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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-4415 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL DIVISION DIANNE SHAW, Plaintiff, G.D. NO: Code: 001 HOST MARRIOT, COMPLAINT IN A CIVIL ACTION Defendant. Filed on Behalf of Plaintiff: DIANNE SHAW Attorney for Plaintiff: PAUL G. KAY, Esquire PA.I.D.No.52705 DANIEL J. KRAUT, Esquire PA I.D. No.83721 GREENHELD & KAY 1035 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 261-4466 Firm #532 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL DIVISION DIANNE SHAW, ) ) Plaintiff, ) ) v. ) ) HOST MARRIOT, ) ) Defendant. ) G.D. NO.: NOTICE You have been sued in COURT. If you wish to defend against 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 fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, THEN YOU SHOULD GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE The Cumberland County Bar Association 2 Liberty Avenue Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 249-3166 DIANNE SHAW, HOST MARRIOT, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL DIVISION ) G.D. NO.: Plaintiff, ) ) ) ) ) ) Defendant. ) COMPLAINT IN A CIVIL ACTION COMES NOW, the Plaintiff, DIANNE SHAW, by her Attorneys, GREENFIELD & KAY, PAUL G. KAY and DANIEL J. KRAUT, Esquire, and files the within Complaint In A Civil Action against the Defendant HOST MARRIOT ("MARRIOT"), of which the following is a statement: 1. The Plaintiff, DIANNE SHAW, is a resident of Allegheny County residing at 6209 Oyster Bay Court, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, 15017. 2. Defendant, MARRIOT, is a Pennsylvania Corporation, which operates a Roy Rogers Restaurant ("ROY ROGERS") located in Cumberland County at Box 9, Newburg, Pennsylvania 17240 on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. 3. At all times and places relevant hereto, MARRIOT held an interest in, owned, operated or otherwise had under their care and direction, the supervision, control and maintenance of the entire premises of the ROY ROGERS located at Box 9, Newburg, Pennsylvania 17240 on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. 4. On or about September 26, 2001, and for some time prior thereto, there existed in and on the ROY ROGERS' hallway leading to the restrooms attached to, adjacent with and/or forming part of the premises, water 3 accumulation of several inches, which created an unsafe and hazardous condition, the existence of which was known to, or should have been known to the Defendant, MARRIOT. 5. At the above-described time and location, the Plaintiff, DIANNE SHAW, who was returning from a bus trip with her husband, Reverend William Shaw, stopped for a snack and restroom break at a Pennsylvania Turnpike exit. As she was walking to use the ROY ROGERS' restroom in a careful, lawful and prudent manner, she turned the comer and entered the hallway leading to the restroom, at which time she immediately lost her footing on the accumulated water. 6. Upon losing her footing, the Plaintiff, DIANNE SHAW fell backward, causing her to violently slrike her head, thereby sustaining injury and loss as described below and requiring emergency care. 7. The injuries and losses sustained by Plaintiff, DIANNE SHAW were caused by the negligence of the Defendant, MARRIOT in that it: a) Caused and/or permitted the dangerous, unsafe and hazardous condition of wet floors to exist on its premises; b) Failed to properly inspect the hallway in order to determine whether or not any dangerous conditions existed thereon; c) Failed to remedy the dangerous condition on the Defendant hallway when the Defendants knew or should have known of its existence and that it created a serious risk of injury to persons walking thereon; d) Failed to employ sufficient maintenance people for the removal of water from the premises; 4 e) Failed to mop or have sufficient drainage so that water would not unreasonably accumulate; f) Failed to warn or otherwise notify persons of the dangerous and hazardous condition which existed in the hallway, which they knew or should have known about; g) Failed to post adequate warning signs, notifying Plaintiff of the undiscoverable and non-obvious dangerous condition which existed on Defendant's premises; h) Failed to adequately mop the hallway; i) designing installing and/or causing the hallway to be designed and/or installed in the manner herein above described at located in Cumberland County at Box 9, Newburg, Pennsylvania 17240 on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. j) failing to level, remove, correct or otherwise modify the subject hallway floor to eliminate and/or reduce the likelihood of injury to patron created by the wetness of the