HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-7012IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
Plaintiff, Civil Action - In Law
vs. No. /a' -M-a - Z4l 'rl
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL, ARBITRATION
Defendants.
COMPLAINT
NOTICE
You have been sued in Court. If you wish to defend
against the claims set forth in the following pages,
you must take action within twenty (20) days after
this Complaint and Notice are served by entering a
written appearance personally, or by attorney, and
filing, in writing with the Court, your defenses or
objections to the claims set forth against you. You
are WARNED THAT IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO, THE CASE MAY
PROCEED WITHOUT you and a judgment may be entered
against you by the Court without further notice for
any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other
claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may
lose money or property or other rights important to
you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER
AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER 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 17013-3387
(717) 249-3166
(800) 990-9108
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
Plaintiff, Civil Action - In Law
VS. No. -7 6 1
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL, ARBITRATION
Defendants.
COMPLAINT
1. This is an action by plaintiff, UGI UTILITIES INC. to recover damages from
defendant arising out of a debt the defendants owes to plaintiff by virtue of a utility service.
2. UGI UTILITIES INC. is a Pennsylvania corporation duly organized and existing
and licensed to do business as a public utility under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania with a principal place of business at P.O. Box 12677, Reading, Pennsylvania,
19612-2677.
3. Defendant, ROGELE, INC., is a Pennsylvania Corporation with a principal place
of business at 1025 South 21" Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17104.
4. Defendant, GARY HOULL, is an adult individual whose residence is unknown,
but who is employed by Defendant, ROGELE, INC.
5. At all times relevant hereto, plaintiff was engaged in the business of producing,
furnishing, supplying and distributing utility service to persons and businesses who requested
utility service in accordance with the Rate Schedules and General Rules and Regulations of
Plaintiffs Tariff presently on file with the Public Utility Commission.
COUNTI
UGI UTILITIES INC. VS. GARY HOULL
NEGLIGENCE PER SE
6. The allegations contained in Paragraphs 1 through 5 above are incorporated by
referenced as if fully set forth.
7. Defendant, GARY HOULL, while employed by Defendant, ROGELE, INC.,
violated the Underground Utility Line Protection Law, Act 187 of 1996 in that he:
a) did not employ prudent excavation techniques to ascertain the precise
position of underground utilities;
b) did not exercise due care and take all reasonable steps necessary to avoid
damage to Plaintiffs underground utility lines;
C) determined that markings identifying the location of the utility line were
not clear but continued to dig with an backhoe in the area eventually
severing an active gas line risking a catastrophe;
d) did not hand dig to locate the utility line when Defendant, GARY HOULL,
determined that the markings were not clear; and
e) did not hand dig a test hole to identify location of the gas line.
8. Defendant, GARY HOULL, while operating a backhoe, on or about July 13, 2009
struck and damaged an underground active gas utility line owned and operated by UGI
UTILITIES INC. at the vicinity of 300 block 9u' Street, New Cumberland, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania.
9. Defendant's actions or inaction as set forth above are the proximate cause of the
damages as set for above and herein.
10. Plaintiff made demand on Defendant, GARY HOULL, to repay the sums then due
and owing to Plaintiff, but Defendant, GARY HOULL, has refused to pay Plaintiff.
11. Plaintiff has been damaged in the amount of $2,839.56, including costs and
attorneys fees.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff UGI UTILITIES, INC. demands judgment against the
Defendants, in an amount in excess of $2,839.56, together with costs, prejudgment and post
judgment interest, punitive damages and delay damages as the law may allow.
COUNT II
UGI UTILITIES INC. VS. GARY HOULL
COMMON LAW TORT
12. The allegations contained in Paragraphs 1 through 11 above are incorporated by
reference as if fully set forth.
13. Plaintiff used standard industry markings to identify the location of its active-
underground gas utility line prior to July 13, 2009.
14. Defendant, GARY HOULL, did not exercise due care and did not take all
reasonable steps to avoid damage to the active gas utility line owned by UGI UTILITIES INC., in
that he/she;
a) did not employ prudent excavation techniques to ascertain the precise
position of underground utilities;
b) did not exercise due care and take all reasonable steps necessary to avoid
damage to Plaintiffs underground utility lines;
C) determined that markings identifying the location of the utility line were
not clear but continued to dig with an backhoe in the area eventually
severing an active gas line risking a catastrophe;
d) did not hand dig to locate the utility line when Defendant, GARY HOULL,
determined that the markings were not clear; and
e) did not hand dig a test hole to identify location of the gas line.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff UGI UTILITIES INC. demands judgment against the
Defendants, in an amount in excess of $2,839.56, together with costs, prejudgment and post
judgment interest, punitive damages and delay damages as the law may allow.
COUNT III
UGI UTILITIES INC. VS. ROGELE, INC.
VICARIOUS LIABILITY FOR ACTION OF EMPLOYEE
15. Paragraphs 1 through 14 are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
16. Defendant, ROGELE, INC., was the owner of the backhoe that struck and
damaged an underground active gas utility line.
17. Defendant, ROGELE, INC., permitted and encouraged the actions of its agents
and employees by not implementing a training program which addressed circumstances such as
those which occurred on the date of the accident.
18. Defendant, ROGELE, INC., is vicariously responsible for the actions of its agents
and employees.
19. Defendant's actions or inaction as set forth above are the proximate cause of the
damages as set forth above and herein.
20. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence of Defendant, ROGELE, INC., including negligent acts and/or omissions of defendant
as performed individually and/or by and through others permitted to use a backhoe more
specifically described as follows:
a) negligently and carelessly failing to properly and adequately supervise
and/or train Defendant, GARY HOULL, in the operation of his/her
backhoe;
b) negligently and carelessly failing to properly supervise the operation and
control of said backhoe; and
c) otherwise failing to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances.
21. Plaintiff has been damaged in the amount of $2,839.56, including costs and
attorneys fees.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff UGI UTILITIES INC. demands judgment against the Defendant,
in an amount in excess of $2,839.56, together with costs, prejudgment and post judgment
interest, punitive damages and delay damages as the law may allow.
Respectfully submitted,
KRZYWICKI & A*<6`C ES, P.C.
DATED: October 29, 2010
By:
qew Hox SQL
ew Ho , PA 189 ?
215-862-4390
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney I.D. 23754
VERIFICATION
Pursuant to Rule 1024 (c), I, ANTHONY P. KRZYWICKI, ESQUIRE, verify that I am
the attorney for Plaintiff in the within case; that the appropriate officers of the Plaintiff are not
available within the time for serving the foregoing to provide their verification; that I am
sufficiently familiar with the facts set forth in the foregoing Pleading to take this verification; and
that such facts are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, based
upon the company's business records and matters of public record. I understand that the
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 4904 relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities.
Dated: October 29, 2010October 29, 2010
SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Ronny R Anderson
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UGI Utilities Inc.
Case Numbed`
vs.
2010-7012
Gary Houll (et al.)
SHERIFF'S RETURN OF SERVICE
11/05/2010 Ronny R. Anderson, Sheriff who being duly sworn according to law states that he made a diligent search
and inquiry for the within named defendant, to wit: Gary Houll c/o Rogele, Inc., 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.
11/05/2010 Ronny R. Anderson, Sheriff who being duly sworn according to law states that he made a diligent search
and inquiry for the within named defendant, to wit: Rogele, Inc., but was unable to locate them in his
bailiwick. He therefore deputized the Sheriff of Dauphin County, PA to serve the within Complaint and
Notice according to law.
11112/2010 02:20 PM - Dauphin County Return: And now November 12, 2010 at 1420 hours I, Jack Lotwick, Sheriff
of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, do herby certify and return that I served a true copy of the within
Complaint and Notice, upon the within named defendant, to wit: Rogele, Inc. by making known unto
Candy Newcomer, Bookkeeper for Rogele, Inc. at 1021 S. 21 st Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104 its contents
and at the same time handing to her personally the said true and correct copy of the same.
11/12/2010 02:20 PM - Dauphin County Return: And now November 12, 2010 at 1420 hours 1, Jack Lotwick, Sheriff
of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, do herby certify and return that I served a true copy of the within
Complaint and Notice, upon the within named defendant, to wit: Gary Houll by making known unto Candy
Newcomer, Bookkeeper for Gary Houll at 1021 S. 21 st Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104 its contents and at
the same time handing to her personally the said true and correct copy of the same.
SHERIFF COST: $53.00
November 18, 2010
SO ANSWERS,
RON R ANDERSON, SHERIFF
,Ci CouniySuite Shenff. Teleosoft. Inc,
(Ailit.t of t he's 4 1 e
William T. Tully
Solicitor
Dauphin County
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
ph: (717) 780-6590 fax: (717) 255-2889
Jack Lotwick
Sheriff
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Dauphin
UGI UTILITIES INC.
ROGELE INC.
