HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-2406ORIGINAL
SHARON K. SITES and : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CHARLES SITES, Her Husband, : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiffs
V.
GF MANAGEMENT, INC.,
WEST SHORE HARDWARE
BAR and HOLIDAY INN-
HARRISBURG-
No. 16 - 94w env, ITerm
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
MECHANICSBURG,
Defendants : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO DEFEND
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 the 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 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 OS
Carlisle, PA 17013 *U.00 m AT N
Phone: 717.249-3166 or 800.990.9108 0-0 1100
P-4,240.31&
SHARON K. SITES and : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CHARLES SITES, Her Husband, : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiffs
V.
GF MANAGEMENT, INC.,
WEST SHORE HARDWARE
BAR and HOLIDAY INN-
HARRISBURG-
MECHANICSBURG,
Defendants
: No.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
AND NOW come the Plaintiffs, Sharon K. Sites and Charles Sites, her husband,
by and through their attorney, David J. Foster, Esquire, COSTOPOULOS, FOSTER &
FIELDS, and respectfully represents as follows in support of this Complaint:
Parties
1. Plaintiffs, Sharon K. Sites and Charles Sites, her husband, are adult individuals
residing at 1360 Swatara Park Road, Middletown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania 17057.
2. Defendant, GF Management, Inc., is a corporation duly organized under the
laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and engaged in the operation of
hotels/restaurants/bars/nightclubs with a main place of business located at 5401 Carlisle
Pike, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055.
3. Defendant, West Shore Hardware Bar, is a bar/nightclub located at 5401
Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055. It is believed
2
and therefore averred that the West Shore Hardware Bar is owned and operated by
Defendant, GF Management, Inc. and/or by the Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg.
4. Defendant, Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg, is a hotel located at 5401
Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055. It is believed
and therefore averred that the Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg is owned and
operated by Defendant, GF Management, Inc., and that it owns and operates the
Defendant, West Shore Hardware Bar, which is located on its premises.
General Averments
5. The events giving rise to this cause of action occurred on or about March 17,
2009 at approximately 10 p.m. at the Defendant, West Shore Hardware Bar, located at the
Defendant, Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg, 5401 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055.
6. At all relevant times, the Defendant, GF Management, Inc. and/or Defendant,
Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg, owned, possessed and/or controlled the
Defendant, West Shore Hardware Bar, located at 5401 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055.
7. At the aforesaid place, Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, arrived with friends and co-
workers at approximately 9 p.m. in order to attend a concert by "Vanilla Ice."
8. Prior to the concert, Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, and her friends and co-workers
spent approximately one hour in the establishment socializing and listening to music
being played from a sound system.
9. At approximately 10 p.m., Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, was standing near an exit
and waitress station in the very crowded establishment when a scuffle broke out between
patrons and she saw five or six "bouncers" or security guards - whose names are
unknown to Plaintiffs - forcibly removing an unruly patron from the premises.
10. As the "bouncers" were fighting with the unruly patron, they first hit a friend
of the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, who was pushed forward and then they "ran over" or
"knocked down" the Plaintiff herself, who fell to the steps nearby onto her right side.
11. The unruly patron was then on top of the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, and the
"bouncers" continued to fight him and caused bruising to her when a male friend reached
in and removed her from the bottom of the pile.
12. Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, who had been injured and was quite upset, went to
the back bar area with her friends and co-workers for some time; when the Plaintiff
attempted to walk to the bathroom subsequently, her right knee "gave out" and caused her
to fall to the floor in excruciating pain.
13. Although the "bouncers" and other employees of the Defendant, West Shore
Hardware Bar, had witnessed the foregoing, including the fact of the Plaintiff, Sharon K.
Sites, being injured, at no time was she offered any first-aid, assistance, acknowledgment,
4
apology or other help.
14. At all relevant times, the aforesaid five or six "bouncers" or security guards
were employees, servants and/or ostensible or actual agents of all the Defendants and
were acting within the scope and authority of that status with all the Defendants.
15. After the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, was assisted from the premises by her
friends and co-workers, her husband, the Plaintiff, Charles Sites, transported her to the
emergency room of the Hershey Medical Center where she received medical care and
treatment for the permanent and serious injuries she received at the Defendant, West
Shore Hardware Bar, as described in detail below.
Count 1: Plaintiff Sharon K. Sites v. All Defendants: Negligence
16. The averments set forth in paragraphs 1 through 15 are incorporated herein by
reference as if set forth in full.
17. At all relevant times, all the Defendants, GF Management, Inc., West Shore
Hardware Bar and Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg, held out the premises of the
Defendant, West Shore Hardware Bar, as a safe and secure business location and
encouraged members of the general public, including Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, to
patronize its business and to come onto its premises.
18. At all relevant times, the premises of the Defendant, West Shore Hardware
Bar, were under the sole and exclusive control, management and/or maintenance of all the
5
Defendants and their employees, servants and/or ostensible or actual agents, including the
aforesaid five or six "bouncers," who were acting within the course and scope of their
status with the Defendants.
19. At all relevant times, the Defendants knew or should have known of prior
incidents within the premises of the Defendant, West Shore Hardware Bar, involving
fights, disorderly conduct and disturbances between and among its patrons.
20. At all relevant times, the Defendants could have or should have anticipated
careless and/or reckless conduct on the part of patrons on the premises of the Defendant,
West Shore Hardware Bar.
