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Ralmond M. Bily, Blq.
Su te 401i
101 Walhington Lane
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Attorney for plaintiffl
Loretta M. Belfiglio, Blq.
Suite 108
521 Plymouth Road
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Attorney for Defendant.
Michael J. Page, M.D., and
SUlquehanna surgeon., Ltd.
Michael w. McGuckin, E.g.
suite 209
1850 w:llliam Penn Way
P.O. Box 10690
Lancalter, PA 17605-0690
Attorney for Defendant.
Carl Bronitsky, M.D., and
Women's Medical Assoc.l.ation
Thoma. J. Bradley, Esq.
110 summit Avenue
Montvale, NJ 07645
Attorney for Defendant
Grandview Surgery and
LaBer Center.
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JOANNB B. RICKARDS &
GIRARD F. RICKARDS/ W/H
P1L'intiffs
IN THB COURT OF COMMON PLBAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
MICHAEL J. PAGBr M.D"
CARL BRONITSKY/ M.D./
WOMEN/S MEDICAL ASSOCIATES,
P.C./ SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS/
LTD., and GRANDV!EW SURGERY
AND LASER CENTER,
Defendants
NO. 95-7213 CIVIL TERM
IN REI PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS OF DEFENDANTS.
MICHAEL J. PAGE. M.D. AND SUSQUEHANNA
ftYRGEONS. LTD.. TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
BEFORE OLER. J L
OPINION and ORDER OF COURT
Oler, J.
This caee is a professional negligence action in which
Plaintiffs allege that a surgical clip "or other foreign material"
was left in Plaintiff Joanne E. Rickards' body following surgery.
Currently before the court are preliminary objections of Defendants
Michael J. Page, M.D., and Susquehanna Surgeons/ Ltd., to
Plaintiffs' complaint.
~TATEMENT OF FACTS
The facts averred in Plaintiffs' complaint may be summarized
as follows I
Plaintiffs are Joanne E. Rickards and Girard F.
Rickards, a married couple, residing at 830 Doubling Gap Road,
Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Defendant Michael J.
Page, M.D., is a physician and surgeon licensed under the laws of
Pennsylvania, with a place of business at 532 North Front Street,
Wormleysburg / Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
Defendant Carl
Bronitsky, M.D. / is a physician licensed under the laws of
NO. 95-7213 CIVIL TERM
pennsylvania I 'lpecializing in gynecology, with his principal place
of business at 1 Lemoyne Square, Lemoyne, Cumberland County,
pennsylvania.
Defendant Women's Medical Associates, P.c., is a pennsylvania
corporation engaged in the provision of medical services, acting by
and through its agents, including Defendant Bronitsky.
Defendant
susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd., is a pennsylvania business entity
engaged in the provision of medJ.cal services r acting by and through
its agents, including Defendant Page. Defendant Grandview Surgery
and Laser Center is a Pennsylvania business entity with its
principal place of business at 205 Grandview Avenue, Camp Hill,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
On December 6, 1991, plaintiff Joanne E. Rickards went to the
Grandview surgery and Laaer Center for a gallbladder operation. In
the operation, performed by Defendants Page and Bronitsky, assisted
by agents of Grandview, a surgical clip or other foreign maturial
was left in Ms. Rickards' body. This item was found by an x-ray
taken at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center on February 1, 1995.
plaintiffs' complaint includes the following paragraphs I
17. In the course of the oper.ation
performed upon Joanne E. Rickards by
[defend&nt] ... Michael J. Page ... the body
of the plaintiff was opened and the defendants
... negligently, recklessly, willfully and
with deliberate indifference, placed, lost,
left, caused, failed to count, failed to use
x-ray or other diagnostic tests to find and
retrieve and permitted to be left in
plaintiff'S, Joanne E. Rickards, body a
,
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NO. 95-7213 CIVIL TERM
a substantial likelihood of 4
missing or unaocounted for surgioal
clip or foreign material left in her
body.
Plaintiffs' Complaint, paragraphs 17. 20~21, 25(h) (emphasis
added) .
The present preliminary objections to Plaintiffs' oomplaint
are in the form of (1) a motion to strike a general allegation of
negligenoe and (2) a motion to strike general allegations of
recklessnese and a claim for punitive damages based thereon. At
oral argument PlaintiffB' counsel conceded the propriety of
Oefendants' motion to strike subparagraph (d) of paragraph 25 of
the oomplaint on the ground that it constituted a general
allegation of negligence..
Accordingly, the balance of this
opinion will be devoted to Defendants' motion asserting the legal
.
This allegation read as follows:
25. The damages sustained by the
plaintiffs Were solelr the result of the
negligent, reckless, w llful, and outrageous
acts and omissions of the defendants, Michael
J. Page, M.D., Carl Brouitsky, M.O., and
Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd. , and Women's
Medical Associates, P.C., and which include
the following: ...
d. failure and/or reckless
failure to exeroise the degree of
skill and care ordinarily exercised
by other surgeons and medical
providers performing similar
operations taking into consideration
the state of knowledge in medicine
and surgery required to undertaking
the medical/surgical care of the
plaintiff; ....
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NO. 95-7213 CIVIL TERM
insufficienoy of Plaintiffs' oomplaint as it pertains to punitive
damages based upon allegedly reckless conduot.
STATEMENT OF LAW
It is well settled in Pennsylvania that "[ t] he test on
preliminary objeotions [whioh would result in dismissal of a olaim]
is whether it is olear and free from doubt from all of the faots
pleaded that the pleader will be unable to prove facts le<Jally
sufficient to establish his right to relief," Bower v. Bowerr 531
Pat 54, 57, 611 A.2d 181, 182 (1992). In determining whether to
grant such a preliminary objectionr the "[c]ourt must consider as
true all of the well-pleaded material facts set forth .\.n [the
pleading challenged] and all reasonable inferences that may be
drawn from those facts."
Id.
Moreover, ouoh "preliminary
objections will only be sustained if clear and free from doubt."
Triage, Inc. V. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Dep't of Transp., 113
Pat Conunw. 348, 354 n.7, 537 A.2d 903,907 n.7 (1988).
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in addressing the issue of
the propriety of assessing punitive damages against a party, has
stated that
[p]unitive damag~s may be awarded for conduot
that is outrageous, beoause of the defendant's
evil motive or his reckless indifference to
the rights of others. In assessing punitive
damages, the trier of faot can properly
consider the character of the defendant's aot,
the nature and extent of the harm to the
plaintiff that the defendant caused or
intended to cause and the wealth of the
defendant.
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NO. 95-7213 CXVIL TERM
Martin v. Johns-Manville Corp., 508 Pa, 154, 169-70, 494 A.2d 1088,
1096 (1985), quoting Restatement (Second) of Torts 5908(2) (1965).
In a determination of whether punitive damages are
appropriate, "[t]he state of mind of the actor 1.8 vita!." Feld v.
Merriam, 506 Pat 383, 396, 485 A.2d 742, 748 (19841. Asseuing
such damages is "proper when a person's actions are of such an
outrageous nature as to demonstrate intentional, willful, wanton or
reckleBs conduct." SHV Coal, Inc. V. Continental Grain Co., 526
Pa, 489, 493,587 A.2d 702,704 (1991).
On the issue of whether a complaint sufficiently alleges that
a defendant's conduct rises to the level of displaying a recklsss
indifference to the rights of others, it is necessary to "analyze
whether the complaint's allegations establish that the actor
actually knew or had reason to know of facts which created a high
risk of physical harm to [the] plaintiff." Field V. Philadelphia
Electric Co., 388 Pa, Super. 400, 425,565 A.2d 1170, 1182 (1989).
"Further, the defendant must have proceeded to act in conscious
disregard of or indifference to that risk." Id. If the complaint
alleges that the defendant realized the high degree of risk
involved and consciously disregarded or exhibited indifferencs to
this risk, "a jury question on the issue of punitive damages
exists." Id. at 426, 565 A.2d at 1182.
with regard to the necessity of pleading facts evincing
malice, wantonness, 01' evil motive on the part of a defendant, it
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NO. 95-7213 CIVIL TBRM
is noted that Pennsylvania Rule of civil Procedure 1019(al sets
forth a general requirement for the pleading of material facts.
Rule 1019(b), however, provides that "[mlslice, intont, knowledge,
and other conditions of mind may be averred generally."
APPLICATION OF LAW TO FACTS
In the present case, Pl.aintiffs are apparently alleging, inter
alia, that an order was given that no inventory of instruments be
made in connection with the surgery performed upon Ms. Rickards,
that she was not informed after the surgery that an item was
mislling, and that no x-ray examination or other diagnostic measure
was undertaken to locat~ the item in her body during the lIuoceeding
four years. Accepting as we must these allegations and all
reasonable inferences that may be drawn from them as true, we can
not say that the iBsue of whether there was any reokless
indifference to the rights of Ms. Rickards ill 110 clearly to be
rellolved adversely to Plaintiffs as to preclude at this preliminary
stage all possibility of an award of punitive damages.
For this reason, the following order will be enteredl
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this I(ot day of May, 1996, after careful
consideration of the Preliminary Objections of Defendants Michael
J. Page, M.D. and Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd., to Plaintiffs'
Complaint, as well as the briefs and oral arguments presented in
the matter, and for the reasons s,ated in the acoompanying opinion,
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NO. 95-7213 CIVIL TBRM
the puliminary objeotions are SUSTAINED in part and DBNIBD in
part.
pursuant to an agreement of oounsel reaohed at oral
argument, subparagraph (d) of paragraph 25 of Plaintiffs' oomplaint
is STRICKBN as it pertains to the moving parties. In all other
respeots the preliminary objeotions are DENIED.
BY THB COURT,
s/ J. Weslev Oler. Jr.
J. Wesley Oler, Jr., J.
Raymond M. Bily, Esq.
suite 406
101 Washington Lane
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Loretta M. Belfiglio, Esq.
suite 108
521 Plymouth Road
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Attorney for Defendants
Miohael J. Page, M.D., and
Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd.
Miohael W. MoGuokin, Esq.
Suitfl 209
1850 William Penn Way
P.O. Box 10690
Lanoaster, PA 17605-0690
Attorney for Defendants
Carl Bronitsky, M.D., and
Women's Medical ASllociation
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JOANNE E. &
GIRARD RICKARDS,
plaintifh
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
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CIVIL ACTION - LAW
GRANDVIEW SIIRGERY &
LASER CENTER,
Defendant
NO. 95-7213 CIVIL TERM
AND NOW, this
l Q.lli2Ei1\ OF COURT
;) . \ aay of December, 1997, upon consideration
of 'laintiffs' Motion To Compel Discovery Requests I a Rule is
hereby issued upon the Defandant to show cause why the relief
requested should not be grantod.
RULE RETURNABLE within 20 days of service.
BY THE COURT,
~
Raymond M. aily, Esq.
1429 Walnut street
12th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Attorney for plaintiffs
Thomas J. Bradley, Esq.
110 Summit Avenue
Montvale, NJ 07645
Attorney for Defendant
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or- 'f\,i\: \:PI'\TH!,)~!OT""W
QjnF.C'30 PI~ IIO~
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VERIFIC(ATIOt:j
RAYMOND M, BIL V, ESQUIRE, hereby states that he Is the attorney for the Plaintiffs
In the Within action and hereby verifies that the statements made In the attached pleading are
trua and con'ectto the best of his knowledge, Information and belief, The undersigned
underslands that the statements therein are subJect to the penalties of 18 Pa. C,S. Section
4904 relating to unsworn falsification 10 autholitles,
f; Of.~
RAVMOND M. ILV
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MICHAEL W. McGUCKIN , ASSOCIATES,
BYI Michael W. McGuckin
Identification No. 49464
Lei9h A.J. Ellie
Identification No. ~3229
18~0 William Penn Way
suite 209
P.O. Box 10696
Lanca.ter, PA 1760~-0696
(717) 390-3020
JOANNE B. RICKARDS and
GIRARD F. RICKARDS, w/h
v.
MICHAEL J. PAGE, M.D.
and
CARL BRONITSKY, M.D.
and
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOCIATES,
P.C.
and
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS, LTD.
and
GRANDVIEW SURGERY AND LASER
CENTI!:R
P.C. 60,~20
Attorneye for Defendant. I
Carl Bronit.ky, M.D., and
wo.en'e Medical A..oc., P.C.
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COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERT~D COUNTYr PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 95-7213 CIVIL TERM
TWELVE JURORS DEMANDED
I
WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY I
Kindly withdraw my appearanoe on behalf of Defendant., Carl
Bronitaky, M.D., and Women's Medioal Assooiates, P.C. in the above-
captioned aotion.
P.c.
.'C"~'~~'SSOC"T'S'
M~~' MoGUCKIN -
Attorney for Defendants,
Carl Bronit.ky, M.D., and
Women'a Medioal Aaaociates, P.C.
..
v,
MICHAEL J, PAGE, M.D.,
CARL BRONITSKY, M,D.,
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOCIATES,P,C.,
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS LTD"
and GRANDVIEW SURGERY AND
LASER CENTER,
Defendants
~
JOANNE E. klCKARDS and
GIRARD p, RICKARDS,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA,
No, 95-7213 Civil Term
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
g~Y OF N'PEARANCE
Please enter the appearance of the undersigned as counsel for Defendants, Carl
Bronltsky, M,D. and Women's Medlcol Associates, P.C" In the obove.captloncd matter.
Respectfully submitted,
MARSHALL & FARRELL, P.C,
~...
~..
/
prancll.E. arsholl, Jr.
Attorney I,D, No, 27594
Atrium West, Suite 304
3461 Market Street
Camp Hm, PA 17011
(717)731-4800
Date: March 13, 1996
McBREEN, McBREEN & KOPKO
110 au.ait avenue
Montv.le, .e. Jer.ey 07645
(lOll 513-1508
IYI Tbo..e J. Iradley, I.quire
attorney for Defendant,
Grandvie. lurgery and La.er Center
JOMnfI I. .. GIRAl\D RICItaRDI I COURT or COMMO. 'Llal
I CUKBBRLaKD COUNTY
'laintiff~ I
v. I CIVIL aCTIOIt
I
GaAKDVIIW IURGICaL CEltTER I
Defendant. I 1t0 I 95.7213
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE Cl,ERK:
Enter our appearance in the above-entitled case for the
defendant, GRANDVIEW SURGICAL & LASER CENTER,
McBREEN, McBREEN & KOPKO
BY TH~~~EY
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANT,
GRANDVIEW SURGICAL & LASER
CENTER
Datedl January 5, 1996
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JOANNE E. RICKARDS ·
GIRARD r. RICRARDS, W/H
v.
MICHAEL J. PAGE, M.D.
and
CARL BRONITSKY, M.D.
and
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOC., P.c.
and
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS, LTD.
and
GRANDVIEW SURGERY AND
LASER CENTER
.
I COURT or cOMMON PLEAS
I CUMBERLAND COUNTYr PENNSYLVANIA
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I CIVIL ACTION - LAW
I NO. 95-7213
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NOTICI
~ ill ,itbin H..e4 ll.intiffll
You are hereby notified to p1ea4 to tbe enolo.e4 an.wer and
.ew Hatter within 20 4ay. fro. .ervioe hereof or a lSefault julSpent
..y be enterelS a9ain.t you.
Ulima AIULIn HIoTT.. 01'
KICHUL J. nGI. K. D.. J.HD suiouiilWlllr. IURG.OHS. LTD.
Defendants, Michael J. Page, M.D., and susquehanna surgeons,
r.td., by and through their attorneys, McKissock . Hoffman, P.C.,
hereby file this Answer And New Matter to Plaintiffs' complaint,
wherein the following is a statement:
1.
Denied.
After reasonable investigation Answering
Defendants are of insufficient knowledge and information to form a
belief as to the truth of the averments contained in paragraph 1 of
Plaintiffs' complaint. strict proof, if relevant, is demanded upon
the trial of the matter.
.....r..... .
<"'-
.
:I. Admitted.
3. Admitted in p~rt, denied in part. It is admitted that
Michael J. Page, M.D'I is a trained physician and surgeon licensed
under the law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to perform
surgical procedures in connection with promoting the health care
needs of his patients.
The remaining characterizations of
paragraph 3 Qf Plaintiffs' Complaint are denied. strict proof, if
relevant, is demanded upon the trial of the matter.
4.
Denied.
After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is of inSUfficient knowledge and information to form a
belief as to the truth of the averments in paragraph 4 of
Plaintiffs' Complaint.
5.
Denied.
After reasonable investigationr Answering
Defendant is of inSUfficient knowledge and Jnformation tQ form a
belief as to the truth of the averments in paragraph 5 of
Plaintiffs' complaint.
6.
Denied.
After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant ie of insufficient knowledge and information to form a
belief as to the truth of the averments in paragraph 6 of
Plaintiffs' Complaint.
7. Admitted.
B. Admitted.
9.
Denied.
After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant is of insufficient knowledge and information to form a
belief as to the truth of the averments in paragraph 9 of
Plaintiffs' complaint.
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10. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Defendant i. of insufficient knowledqe and information to form a
belief a. to the truth of the averments in paragraph 10 of
Plaintiffs' Complaint.
11. The averments contained in paragraph 11 of Pl.aintiffs'
Complaint const;itute conclusions of law to which no responsive
pleading i. required. To the eKtent that said averments are fact
specific and do not constitute a conclusion of law, same are
denied. specifically, it is denied that Defendants Bronitsky,
M.D., Women's Medical Assoc'r P.c., and/or Grandview Surgery and
Laser Center were the agents, servanto, employees, workmen or
contractors of Defendants Page and Susquehanna Surgsons, Ltd.
Moreover, the averments that said Defondants were acting in the
course and scope of their employment, servantship, agency, contract
and with the consent of Defendants Page and Susquehanna Surgeons,
Ltd., is specifically denied. strict proof, if relevant, is
demanded upon the trial of the matter.
12. Denied. After reasonable investigation Answering
Defendant is of insuf.ficient knowledge to form a belief as to the
truth of the averments contained in paragraph 12 of Plaintiffs'
Complaint. Strict proof, if relevant, is demanded upon the trial
of the matter.
13. The averments in paragraph 13 of Plaintiff's Complaint
are admitted to the eKtent that said averments are supported by the
medical records of Defendant Michael J. Page, M.D., and Susquehanna
Surgeons, Ltd. The remaining Ilverments in paragraph 13 of
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Plaintitts' complaint are denied in that, atter r..sonable
investigation, Answering Detendants ara ot insuttioient knowledge
and intormation to torm a beliet ~s to the truth of said averments.
striot proot r it relevant, is dltmanded upon the trial ot the
matter.
14. The averments in paragraph 14 of Plaintitts' complaint
are admitted to the extent that same are supported by ~h. medioal
records ot Detendant Michael J. Page, M.D., and suoquehanna
Surgeons, Ltd.. To the extent that said reGords are not renective
of the allegations, same are denied. strict proof, if relevant, is
demanded upon the trial of the matter.
15. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering
Detendant is of insufficient knowledge and information to torm a
belief as to the truth of the averments in paragraph 15 of
plaintiffs' Complaint.
16. The averments in paragraph 16 ot Plaintiffs' Complaint
are conclusions of law to which no responsive pleading is required.
To the extent that said averments do not constitute conclusions ot
law same are denied. Any interence arising trom the averments in
paragraph 16 to the effeot that Detendant, Miohael J. Page, M.D.,
in any way violated or deviated trom the standard ot care or duty
to keep count of various surgical clipa, instruments and/or
materials used and placed in the body of the Plaintitf during her
surgery, inclUding using diagnostic testH to looate said missing
surgical clips, instruments and/or materials and betore olosing the
incision are specitically denied. striot proof, it relevant, is
4
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demanded upon the trial ot the matter.
17. The averments in paragraph 17 ot Plaintitts' complaint
oonstitute a conolusion ot law to whioh no responsive pleading is
required. To the extent that said averment,s do not oonstitute
conolusions ot law and are tact specific same are denied.
specifically, it is denied that Detendant Michael J. page, M.D.,
negligently, rocklessly, willtully and with deliberate
inditterence, placed, lost, lett, caused, failed to count, tailed
to use x-ray or other diagnostic test to find and retrieve or
permitted to be lett in Plaintiff, Joanne E. Rickards' body a
surgical clip or other foreign material, which act and/or omission
was a deviation of the standard of care. strict proof, it
relevant, is demanded upon the trial of the matter. By way of
turther Answer, responding Defendants hereby incorporate all
asverements contained in New Matter, infra., as if more fully set
forth at length herein.
18. The averments in paragraph 18 of Plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute a conclusion of law to whioh no responsive pleading is
required. To the extent that said averments do not constitute a
conclusion ot law and are fact specific same are denied.
Detendants hereby incorporate by reference the averments in
paragraph 25 ot this Answer as well as all averments in New Matter
infra.
19. The averments in paragraph 19 of plaintiffs' Complai~t
oonstitute a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is
required. To the extent that said averments do not constitute a
5
conclusion of law and are fact specific same are denied.
Defendants her.eby incorporate by reference the avermente in
paragraph 2~ of this Answer as well as all averments in New Matter
infra.
20. The averments in paragraph 20 of plaintiffs' complaint
constitute a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is
required. To the extent that said averments do not constitute a
conclusion of law same are denied. It is specificallY denied that
Defendant., Michael J. Page, H.D., and/or susquehanna surgeons,
Ltd., failed to exercise the degree C" care or skill and care
ordinarily exercised in similar operations by other surgeons and
physicians considering the state of knowledge in medicine and
surgery and were negligent, reckless, willful, and/or deliberately
indifferent to the health and well being of the Plaintiff. strict
proof, if relevant, is demanded upon the trial of the matter.
21. Denied. After reasonable investigation Answering
Defendants are of insufficient knowledge to form a belief as to the
truth of the averments contained in paragraph 21 of PlaintiffS'
Complaint. strict proof, if relevant, is demanded upon the trial
of the matter. Any inference arising from the averments of
paragraph 21 to the effect that Defendants had any obligation,
legal or otherwise, to inform plaintiff Joanne E. Rickards about
the absence of any instrument count, that there were missing
surgical clips and/or foreign objects, and/or failure to employ
x-rays or other diagnostic tests to determine if there was a
missing surgical clip or other instrument or foreign material left
6
'r.
I,",
, ~t-
t.i,
in the body are denied. The substance of said allegations 18
likew18e denied. strict proof, if relevant, is demanded upon the
trial of the matter.
22. Denied. After r~aeonable investigation Anewering
Defendante are of insufficient knowledge and information to form a
belief ae to the truth of the averments in paragraph 22 of
PlaintiffS' Complaint. By way of further Answer, Defendants hereby
incorporate by reference the averments in paragraph 25 of th18
Answer as well as all averments in New Matter, infra. striot
proof, if relevant, is demanded upon the trial of the matter.
23. Denied. After reasonable investigation Answering
Defendants are of insufficient knowledge and information to form a
belief as to the truth of the averments in paragraph 23 of
Plaintiffs' complaint. strict proof, if relevant, is demanded upon
the trial of the matter.
24. The averments in paragraph 24 of Plaintiffs' Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no responsive pleading is
required. To the extent said averments are fact specific, same are
denied. After reasonable investigation Answering Defendants are of
insufficient knowledge and information to form a belief as to the
truth of the averments in paragraph 24 of plaintiffs' Complaint.
Strict proof, if relevant, is demanded upon the trial of the
matter.
25. The averments in paragraph 25 of Plaintiffs' complaint
constitute a conolusion of law to which no responsive pleading is
required. To the extent that said averments are factual and do not
7
constitute conclusions of law same are denied. specifically it is
denied that Defendants Miohael J. Page, M.D'r and/or susquehanna
surgeons, Ltd.,
a)
railed to take or direot a count of surgioal instruments
snd materials used during the operation of the plaintiff,
Joanne R. Rickards,
ordered that no instrument count be tak$n following a
surgicsl operation upon the plaintiff,
ordered that no instrument count be taken having
knowledge that a count would disclose a missing surgical
clip or instrument left inside the body of the plaintiff,
railed and/or recklessly failed to exercise the degree of
skill and care ordinarily exercised by other surgeons and
medical providers performing similar operations taking
into considerat,ion the state of knowledge in medicine and
surgery required for undertaking the medical/surgical
care of the plaintiff,
Failed to inform the plaintiff Joanne E. Rickards that an
instrument count was not taken during sur.gery,
Failed to insure that a proper instrument count was taken
during the surgery of Joanne E. Rickards and that all
surgioal instruments and materials were accounted for,
Failed to follow or enforce applicable procedures
requiring instrument counts and/or standards for surgical
care and services,
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
Malioiously fal,lod to inform Ms. Rickards that an order
not to take an instrument count was ordered while knowing
that there was a substantial likelihood that a missing or
unaccounted for surgical clip or foreign material was
left in her body;
i)
Failed to use x-ray or other diagnostic tests and/or
ascertain a condition prior to completion of surgery
and/or closure of the incision for which treatment should
be given;
j)
Failed to properly employ the facilities and available
services to collect the best tactual data including using
x-rays or other diagnostic tests to find and retrieve the
missing surgical clip, instrument or foreign material and
8
to arrive at a course and/or plan ot treatment tor
Plaintitt Joanne E. Rickards.
To the contury, it is averred and thereby alleged that at all
relevant times An.wering Detendants rendered treatment and care in
contormance with the appropriate standard of care then and there
applicable and were not in any way negligent in the oare or
treatment rendered to Pldntitt Joanne Rickards. By way ot turther
Answer, the averments contained in New Matter, intra., are
spec::itically incorporated herein as it more tully set torth.
strict proot, it relevant, is demanded upon the trial ot the
matter.
WHEREFORE, Defendants Michael Page, M.D'r and Susquehanna
surgeon./ Ltd., demand that judgment be entered in their tavor and
that Plaintitts' complaint be dismissed with prejudioe.
COUIIT II
JoaDDe B. Riokards aDd Girard r. Riokard. v.
GraDdv!e. 8urqioal CeDter
26.-27.
The averments in paragraphs 26 through 27 ot
Plaintiffs' Complaint are directed to a Detendant other than
Answering Defendants and no responsive pleading is thereby
required.
COUIIT I II
Girard r. Riokard. v. DeteDdw.
28. Answering Defendants hereby incorporate paragraphs 1
through 27 ot their Answer as though more tully set torth herein.
9
29. Denied. After reasonable investigation Answering
Defendant is of insufficiont knowledge and information to form a
belief as to the truth of the averments contained in paragraph 29
of Plaintiffs' complaint. By way of further Answerr Defendants
hereby incorporate paragraphs 1 through 27 of their Answer and
p~ragraphs 30 through 39 of their New Hatter as if more fully set
forth herein. strict proof, if relevant, is demanded upon the
trial of the matter.
WHEREFORE, Defendants Michael J. Page, H.D" and suequehanna
surgeons, Ltd., demand that judgment be entered in their favor and
that PlaintiffS' complaint be dismissed with prejudice.
NEW MATTII\
30. The recovery of medical expenses paid by any third
par.ty, including any insurance carr ier, is barred pursuant to
seotion 602 of the Health Care Servioes Malpractice Act of 1975, as
amended (Act of October 15, 1975, P.R. 390, 1111 (40 Pa. statute
51301.602)) .
3t. plaintiffS claims are barred by the applicable statute of
Limitations.
32. plaintiffs injuries and losses, if any, were caused in
whole or in part by persons or events outside the control of
Answering Defendants, Michael J. Page, H.D., and susquehanna
surgeons, Ltd.
33. plaintiffS injuries and losses, if any, were caused in
whole and part by persons not a party to the within action.
34. plaintiffS injuries, if any, were sustained as a result
10
,.'1 ,Id
of a natural and unknown caU.e and not a. a re.Ult of any action or
inaction on behalf of An.wering Defendant., Michael J. Page, M.D.,
and/or su.quehanna surgeon" Ltd.
:l!l. At all time. relevant hereto, An.wering Defendant.,
Michael J. pager M.D" and su.quehanna surgeonar Ltd'r rendered
care and treatment in an appropriate mannorr within the .tandard.
of care applicable theretor and in uompliance with all statute.,
rulell, regulations, protocols and/or procedures applicsble thereto.
36. To the extent that Answering Defendant. Michael J. pager
M.D., and/or Susquehanna surgeons, Ltd. r elected a treatment
modality which is recognized as proper but may differ from another
appropriate treatment modality, Answering Defendants invoke the two
schools of thought doctrine.
37. Plaintift, Joanne E, RickardS was contributorilY
negligent therefore, pursuant to the comparative Negligence Act, 42
pa.C.s.A. 57012, PlaintiffS' claims are barred or in the
alternative PlaintiffS' recovery should be reduced by the
appropriate percentage of Joanne E. RickardS' negligence.
38. Any acts or omissions of Answering DefendantS r Michael J.
Page, M.D., and/or SUsquehanna surgeons, Ltd., are not the
proximate cause or a substantial factor giving rise to Joanne E.
RiCkard'S injury or PlaintiffS' injuries and damages.
39. To the extent that PlaintiffS' claim is predicated upon
the existence of a surgical clip utilized during the operative
procedure performed by Dr. Page and/or Susquehanna surgeons, Ltd.,
upon Plaintiff Joanne Rickard' 8r such clips are routinelY permitted
11
to remain inlide the body at the clole ot the operative procedure
and the election by Dr. Page and/or susquehanna surgeons to allow
laid lur'iJicel clip to remain inside Plaintift'l body i. not a
violation ot the applicable .tandard ot care or neqligence but
rather il in full contormity with all medical and surgical
.tandard. required ot similarly qualified surg.ons throughout the
commonwealth ot Pennsylvania.
WHEREFORE, Anlwering Detend6nts re.pecttully pray that this
Court enter judgment in their tavor and dismiss Plaintitts'
Complaint with prejUdice.
Reapecttully submitted,
Holi..ook , Roftaan, P.C.
BY~
B. craig
Attorney
105 North Front street
suite 205
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-0103
Datil MAY 26 199~
C'....\ANM,'16
12
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VBRIPICATION
I, Michael J. page, M.p., hereby verify that the atatemente
in the forgoing An.wer And New Hatter are true and oorreot to the
beat of my information, knowledge and balief. I understand that
the atatements are made subjeot to the penalti.s of PA.C.S.
Section 4904, relating to the unsworn falsifioation to
authoriti.. .
Dated I
Jj..tj/rt;;
,
, 1996
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VIlRII1:ICATION
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.
, by ~nd on behalf of
,
, 1
suaquehanna surgeon a , Ltd., hereby verify that the statement. in
the forgoing An.wer And New Matter are true and correot to the
beat of my information, knowledge and belief. I understand that
the atatement. are made subject to the penalties of PA.C.S.
seotion 4904, relating to the unsworn falsification to
authoritie..
