HomeMy WebLinkAbout14-4581 a 3
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Court`of Co'mmo'n'.Pleas For Prothonotary Use Only:
Civil Cover.Sheet Docket No: 1Spl Cumberland County )q
V
The infurniation collected ori this form is used solely for court administration purposes. This form does not
supplement or replace rhe filing and service of pleadings or other papers cis required by law or rules of'courl.
Commencement of Action:
S 0 Complaint 0 Writ of Summons 0 Petition
Transfer from Another Jurisdiction 0 Declaration of Taking
E
C Lead Plaintiff's Name: Lead Defendant's Name:
T Peter Kemery Carlisle Sports Emporium, INc.
Dollar Amount Requested: Owithin arbitration I limits Are money damages requested? 0 Yes 0 No (check one) Ox outside arbitration limits
O
N Is this a Class Action Suit? Yes es No Is this an MDJAppeal? ® Yes El No
A Name of Plaintiff/Appellant's Attorney: James J. Franklin, Esquire
Check here if you have no sett:€rpcy (Etta;a self-Represented 1111-0 Sel t it k ant)
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
you consider most important.
TORT(do not include Mass Tort) CONTRACT(do not include Judgments) CIVIL APPEALS
0 Intentional 0 Buyer Plaintiff Administrative Agencies
0 Malicious Prosecution 0 Debt Collection:Credit Card 0 Board of Assessment
0 Motor Vehicle 0 Debt Collection:Other 0 Board of Elections
0 Nuisance 0 Dept.of Transportation
;x Premises Liability ® Statutory Appeal:Other
S 0 Product Liability (does not include
E mass tort) 0 Employment Dispute:
0 Slander/Libel/Defamation Discrimination
C Other: 0 Employment Dispute:Other 0 Zoning Board
T Other:
I 0 Other:
O MASS TORT
0 Asbestos
N 0 Tobacco
0 Toxic Tort-DES
Toxic Tort-Implant REAL PROPERTY MISCELLANEOUS
Toxic Waste
0 Other: 1:1 Ejectment E] Common Law/Statutory Arbitration
B 0 Eminent Domain/Condemnation 0 Declaratory Judgment
0 Ground Rent 0 Mandamus
0 Landlord/Tenant Dispute 0 Non-Domestic Relations
0 Mortgage Foreclosure:Residential Restraining Order
PROFESSIONAL LIABLITY 0 Mortgage Foreclosure:Commercial 0 Quo Warranto
0 Dental 0 Partition 0 Replevin
0 Legal 0 Quiet Title 0 Other:
0 Medical 0 Other:
0 Other Professional:
Updated 1/1/2011
17,
GB
No.uy H. 9672 Pa;'rooks S YL V CD. OtJNT ,
James J. Franklin �` }
VA
I.D. No. 306458
McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
100 Pine Street
P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 232-8000 Attorneys for Plaintiff
PETER KEMERY, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
111 North Old Stonehouse Rd., CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Carlisle, PA, 17015
Plaintiff
V. CASE NO. "�' J Civil Term
CARLISLE SPORTS
EMPORIUM, INC., CIVIL ACTION — LAW
29 South Middlesex Road,
Carlisle, PA 17015 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendant
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS
To: PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Please issue a Writ of Summons against Defendant in the above-captioned
action. Writ of Summons shall be issued and forwarded to the Attorney for service.
McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
By
Guy H. Brooks, I.D. No. 49672
James J. Franklin, I.D. No. 306458
McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
100 Pine Street , P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 232-8000
Date: August ' 2014 Attorneys for Plaintiff Q�
�k )%H
3a9 383
PETER KEMERY, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
111 North Old Stonehouse Rd., CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Carlisle, PA, 17015
Plaintiff � _ Vygl-
v. CASE NO. Civil Term
CARLISLE SPORTS CIVIL ACTION — LAW
EMPORIUM, INC.,
29 South Middlesex Road,
Carlisle, PA 17015
Defendant
WRIT OF SUMMONS
To: CARLISLE SPORTS EMPORIUM, INC., Defendant
YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED PLAINTIFF HAS
COMMENCED AN ACTION AGAINST YOU.
Prothonotary
Deputy
Dated: August ' 2014
Ronny R Anderson
Sheriff
Jody S Smith
Chief Deputy
Richard W Stewart
Solicitor
SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
H tPROi4 CNU. ;
2 R AUG 13 PM 3: 19
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
Peter Kemery
vs.
Carlisle Sport Emporium, Inc.
