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Home My WebLink About94-04358 .~ 1 ~ . III 7 ~ J 1 1 I ! i I \ / , I i , ! , . , LITVIN, BLUMBERG, MA11ISOW " VOUNG B11 CIIARLES G. VOUNG, III, ESQUIRE Id No. 21688 lb. Widener BuUdlna 1339 Cbatnut SIr"t, 18th f100r Phlladelpbla, PA 19107 Allorne, for Plaintiff. (215) 557.3300 JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA AND NANCY J. GEMBUSIA. Parents of KEITH A. GEMBUSIA 3510 Ralntree Lane Mechanlcsbul'1l, PA 17055 v. MORTON RUBIN. M.D. 3916 Trlndle Road Campblll, PA 17011 and ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS 3916 Trlndle Road Campblll, PA 17011 and SI VAN DO, M.D. PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C. 175 Lancaster Boulevard Post Office Box 2028 Mecbanlcsburg, PA 17055 and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE. P.C. 175 Lancaster Boulevard Post Office Box 2028 Mecbanlcsburg, PA 17055 ICOURT OF COMMON PLEAS ICUMBERLAND COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . ~ Tenn, 1994 NO. 9~ - 43.58 C,'vd ~,.(Y'l . . . . . . . . . . JURY TRIAL DEMANDED . . . . . . . . . . : . . . . : . . . . : PRAECIPE TO ISSUE WRIT OF SUMMONS TO THE PROTHONOTARY: Kindly issue a Writ of Summons in the above-captioned case. RESPECTFULLY, LITVIN, BLUMBERG, MATUSOW & YOUNG ~t. fo!it:~ll; Attorneys for Plnlnmr 0- '9 -:r- 0 tv) ::r- \r) - ::r- ~ '91. ~ ~ c.::.J v ~ d',; :f~ - ~~ ai ..t..... t_ :.t: ~ ~".~.. ....' ~ ::.:z:.'';''.' ,......,,<.:'~ ~ - lh '1:0. >- ~ (:'1-- ,.l -, r;,::i'" . '~ ,. jV, C. ..... ,:;..;.-.r~ 4.I,U;.c: () . ~.~.I.U a '" ... %:1'\. 'In 0 a (i! .. ::> ci'-' . V'\ (f""'I' 0 10 ~ :r- , ::::t- .' 19' P.---,- , . / /' . .. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of Cumberland Jostlph T. Gtlrrbusia and Nancy J. Gtlrrbusia, P~ts of Ktlith A. Gerrbusia VS. Morton Rubin, M. D. and 3916 Trindle Rd. Carrp Hill, PA 17011 Orthopedic SurgtlOns and 3916 Trind1e Rd. Camp Hill, PA 17011 Si Van Do, M.D., Physicians of Rtlhabilitation Mtldicine, PC. and 175 Lancasttlr Blvd., P.O. Box 2028 Mtlchanicsburg, PA 17055 Physicians of Rtlhabilitation Mtldicintl, P.C. 175 Lancaster Blvd. P.O. Box 2028 Mtlchanicsburg, PA 17055 To _l:!9F_t_q!Ulj!g!!l.l__l:!'!>"'_L_9F..t;.I!1~g_~~ns, Si Van Do, M.D., Physicians of Rtlhabilitation Mtldicintl, P.C., and Physicians of Rtlhabilitation Mtldicine, P.C. You are hereby notified that Jostlph T. Gtlmbusia and Nancy J. Gtlrrbusia, Parents of Ktlith A. Gtlrrbusia ..------------.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Court oC Common Pleaa No. ____~~:_'!~~!l__<:!y~_~_~E!l:!_____m___ In _ __ __<:! y~_~ _~_t..!~~:_~____ _______. ________. the Plainlier ha S commenced an action in _______<;.-i:y~l_~________________________.__u_.______. againlt you which you are required 10 de/end or a deCault judgment may be entered against you. (SEAL) Lawn!nCtl E. Wtllktlr .------------------p~ih~~~t;~-----------..----.. I)ate _~~~~_t.._~______________.____ 19?'!_ By ---~t;.'--JJ2.:--dj.'u:.z.;- Ct.-J" _~.___ Deputy .-.,..:'tt I, "". ;<.c,'_ ~!....l'" ,A~' , .........' 0 .~. 0 . M J M j ~ . III ... ~ 11l - III ... . ..., S .., i~ : N, i'~ Uti ~I ~ ~~.~ tl" ~j ,8. .ill ~I m ~'n'6~ I .1 ~ .... .S 0 ::II ::: ... J:j .0 r 0\ . j H'r ... ,~ .~< . P- ~ ..I : Ij~ - q : 81 51~! ~ D :EQtI . 01< . .. .0..... (J ~I co !:l :E'n 0 . ~ i III . ... P- M .... ~B'J9~ . ~ j~~ ,. . 0 E-< l5 ~ ~ >6 ~I .. .c2l 0\ ~ ~~ E ~ i ij Dl ~ ~~~ i~~ . .. ,.. ,... L~;: LITVIN, BLUMBERG, MA1lJSOW II YOUNG BYI CHARLES G. YOUNG, m, ESQUIRE Id No. 21688 lbe WideDeI' BuUdJaa 1339 ChaCDut Street, 18th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 AUoraey for PIaIDt1If. (215) 557-3300 JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA AND NANCY J. GEMBUSIA, Parents of KEITH A. GEMBUSIA 3510 Ralntree Lane Mechanlcsbul'll. PA 17055 v. MORTON RUBIN, M.D. 3916 Trlndle Road CamphW. PA 17011 and ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS 3916 Trlndle Road CamphW, PA 17011 and SI VAN DO, M.D. PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE. P.C. 175 Lancaster Boulevard Post Office Box 2028 Mechanlcsbul'll, PA 17055 and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C. 175 Lancaster Boulevard Post Office Box 2028 Mechanlcsbul'll, PA 17055 :COURT OF COMMON PLEAS :CUMBERLAND COUNTY . . . . . . _ Term. 1994 NO. qLj - 4.LJ-~ Ci'v,-I /i. ((Yl 43~ ~ . . . . . . . . JURY TRIAL DEMANDED . . PRAECIPE FOR VOLUNTARY DISCONTINUANCE WITIlOUT PREJUDICE TO THE PROTHONOTARY: Kindly discontinue the above captioned matter without prejudice. RESPECTFULLY, LITVIN, BLUMBERG, MATUSOW & YOUNG ~ ~~/ II J..duA~UJm CHARLES G. YOUNGt/i1 f Attorney for Plaintiff i f ~ ~ ..,. crt . :si ~ en >-... "'.. ..t;.r: w ~~ ~:, ~~ U:r.~' L: ci c.... ~; I_"';;::~~ '.". .,.. "'.\''l , I;" ., t:ior- "J.9:Ju,1 il;X'~ ::> c: l.."l <'0 ~ => - 'l 'l ~ . !;... ...... "1).-- a= h.t; ti t. ~~, :;: .;: ~:.-,jt "'11.~t ("r)' ?' ';;., /' ';: .~~ ~ ....r":.:-e ~ ',,,tU.;.r. -- :::~::~ g ~~ ~ ~C.l I~ "') COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA: COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND In The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania No. 94-4358 Civil Term Summons in Civil Action Law Joseph T. Gembusia and Nancy J. Gembusia. Parents of Keith A. Gembusia VS Morton Rubin, M.D. and Orthopedic Si Van Do, M.D. and Physicians of Medicine, P.C. Surgeons, Rehabili tation Philip Baughman. Deputy Sheriff, who being duly sworn according to law. says that on August 08. 1994 at 10:30 o'clock A.M.. E.D.S.T.. he served a true copy of the within Summons in Civil Action Law. in the above entitled action. upon the within named defendant, to wit: Si Van Do.. M.D. and Physicians of Rehabilitation Medicine. P.C.. by making known unto Jan Reisinger, Office Manager and adult in charge at time of service, at 175 Lancaster Boulevard. Mechanicsburg. Cumberland County. Pennsylvania, its contents and at the same time handing to her personally the said true and attested copy of the same. Wesley Cook, Deputy Sheriff, who being duly sworn according to law. says that on August 10. 1994 at 10:12 o'clock A.M.. E.D.S.T.. he served a true copy of the within Summons in Civil Action Law. in the above entitled action, upon the within named defendants. to wit: Morton Rubin. M.D. and Orthopedic Surgeons. by making known unto Carol Ference. Assistant Office Manager. at 3916 Trindle Road. Camp Hill. Cumberland County. Pennsylvania. its contents and at the same time handing to her personally the said true and attested copy of the same. Sheriff's Costs: Docketing Service Surcharge 26.00 14.00 8.00 48.00 Pd. by Atty. 8-11-94 :~;;"?: ~ r ~b~t: 1 ~{r- 'e.e R. Thomas Kline, Sheriff BYJL1{r f b"''3P Deputy heriff " ............. Sworn and Subscribed to BEfore Me This Ii.!i. Day', o~J- ~ 1994, A.D. U'-'1LL(J n",~~., AU"r.-: Pr.Othonotary " T BY dfrl;;7'$t1' Deputy' Sheriff -:J" en . m ';:;> ."'-J ...., '-" => - = .,#. >. '::i ~; u,:, ."1 h. ,,'J., ".-.. l .~. "," -,'J'" '... >-11-:( ;.ill. ,.:':) ;:;~ .... . ~'1<:"1""'to:. ,l-:'".\.NH...... 'l'"'UnnHII.1l: . A"'ITOHNC.,. "T LAW ,-- HA'fnmn.Jn<..l. PI:N~"LYAN"" '711(' O'J~',o r. r> 1,-.,. !,\)<'10 o K " e Q I ~ . C ~ E e .1 ~ 0 t- ~ ( : .c @ ~ I : ~ ,. a ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ p .: rl .. i ,., ~ I . ~ , . JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA and NANCY J. GEMBUSIA, Parents of KEITH A. GEMBUSIA Plaintiffs IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND CO., PENNSYLVANIA v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW NO. 94-4358 CIVIL TERM MORTON RUBIN, M.D. and ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS and SI VAN DO, M.D., PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C. and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, p.e., JURY TRIAL DEMANDED Defendants ENTRY OF APPEARANCE TO THE PROTHONOTARY: Please enter our appearance on behalf of Defendants, Morton Rubin, M.D. and Orthopedic Surgeons. METTE , By: ~~~~eme ct. .0. 340l Nort F ant Street P.O. Box 5 0 Harrisburg, PA l7ll0-0950 (717) 232-5000 Attorneys for Defendants Morton Rubin, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeons DATE: 8/30/94 , . CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing document upon the persons and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the requirements of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of same in the United States Mail, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first-class postage, prepaid, as follows: Charles G. Young, III, Esquire Litvin, Blumberg, Matusow & Young The Widener Building, lath Floor 1339 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19l07 Si Van Do, M.D. 175 Lancaster Blvd. P.O. Box 2028 Mechanicsburg, PA l7055 Physicians of Rehabilitation Medicine, P.C. 175 Lancaster Blvd. P.O. Box 2028 Mechanicsburg, PA l7055 By: quire 907 OODSIDE Craig Sup. C l71l0-0950 Attorneys for Defendants Morton Rubin, M.D. and Orthopedic Surgeons DATE: 8/30/94 LCAS1l53l ..... en . '-)~ .~rt ; ,: .. -, ~f ~.:~ ~::: = ,,'"- "" "" N , ,; m u ::.> - '... ::"l '-' ~') '. , . 1'\""')n~I"N . . l'~'".'~H......... ~'lt.:"1..t .... . /',T LAW A','rC"I'H )".J. ) U')..,,"} I , . V...~.'A 17111, PI 'IN~'" t'."'"",-,,, ;f'... ,~ (, ,,,.. '\1.1',.., o " ~ ~ a ~ E e j; g r'J' ... <C 0 Jt <( > n ~ · ~ I 3 ... ~ z , ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . ~ 0( . Ii . ii .. . f", ~ {' . JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA and NANCY J. GEMBUSIA, Parents of KEITH A. GEMBUSIA Plaintiffs IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND CO., PENNSYLVANIA . . v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW NO. 94-4358 CIVIL TERM MORTON RUBIN, M.D. and ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS and SI VAN DO, M.D., PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C. and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C., Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRAECIPE FOR RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT TO THE PROTHONOTARY: Issue Rule directing Plaintiffs to file a Complaint in the above matter within twenty (20) days or judgment of non pros will be entered. METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE By: quire #l5907 340l Nort ront Street P.O. Box 5950 Harrisburg, PA l7ll0-0950 (7l7) 232-5000 Attorneys for Defendants Morton Rubin, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeons DATE: 8/30/94 .. JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA and NANCY J. GEMBUSIA, Parents of KEITH A. GEMBUSIA Plaintiffs IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND CO., PENNSYLVANIA v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW NO. 94-4358 CIVIL TERM MORTON RUBIN, M.D. and ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS and SI VAN DO, M.D., PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C. and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C., Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT TO: Joseph T. Gembusia and Nancy J. Gembusia, Parents of Keith A. Gembusia c/o Charles G. Young, III, Esquire Litvin, Blumberg, Matusow & Young The Widener Bldg., l8th Floor l339 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 You are hereby directed to file a Complaint within twenty (20) days or Judgment of non