restroom surface; k) failing to properly inspect said hallway floor for water accumulation; 1) failing to warn patrons or post notice as to the existence of the water accumulation; and m) otherwise failing to restrict pedestrian traffic from utilizing said hallway, particularly, Plaintiff, DIANNE SHAW. 8. As a direct and proximate result of the careless, negligent and reckless conduct of the Defendant, Plaintiff, DIANNE SHAW, sustained the following serious and severe injuries, some or all of which may be permanent in nature: a) b) c) bruised head; debilitating headaches, dizziness and loss of equilibrium; reduced range of motion; 5 damaged as follows: d) severe head laceration which required sutures; e) concussion; f) back pain; g) hematoma located in frontal region of head; h) deficient cognitive status primarily in short term memory; i) excessive bleeding from injury; and j) other severe and painful injuries, all of which, together with the foregoing, may be permanent in nature As a result of the aforesaid injuries, Plaintiff, DIANNE SHAW, has been a) b) c) d) e) f) g) she has suffered injuries as set forth above, which are serious and potentially permanent in nature; she has suffered and will continue to suffer great pain, inconvenience, embarrassment and mental anguish; she was required to seek emergency medical treatment for her head injuries; she has and will be required to expend large sums of money for medication and medical attention; her general health, strength and vitality have been impaired; she has suffered lost wages stemming from her injuries which resulted from this accident; she has and will be required to expend large sums of money for surgical and medical attention, hospitalization, medical supplies, surgical appliances, medicines and attendant services; 6 h) she has suffered difficulty in sleeping, grooming, dressing and completing other essential daily tasks; i) she has been and will in the furore be unable to enjoy various pleasures of life that she previously enjoyed; j) she has and will be forced to incur loss of wages; and k) her husband and tour host were forced to incur expenses for a hotel room and rental car. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, DIANNE SHAW, claims damages of Defendant, HOST MARRIOT, in an amount in excess of the Arbitration limits of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, together with interest, attorney fees and costs of suit. GREENFIELD & KAY 2.ui.~ .~o.K~A27Y(~squie , Esquire PA.I.D.No.83721~ Attorney for Plaintiff, Dianne Shaw 7 I, Dianne Shaw, verify that the facts set forth in the foregoing Complaint In A Civil Action are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. This statement is made sub.~ect to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unworn falsification to authorities. Dated: July, ~ ,2002. DIANNE SHAW 8 THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire Identification Number: 72668 305 North Front Street P.O. Box 999 Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999 717/237-7132 Attorneys for Defendant DIANNE SHAW, HOST MARRIOT, Plaintiff Defendant IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-4415 CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED ENTRY OF APPEARANCE TO THE PROTHONOTARY: Please enter my appearance on behalf of Defendant in the above matter. Respectfully submitted, DATE: THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP By: Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire I.D,#72668 305 North Front Street P.O. Box 999 Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999 (717) 237-7132 Attorneys for Defendant CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE AND NOW, this day of 2002, I, Kevin C. McNamara, of the law firm of Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, hereby certify that I sent a true and correct copy of the foregoing ENTRY OF APPEARANCE by placing a copy of the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, to the following: Paul G. Kay, Esquire Daniel J. Kraut, Esquire GREENFIELD & KAY 1035 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire :185124.1 SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR CASE NO: 2002-0441S p COMMONWEALTH OF PEIVNSYLVANIA: COUNTY OF CUMBERLA2qD SHAW DIANNE VS MARRIOT HOST ROBERT BITNER Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who being duly SWorn according to law, says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE was served upon HOST MARRIOT DEFENDANT at ROY ROGERS the at 0009:27 HOURS, on the 19th day of Se_~embe~r' 2002 BOX 9 PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE NEWBURG, PA 17240 MARY O'DONEL (ASST. MJLNAGER) a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE