HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-4181NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
169 ASHFORD DRIVE
ENOLA, PA 17025
Plaintiff(s)
V.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: n
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE
3333 BEVERLY ROAD
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
Defendant(s)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO ISSUE WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly issue a Writ of Summons commencing an action against the named Defendant in
the above-captioned matter.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY:
RICHARD J., JR., ESQ
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: August 19, 2004
GIN
?o.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
169 ASHFORD DRIVE
ENOLA, PA 17025
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE
3333 BEVERLY ROAD
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
Defendant(s).
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO:
04 - glPl ?lui
WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO: Sears, Roebuck & Co.
d/b/a Kenmore
3333 Beverly Road
Hoffman Estates, 11 60179
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the above Plaintiff has commenced an action
against you in the above litigation.
BY THE PROTHONOTARY
DATED: T oZcoy ? A • n) 12
2
\05 A\LIAB\T1M\LLPG\162185UMF\15000\50000
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
V.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
NO. 04-41181 (Civil Term)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter the appearance of the undersigned as counsel on behalf of the Defendant,
Sears, Roebuck and Co. d/b/a Kenmore, with respect to the above-referenced matter.
DATE: SOS. 7jt Z" BY:
Respectfully submitted,
MARSHALL, DENNEHEY, WARNER,
TIMOTHY J. M MAHON, ESQUIRE
I.D. No. S2
4200( s umMi Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 651-3505
Attorney for Defendant
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-4181 (Civil Term)
JURY TR][AL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Joanne M. Parr, an employee of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, do
hereby certify that on this p? day of September 2004, served a copy of the foregoing Entry of
Appearance via First Class United States mail, postage prepaid as follows:
Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire
Nelson, Levin, deLuca & Horst
Four Sentry Parkway
Suite 300
Blue Bell, PA 19422
X1 'MS6
anne M. Parr
\05_A\LIAB\TJM\LLPG\l62188\JMF\l 5000\50000
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
NO. 04-4181 (Civil Term)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE FOR RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly issue a Rule directing Plaintiffs, Norman and Jean Deissler, to file a Complaint
within twenty (20) days of service of the Rule or risk a judgment of Non Pros.
MARSHALL, DENNEHEY, WARNER,
COLF?NIAN D GOGGIN
DATE: S ZUI 2w$ BY:
T H'118t ON, ESQUIRE
I.D. No.: 4200 Crunas Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 651-3505
Attorney f br Defendant
RULE
AND NOW, this??ay of '9'C-P4 2004, upon consideration of the
foregoing Praecipe, a Rule is hereby issued upon the Plaintiffs., Norman and Jean Deissler, to file
a Complaint within twenty (20) days or suffer judgment of Non Pros.
PROTHONOTARY
SEAL
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-4181 (Civil Term)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Joanne M. Parr, an employee of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, do
hereby certify that on this& day of September 2004, served a copy of the foregoing Praecipe
for Rule to File Complaint via First Class United States mail, postage prepaid as follows:
Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire
Nelson, Levin, deLuca & Horst
Four Sentry Parkway
Suite 300
Blue Bell, PA 19422
U S_ \\`.
ore M. Parr
(J .,o
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r-
'c? t ri' n
Fri ?•
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NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO. I CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s)
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
I, RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., affirm that I served a Writ of Summons upon Defendant,
Sears, Roebuck and Co. d/b/a Kenmore under the exclusive care and custody of the U.S. Postal
Service employing Certified Mail on September 1, 2004. A copy of the cover letter and a copy
of the Return Receipt, PS Form 3811 documenting service of the Complaint are attached hereto
as Exhibit A.
Dated: September 21, 2004
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: CGr?l' .
RICHARD J. BOY , JR., ESQUIRE'
rATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
EXHIBIT "A"
N ` NELSON • LEVINE • de LUCA & HOIRST Four Sentry Parkway
A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Suite 300
ue Be
ATTORNEYS AT LAW Phonne
: e: 6 B 6111, 0 PA .8621.66500
500
PHILADELPHIA PRINCETON COLUMBUS FaX 610.862.6501
www.nldhIaw.com
Reply to..
Richard J. Boyd, Jr.
Direct: 610.862.6522
rboyd@nldMaw.com
September 1, 2004
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN
RECEIPT REQUESTED Nn 70041350 0002 2810 0951
Sears
d/b/a Kenmore
Sears National Customer Relations
3333 Beverly Road
Hoffman Estate, IL 60179
Re: Deissler v Sears, Roebuck and Co.
CCP Cumberland County No. 04-4181
Dear Sir or Madam:
Enclosed please find a Praecipe to issue Writ of Summons and the Writ of Summons
issued by the Court. This document officially commences a civil law suit against your company.
You should immediately refer this matter to your legal department and/or insurance provider.
Your immediate attention is essential.
Very truly yours,
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
ba oyd, Jr.
RJB/bjp
Enclosure
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NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
iwicrvlAIN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s).
