HomeMy WebLinkAbout13-4820 Supreme Court Pennsylvania
Court of Common_ Pleas For Prothonotary Use Only:
Civil Cover Sheet Docket No:
Cumberland County
The information collected on this form is used solely for court administration purposes. This fibrin does not
supplement or replace 1he filing and service gfpleadings or other papers as required by lcm or rules of court.
Commencement of Action:
S ❑✓ Complaint ❑ Writ of Summons ❑ Petition
E ❑ Transfer from Another Jurisdiction ❑ Declaration of Taking
C Lead Plaintiffs Name: Lead Defendant's Name:
T PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.
Dollar Amount Requested: ❑✓ within arbitration limits
I Are money damages requested? ❑✓ Yes El No
O 1 (check one) ❑outside arbitration limits
N Is this a Class Action Suit? ❑ Yes ❑✓ No Is this an MDJAppeal? ❑ Yes ❑✓ No
A Name of Plaintiff /Appellant's Attorney: Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
❑ Check here if you have no attorney (are a Self - Represented [Pro Sel Litigant)
Nature of the Case Place an "X" to the left of the ONE case category that most accurately describes your
PRIMARY CASE. If you are making more than one type of claim, check the one that
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S Product Liability (does not include
E mass tort) [] Employment Dispute:
C B Slander /Libel/ Defamation Discrimination
✓ Other: ❑ Employment Dispute: Other ❑ Zoning Board
T Un utili d ❑ Other:
I ❑ Other:
O MASS TORT
❑ Asbestos
N Tobacco
Toxic Tort - DES
Toxic Tort - Implant REAL PROPERTY MISCELLANEOUS
❑Toxic Waste
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Updated 11112011
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, No. 3 -ypo? Ci V�f
VS. ARBITRATION
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE ",
Defendants.'
COMPLAINT
`:;
NOTICE
You have been sued in Court. If you wish to defend
against the claims set forth in the following
pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days
after this Complaint and Notice are served by
entering a written appearance personally, or by
attorney, and filing, in writing with the Court,
your defenses or objections to the claims set forth
against you. You are WARNED THAT IF YOU FAIL TO DO
SO, THE CASE MAY PROCEED WITHOUT you and a judgment
may be entered against you by the Court without
further notice for any money claimed in the
Complaint or for any other claim or relief
requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or
property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER
AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR
CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE
YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013 -3387
(717) 249 -3166
(800) 990 -9108
0
75 p�
4 ,,?qUu1y
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, No.
vs. ARBITRATION
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES,CORP. and
"JOHN DOE ",
Defendants.
COMPLAINT
1. This is an action by Plaintiff, PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION to
recover damages from Defendants arising out of damage to property owned by PPL ELECTRIC
UTILITIES CORPORATION
2. PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION is a Pennsylvania corporation
duly organized and existing and licensed to do business as a public utility under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a principal place of business at Two North Ninth Street,
Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18101.
3. Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP., is a Pennsylvania corporation with a principal place of business at 230 S. Potomac
Street, Suite D, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, 17268.
4. Defendant, "JOHN DOE ", is an adult individual whose current whereabouts are
unknown but is an agent or employee of Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
5. At all times relevant hereto, Plaintiff was engaged in the business of producing,
furnishing, supplying and distributing utility service to persons and businesses who requested
utility service in accordance with the Rate Schedules and General Rules and Regulations of
Plaintiffs Tariff presently on file with the Public Utility Commission.
COUNT
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION VS. "JOHN DOE"
NEGLIGENCE PER SE
6. The allegations contained in Paragraphs 1 through 5 above are incorporated by
referenced as if fully set forth.
7. Upon information and belief, Defendant, "JOHN DOE ", while excavating for
Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP., violated
the Underground Utility Line Protection Law, Act 187 of 1996 in that he /she:
a) did not employ prudent excavation techniques to ascertain the precise
position of underground utilities;
b) did not exercise due care and take all reasonable steps necessary to avoid
damage to Plaintiff s underground utility lines;
C) determined that markings identifying the location of the utility line were
not clear but continued to dig with a mechanical boring machine in the
area eventually severing an active gas line risking a catastrophe;
d) did not hand dig to locate the utility line when Defendant, "JOHN DOE ",
determined that the markings were not clear; and
e) did not hand dig a test hole to identify location of the gas line.
8. Defendant, "JOHN DOE ", on or about April 4, 2012, while digging struck and
damage an underground cable owned and operated by PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES
CORPORATION at the vicinity 7115 Salem Park Circle, Hampden, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania.
9. Defendant's actions or inaction as set forth above are the proximate cause of the
damages as set for above and herein.
10. Plaintiff has been damaged in the amount of $5,718.09, including costs and
attorneys fees.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION, demands
judgment against the Defendants, in an amount in excess of $5,718.09, together with costs,
prejudgment and post judgment interest, punitive damages and delay damages as the law may
allow.
COUNT II
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION VS. "JOHN DOE"
COMMON LAW TORT
11. The allegations contained in Paragraphs 1 through 10 above are incorporated by
reference as if fully set forth.
12. Plaintiff used standard industry markings to identify the location of its electric
line prior to April 4, 2012.
13. Defendant, "JOHN DOE ", did not exercise due care and did not take all
reasonable steps to avoid damage to the underground electric line owned by PPL ELECTRIC
UTILITIES CORPORATION, in that he /she;
a) did not employ prudent excavation techniques to ascertain the precise
position of underground utilities;
b) did not exercise due care and take all reasonable steps necessary to avoid
damage to Plaintiffs underground utility lines;
C) determined that markings identifying the location of the utility line were
not clear but continued to dig with a mechanical boring machine in the
area eventually severing an active gas line risking a catastrophe;
d) did not hand dig to locate the utility line when Defendant, "JOHN DOE ",
determined that the markings were not clear; and
e) did not hand dig a test hole to identify location of the gas line.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION demands
judgment against the Defendants, in an amount in excess of $5,718.09, together with costs,
prejudgment and post judgment interest, punitive damages and delay damages as the law may
allow.
COUNT III
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION VS.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
VICARIOUS LIABILITY FOR ACTION OF EMPLOYEE
14. Paragraphs I through 13 are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
15. Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP., permitted and encouraged the actions of its agents and employees by not implementing a
training program which addressed circumstances such as those which occurred on the date of the
accident.
16. Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP., was the owner of the mechanical boring machine that struck and damaged underground
primary cable.
17. Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP., is vicariously responsible for the actions of its agents and employees.
18. Defendant's actions or inaction as set forth above are the proximate cause of the
damages as set forth above and herein.
19. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence of Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP., including negligent acts and /or omissions of defendant as performed individually and /or
by and through others permitted to use a mechanical boring machine more specifically described
as follows:
a) negligently and carelessly failing to properly and adequately supervise
and /or train Defendant, "JOHN DOE ", in the operation of his /her
mechanical boring machine;
b) negligently and carelessly failing to properly supervise the operation and
control of said mechanical boring machine; and
C) otherwise failing to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances.
20. Plaintiff has been damaged in the amount of $5,718.09, including costs and
attorneys fees.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION demands
judgment against the Defendant, in an amount in excess of $5,718.09, together with costs,
prejudgment and post judgment interest, punitive damages and delay damages as the law may
allow.
Respectfully submitted,
DATED: August 9, 2013 KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Antho rz i quire
Ne ope, PA 18
(215) 862 -4390
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney I.D. 23754
VERIFICATION
Pursuant to Rule 1024 (c), I, ANTHONY P. KRZYWICKI, ESQUIRE, verify that I am
the attorney for Plaintiff, in the within case; that the appropriate officers of the plaintiff are not
available within the time for serving the foregoing to provide their verification; that I am
sufficiently familiar with the facts set forth in the foregoing Pleading to take this verification;
and that such facts are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief,
based upon the company's business records and matters of public record. I understand that the
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 4904 relating
to unsworn falsification to authorities.
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
DATED: August 9, 2013
THONY YWICKL ESQUIRE
SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Ronny R Anderson
Sheriff
Ottr at 4:mim
Jody S Smith
Chief Deputy t
1 SP ?
Richard W Stewart (�( � � C8( '
Solicitor PENNSYLVANIA
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
vs. Case Number
Precision Underground Construction Services Corp (et al.) 2013-4820
SHERIFF'S RETURN OF SERVICE
08/14/2013 Sheriff Ronny R Anderson, being duly sworn according to law, states he made diligent search and inquiry
for the within named Defendant to wit: Precision Undergroung Construction Services Corp, but was
unable to locate the Defendant in the Sheriffs bailiwick. The Sheriff therefore deputizes the Sheriff of
Franklin, Pennsylvania to serve the within Complaint&Notice according to law.
08/22/2013 03:33 PM-The requested Complaint&Notice served by the Sheriff of Franklin County upon Christina
Curry, Bookkeeper,who accepted for Precision Underground Construction Services Corp, at 230 S.
Potomac Street, Suite D, Waynesboro, PA 17268. Dane Anthony, Sheriff, Return of Service attached to
and made part of the within record.
SHERIFF COST: $37.00 SO ANSWERS,
September 20, 2013 RONIsK ANDERSON, SHERIFF
(c)CountySuite Shenff.Teleosoft,Inc.
SHERIFF' S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2013-00261 T
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF FRANKLIN
PPL ELECTRIC UTITLITIES CORP
VS
PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUC
MICHAEL COX , Deputy Sheriff of FRANKLIN
County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMP CIVIL ACTION was served upon
PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUC TION SERVICES CORPORATION the
DEFENDANT , at 1533 : 00 Hour, on the 22nd day of August , 2013
at 230 SOUTH POTOMAC STREET SUITE D
WAYNESBORO, PA 17268 by handing to
CHRISTINA CURRY BOOKKEEPER
a true and attested copy of COMP CIVIL ACTION together with
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof .
Sheriff ' s Costs : So Answers :
Docketing . 00
Service . 00 MICHAEL COX
Affidavit . 00
Surcharge . 00 By
. 00 Deputy Sheriff
. 00 08/26/2013
KRZYWICKI AND ASSOCIATES
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this "Z 4- - day of COMMONWEEALTHOFPENNSYLVANIA
NOTARIAL SEAL
—•y. (3 A.D. RICHARD O. McCAR1Y, Notary Public
Cnambersburg Boro., Franklin County
f , cL Z=e, C/ ,t My Commission Expires Jan. 29, 2015
Notary
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
Stephen L. Banko,Jr., Esquire
PA Attorney ID#41727
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Direct Dial: 717-760-7501 Attorney for Defendants,
Fax: 717-975-8124 Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.
Email: sbanko@margolisedelstein.com and John Doe
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES
CORPORATION, CIVIL ACTION - LAW H
Plaintiff '"� � -
v. DOCKET NO 13-4820 CIVIL '
PRECISION UNDERGROUND JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and 4 �
"JOHN DOE,"
Defendants
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS OF DEFENDANTS, PRECISION
UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. AND JOHN DOE,
TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
1. Plaintiff filed its Complaint on or about August 14, 2013. A copy of said
Complaint is attached hereto, incorporated herein by reference, and marked as Exhibit
A.
2. On or about October 1, 2013, Plaintiff served a Notice of Intention to Enter
Default Judgment. A copy of said Notice is attached hereto, incorporated herein by
reference, and marked as Exhibit B.
3. The undersigned was retained to represent Defendants on October 14,
2013.
4. The Notice attached as Exhibit B required Defendants to "act" within ten
(10) days.
5. Although more than ten (10) days after the Notice, Defendants are acting
by filing the instant Preliminary Objections to Plaintiff's Complaint
6. It is believed and therefore averred that Plaintiff's counsel was in
communication with the principal of Defendant, Precision Underground Construction
Services ("Precision"), and was aware of an issue regarding a conflict involving
Precision's regularly retained counsel.
7. Rather than accommodate Precision, Plaintiff instead served the above-
referenced Notice, despite numerous objectionable allegations and claims contained in
the Complaint.
