HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-2941DONALD I. HESS, and
DOLORES J. HESS, his wife,
Plaintiffs
VS.
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.,
a/k/a ALL-PRO FREIGHT CARR/ERS,
INC., and PAUL SINGER,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED 1N 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 fights
important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU
DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE
THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL
HELP.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
Telephone: (717) 249-3166
DONALD I. HESS, and
DOLORES J. HESS, his wife,
Plaintiffs
VS.
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.,
a/k/a ALL-PRO FREIGHT CARRIERS,
INC., and PAUL SINGER,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
NOW COMES the Plaintiffs, Donald I. Hess and Dolores J. Hess, by and through their
attorneys, TOMASKO & KORANDA, P.C., and flies the following Complaint against
Defendant, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc., a/k/a All-Pro Freight Carriers, Inc., and Paul Singer,
averting:
Parties
1. Plaintiffs, Donald I. Hess and Dolores J. Hess, are adult individuals residing at
R.D. 1, Loysville, Perry County, Pennsylvania, 17047. At all times relevant hereto, Plaintiffs
have been husband and wife.
2. Defendant, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc., a/k/a All-Pro Freight Carriers, Inc. ("All
Pro"), is a corporation authorized and existing under the laws of the State of Ohio, and having its
principal place of business at 1200 Chester Industrial Parkway, Avon, Ohio, 44011.
3. Defendant, Paul Singer, is an adult individual who, at all times relevant hereto,
was employed by All Pro, and who may be served process at 1200 Chester Industrial Parkway,
Avon, Ohio, 44011.
Venue and Jurisdiction
4. Venue is proper in this judicial district pursuant to Rules 1006 and 2179 of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
5. The amount in controversy claimed by Plaintiffs in the instant action exceeds the
jurisdiction limit requiring compulsory arbitration pursuant to the Local Rules of this Court.
Factual Back round
6. At all times relevant hereto, Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess, was employed as a foreman
by ECD, otherwise known as Eastern Consolidated Freight, at its distribution facility at 470
Terminal Street, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and was acting within the course
and scope of that agency and/or employment.
7. At all times relevant hereto, Defendant, Paul Singer, was employed by Defendant,
All Pro, as a commercial truck driver, and was acting within the course and scope of that agency
and/or employment.
8. On June 30, 2000, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess, was
inside a trailer owned by Defendant, All Pro, and operated by Defendant, Paul Singer, at the
aforementioned.distribution facility. As Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess, was supervising another ECD
employee loading freight onto the trailer, Defendant, Paul Singer suddenly and without warning
entered the tractor and pulled the vehicle away from the loading dock, causing a forklift inside the
trailer to topple and strike Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess (hereinafter, the "incident"), and resulting in
the injuries and damages set forth herein.
-2-
forth below.
10.
Count I
Plaintiff, Donald Hess vs. Defendant, Paul Singer
Paragraph Nos. 1 through 8 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set
At the time of the incident, Defendant, Paul Singer, knew, or in the exercise of
reasonable care, should have known, that one (1) or more individuals, including Plaintiff, Donald
I. Hess, was still inside the aforementioned trailer, and that the trailer was still attached to the
dock plate. Additionally, moments before the incident, Defendant, Paul Singer, was specifically
advised by ECD dispatcher Ray Heverlong that he did not have clearance to leave the loading
dock since his trailer was still being loaded.
11. The incident occurred solely as the result of the negligence, recklessness and
carelessness of Defendant, Paul Singer, individually and as agent, servant or employee of
Defendant, All Pro, and was due in no manner whatsoever to any act or failure to act on the part
of Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess.
12. The negligence, recklessness and carelessness of Defendant, Paul Singer,
individually and as agent, servant or employee of Defendant, All Pro, consisted of the following:
(a) Operating a motor vehicle in willful and wanton disregard for the safety of
persons or property;
(b) Operating a motor vehicle in a reckless manner;
(c) Operating a motor vehicle in careless disregard for the safety of persons or
property;
(d) Operating a motor vehicle without first ascertaining whether persons where
inside the trailer;
(e) Failing to operate a motor vehicle in such a manner as to avoid causing
personal injury to Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess, and others similarly situated.
13. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness and recklessness
of Defendant, Paul Singer, individually and as agent, servant or employee of Defendant, All Pro,
Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess, suffered injuries to his upper extremities, including a left rotator cuff
tear, and contusions and abrasions to his arms, right rib cage and left foot, some of which may be
permanent, for which a claim is hereby made.
14. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness and recklessness
of Defendant, Paul Singer, individually and as agent, servant or employee of Defendant, All Pro,
Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess, has required medical treatment and has incurred expenses in connection
therewith for medicines, medical care, hospitalization and other medical services for which a
claim is hereby made. Additionally, pursuant to Section 319 of the Workers' Compensation Act,
77 P.S. § 671, Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess, hereby makes a claim against Defendant, Paul Singer,
individually and as agent, servant or employee of Defendant, All Pro, for all medical benefits and
expenses paid or to be paid by his employer's workers' compensation insurer, Cincinnati
Insurance Companies, as a direct and proximate result of the incident.
15. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness and recklessness
of Defendant, Paul Singer, individually and as agent, servant or employee of Defendant, All Pro,
Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess, has suffered in the past and may in the future continue to suffer
excruciating and agonizing aches, pains, mental anguish, humiliation, embarrassment,
disfigurement and deformities for which a claim is hereby made.
16. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness and recklessness
of Defendant, Paul Singer, individually and as agent, servant or employee of Defendant, All Pro,
-4-
17.
forth below.
18.
Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess, has in the past been and may in the future be disabled from performing
his usual duties, occupations, and avocations with a consequent loss of earnings, earning power
and earning potential for which a claim is hereby made. Additionally, pursuant to Section 319 of
the Workers' Compensation Act, 77 P.S. § 671, Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess, hereby makes a claim
against Defendant, Paul Singer, individually and as agent, servant or employee of Defendant, All
Pro, for all indemnity benefits paid or to be paid by his employer's workers' compensation
insurer, Cincinnati Insurance Companies, as a direct and proximate result of the incident.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess, demands damages of Defendant, Paul Singer, in
an amount in excess of the amount required for compulsory arbitration pursuant to the Local
Rules of this Court, plus costs of suit and delay damages.
Count II
Plaintiff, Dolores J. Hess vs. Defendant, Paul Singer
Paragraph Nos. 1 through 16 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set
As a direct and proximate result of the above-described negligence, recklessness
and carelessness of Defendant, Paul Singer, individually and as agent, servant or employee of
Defendant, All Pro, Plaintiff, Dolores J. Hess, has in the past been and may in the future be
denied the consortium and services of her husband, Plaintiff, Donald I. Hess, for which a claim is
hereby made.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Dolores J. Hess, demands damages of Defendant, Paul Singer,
in an amount in excess of the amount required for compulsory arbitration pursuant to the Local
Rules of this Court, plus costs of suit and delay damages.
-5-
19.
forth below.
20.
Count III
Plaintiffs, Donald I. Hess and Dolores J. Hess vs. Defendant, All Pro
Paragraph Nos. 1 through 18 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set
At all times relevant hereto, Defendant, Paul Singer, was acting as the agent,
servant and/or employee of Defendant, All Pro, and was operating the motor vehicle in question
with its knowledge or consent, express or implied.