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the
Affidavit of Service was served on September 21, 2004, upon counsel listed below by United
States Mail, postage prepaid.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE
3333 BEVERLY ROAD
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
Dated: September 21, 2004
NELSON LEVINE; de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY:
CHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
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NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s)
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
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 (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are
served, by entering a written appearance personally or by an 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 or any other claim or relief requested
by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property 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. 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 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717)-249-3166
(800)-990-9108
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s)
COMPLAINT
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
Plaintiffs, by and through undersigned counsel and by way of Complaint against
Defendant, hereby aver:
1. Plaintiffs are adult individuals who, at all times relevant hereto, resided at the
home located at the address in the caption above (hereinafter "the premises").
2. Defendant is, upon information and belief, a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of a foreign state, with a principal place of 'business located at the address in the
caption above, which regularly does business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of
Cumberland. It is a business, which sells, inter alia, ovens, and which did sell the oven at issue
in this case, identified as a Kenmore Self-Cleaning Oven.
3. On or about September 12, 2003, a fire originated at the oven and thereafter
spread to the premises, causing damages in the amount of $:14,139.74.
4. Defendant was provided with Plaintiffs' expert report, an open and continuing
opportunity to inspect the oven and all file materials from Plaintiffs many months ago, thereby
giving Defendant notice of all existing facts and circumstances surrounding this loss currently
within the possession and knowledge of Plaintiffs.
Doc #. 76892.doc
COUNT I - STRICT LIABILITY
5. Plaintiffs incorporate herein by reference the above paragraphs as though the
same were fully set forth at length.
6. Defendant is engaged, and at all times relevant hereto was engaged, in the
business of selling, inter alia, ovens, and, specifically, selling the oven at issue in this case.
7. The aforementioned loss was caused by an unreasonably dangerous and defective
oven, unsafe for its intended use; said loss occurring in the absence of abnormal use or
reasonable secondary causes. Thereby, rendering Defendant liable to Plaintiffs under the
"Malfunction Theory" of products liability.
8. As a direct and proximate result of the aforementioned defective product,
Plaintiffs sustained and incurred damages as set forth above.
9. For these reasons, Defendant is strictly liable to Plaintiffs for the damages under
the "Malfunction Theory" and the applicable case law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs demand judgment in their favor and against Defendant in the
amount of $54,139.74, plus interest, delay damages and such other relief as the Court deems
appropriate under the circumstances.
NELSON LE`JINE DELUCA & HORST, LLC
B}r
CHARD J FOYD, JR., E U
ATTORN XS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: October 8, 2004
VERIFICATION
RICHARD J. BOYD, JR. hereby states that he is the attorney for the Plaintiff and that the
facts contained in the foregoing Complaint are true and correct to the best of his knowledge,
information and belief. He understands that the statements herein are made subject to the
penalties of 18 Pa. C. S. Section 4904 concerning falsification to authorities.
t
Dated: October 8, 2004
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s).
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of Plaintiffs'
Complaint was served on October 8, 2004, upon counsel listed below by United States Mail,
postage prepaid.
Timothy McMahon, Esquire
Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17112
NELSON LEVVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
XZICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESIQUII
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: October 8, 2004
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NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-4181 (Civil Term)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS OF DEFENDANT
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
Defendant Sears, Roebuck and Co. hereby submits these Preliminary Objections pursuant
to Pa.R.C.P. 1028 and Local Rule 211 and in support thereof avers the following:
1. Plaintiffs filed their Complaint in this action on or about October 9, 2004.
2. Defendant had previously served a Rule upon Plaintiffs, through their
counsel, compelling the filing of a Complaint.
3. Defendant, through its counsel, received a copy of the Complaint on
October 12, 2004 and thus these Preliminary Objections are timely.
4. Plaintiffs' Complaint is brief containing just nine Paragraphs and a prayer
for relief. A true and correct copy of Plaintiffs' Complaint is attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
5. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to meet the requirements for factual specificity
of pleadings.
6. Accordingly, Defendant Sears, Roebuck & Co. respectfully requests that
this Honorable Court grants its Preliminary Objections in the Nature of a Motion to Strike
Plaintiffs' Complaint and requests that this Court enter an Order directing that Plaintiffs plead
with factual specificity the nature and extent of the defect which Plaintiffs contend gave rise to
their harm.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Sears, Roebuck and Co. respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court grant its Preliminary Objections in the Nature of a Motion to Strike Plaintiffs'
Complaint.
Respectfully submitted,
MARSHALL, DENNEHEY, WARNER,
COLEMAN & GOGGIN
DATE: O C -1- '26 BY:
TIM T 7 J. ON, ESQUIRE
LD. No. 5291
91
4200 Crams Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 651-:3505
Attorney for Defendant,
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
cV- Y ,Y4
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s)
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 044181
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 (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are
served, by entering a written appearance personally or by an 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 or any other claim or relief requested
by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property 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. 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 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717)-249-3166
(800)-990-9108
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s)
COMPLAINT
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUM13ERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL, ACTION NO: 04-4181
Plaintiffs, by and through undersigned counsel and by way of Complaint against
Defendant, hereby aver:
1. Plaintiffs are adult individuals who, at all times relevant hereto, resided at the
home located at the address in the caption above (hereinafter "the premises')
2. Defendant is, upon information and belief, a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of a foreign state, with a principal place of business located at the address in the
caption above, which regularly does business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of
Cumberland. It is a business, which sells, inter alia, ovens, and. which did sell the oven at issue
in this case, identified as a Kenmore Self-Cleaning Oven.