;.
..._/
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"
Datech
f 1;/1/ t1t;
I I .
, 1996
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C'....IIIO'.1l0
JOANN! E. RICKARDS ,
GIRARP F. RICKARDS, W/H
v.
MICHAEL J. PAGE, M.D.
and
CARL BRONITSKY, M.D.
and
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOC., P.C.
and
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS I LTD.
and
GRANDVIEW SURGERY AND
LASER CENTER
.
.
I COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
I CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
I
I
I
I
I
I CIVIL TERM
I NO. 915-7213
I
I
I
I
I
I
TO THE PROTHONOTARY I
IRay 01' APPDltIUlCI
Kindly enter our appearance as attorneys on behalf of
Defendants, Michael J. Page, M.D., and Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd.,
in the above matter.
McKISSOCK , HOFFMAN, P.C.
~.~6.-X-
B. cra'~~ :::: --....
105 North ront street
Suite 205
HarriSburg, PA 17101
Telephone I (717) 234-0103
Supreme Court I.D, No. 36818
Attorneys for Defendants
Michael J. Page, M.D., and
Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd.
t
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.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certity that I am this day serving a copy ot the
foregoing document upon the personCs) and in the manner indicated
below, which service satisties the requirements ot the
Pennsylvania Rules of civil Procedure, by depositing a copy of
same in the united states Mail, first-class postage prepaid,
addressed as tollowsl
Raymond M. Billy, Esquire
101 Washington Lane
suite 406
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Counsel tor Joanne E. Rickards and
Girard F. Rickards
Francis Marshall, Esquire
Marshall' Farrell, P.C.
1323 North Front street
Harrisburg, fA 17102
Counsel tor Carl Bronitsky, M.D., and
Women's Medical Associates, P.C.
"
I ~'
"
"
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Tho.a. J. Bradley, Esquire
1760 Market street
Suite !l00
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Coun.el for Grandview Surgery
" La.er Center
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'f
McKissock " Hoffman, P.C.
I
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B. cni9
Esquire
.'!
BY l "'"--.:? ,
il
10~ North Front street
Suite 20~
Harrilburg, PA 17101
Telephone I (717) 234-0103
Supreme Court I.D. No. 36818
Attorneys tor Defendants
Michael J. page, M.D., and
SUlquehanna Surgeons, Ltd.
j
DATEDl
MAR 2 7 1996
, I
,I I
"
MCKERNAN AND MCCCARTIN, p,C,
BY: Michael A, McKernan
Loretta M, Oclfllllio
Idenlltlcallon No,: 46447/6.5173
.521 Plymouth Road
Sulle 108
Plymoulh Mutlnll, PA 19462
(6/0) 94.Q-0141
AlIomeys for Defendant:
Michael J, Pille, M.D, and
Susquehanna Surllcons, Lid,
JOANNE E, RICKARDS &
GIRARD F, RICKARDS, WIH
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
v.
MICHAEL 1. PAGE, M,D,
and
CARL BRONITSKY, M,D,
and
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOC" P,C,
and
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS, LTD.
and
GRANDV/EW SURGERY AND
LASER CENTER
CIVIL TERM
NO, 9.5-7213
WITlIDRA W AL OF APPEARANq;
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly withdraw my appearance on behalf of Detendants, Michael 1, Pille, M,D, and
Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd" in 'the above-captioned malter,
~
DATE
MCKERNAN AND MCCARTIN, P.C,
..~;~~ i, ~~l]f) \l~
Attorneys for Defendants,
Michael J, Page, M,D. and
Susquehanna Surgeons, LId,
, ,
C~RTlrICAT~ QF SEijVlCl
I h.r.by c.rtify that I am thi. day ..rving a copy of the
tor.~oin9 docum.nt upon the p.raonc.) and in the mann.r indicated
below, which e.rvice .atieti.e the requirementa of the
Penneylvania RUlee of Civil Prooedure, by depoeiting a copy ot
,
eam. in the Unit.d Statee Hail, tirst-clase poetag. pr.paid,
addr....d ae tallows,
Raymond M. Billy, Esquire
101 Washington Lane
Sui~e 406
J.nkintown, PA 19046
Couns.l tor Joanne E. Riokard. and
Girard F. Riokards
Franois Marshall, Esquir.
Marshall' Farrell, P.C.
1323 North Front street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Counsel tor Carl Bronitsky, M.D., and
Women's Medioal Assooiates, p.e.
,
. I
.
\
,
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..... .....
JOANNE E, RICKARDS and
GIRARD p, RICKARDS,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT Of COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA,
No, 95-7213 Clvll Term
I .
\ I
v.
MICHAEL J, PAGE, M,D.,
CARL BRONITSKY, M,D"
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOCIATES,P,C" :
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS L TO"
and GRANDV1EW SURGERY AND
LASBR CENTER,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEPENDANTS, CARL BRONITSKY, M.D. AND WOMEN'S
lYlEPICAL ASSOCIATES. P.C.'S AN~WEJ\ WITH NEW MA'{TER
\~
1, Admlttecl,
2. The corresponding paragraph Is not addressed to Answering Defendants,
and as such, requires no substantive response,
3. The corresponding paragraph Is not addressed to Answering Defendants,
and as such, requires no substantive response.
4, Admitted,
5, It Is admitted that Defendant, Cllrl Bronltsky, M,D., trained as a physician
and surgeon sufficient to obtain certification and/or licensing, The remainder of the
allegations are denied pursuant to Pa.R,C.P, 1029(e), Strict proof thereof Is demanded
at lhe time of trial, If relevant,
6. It is admitted that Defendants Women's Medical Associates, p,C"ls a
Pennsylvania corporation or business entity engaged in providing medical services, It Is
further admitted that Defendant, Carl Bronltsky, M,D" was the agent, servant, employee
of Defendant, Women's Medical Assoclales, p,C, The remainder of the allegations with
respect to agency are denied as conclusions of law. From the wording of the
corresponding paragraph of Plalntlfr Complaint, Answering Defendants are unable lO
ascertain the Identities of IndlvldUills alleged to be Defendant corporation's employees,
and/or agents, servants, contractors, workmen, associates, afllllatcs or partners, Strict
proof thereof 15 demanded at time of trial, If relevant.
7, The corresponding paragraph Is not addressed to Answel'lng Defendants,
and as such, requires no substantive response,
8, The corresponding paragraph Is not addressed to Answering Defendants,
and as such, requires no substantive response,
9, The corresponding paragraph is not addressed to Answering Defendants,
and as such, requires no substantive response,
10, The corresponding paragraph Is not addressed to Answering Defendants,
and as such, requires no substantive response,
11, It Is specifically denied that Defendants, Women's Medical Associates, P .C"
and Carl Bronltsky, M,D" are the agents, apparent agents, servants, employees of any of
the other Co-Defendants In the Instant matter, For further response, the allegations are
denied as conclusions of law, Strict proof Is thereof Is demanded at time of trial, If
relevant,
12, The corresponding paragraph Is not addressed to Answering Defendants,
and as such, requires no substantive response,
.
.
13, The corresponding paragraph Is not addressed to Answering Defendants,
and as such, requires no substulltlve response,
14, The corresponding parallraphs of Plulmlffs' Complulnt ure denied generally
pursuant to the Pa,R,C.P, 1029(e), Strict proof thereof Is demanded at time of trial, If
relevant,
15, The allegations of the corresponding paragraph of Plaintiffs' Complaint are
denied as conclusions of law, Strict proof thereof is demanded ut time of trial, if
relevant,
16, Denied. Mter reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant Is without
knowledge or Information sufficlent to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained In this paragraph, and, therefore denies same and demunds strict
proof thereof at the time of trial. For further response, the allegations are denied as
conclusions of law. Answering Defendants, Carl Bronltsky, M,D" and Women's Medical
Assoclates, P,C., deny that they were negligent with respect to the care and treatment of
the Plaintiff In the Instant matter,
17, Denied, Mter reasonable investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained in this paragraph, and, therefore deny the same and demand strict
proof thereof at the time of trial. For further response, the allegations are denied as
conclusions of law, Answering Defendants, Women's Medical Assoclates, P.C., and Carl
Bronltsky, M.D., deny that they negligently, recklessly, willfully and with deliberate
,
Indifference, placed, lost, left, caused, falled to count, falled to use X-ray or other
diagnostic test to find and retrieve or permitted to be left in Plaintiff, Joanne E, Rickards'
body as surgical clip or other foreign material, which act was a deviation of the standard
of care, Strict proof thereof is demanded at time of trial, if relevant.
18, The allegations of the corresponding paragraph of Plaintiffs' Complaint are
denied as conclusions of law as well as generally pursuant to Pa.R,C,P, 1029(e), Strict
proof thereof Is demanded at time of trial, If relevant.
19, The allegations of the corresponding paragl'Rph of Plaintiffs' Complaint are
denied as conclusions of law as well as generally pursuant to Pa,R,C.P. 1029(e), Strict
proof thereof Is demanded al time of trial, if relevant,
20, Denied, After reasonable Investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained in this paragraph, and, therefore deny the same and demand strict
proof thereof at the time of trial. For further response, the allegations are denied as
conclusions of law. Answering Defendants deny they were negligent, reckless, willful,
or deliberately Indifferent to the health and well being of Plaintiff, Strict proof thereof is
demanded at time of trial, If relevant.
21. Denied, After reasonable Investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or Information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained In this paragraph, and, therefore deny the same and demand strict
proof thereof at the time of trial. For further response, the allegations are denied as
conclusions of law as well as generally pursuant to the provisions to Pa,R,C.P, l029(e),
22, Denied, After reasonable Investlgntl(Jn, Answering Defendants arc without
knowledge or Informatlol\ sufficient to form a belief as to the trulh or flllslty of the
averments contained In this paraRnlph, and, therefore deny the same and demand strict
proof thereof at the time of trial. For further response, the allegations arc denied as
conclusions of law,
23. Denied, After reasonable Investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or Informatloll sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained In this paragraph, and, therefore deny the same and demand strict
proof thereof at the time of trial. For further response, the allegations are denied as
conclusions of law,
24, Denied, After reasonable Investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or Information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained In this paragraph, and, therefore deny the same. and demand strict
proof thereof at the time of trial. For further response, the allegations are denied as
conclusions of law.
25, Denied, After reasonable Investigation, Answering Defendants are without
knowledge or Information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the
averments contained In this paragraph, and, therefore deny the same and demand strict
proof thereof at the time of trial. For further response, the allegations are denied as
conclusions of law, Strict proof thereof is demanded at time of trial, If relevant, The
i
,.
allegBtions of paragraph 25 as well as subparts (a)-(j) are denied as conclusions of law,
I
Por further response, Answering Defendants, Carl Bronltsky, M,D" and W~men's Medical
Associates, p,C" deny that they were negligent, reckless, w\l1ful, and outrllgeous In the
following particulars:
(a) failure to take or direct a count of surgical
Instruments and materials used during the operat.lon
of the Plaintiff, Joanne E. Rickards;
(b) ordering that no Instrument count be taken
following a surgical operation upon the Plaintiff;
(c) ordering that no Instrument count be taken
having knowledge that a count would disclose a
missing surgical clip or Instrument left Inside the body
of the Plaintiff;
(d) failure and/or reckless failure to exercise
the degree of skl11 and care ordinarily exercised by
other surgeons and medical providers performing
similar operations taking Into consideration the state
of knowledge In medicine and surgery required for
undertaking the medical/surgical care of the Plaintiffs;
(e) failure to Inform the Plaintiff, Joannp E,
Rickards, that an Instrument count was not taken
during surgery;
(0 failure to Insure that a proper Instrument
count was taken during the surgery of ,Joanne E.
Rickards and that all surgical Instruments and
materials were accounted for;
(g) failure to follow or enforce IIppllcable
procedures requiring Instrument counts and/or
standards for surgical care and services;
(h) maliciously failing to Inform a patient that
an order not to take an Instrument count was ordered
Jm!.MAIJB
30. Plaintiffs have failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted,
31. Plaintiffs claim is barred andlor limited by the applicable Statute of
Umlt.ations,
32. It is believed, and therefore IIverred. that the discovery will show that the
Plaintiff was negligent and thllt her negligence exceeded the negligence. If any, of the
Answering Defendants, thereby baning her recovery by operation of the Pennsylvania
Comparative Negligence Act.
33, It Is believed, and therefore averred, that discovery will show that the Plaintiff
was negligent and that by virtue of her negligence, her claims may be limited by the
operation of the Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Act.
34, It Is believed, and therefore averred, that discovery will show that the Plaintiff
voluntarl.ly assumed a known risk thereby baning recovery by the operation of the
Doctrine of Assumption of Risk.
35. Plaintiffs injuries, If any, were sustained as a result of natural or unknown
causes and not as the result of any action or Inaction on behalf of the Answering
Defendants.
36. At all times material hereto, Answering Defendants provided full, complete,
proper, reasonable and adequate medical care and treatment In accordance with the
applicable standard of care,
37, No conduct on the l,al1 of the Answering Dl!fendanl8 was II substantllll factor In
caU6lng or contributing to any harm which the Plaintiff may hlIVI! suffered,
38, If Plaintiff suffered any damage, the damages werl! cllused by the conduct of
others over whom the Answering Defendants had no control or right to contro\'
39, All claims and causes of action pleaded agllinst the Answl!ring Defendanl8 are
barred by Plaintiffs knowing and voluntary informed consent to the care in question,
40. All physicians rendering medical cure or treatment to thl! Plaintiff were
Independent contractors in relationship to the Answering Defendanl8 and were not the
agents, ostensible agents, serv[\nt~ or employees of the Answering Defendants,
41. Insofar as any agent, Sl!rvant or employee of the Answering Defendants or any
person for whom it Is or may be vicariously liable, elected a treatment modality which is
recognized as proper but may differ from another appropriate treatment modality, then
said Answering Defendants raise the "two schools of thought" defense,
42, To the extent it was required to do so, the Answering Defendants took ali
reasonable and necessary :\tepc to make a proper and appropriate diagnosis and to the
extent it may be determined that that diagnosis was in error, the Answering Defendants
assert that the error in diagnosis was a reasonable and legally justiflable error,
WHEREFORE, Answering Defendants respectfully request that judgment be
entered in their favor and against the Plaintiff sand that Defendants be awarded
appropriate costs and fees,
I,
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Respectfully submitted,
MAIlSHALL a 'AIlRBLL, P.C::.
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ands E, Marshall, Jr,. Esquire
Attorney (,0, No, 27594
. KrIsten L, Beech, Esquire
Attorney I,D. No, 66491
20 South 36th Street
Camp Hili, PA 17011
(717) 731.4800
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I, CARL BRONITSI<Y, M,D" hereby verify that the facts set forth In the
foregoing are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, infonnatlon and belief,
I understand that false statements herein lire made subject to the penalties of
18 Pa,C,S, H904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
DATED:
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AND NOW, this I ;~, day of October, 1996, J, KrIsten L. Beech, Esquire, hereby
certify that J did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing docul1lent upon all counsel
of record by depositing, or causing to be deposited, same In the U,S, mall, postage prepaid,
at Camp Hili, Pennsylvania, address\!d as follows:
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Raymond M. Blly, Esquire
101 Washington Lane, #406
lenkJntown, PA 19046
J
DJ Craig Black, Esquire
McKlssoek & Hoffman
:~05 N. FrOllt Street, Suite 205
;Harrlsburg, PA 17101
".,
KrIsten L, Beech
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l~uymonl1 M, lilly, \};l\uire
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8') Pebble IUl11le l(oal1
WurrhllllOll. I'A 18')7h
(2\5)4')1-1105
Atlllrney for l'lalntlfh
IN TIIECOlII\l' 01' COMMON I'I.l~SOI' ClJMlllilUANDCOlJNTY
CIVIl. ACTION - lAW
JOANNE E. IUCKAlms &
GIRAlm I'. IUCKARDS, W/Il
v,
CIVIl. TEI~M
NO,I)5-72U
MICIlAEI..I. IWiE, M.n,
unl1
CARl.lmONITSKY, !\I,\),
alll1
WOMEN'S MEDICAl. ASSOC., P,C,
alll1
slISQ.lJElIANNA SlIRGEONS, \:I'D,
alll1
GRANIWILW SLJR(;L:l\Y AND lASER
CENTER
I'IAINTll+S' HEPI.Y TO DlH:NDANTS', CARl.lmONITSKY, M,D. AND
, WOMEN'S MEDICAl. ASSOCIATI~. P,C" NIW MA'ITm
The PlaintIffs, Joanne E, H\ckards and Girard F. Rickards, wife/husband,
b)' anl1thrclullh their atlorney, Raymond M, lilly, hereby file this Reply 10 New
Maller propounded by defendants, Carlllronltsky, M,\), and Women's Mel1kal
Associates, I',C,
30, Denied, The averments contained In parallraph :W of defendants' New
Maller are a conclusion of law 10 which no response Is required under the
I'ennsylvllnla Rules of Civil Procedure. In addition, after reasonable
Investlllatlon, the plaintiffs are without sufficient Informatlon to form an
opinion as to the truth or admlsslhlllty of evidence penlnentlO the
aBellations, anl1therefore, the allcllat\on is denied and strkt proof Is demanded
at the time of trial.
,{ l. Denied, The averments contained III parallraph 31 of defendants' New
Maller arc a r<>nduslon of law to which no response is required under the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure,
32, Denied, The averments l'onlained In parallraph 32 of defendants' New
Maller arc a l'Oncluslon of law to which no response is required under the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Prol'edure, In addition, after reasonable
Investlllatlon, the plaintiffs arc without surflcient Information sufficient to
form an opinion as to the truth or admissibility of evldenn! pertinent to the
'.
.
ullt!KuthIllN, 11nd tht!rcrort!, the .lllellullon Is denlt!d llnd strkt proof IN demunded
ut the time of trllll.
.n, Dt!nlt!d, The uvt!rmt!ntN l'llnllllned In p.ln1llraph .U of defenduntN' Nt!w
M>lIIt!r urt! u l'ollduNlon of luw to which no reNponNe Is re<julred under till!
Pf.!nllNylvunlu Rult!N of Civil Prol'edurf.!, In addlllon, aftt!r rt!aNonuhlt!
hWf.!Ntlllutlon, tht! plulnl\lTs urf.! wllhout suflklent Inforl1\lltloll NulTlclent to
form an opinion llN to tht! truth or aumlsslhlllty of t!vldt!nn: pt!rtlnent III tht!
ullt!Klltlons, und therd'ore, the allellatlon Is denied and strict proof IN demanded
>It the tlmt! of trial.
3-1. Denied, Tht! llverments contained In paraKnlph .i4 of defendants' New
Mullt!r llrt! II l'onduslon of IllW 10 which no response Is re<julred under the
Pennsylvllnlll Ilules of Civil Prol'edure. In llddllion, after rells(lIlahle
Invesl\Katlon, the plaintiffs arc without suflklent Infornulllon sufficient III
form an opinion as to the trUlh or admissibility of evld'ml'e pertlnelll lO the
alleKatlons, and therefore, the allcKallon Is denied lllld slrin proof is demanded
at the time of lrlal,
3S, Denied, The a\'ennenlS nmlalned In parallraph .is of defendallls' New
Maller arc a conclusion of law 10 which no response is required under the
Pennsylvania Ilules of Civil Prol'edure, In add\llon, after reasonahle
InvestlKatlon, the plaintiffs arc without sufficient Information suffldent to
form an opinion as III the truth or adrnisslhlllt)' of evldenl'e pertinent to the
alleKallons, and lhercrore, the allellalion Is denied and strict proof Is demandt!d
at the time of lrlal.
3<l. Denied, The avermelllS ,'ontalned In parallraph .ill of defendants' New
Maller arc a l'onduslon of law to which no response Is required under the
P.:nnsylvanla Ilules of Civil Prol'edure, In add\llon, after reasonahle
Investlllatlon, the plaintiffs arc wilhout sufficient Information sufficient to
form an opinion as to the truth or admlsslhlllty of evldenl'e pertinent to the
ullellatlons, and therefore, the allella,lon Is denied and strict proof Is demanded
at the time of trial.
37, Denied, The averments l'llntalned In panlKraph .'>7 of defendants' New
Maller arc a l'onduslon of law to which no response Is required under the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Prol'edure, In addition, after reasonahle
InvestlKatlon, the plaintiffs arc w\lhout sufficient Information suffll'lent to
form an opinion as to the truth or admlsslhlllty of evldenl'e pertinent III the
alleKatlons, and therefore, the alleKation Is denied and strict proof Is demanded
at the time of trial.
.i8, Denied, The averments ('Ontalned in parav,raph 38 of defendants' New
Malter arc a l'Onduslon of law to whlrh no response Is required under the
Pennsylvania Ilules of Civil Prol'edure, In addll\on, after reasonable
InvestlKutlon, the plaintiffs arc without suflkient Informutlon sufficient to
form an opinion as \0 the truth or admissibility of evldenl'e pertinent to the
alleKatlons, and therefore, the allellallon Is denied and strict proof Is demanded
at the time of trial.
3'), Denied, The .Iverments ('Ontained In para lira ph ,i') of defendants' New
Maller ure a ('Onduslon of law to which no response Is required under tht!
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Prol'edur!'!, In addition, after reasonable
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CUMr.\;JlllND COUNTY
PENNSYLlhWIA
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Rilymond M. lilly, l!Ilqulrc
I.D. /144677
101 Wllshlngton Lune
Suite 40Cl
jenklntown, I'A 1 ')04Cl
(215)887-4449
A\lornuy for Jlh1\ntlffs
IN TJIIl COlJlU 0\; COMMON I'l.llASm: CUMllIiRlANDCOlJNTY
CIVIL ACnON - lAW
JOANNE E. RICKARDS &
GIRARD I;. \UCKAHDS, Will
v.
CIVIL TUltM
NO.95-7213
MICIIAEl. j. PAGE, M.D.
and
CARl.lIRONITSKY, M.D.
und
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOC., I'.C.
und
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS, I:m.
and
GRANDVnW SURGERY AND IASL:!t
CENTER
I'IAINTII;FS' ANSWmS TO DEH:NnANTS', M\CIIAEl. j. PAGE, M.D.
AND SUSOlIH 'ANNA SURGEONS. I.TD.. INTLiRROGATORIFS
The Plaintiffs', Joanne E. IUrkards and Girard F. IUckardB, wife and
husband, hereby provide the following answers to Inll!rrogalOrles propounded
by the Defendants, Mkhad I. Page. M.D. and Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd.
2. DefendanlS p\ared and permitted 10 remain Inside plaintiff's body u
metalllr foreign body, causing her physical and psyrhologlcal Injury and
Incrcased risk of future physiral and psyrho\ogku\ Injury. ( See pLalntifrs
('omplalnt speclllcally detailing plaintiff's Injuries.)
3. No.
4- Dr. Greg Engharlller.
5. See 2 abovc.
6. Will provide.
7. No.
8.
9(11).
(b).
(c).
(d).
(g).
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Theos IWltllurllnt, Cllrllsle, Wultreu
Alel<undllr Spring I\ehub, Cllrllsle, I\eceptlonlst
I'A Blue Shield, Cllmp 11111, Cllllms ILxumlner
lIook of Month Cluh, Mechllnk~hunl, Clurlt'1l1
Kell)' Tumps, Cllrllsle, Admlnlslrllllve AsslShllll
1994 to Present
Admlnlstrlltlvu Asslstunt
$2()()'()0/week plus.
Till< rel'ords will be provided utlllllter time or l'lln hu obtlllnud through U
signed uUlhorlzutlon from pluhlllffs.
No.
Notllble \l) work or do l'ustllmllry duties for U period of seVl!rul weeks for
post-operlltlve rehuhlHtlltllln/hellllng.
The nllmed dufullllllnll und their emplo)'uus.
1'IIllntlff WIlS under generul unuslheslu und not uware of witness
locution or their Ilctlvltles durlnllthe surger)'.
All stutemenlS obtlllned by plulntllTs Iln: In thl! form of Illedkul records
which ure being provided In 1'llllntlffs' Rl!spon6e to Defendunts'
Request for Production of Documcnts.
No.
16,
X.rll)' bulnll pmvldcd b)' plulntlrfs 10 defendants' requell for production
of documcnts. .
17.
18.
19.
20.
M)' allorney.
See fucluulllllellatlons contlllned In plaintiffs' complaint.
No.
See plaintiffs' complaint for allcllutlons which descrlhe In detail
the defendanll' UCIS and omissions which caused pl"lntlfrs InJuries.
Yes. Defcndllnts refused to make proper count of surgkllllnslI'uments
and matcrlllls used during plulntlff's surgery and to remove s,,"me,
and plaintiff was not consclous or Ilwure of defendants' failure due to
the Ildmlnlsll'lltlon of general Ilncsthesla. Plaintiff was not notified
of defendants' refusal or given an)' reasons for sllme.
22(a) Not certllln of specific date.
(b) Not certain.
21.
23(11) Yes, see Pllllntlffs' Complaint for detailed explanation.
24(u)
Not L1wLlrc of un)' risk thLlI defcndLlnts would order no sUrKkLlll'Ount
und filII to remove Instruments or mLllerluls used durlnK plulntlff's
operlltlon. Also, not UWLlr02 thul ddendLlnls would refuse or nelllen
to Inform plLllntlff of their t'Ondul"t durhlK plLllnlllT's opcrutlOll.
25(L1) Yes. \)cfendunts Indkuted IhLlI lhey werc Ikcllsed medlrLlI prov\lJcrs
who hLld the ublllly \0 llrll\'lde responsible surKlcul curc to plulntlff.
2()(1l) FebruLlry, 1 'J95.
(b) X-rLlY performed Ul Hershey Medll'L1l Cenler. I'erforlnud prior \0 MIU
of bLlck.
27. No.
28. Will provide.
2'). No.
:iO. Yes. It Is antldpuled thLlI renloval of the forelKn mctullk body will
Involve surgery Lind ussoduted s"L1rrlnll.
31. MentLlI anguish t'Ontlnues and nlLlY continue Indefinitely. FeLlr and
anxiety rclatlnglO fUlure surgery. FeLlr and anxlcly of huvlng
foreign materlLlllnslde m)' bod)' whll'h could l'L1use future physical
Injury.
:i:l. No.
33. No.
34. Not to my knowledge.
35. Never a plalnllff In a pl:rsonLlI Injury action.
3Cl. No.
37. No.
38. No.
39. No.
40. Yes. Was told thul the cost of removing the foreign mLltcrlLlI would be
severLlI thousLlnd dollurs.
4l(a) Normal husband/wife relationship.
(b) Disruption of husband/wife relationship caused by mental stress Ilnd
anxiety caused by l'onl"ern of having a foreign obJert Inside my body.
42. See Plaintiffs' Complalnl.
43. Cost of future damagcs Is unl"ertaln at the present time.
44. No.
.
45. My Il\lornuy.
, ,., N . , . ~. . - .
Ilespuctfully suhml\lcd,
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JOANNE E. IUCKAlmS AND GlllAlm F. lUCKAlmS, state that they are the
plaintiffs hercln und thut they ure ul'quulnteu wilh the rarts sel forlh In lhe
forcgoll1g uorumcnt; thutthe sume arc true und rorret'l to lhe hest of their
knowledKe and belief; und lhut this slatement Is Illuue subjel'l 10 the pel1u\lles
of 18 I'a. C.S. !l 4')04 relutll1lllO UI1SWOI'n rulsllkallol1to uuthorltles. No
UfOUllvlt I~ requlrcd unuer (lule 20b.
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Cl1l1.TlflCATli OF Slill.VICI!
I hereby certify thuI I um this duy serving a copy of the foregoing
document upon thu pers()n(~) und In the munner IlIdlclltcd below, which
service slltl~nes the rcqulrcmcnt~ of the I'enn~ylvunlu Itulc~ of Civil
Procedurc, by depo~ltlng u ropy of samc III the United StU\(!S Mall, first-class
postllgc prepllld, uddres~ed as follows:
II. Crall! Illuck, Esquire
" McKlssock & Hoffman
105 North Front Street
, Salte 205
r'!] Harrisburg, I'enllsylvanla 1"! 10 1
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19046
Dated: June 10, 1996
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CUMiJ~IiLt';i i LOIJNTY
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Raymond M. 811y, EIlqulre
I.D. /144677
10 1 Washington Lane
Suite 406
jenklntown, PA 1904()
(215) 887-4449
Attorney for Plulntlffs
IN nm COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMIIERlAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - lAW
JOANNE E. RICKARDS &
GIAARD F. RICKAlmS, W/II
v.
CIVIL TEltM
NO.9S-7213
MICHAEL j. PAGE, M.D.
alld
CARL BRONITSKY, M.D.
and
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOC., I'.C.
and
SUSQlJEIIANNA SURGEONS, I.TD.
and
GRANDVIEW SUHGERY AND lASER
CENTER
PlAINTIFFS' REPLY TO DEFENDANTS', MICIIAEL j. PAGE, M.D. AND
SlISOlIEfIANNA SlIIWEONS. LTD.. NEW MAlTER
The Plaintiffs, Joanne E. PJckards und Girard F. Rickards, wife/husband,
by and through their allorney, Raymond M. lilly, hereby file this Reply to New
Matter propounded by defendants. Michael J. Page, M.D. and Susquehanna
Surgeons, Ltd.
30. Denied. The averments l'olllalned In paragraph 30 of defendants' New
Maller are a conclusion of law to whkh no response Is required under the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
31. Denied. The avermelllS conlalned In paragraph :i I of defendalllS' New
Maller arc a conclusion of law to whkh nl) response Is required under the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
32. Denied. After reasonable Invesllgallon. the plulllllffs ure without
knowledge or Informulloll sufftrlelll to form a belief us to the truth of the
averments contained In purallraph :i2. Therefore, the averments arc denied
and strict proof Is demanded at trial.
:n. Denied. Aftur reasonahle InVCSllllatlon, the ph'lllllff~ al'e wllhoul
knowledlle or Informallon suf'fil'ient to form a helieI' a~ 10 the trulh of Ihe
averments l'ontalned In purallraph ,H. Therefore, Ihe avermel1\S are denied
and strict proof Is demanded al trial.
,i4, Denied. After reasonuhle InveSllllallon, the plalnallh arc wlthoul
knowledge or Informallon sunklent to form a hellcr as II) Ihe trulh of the
averments l'ontalned In paragraph 34. Therefore, Ihe lIVerlllents arc denied
and strict proof Is delllandl'll at Irlal.
