HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-2972TIMOTHY RONAGHAN, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff. CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v. CIVIL ACTION-LAW
-0
CEDAR-PENNSBORO COMMONS GP, ?? ? L? ?1 ^Y? °
LLC AND GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC ?.
Defendants, JURY TRIAL REQUESTED
NOTICE
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set torth in the
t6llowing 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 tiling 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.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE
TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORAMTION 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
Phone: (717) 249-3166
(800) 990-9108
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990
The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County is required by law to comply with
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For information about accessible facilities and
reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before, the Court,
please contact our office. All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing
or business before the Court. All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any
hearing or business before the court. You must attend the scheduled conference or ficaring.
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. : CIVIL ACTION-LAW
CEDAR-PENNSBORO COMMONS GP,
LLC AND GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC
Defendants, : JURY TRIAL REQUESTED
COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes Plaintiff, TIMOTHY RONAGHAN, by and through his attorney Karl
E. Rominger, Esquire, and avers in support of his complaint as follows:
INTRODUCTION
1. This is an action for money damages brought pursuant to common law of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania due to the negligence of Defendants, CEDAR-
PENNSBORO COMMONS, LLC, (hereinafter `'Cedar Permsboro Commons'") AND
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC (hereinafter "Giant")
2. It is alleged that Defendants Giant, as the tenant of Cedar Pennsboro Commons did allow
a bicycle to be chained to a cart barrier adjacent to the entrance of their store
3. Plaintiff. Timothy Ronaghan, did trip and fall over the hazard created by the bicycle
obstructing the pathway, suffering bodily injuries.
PARTIES
4. Plaintiff, Timothy Ronaghan, is an adult individual residing at 102 Austin Drive, Enola,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025.
5. Defendant, Cedar Pennsboro Commons, is a foreign registered LLC authorized to do
business in the state of Pennsylvania.
6. Defendant, Giant, is a foreign registered LLC authorized to do business in Pennsylvania.
FACTS
7. Previous paragraphs are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
8. On May 15, 2010, Plaintiff Timothy Ronaghan went to Cedar Pennsboro Commons to
purchase groceries at Giant, located in 310 East Penn Drive, Enola, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, 17025.
9. Adjacent to the pathway designated by a green carpet entering said store was a cart
barrier that consisted of a pipe in the shape of an upside down U. A photograph of said
barrier is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
10. Plaintiff entered the store without incident, nor did he notice any obstacles or hazards in
the entryway.
11. Upon exiting Giant, there was a bicycle chained to said barrier, with the wheel of said
bicycle encroaching upon the pathway entering into Giant.
12. As Plaintiff was leaving the entrance of the store, he was tripped up by the unseen wheel
of the bicycle that was encroaching upon the pathway, falling into the roadway.
13. Plaintiff had been a customer of the Enola Giant location on numerous previous
occasions and had never seen a bicycle chained to the metal barrier. and was therefore not
expecting one to be in said location.
14. Neither Defendant Giant, nor Defendant Cedar Pennsboro Commons had posted any
signs or warnings that any obstacles or hazards were present.
15. As Plaintiff fell to the pavement, he attempted to brace himself with his left ann.. and in
doing so he jarred his left wrist, shoulder, and his neck.
16. Plaintiff immediately reported the fall to store manager Mark Hoover.
17. Mr. Hoover remarked to Plaintiff that he had been asking for a bike rack. "but they won't
(live it to me."
18. Upon a subsequent conversation at a later date between the Plaintiff and Mr. Hoover, Mr.
Hoover remarked that he reviewed the surveillance tape and said, "you took quite a
tumble. I"m just glad a car wasn't coming by."
19. Plaintiff suffered injuries to his left wrist from the fall, and after months of continued
pain, said injuries required surgery which was performed on March 2, 2011 by Dr. Robert
Maurer of Orthopaedic Surgeons of Central Pennsylvania.
COUNTI
NEGLIGENCE OF DEFENDANT CEDAR PENNSBORO COMMONS, LLC
20. Previous paragraphs are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
21. The occurrence of the aforementioned incident and the resultant injuries to Plaintiff,
Timothy Ronaghan, are the direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness,
and/or recklessness of Cedar Pennsboro Commons, generally and more specifically as set
forth below:
a. In Failing to maintain the pathway adjacent to the entrance of Giant in a safe
condition to insure that the Plaintiff or any other patrons would not be caused to
trip and fall as a result of obstacles or hazards which existed and which were
known or should have been known to the Defendants by proper inspection of the
premises;
b. In failing to remove any obstacles or hazards from said pathway when they knew,
or should have known that there would be heavy foot traffic due to the pathway's
use as a route of ingress and egress to/from Giant;
c. In failing to provide a proper safe place to park and chain a bicycle:
d. By allowing a bicycle(s) to be chained to a metal barrier adjacent to the
entranceway of the Giant store; and
r:;. Otherwise failing to exercise the degree of care required under the circumstances.
??. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendants, the plaintiff,
Timothy Ronaghan, has suffered injuries to his left wrist that required a left wrist
pisiform excision and. pisotriquetral synovectomy.
23. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has suffered great physical pain, discomfort and mental anguish, and he will
continue to endure the same for an indefinite period of time in the future, to his great
physical, emotional, and financial detriment and loss.
24. As a. direct and proximate result of the Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has been compelled, in order to affect a cure for the aforesaid injuries, to spend
money for medicine and/or medical attention, and may be required to expend money for
the same purposes in the future, to his great detriment and loss.
25. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendants" negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has been, and may in the future be, hindered from attending to his daily duties,
to his great detriment, loss, humiliation, and embarrassment.
?h. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Timothy Ronaghan
continues to suffer from numbness in his left pinky, all the way to the fingertip. Said
numbness hinders his ability to type, an important aspect of his employment.
27. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendants' negligence. Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has suffered a loss of life's pleasures, and will continue to endure the same in
the future, to his great detriment and loss.
28. Plaintiff Tim Ronaghan believes and, therefore, avers that his injuries are permanent in
nature.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Timothy Ronaghan, seeks damages from Defendant, Cedar
Pennsboro Commons LLC, in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration limits of
Cumberland County, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT II
NEGLIGENCE OF DEFENDANT GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC
29. Previous paragraphs are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
30. The occurrence of the aforementioned incident and the resultant injuries to Plaintiff,
Timothy Ronaghan, are the direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness,
and/or recklessness of Giant Food Stores, LLC, generally and more specifically as set
forth below:
f. In Failing to maintain the pathway adjacent to the entrance of Giant in a safe
condition to insure that the Plaintiff or any other patrons would not be caused to
trip and fall as a result of obstacles or hazards which existed and which were
known or should have been known to the Defendants by proper inspection of the
premises;
g. In failing to remove any obstacles or hazards from said pathway when they knew,
or should have known that there would be heavy foot traffic due to the pathway's
use as a route of ingress and egress to/from Giant,
Ii. In failing to provide a proper safe place to park and chain a bicycle;
i. By allowing a bicycle(s) to be chained to a metal barrier adjacent to the
entranceway of the Giant store; and
j. Otherwise failing to exercise the degree of care required under the circumstances.
31. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, the plaintiff,
Timothy Ronaghan, has suffered injuries to his left wrist that required a left wrist
pisifor?n excision and. pisotriquetral synovectoiny.
32. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has suffered great physical pain, discomfort and mental anguish, and he will
continue to endure the same for an indefinite period of time in the future, to his great
physical, emotional, and financial detriment and loss.
33. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has been compelled, in order to affect a cure for the aforesaid injuries, to spend
money for medicine and/or medical attention, and may be required to expend money for
the same purposes in the future, to his great detriment and loss.
34. As a. direct and proximate result of the Defendants' negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has been, and may in the future be, hindered from attending to his daily duties,
to his great detriment, loss, humiliation, and embarrassment.
35. As a. direct and proximate result of Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Timothy Ronaghan
continues to suffer from numbness in his left pinky, all the way to the fingertip. Said
numbness hinders his ability to type, an important aspect of his employment.
36. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendants' negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has suffered a loss of life's pleasures, and will continue to endure the same in
the future, to his great detriment and loss.
37. Plaintiff Tim Ronaghan believes and, therefore, avers that his injuries are permanent in
nature.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Timothy Ronaghan, seeks damages from Defendant, Cedar
Pennsboro Commons LLC, in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration limits of
Cumberland County, exclusive of interest and costs.
