HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-2398
Dan M. Brookhart, Esquire
ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
8 North Queen Street
P.O. Box 449
Lancaster, PA 17608-0449
717-393-9596
Court I. D. No. 46552
Attorney for Plaintiff
CAROL SEBASTIAN, Individually and as the
Trustee Ad Litem for the ESTATE OF HILDA
OPPEL, Deceased
Plaintiff(s)
vs.
HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL
44-
Defendant(s)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA - CIVIL ACTION - LAW-
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY
ACTION
No. OS
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please issue a Writ of Summons against the above-named Defendant.
Respectfully submitted:
Dated:
ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
By:
Dan M. Brookhart, Esq re
Attorneys for Plaintiff
8 North Queen Street
P.O. Box 449
Lancaster, PA 17608-0449
(717) 393-9596
I.D. No. 46552
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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Cumberland
WRIT OF SUMMONS
CAROL SEBASTIAN,
INDIVIDUALLY AND AS THE
TRUSTEE AD LITEM FOR THE
ESTATE OF HILDA OPPEL,
DECEASED Court of Common Pleas
Plaintiff
Vs.
HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL
503 NORTH 21s" STREET
CAMP HILL, PA 17011
Defendant
No. 05-2398 CIVIL TERM
In CivilAction-Law
To HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL
You are hereby notified that CAROL SEBASTIAN, INDIVIDUALLY AND
AS THE TRUSTEE AD LITEM FOR THE ESTATE OF HILDA OPPEL,
DECEASED, the Plaintiff has / have commenced an action in Civil Action-Law against
you which you are required to defend or a default judgment may be entered against you.
(SEAL)
CURTIS R. LONG
Prothonotary
Date MAY 10, 2005
Deputy
Attorney:
Name: DAN M. BROOKHART, ESQUIRE
Address: ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
8 NORTH QUEEN STREET
P.O.BOX 449
LANCASTER, PA 17608-0449
Attorney for: Plaintiff
Telephone: 717-393-9596
Supreme Court ID No. 46552
CAROL SEBASTIAN, INDIVIDUALLY
AND AS THE TRUSTEE AD LITEM FOR
THE ESTATE OF HILDA OPPEL,
DECEASED
Plaintiffs
V.
HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 05-2398 CIVIL
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please enter the appearance of Wilbur McCoy Otto on behalf of Defendant, Holy
Spirit Hospital with respect to the above captioned matter.
Date: May 20, 2005 By:
Wi]
Defendant
Respectfully submitted,
DICKIE, MCCAMEY & CHILCOTE, P.C.
j A?
bur cCoy Otto, Esquire
Supreme Court. I.D. #01524
Two PPG Place, Suite 400
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 281-7272
Counsel to Defendants Holy Spirit Hospital
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MRY-23-2005 11:39 ATLEE, HALL $ BROOKHRRT 717 393 2136 P.02i02
Dan M. Brookhart, Esquire
ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
8 North Queen Street
P.O. Box 449
Lancaster, PA 17608-0449
717-393-9596
Court I.D. No. 46552
CAROL SEBASTIAN, Individually And As
The Trustee Ad Litem For The ESTATE OF
HILDA OPPEL, DECEASED
Plaintiff(s)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA - CIVIL ACTION - LAW-
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY
ACTION
Vs.
HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL
Defendant(s)
No. 2005-2398
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE
I, hereby accept service of the Writ of Summons issued on May 10, 2005 on behalf of
the Defendant, Holy Spirit Hospital, and certify that I am authorized to do so.
6 .T-
Dated:
Respectfully submitted:
ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
By:
bur M. Otto, Esquire
Attorneys for Defendant
Two PPG Place, Suite 400
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-5402
I.D. No. 01524
TOTAL P.02
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Dan M. Brookhart, Esquire
Erica L. Kirman-Boyer
ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
8 North Queen Street
P.O. Box 449
Lancaster, PA 17608-0449
717-393-9596
Court I.D. No. 46552 & 200540
Attorneys for Plaintiff
CAROL SEBASTIAN, Individually and as the
Trustee Ad Litem for the Estate of HILDA
OPPEL, Deceased
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
vs.
HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL
Defendant
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 2005-2398
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFF'S PETITION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT
AND NOW comes Plaintiff, by and through her attorneys, Atlee, Hall, & Brookhart,
LLP, and hereby file the instant Petition for Approval of Settlement, and in support thereof, avers
as follows:
1. Carol Sebastian resides at 132 Calle La Montana, Moraga, Ca 94556. She was
the daughter of decedent and is the Trustee Ad Litem for the Estate of Hilda Oppel, Deceased. A
copy of the Short Certificate is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit "A."
2. This survival action is based on alleged medical malpractice in the administration
of the drug Reapro to decedent on May 14, 2003.
3. This action was commenced by Writ of Summons on May 10, 2005. No
Complaint was filed in this action.
4. On May 14, 2003, Ms. Oppel was diagnosed with a myocardial infarction at Holy
Spirit Hospital. Dr. Chang performed a cardiac catheterization and stent placement in the right
coronary artery.
5. The Reapro was administered post-operatively.
6. After the administration of the Reapro, Ms. Oppel lapsed into a coma and
subsequently died at the Hospital on May 28, 2003.