pros will be entered. .. DATE"' tZ.'J J I. I r, r, 4 . . CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing document upon the persons and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the requirements of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of same in the United States Mail, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first-class postage, prepaid, as follows: Charles G. Young, III, Esquire Litvin, Blumberg, Matusow & Young The Widener Building, l8th Floor l339 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19l07 Si Van Do, M.D. l75 Lancaster Blvd. P.O. Box 2028 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Physicians of Rehabilitation Medicine, P.C. l75 Lancaster Blvd. P.O. Box 2028 Mechanicsburg, PA l7055 By: METTE, & WOODSIDE 340l North P. O. Box 5 Harrisburg, A l71l0-0950 (717) 232-5000 Attorneys for Defendants Morton RUbin, M.D. and Orthopedic Surgeons DATE: 8/30/94 LCAS+11532 /" "..... LITVIN, BLUMBERG. MATUSOW & YOUNG By: CHARLES G. YOUNG. III. ESQUIRE MARK J. SMITH, ESQUIRE Id Nos. 21688 and 67419 The Widener BulldlnK 1339 Chestnut Street, 181h Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 Attorneys for Plaintiffs (2 I 5) 557.3300 KEITH GEMBUSIA, Individually. and CXXJJrr OF COMMON I'l.FAS JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA and NANCY J. CUMBERLAND COUNTY GEMBUSIA, Individually 3510 RoIntree Lane MechanlcsburK, PA 17055 v. CIVIL ACTION. LAW MORTON RUBIN, M.D. 3916 Trlndle Road Camphlll, PA 17011 and ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS 3916 Trlndle Road Camphlll, PA 17011 and SI VAN DO, M.D. PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C. 175 Lancasler Boulevard Post Office Box 2028 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C. 175 Lancaster Boulevard Post Office Box 2028 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 NO. 94-4358 Civil Term JURY TRIAL DEMANDED , , v, '" -., ,.., t-",,, L0 ,.- ~. ,. .-' -.I ',: ,~, ~ " . :z:.-.... ;-:.";r.; ~ ".:..' -:~ - ..; c...o .<:. COMPLAINT I. Plaintiff Keith A. Gembusla Is an adult Individual and citizen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, residing at 3510 Ralntree Lane. Mechanicsburg. Pennsylvania. ,.....,....".. 2. Plaintiff Nancy J. Gembusla Is an adult Individual and citizen of the Commonwealth of PeMsylvanla, residing at3SIO Ralntree Lane, Mechanlcsburg, Pennsylvania. 3. Plaintiff Joseph T. Gembusla Is an adult Individual and citizen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, residing at 3S10 Ralntree Lane, Mechanlcsburg, Pennsylvania. 4. Plaintiffs Nancy and Joseph Gembusla are the parents of plaintiff Keith Gembusla. S. Defendant Morton Rubin, M.D., Is an adult Individual and citizen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. who Is licensed to practice medicine with a place of business at 3916 Trlndle Road, Camp HlIl, Pennsylvania. 6. Defendant Orthopedic Surgeons, Ltd. is a Corporation, duly incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a place of business at 3916 Trindle Road, Camp HlIl, Pennsylvania. 7. Defendant SI Van Do, M.D.. Is an adult individual and citizen of the Commonwealth of PeMsylvanla, who Is licensed to practice medicine with a place of business at 175 Lancaster Boulevard, Mechanlcsburg, Pennsylvania. 8. Defendant Physicians of Rehabilitation of Medicine P.C. is a corporation, duly incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with places of business at 17S Lancaster Boulevard, Mechanlcsburg, Pennsylvania and 2814 Green Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 9. At all times relevant hereto, defendant Rubin held himself out as a competent physician specializing in orthopedic surgery. 10. At all times relevant hereto, defendant Rubin was the employee, servant andlor agent of defendant Orthopedic Surgeons, Ltd., acting within the course and scope of his employment. - 2 - II. At all times relevant hereto, defendant Do held himself out as a competent physician specializing In rehabilitative medicine. 12. At all times relevant hereto, defendant Do was the employee, servant and/or agent of defendant Physicians of Rehabilitative Medicine, P.C., acting within the course and scope of his employment. 13. At all times relevant hereto, defendants acted by and through their respective agents, servants and employees who were acting within the course and scope of their employment. 14. On or about July 30, 1992, plaintiff Keith Gembusla presented to defendant Rubin complaining of pain and reduced range of motion In his right elbow. IS. On or about August 5, 1992. an MRI study was performed of plaintiff Keith Gembusia's right elbow. This study was reported as revealing revealed an effusion and irregularities in plaintiff Keith Gembusia's right elbow. 16. On or about August 21, 1992, defendant Rubin performed an arthroscopy and debridement of Keith Gembusia's elbow at Harrisburg Hospital. 17. In the weeks and months following the above surgical procedure, the condition of Keith Gembusia's right elbow worsened. 18. On or about November 12, 1992, defendant Rubin referred plaintiff Keith Gembusia to defendant Do. 19. On or about December I, 1992, plaintiff Keith Gembusla came under the treatment of defendant Do. 20. On or about December I. 1992, defendant Do recommended that plaintiff Keith Gembusia receive steroid injections into his right elbow. - 3 - 21. On or about December 10, 1992, defendant Rubin Injected steroids Into plaintiff Keith Gembusla's right elbow. 22. Thereafter, plalntlfrs elbow continued to get worse. 23. On or about May 5, 1993, plaintiff Keith Gembusla came under the treatment of Phillip J. Marone, M.D., at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. 24. On or about May 5, 1993, Dr. Marone diagnosed Keith Gembusla as having an infectious condition In his right elbow. 25. On or about June II, 1993, Dr. Marone and Michael A. Punlah, M.D. operated on plaintiff Keith Gembusla's right elbow, performing an arthrotomy with debridement of synovlum and Infected bone. 26. The post-operative diagnosis of plalntlfrs condition was osteomyelitis of the right elbow. 27. The Infection In plaintiff Keith Gembusia's right elbow occurred as a result of the arthroscopic surgery performed on plaintifrs right elbow on or about August 21. 1992, and the treatment rendered to plaintiff Keith Gembusla by defendants thereafter. 28. As a result of the infection process in his right elbow, plaintiff Keith Gembusia's right elbow sustained further Injury. COUNT I KEITH GEMBUSIA V. MORTON RUBIN. M.D. AND ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS. LTD. 29. Paragraphs 1 through 28 are Incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth at length . 30. Defendants undertook and/or assumed the duty to render prompt, reasonable, proper, competent and appropriate diagnostic, medical care, advice, service and treatment In connection with - 4 - ,. ,. plaintiff Keith Gcmbusla's condition and to undertake appropriate measures to Improve his condition, avoid harm and avoid Increasing the risk of harm. 31. Plaintiff relied on the aforesaid undertaking and the medical knowledge, expertise, care, treatment and advice of defendants. 32. Defendants Rubin and Orthopedic Surgeons deviated from and acted below the standard of care for physicians and orthopedists and were negligent In their treatment of plaintiff generally and In that they: (a) used Improper surgical technique; (b) used Improper Injection technique; (c) failed to use proper pre and post operative care; (d) failed to use clean and sterile equipment and Instruments during treatment of plaintiffs right elbow; (e) failed to use clean and sterile syringes and needles during treatment of plaintiffs right elbow; (0 failed to properly examine plaintiffs right elbow to determine the cause of plaintiffs pain and limited flexibility; (g) failed to prevent and/or protect against Infection in plaintiffs right elbow; (h) failed to detect and/or diagnose the infection In plaintiffs right elbow promptly; (I) failed to treat properly the infection in plaintiffs right elbow; (j) administered medications, oraily and by Iqjectlons, which made it more difficult to diagnose/detect the infection in plaintiffs right elbow; (k) recommended treatment and therapy which was Inappropriate for plaintiffs right elbow condition; - 5 - (I) falled 10 take adequate and appropriate steps to diagnose plalntlfrs signs and symptoms; (m) falled to order or perform appropriate tests or studies to evaluate plalntlfrs condition; and, (n) falled to consult with appropriate specialists regarding plalntlfrs continuing problems. 33. As a result of the defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff Keith Gembusia's condition worsened, causing plaintiff to undergo medical treatment, surgery, antibiotic treatment and therapy, In the past and future. 34. As a result of the defendants' negligent conduct. plaintiff Keith Gembusia has Incurred and will Incur In the future expenses for medical and medically related treatment, medicine, therapy, hospital, surgical and medical care to attend, treat, and attempt to alleviate and/or cure his condition, and he has undergone and in the future may be required to undergo hospitalization, surgery, other forms of therapy, and other medical treatment. 35. The defendants' conduct substantially Increased the risk of permanent injuries to plaintlfrs right elbow. 36. As a result of defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff has suffered, and will in the future continue to suffer, permanent Injury to his right elbow, Including chronic and acute osteomyelitis, weakness, inability to obtain full extension, inability to obtain full flexion, diminished use of his right arm, disfigurement, scarring, mental and physical pain, humiliation, embarrassment, loss of well-being, loss of the ordinary pleasures of life, disability, and other physical, psychological and emotional problems, the full extent of which cannot be determined at this time. Plaintifrs condition may worsen in the future. 37. As a result of defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff has suffered a loss of earning power, and earning capacity In the future. - 6- WHEREFORE, plaintiff Keith Oembusla claims of defendants a sum substantially In excess of $50,000 In damages, together with costs, counsel fees, Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 238 damages and Interest. COUNT II PLAINTIFF KEITH GEMBUSIA V. MORTON RUBIN, M.D. AND ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS 38. Paragraphs 1 through 37 are herein Incorporated by reference as If fully set forth at length. 39. Before operating on and further treating plaintiff, defendants did not discuss with plaintiff or his parents the risks and potential consequences of Infection and/or osteomyelitis. 40. The risk and potential consequence of infection and or osteomyelitis is a known risk of surgical treatment and should have been disclosed to plaintiff and/or his parents. 41. The risk and potential consequence of Infection and/or osteomyelitis were risks that reasonably prudent patients such as plaintiff and his parents would want to know about before consenting to surgery and further treatment such as Dr. Rubin performed on plaintiff Keith Oembusia. 