff of Wyoming County, Pa., do hereby deputize the Sheriff
of County to execute this Writ and make return thereof according to law. This deputation being made
at the request and risk of the plaintiff.
SIGNATURE OF WYOMING COUNTY SHERIFF:
From Whom:
I hereby Certify and Return that I, ® have personally served, ? have served person in charge, ? have Posted Property
? have legal evidence of service as shown in "Remarks" ? have Not Found as shown in "Remarks"
Name and Title Date of Service Time
PERSON I
SERVED Devin Brewer Defendant 8-13-09 1:55 PM
Complete only it different than address above Township or Borough
LOCATION
OF SERVICE
SERVICE DATE MILES DATE MILES DATE MILES DATE MILES DATE MILES
ATTEMPTS 8-13-09 21
Advance Costs Service Fee Return / Docket Mileage Fee Deputy Fee Act 10 Fee Notary Fee Misc. Total Costs Cost Due o efun
$75.00 $9.00 $9.00 $11.55 $12.13 $5.00 $46.68 $28.32
AFFIRMED and subscribed before me this 14th SO ANSWER: (Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff) (Print and Sign Name) DATE
(
day of August 2009 0? J? c?
Chief Deputy Don Freed 8-14-09
Time Stamp
Sig ature of Prothonotary or ep ty
1PAULME A. SURNSIOIJ
PROTHONOTARY
WYOMING CO. TUNKHANNOCK, PA
My Co nnihaion Expires First Monday a j??
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
8 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Plaintiff(s)
V.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
REBECCA KREBS
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
DEVIN BREWER
10 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
NOTICE
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: (A - go67 at A t -I rrn
n ^?
te. _,
r? r ?-I+
C :rT
?
^r -D l-.
y? ?i? _J J
km
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 OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET
FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE, Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013 a COPY FROM RECORD
(717) 249-3166 in To%mtwrf whereof, ! hereunto set my has
$nd ` t of said GWI I at Carvle. N.
11 7-i4'?1y a _
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
8 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Plaintiff(s)
V.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
REBECCA KREBS
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
DEVIN BREWER
10 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Defendants
COMPLAINT
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO:
Plaintiff, by and through undersigned counsel, hereby demands judgment against
defendants, and complains against them as follows:
Plaintiff, Kathy M. Witters, is an adult individual and was, at all times relevant
hereto, the owner and occupant of the property located at 8 Poplar Street, Wormleysburg, PA
17043.
2. Defendant, Nikolaos Seitz (hereinafter referred to as "Seitz"'), is an adult
individual and was, at all times relevant hereto, the owner of the property located at 10 Poplar
Street, Wormleysburg, PA 17043 (hereinafter the "subject property") and resided in the first and
third floors of same.
3. Defendant, Rebecca Krebs (hereinafter referred to as "Krebs"), is an adult
individual and, at all times relevant hereto, resided in an apartment located. in the front of the
second floor of the property located at 10 Poplar Street, Wormleysburg, PA 17043.
4. Defendant, Devin Brewer (hereinafter referred to as "Brewer"), is an adult
individual and, at all times relevant hereto, resided in an apartment located. in the rear of the
second floor of the property located at 10 Poplar Street, Wormleysburg, PA 17043.
5. On or about January 13, 2008, Seitz permitted his tenants to smoke cigarettes in
an area that was unsafe for that activity.
6. On or about January 13, 2008, a fire erupted on the second floor balcony of the
subject property as a result of the careless disposal of smoking materials by one or all of the
defendants.
7. On or about January 13, 2008, Seitz, after arriving at the subject property between
1:00p.m. and 1:30p.m., began to detect the odor of burning wood and subsequently searched his
premises, including the basement in which he observed a smoke condition..
8. On or about January 13, 2008, Krebs, after awakening in her apartment at
approximately 2:00 p.m., immediately began to smell smoke, discussed her suspicions with
Seitz, who informed her that he was unable to locate the source of the smell, and then returned to
her apartment to take a shower.
9. None of the defendants called emergency or fire officials or others after smelling
smoke or conducted any further inspections.
10. The fire, which resulted in extensive damage to Plaintiffs real and personal
property, as well as the imposition of additional expenses and hardship besides, was directly and
proximately caused by Defendants as is further and more fully described below.
COUNT I - NEGLIGENCE
PLAINTIFF vs. NIKOLAOS SEITZ
11. Plaintiff repeats the allegations set forth in the prior paragraphs of this Complaint
as though they were set forth at length herein.
12. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence and carelessness of Defendant, individually and/or by and through his tenants,
renters, occupants, residents, lodgers, guests, boarders, and/or servants, more specifically
described as follows:
a. failing to inspect and/or test smoke detection devices in the subject
property;
b. failing to recommend and/or take other necessary and appropriate
precautions to ensure the smoke detection devices were in proper working
condition;
C. failing to maintain a safe and habitable premises;
d. failing to take all precautions necessary under the circumstances to
safeguard the premises from risk of fire;
e. failing to ensure the safety of the premises from the risk of fire through the
lease agreement with tenants;
f. failing to contact the proper authorities or others after observing a smoke
condition in the subject premises;
g. failing to take necessary and appropriate precautions to warn tenants,
neighbors and/or others of a possible fire after observing the smoke
condition;
h. 'leasing to tenants who carelessly and improperly disposed of smoking
material at the subject premises, which the defendant knew or should have
known created an unreasonable risk of harm to the subject premises and
others;
i. allowing tenants to smoke materials in an area that was inappropriate and
unsafe for such activities; and
j. otherwise failing to use due care under the circumstances in ways that may
be further revealed during the course of discovery.
13. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and carelessness of Defendant,
Plaintiff sustained and incurred damage to her real and personal property, as well as the
imposition of additional expenses and hardships, in an amount in excess of $50,000.00.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests judgment against Defendant, individually,
jointly, severally and/or otherwise in an amount in excess of $50,000.00, plus costs incident to
this suit, delay damages, damages for interference with enjoyment of real property, and attorney
fees, and for such other relief as this Honorable Court shall deem appropriate under the
circumstances.
COUNT II- NEGLIGENCE
PLAINTIFF vs. REBECCA KREBS
14. Plaintiff repeats the allegations set forth in the prior paragraphs of this Complaint
as though they were set forth at length herein.
15. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence and carelessness of Defendant, acting both jointly and severally with the remaining
co-defendants as more specifically described as follows:
a. improperly disposing of a smoking material at the subject premises which
defendant knew or should have known created an unreasonable risk of
harm to the subject premises;
b. failing to inspect and/or test smoke detection devices in the subject
premises;
C. failing to take all precautions necessary under, the circumstances to
safeguard the premises from the risk of fire;
d. failing to make sure the smoking material was not still smoldering before
it came into contact with another combustible;
e. failing to notify the proper authorities of a possible fire in the subject
premises; and
f. otherwise failing to use due care under the circumstances in ways that
may be further revealed during the course of discovery.
16. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and carelessness of Defendant,
Plaintiff sustained and incurred damage to her real and personal property, as well as the
imposition of additional expenses and hardships, in an amount in excess. of $50,000.00.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests judgment against Defendant, individually,
jointly, severally and/or otherwise in an amount in excess of $50,000.00, plus costs incident to
this suit, delay damages, damages for interference with enjoyment of real property, and attorney
fees, and for such other relief as this Honorable Court shall deem appropriate under the
circumstances.
COUNT III- NEGLIGENCE
PLAINTIFF vs. DEVIN BREWER
17. Plaintiff repeats the allegations set forth in the prior paragraphs of this Complaint
as though they were set forth at length herein.
18. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence and carelessness of Defendant, acting both jointly and severally with the remaining
co-defendants as more specifically described as follows:
a. improperly disposing of a smoking material at the subject premises which
defendant knew or should have known created an unreasonable risk of
harm to the subject premises;
b. failing to inspect and/or test smoke detection devices in the subject
premises;
C. failing to take all precautions necessary under the circumstances to
safeguard the premises from the risk of fire;
d. failing to make sure the smoking material was not still smoldering before
it came into contact with another combustible; and
e.. otherwise failing to use due care under the circumstances in ways that
may be further revealed during the course of discovery.
19. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and carelessness of Defendant,
Plaintiff sustained and incurred damage to her real and personal property, as well as the
imposition of additional expenses and hardships, in an amount in excess of $50,000.00.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests judgment against Defendant, individually,
jointly, severally and/or otherwise in an amount in excess of $50,000.00, plus costs incident to
this suit, delay damages, damages for interference with enjoyment of real property, and attorney
fees, and for such other relief as this Honorable Court shall deem appropriate under the
circumstances.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
, J., ESQUIRE
C, ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
BY:
ARD J. D R
VERIFICATION
I, Francis Guillemette, do hereby state that I am a representative for Erie Insurance Group
in the within action, and as such do hereby verify that the statements made in the foregoing
Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. The
undersigned understands that the statements therein are made subject to penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.
§ 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
FRANCIS GUILLEMETTE
Dated: 'o-1118T
. L
o ?
v
s
File #
Operator:
Primary
Defendant:
Cash Accounting
COUNTY OF DAUPHIN
HARRISBURG, PA.
Case Number
2009-T-2233
2555
REBECCA KREBS
J.R. LOTWICK
SHERIFF OF DAUPHIN COUNTY
OFFICAL RECEIPT
Document
COMPLAINT
Rec. Cat Transaction Deposit Receipt
Date .
Type
Type
Number Check From Amount
8/13/2009 Deposit
C Civil Action- Check 09-76399 NELSON LEVINE DE LUCA & $41
25
T _ 1 ? ounty Notice HORST .
i offal r4umDer OT KOWS: 1
Total Paid $41.25
RECD. BY I
8/13/2009 10:48:56 AM
In The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Kathy M. Witters
Rebecca Krebs
23S.3 rd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
vs.
Civil No. 2009-4259
Now, August 11, 2009, I, SHERIFF OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA, do hereby deputize the Sheriff of
Dauphin County to execute this Writ, this deputation being made at the request and. risk of the Plaintiff.
Sheriff of Cumberland County, PA
Affidavit of Service
Now,
within
upon
at
by handing to
a
and made known to
copy of the original
So answers,
Sheriff of
Sworn and subscribed before
me this day of 120
20 , at o'clock M, served the
COSTS
SERVICE $
MILEAGE
AFFIDAVIT
the contents thereof.
County, PA
Request for Service
R. Thomas Kline, Sheriff
Cumberland County Office of the Sheriff
One Courthouse Square Carlisle, PA 17013
Ph:717.240.639o Fx:717.240.6397
Plaintiff/s: Court Number: 09-4259
Kathy M. Witters Expiration Date: 8/31/09
Type of Action: Civil
Defendant/s:
Nikoaos Seitz, Rebecca Krebs and Devin Brewer
Serve Upon:
Rebecca Krebs
Address for Service: 23 S. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
State FPA
Alternate Address for for
Service:
State FAL
Type of Service:
r Adult in Charge r Personal W Deputize Certified :Mail F Posting
**Copy of Court Order
Required with Posting**
Special Service Instructions:
If service is to be made by deputized service to Dauphin County
another county please specify which cou nty'
Filing Attorney:
Name: Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire
Address: 518 Township Line Road, Suite 300
113lue Bell State PA 19422 W
Phone Number: 2153585100
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
Plaintiff(s)
V.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
and
REBECCA KREBS
and
DEVIN BREWER
S
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 09-4259
PRAECIPE TO REINSTATE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly reinstate the attached Complaint with regard to the above captioned matter, the
original of which was filed on June 24, 2009.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: /", ? 4/
ICHARD J. BO , JR., SQUIRE
ATTORNEYS F PLAINTIFFS
Dated: August 25, 2009
CA)
2UJ9t` 27 r=`j
*{0.00 P6 #.T't q
?c? 3t3s9
aagsg3
WILLIAM J. FERREN & ASSOCIATES
Patrick J. Moran, Esquire
I.D. No.: 61580
Ten Sentry Parkway, Suite 301
Blue Bell, PA 19422
(215) 274-1701 Attorney for defend
Nikolaos Seitz
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION
Kathy M. Witters
8 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
File No.: 2009-4259
V.
Nikolaos Seitz
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
Rebecca Krebs
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
Devin Brewer
10 Poplar Street
Wormlesburg, PA 17043
Civil Action - Law
DEFENDANT, NIKOLAOS SEITZ,
ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
Defendant, Nikolaos Seitz, by and through its counsel, files this Answer with New
Matter.
