HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-0377
Metzger, Wickersham, Knauss & Erb, P.C.
By: Andrew C. Spears, Esquire
Attorney J.D. No. 87737
P,O. Box 5300
3211 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0300
(717) 238-8187
acs(a)mwke.com
BRENDA G. MILLS
139 West North Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
v.
Plaintiff
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.
5430 Jonestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD., :
t/d/b/a KARN'S FOOD
Corporate Office
675 Silver Spring Road
Mechanicsburg, P A 17050
KARN'S FOOD
413 Forge Road
Boiling Springs, PAl 7007
Defendants
Attorneys for Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DOCKET NO. oS -~17 C'/CJlLTEa..."'I
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS
319354.1
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please issue a Writ of Summons against the Defendants in the above-captioned action.
The Writ shall be issued and forwarded to the Sheriff of Cumberland County for service and for
deputizing the Sheriff of Dauphin County.
METZGER, WICKERSHAM, KNAUSS & ERB, P.C.
By
( j) ~ "--'
" - -
Andrew C. Spears, Esquire
Attorney J.D. No. 87737
P.O. Box 5300
3211 North Front Street
Harrisburg, P A 17110-0300
(717) 238-8187
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Dated: \ - \<\- Q';-
319354-/
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Metzger, Wickersham, Knauss & Erb, P.C.
By: Andrew C. Spears, Esquire
Attorney LD. No. 87737
P.O, Box 5300
3211 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0300
(717) 238-8187
acs(qlmwke.com
Attorneys for Plaintiff
BRENDA G. MILLS
139 West North Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DOCKET NO, oS - 3'77 C!U.~~
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.
5430 Jonestown Road
Harrisburg, P A 17112
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD., :
tJdIb/a KARN'S FOOD
Corporate Office
675 Silver Spring Road
Mechanicsburg, P A 17050
KARN'S FOOD
413 Forge Road
Boiling Springs, P A 17007
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
WRIT OF SUMMONS
3/9354-/
TO: Karn's Prime & Fancy Food, Ltd.
5430 Jonestown Road
Harrisburg, P A 17112
You are hereby notified that Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills, has commenced an action against
you.
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Prothonotary
4
Dated:--...Jd.,,'). ;Jf) :J~
,
3/9354-/
Philip L. Gazan, Esquire
Attorney 1.0. #29570
Michael A. John, Esquire
Attorney LD, #69936
GAZAN & JOHN, P.c.
25 East Marshall Street
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 272-4455
Attorney for Defendants
BRENDA G. MILLS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
v.
NO. 05-377 CIVIL TERM
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, L TO,
And
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.
t/d/b/a KARN'S FOOD
And
KARN'S FOOD
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please enter our appearance for defendants, Karn's Prime & Fancy Food, Ltd., Karn's
Prime & Fancy Food, Ltd. t/d/h/a Karn's Food and Karn's Food in the above captioned matter.
GAZAN & JOHN, P.c.
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PA
CIVIL DIVISION
BRENDA G. MILLS
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
vs.
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.
tld/b/a KARN'S FOOD and KARN'S FOOD:
FILE NO. 05-377 Civil Term
PRAECIPE AND RULE TO FILE
XX COMPLAINT
BILL OF PARTICULARS
PRAECIPE AND RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY/CLERK OF SAID COURT:
Issue rule on Plaintiff. Brenda G. Mills
to file a
Complaint
in the above
case within twenty (20) days after service of the rule or the Prothonotary/Clerk, upon praecipe,
shall enter a judgment non pros.
DATE:
2\1'310<
Signature:
Print Michael A. John Es u
Attorney for: Defendants
Address: Gazan & John, P.C.
25 East Marshall Street
Norristown, PA 19401
Telephone Number: 610-272-4455
Supreme Court ID No 69936
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.2005, RULE ISSQZ~. ~
Prothonotary~ 0-
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eputy
(NOTE: File in duplicate)
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Metzger, Wickersham, Knauss & Erb, P.e.
