HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-2381
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTESYLVAM (} ??
CIVIL DIVISION [[ JJ
r,UMPERLAND COUNTY
Plaintiff(s) & Address(es) N i' q- Y L VA N I A
KATHY R. KLINE and GARY W. KLINE,
herhusband
2 Glendale Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Case No. a ?g Civil Term
VS.
Defendant(s) & Address(es)
ERIC A. GERTSEN
9226 Mt. Zion Road
Glen Rock, PA 17327
Civil Action
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY/CLERK OF SAID COURT:
issue summons in the above case
Writ of Summons shall be issued and forwarded to Attorney/Sheriff. Pleas Circle choice
Date : 4/12/2012 Signature of Attorney
Print Name: Christopher J. Marzzacco, Esquire
Address: 252 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Telephone #: (717) 901-3500
Supreme Court ID Number: 78262
• • • •
WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO: ERIC A. GERTSEN
YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED PLAINTIFF(S) HAS/HAVE COMMENCED AN
ACTION AGAINST YOU.
JNW.L , I -e?--
Prothonotary/Clerk, Civil Division
Date: b
Deputy
---?ICo3 75pl a
ar?dk ?
Ck-µ atcaay
tzq- a--) 39o8
g
,,i qPE ISYLVAI A '.t
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP
Todd B. Narvol, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 42136
Marc A. Moyer, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 76434
305 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
(717) 237-7133 - direct
tnarvol@tthlaw.com
(717) 441-3960 - direct
mmoyer@tthlaw.com
(717) 237-7105 - fax
Attorneys for Defendant
Eric A. Gertsen
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
KATHY R. KLINE and
GARY W. KLINE, her husband,
Plaintiffs
V.
NO. 2012-2381 CIVIL TERM:
ERIC A. GERTSEN,
Defendant
CIVIL ACTION
PRAECIPE FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter the appearance of Marc A. Moyer, Esquire, Todd B. Narvol,
Esquire, and Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, on behalf of Defendant, Eric A.
Gertsen, in the above-captioned matter.
Date: S /4
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS, T$AS & HLLP
By:
a c rNE uire, I.D. # 76434
odd B.uire, I.D. # 42136
305 No et, 6th Floor
P.O. B Harrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 441-3960
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Harva Owings Baughman, Legal Assistant of the law firm of THOMAS,
THOMAS, & HAFER, LLP, do certify that I served a true and correct copy of the
foregoing Praecipe for Entry of Appearance on the following person, by
depositing the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania addressed as follows:
Christopher J. Marzzacco, Esquire
Anapol Schwartz
252 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Attorney for Plaintiffs, Kathy R. Kline and Gary W. Kline
Respectfully submitted,
Date Harva Owings aughm ,
Legal Assistant to Marc A. Moyer, Esquire
305 North Front Street
P.O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 441-7053
1085553
SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Ronny R Anderson
Sheriff
Jody S Smith
Chief Deputy
Richard W Stewart
Solicitor
Kathy R. Kline
vs.
Eric A. Gertsen
t
"{:iil'iAlY 18 PM I: 12
PENNSYLVANIA
Case Number
2012-2381
SHERIFF'S RETURN OF SERVICE
04/19/2012 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: Eric A. Gertsen, but was unable to locate him in his
bailiwick. He therefore deputized the Sheriff of York County, Pennsylvania to serve the within Writ of
Summons according to law.
04/25/2012 11:49 AM - York County Return: And now April 25, 2012 at 1149 hours I, Richard P. Keuerleber, Sheriff o-
York County, Pennsylvania, do hereby certify and return that I served a true copy of the within Writ of
Summons, upon the within named defendant, to wit: Eric A. Gertsen by making known unto Vanessa
Gertsen, Wife of Defendant at 9226 Mt. Zion Road, Glen Rock, Pennsylvania 17327 its contents and at
the same time handing to her personally the said true and correct copy of the same.
SHERIFF COST: $37.45
May 17, 2012
SO ANSWERS,
RON R ANDERSON, SHERIFF
(c) CountySuite Sheriff, Telecsoft. Inc.
SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF YORK COUNTY
Richard P Keuerleber PETER J. MANGAN, ESQ.
Sheriff Solicitor
Reuben B Zeager Richard E Rice, II
Chief Deputy, Operations Chief Deputy, Administration
KATHY R. KLINE (et al.) Case Number
vs.
ERIC A. GERTSEN 12-2381 CIVIL
SHERIFF'S RETURN OF SERVICE
04/25/2012 11:49 AM -DEPUTY BRET NEWCOMER, BEING DULY SWORN ACCORDING TO LAW, SERVED THE
REQUESTED WRIT OF SUMMONS (WOSM) BY HANDING A TRUE COPY TO A PERSON
REPRESENTING THEMSELVES TO BE VANESSA GERTSEN, SPOUSE, WHO ACCEPTED AS
"ADULT PERSON IN CHARGE" FOR ERIC A. GERTSEN AT 9226 MT. ZION ROAD, GLEN ROCK, PA
17327.
BRET NEWCOMER, DEPUTY
SHERIFF COST: $33.55
May 04, 2012
SO SWERS,
RICHARD P K ERLEBER, SHERIFF
-- - - -------------------- --------- - -- ------- - - ----- -- -- - -- - ------ - -
NOTARY COMMON
SNE
Affirmed and subscribed to before me this
4TH day of
MAY 2012
(c) CountySuite Sheriff, Teleosof: Inc 2013
_ALTH laF FENNSYLVA t
!LIS `NC
R p
MMISSION EXPIRES AUG. 12,
r-'
¦
xW 0-11 AM 11: 33
rU11'SERLA'Q C(331 AMY
PENXSY
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP
Todd B. Narvol, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 42136
Marc A. Moyer, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 76434
305 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
IN THE COURT C
OF CUMBERLAND CI
(717) 237-7133 - direct
tnarvol@tthlaw.com
(717) 441-3960 - direct
mmoyer@tthlaw.com
(717) 237-7105 - fax
Attorneys for Defendant
Eric A. Gertsen
IF COMMON PLEAS
AUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
KATHY R. KLINE and
GARY W. KLINE, her husband,
Plaintiffs
V.
ERIC A. GERTSEN,
Defendant
NO. 2012-2381 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION
PRAECIPE FOR RULE TO FILE A COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly issue a Rule on Plaintiffs to file a Complaint in the above case withi
twenty (20) days of service of said Rule, or suffer a judgment of non pros pursuant
Pa.R.C.P. 1037(a).
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS, THONG & HAFER, LLP
Date: ) -I0-" z01 L
By:
Marc. NI er, Esquire, I.D. # 76434
Todd B rvol, Esquire, I.D. # 42136
305 No h Front Street, 6th Floor
P.O. x 999
Hard urg, PA 17108
(717 441-3960
1085561
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Harva Owings Baughman, a legal assistant with the law firm of Thoma
Thomas & Hafer, LLP, hereby certify that I have served a true and correct copy of
foregoing Praecipe For Rule To File A Complaint upon the person and at the add
listed below by placing a copy of same in the United States 1St Class Mail,
prepaid, to the following:
Christopher J. Marzzacco, Esquire
Anapol Schwartz
252 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Attorney for Plaintiffs, Kathy R. Kline and Gary W. Kline
Respectfully submitted,
Date: 1 M
rz-
a
By: 4?4W,
Harva Owings B ughman, gal
Assistant to Marc A. Moyer, Esquire
P.O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108
Phone: (717) 441-7053
Fax: (717) 237-7105
1085561
? .fie P? Ly
0
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
KATHY R. KLINE and
GARY W. KLINE, her husband,
Plaintiffs
v.
ERIC A. GERTSEN,
Defendant
NO. 2012-2381 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION
RULE TO FILE A COMPLAINT
TO: Plaintiffs and Counsel:
You are hereby ruled to file a Complaint against Defendant within twenty (2Q)
days of service of this Rule or a judgment of non pros will be entered against Plaintiffs
pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1037(a).