Charles E. Sheaffer
Chief Deputy
Michael W. Rinehart
Assistant Chief Deputy
VS
Sheriff s Return
No. 2010-T-3457
OTHER COUNTY NO. 20107012
And now: NOVEMBER 12, 2010 at 2:20:00 PM served the within COMPLAINT upon GARY HOULL
by personally handing to CANDY NEWCOMER 1 true attested copy of the original COMPLAINT and
making known to him/her the contents thereof at 1021 S 21 ST STREET HARRISBURG PA 17104
BOOKKEEPER
Sworn and subscribed to
before me this 15TH day of November, 2010
-)PAF
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
NOTARIAL SEAL
Karen M. Hoffman, Notary Public
City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County
M Commission Expires August 17, 2014
So Answers,
Sheriff of Dauphin County, Pa.
By
Deputy Sheriff
Deputy: DARIN S SHERFEY
Sheriffs Costs: $60.5 11/10/2010
m l it:>- of the "*v r'f
aka
William T. Tully
Solicitor f
Dauphin County
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
ph: (717) 780-6590 fax: (717) 255-2889
Jack Lotwick
Sheriff
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Dauphin
UGI UTILITIES INC.
ROGELE INC.
Sheriff s Return
No. 2010-T-3457
OTHER COUNTY NO. 20107012
Charles E. Sheaffer
Chief Deputy
Michael W. Rinehart
Assistant Chief Deputy
VS
And now: NOVEMBER 12, 2010 at 2:20:00 PM served the within COMPLAINT upon ROGELE INC.
by personally handing to CANDY NEWCOMER 1 true attested copy of the original COMPLAINT and
making known to him/her the contents thereof at 1021 S. 21 ST STREET HARRISBURG PA 17104
BOOKKEEPER
Sworn and subscribed to
before me this 15TH day of November, 2010
-XPAF
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
NOTARIAL SEAL
Karen M. Hoffman, Notary Public
City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County
M Commission Expires August 17 2014
So Answers,
? e'?'
Sheriff of Dauphin County, Pa.
By
Deputy She
Deputy: DARIN S ERFEY
Sheriffs Costs: $60.5 11/10/2010
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire
PA Attorney ID #41727
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Direct Dial: 717-760-7501
Fax: 717-975-8124
Email: sbanko0margolise
-OFFICE
Or THELPOTHONOTARY
2019 DEC -2 PM 3: 59
OUMBERLAHD COUNT'
PENNSYLVANIA
delstein.com
Attorney for Defendants
UGI UTILITIES, INC.,
V.
Plaintiff
ROGELE, INC., and GARY HOULL,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND CO., PENNSYLVANIA
DOCKET NO. 10-7012 CIVIL
ARBITRATION
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please enter the appearance of Stephen L. Banko, Jr. of Margolis Edelstein on
behalf of the Defendants in the above-captioned action.
EDELSTEIN
n L Banko, Jr.
v f r Defendants
Date: December 1, 2010
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on
counsel of record by placing the same in the United States mail at Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania, first-class postage prepaid, and addressed as follows:
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates, PC
PO Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
Angela A. Kblly, Secretary
Date: December 1, 2010
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire
PA Attorney ID #41727
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
OF THE FILED-OFFICE
Y
2010 DEC -2 PH 3: 59
CUMBERLAND CCJNTY
Direct Dial: 717-760-7501 PA'S YLVFax: 717-975-8124
Email: sbankoiMmar isedelstein com
Attorney for Defendants
UGI UTILITIES, INC.,
V.
Plaintiff
ROGELE, INC., and GARY HOULL,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND CO., PENNSYLVANIA
DOCKET NO. 10-7012 CIVIL
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
? t JFECTMB 4F 09FENDANTS, R069LE, WC.
A QARY HOULL, TO PLAINTIFF'S GO LAINT
1. Plaintiff filed its Complaint on or about November 4, 2010. A copy of said
Complaint is attached hereto, incorporated herein by reference, and marked as Exhibit
A.
2. Plaintiffs Complaint contains three (3) counts. Count I alleges negligence
per se against Defendant Gary Houll ("Houll"); Count II alleges common law tort against
Houll; and Count III alleges vicarious liability of Defendant Rogele, Inc. for Houll's
allegedly negligent conduct.
3. In the prayers for relief in each of these Counts of the Complaint, Plaintiff
seeks punitive damages.
4. In paragraphs 11 and 21 of its Complaint, Plaintiff seeks attorney's fees.
5. In paragraph 20(c), Plaintiff alleges that Rogele was negligent by:
"otherwise failing to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances."
(3) insufficient specificity of the pleading;
(4) legal insufficiency of a pleading (demurrer)...
13. Under Pennsylvania law, punitive damages are recoverable only if the
defendant's conduct is outrageous. Feld v. Merriam, 485 A.2d 742, 747-748 (Pa. 1984).
14. 'Where there exists no indication of evil motive, then a plaintiff must
establish that a defendant acted with reckless indifference to the rights of others."
Burke v. Maasen, 904 F.2d 178, 181 (3`d Cir. 1990).
15. "A claim for punitive damages must plead facts sufficient to summarize
and support the claim, including facts tending to cast the alleged actions in a light
justifying the label of outrageous conduct." Smith v. Brown, 423 A.2d 743 (Pa. Super.
1980).
16. To the extent either Defendant was negligent, which is specifically denied,
such conduct was no more than mere negligence or inadvertence.
17. Under Pennsylvania law, therefore, Plaintiffs are not entitled to punitive
damages on a claim involving mere negligence or even gross negligence
18. Nowhere in Plaintiffs' Complaint is there any fact which suggests
outrageous conduct perpetrated with an evil motive or reckless indifference to the rights
of others which, would be a requisite showing for the imposition of punitive damages, in
the first instance.
19. Plaintiffs' allegations do not satisfy the minimal pleading requirement for
establishing a prima facie case to recover punitive damages against Defendants.
Accordingly, such claims are properly dismissed pursuant to Pa. R.C. P. No. 1028
(a)(4), or in the alternative, stricken pursuant to Pa. R.C. P. No. 1028 (a)(2).
3
20. With respect to Plaintiffs claims for attorney's fees, it is believed and
therefore averred that Pennsylvania law does not permit the recovery of counsel fees
from the adverse party in the absence of an express statutory provision or an
agreement between the parties. See Corace v. Balint, 418 Pa. 262 210A.2d 882
(1965).
21. Nowhere in its Complaint does Plaintiff set forth the contractual or
statutory provision under which it seeks counsel fees.
22. Accordingly, such claims for attorneys' fees fail to conform to rule of law
and, accordingly, are properly stricken pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1028(a)(2).
WHEREFORE, Defendants, Rogele, Inc. and Gary Houll prays this Honorable
Court enter an Order striking paragraph 20(c) of Plaintiff's Complaint pursuant to
Pa.R.C.P. No. 1028(a)(2) for failure to comply with the requirements of Pa.R.C.P. No.
1019; dismissing Plaintiffs claims for punitive damages contained in the prayers for
relief of Plaintiffs Complaint pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1024(a)(4); and striking
Plaintiffs claims for attorney's fees as contained in paragraphs 11 and 21 of its
Complaint pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(2).
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
By:
Date: December 1, 2010
Std#hpn L. anko, Jr.
Attorney fo Defendants
4
t/VIr
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGI U T IL,iTIES INC.,
Plaintiff, Civil Action - In Law
vs. No. 70 (2-
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL,
ARBITRATION
Defendants.
COMPLAINT
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 w_thin twenty (20) days after
this Complair_t and Not_ce 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 Compla_nt 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 17013-3387
(717) 249-3166
(800) 9911-9108
TRUE COPY FROM RECORD
in TestimanY. wherabt'"
'.ftf• Unto Set my hand
and the of Sant ?i# doftle; Pa..?
Thls day a0 :„" 20 ie
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGT UTILITIES INC.,
Plaintiff, Civil Action - In Law
VS. No.
ROGELE, INC. and :
GARY HOULL, ARBITRATION
Defendants.
COMPLAINT
1. This is an action by plaintiff, UGl UTILITIES WC. to recover damages from
defendant arising out of a debt the defendants owes to plaintiff by virtue of a utility service.
2. UGI UTILITIES INC. is a Pennsylvania corporation duly organized and existing
and licensed to do business as a public utility under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania with a principal place of business at P.O. Box 12677, Reading, Pennsylvania,
19612-2677.
3. Defendant, R.OCT.F,J.,E, INC., is a Pennsylvania Corporation with a principal place
of business at 1025 South 21st Strcct, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 1.71.04.
4. Defendant, GARY HOULL, is an adult individual whose residence is unknown,
but who is employed by Defendant, ROCTELE, INC.
5. At all times relevant hereto, plaintiff was engaged in the business of producing,
furnishing, supplying and distributing utility service to persons and businesses who requested
utility service in accordance with the Rate Schedules and. General Rules and Regulations of
Plaintiffs Tariff presently on file with the Public Utility Commission.