21. Defendant, All Pro, is jointly and severally liable for the aforementioned
negligence, recklessness and carelessness of Defendant, Paul Singer, and for the aforementioned
injuries and damages caused by Defendant, Paul Singer.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs, Donald I. Hess and Dolores J. Hess, demand damages of
Defendant, All Pro, in an amount in excess of the amount required for compulsory arbitration
pursuant to the Local Rules of this Court, plus costs of suit and delay damages.
Respectfully submitted,
TOMASKO & KORANDA, P.C.
219 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Telephone: (717) 238-1100
By: e~~~~,
MICHAEL A. KORANDA
PA ID #58808
-6-
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in the attached COMPLAINT are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements herein are made
subject to penalties o£18 Pa. C.S. §4904 relating to unswom falsification to authorities.
DATED:
DONALD I. HESS
DOLORES J. HESSr/
SHERIFF'S RETURN - U.S.
CASE NO: 2002-02941 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
HESS DONALD I ET AL
VS.
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS INC ET
CERTIFIED MAIL
R. Thomas Kline , Sheriff of Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law served the
within named DEFENDANT ,ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS INC ,
AKA ALL PRO FREIGHT CARRIERS by United States Certified Mail postage
prepaid, on the 19th day of June ,2002 at 0000:00 HOURS, at
1200 CHESTER INDUSTRIAL PARKWY
AVON, OH 44011
and attested copy of the attached COMPLAINT & NOTICE
with
receipt card was signed by DOREEN M (LAST NAME
06/21/2002
Additional Comments:
, a true
Together
The returned
ILLEGIBLE) on
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Cert Mail 4.17
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
32.17
Paid by TOMASKO & KORANDA
Sworn and subscri~d to before me
this ~ day of ~
~6~2_ A.D. !
P~o~honotary !
So answe~r,~: . . _ j~ ~
Sheriff of Cumberland County
on 06/25/2002
SHERIFF'S RETURN - U.S.
CASE NO: 2002-02941 P
COMMONq~EALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERIJIND
HESS DONALD I ET AL
VS.
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS INC ET
CERTIFIED MAIL
R. Thomas Kline , Sheriff of Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law served the
within named DEFENDANT ,SINGER PAUL ,
by United States Certified Mail postage
prepaid, on the 19th day of June ,2002 at 0000:00 HOURS, at
1200 CHESTER INDUSTRIAL PARKWY
AVON, OH 44011
and attested copy of the attached COMPLAINT & NOTICE
with
receipt card was signed by DOREEN M
06/21/2002
Additional Comments:
, a true
Together
The returned
(LAST NAME ILLEGIBLE) on
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Cert Mail
Affidavit
Surcharge
6 00
4 17
00
10 00
00
20 17
Paid by TOMASKO & KOR3kNDA
Sworn and subscri~d to before me
this ~ day of ~
~o2~ A.D.
~rdthonotary ' ' '
So ans.~s: /~/~
R. Thomas Kline
Sheriff of Cumberland County
on 06/25/2002
GREGORY E. CASSIMATIS, ESQUIRE
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
717-791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANTS
DONALD J. HESS, and DOLORES J. HESS,
His wife,
Plaintiffs
Vo
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.,
a/k/a ALL PRO FREIGHT CARRIERS, INC.,
and PAUL SINGER
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-2941-CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PRAECIPE FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please enter my appearance as Counsel for the Defendants in the above-captioned matter.
Date: ~ ~'-o ~ By:
Gregos~. Cassimatis, Esquire
Counsel for the Defendant,
All Pro Freight Systems, Inc.
GREGORY E. CASSIMATIS, ESQUIRE
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
717-791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANTS,
All Pro Freight Carders, Inc.
DONALD J. HESS, and DOLORES J. HESS,
His wife,
Plaintiffs
Vo
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.,
a/k/a ALL PRO FREIGHT CARRmRS, INC.,
and PAUL SINGER
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-2941-CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO RULE 237.2 TO EXTEND TIME TO PLEAD
FOLLOWING TEN-DAY NOTICE
It is agreed that the Defendants are granted an extension of time through September 26,
2002 in which to file:
1. A Complaint;
2. ~ An Answer; or,
After the above date, a Judgment of Non Pros or by Default, as may be appropriate, may
be entered upon Praecipe without further notice.
Date:
Attomey for Plaintiff
Attg~f~or Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this ~--'~ day of ,.-~,~gar, 2002, I, Gregory E. Cassimatis, Esquire,
Attorney for Defendants, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc., hereby certify that I served a copy
of the within Praecipe for Entry of Appearance on this date by depositing same in the
United States mail, postage prepaid, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, addressed to:
Michael A. Koranda, Esquire
Tomasko & Koranda, P.C.
219 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Date:
By:
Gregory'S. Cassimatis, Esquire
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Meehanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
GREGORY E. CASSIMATIS, ESQUIRE
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
717-791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANTS
DONALD J. HESS, and DOLORES J. HESS,
His wife,
Plaintiffs
Vo
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.,
a/k/a ALL PRO FREIGHT CARRIERS, INC.,
and PAUL SINGER
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-2941-CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PRAECIPE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please file the attached Agreement Pursuant to Rule 237.2 to Extend Time to Plead
Following Ten-Day Notice in the above matter.
Date:
Grego~Cassimatis, EsqUire
Attorney for Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 54'~_ day of .f.e,,,/e.~go- , 2002, I, Gregory E. Cassimatis, Esquire,
Attorney for Defendants, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc., hereby certify that I served a copy
of the within Praecipe for Filing Agreement for Extension of Time on this date by
depositing same in the United States mail, postage prepaid, in Mechanicsburg,
Pennsylvania, addressed to:
Michael A. Koranda, Esquire
Tomasko & Koranda, P.C.
219 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Date:
By:
Grego ~L3~.. Cassimatis, Esquire
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
GREGORY E. CASSIMATIS, ESQUIRE
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Meehanicsburg, PA 17055
717,791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANT,
Paul Singer
DONALD J. HESS, and DOLORES J. HESS,:
His wife, :
Plaintiffs
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.,
a/k/a ALL PRO FREIGHT CARRIERS, INC.,
and PAUL SINGER
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA *o-~;~/6'~ ~/~c~. - ,
'r/ff. r-o .4
A WRfTTEN I~ES. PONsE' TO THE
NO. 02-2941-C1¥~ :;-, ~AI~ST YOU.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DEFENDANT~ PAUL SINGER'S PRELIMINARY
OBJECTION TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes Defendant, Paul Singer, by and through his counsel, Gregory E. Cassimatis,
Esquire, and files the following Preliminary Objection to Plaintiffs' Complaint and avers as
follows:
1. Plaintiffs filed their Complaint with the Cumberland County Prothonotary on June 19,
2002. See a tree and correct copy of Plaintiffs' Complaint which is attached hereto,
made a part hereof and marked Exhibit "A".
