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Home My WebLink About95-03971 IIEALTIISOUTII OF MECIIANICS\lURG.INC.. I'Iuinliff IN TIlE COURT OF COMMON I'LEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. I'ENNSYLV ANIA 95-3971 CIVIL vs, LENA DEIMLER. NATIONWIDE GENERAL INS,CO.. Dcli:ndunls CIVIL ACTION - LAW IN RE: I'ETITlON FOR JlIDOMENT OF NON I'ROS ORDER AND NOW.lhis I~' duy of October. 1997.lill1owing urgument on lhe within petition. lhere huving been no dockel Llclivily in this cuse for u period in excess of IWO yeurs, the complnint oflhe plnintiffis DISMISSED wilh prejudice, BY TIlE COURT. /fd Richnrd Onre, Esquire For the I'lnintilT ~..; ('Y'I,C..J"...c...1 j o/Q.o/~ll. .;"il. \lnrrie Oehrlein, Esquire For the Deli:ndnnls :rlm .. , or- i-: ' ~ \' ," fJ7 nn it;; (" ::-5 .' CL'r.. .~ i\' ; l' I''::.. ~! 1.,'" 1-.- .dt.... ., .p "i~ ,."'t;i~'"; l.l};,. ; :-. ,,-"'. fOlI. ....r, . r~~'.- . ~.,. I ::'/:t'~ '-: .~ i- ....r:: ::j ... '. .~ ,... , u. '1 - ~ 1 I", q " ~ ;: cO ...., '" ,-.... ~.; '0 '-'I .....~1 ...~... ,. -,,-,", .j.~~ ,1.) '.." "-'(:-_,1 (~i I r; ..:." ::..:; -..; {..l " /:"" IV s:\wpdata\insuranc\lstparty\nati\90407\nonpros\August 19, 1997 HEALTH SOUTH OF MECHANICSBURG, INC,: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : OF CUMBERLAND CO. , PENNSYLVANIA Plaintiff v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW LENA DEIMLER, NATIONWIDE GENERAL INS, COMPANY Defendants NO. 95-3971 DEFENDANT'S PETITION FOR JUDGMENT OF NON PROS Defendant, Nationwide General Insurance Company, by and through their attorneys, Forry, Ullman, Ullman & Forry, P.C" respectfully petitions this Honorable Court to grant a jUdgment of non pros and in support thereof avers the following: 1. On July 27, 1995, Plaintiff filed a writ of Summons in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, naming Natioliwide General Insurance Company and Lena Deimler as Defendants, 2, Plaintiff has failed to produce any docket activity since it filed the Writ. 3. As of the date of this Petition, more than two (2) years have passed from the date the writ was filed, The only docket activity since the writ was filed is counsel for Defendant's Entry of Appearance, which was filed on August 17, 1995. 4, Plaintiff has demonstrated a lack of due diligence in the prosecution of its case by failing to proceed with reasonable promptness, 5. plaintiff has failed to provide a compelling reason to excuse its delay in the prosecution of this case, 7. Defendant has suffered prejudice because of the lengthy passage of time since the inception of this case and will be impaired from formulating a proper defense, 8. As a result of Plaintiff's lack of due diligence to prosecute its case for a period in excess of two (2) years, dismissal is just and appropriate. WHEREFORE, Defendant, Nationwide General Insurance Company, respectfully requests that a Rule be entered Upon Plaintiff, Healthsouth of Mechanicsburg, Inc., to show cause why, if any it may have, that Plaintiff's action against Defendant should not be dismissed with prejudice, for Plaintiff's failure to proceed and timely prosecute the same, Respectfully submitted, Dated: August 19, 1997 BY: p.e. 2 IIEAL'1'IIS0U'l'II OF MEellAN lCBUUllG, HiC.: IN TilE COUH'I' OF COMI.ION PLEAS : OF CUt'IUl::HLA1W CO. I PENNSVLVANIA PlaIntiff v. CIVIL AC'I'lOIl - LA\V LEilA DE lMLEH, NA'I'lONlHlJE GENEHIIL lIW. CON1'fIlJ'i DefDndantG 110, 9'j-J!.i'll m;fJlliPl:lt:l1'.Jl_!!IU.."f ..U~ _!JU l' IJ01\J'-ID:....TIle 'p'ETIT~QlL FOH JUQ.!lliEN'1' OF NON PROS J . tiJllT[!'J!J!T..Ql:'..J'l!J:..Js,C;IJ!:IJ. YJJY~;Fr!TJJ) IS DEF"IWIIII'J' Ell'I'1'1'LEIJ TO A JUlJGjojUJ'J' OF NON PHOS BECAUSE 1'LAIN'I'IFF IiAB FAILED TO DILlGElITLY 1'IWSECLJ'I'E l'I'S CASE? SU9ye~ted Allswer: Yes J J , S'I'A'I'J':I'lEllT....9E.J:JJJ:JJ\<dn; On July 27, J'J!J!J, PLdntlu IHeu a Ih'lt of Summons in the Court of Common 1'll'd" of CUll1bl'I'I<I/lu County. 'l'hcreatter, Plaintiff taileu to jJl:OUU..,0 <IllY Llodwt. .wtIvIty. AfJ Pl'tition, mOl'l' thal1 t\W (2) ~'eill:u h<lve piluueu uil1ce the Wri' filed, In a<.lditiol1 to the Jilck of <.locket .1ctivity, Plaintiff! taken /l0 other ,lct I 011 to move tld:1 Col:~L: fUl'ward. lawGult has j llGt i tut(~d, buen 1'lai/ltill has domonstl'<lteu " j,ld~ 01 duo dl 1 i'Jl!l1cc' ill t.1ll! pt'u:;ccution by (illl int] tu p!'oc,!,.'d \lith 1'l!oIL;0I1;IIJIl! promptm,su. Pl.llntil1. hol:; i11:~u /leVl!!' (H'uvidod lJelc'lld<lllt: \dtll il I'<',,:;on to l!xp!.dl1 itG dO!.1Y ill tho 1'1"1:;1.,."11 lull uf this 1\ \y lJotundant IhlS ~Jllltort~d prt.