DATA : 7/1001
Distribution:
By: ):?AALt
Prothonotary
Christopher J. Marzzacco, Esquire, Anapol Schwartz, 252 Boas Street, Harrisburg, P
17102; Attorney for Plaintiffs, Kathy R. Kline and Gary W. Kline
Marc A. Moyer, Esquire, Todd B. Narvol, Esquire, Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP,
North Front Street, 6th Floor, P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108! Attorney
Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen
1085561
ANAPOL SCHWARTZ
BY: Christopher J. Marzzacco, Esquire
Supreme Court ID #78262
252 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(717) 901-3500
cmarzzaccoAanapo lschwartz. com
Attorneys for Plaintiff
11, L
4 Pt?OTHDN
OTAI?y
20112 AUG - + AN 11: 413
%L1MBERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
KATHY R. KLINE and GARY W. KLINE,
her husband,
Plaintiffs
V.
ERIC A. GERTSEN
Defendant
NO. 12-2381
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
AND NOW come Plaintiffs, Kathy R. Kline and Gary W. Kline, her husband, by and
through their attorneys, Christopher J. Marzzacco, Esquire, and Anapol Schwartz, and hereby
aver the following in their complaint against the above-captioned Defendant:
1. Plaintiffs, Kathy R. Kline and Gary W. Kline, her husband, are adult
currently residing at 2 Glendale Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
2. Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, is an adult individual believed to currently reside at
9226 Mt. Zion Road, Glen Rock, PA 17327.
3. The facts that give rise to the cause of action occurred on or about June 11, 201
at approximately 4:20 pm.
4. On the date in question, a motor vehicle collision occurred between the parties
State Highway 581, westbound, in Camp Hill Borough, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
5. Prior to the collision, Plaintiff Kathy R. Kline was operating her vehicle in the
driving lane of westbound State Highway 581 and had come to a stop behind a line of cars
heavy traffic.
6. At the time of the collision, Defendant Eric A. Gertsen was also operating his
vehicle in the driving lane of westbound State Highway 581.
7. At the aforementioned place and time, Defendant Eric A. Gertsen, failed to
for the existing traffic in his lane and violently struck the rear of Plaintiff's vehicle causing
vehicle to be pushed into the vehicle in front of hers
8. The subject accident was in no way caused or contributed to by the Plaintiffs
was solely caused by the Defendant for the reasons set forth below.
COUNTI
Kathy R. Mine v. Eric A. Gertsen
NEGLIGENCE
9. Paragraphs 1 through 8 of the Complaint are incorporated herein by reference
if fully set forth of length herein.
10. The negligence, carelessness, and recklessness of the Defendant Eric A.
consisted of the following:
a. He operated his vehicle at an excessive rate of speed under the circumstances;
b. He failed to keep reasonable lookout for hazards and other vehicles on the
roadway;
He failed to use and/or apply the braking mechanism, or take any other
to
steps to avoid a collision with the vehicle operated by Plaintiff;
d. He failed to have his vehicle under proper and adequate control under the
circumstances;
e. He failed to observe the vehicle in front of him until he was so close that he
not stop;
f. He failed to operate his vehicle in a reasonable manner under the ci
according to conditions of the roadway and then-existing traffic conditions;
g. He operated his vehicle at such a speed and in such a manner so as to create a
dangerous situation for other motorists on the roadway; and
h. He failed to drive at such a speed and in such a manner so as to be able to stop
vehicle within the assured clear distance ahead which is a violation of Pa.C.S. §
3361 which constitute negligence per se.
11. As a direct and proximate result of the accident and Defendant Gertsen's
negligence, Plaintiff Kathy R. Kline sustained severe and disabling injuries to her head, neck,
lower back, left knee, left hip, left shoulder, jaw and teeth including, but not limited to: a
headaches, left TMJ injury, damage to two teeth, displaced cervical disc with myelopathy,
lumbar radiculopathy, left chondromalacia patella, left hip/groin pain, severe narrowing at L3
C5-6 radiculopathy and left shoulder strain. It is believed and therefore averred that Plaintiff
Kathy R. Kline's injuries are permanent in nature.
