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Home My WebLink About01-1212GERALD COHEN and NANCY COHEN, Plaintiff MARTIN FOURNIER and FIDELE TREMBLAY, INC, Defendants IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLA/~D COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 01- /~l~ CIVIL TERM PRAECIPE TO the Prothonotary: Please issue a writ of summons against Martin Fournier, 84 Route 195, Lac Humqui (QC) GOJ1N0, Province of Quebec, Canada, and Fidele Tremblay, Inc., 71 Des Erables CP217, Luceville PQGOK- 1E0 Canada. ADDAMS & RUNDLE By: William A. Addams Supreme Court I.D. No. Michael R. Rundle Supreme Court I.D. No. 28 South Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 249-8300 Attorneys for Plaintiff 06265 27768 TO: Curtis R. Long, Prothonotary DATE: March 2, 2001 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of Cumberland GERALD CE~HEN NANCY COHEN Plaintif~ MARTIN FOURNIER 84 Route 195 Lac Humqui QC G(X]iN0 Province of Quebec C ~a~_a~da Fidele Tremblay Inc 71 Des Erables CP217 Luceville PQGOK-1EO Canada Court of Con,mort Plea~ No ..... Q 1_-~212~ _Ci¥iJ. ................. 19 .... In Ci.v3.]. _ TP~J~I]~ ................................. You are hereby no6fied ~hat . _cz~_ _o ~t_ _~c~n _a~c~ ~_~h~u_ .............................................................. ~e Plaintiff ha commenced an action in ..... ~_i.1._~L_ayL ........................................ against you which you are required to defend or a default judgment may be entered against you. (SEAL) Date .M_ _a~_ _ _h_ _2_ ~. _2.0_0_1_ .............. 19 .... SHERIFF'S RETURN CASE NO: 2001-01212 P COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND COHEN GERALD ET AL VS. FOURNIER MARTIN ET AL CERTIFIED MAIL R. Thomas Kline County, Pennsylvania, within named DEFENDANT prepaid, on the 5th day of March ,2001 at 0008:00 HOURS 84 ROUTE 195 LAC HUMQUI (QC) GOJ1NO PROVINCE OF QUEBEC CANADA, and attested copy of the attached WRIT OF SUMMONS with receipt card was signed by 00/00/0000 , Sheriff of Cumberland who being duly sworn according to law served the ,FOURNIER MARTIN by United States Certified Mail postage at Additional Comments: ITEM RETURNED UNOPENED AND UNCLAIMED ON 3/27/01. a true Together The returned on Additional Comments Sheriff's Costs: Docketing 18.00 Intl. Regis. Mail 9.60 Affidavit .00 Surcharge 10.00 .00 37.60 So ans~f~s: -c ' Sheriff of Cumberland County Paid by Al)DAMS & RUNDLE Sworn and subscribed to before me this ~? day of ~,~j } A.D. PrOthonotary on 03/30/2001 SHERIF~~' S RETURN CASE NO: 2001-01212 P COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND COHEN GERALD ET AL VS. FOURNIER MARTIN ET AL CERTIFIED MAIL R. Thomas Kline Sheriff of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law served the within named DEFENDANT ,FIDELE TREMBLAY INC by United States Certified Mail postage prepaid, on the 5th day of March ,2001 at 0008:00 HOURS, at 71 DES ERABLES CP217 LUCEVILLE PQGOK CANADA, , a true and attested copy of the attached WRIT OF SUMMONS Together with , The returned receipt card was signed by KATHLEEN TREMBLAY 03/i4/200i Additional Comments: on Sheriff's Costs: Docketing 6.00 Intl. Regis. Mail 9.60 Affidavit Surcharge 10.00 .00 25.60 Paid by ADDAMS & RUNDLE Sworn and subscribed to before this //~ day of ~2~ D~.A,D. P~oqhonotary me Sheriff of Cumberland County on 03/30/2001 GERALD COHEN and NANCY COHEN, Plaintiffs MARTIN FOURNIER and FIDELE TREMBLAY, INC., Defendants IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 01-1212 CIVIL TERM NOTICE You have been sued in Court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the Court your defenses and 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. Cumberland County Bar Association 2 Liberty Avenue Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 249-3166 GERALD COHEN and NANCYCOHEN, Plaintiffs MARTIN FOURNIER and FIDELE TREMBLAY, INC., Defendants : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA .' NO. 01~1212 CIVIL TERM COMPLAINT AND NOW, come the Plaintiffs, by their attorney, William A. Addams, of the Law Office of Michael J. Hanfl, and make the following complaint: 1. The Plaintiffs are Gerald and Nancy Cohen, adult individuals residing at 585 Lovell Court, Hmmnelstown, PA 17036. 2. Defendant Martin Fournier is an adult individual residing at 84 Route 195, Lac Humqui (QC) GOJ1N0, Province of Quebec, Canada. 3. Defendant Fidele Tremblay, Inc. is a corporation with its offices and principal place of business at 71 Des Erables CP217, Luceville PQGOK-1E0 Canada. 