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HomeMy WebLinkAbout95-03539 \! J J 0.- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I " I, I-! " , " " , , .' I, " I, , " 1-; 'I , " " , , " " Il' ! I' " " I, , , , , , , I , , , , " , , " ;! j- ' " , " , ' I' " " " , " .,) " " , ' }I " " 1'1 " " \ II " MBLVIN BRBNISHOLTZ and DIAN! BRBNISHOLTZ, hi. wife, Plaintiffs IN THB COURT OF COMMON PLBAS CUMBBRLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA Defendant I I I I I I I I I I NO. 95-3539 CIVIL TBRM v. BARBARA GRIFFITHS CIVIL ACTION - LAW ~LAIHT AND NOW, this .I~~~ay of February, 1996, comes the Plaintiffs, MELVIN BRENISHOLTZ and DIANE BRENISHOLTZ, by their attorney, Francis M. Socha, Esqulre, and files this complaint and rsspectfully avers the follow~l 1. Plaintlff, Melvin Brenieholtz, is an adult individual, residing at 1116 Bethlynn Drive, Harrisburg, Dauphln eounty, Penneylvanla. 2. Plaintlff, Diane Brenlsholtz, is an adult individual, reeiding at 1116 Bethlynn, Harrisburg, Dauphln County, Pennsylvania. 3. Defendant, Barbara Grifflths, is an adult individual who resides at 64 Old Stone HOUse Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. 4. The facts and events that this action is baeed on occurred on July 15, 1993, at approximately 5100 p.m. 6. On the above date and t1me, the Plaint1ff/ Melv1n Breni.holtz, was the driver of a 1990 Ford Tlluus that had oome to a oomplete stop Ilt a traffio slgnal on State Noute 11 1n Ba.t Penn.boro ~ownsh1p, cumberland County/ Pennsylvan1a. 7. At tha aforeBaid t1me and plaoe/ the Defendant was the owner and operator of a 1989 Pont1ao Bonnev111e. COUKT I Melvin Ireni.holts v. Barbara Griffitb. 8. Pla1ntiff, Melvin Bren1eholtz, inoorporates by reference Paragraphs 1 through 7 as if set forth at length. 9. At the aforesaid time and placet while the motor vehicle operated by the Plaint1ff, Melvin Brenisholtz, was stopped at a red traffic slgnal, the Defendant fa11ed to slow down and struck the veh1cle operated by the Plaintiff / Melvin Brenisholtz, in the rear. Such accident resulted 1n the Plaintiff / Melv1n Brenisholtz / suffering physical 1njuries / as hereinafter more fully set forth. 10. The collis1on and all of the physical 1njur1es and damages hereinafter related are the d1reot and approx1mate re.ult of the carelesB, reckless and negligent manner in wh1ch the Defendant operated her motor veh1cle. The negl1gence, carelessness, and recklessne$s of the Defendant consists oft but i. not limited tOt the follow1ngl a' failing to have her motor vehicle under proper and adequate control at the time and place of the accident, b. operating her motor vehicle under a high and 2 exoe.sive rate of speed under the olrcumstances, c. faillng to keep a proper look-out, d. faillng to use due-oare and aoting wlthout regard for the right, saf.ety, and positlon of the vehlole operated by the Plaintiff, Melvin Brenlsholt~, at the time and plaoe of the aooident, e. travellng too fast for oonditions, f. followlng too olosely and at an exoessive rate of speed, g. failing to apply her brakes in tlme to avoid striking the vehiole operated by the Plaintiff, Melvin Brenisholtz, and h. otherwise operating har vehlcle in a manner endangerlng persons and property, and wlth careless disregard for the rights and safety of others, and in violation of the Motor Vehiole Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 11. As a direct and approxlmate result of the aforesaid aooident, the Plaintiff, Me1vln Brenisholt~, suffered injuries whioh are serious and permanent, including, but limited not to, the following I a. acute oervical strain, b. cervioal disc herniation, c. chronic neck, shoulder and arm pain, d. cervioal spondylosis e. chronic back strain, and f. chronic headaches 3 12. Aa a reau1t of the aforeeaid injuriee auffered ae a re.u1t of thia aooident, the Plaintiff, Melvin Breniaholtz, haa undergone in the past, is undergolng in the present, end will undergo In the future great pein and eufferlng. 