1. Denied. After reasonable investigation, defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averment contained in
paragraph 1 of plaintiffs Complaint and said allegation is denied.
i
2. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that Nikolas Seitz was the
owner of 10 Poplar Street, Wormleysburg, PA 17043. It is denied he resided on the first
and third floors.
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted.
5. Denied. After reasonable investigation, defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averment contained in
paragraph 5 of plaintiffs Complaint and said allegation is denied.
6. Denied. After reasonable investigation, defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averment contained in
paragraph 6 of plaintiffs Complaint and said allegation is denied.
7. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that defendant, Nikolaos Seitz,
detected a burning odor on January 13, 2008. It is specifically denied that between the
time of 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. defendant Seitz observed this smoke condition.
8. Denied. After reasonable investigation, defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averment contained in
paragraph 8 of plaintiffs Complaint and said allegation is denied.
9. Denied. After reasonable investigation, defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averment contained in
paragraph 9 of plaintiffs Complaint and said allegation is denied.
10. Denied. After reasonable investigation, defendant is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averment contained in
paragraph 10 of plaintiffs Complaint and said allegation is denied.
2
COUNT I - NEGLIGENCE
Plaintiff vs. Nikolaos Seitz
1. Paragraph 11 is an incorporation paragraph to which no response is required.
12. (a)-(j) Denied. The averment in paragraph 12 of plaintiff's Complaint is a
conclusion of law to which no response is required.
13. Denied. The averment in paragraph 13 of plaintiffs Complaint is a conclusion
of law to which no response is required.
WHEREFORE, defendant, Nikolaos Seitz, respectfully requests judgment be
entered in his favor and against plaintiff on the cause of action in Count I of plaintiffs
Complaint.
COUNT 11- NEGLIGENCE
Plaintiff vs. Rebecca Krebs
14. Paragraph 14 is an incorporation paragraph to which no response is required.
15-16. These allegations are directed to another defendant and no response is
required. Moreover, the averments are conclusions of law to which no response is
required.
COUNT III - NEGLIGENCE
Plaintiff vs. Devin Brewer
17. Paragraph 17 is an incorporation paragraph to which no response is required.
18-19. These allegations are directed to another defendant and no response is
required. Moreover, the averments are conclusions of law to which no response is
required.
NEW MATTER
20. The plaintiffs claims are barred in whole or in part by the provisions of the
Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Act.
3
21. The claims of the plaintiff are barred in whole or in part by the applicable statute
of limitations.
22. The claims of the plaintiff are barred in whole or in part by the doctrine of
assumption of the risk and/or comparative negligence.
23. The complaint of the plaintiff fails to state a cause of action upon which relief
may be granted against the answering defendant.
24. Answering defendant specifically denies any negligence, carelessness or failure
in any duties allegedly owed to the plaintiff on its part.
25. If the plaintiff sustained any injuries/damages as alleged in the complaint, the
facts being specifically denied by the answering defendant, those injuries/damages were
caused by the acts or omissions of persons other than the answering defendant over
whom/which the answering defendant had no control or right of control.
26. The claims of the plaintiff are barred in whole or in part or limited pursuant to
any agreements entered into by the parties.
WHEREFORE, defendant, Nikolaos Seitz, respectfully requests judgment be
entered in his favor and against plaintiff on the cause of action in Count I of plaintiffs
Complaint.
NEW MATTER CROSSCLAIM PURSUANT
TO PA R.C.P. 1031.1 DIRECTED TO CO-DEFENDANTS
27. Answering defendant, Nikolaos Seitz, incorporates by reference all of his
answers and responses in paragraphs 1 through 26 of the Answer and New Matter as
though the same were more fully set forth at length herein.
28. Answering defendant, Nikolaos Seitz, avers by way of further defense that if
plaintiff sustained damages as alleged in the Complaint, all of which are specifically denied,
the damages were not the result of any acts or omissions on the part of the answering
defendant, but rather due to the acts of defendants Devin Brewer and Rebecca Krebs who
are alone liable, primarily liable, or liable over to the answering defendant, Nikolaos Seitz,
for any damages the plaintiff may have sustained and which are subsequently established
at the time of trial.
WHEREFORE, defendant, Nikolaos Seitz, demands judgment in its favor and
against the co-defendants.
WILLIAM J. FERREN & ASSOCIATES
BY
Patrick J. ran, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant
VERIFICATION
I, Patrick J. Moran, Esquire, state that the facts in the foregoing Defendant, Nikolaos
Seitz, Answer to Plaintiffs Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief. This Verification is made with knowledge of the penalties contained
in 18 Pa. C.S.A. §4904, relating to unsworn verification to authorities.
By:
Patrick J. M n, Esquire
Dated:
6
WILLIAM J. FERREN & ASSOCIATES
' Patrick J. Moran, Esquire
I.D. No.: 61580
Ten Sentry Parkway, Suite 301
Blue Bell, PA 19422
(215) 274-1701 Attorney for defend
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
CIVIL DIVISION
Kathy M. Witters File No.: 2009-4259
V. Civil Action - Law
Nikolaos Seitz, Rebecca Krebs
and Devnn Brewer .
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
wt, Nikolaos Seitz
YLVANIA
I, Patrick J. Moran, Esquire, does hereby certify that a true and correct copy of
Defendant, Nikolaos Seitz, Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint was served upon the following
via first class mail, postage prepaid, this 31st day of August, 2009.
Rebecca Krebs
P.O. Box 433
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0433
Devin Brewer
10 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Richard J. Boyd, Jr.
Nelson Levine de Luca & Horst, LLC
518 Township Line Road, Suite 300
Blue Bell, PA 19422
WILLIAM J. FERREN & ASSOCIATES
Patrick J. Moran, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant
7
OF THE PF?C: ?t'':rt1_.1ir??
2009 SEP -2 PM ! : 53
u rJti"+i vA rtl'
PENINSYLVANA
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
Plaintiff(s)
V.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
AND
REBECCA KREBS
AND
DEVIN BREWER
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 09-4259
PLAINTIFF'S ANSWER TO NEW MATTER
OF DEFENDANT NIKOLAOS SEITZ
20-26. In accordance with Pa. R.Civ. P. 1029(c), all averments of the aforementioned
defendant are denied as conclusions of law, or as irrelevancies inappropriately raised as New
Matter. Alternatively, if any of defendant's New Matter averments are deemed not to be
conclusions of law or irrelevancies, in accordance with Pa.R.Civ.P 1029(e), the answering
plaintiff is, after reasonable investigation, without knowledge or information to form a belief as
to the truth of the defendant's averments and thus said averments are deemed denied.
