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MARIE HUGHES AND ELMER
HUGHES, HER HUSBAND,
Plaint! ffs
'30
IN THF COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
JOHN E. SE I BERT t1d/b/a
CUMBERLAND WINDOW FASHIONS,
Defendant
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO, 94-5804 CIVIL TERM
PRETRIAL C.QNFERENC.E
At a pretriol conference held August 28, 1996, before
Edgor B. Boyley, Judge, pre:;ent for the plaintiffS rias Karl J.
JonuzzL Esquire, and for the Defendant, David L, Schwalm,
Esquire. TimothY A. Shollenberger wJ.lI represent plaintiffs at
trial.
On February 8, 1994, plaintiff, Marie Hughes, who is
in her fifties, fell on 0 sidewalk in front of defendant's store
at 427 Bridge Street, New Cumberland. Plolnt! ff maintains that
it hod stopped snowing, but that issue is in dispute. Defendant
had not token any steps to clear the snow from the sidewalk,
,Plaintiff suffered on injury to her left knee for
which she hod surgery, There is 0 possibility that she will
need 0 knee replacement in the future. She seeks general
damages, medical expenses and 0 small amoLlnt of lost wages.
There is no claim for loss of earnIng copacity,
Defendant denies liability, Trial counsel sholl
present to the trial Judge at the beginning of the trial Q
succinct brief on the issues of liotl1l1j.
,
Est lmated tl.me of Uial. one- and 0 hol f days.
..~., . ....__._.n_
. ErJgar B. ~l€Y.J,
Timothy A. ShollentJerger, F..squil"e t
For Plalntlf fs
Dov Id l.. Scrlwalm, ESC/l.Iirp.
For DefemJont
lprs
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Mari. Hugh.. and .l..r
Hugh.., Her Hu.band,
In the Court of C~n 'l.a.
Cumb.rland County, 'a,
Plaintiffs
v.
No. 9.-580.
Civil Action - Law
John ., Seib.rt t/d/b/a
Cumberland Window pa.hion.,
Defendant
Jury Trial Demand.d
PRS-TRIAL M.MORANDUM
AND NOW come the Plaintiffs, Marie Hughas and Elmer
Hughes, Her Husband, by and through their attorneys, LAW
OFFICES OF TIMOTHY A. SHOLLENBERGER, and do respectfully
file the following Pre-Trial Memorandum:
I, BASIC PACTS AS TO LIABILITY
This loss occurred in the late morning of February 8,
1994, when Plaintiff, Marie Hughes, fell on the sidewalk in
front of the Defendant's store, located at 427 Bridge
Street, New Cumberland, Pa. The Plaintiff slipped and fell
on ice that was covered by a few inches of fallen snow.
There is conflicting testimony as to whether it was still
snowing at the time of the Plaintiff's fall.
The Plaintiff contends that at the time of the fall.
the sidewalks in the immediate area of 427 Bridge Stl'eet
were clear of. ice and snow. The Defendant admits that no
steps were taken to clear the ice and snow from the aid...l_,
in front of the Defendant's store prior to the Plaintifl'. '
fall.
I d
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a tear a" '<"iI",'
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lateral meniscus of her left knee, which required, i',.iJC
. , ,i,'itj;!iY
surgery perEormed by Thomas H. Malitr;, M.D. oti;ii:'!l
The Plaint L f f also suf fered an aggravation C).tnlj~
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l.L_.IASIC PACTS AS TO DAJU.O.S
result of her fall, Plaintiff suffered
the
arthroscopic
May 4, 1994.
L^'" l..)'PlCBS 1;)1'
TlMOrHl A. 'HOlL,N.,1lO1II
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a pre-existing degenerative condition of her left knee.
The Plaintiff's treating physician, Dr. Malin, has
opined that the prognosis for Ms. Hughes' left knee is
guarded due to the increased risk of further arthritic
change and exacerbations from increased activity. He
expects that she will require medication from time to time,
possibly injections and/or physical therapy. Dr. Matlin
further believes that the Claimant will suffer intermittent
pain and swelling. It is his hope to be able to treat this
conservatively, however, he does leave open the possibility
that she may need repeat arthroscopic surgery.