~jllc1i,~'u lJL'Cdu~a~ u1 time uincl! tilt.! IncL!pt iUIl ul lit i~J l'd~il" dlld fOl'lllllliltill(J ,\ pru!,,,.' d,'It'Il:;c', /I,; d I'"""lt ul I'l.,i"tiff's lack due Jlliqull(~': tu Pl'U:;I:\.'lltt_~ it:~ l~d:;l' lut. .1 Jit'l illi! III tJXC:L'~~; of two (2) years, dismissal is just and appropriate, III. ARGUMENT DEFENDANT IS ENTITLED TO A JUDGMENT NON PROS BECAUSE PLAINTIFF HAS FAILED TO DILIGENTLV PROSECUTE THIS CASE. When deciding to grant or deny a motion seeking a judgment non pros, a court must consider the following: 1. Whether a party has shown a lack of due diligence by failing to proceed with reasonable promptitude; 2. Whether there is or is not a compelling reason for the delay; and 3, Whether the delay has caused some prejudice to the adverse party. Lawrence v. General Medicine Association, Ltd., 412 Pa. super. 163, 602 A.2d 1360 (1992), Roseman v. Hospital of University of Pennsvlvania, 519 Pa. Super, 305, 547 A.2d 751 (1988); streidl v. communitv General Hospital, 529 Pa. 360, 603 A,2d 1011 (1992). Penn Pipina. Inc, v. Insurance Company of North America, 529 Pa. 350, 354, 603 A.2d 1006, 1009 (1992). In examining the first two prongs of the test, the Court may consider the equities of the matter, It has been held that bankruptcy, liquidation or other operation of law, or where the case is awaiting significant developments in the law, constitute compelling reasons for the delay in prosecution of a case. ~ pipina. supra. In the instant case, none of the aforestated reasons apply. In determining whether the delay has prejudiced the Defendant as is required to meet the third prong of the test, the Peon pipinq Court held that, "in cases involving a delay for a period of two or more years, the delay will be presumed prejudicial 2 for the purposes of any proceeding to dismiss for lack of activity on the docket," I9..... at 354, 603 A.2d 1009. Applying these standards to the facts of the instant case, it is apparent that Defendant is entitled to a JUdgment of Non Pros, It is the Plaintiff in an action who is responsible for ensuring that a case move ahead. Kline v, Walton, 413 Pa, Super. 150, 604 A.2d 1064 (1992). From the outset, Plaintiff has failed to exercise due diligence in the prosecution of its case. The only docket activity whatsoever initiated by Plaintiff was the filing of a Writ of Summons on July 27, 1995. Plaintiff has not engaged in any non-docketed activity. Its only communication to Defendant since this lawsuit was commenced has been an August 21, 1995 letter advising Defendant's counsel that Plaintiff's counsel's name and address were incorrect on Defendant's counsel's Certificate of Service attached to his Entry of Appearance, Furthermore, there exists no compelling reason for Plaintiff's delay in prosecuting this matter as Plaintiff has not advised Defendant that Plaintiff is in bankruptcy or otherwise precluded from pursuing this matter or that Plaintiff is waiting for a significant development in the law. Therefore, this delay is unexcused and Defendant is entitled to a presumption that it has been prejudiced by the delay, See: Penn Picinq, sucra; streidl, sucra, Defendant submits that Plaintiff will not be able to overcome the presumption that Defendant has been prejudiced by this delay and, accordingly, Defendant will have satisfied all of the requirements to entitle it to a JUdgment of Non Pros, 3 IV, CONCLUSION Based upon the foregoing, Defendant, Nationwide Insurance Company, is entitled to a jUdgment of non pros and asks this Honorable Court enter jUdgment in their behalf. Respectfully submitted, Dated: August 19, 1997 ;~~~~~(~ UL~~. jf FORRV, P.C. BV: ( ,~, ,iJ-.~ BA RlE. EIN, ESQUIRE Attorney I,D.#628J9 Green Hills Corporate Center 100 Kachel Boulevard, Suite 200W Reading, PA 19607; (610) 777-5700 Attorney for Defendant Nationwide General Insurance Company \ I I I t 4 VERIPICATIOH COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND I, BARRIE B. GEHRLEIN, being duly sworn according to law, depose and state that I am the attorney for the Answering Defendant, NATIONWIDE INSURANCE COMPANY, and that I make this affidavit on its behalf and that the said Answering Defendant is outside the jurisdiction of the Court and the Verification of Defendant cannot be obtained within the time allowed for filing the pleading. The facts set forth in the foregoing pleading are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. This Verification is made pursuant to Pa, R,C,P. 1024 and is based on interviews, conferences, reports, records and other August 19, 1997 file. t" (J(?) /7' / "~ I ~t/~ BARR~. GEH~L IN, ESQUIRE investigatory material in the 5 CJ ,0 (') C -J '\1 ;~ ,- .., --ni'. :11 "1~ Cl! . ~ . I". ~.. ." r-> UI-tl -,. -'11.. C; , ~ ' .~C) r:~'~ ." ,.'" ..'"1\ :',::~ ~;, 1 ,..- .(') t..' L)fl\ .- , .. ..