7. Ms. Oppel was 84 years old and a resident of the Alzheimer's Unit at Country
Meadows when she died.
8. Plaintiffs have recently reached a settlement with Holy Spirit Hospital. The
Settlement Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit "B."
9. The essential terms of the Settlement Agreement include the release of all claims
against Defendants in exchange for $45,000.00.
10. Plaintiff presents the instant Petition seeking Court approval of the settlement of
Plaintiff's survival claim in the amount of $45,000.00, with an allocation of 100% to Ms.
Oppel's survival claim.
11. At the time of her death, Hilda Oppel left behind her husband her two adult
children, Carol Sebastian and Fred Oppel. Plaintiff's survival claim does not involve the rights
of any minors or incompetent persons.
12. Because this is a survival action only, no approval from the Pennsylvania
Department of Revenue is necessary.
2
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court approve
settlement of the above-referenced survival action for $45,000.
Respectfully submitted:
Dated: A (i A)z ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
f 01
By:
Dan M. Brookhart, Esquire
Erica L. Kirman-Boyer, Esquire
Attorneys for Plaintiff
8 North Queen Street
P.O. Box 449
Lancaster, PA 17608-0449
(717) 393-9596
I.D. No. 46552 & 200540
P,,xhibi+
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
SHORT CERTIFICATE
I, GLENDA FARNER STRASBAUGH
Register for the Probate of Wills and Granting
Letters of Administration in and for
CUMBERLAND County, do hereby certify that on
the 4th day of May, Two Thousand and Five,
Letters TESTAMENTARY
in common form were granted by the Register of
said County, on the
estate of HILDA M OPPEL late of EAST PENNSBORO TOWNSHIP
(FNaG Mrddn, Laoo
in said county, deceased, to FREDERICK M OPPEL
Open, Mfddie, Lsell
and that same has not since been revoked.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
seal of said office at CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA, this 4th day of May
Two Thousand and Five.
File No.
PA File No.
Date of Death
S.S. #
2005- 00413
21- 05- 0413
5/28/2003
162-12-5187
Kz?
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eputy ?N
NOT VALID WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIGNATURE AND IMPRESSED SEAL
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FULL AND FINAL RELEASE
1. FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the sum of FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
($40,000) payable within thirty (30) days of the receipt of an executed original of this Full and
Final Release, and the sum of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000) payable as
reimbursement of costs, the undersigned hereby fully and forever release, acquit, and discharge:
Holy Spirit Hospital, its trustees, members, successors, affiliates, directors, officers, employees,
nurses, therapists, technicians, agents and servants, and ANY AND ALL OTHER PERSONS,
CORPORATIONS AND/OR OTHER ENTITIES that are or might be claimed to be liable to the
undersigned, Hilda Oppei, and/or the Estate of Hilda Oppel, whether or not such persons
corporations and/or other entities are 'named herein, including the heirs, executors,
adminisuators, successors, assigns, attorneys, insurers, servants and employees of each of them
(hereafter referred to collectively as "Releasees" ), from any and all actions, causes of action,
claims or demands of whatsoever kind or nature and for any known or unknown injuries, losses
and damages allegedly sustained by the undersigned, by Hilda Oppel, and/or the Estate,
beneficiaries and next of kin of Hilda Oppel, and related in any way to any incident involving
and/or medical or professional health care services rendered to Hilda Oppel, and for which a
Legal Action was instituted in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, at Docket No. 05-2398 or at any other number or in any other Court.
2. The acceptance of said sum is in full accord and satisfaction of a disputed claim and the
payment of said sum is not an admission of any liability.
3. This release and settlement is intended to cover and does cover not only all now known
injuries, losses or damages, but also any future injuries, losses or damages not now known or
anticipated, but which may later develop or be discovered, including all the effects and
consequences thereof.
4. The amount stated in this Full and Final Release is the consideration of this release, and
the undersigned voluntarily accept said sum for the purpose of making a full and final
compromise, adjustment and settlement of all claims that they, the Estate of Hilda Oppel, and
any of their beneficiaries might now or in the future have for any injuries, losses or damages.
5. This is the complete release agreement, and there are no written or oral understandings or
agreements, directly or indirectly connected with this release and settlement that are not
incorporated herein.
6. The undersigned hereby agree on their own behalf and on behalf of the Estate,
beneficiaries and next of kin of Hilda Oppel, their heirs, beneficiaries, successors and/or assigns,
to indemnify and save forever harmless the Releasees from and against any and all claims,
demands or actions, known or unknown, made against the Releasees by any person or entity on
account of, or in any manner related to the injuries, losses and/or damages covered by this Full
and Final Release.
7. In the event court approval is required for settlement, compromise or resolution of this
claim, this settlement is conditioned upon the undersigned promptly undertaking all necessary
action to obtain any required court approval for the settlement, compromise or resolution of this
claim. If this settlement is ever determined by any court to be without effect because some
necessary court approval was not obtained, or if any Releasee is subjected to further legal action
or claim that could not have been instituted or presented had proper court approval been
obtained, the undersigned agree to indemnify Releasees for any future loss, cost, or expense,
including but not limited to, reasonable attorney's fees for defending, litigating and settling any
such claim or action, and for any judgment resulting from any such claim or action.