8. The Noticed attached to Plaintiff's Complaint fails to meet the
Requirements of Pa. R.C.P. No. 1018.1.
9. That is, the Notice attached to Plaintiff's Complaint does not recite the
language set forth in the aforesaid Rule.
10. Moreover, the address for the Cumberland County Bar Association noted
in the Notice attached to Plaintiff's Complaint is erroneous.
11. Plaintiff's Complaint contains three (3) counts. Count I alleges negligence
per se against Defendant "John Doe" ("Doe"); Count II alleges common law tort against
Doe; and Count Ill alleges vicarious liability of Precision for Doe's allegedly negligent
conduct.
12. In the prayers for relief in each of these Counts of the Complaint, Plaintiff
seeks punitive damages.
13. In paragraphs 10 and 20 of its Complaint, Plaintiff seeks attorney's fees.
2
14. In paragraph 19(c), Plaintiff alleges that Precision was negligent by:
"otherwise failing to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances."
15. It is believed and therefore averred that punitive damages are not
recoverable in the context of this action or under the allegations made in this Complaint.
16. Furthermore, it is believed and therefore averred that there is no basis
under Pennsylvania law for Plaintiff to recover attorney's fees in the context of this claim
which alleges tortious conduct.
17. Finally, it is believed and therefore averred that the boilerplate allegation
of negligence contained in paragraph 19(c) is properly stricken from the Complaint in
accordance with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision in Conner v. Allegheny
General Hospital and its progeny.
18. It is submitted that such allegation is nothing more than a boilerplate
allegation of negligence which, if permitted to remain in Plaintiffs' Complaint, would
permit Plaintiffs to amend their Complaint to include causes of action not now contained
in the Complaint and after the expiration of the statute of limitations.
19. Pa. R.C.P. No. 1019(a) provides that:
The material facts upon which a cause of action or
defense is based shall be stated in a concise and
summary form.
20. Therefore, the boilerplate allegation of negligence contained in paragraph
19 c) fails to comply with the requirements of Pa. R.C.P. No. 1019 and therefore, such
allegation is properly stricken pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1028(a)(2).
21. Pa. R.C.P. No. 1028(a) provides in pertinent part as follows:
Preliminary objections may be filed by any party to any
pleading and are limited to the following grounds:
3
(2) failure of a pleading to confirm to law or rule of court
or inclusion of scandalous or impertinent matter;
(3) insufficient specificity of the pleading;
(4) legal insufficiency of a pleading (demurrer)...
22. Under Pennsylvania law, punitive damages are recoverable only if the
defendant's conduct is outrageous. Feld v. Merriam, 485 A.2d 742, 747-748 (Pa. 1984).
23. "Where there exists no indication of evil motive, then a plaintiff must
establish that a defendant acted with reckless indifference to the rights of others."
Burke v. Maasen, 904 F.2d 178, 181 (3rd Cir. 1990).
24. "A claim for punitive damages must plead facts sufficient to summarize
and support the claim, including facts tending to cast the alleged actions in a light
justifying the label of outrageous conduct." Smith v. Brown, 423 A.2d 743 (Pa. Super.
1980).
25. To the extent either Defendant was negligent, which is specifically denied,
such conduct was no more than mere negligence or inadvertence.
26. Under Pennsylvania law, therefore, Plaintiffs are not entitled to punitive
damages on a claim involving mere negligence or even gross negligence.
27. Nowhere in Plaintiffs' Complaint is there any fact which suggests
outrageous conduct perpetrated with an evil motive or reckless indifference to the rights
of others which, would be a requisite showing for the imposition of punitive damages, in
the first instance.
28. Plaintiffs allegations do not satisfy the minimal pleading requirement for
establishing a prima facie case to recover punitive damages against Defendants.
4
Accordingly, such claims are properly dismissed pursuant to Pa. R.C. P. No. 1028
(a)(4), or in the alternative, stricken pursuant to Pa. R.C. P. No. 1028 (a)(2).
29. With respect to Plaintiff's claims for attorney's fees, it is believed and
therefore averred that Pennsylvania law does not permit the recovery of counsel fees
from the adverse party in the absence of an express statutory provision or an
agreement between the parties. See Corace v. Balint, 418 Pa. 262 210A.2d 882
(1965).
30. Nowhere in its Complaint does Plaintiff set forth the contractual or
statutory provision under which it seeks counsel fees.
31. Accordingly, such claims for attorneys' fees fail to conform to rule of law
and, accordingly, are properly stricken pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1028(a)(2).
32. Plaintiffs Complaint is endorsed with a Verification signed by counsel.
33. Pa. R.C.P. No. 1024 provides in pertinent part as follows:
(a) Every pleading containing an averment of fact
not appearing of record in the action or containing a
denial of fact shall state that the averment or denial is
true upon the signer's personal knowledge or
information and belief and shall be verified. ....
(c) The verification shall be made by one or more of
the parties filing the pleading unless all the parties (1)
lack sufficient knowledge or information, or (2) are
outside the jurisdiction of the court and the verification
of none of them can be obtained within the time
allowed for the pleading. In such cases, the
verification may be made by any person having
sufficient knowledge or information and belief and
shall set forth the source of the person's information
as to matters not stated upon his or her own
knowledge and the reason why the verification is not
made by the party.
5
34. While the verification signed by counsel states that the verification of the
Plaintiff could not be obtained within the time allowed for filing of the Complaint, such is
obviously not the case.
35. Plaintiff commenced the action by Complaint and was never ruled to file a
Complaint by Defendants.
36. According to Plaintiff's Complaint, its cause of action arose as a result of
alleged negligent conduct which occurred on April 4, 2012.
37. Accordingly, Plaintiff had until April 4, 2014 to commence the instant
action.
38. It is submitted that a verification could be obtained within the period for
bringing the instant action, and therefore, the statement by counsel in the verification is
not in keeping with the requirements of Pa. R.C.P. No. 1024.
39. An attorney's verification deprives Defendant of the right to test the
credibility of Plaintiff with regard to the averments of fact contained in the Complaint.
40. The verification by counsel specifically violates the spirit of Pa. R.C.P. No.
1024(c), and therefore, the Complaint is properly stricken in accordance with Pa. R.C.P.
No. 1028(a)(2).
WHEREFORE, Defendants, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.
and John Doe, pray this Honorable Court enter an Order striking Plaintiffs Complaint
pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1028(a)(2) for failing to comply with Pa. R.C.P. Nos. 1018.1
and 1024; striking paragraph 19(c) of Plaintiff's Complaint pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No.
1028(a)(2) for failure to comply with the requirements of Pa. R.C.P. No. 1019;
dismissing Plaintiff's claims for punitive damages contained in the prayers for relief of
6
Plaintiff's Complaint pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1028(a)(4); and striking Plaintiff's claims
for attorney's fees as contained in paragraphs 10 and 20 of its Complaint pursuant to
Pa. R.C.P. 1028(a)(2).
M ` COLI . DELSTEIN
{ f
{
1 By:
Date ' e,h r Banko, Jr.
(Attorney for Defendants,
Precision Underground
Construction Services Corp.
and John Doe)
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on all
counsel of record by facsimile transmission, and by placing the same in the United States
mail at Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, first-class postage prepaid, on the /' 'day of
, 2013, and addressed as follows:
Anthony R. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates, P.C.
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(via facsimile: 215-862-4393 and U.S. Mail)
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
By: LC�(�' ,1q/�'l,
Angel. Gayman, Legal Assistant
Oct. 11. 2013 9: 36AM cfp&m No. 9502 P. 3
If
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY,PENNSYLVANIA.
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
• Civil Action In LEM J -
Plaintiff, : No. «_LIFO cot/
•u ,
vs,
ARBITRATION
•
PRECISION UNDERGROUND cn L�'
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
•
",IOI.IN DOE", c
Defendants.
COMPLAINT
NOTICE
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend
against the claims set forth in the following
pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days
after this Complaint and Notice are served by
entering a written appearance personally, or by
attorney, and filing, in writing with the Court,
your defenses or objections to the claims set forth
against you. You are WARNED THAT IF YOU FAIL TO DO
SO, THE CASE MAY PROCEED WITHOUT you and a judgment
may be entered against you by the Court without
further notice for any money claimed in the
Complaint or for any other claim or relief
requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or
property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER
AT ONCE, IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR
CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO -VINO OUT WHERE
YOU CAN GRT LEGAL HELP.
•
CUl1MI3ERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle,PA 17013-3337
(717)249-3166
(800) 990-9108
I CERTIFY THE WITHIN IS
TRUE copy r-Rona R cor�p A TR tLND:CO OPY.
1n 7asUmony whereof,
and the 5,e Of 5ai here uitio set nW hand
7hrs d Court at C.4rtlste ,pa,
day of 20 Attortie s P' y F' ••
prothonotar
Oct. 11. 2013 9:36AM c f p&n No, 9502 P. 4
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS,CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action-In Law
Plaintiff, No.
vs. ARBITRATION
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and .
"JOI--IN DOE",
Defendants. .
COMPLAINT
1. This is an action by Plaintiff,PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION to
recover damages from Defendants arising out of damage to property owned by PPL ELECTRIC
UTILITIES CORPORATION
2. PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION is a Pennsylvania corporation
duly organized and existing and licensed to do business as a public utility tinder the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a principal place of business at Two North Ninth Street,
Allentown,Pennsylvania., 18101.
3. Defendant,PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP.,is a Pennsylvania corporation with a principal place of business at 230,S. Potomac
Street, Suite D,Waynesboro,Pennsylvania, 17268.
4. Defendant,"JOHN DOE",is an adult individual whose current whereabouts are
unknown but is an agent or employee of Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
5. At all times relevant hereto,Plaintiff was engaged in the business of producing,
furnishing, supplying and distributing utility service to persons and businesses who requested
Oct. 11. 2013 9:37AM c f p&m No. 9542 P. 5
utility service in accordance with the Rate Schedules and General Rules and Regulations of
Plaintiffs Tariff presently on file with the Public Utility Commission.
COUNT I
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION VS. "JOHN DOE"
NIEGLIGENCE PER SE
6. The allegations contained in Paragraphs 1 through 5 above are incorporated by
referenced as if fully set forth,
7. Upon information and belief,Defendant,"JOHN DOE",while excavating for
Defendant,PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.,violated
the Underground Utility Line Protection Law,Act 187 of 1996 in that he/she:
a) did not employ prudent excavation techniques to ascertain the precise
position of underground utilities;
b) did not exercise due care and take all reasonable steps necessary to avoid
damage to Plaintiffs underground utility lines;
c) determined that markings identifying the location of the utility line were
not clear but continued to dig with a mechanical boring machine in the
area eventually severing an active gas line risking a catastrophe;
d) did not hand dig to locate the utility line when Defendant,"JOHN DOE",
determined that the markings were not clear;and
e) did not hand dig a test hole to identify location of the gas line,
8. Defendant,"JOT-IN DOE",on or about April 4,2012, while digging struck and
damage an underground cable owned and operated by PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES
CORPORATION at the vicinity 7115 Salem Park Circle, Hampden, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania.
Oct. 11. 2013 9.37AM cfp&m No. 9502 P. 6
9. Defendant's actions or inaction as set forth above are the proximate cause of the
damages as set for above and herein.
10. Plaintiff has been damaged in the amount of$5,718.09,including costs and
attorneys fees.
WHEREFORE,Plaintiff,PP', ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,demands
judgment against the Defendants,in an amount in excess of$5,718.09,together with costs,
prejudgment and post judgment interest,punitive damages and delay damages as the law may
allow.
COUNT II
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION VS. "JOHN DOE"
COMMON LAW TORT
1 I. The allegations contained in Paragraphs 1 through 10 above are incoiporated by
reference as if frilly set forth.