21. At all relevant times, the Defendants had a duty to its business invitees,
including the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, patronizing the premises of the Defendant, West
Shore Hardware Bar, to maintain the establishment in a safe and secure condition and to
provide reasonable protection to innocent patrons from unruly patrons as well as from
their "bouncers" who are subduing and evicting such unruly patrons from the premises.
22. At all relevant times, the Defendants had a duty to its business invitees,
including the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, patronizing the premises of the Defendant, West
Shore Hardware Bar, to use reasonable force and measures when subduing and evicting
unruly patrons from its premises in order to avoid causing injury to innocent patrons,
including the Plaintiff.
6
23. At all relevant times, the Defendants, GF Management, Inc., West Shore
Hardware Bar and Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg, owed the following additional
duties, inter alia, to its business invitees, including the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites:
a) the duty to maintain adequate and proper security to safeguard her
and other members of the general public from assault and battery from
unruly patrons and from the Defendants' "bouncers";
b) the duty to prevent harm to and to protect innocent customers such
as the Plaintiff;
c) the duty to control the flow of customers and others to the
Defendants' establishment and otherwise prevent overcrowding;
d) the duty to properly and adequately train their personnel, including
"bouncers," on crowd control and security management;
e) the duty to properly and adequately train their personnel, including
"bouncers," on how to subdue and evict unruly patrons from their premises
without causing harm to innocent patrons such as the Plaintiff,
f) the duty to properly and adequately supervise and monitor their
personnel, including "bouncers," in the subduing and eviction of unruly
patrons from their premises;
g) the duty to provide sufficient numbers of staff in proportion to
7
customers to maintain a safe environment for the enjoyment and protection
of their customers, including the Plaintiff,
h) the duty to keep their premises free from hazardous and dangerous
conditions;
I the duty to stop serving intoxicating beverages to patrons who are
visibly intoxicated, such as the unruly patrons in question;
j) the duty to warn of the foreseeable and unreasonable risk of harm
created by the dangerous conditions on their premises, especially that posed
by unruly patrons and the "bouncers" subduing and evicting them from the
premises; and
k) the duty to render first aid care and treatment to patrons injured on
their premises by unruly patrons and "bouncers" such as the Plaintiff.
24. Defendants, GF Management, Inc., West Shore Hardware Bar
and Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg, by and through their
employees, servants and/or ostensible or actual agents, breached the duty of
care owed to business invitees on the premises of the Defendant, West
Shore Hardware Bar, and acted negligently, carelessly and/or recklessly in
that they, inter alia:
a) caused injuries to the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, in the process of
8
subduing and evicting an unruly patron from their premises as alleged
above;
b) failed to employ personnel, including "bouncers", who could
subdue and evict an unruly patron from their premises without causing harm
to innocent patrons such as the Plaintiff,
c) failed to maintain the establishment in a safe and secure condition
and to provide reasonable protection to innocent patrons, such as the
Plaintiff, from unruly patrons as well as from their "bouncers" who are
subduing and evicting such unruly patrons from the premises;
d) failed to use reasonable force and measures when subduing and
evicting unruly patrons from their premises in order to avoid causing injury
to innocent patrons such as the Plaintiff,
e) failed to maintain adequate and proper security to safeguard
members of the general public, including the Plaintiff, from assault and
battery from unruly patrons and from their own "bouncers";
f) failed to control the flow of customers and others to the
Defendants' establishment and otherwise prevent overcrowding;
g) failed to properly and adequately train their personnel, including
"bouncers," on crowd control and security management;
9
h) failed to properly and adequately train their personnel, including
"bouncers," on how to subdue and evict unruly patrons from their patrons
without causing harm to innocent patrons such as the Plaintiff,
I failed to properly and adequately supervise and monitor their
personnel, including "bouncers," in the subduing and eviction of unruly
patrons from the premises;
j) failed to provide sufficient numbers of staff in proportion to
customers to maintain a safe environment for the enjoyment and protection
of their customers, including the Plaintiff;
k) failed to keep their premises free from hazardous and dangerous
conditions;
1) failed to undertake whatever reasonable and necessary measures to
ensure the safety of innocent patrons such as the Plaintiff on their premises;
m) failed to stop serving intoxicating beverages to patrons who were
visibly intoxicated, including the unruly patrons in question;
n) failed to warn innocent patrons, such as the Plaintiff, of the
foreseeable and unreasonable risk of harm created by the dangerous
conditions on their premises, especially that posed by unruly patrons and the
"bouncers" subduing and evicting them from the premises; and
10
o) failed to render first aid care and treatment to the Plaintiff upon
her being injured by the unruly patrons and their "bouncers" on the
premises.
25. The breach of duty and negligent, careless and/or reckless actions of all the
Defendants were substantial factors in causing the injuries and damages sustained by
Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, as alleged in detail below.
26. As a direct and proximate result of the breach of duty and negligent, careless
and/or reckless actions of all the Defendants, GF Management, Inc., West Shore
Hardware Bar and Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg, the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites,
sustained severe and permanent injuries, including but not limited to:
a) a right knee patellar dislocation; and
b) multiple contusions.