\ . , ~ ::-1 :11 -. IS) .... . SlIMMONS No, 95-3971 CIVIL TERM HEAL'l'HSOUTH OF MECHANICSBURG, INC. Lebanon, PA, August 2, 1995 (RETURN TO CUMBERLAND CO. SHERIFF) vs. DOCKET PAGE 8669 LENA DEIMLER STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA } COUNTY OF LEBANON } SS: Charles E. Williams, Deputy Sheriff, being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he served the within SUMMONS upon LENA DEIMLER, the within named DEFENDANT, by handing a true and attested copy thereof, to her, personally, on August 1, 1995, at 2:35 o'clock P.M" at her residence, Palm City Trailer Court, Lot *144, Annville (N, Annville Twp.), Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, and by making known to her the contents of the same. Sworn to and subscribed before me SO ANSWERS, (}1uJ.~ /! /l)j;.;,.... DE~TY :HERIFF ~ N~S ~~ l' J7!'~ SHER .I ,,</,t,f this 2nd day of August, A.D" 1995 ~ Notary Public r ;'''IAI. :,1 AL NANn i. '; r -- ,'oil. '.J, PJ\'ic I tt,,',;r., l.':-:~:.., I.' \ J' : p flr.. My Cm."I~~ttll t'~lrt) ;l,lJtJ'i1 ~ iaae SHERIFF'S COSTS IN ABOVE Advanced costs paid on 8/1/95 Check No. Costs incurred: Refund: Check No. 1997 PROCEEDINGS 10273 Amount Amount Amount 75.00 32.80 42,20 All Sheriff's Costs shall be due and payable when services are performed, and it shall be lawful for him to demand and receive from the party instituting the proceedings, or any party liable for the costs thereof, all unpaid sheriff's fees on the same before he shall be obligated by law to make return thereof. ___Sec. 2, Act of June 20, 1911, P.L. 1072 .._po- ~-:-.""'~''9- to;.. . '-.:- In The Court cr C.::mrnon r:te:::s or C~r. ~::"-:~rt'i=nd C;~L::-;.IIYI PS:1r:syl'/c:niQ < Healthsouth of MeclHlnicsburg, lne. 'IS. Lena Deimler :-10. 95-3971 CJvil Term ." ---t ...--- ~ow. July 28. 1995 :9_ !. S:-::Z:..::'::' 0::-' C~G:::?.!..A.'ID COt.;.{'!?, ?~ co h=-~ ci.::u= ci:.: .5~.5 oi Lebanon (Au:ty ::J e.::::".U: ::is ',V:::., =:s :.:::u=::.cn ::.:,,!p -...:. ~t :.!::: :-:::u=:t =d ::.u at :.::: ?!~:.5. . --. . ~/ .~/4 I ..". ...or ., r?J?'3;..~::.":.,. -/ _.,..,.....~ . Sile.~ at C=!:ul.2cd C~Wlt1'. :>:1. " =d..~t or"... . ~ ~... ;:=e:-nC:! ~OW, ~9 , .. o'~ca ~c. I::-:eo;i :.:: ':Vit!::n 'Jpclll ~t by ==ci!:q :a ~ c::pr ot =e o::~-..,I " :md -~,.:- Cowu :0 :.:.: ':=::':::'3 :.!:::::i. So :l:SW~ Shci:i 01 Cow",. ?.. =e ::Is c!:ly oi lSl_ COSTS S:E:1tv"ICZ ~[!U:AGZ s SWCr:1 :!lid sul::!c:.-:b:d beere A::IDA "'-11' --~--. s c_ "-4 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA HEALTHSOUTH OF MECHANICSBURG, INC. 175 Lancaster Blvd. Mechanicsburg. PA, 17055 Plaintiff, CIVIL ACTION . LAW NO : q:r - 3 q ? I 6'^-1. .:.r~v...... vs, Lena Deimler RD 1, BOX 144 Annville, PA. l7003 and Nationwide General Insurance Company dba Nationwide Insurance 1000 Nationwide Drive Harrisburg, PA. l7105 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED Defendants PRAECIPE POR waIT OP SUMMONS TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY: Please issue a Writ of Summons on Plaintiff and against the above-captioned Defendants, DATED: July 26, 1995 RICHARD OARE, Esquire Attorney for Plaintiff 1776 S. Queen Street York, PennsYlvania 17403 (717) 846-3000 I.D. No. 18631 \crc\dll.1Ir\wrll !- ~ <- ~ ~ ' .. ~ r- '" ~ 0 ........ \6 .",' en I u, -'; ;' or- . '. ~- n, =-= ~ . ~ .~... - . .... .~.. c.D . U"I :J. ~, "-../ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of Cumberland HealthBouth of HechanicBburg, Inc. 175 LancaBter Blvd. HechanicBburg, PA 17055 w. COUrt of Conunoll Pleaa Lena Deim1er No, ----25.-.J.27J..J;:ivJ.J.._Tel'.l1l_____,.____ 19____ RD 1, Box 144 Annville, PA 17003 In -----CiY..u-6~tiotl.._':._t.rot__________________ Nationwide General InBurance Company dba Nationwide InBurance 1000 Nationwide Drive HarriBburg, PA 17105 To ---J.-e.IJQ-Plth11m=.-Otl.ll.J1l.1J:J..QlllllMO;:_fu:ner./IJ. InBurance Company dba Nationwide InBurance You are hereby notified thaI '-----.-----------~-e.~!~p-~gy~!L.q[_1t~~b~P.~~~P_~_r!lL.1!l~1______________________________________ the Plaintiff ha B commenced an aclion in .-....L:.i.ld!.LAw..__n..___._,____.____________________ again.t you which you all! requill!d 10 defend or a defaul! judgment may be entered agaln.t you. (SEAL) .- - -.I-Al'LtellRll _ f:... J1el1\!tt_. ___ _ _ __. _"'_ ___ ____ Prothonotary Date ------,1Jl.1.~_)_'!.L______________ 19.2,lL By -.u.Jh~LL\.-Ll"--D:.'_{.~lou...~_____________ ~ Deputy 0- \ III Cl ~ I- ~ . 0( .. ~ .. Ul M , Ii~ u ~ e' ~ "I- ~ 6~ J u .c . Ul 0( e' .. '.. ... U '" Ul ~ ij '" ",";' ~ III '" .. a: I- '" U on ~ U I- 0 '.. on Ul ij Ii ~>o ij Cl " .S I- H '" > J::. .~ ~ '.. U'tl M ~ Ul '" j ~ I .. > 0( Cl III " Cl X~.. Cl '" H III - I- .. .. ... ~ Ii .. 'tl I 0 '" 01 ... 'tl ... .. '" '" ... 0( Cl '.. ) " .. J::. .. ~ .. ~ .. ) L~ 0 '" .. Ul .c ~ .. " '.. III " III Ul e )( Ii 'tl 0 .. 0 0 U U '.. 