Case Number
2014-4581
SHERIFF'S RETURN OF SERVICE
08/06/2014 12:43 PM - Deputy Jamie DiMartle, being duly sworn according to law, served the requested Writ of
Summons by handing a true copy to a person representing themselves to be Michael Bear- Manager,
who accepted as "Adult Person in Charge" for Carlisle Sport Emporium, Inc. at 29 South Middlesex Road,
Middlesex Township, Carlisle, PA 17015.
kku
IE DIMARTLE, DEPUTY
SHERIFF COST: $35.27 SO ANSWERS,
August 07, 2014 RONNY R ANDERSON, SHERIFF
(c) CountySuite Sheriff, Teleosoft, Inc.
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN, P.C.
By: Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
Identification No.: 39766
1515 Market Street — 19th Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
(215) 563-9811
OI-
. t[ ELPROTHGNf j .
gait, AUG 21 P( 1:4.7
Attorney for: DefendantUMBER L 4 NO COuN y
r' r SYLVANIA
Carlisle Sports Emporium, n .
PETER KEMERY
v.
CARLISLE SPORTS EMPORIUM, INC.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION — LAW
CASE NO.: 14-4581 — Civil Term
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
AND DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter my appearance on behalf of Defendant, Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc., in
regard to the above -captioned matter.
Defendant, Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc., request a jury at the time of trial of this
matter.
SWEENEY & S EEHAN, P.C.
Guy er"ogl:ie
Attorney for Defendant,
Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc.,
By.
DATE:
GA -1231
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN, P.C.
By: Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
Identification No.: 39766
1515 Market Street— 19`h Floor Attorney for: DefeA' J
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102 Carlisle Sports Empoi
(215) 563-9811 '
PETER KEMERY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
V.
CIVIL ACTION—LAWS- 4.ra
CARLISLE SPORTS EMPORIUM, INC. CASE NO.: 14-4581 —Civil Term:' _]
PRAECIPE FOR RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
C7 77
TO THE PROTHONOTARY: _
Kindly enter a Rule upon Plaintiff, Peter Kemery, to file a Complaint in the above matter
within twenty(20) days from the date hereof
SWEENEX& EEHAN
d
By.
Guy Mercogliano
Attorney for Defendant,
Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc.
RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
AND NOW, this 0,10 day of 6211.1
2014 , a Rule is hereby granted upon Plaintiff,
Peter Kemery, to file a Complaint within twenty(20) days after service hereof, or suffer a
judgment of non pros.
PROTHONOTARY
Guy H. Brooks
I.D. No. 49672
James J. Franklin
I.D. No. 306458
McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
100 Pine Street
P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 232-8000
FILED- OFFICE-.
OF THE PRO -MONO TATO.
2131'1 SEP 16 Altill:
CUP AND COUNTY
PENNS YLV/-`,NIA
Attorneys for Plaintiff
PETER KEMERY,
111 North Old Stonehouse Rd.,
Carlisle, PA, 17015
Plaintiff
v.
CARLISLE SPORTS
EMPORIUM, INC.,
29 South Middlesex Road,
Carlisle, PA 17015
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: CASE NO. 14-4581 Civil Term
: CIVIL ACTION — LAW
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO DEFEND
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, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW.
THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE 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, PENNSYLVANIA 17013
(717) 249-3166
(800) 990-9108
AVISO
USTED HA SIDO DEMANDADO/A EN CORTE. Si usted desea defenderse de las
demandas que se presentan mas adelante en las siguientes paginas, debe tomar accion
dentro de los proximos veinte (20) dias despues de Ia notificacion de esta Demanda y
Aviso radicando personalmente o por medio de un abogado una comparecencia escrita y
radicando en la Corte por escrito sus defensas de, y objecciones a, las demandas
presentadas aqui en contra suya. Se le advierte de que si usted falla de tomar accion
como se describe anteriormente, el caso puede proceder sin usted y un fallo por cualquier
suma de dinero reclamada en la demanda o cualquier otra reclamacion o remedio
solicitado por el demandante puede ser dictado en contra suya por Ia Corte sin mas aviso
adicional. Usted puede perder dinero o propiedad u otros derechos importantes para
usted.
USTED DEBE LLEVAR ESTE DOCUMENTO A SU ABOGADO
INMEDIATAMENTE. SI USTED NO TIENE UN ABOGADO, LLAME 0 VAYA A LA
SIGUIENTE OFICNNA. ESTA OFICINA PUEDE PROVEERLE INFORMACION A CERCA
DE COMO CONSEGUIR UN ABOGADO.