42. Because plaintiff and his parents were not fully informed of the risks and potential consequences of the surgery and treatment rendered. they did not give informed consent to the surgery and treatment performed on plaintiff Keith Oembusia. 43. As a result of the surgical procedure and treatment performed, plaintiff suffered the injuries herein set forth. WHEREFORE, plaintiffs claim of defendants a sum in excess of $50,000 in damages, together with costs, counsel fees, Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 238 damages and interest. - 7 - I"'.'," COUNT III PLAINTIFF KEITH GEMBU51A V. 51 VAN DO. M.D., AND PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE. P.C. 44. Paragraphs 1 through 43 are Incorporated herein by reference as if fully set fOM at length . 45. Defendants undertook and/or assumed a duty to render prompt, reasonable, proper, competent and appropriate diagnostic care, medical care, advice, service and treatment in connection with plaintiffs condition and to undertake appropriate measures to improve his condition, avoid harm, and avoid increasing the risk of harm. 46. Plaintiff relied on the defendants' undertaking and the defendants' medical knowledge, expertise, care, treatment and advice. 47. Defendants Do and Physicians of Rehabilitation Medicine deviated from and acted below the standard of care for physicians and rehabilitative specialists and were negligent in their treatment of plaintiff generally and In that they: (a) failed to take adequate and appropriate steps to diagnose plaintiffs signs and symptoms; (b) failed to properly examine plaintiffs right elbow; (c) failed to detect and/or diagnose the Infection in plaintiffs right elbow; (d) failed to recommend appropriate treatment and/or therapy for plaintiffs condition; (e) failed to perform, recommend and/or order appropriate diagnostic studies and tests to evaluate plaintiffs right elbow; (f) recommended the administration of medications which made it more difficult to diagnose plaintiffs condition of infection; and. (g) recommended the administration of inappropriate medication. - 8 - p ,~ 48. As a result of the defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff Keith Gembusla's condition worsened, causing plaintiff to undergo medical treatment, surgery, antibiotic treatment and therapy, In the past and future. 49. As a result of the defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff Keith Gembusla has Incurred and wllllncur In the future expenses for medical and medically related treatment, medicine, therapy, hospital, surgical and medical care to attend, treat, and attempt to alleviate and/or cure his condition, and he has undergone and In the future may be required to undergo hospitalization, surgery, other forms of therapy, and other medical treatment. 50. Defendants' negligent conduct increased the risk of the Injuries which plaintiff sustained. 51. As a result of defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff has suffered, and wlllln the future continue to suffer. permanent Injury to his right elbow, Including chronic and acute osteomyelitis, weakness, Inabilily to obtain full extension, Inability to obtain full flexion. diminished use of his right arm, disfigurement, scarring, mental and physical pain. humiliation, embarrassment, loss of well-being, loss of the ordinary pleasures of life. disability and other physical, psychological and emotional problems, the full extent of which cannot be determined at this time. Plalntifrs condition may worsen In the future. 52. As a result of defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff has suffered a loss of earning power, and earning capacity In the future. WHEREFORE, plaintiffs claim of defendants a sum substantially In excess of $50,000 in damages, together with costs, counsel fees, Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 238 damages and interest. - 9 - I,;.; :.< ,,_ COUNT IV PLAINTIFFS JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA AND NANCY .I. GEMBUSIA V. DEFENDANTS 53. Paragraphs I through 5 I are herein Incorporated as If fully set forth at length. 54. As a result of the Il\Iurles to plaintiff Keith Gembusla caused by the defendants' conduct as described above, plaintiffs have Incurred pecuniary losses and have Incurred costs and medical expenses for the treatment of plaintiff Keith Gembusla's condition. 55. As a result of the defendants' conduct as described above, plaintiffs have been and wlll be deprived of the pecuniary value of services, aid and assistance they would have received from Keith Gembusla. 56. As a result of defendants' conduct as described above, plaintiffs have been and wlll be deprived of the society, comfort, love and companionship of their son, plaintiff Keith Gembusla. WHEREFORE, plaintiffs claim of defendants a sum In excess of $50,000 In damages, together with lawful Interest and costs Date: 't ( do! ?y LITVIN, BLUMBERG, MATUSOW & YOUNG BY, :~JQ ')JL CHARLES G. YOUNG, 111, ESQUIRE MARK J. SMITH, ESQUIRE Attorneys for plaintiffs . 10. ,. .~... VERIFICATION I, Keith Gembusla, do hereby verify that I am lhe pllllnllff In the foregoing IIctlon; that the altached Complaint is based upon Information which I have furnished to my counsel and Information which has been gathered by my counscl in the preparation of the lawsuit. TIle languaee of the Complaint Is that of my cOllnsel and Is nllt mine. I have read the Complalnl and to the extent thaI the Information therein Is based upon Information I have e!ven counsel, ills true IInd correct 10 the beSI of my knowledee, Information and belief. To the extenl thaI the contenls of the Complaint are thaI of cOllnsel, I have relied upon counsel In makinl: Ihls verification. I IInderslllnd thaI falso statements made herein are made sllbjecllo the penaltics of 181'a. C.S.A. 14904 relallng to unsworn falsifications 10 authorilles. ~~ 11 ~_L~;~ KEITH GEMDUSJA DATED: 'f/;;o/rrL{' . . 11 . '. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE '~"I:~,""';'~"a ..,.~...: I, MARK J. SMITH, ESQUIRE, hereby certify and say that a true and correct copy of plaintiffs' Complaint was mailed this 21ST day of September 1994, addressed and served as follows: via - Federal Express - Postage Pre-Paid to: Prothonotary Cumberland County Courthouse One Courthouse Square Carlisle, PA 17013 via - U.S. Mail - Postage Pre-Paid to: Craig A. Stone, Esquire Meue, Evans & Woodside 3401 North Front Street P.O. Box 5950 Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950 Attorney for: Morton Rubin, M.D. and Orthopedic Surgeons Richard B. Wickersham, Esquire Boswell, Snyder, Tintner & Piccola 315 North Front Street P.O. Box 741 Harrisburg. PA 17108-0741 Attorney for: Si Van Do, M.D. and Physicians of Rehabilitation Medicine, P.C. ttJ KEITH GEMBUSIA, Individually,: and JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA and NANCY J. GEMBUSIA, Individually, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION - LAW plaintiffs v. NO. 94-4358 Civil Term MORTON RUBIN, M.D., and ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS, Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS OF DEFENDANTS MORTON RUBIN, M.D. AHD ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS, LTD. TO PLAINTIFF' S COMPLAINT AND NOW, come Defendants Morton Rubin, M.D. and Orthopedic Surgeons, Ltd., by and through their attorneys, Mette, Evans and Woodside, filing these Preliminary Objections to the Complaint pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028, based upon the following: 1. A true and correct copy of Plaintiffs' Complaint is attached hereto as Exhibit "A". INSUFFICIENT SPECIFICITY 2. In paragraph 32 of the Complaint, Plaintiffs allege the following: 32. Defendants Rubin and Orthopedic Surgeons deviated from and acted below the standard of care for physicians and orthopedists and were negligent in their treatment of Plaintiff generally and [sic] in that they: (a) used improper surgical technique; (b) used improper injection technique; (c) failed to use proper pre and post operative care; * * * (1) failed to take adequate and appropriate steps to diagnose plaintiff's signs and symptoms; (m) failed to order or perform appropriate tests or studies to evaluate plaintiff's condition; and, (n) failed to consult with appropriate specialists regarding plaintiff's continuing problems. ~ Exhibit A, paragraph 32 (a) through (c) and (1) through (n). 3. Under pennsylvania law, "[t)he material facts on which a cause of action or defense is based shall be stated in a concise and summary form." Pa.R.C.P. l019(a). 4. The above-quoted paragraphs of the Complaint fail to allege, with sufficient legal specificity, the material facts on which the causes of action are based. 5. The non-specific, boilerplate allegations quoted above do not provide the objecting Defendants with an adequate opportunity to defend the claims against them, and they are prejudiced thereby. WHEREFORE, Morton Rubin, M.D. and Orthopedic Surgeons, Ltd. respectfully request that this Court strike the above-quoted paragraphs for insufficient specificity. - 2 - LEGAL INSUFFICIENCY (DEMURRER) 6. In the Complaint, Plaintiffs assert several claims for injuries sustained by Plaintiff Keith Gembusia pertaining to treatment and care involving said Plaintiff's right elbow. 7. In Count II of the Complaint, Plaintiffs assert a claim for lack of informed consent, alleging, in part, the following: 39. Before operating on and further treating plaintiff, defendants did not discuss with plaintiff or his parents the risks and potential consequences of infection and/or osteomyelitis. 40. The risk and potential consequence of infection and or osteomyelitis is a known risk of surgical treatment and should have been disclosed to plaintiff and/or his parents. 4l. The risk and potential consequence of infection and/or osteomyelitis were risks that reasonably prudent patients such as plaintiff and his parents would want to know about before consenting to surgery and further treatment such as Dr. Rubin performed on plaintiff Keith Gembusia. 42. Because plaintiff and his parents were not fully informed of the risks and potential consequences of the surgery and treatment rendered, they did not give informed consents to the surgery and treatment performed on plaintiff Keith Gembusia. 43. As a result of the surgical procedure and treatment Derformed, plaintiff suffered the injuries herein set forth. ~ Exhibit A, paragraphs 39 through 43 (emphasis added). - 3 - I:... 8. According to the Complaint, the "treatment" received by Keith Gembusia after surgery was the injection of steroid medication into his right elbow. 9. Under Pennsylvania law, informed consent does not apply to the injection of therapeutic drugs. 10. Accordingly, with regard to the injection of steroids into Plaintiff Keith Gembusia's right elbow, Plaintiffs have failed to state a claim for lack of informed consent upon which relief can be granted. WHEREFORE, Morton Rubin, M.D. and Orthopedic Surgeons, Ltd. respectfully request that this Court dismiss, with prejudice, Plaintiffs' claim for lack of informed consent regarding the injection of steroids into Plaintiff Keith Gembusia's right elbow. ll. In Count IV of the Complaint, Plaintiffs Joseph T. Gembusia and Nancy J. Gembusia assert a claim for the loss of consortium of their son, Plaintiff Keith Gembusia. 