WHEREFORE, answering plaintiff demands that judgment be entered in her
favor in accordance with her complaint.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY:
RICHARD Y , JR., ESQUIRE
;'ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
Dated: September 81 2009
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
Plaintiff(s)
V.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
AND
REBECCA KREBS
AND
DEVIN BREWER
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 09-4259
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of Plaintiff's
Answer to New Matter of Defendant, Nikolaos Seitz was served on September 8, 2009, upon the
following listed below by United States Mail, postage prepaid:
Patrick J. Moran, Esquire
William J. Ferren & Associates
Ten Sentry Parkway, Suite 301
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Devin Brewer
10 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Rebecca Krebs
P.O. Box 433
Harrisburg, PA 17108
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: L"i /? 1"?? -
CHARD J. Y , JR., ESQUIRE
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
Dated: September 81 2009
OF THEE PP OTHOINOTARY
2009 SEA' 10 PH 0 0 3
cur C! i 1`
LAW OFFICES
WILLIAM J. FERREN & ASSOCIATES
BY: PATRICK J. MORAN, ESQUIRE
ATTORNEY ID. NO. 61580
TEN SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 301
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 274-1701
Attorney for Defendant
USAA Casualty Insurance COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Company, a/s/o Diana R. Loyer CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
V.
Nikolaos C. Seitz
NO. 2008-4006
Jury Trial Demanded
Thomas Kiser COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
V. Civil Action - Law
Nikolaos Seitz, et al.
NO.: 2008-04832
Jury Trial Demanded
Kathy M. Witters COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
V.
NO.: 2009-4259
Nikolaos Seitz, Rebecca Krebs
and Devin Brewer Jury Trial Demanded
DEFENDANT, NIKOLAOS SEITZ MOTION TO
CONSOLIDATE CASES FOR DISCOVERY AND TRIAL
AND NOW COME defendant, Nikolaos Seitz, by and through his counsel, Patrick J. Moran,
Esquire and file the foregoing Motion to Consolidate and in support thereof aver as follows:
1. All three cases arise from a fire which occurred on January 13, 2008 on Poplar Street,
Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania 17043.
2. USAA Casualty Insurance Company filed a lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas of
Cumberland County, Civil Action No.: 2008-4006 as subrogee of Diana R. Loyer who owned
property and resided at 6 Poplar Street, Wormlesburg, Pennsylvania 17043.
Thomas Kiser filed suit in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County at
Civil Action No.: 2008-04832. Mr. Kiser resided at 12 Poplar Street, Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania
17043.
4. Kathy M. Witters filed suit in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County,
Civil Action No.: 2009-4259. Ms. Witters owned property and resided at 8 Poplar Street,
Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania 17043.
Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 213(a) provides:
In actions pending in a county which involve a common question of law or fact or which
arise from the same transaction or occurrence the court on its own motion or on the motion
of any party may order a joint hearing or trial of any matter in issue in the actions, may order
the actions consolidated, and may make orders that avoid unnecessary cost or delay.
6. All three actions involve the same claims, the same parties, the same witnesses and
arise out of the same set of operative facts.
7. These cases should be consolidated for purposes of discovery and trial in order to
avoid unnecessary costs to both the court and the parties and because all of the aforementioned
Complaints involve questions of law and fact, and arise from the same transaction or occurrence.
Rozonowski v Penn Nat'l Mutual Casualty Ins. Co., 343 Pa. Super 7 (1985); Lohmiller v.
Weidenbaugh, 302 Pa. Super 174 (1982).
The consolidation of these actions for discovery and trial will also avoid prejudice
which could result from multiple hearings and inconsistent rulings.
9. The undersigned counsel has conferred with counsel for all three plaintiffs and there
is no opposition to the instant Motion to Consolidate.
WHEREFORE, the defendant, Thomas Kiser, respectfully requests that the above cases be
2
consolidated for discovery and for trial.
Respectfully submitted,
Patrick J. M Wan, Esquire, Attorney for
Defendant, Nikolaos Seitz
FILED-0. r-i='E
OF THE PP ?`r"..,aN NARY
2009 SrEP 14 PH c: t¢
r/r" Y{
h
USAA Casualty Insurance
Company, a/s/o Diana R. Loyer
V.
Nikolaos C. Seitz
?E=f 5 2009
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
NO. 2008-4006
Jury Trial Demanded
Thomas Kiser COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
V. Civil Action - Law
Nikolaos Seitz, et al. NO.: 2008-04832
Jury Trial Demanded
Kathy M. Witters COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
V.
NO.: 2009-4259
Nikolaos Seitz, Rebecca Krebs
and Devin Brewer Jury Trial Demanded
ORDER
AND NOW, this 11v4% day of-? 009, it is hereby ORDERED and
DECREED that Defendants' Motion to Consolidate is GRANTED. It is further ORDERED and
DECREED that the matters are consolidated for purposes of Discovery and Trial under the action
docketed with this Court under Docket No. 2008-4006.
BY THE COURT:
4 duj,J
FILED-C
OF THE" P"'o't
2009 SEP 16 AN iii: 06
VLilr J,,,?.r?,
Q/j&/of - copoes enb.< lic-C
tz,-y7
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
Plaintiff(s)
V.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
and
REBECCA KREBS
and
DEVIN BREWER
S
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 09-4259
PRAECIPE TO REINSTATE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly reinstate the attached Complaint with regard to the above captioned matter, the
original of which was filed on June 24, 2009.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY:
ICHARD J. , ft6SQUIRE
ATTORNEY OR PTIFFS
Dated: September 30, 2009
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
8 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Plaintiff(s)
V.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
REBECCA KREBS
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
DEVIN BREWER
10 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Defendant(,
NOTICE
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY /?
CIVIL ACTION NO: CA-%257 ai v?t T&'m
N
r^
n
r ` -
k-0 -C
Yuu have been surd 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 OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET
FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
LAWYER REFERRAL. SERVICE, Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013 "M C*PY FROM RECORD
(717) 249-3166 to ToOmy wherW, t here 11rdo set my hao
od to NO of sald Ctwa at CaMe. Pa.
y no .