By: Andrew C, Spears, Esquire
Attorney l.D, No. 87737
P.O, Box 5300
3211 North Front Street
Harrisburg, P A 1711 0-0300
(717) 238-8187
acs(aJ,mwke.com
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
BRENDA G. MILLS
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.,
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.,
t/d/b/a KARN'S FOOD, and KARN'S FOOD,
Defendants
DOCKET NO, 05-377 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO DEFEND
TO: Karn's Prime & Fancy Food, Ltd.,
Karn's Prime & Fancy Food, Ltd.,
t/d/b/a KARN'S FOOD, and Karn's Food, Defendants
c/o Phillip L. Gazan, Esquire
Michael A. John, Esquire
Gazan & John, P.C.
25 East Marshall Street
Norristown, PA 19401
Attorneys for Defendants
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
322471
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 Plaintiffs, You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW,
THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMA TlON ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAYBE ABLE TO
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL
SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(800) 990-9108
32247\
NOT1CIA
LE HAN DEMANDADO A USTED EN LA CORTE. Si usted qui ere defenderse de estas
demandas expuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene viente (20) dias de plazo al partir de la
fecha de la demanda y la notificacion. Usted debe presentar una apariencia escrita 0 en persona 0
por abogado y archivar en la corte en forma escrita sus defensas 0 sus objeciones alas demandas en
contra de su persona. Sea avisado que si usted no se defiende, la corte tomara medidas y puede
entrar una orden contra usted sin previo aviso a notificacion y por cualquier queja 0 alivio que es
pedido en la peticion de demanda, Usted puede perder dinero 0 sus propiedades 0 otros derechos
importantes para usted,
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO IMMEDIATAMENTE. S1 NO TIENE
ABOGADO 0 S1 NO TIENE EL DINERO SUF1CffiNTE DE PAGAR TAL SERV1C10, VAYA
EN PERSONA 0 LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OF1CINA CUY A DIRECC10N SE
ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABNO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUJR
AS1STENCIA LEGAL.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(800) 990-9108
322471
Metzger, Wickersham, Knauss & Erb, P.C.
By: Andrew C, Spears, Esquire
Attorney LD, No. 87737
By: Francis J, Lafferty, Esquire
Attorney LD, No. 84009
P.O. Box 5300
3211 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0300
(717) 238-8187
acs(a)mwke.com
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
BRENDA G. MILLS
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.,
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.,
tld/b/a KARN'S FOOD, and KARN'S FOOD,
Defendants
DOCKET NO, 05-377 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CIVIL COMPLAINT
1. Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills, is an adult individual currently residing at 139 West
North Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17013.
2. Defendant, Kam's Prime & Fancy Food, Ltd., is a Pennsylvania corporation with
a Pennsylvania registered address of 5430 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, Dauphin County,
Pennsylvania, 17112, and a corporate office address of 675 Silver Spring Road, Mechanicsburg,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17050, which also trades and does business as Kam's Food,
322471
with a store located at 413 Forge Road, Boiling Springs, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
17007.
3.
At all times material hereto, Defendants owned, occupied, possessed, maintained,
controlled, and operated the Kam's Food store located at 413 Forge Road, Boiling Springs,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17007,
4. On February 16,2003, Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills, was a business invitee ofKam's
Food and was grocery shopping on that date,
5. After Plaintiff had placed her shopping cart in line for the cashier checkout, she
turned, because she had forgotten one item, and encountered a large puddle of ice and water which
had accumulated in the customer walkway of the floor causing her to fall, injuring her lower back.