13. As a reeult of the aforesaid oolllelon, the Plaintiff, Melvin Brenieholtz, has suffered a eevere loee of earninge and permanent Impalrment of hls earnlng capaoity and power. 14. As a reeult of thie oollieion, the Plaintiff, Melvin Brenieholtz, hae euffered permanent disability. 15. Ae a reeult of the aforeeaid oollielon, the Plaintiff, Melvin Brenisholtz, hae euffered permanent dlminutlon of hie ability to enjoy life and life's pleasuree. 16. Ae a reeult of thle oollieion, the Plaintiff, Melvin Brenieholtz, hae inourred reaeonable and neceeeary medical and rehabilitative coete and expenees. WHBREFORB, the Plaintiff, Melvin Brenieholtz, demands jUdgment againet the Defendant In an amount in exceee of Twenty- Five Thoueand Dollars ($25,000.00), exclusive of intereet and ooete and in exceee of any jurlsdiction amount requiring oompulsory arbitration. COURT II - LOSS or CON.tQBnYH Diane Drlni.bolt. v. Barbara ~iffith. 17. The Plaintlffe, Melvin Brenisholtz and 01ane Breniaholtz, incorporates by reference Paragraphs 1 through 16 of the complaint ae if set forth at length. 18. The Plaintlffs, Melvin Br8nisholtz and Diane 4 IN TilE COURT OF COMMON PLIlJAE CUMBERr,I\ND CQUN'l''i p~mNS'ir.vI\N f\ NO. 95-3539 I 'liT ll[n:E . ,t. 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I I I , "iI'U,; ,I. 1,1 I I' 4I4te~J ~ty~ tft/4/'C,( c~4-lA..(J- " , IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUN'l'V, PENNSVLVANIA MELVIN BRENISHOLTZ and DIANE BRENISHOLTZ, his wife plaintlffs ) ( NO. 95-3539 CIVIL TERM VB ) ( CIVIL AC'rION - LAW BARBARA GRIFFITHS Defendants )( JURV TRIAL DEMANDED ANSWER OF DEFENDANT BARBARA GRIFFITHS TO PLAINTIFF'S ORIGINAL COMPLAINT and DEFENDANT'S NEW MATTER COMES NOW, Defendant BARBARA GRIFFITHS, by and through their attorneys, Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, and file, this thelr Answer in response to Plaintiff's original complaint. ANSWER paragraph 1: At thls time, Defendant is wlthout sufficient knowledge to elther admit or deny that Plaintiff resides in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Paragraph 2: At this time, Defendant is without sufficlent knowledge to either admit or deny that plaintiff resides In Dauphin County, pennsylvania. paragraph 3 : Admitted. paragraph 4: Admltted. paragraph 5: Admitted. Paragraph 6. Denied as stated. After reasonable investi- gation, Defendant is without information suff lcient to form a , , belief as to the truth or faloity of tho averments in this paragraph, and, ther~tore, Deny the same and demands striot proof at time of trial if deemed material. Paragraph 71 Admitted. Paragraph 8~ Dofendant incorporate Py reference her answers to the averments of paragraphs 1 through 7 of the plaintlff's Complaint as If set forth at length. Paragraph 91 Denied as stated. After reasonable invefitl- gatton, Defendant ls without informatlon Bufficlent to form a belief ~s to the to.ruth or falsit.y of the averments in this paragraph, and, therefore, Deny the same and demands strict proof at time of trial If deemed materlal, It is admitted that Defendant Impacted the rear of Plaintiff's vehicle. paragraph 10 ~ The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no r~sponse is required. In the event a response is deemed to be required, Defendants, dony each and every allegation of negligence, carelessnoss and recklessness and deny that the incident and the injuries and damages claimed by Plaintlff were the dlrect and proximate result of any negllgence, carelessness or recklessness on the part of the Defendant. By way of further answer, Defendants denies that in full, paragraph 10 and all subparagraphs a-h contained thereln. Paragraph 111 Denled as stated. After reasonable investi- gation, Defendant ls without Informatlon sufflcient to form a b.lief a. to the truth or falaity of the avermonta in thls paraqraph, and, therefore/ Deny the aame and demands striot pt'oof at tlme of trial if deomed material, Paraqraph 12t Denied aa atated. After reasonable Inveati- qatlon, Defendant is without information sufficlent to form a belief as to the