3. On or about September 12, 2003, a fire originated at the oven and thereafter
spread to the premises, causing damages in the amount of $54,139.74.
4. Defendant was provided with Plaintiffs' expert report, an open and continuing
opportunity to inspect the oven and all file materials from Plaintiffs many months ago, thereby
giving Defendant notice of all existing facts and circumstances surrounding this loss currently
within the possession and knowledge of Plaintiffs.
Doc N: 76892.doc
COUNT I - STRICT LIABILITY
5. Plaintiffs incorporate herein by reference the above paragraphs as though the
same were fully set forth at length.
6. Defendant is engaged, and at all times relevant hereto was engaged, in the
business of selling, inter alia, ovens, and, specifically, selling the oven at issue in this case.
7. The aforementioned loss was caused by an unreasonably dangerous and defective
oven, unsafe for its intended use; said loss occurring in the absence of abnormal use or
reasonable secondary causes. Thereby, rendering Defendant liable to Plaintiffs under the
"Malfunction Theory" of products liability.
8. As a direct and proximate result of the aforementioned defective product,
Plaintiffs sustained and incurred damages as set forth above.
9. For these reasons, Defendant is strictly liable to Plaintiffs for the damages under
the "Malfunction Theory" and the applicable case law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs demand judgment in their favor and against Defendant in the
amount of $54,139.74, plus interest, delay damages and such other relief as the Court deems
appropriate under the circumstances.
NELSON LEVINE DELUCA & HORST, LLC
BY.
CHARD J $E , JR., E QU
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: October 8, 2004
VERIFICATION
RICHARD J. BOYD, JR. hereby states that he is the attorney for the Plaintiff and that the
facts contained in the foregoing Complaint are true and correct to the best of his knowledge,
information and belief. He understands that the statements herein are made subject to the
penalties of 18 Pa. C. S. Section 4904 concerning falsification to authorities.
i"' ICHARD J OY
Dated: October 8, 2004
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s).
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that a true: and correct copy of Plaintiffs'
Complaint was served on October 8, 2004, upon counsel listed, below by United States Mail,
postage prepaid.
Timothy McMahon, Esquire
Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17112
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
CHARD J. BQ , JR., ESQUIRE
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: October 8, 2004
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-4161 (Civil Term)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Joanne M. Parr, an employee of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, do
hereby certify that on thi? day of October 2004, served a copy of the foregoing
Preliminary Objections to Plaintiffs' Complaint via First Class United States mail, postage
prepaid as follows:
Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire
Nelson, Levin, deLuca & Horst
Four Sentry Parkway
Suite 300
Blue Bell, PA 19422
u me M. Parr
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s)
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
PRAECIPE TO SUBSTITUTE VERIFICATION
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly substitute the verification provided herein with that attached to the
Complaint.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
Bi!?t
kICHARD J. BOY-D, JR., ESQ
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: October 20, 2004
VERIFICATION
Bobbi Maerkl hereby states that she is a duly authorized representative of Erie Insurance
Group, the real party in interest, and that the facts contained in the foregoing Complaint are true
and correct to the best of her knowledge, information and belief. She understands that the
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. § 4904 concerning falsification
to authorities.
DATED:
Bobbi Maerkl
0 Alto
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
tvUKMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s).
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the Praceipe
to Substitute Verification was served on October 20, 2004, upon counsel listed below by United
States Mail, postage prepaid.
Timothy McMahon, Esquire
Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman,& Goggin
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17112
NELSON LEVINEE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
ICHARD J. B0 D, JR., ES U
Dated: October 20. 2004 ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
U
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s)
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
ANSWER OF PLAINTIFFS TO THE PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS OF
DEFENDANT
AND NOW, come the Plaintiffs, Norman and Jean Deissler, by and through
undersigned counsel, and hereby file their Answer to the Preliminary Objections of
Defendant. Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028 and local rule 1028 (c), Plaintiffs answer as
follows:
1. Admitted.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
4. Denied. Plaintiffs' Complaint, attached to the Preliminary Objections of Defendant
as Exhibit "A", speaks for itself.
5. Denied. Plaintiffs' Complaint is sufficiently specific under the rules and under
Pennsylvania case law.
6. Denied. The nature and extent of the defect are clearly set forth in the Complaint as
well as in all of Plaintiffs' investigation documentation, which was provided to Defendant
and its counsel months ago. Accordingly, Defendant and its counsel are well aware of all
of the relevant facts and circumstances of this case, thereby rendering the Preliminary
Objections of Defendant meritless.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request that this Honorable Court overrule
the Preliminary Objections of Defendant, and order Defendant to file an answer to
Plaintiffs' Complaint within twenty (20) days.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
RICHARD J. BOVb, JR., ESQUI?2
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: November 9, 2004
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s).
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the Answer
of Plaintiffs To The Preliminary Objections of Defendant was served on November 9, 2004,
upon counsel listed below by United States Mail, postage prepaid.
