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" ~I:' ., " NM..,.....~.w '1I"1~' .'n~'" I'M" .".. .TWtfCltj!IN~IU.NI.lU'f.l...mt1 iIO I.olIIAIa 'f 'M" 14"11"'" L '. . , POMALA STONE, ERIC E. STONE, Plaintiff. : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA : CIVIL ACTION. LAW : NO. 96.679 v. SALVATORE A. NICASTRO Defendant : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED " P~OPOSEP POINTS FOR CHARGE QF THE gEFENDANT, SAI,.VATORE A. NICASTRO " 'i , Respectfully submitted, " " "I, ,I I i'j , , " , , Ll 1,"1", , " , , " <\- By: James G, Nealon, III, Esquire Ally, 1.0, #4645" 301 Market Streel -- 9th Floor P,O, Box 665 Harrisburg, PA 17106.0665 (717) 232-9900 , I ; !' , , i:J , ,", 11'1 , ' , ) ',., I" I ,,1] ,.', ;'1 I ,I I " " >II " I I j -II-.j' " ,I', , ' '" , , I", , . , , , '.1 "! , ' 'i I , ' , I , " . ' . ,', t, D1. You are not permitted to determine your verdict based on guess work, speculation, conjecture or sympathy for a party. Engle v, SplQI), 425 Pa. 254,228 A,2d 745 (1967); Salovlch v, Lee, 385 Pa, 133, 122 A.2d 212 (1956). " ,I" , . , 1'1 " ;1 -/" ~,~ , ' i.l , , ", ,,' " " !, , , , , I. >'1' " 'i , " " " ',1' I.; , , " \1, 1'1 , ;'J .. 'I'; "I, , " " , I, , , " " ,I' " I, , j. " -, -1 \' ) , ,,' , 'I " " , " " " , . , " , ,Ii ;j " j.,J, " I-I, ''1 " , , :,111 1 I'tl' II " \r '"1 '. D4. ORDINARY CARE. DEFINITION Ordinary care Is the care a reasonably careful person would use under the circumstances presented In this case, It is the duty of every person to use ordinary care not only for his own safety and the protection of his property, but also to avoid Injury to others, What constitutes ordinary care varies according to the particular circumstances and conditions existing then and there, The amount of care required by the Ililw must be in keeping with the degree of danger Involved, Pa, SSJI (Civ,) 3,02 , , , , , , , " " !i " 1 , , , I.; , I, c:-.. I, .' .' ' , 1 " , , , ii, I, " ,'., , ' " I, 'I I , . " . " 1 ,.1, '" , , , , , " " '" . . , 05. The mere happening of an accident Is not evidence of any negllgence on the f)8rt of the Defendant, Salvatore A, Nicastro, Platts v, Driscoll, 245 Pa. Super. 235, 369 A.2d 381 (1976), , , , ,i! " 'I, , \1 " " ", i ., ;! I " ,I , II ~ [ " .. " , , " . " .. , ", " ,'I i' " ," " 'I , , , ," ;., '. 08. The mere fact that Mr. Nicastro's car went Into a skid on the roadway Is not conclusive evidence that he did not have his car under control, or of any negligence; the question of negligence in such cases Is for you, the Jury to decide. McElhinny v. I/Iff, 436 Pa. 506, 260 A.2d 739 (1970). , 'I I, , " , , I, , I , I " o~ I" LI' ,,1 " " li'l ,t i , 1" " ,I II III 'I " , , 'I.}, " 'ilj" " I , , , " ,I , I , ' , , " ,I ,.I,! .' t.! , , , .. 08. The amount of medical expenses Is not admissible evidence In this case, it Is not probative of pain and SUffering suffered by any party, and it Is not ,to be considered by you In reaching any decision on this case, Marlin v. Soblo/nay, 502 Pa. 418, 486 A.2d 1022 (1983). }', "~~ , ' , , ;1, " I' " ,,' , ' I, " " 'I I, '; :1 , , I' ". I , ' 1'1 " -1/ ,1 ;.. ,i" , , I " , , I' " " 'I i, I' , .' (It ,"' ;.1' I, , ,d' " 11 " ,'i '1", i", ,,' ,'d ., "'1 .,/1 , Ii' ,.. Ii , , , " " " , , , ' .. , , I' " ffi 2 > ~ ~ g~~ WI t ~ I 8 ~ ~ z ~ ~ ~ ~ G j;'J O!( ~ Z f I . " " <I ;' I " , " " I , i-J "11 ,q iil " ' II,,' ", " i " " " "II " " , ' " .. I ,~ . . ,. " ., ~ . 'lIM...iI.AI....".1I...."......u.I'.-MIH .13M'1WNOI&\'NliIl1JIIleli'W1.nw.~'f'Mt"l1U'f1..". .; /' ,) -. '# ;I III 10 ~ ~ f. . (JI ~ i I a:I ~ " ~ >- o en " z z ~ ~ .; '" " " en it '" <( x o '" .. . . .' II. DAMAGES Defendant contends that the InJuries were minor. At the time of the accident, the Plaintiff was pregnant. Following the accident, she was seen at the emergency room. It was determined that there was no Injury to the unborn child. Ms. Stone had a few follow-up visits with her treating obstetrician, George Jeffries, M.D. Dr. Jeffries was also of the opinion that there was 110 injury to the unborn child. III. STATeMENT OF PRINCIPLE ISSUES OF LIABILITY AND DAMAGES 1. Negligence of the Defendant, Salvatore A, Nicastro, 2. Causal relationship between any negligence of the Defendant and the Plaintiff's Injuries. 