COUN 7F I
UGI UTILITIES INC. VS. GARY HOULL
NEGLIGENCE PER SE
6. The allegations contained in Paragraphs 1 through 5 above are incorporated by
referenced as if fully set forth.
7. Defendant, GARY HOULL, while employed by Defendant, ROGELE, INC.,
violated the Underground Utility Line Protection Law, Act 187 of 1996 in that he:
a) did not employ prudent excavation techniques to ascertain the precise
position of underground utilities;
b) did not exercise due care and take all reasonable steps necessary to avoid
damage to Plaintiffs underground utility lines;
C) determined that markings identifying the location of the utility line were
not clear but continued to dig with an backhoe in the area eventually
severing an active gas line risking a catastrophe;
d) did not hand dig to locate the utility line when Defendant, GARY HOULL,
determined that the markings were not clear; and
e) did not hand dig a test hole to identify location of the gas line.
8. Defendant, GARY HOULL, while operating a backhoe, on or about July 13, 2009
struck and damaged an underground active gas utility line owned and operated by UG1
ITTII.ITIES INC. at the vicinity of 300 block 9`h Street, New Cumberland, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania.
9. Defendant's actions or inaction as set forth above are the proximate cause of the
damages as set for above and herein.
10. Plaintiff made demand on Defendant, GARY HOULL, to repay the sums then due
and owing to Plaintiff, but Defendant, GARY HOULL, has refused to pay Plaintiff.
11. Plaintiff has been. damaged in the amoLmt of $2,839.56, including costs and
attorneys fees.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff UGI UTILITIES, INC. demands judgment against the
Defendants, in an amount in excess of 52,839.56, together with costs, prejudgment and post
judgment interest, punitive damages and delay damages as the law may allow.
COUNT II
UGI UTILITIES INC. VS. GARY HOULL
COMMON LAW TORT
12. The allegations contained in Paragraphs 1 through 11 above are incorporated by
reference as if fully set forth.
13. Plaintiff used standard industry markings to identify the location of its active-
underground gas utility line prior to July 13, 2009.
14. Defendant, GARY HOULL, did not exercise due care and did not take all
reasonable steps to avoid damage to the active gas utility line owned by UGI UTILITIES INC., in
that he/she;
a) did not employ prudent excavation techniques to ascertain the precise
position of underground utilities;
b) did not exercise due care and take all reasonable steps necessary to avoid
damage to Plaintiffs underground utility lines;
C) determined that markings identifying the location of the utility line were
not clear but continued to dig with an backhoe in the area eventually
severing an active gas line risking a catastrophe;
d) did not hand dig to locate the utility line when Defendant, GARY HOUT1,
determined that the markings were not clear; and
e) did not hand dig a test hole to identify location of the gas line.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff UGI UTILI TIES INC. demands judgment against the
Defendants, in an amount in excess of $2,839.56, together with costs, prejudgment and post
judgment interest, punitive damages and delay damages as the law may allow.
COUNT III
UGI UTILITIES INC. VS. ROGELE, INC.
VICARIOUS LIABILITY FOR ACTION OF EMPLOYEE
15. Paragraphs 1 through 14 are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
16. Defendant, ROGELE, INC., was the owner of the backhoe that struck and
damaged an underground active gas utility line.
17. Defendant, ROGF.,LE, TNIC., permitted and encouraged the actions of its agents
and employees by not implementing a training program which addressed circumstances such as
those which occurred. on the date of the accident.
18. Defendant, ROGELE, INC., is vicariously responsible for the actions of its agents
and employees.
19. Defendant's actions or inaction as set forth above are the proximate cause of the
damages as set forth above and herein.
20. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence of Defendant, ROGELE, INC., including negligent acts and/or omissions of defendant
as performed individually and/or by and through others permitted to use a backhoe more
specifically described as follows:
a) negligently and carelessly failing to properly and adequately supervise
and/or train Defendant, GARY HOULL, in the operation of his/her
bacldnoe;
b) negligently and carelessly failing to properly supervise the operation and
control of said backhoe; and
c) otherwise failing to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances.
21. Plaintiff has been damaged in the amount of $2,839.56, including costs and
attorneys fees.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff UGl UTILITIES INC. demands judgment against the Defendant,
in an amount in excess of $2,839.56, together with costs, prejudgment and post judgment
interest, punitive damages and delay damages as the law may allow.
Respectfully submitted,
K12ZYWICK[ &.A9SOCMeTES. P.C.
DATED: October 29, 2010
By:
A ny Ia)< Esquire
.0c
New Hope, PA 18938
215-862-4390
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney I.D. 23754
VERIFICATION
Pursuant to Rule 1024 (c), I; ANTHONY P. KRZYWICKI, ESQUIRE, verify that I am
the attorney for Plaintiff in the within case; that the appropriate officers of the Plaintiff are not
available within the time for serving the foregoing to provide their veri-fication.; that T am
sufficiently familiar with the facts set forth in the foregoing Pleading to take this verification; and
that such facts are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, based
upon the company's business records and matters of public record. I understand that the
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 4904 relating to
unworn falsification to authorities.
Dated: October 29, 2010October 29, 2010
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on
counsel of record by placing the same in the United States mail at Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania, first-class postage prepaid, and addressed as follows:
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates, PC
PO Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
r
Angela A. ,Ke , Secretary
Date: December 1, 2010
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
vs.
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL,
Plaintiff,
Defendants.
Civil Action - In Law
No. 10-7012 Civil
ARBITRATION
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
PRAECIPE TO AMEND COMPLAINT
Kindly amend the Complaint in the above-captioned Civil Action.
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KRZYWI &. A I ES, P.C.
DATED: December 8, 2010
BY:
ony P. icki, Esquire
ttorney f la.intiff
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-4390
Attorney I.D. 23754
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
vs.
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL,
Plaintiff, Civil Action. - In Law
No. 10-7012 Civil
ARBITRATION
Defendants.
C-.'
C-- r,,
C-5 CID
-Q3 Z?; --I
C- 1t
FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
NOTICE
You have been sued in Court. If you wish to defend
against the claims set forth in the following pages,
you must take action within twenty (20) days after
this Complaint and Notice are served by entering a
written appearance personally, or by attorney, and
filing, in writing with the Court, your defenses or
objections to the claims set forth against you. You
are WARNED THAT IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO, THE CASE MAY
PROCEED WITHOUT you and a judgment may be entered
against you by the Court without further notice for
any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other
claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may
lose money or property or other rights important to
you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER
AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER 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 17013-3387
(717) 249-3166
(800) 990-9108
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
vs.
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL,
Plaintiff, Civil Action - In Law
No. 10-7012 Civil
ARBITRATION
Defendants.
FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
1. This is an action by plaintiff, UGI UTILITIES INC. to recover damages from
defendant arising out of a debt the defendants owes to plaintiff by virtue of a utility service.
2. UGI UTILITIES INC. is a Pennsylvania corporation duly organized and existing
and licensed to do business as a public utility under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania with a principal place of business at P.O. Box 12677, Reading, Pennsylvania,
19612-2677.
3. Defendant, ROGELE, INC., is a Pennsylvania Corporation with a principal place
of business at 1025 South 21St Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17104.
4. Defendant, GARY HOULL, is an adult individual whose residence is unknown,
but who is employed by Defendant, ROGELE, INC.
5. At all times relevant hereto, plaintiff was engaged in the business of producing,
furnishing, supplying and distributing utility service to persons and businesses who requested
utility service in accordance with the Rate Schedules and General Rules and Regulations of
Plaintiffs Tariff presently on file with the Public Utility Commission.
COUNTI
UGI UTILITIES INC. VS. GARY HOULL
NEGLIGENCE PER SE
6. The allegations contained in Paragraphs 1 through 5 above are incorporated by
referenced as if fully set forth.
7. Defendant, GARY HOULL, while employed by Defendant, ROGELE, INC.,
violated the Underground Utility Line Protection Law, Act 187 of 1996 in that he:
a) did not employ prudent excavation techniques to ascertain the precise
position of underground utilities;
b) did not exercise due care and take all reasonable steps necessary to avoid
damage to Plaintiffs underground utility lines;
C) determined that markings identifying the location of the utility line were
not clear but continued to dig with a backhoe in the area eventually
severing an active gas line risking a catastrophe;
d) did not hand dig to locate the utility line when Defendant, GARY HOULL,
determined that the markings were not clear; and
e) did not hand dig a test hole to identify location of the gas line.
8. Defendant, GARY HOULL, while operating a backhoe, on or about July 13, 2009
struck and damaged an underground active gas utility line owned and operated by UGI
UTILITIES INC. at the vicinity of 300 block 9"' Street, New Cumberland, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania.
9. Defendant's actions or inaction as set forth above are the proximate cause of the
damages as set for above and herein.