8. It is further understood, agreed and made part hereof, that the undersigned shall not
reveal either directly or indirectly, to any person (excluding close family members of Hilda
Oppel, the beneficiaries of the Estate of Hilda Oppel, and those attorney(s), accountant(s) or
other representatives of the undersigned with a need to know, all of whom agree in writing to
keep the information confidential) or any governmental agency, department, bureau or other
entity, any aspect of this case or settlement, including the facts of this case, the existence of this
settlement or the terms and conditions of this settlement ("Confidential Information").
Furthermore, the undersigned, the beneficiaries of the Estate of Hilda Oppel, their attorneys,
accountants and other representatives shall not in any way publicize or cause to be publicized the
"Confidential Information" in any news or communications media, including but not limited to
newspapers, magazines, journals, radio, television, on-line computer systems and law-related
publications. If the undersigned, their representatives and/or attorney(s) file any court
document(s) identifying the terms and/or conditions of this settlement, they shall request that the
court immediately seal such document(s) and take whatever steps are necessary to assure that
such document(s) are not accessible or disclosed to anyone. This paragraph is intended to
become part of the consideration for settlement of this claim.
9. The undersigned represent that there are no asserted or potential claims or liens against
the undersigned or their assets, Hilda Oppel or the Estate or assets of Hilda Oppel by any third-
party payor, including but not limited to Medicare, Medicaid, the Pennsylvania Department of
Public Welfare, Pennsylvania Blue Shield, Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania and Champus.
If such a claim or lien is ever asserted, the undersigned agree to satisfy such claim or lien from
the funds received from this settlement and to indemnify and hold harmless Releasees from and
against any and all losses, claims, liens, charges, fees, costs (including - reasonable attorney's
fees), interest or other sums incurred as a result of any third-party payor asserting, imposing or
enforcing a claim or lien related in any way to the injuries or damages for which Release.-Is are
making payment to the undersigned under the terms of this Release.
10. This agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the undersigned, the
Estate of Hilda Oppel, the next of kin of Hilda Oppel, the beneficiaries of the Estate of Hilda
Oppel, and Releasees, as well as the successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators, and
legal representatives of all of them.
11. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY DECLARE that they have capacity and are duly
authorized to enter into this Full and Final Release, that they have read all of the terms of this
Full and Final Release, have discussed them or had the opportunity to discuss them with their
legal counsel, fully understand them and accept them for the express purposes of settling the
above-described claim and for precluding forever any further or additional legal action arising
out of the aforesaid claims and/or circumstances.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have set our hands and seals this 21 day of ,
2007.
SWORN to and subscribed before me this
day of ,2007.
NOTARY PUBLIC
NO ARY PUBL C
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Notarial Seal
Karen A. Montgomery, Notary Pubic
Warwick Twp., Lwcaster County
My Commission EVires March 4, 2011
Member, Pennsylvania AssoclaWn of Notaries
SWORN to and su scribed before me this
day of LwLle? ,2007
Carol Sebastian, individually and as
Trustee Ad Litem for the Estate of Hilda
Oppel
Social Security Number
Address:
A' /77 -
red Oppel, individually and as Executor
of the Estate of Hilda Oppel
/2( - 3g - '7Lf
Social Security Number
Address: Y 4 1 N• Cr n (? P ?.
FULL AND FINAL RELEASE
1. FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the sum of FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
($40,000) payable within thirty (30) days of the receipt of an executed original of this Full and
Final Release, and the sum of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000) payable as
reimbursement of costs, the undersigned hereby fully and forever release, acquit, and discharge:
Holy Spirit Hospital, its trustees, members, successors, affiliates, directors, officers, employees,
nurses, therapists, technicians, agents and servants, and ANY AND ALL OTHER PERSONS,
CORPORATIONS AND/OR OTHER ENTITIES that are or might be claimed to be liable to the
undersigned, Hilda Oppel, and/or the Estate of Hilda Oppel, whether or not such persons
corporations and/or other entities are * named herein, including the heirs, executors,
administrators, successors, assigns, attorneys, insurers, servants and employees of each of them
thereafter referred to collectively as "Releasees"), from any and all actions, causes of action,
claims or demands of whatsoever kind or nature and for any known or unknown injuries, losses
and damages allegedly sustained by the undersigned, by Hilda Oppel, and/or the Estate,
beneficiaries and next of kin of Hilda Oppel, and related in any way to any incident involving
and/or medical or professional health care services rendered to Hilda Oppel, and for which a
Legal Action was instituted in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, at Docket No. 05-2398 or at any other number or in any other Court.
2. The acceptance of said sum is in full accord and satisfaction of a disputed claim and the
payment of said sum is not an admission of any liability.
3. This release and settlement is intended to cover and does cover not only all now known
injuries, losses or damages, but also any future injuries, losses or damages not now known or
anticipated, but which may later develop or be discovered, including all the effects and
consequences thereof.
4. The amount stated in this Full and Final Release is the consideration of this release, and
the undersigned voluntarily accept said sum for the purpose of making a full and final
compromise, adjustment and settlement of all claims that they, the Estate of Hilda Oppel, and
any of their beneficiaries might now or in the future have for any injuries, losses or damages.