:is. Dllnled. The uvermelllS "olllalned In parallraph :is of defendal1\~' New
Maller arc u l'onduslon of law 10 whkh no re~ponse Is requlretl undl'r the
Pennsylvania Ilules of Civil Procedure. After reusouahle Invesllllllllon, Ihe
plaintiffs are wllhout knOlvledlle or InfornHlllon sunklenl 10 form a helieI' a~
10 Ihe truth of Ihe UVermel1\S ('onlalned In parallraph 35. Theref',re, the
llverments arc denied and slrln proof I,~ demanded al Irlal.
36. Denied. The avermenls conlalned In parllllraph 3h of defendants' New
Maller arc a l'onduslon of 11Iw 10 whkh no response Is required under the
Pennsylvania Ilules of Civil Pro"edure. After reasonllhle Invesllllallon, Ihe
plulntlff~ ure wlthoul knowledlle or Informullon sufflrlelll to 1'01'111 a helieI' us
to the truth of Ihe Uvermel1\S collIulned In paralll'aph :H,. Therefore, the
UVermelll& ure denied und strkt proof Is dell1l1nded ut 11'1111.
.i7. Denied. The UVertnenlS contlllned In parllllruph 37 of defendallls' New
MUlier lire u l'Onduslon of luw to which no re~ponse Is reqUired untler Ihe
I'ennsylvunla Ilules of Civil Prol'edure.
38. Denied. The Uverments contained In parllllruph ,HI of defendanls' NeIV
Maller ure a l'Oncluslon of lull' 10 which no re~ponse Is required under the
Pennsylvunla Ilules of Civil Prol'edure. After rells'lIlahll: Investlllallon, Ihe
plllll1\lffs are wllhoul knowledlle or Informallon ~unklel1l to form II helieI' as
to the Iruth of the uverments COl1\alned In parallrllph .ill. Therefore. Ihe
uvermt!nts ure deuled und strkl proof Is demanded at trial.
.i9. Denied, The uVermenl~ l'ol1\lIlned In parallraph :1') of defendanls' New
MUlier arc u l'Oncluslon of law to which no response Is required under Ihe
Pennsylvunla Ilules of Civil Procedure. After reasonuhle Invest Illation, the
plaintiffs ure Wllhout knowledlle or Information sufflclenl 10 form a helieI' as
to the truth of the uverments conlalned In parullraph 39. Therefore, the
uverments arc denied und strlcl proof Is demanded ut Irlal.
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VlHUlIICA'I'ION
JOANNE I~ IUCKAIUJS AND GlltAlm F. IUCKAlmS, Mute thutthey are the
pllllntlff~ herein llll\llhut lhl,!}' ure ur'luullltl,!d with the fu('\s set forth In the
foregoing document: lhul lhe sallle ure true alld correCl to the besl of their
knowledge und belief: and thutthls SlUleml,!1l1ls Illude subjecl 10 the pellultles
of 18 I'u. C.S. !l 4904 relutlllK In UIlSWOrt\ fulsllkutloll 10 uUlhorltles, No
uffldl1vh I~ required ulld,:r I~ule 206.
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I hereb)' cerllr)' thl1t 111m this dl1)' servhllll1 copy of the forcgolng
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scrvlce satisfies the requlrell1ents of the Pllnns)'lvl1nll1 I~ules or Civil
Procedurc, b)' deposlllng 11 cop)' of SI1IllC In thu LJnllcd Stutes MI1I1, f1rst-c1l1ss
postuge prepl1ld, Ilddressed 115 follows:
II. Crl1lll 1II Ill' k, Esquire
McKissack & lI11rrml1n
105 North front Street
Sultc 205
IIl1rrlsburg, I'cnns)'lvl1nll1 17101
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A\lorney for 1'lulntllTs
lluymond M. lilly, l~qulrll
1.0.1/44677
10\ Wushlngwn Lune
Suite 406
jenklntown, PA 1 ')1l46
(2 \ 5) 887-444')
IN TIII!COllln' ew COMMON PI.!'AS CW CllMIII~UAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - lAW
JOANNE E. IlICKAlmS &
CilMlm I'. RICKARDS, Will
v.
MICIIAELJ' PAGE, M.D.
un
CAIU. IIHONITSKY, M,D.
und
WOMEN'S MEDlCAI.A.';SOC.,I'.C.
und
SLJSQJJEIIANNA SlIltGEONS, nD.
und
GMNDVIEW SlIRGElW AND IAsmt
CENTER
.
CIVil. TERM
NO.95-7213
~HIlTI1~IC^TH ()J: SERVICE
I, Imymond M. lilly, l~~qulrc, uo herchy cerllfy thllt (cuused u copy of
the for!,!golng I'lalnllffs' Intcrrogatorlcs to Defcnuants, Set Numb!'!r 2, und
Request for Production of Documcnts, 10 bc scrvcd lhls duy by llnlled Stutes
first class mall, postage prcpald to:
Thomas .I. lIradley, Esqulrc
McBreen, Mcllrccn & Kopko
1760 Markcl Street
Suite 900
Phlludelphla, I'A 1') 104
I;rancls Marshall. Esquire
Marshall & !'arrell, I'.C.
1323 Norlh I'rolll Slreet
Harrisburg, I'cllnsylvanla 17102
Date: ,AUIlUS\ 15. 19'Jf1
II. Craig llIack, Esquire
McKlssllCk & Hoffman, I'.C.
IllS North I'rollt Slreet
Sultc 205
Harrisburg, Pennsylvanlu 17101
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MCKERNAN AND MCCCARTIN, P.C.
BY: Michael A. McKermlll
Lorellll M. Bell1gllo
IdenHflclltion No.: 46447/6517;\
521 Plymouth Ihmd
Suite 108
Plymouth Meeting, PA 1<)462
(610) 940-0141
Allorn~\ys for Defendants:
Miclmel J. Page, M.D. and
Susquehllllllll Surgeons, LId. Ltd.
JOANNE E. RICKARDS &
GIRARD !" RICKARDS. WIH
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
v.
MICHAEL J. PAGE, M.D.
and
CARL BRONITSKY, M,D.
and
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOC., P.C.
and
SUSQUEHANNA SUIWEONS, LTD.
and
GRANDVIEW SURGERY AND
LASER CENTEI{
CIVIL TERM
NO. 95-721~1
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS 01'
DEFENDANTS, M1CHAEL.J. IJAGE, M.D. AND
SUSQUEHANNA SUllliW~;J'Il. TO J'LAINTIFFS' COMI'LAINT
Defendants, Michael J. Page. M, \), and Susquehanna Surgeons. Ud,. by and through
their 1I1lomeys, McKernan and McCarlin, P,C,. herchy tile Preliminary Objections to
P\(,intiffs' Complaint pursuant 10 Rule I02H of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civill'rueedure.
In support of the Preliminary Ohjcctions. Defcndants. Michael J. Page. M,D, and
Susquehanna Surgeolls, I.td,. avcr the following:
and/or reckless fllilun: tu cxercise thc degree uf skill and care ordinarily exercised by other
surgeons and medical providers performing slmihlr upcnltlons taking lnUl consideration the
state of knowledge in medldne and surgery rcqulred fur undertaking the medical/surgical
care uf the plaintiff" do not satisfy the requirements of Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure
1019(a),
7, Suhparagraph (d) of paragraph twenty-live (25) of Plaintiffs' Complaint is
legally insuflicient. Accordingly, this suhparagraph should be stricken from Plaintiffs'
Complaint.
WHEREFOIU,. 1>ef,!ndants, Michael 1. Page. M, D, and Sllsquchanna Surgeuns, Ltd..
respectfully relluest that this Honorahle Court strike suhparagraph (d) uf paragraph twenty.
five (25) of Plaintiffs' Complaint with prejudice.
11. l'RELlMINARY OIl,JECTlONS IN TilE NATUlm OF A MOTION TO
STRIKE GENERAL ALLEGATIONS OF RECKLESSNESS ANI)
I'UNITIVE llAMAGK'i
8. Defendants. Michael J, Page. M, \,>, and Susquehanna Surgl!OI1S, Ltd..
Incorporate herein hy reference. thc avcrments set forth in paragraphs une (l) through seven
(7) as though fully set forth at length,
9, In paragraphs seventeen (17). twenty (2il), twcnty-five (25) and suhparagraphs
(d) and (h) uf paragraph twenty-live (25). Plaintiffs allege recklessness. willfulness,
deliberate indifferel1t:e. and outrageous and malicious conduct on hehalf uf Defendants,
Michael 1. Pagc, M ,J), and Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd, Said paragraphs arc as follows:
17, In the coursc of the upcratiun perfonned upon Joanne E. Richards hy
defendants, Michael J, Page, M,J)" and Carl IIronitsky. M,J),. and
assisted hy nurses and emploYl'CS uf defendant, Grandvicw Surgery and
Laser Center. the hody of the plaintiff was opened and the dd'endants,
inclusive and ead\ of them. negligently, recklessly, willfully and with
dellhemle indiffcrcnce, placed, IOSI, len, cau~, fluletJ to counl, flliled
to )t.myor lither dlilgnostic tl~sls 10 t1nd and relriew lllld permilled to
be len In plnlntlff's, Joanne E. I(kkards, body a surglcnl clip or olher
foreign mnlerlal and c1uscd and then IlCrmined Ihl~ indslon to hent
while the surgical dip or other foreign materlnl remalncd In plaintiff's
hody.
20. On or ahout Dcccmhcr h. I'Nt, the co.defendanls failcd to e)tcrdse
the degree lIf care or skill lUlll carc ordinarily e)terdsed in slmillll'
openltions by other surgcons and physidans considerlag the stllte of
knowledge inmedidne and surgcry and were negllgcnt. reckless, willful
and/or deliherately Indiffercnt to the he.lllh nnd wcll hcing of plaintiff
by not making an Instrunwnt count or using )t-my or other diagnostic
test 10 find un missing surglc,\l clip or other foreign material and
instead ordering that no Instrument count he laken hy the co-
defendant. Orand view Surgery aud Laser Ceutds nurses and
enlployees who were assisting in the surgery and operation of plaintiff.
Joanne E. I(lck:mls,
25. The damages sustained hy the plall1llffs were solely the result of the
negligent, reckless. willful. and outrngeous acts and omissions of the
defendants. Michael j, Page, M,D"Carlllronltsky, M.D"Susquehannll
Surgeons, Ud" and Women's Medical Assodates. P,C,. and which
Indude the followi'ng:
(d) failure and/or reckless failure to exercise the degree of skill and
care ordinarily exercised hy olher surgeons and medical
providers performing similar operations laking inlo
consideration the state of knowledge In medicine and surgery
required for undertaking the medical/surgical care of the
plaintiff;
(h) Maliciously failing to Inform a patient that an order not to tllke
an lostrument count was ordered while knowing that there was
a suhstantlal likelihood of a missing or unaccounted for surgical
clip or foreign material left in her hody;
10. In Count I of Plaintiffs' Complaint Plaintiffs' set forth a daim for punitive
damages against Defendants. Michael J. Page, M,D, and Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd. fu&
the "wherefnrl', clause" of Count lor Plaintills' Complaint, allached hereto as Exhibit" A",
II. Count I of Plaintiffs' Complaint and pamgraphs seventcen (17). twenty (20)
and twellly-tiw (25) allll suhparagraphs (<I) and (h) of paragraph twellty-live (25) Ilf
Plalnlifh' Cumphlint simply slnle cunclusluns, They fail tn slllle sufl1c1enl f'ICls which wuuhl
SUllport n I1nding IIIl1I Defendants, Mkhnel 1. Pllge. M,I), IInd Susquehnnnll Surgcons. l.ld"
ncted with cvil motive llr thllt thcy kncw ur hnd renson IU know thnt their conduct invulved
such II high dcgrce uf probnbiHty thnt SubShlJltlll1 harm tu Plaintiffs would result,
12. As pled. Pllllntltls' Cumpllllnt cllIllnlns nu nUlledll1 fncls which suppurt ur
suggcst gruss negllgencc ur oUlrugeous llr wnnton cllnducl nn Ihe part of I>cfcndnnls.
Mlchllcl j, PlIgC, M,D, nnd Susquchnnna Surgcuns. l.ld,
lJ, In Pcnnsylvnnin, ponltive dllmngeS nrc nut nwarded I'M lIlerc inndvertcncc,
mislakc or crrors uf judgcment which ,~unslllule nrdinllry negllgenc~,
14, 'Cuunl I nf Plaintiffs' Complninl nnd paqlgraphs sevcnlccn (17), IWCIIlY (20)
and twcnty-live (25) suhpnragraphs (d) nnd (h) uf paragrnph twenly-live (25) uf Plaintiffs'
Complalnl fnil I~) set forth n cnuse uf nctiun for punilive damages upon which relicI' mny bc
grantcd.
WHEREFORE, Dcfcndants. Mlclmcl j, Page, M,D.nnd Susquchanna Surgeuns.1.ld"
rcspcctfully requcst lhat lhdr Prcliminnry Ohjections IU COllnt 1 uf Plainliffs' Cumplninl he
sustaincd nnd lhal Coonl I of Plainliffs' Cnmplainl be dismissed with prejudice and thai
reckless, willful, dellbenlle indifference, oulnlgeuus and IIHllidllus be stricken from
paragrllphs sevenla:en (\7), twenly (20) und lwenly.l1ve (25) l\Ild subparngrullhs (d) and (h)
of purugruph lwenly.l1ve (25) of Plainllffs' Comphllnl wllh preJudice.
Respcctfully submlllcd.
MCKERNAN AND MCCARTIN, P.C.
(C ;rl" I}'.l ~
MICHAEL A, MCKEI
LOI~ETI'A M, IlELFI UO
Attorneys for Dcfcndant.
Mlchacl J. Pagc. M,D, and
Susquchanna Surgeons, LId.
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MCKERNAN Ai'll> MCCCAIfl'IN, P.C,
BY: Mlclmel A, McKernnn
Lorelln M. Bcll1gHu
Id~nlil1callon Nu.: 46447/6517.1
5211'Iymoulh I~und
Suite 108
Plymouth Meeting, P^ 19462
(610) 940-0141
Attorneys for Dcfcndllllls:
Mlchnl.!1 J. PIIIll.!, M.D. lilld
Susquchllllfm SUrlll.!uns, Ltd,
JOANNE E, RICKAlmS &
GIRARD F. RICKARDS, WIH
cOUln OF COMMON PLEAS
CUM13ERLAND COUNTY
v.
MICHAEL 1. PMil:, M,j),
and
CARL BRONITSKY, M.D,
nnd
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOC"I'.C,
nnd
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS, LTD,
and
GRANDVIEW SURGERY AND
LASER CENTER
CIVIL TERM
NO. 95.7213
MEMORANDlJM OF LAW IN SUI)l)ORl' OF l)RELlMINAltY
OBJECTIONS OF DEFENDANTS, MICHAEL J. I)AGE, M.n, AND
S1lS.QUEIIANNA SlJlHJEONS. LTIl..TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAIN!
I. INTRODlJCTillr!..Mill.~!I.MMMtLULAJJGlJM ENT
Plainliffs cUlllmcnccd lllis lIledkal lIlalpradkc actiun IlY Cumplaint un or ahout
Decemher 19.1995.againsll>ckndanls. Mkhad 1.l'agc, M,I>,and Susquehanna Surgeons.
Ltd, and olhers, In Cuunl I. paragraph Iwcllly,i"ivc (25), suhparagraph (d) uf Plainliffs'
Complaint. Plaintiffs slatc in vaguc, gcncral languag\! thai Ikf\!ndanls. Midmd j, Pag\!.
M.D. IInd su~quehUllllll Surl1,cons, LId.. wcre negllgcnt. n~ckle~s, willfulllnd outrngcous liS
follows:
d) fllllurc lind/or recklcss fllllure IU exercise the degrce of
skill IInd cllrc urdlnllrlly cxcrclscd hy ulhcr surgeuns IInd
mcdlclll pruvlders performing similar operulluns laking Inlo
consldenHlun the Sllll.C uf knuwledgc in mcdiclne IInd surgery
required fur undertaking the mcdical/surglcal carc uf the
plaintiff;
The fllllure of Plaintiffs 10 IIddrcss morc spcdticlllly Ihc mallcrs compllllned of
renders subp"mgraph (d) uf parllgmph twenty-Iiw (25) of Plaintiffs' Complaint su vllgue IInd
uncerlain that il must hc stricken su as IU cnahle Defendanls. Michael 1. Pagc, M.I>, and
Susquehanna SlII'geons. l.ld" III preparc a rcspOllse. ::k~, Pa,I{,Clv,P, I02K(~\), The
IIppropriale remedy in cascs where a Plainllff's Cumplaint Is legally insuflident Is to sustain
Defendant's Preliminary Ohjections, ~,Culll1!JL.Y...AJlI:tW~I1j'.JJeneral Huspllal. 401 Pa,
306.461 A,2d (100, li02 (19K.I) (fuutnule ,I),
In Cuunt I uf Plaintiffs' Complaint. a copy uf which is allached heretu as Exhibit" A".
Plaintiffs allempl III make a daim fur punitiv,' damages, HlIwever, Plaintiffs fall to aver
sufliclent facls III juslify such an award, Coullt I is mcrely a series of condusury statements
which allegc thai Ihe CUllducl of Dcfcndants, Michael J. Pagc. M,D, and Susquchanna
Surgeons. Ltd,. wcrc rcckless, willful. dclihcralc indiffercnce. lIutragcous ,lIld malicious, ~
Counl 101' Plainllffs' Complaint. attached hcrelu, Plaintiffs have pled conclusiuns, not facls.
All of the awrmcnls inclll'puralcd in Count 101' Plainliffs' Complainl allege only negligence
and careless cunduc\. Viewed as a whole, Plainliffs' Complaint docs nut aver any facts
which would SUpp"rt a tilllhng Ihal Defcndallts, Michael J, Page, M,I), and Susquehanna
Surgeons, Ltd, ,acled wilh all evilmutive Ill' thaI Ihey knew ur had reasun 10 know Ihat their
conduct involwd such a high degree of prohahility that suhstantial harm to othcrs would
result. The Cllll1plelo.! falluro.! of Plail1tiffs to allego.! sufl1ciel1t facts 10 support a claim for
punitive damages rellulro.!s the dlsmls:mlof COUl1t 101' Plaintiffs' (:'lmlllaI111 and that reckless,
willful, deliberate Indifference. outrnl!ellUs and mallciou~ be stricken frum parngnlphs
Sllventeen (17). twenty (20), twcnty-l1ve (25) and suhp"lrugraphs (d) Ilnd (h) of paragruph
twenty-livo.! (25) of Plaintiffs' Complall11.
Pennsylvania Ihile of Civil Procedure I02H(lI)(oI) stal,~S as follows:
(a) I'l'ellmlnary olJJectlons may be liled by any party to any
pleading and arc limited to the follow grounds:
(J) Insufl1cient speciliclty In u pleOldlng:
(4) legal Insufficiency of a pleOldlng ,,"
The appropriatt: remedy In cases where the Complaint falls to slOlle a claim for which
relicI' may be granted Is to suslaln Defendant's Preliminary ObJections, Smith v, Ilrown. 2KJ
Pa, Super, 116. 42J A,2d 74J (I'.l80) ,
11, OlJESTIONS l'IU~"ENTIill.
A, Whether this Honorable Court should slrike subparagraph (d) of paragmph
twenty-live (25) of Plaintiffs' Complaint inlhat Ihc allegallons sel forth thl~reln lire so vaguo.!
that they arc legally Insllftkienl'/
n. Whelher thc lIonorable Court should strike Count I of PIOIinliffs' Complaint
and recklo.!ss, willful. dellberalc indiffercncc. oUlrageous OInd malicious from pamgrllphs
sevcnteen (17). twenly (20), twenty-live (25) OInd slIbparagrOlphs (d) anti (h) of pamgmph
twcnly-livc (25) of Plaillliffs' Complainl for fOlilure 10 state 01 cause of OIelion for punitive
dOlmOlges,
In Connor v. Allc~m'-.lJ.l:ilWlLJ:IillViUlL. 5011'a, :106,461 A,2d 600 (lYK~\). Phlintlff
med II medical mlllpmctlcc 'lctlon agllinst Dcfcndlllll Hospital. Plaintiff's Comphllnt alleged
IImt the hospltlll, llctlng individually IInd throllgh ilS employees. was negligent:
II. In perfonlling the sigmoid colon during the
performance of a hllrhnn enema procedure;
b, In perfonlling the sigmoid colon IInd causing
extmbatlun of the harium into the abdominal
cavity causing barium perllUnltls;
f. lIL!l1lJ.crwiJiLlliiliJJIl.J!LlJ.K.illlUilJJ;-illl.\lsillul.\lll.
lJJllicrJbe clrclII11~liill~~
r.onnor. 4461 A,2d at 601 (emphasis added). After the Statute of limitations had rlln,
Plaintiffs tiled a Motion to Amend their Complain!. [m1J111L 461 A,2d at 601.602, The
trial cOllrt denied PlainliffS' Motion to Amend the Complaint and the Superior COllrt. on
appeal, ""tinned. ~ G!mlI!Lo 4bl A,2d at 602,
In reversing the Superior Court's holding, the Pennsylvania Supreme COllrt
commented in footnote'" "[ilf[defendant\ did not know how it 'otherwhe fait[ed! to use due
care and calltion under the circumstance,' it could have '" moyed to strike that portion of
!Illalntiff's) complain!." [mlllllL 461 A,2d at (,02,
Indeed, trial courts have consistently held that geneml allegations of negligence arc
insufliclent to apprise a Defendant of the claims that he must address at trial. and
accordln(dy, haye sustained Preliminary Ohjections to such allegations, In Farmer. 4:1
[).&C.:ld at :\ll?, for cxample, the ('ourt held imperll1issihly vaguc the Plaintiff's averments
that Dcfl'ndalll were "otl1l.'rwise negligclll. careless and reckless under the circumstances"
and that they comll1illcd "[sluch acts or omissions constituting carclcssncss, negligence and
Comm~nl b 10 Section 908 ndds: "Punitive dnmages nrc nut awnrded tilrmcn: 1lHlllvcrtcncc.
mlSlnke, crrors of Judgment nnd thc like. which conslilutc ordinary ncgligencc,"
In Pcnnsylvnnhl, nn csscntial fact ncccssllry lu support n claim for punitive dllmllllcs
is lhat the l)cfcndnnl's conduct musl have bcen outragcous. full11JL 423 A.2d at 745:
BrowlHlwell v.llryill1. 40 D.&c. 3d 604.606 (1985). Ontragcous conduct has b~cn del1ncd
by J>cnnsylvnnin Courts as nn "acl donc with a bad mOllve or with a rccklcss indlffcrcncc to
the intercst of uthcrs." McClcllnn v, Hcalth MainkllilllCC Orllanlzatil)f1 oU3:)lnsylvanla. 41.1
Pn. Super. 128,604 A,2d 1053. 1061 (1992), blruLY.,JM1i1ruL 217 Pa, SlIpcr, :\5,268 A.2d
157, 159, 160 (1970), ~ 1lJ~ commcnt (II) 10 Scction '10H, Hccklcss indlffcrcncc 10 thc
Intcr~sl of othcrs, or wanton misconduct. mcans that "thc actor has intcnllunally donc an
nel of an unrcasonablc charactcr. in disrcgard of a risk known to him or soohvious that hc
must 111: takcn 10 have hccn awarc of ii, and so grcat as lu makc it highly prohahlc Ihat
harm would follow," fuul1!L. 42:\ A, 2d al 745 citing liYj\ns v, PlJiladclullliLJ:J:ill1W!lrtation Co,.
418 Pa. 567,212 A,2d 440. 443 (1965), Thus, thc Pcnnsylvania rlllc allows thc awarding of
punitivc damages whcn an act is dlllw with rccklcss indiffcrelwc or had motivc,
A rcqucst for punltivc damagcs docs nol eonstitutc a causc of action in and of itsclf.
but instcad. Is incidcntal lu a causc of actillll. M~iliJliuL 60<1 A,2d at 1061. In dClcrmining
Wh.llhcr a Dcfcndant exhlhitcd "rcckless illllilll'rcnce tu the right of others" so as to provide
n hasis for an award of punitive d,lInagl's. Ihe COllrt 111 11 sl analyze whether the allegations
in a Plaintiff's Complaint establish Ihal till' Ill'fcndant kncwor had reason to know of facts
which created a high risk of physical harm to thl~ Plaintiff. J.::kI!LY,j~JiJillkIl1hla F.1~rk.
f.llmllilllY-. :\HH Pa, Supcr, <100,5(,5 A,2d 117\), IIH2 (I'IH'I) , Forther. Ihe Defendant must
r
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have proceeded to act III C11l1SC~01lS dlsrcgard of ur Indlffercncc totlmt risk. ElliliL 565 A.2d
at 1182.
In SlIllth v. Browfu 21\3 Pll, Super. 116,42',\ A,2d 74'.1 (\~lh)). lhc Court held tlmt thc
Plaintiff fallcd to plead sufl1c1ent fllCls 10 indlcatc lhOlt l!lc Dcfcndant's conduct WOlS
outrageous. As II rcsult. Count \I of the Plaintiff's cumphlint was held 10 be In violalion of
Pennsylvania Rule of ClvilProcc,lurc IOI9(a) and. Ihus. W,IS stricken from Ihc complain\.
In SmltlL the Phllntiff. a millor. was inJurcd whcn shc was hil by a cilr drivcn by the
Defendan\. In Counl \I of the cUlnplainl lhe Plainliff MlIlanded punilive damagcs. allcging
thaI lhe Defcndanl drovc hcr car in a "w,nllon and rcckless manncr," In supporl of Ihal
allegalion Ihe Plaintiff plcd Ihc following facts,
"
(a)
Openllion of said vehiclc al high and excessive nlte of
speed under Ihc cirCUI\1:itanccs:
Failure to have said molor vehicle under proper and
adequate control;
Failurc 10 havc duc regard for poinl allll pllslliOlI of
minor plainliff who was a pcdestrian;
Violation of ordinances of Montg,)Inery Counly OInd
stalules of lhe COllllllllllweallh of Pennsylvania; and
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(b)
(c)
(d)
(c) Olherwise failing 10 exercise due carc under Ihc
clrcumslanccs,
SllIith.423 A.2d al 744,
The Ddendanl tiled Preliminary Objectiuns 10 Counl \lllf the Plainllff's Complain\.
In aflinning the lower Courl's decision. Ihe Superior Courl reasoned Ihat thc allel\alions of
fact pled in Ihc Plaintiff's Complaint In supporl of the claim fllr punitivc dalmlgcs werc
insutrlcienl to pul the nefendanl "un noticc as IU whal oulrageous conducl [was} being
allcged, let alOlu~ sumllmrllC that Cllllduct." Thc CllUrt lidded that "all thc lplalllllffJ has
done is plead cOIlc1uSIOIIS, 1I0t facts." ~mhh , 423 A, 2d at 745,
Slmllllrly.llIl.lru.wliLwslLY.,Jjr-YJlJL.40 l),&C, 3dfJ04 (It)1l5), the Plullltlff cml1mellced
a mcdlcal nmlpracticc actioll ,Igalnst the Dcfendullt alleglllg that the Defelldunt m~l!,lIl!ently
removed II hcrlllated disc. rcsullillg III permanellt ncurological delic\ency III the Plaintiff's
rll!htlllld lowcr extremities, 1\ pUllitlvc damage c1ulm was averrell III purullnlph tifty-sevell
(57) of Count 111 as follows: "57, Dr, Ilryan's uctions in gruspinll the disc materllll alld
lIerve roots IllId avulsillg the lIerve rOllt was a reckless ulld wantoll uction ill uller dlsrcgurd
of the cOllscquellces to the plaintiff." )JI!lWJiL~jL40 I),&c' ,Id ut 60S, The Defendant tiled
Prellmillllry Objectlolls requestlllg lhat the Cllurt strike Plallltlff's cluim for pUlllllve
damages, The Court held that based lln the uvermellts pled Ihe Plallltlff failed to statc a
"prima facie case which would warrunl a jury delerminatioll that Defendant's conduct was
done with a rcckless Indlfferellce Sll great us to muke It highly probable that harm to
pluintiff would follow," Hrownuw<:JL, 40 l),&C. ,Id al (,06. fJ07, Thus, thc Defendant's
Prelimlnury ObjcctiOlls to the Plainliff's demalld for pUllitivc damages were sustained, The
Court reasllned as follows:
The mere pleudillll of outnlgcous cOllduct does nOI. of
course. satisfy the requiremellt of Slating facts which, if provell.
would form a basis for a jury concluding thut the cOllduct was
such Ihat an awurd I'm punitive damagcs was warranted,
BrownawelL, 40 D,&C, .Id at 60fJ ciling L.Y.~m..Y,.!~bjj;l!kl.1)hj;\ Trans.\lilllillton ComDuny. 418
Pa, 567.212 1\,2d 440 (1965),
In tlll~ inslant case, Plaintiffs fail to sl:1 forth lh,' facts esselltial 10 support their claim
for punitive damuges, There arc nll facts alkgcd in Plaintiffs' Complaillt which would give
rise to an inference that Defendanls, Michael J. Pag,', M,D.'sund Susquehanna Surgcons.
Ltd.'~ conduct rusc to thc Icvel of cvlllllotivc or rr.'cklcss iuditTcrcncc tothc rights of others
to support lIn nwunl for punitive dalllages, (:i\:i:.. Count 101' Plnintlth' Complllint, ullached
hereto.) Count I is u summury of conclusions, All of the nvermcnts incorporated in Count
I allege only ncgligclll and careless conduct. Plaintiffs' Complaint fuils to state sufficient
facts to support a I1nding that Dcfendants. Michuel 1. Pnge, M,J), lind/or Susquehanna
Surgeons, lid.. [Ictcd with an evil motive or that thcy kncw or had rcason to know thllt their
conduct inv'llved sud) a high degrcc of prubahllity that substuntial harm to thc Plaintiffs or
olher~ would rcsult.