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215)358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
8 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Plaintiff($)
V.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
REBECCA KREBS
5950 Huntington Commons
Enola, PA 17025
and
DEVIN BREWER
10 Poplar Street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
COMPLAINT
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO:
Plaintiff, by and through undersigned counsel, hereby demands judgment against
defendants, and complains against them as follows:
Plaintiff, Kathy M. Witters, is an adult individual and was, at all times relevant
hereto, the owner and occupant of the property located at 8 Poplar Street, Wormleysburg, PA
17043.
2. Defendant, Nikolaos Seitz (hereinafter referred to as "Seitz"), is an adult
individual and was, at all times relevant hereto, the owner of the property located at 10 Poplar
Street, Wormleysburg, PA 17043 (hereinafter the "subject property") and resided in the first and
third floors of same.
Defendant, Rebecca Krebs (hereinafter referred to as "Krebs"), is an adult
individual and, at all times relevant hereto, resided in an apartment located in the front of the
second floor of the property located at 10 Poplar Street, Wormleysburg, PA 17043.
Defendant, Devin Brewer (hereinafter referred to as "Brewer"), is an adult
individual and, at all times relevant hereto, resided in an apartment located in the rear of the
second floor of the property located at 10 Poplar Street, Wormleysburg, PA 17043.
5. On or about January 13, 2008, Seitz permitted his tenants to smoke cigarettes in
an area that was unsafe for that activity.
On or about January 13, 2008, a fire erupted on the second floor balcony of the
subject property as a result of the careless disposal of smoking materials by one or all of the
defendants.
7. On or about January 13, 2008, Seitz, after arriving at the subject property between
1:00p.m. and 1:30p.m., began to detect the odor of burning wood and subsequently searched his
premises, including the basement in which he observed a smoke condition.
On or about January 13, 2008, Krebs, after awakening in her apartment at
approximately 2:00 p.m., immediately began to smell smoke, discussed her suspicions with
Seitz, who informed her that he was unable to locate the source of the smelt, and then returned to
her apartment to take a shower.
9. None of the defendants called emergency or fire officials or others after smelling
smoke or conducted any further inspections.
10. The fire, which resulted in extensive damage to Plaintiff's real and personal
property, as well as the imposition of additional expenses and hardship besides, was directly and
proximately caused by Defendants as is further and more fully described below.
COUNT I - NEGLIGENCE
PLAINTIFF vs. NIKOLAOS SEITZ
It. Plaintiff repeats the allegations set forth in the prior paragraphs of this Complaint
as though they were set forth at length herein.
12. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence and carelessness of Defendant, individually and/or by and through his tenants,
renters, occupants, residents, lodgers, guests, boarders, and/or servants, more specifically
described as follows:
a. failing to inspect and/or test smoke detection devices in the subject
property;
b. failing to recommend and/or take other necessary and appropriate
precautions to ensure the smoke detection devices were in proper working
condition;
C. failing to maintain a safe and habitable premises;
d. failing to take all precautions necessary under the circumstances to
safeguard the premises from risk of fire;
e, failing to ensure the safety of the premises from the risk of fire through the
lease agreement with tenants;
f. failing to contact the proper authorities or others after observing a smoke
condition in the subject premises;
g. failing to take necessary and appropriate precautions to warn tenants,
neighbors and/or others of a possible fire after observing the smoke
condition;
h. leasing to tenants who carelessly and improperly disposed of smoking
material at the subject premises, which the defendant knew or should have
known created an unreasonable risk of harm to the subject premises and
others;
i. allowing tenants to smoke materials in an area that was inappropriate and
unsafe for such activities; and
j. otherwise failing to use due care under the circumstances in ways that may
be further revealed during the course of discovery.
13. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and carelessness of Defendant,
Plaintiff sustained and incurred damage to her real and personal property, as well as the
imposition of additional expenses and hardships, in an amount in excess of $50,000.00.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests judgment against Defendant, individually,
jointly, severally and/or otherwise in an amount in excess of $50,000.00, plus costs incident to
this suit, delay damages, damages for interference with enjoyment of real property, and attorney
fees, and for such other relief as this Honorable Court shall deem appropriate under the
circumstances.
COUNT II- NEGLIGENCE
PLAINTIFF vs. REBECCA KREBS
14. Plaintiff repeats the allegations set forth in the prior paragraphs of this Complaint
as though they were set forth at length herein. .
15. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence and carelessness of Defendant, acting both jointly and severally with the remaining
co-defendants as more specifically described as follows:
a. improperly disposing of a smoking material at the subject premises which
defendant knew or should have known created an unreasonable risk of
harm to the subject premises;
b. failing to inspect and/or test smoke detection devices in the subject
premises;
C. failing to take all precautions necessary under the circumstances to
safeguard the premises from the risk of fire;
d. failing to make sure the smoking material was not still smoldering before
it came into contact with another combustible;
e. failing to notify the proper authorities of a possible fire in the subject
premises; and
f. otherwise failing to use due care under the circumstances in ways that
may be further revealed during the course of discovery.
16. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and carelessness of Defendant,
Plaintiff sustained and incurred damage to her real and personal property, as well as the
imposition of additional expenses and hardships, in an amount in excess. of $50,000.00.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests judgment against Defendant, individually,
jointly, severally and/or otherwise in an amount in excess of $50,000.00, plus costs incident to
this suit, delay damages, damages for interference with enjoyment of real property, and attorney
fees, and for such other relief as this Honorable Court shall deem appropriate under the
circumstances.
COUNT III- NEGLIGENCE
PLAINTIFF vs. DEVIN BREWER
17. Plaintiff repeats the allegations set forth in the prior paragraphs of this Complaint
as though they were set forth at length herein.
18. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence and carelessness of Defendant, acting both jointly and severally with the remaining
co-defendants as more specifically described as follows:
a. improperly disposing of a smoking material at the subject premises which
defendant knew or should have known created an unreasonable risk of
harm to the subject premises;
b. failing to inspect and/or test smoke detection devices in the subject
premises;
C. failing to take all precautions necessary under the circumstances to
safeguard the premises from the risk of fire;
d. failing to make sure the smoking material was not still smoldering before
it came into contact with another combustible; and
e. otherwise failing to use due care under the circumstances in ways that
may be further revealed during the course of discovery.
19. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and carelessness of Defendant,
Plaintiff sustained and incurred damage to her real and personal property, as well as the
imposition of additional expenses and hardships, in an amount in excess of $50,000.00.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests judgment against Defendant, individually,
jointly, severally and/or otherwise in an amount in excess of $50,000.00, plus costs incident to
this suit, delay damages, damages for interference with enjoyment of real property, and attorney
fees, and for such other relief as this Honorable Court shall deem appropriate under the
circumstances.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
l
BY:'
ARD J. D, JR., ESQUIRE
-' ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
VERIFICATION
I, Francis Guillemette, do hereby state that I am a representative for Erie Insurance Group
in the within action, and as such do hereby verify that the statements made in the foregoing
Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. The
undersigned understands that the statements therein are made subject to penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.
§ 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
FRANCIS GUILLEMETTE
Dated: G??1
CL
V 1: i
e
i
00
0
FII. -TFICE
OF THEE PRO"I'HICINIOTARY
2009 OCT -2 PM 1= 00
? a3i3as
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
Plaintiff(s)
V.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
and
REBECCA KREBS
and
DEVIN BREWER
Defeni
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 09-4259
PRAECIPE TO REINSTATE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly reinstate the attached Complaint with regard to the above captioned matter, the
original of which was filed on June 24, 2009.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY:
ICHARD J. B , JR., SQUIRE
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: October 28, 2009
CA)
Qu?t ?? t'??r ? : 4n
2049
90 P:H
$to-o' 5o
SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
R Thomas Kline
Sheriff
Ronny R Anderson
Chief Deputy
Jody S Smith
Civil Process Sergeant
4?"1p ai 4n+pGrr???+?
FILED-CtFFICE
THe F? R0 i i "01N NARY
Edward L Schorpp
Solicitor
Kathy Witters
vs.
Devin Brewer
2009 troy 19 PH 12= 58
Li I
Case Number
2009-4259
SHERIFF'S RETURN OF SERVICE
11/10/2009 R. Thomas Kline, Sheriff who being duly sworn according to law states that he made a diligent search and
inquiry for the within named defendant, to wit: Devin Brewer, but was unable to locate him in his bailiwick.
He therefore deputized the Sheriff of Dauphin County, PA to serve the within Complaint and Notice
according to law.
11/16/2009 Dauphin County Return: And now, November 16, 2009 I, Jack Lotwick, Sheriff of Dauphin County,
Pennsylvania, do hereby certify and return, that I made diligent search and inquiry for Devin Brewer the
defendant named in the within Complaint and that I am unable to find her in the County of Dauphin and
therefore return same NOT FOUND. Per Julie George resident of 1727 Penn Street Harrisburg, PA
17102 the defendant does not live there.
SHERIFF COST: $37.44
November 18, 2009
SO ANSWERS,
R THOMAS KLINE, SHERIFF
?q'} Gou.,..,iSnfte She^YC -fe?eos:?it. ii7c.
cptfitt Of the'*4vrif
r _f
Mary Jane Snyder
Real Estate Depu
•
Charles E. Sheaffer
Chief Deputy
William T. Tully
Solicitor
Dauphin County
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
ph: (717) 780-6590 fax: (717) 255-2889
Michael W. Rinehart
Assistant Chief Deputy
Jack Lotwick
Sheriff
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
KATHY M WITERS
VS
County of Dauphin
DEVIN BREWER
Sheriff s Return
No. 2009-T-2898
OTHER COUNTY NO. 094259
I, Jack Lotwick, Sheriff of the County of Dauphin, State of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify and return,
that I made diligent: search and inquiry for DEVIN BREWER the DEFENDANT named in the within
REINSTATED COMPLAINT and that I am unable to find him/her in the County of Dauphin, and therefore
return same NOT FOUND, NOVEMBER 16, 2009.
AS PER JULIE GEORGE DEFT DOES NOT LIVE AT THIS ADDRESS
Sworn and subscribed to So Answers,
before me this 17TH day of November, 2009 ? lc-
11??Al
NOTARIAL SEAL
ARY JANE SNYDER, Notary Publi
Highspire, Dauphin County
s My Expires Set 1, 2010
Sheriff of D phin County, a.
By
Deputy i
Deputy: B HUNTER
Sheriffs Costs: $41.25 11/13/2009
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
Plaintiff(s)
v.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
and
REBECCA KREBS
and
DEVIN BREWER
Defendant(s)
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 09-4259
PRAECIPE TO REINSTATE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly reinstate the attached Complaint with regard to the above captioned matter, the
original of which was filed on June 24, 2009.
NELSON LEV/NE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY:
ICHARD J. D, J ., ESQUIRE
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: November 25, 2009
-~ ~~~~
L~U~ ~;:J P~ ~ ~ 1 I~ i ~ V
t' ~ ~ ll. i
,~jU. ov ~~Lf~+
c~ /z~Y
~~~(237
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215) 358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
Plaintiff(s)
v.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
and
REBECCA KREBS
and
DEVIN BREWER
Defen~
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 09-4~9
~., =
N
c~
~'_
sv
cz7
c~.a
u.
_. ~
-~,
.-,
~~~r±
;~
~<
,~
;r,
.-
'~i
PRAECIPE TO REINSTATE COMPLAINT -''
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly reinstate the attached Complaint with regard to the above captioned matter, the
original of which was filed on June 24, 2009.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
.I
BY: '~_>_
RICHARD J. BO JR., SQUIRE
ATTORNEYS F ~ LAI TIFFS
Dated: January 25, 2010
$ID.op p Q AT'N
er~* -qya
of 3(09
NELSON LI;YINE de LUCA & NORST, LLC ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
SY: RICHARD J. 80YD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NQ.: 84035
518'1`OWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
SLUE 8$LL, PA 19422
$ Poplar Street
Wvrmtayaburg, PA 17043
PtalntltlCa)
Y.