10. Plaintiff made demand on Defendant, GARY HOULL, to repay the sums then due
and owing to Plaintiff, but Defendant, GARY HOULL, has refused to pay Plaintiff.
11. Plaintiff has been damaged in the amount of $2,839.56, including costs.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, UGI UTILITIES, INC., demands judgment against the
Defendant, in an amount in excess of $2,839.56, together with costs, prejudgment and post
judgment interest and delay damages as the law may allow.
COUNT II
UGI UTILITIES INC. VS. GARY HOULL
COMMON LAW TORT
12. The allegations contained in Paragraphs 1 through 11 above are incorporated by
reference as if fully set forth.
13. Plaintiff used standard industry markings to identify the location of its active-
underground gas utility line prior to July 13, 2009.
14. Defendant, GARY HOULL, did not exercise due care and did not take all
reasonable steps to avoid damage to the active gas utility line owned by UGI UTILITIES INC., in
that he/she;
a) did not employ prudent excavation techniques to ascertain the precise
position of underground utilities;
b) did not exercise due care and take all reasonable steps necessary to avoid
damage to Plaintiffs underground utility lines;
C) determined that markings identifying the location of the utility line were
not clear but continued to dig with an backhoe in the area eventually
severing an active gas line risking a catastrophe;
d) did not hand dig to locate the utility line when Defendant, GARY HOULL,
determined that the markings were not clear; and
e) did not hand dig a test hole to identify location of the gas line.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, UGI UTILITIES INC., demands judgment against the
Defendant, in an amount in excess of $2,839.56, together with costs, prejudgment and post
judgment interest and delay damages as the law may allow.
COUNT III
UGI UTILITIES INC. VS. ROGELE, INC.
VICARIOUS LIABILITY FOR ACTION OF EMPLOYEE
15. Paragraphs 1 through 14 are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
16. Defendant, ROGELE, INC., was the owner of the backhoe that struck and
damaged an underground active gas utility line.
17. Defendant, ROGELE, INC., permitted and encouraged the actions of its agents
and employees by not implementing a training program which addressed circumstances such as
those which occurred on the date of the accident.
18. Defendant, ROGELE, INC., is vicariously responsible for the actions of its agents
and employees.
19. Defendant's actions or inaction as set forth above are the proximate cause of the
damages as set forth above and herein.
20. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence of Defendant, ROGELE, INC., including negligent acts and/or omissions of defendant
as performed individually and/or by and through others permitted to use a backhoe more
specifically described as follows:
a) negligently and carelessly failing to properly and adequately supervise
and/or train Defendant, GARY HOULL, in the operation of his/her
backhoe; and
b) negligently and carelessly failing to properly supervise the operation and
control of said backhoe.
21. Plaintiff has been damaged in the amount of $2,839.56, including costs.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, UGI UTILITIES INC., demands judgment against the
Defendant, in an amount in excess of $2,839.56, together with costs, prejudgment and post
judgment interest and delay damages as the law may allow.
DATED: December 8, 2010
Respectfully submitted,
KRZYWIC.KI & ASSO TES, P.C.
By:
Ant ony P. zyw' Es re
P . Bo 05
ew ape, P 18938
-862- 0
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney I.D. 23754
VERIFICATION
Pursuant to Rule 1024 (c), I, ANTHONY P. KRZYWICKI, ESQUIRE, verify that I am
the attorney for Plaintiff in the within case; that the appropriate! officers of the Plaintiff are not
available within the time for serving the foregoing to provide their verification; that I am
sufficiently familiar with the facts set forth in the foregoing Pleading to take this verification; and
that such facts are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, based
upon the company's business records and matters of public record. I understand that the
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 4904 relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities.
Dated: December 8, 2010
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on December 8, 2010, a copy of the forgoing First Amended
Complaint was mailed via First Class Mail to the following by placing same in a depository
under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Postal Service addressed to the last-
known address for Defendants' counsel or Defendant:
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Defendants
DATED: December 8, 2010
By:
KRZYWICKI & A?SKIATES, P.C.
AnIhKny P. 5WIrwicki sqi
P.O. Box 50
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-4390
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney I.D. 23754
STEPHEN L. BANKO, JR., ESQUIRE
Pa. Supreme Court I. D. No. 41727
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone: (717) 760-7501
FAX: (717) 975-8124
E-mail: sbankodmargolisedelstein.com
FILE0-CHICE
OF THE PROTHONOTARY
r n t _ 1 I lJ ! :J ? Y T
PEidN` Y Lv`t, , A
Attorney for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
UGI UTILITIES, INC.,
Plaintiff
DOCKET NO. 2010-7012 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
V.
ROGELE, INC., and GARY HOULL,
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
NOTICE' TO PLEAD
TO: UGI Utilities, Inc.
c/o Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
You are hereby notified to file a written response to the enclosed New Matter within
twenty (20) days from service hereof or a default judgment may be entered against you.
MA LIS EDELSTEIN
By:
S E E L. BANKO, JR.
Attorney for Defendants
Date: January 5, 2011
STEPHEN L. BANKO, JR., ESQUIRE
Pa. Supreme Court I. D. No. 41727
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone: (717) 760-7501
FAX: (717) 975-8124 Attorney for Defendants
E-mail: sbankoglmaosmolisedelstein.com
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
UGI UTILITIES, INC.,
DOCKET NO. 2010-7012 CIVIL
Plaintiff
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
V.
ROGELE, INC. and GARY HOULL
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
ANMER AND NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANTS,
GM H0ftL . AND ROGELE, INC., TO PLAINTIFF'S FAST AAW ED
-- COMPLAINT
1. Denied. It is specifically denied that any conduct on the part of Defendants
caused, contributed to or increased the likelihood of any harm to Plaintiff. By way of further
answer, it is specifically denied that, to the extent Defendants owed any duty to Plaintiff,
Defendants breached any such duty or that Plaintiff is entitled to recover damages from
Defendants.
2. Admitted in part and denied in part. As to Plaintiff's corporate structure and
operating authority, after reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of said averments and, therefore, they
are denied.
3. Admitted in part and denied in part. Defendant, Gary Howell ("Mr. Howell"),
misidentified as Gary Houll, is an employee of Defendant Rogele, Inc. ("Rogele"). Mr.
Howell is not aware of being served with Plaintiffs Complaint or any other form of process.
4. Admitted.
5. Upon information and belief, the allegations contained in this paragraph
appear to be true.
COUNTI
UGI Utilities, Inc. v. Gary Houll
Negligence per se
6. The Answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 5 hereof are incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
7a)-d) Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph state a legal conclusion
to which no response is necessary. By way of further answer, the Answers contained in
paragraphs 1 and 3 hereof are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their
entirety.
8. Admitted. By way of further answer, however, the Answers contained in
paragraph 7 hereof is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety. Prior
to July 13, 2009, Rogele made the required One Call Notification requesting that all
utilities, including Plaintiff herein, mark their respective utility lines. Plaintiff failed to comply
with the requirements of the Underground Utility Line Protection Law by failing to mark its
line properly.
9. Denied. The Answers contained in paragraph 1, 7 and 8 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
10. Denied as stated. For the reasons set forth in paragraphs 1, 7 and 8 hereof,
Defendants are under no obligation to make any payment to Plaintiff by reason of Plaintiff's
failure to comply with the requirements of Pennsylvania law.
t 11. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge
or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in this
paragraph and, therefore, they are denied
WHEREFORE, Defendants, Gary Howell, misidentified as Gary Houll and Rogele,
Inc., demand judgment in their favor and against Plaintiff.
COUNT II
UGI Utilities, Inc. v. Gary Houll
Commonlaw Tort
12. The Answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 11 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
13. Denied. The Answers contained in paragraphs 1, 7 and 8 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
14.a)-c) Denied. The Answers contained in paragraphs 1, 7 and 8 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
WHEREFORE, Defendants, Gary Howell, misidentified as Gary Houll and
Rogele, Inc., demand judgment in their favor and against Plaintiff.
COUNT III
UGI Utilities, Inc. v. Rogele, Inc.
Vicarious Liability For Action of Employee
15. The Answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 14 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
16. Admitted. By way of further answer, the Answers contained in paragraphs
1, 7 and 8 hereof are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
17. Denied. The Answer contained in paragraph 16 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
18. Denied. The Answer contained in paragraph 16 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
19. Denied. The Answer contained in paragraph 16 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
20.a)-b) Denied. The Answer contained in paragraph 16 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
c) Pursuant to a stipulation entered into by counsel for the parties, this
allegation has been withdrawn from Plaintiff's Complaint and, accordingly, and upon advice
of counsel, no answer on the part of Rogele is required.
21. Denied. The Answer contained in paragraph 11 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
WHEREFORE, Defendants, Gary Howell, misidentified as Gary Houll and Rogele,
Inc., demand judgment in their favor and against Plaintiff.