12. Plaintiff used standard industry markings to identify the location of its electric
line prior to April 4,2012. •
13. Defendant, "JOHN DOE",did not exercise due care and did not take all
reasonable steps to avoid damage to the underground electric line owned by PPL ELECTRIC
UTILITIES CORPORATION, in that he/she;
-- .,_.__.......: a).::...:.:...:.did.:ii eriii 7ltiy 1siud'e-nt'excaryatii.trte.dhi.
position of underground utilities;
b) did not exercise due care and take all reasonable steps necessary to avoid
damage to Plaintiffs underground utility Iines;
c) determined that markings identifying the location of the utility line were
not clear but continued to dig with a mechanical boring machine in the
• Oct. 11. 2013 9:37AM c f p&m No. 9502 P. 7
area eventually severing an active gas line risking a catastrophe;
ci) did not hand dig to locate the utility line when Defendant,"JOHN DOE",
determined that the markings were not clear;and
e) did not hand dig a test hale to identify location of the gas line.
WIIEREFORE,Plaintiff PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION demands
judgment against the Defendants,in an amount in excess of$5,118.09,together with costs,
prejudgment and post judgment interest,punitive damages and delay damages as the law may
f
allow.
COUNT III
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION VS.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
VICARIOUS LIABILITY FOR ACTION OF EMPLOYEE
14. Paragraphs 1 through 13 are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
15. Defendant,PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP.,permitted and encouraged the actions of its agents and employees by not implementing a
training program which addressed circumstances such as those Which occurred on the date of the
accident.
16. Defendant,PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP.,was the owner of the mechanical boring machine that struck and damaged underground
primary cable.
17. Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP.,is vicariously responsible for the actions of its agents and employees.
18. Defendant's actions or inaction as set forth above are the proximate cause of the
damages as set forth above and herein.
19. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
Oct. 11. 2013 9:37AM c f p&m No, 9502 P. 8
negligence of Defendant,PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP.,including negligent acts and/or omissions of defendant as performed individually and/or
by and through others permitted to use a mechanical boring machine more specifically described
as follows:
a) negligently and carelessly failing to properly and adequately supervise
and/or train Defendant,"JOHN DOE",in the operation of his/her
mechanical boring machine;
b) negligently and carelessly failing to properly supervise the operation and
control of said mechanical boring machine; and
c) otherwise failing to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances.
20. Plaintiff has been damaged in the amount of$5,718.09,including costs.and
attorneys fees.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION demands
judgment against the Defendant,in an amount in excess of$5,718.09,together with costs,
prejudgment and post judgment interest,punitive damages and delay damages as the law may
allow.
Respectfully submitted,
KRZYWICK.I&ASSOCIA.TI:S,P.C.
DATED: August 9,2013
13y:
Anthony P. Krzywicki,Esquire.
P.O.Box 505
New Hope,PA 18938
(215) 862-4390
Attorney for Plaintiff
•
Attorney I.D. 23754
•
Oct. 11. 2013 9:38Av1 cfp&m No. 9502 P. 9
VERIFICATION
Pursuant to Rule 1024(c),1,ANTHONY P.1(RZYWICIU,ESQUIRE, verify that I am
the attorney for Plaintiff,in the within case;that the appropriate officers of the plaintiff are not
available within the time for serving the foregoing to provide their verification; that I am
sufficiently familiar with the facts set forth in the foregoing Pleading to take this verification;
and that such facts are true and correct to the best of my knowledge,information and belief;
based upon the company's business records and matters of public record. I understand that the
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 4904 relating
to unsworn falsification to authorities.
KRZYWICKI&ASSOCIATES,P.C.
DATED: August 9,2013
ANTHONY P. KRZYWICKI,ESQUIRE
Oct, 11. 2013 9:36AM cfp&m No. 9502 P. 2
IN T.HE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS,CUIVIBERLAND COUNTY,PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action-In Law
Plaintiff, No. I3-4820 Civil
•
vs. ARBITRATION
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE",
Defendants. .
• NOTICE
TO: Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.
230 S. Potomac Street, Suite D
Waynesboro,PA 17268
You are in default because you have failed to enter a written appearance personally or by
an attorney and file in.writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth
against you. Unless you act within tan(10)days from tile date of this notice, a judgment may be
entered against you without a hearing and you may lose your property or other important-rights.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS NOTICE TO A LAWYER AT ONCE, If you do not have a
lawyer or cannot afford one,go to or telephone the following office to find out where you can
get legal help:
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle,PA 17013
(717)249-31.66
(800) 990-91.08
KRZYWIC I &i 'SOCIAT ` .P-C-
DATE: October 1,2013
A.nthon - I� wicrl�i',Esqu ,6"
Pr9iox p5 "
New 1lo�!e P 18938
(215) 86390
Attorney I.D. 23754
Attorney for Plaintiff
STEPHEN L.BANKO,JR., ESQUIRE I .
Pa.Supreme Court I. D. No.41727
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN ;'I 13 orT i 5 II: 2'
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011 _UMBEaLAND C ,U
Telephone: (717)760-7501 PENNSYLVANIA
FAX: (717)975-8124 Attorney for Defendants
E-mail: sbanko(aamargolisedelstein.com
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES
CORPORATION, CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Plaintiff
v. DOCKET NO. 13-4820 CIVIL
PRECISION UNDERGROUND JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
and "JOHN DOE,"
Defendants
PRAECIPE TO ENTER APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA:
Kindly enter my appearance on behalf of Defendants, Precision Underground
Construction Services Corp. and John Doe, in the above-captioned matter.
EDELSTEIN
F J
Date:
/(7-- I ' -- 1.3
By:
SrtkE" EN . BANKO, JR.
Attorney for Defendants,
Precision Underground Construction
Services Corp. and John Doe
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on all
counsel of record by facsimile transmission, and by placing the same in the United States
mail at Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, first-class postage prepaid, on the I day of
a-6bl , 2013, and addressed as follows:
Anthony R. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates, P.C.
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(via facsimile: 215-862-4393 and U.S. Mail)
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
By: /11' JJo bt
gel M. Gayman,Vega' Assistant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION, •
•
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, • No. 13-4820 Civil
•
vs. • ARBITRATION
•
PRECISION UNDERGROUND •
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE", • V"
rn C
•
Defendants. : w +�M
ZO
.•
PRAECIPE TO AMEND COMPLAINT = �
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly amend the Complaint in the above-captioned Civil Action.
KRZYWIC &ASS 1 CIATES, P.C.
DATED: October 21, 2013
BY:
Ant any P. Krzy "c ki, Esqu'
Att'rney for P tiff
P.O. Box 5
N:wH•.e 'A :938
(21 862-. '0
Attorney I.D. 23754
a
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
•
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
• Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, • No. 13-4820 Civil
vs. • ARBITRATION
•
•
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
•
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
cl
"JOHN DOE" • :
Defendants. : ,ter r,., `-'
r-c„0 770
•
FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT _#;•
T
NOTICE
You have been sued in Court. If you wish to defend
against the claims set forth in the following
pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days
after this Complaint and Notice are served by
entering a written appearance personally, or by
attorney, and filing, in writing with the Court,
your defenses or objections to the claims set forth
against you. You are WARNED THAT IF YOU FAIL TO DO
SO, THE CASE MAY PROCEED WITHOUT you and a judgment
may be entered against you by the Court without
further notice for any money claimed in the
Complaint or for any other claim or relief
requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or
property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER
AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR
CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE
YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
(800) 990-9108
y •
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION, :
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, No. 13-4820 Civil
vs. ARBITRATION
•
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
•
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
•
"JOHN DOE",
Defendants. :
FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
1. This is an action by Plaintiff, PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION to
recover damages from Defendants arising out of damage to property owned by PPL ELECTRIC
UTILITIES CORPORATION
2. PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION is a Pennsylvania corporation
duly organized and existing and licensed to do business as a public utility under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a principal place of business at Two North Ninth Street,
Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18101.
3. Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP., is a Pennsylvania corporation with a principal place of business at 230 S. Potomac
Street, Suite D, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, 17268.
4. Defendant, "JOHN DOE", is an adult individual whose current whereabouts are
unknown but is an agent or employee of Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
5. At all times relevant hereto, Plaintiff was engaged in the business of producing,
furnishing, supplying and distributing utility service to persons and businesses who requested
utility service in accordance with the Rate Schedules and General Rules and Regulations of
Plaintiffs Tariff presently on file with the Public Utility Commission.
COUNT I
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION VS. "JOHN DOE"
NEGLIGENCE PER SE
6. The allegations contained in Paragraphs 1 through 5 above are incorporated by
referenced as if fully set forth.
7. Upon information and belief, Defendant, "JOHN DOE", while excavating for
Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP., violated
the Underground Utility Line Protection Law, Act 187 of 1996 in that he/she:
a) did not employ prudent excavation techniques to ascertain the precise
position of underground utilities;
b) did not exercise due care and take all reasonable steps necessary to avoid
damage to Plaintiffs underground utility lines;
c) determined that markings identifying the location of the utility line were
not clear but continued to dig with a mechanical boring machine in the
area eventually severing an active gas line risking a catastrophe;
d) did not hand dig to locate the utility line when Defendant, "JOHN DOE",
determined that the markings were not clear; and
e) did not hand dig a test hole to identify location of the gas line.
8. Defendant, "JOHN DOE", on or about April 4, 2012, while digging struck and
damage an underground cable owned and operated by PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES
CORPORATION at the vicinity 7115 Salem Park Circle, Hampden, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania.
r.
9. Defendant's actions or inaction as set forth above are the proximate cause of the
damages as set for above and herein.
10. Plaintiff has been damaged in the amount of$4,312.09, including costs.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION, demands
judgment against the Defendants, in an amount in excess of$4,312.09, together with costs,
prejudgment and post judgment interest, and delay damages as the law may allow.
COUNT II
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION VS. "JOHN DOE"
COMMON LAW TORT
11. The allegations contained in Paragraphs 1 through 10 above are incorporated by
reference as if fully set forth.
12. Plaintiff used standard industry markings to identify the location of its electric
line prior to April 4, 2012.
13. Defendant, "JOHN DOE", did not exercise due care and did not take all
reasonable steps to avoid damage to the underground electric line owned by PPL ELECTRIC
UTILITIES CORPORATION, in that he/she;
a) did not employ prudent excavation techniques to ascertain the precise
position of underground utilities;
b) did not exercise due care and take all reasonable steps necessary to avoid
damage to Plaintiffs underground utility lines;
c) determined that markings identifying the location of the utility line were
not clear but continued to dig with a mechanical boring machine in the
area eventually severing an active gas line risking a catastrophe;
A �
d) did not hand dig to locate the utility line when Defendant, "JOHN DOE",
determined that the markings were not clear; and
e) did not hand dig a test hole to identify location of the gas line.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION demands
judgment against the Defendants, in an amount in excess of$4,312.09, together with costs,
prejudgment and post judgment interest, and delay damages as the law may allow.
COUNT III
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION VS.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
VICARIOUS LIABILITY FOR ACTION OF EMPLOYEE
14. Paragraphs 1 through 13 are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
15. Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP., permitted and encouraged the actions of its agents and employees by not implementing a
training program which addressed circumstances such as those which occurred on the date of the
accident.
16. Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP., was the owner of the mechanical boring machine that struck and damaged underground
primary cable.
17. Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP., is vicariously responsible for the actions of its agents and employees.
18. Defendant's actions or inaction as set forth above are the proximate cause of the
damages as set forth above and herein.
19. The aforementioned damages were the direct and proximate result of the
negligence of Defendant, PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CORP., including negligent acts and/or omissions of defendant as performed individually and/or
by and through others permitted to use a mechanical boring machine more specifically described
as follows:
a) negligently and carelessly failing to properly and adequately supervise
and/or train Defendant, "JOHN DOE", in the operation of his/her
mechanical boring machine; and
b) negligently and carelessly failing to properly supervise the operation and
control of said mechanical boring machine.
20. Plaintiff has been damaged in the amount of$4,312.09, including costs.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION demands
judgment against the Defendant, in an amount in excess of$4,312.09, together with costs,
prejudgment and post judgment interest, and delay damages as the law may allow.