0 .... ..... .. U Ul f~ .. III ~ ) .. III 0( 'tl J::. Cl ~ " III Z '" .. .... oz ~ III ~ J::. III ~ > '.. Cl ... 'fi III on U " " .. III Cl > . .. I- .. .. fH 1Il.c Cl '.. '.. a: ~ x o-l Z'tl ~ U e>: I '. r.:l ~".. :;J (.: ".. t::~ ',.., tU: , t ~: I':' L)\ I, V,' , . r,:. '. " 1', () ,.1 -' "", iI-I " \".\- I;. \01 v' r- u' 1 C. ~) CD C"l 0 " 1;\"' e !~1~ ii: ~ I < ... 1 ~~ 0 ~ "">- \ ~ ~ ~ 0 >- !. '+ .~ ... 'ow, , . IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY I'ENNSYLV ANIA HEALTHSOUTH OF MECHANICSBURG, INC. Plaintiff, CIVIL ACTION - LAW No. 95-3971 vs. LENA DEIMLER, NATIONWIDE GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY, Defendants. NOTICE You have been sued in Court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth In the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by an attorney and filing In writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that If you fall to do so, the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed In the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP: Court Administrator Cumberland County Courthouse 4th Floor 1 Courthouse Square Carlisle, PA 1701~3387 (717) 240-6200 Slate of Pennsylvimid wilh ils principdl orrices 10Cdted dt 1000 Nationwide Drive, Harrisburg. P A. 17105, 4, On August 5, 1991 defendant, Lend Deimler was involved in an automobile accidenl At the time of Ule dccident Ms. Deimler hdd auto insurance through Erie Insurdnce. Mrs, Deimler exhausted her own insurdnce dnd was filing suit against the driver of the vehide who hit her and who was insured by Nationwide Insurance. 5. On August 5, 1993 Keith D. Wagner, defendant's attorney, sent a letter to Mechanlcsburg Rehabililation System stating that on behalf of Ms. Deimler his office would endeavor to "protect the interests of Mechanicsburg Rehab Systems with respect to reasonable costs for medical services and treabnent provided to Ms. Deimler, if Ms. Deimler was accepted into the rehabilitation program at MRS." 6, Defendant Lena Deimler was admitted to plaintiffs facility, Mechanicsburg Rehab Systems on August 16, 1993 in the restorations program. 7. Defendant stayed in that program until September 2, 1993 at which time she was discharged. 8, Defendant was readmitted on September 8,1993 and remained at this facility until September 22, 1993. 9. At all times while in plaintiffs facility defendant received, pursuant to her treating doctors orders, reasonable and necessary medical treabnent and was treated for myalgia and myositis. 10, Following defendant's, Lena Deimlers, treabnent, a bill was sent to NationWide Insurance for payment for the treabnent rendered to Ms, Deimler in the amount of $17,407,67 (After Act 6 Reduction), 2 organization for thl! purpose of 'Illegedly Cllnfirming that such treatment, products, services or accommodations conform to thl! professional standards of performance and are medically necessary. Thl! naml! of thl! aforesaid peer review organi7.ation is Independent Medical Consultants, Inc, Copies of the two peer reports are attached as Exhibit "C" and "0". 25. In violation of 51797 (b)(l), defendant has attempted to use said peer review organization to determine the causal connection between the accident and the alleged injuries, 26, On or about February 9, 1994, the defendant refused payment for certain medical treabnent including the treabnent provided by plaintiff, based on the conclusions that the treabnent was not casually related to the automobile accident 27. It Is averred that all medical bills incurred both before and after the peer review are fair and reasonable and that said treabnent was medically necessary and arose out of or where substantially related to the automobile accident Moreover, pursuant to section 1797 (a) all bills were to be paid unless submitted to peer review within 30 days, 28. As a result of the aforesaid, plaintiff was required to hire the service of an attorney to collect the medical bills due. 29, It is averred that the defendant has acted in an unreasonable manner by refusing payment of plaintiffs Invoices, Pursuant to 51716 of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law, Plaintiff is entitled to attorney's fees plus Interest at the rate of 12 percent WHEREFORE, plaintiff demands payment of money due and owing In the amount 5 , .1 \- , ;' EXHIBIT "C" .---""'"_-,r: _ 0" ~,:.. - \ ~"_. , , , ''';.'".'' .': ,f'- ":'; lire ~L_'. ...::: ;;:.:~.:"!. ..l-,I"JIII,;;;:CU - -- ~w._o.C\ ...... ~ "".'._0. .1,,1lJl. J.W.,.... 0. , c,..... 0.0.. .1.0. ...,... J ..".....0... '~~i.O.D"JJl. l.. . D.O.. I :'4':.~ "~l "'_IllI. ~....~ .1 .......n .t.T_-::r '1 T.'--M.D. . ...... ......... ...D, J. ..-.1lO. -- J.A......M.Jl. -- . A.... ......1ACl, - . ..--. O._i1.D, ,"'_,Il'. ..,..... ..... D.A~"D. &~ ...