Date:
??
Respectfully submitted,
ROMINGER & ASSOCIATES
Lee Mandarino, Esquire
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 241-6070
Supreme Court ID # 312895
Attorney for Plaintiff
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
?. CIVIL ACTION-LAW
CEDAR-PENNSBORO COMMONS GP,
LLC AND GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC
Defendants, JURY TRIAL REQUESTED
VERIFICATION
I, Timothy Ronaghan, verify that the statements in the foregoing document are true and
correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that any false
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 4904, relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date:
Timothy Rona an
SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Ronny R Anderson
Sheriff
Jody S Smith? ofurrtry? ??.?1
Chief Deputy r.
Richard W Stewart
' j
Solicitor - COO, I''I'
Timothy Ronaghan
vs. Case Number
Giant Food Stores, LLC 2012-2972
SHERIFF'S RETURN OF SERVICE
05/14/2012 02:41 PM - Shawn Gutshall, Deputy Sheriff, who being duly sworn according to law, states that on May 14
2012 at 1441 hours, he served a true copy of the within Complaint and Notice, upon the within named
defendant, to wit: Giant Food Stores, LLC, by making known unto Jeff Hayes, Security Officer for Giant
Food Stores, LLC at 1149 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013 its contents
and at the same time handing to him personally the said true and correct cgpy of the same.
4S?NSHk EPUTY
SHERIFF COST: $34.45
May 22, 2012
SO ANSWERS,
RON R ANDERSON, SHERIFF
.w
c
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
By: Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 07091-tba CMR
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
No. 12-2972
VS. :
CEDAR-PENNSBORO CIVIL ACTION - LAW
COMMONS GP, LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter the appearance of the undersigned on behalf of Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC, in the
above captioned case.
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER
COLEMA GGIN
By: -
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant Giant
ID# 73632
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Dated: May 29, 2012
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
By: Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 07091-tba CMR
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
No. 12-2972
vs. :
CEDAR-PENNSBORO CIVIL ACTION - LAW
COMMONS GP, LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire, of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, do hereby
certify that on May 29, 2012 I served a copy of Defendant Giant Food Store's Entry of Appearance via Certified
Mail, Return Receipt Requested, postage prepaid as follows:
Lee Mandarino, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorney for Plaintiff
Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC
c/o Cedar Shopping Centers, Inc.
44 South Bayles Avenue, Suite 304
Port Washington, NY 11050
Christopher M. Reeser
4.
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
By: Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 07091-00324
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN
Plaintiff
vs.
CEDAR-PENNSBORO
COMMONS GP, LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC
Defendants
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 12-2972
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANT GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC'S PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS TO
PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
Plaintiff initiated this matter by way of Complaint filed on May 11, 2012.
2. Defendant Giant Food Stores was served with Plaintiffs Complaint on May 17,
2012. Therefore, Defendant's Preliminary Objections to Plaintiffs Complaint are timely.
3. Plaintiffs Complaint sounds in negligence and arises out of a May 15, 2010 trip
and fall incident at the Cedar Pennsboro Commons and Giant Food Store located at 310 East
Penn Drive, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
4. Plaintiff alleges he exited Giant and tripped over the wheel of a bicycle that was
chained to an upside down U-barrier. (Plaintiffs Complaint, paragraphs 9-12).
Plaintiff claims his injuries resulted from "a direct and proximate result of the
negligence, carelessness, and/or recklessness of Giant Food Stores, LLC, generally and more
specifically as set forth below:..." (Plaintiffs Complaint, paragraph 30).
6. Plaintiff further contends his injuries were the result of Giant Food Stores, LLC
"otherwise failing to exercise the degree of care required under the circumstances." (Plaintiffs
Complaint, paragraph 300)).
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS IN THE NATURE OF A MOTION TO STRIKE
PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT FOR FAILURE TO PLEAD WITH SUFFICIENT
SPECIFICITY
7. Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1019(a), material facts of which a cause of action is based
shall be stated in a concise and summary form.
8. Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(2), a party may file a Preliminary Objection where
a pleading fails to conform to law or rule of court.
9. Also, Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(3), permits a party to file a Preliminary Objection where
there is insufficient specificity in a pleading.
10. Where specificity is lacking, preliminary objections shall be filed to avoid an
attempt by Plaintiff to assert new or previously undisclosed theories after the running of the
applicable statute of limitations at or near trial. Connor v. Allegheny General Hospital, 461 A.2d
600 (Pa. 1983).
11. Plaintiffs Complaint is insufficiently specific at Paragraph 30 where Plaintiff
alleges Giant Food Stores, LLC was negligent, "generally and more specifically" as set forth in
the subparagraphs outlined in the remainder of the Complaint.
2
12. Also, Paragraph 300) "otherwise failing to exercise the degree of care required
under the circumstances" is vague and unspecific.
13. Accordingly, under Pa.R.C.P. 1019 and Connor, Plaintiffs Complaint is not
sufficiently specific informing Defendant of the allegations against it, and should be stricken.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC respectfully requests this Honorable
Court grant its Preliminary Objection and either strike Paragraph 30 and 300) from Plaintiffs
Complaint, or require Plaintiff to file a more specific Complaint.
PRELIMINARY OBJECTION IN THE NATURE OF A MOTION TO STRIKE
PARAGRAPH 30, SPECIFICALLY ANY ALLEGATIONS OF "RECKLESSNESS"
14. Pa.R.C.P. 1019(a) requires a pleading to state material facts of which a cause of
action is based in a concise and summary form.
15. Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(2), a party may file a Preliminary Objection where
a pleading fails to conform to law or rule of court.
16. Also, consistent with Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(3), a party may file a Preliminary
Objection where there is insufficient specificity in a pleading.
17. Although Plaintiff has not made a claim for punitive damages, Pennsylvania
Courts have permitted presentation of the claim at trial where there are allegations of
"recklessness" pled. See, e.g., Feld v. Merriam, 458 A.2d 742 (Pa. 1994).
18. Plaintiff should not be able to preserve a claim for punitive damages by alleging
conclusory allegations of recklessness as Plaintiffs Complaint lacks any factual support for such
a claim in accordance with Rule. 1019(a) and Feld.
19. Accordingly, Plaintiffs Complaint at Paragraph 30, specifically the allegations of
"recklessness" should be stricken.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC respectfully requests this Honorable
Court grant its Preliminary Objection and strike the allegation of recklessness from Paragraph 30
of Plaintiffs Complaint.
Respectfully submitted,
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER
COLEM IN
By:
C p er M. Reeser, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores
ID# 73632
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Dated: June 4, 2012
4
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
By: Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 07091-00324
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
No. 12-2972
vs.
CEDAR-PENNSBORO CIVIL ACTION - LAW
COMMONS GP, LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire, of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, do hereby
certify that on June 4, 2012 I served a copy of Defendant Giant Food Store's Preliminary Objections via First
Class Mail, postage prepaid as follows:
Lee Mandarino, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorney for Plaintiff
Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC
c/o Cedar Shopping Centers, Inc.
44 South Bayles Avenue, Suite 304
Port Washington, NY 11050
Christopher. M" Reeser
U1 '
PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT
(Must be typewritten and submitted in triplicate) 1 , C? +a' ?'`' e
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY: (List the within malitfon ate 3 xt . o
Argument Court.) _
---------------------------------------------------
CAPTION OF CASE Nt4S` LVA HIA
(entire caption must be stated in full)
Timothy Ronaghan
vs.
Cedar-Pennsboro Commins, GP, LLC and C-ialiA VOOd S ys LAG
0 No. 12-2972 Term
1. State matter to be argued (i.e., plaintiffs motion for new trial, defendant's demurrer to
complaint, etc.):
Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC's Preliminary Objections
2. Identify all counsel who will argue cases:
(a) for plaintiffs:
Lee Mandarino, Esquire Rominger & Associates 155 South Hanover Street Carlisle, PA 17013
(Name and Address)
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire, Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman 8 Goggin, 4200 Crums Mill Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112, counsel for Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
(b) for defendants:
Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC c/o Cedar Shopping Centers, Inc. 44 South Bayles Avenue, Suite 304 Port Washington, NY 11050, Defendant
(Name and Address)
3. 1 will notify all parties in writing within two days that this case has been listed for
argument.