At the time of the fall, the Plaintiff was working two
jobs: full time, with CIa, Inc. and part-time with the
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAAl.
Following the surgery, the Plaintiff had a period of
disability lasting approximately eight days, during which
she was unable to work. She was paid for the time she
missed from CIa, Inc. but not for the time she missed from
her part time work with PHEAA.
III, PRINCIPAL ISSUES or LIABILITY AND DAMAG'I
A. At the time of the Plaintiff's fall, did the
Defendant owe a duty to the Plaintiff to have the sidewalk
in front of the Defendant's premises at 427 Bridge Street
free and clear of snow and ice?
B. Does compliance with the Local Sidewalk Ordinance
relieve Defendant of liability for this fall?
C. Was the Plaintiff's lateral meniscus teal' and
resultant surgery causally related to the fall in question?
IV, ISSU.S AS TO TH. ADMISSIBILITY or T.STlMOHY . .W.~.l~
None Plaintiff is aware of.
~.~ss.s TO B. CALL.D
1. Marie Hughes.
2
LAW UPPIC!S OP
'r1MOTHY A. !HOlLlN...osa
IIW) LINULESrUWN R~)A[l . PO iOX eo"!,., . ~1^"R.18BURrJ, PA 11IiJlt.O~,"
(711IlJof.l100 . MX 11111 Ht.IUll
2. Elmer Hughes.
3, Thomas H. Malin, M.D. (by video deposition) .
4. W. Kenneth Achenbach (as on cross) .
Witnesses identified but not called by the Defendant.
Any person whose testimony is or may become necessary
to authenticate or provide foundational testimony regarding
any exhibit (e.g. witness to verify accuracy of photograph,
ql~alify documents, business records, ate.).
Any person whose testimony is or may become 'necessary
as a rebuttal witness.
VI , JXHIBITS
1. Photo of the scene.
2. Local climatological data (monthly summary,
February, 1994).
3. Charts showing weather observations at three hour
intervals for February, 1994.
4. Hourly precipitation charts for FebrualY, 1994.
5. Exhibit summarizing wage loss.
6. Medical expense summary with supporting medical
bills.
7. Medical treatment summary.
8. MRI films of Plaintiff's left knee taken March 2&.
1994 and February 6, 1996.
9. Curriculum Vitae of Dr. Malin.
10. Transcript of deposition of Dr. Malin.
11. Video of deposition of Dr. Malin.
All exhibits used in the deposition of Dr. Malin.
All medical records as may be necessary to prove
history, fact of treatment, or which is reasonably relied
upon by Dr.. Malin in forming his opinions.
VII. CUllR.NT STATUS 0' UTTLmMDrr NWiGOTIATINI.
The Defendant has offered Ten Thousand Dollars
($10,000.00) to settle thLs case. I"laintiff i.s eeeJdng
3
l.AW lip"lcas l.1P
llMO'JHY A, SHOlLlN.IIlllI.
JlW,l UNUlH:-;TOWN RI..'I'\O . Po. ROX 6\.1"1..' . HARRIHBlJRG. PA 11h)ft.iJ~""t
t1111114-1700 . P:.~X (HlIll.."W2
MARIB HUGHES and ELMER
HUGHBS, her husband,
Plaintiffs
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLBAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PBNNSYLVANIA
v.
NO. 5804 CIVIL 1994 TERM
JOHN E, SIE8ERT and
W, KENNETH ACHENBACH t/d/b/a
CUMBERLAND WINDOW FASHIONS,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PR.-TR%AL KKNO~OM O. n..ENDANTS
%. STATDIIIN'1' O. BAB%C .ACTS AS TO L%AB%L%TY
On Febl'uary 8, 1994, W. Kenneth and Shirley Achenbach were the
owners of the premises located at 427 Bridge Street in New
CUmberland. Cumberland Window Fashions, a partnership between W.
