HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-0898
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYL VANIA
NO. 2005
Civil Action - (x) Law ( ) Equity
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II and
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN
PAUL WHITTEN
631 Willow Grove Road
Carlisle, PAl 70 13
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PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please issue a writ of summons in the above-captioned action.
lL Writ of Summons shall be issued and forwarded to ( ) Attorney (X) Sheriff
ANDREW H. DOWLING, ESQUIRE
Mette, Evans & Woodside
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-232-5000
~~--
Signature of Attorney
Supreme Co ID o. 39692
Date: ~ I oS-
WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S):
YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED PLAINTIFF HAS COMMENCED AN
ACTION AGAINST YOU.
Date: d.-/l-O,)
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~notary
By -3(4~ fj~4?-
( ) Check here if reverse is issued for additional infonnation
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II, and
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN,
CIVIL DIVISION
NO. 05-898
Plaintiffs,
PRAECIPE FOR APPEARANCE
v.
(Jury Trial Demanded)
PAUL WHITTEN,
Defendant.
Filed on Behalf of the Defendant
Counsel of Record for This Party:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
Pa.I.D.#83058
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE and SKEEL, L.L.P.
Firm #911
1017 Mumma Road, Suite 300
Lemoyne, PA 17043
(717) 901-5916
#13544
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II, and
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN,
CIVIL DIVISION
Plaintiffs,
NO. 05-898
v.
PAUL WHITTEN,
Defendant.
(Jury Trial Demanded)
PRAECIPE FOR APPEARANCE
Kindly enter the Appearance of the undersigned, Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire, of the
law firm of Summers, McDonnell, Hudock, Guthrie & Skeel, L.L.P., on behalf of the
Defendant, Paul Whitten, in the above case.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Respectfully submitted,
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, L.L.P.
evin D. Rauch, Esquire
Counsel for Defendant
By:
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing PRAECIPE
FOR APPEARANCE has been mailed by U.S. Mail to counsel of record via first class
1\'.,\1
mail, postage pre-paid, this "'""\'+\r---- day of March, 2005.
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Mette, Evans & Woodside
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, L.L.P.
By:
. auch, Esquire
Counsel for Defendant
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II, and
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN,
CIVIL DIVISION
NO. 05-898
Plaintiffs,
v.
PRAECIPE FOR RULE
TO FILE COMPLAINT
PAUL WHITTEN,
(Jury Trial Demanded)
Defendant.
Filed on Behalf of the Defendant
Counsel of Record for This Party:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
Pa.I.D.#83058
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE and SKEEL, L.L.P.
Firm #911
1017 Mumma Road, Suite 300
Lemoyne, PA 17043
(717) 901-5916
#13544
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II, and
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN,
CIVIL DIVISION
Plaintiffs,
NO. 05-898
v.
PAUL WHITTEN,
Defendant.
(Jury Trial Demanded)
PRAECIPE FOR RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
TO: The Prothonotary
Kindly rule the Plaintiffs, Harry B. Laughlin, II, and Melissa J. Laughlin, to file a
Complaint in Civil Action within twenty (20) days.
Respectfully submitted,
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, L.L.P.
By:
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing PRAECIPE
FOR RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT has been mailed by U.S. Mail to counsel of record
via first class mail, postage pre-paid, this q'\.\", day of March 2005.
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Mette, Evans & Woodside
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE SKEEL, L.L.P.
By:
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II, and
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN,
CIVIL DIVISION
Plaintiffs,
NO. 05-898
v.
PAUL WHITTEN,
Defendant.
(Jury Trial Demanded)
AND NOW, this
RULE
/()~, day of
fIl~./) r "
, 2005, upon
consideration of Defendant's Praecipe for Rule to File a Complaint, a Rule is hereby
granted upon Plaintiffs to file a Complaint within twenty (20) days of service, or suffer
judgment Non Pros.
Rule issued this jO-JJ....... day of
(Y1 ';::Ill r "-
.