4. On March 4, 1999 at about 7:15 p.m. Defendant Fournier was operating a truck as the agent, servant and employee of Defendant Fidele Tremblay, Inc. traveling North on 1-81 in the vicinity of the Mechanicsburg exit in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, when his load of mulch fell onto the road covering the entire northbound portion of the highway. 5. Defendant Foumier was negligent and careless in: A. Failing to properly secure the load of mulch; B. Failing to see that the equipment restraining the load was in proper condition; and C. Permitting the load to fall onto the highway. 6. Defendant Fidele Tremblay, Inc. is liable through the conduct of its agent, servant and employee, and also in failing to insure that the equipment was in proper condition and that the load was properly secured on its vehicle. 7. At said time and place Angela Gussie of Mechanicsburg was following the Defendants' truck and lost control of her vehicle when it ran into the mulch. 8. Plaintiff Gerald Cohen was driving a 1999 Ford 250 pick up truck behind the Gussie vehicle. He was unable to control his vehicle when he hit the mulch and could not avoid colliding with the Gussie vehicle resulting in the damages hereinafter set forth. COUNT I 9. The allegations of Paragraphs 1-8 are incorporated herein by reference. 10. Plaintiffs were the owners of the 1999 Ford 250 pick up truck operated by Gerald Cohen at the time of the accident. 11. As a result of the collision, the Plaintiffs' vehicle sustained damage in the amount of $1,535.17. WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs demand judgment against the Defendants in the amount of $1,535.17 plus interest and costs of suit, an amount within the jurisdiction of arbitration under the local rules of court. COUNT II 12. The allegations of Paragraphs 1-8 are incorporated herein by reference. 13. As a result of the collision, Angela Gussie sustained injuries to her neck and back. 14. Also as a result of the collision, the 1995 Honda Civic owned and operated by Angela Gussie was rendered a total loss. The Honda had an actual cash value of $10,542.33 at the time of the accident and a net salvage value of $2,849.00 following the accident resulting in a loss of $7,693.33. In addition, Angela Gussie incurred rental expense of $460. 15. Plaintiffs, through their insurance carrier, have settled the property damage claim of Angela Gussie in the amount of $8,153.33 and her bodily injury claim in the amount of $9,000, and have obtained a general release specifically naming the Defendants herein as releasees, thus extinguishing the Defendants' liability to Angela Gussie. 16. Plaintiffs are entitled to contribution from Defendants. WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs demand judgment against the Defendants in the amount of $17,153.33 plus interest and costs of suit, an amount within the jurisdiction of arbitration under the local roles of court. LAW OFFICE OF MICHAEL J. HANFT William A. Addams Attorney I.D. No. 06265 19 Brookwood Avenue, Suite 106 Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 249-5373 Attorneys for Plaintiffs VERIFICATION Gerald Cohen and Nancy Cohen hereby verify that the facts set forth in the foregoing Reply are true and correct to the best of their knowledge, information and belief, and understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. §4904 relating to unsworn falsifications CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE AND NOW, this 8th day of August, 2001, I, Mary M. Price, an employee of the Law Office of Michael J. Hanft, hereby certify that I have served a copy of the Complaint by mailing the same by United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: Martin Foumier 84 Route 195 Lac Humqui (QC) GOJ1N0 Province of Quebec Canada Fidele Tremblay, Inc. 71 Des Erables CP 217 Luceville PQGOK- 1 E0 Canada RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP By: Timothy J. Abeel, Esquire Identification No. 23104 By: Drew J. Dedo, Esquire Identification No. 40319 The Widener Building, 16th Floor One South Penn Square Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 57542O0 To: Plaintiffs You are hereby notified to ~e a written response to the enclosed Preliminary Objections of defendant Fidele Tremblay, Inc. within twenty (20) days from service hereof or a judgment may be entered against you. RAWLE & HENDERSON By: Attorneys for Defendant, Fidele Trembiay,lnc. NANCY COHEN and GERALD COHEN MARTIN FOURNIER and FIDELE TREMBLAY, INC. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY NO. 01-1212 CIVIL ACTION - At Law ORAL ARGUMENT WAIVED PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS TO SERVICE UPON DEFENDANT, FIDELE TREMBLAY. INC. COMES NOW, defendant Fidele Tremblay, Inc. (hereinafter "Fidele Tremblay") and, by and through their counsel, Rawle & Henderson LLP, hereby files these Preliminary Objections to Service Upon Defendant, Fidele Tremblay, Inc. pursuant to Rules 1028, 404 and 424 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and in support thereof states as follows: 0568214.02 1. Plaintiffs' claim herein for injuries and resulting damages from a March 4, 1999 motor vehicle accident in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 near the Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania exit. 2. Plaintiffs commenced this action by filing a Writ of Summons on March 2, 2001. See Exhibit "A," a true and copy of this Honorable Court's dockets which is incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth at length. 3. Fidele Tremblay is a Canadian corporation with a primary place of business located at 71 Des Erables CP 217, Luceville PQGOK 1E0, Quebec, Canada. See Exhibit "A." 4. On March 30, 2001, plaintiffs filed a Sheriff's Return of Service on Fidele Tremblay, a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "B" and is incorporated herein as though fully set forth at length. 5. Fidele Tremblay has never accepted service or waived service in this matter. 6. The Sheriff's Return of Service attached hereto as Exhibit "B" is predicated upon an international certified mail receipt signed by a representative of Fidele Tremblay on or about March 14, 2001. See Exhibit "B." 7. By letter dated July 11, 2001, a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "C" and which is incorporated herein as though fully set forth at length, counsel for Fidele Tremblay advised plaintiffs' counsel that Fidele Tremblay had not been properly served pursuant to governing international treaty. 8. Rule 424 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure allows service of original process upon a corporation by personal service upon an executive officer, partner, trustee, 0568214.02 2 authorized agent or the person for time being in charge of any regular place of business of the corporation. 9. Plaintiffs have not effected service upon Fidele Tremblay pursuant to Rule 424 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. See Exhibits "A" and "B. ' 10. Rule 404 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure governs service outside of the Commonwealth. Rule 404(4) allows service in the manner provided by treaty and Rule 404(5) allows service as directed by a foreign authority in response to a letter rogatory or a request. 11. Both the United States and Canada are signatories to the Hague Convention of 15 November 1965 on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra Judicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters (hereinafter the "Hague Convention"). 12. The Hague Convention allows service through transmission of requests for service by the Central Authority or through consular or diplomatic channels. 13. Plaintiffs have never effected service upon Fidele Tremblay pursuant to the Hague Convention. 14. Plaintiffs have never effected service as directed by Canadian authorities in response to a letter rogatory or request. 15. On or about August 8, 2001, plaintiffs flied their Complaint with this Honorable Court. 0568214,02 16. On or about September 11, 2001, plaintiffs provided Fidele Tremblay with a Notice to Take Default Judgment, a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "D." 17. For the reasons set forth in the accompanying Memorandum of Law, which is incorporated herein as though fully set forth at length, defendant Fidele Tremblay requests this Honorable Court strike the return of service against them filed March 30, 2001 as it was not based upon an acceptance of service, a waiver of service or proper service under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure or the Hague Convention. WHEREFORE, defendant, Fidele Tremblay, Inc. respectfully requests this Honorable Court grant their Preliminary Objections and strike plaintiffs' Return of Service against them dated March 30, 2001, with prejudice. Respectfully submitted, Timothy J. Ab~ Drew J. Dedo Attorneys for Defendant, Ficlele Tremblay, Inc. 0568214.02 RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP By: Timothy J. Abeel, Esquire Identification No. 23104 By: Drew J. Dedo, Esquire Identification No. 40319 The Widener Building, 16th Floor One South Penn Square Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 575-4200 Attorney for Defendant, Fidele Tremblay, Inc. NANCY COHEN and GERALD COHEN MARTIN FOURNIER and FIDELE TREMBLAY, INC. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY NO. 01-1212 CIVIL ACTION - At Law MEMORANDUM OF LAW SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT OF PRELIMINARY OBJF_~CTI_ONS TO SERVICE OF DEFENDANT FIDELE TREMBLAY COMES NOW, defendant Fidele Tremblay, Inc. (hereinafter "Fidele Tremblay") and, by and through their counsel, Rawle & Henderson LLP, hereby files a Memorandum of Law in Support of Preliminary Objections Upon Service of Defendant, Fidele Tremblay, Inc., pursuant to Rules 1028, 404 and 424 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and in support thereof states as follows I. Facts Plaintiffs' claim herein for injuries and resulting damages from a March 4, 1999 motor vehicle accident in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 near the Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania exit. Plaintiffs commenced this action by filing a Writ of Summons on March 2, 2001. See 0568214.02 Exhibit "A,' a true and copy of this Honorable Court's dockets which is incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth at length. Fidele Tremblay is a Canadian corporation with a primary place of business located at 71 Des Erables CP 217, Luceville PQGOK 1E0, Quebec, Canada. On March 30, 2001, plaintiffs filed a Sheriff's Return of Service on Fidele Tremhlay, a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "B' and is incorporated herein as though fully set forth at length. The Sheriff's Return of Service attached hereto as Exhibit "B" was predicated upon an international certified mail receipt signed by a representative of Fidele Tremblay on or about March 14, 2001. Fidele Tremblay has never accepted service or waived service requirements. By letter dated July 11, 2001, a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "C" and is incorporated herein as though fully set forth at length, counsel for Fidele Tremblay advised plaintiffs' counsel that Fidele Tremblay had not been properly served pursuant to governing international treaty. II. Legal Argument Service outside the Commonwealth is governed by Rule 404 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure which states: Original process shall be served outside of the Commonwealth within 90 days of the issuance of a Writ or the filing of the Complaint or the reissuance of reinstatement thereof: (4) In the manner provided by treaty; or 0568214.02 2 (5) As directed by the foreign authority in response to a letter rogatory or request. Pa.R.C.P. 404(4)(5). The note to Rule 404(4) states: "A treaty may provide that to effect service the plaintiff must satisfy requirements which are in addition to the procedures specified by this rule., Fidele Tremblay is a foreign corporation and a Canadian national. Service of process upon foreign nationals outside of the United States is governed by Rule 404 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and by International Law as enforced by through Hague Convention. See Sandoval v. Honda Motor Co.. Ltd., 527 A.2d 564 (Pa. Super. 1987). Both the United States and Canada are signatories to the Hague Convention. The Hague Convention sets forth specific requirements for proper service upon foreign nationals. Among the appropriate service procedures under the Hague Convention is service through a foreign Central Authority. Mere international registered or certified mail service is insufficient service under the Hague Convention. Plaintiffs' attempt at service on Fidele Tremblay by certified international mail in Quebec, Canada is insufficient. See Pittsburgh National Bank v. Kassir, 153 F.R.D. 580 (W.D.Pa. 1994) holding that service of process upon a German citizen by mail at an address in Germany was insufficient, did not comply with Pennsylvania Law and was not acceptable service under the Hague Convention. See also, Siler v. Kahn, 689 A.2d 972 (Pa. Super. 