Punitive damages arc not awardcd to compcnsate a Plaintiff for a loss, but to punish
a Defcnd.lIlt tilr outragcolis conduct; thcrctilrc. thc allcgations in Plaintiffs' Complllint
should bc factually sufficicnt. if proven, to warrant thc intlictions of a penalty upon
Dcfcndants, Michael J, Page, M.L>, and Su,~qnehanna Surgeons. Ud, ~,Van Ir)&en v,
Wentz. 70 D,&C,2d ~~\ ~~t) (It)7~). ~ab!.L.(~cstatcmcnt (Second) Section 908. comment
b, While the faets alleged in Plaintiffs' Complaint might plead a claim in ncgligcnce. they
arc insufficicnt to support the demand for punitive damagcs,
Plaintiffs will not he prejudiced hy dismissal of the punitive damagc Count hccause
the ahsence of such a claim doc,s not impair thcir rights in any way. to rcccive full and
completc compensatory damages. if proven, Punitive damages arc not compcnsatory
damagcs. OlilJ11b.cr~-y'~lJl!~)l1lITY_. ~jJuriL. at (92 A,2d J58; Scetion 908(1) of thc
Restatcmcnt (Sccond) of Torts,
IV, C()N(,I.l.L~J\)N_
For all the reasons statcd ahove, Dcfcndallls, Miehacl J, Pagc. M.D, and
u
Susquchanna Surgeons, U,I.. respcctfully rcquest that this Ilnnorahlc Court sustain their
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Preliminary OhjCl:llons and I) slrike suhpamgmph (,I) uf pllrngmph lwenly-l1ve ('25) uf
Pllllnliffs' COlllphllnl; LInd 2) slrike counl 101' I'hlinllffs' CllIl\phllnl wllh prejudice '111'\ slrike
reckless, willful, delihemle Indifference. uulnll!,CUUs and nmllduus frulll panll!,nlphs
sevenleen (l7).lwenlY (20). lwenly-Iive (2~) and suhllanll!,raphs (d) ;llItI (h) of p'lrnl1,rnph
twenly.l1ve of l'\alnllffs' COlllphllnl wllh prcjudlce,
HCSpcClfully SUbllllllCd,
MCKEHNAN AND MCCARTIN. P.C.
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MIC AEL A, MCKEI NA
LOIUiTI'A M, BEI.F1CiO )
Allllrneys f'lr lkfcndanl.
Michael J. I'agc, M,l), anl!
Susquchanna Surgcons, LId,
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YI~RlEI!dHlUI'S
I, LOltETTAM. UU.F1GIJO, F.SQlJlltE, verify and state that I am with the law firm
of MeKcrmlll and McCartin . p,c., alllll'neys for Defendants. Michael J. 1',lge, M,I), and
Susquehanna Surgeons. Ud,. and that as such, I am aUlhori/.cd to make this document and
know the contents thereof: and that the facts set forth therein are truc and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and helief. I llllllersland that false statemcnts made
, ,
herein are subject to the penalties ,)1' I H Pa, C. S, A, Section 4904 relating to unsworn
~" , 1-01' --
j. . I
._ ~ .;, I: ..' ( ,( .{.
MICHAEL A, M KEN}\N
LOI~ETr^ M. UELP GUO
AtlOrncy fur Defendant,
Michael J, Page. M,D. and
susquchanna Surgeons, LId,
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falsification to authorities,
DATED:
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Rll)lmond M. 811)1, Esquire
1.0./144677
101 Wlllhlllllton Lillie, /1406
jenklnlQWn, PA 190-16
(215) 887-44-19
AUorne)' for l'lalntlfrs
IN TilE COUllT OF COMMON PLI!AS OF CUMBERLAND COUNn'
CIVil. ACTION - LAW
JOANNE E. IUCKARDS &
GIRARD F. RICKARDS. Will
830 DUBLIN GAP ROAD
NEWVILLE. PA 172-11
VS.
MICHAEL j. PAGE, M.D.
532 NORm FRONT STREbl'
WORMLEYSBURG. PA 17043
AND
CAIIL BRONITSKY. M.D.
1 LEMOYNE SQUARE
LEMOYNE. PA 170-13
9.1, 7~1.J
4()~1 "::;:';~tl"
AND
WOMI1N'S MEDICAL ASSOCIATES. P.C.
1 lEMOYNE SQUARE, SUITE 201
lEMOYNE. l'A 17043
AND
SUSCWEIIANNA SUIIGEONS l TO.
532 NORm FRONT STREET
WORMLEYSBURG. PA 170-13
AND
GRANDVIEW SURGERY AND
lASf.l1 CENTEIt
205 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CAMP IIIL.l, I'A 17011
COMPI.AINT
You have been sued In court. If )Iou wish to defend against the claims set forth In the following pages. you
must lake anion within twenl)l (20) da)ls afler this complaint and noHce are served. by entering II wrluen
appearance personall)l or by allorne)' and I1l1ng In writing with lhe court )lour defenses or objections to
the claims sel forth agalnsl you. You are warned that If )Iou fall to do sn the case ma)l proceed without )Iou
and llludgment ma)l he enlered agalnsl )Iou b)' the court wllltout further notice for an)' mone)' claimed In
the comphllnl or for an)l other claim or relief requesled by lhe plalnllff, You may lose money or property
or olher rlghls Importanllo )'ou,
YOU SnOlll.D TAKE TillS l'AI'E11 TO YOUR LAWYEII AT ONCE. II' YOU DO NOT !lAVE A
LAWYl:lt OR CANNOT AHO!\!) ONE. GO TO Oil TEl.EI'IIONE TilE OFFICE SI,r 1'0lrrll BELOW TO FIND
OUT WIIEHE YOll CAN Gll' LEGAL IIELI'.
COURT AIlMINISTIlATOlt'S OFl'ICE
4T!lI'1.001t
CUMBEltlAND COllNTY COllltTlIOllSE
ONE COlllnllOlJSE SQ.lIAltE
CAltI.lSl.l'. I'A 171<H
(17) 2.HH,200
COllNTONE. NE<il.lCiENCE
JOANNE Eo IUCKARDS AND GII{Alm F. IUCKAlmS vs. MICIIAa J. PAGE, M.D.,
CARL BRONITSKY, M.D., SUSQlJEIIANNA SlJl~GEONS, LTD., AND
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, I'.C.
1. Plaintiffs. Joanne r~ Rlckard~ and Girard I'. Rickards, are husband and wife
and citizens of the Commonwealth of Pcnn~ylvanla residing al 830 Dublin Gap Road,
Newville, Pennsylvania.
2. Defendanl. Michael J. Page, /11,0., at all times mcntloned in this pleading, Is
a citizen and resident of the Commonwcalth of Pcnnsylvanla ,and Is a physician lllld
surgeon licensed under the laws of Ihe Commonwcallh of Pennsylvania wilh offlces
and place of business localed al 532 North Front Slreel, Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania.
3. Defendant. Michael J. Page. M,D., al alltll1les relevant 10 Ihls pleading,
professed thaI he was Iralned as a physician and surgeon sufficient to oblaln
certification and/or licensing and representcd 10 Ihe plalnllff and public ~hal he
devotes his full time and professional alien lion 10 Ihe use and employment of his
professional and surgical skills and training. and for a fee will apply his skills,
judgment and expertise to the health ~are needs of the plalnliff and the public.
4. Defendant, Carl Bronllsky, M.D., atalllil1les relevant to this pleading. Is a
cllizen and resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who Is a physician
.
engaged In the practice of medicine. licensed under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, speclallzlng in gynecology with his principal place of business
located al 1 Lemo)'ne Square. Lemoyne, Pennsylvania.
5. Defendant, Carlllronitsky. /II.D,. al alllil1lcs relevanlto this pleading.
professed that he was Iralned as a physician ,Ind surgeon sufficient to obtain
certification and/or licensing and reprcsented tn the plalnllff and public Ihat he
devotes his full time and professional allelltion to the use and employment of his
professional and surgical sldlls and training, and for a fee will apply his sl>lIIs.
judgment and expertise to the health care needs of the plaintiff und thc public.
Cl. Dcfendant. Women's Medical Associates, I',C., Is a Pennsylvania corporation
or business cntity engaged In providing medical services, acting at alltlmlls
pertinent to this pleading, by and through Its cmployees, and/or agents, servllnts,
contractors, worl>men, associates. affllhl\cs. parlllers, Including defendant. Carl
Bronltsky, M.D., who acted within the coursc and scope of his employmcnt. Ilgency.
servance, assoclatlo/l, partnership and affiliation,
7. Defendant. Susquehanna Surgeons, l.td" Is a Pennsylvania corporation or
business entity engaged In providing medical services, acting at all times p.\rtlncnt
to this pleading. by and through Its employees, and/or agents, sllrvants, contractors,
worl>men, ,Issoclates. affillatcs. pal'lllers, Including defendant, Michael J. Page. M.D.,
who acted within the course and SCOpll of his employment, agllncy, servancy.
association, partnership and affiliation,
8, Defendant, Susquchanna Surgeons. Ltd.. maintains Its principal place of
business at 532 North Front Strect., Wormlcysburg. Pennsylvania.
9. At alltl.mes pertincnt hereto defendant. Grandvlcw Surgery and Laser
Center, Is a Pennsylvania corporation or business entity engaged In the business of
operating and/or ownership. control. direction, supervision of a surgery and laser
and/or heahh care facility. acting by and through Its employees. and/or agents,
servants, contractors, WOrklTllln, nurses. physicians. medical provldcrs, who acted
within thc coursc and scope of their employment. agency. servancy. association and
affiliation, Wllh Its principal place of business located at 205 Grandview Avenue.
Camp 11111. Pennsylvania,
10, llcfen,'ant, Cirandvlew Surgery and Laser Center. exists for the purposc of
providing, fin a fl'e hasls. n1<'dlcal ;Ind/or surgical services to the I\Cneral public.
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11. At all times nwntloned, the defcndanu were the agents, sen'ants.
employees, workmen or contractors of their co-defendants and In doing the actions
described In this complaint, the defendants were acting In the course Ilnd scope of
their employments, servantship, agency, contract, with the cunsent of their
principals and/or co-defendanu.
12. On or about December Cl, 1991, defendant, Grandvlew Surgery and I.aser
Center, re<:clved plaintiff, Joanne E. Rickards, In Its facllit)' as a paying patient Ilnd
defendant, Grandvlew Surgery and Laser Center agreed with the plaintiff for
valuable conslderatlon to furnish her with surgery and nursing services and to
provide an operating room with operating table, anesthesia equipment and'
Instruments required by the co-defendants for a surlllcal operation to be performed
on the plaintiff and to provide nurses and other personnel to assist In the operation
to plaintiff, Joanne E. Rickards.
13. Following a diagnosis of acakulus cholecystitis. surr,ery ,was performed on
plalntlff, Joanne r~ Rickards. on December 6. 1991 by defendant. Michael j. Page, M.D.,
and defendant, Carl Bronltsky, M.D.. In the operating room and/or facilities with
personnel and assistance provided by defendant. Gl'andvlew Surgery and Laser
Center.
14. The operation and surgery procedure Included. but was not limited to, a
laproscoplc cholecystectomy and lysis of adhesions.
15. On or about December 6, 1991, defendant. Grandvlew Surgery and Ulser
Center. provided nurses, employees. agents, servants, and/or contractors to assist In
the surgery performed on the body of the plaintiff and had a dUly to keep count of
the surgical clips and/or Instruments used by co-defendants, Michael .I, Page. M.D"
and Carl Bronltsky, 1>1.1l" to recount and/or secure the surgical dips and Instruments
after the operation and Inform the co-dercndallls whether or not all the surgical
clips and Instrulllcnts wcre accounted for,
,\
I (/. On or ubout n~t:Cmber 6. 1991, the co-defendants. Michael J. Page, M.D., and
Curlllronltsk)', M.D., had Ihe duty to supervise, manage. dlr~cl. control and perform
rhe operation und surllery on the plaintiff, Joanne E. Rickards, Including the dut)' to
huvCl und keep COUIll of th~ various surgical clips, Instrum~llls and/or materials used
IlId placed In the body of the plaintiff during her surgery, Including using
dh1llnostlc tests 10 locate missing surgical clips, instruments and/or materials, and
before clOSing Ihe Incision.
17. In the course of the op~ratlon P~rformed upon JoanllCl E. Rickards by
defendants, Michael J. Pag~. M.D., and Carl Bronltsky, M.D., and aSsisted by nurses and
employees of defendal1l, (jrandvl~w Surgery and Laser Celller, the body of thl!
plalllllff wus opened and the defendants, Inclusive and each of them, negligently.
recklessly, WillfUlly und with dellb~rate indifference. placed, lost, left. caused, failed
to COUIlI, failed to use x-ray or other dlugnostlc tests to find and retrieve and
pennlttlld to be left In plaintiff's. Joanne E. Rickards. body a surgical clip or other
foreign material und closed and then permitted the Incision to heal while the
surglcul clip or other foreign materlnJ remained In plaintiff's bod)'.
18. In the exercise of ordinary Sklll and care, the surgical clips andlol'
forulgn material would hav~ b~en rellloved and not permitted to remain In plaintiff's
body.
19. In the eX~rcl,~~ of ordinary skill and care. the fact that there was a missing
surgical clip or other foreign material Would have been discovered,
20. On or about December 6, 1991, th~ co-defendallls failed to exercise the
degree of care or skill and care ordinarily exercised In similar operations by oiher
surgeon.~ and physlcian~ consld~rlng the star,e of knowledge In medicine and surgery
and were negligent, reckless, willful and/or deliberately indifferent to the health
and lVell being of plaintiff 11)' not making an Instrument COUnt or using x-ray or
other dlallnc)stlc tests to find all)' miSSing surgical clip or other foreign material and
,I
.
Instead ordering that no Instrument count be taken by the co-defendant, Grandvlew
Surgery and Laser Center's nurses and employees who were assisting in the surgery
BIld operation of plaintiff, Joanne E. RIckards.
21. Plain tiff, who WWl under anesthesia durlnllthe December 6, 1991
operation, was not told by any of the defendants about the Olbsence of an instrument
count, that there WOlS a missing surgical clip or foreign object, and/or failure of the
defendallls to employ x-ray or other diagnostic tests to detemllne If there was a
missing surgical clip or other Instrument or foreign material left in the body of the
plaintiff at the time of her operation.
.
22. The surgical dip or other foreign material was left hidden Inside the body
of the plaintiff until It was discovered by an x-ray perfonned at the Milton S.
Hershey Medical Center on February I, 1995,
23. At no time before February I. 1995 did the plaintiffs discover or have
reason 10 know and/or discover that a surgical dip or other foreign material was feft
in the body of Joanne E. Rickards.
24, As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence of the
defendallls. plaintiff sustained severe and permanent Injuries to diverse parts of her
body. suffered and continues to suffer: severe psychological and emotional distress:
mental anguish; severe pain; injury; suffering; medical expenses; loss of- enjoyment
of life's pleasures; and was and Is pre\'ented from tending to her normal activities
and occupation.
25. The damages sustained by the plaintiffs were solely the result of the
nellllgent. reckless, willful, and outrage JUS acts and omissions of the defendants.
Michael J, Page. I\I.D" Carlllronitsky, KD,. Susquehanna Surgeons. I.td,. and Women's
Medical Associates, I',C,. and which inc>Jdc the following:
a, failure to takc or direc a count of surgical instruments Olnd materials
used during the operation of thc plair;::!r, Joanne L llickards;
~
b. ordering lhat no Instrument count be taken following a surgical
operntlon upon the plaintiff;
c. ordering that no Instrument count be taken having Imowledge that a
count would disclose a missing surgical clip or Instrument left Inside the body of the
plaintiff;
d. failure and/or reckless failure to exercise the degree of skill and care
ordinarily exercised by other surgeons and medical providers performing similar
opp.ratlons ta\(.Ing Into consideration the state of knowledge In medicine and surgery
required for undertaking the medical/surgical care of the plaintiff;
e. failure to Inform the plaintiff. Joanne E. IUckards. that an
Instrument count was not taken during surger)';
r. failure to Insure that a proper Instrument count was taken during
the Surgery of Joanne E. Hlckards and that all surglcallnstrumcnts and materials
were accounted for;
g. failure to follow or enfore applicable procedures requiring
Instrument counts and/or standards for surgical care and services;
h. maliciOusly falling to Inform a patient that an order not to take an
Instrument count was ordered while knowing that there was a substantial IlkeHhood
of a missing or unaccounted for surgical clip or foreign material left In per body;
I. failure to use x-ray or other diagnostic testS and/or ascertain a
condition prior to completion of surgery and/or closure of the Incision for which
treatment should be given;
). failure to properly employ the facilities and available services to
colleclthe best factual da!;1 Including using x-ray or other diagnostic testS to find and
retrieve a missing surgical clip. instrUlllent, or foreign material to arrive at a course
and/or plan of treatment for the plaintiff. Joanne E. IUckards,
(,
Whererore, plalntlrr, Joanne E. IUckards, prays for judgnlllllt against each of
them ror compensatory and punitive dllll\aglls In Bn amount In excess of TWENTY.
11IVE THOUSAND DOLLARS (525,000.00) pius Interest Bnd costs.
. '
COUNT'IWO
JOANNE ll. IUCKAltDS AND GII~lm I:. IUCKAlmS VS.
GMNDVIEW SlJl~GERY AND l^SEI~ CENTEIL
2Cl. Plaintiffs hereby Incorporale paragraph~ one ( l) through twenly.rlve
(25) 115 though fully set forth herein.
27, The dllmages suslalned by the plalnllffs were solely the result of lhe
negligent, reckless, willful, and oUlrageous aClS and omls510ns of the defendanl.
Grandvlew Surgery and Laser Cenler, which Inclll"p lhe followlnl(:
a, failure to ItIke or direct a counl or surglcallnstrulllenls and materials
used during the operallon of the plaintiff, Joanne E. IUckards:
b. failure and/or reckless failure to exercise Ihe degree of skill and
care ordinarily exercised by olher surgeons and medical providers performing
similar operallons taking Inlo consideration the stale of knowledge In medicine and
surgery required for undertaking lhe medical/surgical care of the plaintiff:
c. failure to Inform the plaintiff. Joanne E, Rickards, lhat an
Instrument count was not taken during surgery;
d. failure to insure lhat a proper Inslrument counl was taken during
the surgery of Joanne E. Rickards and thaI all 5urglcallnstruments and malerlals
were account(!d for;
e. failure to have or maintain applicable procedures requiring
Instrument counlS and/or slandards for surgical care and services;
f. failure to follow or enforcc applicable procedures requiring
Instrument counts and/or slandards for surgical care and services;
g. failure In repon Ihal ancndlng surgcons and physicians ordered that
no instrumenl counl be laken during SUr~\el')' or plaln\lrf. Joannc L I~lckards, while
havlnl\ or should have had kl1ol\'lcd~'.c lhat Il slIl"I'.lcal dip or olher Inslrumenl was
mlssll1l\ and lInllC<'Ollnled for;
1\
.
COllNTTIIlU1:
Q.JltARD I:. RICKARDS V. DEFENOANTS
28. Plaintiff, Glru.rd F. Rickards, hereby Incorporates paragraphs one (1)
,
through twenty-seven (27) as though fully set forth hercln.
29. Solely by rellson of the aforesaid nc,gllgence, and reckless, willful alld
outrageous Ilcts and omissions of the defendantS. the husband/plaintiff, Girard F.
Rickards, has been Ilnd may continue to be deprived of the services, sodety, comfort,
companionship, earnlnl\s, consortium and assistance of his wife. and may In the
future be deprived of the same for an IndeHnlte penod of time,
Wherefore, plaintiff, Girard F. IUckards, prays for judgment against each of
them for compensatory and punitive damages In an amount In excess of TWENTY-
FIVE THOUSAND DOLlARS ($25,000.00) pluslntest and costs.
~
.-::;./ . L ,f /'
BY: I~-:!:: /5
OND M. !lILY
t ney for Plaintiffs
Washington Lane, -
Ite406
Jcnklntown, PA 19046
(215) 887-4449
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1 Frol~JMlary rl
10
,>
VERIFICATION
JOANNE E. RICKARDS AND GIRARD F. RICKARDS, stutes that they ure the
plaintiffs herein and that they are acquainted with the facts set forth in the for~going
Civil Action; that the same are true and correct to the best of their knowlr.dge and
belief; and that this statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 PlI. C.S, ~ 4904
relating to unsworn falsification to uuthoritles, No affidavit is required under Rule 206,
,
41
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Plalntlffs' complaint; the word "mallclously" of parllsraph 25(hll Ilnd to strike
Plaintiffs' Count 1 for punitive dwnllses llI'e DENll!O.
BYTHl!COURTI
/!) , )
(,. ,~ " '{ '1(:
/~. '
f~~ '())
,
Raymond M. Blly, EBqulre Al\orney for Plulntlff:s
1.0.#44677
101 WllshlnKton Lane
Suite 406
Jenklntown, PA 19046
(215)887-4449
IN TIIECOLJRT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMB8UAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - lAW
JOANNE E RICKARDS &
GIRARD F. RICKARDS, Will
830 DUBUN GAP ROAD
NEWVILLE, PA 17241
COURT OF COMMON PLEA,)
CUMBERlAND COUNTY
VS.
CIVIL ACTION
MICHAB. J. PAGE, M.D.
and
CARL BRONITSKY, M.D.
and
WOM&I'S MEDICAL ASSOCIATIiS, P.C.
and
SLJSQUEHANNA SURGEONS LTD.
and
GRANDVIl:W SURGERY ANI)
lASER CENTER
NO: 95-7213
PLAINTlHS' REPLY AND MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN RESPONSE AND
OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANTS', MICHAEL J. PAGE M.D., AND SUSQUEHANA
SURGEONS 1.1'0., PREI.IMINARY OBJECTIONS TO PLAINTIFFS' COMPLAINT
Plaintiffs', Joanne Ii. Rickards and Glrllrd F. Rickards, by and through their
Illlorney, hereby l1Ie this reply memorandum In response and opposition to Defendants'
preliminary objections to plaintiffs' complaint and aver as follows:
I. STAT{j,MENT OF FACT~
This case Is a civil action for malpractice In the provision of medical services
prOVided to Joanne E. Rickards, plaintiff, by the defendants. On 6. December 1991,
Joanne E. Rickards presented herself to defendant, Grandvlcw Surgery and I.aser
Center, Camp Hili, Pennsylvania for surgical prol'cdures Including laproscoplc
cholecystectomy and lysis of adhcslons. Thc surgcry was performed by defendants,
Mlchllel J. Page, M.D., Carlllronl15ky, M.n., und l!/IlploYl!e5 undl!r l'onlrol, dlrl!l'tlon und
supervision und In ful'llltle5 ownl!d und opl!rutl!d by defl!ndunt, Grundvll!w SUrlll!ry und
l.user Center. At the time of thl! 5UI'1ll!ry ddendunt. Mlrhud .I. PUKl!, M.n., wus un
l!mployee, und/or ullent of ddl!l1dunt Susquehunnu SUrlll!OnS, Lid., urthlll ut ulltlmes
within thl! course und 5rope of his employmenl und UIl\!IWY. Defendunt, Curlllronltsky,
M.D. WIlS Iln employel! und/or ugent of The Women's Ml!dlrul AS50rlUtl!b, P.C. t1l'tlnll ut ull
times within the l'ourse und sropl! of hl5 l!mploY/lll!nl und/or ugenl'Y.
During the l'ourse of the 5urKl!ry, vurlOU5 II15trument5 und muterlul5 were u5ed
Including surgkul dlp5. Morl!ovl!r, the dl!fendunls huVl! u duty und ure I'esponslble to
keep count of the surKIl'ul dips und othl!r mutl!rluls und Instruments used during the
procedure. The ddendunts ul50 hUVl! a duty und ure responsible to l'OUI1l und or
retrieve the surgkul clips ufll!r 5urKery to USl'ertuln whether the 5urgkul dips,
muterllll und Instruml!nts ure al't'llUnteJ for.
On 6, December I ')1) I, the ddendunt5 pluced, lost, left und fulll!d to count Ilnd
failed to retrieve a 5urllkul dip or other forellln m.llerlal used by the ddendants
before dosing an Inrlslon, thus permlllhlll the Incision lO heal with the object
remaining In the plalntlff'5, Joanne E. Rlrkal'ds, body. Dl'.fendant physicians, Michael
J, Page and Cllrl Bronllsky, wholly fulled to count or uccount for the surllkal clips usetl
during plaintiff's surgery. I.IlliJ11u!. thl! t1efendant physlrluns ordered und directed thuI
llilJDstrument count be taken by defendant. Grandvlew Surllery and L.user Center staff
who were In allendam'e and asslsllnllln the operation of the plulntlff patient, A
Grundvlew Surgery and Laser Center nurse and/or employee In alien dance recorded
that the physicians ordered no Inslruml!nl count and memorialized the order In the
patient's records. The plaintiff, Joanne Ii. Rkkards. wus under geneml anestheslll
during her surgery and was nollold about the failure to take an Instrument count b)'
any of the defendants,
2
On 1, February 1 ')')5 an X-Ruy wa~ performed u,lthe lIershey Medkal Center
lIershuy, I'enn~ylvllnla, which showed and dlsdosed that 11 sUrlllral dip or other
foreign mllterllll Wlls Idt hidden Inside the plaintiff's body. At no tlmc prior to
1, Februllry 1995 did the plahtlllT discover, or have reason to know, thf,lta surgh:ul dip
or other foreign material was Idt by the ddendants In her body. ( Plaintiffs
Incorporate Ilnd allach their entlr': complaint for a more comple\(! description of fact~
reproduced Ilnd uppearlng a~ exhibit "A").
II. LJlGAl. D1SClJ~SION
QJJfsnONS PReiENTED
A. The defendllnts', Michael J. Page, M.D., and Susquehanna Surgcons l.td.,
havc made preliminary objections 10 ~ubparagraph (d) of paragraph 25
stutlngthe averments are so vague as to preclude the defcndants from
responding. In response, lhe plaintiffs agree to strike ~ubparagraph (d) of
pllragraph 25 from their complaint.
B. The defendllnts al~o raise by preliminary objection the argument thllt
plaintiffs hllve failed to state a cause of action for punitive damages, objecting
to paragraphs seventeen, twenty. lwenty five, subparagraphs (d) and (h). In
response, the plaintiffs argue that they have pled an abundance of facts to
support 11 cause of action for punitive damages.
First, paragraph 17 alleges In part that the defendants were reckless
and deliberately Indifferent In:
"Dlaclnll. lo~t. left, fall~d to l'ount. failed to use X-rav or other dlallnostlc
tests to retrieve a surll.lcal diD or olher forelan material then. Dermlttlnl! the
oblectto remain In [llalntlff's body".
Second, paragraph 20 of plaintiffs' complaint alleges In part
recklessness and deliberate Indifference by . "not maklna an Instrument
count or uslnll. a dlall.nostk test to find a mlsslna surl!lcal diD or forellln
:i
muterlal Illld Instcad orderlnll. (emphu616 uuueu) thutno In~trumentcount be
,aken (emphusls uuued) by nlucl'endunt, Grunuvlew SUrllery unu 1.lI~er Ccnter
nurses and emp!tlyce6 u6~1~llng In Ihe 6urgery unu operullon of the plulnllff.
Thlru, pllrugruph 25, ~ubpurugruph (h) u\lege~ "fullure Itl Inform /ol
patient that no Inslrumcnt munl wu~ tuken while kn')m.I,)~ thut there wa6 a
~ubstllntlal lIkllhoou o{ u ml661nll or UnUl'counteu for ~urllll'ul dlo or forehm
mllterlalleft In the nlulntlff's bouv (cmphu~ls uuueu).
Thesc purugraphs both In,lIvlJual1y and togelher unequlv()('ally 6upport
a c1lllm for punitive damages. The failure to take un Instrumenl count
following surgery and leuvlng an obje,.t In plaintiff may be viewed us reckless
and dcllberate Indifference to a known risk, I.e. fu\lure to account anu retrieve
from a plalntlfl',$ body objects used during surgery, The Q[!!!a: not to make an
Instrument count Is also un Ul'l of rel'kless anu uellberate Inulfferencc lO the
risk of failing lO retrieve the missing ~urglral dip or other Instrument, and Is
also u wanton ulsregard for the health anu safety of the plulntlff.
The fullure to Inform u pallent that an order not to make an Instrument
count was given Is also an act of recklessness and uellberatc Indifference to
the plalntlrrs health und future health. The uefendants' urgue thut these ucts
and failures arc mere Inudvertanl'es, mlstakcs, or an error of judgment, and
therefore only ordinary negllgcnce. The plaintiffs' argue that Ihese acts arc
will full, wanton, anu recklcss and l'I'eall! a qucstlon for the jury to determlnc
whcthcr to award punitive damages.
l.ell.al Anal vsls
Assessment of punitive damages Is propcr when actions arc of such
outrageous nature \CJ dcmonstrate Intentional, willful, wanton or recklcss
conduct. SHY Coallnc.. v. Contlncntal (;raln Co. 5261'a. 489,587 A.2d 702 (Pa.
1991);l'ltlSburll.h Outdoor Auvertlslnll Co. v. Vlrll.lnla Manor Ants. Inc..436Pa.
4
,"I .....
350,2(10 ^.2d 801 (I'u. \'l7(1): unt! ure uwunlcd to punl~h for ~urh romlu,'I.
}jllmlOld y. Southel\~\ern l'enn~\'lvunhl '\'ruml1l,rlllll.!1.ll--l'ulhorll\:, 51 ll'u. 5(,7,
517 A.2d 1270 (1 ')I\h). To rreule u l\ue~lion of furl for lury delennilHltlon. the
plulntlff needs only 10 produre evldenre wh\t'h II lury may re,lsolh1hly
conclude thut outrul\el.lUS ..ondOl'1 has been eSlabllshed. III IIIC Inslunl ''''~
the defendanls' fullure 10 nHI\.;e ,m insll'ull1!illl ,'011111 un" rel~ Ilr u....'junl
[or mlsslnll. !Wrltlt'ul dJps or olher Il1Slrun1C111~... hUI ralher ul\'lnu an ordlll'
Q91to make an IMtrUmenl ,'uUIl\. and Ibe failure 10 Inforl11 \1lUl11111l11l1 of \h..:
9nler no t
pI' fuel fur...\lle lur\'. On lhese fa..ls. Ihe fa..1 finder mu~1 delennllle If Ihe
defendanl5' t'ondut'\ Is of su..h all oUlnll\eous nalure 10 a~sess pUlllllve
damages. :illY eoalln~. ~upnl: See >Ilso, Ir.'lllillill.~.J\terclwIlU,. ~ll I'a. Super.
620,CJl8 A.2d'JIU (I 'JIll).
The ddendunls arl\ue lhese a..ls and omissions arc mcrely ,ICIS of
Inadvertent'e, error of judl\l1Ienl, or mlsla\.;es. The plalnlllTs arl\~lc Ihey arc
Intenllonal or of a sulTldenl. oUlral\eouS t'hanl..ler 10 rrealc a qucslllln for the
jury. The a..ls demonslrale Inlenllonal, willful. wmllon t'llndut'\. c'Il'h a
pcrmlllcd basis 10 uW'Il"l1 punlllve dmJ\al\cs. These fa..ls. and Ihe f'lllure 10
Inform the phllnlllT of Ihelr cxlSlenre, arc also re..kless ..ondul'l.