by handing to together with and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof. Sheriff,s Costs: Docketing 18 00 Service ' Affidavit 13.80 .00 Surcharge 10.00 .00 ---~.80- Sworn and Subscribed to before me this g~-~ day of _ A.D. rothonotary / So Answers: R. Thomas Kl--~-~ne -- 09/20/2002 GREENFIELD, BREWER, KAy THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire Identification Number: 72668 305 North Front Street P.O. Box 999 Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999 717/237-7132 Attorneys for Defendant DIANNE SHAW, HOST MARRIO'I-r, Plaintiff Defendant IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-4415 CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED NOTICE TO PLEAD TO: Plaintiff and Counsel: You are hereby notified to plead to the enclosed New Matter within twenty (20) days from service hereof or a default judgment may be entered against you. DATE: Respectfully submitted, THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire I.D.#72668 305 North Front Street P.O. Box 999 Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999 (717) 237-7132 Attorneys for Defendant THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire Identification Number: 72668 305 North Front Street P.O. Box 999 Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999 717/237-7132 Attorneys for Defendant DIANNE SHAW, HOST MARRIO'I-I', Plaintiff Defendant IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-4415 CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED DEFENDANT'S ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT AND NOW, comes the Defendant, HMS Host Family Restaurants, LLC, erroneously designated Host Marriott, by its attorneys, Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, and answers Plaintiff's Complaint as follows: 1. It is admitted the Plaintiff is who she says she is. 2. Admitted in part and denied in part. The Defendant's correct name is HMS Host Family Restaurants, LLC. The Defendant is a Pennsylvania ,corporation that operates a Roy Rogers Restaurant at the location alleged. 3. Admitted with qualification in part and denied in part. It is admitted that HMS Host Family Restaurants, LLC operated a Roy Rogers Restaurant at the location alleged on September 26, 2001. It is also admitted that part of the property was under the care, supervision, control and maintenance of HMS Host Family Restaurants, LLC, on said date. HMS Host Family Restaurants, LLC occupies the property pursuant to a lease agreement with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Authority. It is denied that the Defendant leases, occupies or has the entire premises under its control. 4. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that on September 26, 2001, there was a hallway in the plaza at or near the restrooms. It is denied that there was an accumulation of several inches of water or that there was any unsafe or hazardous condition of the property that the Defendant knew or should have known about. 5. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Diane Shaw was apparently on the premises on the date of this occurrence and that Mrs. Shaw reported failing on the premises. As for the reason why Mrs. Shaw was there, who she was accompanied by, or any of the other details set forth in this paragraph, after reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in this paragraph and proof thereof is demanded. 6. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in this paragraph and proof thereof is demanded. COUNT I NEGLIGENCE 7(a)-(m). Denied pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e). 8(a)-(j). Denied. it is denied that the Defendant was negligent, careless or reckless in regard to the care, custody or control of its premises or that any conduct on the part of the Defendant caused any injuries to the Plaintiff. As to the specific injuries alleged to be related to the occurrence in these subparagraphs, after reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments and proof thereof is demanded. 9(a)-(k). Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in this paragraph and proof thereof is demanded. WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that Plaintiff's Complaint be dismissed without cost to it. NEW MATTER 10. At the time of the occurrence, the condition of the premises was open and obvious and, therefore, the Defendant owed the Plaintiff no duty. 11. No acts or failures to act on the part of the Delendant or its agents, servants or employees were a substantial factor in bringing about the occurrence or the injuries set forth in Plaintiff's Complaint. 