1997). Plaintiffs' attempt at service upon Fidele Tremblay by mail in Quebec, Canada 0568214.02 is a violation of the Hague Convention. Further, to effect proper service, the Complaint should have been translated into French. See, the Hague Convention. As a treaty ratified by both Canada and the United States, the Hague Convention takes precedence over any state statute. The United States Constitution Art. VI cl.2: United States v. Pink. 315 U.S. 203 (1942). Plaintiffs have failed to complete service in any manner permitted by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure or by the Hague Convention. No effective service has been obtained over defendant, Fidele Tremblay. For that reason, the Sheriff's Return of Service filed with the Court on March 30, 2001 must be stricken from the dockets. Moreover, defense counsel's June 11, 2001 letter attached hereto as Exhibit "C" provided plaimiffs' counsel with sufficient notice of deficient service upon Fidele Tremblay to prevent waiver of service and to sufficiently advise plaintiffs' counsel of deficient service. As the March 30, 2001 Sheriff's Return of Service must be stricken from the dockets, so too must plaintiffs' Notice to Take Default Judgment. III. Conclusion Based upon the foregoing, it is respectfully submitted that plaintiffs have not effected service upon defendant, Fidele Tremblay, Inc. Plaintiffs' Return of Service filed with the 0568214.02 4 Honorable Court March 30, 2001 must be stricken as must plaintiffs' Notice to Take Default Judgment. Respectfully submitted, BY '~'~"~ ~ TDi2°wt~ .Y JD'edAobee~7 Attorneys for Defendant Fidele Tremblay, Inc. 0568214.02 VERIFICATION Drew J. Dedo, Esquire states he is the attorney for defendant, Fidele Tremblay, Inc.; that he is authorized to take this Verification; that he is acquainted with the facts set forth in the foregoing Preliminary Objections to Service Upon Defendant, Fidele Tremblay, Inc. pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 2252(d) and that the same are true and correct to the best of his knowledge, information and belief; and that this statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa,C.S. ~ 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Dated: Drew J. Dedo ~/~ ~/ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that on this date a copy of Preliminary Objections to Service Upon Defendant, Fidele Tremblay, Inc., has been served this date via U.S. Mail, postage prepaid, upon the following: Dated: William A. Addams, Esquire Law Office of Michael J. Hanft 19 Brookwood Avenue, Ste. 106 Carlisle, PA 17013 Drew J. De~ 0568214.02 6 Exhibit A . PY$510 2001-01212 Reference No..: Case Type ..... : WRIT OF SUMMONS Judgmeh% ..... ~ .00 Judge Assignem: Disposed Desc.: ............ Case Comments ............. Cumberland County Proth0notary's Office Civil Case Inquiry COHEN GERALD ET AL (rs) FOURNIER MARTIN ET AL Filed ........ Time ......... Execution Date Jury Tria! .... Disposed mats. Higher Crt 1.: Higher Crt 2.: Page 1 3/02/2001 11:36 o/oo/oooo o/oo/oooo PLAINTIFF PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT Attorney Info RUNDLE MICHAEL R ADDAMS WILLIAM A RUNDLE MICHAEL R ADDAMS WILLIAM A General Index COHEN GERALD CO~EN NANCY FOURNIER MARTIN 84 ROUTE 195 LAC HUMQUI (QC) GOJ1NO PROVINCE OF QUEBEC CANADA FIDELE TREMBLAY INC 71 DES ERAELES CP217 LUCEVILLE PQGOK 1E0 C3dqADA DEFENDANT * Date Entries * ............. FIRST ENTRY .............. 3/02/2001 P~AECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS IN CIVIL ACTION-WRIT OF SUMMONS ISSUED 3/30/2001 SHERIFF'S FILE RETURNED Litigant.: FQURNIER MARTIN SERVED : 3/05/01 CERT MAIL CANADA RETD UNCLIAMED 3/27/01 Costs .... : $3?.60 Pd By: ADDAMS & RUNDLE 03/30/2001 3/30/2001 SHERIFF'S RETURN FILED Litigant.: F~DELE TREMBLAY INC SERVED : 3/05/01 CANADA WRIT OF SUMMONS : SIGNED BY F~ATHLEEN TREMELAY Costs .... : $25.60 Pd By: ADDAMS & RUNDLE 03/30/2001 8/08/2001 COMPLAINT BY WILLIAM A ADDAMS ATTY FOR PLFFS .............. LAST ENTRY .............. ~ Escrow Information * · Fees & Debits Beg Bal PVrats/Adj End Bal * WRIT OF SUMMONS 35.00 35.00 .00 TAX ON WRIT .50 .S0 .00 SETTLEMEN~ 5.00 5.00 .00 JCP FEE 5.00 5.00 .00 45.50 45.50 .00 ******************************************************************************** * End of Case Information * SEP ~! ~0~! 