Kenneth Achenbach and John E. Seibel't, occupied a portion of the
premises and paid rent to the owners. DUl'ing that particularly
severe winter, Cumberland Window Fashions kept the sidewalk op6n
through the efforts of Mr. Achenbach and employees, the custodian
at the adjacent chul'ch who had a snow blower, or neighborhood boys
coming through the neighborhood. On the evening prior to this
incident, the sidewalk was open fol' pedestrian use.
On the morning of Febl'uary 8, 1994, snow began to fall during
the early morning hours and continued in various degr... of
intensity throughout the morning. Shortly befol'e noon, Plaintiff
Marie Hughes entered the building and indicated to an employ.. that
.he had fallen on the sidewalk outside. At that time, the employ..
indicated that It was still snowin9.
II. "'-ze PAeora AS TO I)....al'l.a
See Plaintiffs' Pre-Trial Memorandum
III. ..ZImZPL. I.atm. OP LZAIIILZ'l'Y AIm naua....
1. Whether Defendants exercised reasonable care in
maintaining the sidewalk in light of the continuing snowfall.
2, Whether Defendants had actual or constructive notice of a
dangerous condition eXisting on the sidewalk.
3, If Defendants were negligent, whether that negligence was
a substantial cause of the Plaintiffs' injuri~s and damages,
4, Whether Plaintiff Marie Hughes exel'cised reasonable care
for her own safety under the circumstances.
5. If not, whether her failure to exercise reasonable care
was a substantial factor in bringing about Plaintiffs' injuries and
damages.
IV. IUIaI.a.ay O. L.caL zaaUlls ..a.aIlllIJllJ anuU,IBZLZ'l'Y OP "'ZDBlmW
None at this time.
V. 1f:rTIIII.... TO .. l"ULIID
1. Lisa Woratyla
2. W. Kenneth AChenbach
3, Dr. Jason Litton
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1, Photograph. of the scene,
2. Local climatological data (monthly summary, February,
1994) .
3. Chart showing weathel' observations at three hour intervals
for February 1994.
4. Plaintiffs' medical records
vn. ~D'l' STATUS O. SIT'l'L--- HliQO'1'U'l'!OKS
Defendants have offel'ed $10.000.00 to settle this case"
Plaintiffs' demand is $40,000.00.
Respectfully submitted,
("-
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Dav L. Sc wa m, Esqu re
Attorneys for Defendants
305 North Front Street
P,O. Box 999
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999
"~..
DATIDI et ~d'la
'...3...
4. At all times relevant hereto, Defendants were in
control of the premises located at 427 Bridge Street, New
Cumberland, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. It is believed
and therefore averred that Defendants leased said property
from W. Kenneth Achenbach and Shil'ley Achenbach.
5. At t.he aforementioned time and place, the sidewalk
in front of Defendants' business located at 427 Bridge
Street, New Cumberland, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, was
covered with packed snow and ice. The sidewalk was in the
very same condition at 8:30 a.m. on the above-mentioned date
when crossed by Plaintiff, MARIE HUGHES.
6. At the above mentioned time and place, Plaintiff
was again walking along said sidewalk in front of
Defendants' business when she slipped and fell on the packed
ice and snow.
7. The Defendants, JOHN E. SIEBERT, t/d/b/a
CUMBERLAND WINDOW FASHIONS, made no effort to remove the ice
and snow from the sidewalk in front of the premises they
controlled in an effort to make said sidewalk safe.
COUNT I
MARl. HUOH.S v. JOHN .. SI.B.RT
t/d/b/a C~IMB.RLAIm WINDON J'ASHIONS
8. Paragraphs 1 - 7 of the Plaintiffs' Complaint are
made a part hereof and incorporated by reference herein ..
if set forth in full.