SI USTED NO PUEDE PAGAR POR LOS SERVICIOS DE UN ABOGADO, ES
POSIBLE QUE ESTA OFICINA LE PUEDA PROVEER INFORMACION SOBRE
AGENCIAS QUE OFREZCAN SERVICIOS LEGALES SIN CARGO 0 BAJO COSTO A
PERSONAS QUE CUALIFICAN.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
32 SOUTH BEDFORD STREET
CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA 17013
(717) 249-3166
(800) 990-9108
Date: September 15, 2014
McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
By
Guy H. Brooks
I.D. No. 49672
James J. Franklin
I.D. No. 306458
McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
100 Pine Street , P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 232-8000
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
-2-
Guy H. Brooks
I.D. No. 49672
James J. Franklin
I.D. No. 306458
McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
100 Pine Street
P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 232-8000
Attorneys for Plaintiff
PETER KEMERY,
111 North Old Stonehouse Rd.,
Carlisle, PA, 17015
Plaintiff
V.
CARLISLE SPORTS
EMPORIUM, INC.,
29 South Middlesex Road,
Carlisle, PA 17015
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: CASE NO. 14-4581 Civil Term
: CIVIL ACTION LAW
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
Plaintiff Peter Kemery, by and through his attorneys, McNees Wallace & Nurick
LLC, makes the following Complaint against Defendant Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc.,
and avers as follows:
Parties
1. Plaintiff Peter Kemery ("Mr. Kemery") is an adult individual currently
residing at 111 North Old Stonehouse Road, Carlisle, PA 17015.
2. Defendant Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc. ("Defendant") is a Pennsylvania
corporate entity with a registered business address of 29 South Middlesex Road,
Carlisle, PA 17015.
3. Defendant is the corporate owner and operator, for profit, of Carlisle
Sports Emporium ("Sports Emporium"), also located at 29 South Middlesex Road,
Carlisle, PA 17015.
4. Defendant controls and is responsible for the premises located at 29
South Middlesex Road, Carlisle, PA 17015.
5. The Sports Emporium is a popular recreational entertainment center that
markets and advertises itself to families and particularly children,
Jurisdiction and Venue
6. The Court has jurisdiction over Defendant because it resides in
Pennsylvania.
7. Venue in this Court is appropriate pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil
Procedure 1006 because a transaction or occurrence out of which the cause of action
arises took place in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
Factual Background
8. The events which give rise to the allegations complained of in this
Complaint occurred on April 17, 2009, in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
9. On that date, Mr. Kemery, then age 14, was a business invitee of
Defendant, properly participating in the entertainment activities offered by Defendant to
its business invitees.
10. On that same date, Mr. Kemery and a friend were waiting in the Sports
Emporium's parking lot — part of Defendant's premises — for his mother to arrive.
2
11. Mr. Kemery and his friend were waiting at an eastern portion of the
parking lot next to an abandoned entrance, again still part of Defendant's premises.
12. At this location was a heavy, yellow, tubular steel gate that was unsecured
and no longer in use by Defendant.
13. Upon information and belief, at the time of Mr. Kemery's accident, the
steel gate served no useful purpose or function and was allowed to be free swinging.
14. At the time of Mr. Kemery's accident, Defendant knew that families, and
particularly children, frequented the premises' buildings and surrounding area, including
the area around and including the location of the free -swinging steel gate.
15. While he was waiting for his mother, Mr. Kemery sat on the steel gate,
when suddenly and unexpectedly, through no fault of his own, the unsecured steel gate
began to move and swing out from underneath him.
16. The sudden and unexpected movement of the steel gate caused Mr.
Kemery to fall backward from the steel gate to the ground.
17. As Mr. Kemery fell backwards and lay on the ground, the steel gate
continued to swing forward.
18. The steel gate then, without any prior warning, suddenly rebounded back
towards Mr. Kemery's position and violently struck Mr. Kemery squarely in the face and
mouth.
19. The impact with the steel gate caused severe injuries to Mr. Kemery, as
described below.
20. At all material times to this Complaint, Mr. Kemery was acting as
Defendant's business invitee and was located in areas held open by Defendant to its
business invitees.
21. Following the accident, Mr. Kemery required emergency dental treatment
for his resulting injuries, followed by other necessary and painful dental, orthodontic,
and surgical treatment of his injuries.
22. The injuries suffered by Mr. Kemery were caused solely and exclusively
by the negligent acts and omissions of Defendant.
23. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness, and
recklessness of Defendant, Mr. Kemery suffered severe and permanent injuries
resulting in serious impairment of bodily functions, as well as other personal injuries
which are currently not apparent but which will arise in the future.
24. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness, and
recklessness of Defendant and the steel gate striking Mr. Kemery, Mr. Kemery has
suffered severe and serious bodily and mental injuries and was forced to undergo
painful medical procedures, including but not limited to:
a. Multiple facial and dental injuries;
b. Dislocated tooth;
c. Fractured and sheered teeth;
d. Endodontic therapy;
e. Multiple root canals, requiring use of prefabricated posts and
crowns;
f. Radiologic and growth scans;
4
g. Chronic pain; and,
h. Oral surgeries.
25. This accident on April 17, 2009 and Mr. Kemery's resulting medical
treatments have left him with severe and permanent injuries, pain, and suffering.
26. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness, and
recklessness of Defendant, Mr. Kemery has incurred significant dental and medical
expenses, and will continue to incur dental, medical, and other incidental expenses in
the future.
27. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness, and
recklessness of Defendant, Mr. Kemery has suffered extreme emotional injuries,
including but not limited to mental anguish, embarrassment, humiliation, anxiety, and
diminished ability to enjoy the pleasures of life.
28. Solely and directly as a result of the negligence, carelessness, and
recklessness of Defendant, Mr. Kemery expects to require future medical procedures
and treatment and to incur future medical expenses in the treatment of his injuries.
29. Mr. Kemery's losses exceed the limit required for compulsory arbitration in
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
COUNT I
Negligence
30. Paragraphs 1 through 29 are incorporated herein by reference and made
a part of this Complaint as if fully set forth herein.
5
31. Defendant owned, controlled, operated, and/or was responsible for the
Sports Emporium and the premises located at 29 South Middlesex Road, Carlisle, PA
17015 on April 17, 2009, where and when the injuries to Mr. Kemery occurred.
32. Mr. Kemery was Defendant's business invitee at all relevant times on April
17, 2009.
33. As the owner and/or operator of the premises, Defendant owed duties of
care to its business invitees, here Mr. Kemery, which duties Defendant violated.
34. At all relevant times, the steel gate at Defendant's Sports Emporium was
an artificial, non -obvious dangerous condition on its premises and was held open to
business invitees.
35. Defendant owed a duty of care to Mr. Kemery to warn him of and make
safe or remove the steel gate artificial condition present at the Sports Emporium
because it created an unreasonable risk of injury to Mr. Kemery that was unlikely to be
discovered by him.
36. Defendant owed a duty to Mr. Kemery to make reasonable inspections in
and of the Sports Emporium premises in order to discover non -obvious dangerous
conditions at the Sports Emporium such as the steel gate that struck Mr. Kemery in the
face on April 17, 2009 as more fully described above, and to make the steel gate safe or
to remove the steel gate.
37. Defendant breached it duties owed to Mr. Kemery by failing to warn him of
and make safe or remove the steel gate artificial condition present at the Sports
Emporium and by failing to make reasonable inspections in and of the Sports Emporium
6
and its premises in order to discover non -obvious dangerous conditions such as the
steel gate so as to avoid injuring Mr. Kemery.
38. Defendant owed a duty to Mr. Kemery to maintain, oversee, and operate
its premises, specifically including the steel gate, in a safe and competent manner so as
to avoid injuring Mr. Kemery.
39. Defendant breached its duty owed to Mr. Kemery by failing to maintain,
oversee, and/or operate its premises, specifically including the steel gate, in a safe and
competent manner so as to avoid injuring Mr. Kemery.
40. Through its negligent, careless, and reckless actions and inaction,
Defendant's breaches of its duties owed to Mr. Kemery so as to avoid injuring Mr.
Kemery are the actual, direct, and proximate causes of Mr. Kemery's injuries and
damages as aforesaid.
41. All of Mr. Kemery's aforesaid injuries and damages were reasonably
foreseeable to Defendant.
7
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Peter Kemery respectfully requests that this Honorable
Court enter judgment in his favor and against Defendant Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc.
in a sum in excess of local arbitration limits, plus interest, costs of suit, and all other
appropriate relief.
McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
By
Guy H. Brooks, I.D. No. 49672
James J. Franklin, I.D. No. 306458
McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
100 Pine Street, P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 232-8000
Date: September 15, 2014 Attorneys for Plaintiff
VERIFICATION
Subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. §4904, relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities, I hereby certify that I am Peter Kemery, and am authorized to verify the
foregoing document on its behalf. I further certify that I have read the foregoing document
and that the facts set forth therein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief.