27. As a further direct and proximate result of the breach of duty and negligent,
careless and/or reckless actions of all the Defendants, the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, has
been required to undergo medical care, treatment and attention and to assume medical
expenses and, in the future, will be required to undergo additional medical care, treatment
and attention and to assume additional medical expenses.
28. As a further direct and proximate result of the breach of duty and negligent,
careless and/or reckless actions of all the Defendants, the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, has
11
has suffered and will continue to suffer for an indefinite time in the future, physical pain,
suffering and mental anguish.
29. As a further and direct proximate result of the breach of duty and negligent,
careless and/or reckless actions of all the Defendants, the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, has
suffered and will continue to suffer for an indefinite time in the future, a loss of earnings
and a loss of earning's capacity.
30. As a further and direct proximate result of the breach of duty and negligent,
careless and/or reckless actions of all the Defendants, the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, has
suffered and will continue to suffer for an indefinite time in the future, a loss of life's
pleasures.
31. As a further and direct proximate result of the breach of duty and negligent,
careless and/or reckless actions of all the Defendants, the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, has
sustained and will continue to sustain for an indefinite time in the future, such other
damages as properly allowed by Pennsylvania law, including but not limited to incidental
costs such as her husband, the Plaintiff, Charles Sites, having to lose work in order to care
for her.
Count 2: Plaintiff Sharon K. Sites v. All Defendants: Vicarious Liability
32. The averments set forth in paragraphs 1 through 31 above are incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in full.
12
33. At all relevant times, the aforesaid five or six "bouncers" or security personnel
were employees, servants and/or actual or ostensible agents of all the Defendants, GF
Management, Inc., West Shore Hardware Bar and Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-
Mechanicsburg.
34. At all relevant times, the aforesaid five or six "bouncers" or security personnel
were acting within the scope and authority of their status with all the Defendants.
35. Defendants, GF Management, Inc., West Shore Hardware Bar and Holiday
Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg, are vicariously liable for the acts and omissions of the
aforesaid five or six "bouncers" or security personnel as though they performed the acts
and omissions themselves.
36. As a direct and proximate result of the breach of duty and negligence,
carelessness and/or recklessness of the aforesaid five or six "bouncers" or security
personnel, which are imputed to all the Defendants, the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, has
sustained those injuries and damages alleged in paragraphs 26 through 30 above, which
averments are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full.
Count 3: Plaintiff Charles Sites v. All Defendants: Loss of Consortium
37. The allegations set forth in paragraphs I through 36 above are incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in full.
38. At all relevant times, the Plaintiff, Charles Sites, and the Plaintiff, Sharon K.
13
Sites, were lawfully and continuously married.
39. As a direct and proximate result of the breach of duty and negligent, careless
and/or reckless actions of all the Defendants, GF Management, Inc., West Shore
Hardware Bar and Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg, the Plaintiff, Charles Sites,
has suffered and will continue to suffer for an indefinite time in the future, a loss of
consortium, society and companionship of his wife, the Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites.
Conclusion
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs, Sharon K. Sites and Charles Sites, her husband, based
on the foregoing averments, hereby demand judgment in their favor and against all the
Defendants, GF Management, Inc., West Shore Hardware Bar and Holiday Inn-
Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg, jointly and severally, in an amount in excess of the
compulsory arbitration limits plus costs and interest as provided by law.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
David J. Fost, Esquire
I. D. No. 23151
COSTOPOULOS, FOSTER & FIELDS
831 Market Street/P.O. Box 222
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043
Phone: 717.761.2121
Fax: 717.761.4031
Web: Costopoulos.com
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS
DATED: April, 2010.
14
v
VERIFICATION
I, Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, verify that the statements made in this document are
true and correct. I understand that false statements made in this document are made
subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities. j
BY: I _
Sharon K. Sites
DATED: January, 2010.
N 1.
r
VERIFICATION
I, Plaintiff, Charles Sites, verify that the statements made in this document are true
and correct. I understand that false statements made in this document are made subject to
the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
BY:
Charles Sites
DATED: January ?q , 2010.
TO PLAINTIFFS: You are hereby notified to plead
to the enclosed Answer with New Matter to
Plaintiffs' Complaint, within twenty (20) days of
service hereof or a default ju t may be entered
I
. Prio ,
Robert C. Levicoff, Esquire
Attorneys for Defendants,
GF Management, Inc., West Shore Hazdwaze Baz,
Holiday Inn-Harrisburg West
McCORMICK & PRIORE, P.C.
By: Philip D. Priore, Esquire
Robert C. Levicoff, Esquire
Attorney ID # 38987 / #200457
Four Penn Center, Suite 800
1600 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(T)215-972-0161
(F) 215-972-5580
email: ppriore~a,mccormick~riore.com
rlevicoff(a~mccormickpriore.com
Attorneys for Defendants,
GF Management, Inc.,
West Shore Hardware Bar,
Holiday Inn-Harrisburg West (incorrectly
referred to as "Holiday Inn -Harrisburg
Mechanicsburg")
SHARON K. SITES and
CFIARLES SITES, Her Husband,
Plaintiffs
v.