PennsylVlinla has adopled Ihe deflnlllon of re..klessness prllvldcd In
Restatemenl of Torls, Se"llon 511ll, Commenl A( I) whl..h Sl,lIes Ih'lt:
re..kless nmdut'l represenls where Ihe at'lor has re,lSon \0 know of facts
whkh creaIC a hll\h del\ree of risk of physlral harm 10 anolher and
deliberately pro..eeds 10 arl or fall 10 arl In ..onsdous dlsrel\ard or
Indlfferenre 10 Ihal risk.
~ce alsCl. eh,lmber ,'. !\\!.U1!M.!.!~.~lll',l. ~B'lad~~, I'll A.ld ~~55 ad51\(l%~~).
5
-
Moreuver, In Ihe ..a~e al bur, Ihe ddemlanl~ had ~1t'1IH11 knowledlle of a
knuwn risk, I.e. thallheir failure IU u....ounl and relrieve ohle..ls used In
sUrllery creUles the rl~k Ihllt an obje"l renulln~ In the bod>' of the plalntltT.
Their order nol 10 make an In~lrurnunl "OUIII ami failure 10 I<1\;.e an inMrun\enl
count shows deliberate IndltTeren..e 10 u known risk of phys\t'al harm.
Under Pennsylvania law. Ihe det,mnlnallon of whether a p,:rson's
uctlons amount to oU\ralleous ronducl necessary 10 supporl an awanl for
punitive damalle~ is Riven to Ihe sound dlslTellon of the fal'l finder. Trotman
y. Mecchellu. 4211'<1. Super. h2ll, () 18 A.2d ')82 (1')')2), (irllV v. 11.e. Du\.;e ~llld Sons.
J.w:,.. 3871'.1. Super. 95, 5(d ^.2d 120\, llppeal denied, 525 1'01.583.575 A.2d 114
(1,)89), Dean. WIlier. Hevnolds. Inc, v. (;enl~ Hfl Pa. Super. .Bfl, 4')<) A.2d "37,
appeal denied, 514 Pol. flY). 52:1 A.2d 34h (1')85). Moreover. Ihe delermhlllllon of
whether there Is suflklent evidence to supporl a jury queslon should awall
the trial of the case. Natlonfll lIan\;. of ~ellnell SQuare v. Adams, III Ches. Co.
Rei). 430 ( 1%2).
In conclusion, parallnlphs sevenleen. twenly. and Iwenty-flve.
subparallraph (h), Individually and Iollether, provide a suftklent factual basis
to require a jury delerlninallon on whelher punitive da01alles arc awardable.
Wherefore. for Ihe reasons slaws herein, the plalnlltTs' respectfully
rcquestthls Honorable Coul'llU Deny the Defendants' Preliminary Objertlons to
Plalntlffs' Complaint.
Re~pectfulh; sub01ll1ed.
, "'t-
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^ oriley for Plaintiffs.
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IN Tilt: COllin of COM~ION l'I,IA~ 01; ClI~lIl1:1l1,ANn <:OLIN'!'''
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CAMI'lIl1.1..I'A 17011
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COMI'l.AINT
You have been ~uetlln wurl. If )oU wish tn tld~nJ aMalo~llh~ dalms sel forth In the 1'011""111M P.lK"',)OII
musll<lke a(\lon within Iwenl) llO) tla)s aher this ,omplalntantl nOIh'c are ",,,",1, h) "'H,'riI1K 01 ,^rlll~n
llppellrance personally or b)' allorn~) oll1tll1li11K 111 wrllll1M with the ,ourt lour Jdellses or ohl"IIIIII" to
the claims sel forth "Malnst ) nu, You Me wolrl1etlthal If) ou fall 10 tlo so the nlse 11"') prill I"'.! "Ilholl'l Oil
lln<la )utlMmenl ma)' be eowrc<laKJlnsl lOU h) Ihe ,ourt wllhout furthe, lIoll,e 1'0' alll I1IOllel . 1.1 I l11l'tl 1',
Ihe romplalnlo, for an) othe, "aim or rl'll~f re'lu,'sll'tl h) 'he plalnllff, You I1IJ) lose 1I1'"Wl <lr propertl
or olher rlghls Importllntlo ) Oil,
YOIl SlIOIlI.!) TAKt: TillS 1'A1'I'lI TO Y(HIII I,AWYI'l\ AT ONC,," 11 YOllllO NO' 11\\ I ,\
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COllNT ONE. NH;l.IGENCE
JOANNE Eo RICKARDS Mn GIRAIU1 F. IUCI<AHDS VS. MICIlAH. ,. I'A</I'. M.D.,
CARL HRONITSKY, M.D,. SlISQ.lIEIIANNA Sll/{(;EONS. I.TD.. AND
WO~II:N'S MmICAI.ASSOC:IATl~<;.I',C.
I. I'lulntlff$. Joanne 1'_ 11Idwnh and IlIrard F. Rkkanh. arc hU$hand and wife
and citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania resldlnll at !loll) Duhlln (jap Rnad.
Newville, l'enn$)'lvunla.
2. Defendunt. Michael I. Palle. M,D.. at alltlmt,)$ mentioned In this pleadlnll, Is
a citizen and resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. and Is a physician and
surgeon licensed under lhe laws of I he Commonwealth of l'enns)'lvanla with olTln~s
and place of husiness localed al 532 North l'ront Street. Wormleyshurll, Pennsy" anla,
3. Defendant. Michael), Palle. M,n.. al all limes relevant to this pleadlnll,
professed that he was trained as a physician und surgeon sufficient \0 ohtaln
certlficutlon and/or Ikenslnll and represented to the plaintiff and puhllc that he
devotes his full time und professional allentlon III the use and employment of hh
professional and surgical skills and tralnlnll, and for u fee will apply his skills.
Judgment and expertise to the health care needs of the plaintiff and the puhllc.
4. Defendant. Carl Bronltsky. M.n.. at all times relevant to this pleadlnll. Is a
citizen and resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who is a ph)'slnan
engaged In the prartlre of medlnne. Ikensed under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania. speclallzlnll in llynecolollY with his prindpal place of huslness
located at I Lemoyne Square, I.emoyne, Penns)'h'anla,
S. Defendant, Carl Bronllsky, M,n., al all times relevant to this pleading,
professed thUI he was lralned as a physlrlan and surgeon sufficient \r) ohtaln
certification and/or IIcenslnll and represented III the plaintiff and public that he
devotes his full lime and professional allentlon to the US,! and employment of his
1
,
prore5Slon~1 und sunllr~1 sl-iIIs ~nd tr>llnlnll, ~nd for u fec will .Ipply hh sl-lIh,
judgment Wld espurtlse to thc hcuhh ,'>lrc nccds of thc plulntll1 ~nd thc puhllc,
Cl. [)dend~nt. Womcn's ~lcdll'>l1 Assor!>lICS. 1',(.. Is u I'cnns)'lvulll'l "lIrponnl'lll
or business enllt)' enll>lllCd In prll1ldlnll mcdlcal scr.ll'cs, ~nlnll >It >III limes
pertinent to this pleudlnll, hy und Ihrllullh Its cmployccs. >lnd/or allcnls. scr.>ln'S,
contrllClUrs, workmun, assodatcs. afflll>lICS, parll1crs, Indudlnll dcfcnd>lnl. Carl
Bronltsky, M,D.. who arlcd wllhln Ihc coursc alld SCllpC of his cmploy'mcnl. aIlCIll'Y.
serv~nce. ~ssod>ltllln. p.lrlnershlp and ullill>ltloll.
7. Ddend>lnl, susquch>lllll>l Surllcons, \.10.1,. Is >ll'cnnsy'lv>lnlu corp"rall')fl or
business entity' enllullcd In prll1idlnll medll'ul scr.i<:es. aCllnll >It all times pcrtinCnl
to Ihls pleadlnll. by and Ihrnullh \l~ cmplllYccs. and/or allCnls. scr.'unIS, cllnlraClOrs,
workmen. assodates. '1Illll.Hes. partners. Indudlnll defendanl, Mll'hacl ), I'allc, M,lJ.,
who acted wllhln the rounc and scopc of his cmploymenl, allenry, ser."lI1CY,
association, partnership and al1lllallon.
8. ndendanl, Susquchanna Surllcons. l.td.. nwlntalns lis prlndpal pial": of
business ~t 5.n North Fronl Slrcet. Wormlcyshurll, Pennsylvania.
9, At all times pcrtlnenl herclo defcndanl, (;randvlew Surllery and l.ascr
Center. Is a Pennsylvania rorpol'allon or huslncss cmlty' enllalled In the huslnc" "I'
operating and/or owncrshlp, conlrol, dlrcctlon, supcrvlslon of a surllcr> alld I.lwr
and/or health care farlllly', anlnll hy and through lIS cmployces. and/or allcnls,
servants, contractors. \\orkmen, nurscs. physldans, mcdlcal pnl\'ldcrs. who .Illcd
within the course and sropc of lhclr cmploymcnt, agcnry. scr.'anC), assodatioill .Ind
".rnllatlon. with lIS prtndpal pl.lcc of huslncss I",'alcd Oil LOS (,randvlc\\ A' cnuc,
Camp 11I11. Pennsylvania,
Ill. Defendant. (irandlle" Surller) and Laser Ccnler. exists for Ihe purp"w "I
providing, on a fee hasls, medlral and/or surglral ser\'ll'es 10 the general puhlll',
1.
11. At ~lItlmes melllloned. Ihe dcfendOlnh were Ihe OIllents. se....'OInls.
employees, workmen or "onlr~nor~ of Ihelr ..o.defend~nl5 and In dolnlllhe OI..llons
described In lhls complOllnl. lhe dcfendOlnts were OI..lInll in the rourse ,Uld ~l'l'pe of
their employments, servanhhlp. alleltry, coJ1\rJrl, with Ihe ..onsent of Iht!lr
prlnclpllh and/or co.defendOlnls.
12. On or aboul De..ember b, \')') I, defendOlnt. Grandview Surllery OInd l.aser
Center, recelv ~l: plaintiff. Joanne E Rlckurds, In 115 facility as 01 paylnll pallent and
defendant, Grllndvlew SUrlIer)' OInd 1.0Iser CeJ1\er OIllreed wllh Ihe plaintiff fqr
v~luable considerallon 10 furnish her wllh surllery and nurslnll se....'I..es and 10
provide Iln opera ling room Wllh operating table, Ilneslhesla equlpmenl and
instruments retjulred by lhe ro-defendanls for a surlllclll operallon to be performed
on Ihe pllllnllff undlo pro\ Ide nurse~ and olher persunnelto assl~t In Ihc operation
to plaintiff. Joanne L Rkkards.
I.i. I'ollowlnll a dlallnosls of a..akulus l'holecystllls. surlier)' was performed on
plaintiff, Joanne E. Rlrkards. on I)el'ember Cl, 1 ')')1 by defendant. Michael J. Palle, M.I)"
and defendant. Carl Bronllsky. M.D.. In Ihe operatinll room and/or facilities wllh
personnel and asslstanl'e provided b)' defendanl. Grandvlew Surgery' and l.aser
Center.
14. The operation and surgery' pro..edure hlcluded. bUI was nOl limited tll. J
laproscopk l'holel'ystel'lOm)' and I)'sls of adhesions.
15. On or about Del'ember h, 1')') 1. defendant, Grandvlew Surlier)' andl.awr
Center, provided nurses. employees. allenls, servanls. and/or l'unlral'lurs III assist In
the surgery performed on the body of the plalnllff and had a duty 10 keep ..ount III'
the surgical clips and/or Inslruments used b) ro-defendants, Michael .I, Palle. ~I.n,.
and Carl Brunllsk)', M,I)" 10 re..ounl and/or se..ure Ihe surgil'al clip,s and Instrumenls
after the operalion and Inform Ihe (C).defendanls whether ur nul all the surlll..al
clips and instruments were arrounled fur,
.i
ICl. On or about December h. \')'/1, the co-defendants. I\Ilchael ), Palle. ~Lll,. and
Carlllronltsk)'. l\I.n.. had the dut)' to supervise, malHllle, direct, control and perform
the operation and surlier)' on the plaintiff, J'Mnne L HIt'kards. indudinllthe dut~ 1<1
have and keep count of thl! various sUI'II1t'al dips, instruments and/or materl.lh used
and placed In the bod)' of the plaintiff durlnll her surlier)'. Indudlnll uslnll
diagnostic tests to IOGue mlssinll surlllcal dips. instrumenlll and/or materials. and
before doshlll the Indslon,
17. \n the course of the operation performed upon Joanne L Hkkards by
defendants. I\Ilchael .I, I'alle, I\I,D,. and Carlllronitsky, I\I,D,. and assisted b)' nurses and
employees of defendant. (jrand\iew Surll':r)' and Laser Center, the body of the
plaintiff was opened anll lhe defendants, Indusi\e and each of them. nellllllentl~.
recklessly. willfully and wilh dellber.lle Indiffemnce, plared. lost, lefl. caused, f.liled
to count, failed to use x.ray or other diallnostk tests to I1nd and retrieve and
permllled to be \eft In plaintiff's. Joanne L Hirkards, body a surllkal dip or olher
foreilln material and dosed and then permilled the Incision to heal while the
surgical clip or other forellln material remained In plalntlfrs body.
18. In the exerdse of ordinal')' skill and care. Ihe surllkal dips and/or
foreign material would have been remo\ed and not permllled III remain In plalnllfr\
body.
19. In the exercise of ordinary' skill and CIlre. the fact th.1l there was a 1ll1\\lnll
surgical clip or other forellln material would have been discovered.
20. On or about Derember (,. \1)1) 1, the co-defendants failed to exerrise Ihe
degree of care or skill and rare ordinarily e,xercised In similar operations b} olher
sUI'geons and physkians ronslderlnll the state of knowlcdlle In medicine and \urller~
and were negHllent. reckless, willful and/or deliberately indifferent to the he,llth
and well being of plaintiff by not maklnll an Instrument rount or usinll \-ra~ Ill'
other dlallnostlc tests to find an) mlsslnll ,surlllcal dip or other forellln material ,111.1
4
Inste~d orderlngth~t no In.\lrUlllcllt l'ount bc tu"cn by' the l'o-defcnd'-lllt, (irallds'le\\'
Surger)' Ilnd Luser Center's nurscs and employ'ces \\'ho were assisthlll III thc surller>
Ilnd operation of plaintiff. Joanllc 1', IUl'''ards,
21. Plaintiff. who was ul1l1cr anesthesia durlllgthe Del'ember h. \ ')'11
operation, was not IOld by any of the defendants about the abselll'e of '-In InstrUmell1
count, that there w~s a missing surgical dip or foreign objel't. and/or failurc of thc
dcfendllnts \0 employ x-ray or olhcr diagnostic tests to determllle If there was a
missing surgical clip or otht!r Illslrument or fort!lgn matt!rlalleflIn the bOlly of tht!
plaintiff at tht! tlmt! of ht!r opcratlon,
22. The surgical dip or oth,:r fordgn malt!rlal was left hiddt!n Insidt! lht! body
of the plaintiff until It was dlsrO\t!rt!d by an x-ray pt!rformed at the MillOn S.
Hershey Medical Ct!nter on I't!bruury \, \ ')')5,
23. At no tlmt! before I;cbruary I. 1 ')')5 dldtht! plaintiffs disrover or hase
reason to "now antllor disroscr that a surglral dip or other foreign matt!rial was left
In the body of Joanne L Hkl-ards,
.'
24. As a dlrt!l't and proximate result of tht! afort!sald ncgllgcnce of lht!
defendants. plaintiff sustained scvere alld pcrmanent Injuries to dlverst! parts of her
bod)'. suffered and contlnut!s to suffer: scvt!re psyrhologlcal alld t!motlonal distre,,:
mental anguish; sescre pain; Inlull'; suffcrlng; medlt'al expt!nst!s; loss of enjoy mcnt
of IIfc's pleasures; and was and is present cd from tt!ndlngto ht!r normal arlisilies
and occupation.
25. Thc damagt!s sustalne,l by tht! plaintiffs were solt!l> tht! result of the
ncgllgent. rcckless. willful. and outral\cous at'ls and omissions of the deft!ndants,
Michael J. Pagt!. M.D,. (arlllronltsl-y, Js\.D" Susquehallna Surl\t!ons. l.td,. alld W"men's
Medical Assoclatt!s. \"(,, and whil'h Indude the following:
a. failure to tal-c or dlrerl a count of surlllcallnstruments and matt!nals
I
used during thc operation of lht! plaintiff. loanllt! E. Rlrl-ards;
5
h. orderlnllth<ll n') In~lrume'll (oUnl he t<lken followlllll <I ~urllic<ll
operlltlon upon the phllnlllT:
(. ordcrllll1lhat no in~lrUlllent ..ount he t<lken h<l\'inll knowledlll' lhal a
..ount would di~do~e a lIli~~lnll ~urllkal dip or In~lrumenl leflln~lde the body of lhe
pllllntiff;
.I, failure and/l/l' redde~s failure III exerd~e the dellree of ~lo.llI "nd ..arc
ordinarily exerd~ed hy olher surll1iollS and medl..al providers performlnll similar
operallons taking Into ..onsideratlon Ihe sla\(! of knowledge In medicine and surlier)'
required for undertaking lhe lIIedkal/surgl..al ..arc of Ihe plalnllff;
e. failure 10 Inform lhe plainllff. Joanne E. IU..kard~. Ihat an
Instrument ..<Iunl was nOI lalo.en during sUI'lIer)':
r. failure 10 Imure lhal " proper Inslrumenl ..ounl was talo.en durlnll
Ihe surgery of Joanne L Rlrlo.ards <lnd thaI all surllkallnslrumenls and malerlals
were a....ounted for:
II, failure 10 follow or cnfore applicable pro..edures requlrlnll
Instrument ..OUl1lS and/or standards for surlli..al rare and servkes;
h. malidousl)' fa\ling 10 Inform a palient thaI an order nOI to lakc .In
Instrument count was ordercd wh\le knowinllthat Ihere was a substanlial IIlo.ellhood
of a missing or una..counled for surlllral clip or foreign material lefl in hcr hoJ~;
I, failure \0 usc x-ray or olher dlagnoslk \(!sts and/or aSl'ertaln 'I
condition prior to ..omplcllon Ill' surll,~ry and/or dllsure or thc In..lslon for wlwh
treatment should be glvcn:
j, failure 10 properly cmplo) Ihc fadlllles and a\'a\lahle servicc\ 1<1
..ollecI the hesl factual .101101 Includinll u,\lng ,'ray or olher diallnostk lesls 10 find .Ind
retrieve a missing surllkal dip, Inslrument. or forcilln material 10 arrlvc at a ,'<lurw
and/or plan of treat men I for Ihe plalnllff, Joanne L IU..kards.
b
COllNT'IWO
J()ANNE l~ IUCKAltDS AND GIRAIUJ I'. RICKARDS YS.
GRANDYI!:W ~lIR(jERY AND I^SEI~ CENTm
2Cl. Plaintiffs hereby Inrorporate p.1rallraphs one ( 1) Ihroullh twent)'.[Ive
(2!1) as though fully set forth herein.
27, The damages suslalncd b)' Ihe plaintiffs were solely Ihe result of the
negligent, reckless. willful. and oUlralleous aCls and omissions of the defendant.
Grllndvlew Surllery and Laser Cenler, which Include the following:
11. failure 10 lake or direct a count of surgical Instruments IInd malerlals
used during the operation of the plaintiff. Joanne E. Rickards;
b. failure lind/or reddess failure to exercise the degree of skill and
care ol'dlnarlly exercised by other surgeons and medical providers performing
similar operations taking Inlo conslderallon the state of knowledge in medicine and
surgery required for undenaklng Ihe medical/surgical care of the plalnUff;
c. failure 10 Inform Ihc plaintiff. Joanne E. Rickards. thaI an
Instrument counl was nol laken during surgcl)';
d, failure to Insure that a proper Instrument count was laken during
the surgery of Joanne r~ Rickards and that all surgical Instruments and materials
were accounted for:
e. failure 10 have or maintain applicable procedures requiring
Instrument counts and/or standards for surgical care and scrvlces;
f. failure to follow or enforce applicable procedures requiring
Instrument counts and/or standards for surgical care and services;
g. failure to repon Ihat allendlng surgeons and physicians ordered Ihat
no Instrumelll count be taken during surgery of plaintiff. Joanne E. Rickards. while
having or should have had knowledge that a surgical clip or other Instrurpent was
missing and unaccounted for;
8
.' ,I
h. f~lHnK to properly tr~ln or supervIse surKIc~1 Ihe~lre personnel IIn
the Import~nce of following ~pplll'able sUrKIl'~1 l'are prm'edures ~nd st~ndards:
I, m~lIc1ousl)' f~l\InK 10 Inform a p~llent Ihal all order nol III ta\o.e ~II
Instrument count w~s ordered while \;.nowlnK th~1 Ihere was ~ subsl~nllalll\o.ellhlllld
of a missing or un~l'counled for surKIc~1 clip or forelKn m~terlallefl III plalnllff's
body:
\,
I. fllllure 1O use x.r~)' or olher dl~Knostlc tests und/or aSl'ertaln a
condition prior to complellon of surKery and/or closure of the Incision for whll'h
treatment should be Klven:
k. failure to prorer1Y emploY the facilities and available services 10
collect the best factual data IndudlnK uslnll x-ray or other dlaKnosllc tests 10 find and
retrieve ~ missing surgical dip, Instrumenl or foreign material to arrive at a cllurse
Illld/or pllln of treatmenl for Ihe plainllff, Joanne E. IUckards.
Wherefore, plaintiff. Joanne E. IUl'kards, prays for Judgment allalnst each of
them for compensatory and punlllve damalles In an amount In eXl'ess of TWEI'TY-
FIVE THOUSAND DOUAll.S ($25.000,00) plus Interesllllld cost,
I)
, ._-.....
, .
COLI NT TlnU:E
GIRARD I:. IUCKAllDS V. DEFENDANTS
28. Plaintiff, GlrW"d F. Rkkards, here b)' Inrorporales pLlragraphs one ( I )
through twenty-seven (27) as though fully set forth herein.
29. Solely by reason of the afore5illd negllgcnre. Ilnd recklcss. willful and
outrageous acts Wld omissions of the defendants, the husband/pllllntlff. Glrllrd F.
Rickards, has been Wld may conllnue to be deprived of the services. soclely, l'omfort,
compWllonshlp, earnings. consortium and asslstanre of his wife, and may In Ihe
future be deprived of Ihe same for an indeflnile pcriod of time.
Wherefore, pllllntlff, Giranl F. Rickards. prays for judgmenl agalnsl earh of
them for compensatory and pUUillvc damages in all Ilmount In exccss of TWENTY.
BY:
~i
10
Allorney for Ilhllntlffs
Raymond M. Blly, Ilaqulre
1.0. #44677
101 Washington Lane
Suite 406
Jenklntown, PA 19046
(215) 887-4449
IN THI!COURT OF COMMON IllI!AS OF CUMBliR1ANDCOUNTY
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JOANNE I!. IUCKARDS &
GIRARD F. RICKARDS. Will
v.
CIVIL TERM
NO. 95-7213
MICHAEL J. PAGE, M.D.
and
CARL BRONITSKY, M.D.
and
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOC., P.C.
and
SUSQlJEHANNA SURGEONS, LTD.
and
GRANDVIEW SURGEIW AND lASER
CENTER
~llRTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Rlaymond M. Blly, Esquire, do hereby certlfy that I caused a copy of
the foregoing Plaintiffs' Reply and Memorandum of law In Response and
Opposition to Defendllnts' Prellnllnlll)' ObJections, to be served this day by
United States first class mall, postage prepaid to:
Loretta M. Belflgllo, Esquire
521 Plymouth Road
Suite 108
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Michael W. McGuckin, }isqulre
1850 William Penn Wa)'
Suite 209
P.O. Box 10696
Lancaster, PA 17605-0696
Thomas J. Bradley, Esquire
1760 Market Street
Suite 900
Philadelphia, PA 19104
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SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NOI 1995-07213 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA I
COUNTY OF CUMaERLAND
Ii.ICK^,W~JOANNE E ELAk.-____.
VS.
PAGE MICJ1AEL _,I MD ET A.b
_Wl.EY COOIt__
, Sheriff 01' Deputy Sheriff of
being duly sworn accor~ing
CUMBERLAND C'lunty, Pennsyl.vania, who
to law, says, t.he withJ.ll ~A.l1iT
upon BRaN ITSKY CARL .110
dll'ff/ndant, at _~.~_00. HOURS, on the ~ day of. Qecf/mber'
19~ at ONE ~fiQ1~E SQUARE
LEMOYNE, PA 17043
was servlld
the
-'
County, Pennsylvania,
PERSON IN CHARGE
a true and attested copy of the ..QlI1f'J..A.tNL-
by handing to
__' CUMBERLAND
:2li.E;1iRL11 ICl L IO R E
-'
and at thll aame time dJ.recting ~ att.ention to the contents thereof.
-'
Sheriff's Coat.sl
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surchargl!
So answersl ~..; . .
6 00 ~. ,,'/.,,~~
8:'36 1 ...~> ',:-',,-- ...'.j',.;....'''-'
. 00
2. 00 ~homafil Kl1ne,-sfie,1.ff
~~~~AYMOND M BILY
12/21/1995 ,
by '/'~4}!~a4
Sworn and BUb.cribe~,.c 0 before me
this .:J."-<i... day of, 4......~...wJ--___
1'3 'Il. A.D.
C'. ~ (J ,/\A.Je........ . ,.J!,'I1'
.::::r:v Prothonotary
\
. .....'....
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO, 199~-07213 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSVLVANIA,
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
RICKARDS JOANNE E ET ~l,.
VS.
PAGE MICHAEL J I'ID ET AL
~SL.EV COOK ______, ShniU or D"puty ShnUf of
CUMBERLAND County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according
to law, says, the within \tQl1PLAINT was s"rvl'd
up':'" WOMEN' S MEDICAL ~Q.C;;J...An;.:2__fl_,. th.
dl'tfmdant, at 1425100 HOURS, on the ~ day of D"c"mber
19~ at ONE LEMOYNE SQ~~SUITE 201
LEMOVNE. PA 17043 ______._,____
,CUMBERLAND
--'
County, Pennsylvania, by handlng to IDlElllD: MIGLIORE
PERSON IN CHARGE
. truo and attested copy of the COMPLAINT
and at th" sam" time dir"cting ~ attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's COStSI
Docketing
Svrvice
AIHdavit.
Surcharge
5.00
.00
.00
2.00
So answers I ^' ~/' /"
>'!:_.,.-,/ __ ' ';1'"/.",,'"
..-,;," ~~~i ..::~.-.~ ""..J..~~'.(.
1 ",,,,;,r..,.
R. Thomas Kline, Sheriff
!\le. 00 RAVMOND 1'1. F.lILY
12/21/1995. -d '
b ~) /
y ,/. "/)" / ,
. ,,/ /',' / /.
- lIP})
Sworn Bnd subscribed to before me
thill ,1~A day of .q.~.u '7
19 'It. A.D.
,r;
!l:
~+~.l-'- O. J;;,<.-ie..v' >J~
prot onotary'
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REOU~AR
CASE NOI 199~-07213 P
ggnn~~W5~~6tlMg~RE~~~SYLVANIAI
RICKARDS JOANNE E kI-Ab
YS.
EA13E MICHbE.6..-J MD ~:T AL
WESLWY COOK ' Sheriff or D.puty Sh~riff of
CUMBERLAND County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according
to law, saya, the within f,;.911PJ.AlIiL_-..--..- was served
upon _GRANDVIE.11 5URQ.Iill.:l'....AlI1L..b.hEns..EJttgIL the
defendllnt, at 143:;1 100 HOURS, on the ;!0tt' day of PeCll'mb~H. -'
19~ at 205 ClIWlQY_]Jt~J_y.&!i!Jj;-.--_...,
CAMP HIL!u- PA 17011 .___.__________._.____________..._,____' CUMBERLAND
County, Pennsylvani... by handing t.o KAREN ZERBUU5INESS OFFICE
~NA13ER
a true and attested copy of the _COMPh~T
and at the same time directing ~ attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's CootSl
Docketing
SerViC.
Affidillvit
Surcharge
So anl!lwers I
~~., ,'.
r .....
rr.-Thomllf3 Kline,
,,~..''',.~
( ,,,~.;j.(,I"1.~4
I,
Sher rrr-
6.00
8.96
.00
2.00
616.~6 RAYMOND M. BILY
12/21/1995 / /
by//Afjv!tft
- D/ eriU
Sworn and subscribed to before me
thio ,~~ day of '~",u.. .. ")__
19 'll. A. D.
\_~ v... r.' \\W~......., luJt5~
=1F4 f'rmhonotary
McBREEN, McBREEN & KOPKO
110 luaait Avenue
Mont vale, rew Jereey 0714.
(101) 171-110.
IY, Tbo... J. Ira41~y, I.quire
Attorney tor De'en4ant,
Gran4view aurqery an4 Le.er center
JOAIIIII I. I GIRARD RICKARDS I COURT or COKKO. 'LIAI
. CUK8IRLAKD COUWTY
.laintiff. .
v. . CIVIL ACTIO.
.
GRAIQ)VIn SURGICAL CIIfTIR I
De'en4enh I 1101 15-7213
DEMAND FOR JURY TRI~~
TO THE CLERK I
Jury trial is hereby demanded in the above-entitled case
for the defendant, GRANDVIEW SURGICAL & LASER CENTER.
McBREEN, McBREEN & KOPKO
BY
~~
THOMAS ' BRADLEY
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANT,
GRANDVIEW SURGICAL & LASER
CENTER
Dated I January 5, 1996
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IU1}OFACS
OF TH~ rnnn,lONOTARY
96~M' 16 PB 1129
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CUMOEliLJ,NU CO\JNTY
, rENNSYLVtlNIA
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MCKllRNAN AND MCCCARTIN, P.C.
8Y: Michael A. McKermlll
Lorella M. 8cll1gllo
Identll1catlon No.: 4644116S173
521 Plymouth Road
Suire 108
Plymoulh Meeting, PA 19462
(610) 940-0141
JOANNE E. RICKARDS &
GIRARD F. RICKARDS. W/H
v.
MICHAEL 1. PAGE, M,O.
and
CARL 8RONITSKY, M.D.
and
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOC.. I>.C,
and
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS, LTD.
and
GRANDV/EW SURGERY AND
LASER CENTER
AlIorneys tilr Detimdanl:
Michael 1. Page, M.D. and
Susquehannb Surgc{)ns, Ltd.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL TERM
NO, 95-7213
DEMAN/) FOR .fURY TRIAL
Defendants. Michael 1. Page. M,O. mId Susqachann Surgeons, LId" hereby demands
a jury Irial of twelve (12) In the above-captioned mallcr.
