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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-3854w J t lot4O 1AR t ae: !!7 ,,, '- 1 A 11: 0 .,r BLAND COUNTY ENt-1SY VANIA ELDERHOOD OPTION, INC., Plaintiff IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA vs. NO. - 3 0 S I 20 SANDRA D. WILLIAMS and BARBARA D. STRATMEYER, Civil Term CO-EXECUTRICES OF THE ESTATE OF IRENE C. PEFFER, Defendants CIVIL ACTION - LAW NOTICE TO DEFEND YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. IF YOU WISH TO DEFEND AGAINST THE CLAIMS SET FORTH IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES, YOU MUST TAKE ACTION WITHIN TWENTY (20), DAYS AFTER THIS COMPLAINT AND NOTICE ARE SERVED, BY ENTERING A WRITTEN APPEARANCE PERSONALLY OR BY ATTORNEY AND FILING IN WRITING WITH THE COURT YOUR DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE CLAIMS SET FORTH AGAINST YOU. YOU ARE WARNED THAT IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO THE CASE MAY PROCEED WITHOUT YOU AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU BY THE COURT WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE FOR ANY MONEY CLAIMED IN THE COMPLAINT OR FOR ANY OTHER CLAIM OR RELIEF REQUESTED BY THE PLAINTIFF. YOU MAY LOSE MONEY OR PROPERTY OR OTHER RIGHTS IMPORTANT TO YOU. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE. CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION 32 SOUTH BEDFORD STREET CARLISLE, PA 17013 1-800-990-9108 717-249-3166 9) OP. 00 "IA ck?as?a93 Dennis J. Shatto, Esquire Pa. Attorney ID 25675 CLECKNER AND FEAREN P. O. Box 11847 Harrisburg, PA 17108-1847 (717)238-1731 Attorney for Plaintiff ELDERHOOD OPTION, INC., Plaintiff vs. SANDRA D. WILLIAMS and BARBARA D. STATMEYER, CO-EXECUTRICES OF THE ESTATE OF IRENE C. PEFFER, Defendants IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. Civil Term CIVIL ACTION - LAW COMPLAINT 20 1. Plaintiff is Elderhood Option, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation having its principal place of business at 6 West Main Street, Shiremanstown, Pennsylvania, 17011. 2. At all times pertinent hereto, Plaintiff conducted business as Griswold Special Care - Cumberland County Office. 3. Defendants are Sandra D. Williams, 9 South Humer Street, Enola, Pennsylvania, 17025, and Barbara D. Stratmeyer, 4 Haverford Circle, Manchester, Pennsylvania, 17345, Co- Executrices of the Estate of Irene C. Peffer, deceased. 4. On January 22, 2009, Plaintiff entered into a Client Service Agreement with Irene C. Peffer, through her agent, Sandra D. Williams, under Power of Attorney dated October 21, 2004. A copy of the said Agreement is attached hereto, made a part hereof, and labeled Exhibit "A." 5. Plaintiff provided service to Irene C. Peffer under said Agreement until March 11, 2010, when service for Irene C. Peffer was discontinued by her agent, Sandra D. Williams. 6. Services were performed for Irene C. Peffer by Diane Gibson, a caregiver referred by Plaintiff. 7. Between March 11, 2010, and at least May 31 of 2010, the said Diane Gibson provided caregiver services to Irene C. Peffer under a private contract between them. 8. On September 25, 2010, Irene C. Peffer died, and Letters Testamentary were thereafter issued to Defendants for the administration of her estate. 9. Under paragraph 5 of the aforesaid Agreement, Irene C. Peffer agreed that for a period of one year after termination of services with Plaintiff, she would not employ or otherwise contract for the same or similar services from a caregiver referred by Plaintiff, and in the event of a violation of paragraph 5, Irene C. Peffer agreed to pay to Plaintiff the sum of $3,500 as damages. 10. By contracting with Diane Gibson for performance of services after Plaintiffs services under the aforesaid contract were terminated, Irene C. Peffer violated paragraph 5 of the aforesaid Agreement. 11. Despite demand, Defendants have failed or refused to pay to Plaintiff the contractual damages of $3,500. -2- WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendants in the sum of $3,500, together with costs and interest. Respectfully submitted, CLECKNER AND FEAREN By Dennis J. Shatto, Esquire Pa. Attorney ID #25675 119 Locust Street P. O. Box 11847 Harrisburg, PA 17108-1847 (717)238-1731 Attorneys for Plaintiff, Elderhood Option, Inc. -3- Mimi OR]SWOLDSPECIAL CARE GRISWr - 7 SPECIAL CARE- CLIENT SF VICE AGREEMENT This Agreement is by and between GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE("GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE") and the individual, couple or family requesting Service ("CLIENT") at the address below from the local Office, a domestic corporation. Each hereby affirms