12. Pennsylvania law does not recognize the right in a parent to recover for the loss of a child's consortium. - 4 - .. l3. Accordingly, Plaintiffs Joseph T. Gembusia and Nancy J. Gembusia have failed to state a claim for loss of their child's consortium upon which relief can be granted. WHEREFORE, Morton Rubin, M.D. and Orthopedic Surgeons, Ltd. respectfully request that this Court dismiss, with prejudice, the claim of Plaintiffs Joseph T. Gembusia and Nancy J. Gembusia for loss of the consortium of their son, Plaintiff Keith Gembusia. FAILURE 'l'O CONFORM 'l'O LAN OR RULE OF COURT l4. In the Ad damnum clause in Count I of the complaint, plaintiffs plead as follows: WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Keith Gembusia claim of Defendants a sum SUbstantially in excess of $50,000 in damages, together with costs, counsel fees, Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 238 damages and interests. ~, Exhibit A, Count I. 15. In the Ad damnum clause in Count II of the Complaint, Plaintiffs plead as follows: WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Keith Gembusia claim of Defendants a sum in excess of $50,000 in damages, together with costs, counsel fees, Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 238 damages and interests. ~, Exhibit A, Count II. - 5 - . l6. In the Ad damnum clause in Count IV of the Complaint, Plaintiffs plead as follows: WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Keith Gembusia claim of Defendants a sum in excess of $50,000 in damages, together with lawful interest and costs. aae, Exhibit A, Count IV. l7. Under Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure l021, (b) any pleading demanding relief for unliquidated damages shall without claiming any specific sum set forth only whether the amount is or is not in excess of $10,000. (c) In counties having rules governing compulsory arbitration, the Plaintiff shall also state whether the amount claimed does or does not excess the jurisdictional amount requiring arbitration referral by local rule. Pa.R.C.P. l02l (b) and (c) l8. Under Cumberland County Local Rule lJ01-l, compulsory arbitration is required of all cases involving amounts claimed that are less than Twenty-Five Thousand ($25,000) Dollars. 19. The Ad damnum clauses in the Complaint fail to comply with Pa.R.C.P. l021 and Cumberland County Local Rule lJ01-l. WHEREFORE, Morton Rubin, M.D. and Orthopedic Surgeons, Ltd. respectfully request that this Court strike the Ad damnum clauses - 6 - /,,7 in Counts I, II and IV of the Complaint for failure to conform to law or rule of court or, in the alternative, require plaintiffs to file an amended pleading. Respectfully submitted, BY: Cui . Sup. Ct. I.D. #1590 Jay on R. Wolfgang, Esquire Sup. Ct. I.D. #62076 3401 North Front Street P. O. Bolt 5950 Harrisburg, PA l7ll0-0950 Attorneys for Defendants Morton Rubin, M.D. and Orthopedic Surgeons, Ltd. DATED: October 14, 1994 - 7 - . .,'~. ..._1...._0& .. ,:~ .HU..IUU.."......,(.<J '."IN"". U,,' ."."f111 @ .' ,. '.\ ,SEP 26 1994 LITVIN, BLm.mERG, MA TUSOW & YOUNG By: CHARLES G. YOUNG, III, ESQUIRE MARK J. SMITH, ESQUIRE Id Nos. 21688 and 67419 The Widener Building 1339 Chestnut Street, 18th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 Attorneys for Plaintiffs' (215) 557-3300 KEITH GEMBUSIA, Individuall)" . and COL"RT OF CD:\ l\ 10:\ PLEAS JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA and KA:\CY J. CDIBERLA:\l) COL":\"TY GEMBUSIA, Individually 3510 Raintree Lane Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 v. CIY1L ACTIO~. LA'\! I :1 I ,I MORTON RUBIN, 1\1.0. 3916 Trindle Road Camphill, PA 17011 and ORTHOPEDIC SURGE OKS 3916 Trindle Road Camphill, PA 17011 and SI VAN DO, 1\1.0. PHYSICIANS OF REHABILlTATIO:\ MEDICINE, P,C. 175 Lancaster Boulevard Post Office Box 2028 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILlTATIO:\ l\lEDICI1'.'E, P.C. liS Lancaster Boulevard Post Office Box 2028 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 JL"RY TRIAL DDI.-\:\D::D :\0. 9.\-4358 Civil Term CD:\IPLAJ:\"T J. PI:!imifi Keith A. Ge:;:busia is :!11 adult indi'.ldu:!! :!.'1C citize:l of the Corr::;:~::'.\'e:!::.': of Pennsylvani:1. residing at 3510 Raintree Lane, Mechanicsburg, Pennsyl..:l.'1i:1. " l-.'" . --.. I , 2. PlaiRtiff Nancy J. Gembusia is an adult individual and citizen or' the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, residing at 3510 Raintree l.:1ne, Mechanicsburg. Pennsylvania. 3. Plaintiff Joseph T. Gembusia is an adult individual and citizen of the Commonwea!:'1 I I I , of Pennsylvania. residing at 3510 Raintree Lane, Mechanicsburg. Pennsylva.,ia. 4. Plaintiffs Nancy and Joseph Gembusia are the parents of plaintiff Keith Gembus!:l. 5. Defendant Monon Rubin, M,D., is a., adult indivieual and citi:e:: c: :.':e Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. who is licensed to practice medicine wi:.': a piace cf bus:::ess a: 3916 Trir.C!le Road, Camp Hill, Pen::sylvania. 6. Defendant Orthopedic Surgeons. Ltc!. is a Corpor:uion. eul;.- i::corpora:ed u::ce~ :.~e laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a place oi business at 39i6 Trindle Roac. Ca.":::, Hill, Pennsylvania. 7. Defendant Si Van Do, ~1.D., is a.'1 adult individual and citize:: cithe Comr::or.weal::: of Pennsylvania. who is licensed to pr:1cti:e r.1e::Hdr.:: Wi:'1 :1 pl:lc,: cf c:.:~;;:ess:l: i75 L::;=:1:~: Boulevard, Mechanicsburg. Pe::nsylv;!.!lia. 8. Defend;!.!lt Physicia::s of Rehabilit:uicn of Medicir.e P.C. is a corper:!:!c::. cui:; incorporated under the laws of LlJe Corru":10nWealL1 oi Pe::r.syl'..a.'1ia with pb:e.s 0: busi::ess :l: !~: Lancaster Boulevard, !\lech;!.!licsburg. Pennsyl';a.':i:! :!.,:d 231~ Gree:: Street. t.!"1.....i~~....~ ...-..........,::. Pe:lOsylv:u:ia. 9, o-\t :i!l times r~!e''':l.'t h~:-e~ot c~:e:::!!:t R~:b he!:: .. .. ni~::e:: C~~ :1': :1 C::::;:::::-.: physician specializing in orJ:opedic surge:'"!. 10. At all times re!e"':llll hereto, defend:u:t Rubin was L1e er::ple:;ee, sernr.t ;!.!leicr a~e::: of deiend;!.!lt Onhopedic Surgeons, Ltd., acting within L':e course :u:d scepe 0: his ern;;lo;ome:::. - 2 - t ( . :\;1,: ~r:'~ ~' . I , ! 11. At all times relevant hereto, defendant Do held himself out as a competent ph~'sician specializing in rehabilitative medicine. 12. At all times relevant hereto, defendant Do was the employee, servant and/or agent of defendant Physicians of Rehabilitative Medicine, P.C., acting within the course and scope of his employment. 13. At all times relevant hereto. defendants acted by and through their respective age:::s. s~r\':mts a.~d e:nploye::s who were a=.:ng wit..'1in t..1e cours~ :l..~d sccpe of the:r employrr:er.:. 14. On or :Jboct July ::0. 199:2. pI:1fnt:ff Ke:t1 G~mbus::J prese:::ed t:J c::fe:::::--:: ::':::::-. complaining of pain and reduced range or motion in his right elbow. 15. On or about August 5. 1992. an MRl study was performed oi plaintiff Ke::.': Gembusia's right elbow. This study was reponed as revealing re"ealed an effusion ar.d irreg~I:!::t:es in plaintiff Keith Gembusia's right elbow. 16. On or about August 21. IS92, defer.dar.t Rubin perfor:;:ed a:1 :l:"":.rCt::F:: ::"-,-: debridement of Keith Gembusia's elbow at Harrisburg Hospital. 1 i. In Lie weeks ar.d mom.:"s following the abo\'e surgical prccedure, L':e cer.::::e:: ~: Keith Gembusia's right elbow worser.ed. IS. On or about KO'le:nbe: 12, 1992. cefenc:!.'1t Rubin refe:':"ec p!~:~tiff Ke:~' Ge:::::;!:! to defer.dar.t Do. 10 O~ or o;'c"t D,:.....:a-~~.. 1 'CC., 1:I'.,i-.;:: t" .a;~'n Go&-;""";" ...,-'" n,.~.s" .:...,,& .".".-"&'" ;, .......... .........._.... .. 00";_... .......", ...._.... ............)1_ __.ow ....._... ....... ................ of defendant Do. 20. On or about D~ce:;:i::er I, 1992, de:"er.d:!r.t Do re:ommer.ced t.'::lt pla:r.:::.:" r:~::.". G~mbusia receive steroid injectior.s ir.:o his right eli::o'.\I, , i .I - 3 - --'~I' - I I 21. On or about December 10, 1992, defendant Rubin injected steroids into plaintifi Ke!:.i Gembusla's right elbow. 22. Thereafter, plaintiffs elbow continued to get worse. ,. -". On or about May 5, 1993, plaintiii Keith Gembusia c:m:e under tIle t:eat:r.en: \:f Phillip J. Marone, M.D., at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. 24. On or about May 5. 1993, Dr. Marone ciagnose:1 Keith Gembusia as having a:l infectious condition in his rig:1t elbow. ~5. Oil or ~bct.:t J~::~ 11. 1993. Dr, ~(:l:~r.e:!:od ~Ii::;,:!~! A. p.~;".:::..,. ~I.D. '::;:~:':l:~:'::: I. "f K~.th G~ b '. i' ,aI' ., .:II"l' ; ... .,-;..... t., .'.:., ..I,a;,..:":,a_.:II...t 0': ,........:..- -.... p :untlt ...1 ...m uSia s r,gr.t ....00.\. ~.... orm.ng:ln _',Hrv\.cmJ .\1.... \,o.......!..,......... . s: ...... .-.., .:...- infected bone. 26. The post-operative diagnosis oi plair.tilTs condition was osteomyelitis cf :.':e :ig~,: elbow. '7 1in~ .1"1....:11,...10" '1" ".1";.....1:.. t.....:IIit;.. G~~.OUS.I".S r:"Ont .:III~O'" 0...-.......:11..; ~. "'l r~..... c: .:..~ _ . .... It ........ U .1 r- ....... .. ...._....1 ....h w. I; ...... ,"f ...._...._ l.i.l w. ....-.. '..... :!.rJuos::opic surgery p~rforffied en pI:l:r.tiffs right elbow on cr ~boc: A~g'.:s: 21. 19;~. 2::: ::.~ e! d I.... K . h G . . b ~ '~ . . tr::::1tment rer. ere to p.::unt1Ii . ~:L e:r.OCSl::l:' f...eten~::!.-:!S tnere:l:~er. 28. As a result oiL'1e infe::ior. process in his right elbow, plair.tiff KeiLi Ge:r.b:s:a'; r:g~.: elbow sustainee! n:r.her injur':'. con'T 1 KEITH GEi\IBt:SIA Y. i\IORTO~ Rt:"BI:":. ;\1.0. A:\"D ORTHOPEDIC SliRGEO",S. LTD. 29. P:!!:lgr:lphs 1 L~r~cg:;, 23 a::: i:;=orpor:!t~d her~b b:' r~:'~re::~~ :!s if f::!!:,' S~: :'::-..~ ::: length. 30. D~r~nd."ts unh-co'" "t...~ 'er "ssum.a...t th.:ll e!u-' to r:."..I.:II.. pro--' r~"'o....,:"'l.. -....~,a.. "'_...1 ..._.~ ~.......I ... I_...W.... ...'f ....1.._. 1";'-., _...::a to__._.!".....:-.... comp~tAnt ""d 'poropr'l"r~ d'"O OS.i- ......30M.I~"1 .,...:11 "'Ie! '..!o :t.. i,...a 'lI"'d t .:II.,~-:o...t' .............:11....:....... .:.... ...... ~I .... w..... lw.::r. ..... ..I...... ..... c_ _,'" '" Ie... s.... Y..._ loioo,' r __........ 1:1..........._.........\ ._. " - ., . I - plaintiff Keith Gembusia's condition ar.d to undertake appropriate measures to improve his ccr.ci::en. avoid harm ar.d avoid increasing the risk of hum. 31. Plaintiff relied on the aforesaid underuking ar.d the medicai knowledge. exre:::se. cue, treatment ar.d advice oi ddendar.lS. "., J.. Oeiendar.lS Rubin ar.d Orthopedic Surgeons deviated frer.! :md acted i:e!:w :.':e star.dud of cue ior physiciar.s ar.d ei.hopedislS :md were negligent in tl:e:r treatment 0: ria::::::':' generally ar.d in that they: (~'I uS'~ I._r"........~.. s..r'.I""lta........;c"~. _ .... ...:-,\,,!--... _ =...04 .......... ........ (0) used imprope: injection technique; (0) failed to use proper pre :md pOSt operative cue; (d) failed to use clear. ar.d sterile equipment :md ms::-.:mer.ts during treatment of plaintiffs right e!eow; (e) failed to use cle:m ar.d sterile sy:i:1g~s :l:':c r.eed:~s C~:!::~ treatment oi plaintiifs right e\eow; (f) f.liled to prcpedy examine pbir.:iffs r:g~: e!co\\' to ce:e::::i::e L"e cause oi plaintiifs pain :md limited flexibility: (g) failed to pm'er.t and/or protect agai:1st iniection ir. plai::::ffs right elbow; "'J f"'ll~d to ~~"M '~~Iord"'r.es. ,..' ',M' '\" ~h'"""-' .:"c. \11 ...... \.._......