, 2005.
~n,,--j-~ K ;;I~.
Prothonotary
~
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II and
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
NO. 05-898
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PAUL WHITTEN,
Defendant
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
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(s). 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 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
NOTICIA
LE HAN DEMANDADO A USTED EN LA CORTE. Si usted quiere defenderse de
estas demandas expuestas en Ias 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, Ia corte tomara
medidas y puede entrar una orden contra usted sin previo aviso 0 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 EST A DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO INMEDIA T AMENTA. SI NO TIENE
ABOGADO 0 SI NO TlENE EL DINERO SUFICIENTE DE P AGAR TAL SERVICIO,
V A Y A EN PERSONA 0 LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUY A DIRECCION SE
ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA A VERlGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR
ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
419388vl
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Mette, Evans & Woodside
3401 North Front Street
P.O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, P A 17110-0950
(717) 232-5000 - phone
(717) 236-1816 - fax
ahdowling@mette.com
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II and
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 05-898
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LA W
PAUL WHITTEN,
Defendant
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
AND NOW, come the Plaintiffs, Harry B. Laughlin, II, and Melissa J. Laughlin, by and
through their attorneys, Mette, Evans & Woodside, P.C. and file this complaint and aver as
follows:
I. Plaintiff, Harry B. Laughlin, II, is an adult individual residing at 210 Avon Drive,
Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17013.
2. Plaintiff, Melissa J. Laughlin, wife of Harry B. Laughlin, II, is an adult individual
residing at 210 Avon Drive, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17013.
3. Defendant, Paul Whitten, is an adult individual residing at 631 Willow Grove
Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17013.
4. The accident hereinafter related took place on December 29,2003, at or about
2: 13 p.m. at the 900 block of South Hanover Street at or near the intersection of Interstate 81
ramp, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
5. At the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff Harry B. Laughlin, II was driving a 2002
Mercedes Benz.
6. At the aforesaid time and place, Defendant Whitten owned and was operating a
1989 Chevrolet pick up truck with cab.
7. At all times relevant hereto, Plaintiff Harry B Laughlin, II was operating his
vehicle on a highway exercising reasonable care under the circumstances.
8. At the aforesaid time and place, Plaintiff Harry B. Laughlin, II, was traveling
northbound on South Hanover Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania proceeding on
a green light, through a traffic light controlled intersection at the Interstate 81 Ramp.
9. At the aforesaid time and place, Defendant Whitten was traveling southbound on
South Hanover Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania and negligently, carelessly
and recklessly initiated a left-hand turn immediately in front of the vehicle driven by Plaintiff
Harry B. Laughlin, II resulting in the Defendant's vehicle crashing into Plaintiffs vehicle.
10. The aforesaid accident was directly and proximately caused by the negligence,
carelessness and recklessness of Defendant Whitten as follows:
a. operating his motor vehicle in a careless, reckless, and negligent manner;
b. operating his vehicle in disregard of the rules of the road and the ordinances ofthe
laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
2
c. failing to have his motor vehicle under proper control so as to yield the right of
way to oncoming traffic;
d. failing to have his motor vehicle under the proper control so as to stop said
vehicle within the assured clear distance ahead;
e. operating his motor vehicle without due regard to the rights, safety and position of
Defendant Harry B. Laughlin, II;
f. failing to keep an alert and proper lookout;
g. failing to notice the vehicle of Plaintiff Harry B. Laughlin, II;
h. failing to take evasive action in order to avoid impacting with Plaintiff Harry B.
Laughlin's vehicle; and
I. failing to apply his vehicle's brakes in sufficient time to avoid striking Plaintiff
Harry B. Laughlin's vehicle.
II. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff Harry B. Laughlin, II acted in due care and
was not contributorily/comparatively negligent.
12. As a direct result of the aforesaid accident, the Plaintiff sustained serous injuries
as hereafter related.
COUNT I
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II V. PAUL WHITTEN
13. Paragraphs 1 through 12 are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set
forth.