9. The aforesaid incident and resulting injury of t~.
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'f1MOTH'Y A. !iHOLLINaIRGllt
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Plaintiff, MARIE HUGHES, was caused as a direct and
proximate result of the negligence, carelessnese and
recklessness of Defendants, JOHN E. SIEBERT t/d/b/a
CUMBERLAND WINDOW FASHIONS, which consisted of:
a. By failing to remove the packed ice and snow
which accl~mulated on the sidewalk in front of
Defendants' business;
b. In failing to place salt, cinders or take any
other steps to alleviate the obvious
dangerous condition of the above mentioned
sidewalk;
c. In allowing the snow on the above l'eferenced
sidewalk to become packed and hardened,
forming hills and ridges and making the
obvious dangerous condition of said sidewalk
even more dangerous;
d. In failing to discover the dangerous
condition of said sidewalk which would have
been discovered by the exercise of reasonable
care.
10. The aforeaaid incident was caused solely and
exclusively by the wrongful and liability producing conduct
of the Defendants, JOHN E. SIEBERT t/d/b/a CUMBERLAND WINDOW
FASHIONS, as set forth above and was due in no manner
whatsoever to any act or failure to act on the part ot the
Plaintiff, MARIE HUGHES.
11. As a result of the above descl'ibed fall,
Plaintiff, MARIE HUGHES, sustained serious and permanent
injuries, including but not limited to:
a. Tear of the lateral meniscus of the left
knee;
b. Tear about the midportion and posterior ~I'nl"
"
5
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"IMOTH'Y A. ~tlOLL.NIIROIR
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c. Fraying of the medial meniscus;
d. Aggravation of arthritis of the lateral
femoral condyle and tibia plateau;
e, Sever shock to the nerves and nervous system;
and,
f. Extreme mental and physical anguish,
12, As a furthel' result of the wrongful and liability
producing conduct of the Defendants herein, Plaintiff, MARIE
HUGHES, has been obliged to expend various and diverse sums
of money for medicine and medical care and treatment in and
about an effort to cure herself of the ills and injuries she
has suffered, and has also been required to expend sums of
money to cure herself of the ills and injuries she has
suffered and will be obliged to do so in the future to hel'
great detriment and loss.
13. As a further result of the wrongful and liability
producing conduct of the Defendants herein, Plaintiff, MARIE
HUGHES, has suffered a loss of her earnings and earning
capacity and has or may continue to suffer such loss and
depreciation for an indefinite time into the future.
14. As a further result of the wrongful and liability
producing conduct of the Defendants, Plaintiff, MARIE
HUGHES, has undergone great physical pain and mental
anguish, as well as embarrassment and humiliation and will
continue to endure the same for an indefinite time 1nt~ the
future to her great detriment and loss.
15. As a fur.ther result of the wrongful and
6
LA\\- I. \~Fll E:, I.l~
TIMOTH.. A. ~.10LLIN8"'(':IR
1,'411.' I.rNtjlli.''TllWN Ihir\n . Ill' 1\1.':( tH)~,,1 . H,"I\ItI~Rtlp,I;, ['A IllvI'H.l1...'
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producing conduct of the Defendants herein, Plaintiff, MARIE
HUGHES, has been extremely inconvenienced and unable to
attend to her life's daily activities, as well as having
beeu deprived of life's pleasures and will continue to
suffer same for an indefinite time into the future to her
grea.t detriment and loss.
16. As a further result of the wrongful and liability
producing conduct of the Defendants here, Plaintiff, MARIE
HUGHES, has suffered other expenses and losses.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, MARIE HUGHES, demands
judgment against the Defendants, JOHN E. SIEBERT t/d/b/a
CUMBERLAND WINDOW FASHIONS, for an amount in excess of
Twenty Five Thousand ($25,000) Dollars and in excess of the
amount requiring compulsory arbitration.
COUN'l' II
I~R ROGHIS v, JOHN I. BIIBII~
t/d/b/a CUMBIRLAND WINDOW PABB B
17. Paragraphs 1 - 16 of the Plaintiffs' Complaint are
made a part herec)f and incorporated by reference herein.. \'
if set forth in full.