his/her/their/its respective ability and competency to enter into and full intent to be legally bound by this Agreement, with full exchange and receipt of good and valuable consideration between them, without duress. Service is commenced upon CLIENT request and the agreed upon terms and conditions are confirmed and ratified by this written Agreement as follows without waiver of GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE's rights: 1. GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE will refer one or more screened individuals ("Caregiver") to CLIENT for his/her/their satisfactory consideration to provide companionship, personal care or homemaking services ("Service") to CLIENT at a location, fora period of time and under conditions specified by CLIENT. CLIENT understands that under no circumstances may the Caregiver be requested or permitted to perform medical procedures, administer narcotics or injections. Caregiver may assist CLIENT with self-administered medications only with written instructions provided by the CLIENT, CLIENT's agent or physician.CLI ENT understands and agrees that Caregivers are independent contractors registered with GRISWOLD SPECIAL CAREfor referral to clients requesting services. Nothing in this Agreement or GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE's dealings with Caregiver is or will be construed to be inconsistent with that relationship. CLIENT agrees that it is CLIENT who determines whether Caregiver will continue to perform his/her services for CLIENT. Independent contractor Caregivers are responsible for their own taxes, however, CLIENT may issue 1099s at year end at CLIENT's election for tax deduction purposes based upon the advice of CLIENT's own tax advisor. 2. CLIENT will make payments consistent with the fee schedule then in effect which shall be subject to change by written notice from GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE. CLIENT will make separate payments to Caregiver and at least weekly to GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE after receiving billing slip from Caregiver. Finance charges of up to 1.5% per month will be added to any past-due balances. CLIENT agrees to pay reasonable attorney,fees, court costs and/or collection agency charges if CLIENT's account goes more than thirty (30) days past due. If arranged in advance of service starting, a third party billing company can be used to bill CLIENT's insurance company or other third party payer directly. CLIENT remains initially and primarily responsible for all costs and fees not covered, timely reimbursed or authorized by the third party payer. 3. CLIENT agrees to notify GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE promptly of any and all changes in scheduling arrangements made with Caregiver. Minimum charges will apply to short notice changes or cancellations by CLIENT. If unable to work at a particular time, Caregiver is to notify CLIENT. CLIENT or Caregiver will then contact GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE about the change and GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE will make every reasonable effort to make another referral. 4. CLIENT and/or CLIENT's agent/responsible party agrees on behalf of CLIENT, CLIENT's agent/responsible party, beneficiaries, heirs and/or family/household members to release GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE, Inc., owner of all records, its officers, directors, agents and employees, Office, Office Directors, Office employees, and Caregiver from any and all liability, potential or real, fpr any injury, claim, damage or loss, including attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with the performance of this Agreement ahd all services performed by Caregiver for the CLIENT, including, but not limited to, assisting CLIENT with his/her medications and providing transportation to CLIENT or any member of CLIENT's family/household, except for gross negligence. All Caregivers referred to CLIENT by GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE sign a similar liability release to help protect the CLIENT. The protections of this paragraph are not granted to and do not inure to the potentially implied rights of any possible third party beneficiaries. - CLIENT understands and agrees that Burin the eriod of time Service is bein rovided b a GR/S E referred Caregiver and for one (1) year after termination of services CLIENT shall not employ nor otherwise contract in anv wavRfr)r the same or similar services of or rnm anv r`R! ?ninl n c nrr+i n - - l?IP1L I.HKC serve D SPECIAI CARF anraa +h?