COUNT I
N el!:lil!:ence
Brenda G, Mills v. Defendants
6, Paragraphs 1 through 5 hereof are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set
forth,
7. At the time of Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills' aforesaid fall, she was a business invitee
ofKam's Food,
8. Defendants knew or should have known of the dangerous condition at the store
and knew or should have expected that its customers would not discover the hazard and should
have protected its customers against the hazard,
- 2 -
322471
9. Defendants had a duty as store owners to keep their store, customer walkway,
and/or floor area clear of ice, water, and snow which would cause a walking hazard to their
customers and which could cause their customers to slip and fall,
10. Karn's Food, individually and/or by its agents, servants, workmen, and/or
employees acting within the scope of their authority, breached its legal duty to the public and to
Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills, in particular, and was negligent in the following particulars:
(a) Failing to clear the store, customer walkway, and/or floor of ice, snow,
and/or water;
(b) Allowing ice, snow, and/or water to accumulate in its store, customer
walkway, and/or floor of the Karn's Food store;
(c) Failing to take the necessary protective and precautionary measures to
ensure that its customers, including Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills, had a safe
floor, walkway, and/or store area and were not subject to a
slipping/tripping hazard;
(d) Failing to place anti-slip material or floor mats on the floor, walkway,
and/or store area to ensure that the area was safe for its customers,
including Plaintiff, Brenda G, Mills;
(e) Failing to warn its customers and Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills, in particular,
ofthe dangerous accumulation of ice, snow, and/or water, to include
failing to have in place any warning signs;
(f) Failing to properly inspect its store, customer walkway, and/or floor to
avoid the accumulation of chunks of ice, snow, and/or water and the
situation which occurred to Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills;
(g) Otherwise failing to eliminate or to remove the dangerous accumulation
of ice, snow, and/or water in the store, customer walkway, and/or floor
area;
(h) Failing to have in place the necessary personnel, employees, workmen,
servants, agents, and/or independent contractors available to clean/clear
the store, customer walkway, and/or floor area;
(i) Failing to treat or otherwise attend to the store, customer walkway, and/or
floor area so that it is not slippery or dangerous to customers, including
Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills;
- 3 -
322471
(j) Failing to supervise employees, servants, workmen, agents, and/or
independent contractors to ensure that the store, customer walkway,
and/or floor area of the Karn's Food store was clear and free from
hazardous materials such as ice, snow, and/or water;
(k) Failing to have an alternate location where customers, including Plaintiff,
Brenda G. Mills, could safely walk to avoid the hazardous accumulation
of ice, snow, and/or water at the Karn's Food store;
(I) Failing to barricade, rope off, or otherwise bar access to the hazardous
accumulation of ice, snow, and/or water so that customers, including
Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills, did not have to travel through it;
(m) Failing to employ the necessary maintenance personnel to clear and/or
attend to the store, customer walkway, and/or floor area so that there was
not a dangerous accumulation of ice, snow, and/or water;
(n) Failing to have in place a program to prevent and/or respond to such
dangerous accumulations of ice, snow, and/or water and to prevent such
fails;
(0) Failing to adequately train its employees, servants, workmen, agents,
and/or independent contractors to ensure that the store, customer
walkway, and/or floor area was clear and free from hazardous materials
such as ice, snow, and/or water, or that other protective measures are
taken to protect its customers, including Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills, from
falling;
(p) Failing to properly instruct its employees, servants, workmen, agents,
and/or independent contractors on the necessity of clearing and keeping
safe the store, customer walkway, and/or floor area of the Kam's Food
store;
(q) Hiring or retaining an employee, servant, workman, agent, independent
contractor, tenant, and/or lessee who is unfit or incompetent to keep the
store, customer walkway, and/or floor area clear and free from hazardous
materials such as ice, snow, and/or water, and to take the other protective
measures necessary to protect its customers, including Plaintiff, Brenda G,
Mills, from falling; and
(r) Failing to inspect the store, customer walkway, and/or floor area to ensure
that no hazardous condition existed, including accumulations of ice, snow,
and/or water, for its customers, including Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills.
- 4-
322471
II. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendants, Plaintiff, Brenda
G, Mills, sustained or may sustain serious and debilitating injuries, some of which are or may be
permanent, and some of which may be an aggravation and/or exacerbation of pre-existing
conditions which include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Trauma injury to her lower back.
12. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence of Defendants,
Plaintiff, Brenda G, Mills, was forced to incur medical bills and expenses for the diagnosis and
treatment of the injuries she has suffered, and will reasonably incur in the future further medical
bills and expenses for the treatment and care of her continuing injuries.
13. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence of Defendants,
Plaintiff, Brenda G, Mills, has suffered a past loss of earnings, loss of benefits, loss of wage
earning capacity, future loss of earnings, loss of productivity, and loss of household services.
14, As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence of Defendants,
Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills, has undergone and in the future will undergo great mental and
physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, discomfort, inconvenience, and distress,
embarrassment and humiliation, past, present, and future loss of her ability to enjoy the pleasures
of life, and limitations in her pursuit of daily activities, all to her great loss and detriment.
15. As a direct and proximate result ofthe aforesaid negligence of Defendants,
Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills, has also suffered incidental costs and expenses including, but not
limited to, medication expenses and/or medical appliance expenses.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills, demands judgment against the Defendants,
either individually and/or jointly and severally, for the aforesaid damages in an amount which
- 5 -
322471
exceeds the limits of compulsory arbitration in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, plus interest
and/or damages for delay, and costs of prosecution,
METZGER, WICKERSHAM, KNAUSS & ERB, P.c.
By
\).1 c: -Rr
Andrew C. Spears, Esquire
Attorney LD, No. 87737
FE~llire
Attorney LD. No. 84009
By
P.O, Box 5300
3211 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0300
(717) 238-8187
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Dated: .3 - / I- DS
- 6 -
322471
VERIFICATION
I, Brenda G. Mills, hereby certify that the following is correct:
The facts set forth in the foregoing Complaint are based upon information which I have
furnished to counsel, as well as upon information which has been gathered by counsel and/or others
acting on my behalf in this matter. The language of the Complaint is that of counsel and not my
own. I have read the Complaint, and to the extent that it is based upon information which I have
given to counsel, it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. To the
extent that the content of the Complaint is that of counsel, I have relied upon such counsel in
making this Verification, I hereby acknowledge that the facts set forth in the aforesaid Complaint
are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa, C.SA, 94904 relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities,
~jM_~,~()Q,v
Brenda G, Mills
Dated:
S//D)D<::;
, ,
322471
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Andrew C. Spears, Esquire, of the law firm of Metzger, Wickersham, Knauss & Erb, P.C.,
hereby certify that I served a true and exact copy of the Civil Complaint with reference to the
foregoing action by first class mail, postage prepaid, this ~ay of March, 2005, on the
following:
Philip L. Gazan, Esquire
Michael A. John, Esquire
Gazan & John, P.C.
25 East Marshall Street
Norristown, PA 19401
~C(~ -
Andrew C, Spears, Esquire
322471
-
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
CIVIL DIVISION
BRENDA G. MILLS
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
vs.
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, L TD,
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.
t/dlb/a KARN'S FOOD and KARN'S FOOD:
FILE NO. 05-377 Civil Term
PRAECIPE AND RULE TO FILE
XX COMPLAINT
BILL OF PARTICULARS
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Michael A. John, Esquire, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of Praecipe and
Rule to File Complaint has been served upon the following persons:
Andrew C. Spears, Esquire
Metzger, Wickersham, Knauss & Erb, P.C.
P.O. Box 5300
3211 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0300
Via: First Class Mail on
(Form of Delivery, e.g. Mail/Courier etc.)
March 9, 2005
(Current Date)
)
-
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2005-00377 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
MILLS BRENDA G
VS
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD ETAL
BRIAN BARRICK
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS
was served upon
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD LTD T/D/B/A KARN'S FOOD
the
DEFENDANT
, at 0915:00 HOURS, on the 26th day of January ,2005
at 675 SILVER SPRING ROAD
MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050
by handing to
BRUCE RUDDOROW, VICE PRESIDENT ADULT IN CHARGE
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
6.00
7.40
.00
10.00
.00
23.40
So Answers:
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R. Thomas Kline
Sworn and Subscribed to before
02/04/2005
METZGER WICKERS~ ~ J
By: I~ fft~ f~
Deputy Sheriff
10
me this /1 ~ day of
d..lL"""J JiJc.:( A.D.