GF MANAGEMENT, INC., WEST
SHORE HARDWARE BAR and
HOLIDAY INN-HARRISBURG-
MECHANICSBURG,
Defendants
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PFD? 'v ;,1
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NO.: 10-2406 -;~ ;-,„
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ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANTS,
GF MANAGEMENT, INC.. WEST SHORE HARDWARE BAR, AND HOLIDAY INN-
HARRISBURG WEST, TO COMPLAINT OF PLAINTIFFS,
SHARON K. SITES AND CHARLES SITES
Defendants, GF Management, Inc., West Shore Hazdware Bar, and Holiday Inn-
Harrisburg West (incorrectly referred to as "Holiday Inn Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg")
MCCORMICK & PRIORE
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
(hereinafter referred to collectively "Answering Defendants"), by and through their attorneys,
McCormick & Priore, P.C., hereby responds to the averments contained in the Complaint of
plaintiffs, Sharon K. Sites and Charles Sites, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil
Procedure and the Local Rules of the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, as
follows: .
1. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 1 of plaintiffs' Complaint. Accordingly, they are deemed denied.
2. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted only that GF Management, Inc. is
a corporation duly organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a main
place of business at 5401 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. All other averments
contained in Paragraph 2 of plaintiffs' Complaint are denied. By way of further answer, GF
Management is not involved in the day-to-day operation of West Shore Hardware Bar and/or the
Holiday Inn -Harrisburg West.
3. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted only that West Shore Hardware
Bar is located at 5401 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. All other averments contained
in Paragraph 3 of plaintiffs' Complaint are denied. By way of further answer, GF Management
is not involved in the day-to-day operation of West Shore Hardware Bar and/or the Holiday Inn -
Harrisburg West.
4. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted only that the Holiday Inn -
Harrisburg West is a hotel located at 5401 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. All other
averments contained in Paragraph 3 of plaintiffs' Complaint are denied. By way of further
MCCORMICK SC PRIORS
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
answer, GF Management is not involved in the day-to-day operation of West Shore Hardware
Bar and/or the Holiday Inn -Harrisburg West.
General Averments
5. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of th.e averments contained in
Paragraph 5 of plaintiffs' Complaint. Accordingly, they are deemed denied.
6. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 6 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e).
7. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 7 of plaintiffs' Complaint. Accordingly, they are deemed denied.
8. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 8 of plaintiffs' Complaint. Accordingly, they are deemed denied.
9. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 9 of plaintiffs' Complaint. Accordingly, they are deemed denied.
10. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 10 of plaintiffs' Complaint. Accordingly, they are deemed denied.
MCCORMICK HC PRIORS
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
11. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 11 of plaintiffs' Complaint. Accordingly, they are deemed denied.
12. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 12 of plaintiffs' Complaint. Accordingly, they are deemed denied.
13. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 13 of plaintiffs' Complaint. Accordingly, they are deemed denied.
14. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 14 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e).
15. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 15 of plaintiffs' Complaint. Accordingly, they are deemed denied.
Count 1
Plaintiff Sharon K. Sites v. All Defendants: Negligence
16. Answering Defendants incorporate by reference their responses to Paragraphs 1-
15 of plaintiffs' Complaint as though fully set forth herein at length.
17. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 17 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e).
MCCORMICK Ht PRIORE
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
18. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 18 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e).
19. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 19 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e).
20. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 20 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e).
21. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 21 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e).
22. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 22 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e).
23. (a)-(k). Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 23 of plaintiffs'
Complaint and each of its subparagraphs constitute conclusions of law to which no response is
required. Accordingly, they are deemed denied. If and to the extent further response is deemed
necessary, Answering Defendants specifically deny all allegations of negligence. To the
contrary, at all times material hereto, Answering Defendants acted with all due and reasonable
care, appropriate under the circumstances. Answering Defendants specifically deny that the
alleged incident and the alleged injuries, damages and/or losses, the existence of which are
denied, or caused by or resulting from any act or omission of Answering Defendants. Answering
MCCORMICK 8c PRIORE
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Defendants aver that the alleged incident, and the alleged injuries, damages, and/or losses, the
existence of which are denied, were caused by, or resulted solely from plaintiff s conduct and/or
from the conduct of individuals and/or entities of which Answering Defendants had no control,
nor duty of control. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
1029(e).
24. (a)-(o). Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 24 of plaintiffs'
Complaint and each of its subparagraphs constitute conclusions of law to which no response is
required. Accordingly, they are deemed denied. If and to the extent further response is deemed
necessary, Answering Defendants specifically deny all allegations of negligence, carelessness
and recklessness. To the contrary, at all times material hereto, Answering Defendants acted with
all due and reasonable care, appropriate under the circumstances. Answering Defendants
specifically deny that the alleged incident and the alleged injuries, damages and/or losses, the
existence of which are denied, were caused by or resulted from any act or omission of
Answering Defendants. Answering Defendants aver that the alleged incident, and the alleged
injuries, damages, and/or losses, the existence of which are denied, were caused by, or resulted
solely from plaintiffs conduct andJor from the conduct of individuals and/or entities of which
Answering Defendants had no control, nor duty of control. The averments of this paragraph are
also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e).
25. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 25 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. If and to the extent further response is deemed necessary, Answering Defendants
specifically deny all allegations of negligence, carelessness and recklessness. To the contrary, at
all times material hereto, Answering Defendants acted with all due and reasonable care,
MCCORMICK & PRIORS
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
appropriate under the circumstances. Answering Defendants specifically deny that the alleged
incident and the alleged injuries, damages and/or losses, the existence of which are denied, were
caused by or resulted from any act or omission of Answering Defendants. Answering
Defendants aver that the alleged incident, and the alleged injuries, damages, and/or losses, the
existence of which are denied, were caused by, or resulted solely from plaintiff s conduct and/or
from the conduct of individuals and/or entities of which Answering Defendants had no control,
nor duty of control. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
1029(e).
26. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 2b of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. If and to the extent further response is deemed necessary, Answering Defendants
specifically deny all allegations of negligence, carelessness and recklessness. To the contrary, at
all times material hereto, Answering Defendants acted with all due and reasonable care,
appropriate under the circumstances. Answering Defendants specifically deny that the alleged
incident and the alleged injuries, damages and/or losses, the existence of which are denied, were
caused by or resulted from any act or omission of Answering Defendants. Answering
Defendants aver that the alleged incident, and the alleged injuries, damages, andlor losses, the
existence of which are denied, were caused by, or resulted solely from plaintiff s conduct andlor
from the conduct of individuals and/or entities of which Answering Defendants had no control,
nor duty of control. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
1029(e).
27. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 27 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
MCCORMICK SC PRIORS
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
denied. If and to the extent further response is deemed necessary, Answering Defendants
specifically deny all allegations of negligence, carelessness and recklessness. To the contrary, at
all times material hereto, Answering Defendants acted with all due and reasonable care,
appropriate under the circumstances. Answering Defendants specifically deny that the alleged
incident and the alleged injuries, damages andJor losses, the existence of which are denied, were
caused by or resulted from any act or omission of Answering Defendants. Answering
Defendants aver that the alleged incident, and the alleged injuries, damages, and/or losses, the
existence of which are denied, were caused by, or resulted solely from plaintiff s conduct and/or
from the conduct of individuals andlor entities of which Answering Defendants had no control,
nor duty of control. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
1029(e).
28. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 28 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. If and to the extent further response is deemed necessary, Answering Defendants
specifically deny all allegations of negligence, carelessness and recklessness. To the contrary, at
all times material hereto, Answering Defendants acted with all due and reasonable care,
appropriate under the circumstances. Answering Defendants specifically deny that the alleged
incident and the alleged injuries, damages and/or losses, the existence of which are denied, were
caused by or resulted from any act or omission of Answering Defendants. Answering
Defendants aver that the alleged incident, and the alleged injuries, damages, and/or losses, the
existence of which are denied, were caused by, or resulted solely from plaintiff's conduct and/or
from the conduct of individuals and/or entities of which Answering Defendants had no control,
McCor~lvllcK & Piuor~
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
nor duty of control. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
1029(e).
29. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 29 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. If and to the extent further response is deemed necessary, Answering Defendants
specifically deny all allegations of negligence, carelessness and recklessness. To the contrary, at
all times material hereto, Answering Defendants acted with all due and reasonable care,
appropriate under the circumstances. Answering Defendants specifically deny that the alleged
incident and the alleged injuries, damages and/or losses, the existence of which are denied, were
caused by or resulted from any act or omission of Answering Defendants. Answering
Defendants aver that the alleged incident, and the alleged injuries, damages, and/or losses, the
existence of which are denied, were caused by, or resulted solely from plaintiff s conduct and/or
from the conduct of individuals and/or entities of which Answering Defendants had no control,
nor duty of control. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
1029(e).
30. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 30 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. If and to the extent further response is deemed necessary, Answering Defendants
specifically deny all allegations of negligence, carelessness and recklessness. To the contrary, at
all times material hereto, Answering Defendants acted with all due and reasonable care,
appropriate under the circumstances. Answering Defendants specifically deny that the alleged
incident and the alleged injuries, damages and/or losses, the existence of which are denied, were
caused by or resulted from any act or omission of Answering Defendants. Answering
McCor~vncx & Pr~or~
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Defendants aver that the alleged incident, and the alleged injuries, damages, and/or losses, the
existence of which are denied, were caused by, or resulted solely from plaintiff s conduct and/or
from the conduct of individuals and/or entities of which Answering Defendants had no control,
nor duty of control. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
1029(e).
31. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 31 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. If and to the extent further response is deemed necessary, Answering Defendants
specifically deny all allegations of negligence, carelessness and recklessness. To the contrary, at
all times material hereto, Answering Defendants acted with all due and reasonable care,
appropriate under the circumstances. Answering Defendants specifically deny that the alleged
incident and the alleged injuries, damages and/or losses, the existence of which are denied, were
caused by or resulted from any act or omission of Answering Defendants. Answering
Defendants aver that the alleged incident, and the alleged injuries, damages, and/or losses, the
existence of which are denied, were caused by, or resulted solely from plaintiff's conduct and/or
from the conduct of individuals and/or entities of which Answering Defendants had no control,
nor duty of control. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
1029(e).
Count 2•
Plaintiff Sharon K. Sites v. All Defendants: Vicarious Liability
32. Answering Defendants incorporate by reference their responses to Paragraphs 1-
31 of plaintiffs' Complaint as though fully set forth herein at length.
McCor~lcx & Pruol~
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
33. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 33 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e).
34. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 34 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e).
35. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 35 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(e).
36. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 36 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no respanse is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. If and to the extent further response is deemed necessary, Answering Defendants
specifically deny all allegations of negligence, carelessness and recklessness. To the contrary, at
all times material hereto, Answering Defendants acted with all due and reasonable care,
appropriate under the circumstances. Answering Defendants specifically deny that the alleged
incident and the alleged injuries, damages and/or losses, the existence of which are denied, were
caused by or resulted from any act or omission of Answering Defendants. Answering
Defendants aver that the alleged incident, and the alleged injuries, damages, and/or losses, the
existence of which are denied, were caused by, or resulted solely from plaintiff's conduct and/or
from the conduct of individuals and/or entities of which Answering Defendants had no control,
nor duty of control. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
1029(e).
McCor~lvllcK & Pruor~
.ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Count 3:
Plaintiff Charles Sites v. All Defendants: Loss of Consortium
37. Answering Defendants incorporate by reference their responses to Paragraphs 1-
36 of plaintiffs' Complaint as though fully set forth herein at length.
38. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in
Paragraph 38 of plaintiffs' Complaint. Accordingly, they are deemed denied.
39. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 39 of plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no response is required. Accordingly, they are deemed
denied. If and to the extent further response is deemed necessary, Answering Defendants
specifically deny all allegations of negligence, carelessness and recklessness. To the contrary, at
all times material hereto, Answering Defendants acted with all due and reasonable care,
appropriate under the circumstances. Answering Defendants specifically deny that the alleged
incident and the alleged injuries, damages and/or losses, the existence of which are denied, were
caused by or resulted from any act or omission of Answering Defendants. Answering
Defendants aver that the alleged incident, and the alleged injuries, damages, and/or losses, the
existence of which are denied, were caused by, or resulted solely from plaintiff s conduct and/or
from the conduct of individuals and/or entities of which Answering Defendants had no control,
nor duty of control. The averments of this paragraph are also denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P.
1029(e).
CONCLUSION
WHEREFORE, defendants, GF Management, Inc., West Shore Hazdwaze Baz, and
Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg, hereby demand that plaintiffs' Complaint be dismissed
MCCORMICK SC PRIORS
ATTOT2NEYS AT LAW
with prejudice or, alternatively, that judgment be entered in their favor, together with their costs
of defense, including attorney's fees, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the Court.
NEW MATTER
40. Plaintiffs' Complaint may be barred by the applicable Statute of Limitations.
41. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
42. Plaintiff suffered no compensable injuries, damages andlor losses as a result of
the incident described in plaintiffs' Complaint.
43. Answering Defendants owed no duty under the circumstances.
44. Answering Defendants breached no duty they may have owed under the
circumstances.
45. Plaintiffs may lack standing to maintain this action.
46. If plaintiffs are entitled to damages, which is denied, the damages are the
responsibility of parties other than Answering Defendants, as the incident in question and
plaintiff s alleged injuries, damages and/or losses were not caused by and/or did not result from
any conduct of Answering Defendants.
47. Plaintiffs injuries and/or losses resulted wholly or in part from her own
carelessness, recklessness, or negligence, such contributory or comparative negligence,
exceeding that of Answering Defendants and acting as a bar, in whole or in part, to her recovery.
48. Plaintiffs action may be barred by doctrine of release and/or accord and
satisfaction.
49. Plaintiffs injuries and/or losses resulted wholly or in part by the carelessness,
recklessness, or negligence of other individuals and/or entities over which Answering
Defendants had no control nor duty of control.
MCCORMICK ~ PRIORE
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
50. The acts of other individuals and/or entities were superseding and/or intervening
causes of plaintiffs injuries, if any.
51. Plaintiffs claims are barred or subject to reduction pursuant to the terms and
provisions of the Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Act, which is hereby incorporated by
reference and asserted a defense.
52. No act or omission by Answering Defendants caused, or was a substantial factor
in causing, the alleged incident and/or alleged injuries, damages and/or losses, if any, sustained
by plaintiff.
53. Plaintiff s claims may be barred and/or limited by her failure to mitigate damages.
54. Plaintiffs Complaint fails to state a claim for which any attorney fees, interest
and/or costs maybe awarded.
55. At all times material hereto, Answering Defendants acted with all due and
reasonable care, appropriate under the circumstances.
56. Pa. R.C.P. 328, as amended or adopted by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, on its
face and as applied, is violative of the Pennsylvania Constitution, the United States Constitution
and the Civil Rights Act, as it imposes a chilling effect upon Answering Defendants' exercise of
their constitutional rights including a penalty on Answering Defendants for delays not
attributable to them.
57. The Collateral Source Rule does not apply such that, if the plaintiff should be
awarded money damages by a jury, such a possibility be specifically denied, then the amount of
such damages should be reduced by the total number of any and all payments that plaintiff has
received from any and all collateral sources, for any damages plaintiff allegedly suffered in this
matter.
MCCORMICK & PRIORE
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
WHEREFORE, defendants, GF Management, Inc., West Shore Hardware Bar, and
Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg, hereby demands that plaintiffs' Complaint be dismissed
with prejudice or, alternatively, that judgment be entered in their favor, together with their cost
of defense, including attorney's fees, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the Court.
McCORMICK & PRIORE, P.C.