12. As a direct and proximate result of the accident and Defendant Gertsen's
negligence, Plaintiff Kathy R. Kline has undergone in the past, and in the future will continue
undergo, great pain, suffering and disfigurement.
13. As a direct and proximate result of the injuries sustained in the accident and
Defendant Gertsen's negligence, Plaintiff Kathy R. Kline has been obliged to expend various
sums of money and incur various expenses for injuries she has suffered and may continue to
incur the same in the future.
14. As a direct and proximate result of the injuries sustained in the accident and
Defendant Gertsen's negligence, Plaintiff Kathy R. Kline has suffered a permanent
her ability to enjoy life and life's pleasures and losses of past and future wages.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs demand judgment against Defendant in an amount in excess
the amount requiring compulsory arbitration.
COUNT II
Gary W. Kline v. Eric A. Gertsen
LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
15. Paragraphs 1 through 14 of the Complaint are incorporated herein by reference
if fully set forth of length herein.
16. As a further result of the aforesaid accident and his wife's injuries, husband-
Plaintiff, Gary W. Kline, suffered a loss of the society, comfort, companionship and
of his wife, Kathy R. Kline, and will continue to suffer the same for an indefinite time in the
future, to his great detriment and loss.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs demand judgment against Defendant in an amount in excess
the amount requiring compulsory arbitration.
Date: 7-30'(L
ANAPOL SCHWARTZ
Respectfully submitted,
ANAPOL SCHWARTZ
Christopher J. Marzzacco, Esquire
Supreme Court ID #78262
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
of
BY: Christopher J. Marzzacco, Esquire
Supreme Court ID 978262
252 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(717) 901-3500
cmarzzacco(a)anapo lschwartz. com
Attorneys for Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
KATHY R. KLINE and GARY W. KLINE,
her husband,
Plaintiffs
NO. 12-2381
V.
ERIC A. GERTSEN CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that on the 3 d r^-? day
l/? , 2012, a copy of the foregoing document was served upon the person
and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the requirements of the Pennsy
Rules of Civil Procedure, by first-class US mail delivery, to:
Marc A. Moyer, Esquire
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
P. O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108
of
s)
Date:
Christopher J. fa o, Esquire
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
KATHY R. KLINE and
GARY W. KLINE, her husband,
Plaintiffs
v.
ERIC A. GERTSEN,
Defendant
20tZ AUG t 7 P t ~ 55
~'UM~ERLA~~ BUNTY
rs~c~-~~l~Yt_11 NtA
N0.2012-2381 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION
It is hereby stipulated by the undersigned counsel of record that Plai
allegations of recklessness shall be stricken from Paragraph 10 of Plaintiff' Complai
as they pertain to Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen.
ANAPOL SCHWARTZ
Christop er J. arzzacco, Esquire
Attorney I.D. #78262
252 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(717) 901-3500
THOMAS~THOMAS ~ HAF~R, LLP
Todd'B. arvol, Esquire,
Attome I.D. #42136
Marc Moyer, Esquire
Atto y I . D. #76434
P.O. ox 999
Har sburg, PA 17108-0999
(71 ) 237-7132
Attorneys for Plaintiffs,
Kathy R. Kline and Gary W. Kline
Attorneys for Defendant,
Eric A. Gertsen
_~
1125985.1
r a,
Cr HE O HOMO
'012 AUG 22 P I 4 G
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, I.Eelklj E ( AND UN-,-"
Todd B. I.D. No. Esquire r>ENNSYLVAN A (71 tnarvol@fthlaw.com
Ld No. 42136 @tthlaw.com
Marc A. Moyer, Esquire (717) 441-3960 - direct
Attorney Lb. No. 76434 mmoyer@tthlaw.com
305 N. Front Street (717) 237-7105 - fax
P.O. Box 909 Attomeys for Defendant
Harrisburg,' PA 17108-0999 Eric A. Gertsen
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
KATHY R. KLINE and
GARY W. KLINE, her husband,
Plaintiffs
V.