~ _.\.. 1__... ....... lr..........C:l .~ ...._1...... .:. . ..:...~ elbow promptly: (i) f:lH~c. t:' t:e:: ;-::~e::y c-~ Ir.:e::::cr. b ~!:!!r.:::.;..! ....:.... elt:ol.v: U', ocm. 'In'ls'.'_-.'_~ -"Io,J;""';ons or"\" .,....: b" .1....:"',..;,.,,... 'l'-'j~'" _ _ ,.._..;......L. '. ....' ......... _~ ..J....~Ii,)..::.. ."...... m:ld;: it more diti1:::!it to di:Jgnose!c~:=c: L~~ inf~':::on in p:~:~t::';'s right elbo.....; (k) r;:::omme~ded tre:ltment ar:d th~r:!Ov which w:!s ir.:l'J::-.::crb:e for plaintiffs right e!!:ow condition: . , .. . . 5 . (I) Called 10 l:Ike adequale and approprlale sleps 10 diagnose plalnllCrs signs and symploms; (m) Cailed 10 order or perCorm approprlale lem or s:'Jdles 10 evaluale plalnllCrs condition; and, (n) Called 10 consull with appropriJle spe:iallm regarding plalntlCrs conllnulng problems. 33. As a resull oCthe deCendants' negligent concucl, plaintiff Ke!:h Oeml:usla's :o~.:!:!:~, worsened, causing pl3intiff 10 undergo medlcallreat:ne~t. surgery, antll:lolic treatment a.':d I.':e:a;:::. in I.'le past and furJre. ': t 'S' r'sult or. ,\.0.. ..:,&,'.....4.,..ts' n..I'la..... .......,.c.".... PI'.,i...;:.. t." .,a;.:" O"""';,,,s:" ..."J i.. .......' ...... ..... w. ... ""'....\,0.......""_. ....~ .:r........... ........ .......... r...._. .."....... ........ ............ a.'ld will incur in the future e~penses ior medical and medically rel3ted treatment, medicine, 1.1e:3;:::. hospital, surgical and medical care 10 a~end, Ire at. and attempt to alleviate and!or cure his c:~d!:!:~. and he has undergone and in the furu:e may I:e requ!re: to undergo hO!il!13l!z3tion, sU:i~:::. c:;..:: forms oi therapy. and other medical I:eatment. J5 Tin. d.fend.~ts' c.........,.., s""sl,,",;.,II', 1.,.........,1'..,.1 tL.. r'I'" c: \",....-.,,....t t..:..",l,.o .. .. . ..... ~I OJ........... 1.001 ....u....... ............... floo... ...... . r...'....w..... .......... 0', plaintiffs right elbow. 36. As a result of defend:!"ls' neg!!genr conduct. plalmil'f has suiier:d, :t.,d wi!lin :.':: fut'Jre continue to suffer, p~rm:lr.o!~t ir.jurj to his rig~t elbow. ir.d~c:~i ch:'~:il: :l:'.: :l:'';:~ osteomye!!tis. weakness. inability to cl:lain full e~:e::sicn. 1r.3~il!ty I~ 0':::3i:: fJlI r;e~!cn. c:n-.;r.:z~,:; "5' or"h's r'lr'1;,r .,..-, C.......l".'..Ao....""... s........:..... -.:...,,"\' .,-... :....t:....,! .,: ~"_:'i..I;'" ..-;...,........._....... '-... .. E..I. ......1. l,)l _... .......... ....;......~. I.......... _._ ,...,........ ,.....:1. I............ ,,,,,r.. ."..._.'..J~......... .... .... ... :- .. r Icssor'w.ll.I:~:no l'ssot.....o...'".-,~;'.,su..so:I'... c".,~'I' ,".. ......."51" I "....~.'._:..' ... .... '::" C ~._ 1\.01......: t'...... .... . '.'" 1.:a....llt:'. ....... Cw.... ...i: ..:1" '('~.. ..........!-...... and e:r.oticnal problems. the iell ex:er.t of which C:l::r.ct ce de:~:;ni:.~: a: I.'lis t::r.~. P.a:~.:::':-; ; ! i I I , ! condition may worsen in the furure. 3;. As 3 result of def~nd~ts' negligem c:):".dcct. pl:1ir.ci:'f h:1s s~:':'~red 3 loss cf ~:r~:::t j power, and earning cap3ciry in the t\:rJr:. i .6. WHEREFORE,' plaintiff Keith Gembusia claims of cefend3llt5 a sum subst3llti:llly in excess oi S50,OOO in d3ll1ages. together with costs, counsel fees, PeMsylv3Ilia Rule oi Civil Procedure 238 d3ll1ages and interest. COU1',T II PLAINTIFF KEITH GEMBUSIA V. MORTON RUBI:'oi, M.D. AND ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS 38. Paragraphs 1 through ji a:e here!n i:1corporJted by ref:r~~c~ :lS if tully s:: f~r...": ::.: length. '0 ~.. B ";a .a' .,.... .'", ';a.. ...a.,;... ...;.,.... t..... ';a;~", ..,...... c""" ...-t c':.-.... ....... cHor... op...r:J.t1ng en _.e ~ur.n..., t......t...g 1-'....1..t.,1. C........iC_..) 11.....1.. .~.......JI "._. plaintiff or his p3l'ents the risks and potential consequences of iniection ar.cfor osteomyelitis. 40. Tne risk and potential consequence oi iniection ar.d or osteomyelitis is a bown ri;~: oi surgical treatment and should have been disclosed to pi3imiff ad/or his ~:!:e::::;. 41. Tne risk and potenti:ll consequence of inf~=::cn :li--:c!or os:ec:nyelitis \\'ere ::3::3 :..:....::: reasonably prudem patients such as plaintiii ar.d his pue:::s would wa.~: to kr.vw 3::C~: ::e:':r~ consenting to surgery and furJ1er tre:!tment such as Dr. Rubin perf::::;:ed en pi:!::::::": Ke::.:". Gembusia. .!'1_. B'-.use pla'lnt'll'"" ""c' h's ""rant.. "'a..a n.... ':'.11'/ ',"":"r-'" c" t~.. r'sl... "'I_A -...~...:... '"T ....._ ~ l..... u t'-- I.) ......... ....~ l..... ..l.... u..... ;. \.0... .. :.) _._ :-..........;.. CO'sa"'H~n-'s of th~ su..oa,.., ""d t-:l.,.-....t ra....l......n ';"Q" c':..l "'c. oj".. ;-....r-~.. c.....,..... .... '..-. h -"'1-- ...... .., ,:_,.w _. . _........... ....\,,;... ....... ...._.' ,I,..;, I. ~ ::,... ....w 11.__ ................. Slt..~ar' "'If""; tr..t-~"t p......o..-....; on pl.,:...,jt'; 1.. ..:.:., G.a-:....~:., _0::" .' ....... ...... ........ .... .u..._ I_...u.. "_0.0 ........_...... .i3. A" :J. rascl. of to:.... s......:..."11 c"cc..,.lura .,_..: t",,"t.-.a"'t -a".or-a': cl.,:....i.... ........~-....: ...... .:I ... ~ "0_ .,,:........' ...... ... _I.... ..._..h....1 }oo..... "'''_'. _..... .. .)_......_ _.. ir.juries h~:-ein se: fer...i. \VHEREFORE, plaintiffs dab oi deienca.'ts a s~;n in ex~ess of 550,000 in ca.-;:a~~s, together with COStS, counsel fees, Pe:msylv3Ilia Rule oi Civil Proce:!t:re 233 d:unages :!:::! !:::eres:. - i - CO Ul'.'T 111 PLAIl'ITIFF KEITI! GEl\IBUSIA V. SI VAN DO, M.D., A~'D PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE. P.C. .g. Paragraphs 1 through 43 are incorporaled herein by reference as If fully s~: l'Ol"_~ 3: length. 45. Defend:mls undencok ~d/or assumed a dut;/Io render prom~I, reasonable. ;:r:;er. competent and appropriate diagnostic C3.:"e. medical c:!re, 3e'/ice, s~r';i~: :1r.c t:::1trr.er.: i:\ ::r.r.=;:~:~ wi:h plaintiff's conditien :!r.C to ur.c~:-:i':e :l~~roprbte ~e3sure~ tc ir.1;::'='''~ ~.:s :=:".:::~'::".. ::' ::: ~ d'" .,.... i.:u-m. an avo:c m::re3S1:1g t":~ r:s~ ~: ;::l:::1. 46. Plaintiii relied on the cefend:mts' undm3klng:md rr.e dei~r.d:l.~tl' medical kn.:wl~'::i~. expenise, care, Irealmenl and advice, 47. Defend:mls Do ~d Ph:si:i:ms oi Rehabilitation Medi:ine ce':i:t:d irem :1.".: :::e; below the st:l.1d:lrd of care ior phys::!:l.'S :md reh:bilita:i\'e spe:lalim 3.,: '.Iere ne~!I~e::: I:: ~..e:: I..~.,t ~ ,. 0[" I'; t'II'[" '* oS""II" ""'CO '- .....,. '~,s..' ........1"':1...0.. P ...r. g_n..._.~ ,"",0 1,1 ....... w....-. (3) f:liled tJ t:l.t.;: ~C~~~:l:~ a=-c :!ppr~?r::l:~ s:~::s :c c::~:-.\:~~ plainliifs signs :u:d s:"m~loms: (0) failed 10 p:o;:e:l:.' e:t3.'1l:n~ plair.r::Ts rig~te!::ow: (\:) fJilec to ce:~:: :!:.c.' or di:1gr.os~ tb~ in::::ior. in pl:1!~:::':- 5 r:6::: eleow: Ic') I'.'I~" I"" ..,a.....__.a..,... "f"I .......:.... ...,t_......, ~..... ,.... tOO ....,..... '--. . . MI __ oJ ...._...i........... "":-pr...a-....... t.............. ....... ..I ........r: t.... pla:miifs cor.::::,:::: (~. I"'II~" 1"'1 ,...........- ....... ....d., .~.' ...... .,............;.,.., -J ......... oJ 1"......,...1. f......mr:.... :lr.\.O.Jf cr..... ..r1"....l"'....... "'I.o~OS..IC S!."..Ii..: .,....z t..~.. 10." I ... I"; ........ . \.0: I'..,... '. \. ""='" ....~..... _.... .....,) ,,",3 u..... p ...nd" 5 rl3.i e......'-. (rj re:ommende:! the adm!nlstratlon or medications which mac-e il more dlilicutt to diagnose plalntiifs condlt!on of in:e:::cn: 3.1C, (gi re:om:r.e::cec L~.e 3~mlnistrat;on of Inappropriate me:!:alion. . S . 48. As a result of the defend:lllts' negligent conduct, plaintiff Keith Gembusia's condition worsened, causing plaintiff to undergo medical treatment, surgery, amibiotic treatment and therapy, in the past and future, 49. As a result of the defend:lllts' negligent conduct, plaintiff Keith Gembusia has i::::.:r:ec and will incur in the future expenses for medical and medically related treatment. medicine. :'~e:::;:::. hospital, surgical and medical Clre to anend, treat, and attempt to alleviate a::d/or cure his :::::c:::C:1, ::..r.d he has undergone :lnd in tb: future m3Y be re~uired tc undergo hospi::!!iz:ltic~. S.t..-~_. ........lo.. -.=...:. "'-'.' fcr:ns of mer:!;:::. and ether r::e:::::ll ::e:l!:r.e;::. , I J ! I :1 I I 50. Defend:tr.ts' r.::gHge::t cOfid~ct incre:lsed t.:".:. risk of t.1e i:.l~ries \\'r.::~ _........... t"........... . " SUSlatnew. 51. As a result of defenc:u1lS' negligent conduct, plaintiff has suf:e:ed, and wi:! i:: :.~e n:' 't1.!r~ cont'lnu' to sut':.. p.~,.."t 'InJ'url to h'!s r:~~t e'bo'" 'ln~"'~:"~ .~.~.:. .-- , ..... _ _ .. ~""t .......~...... 1=.;.. ..., . ............1= '-......H.... ..;...... ....-... os'.om".!'t'ls \\,~",~.",scs . "'lh'I'!i-. t. C;"''''li... l'ul! ,syt.:a ":0" ''''1,,' il;" t . ..,.... ';.i1 '~.sy;,..- ~;-;_:.:...,... I... ..'... 1 t .._.......... In...... ...:.J ....._... ........n.:io. "0 1.._:l. .al c CO~_'H ._01 .''''H''''''' _.........;....- fh' 'h d' - . I d' . I ' h .... , 1.:se 0 lS ng t :!:m, Isugurerr:e::t. s:::!!'nng. rnent.:1 aT. pnysI::1 p:un. .U:r.:~l.:1!tCn. e~C:l::-::'S3:7.~:::. lass 0'\"'11 b.'l~a las l"~. c.":.,-. !.'S"'.5 '1". d' ,. 'j' "Md ';'.- ~,:.,' ....".:..:..: L '''... ... ... ..=, so l..Il... .\oJI........' p..... ~,.. at h.., lS_01 It! t.l..i. c......... ~..)s........ p,):............,:.....-. :md emotion:!1 problems, the i:.:!1 ex:~r.: of which c~not be d~terr:1ined .:1: th:s t:r.-:~. ?::;,::.:::":.. 5 cor.dition may worsen in t.':e r.1r.1re, 5~. )..5 :!. r~st.:lt of c~:'~::c:!:.tf r.~2!i2:~r.t CO::':!.l::. pl:!:::t:f;- n:!s s:.:;-;-:"::-e:.: :1 kss :: :::'::-.::-.': - "" . .. ...- FCw~:-, :!::o e:L.&:l:1g C:l~:l~:;Y I:: !:.e I:':~:-~. \"HER=-:OR- I.,i,..;::- ...1..;"", cr' C':Io,-~"..a.,........, ..- ..~....,".:.,p.. (, _. t:.. P ........1.1.: ....:..... .......\"O....n,) ... S.....l S~..;)~_...._...' i:: ~x:eS3 of S;'J.C'::: ::: I I , , ; i I , d~-ri:!ges, togeLt.:er wit' cos:s, c:~::s~! f;:;:s. P~:1ns';l\':t.'li:l R:.:!e or Ch'B P:'c:~d:::-~ ~}S c:!::::t::es :L":~ . - i::terest. .9. COUl'l"T IV I PLA''''TlFFS JOSEPH T. GE:\IBUSIA AND NA:-;CY .T. GEMBl'SIA V. DEFE:\llA:\"TS 53. Paragraphs 1 through 51 are herein incol1lorated :!S ii full:' set forJl at leng:.'1. 54. As a result oi L'le injuries to plaintiif Keith Gembusia caused by L":e de:'enc:l.'::;' conduct as described above. plaintiffs have incurred peeuni:u-! losses :md have incurred cem a::: medical e:tpenses ior the trea:me::: of pi:!intifi Keith Gembusia's c:ndi::cn. ,... .ts a r'sult 0[" .... 0.........0.."[5. C"r."U-. .,. ~.as-":'o.a": .,;"0'" o'.,j"'t:...... 'r..,t.,a ~.a"" ....... ~;. to _ 1.0... ......... w, ...~... M:lI~.. ..... ........ l.... .1....1. ...,) ._1.. ......... _'" \"1'11 b~ ...prO\.... ot'the C....."...i"':-. ,..,:,... ..... (.:1"":":'5 .,:,.: "':-.; .,....:s."':.....'" .;...:1" ......,.i~ ....,...:1.... _.a,;''o304 .'_..- ,.., l", \.0.. ....... . .....w..._: 1....._.... ..... .. ..... .. ...... _.... ..,),). ._...... .......: ... ......... to_'.. . ............. ., ~... I i I Keith Gembusia. 56. As a result of c~:e:1c:!:::s' conduct 3S c~s=r:bed abo';~, pl:lir.tiffs have ce::n ::..