14. As a direct result of the negligence, carelessness and recklessness of Defendant
Whitten, Plaintiff Harry B. Laughlin, II, sustained injuries and damages as set forth below:
a. closed head injury with post concussion syndrome;
3
b. seizures;
c. loss of consciousness;
d. blurred and double vision;
e. headaches;
f. neck pain;
g. memory loss;
h. loss of smell;
1. dizziness;
J. chronic low back pain;
k. right hip pain;
l. right thigh pain;
m. left shoulder pain;
n. left upper extremity pain with numbness and tingling;
o. broken tooth;
p. past and future pain and suffering;
q. past and future incidental costs;
r. past and future medical expenses;
s. past and future loss of earnings; and
t. past and future loss of earning capacity.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Harry B. Laughlin, II, demands judgment in his favor and
against Defendant Paul Whitten in an amount in excess of $35,000, plus costs, interest and such
other and further relief as the Court deems just and appropriate.
4
COUNT II
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN V. PAUL WHITTEN
15. Paragraphs I through 14 are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set
forth.
16. As a direct result of the Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Melissa J. Laughlin
suffered losses of companionship, comfort, society, services and other forms of consortium of
her husband, Plaintiff, Harry B. Laughlin, II.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Melissa J. Laughlin, demands judgment in her favor and against
Defendant Paul Whitten in an amount in excess of $35,000, plus costs, interest and such other
and further relief as the Court deems just and appropriate.
Respectfully submitted,
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
By:
~
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"----
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Sup. Ct. l.D. No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, P A 17110-0950
(717) 232-5000 - Phone
(717) 236-1816 - Fax
Date:
3/0;-
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Harry B. Laughlin, II and Melissa J. Laughlin
5
VERIFICATION
I, Harry B. Laughlin, II, have read the following Complaint and verifY that the facts set
forth herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. To the
extent that the foregoing document and/or its language is that of counsel, I have relied upon
counsel in making this Verification.
I understand that any false statements made herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.
C.S.A. 94904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
DATED: rfJ Itfl-C y{
fI, /,;)00)"
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garr . Laughlin, II
-:JE
VERIFICATION
I, Melissa J. Laughlin, have read the following Complaint and verify that the facts set
forth herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. To the
extent that the foregoing document andlor its language is that of counsel, I have relied upon
counsel in making this Verification.
I understand that any false statements made herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.
C.S.A. 94904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
DATED: J /1& /05
~9d/~~
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing Complaint upon the person( s)
and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the requirements of the Pennsylvania
Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of same in the United States Mail at Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, with first-class postage, prepaid, as follows:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
SUMMERS, MCDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, LLP
1017 Mumma Road
Lemoyne, P A 17043
Respectfully submitted,
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
By:
~
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Sup. Ct. 1.D. No. 39692
~.-----
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, P A 17110-0950
(717) 232-5000 - Phone
(717) 236-1816 - Fax
Date: r~~-
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Harry B. Laughlin, II and Melissa J. Laughlin
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HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II and
MELISSA A. LAUGHLIN,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLE AS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNS 'LVANIA
v.
NO: 05-898 CIVIL
PAUL WHITTEN,
Defendant
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE PREREOUlSITE TO SERVICE OF SUBPOENA
PURSUANT TO PARC.P. 4009.2 AND 45 CFR 164, ET SEO. (HIPAA)
As a prerequisite to service of subpoena for documents and things pursuant to Rule 4 09.22,
Plaintiffs, Harry B. Laughlin, II and Melissa A. Laughlin, certifY that:
(I) a Notice ofIntent to serve the subpoena with a copy of the subpoena attached thereto
was mailed to each party;
(2) a copy ofthe Notice ofIntent, including the proposed subpoena, is attached t
this Certificate;
(3) no objection to the subpoena has been made or received; and
(4) the subpoena which will be served is identical to the subpoena which is
attached to the Notice ofIntent to serve the subpoena.
Respectfully submitted,
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
--------.