4. Argument Court Date:
July 13, 2012
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
Signature
Print your name
Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
June 4, 2012 Attorney for
Date:
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Original and two copies of all briefs must be filed with the COURT
ADMINISTRATOR (not the Prothonotary) before argument.
2. The moving party shall file and serve their brief 14 days prior to argument.
3. The responding party shall file their brief 7 days prior to argument.
4. If argument is continued new briefs must be filed with the COURT
ADMINISTRATOR (not the Prothonotary) after the case is relisted.
pv? % 19.75pd aldy,
Cwrabass ?
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN,
Plaintiff,
V.
CEDAR-PENNSBORO COMMONS GP,
LLC AND GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC
Defendants,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVAN
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
• ? EsT+ ?
rv
JURY TRIAL REQUESTED
-a
NOTICE 4 ---
v
ITi---
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in he
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 u
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
NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE AB
TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORAMTION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY O]
LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE..
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Phone: (717) 249-3166
(800) 990-9108
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990
The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County is required by law to comply w th
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For information about accessible facilities a .,id
reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the Court,
please contact our office. All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any heart g
or business before the Court. All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to a y
hearing or business before the court. You must attend the scheduled conference or hearing.
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVAN
V. CIVIL ACTION-LAW
CEDAR-PENNSBORO COMMONS GP,
LLC AND GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC
Defendants, : JURY TRIAL REQUESTED
AMENDED COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes Plaintiff, TIMOTHY RONAGHAN, by and through his attorney
E. Rominger, Esquire, and avers in support of his complaint as follows:
INTRODUCTION
1. This is an action for money damages brought pursuant to common law of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania due to the negligence of Defendants, CEDAR-
PENNSBORO COMMONS, LLC, (hereinafter "Cedar Pennsboro Commons") AND
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC (hereinafter "Giant")
2. It is alleged that Defendants Giant, as the tenant of Cedar Pennsboro Commons did
a bicycle to be chained to a cart barrier adjacent to the entrance of their store
3. Plaintiff, Timothy Ronaghan, did trip and fall over the hazard created by the bicycle
obstructing the pathway, suffering bodily injuries.
PARTIES
4. Plaintiff, Timothy Ronaghan, is an adult individual residing at 102 Austin Drive,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025.
5. Defendant, Cedar Pennsboro Commons, is a foreign registered LLC authorized to do
business in the state of Pennsylvania.
6. Defendant, Giant, is a foreign registered LLC authorized to do business in Pennsyl
FACTS
7. Previous paragraphs are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
8. On May 15, 2010, Plaintiff Timothy Ronaghan went to Cedar Pennsboro Commons to
purchase groceries at Giant, located in 310 East Penn Drive, Enola, Cumberland C
Pennsylvania, 17025.
9. Adjacent to the pathway designated by a green carpet entering said store was a cart
barrier that consisted of a pipe in the shape of an upside down U. A photograph of said
barrier is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
10. Plaintiff entered the store without incident, nor did he notice any obstacles or hazards
the entryway.
11. Upon exiting Giant, there was a bicycle chained to said barrier, with the wheel of said
bicycle encroaching upon the pathway entering into Giant.
12. As Plaintiff was leaving the entrance of the store, he was tripped up by the unseen
of the bicycle that was encroaching upon the pathway, falling into the roadway.
13. Plaintiff had been a customer of the Enola Giant location on numerous previous
occasions and had never seen a bicycle chained to the metal barrier, and was therefore
expecting one to be in said location.
14. Neither Defendant Giant, nor Defendant Cedar Pennsboro Commons had posted any
signs or warnings that any obstacles or hazards were present.
15. As Plaintiff fell to the pavement, he attempted to brace himself with his left arm, and in
doing so he jarred his left wrist, shoulder, and his neck.
16. Plaintiff immediately reported the fall to store manager Mark Hoover.
17. Mr. Hoover remarked to Plaintiff that he had been asking for a bike rack, "but they won't
give it to me."
18. Upon a subsequent conversation at a later date between the Plaintiff and Mr. Hoover, Mr.
Hoover remarked that he reviewed the surveillance tape and said, "you took quite a
tumble. I'm just glad a car wasn't coming by."
19. Plaintiff suffered injuries to his left wrist from the fall, and after months of continued
pain, said injuries required surgery which was performed on March 2, 2011 by Dr.
Maurer of Orthopaedic Surgeons of Central Pennsylvania.
COUNTI
NEGLIGENCE OF DEFENDANT CEDAR PENNSBORO COMMONS, LLC
20. Previous paragraphs are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
21. The occurrence of the aforementioned incident and the resultant injuries to Plaintiff,
Timothy Ronaghan, are the direct and proximate result of the negligence of Cedar
Pennsboro Commons, as set forth below:
a. In Failing to maintain the pathway adjacent to the entrance of Giant in a safe
condition to insure that the Plaintiff or any other patrons would not be caused to
trip and fall as a result of obstacles or hazards which existed and which were
known or should have been known to the Defendants by proper inspection of
premises;
b. In failing to remove any obstacles or hazards from said pathway when they
or should have known that there would be heavy foot traffic due to the pathway'
use as a route of ingress and egress to/from Giant;
c. In failing to provide a proper safe place to park and chain a bicycle; and
d. By allowing a bicycle(s) to be chained to a metal barrier adjacent to the
entranceway of the Giant store.
22. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendants, the plaintiff,
Timothy Ronaghan, has suffered injuries to his left wrist that required a left wrist
pisiform excision and pisotriquetral synovectomy.
23. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has suffered great physical pain, discomfort and mental anguish, and he will
continue to endure the same for an indefinite period of time in the future, to his great
physical, emotional, and financial detriment and loss.
24. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has been compelled, in order to affect a cure for the aforesaid injuries, to
money for medicine and/or medical attention, and may be required to expend money
the same purposes in the future, to his great detriment and loss.
25. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendants' negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has been, and may in the future be, hindered from attending to his daily
to his great detriment, loss, humiliation, and embarrassment.
26. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
continues to suffer from numbness in his left pinky, all the way to the fingertip. Said
numbness hinders his ability to type, an important aspect of his employment.
27. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendants' negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has suffered a loss of life's pleasures, and will continue to endure the same
the future, to his great detriment and loss.
28. Plaintiff Tim Ronaghan believes and, therefore, avers that his injuries are permanent in
nature.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Timothy Ronaghan, seeks damages from Defendant, Cedar
Pennsboro Commons LLC, in an amount in excess of the compulsory arbitration limits of
Cumberland County, exclusive of interest and costs.
COUNT II
NEGLIGENCE OF DEFENDANT GIANT FOOD STORES. LLC
29. Previous paragraphs are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
30. The occurrence of the aforementioned incident and the resultant injuries to Plaintiff,
Timothy Ronaghan, are the direct and proximate result of the negligence of Giant Food
Stores, LLC, as set forth below:
a. In Failing to maintain the pathway adjacent to the entrance of Giant in a safe
condition to insure that the Plaintiff or any other patrons would not be caused to
trip and fall as a result of obstacles or hazards which existed and which were
known or should have been known to the Defendants by proper inspection of
premises;
b. In failing to remove any obstacles or hazards from said pathway when they
or should have known that there would be heavy foot traffic due to the pathway'
use as a route of ingress and egress to/from Giant;
c. In failing to provide a proper safe place to park and chain a bicycle; and
d. By allowing a bicycle(s) to be chained to a metal barrier adjacent to the
entranceway of the Giant store.
31. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, the plaintiff,
Timothy Ronaghan, has suffered injuries to his left wrist that required a left wrist
pisiform excision and pisotriquetral synovectomy.
32. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has suffered great physical pain, discomfort and mental anguish, and he will
continue to endure the same for an indefinite period of time in the future, to his great
physical, emotional, and financial detriment and loss.
33. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has been compelled, in order to affect a cure for the aforesaid injuries, to
money for medicine and/or medical attention, and may be required to expend money
the same purposes in the future, to his great detriment and loss.
34. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendants' negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has been, and may in the future be, hindered from attending to his daily
to his great detriment, loss, humiliation, and embarrassment.
35. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
continues to suffer from numbness in his left pinky, all the way to the fingertip. Said
numbness hinders his ability to type, an important aspect of his employment.
36. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendants' negligence, Plaintiff Timothy
Ronaghan has suffered a loss of life's pleasures, and will continue to endure the same
the future, to his great detriment and loss.