3. Damages, if any, sustained by the Plaintiff. Defendant contends that the accident was unavoidable. The accident was caused by the treacherous road conditions as opposed to any negligence on the part of Mr, Nicastro. IV. DISCOVERY In her Pre-Trial Memorandum, Plaintiff points out that there was a Motion to Compel Discovery filed, This Issue has now been resolved. Mr. Kosik has agreed to withdraw any claim for sanctions. POMALA STONE a~d ERIC E. STONE, her husband, PIa inti ffs #15 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA V. . SALVATORE A. NICASTRO, Defendant CIVIL ACTION - LAW NO, 96-0679 CIVIL TERM PRETRIAL CO~EERfNCE At a pretrial conference held February 26, 1997, before Edgar B. Bayley, Judge, present for the plaintiffs was Richard A. Sadlock, Esquire, and for the defendant, Matthew R, Gover, Esquire. Plainti tt, Pomala Stone, was injured in an automoblle occident on February 23, 1994. She claims that defendant crossed over into her lane of travel on Route 114 and struck her vehicle. Negligence is contested. Plaintiff was approximately four and 0 half months pregnant at the time of the occident. She alleges that she incurred premature contractions resulting in evaluatian and testing to determine if her fetus was inJured. The primary component of her claim for general damages is the emotional distress she alleges she incurred out of a concern of whether the accident would cause complications in her pregnancy and injury to her child. The baby was born healthy. Plaintiff' s husband's claim is for consortium. Estimated time af triol,"o Edgar Richard A. Sadlock, Esquire For Plaintiffs Matthew R. Gover, Esquire For Defendant :prs , , , " " I , '\ I il 'I ,I " , , , ,/.1 , "1 I " " , '1 ". I" " " ,i " " L, " It I ';I q ii' 'J I' ,I j! , ,1'1' J!, , , Ii,' " " 1,1 j! , H :, ,,' " " '" " il Ii' " , '-I ';' , " ],,1 " i, 'I' I,. 1-" ii, ,I Ii , 'j ',JII "i 'f!i j'l; ,; , I " I , il i& Q) Ii:; , .1' i l.i,? , ;'j .,'(. t?: l:, , Il .. -) - '--r.' if: 'I-_/~ I " J .~.:t , , <;J; , " ':-3 (,'. ,.... >1,);; " I,',,' f.!' 'i'!:t]: , I, N ,\ ., .1 ~r;; ~ II IE 'fte/ !J" f,: '" I ~ ,... ~ en I 1 " ,I! 't " " " '}; ....-, Ii , i' , Jilt " '" ;-1 jli " , " 'J I'll Ii , Ii " , Ii _\'J' I,;' ,. , ,. " , , , I' ". ,~ ~. , 1,- t.' ~: ~(l I (',' tt~/\ ;' '-"'J )' ," (1':l' , l',~;,' i: .~. r I I, (~t t= .' r- "I) .', ~ , i' . Li;:' .. )1", I " , I.,. u.. t, ; \.1 , 'J , , ,:". , , p' - '. -, C.l:. ...;;:) ~~I '.~' r-1 \~.. , \/"1 ~:1. .,..... . ~. ,~ . "'.....' '-. , , ~ ~, - I'r\ f'(') I,' "\ ~ 'loo' -- ~6 '.J.. :-~ r,- ("J"-'\\ .j - ~'__J '! . LW :z Vl 0 c( I- W Vl <li ~I -" $? a.c( .. :z LW .~ - "'2 VI . "'VI ,.. OW t'" .... 0<-, ... 0'.... - ~a. c: .... .... e>:", VI.... r f i ~ ;;; e>: '~ 1-", Z UJ '_ ,.. o -0.. I~I W .... ~-g .... ~~ I CD U>-C( '" ... .", ~ 1--" '" '- . UQJ -'<'- "-2 '" '" > ........ 0< '- '" '" 0::> I '" ~ 2QJ VI~ ~ iii F: 0 a. Q -J 00. - I-U2 LW . . '" ~ e>: 0 2'0 c( a. .. ::lO_ a", '0 OZI- 1-", LW I: UJ.... ~ ~ 0: uc(U Vl.CJ C<: -"C( VI 0 0 -,- ... :r We>: c(", I- QJQJ :r:w-" -':r: c( u "'VI I- 00_ 'g c( ;:- .cc: :IE> . :lEI- -' U'" Z:::l_~;= OQJ c( '- 0 -uuz c.:r: Vl Z:u , , , \ " , " " " , , 'L.j " ,,' , " ',') , ,. . . POKALA STONE and ERIC E. STONE, her husband, plaintiffs I IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS I CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA I I v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW NO. 1{r (" /It (' I 't'" ( "j (t1 "'- JURY TRIAL DE~NDED SALVATORE A. NICASTRO, Defendant NOTICE TO ~EFEND You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in tne following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. Court Administrator Cumberland county Courthouse - 4th Floor 1 Courthouse square Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 240-6200 84974/DKR I'o._,,_.