2. On June 21, 2002, Plaintiffs' Complaint was served on Defendant, All Pro Freight
Systems, Inc., by certified mail at 1200 Chester Industrial Parkway, Avon, Ohio
44011. See a tree and correct copy of the Proof of Service filed with the Cumberland
o
County Prothonotary which is attached hereto, made a part hereof and marked Exhibit
On June 21, 2002, Plaintiffs' Complaint was served on Defendant, Paul Singer
(herein after referred to as "the moving Defendant") by certified mail at 1200 Chester
Industrial Parkway, Avon, Ohio 44011. See a true and correct copy of the Pr, of of
Service filed with the Cumberland County Prothonotary which is attached hereto,
made a part hereof and marked Exhibit "C".
Plaintiff's Complaint alleges that the moving Defendant is an adult individual who, at
all times relevant hereto, was employed by [Defendant] All Pro, and who may be
served process at 1200 Chester Industrial Parkway, Avon, Ohio 44011. See
Paragraph 3 of Plaintiffs' Compl~fint.
On August 27, 2002, Plaintiffs forwarded a Notice of Intent to Enter Default
Judgment to Defendant, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc. and the moving Defendant,
addressed to 1200 Chester Industrial Parkway, Avon, Ohio 44011. See a true and
correct copy of Plaintiffs' Notice of Intent to Enter Default Judgment which is
attached hereto, made a part hereof and marked Exhibit "D".
On September 3, 2002, counsel for the moving Defendant received an assignment to
defend the moving Defendant ~om the insurance carder for Co-Defendant All Pro
Freight Carriers, Inc.
Since a 10 Day Notice of Intent to Enter Default Judgment had already been mailed
by counsel for the Plaintiffs, counsel for the moving Defendant and Co-Defendant,
All Pro Freight Systems, Inc. prepared an Agreement Pursuant to Rule 237.2 to
Extend Time to Plead Following 10 Day Notice. See a true and correct copy of said
agreement which is attached hereto, made a part hereof and marked Exhibit "E".
8. Plaintiffs' counsel agreed to an extension of time as to an Answer to the Complaint.
See Agreement attached as Exhibit "E".
9. After filing the Agreement with the court, counsel for the moving Defendant learned
that the moving Defendant was served by certified mail at 1200 Chester Industrial
Parkway, Avon, Ohio, which is the address of Co-Defendant, All Pro Freight
Systems, Inc., the alleged employer of the moving Defendant, and was thus not
properly served with the Complaint in this matter.
PREI,IMINARY OBJECTION DUE TO IMPROPER SERVICE OF COMPLAINT
10. Paragraphs 1-8 above are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth at
length.
11. Pa.R.C.P. Rule 404 authorizes service by certified mail on out-of-state Defendants
and provides that original process shall be served outside the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania within 90 days of the filing of the Complaint.
12. Pa.R.C.P. 404 authorizes service by certified mail on out-of-state Defendants pursuant
to Pa.R.C.P. 403 which provides that "a copy of the process shall be mailed to the
Defendant by any form of mail requiring a receipt signed by the Defendant or his
authorized agent."
13. Plaintiffs' Complaint against Defendant, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc. and the
moving Defendant was served on Doreen Hammon, an employee of Co-Defendant,
All Pro Freight Systems, Inc. by certified mail. See attached Exhibits "B" and "C",
respectively.
14. Pa.R.C.P. 403 does not permit service of process to be made by mail at one's place of
employment. See Goodrich Amram § 403:1, page 48. The signature of a secretary is
insufficient. Barrett v. City of Allentown, 152 F.R.D. 46 (E.D. Pa. 1993).
15. Pa.R.C.P. 404 also permits service outside the Commonwealth of Pelmsylvania in the
manner provided by the law of the jurisdiction in which the service is made for
service in an action in any of its courts of general jurisdiction.
16. Rule 4.2 of the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure provides that service of process,
accepts service by publication provided in Rule 4.4(a) shall be made upon an
individual, other than a person under sixteen years of age or an incompetent person,
by serving the individual. See attached a tree and correct copy of Rule 4.2 of the
Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure which is attached hereto, made a part hereof and
marked Exhibit "F".
17. Service of process upon the moving Defendant did not conform to Ohio law.
18. Plaintiffs' service of the Complaint is improper and/or otherwise falls to conform to
law or rule of court and, therefore, should be stricken as the courts lack jurisdiction
over the moving Defendant.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Paul Singer respectfully requests that service of the Complaint
against him be stricken as the court lacks jurisdiction over said Defendant.
Date: %.2 5--02 By:
Gr~gory-~-'~ assimatis, Esquire
Attorney for the Defendant,
Paul Singer
Exhibit A
BONAI.,I~ I,. I1BS~, and
DOLORE,~ 1', 1-1I.?,,~S, l'd~
Pluin~li]b
IN TH'B COURT OF COMIViC)I~/PLI2AS
C'UMIB{BI~LANB COUNTY, PRNI~S~q~V ANTA
~,' .............. .., AI,L PRO FP,.I3IGIr£ .qY.qTILMS, lN_g.=___~. ............................ ~
..... ~Y~~~I~, :
1NC-, and PA[JL-$1NORR, :
,' C. IVIL .ACTION .- I. , AW
:~ Dd~Mant : JUK¥ 'iR1AT., DBMANDED
NOTICE,
YOU IlkVIi BI3~ ,qUED IN COURT. lfyou wiah
tho foll~win~ ~e~, you m~ rake action wit~tn twohy (20) &y~ a~ ~is Comp hint ~d
Nofl~ nrc se~d, by ~lorlng n ~t~ ~pp~a ran~u.p~ually u~ ~lti~m~ and fili~ in writing
claim or I.'Oltafreques[~ by lhu Phdn~ You may. le~e }uon~ or pwperty or o~ rJghis
hnpmrra,~ to you.
YOU gllOULI) TAKF, '['BIS ]~AP]~,R'TO YOUR I,AWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU
IH) NOT Ii AVE A' I,AWYgR OR CANNOT AFFORI) ONLY, GO TO OR TEL EPIIONF,
TIlE OFFICF~ Slit IcC RT.~I BELOW TO FIND Of. rE WIiERE You CAN ~ET ~EOAb
CUMBEiILAND COUNTY BAR Al{SOCIAl'ION
12 },lbm'l~ Avunu~
C~rlkl% PA 17013
, Telephans: (717) 249-31~
his wife,
ALL lfl'¢,O PRI31OI-tFT' SY.q'I'RMS, IN~., :
a/k/a AI,L-PR.O FRRIOI-I? CARRIER.~, :
INC,.. m~d PA.O[, S IlqQ~K, :
Ilq 'rlt'S COUg.T OV COMMON
CUMRI/R1.AI~ CO~ / t~iqSyLyANiA
CIVIL AOTIO~ --LAW
JURY TRTAL DIgMAN DRD
_COMpl
TOMA~KO & KO~& ~.C., ~d fil~a ibc followin~ C~mplalat
Pro Fmi~t Sys~ms, Yum. ~a ~-Vro F~tght Ca~ers, al~.. ~a Paul Sing~,
R.D, I, l~vtllo, Pou'y~nnty, P~n~lv~g 17047. At all tieing select I~r~, PI&intiffa
, , 2] DefoM~L Ail Pm ~'r~i ~ht gy~, la~,, ~a AIl-I"ro ~reight C~i~l~ Inc.,
.priiioipal pla~ ofhU~l~gs ;it 1200 Ch~t~ l~uatdal Ptu'kw~, Avon, Ohio, ~0t 1,
~ mnploycd by All Pro, ~d who may be aetna pmc~ a 1~0 Ch~ter Iudu~dal Par~gy,
Avon, Ohio, 440I 1.