NEW MATTER
22. The Answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 21 hereof are incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
23. Plaintiffs claim, if any, is or may be barred by the applicable statute of
limitations.
24. Plaintiffs claim, if any, is or may be barred by the doctrine of collateral
estoppel and/or res judicata.
25. Plaintiff's claim, if any, is or may be barred by Pennsylvania statutory or
regulatory law regarding excavation of utilities.
26. Plaintiffs claim is barred and/or reduced by the Pennsylvania Comparative
Negligence Act.
27. Plaintiffs claim, if any, may have been caused by conduct of parties or
individuals or entities not a party to this action.
WHEREFORE, Defendants, Gary Howell, misidentified as Gary Houll and Rogele,
Inc., demand judgment in their favor and against Plaintiff.
LIS EDELSTEIN
By:
STEPsHEH L. PANKO, JR.
Attorney ID Nb. 41727
Attorney for Defendants
Date: January 5, 2011
r
VERIFICATION
I, Gary Howell, have read the foregoing Answer and New Matter to Plaintiffs First
Amended Complaint. The factual statements contained therein are known by me and are
true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
This statement and verification is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A.
Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsifications to authorities, which provides that, if I
knowingly make false averments, I may be subject to criminal penalties.
Date: 3 I co 2?' (()J=?J
-? Ga owell
T
VERIFICATION
I, Chris McClure, have read the foregoing Answer and New Matter to Plaintiffs First
Amended Complaint. The factual statements contained therein are known by me and are
true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
This statement and verification is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A.
Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsifications to authorities, which provides that, if I
knowingly make false averments, I may be subject to criminal penalties.
Date: 1?? ?Za
Chris McClure, Vice President
Rogele, Inc.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on all
counsel of record by placing the same in the United States mail at Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania, first-class postage prepaid, and addressed as follows:
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
MARGOLIS EDELST IN
?_jr_
Angel A. elly, Secretary
Date: January 5, 2011
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215)862-4390
PA Attorney ID 23754
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
I°Il. B-O F ICE
" I -- PROTHChGTAR
f1JIF 2011 r n- 4 N '2: 4 4
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PE'N'NSYLVA>rIA
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
vs.
Plaintiff,
Civil Action - In Law
No. 10-7012 Civil
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL,
Defendants
ARBITRATION
MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY
Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 4019, Plaintiff, UGI Utilities Inc., moves the Court to enter an
order in the form attached, directing Defendants, Rogele, Inc. and Gary Houll, to comply with
Plaintiff's discovery requests within thirty (30) days of the entry of the Order, and to pay to
Plaintiff costs incurred in preparing this motion and supporting memoranda. In support of this
motion Plaintiff alleges as follows:
1. Plaintiff served Interrogatories directed to Defendants, Rogele, Inc. and Gary
Houll, on January 10, 2011 and February 16. 2011. See Exhibit A.
2. No answers or objections to Plaintiff's Interrogatories directed to Defendants,
Rogele, Inc. and Gary Houll, have been received by Plaintiff as of the date of this motion.
3. A Judge has not ruled upon any other issues in this matter.
4. A courtesy letter was sent to opposing counsel of record, Stephen L. Banko, Jr.,
Esquire with no response. See Exhibit A.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, UGI Utilities Inc. respectfully requests the Court to enter an
order-directing Defendants, Rogele, Inc. and Gary Houll, to comply with Plaintiff's discovery
requests within thirty (30) days of the date of order, and to pay Plaintiff costs incurred in
preparing this motion and supporting memoranda.
Respectfully submitted,
?, P.C.
DATED: March 30, 2011
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-4390
PA Attorney ID 23754
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
Plaintiff, Civil Action - In Law
vs. No. 10-7012 Civil
ROGELE. INC. and
GARY HOULL,
ARBITRATION
Defendants.
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF
PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY
1. STATEMENT OF FACTS
This case arose from an action brought by Plaintiff: UGI Utilities Inc., to recover sums
due from damages to their property.
Plaintiff's Interrogatories directed to Defendants. Rogele, hoc. and Gary Houll, were
served on Defendants on January 10, 2011 and February 16, 2011.
Plaintiff has received no answers or objection to Plaintiff's Interrogatories directed to
Defendants, Rogele, Inc. and Gary Houll, no answers have been produced and no extension of
time to answer has been requested by the Defendants.
II. DISCUSSION
Defendants' failure to answer Plaintiff's Interrogatories directed to Defendants, Rogele,
Inc. and Gary Houll, is in violation of Pa.R.C.P. 3117, 4006 (a)(2) and 4009.
Rule 4019(a) (1) (I) and 4019 (a) (1) (vii) permit the court, upon motion, to impose
sanctions against a party who fails to respond to discovery requests. Additionally. Rule 4019 (c)
(5) states that "[t]he Court, when acting under subdivision (a) of this rule, may make ...such order
with regard to the failure to make discovery as is just." In Gonzalez v. Procaccio Brothers
Trucking Co., 268 Pa. Super. 245, 407 A.2d 1338 (1972), the Court Stated:
Pa.R.C.P. 4019 is clear. It establishes an unequivocal and mandatory procedure.
Where [a party fails to comply with a discovery request] a motion must be
presented to the court to determine the default. [Citation omitted.] Upon finding
that a default has occurred, "the court may...make an appropriate order."
The imposition of specific sanctions, however, is largely within the discretion of
the court. [Citations omitted].
407 A.2d at 1341.
III. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiff requests that the Court enter an order, in the form
attached, directing Defendant to comply with Plaintiffs discovery requests.
Respectfully submitted,
KRZYWI(;K & AS OCIATES, P.C.
DATED: March 30, 2011
BY:
y P. vicki, 1/ ,-quire
ney f laintiff
EXHIBIT A
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
By: Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-4390
PA Attorney ID 23754
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
Plaintiff, Civil Action - In Law
vs. No. 10-7012 Civil
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL,
Defendants.
ARBITRATION
PLAINTIFF'S INTERROGATORIES DIRECTED TO DEFENDANTS,
ROGELE, INC. AND GARY HOULL (GARY HOWELL)
Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiff hereby serves on Defendant
the following set of interrogatories and first request for documents to be answered separately by
each Defendant:
Definitions
1. The terin "incident/accident" as used hereinafter refers to the subject of this
litigation, the events or occurrences of which are set forth in the complaint filed in this matter.
2. The term "identify" means the party served with these Interrogatories must identify
all documents, things and persons known to that party or to that party's attorney, and the addresses
of all persons identified must be set forth.
3. The term "address or location" as hereinafter used shall mean the last known address
or location, giving the street number, name of street, city and state.
4. The tern "defendant" as used hereinafter shall mean the defendant, its officers,
directors, agents. servants, employees, attorneys, representatives, or anyone acting on its behalf.
Instructions
1. All information is to be divulged which is in the possession of the Defendant, his/her
attorney or former attorneys, investigators, agents, employees, or other representative of the
Defendant or his/her attorneys.
2. These interrogatories are intended as continuing requiring that they be supplemented
within 30 days with such information within their scope as may be acquired following your original
answers by you, your agents, attorneys, or representatives.
[NTERROGATORIES
1. Identify all persons having knowledge of any facts alleged in your Answer concerning
the subject matter of this litigation.
2. With respect to each person identified in your answer to the immediately preceding
interrogatory, set forth the factual knowledge of said person and the basis or circumstances upon
which they obtained their factual knowledge or matters relevant to the subject matter of this
litigation.
3. Identify each person whom you expect to call or may potentially call as a witness at the
arbitration or trial of this case.
4. With respect to each person identified in your answer to the immediately preceding
interrogatory, set forth below a summary of the facts to which each witness or potential witness
is expected to testify.
5. Identify all persons who have been retained or specifically employed or consulted in
anticipation of this litigation or in preparation for arbitration or trial and who are NOT expected
to be called as a witness at trial.
6. As to each person identified in the immediately preceding interrogatory please set forth
the subject matter on which s/he was retained, employed or consulted and attached to these
answers any written reports, preliminary reports, conclusions, or comments ever prepared by that
person with respect to the subject of this litigation.
7. State whether Defendant or any of his/her representatives at any time communicated with
the Plaintiff or any of Plaintiff's representatives concerning the subject matter of this litigation,
regardless of whether the communication was initiated by you, or Plaintiff or your
representatives.
8. As to each communication identified in the immediately preceding interrogatory please
set forth the following additional information:
a_ Date, time and location of each oral communication.
b. The substance and full content of each oral communication.
Identify the person representing you who participated in each oral communication
and the person representing the Defendant or you who participated in each oral
communication.
9. With respect to your answer to the preceding interrogatory, identify all documents
referring or relating in any manner to each oral communication. In lieu of an answer to this
interrogatory, you may attach hereto to your answers true and correct copies of all such
documents.
10. With respect to each denial set forth in your Answers to the Complaint, please set forth
each and every fact upon which you base each respective denial.