Respectfully submitted,
KRZYWICKI '_ ASSOCIATES, P.C.
DATED: October 21, 2013
By:
• nthony P. 'wicki, - q e
'.O. Box i ,
New H► .-, PA :•38
(21 8. -43•i
• torn'y :r Plainti
Attorney I.D. 23754
VERIFICATION
I, Thomas R. Halma, hereby state that I am a Senior Claims Coordinator for PPL Services
Corporation and authorized to execute this Verification of the First Amended Complaint on
behalf of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation. The averments are based upon the company's
business records and matters of public record which PPL has furnished to its counsel. The
forgoing First Amended Complaint is a true and correct copy to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief. It is further understood that all statements herein are made subject to
penalties of 18 Pa. C. S. Section 4904,relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Thomas R. Halma
Date: (6-LC-13
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on October 21, 2013, a copy of the forgoing First Amended
Complaint was mailed via First Class Mail to the following by placing same in a depository
under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Postal Service addressed to the last-
known address for Defendants' counsel or Defendant:
Stephen L. Banko Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill,PA 17011
Attorney far Defendants, Precision Underground
Construction Service Corp. and "John Doe"
KRZYWICKI & . ' CIATES,P.C.
DATED: October 21,2013
By
• thony P. 4t wi 'squire
'.O. Bo
Ne •o.e, ' • 1 :"38
15) :l. -4390
Attorney for Plai •
Attorney I.D. 23754
't L i �4 f I iii 1_
STEPHEN L. BANKO,JR., ESQUIRE l PR ci a MHO,, )i t-t R`I
Pa.Supreme Court I. D. No.41727
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN �i ?1 27 P�
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone: (717)760-7501 CUMBERLAND COUNTY
FAX: (717)975-8124 PENNSYLVANIA
Attorney for Defendants
E-mail: sbanko a( maraolisedelstein.com
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES
CORPORATION, CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Plaintiff
v. DOCKET NO. 13-4820 CIVIL
PRECISION UNDERGROUND JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
and "JOHN DOE,"
Defendants
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, Plaintiff
do Anthony R. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates, P.C.
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(Counsel for Plaintiff)
You are hereby notified to file a written response to the enclosed New Matter within
twenty (20) days from service hereof or a default judgment may be entered against you.
MARGOL S EDELSTEIN
Date: / � _. �
ate: � t
By:
STE` ' . B A KO, JR.
Attorney fer Defendants,
Precision Underground Construction
Services Corp. and John Doe
STEPHEN L. BANKO,JR., ESQUIRE
Pa.Supreme Court I. D. No.41727
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone: (717)760-7501
FAX: (717)975-8124 Attorney for Defendants
E-mail: sbanko @margolisedelstein.com
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CORPORATION,
Plaintiff DOCKET NO. 13-4820 CIVIL
v.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND JURY OF TWELVE DEMANDED
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
and "JOHN DOE,"
Defendants
ANSWER AND NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANTS,
PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, CORP.
AND JOHN DOE, TO PLAINTIFF'S AMENDED COMPLAINT
1. Admitted in part and denied in part. While it is admitted that Plaintiff
makes a claim alleging property damage occasion as a result of the conduct of
Defendants, Defendants deny that any conduct on their part, caused, contributed to or
increased a likelihood of any harm to Plaintiff.
2. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth from the averments
contained in this paragraph and, therefore, they are denied.
3. Admitted.
4. Denied. After reasonable investigation Defendant, Precision Underground
Construction Services, Corp. ("Precision"), is without knowledge or information sufficient
to form a belief as to who Plaintiff is referring to in this paragraph of its Amended
Complaint. However, the machine operator employed by Precision on April 4, 2012 was
Scott Brown.
5. Denied. After reasonable investigation Defendants are without knowledge
or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in this
paragraph and, therefore, they are denied.
COUNT I -- PLAINTIFF V. JOHN DOE
NEGLIGENCE PER SE
6. The answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 5 hereof are incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
7. Denied. The answer contained in paragraph 4 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety. By way of further answer, the
allegations contained in this paragraph state a legal conclusion to which no response is
necessary.
8. Denied as stated. The answer contained in paragraph 7 hereof is
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
9. Denied. The answers contained in paragraphs 1 and 7 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
10. Denied. The answer contained in paragraph 9 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
WHEREFORE, Defendants demand judgment in their favor and against the
Plaintiff.
2
COUNT II — PLAINTIFF V. JOHN DOE
COMMON LAW TORT
11. The answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 10 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
12. Denied. After reasonable investigation Defendants are without knowledge
or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in this
paragraph and, therefore, they are denied.
13. Denied. The answer contained in paragraph 7 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
WHEREFORE, Defendants demand judgment in their favor and against the
Plaintiff.
COUNT III — PLAINTIFF V. PRECISION
VICARIOUS LIABILITY FOR ACTION OF EMPLOYEE
14. The answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 13 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
15. Denied. The answers contained in paragraphs 1 and 7 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
16. Admitted.
17. Denied. The allegation contained in this paragraph state a legal
conclusion to which no response is necessary.
18. Denied. The answer contained in paragraphs 1 and 17 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set in their entirety.
3
19. Denied. The answer contained in paragraph 18 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
20. Denied. The answer contained in paragraph 18 hereof is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
WHEREFORE, Defendants demand judgment in their favor and against the
Plaintiff.
NEW MATTER
21. The answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 20 hereof are
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
22. Plaintiffs claim, if any, is or may be barred by the applicable statute of
limitations.
23. Plaintiffs claim, if any, is or may be barred by the doctrine of collateral
estoppel and/or res judicata.
24. Plaintiffs claim, if any, is or may be barred by Pennsylvania Statutory or
Regulatory Law regarding excavation utilities.
25. Plaintiffs claim is barred and/or reduced by the Pennsylvania Comparative
Negligence Act.
26. Plaintiffs claim, if any, may have been caused by conduct of parties or
individuals or entities not a party to this action and over whom Defendants had no
control.
4
WHEREFORE, Defendants demand judgment in their favor and against the
Plaintiff.
Respectfully submitted,
M A �.OLIS EDELSTEIN
1 f
i'
E
Date:
)-4.0 �� B
Y:—
STEPHE L. BANKO, JR.
Counsel Def ndants,
Precision nderground Construction
Services Corp. and John Doe
5
VERIFICATION
I, Scott Brown, have read the foregoing Answer and New Matter to Plaintiffs
Amended Complaint. The factual statements contained therein are known by me and are
true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
This statement and verification is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.
C.S.A. Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsifications to authorities, which provides that, if
I knowingly make false averments, I may be subject to criminal penalties.
Date: %112.1.011
�l
• BRO
President of Precision Underground
Construction Services
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on all
counsel of record by facsimile transmission, and by placing the same in the United States
mail at Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, first-class postage prepaid, on the1,Q day of
/(\bahti/1 , 2013, and addressed as follows:
Anthony R. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates, P.C.
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
By: Aky (k�� n �A1/ACUA.
Angela M. Gayman,Ltegal Assistant
E
J
KRZYWICKI &ASSOCIATES, P.C.
By: Anthony P. Krzywicki,Esquire ' ' '`"U
Attorney for Plaintiff Qp _
9 Phi I
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938 1 �s�; � r: r
(215) 862-4390 r 'h1S YLVA?. IA
PA Attorney ID 23754
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION, •
•
Civil Action- In Law
Plaintiff, • No. 13-4820 Civil
vs. •
•
ARBITRATION
PRECISION UNDERGROUND •
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and •
"JOHN DOE", •
Defendants. :
PLAINTIFF,PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,ANSWER TO DEFENDANT,
PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
AND"JOHN DOE",NEW MATTER
21. The answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 20 hereof are incorporated herein
by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
22. Denied as a conclusion of law to which no answer is deemed required.
23. Denied as a conclusion of law to which no answer is deemed required.
24. Denied as a conclusion of law to which no answer is deemed required.
25. Denied as a conclusion of law to which no answer is deemed required:
26. Denied as a conclusion of law to which no answer is deemed required
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment in its favor and against the Defendants.
KRZYWICKI ASS CI A S,P.0
Dated: December 4,2013
BY: ZA,
Ant oily P. . is s•
A •rney •r P ai. f
r
VERIFICATION
Pursuant to Rule 1024 (c), I, Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire verify that I am the attorney
for Plaintiff in the within case; that the appropriate officers of the Plaintiff are not available
within the time for serving the foregoing to provide their verification; that I am sufficiently
familiar with the facts set forth in the foregoing Pleading to take this verification; and that such
facts are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, based upon the
company's business records and matters of public record. I understand that the statements herein
are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 4904 relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
KRZYWIC • SSO■ IATES, P.0
Dated: December 4, 2013
BY:
Ant ony P. Kr A • squi
Atorneyfo '1.'
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I,Anthony P. Krzywicki, Attorney for Plaintiff,hereby certifies that a true and correct copy
of the foregoing document was placed in a depository under the exclusive care and custody of the
United States Postal Service to delivery, via first class mail,to the following:
Stephen L. Banko Jr.,Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Defendants
KRZYWICKI&ASSOCIATES, P.0
Dated: December 4, 2013
BY:
Anthon '. Krzywicki 'sq •
Atto -y for Plai • f
4
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862 -4390
PA Attorney ID 23754
J1 �� Hil r1ti II: U}
t,WI(3FRL AND COUNTY
PE HS i LVANIA
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Plaintiff,
vs.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE ",
Defendants.
Civil Action - In Law
No. 13 -4820 Civil
ARBITRATION
MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY
Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 4019, Plaintiff, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, moves the Court
to enter an order in the form attached, directing Defendant, Precision Underground Construction
Services Corp., to comply with Plaintiff's discovery requests within thirty (30) days of the entry
of the Order, and to pay to Plaintiff costs incurred in preparing this motion and supporting
memoranda. In support of this motion Plaintiff alleges as follows:
1. Plaintiff served Interrogatories directed to Defendant, Precision Underground
Construction Services Corp., on December 4, 2013 and January 29, 2014. See Exhibit A.
2. No answers or objections to Plaintiff s Interrogatories directed to Defendant,
Precision Underground Construction Services Corp., have been received by Plaintiff as of the date
of this motion.
3. Plaintiff served Request for Production of Documents directed to Defendant,
Precision Underground Construction Services Corp., on October 15, 2013 and November 25,
2013. See Exhibit B.
4. No answers or objections to Plaintiff's Request for Production of Documents
directed to Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp., have been received by
Plaintiff as of the date of this motion.
5. A Judge has not ruled upon any other issues in this matter.
6. Defendant's counsel is Stephen L. Banko Jr., Esquire.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, respectfully requests the
Court to enter an order directing Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.,
to comply with Plaintiff's discovery requests within thirty (30) days of the date of order, and to
pay Plaintiff costs incurred in preparing this motion and supporting memoranda.
DATED: February 28, 2014
Respectfully submitted,
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862 -4390
PA Attorney ID 23754
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, No. 13 -4820 Civil
vs.
ARBITRATION
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE ",
Defendants.
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF
PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY
I. STATEMENT OF FACTS
This case arose from an action brought by Plaintiff, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, to
recover sums due from damages to their property.
Plaintiffs Interrogatories directed to Defendant, Precision Underground Construction
Services Corp., were served on Defendant on December 4, 2013 and January 29, 2014.
No answers or objections to Plaintiff's Interrogatories directed to Defendant, Precision
Underground Construction Services Corp., have been received or produced and no extension of
time to answer have been requested by the Defendant.
Plaintiffs Request for Production of Documents directed to Defendant, Precision
Underground Construction Services Corp., were served on Defendant on October 15, 2013 and
November 25, 2013.
No answers or objections to Plaintiff's Request for Production of Documents directed to
Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp., have been received or produced
and no extension of time to answer have been requested by the Defendant.
II. DISCUSSION
Defendant's failure to answer Plaintiffs Interrogatories directed to Defendant, Precision
Underground Construction Services Corp., and Plaintiff's Request for Production of Documents
directed to Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp., is in violation of
Pa.R.C.P. 3117, 4006 (a)(2) and 4009.