18. As a further result of the injur,ies sustained by, ,'"
his wife, Plaintiff, ELMER HUGHES, has been and will be
deprived of the assistance, companionship, consortium and
society of his wife, all of which has been and will be to,
his great damage and loss.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, ELMER HUGHES, demands
7
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MARIE HUGHES and ELMER
HUGHES, her husband,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
NO, 94 5804 CIVIL TERM
JOHN E. SEIBERT and
W. KENNETH ACHENBACH t/d/b/a
CUMBERLAND WINDOW FASHIONS,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRE-TRIAL MEMORANDUM OF DEFENDANTS
I. ITAT.KE"T OP BASIC PACTS AS TO LIABILITY
On February 8, 1994, W, Kenneth and Shirley Achenbach were the
owners of the premises located at 427 Bridge Street in New
Cumberland, Cumberland Window Fashions, a partnership between W,
Kenneth Achenbach and John E, Seibert, occupied a portion of the
premises and paid rent to the owners. During that particularly
severe wintel', Cumberland Window Fashions kept the sidewalk open
through the efforts of Mr. Achenbach and employees, the custodian
at the adjacent church who had a snow blower, or neighborhood boys
coming through the neighborhood.
On the evening prior to this
incident, the sidewalk was open for pedestrian use.
On the mOl'ning of F'ebruary 8, 1994, snow began to fall during
the early morning hours and continued in val'ious degrees of
intensity thl'oughout the morning. Shortly before noon, Plaintiff
Marie Hughes entered the building and indicated to an employee that
.he had fallen on tho sidewalk outside. At that time, the employ..
indicated that it was still snowing.
XI. BUIQ .ACT. A8 '1'0 DAllAG.8
S.. Plaintiffs' Pre-Trial Memorandum
III. 'RI.CIPL. I.,U.. O. LIABILITY AND DAMAOES
1. Whether Defendants exercised reasonable care in
maintaining the sidewalk in light of the continuing snowfall.
2, Whether Defendants had actual or constructive notice of a
dangerous condition existing on the sidewalk,
3. If Defendants were negligent, whether that negligence was
a substantial cause of the Plaintiffs' injuries and damages,
4, Whether Plaintiff Marie Hughes exercised reasonable care
for her own safety under the circumstances.
5, If not, whether hel' failure to elcercise reasonable care
was a substantial factor in bringing about Plaintiffs' injuries and
damages,
IV. .UKNARY O. LIOAL I.8UI. REGARDING ADMISSIBILITY OF IVIDI.C.
Since Defendants have not yet seen Plaintiffs' exhibits
sUlIlllIarizing wage loss, medical bills and treatment, Defendants
reserv~ the right to object to the admissibility of such exhibit..
V. WIT...8.. TO BI CALLID
1. Lisa Woratyla
2. W, Kenneth AChenbach
3, Shirley AChenbaCh
-2-
- -v ,~u
MARIE HUGHES and ELMER
HUGHES, Her Husband,
plaintiffs
IN THE qOURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND CO., PENNSYLVANIA
v.
NO. 94 5804 CIVIL TERM
JOHN E. SIEBERT,
t/d/b/a CUMBERLAND WINDOW
FASHIONS,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRB-TRIAL MDORANDUH
AND NOW COME the Plaintiffs, Marie Hughes and Elmer
Hughes, Her Husband, by and through their attorneys, LAW
OFFICES OF TIMOTHY A. SHOLLENBERGER, and do respectfully
file the following Pre-Trial Memorandum:
I, BASIC PACTS AS TO LIABILITY
This loss occurred in the late morning of February 8,
1994, when Plaintiff, Marie Hughes, fell on the sidewalk in
front of the Defendant'S store, located at 427 Bridge
Stl'eet, New Cumberland, Pa. The Plaintiff slipped and fell
on ice that was covered by a few inches of fallen snow.
Thel'e is conflicting testimony as to whether it was still
snowing at the time of the Plaintiff's fall.
The Plaintiff contends that at the time of her fall,
the sidewalks in the immediate area of 427 Bridge Street
were clear of ice and snow. The Defendant admits that no
steps were taken to clear the ice and snow from the sidewalk
in front of the Defendant'S store prior to the plaintiff'.
fall.