11. With respect to each denial set forth in your Answers to the Complaint, please identify
each and every person who has knowledge related to any facts supporting each specific denial.
12. With respect to each denial set forth in your Answers to the Complaint, please identify
each document related in any manner to each respective denial.
13. With respect to each affirmative defense you allege in your Answers to the Complaint
please set forth each and every fact, which supports each respective affirmative defense.
14. With respect to each affirmative defense you allege in your Answers to the Complaint
please identify each and every person who has knowledge related to any facts supporting each
specific affirmative defense.
15. With respect to each affirmative defense you allege in your Answers to the Complaint
please identify each document related in any manner to each specific affirmative defense.
16. Please state whether each answer to each interrogatory set forth herein accurately sets
forth the total sum of all facts known to you relating to the subject matter of each interrogatory.
IT Please state whether, in compiling your answers to these interrogatories, you have made a
reasonable and diligent effort to identify and provide not only those facts as are within your
personal knowledge, but also those facts that are reasonably available to you.
18. Please identify each person who provided any information of whatever nature or
description related to any of your answers to these interrogatories.
Dated: January 10, 2011
By:
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on this date I served a copy of the foregoing Interrogatories by depositing a true
copy of same in a depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Postal
Service, via prepaid, first class mail, and addressed as follows:
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 170] 1
Attorney for Defendants
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Dated: January 10, 2011
BY:
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
LAW OFFICES
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
P. O. BOX -505
NFW HOPE, PA 18938
(210 862-4390
FAX: (215) 862-4393
February 16, 2011
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
RE: UGI Utilities Inc. vs. Rogele, Inc. and Gary Houll
Civil Action No.: 10-7012 Civil
Our File No.: 3775 S2
Dear Mr. Banko:
On January 10, 2011, the attached Interrogatories Directed to Defendants, Rogele, Inc. and Gary
Howell (Gary Houll), from Plaintiff were forwarded to your office. Time for answering has
expired. When can we expect answers?
Thank you for your cooperation.
Very truly yours,
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
APK/amg
Enclosure
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Anthony P. Krzywicki, Attorney for Plaintiff, hereby certifies that a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Motion to Compel, Memorandum in Support thereof and a form of Order
were placed in a depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Postal
Service to deliver via First Class Mail to the following:
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney, for Defendants
KRZYWICKI &>35MATES, P.C.
DATED: March 30, 2011
By:
PO $erx 505
, Eu(tiire
,AKw HoA 189'
(215) 861-4390
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney ID 23754
UGI UTILITIES, INC.,
PLAINTIFF IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
PENNSYLVAI
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
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ROGELE, INC. AND <c, C3
GARY HOULL,
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DEFENDANTS NO. 10-7012 CIVIL 3c r-') ?, )
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 6th day of April, 2011, upon consideration of Plaintiff's Motion to
Compel Discovery;
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AND DIRECTED that:
1. A Rule is issued upon the Defendants to show cause why the relief requested
should not be granted;
2. The Defendants will file an answer to this petition on or before
April 21, 2011;
3. The Prothonotary is directed to forward said Answer to this Court.
4. Argument on the matter, if needed, will be held on Friday, May 13, 2011, at
8:30 a. m. in Courtroom No. 2 of the Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle,
Pennsylvania.
By the Court,
N\-? ? -
M. L. Ebert, Jr., J.
"/Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
00pie-s
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire lq/(,/t/
Attorney for Defendants bas Dd
F."
STEPHEN L. BANKO, JR., ESQUIRE
Pa. Supreme Court I. D. No. 41727
MARGO IS EDELSTEIN
3510 Trin le Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephon : (717) 760-7501
FAX: (717) 975-8124
E-mail: I sbankoamarQolise
turf E lot PRI 25 AN 10: u3
L"'UMRERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
Attorney for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
UGI UTILITIES, INC.,
Plaintiff
V.
LE, INC. and GARY HOULL
Defendants
DOCKET NO. 2010-7012 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: GI Utilities, Inc.
/o Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
rzywicki & Associates
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
twe
You are hereby notified to file a written response to the enclosed New Matter within
(20) days from service hereof or a default judgment may be entered against you.
By:
Attorney for Defendants
MA LI EDELSTEIN
r
ST PH N L. BANKO JR.
Date: q,1'2 I I I
STEPHEN L. BANKO, JR., ESQUIRE
Pa. Supreme Court I. D. No. 41727
MARGO IS EDELSTEIN
3510 Trin le Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephon : (717) 760-7501
FAX: (717) 975-8124 Attorney for Defendants
E-mail: sbankoe.margolisedelstein.com
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
UGI UTILITIES, INC., DOCKET NO. 2010-7012 CIVIL
Plaintiff
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ROG?LE, INC. and GARY HOULL I JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
ANSWER OF DEFENDANTS, GARY HOWELL AND ROGELE, INC.,
TO PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY
Admitted.
Admitted. By way of further answer, verified Answers to the Interrogatories
with documents relied upon in providing the Answers were served upon counsel
for Plaintiff by facsimile transmission and regular mail on April 21, 2011.
Denied as stated. In response to Plaintiff's Motion to Compel Discovery, the
Honorable M. L. Ebert, Jr. issued a Rule to Show Cause Upon Defendant on or about
April 6,1 2011.
Admitted.
the
EREFORE, Defendants pray This Honorable Court enter an Order discharging
to Show Cause issued on or about April 6, 2011, by reason of Defendants'
providing verified Answers to Plaintiff's Interrogatories.
NEW MATTER
The Answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 4 hereof are incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
13. In Plaintiff's prayer for relief to the Motion to Compel Discovery, Plaintiff
seeks osts in preparing the Motion and supporting Memorandum. First, it is believed and
therefore averred that no Memorandum was required to be filed under the Cumberland
County Local Rules of Court.
Second, Plaintiff sites no authority for its entitlement to costs, including
attorne s' fees, for the preparation and filing of a Motion to Compel Discovery where there
had been no prior court order respecting same.
WHEREFORE, Defendants pray This Honorable Court enter an Order discharging
the Rue to Show Cause issued on or about April 6, 2011, by reason of Defendants'
providing verified Answers to Plaintiffs Interrogatories.
LIS EDELSTEIN
By:
ST ?M U BANKO, JR.
Att me ID No. 41727
Attorney for Defendants
Date: q Z-I
i
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on all
of record by placing the same in the United States mail at Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania, first-class postage prepaid, and addressed as follows:
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
MARRGOLIS EDELSTEIN
4W aA2
Angel M. Gayman, cretary
Date: ( d/ X
r
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
Plaintiff, Civil Action - In Law
vs. No. 10-7012 Civil
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL, ARBITRATION C_
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Defendants.
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PRAECIPE TO WITHDRAW MOTION TO COMPEL ''
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly marls the Motion to Compel of Defendants, Rogele, Inc. and Gary Houll, filed on
April 4, 2011, WITHDRAWN in the above-captioned Civil Action.
KRZYWICKI SOCIAT S, P.C.
DATED: April 22,2011
BY:
Ant?P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
13.0. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215)862-4390
Attorney I.D. 23754
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-4390
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney I.D. 23754
F P-JO-O FiCF
,A
R 4
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
Plaintiff, Civil Action - In Law
vs. No. 10-7012 Civil
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL, ARBITRATION
Defendants.
PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO COMPEL DEFENDANT, ROGELE, INC.
TO PROVIDE MORE SPECIFIC ANSWERS TO INTERROGATORY
AND REQUEST FOR DOCUMENTS PARAGRAPH 4
Plaintiff, UGI Utilities Inc., by and through its attorney, Krzywicki & Associates, P.C.,
hereby moves this Honorable Court to enter an Order directing Defendants to provide more
specific responses to Interrogatory and Request for Documents Paragraph 4 and in support
thereof, avers as follows:
1. On November 2, 2011, Plaintiff, UGI Utilities Inc., served the attached
Interrogatories and Request for Documents on Defendant, Rogele, Inc.. (Exhibit A)
2. On or about November 16, 2011, Defendant provided answer to Plaintiff's
Interrogatories and Request for Documents. In answer to Interrogatory 4, Defendant did not
provide a full and complete answer. (Exhibit B)
3. Interrogatory and Request for Documents Paragraph 4 requests "Please provide
your employee, Don O'Neal's personnel file." (See attached Exhibit A)
4. Defendant responded "Objection. This request for production of documents seeks
information which is neither relevant nor reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of
admissible evidence. By way of further objection, Defendant, Rogele, Inc., objects to this request
for production of documents on the basis that it would cause the Defendant unreasonably
annoyance, oppression, burden and expense." (See attached Exhibit B)
5. Information being requested about Don O'Neal is relevant because he was the
foreman at the time of the incident. His personnel history such as training, compliance with
safety and construction procedures established by the Defendant, Rogele, Inc., are relevant to the
issue of excavation procedures. Plus his current whereabouts is vital to further discovery.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, UGI Utilities Inc. respectfully requests this that the Defendant,
Rogele, Inc., be provide a full and complete answer to Interrogatory and Request for Documents
Paragraph 4.