By:
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~~"'=':----
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Sup. Ct. l.D. No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, P A 17110-0950
(717) 232-5000 - Phone
(717) 236-1816 - Fax
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Harry B. Laughlin, II and Melissa A. Laughlin
Date: March 29, 2005
,,'
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II and
MELISSA A. LAUGHLIN,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS F
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLV NIA
NO. 05-898 Civil
v.
PAUL WHITTEN,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NOTICE OF INTENT TO SERVE A SUBPOENA
TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS AND THINGS FOR DISCO
PURSUANT TO P.R.C.P. 4009.2 AND 45 CFR 164 ET SE .
Plaintiffs intend to serve a subpoena upon the Borough of Carlisle for the purpo e of
obtaining traffic signal records. The subpoena is identical to the one that is atl\ached to is
notice. You have twenty (20) days from the date listed below in which to file of record nd serve
upon the undersigned an objection to the subpoena. If no objection is made, the subpoe a may
be served.
Respectfully submitted,
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
By:
~
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Sup. Ct. J.D. No. 39692
340 I North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, P A 1711 0-0950
(717) 232-5000 - Phone
(717) 236-1816 - Fax
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Harry B. Laughlin, II and Melissa A. Laug in
Date: March 8, 2005
. .
or
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II and
MELISSA A. LAUGHLIN,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURY OF COMMON PLEA OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNS VANIA
NO. 05-898 Civil
v.
PAUL WHITTEN,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LA W
SUBPOENA TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS OR THINGS
FOR DISCOVERY PURSUANT TO RULE 4009.22
TO: Records Custodian Borou h of Carlisle
roduce
at Mette. Evans & Woodside. P.O. Box 5950. Harrisburg. P A 17110-0950
(Address)
You may deliver or mail legible copies ofthe documents or produce things requested l1y this sub oena,
together with the Certificate of Compliance, to the party making this request at the address listed bove.
You have the right to seek, in advance, the reasonable cost of preparing the copies or ptoducing e things
sought.
If you fail to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena, within !Went)! (20) days after its
service, the party serving this subpoena may seek a court order compelling you to comply with it.
THIS SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING PERSON:
Name: Andrew H. Dowlin!!. Esquire
Address: Mette. Evans & Woodside
3401 North Front Street. P. O. Box 5950. Harrisburg. PA 17110-0950
Telephone: (717) 232-5000
Supreme Court ill #39692
ATTORNEY FOR: Plaintiffs
BY THE COURT:
cu-vf;~ !( vf~
DATE: '7 - 'i ~ ()..r-
Seal of the Court
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I am serving a copy of the foregoing Notice of In~ent upon e
person( s) and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the requirements
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of the same in thie United tates
Mail, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first-class postage prepaid, as follows:
Paul Whitten
631 Willow Grove Road
Carlisle, P A 17013
Respectfully submitted,
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDI!:
By:
.~
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Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Sup, Ct. J.D. No. 39692
340 I North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, P A 17110-0950
(717) 232-5000 - Phone
(717) 236-1816 - Fax
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Harry B. Laughlin, II and Melissa A. Laugh in
Date: March 8, 2005
418693vl
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing Prerequisite to Se
Subpoena upon the person(s) and in the manner indicated below, which service satis
requirements of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of s e in the
United States Mail at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first-class postage, prepaid, as ti Hows:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
Guthrie & Skeel, LLP
1017 Mumma Road
Lemoyne, PA 17043
RespectfuHy submitted,
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
By:
~~
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Sup. Ct. I.D. No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, P A 17110-0950
(717) 232-5000 - Phone
(717) 236-1816 - Fax
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Harry B. Laughlin, II and Melissa A. Lau hlin
Date: March 29, 2005
420544vl
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CO
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2005-00898 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
LAUGHLIN HARRY A II ET AL
VS
WHITTEN PAUL
RICHARD SMITH
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County, pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according tc law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS
was served upon
WHITTEN PAUL
the
DEFENDANT
, at 1840:00 HOURS, on the 4th day of March
2005
at 631 WILLOW GROVE ROAD
CARLISLE, PA 17013
by handing to
PAUL WHITTEN
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS
together w"th
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents theleof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
So Answers:
r".~?~~~
18.00
3.70
.00
10.00
.00
31.70 03/04/2005
Sworn and Subscribed to before METTEB:~ANS WO~~I1E
me this q day of 1fl~ te:~riff
~ (> (;>)- A.D.