Timothy McMahon, Esquire
Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17112
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY:
RICHARD J. B04, JR., E S Q ?IR
I ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: November 9, 2004
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PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT
(Must be typewritten and submitted in duplicate)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY/OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
Please list the within matter for the next:
? Pre-Trial Argument Court
® Argument Court
-------------------------------------------- ---------
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be stated in full)
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-4181 (Civil Term)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
No. 4181 Civil Term 20 04
1. State matter to be argued (i.e., plaintiffs motion for new trial,
defendant's demurrer to compliant, etc.): Defendant Sears, Roebuck and Co.'s Preliminary
Objections to Plaintiffs' Complaint.
2. Identify counsel who will argue case:
(a) for Plaintiffs: Richard Boyd, Jr., Esquire - Four Sentry Parkway, Suite 300,
Blue Bell, PA 19422
(b) for Defendant Sears, Roebuck and Co.: Timothy J. McMahon, Esquire -
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B, Harrisburg, PA 17112
3. I will notify all parties in writing within two days that this case has been listed for argument.
4. Argument Court Date: December 8, 2004
(A _--- --
Timothy J. M ah n
Attorney for Defendant Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Dated: 11/17/04
\05_A\LIAB\TJM\LLPG\l 65094VMF\ 19075\00201
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-4181 (Civil Term)
JURY TR]fAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Joanne M. Parr, an employee of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, do
hereby certify that on this ?1 day of November 2004, served a copy of the foregoing Praecipe
for Listing Case for Argument via First Class United States mail, postage prepaid as follows:
Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire
Nelson, Levin, deLuca & Horst
Four Sentry Parkway
Suite 300
Blue Bell, PA 19422
anne M. Parr
C:
^7
71
NORMAN DEISSLER IN THE COURT OFCOMMON PLEAS OF
AND JEAN DEISSLER, husband CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
And wife
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY : NO. 2004 - 4181 CIVIL
d/b/a/ KENMORE
IN RE: DEFENDANT'S PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
BEFORE BAYLEY, GUIDO, J.
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 13TH day of DECEMBER, 2004, after review of the parties'
briefs, and having heard argument thereon', Defendant's preliminary objection
challenging the specificity of Plaintiffs' complaint is SUSTAINED. Plaintiffs are granted
twenty (20) days within which to file a more specific pleading.
Edward E. Guido, J.
Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire .
Four Sentry Parkway fT
Suite 300 ?dt
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania 19422
1.1?imothy J. McMahon, Esquire
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, Pa. 17112
' We note that plaintiffs' counsel elected not to attend Argument Court.
I IJ --z J
N
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
DB/A KENMORE
Defendant(s)
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
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 (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are
served, by entering a written appearance personally or by an 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 or any other claim or relief requested
by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property 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. 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 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717)-249-3166
(800)-990-9108
U
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s)
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
Plaintiffs, by and through undersigned counsel and by way of Complaint against
Defendant, hereby aver:
1. Plaintiffs are adult individuals who, at all times relevant hereto, resided at the
home located at the address in the caption above (hereinafter "the premises").
2. Defendant is, upon information and belief, a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of a foreign state, with a principal place of business located at the address in the
caption above, which regularly does business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of
Cumberland. It is a business, which sells, inter alia, ovens, and which did sell the oven at issue
in this case, identified as a Kenmore Self-Cleaning Oven.
3. On or about September 12, 2003, a fire originated at the oven and thereafter
spread to the premises, causing damages in the amount of $54,139.74.
4. Defendant was provided with Plaintiffs' expert report, an open and continuing
opportunity to inspect the oven and all file materials from Plaintiffs many months ago, thereby
giving Defendant notice of all existing facts and circumstances surrounding this loss currently
within the possession and knowledge of Plaintiffs.
Doc #: 83152.doc
COUNT I - STRICT LIABILITY
5. Plaintiffs incorporate herein by reference the above paragraphs as though the
same were fully set forth at length.
6. Defendant is engaged, and at all times relevant hereto was engaged, in the
business of selling, inter alia, ovens, and, specifically, selling the oven at issue in this case.
7. The aforementioned loss was caused by an unreasonably dangerous and defective
oven, unsafe for its intended use; said loss occurring in the absence of abnormal use or
reasonable secondary causes. Thereby, rendering Defendant liable to Plaintiffs under the
"Malfunction Theory" of products liability.
8. Upon information and belief, the nature of the defect was the self-cleaning feature
of the oven caused it to over-heat, the oven's fail-safe mechanism then malfunctioned and did
not shut the oven off.
9. As a direct and proximate result of the aforementioned defective product,
Plaintiffs sustained and incurred damages as set forth above.
10. For these reasons, Defendant is strictly liable to Plaintiffs for the damages under
the "Malfunction Theory" and the applicable case law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs demand judgment in their favor and against Defendant in the
amount of $54,139.74, plus interest, delay damages and such other relief as the Court deems
appropriate under the circumstances.