Respectfully submitted,
KRZYWICK+"SOCIATES, P.C.
DATED: December 13, 2011
BY:
AttorniK for Plaints
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-4390
PA Attorney ID 23754
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
Plaintiff, Civil Action - In Law
VS. No. 10-7012 Civil
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL,
ARBITRATION
Defendants.
MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFF'S MOTION
TO PROVIDE MORE SPECIFIC ANSWER TO INTERROGATORY PARAGRAPH 4
Plaintiff, UGI Utilities Inc. by and through its attorney, Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire,
submits this Memorandum of Law in Support of its Motion.
1. STATEMENTS OF FACTS
Plaintiff served Interrogatories and Request for Documents upon the Defendant, Rogele,
Inc. on November 2, 2011
Defendant, Rogele, Inc., on or about November 16, 2011 provided an incomplete answer
to Paragraph 4.
11. DISCUSSION
Defendant's failure to answer Plaintiff's Interrogatories and Request for Documents
Directed to Defendant, Rogele, Inc., is in violation of Pa.R.C.P. 3117, 4006 (a)(2) and 4009.
Rule 4019(a) (1) (I) and 4019 (a) (1) (vii) permit the court, upon motion, to impose
sanctions against a party who fails to respond to discovery requests. Additionally, Rule 4019
(c) (5) states that "[t]he Court, when acting under subdivision (a) of this rule, may make ...such
order with regard to the failure to make discovery as is just." In Gonzalez v. Procaccio
Brothers Trucking Co., 268 Pa. Super. 245, 407 A.2d 1338 (1972), the Court Stated:
Pa.R.C.P. 4019 is clear. It establishes an unequivocal and mandatory
procedure. Where [a party fails to comply with a discovery request] a motion
must be presented to the court to determine the default. [Citation omitted.]
Upon finding that a default has occurred, "the court may...make an
appropriate order. "
The imposition of specific sanctions, however, is largely within the discretion
of the court. [Citations omitted].
407 A.2d at 1341.
III. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiff requests that the Court enter an order, in the form
attached, directing Defendant to comply with Plaintiff's discovery requests.
Respectfully submitted,
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
DATED: December 13, 2011
BY:
A
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
By: Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-4390
PA Attorney ID 23754
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
Plaintiff, Civil Action - In Law
VS. No. 10-7012 Civil
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL,
Defendants
ARBITRATION
PLAINTIFF'S INTERROGATORIES AND REQUEST FOR DOCUMENTS
DIRECTED TO DEFENDANT, ROGELE, INC.
Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiff hereby serves on Defendant
the following set of interrogatories and request for documents to be answered separately by each
Defendant:
Definitions
1. The term "incident/accident" as used hereinafter refers to the subject of this
litigation, the events or occurrences of which are set forth in the complaint filed in this matter.
2. The term "identify" means the party served with these Interrogatories must identify
all documents, things and persons known to that party or to that party's attorney, and the addresses
of all persons identified must be set forth.
3. The term "address or location" as hereinafter used shall mean the last known address
or location, giving the street number, name of street, city and state.
4. The term "defendant" as used hereinafter shall mean the defendant, its officers,
directors, agents, servants, employees, attorneys, representatives, or anyone acting on its behalf.
Instructions
1. All information is to be divulged which is in the possession of the Defendant, his/her
attorney or former attorneys, investigators, agents, employees, or other representative of the
Defendant or his/her attorneys.
2. These interrogatories and request for documents are intended as continuing requiring
that they be supplemented within thirty (30) days with such information within their scope as may
be acquired following your original answers by you, your agents, attorneys, or representatives.
INTERROGATORIES AND REOUEST FOR DOCUMENTS
I . Did your employee, Don O'Neal speak to an individual who identified himself as
a UGI locator who told him that a gas service lateral was not marked by UGI because there were
cars in the way?
2. If your answer to Interrogatory Paragraph Number 1 is "yes" please answer the
following:
a. Date the conversation occurred;
b. Month the conversation occurred;
C. Location where the conversation occurred;
d. Did your employee, Don O'Neal take pictures of the area where the
conversation occurred? If yes, please provide a copy with your Answers;
e. Did your employee, Don O'Neal write a memo or prepare any reports
referencing the conversation? If yes, please provide a copy with your
Answers;
£ Did your employee, Don O'Neal tell anyone of the substance of the
conversation?;
(1) To whom?
(2) When?
(;) Where?
g. Did your employee, Don O'Neal ever see the UGI employee previously or
since?; and
h. Was Don O'Neal your employee at the time of his conversation with the
UGI employee referenced in Answer to Interrogatory Number I?
Please provide your employee, Don O'Neal's job title.
4. Please provide your employee, Don O'Neal's personnel file.
Dated: November 2, 2011
By:
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on this date I served a copy of the foregoing Interrogatories and Request for
Documents by depositing a true copy of same in a depository under the exclusive care and custody
of the United States Postal Service, via prepaid, first class mail, and addressed as follows:
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney. for Defendants
KRZYWICKI & Ac2?OCIATES, P.C.
Dated: November 2, 2011
BY:
STEPHEN L. BANKO, JR., ESQUIRE
Pa. Supreme Court I. D. No. 41727
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone: (717) 760-7501
FAX: (717) 975-8124
E-mail: abank2@margolisedelatein.com
Attorney for Defendants,
Rogele, Inc. and Gary Howell
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
UGI UTILITIES,
V.
Plaintiff
ROGELE, INC, and GARY HOULL,
Defendants
DOCKET NO. 10-7012
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
;A S TO tNTERi2QCAT0 M"' TO,,
OF ? FLT IIAW, ROGELE, N G,
1. Yes. See Defendants' Answers to Plaintiff's Second Set of Interrogatories.
2a. As set forth in Defendants' Answers to Plaintiff's Second Set of
Interrogatories, the conversation occurred on July 13, 2009 after the gas service line was
struck by Rogele's employee.
2b. See answer to Interrogatory 2a above.
2c. At the job site.
2d. No.
2e. See documents attached to Defendants' Answers to Plaintiff's Interrogatories
and documents attached thereto dated April 21, 2011.
2f. Yes. See Answers of Defendants to Plaintiffs prior Interrogatories and the
documents produced in response thereto.
2g. No.
2h. Yes.
3. Foreman.
4. Objection. This request for production of documents seeks information which
is neither relevant nor reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible
evidence. By way of further objection, Defendant, Rogele, Inc., objects to this request for
production of documents on the basis that it would cause the Defendant unreasonable
annoyance, oppression, burden and expense.
OLIS EDELSTEIN
l? l? t
Date
STEPHEN L. BANKO, JR.
Atto ey for Defendants,
Rogele Inc. and Gary Howell
VERIFICATION
I, Chris McClure, have read the foregoing Answers to Plaintiff's Interrogatories and
Request for Production of Documents of November 2, 2011. The factual statements
contained therein are known by me and are true and correct to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief.
This statement and verification is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A.
Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsifications to authorities, which provides that, if I
knowingly make false averments, I may be subject to criminal penalties.
Date:
Chris McClure, Vice President
Rogele, Inc.
CERTW1CATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on all
counsel of record by placing the same in the United States mail at Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania, first-class postage prepaid, and addressed as follows:
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
9 I
Date
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
l
A gel M. Gayma Secretary
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire hereby certify that on this date I served a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Plaintiffs Motion to Compel Defendants to Provide More Specific Answers
to Interrogatory Paragraph 4 by depositing copies thereof in a depository under the exclusive care
and custody of the United States Postal Service, via first class mail, in a prepaid envelope and
addressed as follows:
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney.for Defendants
KRZYWICKI & A,,SSQCIATES, P.C.
Dated: December 13, 2011
BY:
P
UGI UTILITIES, INC.,
PLAINTIFF
V.
ROGELE, INC. AND
GARY HOULL,
DEFEN
TS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 10-7012 CIVIL
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 2' "d day of December, 2011, upon consideration of Plaintiff's
Motion to Compel;
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AND DIRECTED that:
1. Plaintiff shall provide the Court with a written offer of proof as to how the
personnel file of Defenda ts' employee Don O'Neal is relevant to Plaintiff's claims or
how a review of the file w II reasonably lead to discovery of admissible evidence. This
offer of proof shall be filed on or before January 13, 2012.
2. A hearing on the Motion to Compel will be held on Monday, February 27,
2012, at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom No. 2 of the Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle,
Pennsylvania.