Vonoe and larisdictlnn
Ver~uo/z Pt~OPcr in fl~is Judicial dtstric~ purstmnt to l~.tllc~ 1006 and 2l 79 o f thc
P~nsylva~i~ R~I~ o~C~vil Pro~edom.
5. ~1~ mnoum in ~n~v~y ~l~me6 by Pl~in~ ~ lh~ ina~ant a~i0n exceeds th~
jm'i~i~{ion llmlt r~ulring oo~npul~ ar~l~tlot p~muant ~o thc ~1 ~1~
~l nT~ thu~ relevant h~, P.l~lnttff, Z~n~ld T. Hms, w~ c~lo~t
Tvrmh~st S~et. C~m~ Ifill, Cumberland ~mny, P~lvan~a, ~ w~ a~ting
7. Al.all lim~'~tevaat l~to, D~ud~m, Puul Si~, wa~ cmploycd by
All Pm, ~ ~ commamin[ ~ck drive, and was o~ingWithln th~ ~ur~ and ~ of
g. On 3uno 30, 2000, at ~p~oximatoly 3:00 p.m., Pl~i~tl ~ Donald L H~, was
itt~ido ~ ~rai.~r owned by D~d~ Ali Pm, and ~t~ by De~andm~[, Paul Sing~',
'n Foronl~toncd distdbulion facility. A~ Plnlnaf~, Do~ld.L H~ was nu~o~i~ng auo~her BCD
lra. il~ ~ tapplo ~d ~trtlm Plnt;~[i f~ T)o~ld ~ 1~ (h~in~flcr, 1ho "inoidout~,
.2-
£ortl~ h¢low~
Count !
P][ahattft', Donald He~s ~ts. De. fcndm~t, Patti
re. sonnbio c~c, sh~ld ~vo kn~wn,.th~ one (I) ormom indivklu~, in~luding Pl~, Donald
~'oEk ~t~, Ad~liti~nnl~. moments bo~ro r~ in~id~nl. D~F~ud~t. P~I ~ing~r.
. do~k ~h~0u his lmilet ~s ~11 l~aing l~d~d.
1 l.' ~ incidem oc~l~ mutely a~ th~ ~ult ~a ne~ltg~c~ reakl~sn~ and
on~,Io~n~ms ofD~f~ndun~, Pal~l Singer, individually un~ t~s agent, ~ant or CmPlo~ of
12. Tho/~cg]j~u~. ~n~s a~ ~Brulo~ ufDutondnht, Paul Singer,
indivh~u{ly und as ~gcot, ~crvnm or omplo~ utDcf~.ndm~ All Pi, o, ~o~! of th~ follow{ag'.
Opon~tin~ s motor vuhiolo in ~llfid ~d w~uton d~ragara f~ lh~ m~foty of
pure,ns or pm~t~
(b) Opiating a motor v~le lu
(~)
prupc~
(d) Ol~ting u motor ~hlolo w{fi~oul fll'~L usoel, iuining wh~ p~mons whir;
insid~ U,~ traits;
(u) ~lli~g Lo opo~.atu a mo~r vehicle
~nnmstan~ ~nd ~br~siOn~ .m his ~. ~i~lt rib ~ ~ ]o~ foot, soma afwlfich ~y l~e
for wlti ~lt a olaJm i~ h~, ~hy
I)on~lfl L Ii,ss, has ~quirCd~dic~l ~amm~t nnd ~ inked ~xp~ns~ h~
Compant~, ~s a di~t and proXtnl~to ~lt of th~ h~oldullt,
~tlxld I. l.{cs~, ]~as su~r~ In U~c ~ast ~d may in Bm ~tt~{'~ coutinu.u ~ suff~
Dogoud~nt, ]~ntll SIi~Bo~, t~lividuat]y ~ am ~gen% ao~wnt or ~aplo~ of D~(iant, All
'i
tliu Wut~u~' Cotllpc~ution Act, 77 P.5. f ~71, P~int{~ D~mld 1, llesS; h~o~y ~uke~ a ~l~,
~aainst Dora~lt]an~ Pnul'~cr, lndivldu~ly ~d ~ ~tt~ $~ut or %~pl~ ofD~ndant, ~
l'~. ~or ail indomniiy h~n~ paid or~ ba paid by his en~lo~a ~rs' o~p~saion
in~u~or, C%atmat lna~ran~ ~mp~ ~ a fllr~ ~nd proxim~ ~l~ of th= incidont,
' "' .~*t~RE~OR~, 't'I.i~Li~, Do.Id I. Eems,~den~nds dumug~ of Do~eng~l, Paul $ina~, in.
.17.
l'lalntlfl', Dolore.,{ ,1. lit, ss vs. l)ei'~lidani, l'aut filng, r
Pa~gmph Nos, I thTough 16 aYo'inuml~orst~ h~dn by ro£~uoo n." il~ lhlly scm
~ ~t. As a diruci lu~ proximot~ result o~.a~ov~d~n~bed no~. ' '' [ an' "
D~f~iidant, All ~), ]'h~intlff, Doloroa 3, H~s, ham in Ih¢ ~tbwn ~n(l m~y.in tho fu~ bc
~{~i~tl ~hc ~onsuvit,~m ~nd e~icus ofh~ ~sb~~, l"luinti~, Dot,aid I. ~ss. for'wbid~ a =laim is
~ tltiREUOKIi, Ylain~ii'l~ Dc~iaros $, l.Icam, ~l~munda danuig~s ui'Dol'andant. P~ul Singor,
in .~i~ nlm~uun~ in cxcus,~ oFthe amouut roquirod £ur co,upuL~ury u~bttr~tion puram~ant to Ihu lx~oal
Rulen o r ttmis (3ourk plun oosL~-orauit an~! delay
I[9,
IbrLh balmw.
,. witt~ iL; km, nvladga or ~r~at, expt~_n ar imPlt~,
" :' ~1. rl~randan~, AIl Yin, is jointly ~d %veral~y lta~l~ ~r tho'ar~enLton~
~paalfully ~bmitt~l,
TOMA~41~ & gORANDA~ P.C,.
llsn'i~Dl~rg, PA 17lot
Tol~l~ma"-: (717) 238-1100
MIG'n. IAIil, A: I~,ORAIq~A
PA ID #5~BOJ~
-6-
VEI~ II~'gCAT~ON
Exhibit B
SHERIFF'S RETURN - U.S. CERTIFIED MAIL
CASE NO: 2002-02941 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
HESS DONALD I ET AL
VS.