NELSON LEVINE DELUCA & HORST, LLC
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BY:
RICHARD J B O YD, JI 8SOUW
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: December 21, 2004
VERIFICATION
Bobbi Maerkl hereby states that she is a duly authorized representative of Erie Insurance
Group, the real party in interest, and that the facts contained in the foregoing Complaint are true
and correct to the best of her knowledge, information and belief. She understands that the
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. § 4904 concerning falsification
to authorities.
elA
Bobbi Maerkl
DATED: /Z//,,6y
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s).
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of Plaintiffs'
Complaint was served on December 21, 2004, upon counsel listed below by United States Mail,
postage prepaid.
Timothy McMahon, Esquire
Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite 13
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17112
Dated: December 21, 2004
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY:r'
RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQU
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
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NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
NO. 04-4181 (Civil Term)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: Plaintiffs, Norman and Jean Deissler
c/o Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire
Nelson, Levin, deLuca & Horst
Four Sentry Parkway, Suite 300
Blue Bell, PA 19422
You are hereby notified to plead to the enclosed New Matter within twenty (20) days
from service hereof or a default judgment may be filed against you.
DATE: 112 VO"j
Respectfully submitted,
MARSHALL, DENNEHEY, WARNER,
COLEMAN & GOGGIN
BY:
TIM T Y J. M ON, ESQUIRE
I.D. No. 52918
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 651-3505
Attorney for Defendant,
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
VOS AUAMUNI UMI 72174VMR23080A00168
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO,
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-4181 (Civil Term)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER OF
SEARS. ROEBUCK and CO. TO
PLAINTIFFS' FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
L Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted only that Plaintiffs are who
they say they are. It is specifically denied that Plaintiffs reside at the home located at the address
in the caption above because there is no address listed in the caption above. Accordingly, all
further averments set forth in this Paragraph are denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(c).
2. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that Defendant Sears,
Roebuck and Co. is a corporation which conducts business in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania. It is further admitted that Defendant Sears, Roebuck and Co. sells ovens from
time to time. It is specifically denied that Defendant sold the oven "at issue in this case,
identified as a Kenmore Self-Cleaning Oven" on the basis that at present Defendant lacks
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of that averment and accordingly the
averment is denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(c) and proof thereof is demanded at trial, to the
extent relevant.
3. Denied. The averments set forth in this Paragraph constitute legal
conclusions within the meaning of Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e) and accordingly these averments are denied
and proof thereof is demanded at trial, if relevant.
4. Denied. The averments set forth in this Paragraph constitute legal
conclusions within the meaning of Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e) and accordingly these averments are denied
and proof thereof is demanded at trial, if relevant.
COUNT I - STRICT LIABILITY
5. Defendant Sears, Roebuck and Co. incorporates by reference its responses
to Paragraphs 1 through 4 above as if set forth at length herein.
6. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted only that Defendant has
from time to time sold ovens to the general public. It is specifically denied that Defendant sold
the oven at issue in this case. To the contrary, and at present, Defendant lacks information upon
which to form a belief as to the truth of this averment and accordingly this averment is denied in
accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 1029(c) and proof thereof is demanded at trial, if relevant.
7. Denied. The averments set forth in this Paragraph constitute conclusions
of law within the meaning of Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e) and accordingly these averments are denied and
proof thereof is demanded at trial, if relevant. By way of further answer, Defendant Sears,
Roebuck and Co. specifically denies that it supplied a product to Plaintiffs in this case, which
product was either unreasonably dangerous and/or defective and/or unsafe for its intended use
and/or which malfunctioned in the absence of abnormal use and/or reasonable secondary causes
as alleged. Proof thereof to the contrary is demanded at trial, to the extent relevant.
8. Denied. The averments set forth in this Paragraph constitute conclusions
of law within the meaning of Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e) to which no further responsive pleading is
required and accordingly these averments are denied and proof thereof is demanded at trial, to
the extent relevant.
9. Denied. The averments set forth in this Paragraph constitute conclusions
of law within the meaning of Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e) to which no further responsive pleading is
required and accordingly these averments are denied and proof thereof is demanded at trial, to
the extent relevant.
10. Denied. The averments set forth in this Paragraph constitute conclusions
of law within the meaning of Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e) to which no further responsive pleading is
required and accordingly these averments are denied and proof thereof is demanded at trial, to
the extent relevant.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Sears, Roebuck and Co. demands judgment in its favor and
against Plaintiffs together with such other relief as this Court shall deem appropriate.
NEW MATTER DIRECTED TO PLAINTIFFS
11. Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint fails to state a cause of action against
Defendant Sears, Roebuck and Co. upon which relief can be granted as a matter of law.
12. The damages described by Plaintiffs in their Amended Complaint, all such
damages being expressly denied, were caused in whole, or in part, by persons and/or entities
and/or parties over whom Defendant had neither control, nor right of control as a matter of law.
11 To the extent that evidence may show that other persons, parties or other
legal entities caused or contributed to damages claimed by Plaintiffs as described in their
Amended Complaint, all such damages being expressly denied, no act or omission or other
liability-producing conduct on the part of Defendant was the legal or factual cause of such
damages as a matter of law.