Rule 4019(a) (1) (I) and 4019 (a) (1) (vii) permit the court, upon motion, to impose
sanctions against a party who fails to respond to discovery requests. Additionally, Rule 4019 (c)
(5) states that "[t]he Court, when acting under subdivision (a) of this rule, may make...such order
with regard to the failure to make discovery as is just." In Gonzalez v. Procaccio Brothers
Trucking Co., 268 Pa. Super. 245, 407 A.2d 1338 (1972), the Court Stated:
Pa.R.C.P. 4019 is clear. It establishes an unequivocal and mandatory procedure.
Where [a party fails to comply with a discovery request] a motion must be
presented to the court to determine the default. [Citation omitted.] Upon finding
that a default has occurred, "the court may...make an appropriate order."
The imposition of specific sanctions, however, is largely within the discretion of
the court. [Citations omitted].
407 A.2d at 1341.
III. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiff requests that the Court enter an order, in the form
attached, directing Defendant to comply with Plaintiff's discovery requests.
Respectfully submitted,
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
DATED: February 28, 2014
L AW OFFICES
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
P. O. BOX 505
NEW HOPE, PA 18938
(215) 862-4390
FAX: (215) 862 -4393
January 29, 2014
Stephen L. Banko Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
RE: PPL Electric Utilities Corporation vs. Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.
and "John Doe"
Civil Action No.: 13 -4820 Civil
Our File No.: 3426 PD
Dear Mr. Banko:
On December 4, 2013, the attached Plaintiff's Interrogatories of Addressed to Defendant,
Precision Underground Construction Services Corp., was forwarded to your attention. Time for
answering has expired. When can we expect answers?
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Very truly yours,
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
APK/amg
Enclosure
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
By: Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862 -4390
PA Attorney ID 23754
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, No. 13 -4820 Civil
vs.
ARBITRATION
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE ",
Defendants.
PLAINTIFF'S INTERROGATORIES DIRECTED TO DEFENDANT,
PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiff hereby serves on
Defendant the following set of interrogatories and first request for documents to be
answered separately by each Defendant:
Definitions
1. The term "incident/accident" as used hereinafter refers to the subject of this
litigation, the events or occurrences of which are set forth in the complaint filed in this
matter.
2. The term "identify" means the party served with these Interrogatories must
identify all documents, things and persons known to that party or to that party's attorney,
and the addresses of all persons identified must be set forth.
3. The term "address or location" as hereinafter used shall mean the last known
address or location, giving the street number, name of street, city and state.
4. The term "defendant" as used hereinafter shall mean the defendant, its
officers, directors, agents, servants, employees, attorneys, representatives, or anyone acting
on its behalf.
Instructions
1. All information is to be divulged which is in the possession of the
Defendant, his/her attorney or former attorneys, investigators, agents, employees, or other
representative of the Defendant or his/her attorneys.
2. These interrogatories are intended as continuing requiring that they be
supplemented within 30 days with such information within their scope as may be acquired
following your original answers by you, your agents, attorneys, or representatives.
INTERROGATORIES
1. Identify all persons having knowledge of any facts alleged in your Answer and
New Matter concerning the subject matter of this litigation.
2. With respect to each person identified in your answer to the immediately
preceding interrogatory, set forth the factual knowledge of said person and the basis or
circumstances upon which they obtained their factual knowledge or matters relevant to
the subject matter of this litigation.
3. Identify each person whom you expect to call or may potentially call as a witness
at the arbitration or trial of this case.
4. With respect to each person identified in your answer to the immediately
preceding interrogatory, set forth below a summary of the facts to which each witness or
potential witness is expected to testify.
5. Identify all persons who have been retained or specifically employed or consulted
in anticipation of this litigation or in preparation for arbitration or trial and who are NOT
expected to be called as a witness at trial.
6. As to each person identified in the immediately preceding interrogatory please set
forth the subject matter on which s/he was retained, employed or consulted and attached
to these answers any written reports, preliminary reports, conclusions, or comments ever
prepared by that person with respect to the subject of this litigation.
7. State whether Defendant or any of his/her representatives at any time
communicated with the Plaintiff or any of Plaintiffs representatives concerning the
subject matter of this litigation, regardless of whether the communication was initiated by
you, or Plaintiff or your representatives.
8. As to each communication identified in the immediately preceding interrogatory
please set forth the following additional information:
a. Date, time and location of each oral communication.
b. The substance and full content of each oral communication.
c. Identify the person representing you who participated in each oral
communication and the person representing the Defendant or you who
participated in each oral communication.
9. With respect to your answer to the preceding interrogatory, identify all documents
referring or relating in any manner to each oral communication. In lieu of an answer to
this interrogatory, you may attach hereto to your answers true and correct copies of all
such documents.
10. With respect to each denial set forth in your Answers and New Matter to the
Complaint, please set forth each and every fact upon which you base each respective
denial.
11. With respect to each denial set forth in your Answers and New Matter to the
Complaint, please identify each and every person who has knowledge related to any facts
supporting each specific denial.
12. With respect to each denial set forth in your Answers and New Matter to the
Complaint, please identify each document related in any manner to each respective
denial.
13. With respect to each affirmative defense you allege in your New Matter to the
Complaint please set forth each and every fact, which supports each respective
affirmative defense.
14. With respect to each affirmative defense you allege in your New Matter to the
Complaint please identify each and every person who has knowledge related to any facts
supporting each specific affirmative defense.
15. With respect to each affirmative defense you allege in your New Matter to the
Complaint please identify each document related in any manner to each specific
affirmative defense.
16. Please state whether each answer to each interrogatory set forth herein accurately
sets forth the total sum of all facts known to you relating to the subject matter of each
interrogatory.
17. Please state whether, in compiling your answers to these interrogatories, you have
made a reasonable and diligent effort to identify and provide not only those facts as are
within your personal knowledge, but also those facts that are reasonably available to you.
18. Please identify each person who provided any information of whatever nature or
description related to any of your answers to these interrogatories.
Dated: December 4, 2013
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
By:
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on this date I served a copy of the foregoing Interrogatories by
depositing a true copy of same in a depository under the exclusive care and custody of the
United States Postal Service, via prepaid, first class mail, and addressed as follows:
Dated: December 4, 2013
Stephen L. Banko Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Defendants
BY:
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
151
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
L AW OFFICES
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
P. O. BOX 505
NEW HOPE, PA 18938
(215) 862-4390
FAX: (215) 862 -4393
November 25, 2013
Stephen L. Banko Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
RE: PPL Electric Utilities Corporation vs. Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.
and "John Doe"
Civil Action No.: 13 -4820 Civil
Our File No.: 3426 PD
Dear Mr. Banko:
On October 15, 2013, the attached Plaintiffs Request for Production of Addressed to Defendant,
Precision Underground Construction Services Corp., was forwarded to your attention. Time for
answering has expired. When can we expect answers?
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Very truly yours,
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
APK/amg
Enclosure
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862 -4390
PA Attorney ID 23754
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, No. 13 -4820 Civil
vs.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE ",
Defendants.
ARBITRATION
PLAINTIFF'S FIRST REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION OF
DOCUMENTS ADDRESSED TO DEFENDANT, PRECISION
UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
Pursuant to Rule 4009 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiff request the
defendant(s) produce the documents and things hereinafter described and permit Plaintiff,
through its attorney, to inspect them and copy such of them as they may desire. Plaintiff requests
that the documents be made available for this inspection at the offices of Plaintiffs attorney
located at 49 N. Sugan Road, New Hope, Pennsylvania, and that any physical things be made
available at their current location, within thirty (30) days of the date of service hereof In lieu of
appearing in the office of Plaintiffs attorney, you may submit true, correct and legible copies of
the requested items.
Defendant's responses to the request should be modified or supplemented as
defendant(s), and/or their attorneys, obtain further or additional documents up to the time of trial.
Each document produced is to be identified by the paragraph number pursuant to which it
is being produced. Identification is to be made by writing the requested paragraph number in the
lower right hand corner of the first page of the document.
DEFINITIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS
A. "Plaintiff' shall mean PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION and other
persons acting, having acted, or purporting to act on behalf of PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES
CORPORATION.
B. "You" and "Your" shall mean persons acting, having acted, or purporting to act on
behalf of defendant.
C. "Defendants" shall mean all persons acting, having acted, or purporting to act on
behalf of the entities being litigated against by PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION.
D. "Document" or "documents" shall mean any and all written, graphic material
(however produced or reproduced), tapes or other voice recordings, and all other tangible objects
including, but not limited to, booklets, brochures, pamphlets, circular notices, periodicals,
papers, contracts, agreements, photographs, agendas, receipts, minutes, memoranda, written
instructions, messages, appraisals, analysis, reports, plans, evaluations, financial calculations and
representations, diary entries, time sheets, calendars, telephone logs, visitors logs, telephone
message slips, correspondence, telegrams, press releases, advertisements, notes, handwritten
notes, transcripts, working papers, drawings, schedules, tabulations and projections, surveys,
studies, graphs, charts, films, videotapes, microfiche, printouts, all other data whether recorded
by electronic or any other means, and including drafts of any of the foregoing and any other data
in your possession, custody or control, and including all items that are in storage anywhere. If a
document was prepared in several copies were not identical or are no longer identical by reason
of subsequent notation or modification of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation,
notations on the front or back of any of the pages thereof, then each such non - identical copy is a
separate document and must be provided.
E. The term "concerning" shall mean referring to, pertaining to, describing,
evidencing or constituting.
F. The term "person" shall mean the plural as well as singular and is defined as any
individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, firm, association, proprietorship, agency,
board, authority, commission or other entity.
G. The word "meeting" shall mean any assembly, convocation or contemporaneous
presence of two or more persons for any purposes, whether or not planned, arranged, or
scheduled in advance.
H. The terms "evidencing," "recording," "referring," "relating to," or "relates" as
used herein shall mean, without limitation, embodying, showing, mentioning, disclosing,
referring to, adverting to, alluding to, constituting, concerning, revealing, directly or indirectly,
the subject matter identified in a specific interrogatory or document request.
I. The following rules of construction apply to all discovery request:
1. The terms "all" and "each" shall be construed as necessary to make the
document request more inclusive.
2. The connectives "and" and "or" shall be construed either disjunctively or
conjunctively as necessary to bring within the scope of the discovery
request all responses that might otherwise be construed to be outside of its
scope.
J. Where a claim of privilege is asserted in objecting to any document request or
subpart thereof, and a document is not provided on the basis of such objection, the following
information shall be provided in the objection:
1. the date of the document;
2. the author(s) of the document;
3. the identity of the attorney and client involved;
4. the type of document involved (i.e. memorandum, letter, contract
etc.);
5. the identity of those receiving copies of the document;
6. the general content of the document;
7. the ground upon which such document is considered to be
privileged; and
8. such other information as is necessary to identify the document
for a subpoena duces tecum.
K. If you maintain that any document or record requested herein has been lost,
misplaced, destroyed, or is otherwise no longer in your possession or control, set forth with
respect to each such document:
1. the contents of the document;
2. a description of the document;
3. the present location of the original or any copies of the document;
4. the date of such loss or destruction;
5. a description of how and why the document was lost or destroyed;
6. the name of the person who ordered or authorized the destruction, or is
most knowledgeable of the manner in which it was lost;
7. the author of the document and his /her address; and
8. the sender and recipient of the document, if applicable.
L. Where anything has been deleted from a document produced in response to a
document request:
1. specify the nature of the material deleted;
2. specify the reason for the deletion; and
3. identify the person responsible for the deletion.