~_ _.... I POMALA STONE and ERIC E. STONE, her husband, Plaintitts I IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS I CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA I v. : CIVIL AC'rION - LAW SALVATORE A. NICASTRO, Detendant NO. JURY TRIAL DEMANDED COMPLAINT 1. Plaintitts Pomala stone and Eric E. stone are wite and husband, adult individuals, citizens of the Commonwealth ot Pennsylvania, who reside at R.D. #1, Box 702 E, Landisburg, Perry County, Pennsylvania. 2. Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro, an adult individual, citizen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, who resides at 288 Bradley Circle, New Cumberland, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. 3. The facts and occurrences hereinafter related took place on or about February 23, 1994, at approximately 8:20 a.m., on S.R. 114, Hogestown Road, Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. 4. S.R. 114 in the area of the accident was a two-lane, highway with one eastbound and one westbound lane. 5. At that time and place, it had been snowing heavily and the roadway surface was snow covered. 6. At that time and place, Plaintiff pomala Stone was 83379/tAO operating a 1984 Ford Bronco II and WIIS traveling westbound on S. R. 114. 7. At that time and place, Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro was operating a 1987 Honda Accord LX and was traveling eastbound on S.R. 114. 8. At that time and place, Plaintiff Pomala stone was four and one-half (4\) months pregnant. 9. At that time and place, Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro operated his vehicle at an excessive rate of speed which was not safe and prudent under the conditions then and there existing. 10. At that time and place, Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro lost control of his vehicle and crossed the centerline of S.R. 114 in Plaintiff pomala Stone's lane of travel. 11. plaintiff pomala Stone saw Defendant Nicastro crossing the center line into her lane of travel and veered to the right onto the berm of the roadway to avoid being struck by Defendant's vehicle. 12. Regardless of Plaintiff's efforts to avoid being struck by Defendant, the left front portion of Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro's vehicle violently collided with the left front portion of Plaintiff Pomala Stone's vehicle. 13. The foregoing accident and all of the injuries and damagss set forth hereinafter are the direct and proximate cause of 2 the neqliqent, careless, wanton and reckless manner in whioh Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro operated his vehicle as tollows: (a) Failure to have his motor vehicle under such control as to be able to stop within the assured clear distance ahead; (b) Driving at an excessive rate of speed which was not safe and prudent under the conditions then and there existing; (c) Failure to stay within his own lane of travel and crossing the centerline of the raodway into Plaintiff pomala stone's lane of travel; (d) Failure to apply his brakes in sufficient time to avoid striking the stone vehicle; (e) Failure to keep a proper watch for traffic on the highway; (f) Failure to drive his vehicle with due regard the highway and traffic conditions which existing and of which he was or should have aware; for were been (g) Failure to keep proper and adequate control over his vehicle; (h) Failure to keep alert and maintain a proper watch for the presence of other motor vehicles on the highway; and (i) Driving his vehicle upon the highway in a manner endangering persons and property and in a reckless manner with careless disregard to the rights and safety of others and in violation of the Motor Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 14. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro's negligence, Plaintiff Pornala Stone sustained painful and serious bodily injuries which include, but are not limited to, 3 premature labor contractions, bruises to chest, low back pain, left hip and leg pain and multiple contusions and abrasions. 15. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff Pomala stone suffered great emotional distress over the fear of the possibility of losing her unborn child. 16. By reason of the aforementioned injuries sustained by Plaintiff Pomala Stone, she was forced to incur liability for medical treatment, medications, hospitalizations, and similar miscellaneolls expenses in an effort to restore herself to health, and claim is made therefor. 17. Because of the nature of her injuries, Plaintiff Pomala Stone has been advised and, therefore, avers that she may be forced to incur similar expenaes in the future, and claim is made therefor. 18. As a result of the aforementioned injuries, Plaintiff Pomala Stone has undergone and in the future will undergo great physical and mental suffering, great inconvenience in carrying out her daily activities, loss of life's pleasures and enjoyment, and claim is made therefor. 19. As a result of the aforementioned injuries, Plaintiff Pomala stone has been and in the future will be subject to great humiliation and embarrassment, and claim is made therefor. 4 WHEREFORE, Plaintiff P~mala stone demands judgment again~t Dftfendant Salvatore A. Nicastro, in an amount in excess of Twenty- Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) exclusive of interest and costs and in exceSR of any juriSdictional amount requiring compulsory arbitration. CLAIK I Eric E. stone v. Salvatore A. Nicastro 20. paragraphs 1 through 19 of plaintiffS' Complaint are incorporated herein by reference. 21. As a result of the aforementioned injuries sustained by his wife, Plaintiff pomala stone, Plaintiff Eric E. Stone has been and may in the future be deprived of the care, companionship, consortium, and society of his wife, all of which will be to his great detriment, and claim is made therefor. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Eric E. stone demands judgment against Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro in an amount in excess of Twenty- Five Thousand Dcllars ($25,000.00) exclusive of interest and costs and in excess of any juriSdictional amount requiring compulsory arbitration. Dated: $t/Ju{IJ~ ~:'iJJL M chael E. Kos k, Esqu re I.D. No. 36513 4503 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17110 (717) 238-6791 Counsel for Plaintiffs VERIFICATIOIf We/ '0JI\Ll 1'1'0.' aDeS DI&'. 1'1'0.', PlaiDtiff., have read the foregoing COJIJLAIMT and do hereby .wear or affirm that the fact. .et forth in the foregoing are true and correct to the belt of our knowllldge, information and belief. We understand that this Verification ia made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. 54904/ relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. WITNESS: .-, (. {.~--<..._--_._- /1 ~~ / . ---0---- - i ~ I ---- \(1) \(" Cr. .--,,\.c:-...,--c_ JOKALA 8TONI \ ,,) C\.~ ~"\\...0.. .. u.. .' ) 't C., CC~, . ~ ,~A1L~' ~TON' DATED: \\7(~\qlo. \ ' , , . , . . . POMALA STONE ERIC E. STONE. PlaintIff. : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA : CIVIL ACTION. LAW : NO. 98.878 : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED v. SALVATORE A. NICASTRO. Defendant pRAECIPE TO THE PROTHONOT AR Y: Please enter my appearance on behalf of Defendant, Salvatore A.Nicastro, In the above-captioned matter. Respectfully submitted, CALDWELL & KEARNS By: :e ,dJ'.... Ja s G, Nealon, III, Esquire Atty. I,D, #46457 3631 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17110 (717) 232-7661 Attorney for Defendant , . .Dat.d: February 15, 1996 (68671) . II , , ' \, '.'1 ,I I " ' \,' I 'ii' , , \,;1, " I, , I' , , , ;'1 cJ " , "'1' , , \1; , , , " , , ' , " " ,i',"'i " ',1"" , , 'I 'Ii I " , ," " , " " " " " 11,1 ;,1 " I:' !' /1, , ! , , I , , , , q' " !'11' I. 