+ ._ G 6. GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE or CLIENT may each terminate Service without cause with at least twenty-four (24) hours advance written notice. This Agreement is the complete agreement between GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE and CLIENT; it-cannot be changed unless changes are in writing; all portions of the Agreement are severable and if any provision is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction without reference to conflict of law principles which may govern this Agreement, GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE and CLIENT will negotiate an adjustment in at provision( and the enfor eability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected. 7. Notification for CLIENT emergency or d at phone CLIENT ry healthcare contact e 1Z 0 es No -Client phone_?? ?)ice care w/D Order< 1 year old (no 999 calls) Yes N - Ii has v ce Directive (attach to client copy of agreement or ID location of copy if Yes) By. a /v Cumberland County Offic 4CLIENT Signature. Print name: of GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE 6 West Main Street ?? ?? ?? Shiremanstown, PA 17011 Service dress: 717-975-0540 ? l ?- Payer's SS# Date: EXHIBIT ower-of-Attorney Signature, if ny (attach copy) Spouse, Family/Household Member, Personal Guaran POA address & phone#: Z7 VERIFICATION I, SUSAN K. SHATTO, an officer of Elderhood Option, Inc., hereby verify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements made herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. §4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Date: rz 5' 2011 ZSN K. SHA TO SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY Ronny R Anderson Sheriff Jody S Smith Chief Deputy Richard W Stewart Solicitor 4g?i?titp al ccjr46'ej.1/14 faFf. i-'SF' •. WF i' I 14 Elderhood Option, Inc. vs. Sandra Williams (et al.) 2011 ,1UN -1 Ali 10: 28 GU Pg NNSYL\/A NIA OUNT'( Case Number 2011-3854 SHERIFF'S RETURN OF SERVICE 05/06/2011 05:11 PM - Robert Bitner, Deputy Sheriff, who being duly sworn according to law, states that on May 6, 2011 at 1711 hours, he served a true copy of the within Complaint and Notice, upon the within named defendant, to wit: Sandra Williams, by making known unto herself personally, at 5 S. Humer Street, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025 its contents and at the same time handing to her personally the said true and correct copy of the same. ROB RT BITNER, DEPUTY 05/06/2011 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: Barbara Stratmeyer, but was unable to locate her in hi: bailiwick. He therefore deputized the Sheriff of York County, Pennsylvania to serve the within Complaint and Notice according to law. 05/13/2011 04:56 PM - York County Return: And now May 13, 2011 at 1656 hours I, Richard P. Keuerleber, Sheriff of York County, Pennsylvania, do hereby certify and return that I served a true copy of the within Complaint and Notice, upon the within named defendant, to wit: Barbara Stratmeyer by making known unto herself personally, at 4 Haverford Circle, Manchester, Pennsylvania 17345 its contents and at the same time handing to her personally the said true and correct copy of the same. SHERIFF COST: $68.44 May 31, 2011 SO ANSWERS, RON R ANDERSON, SHERIFF ri 1-01.1n}ySuite Sheriff, Teieosofi. inc_ SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF YORK COUNTY Richard P Keuerieber PETER J. MANGAN, ESQ. Sheriff Solicitor Reuben B Zeager Richard E Rice, it Chief Deputy, Operations Chief Deputy, Administration ELDERHOOD OPTION, INC., Case Number vs. SANDRA D. WILLIAMS (et al.) 11-3854 SHERIFF'S RETURN OF SERVICE 05/13/2011 04:56 PM - DEPUTY TERRY DRAWBAUGH, BEING DULY SWORN ACCORDING TO LAW, SERVED THE REQUESTED COMPLAINT IN CIVIL ACTION (CICA) BY "PERSONALLY" HANDING A TRUE COPY TO A PERSON REPRESENTING THEMSELVES TO BE THE DEFENDANT, TO WIT: BARBARA STRATMEYER AT 4 HAVERFORD CIRCLE, MANCHESTER, PA 177345. TERRY DRAWBAUGH, DE TY SHERIFF COST: $33.20 May 26, 2011 SO S, Ice, I A, -?? ICHARD P K ERLEBER, S ERIFF -------- - ------ - ------ - ------- - -- ----- ----- ----------- ------- - ----- --------- --- ---------------- NOTARY Affirmed and subscribed to before me this 26TH day of MAY 2011 (c) CountySuwte Sheriff. Teleosoft, ina CITY OF YORK, YO`tK L'QLN H .. LISA 1. T14ORPE, N MY COMMISSION EXPIRES AUG. 12,201 a ? Sandra D. Williams, Executrix of the Estate of Irene C. Peffer 9 South Humer Street Enola, PA 17025 (717) 724-8161 MM c_ "? - Pro Se, Defendant r r - Barbara D. Stratmeyer, Executrix of the C Cj Estate of Irene C. Peffer x_> Er a. - 4 Haverford Circle ` c Manchester, PA 17345 71 (717) 266-3299 Pro Se, Defendant ELDERHOOD OPTION, INC., : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA V. : NO. 11-3854 Civil Term SANDRA D. WILLIAMS and : CIVIL ACTION - LAW BARBARA D. STRATMEYER, CO-EXECUTRICES OF THE ESTATE OF IRENE C. PEFFER, Defendants DEFENDANTS' ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT AND NOW, this day of , 2011, comes the Defendants, Sandra D. Williams and Barbara D. Stratmeyer, Co-Executrices of the Estate of Irene C. Peffer, Pro Se, and files this Answer and avers as follows: 1. Admitted. 