C 4/1.-<...- Q.fhAP~P.. A L,c
I rothonotary ,'-~'
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2005-00377 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
MILLS BRENDA G
VS
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD ETAL
BRIAN BARRICK
, Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County, pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS
was served upon
KARN'S FOOD
the
DEFENDANT
, at 1505:00 HOURS, on the 26th day of January , 2005
at 413 FORGE ROAD
BOILING SPRINGS, PA 17007
by handing to
PAUL HOOVER, STORE MANAGER,
ADULT IN CHARGE
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
6.00
3.70
.00
10.00
.00
19.70
So Answers:
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R. Thomas Kline
Sworn and Subscribed to before
02/04/2005
METZGER WICKERS~
By: ,/1tfJ 11< A
Deputy Sheriff
(:.-
me this / / ~ day of
1, fl~,<, ""7 d OV {' A.D.
~ Q ~'-' ,Dn-h
P othonotary ,~7
,.
,
SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NO: 2005-00377 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
MILLS BRENDA G
VS
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD ETAL
R. Thomas Kline
, Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT
, to wit:
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD LTD
but was unable to locate Them
in his bailiwick. He therefore
deputized the sheriff of DAUPHIN
County, Pennsylvania, to
serve the within WRIT OF SUMMONS
On February 4th, 2005 , this office was in receipt of the
attached return from DAUPHIN
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Out of County
Surcharge
Dep Dauphin County
18.00
9.00
10.00
31. 25
.00
68.25
02/04/2005
METZGER WICKERSHAM
S a ./
o nsw,,:w- ./_
<p~~...C
R. THomas Kline
Sheriff of Cumberland County
Sworn and subscribed to before me
this 11/2 day ofJ.J'''''''''1
;2o-v:s A.D.
Ll,--. Q i'Yu~t1,..J A~
f Prothonotary'
. ~
In The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Brenda G. Mills
'is.
Kam 's Prime & Fancy Food LTD
No. 05-377 civil
Now,
January 25. 2005
, I, SHERIFF OF CUMBERLA..'ID COUNTY, P A, do
hereby deputize the Sheriff of
Dauphin
County to execute this Writ, this
deputation being made at the request and risk of the Plaintiff.
~~. .."I->;~?
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SheriffofCurnberland County, PA
Affidavit of Service
Now,
,20_, at
o'clock
M. served the
within
upon
at
by handing to
copy of the original
a
and made known to
the contents thereof.
So answers,
Sheriff of
County, P A
Sworn and subscribed before
me this _ day of , 20
COSTS
SERVICE
MILEAGE
AFFIDA VIT
$
$
. '
'"
@iiit~ of tlyc ~4criff
William T. Tully
Solicitor
J. Daniel Basile
Chief Deputy
Mary Jane Snyder
Real Estate Deputy
Michael W. Rinehart
Assistant Chief Deputy
Dauphin County
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
ph, (717) 255.2660 fax: (717) 255-2889
Jack Lotwick
Sheriff
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
MILLS BRENDA G
vs
County of Dauphin
KARNS PRIME & FANCY FOOD LTD
Sheriff's Return
No. 0169-T - -2005
OTHER COUNTY NO. 05-377
AND NOW:January 28, 2005
at 10:00AM served the within
WRIT OF SUMMONS
upon
KARNS PRIME & FANCY FOOD LTD
by personally handing
to MICHAEL EICHELBERGER MANAGER
o true attested copy(ies)
of the original
WRIT OF SUMMONS
and making known
to himlher the contents thereof at 5430 JONESTOWN ROAD
HARRISBURG, PA 17112-0000
Sworn and subscribed to
So Answers,
!K~
before me this 2ND day of FEBRUARY, 2005
Sheriff of Dauphin County, Pa.
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By
NOTARIAL SEAL
MARY JANE SNYDER, Notal)' Public
Highspire, Dauphin County
My Commission Expires Sept. 1,2006
Deputy Sheriff
Sheriff's Costs:$O.OO PD 00/00/0000
RCPT NO
TS
Philip L. Gazan, Esquire
Attorney LD. #29570
Michael A. John, Esquire
Attorney LD. #69936
GAZAN & JOHN, P.c.