1
LAW O'''C!S I,)"
TIMOTHl A. SItOUINeaIClI.
IIUlJ LINGL&~n.1WN I\l)A[l . P(l. Ik'1X MJ141 . ~1~Jt.RI~IUllll, M 11hlft.0141
17171 n4>\100 . P.\X i117111+tUIJ
II. BASIC n.CTS AS TO D.AllA.O.S
As a result of her fall, Plaintiff suffered a tear of
the lateral meniscus of her left knee, which requil'ed
arthroscopic sUl'gery performed by Thomas H. Malin, M.D. on
May 4, 1994. The Plaintiff also suffered an aggravation of
a pre-existing degenerative condition of her left knee.
The Plaintiff's treating physician, Dr. Malin, has
opined that the prognosis for Ms. Hughes' left knee is
guarded due to the increased risk of further arthritic
change and exacerbations from increased activity. He
expects that she will require medication from time to time,
possibly injections and/or physical therapy. Dr. Malin
further believes that the Claimant will suffer intermittent
pain and swelling. It is his hope to be able to treat this
conservatively, however, he does leave open the possibility
that she may need repeat arthroscopic surgery.
At the time of the fall, the Plaintiff was wOl'king two
jobs: full time, with CIS, Inc. and part-time with the
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
Following the surgery, the Plaintiff had a period of
disability lasting approximately eight days, during which
she was unable to work. She was paid for the time she
missed form CIS, Inc. but not for the time she missed fl'om
her part time work with PHEAA.
III, PRINCIPAL ISSU.S OP LIAB:ILITY AND D.AllA.G.S
A. At the time of rhe Plaintiff's fall, did the
Defenda~t owe a duty to the Plaintiff to have the sidewalk
in front of the Defendant's premises at 427 Bridge Stl'eet
free and clear of snow and ice?
B. Does compliance with the Local Sidewalk Ol'dinance
relieve Defendant of liability for this fall?
C. Was the Plaintiff's lateral meniscus tear and
resultant surgery causally related to the fall in que.tion?
2
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IV. ISIUlI AS TO TaB ADMIISI.ILI~ O. TBSTIMONY . BXXI.ITS
None Plaintiff is aware of.
V. WITtmSSBS TO .B CALLBD
1. Marie Hughes.
2. Elmel' Hughes.
3. Lisa Woratyla.
4, Thomas H. Malin, M.D. (by video deposition),
5. W. Kenneth Achenbach (as on cross).
Witnesses identified but not called by the
Defendant.
Any person whose testimony is or may become
necessary to authenticate or provide foundational testimony
regarding any exhibit (e.g. witness to verify accuracy of
photograph, qualify documents, business records, etc.).
Any person whose testimony is or may become
necessary as a rebuttal witness.
VI, BXHIBITS
10.
11.
Any
history,
1. Photo of the scene.
2. Local Climatological data (monthly summary,
February, 1994).
3. Charts showing weather observations at three hour
intervals for February, 1994.
4. Houl'ly precipitation charts for February, 1994.
5. Exhibit summarizing wage loss.
6. Medical expense summary with support medical bills.
7. Medical treatment summary.
8. MRI film of Plaintiff's left knee taken 3/28/94.
9 . Curriculum Vitae of Dr. Malin.
All exhibits used in the deposition of Dr. Malin.
Transcript of deposition of Dr. Malin.
Video of deposition of Dr. Malin.
medical records as may be necessary to prove
fact of treatment, or which is reasonably relied
3
Lt\W l.WPtClf.~ UP
1lOf01'HY ". 1HOlLlNllIlOU
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upon by Dr, Malin in fOl'ming his opinions.
vn. CURRDT STATUS or S.TTLmmNT nOOTIATrON8
The Defendant has offered Ten Thousand Dollars
($10,000.00) to settle this case. Plaintiff is seeking
Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000,00).