- ~ ..... .... . 1. IlUl ill u~ -L .LL....... ..~, we._.,..ll. -- ...- 1"'-' M.D. 1l._1lO. ~'Ul. ......, =-....Mfo. =-." .J....~..O. . ~.,.....D.O, "IMM\\O.o. '.M~ I .... lI._o..Gi - 1I.11M 0.'.11 . .........,... --- \.J I.,! '-:'~" "'.P1 r ~:-~...,~~~''''~.' '~~""~_~_~_ ," .! ....' 1....:..._, , ." ". . ......' : I:',. ..' ~" . . .' . 'IGlDNAL O""r ~. ''''''.:>A "'...0.., ,,~, ."..... ,...hr:ruy 1. l'P4 H.. Adel. Ha4lon Nat~OftWlde r"Dur~"c~ '.0. lIolt ;:U5 Hlrrj.bur~, ~~ 15107 00'"'."1' Re: l.'till DeJ.IIIJer CI.1N'; 5'37,-77'367 IHC I: 13001'4 O.er Its. HlnllJn: I .m wrltinf to provlde .n op~nion re,erdJng the ebove reter.need ce.e through . reVlew ot the following .,ocument.7 u prOVIded by INC. Inc.: document.tion d,ted 918/U thl'ough 9/22/93 Irotll the Re.torations Prollr.... including lIC1te. trCllll plll'.ical tlleupy, recre.tional therapy. ".ycllol o,y, ,nd treltMnt phy.:: ci.n., nlurDlftuecular ce.educatiDn. ooeou".t:lclfteJ tlllcapl', alld vocational cOYn.elinll; reeoeda luthori.ation IJaned by the cl.i~ant; lettec deted '/ZQ/93 IrCllll Reheb Hedicine A.,oeiaeee, ,e; past medJcal rlcord. trom Dr. Hertman. Penn R~habilit.tion A.soci,te.. PC; gast mldic.' r.r.nrd~ trom tbe C~od '.mlriC.n Ho.>>~tll; P~5t m~rll~~1 r_~~rd. trom Dr. '~n.b.rll. .,.,,_.... ,#nr;'u"'.IIU indicae. that tb" o:lument "a& .involved tn A motoc vlhj"le accident on '/5191 where ~he w.. tho b.l ted drivlr IIho'l a.r .... rear IIIC1led. No lO1l1l of C'oll.ciou.ne.. III. de.ar.bed. ~he alaimlnt then dovclo,od . vlriety ot I'rpJ,l_. "'HUy oentering on ncelr. ::houJdcr, Ind b.ck "ei ft. IIhe tOeoei "lid t reo. r,"eD t t ro," ~I"erel ph,.icj.ne Ilia numerou. ,"oaolitieD verc te2edo Notlblr, IIh. 11:11 mlflil:lotcd with . verlety 01 Inti ollltjoey and ..nh -.lepra.,ont mlciicatJ ona. IIhi.:h l'I'eJ.oontlr It'H'" Ill)t halptul. Docum.llt. .idoli..dtw LlulL Lilli cl;,Jm'/llt WolS .Jdlf,HtlJd to H...:blll.i,,'III11IUIlIf.I.lJh. S,f:;L"",:;; on '/161". rhi:> oldmsssilJD .... muu~ LI..m tlolC7 yeu'. iltter the Illotor vehicle ~ccident. ~IIlJ t/.e .dmjslIlon 1111 tor SOiin .nd ..titln... In the neck oInd shoulders. rhe ;lollmint then lIellt home on a ellerar,urtc pin on ':1/J/~J, .bUt l".tu.n,d {or trutment to Heehen~ c.burg Heholb. Systl'm a. thl.7 second ho.pHallUtlM covend the tIme perIod at 9/./9J througll ----...---"'--- ~ o..J Deiml.r, "del II p,~e : ~I:I:1IIJ. Docu/llCnution tL'om LU.l~ ;"c;JI:i.ty 1ndH'aces that tile oJ<<L/II.nt rc~~l\..d . "JJ. vUH.Ll ur Lleatl1lentol ln~IUcU1l9 \'oeat10nal ,:oll"..Jilll" lJ.i.ullol,,"'lIe&:/l, "euro-muscUl.r r....,due.uon, end iu.l1vuJllel JI"ycho-ther.pr. ThU uVtell 101111 lie 11msted to tllo.e tre.t~ene' provided by ~ lic.n.ed p.yeholog1st. 1~.re 11 no compreh.n.iV. p.yeholoflcal ~vlllletion outlIning the cJUmaDt'1I lavel of emotioaaJ, .oci.l. ;lnd psyehoJollic:.J runctioning prior to the motor vehicle .ccid.nt on '/5/91. Tbere are meDt ,ugte.tions throughout thj. doeument;ltioD th.t the clalm.nt ,"tter,d from long .cendin, prolllems ~ith depre..1on .nd anKJet1. There Ire Id.o .lIffe.tion. tbet IIho h.. fibromy.,giil secondary to .tr.'. Ind problemol in living. rhe r....roh liter.ture i. repllte with .rtiele. reg.rding the need for cOIIPr.hensi ve hiltor.r t.king Ind reportinCJ of IJre-.cc:ident levelll of tlmctloninG' aerOI' "ide v.riety of dora.in. in c.oIes of ~JJe,ation. ot inJurY eeuled by motor vehicle ec~idantl or other litigation injuries. rhulI, e me;or :iiffir.ult:y vith t.h;. docu_ntatlon rllll/ll"r/" thll l/lnI, of ;nfnr/Mt.inn ,...gardina 1J""."t1"ttfll"~ I...,..,. "f f,.nnHtln1n!J. 'this .intcol'm.tiCln il Clriu"aJ in ~rd.r t~ ..t.bli,h if th. rr~vid.d tr..tm.nt w.. r...on.bl. fo~ _VA jn3uri... Furthermor.. t~ere iol .J.o no inlo~.&ton re.arding th. cJ.imant'. I.vel 01 ,.ycholollicaJ functionin, in the interim .between h.r motor v.."~h ....ia.at of lUl ana the h.IP~ taJ odmi.aion more thon two YCGr~ lotor. A ..cond difficuJty with thi~ docw..nt.tion ~on~.rn. ~he nllcea.ity for inpatient p,ycholo9ic.' tr..tm.nt. ~1Pj~.III, thi. i. ptll'i,nm.d uu <<.. vlIU,.hIlUt II..... AI1L:lLb"l i~.II. ",onctll'n. the "lllvLIII.iUII uC j,Il'Ulu-,aull",ul.. ....du"..Liull. 2'11.L'" .U'O ,,\1 pOOL. r.tur111f1 J()loIrnd UlllL ~llt,",U.11 LII" "IUr:iW1 :It Uu" ......"'.duJ.. ,urthermore. it 1.7 con.illerld aHern.uya till'" ".Il.l'~UllltUlL"J Ul '''''' m.jor insur.nce c.rr:ers incJuding ~edic.re. the "atiuDaJ In.U tuee at HenUl Heal th hU .110 noud thae thIS is to be viewed al .n a.~.r1mentaJ tra.tm.nt. "I .uch. neuromu.cuJa' re-edUC.tJOn u vlI"ed IS ellpenmenUI .nd 111 not tYPH..Jl y viewad ., · legitim.te .nd e.perlmentally d~on.tr'Led ettic;lC~Ous tre.tment. tor the .bove n..on., it i. my opinion in th.t the i n,atJ ent tn.ements receivlfD .It th~ Hech.niclburg .