truth or falaity of the avermenta in thla paraqraph, and, therefore, Deny the aame and demanda atrict proof at time of trial if deemed material. Paraqraph 13: Denied aa stated, After rel.laonable Inveati- qation, Defendant is wlthout informi)tion aufficlent to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the avermenta In this paraqraph, and, therefore, Deny the same and demanda atrict proof at time of trlal If deemed material. Paraqraph 14: Denled aa stated. After reasonable Inveati- qation, Defendant la without Information sufficient to form a bellef as to the truth or falsity of the avermentf.l In thls paraqraph, and, therefore, Deny the same and demands atrict proof at time of trial if deemed materlal, Paraqraph 15t Denied as stated, After reasonable Inveatl- qatlon, Defendant ia 'tlithout information sufflclent to form a bellef as to the truth or falsity of the averments In this paraqraph, and, therefore, Deny the same and demands atrict proof at time of trial if deemed material. Paraqraph 16: Denied aD stated. After reasonable inveatl- gation, Defendant is without Informatlon sUffioient to form a beJ.1ef ae to the truth or falsity of the avermentll in this paragraph, and, therefore, Deny the lIame and demands striot proof at time af trial if deemed material. Paragraph 171 Defendant incorporate by reference her anllwers to the averments of paragraphs 1 through 16 of the Plalntiff.' s Complalnt as If set for.th at length, Paragraph 18 I Denied as stated. After reasonable investi- gatlol\, Defendant ill without Inforrnation sufficlent to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the averments In this paragraph, and, therefore, Deny the same and demands strict proof at time of trlal If deemed material, Paragraph 191 Denled as stated. After reasonable Investi- gation, Defendant is without informatlon sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falslty of the averments In thls paragraph, and, therefore, Deny the same and demands strict proof at time of trlal if deemed material, WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Def.endant prays that thls Honorable Court Dismiss Court I of the Plaintiff's Complalnt in its entlrety and that judgement be entered in favor of the Defendant and against the Plaintlff. NEW MATTER By way of additional answer and reply, Defendant, raises the fallowlng New Matters: Paragraph 20: That Plaintiffs' olaims may be barred by the app1ioable statute of Limitations. Paragraph 211 That Bome or all of tho Plaintlffs' claims are barred and/or are limited by the provisions of the pennsylvania comparative Negligence Law and/or by the Doctrine of comparative Neg ligel\oll. paragraph 221 'l'hat Plaintiffs were negligent and careless and fal1ed to exercise reasonable care for their own safety under the oircumstances then and there existing. paragraph 231 Plaintiff falls to state a claim. Paragraph 24. To the extent Plalntiff has obtained payment of damages by insurance, the amount of benef its are to be deducted for the amount of damages which would otherwise be recoverable by such a claim pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.A, Sec. 8553(d). Paragraph 251 Some or all of Plalntiff' s claims may be barred or llmited by the electlon of the limited torts option. Paragraph 26: Some or all of plaintiff's claims may be barred or limited by the Pennsylvania Financial Responsibility Act, "'HEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Def.endant prays that this Honorable Court Dismiss Court I of the plaintlffs' Complaint In its entirety and that judgement be entered in favor of the Defendant and against the Plaintlff. I' " , I, , , I 1 . I !. "J " " , ,I " ,'I.' , , ",\ " I :~ ..I , , 0, MBLVIN BRENISHOLTZ and I DIANE BRENISHOLTZ, his wife, I I P1alntifh I I V. I I BARBARA GRIFFITHS I I Defendant I IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA NO. 95-3539 CIVIL TBRM CIVIL ACTION - LAW &BaNlR TO Mn NATTER 20. Denied. The averments oontalned in Paragraph 20 are oonolusions of law to whioh no responslve pleading ls required. To the extent that an answer is required, th~ averments are speoifically denied and strlot proof thereof ls demanded at the time of trial. 