M. If objection is made to producing any document, or any portion thereof, or to
disclosing any information contained therein in response to any interrogatory or document
request on the basis of any claim of privilege, defendant is requested to specify in writing the
nature of such information and documents, and the nature of the privilege claimed so that the
Court may rule on the propriety of the objection. In the case of documents, defendant shall state:
1. the title of the document;
2. the nature of the document (e.g. interoffice memorandum, correspondence,
report);
3. the author or sender;
4. the addresses;
5. the date of the initial preparation of the document;
6. the name of each person to whom the original or a copy was shown or
circulated (other than secretarial staff);
7. the names appearing on any circulation list relating to the document;
8. the basis on which privilege is claimed; and
9. a summary statement of the subject matter of the document in summary
detail to permit the Court to rule on the propriety of the objection.
N. These requests for production of documents include any and all relevant
information and/or documents in the personal files of your present and former officers,
employees, agents, representatives, attorneys and accountants.
DOCUMENTS TO BE PRODUCED
1. All notes of conversations between Defendants, its agents or employees and
Plaintiff.
2. All documents referring, mentioning, or pertaining to correspondence between the
Plaintiff and the Defendants concerning the incident.
3. All documents (including telephone and fax logs) referring, mentioning, or
pertaining to any communication between the Plaintiff and the Defendants.
4. All documents, records, evidence and anything whatsoever which will be
introduced at trial for any purpose.
5. The entire investigative file or files including documents and drawings of
Defendants, its counsel, and insurance carriers.
6. All statements obtained from any witnesses relating to Defendant's answers to the
complaint.
7. All reports, statements, preliminary reports or summary reports of any expert
whether you intend to call such witness at the arbitration hearing or not.
8. All documents sent to any expert regarding the matter which is the subject of this
litigation.
9. The curriculum vitae of all experts whom you intend to call as witnesses at the trial
of this action.
10. All documents, drawing, plans, photos, reports, or notes prepared by Defendants'
employees or agents regarding the incident.
11. The entire personnel file excluding confidential medical and financial information
of the operator who struck the underground primary service line.
12. Please provide a copy of the documents or material used to train the employees as
to underground digging techniques in the area of buried utility lines.
13. Please provide the names and titles of all Defendant's employees or agents who
conducted any investigation of the incident.
14. Please provide any and all documents, drawings, memoranda, reports, letters, notes
or email created as a result of any such investigation.
15. Please provide the names and titles of the employees who performed work in the
location where the underground primary service line was struck and damaged.
16. All transcripts and documents of all interviews conducted by any one acting on
behalf of Plaintiffs or any potential witness and /or person who has knowledge of the incident or
its surrounding circumstances.
17. Produce any and all records and documents in your possession or the possession of
your attorney or other representative including insurance carriers which were obtained from or
prepared by the Defendant.
18. Any and all statements, recordings or notes concerning facts directly or indirectly
related to this action as defined by Rule 4003.4 from all witnesses, including any statements
from the parties herein or their respective agents, servants or employees.
19. All documents containing the names and or addresses of all individuals contacted as
potential witnesses.
20. To the extent not produced in the response to the previous request, any and all
documents containing the names and home and business addresses of all individuals contacted as
potential or prospective witnesses.
21. All photographs taken or diagrams prepared of the Defendant, the scene of the
incident, product or equipment.
22. Copy of all minutes for all Contractor Coordination Meetings and Owner Meetings
held during the construction project which is the subject of this litigation.
23. Copy of all personal notes taken by representatives, employees or agents of the
Defendants during all Contractor Coordination Meetings and Owner Meetings held during in
reference to the construction project which is the subject of this litigation.
Dated: October 15, 2013
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
CS
By:
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on this date I served a copy of the foregoing Request for Production of
Documents by depositing a true copy of same in a depository under the exclusive care and custody
of the United States Postal Service, in a prepaid envelope, addressed as follows:
Dated: October 15, 2013
Stephen L. Banko Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Defendants, Precision Underground
Construction Service Corp. and "John Doe"
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
By:
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
(
Sl
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Anthony P. Krzywicki, Attorney for Plaintiff, hereby certifies that a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Motion to Compel, Memorandum in Support thereof and a form of
Order were placed in a depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States
Postal Service to deliver via First Class Mail to the following:
Stephen L. Banko, Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.
DATED: February 28, 2014
KRZYWIC •CIATES,,P.C.
. Krzywicki, Esquire
icki & Associates
P Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-4390
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney ID 23754
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CORPORATION, : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
vs.
: CIVIL ACTION — LAW
: NO. 13 -4820 CIVIL
PRECISION UNDERGROUND .
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES and :
"JOHN DOE,"
Defendants
IN RE: PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY
ORDER
AND NOW, this ' 0 day of March, 2014, a rule is issued on the defendants to
show cause why the relief requested in the within Motion to Compel Discovery ought not to be
granted. This rule returnable twenty (20) days after service.
BY THE COURT,
c
F
cal r— rrf
r\:1
STEPHEN L. BANKO, JR., ESQUIRE
Pa. Supreme Court I. D. No. 41727
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone: (717) 760 -7501
FAX: (717) 975 -8124
E -mail: sbankoc margolisedelstein.com
H-13 fi t-', ti •1
2 1'4PEAR 26 1H 10: 47
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
Attorney for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES
CORPORATION,
Plaintiff
v.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
and "JOHN DOE,"
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DOCKET NO. 13 -4820 CIVIL
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, Plaintiff
c/o Anthony R. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates, P.C.
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(Counsel for Plaintiff)
You are hereby notified to file a written response to the enclosed New Matter within
twenty (20) days from service hereof or a default judgment may be entered against you.
Date:
Bv:
EDELSTEIN
L. B)N KO, JR.
Attorney for Defendants,
Precision Underground Construction
Services Corp. and John Doe
STEPHEN L. BANKO, JR., ESQUIRE
Pa. Supreme Court I. D. No. 41727
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone: (717) 760 -7501
FAX: (717) 975 -8124
E -mail: sbanko @margolisedelstein.com
Attorney for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES
CORPORATION,
Plaintiff
v.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
and "JOHN DOE,"
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DOCKET NO. 13 -4820 CIVIL
JURY OF TWELVE DEMANDED
ANSWER AND NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANTS
TO PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY
1. Admitted.
2. Admitted. By way of further answer, however, under cover dated
March 25, 2014, counsel for Defendants served upon Plaintiffs counsel Defendants'
verified Answers to Interrogatories and verified Response to Request for Production of
Documents. A copy of the letter serving such discovery answers is attached hereto,
incorporated herein by reference and marked as Exhibit A.
3. Admitted. By way of further answer, the answer contained in paragraph 2
hereof is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
4. Admitted. By way of further answer, the answer contained in paragraph 2
hereof is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
5. Admitted.
6. Admitted.
WHEREFORE, Defendants pray this Honorable Court enter an order denying
Plaintiffs Motion to Compel Discovery as moot.
NEW MATTER
7. The Answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 6 hereof are incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
8. In its prayer for relief, Plaintiff requests that this Honorable Court enter an
Order directing Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services, to comply
with Plaintiff's discovery requests within thirty (30) days of the date of the Order and to
pay Plaintiff costs incurred in compiling its motion and supporting Memoranda (sic).
9. Plaintiff seeks no other relief in its Motion. In its Memorandum in Support
of its Motion to Compel Discovery, Plaintiff represents to this Honorable Court that
monetary sanctions are authorized by Pa. R.C.P. No. 4019(a)(i) and (vii). In further
support of its proposition, Plaintiff cites Gonzalez v. Procaccio Brothers Trucking Co.,
268 Pa. Super. 245, 407 A.2d 1338 (1972).
10. That case recognizes that the general rules of monetary and other
sanctions are not imposed absent a wilful disobedience of an Order of the court.
2
11. This "general rule" is supported by Pa. R.C.P. No. 4019(g)(1) which
provides:
Except as otherwise provided in these rules, if following the refusal,
objection or failure of a party or person to comply with any provision
of this chapter, the court, after opportunity for hearing, enters an
order compelling compliance and the order is not obeyed, the court
on a subsequent motion for sanctions may, if the motion is granted,
require the party ... to pay to the moving party the reasonable
expenses, including attorney's fees incurred in obtaining the order
of compliance and the order for sanctions, unless the court finds
that the opposition to the motion was substantially justified or that
other circumstances make an award of expenses unjust.
12. As Defendants have now answered discovery and have not disobeyed
any Order of this Honorable Court, it is submitted that imposition of sanctions, monetary
or otherwise, would be inappropriate under the circumstances.
13. Although not specifically requested in Plaintiff's Motion to Compel
Discovery or its supporting Memorandum, in the proposed Order attached to its Motion,
Plaintiff requests this Honorable Court to preclude Defendants from submitting any
evidence at the arbitration or trial of this matter.
14. Under the circumstances, this request is not reasonably appropriate.
15. Furthermore, Plaintiff requests monetary sanctions in the amount of
$1,000 which, under any circumstance, would not be appropriate given the fact that
Cumberland County Local Rules of Court do not require the filing of a Brief or
Memorandum at the time a Motion to Compel Discovery is filed and the Motion itself is
comprised of six paragraphs.
3
WHEREFORE, Defendants pray this Honorable Court enter an order denying
Plaintiff's Motion to Compel Discovery as moot.
.)‘1\
Date: 1 1 >
By:
4
Respectfully submitted,
M Gb S EDELSTEIN
T N L.)BANKO, JR.
Counsel for Defendants,
Precision Underground Construction
Services Corp. and John Doe
MMIA RG O LI S
EDELS 1 EIN
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
www.margollsedelsteln.com
HARRISBURG OFFICE:•
3510 TRINDLE ROAD
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
717.975.8114
FAx 717 - 975.8124
PHILADELPHIA OFFICE:*
THE CURTIS CENTER
170 S. INDEPENDENCE MALL W.
SUITE 400E
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106-3337
215- 922 -1100
PITTSBURGH OFFICE:
525 WILLIAM PENN PLACE
SUITE 3300
PITTSBURGH, PA 15219
412 - 281 -4256
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE:
983 THIRD STREET
BEAVER, PA 15009
724 - 774-6000
SCRANTON OFFICE:
220 PENN AVENUE
SUITE 305
SCRANTON, PA 18503
570 - 342 -4231
CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE:
P.O. Box 628
HOLLIDAYSBURG, PA 16648
814 -695 -5064
SOUTH NEW JERSEY OFFICE: -
100 CENTURY PARKWAY SUITE 200
PO Box ?JEW,
MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054
856 -727 -6000
NORTH NEW JERSEY OFFICE:
CONNELL CORPORATE CENTER
400 CONNELL DRIVE
SUITE 5400
BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ 07922
908 - 790 -1401
DELAWARE OFFICE:
300 DELAWARE AVE.
SUITE 800
WILMINGTON, DE 19801
302- 888.1112
• MEMBER OF THE HARMONIE GROUP
Writer. Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire**
Direct Dial: (717)760.7501
E -Mall: shanko& maroollsedelstein.com
March 25, 2014
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates, P.C.
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
Re: PPL v. Precision Underground Construction, et al.
Cumberland CCP: 13 -4820
Our File No. 21500.4 -00049
Dear Mr. Krzywicki:
1 enclosed my clients' verified Answers to Interrogatories and
Response to Request for Production of Documents. I trust this now
renders your client's Motion to Compel Discovery moot. As a Rule
to Show Cause has been issued, however, I will file an Answer to
the extent your client will not withdraw the Motion as moot.
Should you wish to discuss this matter, please feel free to
contact me.
/amg
Enclosures
"Certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board or Trial Advocacy
A Pennsylvania Supreme Court Accredited Agency
(-:R, DEFENDANT'S
EXHIBIT
EL,
1-
Q
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on all
counsel of record by facsimile transmission, and by placing the same in the United States
mail at Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, first -class postage prepaid, on the day of
rnoc
, 2014, and addressed as follows:
Anthony R. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates, P.C.
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
By: a,
Angela
n. U y)
. Gayman, e I Assistant
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862 -4390
PA Attorney ID 23754
2214 APR -9 fal I1: 4
i:171PEN 4S LY VAN P i Y
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, No. 13 -4820 Civil
vs.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE ",
Defendants.