U (I! 1~
DA
MCKERNAN AND MCCARTIN, P.C.
.
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MCKERNAN AND MCCCARTIN, P.C.
BY: Michael A, McKerlllln
Loretta M. Beltigllo
Identlticalion No,: 46447/65173
521 Plymouth Rmlll
Suite 108
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
(610) 940-0141
AttorneY5 for Defendant,:
Michael J. Page, M,D. and
SUliqUeIHIIlI\l\ Surgeons, Ltd.
JOANNE E. RICKARDS &
" GIRARD F, RICKARDS, W/H
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
v,
MICHAEL J, PAGE. M,J),
and
CARL BRONlTSKY, M.D.
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WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOC., P,C,
and
SUSQUEHANNA SUIWEONS, LTD,
and
GRANDVIEW SURGERY AND
LA~ER CENTER
CIVIL TERM
NO. 95-7213
ENTRY OF A!JPEARANCfo;
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter my appearance on behalf of Defendants. Michael 1. Page, M.D. and
Susquehanna Surgeons. LId" in the above-captioned mailer.
MCKERNAN AND MCCARTIN, P.C.
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DATE
Et;- A.- MCKE
LORETTA M, BE'tIi 'U
Allorney for Defendant,
Michael 1. Page, M,D.
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MICHA_L W. McGUCRIN . ASSOCIATBS,
IYI Michael W. McGuckin
Ident1f1Qat1on No. 49464
lA19h A.J. 1l111.
Identification No. ~3229
1850 Willia. Penn Way
suite 209
P.O. lox 10696
Lancaater, PA 1760~-0696
(717) 390-3020
JOANNI IS. RIClCARDS and
GIRARD r. RICRARDS, w/h
P.C. 60,~20
Attorney. for Defendant. I
Carl Bron1t.ky, M.D., and
wo.an'. Medical A..oc., P.C.
COURT 0' COKMON PLEAS or
CUMBBRLAND COUNTY, PBNNSYLVANIA
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NO. 95-7213 CIVIL TERM
, MICHABl. J. PAGE, M. D.
and
CARL BRONITSKY, M.D.
and
WOMIM'S MBDICAl. ASSOCIATES,
P.C.
and
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS, LTD.
and
GRANDVIBW SURGERY AND LASER
CENTER
TWELVE JURORS DEMANDED
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
TO THE PROTHONOTARY I
Defendant., Carl BronitBky, M.O., and women'. Medical
A..ociate., P.C., hereby demand a jury of twelve in the above-
captioned matter.
. ASSOCIATES, P.C.
MICHAEL W.
IC W. McGUCK N
Attorney for Defendant.,
carl Bronit.ky M.D., and
women'. Medical A..ociate., P.C.
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TO THE PROTHONOTI\Il'i OF CUMBEltLI\ND COUNTY I
Please list the within I11dtter for the next Arg\JneIlt Ct:lurt.
-----..---------------~--------------------------------------.----~----------~---------~
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be Btated in full)
Joanne E. Rickards &
Girard F. Rickards, w/h
( plaintiff)
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Michael J. Page, M,D.,
Carl Bronitsky, M.D.,
Women's Medical Assoc., P.C.,
Susquehanna Surgeons. Ltd.,
and Grandview Surgery and
Laser Center
(DefeOOllnt)
1'<<1. 1213_ civil
1'J.}!i
1. State matter to be argued (La.. plaintiff's rrction for new trial, defen:lant'B
dmurrer to canplaint. etc.):
preliminary ObjectionB to PlaintiffB' Complaint on behalf
of Defendants, Michael J. Page, M.D. Ii. SUBquehanna Surgeons, Ltd.
2. Identify counsel who will argue case:
(a) for plaintiff: Joanne E. RickardB Ii. Girard RickardB, w/h
J\ddress: Raymond M. Bily, Esquire
101 waBhington Lane, #406, Jenkintown, PA 19046
(b) for defendant: Michael J. Page, M.D. Ii. SUBquahann Surgeons, Ltd.
Address: Loretta M. Belfigl1o, Esquire
521 Plymouth Road, Suite lOB, Plymouth Meeting,
PA 19462
3. I will notify all parties in writing within boio dBys that thia case has
been listed for aITJI.II1f!rlt.
4. I\rgI.ment court ~te:
March 6, 1996
118ted:
Page, M.D.
SUi'geons, Ltd.
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COllNTONE. NI~il.l(j\,NCI:
JOANNIi E IUCKAlmS AND (i1IIAltD I;. IUCKAlmS VS. MICHAl:!. J. IWili. M,D.,
CAIU, 1IIlONITSKY, M.D" SlIS(lllEllANNA SlIR<iI:ONS. lTD., AND
WOMEN'S MWICAI. ASSOCIATES. I'.c.
I. PlalntlffN, Joannc E. mckardN and Girard 1'. RlrkardN, arc hUNband and wife
and dtlzenN of thc Commonwcalth of PcnnNyl\'unla rCNldhlll at l\.ill Dublin (jap Iload,
Newville, l'ennNylvanla.
2. Dcfcndant, MI,'hac1 .I. PallC, M.D., at alllhncN n\l:l1tloncd In Ihls plcadlnll, Is
a dllzcn and resldcnl of thc Comll1onwealth of Pcnnsylvanla ,and Is a phYNldan and
surgeon Ikcnsed under Ihc laws of lhc COl11monwcalth of Pcnnsylvanla wllh offlccs
and place of buslncss localcd at 5H North I;ronl Slrccl, WOrlnlcysbunl, Pcnnsylvunla.
3. Defcndanl, Mlrhac1 J. Pallc. M.D., at allllll1cs rclcvanl 10 lhls plcadlnll,
profcNsed that hc was tralncd as a physlrlan and surllcon sufflrlcnl 10 oblaln
certification and/or IIccnslng and rcprcscnlcd 10 Ihc plaintiff and publlr lhat hc
dcvolcN his fulltlll1c and profcsslonal allcntlon 10 Ihc usc and cmploymenlof his
professional and surglral skills and lralnlng. and for a fcc will apply his skills.
judgmcnt and expcrllsc 10 thc h<:alth carc nccds of the plalnllfT and Ihc public.
4. Defendanl, Carl IIronltsky. M,D.. at allllllles rc1evantto IhlN plcadhlll, Is a
,
cltlzcn and rcsldcnt of thc COl11monWCallh of Pcnnsylvanla who Is a physlrlan
cngallcd In thc practlcc of l11cdldnc, Ilccnscd undcr the laws of Ihc COl11l11onwcalth of
pcnnsylvanla. spcdallzlng In llynccolollY with his prlndpal placc of buslncss
localed at I l.cmoyne Square. l.ell1o)'nc, Pcnnsylvanla.
5. Defcndanl. Carl IIronllsky. ~I.D.. al allllmcs rclcvantlo lhls plcadlnll,
professed that hc was tralncd as a ph)'sldan and surlleOn suflklent to ohlaln
cerllfkatlon lind/or licensing and rcprcscntcd 10 Ihc plalnllff and public that hc
devotes his fullllmc and profcsslonal altl'ntlon 10 Ihc usc and cmploymcnlof his
1
"
.
profcsslonul unll sunllrul skills unll trulnlnll, unll for 1\ fee will apply his skills,
jullgmcnt unll expcrllsc 10 thc heulth <,ure needs of lhe phlllllllT unllthe puhllr.
(I. Defcnllant, Women's Mcllkal ^ssorlutes. P.C., Is a Pcnns)'lvanla <,orporutlon
or huslness cntll)' enlluKellln provllllnK medlrul servlres, a<'llnK at all times
pertlncnllU this pleudlnll, hy unllthroullh lis employees, anll/or allcnts, servanlS,
t'onu'uctors, workmcn, assorlates, affiliates, partncrs, IndulllllK llefenllunt, Curl
IIronluky, M.D" who uClcll within Ihe course und scope of his cmplo)'lllent, ulleI1<'Y,
scrvunt'C, association, parlnershlp anll afflllution,
7, Dcfcnllant, Susquehanna Surlleol15, l.td" is a Penns)'lvania corporation or
huslncss cntlly cnllallcll In provlllllll1 medlral servlres, actlnll al all tlllles pCrllnenl
10 Ihls plcadlllll, h)' anll throullh lis cmplo)'ces, anll/or allents, servants, contractors,
workmcn, assoclalcs, arflllalcs, parlners, Indulllllll defcnllant, Mlrhacl ,. Palle, M.D"
who actcll within Ihe wurse anll Sl'(lpe of his emplo)'ment, allcncy, servancy,
association, partnership and affiliation,
8. Dcfcnllant, Susquehanna SlIrlleons, l.tll., maintains lis prlnrlpal placc of
buslncss at S;U North Front Strect, Wormle)'shurll, l'ennsylv.lI1la.
9. ^t all times pcrlinent herclO defendal1l, (,ranllvicw Surlier)' anll l.aser
Ccntcr, Is a Pcnnsylvanla corporatIon or business entlt)' enllallcd in thc business of
opcratlnll anll/or owncrshlp, control, direction, supervision of a surlier)' and lascr
and/or hcallh carc faclllly, acthlll b)' and thrl)Ullh Its cmplo)'ecs, and/or allcnts,
scrvants, contractors, workmen, nurscs, ph)'slclans, melllral provillers, who actcd
within thc course and scope of their cmplo)'mcnt, aIlCI1<')', scrvanc)', association anll
affiliation, with Its principal pla<,e of business locatcd at LOS (irandvicw ^venllc,
Camp 11111, Pcnnsylvanla,
10. Defcnllant, (jrandview Surlier)' anlll.ascr Ccntcr, cxlsts for thc purposc of
provllllnll, on a fee basis, I11cdlral and/or surllkal scrvkcs to thc IIcncral puhlk,
L
II. AI ull tll11es menlloned, the llefenllants were the ullents, sel"\'ants,
cmplo)'ces, workllllln or l'IlIItl'uctors of thclr ,'o-llefcI1l1ants und In llollll1 thc uctlons
lle8crlhellln this nllllplalnt, the llcfllndllnts wcrc acthlllln the coursc and SCOP\! of
their cmplo)'mcnts, servantship, aIlCIll'Y, contra<'l, with the l'Onscnt of thclr
prlnrlpals unll/or ,'o-defcndants.
I L. On or about Dcccl11ber h. I')'}l, dcfcndant, <Irandvlcw Surlier)' unlll.uscr
Ccntcr. rcccivcll plulntlff, 'oannc E Rlrkllrds, In lis facllll)' as a pa)'lnll patlcnt anll
llefcnllant. Grundvlew Surlier)' and l.ascr Ccntcr allreed wllh thc plaintiff for
valuable conslllcratlon 10 furnish hcr with surllcr)' and nurslnll sCI"\'kes and to
provlllc an opcratlnll room with operatlnlltablc, anesthesia equlpmcnt and
Inslruments rcqulrcd b)' thc co-defendants for a surlllraloperutlon to he pcrformed
on the plalnlifT and to provide nurscs und other personnc1to usslst In the operulion
to plulntlff, 'oanne E Rkkurds.
13, Followlnll a dlallnosls of uculrulus cholc<')'slllls, surlier)' was performcd on
plaintiff, 'oannc E. IUckards, on l1ccember (I, I ')')J by defendunt, Mkhael " Palle, 1\1. D.,
and defcndant, Carlllronltsk)', M.D., In thc operatlnll 1'00111 und/or facilities with
pcrsonncl and assistancc provldcd b)' defendant, Grundvlew Surllcr)' and Laser
Center.
14. Thc opcratlon anll surllcr)' procedure Induded, but was not limited to, a
laproscoplr ,'holec)'stectom)' and Iysi~ of adheslon~.
I S. On or about December 6, 1 ')')1, defendant, Grandvlew Surlier)' and I.a~er
Center, provldcd nur~c~. employecs, agcnts, scrvants, and/or contractors 10 assist In
thc ~urger)' performell on thc bod)' of thc plaintiff and had a duty to kccp t'ount of
the surllkal dips and/or In~trumcnt~ uscd b)' t'o-defendant~, Michael .I. Pagc, J\I,D.,
and Carlllronltsk)', M,D., to ret'ount and/or set'ure the surlllcal clips anll Instrumenls
aftcr the opcratlon anll Inform thc t'o-defcndants whether or not all the surglral
dips antllnstrulllcnts \Vcre accountcd for.
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\C!. On or abouI Dct'emhcr (I, 1')')\, thc t'o_llcfendants, I\lIch~el ,. 1'.l~C, 1\1.\)., untl
Carl Ilronluk)', l\I.n., hullthc duty tll supervise, mana~e, dlrct't, t'ontrol anll perform
thc operullon and sur~er)' on thc plalntlH, Joannc L IUt'kurlls, Indutllnlllhe llut)' III
have and keep count 01' the various surlllral dips, Instrumcnts anti/or matcrlals usell
anll pla~'cd In the body of the plalntllT llurinll her sur~er)', Indulllnl!, uslnl!,
lllal!,nos\1r tcsts to locatc mlsslnl!, surlllt'al dips, Instrumcnts unll/or materials, and
bel'ore doslnll Ihe Indslon,
17. In thc t'oursc 01' thc operutlon pcrl'ormell upon Joanne L IUt'karlls b)'
llcfenllants, I\Ilchael ,. Pallc, l\I.n., anll Carlllronltsky, I\I.D., anll asslstell by nurscs anll
cmplo)'ceR 01' llefendant, Grandvlcw Surl!,cr)' anlll.aser Ccntcr, thc body of Ihe
plalntll'f was opcncd anti thc llefcnllants, Induslvc anti cach of them, neltlll!,entl)',
recklessl)', willfully and with llcllberalc Indlfl'crent'c, plut'cd, lost, leI'l, ,'ausell, fallell
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to count, fallell to use x-ray or othcr dlullnostk tcsts to flnll and rculcvc ~nll
pel'mlttell to be left In plalntll'f's, ,oanne I:. IUt'kards, bod)' a surlllral dip or othcr
forell!,n malerlal anll dosed anti then pCl'll1ll1Cd Ihe Incision 1O hcal while the
surglc~1 dip or othcr foreign material rcmalncd In pl~lntll'f's body.
18. In Ihc excrclse of orlllnar)' skll1 anll care, the surlllt'al clips and/or
forellln material would havc bcen removed anll not pcrmlllcll III remain lit plalntll'f's
bod)'.
19. In Ihc excrdsc 01' orlllnar)' skll1 anll carc, the fat'1 that therc was a missing
surl!,lcal clip or othcr forellln material would have bccn discovered,
LO. On or about December C!, 1991, the co-llcfenllanls I'alled to exerclsc the
llcl!,ree of carc or sk\ll anti carc orlllnarll)' exerclsell In similar operations by othcr
surgeons anll physldans conslllerlnl!, thc state of knowledllc In mellldne and surlier)'
anll wcre negllgcnt, rCt'klcss, willful anti/or llcllberatc1y Inlllfl'erent to thc heallh
and well being of plalntlt'f b)' not maklnll an Instrumcnt count or uslnll x-ray or
other lllallnostlc tcsts III fintl any missing surlllcal dip or other forcllln material anll
4
'.
.
In81call orllcrhlll that no Instrull1cnt munl hc lakcn hy lhc l'O-llcl'cndanl, (irandvlcw
Surlier)' anll Lascr Centcr's nurscs and cll1plo)'ees who werc aS81s1lnllln thc 8urllcr)'
Ilnll opcratlon of plaintiff, luannc 1:. Illrkarlls.
21. Plaintiff, who was unller ancslhc81a llurhll1 the I)crell1ber h. I')') I
operallon. was nol IOld by an)' of thc llcfenllanls aboulthe abscl1l'c of an In81rull1ent
t'ount, that thcrc was a Il1IS8\1111 surllkul dip or forcllln obJC"l, and/or failure of Ihe
dcfcndants 10 entplo)' x-ray or other dlallnostk tcSlS \I) detcrmlnc If thcrc was a
mIssing surlllral clip or othcr Instrul11cnt or forcllln malerlal Icft In lhc bolly of Ihe
plaintiff at thc lime of bel' opcratlon.
22. Thc surgkal dip or othcr forcllln malerlal was left hldllen Insldc lhc bolly
of .he plaintiff until It was lllsrovered by an x-ray pcrformetl at lhc Milton S.
Hcrshey Melllral Centcr on I'cbruary I, 1')')5.
23. ^t no tlmc beforc I'cbruary I, I ')')S llld the plalnllffs dlsrovcr or havc
rcason to know and/or lllsrover that a surlllral dip or other furellln matcrlal was lcft
In the bolly of .Ioannc E, Illrkarlls.
24. As a dlrcrt and proxlmatc rcsult of thc aforcsald nClllIgencc of thc
defcndanls, plaintiff sustainell severc and pcrmancnt Injuries to dlversc parts of hcr
body, sufferell and continues to suffer: sevcre ps)'chololllral anll cmotlonal dlstrcss:
mental anguish; scvcre pain; Injury; suffering; melllcal cxpenscs; loss of cnjoymcnt
of IIfc's plcasurcs; anll was and Is prcvcntcd from tcnlllnll to her normal al~llvltlcs
anll occupation.
2S. The damalles sustalncd by the plaintiffs wcrc solcl)' the result of the
nellllllcnt, reckless, wlllful, allll outralleous acts anll omissions of thc dcfcnllanls,
Michael .I, Pagc, 1\1,\)., Carlllronllsky, 1\1.\)., Susquehanna Surgcons, l.td., anll Womcn's
Mcdlcal Msoclates, (',C., anll wh\t'h indude Ihe following:
a. failurc 10 lakc or dlrcct a &:O:.Int of surg\t'al instrumcnts and malcrlals
uscll durin II thc operallon of thc plaintiff, 'oanne E. Ilickards;
S
b. orllcrllll1 that no 1I1Mrumcnt munl bc lukcn fo\lowlnlt a surllil'lIl
opcration upon lllc plaint lIT;
c. orllerhlK thul no hl'lIrul1lcnt "ount be lukcn havhlll knowlcdllC thai a
,'ount would lllsdose a mlsshll1 surllil'al<'llp or InNtrumenl left Inside lhe bod)' of the
plalnllff;
ll. fallurc anll/or rcrkless fall un: to cxcrdse the dellrce of skl1l unll rare
ordinarily cxcrrlsell b)' othcr surlleons unll melllral providers performh11l shnllar
opcrallons takllllllnlO conslderallon the stute of knowledlle In medicine and surKcry
rcqulrell for undcrlaklnll the medlrallsurlllral rarc of the plaintiff;
e. fallurc to Inform thc plalntllT, 'oanne E. Hkkards, that an
Instrumcnt ,'ount was not taken llurhll1 surlier)';
f. failure to hlsure that a propcr Instrul1lenl rount was tuken durlnll
lhc surlier)' of Joanne E. Hlrkarlls .mllthat all surllil'ul Instrumcnts and matcrlals
were arrounted for;
II, failure to follow or enfore appllrablc prorcllures requlrlnll
Inslrumenl ,'ounts anll/or standards for surKll'al rure and servlres;
h. malldously fallinlllO Inform a patient that an orller not In takc an
Instrument rount was orllcred while knowlnK that thcrc was a substantlallikc\lhood
of a mlsslnll or unarcountcd for surlllral clip or forellln matcrlal Icft In hcr body;
I. fallurc to use x-ray or othcr dlallnostlr tests anll/or asrcrtaln a
1'(l\1dltion prior In mmplctlon of surKcr)' anll/or <'Iosurc of lhe Incision for which
lreatmcnl shoulll bL Illven;
). fallurc to propcrly employ thc fadlitles and available scrvkc~ to
collcct the bcst factual data Indudlnll uslnll x-ray or otber lllallnostlr tests to find anll
rctrlcvc a mlsslnll surlllcul dip, Instrument, or forellln material to arrive ut a coursc
and/or plan of trcatmcnt for thc plaintiff, Joannc E. Rkkarlls,
h
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Whercfore. pllllnllfl', JOllnnc I:. ltkkurlls. prays for jucJKment aKulnsl cUl'h 01'
lhcm for compcnslltory Ilnll punltlvc t1amaKcs In un umounllne)(t'css uf TWHNTY.,
IWE TIIOUS^ND DOllARS ($25,OlX).()O) plus Intcrcst Ilnll costs.
7 '
COLI NT 'IWO
,OANNE I!. IUCKMDS ^NI> (iJl{MI> I'. IUCKMDS VS.
GI{^Nl1VJlW SUI\(iliRY ^ND IAsm CENTEI\
26, I'lalntllTs hcrcby Inmrporatc purugruphs onc (I) through twcnt)'-nvc
(LS) us though fully SCl forth hercln.
27. Thc llalltugcs suslalncll by the plalnlllTs wcre solcly the rcsult of the
negllgcllt, rccklcss, wll1ful, anlloulragcous Ul'tS and ol11lsslons of the llcfcndanl,
Granllvlcw Surllcry anll l.user Ccntcr, whlrh Includc lhc foJlowhll1:
u. fallurc to take or dlret't acoullt of surllkal instrumcnts and mUll'rlals
uscllllurlng lhc operation of the plaintiff, 'oannc t:. Rkkurds;
b. fallure and/or rcckless fallure \0 excrdsc thc dellrce of sktil and
carc ordinarily excrrlscd by othcr surllcons anll medkal provldcrs performing
slmllar operations takhll1lnlo consideration lhc stutc of knowledge III I11cdklnc and
surllery rcqulrcll for undcl'laklnll Ihe medkuJ/surlllral rare of the plaintiff;
c, fallure 10 Inform the plaintiff, Joanne Ii. Rkkards, that an
Instrumcnt count was nol takcJ\ durlnll surgcry;
ll. fallurc to Insurc that a propcr Instrumcnt rount was tuken durlnll
the surllery of Joannc E. IUrkards and that all surllit'allnstrumcnts and matcrlals
wcrc a,'counled for;
c. fallurc to have or maintain appllrublc procedures rcqulrh11l
Instrul11cnt counts and/or standarlls for surgkalcare and scrvkcs;
f. failure to follow or enforce appllcablc procedures rcqulrlnll
Instrumcnt counts and/or standards for surgical carc anll servkcs;
g. fallurc to rcport lhat atlcndlnll surgcons and physldans ordered that
no Instrument l'Ount bc taken durhlll surllcry of plallltlff, 'oanne E, Rickards, whllc
having or should have had knowledlle that a surgk,lI dip or olhcr Instrument was
mlsslnll and unaccountcd for;
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"
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h. fulling III prupcrly train or 5upcrvlse surlllrulthcatrc pcrsonnclon
lhc Importancc of fc)lIowlng applicable ~urlllcal l'are pruccdurcs anll stanllarlls;
I. maliciously fallhlll to Inform a patient lhut anorllcr nol III takc an
Instrument counl was ol'llcrell whllc knowinll that lhcrc wUS II subslantlalllkellhooll
of a missing or unaccountell for surlllcal clip or forellln matcrlal left In plalnlliT's
bOOy;
). failure to usc x-ray 01' othcr dlaltl1ostl,' tcSU unll/or ascertain a
condition prior to l:ompletlon of surlier)' llnl1/or dosurc of the Incision for which
treatmenl shoulll be Illvcn;
k. failure III propcrly cmploy thc fal'lllllcs and available scrvlccs to
collect the bcst faclUal data Inclutlhlll using x-ray or othcr diagnostlt' tcsts to find anll
relrlevc a mlsslnll surglral clip, Inslrument or foreign matcrlal to arrlvc III a course
anli/or plan of treatment for the plaintiff, 'oanne E. Rlrkards.
Wherefore, plaintiff, 'oannc F. Ilickards, prays for ludllmcl1t alllllnsl eal'h of
thcm for compensatory and punitive llamlllles In an amount In CXl:ess of TWENTY.
BVE THOllS^ND DOI.LAIlS (SZS,OOO.OO) plus Intcrest \\nll cost.
9
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VERIFICATION
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JOANNE E. RICKARDS AND GIRARD F. RICKARDS, states that they are the
plaintiffs herein and that they are acquainted with the facts set forth in the foregoing
Civil Action; that the same are true and correct 10 the hest of their knowledge and
belief; and that this statement is Illude suhJect to the penalties of III Pa, C.S. ~ 4904
relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. No affidavit is required under Rule 206.
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are specit'iclllly denied. In addition, to the exhnt that this
paragraph states conclusiona of law, they are denied liS such.
10. Denied as stated. It is admitted that the answering
defendant is engaqed in the business of providing, on a fee basis,
medicsl and/or surgical services to the general public.
11. It is speoifically denied that, at all times mentioned,
all defendants were the agents, servants, employees, workmen or
contractors of the answQring defendant and that said defendants
were acting in the course and scope of their employment,
servantship, agency, contract and/or with the consent of their
principals and/or cO-defendants. Further, these averments are
denied to the extent that they state conclusions of law.
12. Denied as stated. It is admitted that on or about
December 6, 1991, a surgical procedure was performed on plaintiff,
Joanne RiCkards, at the Grandview Surgery and Laser Center. It is
further admitted that certain items of support were pro~l.ded by the
answering clefendant to complete the surgical procedure inclucling an
operating table, anesthesia eqUipment, surgical instruments ancl
nursing and other staff to assist in plaintiff's treatment.
13. Denied as statecl. It is admitted that a surgical
procedure was performed on plaintiff on December 6, 1991 by Drs.
Page snd Bronitsky. As to the remaincler of the averments containecl
in this paragraph, after reasonable investigation, the answering
defendant is without SUfficient knowleclge or information to form a
belief as to the truth of said averments ancl hence, they are
denied.
2
14. Denied pursuant to Rule 1029,
15. Denied pursuant to Rule 1029. Further, the averments in
this paragraph are denied to the extent that they state oonclusions
of law.
16-20. Deniod pursuant to RUle 1029. Further, to the extent
that these paragraphs state conclusions of law, they are denied as
such.
21-23. Denied pursuant to Rule 1029.
24-25. Denied pursuant to Rule 1029. Further, to the extent
that these paragraphs state conclusions of law, they are denied as
such.
WHEREFORE, the answering defendant demands judgment in
its favor and against plaintiffs together with costs.
COUNT TWO
JOANNE E. RICKARDS AND GIRARD F. RICKARDS VS.
GRANDVIEW SURGERY AND LASER CENTER
26. The answering defendant incorporates by r~ference herein
its answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 25 inclusive as
though the salRe were here set forth fully and at length.
27. Denied pursuant to Rule 1029. Further, to the extent
that the averments contained in these paragraph are conclusions of
law, they are denied as such.
WHEREFORE, the answering defendl.lnt demands judgment in its
favor and against plaintiffs together with costs.
~
3
cOUNT THREE
GIRARD F. RICI<ARDS V. DEFENDAN'rS
28. The answering defendant incorporates by reference herein
its answers contained in paragraphs 1 through 27 inolusive as
though the same were here set forth fully and at length.
29. Denied pursuant to Rule 1029. Further, the averments
contained in this paragraph are denied to, the extent that they
state.conclusions of law.
WHEREFORE, the answering defendant demands judgment in its
favor and against plaintiffS together with costs.
. ,.
NEW MATTER
30. plaintiff'S complaint fails to state a cause of action
upon which relief can be granted.
31. plaintiff'S cause of action may be barred bY the
applioable statute of limitations.
32. plaintiff'S claims may ba barred in whole or in part by
the Pennsylvania comparative Negligence Act.
33. Nothing done or omitted to be done by the answering
defendant was the proximate caulle of any alleged injuries to
plaintiff.
34. The alleged injuries sustained by plaintiff were oaused
or contributed to, in whole or in part, by the negligence or want
of due care of persons, parties and/or organizations other than the
answering defendant herein and over which the answering defendant
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had no control, right of control or responsibility.
35. Plaintiff'. action i. barred by virtue of plaintiff'.
voluntary and informed oonsent to the treatment and surgery
complained of.
36. Plaint~ff's action may be barred by virtue of any written
consent and/or waiver of liability that may have been signed by
plaintiff prior to any of the treatment described in plaintiff'.
complaint.
WHEREFORE, the answering defendant demands judgment in it.
favor and against plaintiffs together with oosts.
NEW MATTER IN THE NATURE OF A CROSS-CLAIM
PURSUANT TO RULE 2252(d) AGAINST DEFENDANTS,
MICHAEL J. PAGE, M.D., CARL BRONITSKY, M.D.,
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOCIATES and SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS LTD.
37. If there is legal liability for the damages .ot forth in
plaintiffs' Complaint, said liability lies with defendants, Michael
J. page, M.D., Carl Bronitsky, M.D., women's Medical Associat..,
and susquehanna surgeons LTD. and their acts and/or omissions .ake
them solely liable over to defendant, Grandview Surgery and Laser,
Center and/or jointly or severally liable.
WHEREFORE, defendant, Grandview surgery and Laser csnter,
demands judgment in its favor and against defendants, Klc~.l J.
5
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paga, M.D., Carl Bronitaky, M.D., Women's Medical Alsociates, and
Suequehanna Surgeone LTD.
McBREEN, McBREEN & KOPKO
BYI Thom~8qUir8
Attorney Detendant,
Grandview Surgery and Laser
Center
Dated,
January 25, 1996
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STATE OF TENNESSEE
COUNTY OF DAVIDSON
SS.
I, Cheryl L. Graybill, RN, Administrative Direotor, of
Grandview surgery 'Laser Center, being duly sworn aooording to
law, deposes and says that the facts set forth in the foregoing
Answer of Defendant, Grandv iow Surger.y , Laser Center, to the
Plaintiff's Complaint in the within matter are true and oorreot to
the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
\,1A..t ';;f.J&~ ~
Cheryl aybill,'RN I
Sworn to and Subsoribed
Before Me This \ J-. Day
Of .Y\\,\)0.\\\ '-\ ' 1996.
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I.D.N44()77
101 Washlnllton l.l1nl.!, 1140(1
jenklntown, J>A 19046
(215)887-4449
Altorncy fill' Plaintiffs
IN TII\iCOIJRT OF COMMON Pl.1iASOF CUMBEUANlJ COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION . lAW
JOANNE Ii. RICKARDS &
G1RARlJ F. RICKARDS, W/II
830 OUOUN GAP ROAD
NI:WV/llJi, PA 17241
VS.