~ehjJb. 'sY.7telll ace not ju.ttthd .. p.ychoJol1ieillJy n.c....rr t;lC IPprcprieta injurie.. Tlla,e is nO ",vidlfllce th.t thft claimant 'n PlychoJCll1icaJ probJem. ~.r. motor vehjcle accident injurte., occurring in Au~u.t at 1"1. IIl:lte.d. there IU ,tronG' :suggestionll in the dOG'ument.tion that tbe claim.nt h;ld pu-ellistincr dittieuHiu of the p.ycholof:ieaJ n.eur-.. The presence or Ibll.nca at lIueh wu no t addreslled /Jutf:i ci an t I y. {"'813-281-2103 JUN ?l','9S 13:00 Na.013 P.OS '-' ....J Dalml.r. tan.. Palla .:I trom I'hy.i. cal than,.y and c:hil'OP1'.ch C C'l'e, Due Lu (/,.. long "candi.nv n.cure of "al" .ryllt,.fla",., ~nd hIt"~ "'~IlUIU"." 6""', ~ t ".. determIned th.t IIhe 11010110;1 b"nei.iL (lUll' .u i."Lew:J.lve progr.m or theupy .., _II lll-j1eLiIIIIL "t LUt! Ht!lI/uwi.lll1burg Iteh.b Ho.pi t.l. 86ltlli.CJ.IIMJly, tbe progrlm ~ncJud~d p.tn management .nd work h.rd.ning therlpiU. At tho e1ll1e at h.r .dm~..ton, .lIe ",. on ltob'.Iin, 750 IIIQ, 4 times. d.y, .vu trtptyUue, ~UU /lItJ h., ".rJ aGel, 1.S mil vld. NII/rosyn, ~OU mQ vld. ~.trl atreugth ryJenoJ every 4 hours ~s needed. Lorl.epln, l/Z mv hI/prn. Durlng the course of her .dmi#,ion tc the Hecbeni.o,burg Ho.pit.,. tba eJeJ/IIInt puticipated in L'arillty 01 activiti.s includJnl1 ,byai elJ therlpy, oecupat.ioll therlpy, recreati onll therap" biot..ab.ck, p,ycbol09Y, vOC.t10D.J eounseJling, phy.iatry con#ult;tion and nurslng. Specifically ~1tb re.,eot to phyeio.' tberlllY, It tile time of her d1,01a.clI. on 9122/93, tbe claiment ".. riding. .tation.,.y bicycle tor 9 minut., .nd u.ing e tre.dmill tor 7 mJnut... H.nu.' Illu,ole .trength ,,'~n.7 h.d be.n nated Jn tlae c.rvle.1 r.llion b:tJahr,lll' Ind 11'0 WIth re.llect to lOll bIde fleKlon Ind ~.ten.~on. 'h. hed .1110 jmproved ranlle of motion with nail ad to tl'uck tl.Jlion. oervical tleJlion. right h~1I ..ten.tOll. IIbrl""tinft liPId Iftt.II,."", rnUUnD of the l.ft hill. rbe elaimelSt reportedl l' mor f, nllt nt ~ 1111,"1 ro.' t.'",,,,,,1' goellS. With re.llect to o.u,upational th.rapy. t,l". elei"'l..t h.eI intlr,,"II1.tI rh.. 1111.. nf IIrall.r lIel1h~nil1. and o".r,y con..rvltion/llorlc .i/IIPJi li co.tion hchn1IJ".. tn " ,eroont 0' tho ti... ~A. ell...nt II.. lilting 5 ,.ound5 ..t III l.v.t. tilll.. 10, .........y1nv S .oundrl for 150 t..t Ind pUllhinlT '5 pound. 01 lortl. of :0 le.t p.d ad. Her :ztlJndinfl tolarlnce had incn.u.d to:! Jo.ao mjnut.. Ind II.,. si Hi". tolerenoc hlld i.ncr.'lled Lu 1 '",ur. T'l,. ...l.joln.nt L'.gfH.t.dll' o1Iet 0 9 oc-cup.cionel therlJ" goela . :rile phY.1C.l cher.l'l' I'rulIriOu, "uu.....t"ol at .st...te,l"ing ...rci,.a,.. rIng. ot moUon ./Cercuo.. 1.7_1:""" l#Lf"lI!i'th.n"n~ .nd poatu...l e.ereile.. l:iI1e llaa tll' SnvoJ v.d in I cond.lL~ ""i,.., ,.,. U\lI'.lIl thl-ou"h actlvltle. on the treldm111 Ind the stltionary bilo'l~I.. 2'he oacup.U onllJ th....pl' dll1clllr". lunn.rl lnd1clud eh., .1,. 111.1 p.rc~c1plt.d In .ner", c:onl.rvlcion Ictlv1ei... pra,..r body mecblnic. 'e..ian~, (unctioD.J .xerCl.7e. to tile upper .xtremit1.. Ind lIJao IIith n,"oct to Ictiv.l.ti.. ot dIlly 'iving 'Dd hom. mllcing t.lks. OccuPltional tber.py did d1,oU.. her Job de.erlp~ion With II vocltionll cauns.llor. rbe claimlnt wI. "nlble to lmllrove tbe rang. at motion ot htr ,hould.n. which Wall on~ ot the "eeupaUon.l therapy gOll::. Pner to h~r Idmis,.ion to the H.chlnicsburg R.heb Ho,pJtll, tla. eJaimant IIndet'went .In rndep.nd.nt Hed;...l E...mjnIUon. on 7/2g/9J. 1"'813-281-2103 JUN "lC:;'95 13:01 No.01~ P,06__ '-' ~ D"iml"r. I.en.. "... J .H th" tim. of th" ~:ram~n..ti"Q. .iL ,..... ulI'lIrIllJII~ chat the el.lment had held. no.'mal l:HQ IItuU.r ..,,11 WiIl.:l .:Iulfel'ing trom t~broml1''1t. tlltb .:M'ollilo! ~1.",jCilIJ', uCil!lre:J.7ion lilld mlfl'ltn... It was ill50 :1et~rm1nea '}.oIL LlI. dtagno".. ot t1bromYllgili, ct.l/ce.,lon and m1"CUnelJ. ".r. /jU' lutomoblJe .ccid.nt lnJurse:J. It Ita. Ule th"t the eJa~lllInt "aa lutt.ring from. lI.reo.oCtal dyatunetloll, JIC~ ot inlJight .nd fenlclJ deconditloninf :Jynarome. Furthe~or., Dr. Cho, lIho conducted Lhe Ind.p.ndent H.diclJ Eaam1nIHon did not .gre. with .n IdlltJ".1 on r. 0 a Rehlb H05P.l tll. Chconi c Plin Pro~1:'I1II u beJ.nl1 necua.ry. It WI. datermined that the c1lilllant had sustaIned a mu.7cl e Ii.l1lment 'train fro", the HVA 01 9/!/'1 Ind that IIbe hid recov.red from thlt injury. It NIlt 1110 detunLinad that th. "ti.bcomy.Jl1il wa.. not relit.d to the motor '/eh.iclll aecid.nt in AUl1u.t 1991 Ind that the cl11mlnt ,hould be follo"ed a. an out- pattent b" Dr. Ifartmllll for triGI".rpoint in:i.c:hlmll. I:Jav.il ana other anti-depre.sant med~e.t10n". "EIf ItEVIDl JrICONH~NDArlO1f5 ...ed till .. ,."vi"N ",. ~h.. ,.'mtl,.ri~, H i,~ lilY npin,,,n th..t th"l'lt ia ~Qm" ~""rrnv.,,~y ~~ to wh.rh.r ~~ not the tibr~myal~i. diagnoeia II.' 1/2 flC"t .motor lI.hiC'l. eC'cicl.nt injury of '/5/". p,., Ciao ha. hllell the p..ition that the "laimlnt h.d .1I.tained . ..ucole .tutn injury, IIniClh laad .....Iv.d f.JlowiA~ the 'II/IH and that the "b,."