By the Court,
I
M. L. Ebert, Jr., J.;
r.:
U` Anthony Krzywicki, Esqui e r, R
X;v C-7)
Attorney for Plaintiff
???,
-t" fas Ca +
?Stephen Banko, Jr., Esquire rcv a?•
Attorney for Defendants =a
b'4= t to C
bas 20p e6 Ma : I-eol a f as/1 -
I= iLr O-?;? ? iC?L
STEPHEN L. BANKO, JR., ESQUIRE OF THE PROTHONO AE;`
Pa. Supreme Court I. D. No. 41727
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN 2011 DEC 29 AM 11: 33
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Telephone: (717) 760-7501 PENNSYLVANIA
FAX: (717) 975-8124 Attorney for Defendants
E-mail: sbankoO-marQolisedelstein.com
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
UGI UTILITIES, INC.,
Plaintiff
DOCKET NO. 2010-7012 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
V.
ROGELE, INC. and GARY HOULL,
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
A14WER OF DEFENDANT, ROGELE, INC., TO PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO
' C* PEL MORE SPECIFIC ANSWERS TO INTERROGATORY AND
REQUEST FOR DOCUMENTS
1. Admitted. By way of further answer, prior to service of the aforesaid
document, Plaintiff attempted to serve Interrogatories and Request for Production of
Documents directly upon Don O'Neal ("Mr. O'Neal"), an employee of Defendant, Rogele,
Inc. ("Rogele"). Rogele objected to these discovery requests on the basis that Mr. O'Neal
is not a party to this action. By way of further answer, Mr. O'Neal, while a foreman for
Rogele, is not a corporate officer and, therefore, it would be inappropriate if not otherwise
wrongful and illegal for Rogele to produce documents which would include the Social
Security numbers of Mr. O'Neal and his family members, medical information and
documents containing other personal information not related to this or any other action.
Such disclosure could potentially subject Rogele to sanctions or other actions brought by
Mr. O'Neal, himself. It is believed and therefore averred that the appropriate manner in
which to obtain such documents would be through a subpoena with a Notice of Intent to
Serve Subpoena, served upon Mr. O'Neal. This would afford Mr. O'Neal the opportunity
to object to the release of such documents or information. Furthermore, Rogele would be
protected from any inadvertent disclosure of privileged, confidential and non-disclosable
information.
2. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that on about November
16, 2011, Rogele provided a response to Plaintiff's Interrogatories and Request for
Production of Documents. It is specifically denied that it did not provide a "full and
complete answer" to Interrogatory No. 4. To the contrary, Rogele set forth an objection to
that Interrogatory setting forth the grounds for subjection. Pa. R.C.P. No. 4006(a)(2)
provides in part:
Each interrogatory shall be answered fully and completely
unless objected to, in which event the reasons for the objection
shall be stated in lieu of an answer.
As Rogele served an objection which was in lieu of an answer, its answer was, therefore,
complete.
3. Admitted. By way of further answer, the answers contained in paragraphs
1 and 2 hereof are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
4. Admitted. The answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 3 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
5. Denied. The allegations contained in this paragraph state a legal conclusion
to which no response is necessary. By way of further answer, Rogele has answered
various discovery requests propounded by and on behalf of Plaintiff. Rogele's discovery
disclosures have included Mr. O'Neal's handwritten notes related to this project. Plaintiff
is aware that Mr. O'Neal was not the person who did the excavation. Rather, the
2
excavation was actually done by co-defendant, Gary Howell, misidentified by Plaintiff in the
caption of this case as Gary Houll. Furthermore, as has been stated in this document and
in answers to prior discovery requests, Mr. O'Neal is currently employed by Rogele and will
be made available to Plaintiff for deposition and/or testimony at an arbitration hearing in
this matter.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Rogele, Inc., prays this Honorable Court enter an Order
overruling Plaintiff's Motion to Compel Discovery.
EDELSTEIN
lq-?Ao
Date
By:
S-VEPFWN L. BANKO, JR.
Counsel for Defendants
3
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on all
counsel of record by placing the same in the United States mail at Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania, first-class postage prepaid, and addressed as follows:
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
kiyAbm o' Date
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
Qr&? a
Angela M. Gayman, ecretary
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
11GI UTILITIES INC..
vs.
ROGELE. INC. and
GARY HOULL,
Plaintiff.
Defendants
Civil Action - In Law
No. 10-7012 Civil
ARBITRATION
PRAECIPE TO WITHDRAW MOTION TO COMPEL
TO TIIE PROTHONOTARY:
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Kindly mark the Motion to Compel of Defendant. Rogele, Inc., filed on or about
December 19,20 11. WITHDRAWN in the above-captioned Civil .Action.
KRZYWICKI &-?CSS0V1A1kS, P.C.
DA'l ED: February 14, 2012
13Y:
Ai honv_ P. i- Zvi E ' ui rc
A for , for 1 iff
P.O. 13ox 5(_
New l lope, PA 18938
(215)862-4390
Attorney I.D. 23754
U
UGI Utilities Inc.
VS.
Rogele, Inc. and
Gary Houll
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 10-7012 Civil. 20
RULE 1312-1 The Petition for Appointment of Arbitrators shall be substa
ti
ll i
n
a
Following form: y
n `V
PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF ARBITRATOR Cn
S `
TO THE HONORABLE
THE JUDGES OF SAID -
,
COURT: :
A
nthony P. Krzywicki.
counsel for the plaintiff/& in the above
action (or actions), respectfully represents that:
I . The above-captioned action (or actions) is (are) at issue.
2. The claim of plaintiff in the action is $ 2 , 8 3 9.5 6
The counterclaim of the defendant in the action is
The following attorneys are interested in the case(s) as counsel or are otherwise disqualified to sit
as arbitrators:
WHEREFORE, your petitioner prays your Honorable Court to appoint three (3) arbitrators to
whom the case shall be submitted.
Respec sub ' ed 4 .28. /5D// Qd 4/
1
ORDER UR 12 0-4- ?2 7 39 r7;F
AND NOW, 20fA , in consideration of the foregoing
petition, Esq., and `i%GLO ®- ?/` I
Esq., and
Esq., are appointed arbitrators in the above
captioned action (or actions) as prayed for.
6 N ? Q By the Court
,
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C)j- =_j AR B. BAYLEY
Lo1CL-
J CC
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`S C%Q
A,
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
By: Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-4390
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney I.D. 23754
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
a ? r 4t t i.t 1` ?, ,
C
5Y ?1CJ,°?f t
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
vs.
Plaintiff,
Civil Action - In Law
No. 10-7012 Civil
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL,
Defendants
ARBITRATION
PRAECIPE TO ATTACH VERIFICATION
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly attach the attached Verification to Plaintiffs First Amended Complaint filed on
December 13, 2010.
Dated: June 8, 2012
BY:
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
14
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
Plaintiff, Civil Action - In Law
VS. No. 10-7012 Civil
ROGELE, INC. and
GARY HOULL, ARBITRATION
Defendants.
VERIFICATION
I, Allen Fowler, being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that I am a Damage
Prevention Coordinator for UGI Utilities Inc., Plaintiff in the foregoing action, that I am
authorized to execute this Verification on behalf of UGI Utilities Inc., and that the First Amended
Complaint is based upon information that has been provided to our outside counsel or
information that has been obtained by our outside counsel in the preparation of the initiation of
this lawsuit. The language of the First Amended Complaint is that of counsel and not of the
undersigned. I have read the First Amended Complaint and, to the extent that the information
contained therein is based upon information given to our outside counsel, it is true and correct to
the best of my knowledge, information and belief. To the extent that the content of the First
Amended Complaint is that of outside counsel, I have relied upon outside counsel in executing
this Verification. It is further understood that all statements herein are made subject to the
penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Dated: (? ?? I L
Allen owler
Damage Prevention Coordinator
UGI Utilities Inc.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire, certify that on this date I served a copy of the foregoing
Praecipe to Add Verification by depositing copies thereof in a depository under the exclusive care
and custody of the United States Postal Service via First Class mail, in a prepaid envelope and
addressed as follows:
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney, for Defendants
Dated: June 8, 2012
BY:
Attorney for Plaintiff
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
UGI UTILITIES, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
vs. CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 10-7012 CIVIL
ROGELE INC. and
GARY HOULL, ;
Defendants
ORDER
AND NOW, this 30v day of July, 2012, the appointment of a Board of Arbitrators
in the above-captioned case is VACATED. Michael Bangs, Esquire, Chairman, shall be paid the
sum of $50.00.
BY THE COURT,
Kevin Hess, P. J.
Michael Bangs, Esquire
Court Administrator
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANI
UGI UTILITIES INC.,
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Plaintiff, Civil Action - In Law
vs. No. 10-7012 Civil c'
y ra
ROGELE, INC. and ,cp -o
GARY HOULL, ARBITRATION
Defendants.
PRAECIPE TO SETTLE, DISCONTINUE, AND END
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly mark this matter Settle, Discontinue, and End against the Defendants,
prejudice upon payment of your costs only.
TES, P.C.
DATED: July 21, 2012
BY:
P.O ox 5
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(215)8 -4390
Attorney for Plai tiff
Attorney I.D. 237
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