-:c ',;'0::; be deorived of the sodetv, com:':.., lo...e and como:u:ionshio oi their son. claimiif KeiL'1 Ge:::c'~s:a. .. .. ....' WHEREFORE, pi:!inti:f; cia!:;-, of defe::d:u:ts a sum in e;tcm c:' S5u.CCO I~. c:l;::a~~;. togeti1~r \\lith lawful im~res: :!::C :0$:3 LlTVI:-:. BLU~IBERG. ~(ATl'SOW .:.: ':'0':::-:':; I .......-.; ~ ...... ,il! .i ;' \'<" l .'_/\....;' --..... B'{: I ...... . 0_' :. C" ~ "L"S G I....O'.'.G ... -"Q"'-- ....;\. '- .'" _."\",1..;.. co:: ;~i:..:: "~Q" J S'I'~1.: -"Q"'-- ......u..~ . .... .1... c.,:) Ll:~=' D",..:t. ....-. ,. , c.;1 '1 ,i... , / . ".. -'. { -:;'-" 1-; . . ~........_...... ......._ ,..T.,:_.;....: . ........10__::: 1..1 t".-......... - 10 - " "." VERIFICATION I, Keith Gembusia, do, he~eby verify that I am the plair.ti:'i in the f~r~;:oir:g ac:!o::; tha: th~ all.3ched Complaint is b:!Scd upor. iniorm:ltlon which I have Curnishet! to my c~unsel ar:c l:::':rmarlcn i I , i i 'J.'hich h:lS been g::nhe:ed by my couns~l in the pr=i'~r3ticn of Lh~ l:'",'sc:\. 11,:: la.'g~~g-: c: ~~e Complaint is that of my cOllllse! :u:e is nut mine. Il:ave read the CC::lr-I~!::: a..::! to the ex:en: :::::t tll~ 1"'0 '-al'o'" t'. : . b' -d "... :.. - ti (I ,.~ 1". .. ....l..1 :t 's t-';l "'l..... ............. .... ,.,oS ... ULI t... I H .n..rc:.n IS ....s.. ......cn .r.lorll.a .en 13... g.,..:1 C...L;........, . ...... w..w ........,...... 0_ ..... :est cf mv k~owl:cg:. ini:n:r:at:on ::::J b::li:f. T~ t..~~ e:::~~t L~:: ~~:: :::m~:::~ c:' :.~~ C=;-;::i:~:-.: ::"~ . . t',.,. or' c""nse' I ~...-'. .::....: ..-....- ......-S~l :- ... .,' i.... .j.:.. ".Io":'~"'l';"- .. I._...~...........~ ...... ;.:.. ...... ....,,", .......,.... r........... ...!-o...... 1.__.. .... ... ..,..K:...!;t _.~,) ,............~...... . .......-.,)._.._ ....~. . ....... I , I I I I S'a'~r.'.r:lS mad" .n.....'... ..... m'''. S\'''J'A''. t- the p-ll.1ri,.... oC 13 I', C (.. . "t;;".t ,.~I"'lt:..- t~ t..'s.......... .. '"'" ..... . . ... ........... ..l... . _...... .... ........ w ... .., ....~ .... liO. ."'..-.. ;s-...'"""T,, ...... ,',s, "" ... ......... falsifications to aUl.llorit!::s, 7~j'f Ii JJ.",Ji'-JA--':' "-'-H G-H!3' 'Sl . :.:.: 1. .::.,.' ~ .'" DATED: 0/ /;;o/9L.P , ~ i 1 i ,I 1 . 11 . . ..~ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, MARK J. SMITH, ESQUIRE, hereby certify :u:d say that a t:1.:e and corree: ccpy oi plalntlffs' Complalnt was malled this 21 ST day of September 1994, addressed and served :!S iellows: via. Feder:u Express. Postage Pre.P:1id to: Prothor.oury Cumberl:u:d County COl:...'1ou.e Or.e COl:rM'1ouse Sc;u:!.re Carlisle. PA 1 iOl3 via. V.S, M:1il - Postage Pre-Pald to: Cralg A. Stone, Esquire Mette, Evans & Woodside 3401 KorJl Front Street P.O. Box 5950 Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950 Attorney for: ~Ior.on Rubin. ~I.D, :md Or..'lopedi.: Surgeons Richard B, Wickersham, Escuire Bosweil, SnJ'cer, Tinmer & Pic:ola 315 NorJl Frcr.: Stree: P.O. Bo:t 741 Harrisburg, PA 1710S-07~1 Anorney fer: Si Vall Do, M.D. :u:d Physici:!:1S oi Rehabilitation Meciei::e. p,c. ,.- . , I I I <. '1 " r; ",,...-- ':,) \ I,' ' It: 0.../\ '- ' ::?--/, \ ~IA.RK J. S~(iTH~ESQl'l.RE A::o~ey fer PIaintii'i's , I I -",,1.."''"''_'.- CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I certify that I am this day serving a copy of the foregoing document upon the persons and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the requirements of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of same in the United States Mail, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with first-class postage, prepaid, as follows: Charles G. Young, ~II, Esquire Mark J. Smith, Esquire Litvin, Blumberg, Matusow & Young The Widener Building 1339 Chestnut Street, 18th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 Richard B. Wickersham, Esquire Boswell, Snyder, Tintner & Piccola 315 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE ,........ By: -;( Cr g A. Stone, Su . ct. 1.0. #1 Jayson R. WOlfgang, Esquire Sup. Ct. I. D. #62076 3401 North Front Street P. O. Box 5950 Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950 (717) 232-5000 Attorneys for Defendants Morton Rubin, M.D. and Orthopedic Surgeons, Ltd. DATE: October 14, 1994 -::Ir'~_ .... era _t. :c '" 0- .-;;:> ,-.r ,'-I c.~ .- ,-' = Richard B. WIckersham, Iaqulre Suprer.le Court I,D. Number: 07171 BOSWELL, SNYDER, llN1NER & PICCOLA 315 North Front Street P.O. Box 741 Hanisburg. PA 17108-0741 Telephone: (717) 2.36-9377 Telecopler: (717) 2.36-9316 ATI'ORNEY FOR DEFENDANTS SI VAN DO, M.D, and PHYSICIANS OF REHABlUTA1l0N MEDICINE, P.e. KEITH GEMBUSIA, Individually. and : JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA and NANCY 1. GEMBUSIA, Individually, Plaintiffs IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW MORTON RUBIN, M,D., ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS, SI V AN DO, M.D., and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C" NO. 944358 CIVIL TERM Defendants JUR Y TRIAL DEMANDED NOTICE TO PLEAD TO: KEITH GEMBUSIA, Individually and JOSEPH T, GEMBUSIA and NANCY 1. GEMBUSIA, Individually, Plaintiffs and CHARLES G. YOUNG, Ill, Esquire, Their Attorney 1339 Chestnut Street, 18th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED to file a written response to the enclosed New Matter within twenty (20) days of service hereof 0 udgment ma be f}tered against you. BY: ~,Dlll'_ CHARD B, WICKERSHAM, ESQUIRE ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANTS SI V AN DO, M.D. and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P,C. DATED: Ootober 17, 1994 . . . /',- KEITH OEMBUSIA, Individually . and JOSEPH T. OEMBUSIA and NANCY 1. OEMBUSIA, Individually, Plaintiffs IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA v. CIVIL ACTION . LAW MORTON RUBIN, M,D" ORTHOPEDIC SUROEONS, SI V AN DO, M,D" and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C., NO, 94-4358 CIVIL TERM Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED ANSWER WITH NEW MAlTER OF DEFENDANTS SI VAN DO, M.D. and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C. TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT AND NOW comes Defendants, SI Van Do, M,D, and Physicians of Rehabllitation Medicine, P,C,. by and through their attorney Richard B, Wickersham, Esquire, and Boswell, Snyder, Tintner & Piccola and responds to the Complaint as follows: 1-4, Denied, After reasonable Investigation, answering Defendants are without knowledge or Information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments contained in these paragraphs and, therefore, deny same and demand strict proof thereof at time of trial If deemed material. 5-6. Denied, The averments In these paragraphs refer to a Defendant other than the answering Defendants; accordingly, no affirmative response Is required. 7-8. Admitted. ,.. ""- . , 1"- 9.10. Denied, The averments In these paragraphs refer to a Defendant other than the answering Defendantsj accordingly, no affirmative response Is required, 11.12. Admitted; byway of further response Defendant, Physicians of Rehabilitation Medicine, P.C.,Is the business side of the medical practice of Defendant SI Van Do, M,D. Physicians of Rehabilitation Medicine, P,C" as an entity, does not practice medicine In any form whatsoever. 13. Denied. Paragraph 13 of Plaintiffs' Complaint Is too vague to require response. There Is no Indication as to what particular Defendant Is being referred to, and, therefore said paragraph Is denied and strict proof Is demanded at the time of trial If deemed material. 14-19. Denied. The averments in these paragraphs refer to a Defendant other than the answering Defendants; accordingly, no affirmative response is required. By way of further answer, Si Van Do, M.D. admits that he evaluated Keith Gembusia, Plaintiff, on December I, 1992 on referral from the office of Defendant Morton Rubin, M.D. 20, Denied. Following his evaluation of Keith Gembusia on December I, 1992, on referral from the office of Morton Rubin, M,D., a Defendant herein, Dr. Si Van Do submitted a three-page written report to Dr. Morton Rubin, dated on the first page, December 11, 1992, which report set forth the physical exam, Impression and recommendations of Dr. SI Van Do, and which report speaks for itself and none of which recommendations were that "Keith Gembusia receive steroid injections into his right eibow. " Said written report speaks for Itself. .3. W.~'o-"-':"':: , > ,J'-..... 21.28, Denied, The averments in these paragraphs refer to a Defendant other than the answering Defendants; accordingly. no affirmative response is required. COUNT I KEITH GEMBUSIA V. MORTON RUBIN. M.D. AND ORTIlOPEDIC SURGEONS. LTD. 29-37. Denied. The averments in these paragraphs refer to a Defendant other than the answering Defendants; accordingly. no affirmative response is required. COUNT II PLAINTIFF KEITH GEMBUSIA V. MORTON RUBIN, M.D. AND ORTIlOPEDIC SURGEONS 3843. Denied, The averments in these paragraphs refer to a Defendant other than the answering Defendants; accordingly, no affirmative response is required. COUNT III PLAINTIFF KEITH GEMBUSIA V. SI VAN DO, M.D., AND PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE. P.C. 44. Answering Defendants incorporate by reference the answers to Paragraphs 1 through 43 of this Answer as though fully set forth herein. 45-52. Denied. After reasonable investigation, answering Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the -4- ". -- averments contained In these paragraphs and, therefore, deny same and demand strict proof thereof at time of trial, If deemed material. By way of further response, Defendant Physician of Rehabilitation Medicine, P.C.,Is the business side of the medical practice of 51 Van Do, M,D, and said Defendant does not practice medicine In any manner whatsoever. By way of further response, 51 Van Do, M.D. at all times material hereto, provided full, complete, proper, reasonable and adequate medical care and treatment In accordance with the applicable standard of care. By way of further response, 51 Van Do, M,D. evaluated Plaintiff Keith Gembusla at his medical office, December I, 1992, and rendered a three-page written report to Morton Rubin, M.D., whose office had referred Keith Gembusla to Dr, 5i Van Do, M.D., and which written report sets forth the physical exam, Impression and recommendations of 5i Van Do, M.D. By way of further response, 51 Van Do, M,D. specifically denies that he failed to take adequate and appropriate steps to diagnose Plaintifrs signs and symptoms; specifically denies that he failed to properly examine Plalntlfrs right elbow, and incorporates herein by reference thereto his three-page letter report under front page date of December 11, 1992, written to Morton Rubin, M.D" one of the Defendants herein, concerning the evaluation of Keith Gembusla on December I, 1992 by 51 Van Do, M,D., and said report speaks for itself and fully answers the contentions of Paragraph 47 of Plaintiffs' Complaint, .5- I~' . ~''''.