11:40 AM 7172430598 PASE,04 Exhibit B SHERIFF'S RETURN - U,S, CASE NO: 2001-0!212 P COMMONWEALTH OF PEak'SYLVANIA COU~T~ O~ COHEN GERALD ET AL VS. POURNIER MARTIN ET AL CERTIFIED MAIL R. Thomas Kline , Sheriff of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law served the within named DE~ENDAL~ ,FIDELE TREMBLAY INC by United States Certified Mail postage prepaid, on the 5th day of March ,2001 at 0008:00 HOURS 71 DES ERABLES CP217 LUCEVILLE PQGOK CANADA, and attested copy of the attached WRIT OF SUMMONS with receipt card was signed by K~THLE~N TREMBLAY 03/14/2001 . Additional Comments: a true Together The returned on Sheriff's Costs: Docketing 6.00 Intl. Regis. Mail 9.60 Affidavit Surcharge 10,00 25.60 Paid by ADD~24S & RUNDLE Sworn and subscribed to before me this //A~' day of ~ ~/ A.D. honorary ' Sheriff of Cumberland County on 03/30/2001 ~EP 21 20~ 11:40 ~M 7172433~ P~GE.03 Exhibit C ddeda~rawle,com RAWL E N D E RS_ON LLP THE NATION'S OLDEST LAW OFFICES ESTABLISHED 1783 The Widener Building One South Penn Square Philadelphia, PA 19107 Telephone: (215J 575-4200 Facsimile: (215J 563-2583 June 11, 2001 William A. Addams, Esquire Law Office of Michael J. Hanft 19 Brookwood Avenue, Ste. 106 Carlisle, PA 17013 Gerald & Nancy Cohen v. Martin Fournier & Fidele Tremblay, Inc. Cumberland C.C.P. No. 2001-1212 CT Date of Loss: 3/4/99 AXA Claim No. 6534470 Our File No.: 436,510 Dear Mr. Addams: We are in receipt of your correspondence dated May 22, 2001 inquiring as to whether your clients should proceed to file a Complaint in this matter. You indicate that the Sheriff's Return of Service reflects that the Writ was served on March 5, 2001. Our clients have yet to be served pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Geneva Convention. Please provide us with a copy of the Sheriff's Return of Service in order that we may determine whether the Geneva Convention service requirements have been met. Neither Fidele Tremblay, Inc. nor Martin Fournier will waive the strict service requirements under the Geneva Convention, Thank you for your continuing courtesies and cooperation, Very truly yours, RAWLE & HENDERSONL~.P By: Timothy J. Abeel Drew J. Dedo TJA/DJD:maw 0530928.01 PHILADELPHIA, PA MEDIA~ PA MARLTON~ NJ NEW YORK, NY Exhibit 18-$EP-200] ,10:52 De-FIDELE T~EMBLAY INC + T-Ig6 \ P,OOZ/OOZ F-850 GERALD COHEN and NANCY COHEN, Plaintiffs V. MARTIN' FOURNIER and FIDELE TKEMBLAY, INC., De£endants : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA : : NO. 01-1212 CIVIL TERM : NOTICE TO TAKE DFFAULT JUDGMENT TO: Fidele Tremblay, Inc. 71 Des Erables CP217 Luceville PQGOK-1E0 Canada DATE OF NOTICE: Septcuuber 11,2001 IMPORTANT NOTICE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT BECAUSE YOU HAVE FAILED TO TAKE ACTION REQUIRED OF YOU IN THIS CASE. UNLESS YOU ACT WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAIi',IST YOU WITHOUT A HEARI-NG AND YOU MAY LOSE YOUR PROPERTY OR OTHER IMPORTANT RIGHTS. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS NOTICE TO A LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE FOLLOWING OFFICE TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. Cumberlm~d Cotmty Bar Association 2 Liberty Avenue Carlisle, PA 17013 LAW OFFICE OF MICHAEL J. HANFT By: Attorney I.D. No. 06265 ,. 19 Brookwood Avenue, Suite 106 Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 249-5373 SEP 1S 2001 10:57 ~qM PRGE.02 for Etats-Unis d'AmSdque 1992 09'55 eJenbs esnoq~Jnoo ~ jj!Jaq$ eqJ, jo C~NV-1~]SP~flO -lO ,~.LNnO0 I'1 (L'envoi mon{~ot~ne :-.-:k~s.,;..,~; ,.i nra d,;mer~t :l,'re .. RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP By: Timothy J. Abed, Esquire Ident'Lf'lcation No. 23104 By: Drew J. Dedo, Esquire Identification No. 40319 The Widener Building, 16th Floor One South Penn Square Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 5754200 Attorney for Defendant, Fidele Tremblay, Inc. NANCY COHEN and GERALD COHEN MARTIN FOURNIER and FIDELE TREMBLAY, INC. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY NO. 01-1212 CIVIL ACTION - At Law ENTRY OF APPEARANCE TO THE PROTHONOTARY: Kindly enter our appearance on behalf of defendant, Fidele Tremblay, Inc. in the above-captioned matter. Drew J. Dedo Attorneys for Defendant Fidele Tremblay, Inc. 0568228.01 GERALD COHEN and NANCY COHEN, Plaintiffs MARTIN FOURNIER and FIDELE TREMBLAY, 1NC., Defendants Sir: Please reinstate the Complaint. : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA : NO. 01-1212 CIVIL TERM PRAECIPE LAW OFFICE OF MICHAEL J. HANFT To: Curtis R. Long, Prothonotary Date: December 10, 2001 William A."'Addams Attorney I.D. No. 06265 19 Brookwood Avenue, Suite 106 Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 249-5373 Attorneys for Plaintiffs