ERIC A.'GERTSEN,
Defendant
CIVIL ACTION
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: Plaintiffs, Kathy R. Kline and Gary W. Kline
Christopher J. Marzzacco, Esquire
Ahapol Schwartz
252 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
You are hereby notified to file a written response to the enclosed New Matter
within twenty (20) days of service hereof or a judgment of non pros may be entered
against you.
Respectfully submitted,
Date: A f &2, By:
THOMAS„ YOMAS & HAFER, LLP
NO. 2012-2381 CIVIL TERM
Near A. Moyer, Esquire, I.D. # 76434
To B Narvol, Esquire, I.D. # 42136
Front Street, 6th Floor
3 North
r1.
Box 999
risburg, PA 17108
7) ) 441-3960
1125509.1 1
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP
Todd B. Na ol, Esquire
Attorney I.DNo. 42136
Marc A. Moi er, Esquire
Attorney 1.0. No. 76434
305 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 9?9
Harrisburg,,PA 17108-0999
IN THE COURT C
OF CUMBERLAND CI
(717) 237-7133 - direct
tnarvol@tthlaw.com
(717) 441-3960 - direct
mmoyer@tthlaw.com
(717) 237-7105 - fax
Attorneys for Defendant
Eric A. Gertsen
IF COMMON PLEAS
)LINTY, PENNSYLVANIA
KATHY R. KLINE and
GARY W. KLINE, her husband,
Plaintiffs
V.
ERIC A.'IGERTSEN,
Defendant
NO. 2012-2381 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION
ANSWER OF DEFENDANT ERIC A. GERTSEN
TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT TOGETHER WITH NEW MATTER
AND NOW comes Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, by and through his attorneys,
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, and respectfully submits his Answer to Plaintiffs'
Complaint Together with New Matter, and in support thereof, avers as follows:
1. After reasonable investigation, Defendant Eric A. Gertsen, lacks sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the averment set forth
i6 Paragraph 1 of Plaintiffs' Complaint. The averment is, therefore, denied and
proof thereof is demanded at time of trial.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted.
1125509.1
1
5. Denied as stated. After reasonable investigation, Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen,
lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to whether Plaintiff,
Kathy R. Kline, came to a complete stop behind a line of cars or the purpose for
stopping and/or slowing her vehicle. The averments are, therefore, denied and
proof thereof is demanded at time of trial.
6. Denied as stated. It is admitted that at the time of the collision, Defendant, Eric
A Gertsen, was operating his vehicle behind Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, in the west
bound lane of State Highway 581.
7. Denied as stated. It is admitted that a collision occurred between the parties on
State Highway 581, west bound, in Camp Hill Borough, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, and that the vehicle of Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, had collided
with the rear of the vehicle being operated by Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, at the time
of the accident.
8. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, lacks
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline's
actions or inaction immediately prior to the accident so as to properly respond.
The averments are, therefore, denied and proof thereof is demanded at time of
trial.
1125509.1 2
COUNTI
Kathy R. Kline v. Eric A. Gertsen
NEGLIGENCE
9. Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, hereby incorporates his Answers to Paragraphs 1
through 8 of Plaintiffs' Complaint by reference as if fully set forth at length herein.
10. The averments set forth in Paragraph 10 of Plaintiffs' Complaint are conclusions
of law to which no response is required. To the extent the averments are
deemed to be factual in nature, it is denied that Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, was
negligent or careless towards Plaintiffs in any manner. By way of further Answer,
the averments set forth in Paragraph 10(a)-(10)(h) of Plaintiffs' Complaint are
denied pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1029(e).
11. The averments set forth in Paragraph 11 of Plaintiffs' Complaint are conclusions
of law to which no response is required. To the extent the averments are
deemed to be factual in nature, and after reasonable investigation, Defendant,
Eric A. Gertsen, lacks sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to
the specific injuries allegedly experienced by the Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, as a
result of the accident. The averments set forth in Paragraph 11 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint are, therefore, denied and proof thereof is demanded at time of trial.