14. To the extent that the evidence may show that other persons, parties or
legal entities misused, abused and/or otherwise failed to follow directions concerning the subject
appliance which caused and/or contributed to those damages claimed by Plaintiffs in their
Amended Complaint, all such damages being expressly denied, acts and/or omissions and/or
other conduct on the part of Defendant was not the legal or factual cause of such damages as a
matter of law.
15. In order to preserve the defense, and pending further discovery in this
matter, Defendant avers that Plaintiffs' claims may be barred and/or limited by the Doctrine of
Spoliation of Evidence to the extent that Plaintiffs and/or their representatives have failed to
maintain evidence critical to a determination of the operation of the subject appliance before and
at the time of the fire which is the subject of Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint.
16. Plaintiffs' claims may be barred and/or limited by the Doctrine of
Collateral Estoppel.
17. Defendant reserves its right to raise one or more of those defenses set forth
in Pa.R.C.P. 1030.
18. In order to preserve the defense, and pending discovery in this matter,
Defendant avers that persons, parties and/or entities other than Defendant made material and
substantial post-sale changes and/or modifications to the subject appliance, thus eliminating
Defendant's responsibility therefore.
19. At the time the subject appliance was allegedly sold by Defendant to
Plaintiffs, the product was not defective as a matter of law.
20. Plaintiffs have not as a matter of law maintained their burden of negating
reasonable secondary causes concerning the subject fire and/or damages as described in
Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint as a matter of law.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Sears, Roebuck and Co. demands judgment in its favor and
against Plaintiffs together with such other relief as this Court shall deem appropriate.
Respectfully submitted,
MARSHALL, DENNEHEY, WARNER,
COLEMAN & GOGGIN
>A ?
DATE: Z? BY: `
TIM T :1 J. ON, ESQUIRE
I.D. No. 52918
4200 Crums Mill oad, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 651-3505
Attorney far Defendant,
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
VERIFICATION
I hereby affirm that the following facts are correct:
Sears, Roebuck & Co. is a Defendant in the foregoing action and I am authorized to
execute this Verification on their behalf. The attached Answer with New Matter to Plaintiffs,
First Amended Complaint is based upon information which has been gathered by my counsel in
the defense of this lawsuit. The language of the Answer with New Matter is that of counsel and
not of me. I have read the Answer with New Matter, and to the extent that the responses are
based upon information which I have given to my counsel, they are true and correct to the best of
my knowledge, information and belief. To the extent that the contents of the responses are that
of counsel, I have relied upon counsel in making this Verification. I hereby acknowledge that
the facts set forth in the aforesaid responses are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.
Section 4904 relating to unworn falsification to authorities.
DATE: o?b ?S
BY: ??d.CGcX2JU?J
Donna Edwards
Title: ! t??zi o,eC a(t5t
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-4181 (Civil Term)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Joanne M. Pan, an employee of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, do
hereby certify that on this cti:e day of January 2005, served a copy of the foregoing Answer
with New Matter to Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint via First Class United States mail, postage
prepaid as follows:
Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire
Nelson, Levin, deLuca & Horst
Four Sentry Parkway
Suite 300
Blue Bell, PA 19422
?S • ?C?\1
ne M. Pan
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NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
AND JEAN DEISSLER,
Plaintiff(s)
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant(s)
CIVII. ACTION NO: 04-4181
ANSWER OF PLAINTIFFS TO THE NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT
11-20. Denied. All of these allegations contain conclusions of law to which no responsive
pleading is required. By way of further response, to the extent that these allegations also
contain factual averments, after reasonable investigation, answering Plaintiffs are without
sufficient knowledge to form a belief as to their truth and, therefore, they are deemed
denied.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY:
RICHARD JBOYD, ESQUIRE
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: February 8, 2005
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
Defendant(s).
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the Answer
of Plaintiffs To The New Matter of Defendant was served on February 8, 2005, upon counsel
listed below by United States Mail, postage prepaid.
Timothy McMahon, Esquire
Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17112
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY:
RICHARD J. OYD, J R., ESQUIRE
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: February 8, 2005
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NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
0/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-4181 (Civil Term)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE
PREREQUISITE TO SERVICE OF A SUBPOENA
PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.24
As a prerequisite to service of a subpoena for documents and things pursuant to Rule 4009.24,
Defendant certifies that:
(1) A notice of intent to serve the subpoena with a copy of the subpoena attached thereto
was mailed or delivered to each party at least twenty days prior to the date on which the
subpoena is sought to be served,
(2) A copy of the notice of intent, including the proposed subpoena, is attached to the
certificate,
(3) No objection to the subpoena has been received, and
(4) The subpoena which will be served is identical to the subpoena which is attached to the
notice of intent to serve the subpoena.