ARBITRATION
PLAINTIFF'S FIRST REQUEST FOR ADMISSIONS DIRECTED TO
DEFENDANT, "JOHN DOE" NOW KNOWN AS SCOTT BROWN
Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiff hereby serves the following set
of requests for admissions to be answered separately by the defendant.
Definitions
1. The words "you" and "your" mean each defendant or person(s) acting or purporting
to act on his or its behalf.
2. The words "person" and "persons" mean all entities, but not limiting the generality
of the foregoing all individuals, associations, companies, partnerships, joint ventures, corporations,
trusts, estates, public agencies, departments, bureaus, and boards.
3. The words "identity" and "identity," when used with respect to an individual mean
to state the full name and present or last known address of each person, the present or last known
position and business affiliation and all positions and business affiliates at all times during the
period of this request. When used with respect to a corporation, "identify" or "identity" means to
state the corporation's full name, date and state of incorporation, and the address of its principal
place of business. When used with respect to an individual, "identify" or "identity" mean to state
full name and last known address.
Instructions
1. All information is to be divulged which is in the possession of the defendant, his/her
attorney or former attorneys, investigators, agents, employees, or other representative of the plaintiff
or her attorneys.
2. These requests are intended as continuing requiring that they be supplemented
within 30 days with such information within their scope as may be acquired following your original
answers by you, your agents, attorneys, or representatives.
3. Pursuant to Rules 4014 & 4019 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure,
plaintiff hereby requests that defendant admit or deny, for the purposes of this action only, the truth
of the following matters. If you deny any of the matters set forth below, you shall set forth in detail
the reasons why you cannot fully admit the matter. If, in good faith, you qualify any answer or deny
any part of a matter of which an admission is requested, you shall specify so much of it as is true
and qualify or deny the remainder. Pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 4014(b), verified answers must be served
on the plaintiff within thirty (30) days after service hereof or the matters contained herein shall be
deemed admitted.
Requests
2. On or about April 4, 2012, Defendant, "John Doe" now known as Scott Brown,
while in the course of his employment with Defendant, Precision Underground Construction
Services Corp., performed excavation in the vicinity of the 7115 Salem Park Circle, Hampden,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
6. On or about April 4, 2012, Defendant, "John Doe" now known as Scott Brown,
while operating Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.'s equipment,
struck and damaged an underground primary cable.
7. Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp. did not provide
Defendant, "John Doe" now known as Scott Brown, with a training manual nor provide the
defendant with training in precautions or procedures to employ when digging near underground
service lines.
8. Neither Defendant has any photographs of the site taken either before or after the
service line was damaged.
9. Neither Defendant wrote any notes, memoranda or letters concerning the incident
occurring on or about April 4, 2012.
6. On or about April 4, 2012, the Defendants had knowledge that utility lines were at
the location where the underground cable was damaged.
7. Neither before nor after April 4, 2012, did either Defendant use hand-digging
techniques to identify the location of the underground cable that was damaged.
8. Defendants admitted damaging the service line on April 4, 2012.
9. You began excavation at the site after the Lawful Start Dates provided by the
Pennsylvania One Call System.
10. Defendant will not present at the arbitration hearing, testimony from an expert
witness.
11. Defendant will not present at arbitration or trial photographs of the site.
12. Defendant hit the underground primary cable while using trenchless excavation
methods as defined in the construction industry.
Dated: April 7, 2014
BY:
KRZYWICKI & AS : MATES, P.
wicki
laintif
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on this date I served a copy of the foregoing Requests for Admissions directed
to Defendant, "John Doe" now known as Scott Brown, by depositing a true copy of same in a
depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Postal Service, via prepaid,
first class mail, and addressed as follows:
Dated: April 7, 2014
Stephen L. Banko Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Defendants, Precision Underground
Construction Service Corp. and "John Doe"
BY:
KRZYWICKI dSSOCIATES, P.C.
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
P.O. Box 505
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862 -4390
PA Attorney ID 23754
`- 1F
20i i f' {F'R -9 . fti i 11; 118
`;;.E, IilERLAND COUNTY
FEHNSYLVAHIA
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, No. 13 -4820 Civil
VS.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE ",
Defendants.
ARBITRATION
PLAINTIFF'S FIRST REQUEST FOR ADMISSIONS DIRECTED TO DEFENDANT,
PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiff hereby serves the following set
of requests for admissions to be answered separately by the defendant.
Definitions
1. The words "you" and "your" mean each defendant or person(s) acting or purporting
to act on his or its behalf.
2. The words "person" and "persons" mean all entities, but not limiting the generality
of the foregoing all individuals, associations, companies, partnerships, joint ventures, corporations,
trusts, estates, public agencies, departments, bureaus, and boards.
3. The words "identity" and "identity," when used with respect to an individual, mean
to state the full name and present or last known address of each person, the present or last known
position and business affiliation and all positions and business affiliates at all times during the
period of this request. When used with respect to a corporation, "identify" or "identity" mean to
state the corporation's full name, date and state of incorporation, and the address of its principal
place of business. When used with respect to an individual, "identify" or "identity" mean to state
full name and last known address.
Instructions
1. All information is to be divulged which is in the possession of the defendant, his/her
attorney or former attorneys, investigators, agents, employees, or other representative of the plaintiff
or her attorneys.
2. These requests are intended as continuing requiring that they be supplemented
within 30 days with such information within their scope as may be acquired following your original
answers by you, your agents, attorneys, or representatives.
3. Pursuant to Rules 4014 & 4019 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure,
plaintiff hereby requests that defendant admit or deny, for the purposes of this action only, the truth
of the following matters. If you deny any of the matters set forth below, you shall set forth in detail
the reasons why you cannot fully admit the matter. If, in good faith, you qualify any answer or deny
any part of a matter of which an admission is requested, you shall specify so much of it as is true
and qualify or deny the remainder. Pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 4014(b), verified answers must be served
on the plaintiff within thirty (30) days after service hereof or the matters contained herein shall be
deemed admitted.
Requests
1. Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.'s employees,
agents, contractors or representatives performed excavation in the vicinity of 7115 Salem Park
Circle, Hampden, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania on or about April 4, 2012.
2. Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.'s employee,
agent, contractor, or representative while digging struck and damaged an underground primary
cable on or about April 4, 2012.
3. The employee, agent, contractor, or representative who struck the service line on
or about April 4, 2012 was not trained in digging procedures near buried primary cables.
4. Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp., does not have a
training manual nor does Defendant provide training of its employees, agents, contractors, or
representatives in precautions or procedures to employ when digging near underground primary
cable.
5. Neither Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.'s nor any
of its employees, agents, contractors or representatives wrote any notes, memoranda or letters
concerning the incident occurring on or about April 4, 2012
6. Defendant through its employees, agents, contractors or representatives called the
Pennsylvania One Call System on or about March 28, 2012, ticket number 20120880021.
7. Defendant's Pennsylvania One Call ticket number 20120880021 had Lawful
Start Dates of April 2, 2012 through April 11, 2012.
8. Defendant's Pennsylvania One Call ticket number 20120880021 proposed dig
date was April 2, 2012.
9. You began excavation at the site after the Lawful Start Dates provided by the
Pennsylvania One Call System.
10. Defendants did not dig within the lawfully specified time frame allotted by the
Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc.
11. Neither Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp., nor its
employees, agents, contractors or representatives maintained the integrity of PPL's site
markings.
12. Neither Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp., nor its
employees, agents, contractors or representatives met at the site of the excavation before the
underground primary cable was damaged.
13. Neither Defendant nor anyone acting on Defendant's behalf know of a surveyor's
report or plot plan or report from any engineer concerning the condition of the area near or
around the underground primary cable..
14. Defendant's employee admitted damaging the underground primary cable on
April 4, 2012.
15. Defendant will not present at the arbitration hearing testimony from an expert
witness.
16. Defendant will not present at arbitration or trial photographs of the site.
17. Defendant hit the underground primary cable while using trenchless excavation
methods as defined in the construction industry.
Dated: April 7, 2014
BY:
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on this date I served a copy of the foregoing Requests for Admissions directed
to Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp., by depositing a true copy of
same in a depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Postal Service, via
prepaid, first class mail, and addressed as follows:
Dated: April 7, 2014
Stephen L. Banko Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Defendants, Precision Underground
Construction Service Corp. and "John Doe"
BY:
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, No. 13-4820 Civil
VS.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE",
Defendants.
ARBITRATION
PRAECIPE TO WITHDRAW MOTION TO COMPEL
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly mark the Motion to Compel of Defendant, Precision Underground Construction
Services Corp., filed on or about March 5, 2014 WITHDRAWN in the above-captioned Civil
Action.
DATED: April 9, 2014
BY:
KRZYWICKI
C ATES, P.C.
thony P.
Attorney
P.O.
e
18938
(215) 862-4390
Attorney I.D. 23754
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
vs.
Precision Underground Construction :
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Services Corp. and NO. 4820 Civi1 20 1 3
"John Doe"
RULE 1312-1
C)
m
Fri
.7.r 70
cri
The Petition for Appointment of Arbitrators shall be substantially in the-
Following form:
PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF ARBITRATORS
TO THE HONORABLE, THE JUDGES OF SAID COURT:
Anthony P. Krzywicki , counsel for the plaintiff/4 eftly* in the above
action (or actions), respectfully represents that:
1. The above -captioned action (or actions) is (are) at issue.
2. The claim of plaintiff in the action is $ 5, 71 2.09
The counterclaim of the defendant in the action is
The following attorneys are interested in the case(s) as counsel or are otherwise disqualified to sit
as arbitrators:
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire
WHEREFORE, your petitioner prays your Honorable Court to appoint three (3) arbitrators to
whom the case shall be submitted. '
AND NOW, , 200 , in consideration of the foregoing
petition, Esq., and
Esq., and Esq., are appointed arbitrators in the above
captioned action actions) as prayed for.
By the Court,
EDGAR B. BAYLEY
-4
CD -71
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, No. 13-4820 Civil
vs. ARBITRATION
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE",
Defendants.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on August 8, 2014, a copy of the forgoing Petition for Appointment
of Arbitrators was mailed via First Class Mail to the following by placing same in a depository
under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Postal Service addressed to the last -
known address for Defendants' counsel or Defendant:
Stephen L. Banko Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Defendants, Precision Underground
Construction Service Corp. and "John Doe"
DATED: August 8, 2014
KRZYWICKI : ' . 1 CIATES, P.C.
ope,
(215) 862 -
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney I.D. 23754
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
vs.
Precision Underground Construction
Services Corp. and
"John Doe"
RULE 1312-1
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 4820 r:Ivi 1 20 11
>
The Petition for Appointment of Arbitrators shall be substantially in the' 6
Following form: --<•
PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF ARBITRATORS
TO THE HONORABLE, THE JUDGES OF SAID COURT:
Anthony P. Krzywicki , counsel for the plaintiff/4 kulgok in the above
action (or actions), respectfully represents that:
1. The above -captioned action (or actions) is (are) at issue.
2. The claim of plaintiff in the action is $ 5 , 71 2 . 0 9
The counterclaim of the defendant in the action is
The following attorneys are interested in the case(s) as counsel or are otherwise disqualified to sit
as arbitrators:
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire
WHEREFORE, your petitioner prays your Honorable Court to appoint three (3) arbitrators to
whom the case shall be submitted.
y submitte
Antho
ER OF
NOW,
petition,
Esq., and
captioned action
actions) as
yed for.
Esq.
20114/ipconsideration of the foregoing
Esq., and
Esq., are appointed arbitrators in the above
4, 1264-4.4th
4
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L.
rri
C.:
CII
f ,r
t,; .:
KRZYWICKI &ASSOCIATES, P.C. �' + ` , IT
Anthony P. Krzywicki,Esquire
1,T
Attorney for Plaintiff
�" f
+ :I I : v J
P.O. Box 505 C,t,�s r r
New Hope, PA 18938 �1-N i5{� UOrU'�j Y
(215) 862-4390 ,=°N/A
PA Attorney ID 23754
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, No. 13-4820 Civil
VS. ARBITRATION
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE",
Defendants.