R. Thomas Kline
1W""~~
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II, and
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN,
CIVIL DIVISION
NO. 05-898
Plaintiffs,
ANSWER AND NEW MATTER
v.
(Jury Trial Demanded)
PAUL WHITTEN,
Defendant.
Filed on Behalf of the Defendant
Counsel of Record for This Party:
TO: Plaintiffs
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
Pa.I.D.#83058
You are hereby notified to file a written
response to the enclosed Answer and
New Matter within twenty (20) days
from s rvice hereof or a judgment
may e en against you.
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE and SKEEL, L.L.P.
Firm #911
1017 Mumma Road, Suite 300
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Summ s, McDonnell, Hudock,
Guthrie & Skeel, L.L.P.
(717) 901-5916
#13544
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II, and
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN,
CIVIL DIVISION
Plaintiffs,
NO. 05-898
v.
PAUL WHITTEN,
Defendant.
(Jury Trial Demanded)
ANSWER AND NEW MATTER
AND NOW, comes the Defendant, Paul Whitten, by and through his counsel,
Summers, McDonnell, Hudock, Guthrie & Skeel, L.L.P., and Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire,
and files the following Answer and New Matter and in support thereof avers as follows:
1. After reasonable investigation, the Defendant has insufficient information as
to the truth or falsity of said averments, therefore said averments are denied and strict
proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
2. After reasonable investigation, the Defendant has insufficient information as
to the truth or falsity of said averments, therefore said averments are denied and strict
proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted.
6. Denied. The Defendant was operating a 1989 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer on
the date, time, and place of the subject accident.
7. Paragraph 7 states a legal conclusion to which no response is required. To
the extent, however, that a response is deemed necessary, said averments are denied
generally pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(d) and (e). Strict proof thereof is demanded at the
time of trial.
8. It is admitted that the accident occurred on the date, time, and place
identified. The remaining averments are denied as the Defendant has insufficient
information as to the truth or falsity of said averments, therefore said averments are denied
and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
9. Paragraph 9 states a legal conclusion to which no response is required. To
the extent, however, that a response is deemed necessary, said averments are denied
generally pursuant to PaRe.P. 1029(d) and (e). By way of further answer, It is
specifically denied that the Defendant initiated contact with the Plaintiff's vehicle. Strict
proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
10. Paragraph 10 and all of its subparts state legal conclusions to which no
response is required. To the extent, however, that a response is deemed necessary, said
averments are denied generally pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(d) and (e). Strict proof
thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
11. Paragraph 11 states a legal conclusion to which no response is required. To
the extent, however, that a response is deemed necessary, said averments are denied
generally pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(d) and (e). Strict proof thereof is demanded at the
time of trial.
12. Paragraph 12 states a legal conclusion to which no response is required. To
the extent, however, that a response is deemed necessary, said averments are denied
generally pursuant to PaRC.P. 1029(d) and (e). Strict proof thereof is demanded at the
time of trial.
COUNT I
HARRY J. LAUGHLIN. II v. PAUL WHITTEN
13. In response to paragraph 13, the Defendant reiterates and repeats all his
responses in paragraphs 1 through 12 as if fully set forth at length herein.
14. Paragraph 14 and all of its subparts state legal conclusions to which no
response is required. To the extent, however, that a response is deemed necessary, said
averments are denied generally pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(d) and (e). Strict proof
thereof is demanded at the time of trial.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Paul Whitten, respectfully requests this Honorable
Court enter judgment in his favor and against the Plaintiffs with costs and prejudice
imposed.