BY:
P 'lip D. Priore, uire
Robert C. Levicoff, Esquire
Attorneys for Defendants,
GF Management, Inc., West Shore
Hardware Bar, and Holiday Inn-
Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg
Dated: ~~°~ (~ ~
MCCORMICK BC PRIORS
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
VERIFICATION
I, Barbara Evans, an authorized representative for defendant, GF Management Inc.,
verifies that the within Answer with New Matter is true and correct to the best of my knowledge,
information, and belief. I understand that the statements herein are made subject to the penalties
of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
B ARA E ANS
DATED: _ ~'- ~' /D
CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE
I, Robert C. Levicoff, Esquire, hereby certify that I am an attorney for defendants, GF
Management, Inc., West Shore Hardware Bar, and Holiday Inn-Hamsburg West (incorrectly
referred to as "Holiday Inn Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg"), in the within action, that I am duly
authorized to make this certification, and that on this date, I did cause a true and correct copy of
the Answer with New Matter of Defendants, GF Management Inc., West Shore Hardware Bar,
and Holiday Inn Harrisburg West, to Complaint of Plaintiffs, Sharon % Sites and Charles
Sites, to be forwarded, by electronic filing and first-class mail, to counsel and unrepresented
parties, as follows:
David J. Foster, Esquire
Costopoulos, foster & Fields
831 Market Street, Post Office Box 222
Lemoyne, PA 17043
McCORMICK & PRIORE, P.C.
By:
Philip D. Priore, Esquire
Dated: ~7~°> ( 1 ~
MCCORMICK SC PRIORS
ATTOT2NEYS AT LAW
ORIGINAL
COSTOPOULOS, FOSTER & FIELDS
By: David J. Foster, Esquire
Attorney I.D.: 23151
831 Market Street/P.O. Box 222
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0222
Phone: 717.761.2121
Fax: 717.761.4031
Aaol.com
Email: dionfoster
HL
4 J,
2Id 0 NG I
Attorney for Plaintiffs
SHARON K. SITES and
CHARLES SITES, Her Husband,:
Plaintiffs,
V.
GF MANAGEMENT, INC.,
WEST SHORE HARDWARE
BAR and HOLIDAY INN-
HARRISBURG-
MECHANICSBURG,
Defendants.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 10-2406 Civil Term
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFFS' REPLY TO NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANTS
40. Denied.
41. Denied.
42. Denied.
43. Denied.
44. Denied.
45. Denied.
46. Denied.
47. Denied.
-1-
48. Denied.
49. Denied.
50. Denied.
51. Denied.
52. Denied.
53. Denied.
54. Denied.
55. Denied.
56. Denied.
57. Denied.
Respectfully submitted:
David J. Fos Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 23151
COSTOPOULOS, FOSTER & FIELDS
831 Market Street/P.O. Box 222
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0222
Phone: 717.761.2121
Fax: 717.761.4031
Email dionfosterftao_I.co?m
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: August 16, 2010.
-2-
R '
VERIFICATION
I, Plaintiff, Sharon K. Sites, verify that the statements made in this document are
true and correct. I understand that false statements made in this document are made
subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities. 1
BY:
Sharon K. Sites
DATED: 011'Alt
4, , .
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Tiffany M. Miller, a secretary for the law offices of Costopoulos, Foster &
Fields, hereby certify that on this ? day of AUGUST, 2010, a true and correct copy
of the foregoing REPLY TO NEW MATTER was served upon all counsel of record by:
Hand Delivery
X First Class Mail, Postage Pre-Paid
Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested
Fax Transmission
Overnight Mail
at the following address(es) and/or number(s):
Robert C. Levicoff, Esquire
McCormick & Priore, P.C.
4 Penn Center, Suite 800
1600 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 18108
Counsel for defendant GF Management, Inc., Wbst Shore Hardware Bar
and Holiday Inn-Harrisburg-Mechanicsburg
By: COSTOPOULOS, FOSTER & FIELDS
i any M. Miler
11/04/2010 15:54 7177614031 COSTOPOULOS FOSTER H PAGE 03/04
FILED- CIFF1i(:w
0`1 HE
McCORMIC)K & PRIORE, ?.C.
By: Philip D. Priore, Esqui 1 NC''/ 18 Ali 11: 13,
Robert C. L evicdf Es JRBEC- l_ k, i Ci C 6 J iT
Attorney ID ## 38987)'#20045 r E ?' S `t LVA 1111 P :Attorneys for Defendants,
Four Penal Center, Suite 800 OF Management, Inc.,
1600 John F. Kennedy Boulevard Wcst Shore Hardware Bar,
Philadelphia, PA 19103 Holiday Inn-Harrisburg West (incorrectly
(T) 215-972-0161. referred to as "Holiday Inn-Harrisburg
(F) 215-972-5580 Mechanicsburg'
email: ,gpriore<aLccorclmriore.com
rlrvi cefF§moC_0=ickprlorc. coal
SHARON K. SITES and
CHARLES SITES, Her Husband,
Plaintiffs
V.
OF MANAGEMENT, INC., WEST
SHORE HARDWARE BAR and
HOLIDAY TNN-HARRISBURG-
MECHANICSBURG,
Defendants
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNT, PA
NO.: 1.0-2406
STIPULATION AMEND CAPTION
IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED, by and between the undersigned counsel that the
following. entity shall be removed.&om the above-captioned matter - OF Management, Inc.