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'of" ciJUI1t'y, 3u\'chr~1"\1'F.: " YUCK t'\Illflty " rWVNEl, . ii :~';"'lJrn 1~~ntJ ,rju'hbC:LjitJ',~d ; t,!.:" b,l;!.!,f(:i,.r,,,' '-~1~1 UIl.n ~'),~ ,day I,I).! ~w0' , i" '1l..1 A. [1, '" "t q . {f' ~;.... ~ .'Ji~ :.. .~.," ':r!l'~ 'L'-i"'~:~c;c, ., ' ;r9',';,,100,Q ~;ri' r/ .', I l -'I j" iI_I' , ,1 " 1.' 'I; ",' " 'I " , , "J_. , } I' Term_ 96-679 s.rYeCI the within a......~~.\B1nt............_..........._..............................n..., ..........,.....................~............... ...........................................................n.............................................................~......................,....................... Salvatore A. Nicastro upon ......................... ............................__..........._....................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................. the within named d.fendanlll by handlnq to and lea'tinq with .l~.~~r~. PLTOIi'mflC!J...l\1QJ;hftJ:::. ....~.~7.L~~..~.I).s\.f'!?r;.f?9.t)...in..s:!}~~t;;'g~........._.._...._..___..__..................................................................... ................................................................_...............u....._.......................................,........................................ a tru. and att..ted copy of the same at ...?Q.~..Qr.~\!J~L~.~r.!;.!!!J...N!l'r{..$:~!!~.h'!n9.d~iL........... ,.........n............................................_......__.....___._..................................................................................... al ...,.....t?;.?.?...... O'c1ock ....r...M.. .../:lg.n;jl...v......l.9.~.li.,............................................................................. and informed ..............~~r........................,................." ................................. of the conlenll thereof. Sheriff'. CO.II $ 44.80 Paid 3-21-96 So Answer., Sworn of thia .........2.~.t....... day of ........t'!~r.sh............................. 19.~L... t:l1. ~J' :. /' -, , , .' /;:" ( / ( ..--<.: ~b~riff of YORK COUNTY :::::::~::;Jj;~~~~i{Q0;~~ N~larlal S.a' Mill... J Oroo., Nolary Publlo YOrl<, YorkCouply My Comml."o~ ~ 'p".. April 2~, 100B , , " ' "I " I'" , i I i . operating a 1984 Ford Bronco II and was traveling westbound on S.R. 114. 7. At that time and place, Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro was operating a 1987 Honda Accord LX and was traveling eastbound on S.R. 114. 8. At that time and place, Plaintiff Pomala stone was four and one-half (4~) months pregnant. 9. At that time and place, Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro operated his vehicle at an excessive rate of speed which was not safe and prudent under the conditions then and there existing. 10. At that time and place, Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro lost control of his vehicle and crossed the centerline of S.R. 114 in Plaintiff pomala Stone's lane of travel. 11. Plaintiff Pomala Stone saw Defendant Nicastro crossing the center line into her lane of travel and veered to the right onto the berm of the roadway to avoid being struck by Defendan'.'s vehicle. 12. Regardless of Plaintiff's ~fforts to avoid being strUck by Defendant, the left front portion of Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro's vehicle violently collided with the left front portion of Plaintiff Pomala Stone's vehicle. 13. The foregoing accident and all of the injuries and damages set forth hereinafter are the direct and proximate cause ot 2 I I I I I I I I I I I I the neqliqent, careless, wanton and reckless manner in which Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro operated his vehicle as followe: Failure to have his motor vehicle under such control as to be able to stop within the assured clear distance ahead; (b) Driving at an excessive rate of speed which was not safe and prudent under the conditions then, and there existing; (a) (c) Failure to stay within his own lane Of travel and crossing the centerline of the raodway into Plaintiff pomala Stone's lane of