COUNT II
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN v. PAUL WHITTEN
15. In response to paragraph 15, the Defendant reiterates and repeats all his
responses in paragraphs 1 through 14 as if fully set forth at length herein.
16. Paragraph 16 states a legal conclusion to which no response is required. To
the extent, however, that a response is deemed necessary, said averments are denied
generally pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(d) and (e). Strict proof thereof is demanded at the
time of trial.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Paul Whitten, respectfully requests this Honorable
Court enter judgment in his favor and against the Plaintiffs with costs and prejudice
imposed.
NEW MATTER
17. The motor vehicle accident in controversy is subject to the Pennsylvania
Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility law and this Defendant asserts, as affirmative
defenses, all rights, privileges and/or immunities accruing pursuant to said statute.
18. Some and/or all of Plaintiffs' claims for damages are items of economic
detriment which are or could be compensable pursuant to either the Pennsylvania Motor
Vehicle Financial Responsibility law and/or other collateral sources and same may not be
duplicated in the present lawsuit.
19. To the extent that the Plaintiffs has selected the limited tort option or is
deemed to have selected the limited tort option then this Defendant sets forth the relevant
provisions of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law as a bar to the
Plaintiffs' ability to recover non-economic damages.
20. This Defendant pleads any and all applicable statutes of limitation under
Pennsylvania law as a complete or partial bar to any recovery by Plaintiffs in this action.
Respectfully submitted,
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, L.L.P.
By:
VERIFICATION
Defendant verifies that he is the Defendant in the foregoing action; that the
foregoing ANSWER AND NEW MATTER is based upon information which he has
furnished to his counsel and information which has been gathered by his counsel in the
preparation of the lawsuit. The language of the ANSWER AND NEW MATTER is that of
counsel and not of the Defendant. Defendant has read the ANSWER AND NEW
MATTER and to the extent that the ANSWER AND NEW MATTER is based upon
information which he has given to his counsel, it is true and correct to the best of his
knowledge, information and belief. To the extent that the content of the ANSWER AND
NEW MATTER is that of counsel, he has relied upon counsel in making this Affidavit.
Defendant understands that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of
18 Pa.C.S. S4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date: 11/ ,J! 0 f.(
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Paul Whitten
#13544
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing ANSWER
AND NEW MATTER has been mailed by U.S. Mail to counsel of record via first class
mail, postage pre-paid, this ~ day of ~ A..-. Q , 2005.
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Mette, Evans & Woodside
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
SUMMERS, McDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, L.L.P.
By:
vin D. Rauch, Esquire
Counsel for Defendant
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PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR TRIAL
(Must be typewritten and submitted in duplicate)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Please list the following case:
~ for JURY trial at the next term of civil court.
D for trial without a jury.
--~--------------------------------------~---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be stated in full)
(check one)
~ Civil Action - Law
D Appeal from arbitration
D
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II AND
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN
(other)
Plaintiffs
vs.
The trial list will be called on
December 27. 2005
PAUL WHITTEN,
Trials commence on January 23. 2006
Defendant
Pretrials will be held on January 4. 2006
(Briefs are due 5 days before pretrials
No.
05-898
2005 Term
Indicate the attorney who will try case for the party who files this praecipe:
Andrew H. Dowling. ESQuire
Indicate trial counsel for other parties if known:
Kevin D. Rauch. ESQuire
This case is ready for trial.
Si~
Print Name: Andrew H. Dowling, ESQuire
Date: October 5, 2005
Attorney for: Plaintiffs
-
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing document upon the
person(s) and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the requirements of
the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of same in the United
States Mail at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first-class postage, prepaid, as follows:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
SUMMERS, MCDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, LLP
1017 Mumma Road
Lemoyne, P A 17043
Respectfully submitted,
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
By:
~ e;:--
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Sup. Ct. J.D. No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
(717) 232-5000 - Phone
(717) 236-1816 - Fax
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Harry B. Laughlin, II and Melissa J. Laughlin
Date: October 5, 2005
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PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR TRIAL
(Must be typewritteu aud submitted in duplicate)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Please list the following case:
[8] for JURY trial at the next term of civil court.