Respectfully submitted,
LAW OFFICES OF TIMOTHY A. SHOLLENBERGER
By:
~
o enberger
I.D. No. 34343
bated: February 22, 1996
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MARII HUGHIS and ILMIR
HUGHIS, her husband,
plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
NO, 94 5804 CIVIL TERM
JOHN I. SIIBIRT,
t/d/b/. CUMBERLAND WINDOW
FASHIONS,
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Datendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
pOlcnl I'OR InRY 01' APPIlARUCI
TO: Lawrence E. Welker, Prothonotary
Pl.ase enter the appearance of David L, Schwalm, Esquire, of
the law firlll of Tholllas, Thomas' Hafer on behalf of Defendants John
I. Siebart, t/d/b/a Cumberland Window Fashions in the above matter,
DATID' 1~\'\4'\
r~THOMAS' THOMAS' HAFER
B \ -
. Dav L. Se valm Esquire
Attorneys for Defendants
John E, Siebel't t/d/b/a
Cumbel'land Window Fashions
305 NOl'th Front Street
P.O, Box 999
HarriSburg, PA 17108-0999
, "
MAIII HUGH_ and
ILM. HUGH_, liar HUlband,
PlalntlHI
v.
IN THI COURT 0' COMMON PLIIAI
CUM'.LAND COUNTY.PINNIYLVANIA
NO. ...5104 CIVIL T"
CIVIL ACTION. LAW
JOHN" ".IRT. tld/b/a
CUM..LAND WINDOW 'ASHIONI JURY TRIAL DIMANDID
Def.ndantl
AND NOW, Defendants John E. Siebert, tld/b/a Cumberland Window
Fashions, by their attorneys, Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, file this Answer and
New Matter to Plaintiffs' Complaint as follows:
1. It Is admitted that Plaintiffs are who they say they are.
2. Denied as stated. By way of answer, the correct spelling of
Defendant's name Is John E. Seibert. In addition, Defendant Seibert Is only
one partner In Cumberland Window Fashions.
3. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 10291el.
4. Denied as stated. Although It Is admitted that Defendant
Cumberland Window FaShions was In control of a portion of said premises,
Defendants specifically deny that they contrOlled the entire premises.
5. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 10291el.
6. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 10291el.
,. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(81.
2
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8. By way Of answer, Defendants Incorporate herein by reference
the averments and denials contained In Paragraphs 1 through 7 Of this
Answer and New Matter to Plaintiffs' Complaint.
9. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(el.
10. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(el.
11. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(el.
12. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.p. 1029(el.
13. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(81.
14. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(el.
15. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(el.
16. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.p. 1029(el.
WH.IIPIORI, Defendants JOhn E. Siebert. tld/b/a Cumberland Window
Fashions, respectfully reQuest your Honorable Court to dismiss Plaintiffs'
complaint without cost or Judgment to them.
17. By way of answer, Defendants Incorporate herein by reference
the averments and denials contained In ParagraPhs 1 through 16 Of this
Answer and New Matter to Plaintiffs' Complaint.
I
18. Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(el.
WHMIIPIORI, Defendants John E. Siebert. t1d/b/a Cumberland Window
FaShions, respectfully reQuest your Honorable Court to dismiss Plaintiffs'
Complaint without cost or Judgment to them.
19. Plaintiffs' Injuries and damages, which are specifically denied,
were not caused by any acts, omiSSions, or breaches of dUty Of Defendants,
but were caused, In whole or In part, or were contributed to by the
negligence, fault or want of care of Plaintiff Marie Hughes.
20. The contributory negligence of Plaintiff Marie Hughes consisted
of the fOllowing:
a. She failed to observe the alleged conditions and
circumstances;
b. She failed to be attentive and watch where she was
walking; and
c. She failed to exercise reasonable care and caution
for her own well being under the circumstances.
21. Plaintiffs' cause of action Is barred In whole or In part, or IS
reduced by the Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Statute, 42 Pa.C.s.A.
17102, et seQ., or by the Doctrine of Comparative Negligence.