5. This is the complete release agreement, and there are no written or oral understandings or
agreements, directly or indirectly connected with this release and settlement that are not
incorporated herein.
6. The undersigned hereby agree on their own behalf and on behalf of the Estate,
beneficiaries and next of kin of Hilda Oppel, their heirs, beneficiaries, successors and/or assigns,
to indemnify and save forever harmless the Releasees from and against any and all claims,
demands or actions, known or unknown, made against the Releasees by any person or entity on
account of, or in any manner related to the injuries, losses and/or damages covered by this Full
and Final Release.
7. In the event court approval is required for settlement, compromise or resolution of this
claim, this settlement is conditioned upon the undersigned promptly undertaking all necessary
action to obtain any required court approval for the settlement, compromise or resolution of this
claim. If this settlement is ever determined by any court to be without effect because some
necessary court approval was not obtained, or if any Releasee is subjected to further legal action
or claim that could not have been instituted or presented had proper court approval been
obtained, the undersigned agree to indemnify Releasees for any future loss, cost, or expense,
including but not limited to, reasonable attorney's fees for defending, litigating and settling any
such claim or action, and for any judgment resulting from any such claim or action.
8. It is further understood, agreed and made part hereof, that the undersigned shall not
reveal either directly or indirectly, to any person (excluding close family members of Hilda
Oppel, the beneficiaries of the Estate of Hilda Oppel, and those attorney(s), accountant(s) or
other representatives of the undersigned with a need to know, all of whom agree in writing to
keep the information confidential) or any governmental agency, department, bureau or other
entity, any aspect of this case or settlement, including the facts of this case, the existence of this
settlement or the terms and conditions of this settlement ("Confidential Information").
Furthermore, the undersigned, the beneficiaries of the Estate of Hilda Oppel, their attorneys,
accountants and other representatives shall not in any way publicize or cause to be publicized the
"Confidential Information" in any news or communications media, including but not limited to
newspapers, magazines, journals, radio, television, on-line computer systems and law-related
publications. If the undersigned, their representatives and/or attorney(s) file any court
document(s) identifying the terms and/or conditions of this settlement, they shall request that the
court immediately seal such document(s) and take whatever steps are necessary to assure that
such document(s) are not accessible or disclosed to anyone. This paragraph is intended to
become part of the consideration for settlement of this claim.
9. The undersigned represent that there are no asserted or potential claims or liens against
the undersigned or their assets, Hilda Oppel or the Estate or assets of Hilda Oppel by any third-
party payor, including but not limited to Medicare, Medicaid, the Pennsylvania Department of
Public Welfare, Pennsylvania Blue Shield, Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania and Champus.
If such a claim or lien is ever asserted, the undersigned agree to satisfy such claim or lien from
the funds received from this settlement and to indemnify and hold harmless Releasees from and
against any and all losses, claims, liens, charges, fees, costs (including. reasonable attorney's
fees), interest or other sums incurred as a result of any third-party payor asserting, imposing or
enforcing a claim or lien related in any way to the injuries or damages for which Releasees are
making payment to the undersigned under the terms of this Release.
10. This agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the undersigned, the
Estate of Hilda Oppel, the next of kin of Hilda Oppel, the beneficiaries of the Estate of Hilda
Oppel, and Releasees, as well as the successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators, and
legal representatives of all of them.
11. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY DECLARE that they have capacity and are duly
authorized to enter into this Full and Final Release, that they have read all of the terms of this
Full and Final Release, have discussed them or had the opportunity to discuss them with their
legal counsel, fully understand them and accept them for the express purposes of settling the
above-described claim and for precluding forever any further or additional legal action arising
out of the aforesaid claims and/or circumstances.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have set our hands and seals this g day of T-att ,
2007. C4 /i fo V 1% 1A
SWORN to and subscribed before me this
day of hYti 52007.
zr42
NOTARY PUBLIC.
.- FRED J. ELL.R Z
Q COMM. # 1503259
Z NOTARY PUBLIC -CALIFORNIA
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
9MyCMmBPMJUL42008
Carol Sebastian, individually and as
Trustee Ad Litem for-the Estate of Hilda
Oppel
1=t--??
Social Security Number
Address:_ V? Z(?Mp_ 1-1 1?OVUZ0.'NG
W\S?, Qa .'a, kA 5!5 (0
SWORN to and subscribed before me this
day of 12007.
NOTARY PUBLIC
Fred Oppel, individually and as Executor
of the Estate of Hilda Oppel
Social Security Number
Address:
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I have this day caused a true and correct copy of the foregoing
document, to be served upon the following persons by placing a copy of the said document in the
United States mail, first class mail, directed to their office addresses as follows:
Wilbur Otto, Esquire
Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote
Two PPG Place, Suite 400
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-5402
Dated: 4i/Izl ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
By: - 4d ?idlk
Dan M. Brookhart, Esquire
Attorneys for Plaintiff
8 North Queen Street
P.O. Box 449
Lancaster, PA 17608-0449
(717) 393-9596
I.D. No.46552
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Dan M. Brookhart, Esquire
Erica L. Kirman-Boyer
ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
8 North Queen Street
P.O. Box 449
Lancaster, PA 17608-0449
717-393-9596
Court I.D. No. 46552 & 200540
Attorneys for Plaintiff
CAROL SEBASTIAN, Individually and as the
Trustee Ad Litem for the Estate of HILDA
OPPEL, Deceased
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
vs.
HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL
Defendant
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 2005-2398
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFF'S AMENDED PETITION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT
AND NOW comes Plaintiff, by and through her attorneys, Atlee, Hall, & Brookhart,
LLP, and hereby file the instant Petition for Approval of Settlement, and in support thereof, avers
as follows:
1. Carol Sebastian resides at 132 Calle La Montana, Moraga, CA 94556. She was
the daughter of decedent and is the Trustee Ad Litem for the Estate of Hilda Oppel, Deceased. A
copy of the Short Certificate is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit "A."
2. This survival action is based on alleged medical malpractice in the administration
of the drug Reapro to decedent on May 14, 2003.
3. This action was commenced by Writ of Summons on May 10, 2005. No
Complaint was filed in this action. No rulings have been issued in this matter and no judge has
been assigned to this matter.
4. On May 14, 2003, Ms. Oppel was diagnosed with a myocardial infarction at Holy
Spirit Hospital. Dr. Chang performed a cardiac catheterization and stent placement in the right
coronary artery.
5. The Reapro was administered post-operatively.
6. After the administration of the Reapro, Ms. Oppel lapsed into a coma and
subsequently died at the Hospital on May 28, 2003.
7. Ms. Oppel was 84 years old and a resident of the Alzheimer's Unit at Country
Meadows when she died.
8. Plaintiffs have recently reached a settlement with Holy Spirit Hospital. The
Settlement Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit "B."
9. The essential terms of the Settlement Agreement include the release of all claims
against Defendants in exchange for $45,000.00.
10. Plaintiff presents the instant Petition seeking Court approval of the settlement of
Plaintiff's survival claim in the amount of $45,000.00, with an allocation of 100% to Ms.
Oppel's survival claim.
11. At the time of her death, Hilda Oppel left behind her husband her two adult
children, Carol Sebastian and Fred Oppel. Plaintiff's survival claim does not involve the rights
of any minors or incompetent persons.
12. Because this is a survival action only, no approval from the Pennsylvania
Department of Revenue is necessary.
2
13. Counsel for Holy Spirit Hospital concurs with this Petition and the suggested
settlement.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court approve
settlement of the above-referenced survival action for $45,000.
Respectfully submitted:
Dated: 7- /c-) - 0 7 ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
By: F"'7,
Dan M. Brookhart, Esquir
Erica L. Kirman-Boyer, Esquire
Attorneys for Plaintiff
8 North Queen Street
P.O. Box 449
Lancaster, PA 17608-0449
(717) 393-9596
I.D. No. 46552 & 200540
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
SHORT CERTIFICATE
I, GLENDA FARNER STRASBAUGH
Register for the Probate of Wills and Granting
Letters of Administration in and for
CUMBERLAND County, do hereby certify that on
the 4th day of May, Two Thousand and Five,
Letters TESTAMENTARY
in common form were granted by the Register of
said County, on the
es to to of HILDA M OPPEL late of EAST PENNS80RO TOWNSHIP
Dal, Mrddf., Lest)
in said county, deceased, to FREDERICK M OPPEL
frost, Aflddll, LAW
and that same has not since been revoked.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
seal of said office at CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA, this 4th day of May
Two Thousand and Five.
Fi 1 e No. 2005- 00413
PA Fi 1 e Iva. 21- 05- 0413
Date of Death 512812003
S. S. # 182-12-5187
ep 518 r s
., I Deputy
NOT VALID WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIGNATURE AND IMPRESSED SEAL
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3
FULL AND FINAL RELEASE
1. FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the sum of FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
($40,000) payable within thirty (30) days of the receipt of an executed original of this Full and
Final Release, and the sum of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000) payable as
reimbursement of costs, the undersigned hereby fully and forever release, acquit, and discharge:
Holy Spirit Hospital, its trustees, members, successors, affiliates, directors, officers, employees,
nurses, therapists, technicians, agents and servants, and ANY AND ALL OTHER PERSONS,
CORPORATIONS AND/OR OTHER ENTITIES that are or might be claimed to be liable to the
undersigned, Hilda Oppel, and/or the Estate of Hilda Oppel, whether or not such persons
corporations and/or other entities are 'named herein, including the heirs, executors,
administrators, successors, assigns, attorneys, insurers, servants and employees of each of them
(hereafter referred to collectively as "Releasees"), from any and all actions, causes of action,
claims or demands of whatsoever kind or nature and for any known or unknown injuries, losses
and damages allegedly sustained by the undersigned, by Hilda Oppel, and/or the Estate,
beneficiaries and next of kin of Hilda Oppel, and related in any way to any incident involving
and/or medical or professional health care services rendered to Hilda Oppel, and for which a
Legal Action was instituted in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, at Docket No. 05-2398 or at any other number or in any other Court.
2. The acceptance of said sum is in full accord and satisfaction of a disputed claim and the
payment of said sum is not an admission of any liability.