25 East Marshall Street
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 272-4455
Attorney for Defendants
BRENDA G. MILLS
IN THE COURT OF COMMO PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNT ,PA
v.
NO. 05-377 CIVIL TERM
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.
And
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.
t/dIb/a KARN'S FOOD
And
KARN'S FOOD
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER AND NEW MATTER
Defendant, Karn's Prime & Fancy Food, Ltd., Karn's Prime & Fancy Food, td t/d/b/a
Karn's Food and Karn's Food, by and through its counsel, Michael A. John, Esquir hereby files
its Answer to Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mill's Complaint with New Matter, and in suppo thereof
avers as follows:
I, The allegations in this paragraph contain factual averments w ich are
solely within the knowledge of the plaintiff. Accordingly, after reasonable investig ion, a
responsive pleading cannot be formed hereto and defendants will insist upon strict p oof of same
at the time of trial.
2. Admitted.
3. Denied. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusi ns of law to
which no response is required under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
4, Denied. After reasonable investigation, defendant is without ufficient
information to either admit or deny the averments of this paragraph. Accordingly, t ese
averments are deemed denied and defendant will insist upon strict proof of same at he time of
trial.
I
5, Denied, After reasonable investigation, defendant is without ufficient
,
information to either admit or deny the averments of this paragraph. Accordingly, t
averments are deemed denied and defendant will insist upon strict proof of same at
trial. By way of further answer, defendant, after reasonable investigation, is withou knowledge
as to the injuries and/or damages allegedly sustained by plaintiff and will insist upo strict proof
of the same at the time of trial.
COUNT I
Nel!:lil!:ence
Brenda G. Mills v. Defendants
6. Answering defendant incorporates its answers I through 5 of laintiffs
complaint as if it were set forth at length herein.
7. Denied, The averments contained in this paragraph constitut conclusions
of law to which no response is required under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Proce ure. By
way of further answer, defendant, after reasonable investigation, is without knowled e as to the
injuries and/or damages allegedly sustained by plaintiff and will insist upon strict pr of of said at
the time of trial.
8. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph constitute conclusions
of law to which no response is required under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Proce ure, By
2
way offurther answer, and without waiving the aforementioned denial, it is denied t at
defendant was negligent at any time material hereto, On the contrary, at all times m terial
hereto, defendant acted in a proper, prudent, cautious and safe manner, and exercise due and
reasonable care under the circumstances.
9. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph constitut conclusions
of law to which no response is required under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Proce ure. By
way of further answer, and without waiving the aforementioned denial, it is denied t at
defendant was negligent at any time material hereto. On the contrary, at all times m terial
hereto, defendant acted in a proper, prudent, cautious and safe manner, and exercise due and
reasonable care under the circumstances.
IO(a)-(r) Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph constitu e
conclusions oflaw to which no response is required under the Pennsylvania Rules 0 Civil
Procedure, By way of further answer, and without waiving the aforementioned deni I, it is
denied that defendant was negligent at any time material hereto, On the contrary, at II times
material hereto, defendant acted in a proper, prudent, cautious and safe manner, and xercised
due and reasonable care under the circumstances.
ll(a) Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph constitute onclusions
of law to which no response is required under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Proce ure. By
way of further answer, defendant, after reasonable investigation, is without knowled e as to the
injuries and/or damages allegedly sustained by plaintiff and will insist upon strict pr of of same
at the time of trial.
12. Denied, The averments contained in this paragraph constitute onclusions
of law to which no response is required under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Proce ure. By
3
way of further answer, defendant, after reasonable investigation, is without knowle ge as to the
injuries and/or damages allegedly sustained by plaintiff and will insist upon strict p of of same
I
I
at the time of trial. I
I
13. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph constitut conclusions
of law to which no response is required under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Proc dure. By
way of further answer, defendant, after reasonable investigation, is without knowle e as to the
injuries and/or damages allegedly sustained by plaintiff and will insist upon strict pr of of same
at the time of trial.
14. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph constitut conclusions
of law to which no response is required under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Proc
way of further answer, defendant, after reasonable investigation, is without knowle
injuries and/or damages allegedly sustained by plaintiff and will insist upon strict pr of of same
at the time of trial.
15. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph constitut conclusions
of law to which no response is required under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Proce ure. By
way of further answer, defendant, after reasonable investigation, is without knowled e as to the
injuries and/or damages allegedly sustained by plaintiff and will insist upon strict pr of of same
at the time of trial.
WHEREFORE, Answering Defendants, Karn's Prime & Fancy Food Ltdl, rn's Prime
and Fancy Food, Ltd. t/d/b/a Karn's Food, and Karn's Food, demands judgment in i favor and
against plaintiff, together with interest and attorneys' fees and any other costs allow ble by law.
4
NEW MATTER
16, Answering defendant incorporates its answers I through IS 0 plaintiffs
,
complaint as if it were set forth at length herein.
17. Plaintiff s cause of action is or may be barred or otherwise Ii
doctrine of comparative negligence.
18. Plaintiffs cause of action is or may be barred or otherwise Ii
doctrine of assumption of the risk.
19. Any and all direct claims against answering defendant, are or
barred or otherwise limited by the applicable statute oflimitations or statute of repo e.
20. The injuries sustained by plaintiff, if any, were caused by the egligence
of others over whom the answering defendant had no control and whose conduct th had no
reason to anticipate.
21. Plaintiff s cause of action may be barred or otherwise limited y the
doctrine of superseding and/or intervening cause.
22. Plaintiffs complaint fails to state a cause of action upon whic relief may
be granted.
23. In the event that plaintiffrequests damages for delay pursuant to the
Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 238, answering defendant challenges the appl' ability and
constitutionality of said rule and places it at issue.
24. Defendant reserves the right to interpose such other defenses dlor
objections to the allegations set forth in plaintiffs complaint as continuing investiga ion and
discovery may disclose.
5
WHEREFORE, Answering Defendants, Karn's Prime & Fancy Foodl Lldl, Karn's
I
Prime and Fancy Food, Ltd. t/d/b/a Karn's Food, and Karn's Food, demands judgm~int in its
i
,
favor and against plaintiff, together with interest, attorneys' fees, and any other cost allowable
bylaw.
GAZAN & JOHN, P.C.
6
VERIFICATION
I do hereby state that I am attorney for defendant herein and as such I am aut orized to
take this verification on their behalf; the facts set forth in the foregoing Answer and ew Matter
are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I underst
statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. 4904 relating to unsworn fa sification to
authorities.
Dated:
5/2{/o"
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Metzger. Wickersham, Knauss & Erb, P,C.
By: Francis J. Lafferty, Esquire
Attorney J.D. No. 84009
P,O, Box 5300
3211 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0300
(717) 238-8187
acs @mwke.com
Attorneys for Plaintif
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT 0 COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND C UNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
BRENDA G. MILLS
v,
CIVIL ACTION -
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.,
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.,
t/d/b/a KARN'S FOOD, and KARN'S FOOD,
Defendants
DOCKET NO. 05-3 7 CIVIL TERM
PLAINTIFFS' REPLY TO NEW MATTER OF DEFEN ANTS
16. Paragraphs 1 through 15 of Plaintiffs Complaint are incorpo ated herein by
reference as if fully set forth herein.
17, Conclusion oflaw, no reply required. If a reply is required, t e averments are
denied pursuant to Pa.R.C,P. No. 1029(e) and 1030(note). By way of furt er reply, Brenda G.
Mills did not directly and proximately cause or contribute to her injuries an or damage.
18. Conclusion of law, no reply required. If a reply is required, t averments are
denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1029(e). By way of further reply, Pla'ntiff, a business invitee
of Defendant at the time of the injury, was not negligent in any manner d did not assume any
risk.