AT,L PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS INC ET
R. Thomas Kline , Sheriff of Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law served the
within named DEFENDANT ,ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS INC ,
AKA ALL PRO FREIGHT CARRIERS by United states Certified Mail.postage
prepaidj on the 19th day of June ,2002.at 0000:00 HOURS, at
1200' CHESTER INDUSTRIAL PARKWY
AVON, OH 44011
and attested'copy of the attached COMPLAINT & NOTICE
with
, a true
Together
The returned
receipt card was signed by DOREEN M (LAST NAME ILLEGIBLE) on
0~/21/2002
Additional Comments:
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 18.00
Cert Mail 4.17
Affidavit .00
Surcharge ' 10.00
.00
32.17
· SO answer-s: ' . ~_~ '
R2~mas Kline
Sheriff of Cumberland County
Paid by TOMASKO & KORAlqDA
Sworn and subscri~d ·to before me
this g~ day
~o~P_ A.D.
onotary
on 06/25/2002
Exhibit C
SHERIFF'S RETURN - U.S. CERTIFIED MAIL
CASE NO: -2002-02941 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OFCUMBERLAND
HESS DONALD I ET AL
VS.
kLL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS INC ET
R. Thomas Kline , Sheriff of Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law served the
within named DEFENDANT ,SINGER PAUL ,
by United States Certified Mail postage
prepaid, on the 19th day of June ,2002 at 0000:00 HOURS, at
1200 CHESTER INDUSTRIAL PARKWY
AVON, OH 44012
and. attested copy of the attached COMPLAINT & NOTICE
with
, ~'~true
Together
The returned
receipt card was signed by DOREEN M (LAST NAME ILLEGIBLE) on
06/2 /2002 .
Additional Comments:
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Cert Mail 4.17
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
20.17
Paid by TOMASKO & KOPJtNDA
Sworn and subscri~d to before me
~ ~ ./~ A.D.
~rdtho~t ary ~ '
Sheriff of Cumberland County
on 06/25/2002 .
..--Complete items 1, 2, and' 3. Also complete
item 4 if Restricted DeliveS, is destred,
· Print your name and address on the ~;sverse
so that we Can return the card to you.
· Attach this car~ to the back of the mmiiplece,
or on the front if apace ps. traits.
1. Article Addressed tO:
Paul Singer.
c/o All Pro Freight Systems
1200 Chester. Industrial Pkwy
Avon,. OH 44011
7001 ~510 0009 1017 82'7-5
· PS Form 3811, Aggu,st 2001 .
D. ts delivery address differect~'rom item 17 [] Yes
If YES, enter detivery addmsl b~low: [] No
3. Service 3~pe
?'1 Registered [] Return Receipt for Merchar1~lse
[] Insured Mall [] C.O.D~
4. Re~eg Delivery? ~ Fee) [] Yes
02-2941 civ
Domestic F~etum Receipt
Exhibit D
DC)NALI3 I. HE~.R, t~ml
T"Ip, i ftLl ff'~,
.AI,.,I, PRO Iqq.1;tCli IT Sy~iTtlM~, TNC.,
· ~Vk/~'AI.L-rq,~C) ltRftlO'HT CARRII~S,.
INO. trod I'q~Lrl, ~INOER,
'IT);
I,)A~I'E OF NOTICE; Au~Tst 27, 2002
JM PO ftTANT NO'.i'IC, R
YOU ARE IN DF.F^UI,T BI~CAU~ YOU HAVE _FAll.LID TO LrNTI~I~. A. WRITTEN
APHtARANCE Pfl~ON~I,Y ORBY A'FI'O~ AND F~,li IN W~tNG WITFT. TIIE
.I~l ~C~MI~Nq' MAY Bit I~N'FBRI~D A~A~ST YOU Wfl~lO~' A I-I~RING AND YOU M~Y
I,~H YOU~ PROPBffJ'Y RIG[F.~. YOU SH~ TAKIt 'g[l~ NOTICE ~ A
AT ONCE. IF YOII DO NOT TIA~ A LA~K Oil CANNOT APFORD ONE, GO TO OR
(~IM~Ii~ND COI~TY liAR ASSOCIATION
~~, PA 17013
(800) ~90~10g
(717)
?OMA,~KO & KORANDA, P.C.
219 Stlll~ Stro~t
ll.arrisbnrg, [~A I71'01
T~l~pl~on~: (717) 236-1 I O0
Ml(ItlAIlL, A, KO1LNNDA
I'A ID $t$fll10$
Exhibit E
GREGORY E. CASSI2ViATIS, ESQUIRE
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
717-791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANTS,
All Pro Freight Carriers, Inc.
DONALD J. HESS, and DOLORES J~ HESS,:
His wife, :
:
Plaintiffs :
:
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC., :
a/k/a ALL PRO FREIGHT CARRIERS, INC.,:
and PAUL SINGER :
:
Defendants :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-2941-CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO RULE 237.2 TO EXTEND TIME T° PLEAD
FOLLOWING TEN-DAY NOTICE
It is agreed that the Defendants are granted an extension of time through September 26,
2002 in wkich to file:
1. A Complaint;
2. 'J( An Answer; or,
~.
After the above date, a Judgment of Non Pros or by Default, as may be appropriate, may
be entered upon Praecipe without further notice·
Date:
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attg~f~or Defendants
Exhibit F
~ served at the
~e address set
the clerk
agk adequate
in the United
· eturn receipt
ng postal em-
~= of deliver,,
of mailing on
r entry when
velope is re-
:e of de!iveu,,
te attorney of
rd, the pa~7
rater the fact
t. The clerk
celope in the
the parties
:e numerous
ient seeuri~
requesting
7 the clerk
[files
le Court, a
~f the com:t
pies of the
) be served,
party to be
> the bailiff
~vho reside
ss in which
the sheriff
ce upon a
that other
'om any of
myperson
lot a party
~g process
1 tender a
Jments to
te process
shall eh-
, the clerk
~pearance
~ to se~e
: therefor
~pies to
,.,'yon the
set forth
~997/98. RULES C~O~..'ERNING THE COURTS OF OHIO
vAthin the m'ena,-eigh~ day period and failure to make
prom m ser,~ce ~o not ~fect the va~Jidit~ of the semen.
t~, nesmence se,'-Aee. When the plaintiff files a
xm-itten request wSda the cleric }hr residence service,
service of process xh~l be made by that method.
Residence seiwice shall be ef£~cted by leavin/z a cony
o~ me process and the commaint, or other document
to be served, at the usual ~lace of residence of the
person to be served wath some person of suitable age
and discretion then residing therein. Tim clerk of the
court shall /ssue the process, and the process server
shall return it. in the sazne manner as prescribed in
division {B~ of this rule. When [he person serving pro-
cess is unable to serve a cop7 of the process within
twenty-eight days, the person shall endorse that faa
nd the reasons therefor on the process and return the
process and copies to the clerk who shall make the
appropriate entry on the appearance docket. In the
event of failure of service, the clerk shall follow the
notification procedure set forth in div/sion (A) of this
rule. Failure to make service within the twenty-eight
day period and failure to make proof of service do not
affect the validity of service.