Dated:
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on this date, I am serving a true and correct copy of the foregoing
document upon the following persons, by depositing the copy in the United States mail, first
class postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
Gaetano Mercogliano, Esquire
Sweeney & Sheehan
19th Floor
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Dated: September 15, 2014
mes J. Franklin
PETER KEMERY,
111 North Old Stonehouse Rd.,
Carlisle, PA, 17015
Plaintiff
v. : CASE NO. 14-4581 Civil Term
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL
CARLISLE SPORTS
EMPORIUM, INC., : CIVIL ACTION — LAW
29 South Middlesex Road,
Carlisle, PA 17015 : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendant
STIPULATION
AND NOW, come the parties, by and through their attorneys, who state:
1. On or about September 15, 2014 Plaintiff, Peter Kemery ("Plaintiff'), filed a
Complaint ("Complaint") alleging negligence by Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc.
("Defendant") (Plaintiff and Defendant are collectively referred to herein as the "Parties").
2. The Parties acknowledge that, at this time, the Complaint does not include a
demand for punitive damages.
3. Plaintiff acknowledges that, under Pennsylvania law, there are no known
facts existing as of the filing of the Complaint to warrant an award of punitive damages.
4. The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that Plaintiff may amend his
Complaint to assert a demand for punitive damages against Defendant should the Parties
discover facts through the prosecution of this matter that would support such a claim for
punitive damages.
5. Accordingly, with Defendant's consent, Plaintiff reserves the right to request
an award of punitive damages against Defendant in the future should grounds for making
such a request exist at a later time.
6. Subject to Paragraphs 4-5 of this Stipulation, the Parties hereby agree that
nothing in Plaintiff's current Complaint, including any allegation of or reference to
"recklessness" or "reckless" conduct, shall include or be interpreted to include a demand for
punitive damages against Defendant in this matter.
Respectfully submitted,
SWEENY & 'SHEEN
By
G. = ano Mercogliano, I.D. No. 39766
John M. Corcoran
19th Floor, 1515 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 563-9811
Attorneys for Defendant
Date: October lJ , 2014
-2-
McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
By
uy H. Brooks, I.D. No. 49672
James J. Franklin, I.D. No. 306458
100 Pine Street, P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 232-8000
Attorneys for Plaintiff
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN, P.C.
By: Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
Identification No.: 39766
1515 Market Street — 19th Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Phone: (215) 563-9811
Facsimile: (215- 557-0999
PETER KEMERY
v.
CARLISLE SPORTS EMPORIUM, INC.
TO: PLAINTIFF
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED TO FILE A
WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE ENCLOSED
NEW MATTER WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS
FROM THE SERVICE HEREOF OR A
JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST
YOU.
Attorney for:
Defendant, Carlisle Sports
Emporium, Inc.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION — LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CASE NO.: 14-4581 — Civil Term
ANSWER OF DEFENDANT, CARLISLE SPORTS EMPORIUM, INC., TO
PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT WITH NEW MATTER
Answering Defendant, Carlisle Sports Emporium Inc., by and through their attorneys, Sweeney
& Sheehan, hereby answers Plaintiff's Complaint as follows:
The Parties
1. Answering Defendant is without sufficient knowledge to form a reasonable belief
concerning the truth of this allegation and therefore neither admits nor denies the
allegation contained in this paragraph but leaves the complaining parties to their proofs
with respect to same.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
4. Denied as stated. The averments contained in this paragraph state conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Should any of these allegations be deemed factual,
however, they are denied, since after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant
is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of
the averments contained in this paragraph and, therefore, denies same and demands strict
proof thereof at trial. By way of further reply, to the extent a reply is required to this
paragraph; and to the extent that it is directed at Answering Defendant, such averments
contained in this paragraph are denied pursuant to Rule 1029 (e) of the Pennsylvania
Rules of Civil Procedure
5. Answering Defendant is without sufficient knowledge to form a reasonable belief
concerning the truth of this allegation and therefore neither admit nor denies the
allegation contained in this paragraph but leaves the complaining parties to their proofs
with respect to same.
Jurisdiction and Venue
6. The averments contained in this paragraph state conclusions of law to which no response
is required, and Answering Defendant neither admits nor denies the allegation contained
in this paragraph but leaves the complaining parties to their proofs with respect to same.
7. The averments contained in this paragraph state conclusions of law to which no response
is required, and Answering Defendant neither admits nor denies the allegation contained
in this paragraph but leaves the complaining parties to their proofs with respect to same.
Factual Background
8. Answering Defendant is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as
to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this paragraph and are, therefore,
denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
9. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph state conclusions of law to which no
response is required. Should any of these allegations be deemed factual, however, they
are denied, since after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained in this paragraph and, therefore, denies same and demands strict
proof thereof at trial. By way of further reply, to the extent a reply is required to this
paragraph; and to the extent that it is directed at Answering Defendant, such averments
contained in this paragraph are denied pursuant to Rule 1029 (e) of the Pennsylvania
Rules of Civil.