12. At the date and at the time of the occurrence, reasonable and appropriate warnings were in place to notify the Plaintiff of the condition of the property and, accordingly, this discharged the Defendant's duty to the Plaintiff. WHEREFORE, Defendant HMS Host Family Restaurants, LLC, erroneously referred to as Host Marriott, respectfully requests that PlaintifFs Complaint be dismissed without cost to it. Respectfully submitted, THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP DATE: Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire I. D.#72668 3015 North Front Street P.O. Box 999 Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999 (717) 237-7132 Attorneys for Defendant VERIFICATION I, Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire, state that I am the attorney for the party filing the foregoing document; that I make this Affidavit as an attorney because I have sufficient knowledge or information and belief, based upon my investigation of the matters averred or denied in the foregoing document; that time is of the essencE; in the filing of this document; and that this statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. THOMAS, THOMAS, & HAFER, LLP DATE: :386o3.1 Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE AND NOW, this ~ay of /~/'~w,~.~,/~,~.~--~, ;)_002, I, Kevin C. McNamara, of the law firm of Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, hereby certify that I sent a true and correct copy of the foregoing ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT by placing a copy of the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, to the following: Paul G. Kay, Esquire Daniel J. Kraut, Esquire GREENFIELD & KAY 1035 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire :186500.1 THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP 305 North Front Street P.O. Box 999 Harrisburg, PA 17108 Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire Attorney I.D. 73668 (717)237-7132 Attorneys for Defendant DIANNE SHAW, Vo HOST MARRIOTT, Plaintiff Defendant IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-4415 CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY AND NOW, comes the Defendant, Host Marriott, by its attorneys Thomas, Thomas & Haler, LLP, and brings the following Motion to Compel Discovery: 1. The instant action arises out of a slip and fall incident that occurred on September 26, 2001. 2. injuries. 3. for Production of Documents on the Plaintiff. and marked Exhibit "A." As a result of her fall, the Plaintiff asserts that she suffered various personal On or about October 15, 2002, the Defendant served Interrogatories and a Request A copy of the transmittal letter is attached hereto 221201-1 4. Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 4006(a)(2) and Pa.R.C.P. 4009.12(a), Plaintiff's answers and objections, if any, to said Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents were due on or before November 16, 2002. 5. Following service of the discovery requests, Plaintiff did not request any extension of time within which to provide responses. 6. On our about December 27, 2002, Defendant's counsel wrote to Plaintiff's counsel regarding the delay in receipt of the discovery responses, and requested that verified responses to the discovery be provided by January 15, 2003. A copy of said correspondence is attached hereto, incorporated herein by reference, and marked as Exhibit "B." 7. To date, Defendant's Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents remain unanswered and Plaintiff has not provided any reason fi)r her continued failure to respond to the Interrogatories and Request for Documents, nor has she requested an extension and/or filed any objections. 8. The discovery propounded upon the Plaintiff seeks information and documentation pertaining to both the liability and damage aspects of the pending matter, and the information requested is both relevant and material to the subject matter of this litigation. Further, answers to the discovery are necessary for the preparation of the Defendant's defense in this matter. 221201-1 WHEREFORE, the Defendant respectfully requests that this Honorable Court issue an Order directing the Plaintiff to provide full and complete responses to the outstanding discovery within 20 days of the date of said Order, or suffer appropriate sanctions to be imposed upon further application of the court. Respectfully submitted, THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire Attorney I.D. # 73668 P.O. Box 999 305 N. Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999 (717)237-7132 Attorneys for Defendant Host Marriott 221201-1 October 15, 2002 Paul G. Kay, Esquire Daniel J. Kraut, Esquire GREENFIELD & KAY 1035 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 DIANNE SHAW V. HOST MARRIOTT Docket Number: 02-4415 (Cumberland County) Our File Number: 340-21341 Dear Counsel: Enclosed please find Defendant's first set of interrogatories and request for production of documents to Plaintiff in the above-referenced matter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 717-441-7056. With best wishes, I am Sincerely, THOMAS, THOI~L~S & HAFER, LLP Peggy M. Dugas Paralegal Enclosures THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER ATTORNEYS AT LAW 305 North Front Street, P.O. Box 999, Harrisburg, PA 17108 Phone: (717) 237-7100 Fax: (717) 237-7105 LLP www.tthlaw.com Kevin C. McNamara (717) 237-7132 kcm~tthlaw, corn December 27, 2002 Paul G. Kay, Esquire GREENFIELD & KAY 1035 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 RE: DIANNE SHAW V. HOST MARRIOTT Cumberland County C.C.P. No. 02-4415 Dear Mr. Kay: We served Interrogatories and a Request for Production of Documents on you on October 15, 2002. While I understand that sometimes it can be hard to turn these things around, especially over the holidays, the answers are 30 days overdue and I have not heard anything from you. Please provide me with verified responses to the discovery by January 15, 2003. If there is some special problem or reason why this is not possible, please give me a Call to discuss. Very truly yours, THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP KCM/gmc By: Kevin C. McNamara Lehigh Valley Office: 3400 Bath Pike, Suite 201, Bethlehem, PA 18017 * Phone: (610) 868-1675 * Fax: (610) 868-1702 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire of the law firm of Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, hereby certify that I have served a tree and correct copy of the foregoing document on the following person by placing same in United States first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows, on the date set forth below: Paul G. Kay, Esquire GREENFIELD & KAY 1035 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Date: THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP By: ~('//~ c'/~ ~''vl'''O'''~' Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire 221201-1 DIANNE SHAW, Mo HOST MARRIOTT, Plaintiff Defendant IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 02-4415 CIVIL ACTION - LAW JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRAECIPE TO WITHDRAW MOTION TO COMPEL Please withdraw Defendant's Motion to Compel Discovery filed February 6, 2003. The discovery issues raised by the Motion have been resolved. Respectfully submitted, DATE: THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP Kevin C. McNamam, Esquire I.D,#72668 305 North Front Street P.O. Box 999 Harrisburg, PA 17108-0999 (717) 237-7132 Attorneys for Defendant 223134-1 AND NOW, this ¢, ,.-?"day of /,-4~z/,,,~ ,2003, I, Kevin C. McNamara, of the law firm of Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, hereby certify that I sent a true and correct copy of the foregoing PRAECIPE by placing a copy of the same in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, to the following: Paul G. Kay, Esquire Daniel J. Kraut, Esquire GREENFIELD & KAY 1035 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 THOMAS, THOMAS & HAFER, LLP Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire 223134-1 Il IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA DIANNE SHAW, Plaintiff, Defendants. VS. HOST MARRIOTT, CIVIL DIVISION G.D. No. 02-4415 Code: 001 PRAECIPE TO SETTLE AND DISCONTINUE Filed on Behalf of Plaintiff Dianne Shaw Counsel of Record for this Party: PAUL G. KAY, Esquire PA' I.B #52705 GREENFIELD & KAY 1035 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 261-~466 Firm #532 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA DIANNE SHAW, ) ) Plaintiff, ) ) v. ) ) HOST MARRIOT, ) ) Defendant. ) CIVIL DIVISION No. 02-4415 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRAECIPE TO SETTLE AND DISCONTINUE To The Prothonotary: Please discontinue the above-styled matter as to Defendant, Host Marriott, the same having been settled. Paul G. Kay, Esq~li~ Attorney for Plaintiff, Dianne Shaw GREENFIELD & KAY 1035 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 261-4466 2 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify on this ~/~/ day of July, 2003, a true and correct copy of the within Plaintiff's Praecipe To Settle and Discontinue was served via United States Mail, First Class, Postage Prepaid as set forth below: Kevin C. McNamara, Esquire Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP 305 N. Front St. Harrisburg, PA 17108 GREENFIELD & KAY Paul G. Kay, Esq~D. #52705 Attorney for ~ Dianne Shaw Greenfield &~ay 1035 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 261-4466 Firm #532 3