(Amended, eft 74-71: 7-140. 7-1-97)
RULE 4.2. Process: who may b~ served
Service of process, except see.dec by'publication as
provided in Civ R. 4.4(A) 'pursuant to Clx. R. 4 through
Civ. R. 4.6 shall be made as follows:
(A) Upon an individual, other than a person under
sLx'teen years of age or an incompetent person, by serv-
ing the individual;
(B) Upon a person under s~:een years of age by
serving either the person's guardian or an3' one of the
following persons with whom the person to be served
lives or resides: father, mother, o~ the individual having
the care of the person; or by sepdng the person ff the
person neither has a guardian nor lives.o.r resides with
a parent or a person having his cr her ~are;
(C) Upon an incompetent pennon by serving either
the incompetent's guardian or the person designated
in division (E) of this rule, but fi:ac guardian has been
appointed and the incompetent is not under confine-
ment or commitment, by serving the incompetent;
(D) Upon an individual, confined to a penal institu-
tion of this state or of a subdivision of this state, by
serving the individual, except that when the individual
to be served is a person under sixleen years of age, the
provisions of division (B) of this ru~:e shal/be applicable;
(E) Upon an incompotent person who/s confined in
any institution for the mentally ill or mentally deficient
or committed by order of court to the cnstody of some
other institution or person by sevang tb_e kuperinten-
.dent or similar offic/al of the institution to which the
inCOmpetent is confined or committed or the person
to whose custody the incomoetent is committed;
(F) Upon a corporation e~ther domestic or foreign:
by serving the agent anthonzed by a~pointment or by
law to receive service of procesS; d~: by scndng the
[::JULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
corporation by ceffified or express mail at any of its or by
usual places of business; or by serving an officer or a which
managing or general agent of the cerporation; arose,
(G) Upon a partnership, a limited partnership, or a (1)
limited partnership association by serving the 'entity by (2)
eet~fied or express mail at any of its usual places of state;
business or by serving a parmer, limited partner, man- (3)
ager, or member;, this
(H) Upon an unincorporated association by serving out ct
it in its entity name .by certified or express mail at any vehieh
of its usual places of business or by serving an officer (4)
of the unincorporated association; omissi
(I) Upon a professional association by serving the or sol:
association in its corporate name by certified or express course
mail at the place where the corporate offices are main- goods
tained by or serving a shareholde~ . state;
(J) Upon this state or any one of its departments, (5)
offices and institutions as defined in division .(C)of breael
section 121.01 of the Revised Code, by serving the sale o]
officer responsible for the'administration of'the depart- se~ve~
ment, office or institution or by serving the attorney was it
general of this state; goods
(K) Upon a countyor upon anyofitsoffices, agencies, also n
distidcts; 'departments, institutions or administrative other
units, by serving the officer responsible for the adminis- tial re
tration of the office, agency, district, department, insti- rende
tution or unit or by serving the proseCUting attorney of (6)
the county; prope
(L) Upon a township l~y serving one or more of the (7)
township trustees or the township clerk or by serving risk 1~
the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the (8)
township is located, urdess the township is organized notwi~
under Chapter 504. of the Revised Code, in which case as to
service may be made upon the township law director; child
(M) Upon a municipal corporation or upon any of its to the
offices, departments, agencies, authorities, institutions state;
or administrative units by serving the officer responsible (9)
for the administration of the office, department, agency, byan
authority, institution or unit or by serving the clty solici-, ofinjt
tor or comparable legal officer; . reaso:
(N) Upon any governmental entity not mentioned injurf
above by serving ~e Ponon, officer, group o~ body (10
responsible for the administration of that entity or by nal at
serving the appropriate legal officer, finny, representing
the entity. Service upon any person who is a member
of the ~grouP" or %ody" responsible for the administra-
tion of the entity shall be sufficient.
(Amended, eft 7-1-71; 7-1-96; 7-1-97)
RUI.F. 4/3. Process: out-of-state service
(A) When service permitted. Service of process
may' be made outside of this state, as provided in this
rule, in any action in this state, upon a Porson who, at
the time of service of process, is a nonresident of' this
.state or is a resident of this state who is absent {rem this
state. "Person" includes an individual, an individual's
executor, administrator, or other personal represen~a-
five, or a corporation, partnership; association, or any
other legal or commercial entity, who, acting directly
that ~
sion (
plici~.
of a~
shall1
docm
addre
addre
forth
instrt
posta
State:
reqm
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this-- d3-tg day of -~e, oJ~.~ge.., 2002, I, Gregory E. Cassimatis, Esquire,
Attorney for Defendants, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc., hereby certify that I served a copy
of the within Defendant, Paul Singer's Preliminary Objection To Plaintiffs' Complaint on
this date by depositing same in the United States mail, postage prepaid, in
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, addressed to:
Michael A. Koranda, Esquire
Tomasko & Koranda, P.C.
219 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
By:
G~ego~. Cassimatis, Esquire
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
GREGORY E. CASSIMATIS, ESQUIRE
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
717-791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANT,
All Pro Freight Systems, Inc.
DONALD J. HESS, and DOLORES J. HESS,
His wife,
Plaintiffs
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.,
a/k/a ALL PRO FREIGHT CARRIERS, INC.,
and PAUL SINGER
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA ~~ ,~.
NO. 02-2941-CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DEFENDANT'S~ ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS~ INC. ANSWER WITH NEW
MATTER TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes Defendant, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc., a/k/a All Pro Freight Carriers, by
and through their counsel, Gregory E. Cassimatis, Esquire, and files the following Answer with
New Matter to Plaintiffs' Complaint and avers as follows:
1. Denied. After reasonable investigation, the answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations
contained in Paragraph 1 of Plaintiffs' Complaint and the same are deemed denied
and strict proof thereof demanded.
2. Admitted.
o
o
o
Denied. It is specifically denied that Defendant, Paul Singer was employed by All
Pro. It is also specifically denied that Defendant, Paul Singer may be served process
at 1200 Chester Industrial Parkway, Avon, Ohio 44011. On the contrary, Defendant,
Paul Singer, at all times relevant hereto, was employed by Pirro Trucking, Inc., 40172
Woodhollow Drive, Mantua, Ohio 44255.
Admitted.
Denied. After reasonable investigation, the answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to fomi a belief as to the troth of the allegations
contained in Paragraph 5 of Plaintiff's Complaint and the same are deemed denied
and strict thereof demanded.
Denied. After reasonable investigation, the answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations
contained in Paragraph 6 of Plaintiffs' Complaint and the same are deemed denied
and strict proof thereof demanded.
Denied. It is specifically denied that at all times relevant hereto, Defendant, Paul
Singer was employed by Defendant, All Pro, as a commercial track driver and was
acting within the course and scope of that employment. It is admitted that Defendant,
Paul Singer was acting as an agent of the answering Defendant.
Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
COUNT I
PLAINTIFF~ DONALD HESS v. DEFENDANT~ PAUL SINGER
The answering Defendant incorporates its answers to Paragraphs 1 through 8 above as
if fully set forth at length.
10. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
11. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 11 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
12. (a)-(e) Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
13. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 13 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
14. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 14 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
15. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 15 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
16. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 16 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc. demands judgment in its favor and
against the Plaintiffs, together with costs of suit.
COUNT II
PLAINTIFF~ DOLORES J. HESS v. DEFENDANT~ PAUL SINGER
17. The answering Defendant incorporates its answers to Paragraphs 1-16 above as if
fully set forth at length.
18. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 18 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc. demands judgment in its favor and
against the Plaintiffs, together with costs of suit.
COUNT III
PLAINTIFFS~ DONALD I. HESS AND DOLORES J. HESS
v. DEFENDANT~ ALL PRO
19. The answering Defendant incorporates its answers to Paragraph 1-18 above as if fully
set forth at length.