DATE:
MARSHALL, DENNEHEY, WARNER,
COLEMAN & GOG N
BY: K / I -: `
11M0 '1'HY J Mc N, ESQUIRE
I.D. NO. 52918
4200 Crums Mill Roa , Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717) 651-3505 - Attorney for Defendant
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
H/W, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiffs
I.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
iv v. U--- 101 (l IItl IcAIil)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR THINGS
FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO: Jim Bumgardner Chief Engineer East PennsbOTO Fire Department 202 Third Street P.O Box 89,
Summerdale, PA 17093
(Name of Person or Entity)
Within twenty (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce the following documents or thing:
Any an?i all information including but not limited to your report photographs, notes, diagrams and/or any other information
pertainme to vour investigation of a fire which occurred on September 12, 2003 at 169 Ashford Drive Enola PA
at: Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goeein 4200 Crums Mil] Road. Ste B Harrisbu PA 17112
(Address)
You may deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this subpoena, together with the
certificate of compliance, to the party making this request at the address listed above. You have the right to seek, in advance,
the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena, within twenty (20) days after its service, the party
serving khis subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS Subpoena WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Timothy J McMahon gmpj e
ADDRESS: 4200 Crums Mill Road. Suite B
Harrisburg PA 17112
TELEPHONE: (717)_651-3504
SUPREME COURT ID# 52918
ATTORNEY FOR: Defendants
DATE: ''' I?a2Lk- ayt a o&&
Seal of the Court
By the Court:
Protho
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-4181 (Civil Term)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE
PREREQUISITE TO SERVICE OF A SUBPOENA
PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.24
As a prerequisite to service of a subpoena for documents and things pursuant to Rule 4009.24,
Defendant certifies that:
(1) A notice of intent to serve the subpoena with a copy of the subpoena attached thereto
was mailed or delivered to each party at least twenty days prior to the date on which the
subpoena is sought to be served,
(2) A copy of the notice of intent, including the proposed subpoena, is attached to the
certificate,
(3) No objection to the subpoena has been received, and
(4) The subpoena which will be served is identical to the subpoena which is attached to the
notice of intent to serve the subpoena.
MARSHALL, DENNEHEY, WARNER,
COLEMAN & GOGGIN
TIMOTHY J. McMAHON, ESQUIRE
I.D. NO. 52918
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 651-3505 - Attorney for Defendant
DATE:
BY:
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
H/W, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiffs
v.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/aNMORE,
Defendant
iNv. v4--+101 (?tvll tuim)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR THINGS
FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO: Joe Landis. Detective, East Pennsboro Township Police 98 S Enola Drive Enola PA 17025-
2779
at: Marshall, Dennehev Warner Coleman & Gog fig 4200 Crums Mill Road Ste B Harrisbure PA 17112
(Address)
You ray deliver or mail legible copies of the documents or produce things requested by this subpoena, together with the
certific to of compliance, to the party making this request at the address listed above. You have the right to seek, in advance,
the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or producing the things sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena, within twenty (20) days after its service, the party
serving!this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS Subpoena WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
NAME: Timothy J cMahon. Esquire
ADDRESS: 42QQ Crams Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg PA 17112
TELEPHONE: (717)651-35Q4
SUPRFME COURT 1D# 52916
ATTORNEY FOR: Peferidants
DATE: Y .Ca&rk ayl
Seat of the Court
By the Court: `
Prothono
Deputy
(Name of Person or Entity)
Within Iwent_v (20) days after service of this subpoena, you are ordered by the court to produce the following documents or thing:
r..a c"J
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v
r0 :c
ul
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER,
H/W,
Plaintiffs
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
d/b/a KENMORE,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-4181 (Civil Term)
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Ann-Marie Pifer, an employee of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, do
thereby certify that on this 26th of April 2005, I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing
jocument via regular mail, postage pre-paid as follows:
iehard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire
elson, Levin, DeLuca & Horst
our Sentry Parkway, Suite 300
lue Bell, PA 19422
A -MARIE ER
v'
o
i
y
C? ?y
N
_
r„rY
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.. 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiffs
v.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
DB/A KENMORE
Defendant
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
PLAINTIFFS' MOTION TO COMPEL DEFENDANT'S ANSWERS TO
INTERROGATORIES AND REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS
Plaintiffs, by and through their undersigned counsel, hereby respectfully move this
Honorable Court to enter an Order pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 4019 compelling Defendant,
Sears, Roebuck and Co., d/b/a Kenmore to provide full, complete and verified Answers to
Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents and, in support thereof, avers as
follows:
The instant civil action was commenced when Plaintiff filed a Writ of
Summons on August 23, 2004.
2. On June 20, 2005, Plaintiff served Interrogatories and Request for
Production of Documents upon Defendant's counsel by first-class mail. A copy of
Plaintiffs letter of June 20, 2005 is attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
3. On August 22, 2005, having not received responses from Defendant,
Plaintiff sent a letter requesting answers to discovery requests sent on June 20, 2005. A
copy of Plaintiffs letter of August 22, 2005 is attached hereto as Exhibit "B".
4. To date, Defendant has failed to respond to Plaintiffs Interrogatories and
Request for Production of Documents.
5. Plaintiff cannot properly prepare for trial and, is prejudiced by Defendant's
failure to respond.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests this Honorable Court to enter an Order
compelling Defendant to provide Answers to Interrogatories and Request for Production of
Documents within ten (10) days of this Order, or suffer sanctions upon further application
to the Court.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
ICHARD J. 130 JR., SQ
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: September 23, 2005
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiff(s)
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
DB/A KENMORE
Defendant(s).