10. Answering Defendant is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as
to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this paragraph and are, therefore,
denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
11. Denied.
12. Denied as stated. The averments contained in this paragraph state conclusions of law to
which no response is required. Should any of these allegations be deemed factual,
however, they are denied, since after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendants
are without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity
of the averments contained in this paragraph, and therefore, denies same and demands
strict proof thereof at trial. By way of further reply, to the extent a reply is required to this
paragraph; and to the extent that it is directed at Answering Defendant, such averments
contained in this paragraph are denied pursuant to Rule 1029(e) of the Pennsylvania
Rules of Civil Procedure.
13. Denied.
14. Denied.
15. Denied.
16. Denied.
17. Denied. Answering Defendant is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a
belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this paragraph and are,
therefore, denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
18. Denied. Answering Defendant is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a
belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this paragraph and are,
therefore, denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded at trial
19. Denied.
20. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph state conclusions of law to which no
response is required. Should any of these allegations be deemed factual, however, they
are denied, since after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained in this paragraph and, therefore, denies same and demands strict
proof thereof at trial. By way of further reply, to the extent a reply is required to this
paragraph; and to the extent that it is directed at Answering Defendant, such averments
contained in this paragraph are denied pursuant to Rule 1029 (e) of the Pennsylvania
Rules of Civil Procedure.
21. Denied. Answering Defendant is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a
belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this paragraph and are,
therefore, denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded at trial
22. Denied.
23. Denied.
24. Denied.
25. Denied. Answering Defendant is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a
belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this paragraph and are,
therefore, denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
26. Denied.
27. Denied.
28. Denied.
29. Denied. Answering Defendant is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a
belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in this paragraph and are,
therefore, denied. Strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
COUNT I, Negligence
30. Answering Defendant, Carlisle Sports Emporium Inc., incorporate by reference, the
averments contained in paragraphs 1-29 of its Answer, above, as if the same were set
forth more fully at length herein.
31. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph state conclusions of law to which no
response is required. Should any of these allegations be deemed factual, however, they
are denied, since after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained in this paragraph and, therefore, denies same and demands strict
proof thereof at trial. By way of further reply, to the extent a reply is required to this
paragraph; and to the extent that it is directed at Answering Defendant, such averments
contained in this paragraph are denied pursuant to Rule 1029 (e) of the Pennsylvania
Rules of Civil Procedure.
32. See answer to Paragraph 9.
33. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph state conclusions of law to which no
response is required. Should any of these allegations be deemed factual, however, they
are denied, since after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained in this paragraph and, therefore, denies same and demands strict
proof thereof at trial. By way of further reply, to the extent a reply is required to this
paragraph; and to the extent that it is directed at Answering Defendant, such averments
contained in this paragraph are denied pursuant to Rule 1029 (e) of the Pennsylvania
Rules of Civil Procedure.
34. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph state conclusions of law to which no
response is required. Should any of these allegations be deemed factual, however, they
are denied, since after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained in this paragraph and, therefore, denies same and demands strict
proof thereof at trial. By way of further reply, to the extent a reply is required to this
paragraph; and to the extent that it is directed at Answering Defendant, such averments
contained in this paragraph are denied pursuant to Rule 1029 (e) of the Pennsylvania
Rules of Civil Procedure.
35. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph state conclusions of law to which no
response is required. Should any of these allegations be deemed factual, however, they
are denied, since after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained in this paragraph and, therefore, denies same and demands strict
proof thereof at trial. By way of further reply, to the extent a reply is required to this
paragraph; and to the extent that it is directed at Answering Defendant, such averments
contained in this paragraph are denied pursuant to Rule 1029(e) of the Pennsylvania
Rules of Civil Procedure.
36. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph state conclusions of law to which no
response is required. Should any of these allegations be deemed factual, however, they
are denied, since after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained in this paragraph and, therefore, denies same and demands strict
proof thereof at trial. By way of further reply, to the extent a reply is required to this
paragraph; and to the extent that it is directed at Answering Defendant, such averments
contained in this paragraph are denied pursuant to Rule 1029 (e) of the Pennsylvania
Rules of Civil Procedure.
37. Denied.
38. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph state conclusions of law to which no
response is required. Should any of these allegations be deemed factual, however, they
are denied, since after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained in this paragraph and, therefore, denies same and demands strict
proof thereof at trial. By way of further reply, to the extent a reply is required to this
paragraph; and to the extent that it is directed at Answering Defendant, such averments
contained in this paragraph are denied pursuant to Rule 1029 (e) of the Pennsylvania
Rules of Civil Procedure.