NIICOLAOS sEITz
5950 Haatiagtva Commons
Enols, PA 17025
and '
xxlrs$ccA xx~las
5950 Huntington Commons
li;nola, PA 17025
aad
DBVIN 8RE'VYER
YO Popbtr street
Wormteysburg, PA 17043
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMRERI,AND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 0~ - ~~ ~i{ W { "~° 7it
~t'~~
.: fi
_;,,. N
~.,~, '~
~~ ~
4
Yvu haw ~ sunti in CAtu1. if you wish to Qelead ngait>s1 tiro Vlahas set ibrth is rho ti~lbwiog
pages, you moat tako action widdu tvvvnty C~ days attoe this Qataphtiat and notice an; :trued. by
entadmg a wriuat appauanvo persvmtlly or by batomey erd EiinS Ia wtidag with rho Oatat yoar dbtbaaw~
or vbjeedow to the ohe<ms aot nth agahat you.. You aro wacaed that iY you tYil Oo dD so, tba vasa msy
protxed etthvut you and a judgment may be anterod agahat you by the GvuR without liutbor aottoo for
any moary claimed in rho Cotaplaiat a fbr eay other ehdm of rclietroqueated by rho t'1aittdtP. You may
lose mv~y a property or other tights hapottaat to you.
YOU SiiOUTA TAKE TH13 PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. iF YOU D0 NOT
IiAV6 A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONF., QO TO OK TELEPHONE THE OFFICE S>3t'
FORTH BSLOIN TO FIND OUT W1iB1tE YOU CAN ORI' L60AL HELP.
IAWYER REFRRRAt. SERVICE, Cumbvtlartd t;oursty Bar Assocfalion
32 9vuth i3edfvtd Street
CarflsTe, PA 17U'! 3 ~ a~~ ~~ ~~+~R~
(77 7] 249-3168 ~ ty { ~8 tlli{O~tlt itq (187t
aatd ~0 ~ of sdtd tbt~ ri . Ri.
dlt7(~._
`...
ht
l~LSON LBV1N$ de LUCA & HORST, I.LC ATTORNEYS I:OR PLAINTIFF
BY: RICHARp J. BOYD, Jli,, ESQUIRE
1DENT'IFICATiON NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUIT$ 300
BLUE BRLL, PA 194ZZ
(ZIS) 358-SiZ2
$ Poplar Street
Wormleysbucg, PA 17043
Plain tit'i(s)
v.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
08 CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO:
NIKOLAOS SETTZ
5950 Haatington Commons
8nola, PA 170ZS
and
REBECCA ICRLDS
5950 Hantingtoa Commons
Eaola, PA 17025
and
DEVIIy BREWER
IO Poplar Street
Wormleysbarg, PA 17043
t.,~1PU41NT
Plaintitl; bi' and through undersigned owsnsel, horeby domaads judgmcnt against
deferedants, sad aomptaina against them as kbliows:
1 • Plai::titY, Kathy M. Wittccs, is as adult iadividusl sad was, at all times relovant
hcrdo, the owner and occsapant of tha property located at 8 Poplar Strwt, Wormleyaburg, PA
17043.
2. Dcfendant, Nikolaus Seitz (hereinaftrx rcfe:tod to as "3eitz"), is an adult
indivlduai and was, at all times nclcvant hcce0o, the owner of the ptvpcrty tocatai at l0 Poplar
5trcet, Worntlcyaburg, PA 17043 (htseinalter the "subject property's attcl resided in the first and
third floors of same.
3. Defendant, Rebecca [Cabs {herrina[t~er r+ef«rad to as "Krebs"}, Is an adult
Individual and, at all titaea relevant htreto, resided in ap apact<nont located ip the front of the
sxond flour of the propearty located at 10 Poplar Street, Worntloysburg, PA 17043.
4. Defendant, Dovin Brewer (h«einafter referred to as "Btorv«" ), is an adult
individual and, at all limas relevant hereto, rcalded in an apamnont located in the rear of the
second floor of the property located at 10 Poplar Street, Wormleysburg, PA l 70x3.
S. On or about January 13, 2008, 3dtz permitted hie tenants to smoke aigardtq in
an area that was unsafe for that activity.
6. On or about January I3, 2008, a Ella erupted ou the second floor balcony of the
sabjovt property as a result of the Dateless disposal of stnviaag rrtatvtials by vac a all of qio
7, On yr about January 13.2008. Saito, attar arriving at the subjoet prvp«ty betweat
1:OOp.m. and l :30p.m., began to deta:t the odor of burning wood and subseclaoatty searcttcd lris
ptemiscs, including the beaemont in which ho observed a smoke condition.
8. On or about January 13.2008, Krebs, alter awakening in hat Apartment at
apptoxhnately 2:00 p.m., Irrtmodiaioly began to small staoke; discusacd her suspicions with
5ait$, who informed her that ho was unable to Iveato the neuron of the smaA, and than tvttttnad io
her apaTunent to take a shower.
9. None of the defendants called eanergerroy or fire oftiviala or others after smelling
smoke or conducted any ttath« irrspoctioAS.
i0. The fire, which resulted in extensive damage to Plaintiff a real and petsottal
property, as wall as the imposition of additional expenses and hardship besides, was directly and
proximately caused by Dcfortdants as is further and more fully described below.
COUNT i - NBdii.YGLNC6
Y'LA[NT1FA~. Nuco~A03 SETTZ
11. Flaintiff repeats the allegations set fbtth in the prior paragraphs of this Complaint
as though they were set forth at length horrin.
12. Tha aforomontionod damages wcrc the dirt and pwxitnate result oP the
ncgligenca and caralossnasa of Dafcndant, individually and/or by end through his tenants,
rerttets, occupants, tnsld«tta, lodgers. guests, boarders, and/or servants, more apoclflaaily
described as follows;
e. I$tiUag to ittspoct and/or taatt smoke deteatIvn devices in the subject
8ro'P~y+
b. tailing to teoomtnond and/or take outer ttaceasary and appropriate
pizcautions to onauro the temoke deteattott devise were ip proper working
caditlvn;
a tailing to tuaintain a safe and habitable premises;
d. Failing to take ttll pt+ocatttiona aooessary order the aircumstanccs to
eaFagtrard the from dslt of Ctrs .
a failing rA.orrauro the ~Y of the pt~cmiaas from the risk of tiro through the
lease agroomoat wait resents; .
f. failing W contact the proper authorities oc others after observing a smoke
aotxiftlon In the subject ptetrtiaes;
g. failing to take nocessery sad appropriate precautiotrs to wam tenants,
neighbors and/or others of a pa~ssibfe Qua after obaorvittg tiro smoke
oonditian;
h. 'kasittg to tettanta who carelessly sad itttpooparly disposed of smoki
matariat at the subject premises, whibtt fire dcfatdant knew or alaald have
ktrown created as uareasoaablc risk of harm to tho subject premises and
others:
i, allowing teaarrta tq smoke materials in an eras that was inappropriate and
unsafe !br such activialos; and
j. othav+rise t~iUng tv asv due caro wader the circumataacos In ways that may
be tlcrthec revcalod dur'iug the oourse of discovery.