22. Plaintiff Marie Hughes assumed the risk of the Injuries alleQtdly
sustained by her by reason of her own Intentional conduct.
,Ii
4
23. Plaintiffs' Injuries and damages, which are specifically denied,
were not caused by any acts, omissions, or breaches of dUty of Defendants.
24. NO dangerous or unsafe condition existed on the property at the
said time.
25. If any dangerous or unsafe condition existed, which Is specifiCally
denied, Defendant had no actual or constructive notice of any such
condition existing at the said time.
26. If any dangerous or hazardous condition existed, whiCh Is
specifiCally denied, Plaintiff Marie Hughes had actual notice or knowledge
of such condition.
27. Plaintiff Marie Hughes failed to exercise her last clear chance to
avoid the known or reasonably discoverable condition to which she exposed
herself.
WHIRIIPIORI, Defendants John E. Siebert, tld/b/a cumberland Window
Fashions, respectfully reQuest your Honorable Court to dismiss PIalntl'fS'
Complaint without cost or judgment to them.
THOMAI. THOMAI a HAM
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I L. AL,
105 NORTH PIONT .,...W
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HARRIIIUIG, PA 1710. all.
C717) 2'.714'
AnOINIY POI r-....DM'rI
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MARIE HUGHES and ELMER
HUGHES, Her Husband,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND CO., PENNSYLVANIA
v.
NO. 94 5804 CIVIL TERM
JOHN E. SIEBERT,
t/d/b/a CUMBERLAND WINDOW
FASHIONS,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWIlR TO NKW MATTIR
AND NOW come the Plaintiffs, Marie Hughes and Elmer
Hughes, her husband, by and through their attorneys, Law
Offices at Timothy A. Shollenberger and Answer the
Defendant's New Matter as follows:
19-27. Paragraphs 19 through 27 of the Defendant's New
Matter are conclusions of law which require no responsive
pleading. By way of further answer, it is specifically
denied that the conduct of the Plaintiff, Marie Hughes, was
in any way negligent or contributed to the incident and/or
damages sustained by the Plaintiff.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs, Marie Hughes and Elmer
Hughes, her husband, respectfully r~quest your Honorable
Court to dismiss Defendant's New Matter.
Respectfully submitted,
LAW
OFFI~OF
I I
TIMOTHY A.
By:
/
Date:
December 15, 1994
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Hal'ie Hughe. and 11.er
Hughe., Her Hu.band,
Plaintiffs
In the Court of C~n .1e..
Cumberland County, 'enna.
v.
No. 94-5804
Civil Action - L.w
John I. Seibert t/d/b/a
Cumberland Window ra.hion.,
Defendant
Jury Tri.l Demanded
StiDulatiQn to ~nd CftMnlaint
1. The Parties to this action hereby stipulate and
agree that the caption of the Plaintiffs' Complaint should
be amended to read as follows:
Marie Hughe. and Blmer Hughe., Her Hu.band,
Plaintiffs
v.
John B. Seibert and W. W. Kenneth Achenbach t/d/b/a
Cumberland Window ra.hion.,
Defendants
2. Paragraph 2. of the Plaintiffs' Complaint shall be
amended to read:
2. The Defendants, John .. Seibert and W.
Kenneth Achenbacb t/d/b/a cu.berland WiDdow
ra.hion., are a partnership located at 3400
Derry Street, Harrisburg, Dauphin County,
Pennsylvania. The Defendants also operate
Cumberland Window ra.hion. at 427 Bridge
Street, New Cumberland, CUmberland County,
Pennsylvania.
3. In all p,ar-agraphs making reference to
"Defendap..ts," it shall be understood to refer to -Job .~
Seibert and W. Kenneth Achenbach t/d/b/a Cu.berland Wi~
ra.hion..-
4. In all sue/ading paragraphs specif\cally making
reference to -John .. Seibert t/d/b/a Cuaberland WiDdow
ra.hion., - it shall be amended to read: -John I. leiMat
and W. Kenneth Aohenbach t/d/b/a Cuaberlan~ Window
.a.hion..-
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