21. Denied. The averments contalned in Paragraph 21 are conolusions of law to which no responsive pleading is r.equired. To the extent that an answer is required, the averments are speoifioally denied and strlct proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. 22. Denied. The averments contained in Paragraph 22 are oonolusions of law to whioh no responslve pleading is required. To the extent that an answer is required, the averments are speoifioally denied and striot proof thereof ls demanded at the time of trial. 23. Denled. The averments contalned in Paragraph 23 are oonolusions of law to which no responslve pleading is required. To the extent that an an.wer 1. required, the averments are .pecifically denied and .triot proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. 24. Denied. The averments contalned In Paragraph 24 are oonclueionll of law to which no responBlve pleadlng 1B required. To the extent that an answer ls requlred, the averments are .pecifically den led and etrict proof thereof le demanded at the time of trial. 25. Denied. The averments contalned in Paragraph 25 are concluslone of law to which no responsive pleading is required. To the extent that an answer is required, the averments are .pecifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. 26, Denied. The averments contalned in Paragraph 26 are conclu.ions of law to which no responsive pleading is required. To the extent that an answer ls requlred, the avermente are specifically denied and striot proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. WHEREFORE, Plalntiffa' respeotfu1ly request that judgement be entered in their favor and against the Defondant. Respectfully oubmltted ~/~_ /;, 4-/. ~lS M. Socha, ~~~~-<<.t. ,2201 North Second Street Harrisburg, PA 17110 7171233-4141 \ Attorney for Plaintiffs Date I June 11, 1996 2 AI ~I') a.:n~~ v Or T: !r'I' ,/ ,[1 'f' r')TM'i, 9& J'~1l12 1'\1 2~ 19 (A)I'I!,~\li'l ,'.1 l,\;',Jl'lri (l~N~'(LIfN'-liJ\ , , " I I 'I , " 111 II '[II , , " , " Ii, ',.4W Ut'J'II'MM FRANCI~ M.' BuellA 111I01 NUJlTII HHI'I)""" HT"~.;1' IIAMHI_IIl'R.h '....NN..VI.VANIA I'IIU T,U,M."unNJolI"') lI:ta.....11 I, " , , , , " , " t,1 " il " l'Il^ECll'J:: .'OJLH!l1'!!!~LCABJ::_.!'01l ~'l!l^l, (Muat bo typuwrltton tlnd slJhllillod In dupiLcolo) 'l'O 'rilE PlPnICWrAH\' Of' CLt1l.lEJUJ\Ml COON!'\' l'leaae iLat the (ollowln'l CllUlll (Check one) ( X for JUIl\' trial at UlIS next tertn of civil court. for trial without a jury. ----~.--------.---------------------------- CAPTION Of' CASE (entire ~~ption nust be atated in full) (check one) Civil l\cl:1on - Law Melvin Brenisholtz Diane Branisholtz ( )t ) ( ) ) Appeal f~ Arbitration (other) ( Plaintiff) vs. - Barbara Grlffiths The trial liat will be called on 8/20/96 and Trials commence on 9/16/96 '., "" ('~ ,., (DefelldMt) t-' .. ; .~ Utl~ : ,'I :vii' " ~ J{ )<'''' ~i ." ~.I , .,,] i>.:. ~ " In If! )'1' p- ,- fLI', I" '''e I < ;r. " , , ) .....' UI U Pretrials will be held on 8/28/96 (Briefs are due 5 days before pretrials. ) (The party listing this case for trial shall provide forthwith a copy of t.he praecipe to all counsel, pursuant to local Rule 214.1.) No. 3539 Civil 1995 Indicate the attorney who will try case for the party who files this praecipel Frallcis M. Socha. Attorney for Plaintiffs Indicate trial counsel for other part ies if kn~NI'rll Douglas B. Marcello, Attorney for Defendant Date. ,;\\/ql; , h., /' ~~~'<~. rancis M. Socha, Es uire AttOrtley fori Plaintiffs Thia case ia ready for trial. IN THI! COURT OF COMMON PLEI CUMBI!RLAND COUNTY PBNNSYLVA NO. 95-3539 MBLVIN BRBNISHOLTZ and DIANE BRBNISHOLTZ v. BARBARA GRIFFITHS PRAECIPE TO DIBCONTINU ',AW U'....1.... FRAN{,lJ8 M. SOCHA ..01 NUR"I, MIIC!UJ'\IO HTHMk'r ""..'.IJUMlJ, ....NNNW.,""N'" "lln Ta...U'HI)NII c,a'.III'rt-"l". I r,o{ 11"'!O'Or:tlet ". 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