37. Plaintiff Tim Ronaghan believes and, therefore, avers that his injuries are permanent in
nature.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Timothy Ronaghan, seeks damages from Defendant, Cedar
Pennsboro Commons LLC, in an amount in excess of the compulsory, arbitration limits of
Cumberland County, exclusive of interest and costs.
Respectfully submitted,
ROMINGER & ASSOCIATES
Date:
Lee Mandarino, Esquire
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 241-6070
Supreme Court ID # 312895
Attorney for Plaintiff
". ]J
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. CIVIL ACTION-LAW
CEDAR-PENNSBORO COMMONS GP,
LLC AND GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC
Defendants, : JURY TRIAL REQUESTED
VERIFICATION
I, Timothy Ronaghan, verify that the statements in the foregoing document are true and
correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief I understand that any false
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 4904, relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date: /Y IN2,
T' thy Ron ghan
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVAI
V. CIVIL ACTION-LAW
CEDAR-PENNSBORO COMMONS GP,
LLC AND GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC
Defendants, JURY TRIAL REQUESTED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on July 23, 2012, I mailed a copy of Amended Complaint to the
following persons at the following addresses by U.S. Mail, postage paid:
Christopher Reeser, Esquire
Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores
Michael Traxler, Esquire
Rawle & Henderson, LLP
Payne Shomaker Building
240 N. Third Street, 9tn Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Attorney for Defendant Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC
i
Date: V Lee Mandarino, Esq.
155 S. Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 241-6070
Supreme Court ID # 312895
l
1,'THE PRO HONOTARy
2012 JUL 30 PM 3: 39
CUMERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
By: Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID 473632
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 07091-00324
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
No. 12-2972
vs.
CEDAR-PENNSBORO CIVIL ACTION - LAW
COMMONS GP, LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO:
Lee Mandarino, Esquire Michael T. Traxler, Esquire
Rominger & Associates Rawle & Henderson, LLP
155 South Hanover Street Payne Shoemaker Building
Carlisle, PA 17013 240 N. Third Street, 9th Floor
Attorney for Plaintiff Harrisburg, PA 17101
Attorney for Defendant
Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP,
You are hereby notified to plead to the enclosed Answer with New Matter Crossclaim within
(20) days from service hereof or a default judgment may be filed against you.
Respectfully submitted,
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER
COLEMAN-&-MGGIN
By:
Chri er M. Reeser, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant Giant
ID# 73632
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Dated: July 27, 2012
F` { EU -OFFICE
TPI P O T"ONO TAk y
1012 JUL 30 PPS 3: 4 0
CUMSERLAtiD COUNTY
PFNNS YLVANIA
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
By: Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 07091-00324
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN
Plaintiff
vs.
CEDAR-PENNSBORO
COMMONS GP, LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC
Defendants
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 12-2972
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
GIANT FOOD STORES LLC'S ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF
COMPLAINT WITH NEW MATTER AND CROSSCLAIM
1. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that an action for money
brought by the Plaintiff against Defendants. It is denied that Defendant Giant Food Stores,
was negligent and denies that money damages should be awarded in this matter.
2. Denied. The bicycle in question was chained to the barrier without the knowlf
of any Giant Food Store employee.
3. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiff Timothy Ronaghan
did trip and fall over something on May 15, 2010. What Plaintiff tripped over precisely is
unknown. The allegations regarding injuries are denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
4. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
5. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
6. Admitted.
FACTS
7. No responsive pleading required.
8. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that on May 15, 2010, Plaintiff
Timothy Ronaghan was at the Giant store located within Cedar Pennsboro Commons. The
remainder of the allegation of paragraph 8 is denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
9. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that there is a "cart barrier" on
sidewalk of the store in the shape of an upside down U. A photograph of the barrier was not
attached to the Amended Complaint. The allegation that there was a green carpet designating
pathway at the time of the incident is denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
10. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
11. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that at some point on May 15,
2010, a bicycle was chained to the upside down U shaped cart barrier. The remainder of the
allegations in paragraph 11 is denied as Defendant Giant does not know when the bicycle was
chained to the upside down U or whether the bicycle encroached upon any pathway.
12. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiff tripped over some
object and fell as he was leaving the store on May 15, 2010. The remainder of the allegations
paragraph 12 is denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
2
13. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
14. Admitted.
15. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
16. Admitted in part; denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiff reported a fall to
Giant Store Manager Mark Hoover. It is denied that the report was immediate as answering
Defendant does not have sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of that
allegation.
17. Denied. Mark Hoover does not have a specific recollection of his conversation
with Plaintiff.
18. Denied. Mark Hoover does not have a specific recollection of his conversatioi
with Plaintiff.
19. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
COUNTI
Negligence of Defendant Cedar Pennsboro Commons, LLC
20-28. The allegations in paragraphs 20-28 are directed at a party other than
Defendant and therefore, no responsive pleading is required.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC requests judgment be entered in i
favor.
COUNT II
Nedi ence of Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
29. No responsive pleading required.
30. The averments of Paragraph 30 and subparagraphs 30(a)-30(d) are con
law to which no responsive pleading is required. To the extent that said averments in
of
3
30 and subparagraphs 30(a)-30(d) are deemed to be factual, those averments are denied pursuant
to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e) and strict proof thereof is demanded at time of trial.
31. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
32. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
33. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
34. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
35. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
36. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
37. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
WHEREFORE, Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC requests judgment be entered in its
favor.
NEW MATTER
38. Plaintiffs claims or any amendment to those claims may be barred by the
applicable statute of limitations.
39. Plaintiffs claims are barred or limited by the Pennsylvania Comparative
Negligence Act, 42 PA.C.S. §7102.
40. In the event that there was a dangerous condition on the property owned and
controlled by Defendant, which is specifically denied, Plaintiffs claim is barred because the
condition was open and obvious and therefore, Plaintiffs were on notice of said condition.
41. To the extent that there was a dangerous or defective condition on Defendants'
property, which is specifically denied, Defendants did not create and were not on notice of sa
dangerous condition.
4
WHEREFORE, Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC requests judgment be entered in its
favor.
CROSSCLAIM
Giant Food Stores, LLC v Cedar-Pennsoboro_ Commons, GP, LLC
42. Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC incorporates it Answer and New Matter to
paragraphs 1-41 by reference as if set forth at length.
43. Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC joins Co-Defendant Cedar-Pennsoboro
Commons, GP, LLC based upon the allegations contained in the Amended Complaint which
incorporated herein without adoption to protect Giant Food Stores, LLC's right of contribution
WHEREFORE, Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC seeks judgment against Co-
Defendant Cedar-Pennsoboro Commons, GP, LLC.
Respectfully submitted,
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER
COLEM G GGIN
By:
Chris op er M. Reeser, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant Giant
ID# 73632
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Dated: July 27, 2012
VERIFICATION
I, Bruce Astrachan, hereby state and aver that I have read the foregoing document which
has been drafted by my counsel. The factual statements contained therein are true and correct tc
the best of my knowledge, information and belief although the language is that of my counsel,
and, to the extent that the content of the foregoing document is that of counsel, I have relied up(
counsel in making this Verification.
This statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
Dated: ? --
0 709 1-0 03 24/AWNM
6
Giant Food Stores, Inc.
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
By: Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 07091-00324
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN COMMON COURT OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
No. 12-2972
vs.
CEDAR-PENNSBORO CIVIL ACTION -- LAW
COMMONS GP, LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire, of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, do
certify that on July 27, 2012 I served a copy of Defendant Giant Food Store's Answer with New
Crossclaim via First Class Mail, postage prepaid as follows:
Lee Mandarino, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorney for Plaintiff
Michael T. Traxler, Esquire
Rawle & Henderson, LLP
Payne Shoemaker Building
240 N. Third Street, 9th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Attorney for Defendant
mar-Pennsboro Commons GP,
Christopher M. Reeser
RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP
By: Gary N. Stewart
Identification No.: 67353
By: Michael T. Traxler
Identification No.: 90961
Payne Shoemaker Building, 9th Floor
240 N. Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-7700
2012 JUL 31 AN 11: 53
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
Attorneys for Defendant,
Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Plaintiff,
vs.
CIVIL ACTION
NO. 12-2972
CEDAR-PENNSBORO COMMONS GP,:
LLC and :
GIANT FOOD STORE, LLC
Defendants.
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter our appearance on behalf of defendant, Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP,
LLC in the above-referenced matter.
RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP
By: :
Gary N. Stewart, Esquire
Michael T. Traxler, Esquire
Attorneys for Defendant,
Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC
5641936-1
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on today's date, a true and correct copy of the foregoing entry of
appearance was served by first-class mail, postage prepaid, upon all attorneys of record,
addressed as follows:
Lee Mandarino, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Counsel for Plaintiff
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Counsel for Defendant,
Giant Food Stores, LLC
RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP
By:? ,
Gary N. Stewart, Esquire
Michael T. Traxler, Esquire
Dated: -71 30//x
5641936-1
ED
gOTAR'
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP
By: Gary N. Stewart
Identification No.: 67353
By: Michael T. Traxler
Identification No.: 90961
Payne Shoemaker Building, 9 h Floor
240 N. Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-7700
TO THE WITHIN NAMED PARTIES:
You are hereby notified to plead to the enclosed ANSWER WITH
NEW MATTER AND CROSS-CLAIM, within twenty (20) days
from the date of service hereof or default judgment will be entered
against you.
RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP
Michael T. Traxler
Attorneys for Defendant,
Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Plaintiff,
VS.
CIVIL ACTION
NO. 12-2972
CEDAR-PENNSBORO COMMONS GP,:
LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORE, LLC
Defendants.
ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER AND CROSS-CLAIM OF DEFENDANT,
CEDAR-PENNSBORO COMMONS GP, LLC
TO PLAINTIFF'S AMENDED COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes defendant, Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC, by and through its
attorneys, Rawle & Henderson, LLP, and file the following Answer with New Matter to
plaintiff's Amended Complaint and in support thereof, aver as follows:
Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an affirmative response may be
5642026-I
required, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial i
deemed material.
2. After reasonable investigation, answering defendants are without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the averments
contained within this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
3. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an affirmative response may be
required, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial if
deemed material. By way further answer, to the extent that this paragraph is an averment of
plaintiff's alleged damages, it is denied, since after reasonable investigation answering defendant
is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments
contained in this paragraph, and, therefore, denies the same and demands strict proof thereof at
the time of trial if deemed material.
4. After reasonable investigation, answering defendants are without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the averments
contained within this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
5. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an affirmative response may be
required, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial if
deemed material.
5642026-I
6. After reasonable investigation, answering defendants are without
knowledge or information to form a belief to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the
contained within this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are denied, and strict proof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
7. Answering defendant incorporates herein by reference its answers to paragraphs 1
through 6 of plaintiff's Amended Complaint as if the same are set forth at length herein.
8. After reasonable investigation, answering defendants are without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the averments
contained within this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
9. After reasonable investigation, answering defendants are without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the averments
contained within this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
10. After reasonable investigation, answering defendants are without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the averments
contained within this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
11. After reasonable investigation, answering defendants are without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the averments
contained within this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
5642026-1
12. After reasonable investigation, answering defendants are without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the averments
contained within this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are denied, and strict proof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
13. After reasonable investigation, answering defendants are without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the averments
contained within this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
14. After reasonable investigation, answering defendants are without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the averments
contained within this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material. Further denied as it is irrelevant as to
whether signs or warnings were posted considering the condition alleged by plaintiff was open
and obvious.
15. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an affirmative response may be
required, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial if
deemed material. By way further answer, to the extent that this paragraph is an averment of
plaintiff s alleged damages, it is denied, since after reasonable investigation answering defendant
is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments
contained in this paragraph, and, therefore, denies the same and demands strict proof thereof at
the time of trial if deemed material.
5642026-1
16. After reasonable investigation, answering defendants are without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the averments
contained within this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are denied, and strict proof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
17. After reasonable investigation, answering defendants are without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the averments
contained within this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are denied, and strict proof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
18. After reasonable investigation, answering defendants are without sufficient
knowledge or information to form a belief to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the averments
contained within this paragraph. Accordingly, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
19. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an affirmative response may be
required, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial if
deemed material. By way further answer, to the extent that this paragraph is an averment of
plaintiff's alleged damages, it is denied, since after reasonable investigation answering defendant
is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments
contained in this paragraph, and, therefore, denies the same and demands strict proof thereof at
the time of trial if deemed material.
5642026-1
COUNTI
NEGLIGENCE OF DEFENDANT CEDAR PENNSBORO COMMONS LLC
20. Answering defendant incorporates herein by reference its answers to paragraphs 1
through 19 of plaintiff s Amended Complaint as if the same are set forth at length herein.
21. (a. - e.) Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph and its subparts are
conclusions of law to which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an affirmative
response may be required, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the
time of trial if deemed material. By way further answer, to the extent that this paragraph and its
subparts are an averment of plaintiffs alleged damages, it is denied, since after reasonable
investigation answering defendant is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth or falsity of the averments contained in this paragraph and its subparts, and, therefore,
denies the same and demands strict proof thereof at the time of trial if deemed material. By way
of further answer, it is specifically and unequivocally denied that the answering defendant was
negligent. To the contrary, it is believed and averred that answering defendant acted properly,
appropriately and according to accepted procedures at all times material hereto.
22. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an affirmative response may be
required, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial if
deemed material. By way further answer, to the extent that this paragraph is an averment of
Plaintiff s alleged damages, it is denied, since after reasonable investigation answering defendant
is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments
contained in this paragraph, and, therefore, denies the same and demands strict proof thereof at
the time of trial if deemed material. By way of further answer, it is specifically and
5642026-1
unequivocally denied that the answering defendant was negligent. To the contrary, it is believed
and averred that answering defendant acted properly, appropriately and according to
accepted procedures at all times material hereto.
23. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an affirmative response may be
required, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial if
deemed material. By way further answer, to the extent that this paragraph is an averment of
Plaintiff's alleged damages, it is denied, since after reasonable investigation answering defendant
is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments
contained in this paragraph, and, therefore, denies the same and demands strict proof thereof at
the time of trial if deemed material. By way of further answer, it is specifically and
unequivocally denied that the answering defendant was negligent. To the contrary, it is believed
and averred that answering defendant acted properly, appropriately and according to
accepted procedures at all times material hereto.
24. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an affirmative response may be
required, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial if
deemed material. By way further answer, to the extent that this paragraph is an averment of
Plaintiff's alleged damages, it is denied, since after reasonable investigation answering defendant
is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments
contained in this paragraph, and, therefore, denies the same and demands strict proof thereof at
the time of trial if deemed material. By way of further answer, it is specifically and
unequivocally denied that the answering defendant was negligent. To the contrary, it is believed
5642026-1
and averred that answering defendant acted properly, appropriately and according
accepted procedures at all times material hereto.
25. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an affirmative response may be
required, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial if
deemed material. By way further answer, to the extent that this paragraph is an averment of
Plaintiff's alleged damages, it is denied, since after reasonable investigation answering defendant
is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments
contained in this paragraph, and, therefore, denies the same and demands strict proof thereof at
the time of trial if deemed material. By way of further answer, it is specifically and
unequivocally denied that the answering defendant was negligent. To the contrary, it is believed
and averred that answering defendant acted properly, appropriately and according to
accepted procedures at all times material hereto.
26. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an affirmative response may be
required, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial if
deemed material. By way further answer, to the extent that this paragraph is an averment of
Plaintiff's alleged damages, it is denied, since after reasonable investigation answering defendant
is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments
contained in this paragraph, and, therefore, denies the same and demands strict proof thereof at
the time of trial if deemed material. By way of further answer, it is specifically and
unequivocally denied that the answering defendant was negligent. To the contrary, it is believed
and averred that answering defendant acted properly, appropriately and according to
5642026-1
accepted procedures at all times material hereto.
27. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law
which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an affirmative response may
required, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial if
deemed material. By way further answer, to the extent that this paragraph is an averment of
Plaintiff's alleged damages, it is denied, since after reasonable investigation answering defendant
is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments
contained in this paragraph, and, therefore, denies the same and demands strict proof thereof at
the time of trial if deemed material. By way of further answer, it is specifically and
unequivocally denied that the answering defendant was negligent. To the contrary, it is believed
and averred that answering defendant acted properly, appropriately and according to
accepted procedures at all times material hereto.
28. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an affirmative response may be
required, said averments are denied, and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial if
deemed material. By way further answer, to the extent that this paragraph is an averment of
Plaintiff s alleged damages, it is denied, since after reasonable investigation answering defendant
is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments
contained in this paragraph, and, therefore, denies the same and demands strict proof thereof at
the time of trial if deemed material. By way of further answer, it is specifically and
unequivocally denied that the answering defendant was negligent. To the contrary, it is believed
and averred that answering defendant acted properly, appropriately and according to
accepted procedures at all times material hereto.
5642026-1
WHEREFORE, answering defendant, Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC,
requests that judgment be entered in its favor and against the plaintiff, and that answering
defendant be awarded appropriate costs and fees.
COUNT II
NEGLIGENCE OF DEFENDANT GIANT FOOD STORES LLC
29. Answering defendant incorporates herein by reference its answers to paragraphs 1
through 28 of plaintiff's Amended Complaint as if the same are set forth at length herein.
30. -37. The averments contained in these paragraphs and their sub-parts refer to a
defendant other than the answering defendant; accordingly, no affirmative response is required.
To the extent affirmative response may be required, said averments are denied and conformity
with Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e) and are further denied as conclusions of law to which no affirmative
responses are required.
WHEREFORE, answering defendant, Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC, respectfully
requests that judgment be entered in its favor and against the plaintiff, and that answering
defendant be awarded appropriate costs and fees.
NEW MATTER DIRECTED TO PLAINTIFF
38. No omissions or conduct on the part of answering defendant contributed to
plaintiff s injuries and damages, if any.
39. Plaintiffs claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations.
40. Plaintiff failed to mitigate his damages, if any.
41. The negligence of plaintiff bars his right to recover completely, or reduces his
claims based upon the extent of his negligence under the doctrine of comparative negligence.
5642026-1
42. Plaintiff engaged in risky conduct and consciously chose to assume that risk.
43. Defendant exercised due care at all times.
44. The subject area was not in an unsafe or hazardous condition at the time of
alleged accident.
45. The condition of the subject area or object which allegedly caused plaintiff
injuries was an open and obvious condition.
46. The damages complained of by plaintiff pre-existed, or are unrelated to,
incident which is the subject matter of the Amended Complaint.
47. Plaintiff's alleged injuries were proximately caused, in whole or in part, by the
fault of third parties for whom defendant is not legally responsible.
48. Service of process was improper and/or insufficient.
49. Any damages awarded to plaintiff must be reduced by the amount of any
collateral source of compensation to plaintiff including, but not limited to, insurance, social
security, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation or employee benefits.
50. Plaintiff's claims are barred and/or limited by the doctrines of Laches, Waiver
and/or Estoppel.
51. At the time of the events complained of by plaintiff, defendant had no notice or
knowledge of the alleged dangerous condition set forth in the Amended Complaint.
52. Plaintiffs Amended Complaint fails to state a claim against answering defendant
upon which relief can be granted.
53. Plaintiff's claims are barred, in whole or in part, because answering defendant did
not owe any duty to Plaintiff.
5642026-1
REQUEST FOR JURY TRIAL
The answering defendant hereby requests a trial by jury on all issues that are triable.
RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP
By:
Gary N. Stewart, Esquire
Michael T. Traxler, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant,
Date: -7/s6lJo2 Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC
5642026-1
VERIFICATION
MICHAEL T. TRAXLER, ESQUIRE, hereby states that he is a member of the law
of Rawle & Henderson LLP, attorneys for defendant, Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC, that
he is authorized to take this verification on behalf of said defendant. The undersigned verifies
that he has read the within pleading and that the same is true and correct to the best of his
knowledge, information and belief. The undersigned understands that the statements set forth in
said pleading are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. §4904 relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities.
MICHAEL T. TRAXL R, ESQUIRE
DATED: 7 15el l??-
5642026-1
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on today's date, a true and correct copy of the foregoing
was served by first-class mail, postage prepaid, upon all attorneys of record, addressed
follows:
Lee Mandarino, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Counsel for Plaintiff
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Counsel for Defendant,
Giant Food Stores, LLC
RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP
By: "1'Llr '--
Gary N. Stewart, Esquire
Dated: 7 1 3 u /l.-)- Michael T. Traxler, Esquire
5642026-1
RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP
By: Gary N. Stewart
Identification No.: 67353
By: Michael T. Traxler
Identification No.: 90961
Payne Shoemaker Building, 9 h Floor
240 N. Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-7700
< `
z C--
Attorneys for Defendant,
Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Plaintiff,
VS.
CIVIL ACTION
NO. 12-2972
CEDAR-PENNSBORO COMMONS GP,:
LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORE, LLC
Defendants.
ANSWER OF DEFENDANTS, CEDAR-PENNSBORO COMMONS, GP, LLC
TO NEW MATTER CROSSCLAIM OF DEFENDANT, GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC
42. Answering defendants hereby incorporate their Answer, New Matter and New
Matter Crossclaims to plaintiff's Amended Complaint, as if the same were fully set forth herein
at length. By way of further answer, the averments set forth in paragraph 42 are denied as they
are conclusions of law to which no responsive pleading is required. To the extent that a response
may be required, answering defendants deny that they are solely liable to the plaintiff, jointly or
severally liable to the plaintiff or liable over to Giant Food Stores, LLC by way of contribution
and/or indemnity.
43. The averments set forth in paragraph 43 are denied as they are conclusions of law
to which no responsive pleading is required. It is specifically and unequivocally denied that any
injuries or damages allegedly sustained by the plaintiff were caused by defendants, Cedar-
5711854-1
Pennsboro Commons, GP, LLC. Answering defendants further deny that they are solely liable to
the plaintiff, jointly or severally liable to the plaintiff or liable over to Giant Food Stores, LLC by
way of contribution and/or indemnity.
WHEREFORE, defendants, Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC, demand that
judgment be entered against plaintiff, Timothy Ronaghan, and all co-defendants.
RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP
Date
By:
Gary N. Stewart, E quire
Michael T. Traxler, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant,
Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC
5711854-1
1
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on today's date, a true and correct copy of the foregoing document
was served by first-class mail, postage prepaid, upon all attorneys of record, addressed as
follows:
Lee Mandarin, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Counsel for Plaintiff
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Counsel for Defendant,
Giant Food Stores, LLC
RAWLE & HENDERSON LLP
Dated:
By:
Gary N. Stewart, Esquire
Michael T. Traxler, Esquire
5711854-1
-_~}'~`~F ~~~IQ~O~At~~
~- ~ ~ ,~.
3: D5
4~
2~~2 ~~~ ~ 3 ~ ~
,~,~~~ER~ Y~°y ANUP
~~~tiS
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
By: Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 07091-00324
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN
Plaintiff
vs.
CEDAR-PENNSBORO
COMMONS GP, LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC
Defendants
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 12-2972
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANT GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC'S REPLY TO CROSSCLAIM OF
'ENDANT CEDAR-PENNSBORO COMMONS, GP, LLC PURSUANT TO Pa.R,
1031.1
59. No responsive pleading required.
60. The allegation in paragraph 60 is a conclusion of law to which no responsive
pleading is required.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC requests judgment be entered in it
favor.
Respectfully submitted,
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER
COLEMAN B~QGGIN
By: ~ ~--3--
Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant Giant
ID# 73632
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Dated: August 9, 2012
2
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
By: Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No. 07091-00324
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
No. 12-2972
vs.
CEDAR-PENNSBORO CIVIL ACTION -LAW
COMMONS GP, LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire, of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, do
certify that on August 9, 2012 I served a copy of Defendant Giant Food Store's Reply to Cedar-
Commons' Crossclaim via First Class Mail, postage prepaid as follows:
Lee Mandarino, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorney for Plaintiff
Michael T. Traxler, Esquire
Rawle & Henderson, LLP
Payne Shoemaker Building
240 N. Third Street, 9th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Attorney for Defendant
/-7 Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP,
istopher M. Reeser
t i ~ i ~
1 ~ ~ ~ t „
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
By: Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-6` 1-3509
Our File No. 07091-00324
.Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
TIMO"THY RONAGHAN
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
vs.
CEDAR-PENNSBORO
COMMONS GP, LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC
No. 12-2972
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
DEFENDANT GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC'S MOTION TO COMPEL FULL,
COMPLETE AND VERIFIED DISCOVERY RESPONSES FROM PLAINTIFF
1. Plaintiff initiated this matter by way of Complaint filed on May 11, 2012.
2. Plaintiff s Complaint sounds in negligence and arises out of a May l S. 2010 trip
and fall incident at the Cedar Pennsboro Commons and Giant Food Store located ax 310 East
Penn Drive, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
3. Defendant served Plaintiff with Interrogatories and Request for Production of
Documents with correspondence dated June 21, 2012. See true and correct copy ofdefense
counsel's correspondence attached hereto as Exhibit A.