COUll'/' OF COMMON PUWi
CUMUmU..AND COUNTY
CIVil, ACTION
GRANDVIEW SlIRGICAL AND
LASER CENTER
205 GRANDV/I:W AVENUE
CAMP IIILL, PA 17011
NO:9H213
PtAINTIFI'S' IWPI.Y '/'0 D1iFl!t-iDANT'S GRAND'<IEW SURGICAL AN.12
I.ASlilt CENTI!R NI!W ~ATI'C8
PlaIntiffs, joannc E. und Girard F. IUckards, by and through thcir attorney,
hercb)' rcply to Dcfcndant's New Matter as follows:
30. DENIliD. Thc ullcllatlon col1talncllln this parullraph Is a conclusion of law
to which no answer or responsc is rcqulrcd undcr thc Pennsylvania Rulcs of Civil
Pro,'cdurc, In alldltlon, aftcr rcasonablc Invcstlgatlon, thc plaIntiffs aI'/'! without
suffkfcnt Information to form un opinion us 10 thc trulh 01" udmisslblllt}' of cvldcncc
pertinent to thc allcllution, anll thcreforc. the ullegation Is denlcd and strict proof Is
demandcd at thc time of trial.
31. DENIliD, Thc allegation contulncd In this pamgraph Is a condusloll of law
to which no answcr or rcsponsc is required undcr thc PennsylvanIa Rules of Civil
Pro,~cdure.
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32. D1INII!D. The ullcKatl'1I1 t'onlulnellln this pllraKraph Is u t'onduslon of luw 10
which no answcr or rcsponNc IN rcqulrcll unller thc Pcnnsylvanlu Rulcs of Civil
I'roccllurc.
:n. D1!NII!D. Thc ullcKatiol1 ('onluinellln lhls parallruph Is a t'on<'luslon of luw
to which no answcr or rcspol1se Is rcqulred undcr the Pcnnsylvanlu Rulcs of Civil
I'rocellurc. In adllltlon, aftcr rcusonablc Invcstlllation the plaintiffs are without
sufflcicnt Informallon to form an opinion as to thc truth or admlsNlblllty of cvldencc
pertinent to thc allcgation, anll lhercforc, thc alleKatlon Is dcnlcll und strict proof Is
llemanllcll at the timc of trial.
:W. DENIED. Thc ullcllation t'ontalncll In this paraKruph Is a l'<lI1duslon of law
to which no answer or rcsponsc Is rcqulred under lhc I'cnnsylvunla Rulcs of Civil
I'rocedure. In addition, aftcr rcasonablc InvestlKatlon the plaintiffs arc without
sufficient Information to form an opinion as to thc truth or admissibility of evldcnce
pertlncnt to the ullcgatlon, and thcrcfore, the allcgatlon Is denied anti strict proof Is
dcmandcd al thc tlmc of trial.
;~S. DEN 11m. Thc allcllation contulncll in this parallraph is a con<'luslon of law
to which no answer or responsc Is rcqulrcll undcr thc Pcnnsylvanla Rule.s of Civil
I'roccdurc. In addition, after rcasonablc investigation lhc plaintiffs arc without
sufflcicnt information to form an opinion as to thc truth or admissibility of cvlllence
pertlncnt to thc allcgation, and lhcrcforc, thc alleKation Is t1cnled and strict proof is
dcmanllcll at the tlmc of trial.
36. DENIED. Thc allellallon containcd in this parallraph is a conciuslon of law
to which no answer or responsc Is rcqulrcd unllcr thc Pennsylvania Rules of Civil
I'rocellurc. In addition, aftcr reasonable Invcstlllatlon the plaintiffs arc without
sufficient Information to form an opinion as to thc truth or admissibility of cvldence
pertinent to the allcllatlon, anll thercfore, thc allcgatlon is denlell anll strict proof Is
demandcd at thc tlmc of lrlal.
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-......
(17) and twenty (20) of Plaintiffs' Complaint; "reckless", "willful" ,and "outl11geoU5 aCls" are
stricken from paragraph twenly-tive (25) of Plaintiffs' Complaint; "reckless" Is strleken from
paragraph 25(d) of Plaintiffs' Complaint; "nlllliciously" Is stricken from paragraph 25(h) of
Plalnllffs' Complaint; and Count 1 of Plaintiffs' Complalnl Is dismissed from Plainliffs'
Complaint with prejudice for failure 10 stllte a cause of action for punillve dllmages upon
which relief may be granled.
BY THE COURT:
J.
,
od
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4
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I. I'RELlMINARY OIlJECl'ION IN TIlE NA1'UIU: 0... A MOTION 1'0 STRIKE
GErJERAI.. AU.E(.ATIONSO... NEGt.lGENCE
1. Plaintiff commcnccd this mcdlcal nllllpractlce action on or about Dcccmber
19, 1995, by Complaint agllinst Defendants, Mlchuel J. Pugc, M,D. IInd Susquehanna
Surgeons, L.td. and othcrs. ^ true IlIld correct C\Jpy of Plaintiffs' Compllllnt Is nllached
hereto as Exhibit "A" and Incorporated herein by reference as though set forth In full.
2. In subparagraph Cd) ofpnl'llgruph twenty-five (25) ofthdr Complalnl, Plnlnllffs
aver in vague, general, boilerplute Inl1guagc thai Defendants, Mlchllel J, Page, M.D. and
Susquehllnna Surg\~mlS, Ltd., were negligent, reckless, willful and outrageolls as follows:
d) failure and/or reckless failure to exercise the degree of
skill and cure ordinarily exercised by other surgeons IInd
medlcul providers performing similar opcnllions taking into
consideration the slale of knowledge In medicine and surgery
required fur undertaking rhe Il1cdical/surglcal care of the
plaintiff;
~subparagraph Cd) of pamgrilph twcnty-five (25) of Plaintiffs' Complilint llllllched hereto
as Exhibit "A",
~. . The averment~ of subparagraph (d) of paragraph twenly-five (25) of Plaintiffs'
.
Complaint are so vague as to pl'eclude a response from Defendilnts, Michael J. Page, M,D.
an~USqUehanna Surgeons, Ltd,
4, Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1019(a) requires that the "material facts
on which a cause of action... is based shall be st:iled in a concise and summary form,"
5. The materiill facts upon which a cause of ilction is premised must be pled with
sufficient speciticity so as to set forth the Illi.nliL t:ill:.k clements of the tort or torts alleged.
6. The mere allegations that Defendants, Michacl J, Page, M.D. Imd
Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd., were negligent, reckless, willful and outrageous in "failure
Co
lIellhemte Indlfferencc, phll',',I, hIM, 1,'1'1, CIIUSl'II, 11111,',1 hI clInnl, filllc,l
III K-my lIr ulher dlllgnllMIc ICSls h' tllllllllld rclrlcVl' 1111I1 IlCrllllll"ll hI
he let) In plllltlllff's, JUllnne E, I~lckllnl~, h'Hly II sIIrl!lt:1I1 dip lIr 1I1hcr
fllrelgn IIIl1lcrllll IIntl c1l1s,',1 1I11l1 Ih,'n PCI'IIlIIl,'d Ihc illdslllll hI helll
while the slIrgklll clip ur IIlher fllrclgn 11I111"1'1111 1l'lIIl1lnt'tI in plllllllilrs
hutly,
20. On or ahllul Ilccelllher 11, 1')lJI, Ih,> c,,,,leflon,hlllls 1'11111:,1 h, l'Kl"l'ISC
Ihe degree lIf cllre ur skill II/Ill cllrc lInllllllrlly l'Kcrclscll In sllllllllr
"llCrlltluns hy uther surgcuns IInd phY,lldllns Clll1sllll'rlnll 111l' MIII,~ uf
knllwlcdge Inlnc,lIdnc IIl1d surgcry IInd Wl'rc nl'l!II11t'nl, rccklcss, willful
IlI1d/ur dellhcrnlcly Indlffcrcnl 10 Ihc h,'allh 11I1l1 w,'lI hcllll! lIf phlllllifl'
hy nlll l11aklng IIn Inslrtllllcnl CIIIIIII III' IIslnll KrIIY III' 11111l'r dlllllnoslic
Icsl hI find IIn IIIlssillll surlllcal clip ur IIlhl'r furcllln I11l1lcrllll nntl
Insll~lId lInlcl'lnll lhlll nil IlIslnlnwnl l.'lllllll hI' IlIh'lI hy Ihe ,'II,
dcfcntlllnl, Iimn,lvicw Sarg,'ry IInd I a Sl' I' I 'cnl,'r\ IIl1rscs nlltl
cl11plllyecs whu werc asslsling in Ih,' IUIw'ry alld UPl'r.llllln III' plllinllff,
JlIllllnc E, Rickards,
2~. Thc danHllles Mlstnlllc,l hy Ihe plnillli"''s Wl~f'l' sulcly Ihl' f'l'MIII lIf the
ncgllgent, reckless, wlllfal, nlld '1I1l1'1I1l"1I111 IIcls IIn,l IIl1li,ISIIlIIS uf Ihe
defcndanls, Michael J, Pagc, M,f)"l'arl Jlrllllllsky, 1\I,f),.SlIs'llIehllnnll
SlIrgeuns. I.Id" IIl1d WlInwn\ I\kdl"al ^sslI,'hll,',I, 1',('" IIl1d which
Inclllde Ihe fllllllwlllll:
(d) I'lIilurc and/lIr r,'ckh!ss I'alhll,' III c\,'rl'lse Ih,' d,'glw IIfsklllllnd
carc unllnarlly c\erdsc.1 hy IIlh,'r sargellns 1111I1 IIIcdklll
pruvjdcr~ pcrl'lInUllll!lllIIllar Ulll'rIIlillns "Iklnll Inlu
cunsldernlilln the .llale uf knllwlcdW: In 11I,-,1 1 l'I II" IInd surllery
rCl/ulrcd fur undcrlaking Iii,' IIIl'dkallslllllklll enr,! uf Ihe
phlltlllff;
(h) Mallcillllsly faillllg IU inflll'lII II palll'nl Illill all lII'dcr nul tll !lIke
1111 Inslrlllllenl l'lIllll1 was unlcred wlllh' knllwlllg thai lherc WIIS
a suh,llalllial likdihuutl uf a IIIISSllIg m III1IIC"'"I1I1,',1 fur surlllcal
clip m furclgll 1l1i11erial kfl ill h,'1' 11I1I1y;
10. III ClIllllt I uf I'laillllff.s' ('ul11plailll I'lalllll"''.\' scl fmlh II c1ail11 fur pllnlllve
damages against Defcndll/lls, Mlchllcl J, Pagc, M, f), and SU.IlIUellll11l111 SlIl'lleons, 1.1,1. ~
the "whereliJre clausc" uf Counl 'III' Plainti,.,\' ('ul11plailll. allal'l!,'d h,''''III II,~ I\xhihil "^",
II, Counl I uf Plainliffs' CUl11plainl a",' paraj.\l'IIl!h~ It'vl'nl,','n (17), twcnty (20)
and lwcnly-!ivc (25) ilntl ~uhpamgraphs (d) a",1 (h) uf pal'llj.\mph Iwcllly-nvc (2~) uf
(.
Plaintiffs' Complaint simply statc conclusions. TI,,~y 1'111110 slat~ sufficient fllcts whleh would
s\lpport Ill1ndingthat Dcfendants, MlclHlel J, PllgC, M,D.llI1d Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd.,
acted with evil motive or that they knew or had n~ason to know that their conduct Involved
sueh a hl6h degree of probability thnt substanllul harln to Plaintiffs would result.
12. As pled, Plnlnllffs' Complaint contlllns no matcrial facts whleh support or
suggest gross negligence or outragcous or wanton conduct un the part of Defendants,
Michael J. Page, M.D. and Susquehanna Surgeons, LId,
13, In Pennsylvania, punitive damages are not awarded for mere Inadvertence,
mistake or errors of judgement which constitute ordinary negligence,
14, Count 101' Plaintiffs' Complaint and paragraphs seventeen (17), twenty (20)
and twenty-live (25) subparagraphs (d) and (h) of paragraph twenty-fiw (25) of Plaintiffs'
Complaint fail to set forth a cause of action for punitive damages upon which relief may be
granted.
WHEREFORE, Defendants, Michael J. Page, M,D, and Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd.,
respeclfully request that their Preliminary Objections to Count I of Plaintiffs' Complaint be
sustained and that Count I of Plaintiffs' Complaint be dismissed with prejudlee and that
4
M.D. lint! SnSllu~hunnll SurgculIs, Ud" wcrc ncgllgcnl, rc~klcss, wlllfullll1d uUlntl!CUUS liS
fullows:
d) Ihllurc m"l/ur rcckless fullurc tu excrcisc the dcgrcc of
~kill 'lIId cure urdlnllrlly excrclscd hy olhcr surgeuns und
mcdlcul pruvidcrs performing similar UpCnttillns laking Inlu
cunsidcnttlun the slutc of knuwlcdgc in mc,lIdnc ,lIld surl!cry
rcqulrcd fur undcl'luklng the mcdil.'ul/surglcal carc of thc
plaintiff;
Thc failure of Plulntlffs to uddreAc spccllicully the nmttcrs eumpluined of
renders subpurugmph (d) ofpumgmph lwcllly-livc (25) uf Plaintiffs' Complnlnl so ~ul!ue IInd
uncertain that it must he strlckcn so as tu enahlc Defcndants, Mlchacl j, PllgC, M,l), and
Susquehanna Surgcons, Ltd., lu prcparc u rcspunsc, ~ Pa,I~,('iv,P, 10211(3), Thc
npproprhllc rcmcdy in cascs wherc u Plainliff's Complainl is Icgully Insufticient Is 10 sustain
Defcndant's Prcllminary OhJcctlons, :il:s:.. Connor v, Allia:.heny (icooal Huspltul. 401 I'a,
~06, 461 A,2d 600,602 (l9tB) (footnote ]),
In Count lof Plaintiffs' Complaint, a copy uf which Is attached hcrcto as Exhihlt "A",
Plaintiffs attcmpl III make a claim flJr punitive damages, Howcver, Plaintiffs fail to llvcr
sufficient facts lu Justify such an award, Cuunl 1 is mcrcly a scrlcs uf conc1usury statcmcnts
which allcgc that thc conduct uf Dcfcndants, Mlchacl J. Page, M,D, and Susquchanna
Surgcons, LId., wcrc rcckless, willful,dcllhemlc Indifference, oUlmgeous and malicious. fu:l:..
Count lof Plaintiffs' Complaint, attachcd hcrcto, Plaintiffs have plcd conclusluns, not facts.
All of thc avcrmcnts incorporatcd In Counl 101' Plaintiffs' Complaint allcgc unly ncgligence
and carcless conduct. Vlcwcd as a whule. I'lalntiffs' Complaint docs not avcr any facts
which would suppotl a lindlng that Dcfcndants, Michacl j, Pagc, M,I), and Susquchanna
Surgeons, LId" actcd with an cvilmotive or that thcy kncw or had rcason to know that thcir
conduct Involvcd such a high degrcc of prolmhillty that suhstantlal harm to othcrs would
c
In Connor v. Alle~heny General HosllllilL 5011'a. 306,461 A.2d 600 (19113), I'lainllff
,
"
,
flied a medical malpraellce aetlon agahlst Defendant Hospltnl. Plaintiff's Complaint alleged
that the hospital, aCling Individually and through its employees, was negligent:
"
.,
a. In perforating the sigmoid colon during the
performance of a barium enema procedure;
b. In perforating the sigmoid eolon and causing
extrabation of the barium into the abdominal
cavily causing barium peritonitis;
f. In otherwise fnillnl: to use dlJ~ care and clIutlon
under the circumstance.
Connor. 4461 A.2d at 601 (emphasis added). After the Statute of Limitations had nlll,
Plaintiffs tiled a Motion to Amend lheir Compllllnt. Qml1QL 461 ^.2d at 601,602. The
trial court denied Plaintiffs' Motion to Amend the Complllint and the Superior Court, on
appeal, affirmed. ~ Connor. 461 A,2d at 602.
In reversing the Superior Court's holding, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
commented in footnote 3, "[i]f[defendant] did not know how it 'otherwise fail[ed) to use due
care and cRulion under the circumstance,' it could have ",moved to strike thai portion of
[plaintiff's) complaint." Connor, 461 A,2d at 602,
1
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Indeed, trial courts have consistently held that general allegations of negligence are
insufficient to apprise a Defendant of the claims that he must address at trial, and
accordingly, have sustained Preliminary Objections to such allegations. In Farmer. 43
D.&C.3d at 397, for example, the Court held impermissibly vague the Plaintiff's averments
that Defendant were "otherwise negligent, careless and rcckless under the circumstances"
and that they committed "[s]uch acts or omissions constituting carelessness, negligence and
recklessness as mllY be Ilst:ertuined by dist:lIvcry prllt:edufes." The Court reusoncd lbut il
would be unjust to require lhe [)efend~\Ilt to prepl\re und defend ugalnsl every possible
cause of action llmt might fall wilhln the IImll of "falllnl,\ to exercise pruper skill under the
circumstances." IiL
In lhe presenl case, Plalnllffs llllege In cundusury, boilerplate lal1lluuge, thut
Defendants, Mldmcl J. Page, M,D. and Susquchanna Surgelllls. Ltd., were negligent,
reckless, wlllful, deliherate Indifferent:e, ,lulmgeous lllld malicious, These mere allegations
as set forth In Plaintiff's Complaint, Without more, do not satisfy the requirements of
Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1019(a), The allegallons arc geneml and vague and
preclude a response from Defendants, Michael J. Page. M.D, and Susquehanna Surgeons,
Ud, Further, Plaintiffs have disregarded lhe requirements of Pennsylvania Rule of Civil
Procedure 1019(a) that a cause of action must he pled with suflicient specificity,
Accordingly, subpara)lnlph (d) of paragraph twenty-live (25) of Plaintiffs' Complaint should
be stricken.
B. COUNT I OF I'LAlNTIFFS' COJ\lI'LAlNT VIOLATES I)ENNSYLVANIA
RULE OF CIVIL I'ROCEIlURE 1019 IN TI1ATIT FAILS TO SET FORTH
SUHIC1F.NT FACTSTO.llJSTIH i\fu\1V i\RllFOR l'UN\'l'IV~; IlAMAGES
Pennsylvania is a fad pleading state, Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure IOI9(a).
The Rule provides that, "[t]he material facts on which a cause of action or defense Is based
shall be stated In a concise and summary 1'01'111." This Rule requires that a Complaint must
not only give a Defendant notice of what a Plaintiff's daim is and the ground upon which
It rests, but it must also formuhlte lhe issues by summarizing the facts essel\lial to support
the claim. Dickerson v, Brind Truck Leasin~ . 362 Pa. SUI)er, ,'41. 524 ^, 2d 908, 910 (1987);
COllllllent b to Section '.I0K IIdds: "Punitlw dllmages arc not IIwllnlcd for mcre inadvertence,
mistake, ermrs of Judgmcnt and the like, whkh con~tlllitc orditmry negllllcncc."
In Pennsylvani~t, an csscntlal fact neces~ary hI support a claim fur punitive dllnlllgcs
Is tllllt the Defendant's conduct Illust hllve heen oulralleous, ~lllJ1JL 423 A.2d al 74~;
BrowlUlw.I:lLY..llryan. 40 [),&C, 3d 604, 606 (l1.}1I~), Outragcous conduct Ims heen d,~nned
by Pennsylvania Courts liS ,Ill "lIct done with a h.1l1 1Il0tlve or with a reckless Indifference to
the Interest of uthers," McClclllIn '/, Health MlIln.J.lWance OrilluJwllon of Pennsylvania. 413
I'a. Super, 12K,604 A,2d 10~3, 10hl (1992), l:"odllL.llill!ililiL, 217 I'll, Super, ,\~, 2611 A.2d
1~7, 1~9, 160 (1'.170), fu:l;..uilll, comlncnt (h) 10 Scctlon ')OK, lluckless indlffcrcnce to the
interest of others, or wantun misconduct, means Ihat "Ihc actur has intcntiunally done an
act of an unrellsunable character. In disregard of a risk known to him or su ohvlous that he
, must be takcn 10 have hcen aware of ii, and Sll grcat as 10 make it highly prohable thai
harm would fullow, " SmlllL.42'\ ^,2d at 745 citing EViUl:L.~,J!,l1iladclphia Transportation Co..
418 Pa, S67, 212 ^.2d 440, 44.~ (1965), Thus, thll I'cnnsylvania rule allows the awarding of
punitive damages when ,Ill act is done with reckless indifference or bad motlvc,
A requesl for punitive damages docs not constitute a cause of acliun In and of itself,
but Instead, Is incidental 10 a cause of ,\ction, ~Clcllan, 604 ^,2d at 1061, In determining
whethllr II Dllfendant exhihited "reckless indifferencc to Ihc right of others" so as to provide
a basis for an IIward of punitive damages, the Coul'l lIlust analyzc whether the allegations
In a Plaintiff's Complaint establish tllat the Defendant knew or had re<1SOll to know of facts
whieh ercatcd a high risk of physical harm to the Plaintiff. EiIiliLY. Phihl\\!;Iphia Electric
Company. 3KB I'a, Super, 4(x), S6S ^,2d 1170. IIK2 (I'l!i'l), Further, the Defcndant musl
'j'I",\Ik"
II.!
I;' I
\,lJ,I)
L ,,'
,11<
LId. 's conduct rose 10 Ihe level of evlllllUlive or reckless Indifference to the rig/lis of others
,I :
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. .
'''I
"
to support 1111 nward lor punitive dalllages. (S<< Count I of Plaintiffs' Complaint, allached
hereto.) COunt lis n SUlllnlllry of conclusions. All of the ItYerments incorporaled III Count
I- !
I allege only negligent Itnd careless eondUCI. Plltlntiffs' Complltim fails 10 Slale sufticlent
facls 10 sUpport a lindlng Ihltl Defendnnls, Mlchltel J. Page, M.D, andlor SUsquehllJ1na
Surgeons, LId" acred wlrh nn evllllloll~e or thuI Ihey knew or had reuson 10 know Ihat rheir
conducr inVolved such a high degree of probablllry l/11ll sub.~lunllul harm 10 Ihe P/olnriffs or
others would resulr.
: I
Punitive dUllIllges are nor awarded 10 COlllpensute II P/uintiff tor a loss, bur 10 punish
II Defendalll fi.)r oUlrageous conduct; therefore. the ullegullons In Plaintiffs' Complaint
should be /actuully sufticlellt, if pruwn, 10 Wurranl Ihe intlictions of a penally upon
De/cndams, Michael J. Puge, M.D. and Susquehunna Surgeons, LId, ~ Yan In lien v,
WenlL 70 D.&C.2d 555, 559 (/975). .stt.aLm, Restatenlt'nt (Second) Section 908, comment
b. While Ihe /aels alleged In PlainlitI~' Comp/;llnr mlghl plead a clailll in negligence, they
are lnsumclenr to SUpporl the demand lor punitive dltlllages,
Plaintiffs will not be prejudiced by dlslllissal of Ihe pUllitive damage COUll! because
"
Ihe absence of sueh a claim does not impair their rlghls In an)' way, 10 receive full and
complere compensalor)' damages, if proven. Punitive damages are nor compensatory
damages. Chambers v. Mj)nr~omer:y. ~ at /92 A,2d 358; Seclion 908(1) of Ihe
Reslalement (Second) of Torts,
IV. CONCl.l/SION
For all the reasons ,~t.1ted ,lbove, Dcfendallls, Miehael J. Page, M.D. and
Susquehanna Surgeons, LId., respectfully request thaI Ihis HOllorable COUl'l sustain Iheir
.
\
MCKERNAN AND MCCCARTIN, I),C,
BY: Michael A. McKernan
Loretta M. Belfigllo
Identll1catlon No.: 46447/65173
521 Plymouth Road
Suite 108
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
(610) 940-0141
Allomeys for Defendants:
Mlclmel J. Pllge, M.D. and
Susquehanna Surgeons, Ltd.
JOANNP. E. RICKARDS &
GIRARD F. RICKARDS, W/H
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
v.
MICHAEL J. PAGE, M.D.
and
CARL BRONITSKY, M.D.
and
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOC" P.C,
and
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS, LTD.
and
GRANDVIEW SURGElW AND
LASER CENTER
CIVIL TERM
NO. 95-7213
CERTIFlCAl'EOF SERVICE
I, Loretta M. Belliglio, Esquire, do hereby cerlify that 1 caused a copy of the foregoing
Preliminary Objections of Defendants, Michael J. Page, M,[), and Susquehanna Surgeons,
Ltd" to Plaintiffs' Complaint and supporting Memorandum of Law, to be served this day by
United Stales first class mail, postage prepaid 10:
Raymond M. Bily, Esquire
101 Washington Lane
No. 406
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Michael W. McGuckin, Esquire
521 Plymouth Rmld
Suite 110
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
.
Thomas J. Bradley, Esquire
McBREEN, McBREEN & KOPKO
176.> Market Street, Sulle 900
Philadelphia, PA 19104
MCKERNAN AND MCCARTIN, P.C.
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II
COllNTONE- Nl~;l.lGENCr:
JOANNE 1:. IUCKARDS AND GIIV\RD f. RICKARDS VS. MICIIAF.L J. PAGE, M.D.,
CARL IIRONITSKY, M.D" SUSQUEII^NN^ SURGEONS, l.TD., AND
WOMEN'S MEnlC^l.ASSOCI^TFS. P.C.
t. I'lalntlff5, Joanne E Illckllrlls llnd Girard I', Rickards, arc husband llnd wlfc
and cltlzcn5 of the Comlllonwealth of I'ellllsylvanla residing at 830 Dublin Gap Roud,
Newvlllc, Pennsylvania.
2. Defcndant, Mlchacl J. Page, M.D" at all times mentloncd in thi.~ pleading, Is
a citizen and resident of lhe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Is a physician and
surgeon IIccnsed under lhc laws of thc Commonwealth of Pennsylvania wltl, olflccs
and placc of buslncss locatcd at S32 North !'rotll Strcet, Worlllleysburg, Pennsylvania,
3. Defcndant, Michael J. P.Ige, 1\1, D., at all times relevant to this plcadlng,
profcssed that he was trained as a physician and surgeon surflcient to obtain
certification and/or Iiccnsing and represented to lhe plalllllff and public that he
devotes his full time and profcssional attcntlon 10 the use and employment of his
profcsslonal and surgical skills and training, and for a fce will apply his skills,
judgment and experti~e to the health care nceds of the plaintiff and thc public.
4. Dcfendant, Carlllronltsky, M,D., at all times relevant to this pleading, Is a
cltizcn and rcsldent of the Commonwealth of I'ennsylvanla who is a physician
.
cngagcd In the practice of mcdicinc, IIccnscd undcr the laws of the Commonwcalth of
Pcnnsylvania, specializing In gynccology with his principal place of business
locatcd at I \.emo)'nc Square, l.cllloyne, Pcnnsylvania,
5. Defendant, Carlllronitsky, J\t,[)" at alltilllcs relevalllto lhls pleading,
professed that he was tralncd as a ph)'slrlan and surgcon sufficicnt to obtain
ccrtlfication and/or Iiccnsinll and reprcsentcd to thc plaintiff and publk that he
de\'otes his full tlmc and profcsslonal attcntlon to thc usc and employment of hh
professlonalllnd surgical skills lInd lrulnlng, ~lIId for II fee wl11 'Ipply his slillls,
lulllllUcnt lInll cxperllsc 10 thc hcallh care necds of thc plaintiff and lhc public,
6. Defendant, Womcn's Medical ^ssorlatcs, P.C., Is a Pel1nsylvlll1la corl1orlltlnn
or business entity enllagcd In providing medical scrvlccs, actlnll at ull tlmcs
pcrtlnent to this plcadlng, by and through Its employces, and/or ugents, servants,
contractors, workl11en, associ lites, afflllattls, partners, Including defendant, Carl
Bronltsky, 1\1.0., who acwd within the course and scope of his employmcnt, ugency,
scrvance, association, partnership and aHlllatlon,
7. Dcf'cndant, Susquehanna Surgcol1s, Ltd" Is a Pennsylvania corporation or
buslncss entlt)' engaged In providing medical scrvlccs, acting at all limcs pertinent
to this plcadillll, by and thrf)ugh Its employees, and/or agcnts, servants, contractors,
workmen, assodatcs, afllliatcs, partners, Includlrlll defendant, Michael J. PaRe, M,O.,
who actcd within the course and scopc of his emplo)'l11cnt, agcncy, scrvancy.
association, parll1ershlp and affiliation.
6. Defendant, Susquehanna Surgcons, l.td., maintains Its principal placc of
buslncss at 532 North Front Street, Wormlcysburg, Pennsylvania.
'l. ^' all tlmcs pertlncnt hcrcto defendant, Grandview Surgcry and Lascr
Center, Is a Pennsylvania corporation or business entity cngagcll In the business of
operating anll/or owncrshlp, control, direction, supervision of a surgery and laser
and/or hl,lahh care facility, acting by and through Its cmployees, and/or agcnts,
servants, contractors, workmcn, nurscs, physicians. medical provldcrs, who actcd
within thc coursc and scopc of their employmclll, agcncy, scrvancy, association and
afnliatlon, with Its principal place of busincss locatcd at 205 Grandvlew ^venue,
Camp lilli, Pcnnsylvania,
Ill, Dcfcndant, Grandvlew Sun:ery and Ll\<:r Centcr, cxlsts for thc purposc of
providing, on a fcc basis, mcdical lInll/llr surgi,.,d sCI'\'kes I" thc ~\cncral public.
I.
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II. ^t all times mentioned, lhe defendllnls wel'c thc allcnts, servants,
employees, workmcnor conlractOI'5 of their co-defcndBnts unllln dolnll the actions
descrlbellln this complulnt, lhe dcfcndunts werl! llctlnR In thc course and sCOpP. of
their employments, scrvantshlp, aRency, contract, with the conSl!nt of thclr
principals and/or co-defenllBnl5,
12. On or "bout Deccl11ber 6, 1991, defendal1l, Grundvlew Surgcry and Laser
Center, rccelved plaln1lff, Joanne Eo lUckards, In Its facility us a paylnll patlenl and
defendant, Grandvlew Surllcry and I.aser Centcr allrel!d with the plaintiff for
valuable consideration to furnish hcr with surlier)' and nursing services and to
provide an operating room with operating table, anestheslu equipment and '
Instnlments required by lhe co-defcndants for a surRlcBI opcratlon to be performed
on the plaintiff and to provide nurses and othcr personnclto assist In the opcration
to plaintiff, Joanne E Rickards.
13, Following a dlulInosls of acakulus cholecystitis, surgery ,was performed on
plaintiff, Joanne r~ Rlckurds, on Deccmber 6, 1991 by defendant, I\lIchael J. Page, M.D.,
and defendant, Carlllronltsky, M.D., In the opcrating room and lor facilities with
personnel and asslstanr.e provided by defendant, Grandvlew Surgery and Laser
Centcr.