13. As a direct and proximate rosutt of tho negligence and careleasnoss of Defcndaat,
Plaintitl'susktinedend Incurred damage to her real and peravaal property, ea well as the
imposition of additional aocpenses aad hardships. is an amount !n exeoas ot'aSO,I>D0.00.
WHE1:tI:tiORF, Plaintiff raspectRrlly tegttasts Judgment against Defendant, indIvidualty,
jointly, abverally and/or otherwise in as amount in exoeas of a5pppQ.00, plus costs incident to
this suit, delay damages, damages for intarferoncs~ with ar~oytaant of real Property, and aaorney
foes, and for such other relief as this Honorable Court shall doom appropriate under the
vlrvumstaaoes.
COUiV'P IT NRS~LiG$NCB
14. PlaintitFrepcata the ailegationa sot lbrth in the prior parngraphs of this Complaint
as though they wor$ set Fbrtlr at length horeia: ,
l5. The aforcmcatioaad darnagtia .~ the dirax aad proximwta rrsult of the
aegligcnaa aad caudosaness of DCfendant, acting both jointly oad severally with the rvmainiag
oo-defendants as more spocitieally desodbed as follows:
a. imprvpwiy diapoaittg of a amoldttg material at the subject premises which
defendant knew a should taro known vreated as unreasvaable risk of
harm to tiro sabjoct prorufaea;
6. failing tv iraipoct and/or test smoke dotoctioa devices in the sabjcet
prwnises;
c. failing to take aA procamlons necessary under the circumstances to
safoguaM the pranciscs from the risk of tire;
d. fail'trcg to make sure the sauvking material was net adtl smoldering before
it came into. contact with anothor ootnbustible;
o. failing to notify tba proper authorities of a possible tirc in the subject
premiers; and
t: otherwiso failing to usa due caro urtda~ the circumstances in ways that
may be tiuthar raveaiod during the course of discovery.
16. Ace a diroat acrd proximate raitrlt of the rcvgliganca and oaralessaoss of Defendant,
Plaintiff sustained and incurrod damage to her cea! and personal property, as well as the
imposition of additional axpcnscs and hardships, in an amount in access, oY 550,000.00.
WHE[iF.Ft?RE, Piadtttiff respoatfaliy cequcsis judgment against Defendant, individual{y,
jointly, severally and(or otbetwlso la an amount in exca5s vP SS0,000.00, plus costs incident to
this suit, delay damages, dacuagas for infArFa~once wiW ocljaya~ast of real pcopaty, and attorney
teas, and for such other rrliaf as this Hono:abia Court shad deem appropriate under the
cirawanstancca.
COUNT YIi<- I~LIt3tfttYC&
~Al1QTIFF va. DS~YTI~ WISH
i7. PiaiatitFropaats lira aliogations not tbcth is the prior paragcapbs of this Complaint
as though thcy was eat forth at length herein.
18. The aforanoMioncd dautagos were the direct aced prmcimato t~csutt of the
negiigarca and caralcssnass of Defendart, acting both jointly and sovaaAy with the rocnaiaing
co-dafandaats a: morn speaificaity dtoorii~od as foitows:
a. improperly disposing of a smoking utatertat at the subject promises which
dafatdant know or should bane known a~eatad an wareasonabia risk of
barua ao Wa sabjeot promises;
b. failing to inspect and/or cast amOkC detection devices in the subject
premises;
c. ~i{ing W take all precautions nevessary under the cittxttttatanees to
aafaguard the praatiaes firota the risk of fare;
d. mailing to make sure the smoking material was not still smoldering before
it coma into Contact with another eombustibie; and
c, otherwise ikiliag to use due eats under the circumstances in ways that
may be further rovcalod during the ovurao of discovCry.
19. As a direct and pmurmatc result oP the negligence and camlossness of Defendant,
Piaintifff austainad and iacurnai damage to her coal and paraottal property, as well as the
imposition of additional oxptatsos and hardships, Tn an amount in axoess of 550,000.00.
W>EY$RSFORE, Plaintiff respoottully requests judgment against Defendant, individually,
jointly, severalty and/or otherwise ht as amount in ext:ess of SS0,000.00, plus Costs it~ident to
tide suit, delay darttagea, damages for interforenco with o~oyraettt of real property, and attorney
fans, and for such other rolief as this Honorable Court shall dcau appropriate under the
Circucns~rcos.
NSL3VN LBPINE de LUCA & HORST, LGC
fiY:~
• RD J. . JR., &SQUittE
L'' ATi'ORN sFY5 POR PI,AA~TI'iFP
i. Francis Cruiltematta, do hereby stela that I am a tatative for aria insurance (3tvup
in the within action. acid as such do horeby verify that the statoments made in the Foregoing
t.,otnpiaint arc true and correct to the host of my knowkdgo, information and baiiof. Tho
undotsignod understands that tho statements therein are made aubjoct to penalties of l8 i'a.C.3.
~ 4404 relating to unsworn thlsification to authorities.
/~~
FRANCIS (}tJ[LLBMBTT'E
Datod: ~ ~~ T
:{
ro
4
1
~~
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
518 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(215)358-5122
KATHY M. WITTERS
Plaintiff(s)
v.
NIKOLAOS SEITZ
and
REBECCA KREBS
and
DEVIN BREWER
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 09-4259
PRAECIPE TO REINSTATE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly reinstate the attached Complaint with regard to the above captioned matter, the
original of which was filed on June 24, 2009.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
i
BY:
RICHARD J. B Y , JR., E QUIRE
ATTORNEYS F PLAINTIFFS
Dated: February 23, 2010
~. Q
-+- L•:J ~~ `T
d
~,~
~_ - ~-= x381 b ~.
1-- a: ~~Ll C1.
M~; ~ ~
- r., v