3. This release and settlement is intended to cover and does cover not only all now known
injuries, losses or damages, but also any future injuries, losses or damages not now known or
anticipated, but which may later develop or be discovered, including all the effects and
consequences thereof.
4. The amount stated in this Full and Final Release is the consideration of this release, and
the undersigned voluntarily accept said sum for the purpose of making a full and final
compromise, adjustment and settlement of all claims that they, the Estate of Hilda Oppel, and
any of their beneficiaries might now or in the future have for any injuries, losses or damages.
5. This is the complete release agreement, and there are no written or oral understandings or
agreements, directly or indirectly connected with this release and settlement that are not
incorporated herein.
6. The undersigned hereby agree on their own behalf and on behalf of the Estate,
beneficiaries and next of kin of Hilda Oppel, their heirs, beneficiaries, successors and/or assigns,
to indemnify and save forever harmless the Releasees from and against any and all claims,
demands or actions, known or unknown, made against the Releasees by any person or entity on
account of, or in any manner related to the injuries, losses and/or damages covered by this Full
and Final Release.
7. In the event court approval is required for settlement, compromise or resolution of this
claim, this settlement is conditioned upon the undersigned promptly undertaking all necessary
action to obtain any required court approval for the settlement, compromise or resolution of this
claim. If this settlement is ever determined by any court to be without effect because some
necessary court approval was not obtained, or if any Releasee is subjected to further legal action
or claim that could not have been instituted or presented had proper court approval been
obtained, the undersigned agree to indemnify Releasees for any future loss, cost, or expense,
including but not limited to, reasonable attorney's fees for defending, litigating and settling any
such claim or action, and for any judgment resulting from any such claim or action.
8. It is further understood, agreed and made part hereof, that the undersigned shall not
reveal either directly or indirectly, to any person (excluding close family members of Hilda
Oppel, the beneficiaries of the Estate of Hilda Oppel, and those attorney(s), accountant(s) or
other representatives of the undersigned with a need to know, all of whom agree in writing to
keep the information confidential) or any governmental agency, department, bureau or other
entity, any aspect of this case or settlement, including the facts of this case, the existence of this
settlement or the terms and conditions of this settlement ("Confidential Information").
Furthermore, the undersigned, the beneficiaries of the Estate of Hilda Oppel, their attorneys,
accountants and other representatives shall not in any way publicize or cause to be publicized the
"Confidential Information" in any news or communications media, including but not limited to
newspapers, magazines, journals, radio, television, on-line computer systems and law-related
publications. If the undersigned, their representatives and/or attorney(s) file any court
document(s) identifying the terms and/or conditions of this settlement, they shall request that the
court immediately seal such document(s) and take whatever steps are necessary to assure that
such document(s) are not accessible or disclosed to anyone. This paragraph is intended to
become part of the consideration for settlement of this claim.
9. The undersigned represent that there are no asserted or potential claims or liens against
the undersigned or their assets, Hilda Oppel or the Estate or assets of Hilda Oppel by any third-
party payor, including but not limited to Medicare, Medicaid, the Pennsylvania Department of
Public Welfare, Pennsylvania Blue Shield, Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania and Champus.
If such a claim or lien is ever asserted, the undersigned agree to satisfy such claim or lien from
the funds received from this settlement and to indemnify and hold harmless Releasees from and
against any and all losses, claims, liens, charges, fees, costs (including -reasonable attorney's
fees), interest or other sums. incurred as a result of any third-party payor asserting, imposing or
enforcing a claim or lien related in any way to the injuries or damages for which Releasees are
making payment to the undersigned under the terms of this Release.
10. This agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the undersigned, the
Estate of Hilda Oppel, the next of kin of Hilda Oppel, the beneficiaries of the Estate of Hilda
Oppel, and Releasees, as well as the successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators, and
legal representatives of all of them.
11. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY DECLARE that they have capacity and are duly
authorized to enter into this Full and Final Release, that they have read all of the terms of this
Full and Final Release, have discussed them or had the opportunity to discuss them with their
legal counsel, fully understand them and accept them for the express purposes of settling the
above-described claim and for precluding forever any further or additional legal action arising
out of the aforesaid claims and/or circumstances.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have set our hands and seals this 2-14day of ,
2007.
SWORN to and subscribed before me this
day of 12007
Carol Sebastian, individually and as
Trustee Ad Litem for the Estate of Hilda
Oppel
NOTARY PUBLIC
SWORN to and su scribed before me this
-?? day of ,2007
NO ARM BL C
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Notarial Seal
Karen A. Mar*gor Wy, Notary Public
Warwick Twp., LarcasW County
My Commission EVrres Mauch 4, 2011
Member, Pennsylvania Association of Notaries
Social Security Number
Address:
14d m 6w
red Oppel, individually and as Executor
of the Estate of Hilda Oppel
Social Security Number
Address: qq! I'J• (= n a,th 19)r.
e?- ,1$L'D' (2-0- f 90Q?