..yaJ r#a, <lepr..ai..,. lIlId rUrlrain"D "are in taCIt not D,cQifi".I'y HVA ~~jllrio. of '/5191. In Ill' opi.Aion. HJu'OIfITel',#. i.. olten oil dia!1no..i:s .,1 ..elll.ion. H..nin", .,h.n oehe.' ,U"vno"..... ....nn..t b. .suPA'o.'t..li. . lii"rlu.,.i. of fjbl'IJIMJgia ~4 I.lJltod. III /11.1 ""~II~~U' .ill Ll.~.. ...n.... ,II. ll.iavulIlli.:o v{ CAu,uwyalVja i. "~II/lJl V....:iLi.wlaIlJ" amI <.h:!i.lli.L..Jy du.... Ilot lIupport an lnplttenC ho.piC.Ji..tion. With r.'I/.ct to the rel"Dn.bl.ne.. and necossity ot IIhysical and occupation.1 thorapJ' .t Hec:hlnic.bu~g Hehlb /to.pHII toc HVA UI.1ur.LeS, lc i, my 0,pln1on that th. uie of ooeupatIonal th.rapy tor thi.s ind~vidull !lou'd hlv. not b.en at oIny JlJgnJrlcllllt beneUt, 2'0 .per.d 6 lIeek. una.rgol~g #e..lon, to lmprove body meclalnlC", ADL acti n ties, si tt~n" toJ ennee. Ift.naing tolerance and ren8. ot motloll of the u~,.r extremltie. i~ net. in my opinion. CllnJeally II/l'ropri.te. The I:IIJmlnt hid 01 di,ol'der IIhieh ~s ..l.Jo .1"aYIJ tre.t.d In an IJllt-lI.ti.nt ".tUng 41nd it may have been I1.C"'ary for thi. individulIl to hevl undergone 6-8 uuigns pi occupdJonal th.npy to improve body meeh.nic~ .nd upper ext&"Om1 ty strengthenlng ...cclses. Io/Hh ,..pect to ph".sieaJ th.,.apy. it ilJ .lor" my opinjoll that the ch.im.nt '" condition of tibromy.lgJOI /lnd mu.cl. .5trengt/: could hive . s:\wpdata\insuranc\18t party\nati\90407FP\ans HEALTHSOUTH OF MECHANICSBURG, INC.: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND CO., PENNSYLVANIA Plaintiff v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW LENA DEIMLER, NATIONWIDE GENERAL INS. COMPANY Defendants NO. 95-3971 DBI'EllDMlT I S ANSWER TO PLAIll'l'IFF I S COMPLAIll'l' AIm NEW MATTER NOTICB TO PLEAD You are hereby notified to plead to the within New Matter within twenty (20) days from the date of service hereof or a default judgment may be entered against you. ANSWER Defendant, Nationwide General Insurance company, (hereinafter referred to as "Defendant") by and through its attorneys, Forry, Ullman, Ullman & Forry, P.C., answers the correspondingly numbered paragraphs of Plaintiff's Complaint as follows: 1. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of said averments contained in paragraph 1 of Plaintiff's Complaint, and accordingly the same are hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. 2. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of said averments contained in paragraph 2 of Plaintiff's Complaint, and accordingly the same are hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. 3. Admitted. 4. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that on August 5, 1991, Defendant, Lena Deimler, was inVolved in a motor vehicle accident. The remaining averments of paragraph 4 are hereby denied. 5. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or information SUfficient to form a belief as to the truth of said averments contained in paragraph 5 of Plaintiff's Complaint, and accordingly the same are hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. 6. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or information SUfficient to form a belief as to the truth of said averments contained in paragraph 6 of Plaintiff's Complaint, and accordingly the same are hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. 7. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knoWledge or information SUfficient to form a belief as to the truth of said averments contained in paragraph 7 of Plaintiff's Complaint, and accordingly the same are hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. 8. Denied. After reasonable inveStigation, Defendant is without knoWledge or information sUfficient to form a belief as to the truth of said averments contained in paragraph 8 of Plaintiff's Complaint, and accordingly the same are hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. 9. Denied. The averments of paragraph 9 contain conclusions of law for which no response is necessary. To the extent a responsE! is required, the same is hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded. 10. Denied. 11. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of said averments contained in paragraph 11 of Plaintiff's Complaint, and accordingly the same are hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. COUNT I BREACH or CONTRACT HBALTH SOUTH or MBCIlNfICSBURO. INC. V. LENA DEIMLZR 12. paragraphs 1 through 11 are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth. 13. - 17. Paragraphs 13 through 17 are addressed to Defendant, Lena Deimler and, accordingly, do not require a response from Nationwide. To the extent a response is required, the same is denied. WHEREFORE, Defendant avers that it is not liable to the plaintiff in any amount whatsoever and prays that the Complaint against it be dismissed and that it may be awarded costs of defense, including attorneys' fees and that it may have such other and further relief as may be just and appropriate. COUNT II BREACH OF CONTRACT swu,TH soOTH 01' MECHMlICSBURG V. NATIONWIDE IIIS\lRAIICE COMPAIIY 18. paragraphs 1 through 17 are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth. 19. Denied. The averments of paragraph 19 contain conclusions of law for which no response is necessary. To the extent a response is required, the same is hereby denied. proof thereof is demanded. 20. Denied. The averments of paragraph 20 contain conclusions of law for which no response is necessary. To the extent a response is required, the same is hereby denied. proof thereof is demanded. 21. Denied. The averments of paragraph 21 contain conclusions of law for which no response is necessary. '1'0 the extent a response is required, the same is hereby denied. proof thereof is demanded. 22. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of said averments contained in paragraph 22 of plaintiff'S complaint, and accordingly the same are hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. 23. Denied. The averments of paragraph 23 are too vague and contradictory for Defendant to frame a response and, accordingly, they are denied. proof thereof is demanded at time of trial. 24. Denied. The averments of paragraph 24 contain conclusions of law for which no response is necessary. To the extent a response is required, the same is hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded. 25. Denied. The averments of paragraph 25 contain conclusions of law for which no response is necessary. To the extent a response is required, the same is hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded. 26. Denied. The averments of paragraph 26 contain conclusions of law for which no response is necessary. To the extent a response is required, the same is hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded. 27. Denied. The averments of paragraph 27 contain conclusions of law for which no response is necessary. To the extent a response is required, the same is hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded. 28. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of said averments contained in paragraph 28 of Plaintiff's Complaint, and accordingly the same are hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. 29. Denied. The averments of paragraph 29 contain conclusions of law for which no response is necessary. To the extent a response is required, the same is hereby denied. Proof thereof is demanded. WHEREFORE, Defendant avers that it is not liable to the Plaintiff in any amount whatsoever and prays that the complaint againl3t it be dismissed and that it may be awarded collts of defense, including attorneys' fees and that it may have such other and further relief as may be just and appropriate. !In KATra1\ By way of further answer and defense, Defendant avers the following New Matter in accordance with l'ennllylvania Rule of Civil procedure 1030: 30. Defendant incorporates paragraphll 1 through 29 above as though fully set forth herein. 31. The aforesaid causes of action of the Plaintiff are barred, reduced and/or limited by the provisiolls of the pennsylvania Motor vehicle Financial RellPonsibility Law, 75 pa. C,S.A. section 1701, et sea, and any other applicable Iltatutes. 32. At all times material hereto, Defendant acted reasonably in accordance with the insurance contract and the applicable laws of the COl111lOnwealth of pennsylvania. 33. Defendant further avers that the plaintiff's claims are barred or limited by the following affixmative defenses: (1) payment/ (2) accord and satillfaction/ (3) relealle. "ROOP OP SaVIC2 I, BARRIE B. GEHRLEIN, ESQUIRE, being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that I served a true and correct copy of the Answer and New Matter to Plaintiff's Complaint, pursuant to Rule 211.3, on September 23, 1997, upon counsel of record by first-class postage pre-paid, addressed as follows: RICHARD OARE, ESQUIRE 1776 South Queen Street York, PA 17403 September 23, 1997 By.1I~ ESQUIRE ri .f') (~ I ..j ..'1 I '.t. ., -;9 .' j,} .j ,. .',') ...,.... . 11 ,~i , I :;1 " ::J ..; I:;:' ..... ,',' I l.'; , , , .. r;: " . ( ., I '.:, i i.", (, 1.'.,- , " I if j , I (:.: " ...... I , r . '.' r; , , .,1 to C'1 ~ ~ ~ ~H~ ~j f~i ::J ~ ~~>o \ ~ ~. ~