39. Denied.
40. Denied.
•
41. Denied. The averments contained in this paragraph state conclusions of law to which no
response is required. Should any of these allegations be deemed factual, however, they
are denied, since after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without
sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained in this paragraph and, therefore, denies same and demands strict
proof thereof at trial. By way of further reply, to the extent a reply is required to this
paragraph; and to the extent that it is directed at Answering Defendant, such averments
contained in this paragraph are denied pursuant to Rule 1029 (e) of the Pennsylvania
Rules of Civil Procedure.
WHEREFORE, Answering Defendant demands judgment in its favor and against the Plaintiff,
together with all reasonable interest, expenses, counsel fees and costs.
NEW MATTER PURSUANT TO PA.R.C.P. 1031
Answering Defendant, Carlisle Sports Emporium Inc., incorporate by reference, the averments
contained in paragraphs 1-41 of their Answer, above, as if the same were set forth more fully at length
herein.
1. Plaintiff's injuries, if any, were caused by the negligence and/or liability producing acts
or omissions of parties or other entities over whom Answering Defendant neither has
control nor the ability to control.
2. Plaintiffs Complaint fails to state a cause of action upon which relief can be granted.
3. At the time of the alleged incident, Answering Defendant did not have actual or
constructive knowledge of the existence of any dangerous condition at the premises
discussed in the Complaint.
4. Any danger or hazard encountered by Plaintiff at the premises discussed in the
Complaint at the time of the alleged incident was open and obvious.
5. No act and/or omission by Answering Defendant was the proximate cause of any injury
or damages allegedly suffered by Plaintiffs.
6. Plaintiff's claims are barred, in whole or in part, because Plaintiff assumed the risk of
injuries, damages, or losses which were allegedly sustained or may be sustained in the
future as a result of the alleged injuries. The Complaint is, therefore, barred or
otherwise limited by the doctrine of assumption of the risk.
7. Plaintiffs claims are barred, in whole or in part, because Plaintiff failed to mitigate the
claimed damages.
8. Plaintiff's alleged injuries and damages were the result, in whole or in part, of pre-
existing or subsequent medical, genetic, or environmental conditions or illnesses that
are unrelated to the injuries alleged here.
9. If Plaintiff suffered any injury or damages, which is denied, the same were caused, in
whole or in part, by Plaintiff's own negligence and fault and, therefore, Plaintiff's
recovery, if any, should be diminished in proportion to any fault chargeable to Plaintiff
under principals of comparative fault and contributory negligence.
10. To the extent Plaintiff has settled or will in the future settle with any person or entity
with respect to the injuries asserted in the Complaint, Answering Defendant's liability,
if any, should be reduced accordingly and/or Answering Defendant is entitled to
contribution and/or indemnification from such other parties.
11. Answering Defendant is entitled to a set-off for the full amount of worker's
compensation and/or disability benefits paid to Plaintiff or to be paid to Plaintiff in the
future.
WHEREFORE, foregoing considered, Answering Defendant, Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc.,
demands judgment to be entered in their favor and against the Plaintiff, together with all reasonable
interest, expense of counsel fees and costs.
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN
By:
DATE: October 28, 2014
JMC
Guy Mercogliano
John Corcoran
Attorneys for Defendant,
Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc.
VERIFICATION
GUY MERCOGLIANO verifies and says that he is an attorney-at-law in the offices of
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN; that he is authorized to make this Verification; and, that the facts set forth
in the foregoing ANSWER OF DEFENDANT, CARLISLE SPORTS EMPORIUM, INC., TO
PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT WITH NEW MATTER are true and correct to the best of his
knowledge, information and belief.
This statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 PA. C. S. Section 4904 relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities.
GUY MERCOGLIANO
DATE: October 28, 2014
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN, P.C.
By: Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
Identification No.: 39766
1515 Market Street — 19th Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Phone: (215) 563-9811
Facsimile: (215- 557-0999
Attorney for: Defendant, Carlisle Sports
Emporium, Inc.
PETER KEMERY
v.
CARLISLE SPORTS EMPORIUM, INC.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION — LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CASE NO.: 14-4581 — Civil Term
CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I caused a true and correct copy of the ANSWER OF DEFENDANT,
CARLISLE SPORTS EMPORIUM, INC., TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT TOGETHER WITH NEW
MATTER was made upon the below listed counsel in the above matter by the United States First
Class Mail on October 28, 2014.
James J. Franklin, Esquire
McNees, Wallace, and Nurick LLC
100 Pine Street
PO Box 1166
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108-1166
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN
By:
Guy Mercogliano
Attorney for Defendant, Carlisle Sports
Emporium, Inc.