~; . --{h!i ~rr"1 ,1,,-_ ~- WHEREFORE, answering Defendants request that judgment be entered in theirfavor and against the Plaintiffs and that they be awarded appropriate costs and fees. COUNT IV PLAINTIFFS JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA AND NANCY .T. GEMBUSIA V. DEFENDANTS 53-56. The averments of Paragraphs 53-56 of Plaintiffs' Complaint represent conclusions of law and non-factual assertions and require no response. WHEREFORE,answering Defendants request that judgment be entered in their favor and against the Plaintiffs and that they be awarded appropriate costs and fees. NEW MA7TER 1. Plaintiffs have failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. 2, Plaintiffs' claim are barred and! or limited by the applicable Statute of Limitations. 3. Plaintiffs' injuries, if any, were sustained as a result of natural or unknown causes and not as the result of any action or inaction on behalf of the answering Defendants. 4. At all times material hereto, answering Defendants provided full, complete, proper, reasonable and adequate medical care and treatment in accordance with the applicable standard of care, -6. ,.. .- - ~. ....~C1~..., l " , . ,I ~ .- S. No conduct on the part of the answering Defendants was a substantial factor in causing or contributing to any harm which the Plaintiffs may have suffered. 6, If Plaintiffs suffered any damage, the damages were caused by the conduct of others over whom the answering Defendants had no control or right to control. 7. All claims and causes of action pleaded against the answering Defendants are barred by Plaintiffs knowing and voluntarUy informed consent to the care in question. WHEREFORE, Answering Defendants request that judgment be entered In their favor and against the Plaintiffs and that they be awarded appropriate costs and fees. BY: Respectfully Submitted, 02wfl\n.~ ~~~HAM,ESQUIRE Supreme Court I.D, #07271 31S North Front Street P.O. Box 741 Harrisburg, PA 1710S..Q741 Telephone: (717) 236-9377 ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANTS SI V AN DO, M.D., and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C. BOSWELL, SNYDER, TINTNER & PICCOLA DATED: October 17, 1994 .,. ,,".h. . 'I . -- VERIFICATION I, RICHARD B. WICKERSHAM, Esquire, on behalf of Answering Defendants, SI V AN DO, M,D. and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C" do hereby verify that the facts contained In the foregoing ANSWER WIm NEW MATrER are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, Information and belief. I understand that false statements herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa,C,S,A. 04904 relating to unsworn falsifications to authorities, \o....n.-C\'1 Dale Richard B. Wickersham, Esquire '''':'-'''<;. . " , , "\' ... - CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, RICHARD B. WICKERSHAM, Esquire, of the law firm of Boswell, Snyder, Tlntner & Piccola, do hereby certify that I am this 17th day of October, 1994, serving a true and correct copy of the foregoing ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANTS 81 VAN DO, M.D. and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C., on all counsel of record by depositing a copy thereof In the United States Mall, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: Charles G, Young, Ill, Esquire Mark J. Smith, Esquire LITVIN, BLUMBERG, MATUSOW & YOUNG The Widener Building 1339 Chestnut Street, 18th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Attorn~ for PlalnUI1S) Craig A. Stone, Esquire METTE, EVANS & WOODSIDE 3401 North Front Street P.O. Box 5950 Harrisburg, PA 17110.0950 (Attorney for Morton Rubin, M.D, and Orthopedic Surgeons) l:k~ RICHARD B. WICKERSHAM, ESQUIRE 'J t L j , f ~'~' ':it '., f";". (: v V." i', 1 l . I' f .. '" -:ro 0"0 - ~;. >.. = '",_ In M ,...., '". en - ~, = .... - . .' ~;'~""~~1' LITVIN, BLUMBERG, MATUSOW & YOUNG By: CHARLES G, YOUNG, III, ESQUIRE MARK J, SMITH, ESQUIRE Id Nos, 21688 and 67419 The Widener Building 1339 Chestnut Street, 18th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 Attorney for Plaintiffs (215) 557-3300 KEITH A, GEMBUSIA, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA AND NANCY J, CUMBERLAND COUNTY GEMBUSIA 3510 Ralntree Lane Mechanlcsburg, PA 17055 NO, 94-4358 v. MORTON RUBIN, M.D. 3916 Trlndle Road Camphlll, PA 17011 and ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS 3916 Trindle Road JURY TRIAL DEMANDED Camphill, PA 17011 and SI VAN DO, M.D. PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C, 175 Lancaster Boulevard Post Office Box 2028 Mechanlcsburg, PA 17055 and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P,C, 175 Lancaster Boulevard Post Office Box 2028 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 AMENDED COMPLAINT 1. Plaintiff Keith A. Gembusia Is an adult individual and citizen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, residing at 3510 Raintree Lane, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, , . 2, Plaintiff Nancy J, Gembusla Is an adult Individual and citizen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, residing at 3510 Ralntree Lane, Mechanlcsburg, Pennsylvania. 3. Plaintiff Joseph T, Gembusla Is an adult Individual and citizen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, residing at 3510 Ralntree Lane, Mechanlcsburg, Pennsylvania. 4, Plaintiffs Nancy and Joseph Gembusla are the parents of plaintiff Keith Gembusla. 5, Defendant Morton Rubin, M,D,. Is an adult Individual and citizen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, who Is licensed to practice medicine with a place of business at 3916 Trlndle Road, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, 6. Defendant Orthopedic Surgeons, Ltd. is a COl1loration, duly Incol1lorated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a place of business at 3916 Trlndle Road, Camp HItI, Pennsylvania, 7, Defendant SI Van Do, M.D., Is an adult Individual and citizen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, who Is licensed to practice medicine with a place of business at 175 Lancaster Boulevard, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. 8, Defendant Physicians of Rehabilitation of Medicine P.C. Is a cOl1loratlon, duly Incol1lorated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with places of business at 175 Lancaster Boulevard, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and 2814 Green Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 9. At all times relevant hereto, defendant Rubin held himself out as a competent physician specializing In orthopedic surgery. 10. At all times relevant hereto, defendant Rubin was the employee, servant and/or agent of defendant Orthopedic Surgeons, Ltd., acting within the course and scope of his employment. - 2 - .. "-"",, ",...-.- , , 11, At all times relevant hereto, defendant Do held himself out as a competent physician specializing In rehabilitative medicine, 12, At all times relevant hereto, defendant Do was the employee, servant and/or agent of defendant Physicians of Rehabilitative Medicine, P,C" acting within the course and scope of his employment, 13, At all times relevant hereto, defendants acted by and through their respective agents, servants and employees who were acting within the course and scope of their employment, 14. On or about July 30, 1992, plaintiff Keith Gembusla presented to defendant Rubin complaining of pain and reduced range of motion In his right elbow. IS. On or about August 5, 1992, an MRI study was performed of plaintiff Keith Gembusla's right elbow, This study was reported as revealing revealed an effusion and Irregularities In plaintiff Keith Gembusia's right elbow, 16, On or about August 21, 1992, defendant Rubin performed an arthroscopy and debridement of Keith Gembusia's elbow at Harrisburg Hospital. 17, In the weeks and months following the above surgical procedure, the condition of Keith Gembusia's right elbow worsened. 18. On or about November 12, 1992, defendant Rubin referred plaintiff Keith Gembusla to defendant Do, 19, On or about December I, 1992, plaintiff Keith Gembusia came under the treatment of defendant Do. 20, On or about December 1, 1992, defendant Do recommended that plaintiff Keith Gembusia receive steroid injections into his right elbow. - 3 - , . 21, On or about December 10, 1992, defendant Rubin injected steroids Into plaintiff Keith Gembusia's right elbow, 22, Thereafter, plalntifrs elbow continued to get worse, 23, On or about May 5, 1993, plaintiff Keith Gembusla came under the treatment of Phillip J, Marone, M,D" at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. 24, On or about May 5, 1993, Dr, Marone diagnosed Keith Gembusia as having an infectious condition in his right elbow, 25, On or about June 11, 1993, Dr. Marone and Michael A, Puniah, M,D, operated on plaintiff Keith Gembusia's right elbow, performing an arthrotomy with debridement of synovium and Infected bone. 26, The post-operative diagnosis of plaintlfrs condition was osteomyelitis of the right elbow, 27, The Infection in plaintiff Keith Gembusia's right elbow occurred as a result of the arthroscopic surgery performed on plaintifrs right elbow on or about August 21, 1992, and the treatment rendered to plaintiff Keith Gembusia by defendants thereafter, 28. As a result of the Infection process in his right elbow, plaintiff Keith Gembusia's right elbow sustained further injury. COUNT I KEITH GEMBUSIA V. MORTON RUBIN. M.D. AND ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS. LTD. 29. Paragraphs 1 through 28 are Incol1lorated herein by reference as if fully set forth at length, 30. Defendants undertook and/or assumed the duty to render prompt, reasonable, proper, competent and appropriate diagnostic, medical care, advice, service and treatment in connection with - 4- ";.'''-T~' , . plaintiff Keith Gembusia's condition and to undertake appropriate measures to improve his condition, avoid harm and avoid increasing the risk of harm. 31, Plaintiff relied on the aforesaid undertaking and the medical knowledge, expertise, care, treatment and advice of defendants. 32, Defendants Rubin and Orthopedic Surgeons deviated from and acted below the standard of care for physicians and orthopedists and were negligent in their treatment of plaintiff generally and In that they: (a) used Improper surgical technique during the August 21, 1992, operation; (b) used Improper injection technique when Injecting steroids into plaintiff Keith Gembusia's elbow on December 10, 1992; (c) failed to use proper pre and post operative care during the August 21, 1992, operation; (d) failed to use clean and sterile equipment and Instruments during treatment of plaintiffs right elbow; (e) failed to use clean and sterile syringes and needles during treatment of plaintiffs right elbow; (0 failed to properly examine plaintiffs right elbow to determine the cause of plaintiffs pain and limited flexibility; (g) failed to prevent and/or protect against infection in plaintiffs right elbow; (h) failed to detect and/or diagnose the Infection in plaintiffs right elbow promptly; (I) failed to treat properly the Infection in plaintiffs right elbow; 0) administered medications, orally and by injections, which made it more difficult to diagnose/detect the infection in plaintiffs right elbow; (k) recommended treatment and therapy which was inappropriate for plaintiffs right elbow condition; - 5 - /. '~ ',.'