14. The operation und surgery procedurc Includcd, but was not Ii.mlted to, a
laproscoplc cholecystectomy und lysis of adhcsions,
15, On or about Oeccl11bcr 6, 1991, defcndal1l, Grandvlew Sur!!cry and Laser
Center, providcd nurses, emplo)'ccs, uRcnts, servants, and/or contraClors to assist In
thr: Sllrllcr)' performcd on thc body of thc plaintiff and had a duty to kcep count of
thc surlllral clips and/or In.\lI'umcnlS uscd by co-defcndants, Mlchacl J. Page, M.D.,
and Carlllronltsky, M,\)" to recount and/or sccurc lhc sun\lcal dips undlnstrul11ents
aflcr thc opcratlon and Inform thc co-dcl<:ndants whctt1<:r or not all the surllicul
clips and Instruments were ;Ic('()unled for,
3
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1 Ii. On or about Dl!cember Ii, 1')91, the co-defl!ndan15, Mlchucl j, p"!!C, M.D., und
Carl Bronltsk)', M.D., had the lluty to supcrvlse, managl!, lllrcct, control and perform
the oplmulon and surllery on thc plaintIff, Joanne E. Rickards, Including thc llut)' to
have and keep count of thc various surgical clips, Instruments und/or l1Iatcrlals used
and placed in the bod)' of the plaintiff dUl'lnll her surger)', Includinll using
diagnostic tests to localc missing surgical clips, Instruments und/or matcrlals, F.\nll
before closing the Incision.
17. In the courSl! of thc operation performcd upon 'oannc E. IUckarlls by
defendants, Michael J. Pagc, l\I.n., and Carlllronltsky, M.D., and assisted by nurscs and
employees of defendant, Grandvlew Surgcry and l.aser Center, the body of tht.'
plaintiff was opencd and the defcndants, incluslvc o,nd each of thcm, negllgcntly,
recklessly, willfully and with dclibcrate Indlffcl'tmce, placcd, lost, lcft, cuuscd, failed
to count, failed to usc x-ray or other diagnostic tests 10 find and retricvc and
permitted to be left In plaintiff's, Joanne E, HIc~ards, body a surgical clip or other
foreign matcrlal anll closed and thcn permlttcd thc Incision to heal whilc thc
surgical clip or other foreign ll1atl!rlal remalncd In plalntlfrs bod)'.
18. In the cxcrclsc of ordinary skill and carc, the surgical clips and/or
foreign matcrlal woulll havc becn removed and not pcrmlllcd to rCl11aln In plaintiff's
body.
19. In the cxerclse of ordinary skill and care, thc fact that thcrc was a missing
surgical cilp or other foreign matcrial would havc bccn dlscovercd,
20. On or aboutllcccmber (l, 1991, thc co-defendants failcd to cxcrclsc thc
dcgrce of carc or skill and carc ordinarily excrclscd In similar operallons by othcr
surgeons and physicians consldcrlng tbc statc of hnowlcdllC In medlclnc and surgcry
und werc ncglillcnt, I'l'ddcs.~, willful and/or dcllberalcl)' Indlffcrcnt to thc hcalth
and well bclnl\ of plainlifl 1>) nol maklnl\ an Inslrumclll count or using x-ray or
other dlal\nO~lic tc~ts t,. !ind any missing surgicai clip or other forvil\n material and
,\
lnstcad orllering that no Instrumcnt count be laken by thc co-dcfcndant, Grandvlcw
Surgery Ilnll Laser Center's nurses and employees who wcre aSblstlng In thc surllcry
and operation of plaintiff, Joannc E. Rldmrds.
2 t. I'lalnllff, who was undcr ancsthcsla durhlll thc Dcccmber 6, 1')91
opcratlon, was not told by any of thc defcnllants about thc ubllence of Iln Instrumcl~t
count, lhat there was a missing surgical clip or foreign object, and/or failure of the
llefendanu to employ x-ray or other diagnostic tests to determlnc If therc was a
missing surgical clip or other Instrument or forcign material left In the body of thc
plaintiff at the tlmc of hcr operation.
,
22, The surgical clip or other forclgn material was left hidden Inside thc body
of thc plaintiff until It was discovered by an x-ray performed at the Milton S.
Hershey Mcdlcal Centcr on I;ebruar)' 1, 1995.
23, ^t no tlmc bcfore I;cbruar)' I, 1995 did the plaintiffs discover or havc
rcason to know and/or disc.over that a surgical clip or other foreign material was Icft
In the body of Joanne E. Rickards.
24. As a lllrect and proximate result of the aforcsaid negligence of thc
dcfendants, plalntlff sustalncd severc and permanent Injuries to dlversc parts of her
body, suffercd and continues to suffcr: severc psychological and cmotional distress:
mcntal anguish; severe pain; injury; suffering; medical expenses; loss of- cnjoyment
of life's plcasures; and was and Is pre\clllcd 1'1'0111 tending to her normal activities
and occupation,
LS, Thc dal11agcs sustained by the plaintiffs wcre solely thc result or the
nei\lIgcnl, rcdd,:ss, willful, and outrag(;)US acts and omlsslom of the dcfcndants,
Mlcha<:ll, pagc, M,[)" carl Bronltsky, ~:.l)" Susquchanna Surgcon.l, l.td" and WOlllcn's
l'-Iedlcal ^ssodates, I',c" and which inc:-Jdc thc following:
a, failurc III takc or tllrce a count of surgical Instrulllcnts and matcrlals
used dllrillg thc opcratl'lIl or the plaiJ;:.ff, I Ilall 11(: L Hickards;
s
,. .
b. ordcrlng thUl nIl h15trul1lcnt count bc lukcn following II ~lIl'lllnli
operation upon thc plr.lIntlff:
c. ordcrlng thut no Inslrumcnt count be tukcn huving knowledgc thul a
count would disclose n missing sUlllkal clip or Inslrument Icft Imide the bod)' of lhe
plnlntirr,
d, rallurc and/or rcckles.\ fallurc 10 cxcrclse thc degree of skill und cure
ordinarily IIxercised by other ~urlleons and medical provldl:rs pcrformlng similar
operations taking into consldcnlllon tbc stl.lte of knowledge In mcdiclne and surgcry
required for undertaking thc mcdiml/surgicul care of the plalllllff;
e. failure 10 Inform thc plaintiff, Joanne c. Rickards, that an
Inst~ument count was not takcn during surllery;
r. fnllure to Insure that a propcr Instrument count was taken during
lhe surgery of Joannc E. Rickards >lnd that all surgical Instruments and malerlals
wcre nccoullted for;
g. failure to follow or enforc applicable procedures requiring
instrument counts and/or stundards for surllkal carc and services;
h. maliciously failing 10 Inform a patient that an order not 10 takc an
Instrumcnt count was ordered while knOWing that thcre was a substal1llalllkellhood
of a missing or unaccounted for surgical clip or forclgn material Icft In pcr body;
i. fallurc to use x-ray or othcr diagnostic tcsts and/or asc:cnaln a
condition prior to complctlon of surgcry and/or closure of the Incision for which
treatmcnt should bc glvcn;
t, fullure 10 propcrly emplo)' thc facllitics and avallablc scr\'lccs to
collllct thc best faclUal data Inrludln~: u.~lng x-ra)' or otller diagnostic lests 10 find and
retrlevc a missing surgical clip, inslrumclll, or forelllll malcrlalto arrlvc OIl a course
and/or plan of trcatm"llt for Ih,: plaintiff, Joanne L IUl'kard.~,
(,
, ,
, .
Wherefore, plaintiff, Joanne E. Illckarlls, prays for ludgmcnl u.galnst eu.ch of
them for compensalory and punitive damages In an amount In excess of TWENTY.
FIVE THOUSAND DOllARS (525,000.00) pluslntercst and rosts.
7
COUNT'IWO
JOANNE 11 I~ICKARDS AND GmAIU1 I'. IUCKARDS VS,
GRANDVIEW SURGERY ^ND I^SEI~ CENTER
26. Plalnllffs hercby Incorpol'l\te paragruphs one (l) through twenty-rive
(25) as though fully set forth hcreln,
27. The damages suslalned by the plaintiffs were solely lhe result of the
negligent, recklcss, willful, and outrageous acts and omissions of the dcfendant,
Grandvlew Surgcry and Laser Centcr, which Inclulle the following:
a. fallurc to taKe or dlrcct a count or surglcallnstrumcnts and matcrlals
used during the opcratlon of thc plaintiff, Joanne E. IUckards;
b. failure and/or I'l:ckle~s failure to cxcrclse the degree of skl\l and
care ordinarily exercised by other surgeons and medical providers performing
similar operations taking Into consideration the state of knowledge in medicine and
surgery rcqulred for undertaKing the mcdlcal/surglcal carc of the plaIntiff;
c. fallurc to Inform the plaintiff, Joanne [:, RIckards, that an
Instrument count was not taken during surgery;
d, fallurc to Insurc that a propcr instrun\lmf. count \\'as taken during
the surgery of Jounne 11 RIckards and that all surglcallnstrul11ents and materials
werc accounted fori
c, fallurc to have 01' malr.tain applicable procellures rcqulrlng
Instrument counts and/or standards for surgical carc and scrvlces;
r. failure to follow or enforce applicable pror:edures requiring
Instrument counts and/or standarlls for surl\lcal carc anll scrvices;
y" fallurc to rcport that allendlnl\ surv.ellns and physicians ordcrcd that
no Instrument count bc taken during surg(~r)' of plaintiff, 'oann~ F. Rickards, whilc
huving or should h'l\'e had knowlcd~\c that a surgical dip or othcr Instrumcnt was
ll1issln~'. anll unaccounted for;
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MICHA.~ W. McGUCKIN , ASSOCIATES,
8YI Michael W. McGuckin
Identification No. 49464
Kri.ten ~. leech
Identification No. 66491
1850 Willia. Penn Way
suite :.109
P.O. lox 10696
Lanca.ter, PA 17605-0696
(717) 390-30:.10
JOANNE I. RICKARDS and
GIRARD P. RIClCARDS, w/h
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MICHAE~ J. PAGE, M.D.
and
CARL BRONITSKY, M.D.
and,
WOMEN'S MEDICA~ ASSOCIATES,
P.C.
and
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS, LTD.
and
GRANDVIEW SURGERY AND LASER
CENTER
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AND NOW, this
P.C. 60,530
Attorn.y. for Defendant.1
Carl Bronit.kYi. M.D., and
wo.en'. Medica A..oc., P.C.
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COURT OP COMMON PLns OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 95-7213 CIVIL TERM
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I TWELVE JURORS DEMANDED
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oaDB.
day of
, 1996, upon
con,ideration of Defendants, Carl Bronit.ky, M.D., and Women'.
Medical A..ociate., P.C.'s Preliminary objeotion., it i. hereby
ORDERED that the Preliminary Objeotion. are GRAN'rED. Plaintiffs'
olaim for punitive damage. are DISMISSED with prejudioe.
BY THE COURT I
J.
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MICHAIL W. McGUCKIN . ASSOCIATES,
.Yl Michae), W. McGuckin
Identification No. 49464
~ri.ten L. .eech
Identification No. 66491
1850 william Penn way
suite 209
P.O. Box 10696
Lanaa.ter, PA 17605-0696
(717) 390-3020
JOANNE B. RICKARDS and
GIRARD F. RICKARDS, w/h
P.C. 60,520
Attorney. for Defendant. I
carl Bronit.ky, M.D., and
Wo.en'. Medical A..oc., P.C.
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COURT or COKMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
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MICHAEL J. PAGE, M.D.
and
CARL BRONITSKY, M.D.
and
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOCIATES,
p.e.
and
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS,
and
GRANDVIEW SURGERY AND
CENTER
LTD.
LASER
NO. 95-7213 CIVIL TERM
TWELVE JURORS DEMANDED
,.ILIKIMAaY OBJICTI0.. or D...MDAMT.,
CAlL ..O.ITIIY, ..D., aMD WO...'I .IDICAL A8IOCIAT..
TO '~IMTlrr.' COK'LAIMT
AND NOW COMES, Defendant., Carl Bronitsky, M.D., and Women'.
Medical A.sociates, p.e., by and through their attorney., Michael
W. McGuckin' Associates, P.C. and in support of their preliminary
Objections to Plaintiffs' complaint aver as followSI
1. The above-captioned case is a medical negligence matter in
which plaintiffS allege that during the course of surgery performed
upon plaintiff, Mn. RickardS, surgical clips were permitted to
remain in her body once the incision was closed. (see plaintiffS'
complaint attached hereto es Exhibit "A".)
DOOUD
a. Plaintiff.' complaint alloge. reckle.., wilful and
outraqeou. act. on the part of Defendant., Carl Bronit.ky, M.D.,
and Women'. Medical A..ociate., P.C.
3. Moreover, plaintiff. make IIpecifio reque.t for punitive
daaage. found in the ~ damnum clau.e of the Complaint.
4. In Penn.ylvania, punitive damages are awarded only for
neglig8noe e.pe~iallY egregious and outraqeou..
5. pla1ntifh must demonstrate that Defendants acted with
evil motive or reckless indifference to the rights of others.
6. PlaintiffS' complaint fails to allege specific facts
dllmon.trating Defendants' evil motive or reckless indifferenoe to
the rights of Plaintiff, Mrs. Rickards.
7. A. such, it is respectfully requested that this Court
di.mis. claims for punitive damages in the above-captioned matter.
WHEREFORE, it is reepectfully requested that this Court
di.mi.. claims for exemplary damages.
Respectfully submitted,
MICHAEL W. McGUCKIN & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
BYI
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MICifAEIj W. McGUCKIN "
KRISTEN L. BEECH
Attorney. for Defendants,
Carl Bronitsky, M.D., and
Women's Medical Associates,
P.C.
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JOMlNE E. IUCKJ\IUlS ^NP (ill{AI{l) r. HICI<.^IUlS VS. MICIIM:l, J, IWi\:, M.D.,
CAIU,IIRONITSI<.Y, !-\.D., SUSO..UFII^NN^ SlIIUa:oNS, UI1" AND
Will-JEN'S MEnIC^l.llSSOC!^'IT:i, I',C.
1. PlllIntlffs, Joanne I~ IUd;ards and GIrard I;, Hk\;ards, arc husban,l and wlfc
and citizens of the COl11l11onwealth of Pcnnsylvanla rcs\dlnll at 830 Dublin (iap Road,
Newvl11e, Pennsylvania.
2, Dcfcndant, Michael " Page, M.D., at alltlllles mentioned in this plcadlng, Is
a clllzcn and resldcnt of the commonwealth of pcnnsylvanla ,and is a physician anll
surgcon IIccnsed undcr thc laws of the COl11l11onwcallh of I'cnnsylvunla wllh offlccs
and place of business locatell <It 532 North Front Strcet, Wormlcysburg, Pcnnsylvanla.
3, Defendant, Michael j, Pagc, M.D., at all times relcvant to this plcadlng,
profcssed that he was tralncd as a physician and SUl'geon sufflclcnt to obtain
certification and/or licensing and representcd to the plaintiff and public that he
dcvotcs his full tlmc and profcssional allentlon to the usc and employmcnt of his
professional and surgical s\;iI1s and training, anll for a fec will apply his s\;i\Is,
judgmcnt and expertise 10 thc health care needs of the plaintiff and the public,
4, Defr:ndant, Carl Ilronlts\;y, M,D., at all limes relevant to this plcadlng, Is a
citizen and resldenl of thc COl11l11onwclllth of Pcnnsylvanla who Is a physician
.
cngagcd In the practice of mcdicln,:, IIcenscd undcr the laws of thc Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, specializing In gynecology with his principal place of business
located at I Lemoync Squarc, l.cmoyne, Penns)'lvanla,
\
5. Defendant, Carl llronils\;y, !-l.[)" al alltlmcs rclevanl to lhis pleading,
profcsscllthat he was lralncd 'IS a physician and surgcon suffkknt III ohtain
certification and/or licensing and reprcsentcd to the plaintiff and public that he
llevotcs his full time and profcsslonal allentlon to the use and employment of his
I
profc~,sion'll and surgkul ~"1I1s llllll lmlnlng, und for a fce will apply his s~llIs,
Judllmenl lInd csp,:rtlsc III the heahh nlrc nccds of the plaintiff and thc puhllc.
b, Dcfcnllant, Womcn's Mcdkul ^ssoclates, I'.C" Is a l'enns)'lvanla corporation
or business entity enllallcd In provldlnll mcdkal scrvlces, actlnll ut all times
pcrtlnclll III this pleadhlll, hy and throullh lis employcc5, und/or allents, scrvunlS,
contractors, workmcn, assoclatcs, afflllatcs, panners, Includlnll defcndant, Carl
Bronitsky, M.D., who acted within the cour,se and scapc of his employment, allency,
servancc, association, pannershlp and arflllatlon.
7, Defendant, Susqu,:hanna Surllcons, Ltd., Is a Pcnnsylvanla corporation or
business cntity enllalled In provldlnll medical services, actlnll lit all times pertlncnt
to this plcadhlll, by and throullh Its employees, and/or allcnts, servants, contractors,
workmen, assoclatcs, affiliates, panncrs, including dcfendant, Mlchacl J, Pagc, M.D.,
who acted within thc coursc wld scope of his employmclll, agcnC)', servancy,
association, partnership and affiliation.
8. Defendant, Susquehanna Surgcons, Ltd., maintains Its principal place of
buslncss at S32 North Front Strect, Worl11lcysburll, Pennsylvania.
9. ^' all tlmcs penlnem hereto defendant, Grandvlew SurgeI')' and Laser
Ccnter, is a Pcnnsylvanla corporation or business cntlty cngaged in the business of
operating and/or owncrshlp, cOlllrol, dlrcctlon, supervision of a surgc[y and luser
and/or health carc facility, acting by anll throullh its employees, and/or agents,
scrval1ts, contractors, workmen, nurses, physicians, mcdlcal provlllers. who acted
within thc coursc and scope of their cl11ployment, agcncy, scrvanc)', association and
aff1l1atlon, with Its principal place of business located at 205 Grandview Avenue,
Camp 11111, Pennsylvania,
10. Defcndmll, Grandvlew Suq~ery and Laser Center, exists for the purposc of
providhl11, on a fcc basis. medical and/or surgical services to thc general public,
2
11, ^' alllimc5 mcntioncd, the <Iden,lanlS wcrc thc LIIl~~nt~, ~cr\'allt~,
cmplo)'ccs. workmcn or l'ontranors of their t'o-lIc1cndants and In doinll lhc union5
dC6crlbcllln lhls complaint, lhe dclenllant5 werc al'tlnll In the cour~e and bcope of
their cmploymcnt6. ~ervant~hlp, allcncy, contral'l, with the comelll of the~r
principals anli/or co-dcrendant~,
12. On or about I.)cccmber u, I <)<) I, defendant, Grandvlcw Surgcry and Ulscr
Center. rec:elved plalnllff, Joannc I~ IUck(lrds, In Its facility a6 a paying pallcnt anll
defendant, Grandvlew Surgery anti I.ascr Center agreed with lhe plaintiff for
valuablc consldcratlon to furnish her with surllery anll nUl'5lng scrvlces and to
provide an ope rat I nil room with operating table, anc6thesia cqulpment and '
Instruments requlrcd by the co.dcfcndant~ for a surgical operation to bc pcrformed
on the plaintiff and to provldc nur~es and othcr pcrsonncl to assist In the opcratlon
to plaintiff, Joannc Eo Rlckarll~,
13. Following a diagnosis of anllculus cholecystitis, surgery was performcd on
plaintiff, Joanne Eo Rickards, on Dccember (), 1991 by defcndant, Michael.!. Pagc, M.D.,
and defendant, Carl Bronltsky, M.D" In thc opcratlng room and/or facllltlcs wllh
personnel and assistance providcd by defendant, Grandvlew SurgeI')' and Laser
Center.
14. The operation and surgery procedurc Included, but was not IIJ1llted to, a
laproscoplc cholecyslcctomy and lysis of adhcslons.
15. On or about Dec:ember 6, 1991, dcfcndant, Grundvlew Surgcry and Ulser
Center, provided nurses, Cl1lp\o~'ces, allents, servants, and/or contrat'lors 10 assist In
the surgery performed on the body of the plaintiff and had a duty to kcep count of
thc surlllca\ clips anti/or Instrllment,s llscd by co_defendants, f\1Il'hael J. Page, M.D.,
and Carl Bronltsky, M,D., to recounl and/or sccurc the surgical c1~rs anll instrumcnts
after the operation .Inll Inform thc co-defendants whether or not allthc surlllca\
clips anlllnstrullIents wcre a..rountcd for,
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Ill, On or llllllUI DCl'ember c., 1')')1, the (()-dcfendant5, Michael .), Pallc, 1\1,1)" lllld
Carl IIronltsky, I\I,D., hall the llut)' to supelvlse, manalle, dlrcct, rllntrol und perform
thc operation and surlier)' on the plaintiff, 'ounne E. IUckards, Includhlll thc dUly to
have and kcep count of the various surlllcal cHps, instrumcnlS anll/or nHllerials used
and placed In thc body of thc plalnllff during hcr surgery, including using
diagnostic tcsts 10 locatc missing surllical clips, Instrumcnts and/or materials, and
before closing the Inclslon.
17. In the course of thc operation performed upon .Joannc E. Rickards by
defcndants, Michacl J. Page, M.D., and Carl IIronltsky, I\I,D., and assistcd by nurscs and
employees of defendant, Granllview Surgery and Laser Center, the bolly of thl!
plaintiff was openell and the defendants, Inclusive and each of them, negligently,
recklessly, willfully and with 1l,:Hbcrale Indiffcrencc, placcd, lost, left, caused, failcd
to count, failed to usc x-ray or othcr diagnostic tCSIS to I1nd and rctrieve anll
permitted to be left In plaintiff's, Joannc E. Rickards, body a surgical clip or othcr
forclgn material and closed anll thcn permitted the Incision to heal while lhc
surlllcal clip Qr other foreign material rcmalncllln plaintlfrs body.
18. In the cxerclse of ordinary skill and care, the surgical cHps and/or
foreign matcrlal woulll have bcen rcmoved and not permitted to rel11ain In plaintlfrs
body,
19. In thc excrclse of ordinary skill and care, the fact that thcre was a missing
surgical clip or other foreign material would have bcen discovered.
20, On or about De(ember (" 1991, the co-defendants failed to exercise thc
dcgree of care or skill and care ordinarily cxcrcisf:d in sll11i1ar operations by othcr
surgeons and physicians considcring the stalc of knowledgc In mcdlcine and surgcry
.lI1d wcrc ncy,lIl1cnt, 1'l1l'klcss, wiilflll and/or dcllbcratcly Indiffcrcnt to the health
allll \Vcil being of phtinllfl l1y not making an Instrument count or lIsing ,\-ray "r
othcr tlial:nostlc tcsts to lind any mlssinv. surglral clip or othcr foreign matcrlal an,l
4
Instcad ordcrlnll thai no in~lrulllcnt founl hc lil~en hy Ihe fo-dclcndllnt, (,randvlcw
Surlll!ry and l.ascr CenlCr'~ nurscs and cmployees who Wl!re assl~tlng In thc surllcry
and opcratlon of plaintiff, Joanne L IUf~anls,
21. Plaintiff, who was unll,!r unesthesla durlnll thc Decembl!r h, I ~') I
opcratio':1, was not lold by any of the ddendanl~ about the llbsencc of an Instrument
count, that there was n missing surgical clip \)r foreign obJcct, und/or fallul'l: of the
defendants to employ )(-ray or other diagnostic tcsts to determlnc If thcrc was a
missing surgical clip or othcr Il15trumcnt or forcign matcrlalleft In the bolly of the
plaintiff at the time of her operation,
22. The surgicnl clip or otber foreign material was left hlddl!n Insidc thc body
of thc plaintiff until It was discovered by an x-ray perfonned at the Mlltol1 S.
Hershey Medical Ccntcr on I'cbruary I, 1995.
23, Al no time beforc February I, 1995 did the plaintiffs dlscovcr or havc
reason to know and/or discover that a surgical clip or other foreign material was left
In the body of Joanne F. Rickards.
24. As a dlrcct and proximate result of the aforesaid nClllIgence of thc
defendants, plaintiff sustained scvcre and permanent Injuries to dl\'l!rse parts of her
body, suffcred and continucs to suffcr: scvere ps)'chological and emotional dlstrcss:
mental anguish; severe pain; Injury; suffering; medical cxpenscs; loss 01'- enjoyment
of IIfc's pleasurcsi and was and Is prcvcl1led 1'1'0111 tcndlng to her norl11al actlvltlcs
and occupation.
/.S. The llamagcs su:;tained by the plainllffs were solcly the rcsult of the
I1llgligent, rcckless, willful. and outragcous ans and omissions 01 the dct'endants,
Michael J. Page, M.D" Carl Bronllsky, ~t.l ),. Susquehanna SUn\l'OnS, \.td" and Womcn's
Mcdlcal ^ssol"iates, \',C" and which Includc the following:
a, failure to tak,' or dired a <,<)unt of surg\Calln~trumcnts and matcrlals
used during thc opcratlon of thc plaintiff, Joannc L IUckards;
5
b. orJerlnll thut no InMrument (()\Int be la\;en following a surlllCllI
operation upon thc plulntllli
(. ordcrlnll thul no in~trument count be lakcn having knowledge that a
count would disclose a missing surllicul clip or Instrument left insldc thc bolly of thc
plaintiff;
d. fallurc and/or recklcss failure 10 cxerdse thc degl'cc of skill and care
ordinarily cxcrdscd by othcr surgcons anllmcdlcal provldcrs performing similar
operations taking Into consideration the state of knowlcdgc In medicine anll surgery
required for undertaking thc mcdlcal/surllkal care of the plaintiff:
e. failure 10 Inform the plaintiff, Joannc E. Rickards, that an
instrument count was not takcn during surgerYi
r. fallurc to Insure tbat a propcl' Instrument count was taken during
the surgery of Joannc E. lUc\;ards and that al1 surgical Instruments and matcrlals
were accountcd fori
g. failure to fol1ow or cnforc appl1cable procedures requlrinll
Instrument counts and/or standards for surgical care and services;
h. mallclously failing to Inform ~\ patient that an order not to takc an
Instrumcnt count was ordercll while \;nowlng that there was a substantial likelihood
of a missing or unaccounted for surgical clip or forclgn material left In bel' body;
I. failure to use x-ray or other diagnostic tests and/or ascertain a
condition prior to cOl11pletion of surllcry and/or closure of lhe Incision for which
trcatment sh<lulJ be given;
), fallurc to propcrly cmploy the facilllles and available services to
collcct thc best factual data Including using s-ray or other dlallnostlc tems to find and
rctrleve a mlsslnll surgical r1ip, Instrumcnt, or foreign material to arrive at a coursc
and/or plan of trcatmcnt for thc pl'lintlll, Joannc E. Hlckards.
Cl
Wherefore, plaintiff, JOllnne E. IUdmrds, prays for ludlll11cnt IlRalnst cach 'If
them for compenslltory anll punltlvc dlll1111lle5 In al1llmOUl1t In ext'I!SS of TWENTY.
t=\VE THOUSAND DOU.AltS (S2S,OOO.C)0) pIllS Intcrcst Ilnll costs.
.
. 7
COlJNT'IWO
'O^NNE E. IUCKMmS ^ND GIIV\RD 1'. IUCKARDS VS.
GIV\NIWlI:W SlJl(liERY ^ND LASER CENTER
26. Plaintiffs hereby Int:orporale paragraphs one (I) through twenty. rive
(2S) as though fully set forth hcrdn,
27. Thc dal11allcs sustained by thc plaintiffs wcre solcly thc result of the
negligent, rcckless, willful, and outrageous acts and omissions of the defendant,
Grandview Surgery and Lascr Center, which Include the following:
a, failure to take or direct a count ot' surgical Instruments and materials
used during the operation of thc plaintlff, Joanne E. Rickards;
b. fallurc anMor reckless failure to exercise the degree of sklll and
care orlllnarily cxcrclscd by othcr surgcons and mcdlcal providers performing
similar operations taking Into consldcratlon the statc of knowlcdge In mcdlcine and
surgery required for undcnaklng the medical/surgical care of thc plaintiff;
c. fallurc to inforlll the plaintiff, Joannc E. Rickards, that an
Instrument count was not takcn during surllery;
d, failure to Insurc that a proper Instrument :ount was taken during
the surgcry of Joanne E. Rickards anll that all surlllcallnstrumcnts and materials
were accountcd for;
e, fallurc lO havc or maintain appllcablc proccdurcs requiring
Instrument counts and/or standards for surgical care and services;
1', failure to follow or cnforce appllcablc procedurcs requiring
Inslrumelll counts and/or standards for surgical care anll serviccs:
g, fallurc 10 rcpol'l that attelldinll surllcons and physicians ordcrcll that
no inSlrunlcnt count be taken during surgcry of plaintiff, 'oanne E. Rkkards, while
ha\'lng or should havc had knowledge tli,ll a surgit:al dip or othcr instrullll:nt was
mlssinll and unaccountell for;
II
,.J;,.,
Grlndv!ew survery end LI.er Center
305 Grandv1ew Avenue
Clap H11l, PA 17011
MICHAEL W. McGUCKIN' ASSOCIATRS, p.e.
(
/ / 1
~/~~t:.'
LEIGH A.J. ELLIS
Attorney. for Defendant_,
Carl Bronlt.ky, M.D., and
Wo.en'. Medlcal A..oclate., P.C.
DATID I
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JOANNE E. RICKARDS end
GIRARD F, RICKARDS,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA,
No, 95.7213 Civil Term
v,
MICHAEL J. PAGE, M.D,
CARL BRONITSKY, M,D,
WOMEN'S MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, P,C"
SUSQUEHANNA SURGEONS L TO"
and GRANOVIEW SURGERY AND
LASER CENTER,
JURY TRIAL DEMMIDED
Defendants,
STIPULATION FOR PIS MISSAL
It Is hereby agreed by and between counsel for all parties to the above matler that
Plalr\tlffs yoluntarlly discontinue the above action, with prejudice against all defendants,
It Is further agreed that all parties agree to bear their own costs end fees expended,
Respectfully submitted,
Oated:~
ond M, Blly, Es ulre
4 9 Walnut Street 12th FI.
Philadelphia, PA, 19102-3216
Altur Inl' s .."..~
Fran ,arshall, ~':: E~!7
20 South 36th Street '(
Camp HIli, PA 17011
Attorney for Defendants Carl Bronltsky, M,D,
And Women's Medical Associates, P,C.
[Slgn.ture. continued on following p.ge]
Dated: ~ t,~, t~
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