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
PLAINTIFFS' MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN SUPPORT OF MOTION TO COMPEL
The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure mandate that responses to Interrogatories
shall be filed within thirty (30) days of service. As Pa.R.C.P. 4006(a)(2) provides, in pertinent
part:
...the answering party shall file and serve a copy of the answers,
and objections, if any, within thirty (30) days after service of the
interrogatories.
In the instant case, Defendant has failed to answer the Interrogatories and Request for
Production of Documents propounded by Plaintiffs. Furthermore, Plaintiffs, in their discovery
requests, seeks information which is clearly relevant under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil
Procedure. In light of the foregoing, Plaintiffs respectfully request this Honorable Court to enter
the attached proposed Order.
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
7 14 CHARD J. Bi JR., SQU
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF
Dated: September 23, 2005
N ` NELSON • LEVINE • de LUCA & HORST
d H A 1.24a m LIABILITY COMPANY
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
PHILADELPHIA PRINCETON COLUMBUS
June 20, 2005
Timothy McMahon, Esquire i ?
Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin /
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17112
Re: Deissler v. ars, Roebuck and Co. d/b/a Kenmore
Cu and County Docket No. 04-4181
Dear Mr. McMahon:
Four Sentry Parkway
Suite 300
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Phone: 610.862.6500
Fax: 610.862.6501
www.nldhlaw.com
Reply to:
Richard J. Boyd, Jr.
Direct: 610.862.6522
rboyd@nldhlaw.com
Enclosed please find Plaintiffs' Interrogatories and Request: for Production of Documents
Addressed to Defendant Sears, Roebuck & Co. d/b/a Kenmore in the above-referenced matter.
Kindly provide responses in accordance with the Rules.
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
/;zf, %
Richard J. Boyd, Jr.
RJB/cp
Enclosures
N ` NELSON • LEVINE • de LUCA & HORST
d H A L mrrED UkBuxrY COMPANY
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Four Sentry Parkway
Suite 300
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Phone: 610.862.6500
Far: 610.862.6501
PHILADELPHIA CHERRY HILL COLUMBUS
August 22, 2005
Timothy McMahon, Esquire
Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin C
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17112
Re: Deissler . Sears, Roebuck and Co. d/b/a Kenmore
nd County Docket No. 04-4181
Dear Mr. McMahon:
www.ntdhtaw.com
Reply to:
Richard J. Boyd, Jr.
Direct: 610.862.6522
rboyd@nldhlaw.com
On or about June 20, 2005, I forwarded to you Plaintiffs' Interrogatories and Request for
Production of Documents Addressed to Defendant Sears, Roebuck & Co. d/b/a Kenmore. To
date, I have not received responses. Kindly provide responses at your earliest opportunity to
avoid motion practice.
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
NE SON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
4A y g /
Richard J. Boyd, Jr.
RJB/cp
VERIFICATION
RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., hereby states that he is the attorney for the Plaintiffs and that
the facts contained in the foregoing Motion to Compel are true and correct to the best of his
knowledge, information and belief. He understands that the statements herein are made subject to
the penalties of 18 Pa.. C. S. Section 4904 concerning falsification to authorities.
i
* /1
CHARD J. I30 JR.
NEY FOR PLAINTIFF
TOR
YAT
Dated: September 23, 2005
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiffs
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
D/B/A KENMORE
Defendant
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Richard J. Boyd, Jr., Esquire, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of Plaintiffs'
Motion to Compel was served on September 23, 2005, upon counsel listed below by United
States Mail, postage prepaid.
Timothy McMahon, Esquire
Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman .& Goggin
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17112
NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: (co
CHARD J. BO R, ESQ
, ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS
Dated: September 23, 2005
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NELSON LEVINE de LUCA & HORST, LLC
BY: RICHARD J. BOYD, JR., ESQUIRE
IDENTIFICATION NO.: 84035
FOUR SENTRY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
BLUE BELL, PA 19422
(610) 862-6522
NORMAN AND JEAN DEISSLER, H/W
Plaintiffs
V.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
DB/A KENMORE
Defendant
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION NO: 04-4181
ORDER
AND NOW, this day of 2005, upon
consideration of Plaintiffs' Motion to Compel Defendant's Answers to Plaintiff's
Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents, it is hereby ORDERED and
DECREED that Defendant will pfouide fi,n %c cnmple1P to Plaintiff's
Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents within ten (10) days of the date
of this Order or risk appropriate sanctions upon further application to the court.
BY THE COURT
l 1P
1
S ? :3 " it 11.:ko SOTI
Curtis R. Long
Prothonotary
(OfftLE of the 3prOtb01TOtarp
Cumberranb QCountp
Renee K. Simpson
Deputy Prothonotary
John E. Slike
Solicitor
q (8' CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF TERMINATION OF COURT CASES
AND NOW THIS 29TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2008 AFTER MAILING NOTICE OF
INTENTION TO PROCEED AND RECEIVING NO RESPONSE - THE ABOVE
CASE IS HEREBY TERMINATED WITH PREJUDICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA
RCP230.2
BY THE COURT,
CURTIS R. LONG
PROTHONOTARY
One Courthouse Square • Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 • (717) 240-6195 • Fax (717) 240-6571