~"'l'..' , , (I) failed to take adequate and appropriate steps to diagnose plalntlfrs signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis; (m) failed to order or perform appropriate tests or studies including, _ BlIa, blood tests and MRIs to evaluate plalntlfrs condition; and, (n) failed to consult with appropriate specialists Including, _ BlIa, Infections disease specialists regarding plalntlfrs continuing problems, 33. As a result of the defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff Keith Gembusla's condition worsened, causing plaintiff to undergo medical treatment, surgery, antibiotic treatment and therapy, in the past and future, 34. As a result of the defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff Keith Gembusla has incurred and wllllncur In the future expenses for medical and medically related treatment, medicine, therapy, hospital, surgical and medical care to attend, treat, and attempt to alleviate and/or cure his condition, and he has undergone and in the future may be required to undergo hospitalization, surgery, other forms of therapy, and other medical treatment. 35. The defendants' conduct substantially Increased the risk of permanent Injuries to plalntlfrs right elbow, 36, As a result of defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff has suffered, and wlllln the future continue to suffer, permanent Injury to his right elbow, Including chronic and acute osteomyelitis, weakness, inability to obtain full extension, Inability to obtain full flexion, diminished use of his right arm, disfigurement, scarring, mental and physical pain, humiliation, embarrassment, loss of well-being, loss of the ordinary pleasures of life, disability, and other physical, psychological and emotional problems, the full extent of which cannot be determined at this time. Plaintlfrs condition may worsen In the future. - 6- COUNT II PLAINTIFF KEITH GEMBUSIA V. MORTON RUBIN, M.D. AND ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS , , 37, As a result of defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff has suffered a loss of earning power. and earning capacil)' In the future, WHEREFORE, plaintiff Keith Gembusla claims of defenllants a sum substantially In excess of $50,000 in damages, together with costs, counsel fees, Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 238 damages and interest. 38, Paragraphs 1 through 37 are herein Incol1lorated by reference as If fully set forth at length, 39. Before operating on plaintiff, defendants did not discuss with plaintiff or his parents the risks and potential consequences of Infection and/or osteomyelitis. 40, The risk and potential consequence of infection and or osteomyelitis is a known risk of surgical treatment and should have been disclosed to plaintiff and/or his parents. 41. The risk and potential consequence of infection and/or osteomyelitis were risks that reasonably prudent patients such as plaintiff and his parents would want to know about before consenting to surgery such as Dr, Rubin performed on plaintiff Keith Gembusia. 42. Because plaintiff and his parents were not fully Informed of the risks and potential consequences of the surgery performed by defendants, they did not give informed consent to the surgery and treatment performed on plaintiff Keith Gembusla, 43. As a result of the surgical procedure performed, plaintiff suffered the Injuries herein set forth, WHEREFORE, plaintiffs claim of defendants a sum in excess of $50,000 in damages, together with costs, counsel fees, Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 238 damages and interest. - 7 - ,.- ".-~_., "-"T~ , . COUNT III PLAINTIFF KEITH GEMBUSIA V. SI VAN DO, M.D., AND PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE. P.C. 44, Paragraphs I through 43 are Incol1lorated herein by reference as if fully set forth at length, 45, Defendants undertook and/or assumed a duty to render prompt. reasonable, proper, competent and appropriate diagnostic care, medical care, advice, service and treatment In connection with plaintiffs condition and to undertake appropriate measures to improve his condition, avoid harm, and avoid increasing the risk of harm, 46, Plaintiff relied on the defendants' undertaking and the defendants' medical knowledge. expertise, care, treatment and advice. 47. Defendants Do and Physicians of Rehabilitation Medicine deviated from and acted below the standard of care for physicians and rehabilitative specialists and were negligent in their treatment of plaintiff generally and in that they: (a) failed to take adequate and appropriate steps to diagnose plaintiffs signs and symptoms; (b) failed to properly examine plaintiffs right elbow; (c) failed to detect and/or diagnose the infection in plaintiffs right elbow; (d) failed to recommend appropriate treatment and/or therapy for plaintiffs condition; (e) failed to perform, recommend and/or order appropriate diagnostic studies and tests to evaluate plaintiffs right elbow; (I) recommended the administration of medications which made It more difficult to diagnose plaintiffs condition of Infection; and, (g) recommended the administration of inappropriate medication, - 8 - t;..., '"_..",, ,':v...~t 48, As a result of the defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff Keith Gembusla's condition worsened, causing plaintiff to undergo medical treatment, surgery, antibiotic treatment and therapy, In the past and future, 49, As a result of the defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff Keith Gembusla has Incurred and wlll incur In the future expenses for medical and medically related treatment, medicine, therapy, hospital, surgical and medical care to attend, treat, and attempt to alleviate and/or cure his condition, and he has undergone and In the future may be required to undergo hospitalization, surgery, other forms of therapy, and other medical treatment. SO. Defendants' negligent conduct Increased the risk of the injuries which plaintiff sustained. 51. As a result of defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff has suffered, and wlll in the future continue to suffer, permanent injury to his right elbow, including chronic and acute osteomyelitis, weakness, inability to obtain full extension, inability to obtain full flexion, diminished use of his right arm, disfigurement, scarring, mental and physical pain, humiliation, embarrassment, loss of well-being, loss of the ordinary pleasures of life, disability and other physical, psychological and emotional problems, the full extent of which cannot be determined at this time, Plaintiffs condition may worsen in the future, 52. As a result of defendants' negligent conduct, plaintiff has suffered a loss of earning power, and earning capacity in the future. WHEREFORE, plaintiffs claim of defendants a sum substantially in excess of $50,000 in damages, together with costs, counsel fees, Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 238 damages and Interest. - 9 - , . f,--'.~""""'-"',~-",~~ COUNT IV PLAINTIFFS .JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA AND NANCY J. GEMBUSIA V. DEFENDANTS 53, Paragraphs 1 through 51 are herein Incol1lorated as If fully set forth at length, 54, As a result of the hljurles to plaintiff Keith Gembusla caused by the defendants' conduct as described above, plaintiffs have Incurred pecuniary losses and have Incurred costs and medical expenses for the treatment of plaintiff Keith Gembusla's condition. WHEREFORE, plaintiffs claim of defendants a sum In excess of $50,000 In damages, together with lawful Interest, costs, counsel fees and Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure Rule 238 damages. Date: LITVIN, BLUMBERG, MATUSOW & YOUNG - 10- . , . VERIFICATION I, Keith Gembusla, do hereby verify that I am the plaintiff In the forcgolng action; that the attachcd Amcnded Complaint Is bascd upon Information which I have furnished to my counsel and Information which has been gathered by my counsel In the preparation of the lawsuit, The language of the Amended Complaint Is that of my counsel and Is not mine, I havc read the Amended Complaint and to the extent that the Information therein Is based upon Information I have given counscl, It Is true and correct to thc best of my knowledge, Information and belief. To the extent that the contents of the Amended Complaint are that of counsel, 1 have relied upon counsel In making this verification. I understand that falsc statements made herein are made subJect to the penalties of 18 Pa, C,S,A, A4904 relating to unsworn falsifications to authorities, ~tbt4':l {;. J'UnJh~ KEITH GEMBOSIA DATED: 10 /J ~ /c;<f , . 11 . J\'.r>-~" . CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE I, Lisa Bruno, Secretary to Mark J. Smith, hereby certify that service of a true and correct copy of the within Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint was made on the 31st day of October 1994, to all counsel Involved In this case by First Class Mall, postage pre-paid, ~L~ 1J~i)) LISA BRUNO I Secretary to MARK J. SMITH ..... en - >-,.. "'... ~;w:., ""U=?_ O;.cOr -OU_( ~~:C~::i 0".:"'_ . ;;:.. ..~u) , I';;~:z ~J...... '., 'r. : ,J '~~1;1~ "-I~:l;.I. ;:> .~O o if: ... o-t M C"-J - -'=1 - ~ '" ) '~ , , R1dw'd B. W1ckenham, &qulre Supreme Court I,D. Number: 07271 BOSWELL, 11NTNER. PICCOLA "" WICKERSHAM 3 U North Front Street P.O, Box 741 Harrisburg. PA 17108.0741 Telephone: (717) 236-9377 Telecopler: (717) 236-9316 Attorney for Defendants SI VAN DO, M.D, and PHYSICIANS OF REHAIlIUTAll0N MEDICINE M101AEL F. LUPINACCI, M.D.. P,C. JOSEPH T. GEMBUSIA and NANCY 1. GEMBUSIA, Parents of KEITH GEMBUSIA, Plaintiffs v. MORTON RUBIN, M,D" and ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS, SI V AN DO, M.D., and PHYSICIANS OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, P.C., MICHAEL F. LUPINACCI, M.D., P.C.,: Defendants . IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 94435S.clVIL JUR Y TRIAL DEMANDED W1lHDRA W AL OF APPEARANCE TO THE PROTHONOTARY: Kindly enter the Withdrawal of Appearance of Richard B. Wickersham, Esquire, and Boswell, Tintner, Piccola & Wickersham on behalf of the Defendants, Si Van Do, M.D., Physicians of Rehabilitation Medicine and Michael F, Lupinacci, M,D., P.C" in the above- captioned matter. Dated: May 26,1999 Respectfully Submitted, ~~ Ri hard B. Wickersham, Esquire CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Richard B. Wickersham, Esquire, and the law firm of Boswell, Tlntner, Piccola & S~ ~ Wickersham, do hereby certify that I am thls~ day of )41(y, 1999, serving a true and correct copy of the foregoing Withdrawal or Appearance on all counsel of record by depositing a copy thereof In the United States mall, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: Charles G. Young, III, Esquire UrnN, BLUMBERG, MATUSOW & YOUNG The Widener Building, 18th Floor 1339 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 Craig A. Stone, Esquire ME'ITE, EVANS & WOODSIDE, P.C. 3401 North Front Street P.Q, Box 5950 Harrisburg, PA l7110.{)950 Jack M. Hartman, Esquire HARTMAN & MIlJ.ER, P,C. 126-128 Walnut Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 ~~~Ol~"___ hard B. Wickersham, Esquire ir. al ?; r~ -" /' L- Cel oJ.'; t-~ C):.~ 11.1 ~-.. C). ~ ~i:: 1._)::.0' -:.c" li-:. <'- :');5 (~)I -'"~ , ( . 0::' ."(J) or. I" I .~ LJ-l-- ,"c:Z r.-;-:fl-. ::J .:hiJ ..- -. , ;JQ. r:-: -, .'" 14. C'> :J, (;) Q'\ (.J