PLAINTIFF'S SECOND REQUEST FOR ADMISSIONS DIRECTED TO DEFENDANT,
PRECISION UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiff hereby serves the following set
of requests for admissions to be answered separately by the defendant.
Definitions
1. The words "you" and "your" mean each defendant or person(s) acting or purporting
to act on his or its behalf.
2. The words "person" and "persons" mean all entities, but not limiting the generality
of the foregoing all individuals, associations, companies, partnerships,joint ventures, corporations,
trusts,estates,public agencies,departments,bureaus, and boards.
3. The words "identity" and "identity," when used with respect to an individual, mean
to state the full name and present or last known address of each person, the present or last known
position and business affiliation and all positions and business affiliates at all times during the
period of this request. When used with respect to a corporation, "identify" or "identity" mean to
state the corporation's full name, date and state of incorporation, and the address of its principal
place of business. When used with respect to an individual, "identify" or "identity" mean to state
full name and last known address.
Instructions
1. All information is to be divulged which is in the possession of the defendant, his/her
attorney or former attorneys, investigators, agents, employees, or other representative of the plaintiff
or her attorneys.
2. These requests are intended as continuing requiring that they be supplemented
within 30 days with such information within their scope as may be acquired following your original
answers by you,your agents, attorneys, or representatives.
3. Pursuant to Rules 4014 & 4019 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure,
plaintiff hereby requests that defendant admit or deny, for the purposes of this action only, the truth
of the following matters. If you deny any of the matters set forth below, you shall set forth in detail
the reasons why you cannot fully admit the matter. If, in good faith, you qualify any answer or deny.
any part of a matter of which an admission is requested, you shall specify so much of it as is true
and qualify or deny the remainder. Pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 4014(b), verified answers must be served
on the plaintiff within thirty (30) days after service hereof or the matters contained herein shall be
deemed admitted.
Requests
1. All pictures in Exhibit "A", "B", and "C" are of the site where Defendant
excavated on or about April 4, 2012 in the vicinity of 7115 Salem Park Circle, Hampden,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. All pictures in Exhibit "A", `B", and "C" are a true and correct representation of
the vicinity of 7115 Salem Park Circle, Hampden, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania where
Defendant excavated on or about April 4, 2012.
3. All pictures in Exhibit "D" and "E" are a true and correct representation of the
vicinity of 7115 Salem Park Circle, Hampden, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania where
Defendant excavated on or about April 4, 2012.
KRZYWICKI&ASSOCIATES,P.C.
Dated: October 14, 2014
BY:
tomey
P. Krzyquir
for P
EXHIBIT A
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on this date I served a copy of the foregoing Requests for Admissions directed
to Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp., by depositing a true copy of
same in a depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Postal Service, via
prepaid,first class mail, and addressed as follows:
Stephen L. Banko Jr.,Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill,PA 17011
Attorney for Defendants, Precision Underground
Construction Service Corp. and "John Doe"
KRZYWICKI SOCI TES,P.C.
Dated: October 14,2014
BY:
Anthon zy uire
Att y for mtiff
STEPHEN L. BANKO, JR., ESQUIRE
Pa. Supreme Court I. D. No. 41727
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone: (717) 760-7501
FAX: (717) 975-8124
E-mail: sbanko( margolisedels
IC
OF TFl HE f p �j IOTA
RY
zettfmv.17 iM!I:L8
-CUt•;i3ER AND COUNTY
PENNS YLVA! IA
ein.com
Attorney for Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES
CORPORATION,
Plaintiff
v.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND '
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP.
and "JOHN DOE,"
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DOCKET NO. 13-4820 CIVIL
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
MOTION OF DEFENDANT, PRECISION UNDERGROUND.,
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP, TO QUASH NOTICE TO ATTEND
:z, DIRECTED TO STEPHANIE STINE
1. The above -referenced action is scheduled for an arbitration hearing pursuant
to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure on December 11, 2014.
2. On or about November 3, 2014, Plaintiff served upon counsel for Defendants
a Notice to Attend addressed to"Stephanie Stine, an employee of Precision Underground
Construction Services Corp., who made a call to the Pennsylvania One Call System on
March 28, 2012 c/o Stephen L. Banko Jr., Esquire". A copy of said Notice to Attend is
attached hereto, incorporated by reference and marked as Exhibit A.
3. At all times relevant hereto, Stephanie Stine ("Stine") was a
secretary/receptionist for Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.
("Precision"), including the date that Stine made.a Pennsylvania One Call, March 28, 2012.
4. At no time relevant hereto, including but not limited to March 28, 2012, was
Stine a party to this action, or an officer or managing agent thereof.
5. Pa. R.C.P. No. 234.3 provides in pertinent part as follows:
(a) A party may compel the attendance of another party or
an officer or managing agent thereof for trial or hearing
by serving upon that party a notice to attend
substantially in the form prescribed by Rule 234.7. The
notice shall be served reasonably in advance of the
date upon which attendance is required. The notice
may also require the party to produce documents or
things.
6. As Stine was, at no time relevant hereto, a party to this action or an officer
or managing agent of any party, a Notice to Attend is an inappropriate mechanism by
which to secure the attendance of a non-party to attend a hearing or trial.
7. Accordingly, Precision moves this Honorable Court to quash the Notice to
Attend served upon Precision's counsel in an attempt to compel the attendance of Stine
at the time of the arbitration on December 11, 2014.
8. Plaintiff is represented by Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire, Krzywicki &
Associates, P.C., P.O. Box 505, New Hope, PA 18938, PHONE: 215-862-4390, FAX: 215-
862-4393, EMAIL: akrzywickinmac.com.
9. Defendant is represented by Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Margolis Edelstein,
3510 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011, PHONE: 717-760-7501, FAX: 717-975-8124, E-
MAIL: sbanko@margolisedelstein.com.
10. A copy of this Motion for to Quash was served upon counsel for Plaintiff by
electronic mail message on November 13, 2014, at which time counsel for Defendant
sought Plaintiff's concurrence in the instant motion. A copy of the aforesaid electronic mail
2
messages are attached hereto, incorporated herein by reference and marked collectively
as Exhibit B.
11. Plaintiff's counsel has not responded to the electronic mail message of
November 13, 2014, and, therefore, it is assumed he does not concur.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Precision Underground Construction Services Corp.,
prays this Honorable Court enter an Order quashing the Notice to Attend directed to
Stephanie Stine.
Date:
By:
3
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
ST H N L. BANKO, JR.
Counsel for Defendants
VERIFICATION.
I, Scott Brown, President of Precision Underground Construction Services
Corp., have read the foregoing Motion to Quash Notice to Attend. The factual statements
contained therein are known by me and are true and correct to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief.
This statement and verification is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.
C.S.A. Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsifications to authorities, which provides that, if
I knowingly make false averments, I may be subject to criminal penalties.
Date: \ \' \\-\\\'-\
=-. OTT B OWNT'
President of Precision Underground Construction Services
Corp.
ICATE•.10'r SERVI
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing on all
counsel of record by facsimile transmission, and by placing the same in the United States
mail at Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, first-class postage prepaid, on the 17 11day of
, 2014, and addressed as follows:
Anthony R. Krzywicki, Esquire
Krzywicki & Associates, P.C.
P.Q. Box 505•
New Hope, PA 18938
By:
MARGOLIS EDELSTEIN
Anger M. Gayman, L. al Assistant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, No. 13-4820 Civil
vs.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE",
Defendants.
ARBITRATION
NOTICE TO ATTEND
TO: Stephani Stine, employee of Precision Underground Construction Services Corp. who
made a call to the Pennsylvania One Call System on March 28, 2012
c/o Stephen L. Banko Jr., Esquire
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
(1) You are directed to come to the Cumberland County Courthouse, One Courthouse
Square, Zed Floor Hearing Room of the Old Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on December 11,
2014 at 1:00 PM, to testify on behalf of the Plaintiff in the above case, and to remain until
excused.
(2) If you fail to attend, telephone or to produce the documents or things required by
this notice to attend, you may be subject to the sanctions authorized by Rule 234.5 of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
DATED: November 3, 2014
KRZYWI 1 SOCIATES, P.C.
New ope,
215-862-4
Attorney ID No. 23754
DEFENDANT'S
EXHIBIT
11/14/2014 Margolis Edelstein Mail - PPL v. Precision Underground Claim No. 02923717 ME File No. 21500.4-00049
MARGOLIS
EDELSTEIN
Stephen Banko <sbanko@margolisedelstein.com>
PPL v. Precision Underground Claim No. 02923717 ME File No. 21500.4-00049
1 message
Stephen Banko <sbanko@margolisedelstein.com> Thu, Nov 13, 2014 at 9:08 AM
To: "akrzywicki@mac.com" <akrzywicki@mac.com>
Bcc: "Banko, Steve" <sbanko@margolisedelstein.com>, "Artman, Christopher" <cartman@pnat.com>
Anthony:
Attached is a Motion to Quash the Notice to Attend to Stephani Stine. Please let me know whether you are
willing to withdraw the Notice. If not, I intend to file the Motion today noting that you do not concur. Should you
have any questions, please call.
MARGOLIS
EDELSTEIN
Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esq.
office: 717-760-7501 fax: 717-975-8124
mobile: 717-554-1408
email: sbanko@margolisedelstein.com
Certified As A Civil Trial Advocate By The National Board of Trial Advocacy
A Pennsylvania Supreme Court Accredited Agency
Visit us at www.margolisedelstein.com
Attomey Profile: www.margolisedelstein.com/attorneys.php?action=view&id=113
Margolis Edelstein
3510 Trindle Rd.
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Serving all of DE, NJ, PA and WV
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message is intended only for the personal
and confidential use of the intended recipients. This message may contain privileged
attomey-client communication. If you have received this message in error, any review
or dissemination is strictly prohibited. Please notify us immediately by e-mail and
delete the original message.
2 attachments
•m Order Mot to Quash.pdf
34K
1-921 Motion to Quash.pdf
43K
DEFENDANT'S
EXHIBIT
https://mai I.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&i k=516b611801&view=pt&q=akrzywicki%40mac.com&psize=20&pm r=100&pdr=50&search=apps&th=149a97c007786... 1/1
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CORPORATION, : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
vs.
: CIVIL ACTION — LAW
: NO. 13-4820 CIVIL
PRECISION UNDERGROUND :
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES and :
"JOHN DOE,"
Defendants
IN RE: DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO QUASH THE NOTICE TO ATTEND
ORDER
AND NOW, this Z 4' day of November, 2014, a hearing on the Defendant's Motion
to Quash the Notice to Attend is set for Friday, December 5, 2014, at 3:30 p.m. in Courtroom
Number 4, Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, PA.
BY THE COURT,
/ Anthony P. Krzywicki, Esquire
For the Plaintiff
�- Stephen L. Banko, Jr., Esquire
For the Defendants
:rim
(p yes Ma ; ied it
A,j
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION,
Civil Action - In Law
Plaintiff, No. 13-4820 Civil
vs.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CORP. and
"JOHN DOE",
Defendants.
ARBITRATION
PRAECIPE TO SETTLE, DISCONTINUE, AND END
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly mark this matter Settle, Discontinue, and End against the Defendants, without
prejudice upon payment of your costs only.
DATED: December 3, 2014
KRZYWICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
P
N- • - .pe, PA 18938
(215) 862-4390
Attorney I.D. 23754
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES
CORPORATION,
Plaintiff
vs.
PRECISION UNDERGROUND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES and
"JOHN DOE,"
Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: CIVIL ACTION — LAW
: NO. 13-4820 CIVIL
ORDER
AND NOW, this ' day of January, 2015, the appointment of a Board of
Arbitrators in the above -captioned case is VACATED. Kathleen Shaulis, Esquire, Chairman,
shall be paid the sum of $50.00.
Kathleen Shaulis, Esquire
Chairman
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Cory rAc,4ed 116,
fps
BY THE COURT,
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1