19, Conclusion oflaw, no reply required. Ifa reply is require, the averments are
denied pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1029(e). By way of further reply, a omplaint was filed on
March 14, 2005, and served promptly on Defendants within the time allowed by the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
20, Conclusions oflaw, no reply required. If a reply is require, the averments are
denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. l029(e) and No. l030(note). By way 0 further reply, Plaintiff
was not negligent in any manner and answering Defendants have failed specify the "others"
who may have caused Plaintiffs injury. Furthermore, Defendants have ailed to specify what
acts or omissions on the part of others allegedly cause in whole or in part laintiffs injuries and
damages and, therefore, Plaintiff cannot fully reply,
21. Conclusion oflaw, no reply required, If a reply is required, he averments are
denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1029(e). By way of further reply, Defe dants' duties of care
were set forth in the Complaint filed in this action as was the manner n which Defendants
breached these duties. By way of further reply, Defendants have failed to pecify what persons
and/or entities other than Defendants allegedly constituted an intervenin and/or superceding
cause thereby obviating liability on the part of answering Defendants, there ore, Plaintiff cannot
fully reply.
22.
Conclusion oflaw, no reply required. If a reply is required, t e averments are
324577-1
denied pursuant to Pa.R.c.P. No. 1029(e). By way of further reply, Plain iff has stated a cause of
action upon which relief can be granted as set forth in the Complaint file in this action which is
incorporated herein by reference.
23. Conclusion oflaw, no reply required. If a reply is required the averments are
denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1029(e). By way of further reply, Pe sylvania Rule of Civil
Procedure No. 238 is not unconstitutional and has not been found to e unconstitutional as
applied to the facts herein.
24. No response is required.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills, demands that Defend ts, Kam's Prime &
Fancy Food, Ltd. and Kam's Prime & Fancy Food, Ltd. tld/bla Kam's Fo d and Kam's Food be
dismissed and that judgment be entered in Plaintiffs favor and against D fendants as requested
in the Complaint filed in this action.
METZGER, WI~RgItAM, KNAUSS & E , P.C.
By:
Dated: 0/(0 F
rancis J. Laf rty, IV, squire
Attorney LD. No. 84009
3211 North Front Street
P.O. Box 5300
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0300
(717) 238-8187
Attorney for Plaintiffs
324577-1
VERIFICATION
The undersigned hereby certifies that he is the attorney for the Plain iff, Brenda G. Mills,
and that the facts in the foregoing Plaintiffs Reply to New Matter of De fen ants, are true and
correct to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, and that said m tters relating to the
Plaintiff's Reply to New Matter of Defendants are as known to the undersi ed as to the client,
Plaintiff, Brenda G. Mills, said knowledge being based upon information co tained in the attorney's
files in this matter, and further states that false statements herein are made su ~ect to the penalties of
18 Pa. C.S.A. 94904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Dated:
Y!/ts
324577-1
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Francis J. Lafferty, IV, Esquire, of Metzger, Wickersham, P.c., 0 hereby certify that on
the date set forth below, I did serve a true and correct copy of the foreg ing document upon the
following persons at the following addresses indicated below by sending s e in the United States
mail, postage prepaid, as follows:
Philip L. Gazan, Esqiure
Michael A. John, Esquire
GAZAN & JOHN, P.C.
25 East Marshall Street
Norristown, PA 19401
D&oi ~/~
S&ERB,P.C.
By
324577 -1
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METZGER, WICKERSHAM, P.C.
By: Francis J. Lafferty, Esquire
Attorney LD. No. 84009
P.O. Box 5300
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0300
(717) 238-8187
BRENDA G. MILLS
Attorney for Plaintiff
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD"
KARN'S PRIME & FANCY FOOD, LTD.,
tld/b/a KARN'S FOOD, and KARN'S FOOD,
Defendants
DOCKET NO. 05-377 CIVIL TERM
JURY TRlAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO SETTLE. DISCONTIN(;E AND END
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
Kindly mark the entire above-captioned case sett
By:
Fr cis J. L rty, IV, Esquire
Attorney LD. No. 84009
3211 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 5300
Harrisburg, P A 17110-0300
Attorney for Plaintiff
(717) 238-8187
Date: June --.lQ., 2005
329905-}
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