It is further agreed by and between the undersigned counsel, that the following entities
shall be added to the above-captioned matter - Mechanicsburg GF Investors, LP and Central
Pennsylvania Hospitality, Inc.
It is further agreed by and between the undersigned counsel that all allegations in the
Complaint that were directed to OF Management, Inc. shall be construed as now being directed
to Mechanicsburg OF Investors, LP and Central Pennsylvania Hospitality, Inc.
11/04/2010 15:54
7177614031
COSTOPOULOS FOSTER H
It is further agreed by and between the undersigned counsel that those individuals
PACE 04/04
identified in the Defendant's Answers to Jmterrogatories were in fact employees of Defendant
Central Pennsylvania Hospitality, Inc.
COSTOPOULOS, FOSTER & FIELDS
BY: r `..
DAVID J. F69*-R, ESQUIRE
Attomey for Plaintiffs
McCORMICK & PRIORE, P.C.
BY:
EVICOF'F, UI
Attorney for Defendants
Date: ) t l y l 1 1P Date: I t/ It 2-l t c7
S,*hes anc4 Okaric-T ld s,
vs Case No. 10 V,
—0
xrrIM W
rrl M M
;r;:o -V --01
Statement of Intention to Proceed M
C2
To the Court: 3>C-) ::Fc C:)-,n
=C=) X--
C;�C-,
--i
C%a,JXS intends to proceed with the above captl>otla matter. >
Print Name h r Vfd J� S ignName
Date: Attorney for Oon
Explanatory Comment
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has promulgated new Rule of Civil Procedure 230.2 governing the termination of
inactive cases and amended Rule of Judicial Administration 1901. Two aspects of the recommendation merit
comment.
1.Rule of civil Procedure
New Rule of Civil Procedure 230.2 has been promulgated to govern the termination of inactive cases within the
scope of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. The termination of these cases for inactivity was previously
governed by Rule of Judicial Administration 1901 and local rules promulgated pursuant to it. New Rule 230.2 is
tailored to the needs of civil actions. It provides a complete procedure and a uniform statewide practice, preempting
local rules.
This rule was promulgated in response to the decision of the Supreme Court in Shop v.Eagle,551 Pa.360,710 A.2d
1104 (1998) in which the court held that"prejudice to the defendant as a result of delay in prosecution is required
before a case may be dismissed pursuant to local rules implementing Rule of Judicial Administration 1901."
Rule of Judicial Administration 1901(6)has been amended to accommodate the new rule of civil procedure. The
general policy of the prompt disposition of matters set forth in subdivision(a)of that rule continues to be applicable.
11 Inactive Cases
The purpose of Rule 230.2 is to eliminate inactive cases from the judicial system. The process is initiated by the
court. After giving notice of intent to terminate an action for inactivity,the course of the procedure is with the parties.
If the panics do not wish to pursue the case,they will take no action and"the Prothonotary shall enter an order as of
course terminating the matter with prejudice for failure to prosecute." If a party wishes to pursue the matter,he or she
will file a notice of intention to proceed and the action shall continue.
a. Where the action has been terminated
If the action is terminated when a party believes that it should not have been terminated, that party may proceed
under Rule230(d)for relief from the order of termination. An example of such an occurrence might be the termination
of a viable action when the aggrieved party did not receive the notice of intent to terminate and thus did not timely file
the notice of intention to proceed.
The timing of the filing of the petition to reinstate the action is important If the petition is filed within thirty days of
the entry of the order of termination on the docket,subdivision(d)(2)provides that the court must grant the petition and
reinstate the action. If the petition is filed later than the thirty-day period,subdivision(d)(3)requires that the plaintiff
must make a showing to the court that the petition was promptly filed and that there is a reasonable explanation or
legitimate excuse both for the failure to file the notice of intention to proceed prior to the entry of the order of
termination on the docket and for the failure to file the petition within the thirty-day period under subdivision(d)(2).
B. Where the action has not been terminated
An action which has not been terminated but which continues upon the filing of a notice of intention to proceed may
have been the subject of inordinate delay. In such an instance, the aggrieved party may pursue the remedy of a
common law non pros which exits independently of termination under Rule 230.2.
Costopoulos, Foster& Fields By: David J. Foster, Esquire
831 Market Street Attorney I.D. 23151
P.O. Box 222 Email: djonfoster @aol.com
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Phone: 717761.2121
Fax: 717.761.4031 Attorney for Plaintiffs
SHARON K. SITES and • IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CHARLES SITES, Her Husband,: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiffs,
v. • No. 10-2406 Civil Term -34
• -c> I v
GF MANAGEMENT, INC., • CIVIL ACTION - LAW r"-
WEST SHORE HARDWARE c -
BAR and HOLIDAY INN- ,
HARRISBURG-
MECHANICSBURG, • m`
Defendants. : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO SETTLE, DISCONTINUE & END
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please mark the above-captioned action settled, discontinued and ended.
Respectfully submitted:
David J. Foster:squire
Attorney I.D. No. 23151
COSTOPOULOS, FOSTER & FIELDS
831 Market Street/P.O. Box 222
Lemoyne, PA 17043-0222
Phone: 717.761.2121
Fax: 717.761.4031
Email: djonfoster @aol.com
-ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: September 19, 2013.