FULL AND FINAL RELEASE
1. FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the sum of FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
($40,000) payable within thirty (30) days of the receipt of an executed original of this Full and
Final Release, and the sum of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000) payable as
reimbursement of costs, the undersigned hereby fully and forever release, acquit, and discharge:
Holy Spirit Hospital, its trustees, members, successors, affiliates, directors, officers, employees,
nurses, therapists, technicians, agents and servants, and ANY AND ALL OTHER PERSONS,
CORPORATIONS AND/OR OTHER ENTITIES that are or might be claimed to be liable to the
undersigned, Hilda Oppel, and/or the Estate of Hilda Oppel, whether or not such persons
corporations and/or other entities are 'named herein, including the heirs, executors,
administrators, successors, assigns, attorneys, insurers, servants and employees of each of them
(hereafter referred to collectively as "Releasees"), from any and all actions, causes of action,
claims or demands of whatsoever kind or nature and for any known or unknown injuries, losses
and damages allegedly sustained by the undersigned, by Hilda Oppel, and/or the Estate,
beneficiaries and next of kin of Hilda Oppel, and related in any way to any incident involving
and/or medical or professional health care services rendered to Hilda Oppel, and for which a
Legal Action was instituted in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, at Docket No. 05-2398 or at any other number or in any other Court.
2. The acceptance of said sum is in full accord and satisfaction of a disputed claim and the
payment of said sum is not an admission of any liability.
3. This release and settlement is intended to cover and does cover not only all now known
injuries, losses or damages, but also any future injuries, losses or damages not now known or
anticipated, but which may later develop or be discovered, including all the effects and
consequences thereof.
4. The amount stated in this Full and Final Release is the consideration of this release, and
the undersigned voluntarily accept said sum for the purpose of making a full and final
compromise, adjustment and settlement of all claims that they, the Estate of Hilda Oppel, and
any of their beneficiaries might now or in the future have for any injuries, losses or damages.
5. This is the complete release agreement, and there are no written or oral understandings or
agreements, directly or indirectly connected with this release and settlement that are not
incorporated herein.
6. The undersigned hereby agree on their own behalf and on behalf of the Estate,
beneficiaries and next of kin of Hilda Oppel, their heirs, beneficiaries, successors and/or assigns,
to indemnify and save forever harmless the Releasees from and against any and all claims,
demands or actions, known or unknown, made against the Releasees by any person or entity on
account of, or in any manner related to the injuries, losses and/or damages covered by this Full
and Final Release.
7. In the event court approval is required for settlement, compromise or resolution of this
claim, this settlement is conditioned upon the undersigned promptly undertaking all necessary
action to obtain any required court approval for the settlement, compromise or resolution of this
claim. If this settlement is ever determined by any court to be without effect because some
necessary court approval was not obtained, or if any Releasee is subjected to further legal action
or claim that could not have been instituted or presented had proper court approval been
obtained, the undersigned agree to indemnify Releasees for any future loss, cost, or expense,
including but not limited to, reasonable attorney's fees for defending, litigating and settling any
such claim or action, and for any judgment resulting from any such claim or action.
8. It is further understood, agreed and made part hereof, that the undersigned shall not
reveal either directly or indirectly, to any person (excluding close family members of Hilda
Oppel, the beneficiaries of the Estate of Hilda Oppel, and those attorney(s), accountant(s) or
other representatives of the undersigned with a need to know, all of whom agree in writing to
keep the information confidential) or any governmental agency, department, bureau or other
entity, any aspect of this case or settlement, including the facts of this case, the existence of this.
settlement or the terms and conditions of this settlement ("Confidential Information").
Furthermore, the undersigned, the beneficiaries of the Estate of Hilda Oppel, their attorneys,
accountants and other representatives shall not in any way publicize or cause to be publicized the
"Confidential Information" in any news or communications media, including but not limited to
newspapers, magazines, journals, radio, television, on-line computer systems and law related
publications. If the undersigned, their representatives and/or attorney(s) file any court
document(s) identifying the terms and/or conditions of this settlement, they shall request that the
court immediately seal such document(s) and take whatever steps are necessary to assure that
such document(s) are not accessible or disclosed to anyone. This paragraph is intended to
become part of the consideration for settlement of this claim.
9. The undersigned represent that there are no asserted or potential claims or liens against
the undersigned or their assets, Hilda Oppel or the Estate or assets of Hilda Oppel by any third-
party payor, including but not limited to Medicare, Medicaid, the Pennsylvania Department of
Public Welfare, Pennsylvania Blue Shield, Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania and Champus.
If such a claim or lien is ever asserted, the undersigned agree to satisfy such claim or lien from
the funds received from this settlement and to indemnify and hold harmless Releasees from and
against any and all losses, claims, liens, charges, fees, costs (including reasonable attorney's
fees), interest or other sums incurred as a result of any third-party payor asserting, imposing or
enforcing a claim or lien related in any way to the injuries or damages for which Releasees are
making payment to the undersigned under the terms of this Release.
10. This agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the undersigned, the
Estate of Hilda Oppel, the next of kin of Hilda Oppel, the beneficiaries of the Estate of Hilda
Oppel, and Releasees, as well as the successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators, and
legal representatives of all of them.
11. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY DECLARE that they have capacity and are duly
authorized to enter into this Full and Final Release, that they have read all of the terms of this
Full and Final Release, have discussed them or had the opportunity to discuss them with their
legal counsel, fully understand them and accept them for the express purposes of settling the
above-described claim and for precluding forever any further or additional legal action arising
out of the aforesaid claims and/or circumstances.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have set our hands and seals this g day of 2007. C4 le -fo V,
SWORN to and subscribed before me this
?t day of ?f&, 1 ,2007.
17
NOTARY PUBLIC
Carol Sebastian, individually and as
Trustee Ad Litem for the Estate of Hilda
Oppel
Social Security Number
FRED JDELLAR
,
COMM. 0
1503259
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NOTARY PUBLIC - CALIFORNIA Z C
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SWORN to and subscribed before me this
day of 12007.
NOTARY PUBLIC
Address:_ V3 C° _. e 1Ii_
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Fred Oppel, individually and as Executor
of the Estate of Hilda Oppel
Social Security Number
Address:
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I have this day caused a true and correct copy of the foregoing
document, to be served upon the following persons by placing a copy of the said document in the
United States mail, first class mail, directed to their office addresses as follows:
Wilbur Otto, Esquire
Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote
Two PPG Place, Suite 400
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-5402
Dated: 7 ~ /.,) -,o 7 ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
By:
Dan M. Brookhart, Esquire
Erica Kirman-Boyer, Esquire
Attorneys for Plaintiff
8 North Queen Street
P.O. Box 449
Lancaster, PA 17608-0449
(717) 393-9596
I.D. Nos.46552 &200540
' .4 lil
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C.;
ATLE,E, HA.Z
&BROOMiART, LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Curt Long
Prothonotary of Cumberland County
Cumberland County Courthouse
One Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013
July 12, 2007
Re: Estate of Hilda Oppel v. Holy Spirit Hospital
No. 2005-2398
Dear Mr. Long:
William A. Atlee, Jr.
Thomas W. Hall
Dan M. Brookhart
Jaime D. Jackson
Edward R. Kennett .
Mark C. Atlee
Robin A.Jabour
Erica L. Kirman-Boyer
Enclosed please find the original and one copy of Plaintiff s Amended Petition for Approval of
Settlement pursuant to information and instructions received from the Court Administrator's
Office. It is my understanding that the Order originally provided is sufficient and that this
amendment will be attached to our original filing. Please note that this matter has not yet been
assigned to a Judge and we request that this Amended Petition be forwarded to the Court
Administrator for assignment and disposition.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate
to contact me.
Very truly yours,
EKB/slm
Enclosures
cc: Wilbur Otto, Esquire (w/enc.)
ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, L.L.P.
By:
Erica Kirman-Boyer
\\Ahbsgl\ProLaw\documents\Hilda Oppel Estate\03-21 1\63250.doc
Wiling Address: PO Box 449 • Lancaster, PA 1760&0449 • www.atleehall.com
Lancaster Office: Eight North Queen Street • Lancaster, PA 17603 • 717.393.9596 • 800.924.2309 • fax 717.393.2138
Philadelphia Office: 1500 Market Street • 12th Floor, East Tower 9 Philadelphia, PA 19102 • 215.665.5759 9 fax 215.569.8228
CAROL SEBASTIAN, Individually IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
As the Trustee Ad Litem for the CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Estate of HILDA OPPEL, Deceased
Plaintiff
V.
HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL
Defendant No. 05-2398 CIVIL
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 23rd day of July, 2007, upon consideration of Plaintiff's
Amended Petition for Approval of Settlement filed July 13, 2007,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AND DIRECTED that Plaintiff's Amended
Petition for Approval of Settlement is GRANTED.
Settlement of the survival claim in the above-referenced matter in the
amount of $45,000.00 is hereby APPROVED.
/Dan M. Brookhart, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
bas
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By the Court,
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M. L. Ebert, Jr., J.
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Dan M. Brookhart, Esquire
ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
8 North Queen Street
P.O. Box 449
Lancaster, PA 17608-0449
717-393-9596
Court I.D. No. 46552
Attorney for Plaintiff
CAROL SEBASTIAN, Individually and as the
Trustee Ad Litem for the Estate of HILDA
OPPEL, Deceased
Plaintiff
VS.
HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
No. 2005-2398
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO SETTLE, DISCONTINUE AND END
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 229, kindly mark the docket in the
above-captioned matter settled, discontinued and ended with prejudice as to all parties.
Dated: ZQ d7
Respectfully submitted:
ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
By:
Dan M. Brookhart, Esq ire
Attorney for Plaintiff
8 North Queen Street
P.O. Box 449
Lancaster, PA 17608-0449
(717) 393-9596
I.D. No. 46552
_.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I have this day caused a true and correct copy of the foregoing
document, to be served upon the following persons by placing a copy of the said document in the
United States mail, first class mail, directed to their office addresses as follows:
Wilbur Otto, Esquire
Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote
Two PPG Place, Suite 400
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-5402
Dated: 10-7 ATLEE, HALL & BROOKHART, LLP
By:
Dan M. Brookhart, squire
Erica Kirman-Boyer, Esquire
Attorneys for Plaintiff
8 North Queen Street
P.O. Box 449
Lancaster, PA 17608-0449
(717) 393-9596
I.D. Nos.46552 & 200540
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