2. Admitted. 3. Admitted. 4. Admitted. 5. Admitted. 6. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that services were performed by Diane Gibson. However, the termination date is denied. 7. It is denied that Diane Gibson provided caregiver services between March 11, 2010 and May 31, 2010, and proof thereof is therefore demanded at trial. In fact, it is averred that caregiver services were performed by family members after Plaintiff's services were terminated. 8. Admitted. 9. Neither admitted or denied, with strict proof demanded at trial. 10. It is denied that services were performed by Diane Gibson after Plaintiffs services were terminated, and proof thereof is therefore demanded at trial. 11. It is admitted that Defendants have failed or refused to pay to Plaintiff the alleged contractual damages of $3,500.00. It is denied that there are any contractual damages of $3,500.00. WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully request judgment be entered in their favor and against the Plaintiff. Respectfully submitted, Dated: 611 Sandra D. Williams, Executrix of the Estate of Irene C. Peffer 9 South Humer Street Enola, PA 17025 (717) 724-8161 Pro Se Dated: U Barbara D. Stratmeyer, Executrix oAhe Estate of Irene C. Peffer 4 Haverford Circle Manchester, PA 17345 (717) 266-3299 Pro Se VERIFICATION WE VERIFY THAT THE STATEMENTS MADE IN THE FOREGOING ANSWER ARE TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE, BELIEF AND INFORMATION. WE UNDERSTAND THAT FALSE STATEMENTS HEREIN ARE MADE SUBJECT TO THE PENALTIES OF 18 PA CS §4904 RELATING TO UNSWORN FALSIFICATION TO AUTHORITIES. Dated: 6 / q1q U // A 41 / 4, / , a Ulk (SEAL) Sandra D. Williams, Executrix for the Estate of Irene C. Peffer nlz? n' ? (SEAL) Barbara D. Stratmeyer, Exec rix for the Estate of Irene C. Peffer A ELDERHOOD OPTION, INC., : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA V. : NO. 11-3854 Civil Term SANDRA D. WILLIAMS and : CIVIL ACTION - LAW BARBARA D. STRATMEYER, CO-EXECUTRICES OF THE ESTATE OF IRENE C. PEFFER, : Defendants CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE We, Sandra D. Williams and Barbara D. Stratmeyer, hereby certify that we served a true and correct copy of the Defendants' Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint by depositing same in the United States Mail, , Pennsylvania, by regular first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: Dennis J. Shatto, Esquire CLECKNER AND FEAREN P. O. Box 11847 Harrisburg, PA 17108-1847 Attorney for Plaintiff Dated: ?U / Dated: Sandra D. Williams, Executrix of the Estate of Irene C. Peffer 9 South Humer Street Enola, PA 17025 (717) 724-8161 Pro Se ?? 10,-- Barbara D. Stratmeyer, Execut of the Estate of Irene C. Peffer 4 Haverford Circle Manchester, PA 17345 (717) 266-3299 Pro Se Elderhood Option, Inc. vs Case No. Sandra D. Williams and Barbara D. Stratmeyer, Co -Executrices CE .0-1A 2 7 PH 2: ( Q UT i EttLh1 D COUNTY 1 88` 4.1A : I A STATEMENT OF INTENTION TO PROCEED To the Court: Elderhood Option, Inc. intends to proceed with the above captioned matter. PrintName Dennis J. Shatto Sign Name Date: 10/24/14 Attorney for Plaintiff IMPORTANT NOTE In the event that this is a second or subsequent filing of a Statement of Intention to Proceed, this matter will be referred to the President Judge for the purpose of conducting a status conference involving all counsel. The goal of the status conference will be to set the matter for trial or other final disposition within a time certain. Prior to the status conference, Counsel will be expected to submit to the court, in writing, a proposed schedule for the completion of discovery, the filing of dispositive motions and a report as to whether alternative dispute resolution has been used or discussed. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, DENNIS J. SHATTO, hereby certify that on this day, I served a true and correct copy of Statement of Intention to Proceed upon the person(s) indicated below, by depositing same in the United States mail, first class postage prepaid, addressed as follows: Ms. Sandra D. Williams 9 S. Humer St. Enola, PA 17025 Dated: October 24, 2014 Dennis J. Shatto PA Attorney ID 25675 828 Limekiln Road New Cumberland, PA 17070 (717)547-6384