Guy H. Brooks
I.D. No. 49672
James J. Franklin
I.D. No. 306458
McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
100 Pine Street
P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 232-8000
r• iLEu-0F
r r•'^FICE
CF THE PROTHONOTARI
2014 NOV-5 PM 12: 23
GU PENN YLVIAN COUNTY TY
Attorneys for Plaintiff
PETER KEMERY,
111 North Old Stonehouse Rd.,
Carlisle, PA, 17015
Plaintiff
v.
CARLISLE SPORTS
EMPORIUM, INC.,
29 South Middlesex Road,
Carlisle, PA 17015
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: CASE NO. 14-4581 Civil Term
: CIVIL ACTION — LAW
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFF'S REPLY TO DEFENDANT'S NEW MATTER
Plaintiff Peter Kemery ("Plaintiff'), by and through his attorneys, McNees Wallace
& Nurick LLC, files this Reply to Defendant Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc.'s
("Defendant") New Matter.1 In support thereof, Plaintiff avers as follows:
1-11. Denied. Plaintiff incorporates by reference the averments of his Complaint
as if set forth in full herein, specifically including but not limited to his averments as to
Defendant's possession, ownership, and/or control over the subject premises and
1 Defendant entitled its responsive pleading as "New Matter Pursuant to PA.R.C.P.
1031." Defendant's counsel subsequently confirmed that this title was in error, and
instead refers to PA.R.C.P. 1030, the Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure governing
New Matter. Plaintiff replies to Defendant's New Matter based upon Defendant's
clarification.
Defendant's liability for the accident that occurred on its premises. Further responding,
these paragraphs contain conclusions of law to which no response is required. To the
extent that a response is required, Plaintiff specifically denies each averment, and strict
proof thereof is demanded.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Peter Kemery respectfully requests that this Honorable
Court enter judgment in his favor and against Defendant Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc.
in a sum in excess of local arbitration limits, plus interest, costs of suit, and all other
appropriate relief.
McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
By
Guy H. Brooks, I.D. No. 49672
James J. Franklin, I.D. No. 306458
McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
100 Pine Street, P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
(717) 232-8000
Date: November 4, 2014 Attorneys for Plaintiff
2
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on this date, I am serving a true and correct copy of the foregoing
document upon the following persons, by depositing the copy in the United States mail, first
class postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
Gaetano Mercogliano, Esquire
Sweeney & Sheehan
19th Floor
1515 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
1
1;:mes J. Franklin
Dated: November 4, 2014
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN, P.C. 0; -
By:
-By: Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
Identification No.: 39766
1515 Market Street —19th Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
(215) 563-9811
li
I.
4 g P. 2 PM 2: 32
E , Attorney for:
PE SYLVAN!A
Defendant, Carlisle
Sports Emporium, Inc.
PETER KEMERY
v.
CARLISLE SPORTS EMPORIUM, INC.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION — LAW
CASE NO.: 14-4581 — Civil Term
PRAECIPE TO SUBSTITUTE VERIFICATION
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly substitute the attached Verification for the Verification originally submitted with the
following pleading:
Defendant, Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc.'s Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint
With New Matter
DATE: November 21, 2014
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN
By:
Guy ogliano
John Corcoran
Attorneys for Defendant,
Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc.
VERIFICATION
Jamie Plasterer, deposes and says that she is
of Defendant, Carlisle Sports Emporium, Inc., that she is authorized to make this Verification on
its behalf; and, that the facts set forth in the foregoing Defendant, Carlisle Sports Emporium,
Inc.'s Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint are true and correct to the best of her knowledge,
information and belief.
This statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 PA. C.S. Section 4904 relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities.
DATE:
ti s -Ad
.444'4-"2"
IE PLASTERER
(GA -1231)
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN, P.C.
By: Guy Mercogliano, Esquire
Identification No.: 39766
1515 Market Street — 19th Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
(215) 563-9811
Attorney for: Defendant, Carlisle
Sports Emporium, Inc.
PETER KEMERY
V.
CARLISLE SPORTS EMPORIUM, INC.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION — LAW
CASE NO.: 14-4581 — Civil Term
CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I caused a true and correct copy of the PRAECIPE TO
SUBSTITUTE VERIFICATION FOR THE VERIFICATION FILED WITH THE ANSWER OF
DEFENDANT, CARLISLE SPORTS EMPORIUM, INC., TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
TOGETHER WITH NEW MATTER was made upon the below listed counsel in the above matter by
the United States First Class Mail on November 21, 2014.
James J. Franklin, Esquire
McNees, Wallace, and Nurick LLC
100 Pine Street
PO Box 1166
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108-1166
SWEENEY & SHEEHAN
By: /
Guy Mercogliano