D for trial without a jury.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------..---------------------------
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be stated in full)
(check one)
[8] Civil Action - Law
D Appeal from arbitration
D
(other)
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II AND
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN
Plaintiffs
vs.
The trial list will be called on February 14. 2006
PAUL WHITTEN,
Trials commence on March 13, 2006
Defendant
Pretrials will be held on February 22, 2006
(Briefs are due 5 days before pretrials
No.
05-898
2005 Term
Indicate the attorney who will try case for the party who files this praecip(':
Andrew H. Dowling. ESQuire
Indicate trial counsel for other parties if known:
Kevin D. Rauch. ESQuire
This case is ready for trial.
Signed: ~~-
Print Name: Andrew H, Dowling, ESQuire
Date: December 21, 2005
Attorney for: Plaintiffi,
, - ...
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing document upon the
person(s) and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the requirements of
the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of same in the United
States Mail at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first-class postage, prepaid, as follows:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
SUMMERS, MCDONNELL, HUDOCK,
GUTHRIE & SKEEL, LLP
1017 Mumma Road
Lemoyne, P A 17043
Respectfully submitted,
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
By:
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Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Sup. Ct. J.D. No. 39692
3401 North Front Str,eet
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, P A 17110-0950
(717) 232-5000 - Phone
(717) 236-1816 - Fax
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Harry B. Laughlin, II and Melissa J. Laughlin
Date: December 21, 2005
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HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II, and:
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PAUL WHITTEN,
Defendant
05-898 CIVIL TERM
IN RE: CASE STRICKEN FROM TRIAL LIST
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 27th day of December, 2005, upon
consideration of the call of the civil trial list, and no counsel
having appeared at the call for purposes of scheduling a case for
trial during the forthcoming term of court, the case is stricken
from the trial list.
By the Court,
J.
~drew H. Dowling, Esquire
Mette, Evans & Woodside
3401 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
For Plaintiffs
~vin D. Rauch, Esquire
Summers, McDonnell, Hudock, Gutherie & Skeel, LLP
2400 Gulf Tower
707 Grant Street, Suite 2400
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
For Defendant
:mae
Court Administrator
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Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Sup. Ct. J.D. No. 39692
Mette, Evans & Woodside
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, P A 17110-0950
(717) 232-5000 - Phone
(717) 236-1816 - Fax
Attorneys for Plaintifft,
Harry B. Laughlin, II and Melissa J Laughlin
HARRY B. LAUGHLIN, II, and
MELISSA J. LAUGHLIN,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PAUL WHITTEN,
NO. 05-898
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO DISCONTINUE
Please mark the docket in the above captioned action settled and discontinued.
Respectfully submitted,
METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
Dated: April 24, 2006
By:
~~;=--=--
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Sup. Ct. J.D. No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
(717) 232-5000 - Phone
(717) 236-1816 - Fax
Attorneys for Plaintiffs, Harry B. Laughlin, II
and Melissa J Laughlin
r
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing Praecipe to Discontinue
upon the person(s) and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the
requirements of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of same
in the United States Mail at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first-class postage, prepaid, as
follows:
Kevin D. Rauch, Esquire
Summers, McDonnell, Hudock, Guthrie & Skeel, LLP
2400 Gulf Tower
707 Grant St., Suite 2400
Pitts burg, P A 15219
Attorney for Defendant
Dated: April 24, 1006
~~
Andrew H. Dowling, Esquire
Sup. Ct. 1.0. No. 39692
3401 North Front Street
P. O. Box 5950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
(717) 232-5000 - Phone
(717) 236-1816 - Fax
Attorneysfor Plaintiffs, Harry B. Laughlin, 11
and Melissa 1. Laughlin
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