12. The averments set forth in Paragraph 12 of Plaintiffs' Complaint are conclusions
of law to which no response is required. To the extent the averments are
deemed to be factual in nature, it is denied that Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen,
1125509.1 3
negligently caused or contributed to Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, undergoing great
pain, suffering, and/or disfigurement in the past, or into the future.
13. The averments set forth in Paragraph 13 of Plaintiffs' Complaint are conclusions
of law to which no response is required. To the extent the averments are
deemed to be factual in nature, it is denied that Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen,
negligently caused or contributed to Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, being obliged to
expend various sums of money or to incur various expenses for injuries she
alllegedly suffered in the past, or allegedly may continue to incur in the future.
14. The averments set forth in Paragraph 14 of Plaintiffs' Complaint are conclusions
of law to which no response is required. To the extent the averments are
deemed to be factual in nature, it is denied that Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen,
negligently caused or contributed to Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, suffering a
permanent diminution of her ability to enjoy life and life's pleasures or lost of past
and future wages.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, demands judgment in his favor and
against Plaintiffs together with such other relief as this Honorable Court may deem just
and equitable.
1125509.1 4
COUNT II
Gary W. Kline v. Eric A. Gertsen
LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
15. Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, hereby incorporates his Answers to Paragraphs 1
through 14 of Plaintiffs' Complaint by reference as if fully set forth at length
herein.
16. The averments set forth in Paragraph 16 of Plaintiffs' Complaint are conclusions
of law to which no response is required. To the extent the averments are
deemed to be factual in nature, it is denied that Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen,
negligently or carelessly caused or contributed to Plaintiff, Gary W. Kline,
suffering the loss of society, comfort, companionship, or consortium of his wife,
Kathy R. Kline.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, demands judgment in his favor and
against (Plaintiffs together with such other relief as this Honorable Court may deem just
and equitable.
NEW MATTER
17. Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, hereby incorporates his Answers to Paragraphs 1
through 16 of Plaintiffs' Complaint by reference as if fully set forth at length
herein.
18. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to state a cause of action upon which relief can be
granted under Pennsylvania law.
1125509.1 5
19. Discovery may show that each of Plaintiffs' claims are barred and/or limited by
the Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Act.
20. Discovery may show that each of Plaintiffs' claims are barred by the assumption
of risk.
21. Discovery may show that the contributory negligence of each of the Plaintiffs was
the sole and proximate cause of each Plaintiffs' injuries.
22. Each of Plaintiffs' causes of action, the existence of which is DENIED, is barred
by the applicable statutes of limitations under Pennsylvania law.
23. Discovery may show that Plaintiffs' claims are barred by the Doctrines of
Estoppel, Waiver and/or Laches.
24. Discovery may show that the claimed injuries and/or damages of each of the
Plaintiffs, the existence of which are DENIED, was caused in whole or in part by
acts or omissions of another or others for whom Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, was
not responsible and whose conduct Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, had no reason to
anticipate.
25. Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, is not responsible for the actions of any other parties
whose conduct may have caused or contributed to the injuries complained of in
Plaintiffs' Complaint.
26. Discovery may show that the alleged actions and omissions of Defendant, Eric A.
Gertsen, were not a substantial factor, or were an insignificant factor, or were not
a''Ilegal factor in causing or contributing to each of Plaintiffs' alleged injuries and
damages, if any.
1125509.1 6
27. Discovery may show that Plaintiffs' alleged injuries and damages, if any, were
not caused or aggravated by the acts or omissions of Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen,
but, rather, were pre-existing, or caused by something other than the collision on
or about June 11, 2010.
28. As discovery may show, Plaintiffs' recovery may be barred or limited by the
affirmative defenses of waiver, release, immunity, UM/UIM set-off, settlement,
accord and satisfaction, arbitration and award, collateral estoppel and/or
eouitable estoppel.
29. Discovery may show recovery for Plaintiffs' alleged injuries and damages, if any,
are barred or limited by the provisions of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle
Financial Responsibility law, 75 Pa. C.S. § 1701, et seq., including, but not
limited to, the sections relating to the limited tort provision, the provision that bars
recovery of medical expenses and wage loss benefits paid or payable by
insurance, and/or the provisions that reduce the recoverable amount of
damages.