20. Denied. It is specifically denied that at all times relevant hereto, Defendant, Paul
Singer was acting as a servant and/or employee while operating the motor vehicle in
question with its knowledge or consent, expressed or implied. It is admitted that
Defendant, Paul Singer was acting as an agent of Defendant, All Pro.
21. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 21 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc. demands judgment in its favor and
against the Plaintiffs, together with costs of suit.
NEW MATTER
22. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to set forth a cause of action upon which relief can be
granted.
23. Plaintiffs' claims are barred in whole, or in part, by the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle
Financial Responsibility Law.
24. Plaintiffs' cause of action is barred or limited by the provisions of the Pennsylvania
Comparative Negligence Act.
25. Plaintiff, Donald Hess assumed the risk of any injuries sustained.
WHEEREFORE, Defendant, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc. demands judgment in its favor
and against the Plaintiffs, together with costs of suit.
Date:
By:
Gregory. Cassimatis, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant,
All Pro Freight Systems, Inc.
.09/16/02 13:47 FAX 7177910524 Harrisburg Legal ~009
VERIFICATION
I, Michael Mu~$er, ~ ~ 0~ii~e~x'o~') of All Pro Freight Systems, lac., a Def~ h~
vefi~ ~ I ~ au~o~ to ex. ute ~ V~ca~on ~d ved~ ~t ~e f~ ~ f~ m ~e
lo. gong ~sw~ ~ N~ Ma~ to Pl~s' Compl~ ~e ~ ~d co~ to ~e ~ of
my ~ledge, ~o~a~o~ ~d ~lief. ~s ~tement is made subj~ to ~e ~fics of 18 Pa
C.S.A. Section 4904 ~la~-~ to ~om fals~cafion
Name:
Michael Musser
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this .~ 5-~day of ~e.,~',~l~.~ 2002, I, Gregory E. Cassimatis, Esquire,
Attorney for Defendants, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc., hereby certify that I served a copy
of the within Defendant's, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc. Answer with New Matter to
Plaintiffs' Complaint on this date by depositing same in the United States mail, postage
prepaid, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, addressed to:
Michael A. Koranda, Esquire
Tomasko & Koranda, P.C.
219 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Gregory F,e~siiiiatis, Esquire
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
DONALD I. HESS, and
DOLORES J. HESS, his wife,
VS.
Plaintiffs,
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.,
affda ALL-PRO FREIGHT CARRIERS,
INC., and PAUL SINGER,
Defendants.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
.
:
: NO. 02-2941 - CIVIL
:
.
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFFS' REPLY TO NEW MATTER OF
DEFENDANT, ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.
NOW COMES the Plaintiffs, Donald I. Hess and Dolores J. Hess, by and through their
attorneys, TOMASKO & KORANDA, P.C., and responds to the New Matter of Defendant, All
Pro Freight Systems, Inc., as follows:
22. Denied. The allegations of this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which
no responsive pleading is required and accordingly, the same are denied and strict proof thereof
is demanded.
23. Denied. The allegations of this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which
no responsive pleading is required and accordingly, the same are denied and strict proof thereof
is demanded.
24. Denied. The allegations of this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which
no responsive pleading is required and accordingly, the same are denied and strict proof thereof
is demanded.
25.
Denied. The allegations of this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which
no responsive pleading is required and accordingly, the same are denied and strict proof thereof
is demanded.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs, Donald I. Hess and Dolores J. Hess, demand damages of
Defendant, All Pro, in an amount in excess of the amount required for compulsory arbitration
pursuant to the Local Rules of this Court, plus costs of suit and delay damages.
Respectfully submitted,
TOMASKO & KORANDA, P.C.
219 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Telephone: (717) 238-1100
MICHAEL A. KORANDA
PA ID #58808
CEHTInCATE Or SEHVICE
AND NOW, this~fiday of ,~'~vt~_ ,2002, I, Michael A. Koranda,
Esquire, attorney for the Plaintiffs, hereby certify that I served the within PLAINTIFFS'
REPLY TO NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT, ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.
this day by:
U.S. Mail, first class, postage prepaid, addressed to:
Gregory C. Cassimatis, Esquire
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
By: ~MICHAEL A i~O~kN~A
GREGORY E. CASSIMATIS, ESQUIRE
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
717-791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANT,
Paul Singer
DONALD J. HESS, and DOLORES J. HESS,:
His wife,
Plaintiffs
V.
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.,
a/k/a ALL PRO FREIGHT CARRIERS, INC.,
and PAUL SINGER
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02o2941-CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PRAECIPE TO WITHDRAW PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please withdraw the Preliminary Objections of Defendant, Paul Singer in the above-
captioned case.
Date: [tg- ~-o 2 By:
Gregory E~assimatis, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant,
Paul Singer
_CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this '~ _/4 day of d;~g,,_ , 2002, I, Gregory E. Cassimatis, Esquire,
Attorney for Defendant, Paul Singer, hereby certify that I served a copy of the within
Praecipe to Withdraw Preliminary Objections on this date by depositing same in the
United States mail, postage prepaid, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, addressed to:
Michael A. Koranda, Esquire
Tomasko & Koranda, P.C.
219 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Gregory ~sl-matis, Esqui}~
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
GREGORY E. CASSIMATIS, ESQUIRE
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
717-791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANT,
Paul Singer
DONALD J. HESS, and DOLORES J. HESS,
His wife,
Plaintiffs
Vo
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.,
a/k/a ALL PRO FREIGHT CARRmRS, INC.,
and PAUL SINGER
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERL ' D COUNT, /
PEN S V -,
~"v~E H~
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DEFENDANT, PAUL SINGER'S ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER
TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes Defendant, Paul Singer, by and through his counsel, Gregory E. Cassimatis,
Esquire, and files the following Answer with New Matter to Plaintiffs' Complaint and avers as
follows:
1. Denied. After reasonable investigation, the answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations
contained in Paragraph 1 of Plaintiffs' Complaint and the same are deemed denied
and strict proof thereof demanded.
2. Admitted.
Denied. It is specifically denied that Defendant, Paul Singer was employed by All
Pro. It is also specifically denied that Defendant, Paul Singer may be served process
at 1200 Chester Industrial Parkway, Avon, Ohio 44011. On the contrary, Defendant,
Paul Singer, at all times relevant hereto, was employed by Pirro Trucking, Inc., 40172
Woodhollow Drive, Mantua, Ohio 44255. In addition, to the contrary, said Defendant
may be served process at 457 West Main Street, Apt. 1, Ravenna, Ohio, 44266.
Admitted.
Denied. After reasonable investigation, the answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations
contained in Paragraph 5 of Plaintiff's Complaint and the same are deemed denied
and strict thereof demanded.
Denied. After reasonable investigation, the answering Defendant is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations
contained in Paragraph 6 of Plaintiffs' Complaint and the same are deemed denied
and strict proof thereof demanded.
Denied. It is specifically denied that at all times relevant hereto, Defendant, Paul
Singer was employed by Defendant, All Pro, as a commercial truck driver and was
acting within the course and scope of that employment. It is admitted that Defendant,
Paul Singer was acting as an agent of the answering Defendant.
Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
COUNT I
PLAINTIFF, DONALD HESS v. DEFENDANT, PAUL SINGER
9. The answering Defendant incorporates its answers to Paragraphs 1 through 8 above as
if fully set forth at length.
10. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
I 1. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 11 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
12. (a)-(e) Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
13. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 13 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
14. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 14 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
15. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 15 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
16. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 16 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc. demands judgment in its favor and
against the Plaintiffs, together with costs of suit.
COUNT II
PLAINTIFF~ DOLORES J. HESS v. DEFENDANT~ PAUL SINGER
17. The answering Defendant incorporates its answers to Paragraphs 1-16 above as if
fully set forth at length.
18. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 18 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc. demands judgment in its favor and
against the Plaintiffs, together with costs of suit.
COUNT III
PLAINTIFFS~ DONALD I. HESS AND DOLORES J. HESS
v. DEFENDANT~ ALL PRO
19. The answering Defendant incorporates its answers to Paragraph 1-18 above as if fully
set forth at length.
20. Denied. It is specifically denied that at all times relevant hereto, Defendant, Paul
Singer was acting as a servant and/or employee while operating the motor vehicle in
question with its knowledge or consent, expressed or implied. It is admitted that
Defendant, Paul Singer was acting as an agent of Defendant, All Pro.
21. Denied. The allegations contained in Paragraph 21 of Plaintiffs' Complaint contain
legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
deemed denied.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc. demands judgment in its favor and
against the Plaintiffs, together with costs of suit.
NEW MATTER
22. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to set forth a cause of action upon which relief can be
granted.
23. Plaintiffs' claims are barred in whole, or in part, by the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle
Financial Responsibility Law.
24. Plaintiffs' cause of action is barred or limited by the provisions of the Pennsylvania
Comparative Negligence Act.
25. Plaintiff, Donald Hess assumed the risk of any injuries sustained.
WHEEREFORE, Defendant, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc. demands judgment in its favor
and against the Plaintiffs, together with costs of suit.
Date:
By:
Gregory ~----~assimatis, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant,
Paul Singer
VERIFICATION
I, Gregory E. Cassimatis, Esquire, counsel for Paul Singer, Defendant herein, verify that I am
authorized to execute this verification pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1024(c) because the party for whom
I make this Verification is outside the jurisdiction of the Court and the Verification cannot be
obtained within the time allowed for the filing of the pleading and that I have sufficient
knowledge or information and belief, based upon my investigation of the matters averred or
denied in the foregoing document and verify that the facts set forth in the Defendant, Paul
Singer's Answer with New Matter to Plaintiffs' Complaint are true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, information, and belief. This statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.
C.S.A. Section 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date:
Nanle:
Gregory F-~J~mati~, Esqui{'e
Attorney for Defendant
CERTIFICATE OF S~RVICE
AND NOW, this "~? day of tgcJoger , 2002, I, Gregory E. Cassimatis, Esquire,
Attorney for Defendant, Paul Singer, hereby certify that I served a copy of the within
Defendant, Paul Singer's Answer with New Matter to Plaintiffs' Complaint on this date
by depositing same in the United States mail, postage prepaid, in Mechanicsburg,
Pennsylvania, addressed to:
Michael A. Koranda, Esquire
Tomasko & Koranda, P.C.
219 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
By:
Gregory L~,n~assimatis, Esquire
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
DONALD I. HESS, and
DOLORES J. HESS, his wife,
VS.
Plaintiffs,
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.,
a/k/a ALL-PRO FREIGHT CARRIERS,
INC., and PAUL SINGER,
Defendants.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: NO. 02-2941 - CIVIL
:
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFFS' REPLY TO NEW MATTER OF
DEFENDANT, PAUL SINGER
NOW COMES the Plaintiffs, Donald I. Hess and Dolores J. Hess, by and through their
attorneys, TOMASKO & KORANDA, P.C., and responds to the New Matter of Defendant, Paul
Singer, as follows:
22. Denied. The allegations of this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which
no responsive pleading is required and accordingly, the same are denied and strict proof thereof
is demanded.
23. Denied. The allegations of this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which
no responsive pleading is required and accordingly, the same are denied and strict proof thereof
is demanded.
24. Denied. The allegations of this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which
no responsive pleading is required and accordingly, the same are denied and strict proof thereof
is demanded.
25. Denied. The allegations of this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which
no responsive pleading is required and accordingly, the same are denied and strict proof thereof
is demanded.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs, Donald I. Hess and Dolores J. Hess, demand damages of
Defendant, Paul Singer, in an amount in excess of the amount required for compulsory
arbitration pursuant to the Local Rules of this Court, plus costs of suit and delay damages.
Respectfully submitted,
TOMASKO & KORANDA, P.C.
219 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Telephone: (717) 238-1100
MICHAEL A. KORANDA
PA ID #58808
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
t
AND NOW, this ~day of (~O~7'G~-- , 2002, I, Michael A. Koranda,
Esquire, attorney for the Plaintiffs, hereby certify that I served the within PLAINTIFFS'
REPLY TO NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT, PAUL SINGER this day by:
U.S. Mail, first class, postage prepaid, addressed to:
Gregory C. Cassimatis, Esquire
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
MICHAEL A. KORANDA
GREGORY E. CASS1MATIS, ESQUIRE
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
717-791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANTS
DONALD J. HESS, and DOLORES J. HESS,:
His wife, :
Plaintiffs
Vo
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.,
a/k/a ALL PRO FREIGHT CARRIERS, INC.,
and PAUL SINGER
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-2941-CWIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PRAECIPE TO SUBSTITUTE VERIFICATION
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please substitute the attached Verification for the Attorney's Verification previously
attached to Defendant, Paul Singer's Answer with New Matter to Plaimiff's Complaint.
Date:
Gregory ~/. QaSsi-matisl Esquire
Attorney for.Defendant,
Paul Singer
VERIFICATION
I, Paul Singer, Inc., a Defendant herein, verify that I am authorized to execute this Verification
and verify that the facts set forth in the foregoing Answer with New Matter to Plaintiffs'
Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. This
statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 4904 relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
N -~-?/) ~'7
' Paul Sing~' ~ v
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
ANDNOW, this /~dayof Ocr, er ,2002, I, GregoryE. Cassimatis, Esquire,
Attorney for Defendant, Paul Singer, hereby certify that I served a copy of the within
Praecipe to Substitute Verification on this date by depositing same in the United States
mail, postage prepaid, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, addressed to:
Michael A. Koranda, Esquire
Tomasko & Koranda, P.C.
219 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
By:
~regot~. Cassimatis, Esquire
4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 791-0400
Attorney I.D. # 49619
CC~ c~ O
DONALD I. HESS, and
DOLORES J. HESS, his wife,
Plaintiffs,
VS.
ALL PRO FREIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.,
aJc/a ALL-PRO FREIGHT CARRIERS,
INC., and PAUL SINGER,
Defendants.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-2941 - CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION -- LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO DISCONTINUE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please mark the above-captioned action settled, discontinued and ended with prejudice.
Plaintiffs to pay costs of court.
Respectfully submitted,
TOMASKO & KORANDA, P.C.
219 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Telephone: (717) 238-1100
'MICH/(EL A. Koi~kNDA
PA ID $$58808
Attorney for Plaintiffs