4. To date, Plaintiff has not objected, nor has he served responses to Defendant's
discovery requests.
~. Pursuant to Rule 4009.12(a), a party upon whom a request is served must serve an
answer, including objections to each numbered paragraph in the request and produce the
requested documents to which there is no objection. Pa.R.C.P. 4009.12(a).
6. Pursuant to Rule 4006(a)(2), answers to written Interrogatories must be answered
fully and completely unless objected to. Pa.R.C.P. 4006(a)(2).
7. Without plaintiffs responses to Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC"s
Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents, Defendant is unable to prepare its
defense to this matter.
8. Counsel for Defendant Giant attempted to resolve this matter without the
intervention of this I~onorable Court:, but to date has been unsuccessful. Defense counsel wrote
plaintiffs counsel requesting responses to Defendant's Interrogatories, Expert Interrogatories and
Request for Production of Documents on August 13, 2012, September 14, 2012 and October 5,
2012. See copies of defense counsel's correspondences attached hereto as Exhibit. B.
9. Pursuant to Cumberland County Local Rule 208.3(a)(9), undersigned counsel
certifies that on October 22, 2012 he sought concurrence of this motion with plaintiff s counsel.
Plaintiffs counsel did not provide a response.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC respectfully requests this Honorable
Court grant its Motion to Compel full, complete and verified responses to Defendant's Request
for Production of Documents, Interrogatories and Expert Interrogatories, from Plaintiff within 20
days, or Plaintiff shall risk further sanctions upon Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC's further
application to this Court.
2
Respectfully submitted,
MARSHALL DE HEY WARNER
COLEMAN; GO IN
~~~. ~--
By: _
Christop er M. Reeser, Esquire
Attorney far• Defendant Giant Food Stores
ID# 73632
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3509
Dated: November , 2012
3
~j
l
i
_~
MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN
~ GOGGIN Bethlehem Wihnirtgton
e
) ) Doylestown
pl P R O P E~~ i O N A I. C O R P O R A T I O N WWW.IDSC$i1Si1CICI111CLC~.COn1 Harrishur
8 A]ROR
King of Prussia
Philadelphia
Pittshurgh
Sczanton
FLOarne
Pt. Lauderdale
Jacksonville
42(10 Crums Mill Road, Suite B • Harrisburg, PA 17112 wdhamsP°~ °a;,;"d°
P
(717) 651-3500 • Fax (717} 651-9630 N~~>>~>~
Cheery Hill
Roseland
NErv Yoxx
New York
Direct Dial: 717-651-3509
Email: cmreeser@mdwcg.com
June 21, 2012
Lee Mandarino, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
RE: Timothy Ronaghan v. Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC and Giant Food Stores, LLC
Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas; No. 12-2972
Claim No. 094/102917
D/L: 5-1.5-2010
MDWCG File No. 07091-00324
Dear Mr. Mandarino:
Enclo sed please find the following discovery demands that defendant, Giant Food Stores, LLC, hereby
serves upon Plaintiff, Timothy Ronaghan:
(X) Interrogatories directed to Plaintiff;
(Xj Expert Interrogatories directed to Plaintiff; and
(Xj Request for Production of Documents directed to Plaintiff.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration.
Very truly s,
i
..
C er M. Reeser
CMR/ljw
A REGIONAL D~r~L^.s;irlcATiorv Law FIRM
Paxxsyt,vwxin DErawwxe
cc: Michael Trailer, Esquire w/ends.
,~ RF~;~.-~~~~~ C>~~r~~~-~_ ~_iz~cATiort Lnw F~~M
MARSHAI.I.~ DEIVNEHEY~ WARIVER~ COLEMAN c~ GOGGIN
Psxxsnvuvu Dsrawnac
8ethiehem Wilmington
Doylestown
,s P~ o a s s r o v n L C o R e O x e i o nr www.marshalldennehey.com Ede
:Harrisburg oaro
Alaon
King of Prussia
Philadelphia Fronrne
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B • Harrisburg, PA 17112 Pittsburgh
~v~~Pott Ft. Lauderdale
Jor~a°`"e
(717) 651-3500 • Fax (717) 651-9630 NswJseasY T~'"pa
Cherry Hill
]3oseland NstvYostc
New York
Direct Dial: 717-651-3509
Email: cmr~eeser@,mdwcg.com
August 13, 2012
Lee Mandarino. Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
RF.: Timothy Ronaghan v. Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC' and Giant Food Stores, LLC
Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas; No. 12-2972
Claim No. 094/102917
D/L: 5-15-2010
MDWCG File No. 07091-00324
Dear Mr. M~lndarino:
In reviewing my file, I see that we served Interrogatories, Expert Interrogatories and Request for
Production of Documents in the above-captioned matter on June 21, 2012. Responses to those discovery
requests are now overdue.. Please advise if there is any reason why we cannot expect answers to our written
Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents within the next 10 days. I would like to continue to
move this matter forward to a resolution.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Very truly yours,
~,.,-
r
Christopher M. Reeser
CMR/lj w
ec: Michael T. Traxler, Esquire
MARSH-BALL Il}ENre(EHE~
WARNER. COLEMAN &GOGGIN
A ['ROFhS~It.)I~AL CORPOR~TI~N
4200 Crums Mi11 Road, Suite B ~ Harrisburg, PA 17112
(7l 7) 651-3500 Fax (717) 651-9630
Direct Dial: 717-651-3509
Email: cmreesernmdwcg~com
September 14, 2012
VIA FAX ONLY
Lee Mandarino, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
f'ENNSY"L~AI~!lA DELAWARE
Bethlehem 1Nilmington
Daylestown ', C)H10
Erie ', Cleveland
Harrisburg
King of Prussia ~~ 1'LORIL~A
f='hiladelphia ! Ft. Lauderdale
i Jacksonville
Pittsburgfi ', prlando
Ssrantnn ~~,! Tampa
<71hW {fk'.SCY NEwYC)RK
merry Hill ', Long Island
f~oseland New York City
RE: Timothy Ronaghan v. Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC and Giant Food Stores, LLC
Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas; No. 12-2972
Claim No. 094/102917
D/L,: 5-15-2010
MDWCG File No. 07091-00324
Dear Lee:
I spoke with you about two weeks ago regarding this matter, and you advised that you were close to
finalizing answers to our discovery. I have: still not yet received same. If I do not have your discovery answers
within. the next five days, I will have no choice but to proceed with a motion to compel.
Please let me hear from you regarding the status of this.
Very truly yours,
Christopher M. Reeser
CMR/ljw
cc: Michael T. Traxler, Esquire
MARSHALL D E N N E H E Y
WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
----
ATT'ORNEYS-AT-LAW PA NJ DE OH F;L ~~Y
4200 Crums Mill Road, Suite B, Harrisburg, PA 17112
FACS[MILE TRANSMISSION SHEET
TO: COMPANY: TELEPHONE, FAX NUMBER(S):
Lee Mandarino, Esquire Rominger & Associates 717-241-60 7 0 717-241-6878
Michael T. Traxler, Rawle & Henderson, LLP 717-234-7700 717-234-7710
Esquire
ATTORNEY: Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire NUMBER: 501
OUR FILE #: 0709100324 DATE: 09/14/12 ORIGINATOR: Lisa J. Wallace
Direct Dial 717-651-3520
CASE NAM E: Ronaghan v. Giant CLAIM #:
NUMBER OF PAGES: (including cover page)
~
IF COPY IS ILLEGIBLE OR INCOMPLETE
PLEASE CALL (717) 651-3500 IMMEDIATELYFOR RETRANSMISSION
L
OUR F'AX NUMBER IS: (717) 651-9630
(This space to be used for short or supplemental messages)
***CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE***
The documents accompanying this telecopy transmission contain information from the law firm of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin which is
confidential and/or legally privileged. This information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named on this transmission sheet. If you are not
the intended recipient. you are hereby notified that you should refrain from reading the contents of the transmission, that anr' disclosure, copying, distribution
or the taking of a.ny action in reliance on the contents of this telecopied information is strictly prohibited, and that the documents should he returned to this
Firm immediately. fn this regard, if you have received this telecopy in error, please notify us by telephone immediately sa that we may arrange for the return of
the original documents to us.