30. Discovery may show that Plaintiffs, if any of them suffered any injuries at all, did
not suffer any permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent disfigurement, or
permanent dismemberment.
31. Discovery may show that Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, was negligent, careless and
reckless by operating her motor vehicle in careless disregard for the safety of
persons and/or property.
1125509.1 7
32. Discovery may show that Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, was negligent and careless by
failing to alert Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, of her impending deceleration or
stopping.
33. Discovery may show that Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, was negligent and careless by
not having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing.
34. Discovery may show that Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, was negligent and careless by
faiiling to observe other vehicles on the roadway.
35. Discovery may show that Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, was negligent and careless by
failing to operate her vehicle in accordance with existing traffic conditions.
36. Discovery may show that Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, was negligent and careless by
failing to drive at a speed and in the manner that would have enabled Defendant,
Eric A. Gertsen, to stop within the assured clear distance ahead.
37. Discovery may show that Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, was negligent and careless by
failing to keep alert and maintain a proper lookout for the presence of other motor
vehicles on the streets and highways.
38. Discovery may show that Plaintiff, Kathy R. Kline, was negligent and careless by
failing to keep her vehicle under proper and adequate control so as not to expose
other users to an unreasonable risk of harm.
39. Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, asserts that this action may be barred by the
Doctrines of res judicata and/or collateral estoppel, which are asserted herein.
1125509.1 8
40. Discovery may show that the negligent acts or omissions of others may have
constituted intervening, superseding causes of damages and/or injuries alleged
to have been sustained by the Plaintiffs.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, demands judgment in his favor and
against Plaintiffs together with such other relief as this Honorable Court may deem just
and equitable.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP
Date: ir/ f)'a L By:
Marti . Moyer, Esquire, 1. D. # 76434
To B Narvol, Esquire, I.D. # 42136
30 North Front Street, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 999
arrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 441-3960
1125509.1 9
VERIFICATION
I, Eric A. Gertsen, state that I am a Defendant in the foregoing action, and that
have read the foregoing Answer of Defendant, Eric A. Gertsen, to Plaintiffs' Complaint
Together with New Matter drafted with the assistance of counsel. The factual
statements contained therein are true and correct to the best of my information,
knowledge and belief. Where the language is that of counsel and, to the extent that the
content' of the foregoing document is that of counsel, I have relied upon counsel in
making this verification.
This statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 4904 relating
to unsworn falsification to authorities, which provides that if I make knowingly false
statements, I may be subject to criminal penalties.
Eric A. Gertsen
Date.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Harva Owings Baughman, a legal assistant with the law firm of Thomas,
Thomas & Hafer, LLP, hereby certify that I have served a true and correct copy of the
foregoing Answer of Defendant Eric A. Gertsen to Plaintiffs' Complaint Together With
New Matter upon the person and at the address listed below by placing a copy of same
in the United States 1 st Class Mail, postage prepaid, to the following:
Christopher J. Marzzacco, Esquire
Anapol Schwartz
252 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Attorney for Plaintiffs, Kathy R. Kline and Gary W. Kline
Respectfully submitted,
Date:
BY: (W0,M&4,V 1o'
Ha &a Owings B ghman, gal
Assistant to Marc A. Moyer, Esquire
P.O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108
Phone: (717) 441-7053
Fax: (717) 237-7105
2.11I3 JUL 29 F'::I I:
.`_fi°luls.aRL ;NU CCU,: ,
PEILINSYLVAMA
ANAPOL SCHWARTZ
BY: Christopher J.Marzzacco,Esquire
Supreme Court ID#78262
252 Boas Street
Harrisburg,PA 17102
(717)901-3500
cmarzzacco( anapolschwartz.com
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
KATHY R. KLINE and GARY W. KLINE, :
her husband,
Plaintiffs •
NO. 12-2381
v.
ERIC A. GERTSEN • CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendant • JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO SETTLE,DISCONTINUE AND END
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please mark this action as settled, discontinued and ended.
Respectfully submitted,
Date: t i - (�, By: k----------
istopher J. Marzzacco, Esquire