Group Send Report
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707
09-14 10:33am
002
09-14 10:33am
09-14 10:35am
52416878
52347710
Page 001
Date & Time: 09-14-12 10:35am
Line 1 717-651-9630
line 2
f~achine ID MDWC&G
Unsuccessful nbrs. Pages sent
Job number :707 *~~ SEND SUCCESSFUL ***
HALL L7ENNEHEY
WARI~7ER COLEMAN S>` GOGGIN
ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW PA NJ DE OH FY_ NY
4200 Cruets Mill Road, Suite 13, Tiarrisburg, PA 171 12
I+'ACSIMIL>v TRANSMISSION SHEET
TO: CO MFANY: T~LTP'HONE FAX NVMBFR(35):
Leo Mandaritzo, Esquire Rozni:zger Bc As50C1f1.tC3 717-241-6070 717-241.-6878
Michael T. Traxler, Rawle: 8t I~eriderson, LLP 717-234-7700 717-234-7710
Esquire
ATTORNEY: Chrisiopl-scr M_ Reese:•, Esquire NUMBER: SOI
OUR FYLE st: 0709 1 003 24 owTfi: 09/14/12 ORIGINATOR: Lisa J_ Wallace
Direct Dial '717-651-3520
CASE. NAME: Ronaghan v_ Grunt CLAIM ~:
NUNIBEIZ OI: PAGES: (iacludfag cover page)
IF COPY" IS ILLEpIBLE OR INCOMPL .ETE
PLFr1SE C 4 ~ / (7I 7) GSI 3500 IMMEDIATELY FOR RETRANSMISSION I
The dou..menu geoomPiu[Yiny uiis ieleeopy uaitsmlaslon eon[gL[ lnlbrm¢tlon E'om rite IqW iirtti oT Mnrshall. Onru[ahey, Wnm¢r_ Coleman 8c GoQgin wh:N[ iy
contitlon[Ial and/or [oQe11y privpoQetl. 7Ttis informnHon Is loran dad only for rho use of the individual or ans![y nwmcd on thin ironrmission shosi. tf yvv sire no[
isle in[atded reciplani. you qro h¢rsby nod Tied shoe yeu should ro![ain 6rnn teodinp the oorirena. of the gansmission, u[nt uny dlaolosure, oopying, tlla[ribti[lon
the eking of any nol.ion in txllmo¢ on tha ooments otihis wleoopiod intbrittatlen In saiMy pprohlbic¢d, wnA that rho documonb should bo rotyrnod to thfs
Fi[m immstlist¢ly. [n [his roaard, if you havo r¢oalvad rltla teiooopy in erto , pieiua notlly ua by Wlaphone lmmadlgw(y so chat wo may grrati¢e for [h¢ ronrn oaf
iho oritinnl doeumm[s [o us_
MARSHALL DENIM EHEY
WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
4200 Cruets Mill Road, Suite B ~ Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 651-3500 ~ Fax (71"7) 651-9630
Direct DiaE. '717-651-3509
Email: cmreeser(a~mdwcg;.com
October 5, 2012
Lee Mandarino, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
PENNSYLVANIA ~ DELAWARE
Bethlehem Wilmington
Doylestown OHIO
Erie Cleveland
Harrisburg
King of Prussia ~ FLORIDA
i Ft. Lauderdale
Philadelphia ~ Jacksonville
Pittsburgh I
Orlando
Scranton Tampa
NEW ~ERSF.Y NEW YORK
Cherry Hill Long Island
Roseland New York City
RE: Timothy Ronaghan v. Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC and Giant Food Stores, LLC
Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas; No. 12-2972
Claim No. 094/102917
D/L: 5-15-2010
MDWCG File No. 07091-00324
Dear Lee:
I am enclosing for your review a copy of the surveillance videotape showing your client's fall. The
camera which captured the fall is located against the front of the store and therefore, does not show the area
which is under cover at the front of the stare.
What you will see two customers exiting to a crosswalk and then your client falling into the street almost
immediately thereafter. Perhaps you will :note that the customer that your client was behind was a young girl in
perhaps her late teens or early twenties.
Yow- Complaint indicates that your client spoke with the store manager, Mark Hoover, following the
incident. In fact, the Complaint references statements that Hoover made regarding the fall itself and the lack of
a bike rack.
What is not stated in the Complaint, but what I expect Hoover will testify to, is that your client also
admitted that he was distracted because he was looking at the girl who was crossing the crosswalk in front of
him. instead of paying attention to where he was going. And obviously, other customers, including the
customers that were walking in front of your client, were able to circumnavigate the bicycle that was allegedly
attached to a pole on the sidewalk without incident.
I am thinking that this case is not going to play well for your client in Cumberland County. That point
notwithstanding, in the interest of saving defense costs and attempting to reach a resolution in this case, I have
Lee Mandarino, Esquire
October 5, ~'.Ol?
Page
been authorized to make a joint offer on behalf of Giant and Co-Defendant Cedar-Pennsboro Commons, GP,
LLC in the amount of $3,000 to resolve this case.
I am enclosing for your review a sample Release that Giant mandates be used. when it settles any case.
It is essentially a standard release with hold harmless language and a confidentiality provision. As part of the
consideration for resolving the case (in addition to the payment of settlement fimds), is the use of this release
language. Therefore, from Giant's perspective, please consider the language of the release to be part of the
negotiated terms of the settlement and not a mere formality. Whether or not Cedar-Pennsboro would be
agreeable to the release that I have enclosed, or whether they would require a separate release would be up to
them. But if we are going to resolve this case, the form release attached is required, and we will not settle the
case without the use of this form.
Please discuss this offer with your client immediately and let me know if it is acceptable. As you know,
we served discovery long ago, and we gr~ulted an extra week extension for you to provide us answers to that
discovery. That extension has since expired. In the event that we do not hear from you within the next ten days
with regard to a very meaningful response to our offer, or by providing us discovery answers, we will proceed
with a motion to compel.
Please let us hear from you.
Very trul ours,
Christopher M. Reeser
CMR/ljw
cc: Michael Traxler, Esquire
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MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
By: Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA. 17112
717-651-3509
Our File No, 07091-00324
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN COURT OF COMMON PLF,AS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL,VANiA
Plaintiff
No. 12-2972
vs.
CEDAR-PENNSBORO CIVIL ACTION -LAW
COMMONS GP, LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire, of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Coggin, do hereby
certify that on November 5, 2012 I served a copy of Defendant Giant Food Store's Motion to Compel Discovery
Responses from Plaintiff via First Class Mail, postage prepaid as follows:
Lee Mandarino, Esquire Michael T. Traxler, Esquire
Rominger & Associates Rawle & Henderson. I_LP
155 South Hanover Street Payne Shoemaker Building
Carlisle, PA 17013 240 N. Third Street, 9th Floor
Attorney for Plaintiff Harrisburg, PA 17101
911torney for Defendant
'~ cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC
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Christopher M. Reeser
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MARSHALL DENNEHEY WARNER COLEMAN & GOGGIN
By: Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
ID #73632
4200 Crums Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-651-3 509
Our File No. 07091-00324
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC
TIMOTHY RONAGHAN
Plaintiff
vs.
CEDAR-PENNSBORO
COMMONS GP'; LLC and
GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC
Defendants
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 12-2972
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ORDER
AND NOW this ~~ day of /t~Uy , 2012, upon consideration of
Defendant Giant Food Stores, LLC's Motion to Compel, and any response therefore, said Motion
is hereby GRANTED.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiff shall serve full, complete and verified
responses to Defendant Giant Food Store, LLC's Interrogatories, Expert Interrogatories and
Request for Production of Documents within twenty (20) days from the date of this Order or
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suffer further sanctions upon application of this Court as provided under Rule 4019 of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
~,.~.~
By ~ourt•
J.
Distribution List:
/ Lee Mandarino, Esquire
Rominger & Associates
155 South Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorney for Plaintiff
/ Michael T. Traxler, Esquire
Rawle & Henderson, LLP
Payne Shoemaker Building
240 N. Third Street, 9th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Attorney for Defendant
Cedar-Pennsboro Commons GP, LLC
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/ Christopher M. Reeser, Esquire
Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin
4200 Crams Mill Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Attorney for Defendant Giant Food Stores
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