travel; (d) Failure to apply his brakes in sufficient time to avoid striking the stone vehicle; (e) . Failure to keep a proper watch for traffic on the highway; (f) Failure to drive his vehicle with due regard the highway and traffic conditions which existing and of which he was or should have aware; for were been (q) Failure to keep proper and adequate control over his vehicle; ( (h) Failure to keep alert and maintain a proper watch for the presence of other motor vehicles on the highway; and (i) Driving his vehicle upon the highway in a manner endangering persons and property and in a reckless manner with careless disregard to the rights and safety of others and in violation of the Motor Vehicle Code of the CommonWealth of Pennsylvania. 14. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro's negligence, Plaintiff Pomala stone sustained painful and serious bodily injuries which inClude, but are not limited to, 3 premature labor contractions.. bruises to chest, low back pain, left hip and leg pain and multiple contusions and abrasions. 15. As a direct and proximate result ot, Oetendant'. negligence, plaintiff Pomala stone suffered great emotional distress over the fear of the possibility of losing her unborn child. 16. By reason of the aforementioned injuries sustained by Plaintiff pomala stone, she was forced to incur liability for medical treatment, medications, hospitalizations, and similar miscellaneous expenses in an effort to restore herself to health, and claim is made therefor. 17. Because of the nature of her injuries, Plaintiff pomala stone has been advised and, therefore, avers that she may be forced to incur similar expenses in the future, and claim is made therefor. 18. As a result of the aforementioned injuries, plaintiff Pomala Stone has undergone and in the future will undergo great physical and mental suffering, great inconvenience in carrying out her daily activities, loss of life's pleasures and enjoyment, and claim is made therefor. 19. As a result of the atorementioned injuries, Plaintiff Pomala stone has been and in tho future will be subject to great humiliation and embarrassment, and claim is made therefor. 4 - -I , , i WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Pomala stone aemanas judgment against Cetenaant Salvatore A. Nicastro, in an amount in excess of Twenty- Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) exclusive of interest ana costs and in excess of any jurisaictional amount roquiring compulsory arbitration. CLAIM I Eric E. Stone v. Salvatore A. Nicastro 20. Paragraphs 1 through 19 of Plaintiffs' Complaint are incorporated herein by reference. 21. As a result of the aforementioned injuries sustainea by his wife, Plaintiff Pomala Stone, Plaintiff Eric E. Stone has been and may in the future be deprived of the care, companionship, consortium, and society of his wife, all of which will be to his great aetriment, and claim is made therefor. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Eric E. Stone demands jUdgment against Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro in an amount in excess of Twenty- Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) exclusive of interest and costs ana in excess of any jurisaictional amount requiring compulsory arbitration. Datea: $..t.bt-l<I1-4j "':' Qq~ . M chael E. Kos k, Esquire I. C. No. 36513 4503 North Front Street HarriSburg, PA 17110 (717) 238-6791 Counsel for Plaintiffs ) I I I Ii I VERIFICATION We, POICALA ITON. and IlRII8. ITON., Plaintitfl, have read the toregoing COMPLAINT and do hereby swear or affirm that the tact. set torth in the foregoing are true and correct to the best of our knoWledge, information and belief. We understand that this Verification is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa, C.S. 54904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. WITNESS: /-, S <., - "~;--e-" ? "" -:----., ' ,'-+~- ",' ......."""""'-~ (. '----.. \ ~I' , - ,~ . I..\~ \ \." ,l.. POHALA STONI! ~. ~, \,- ..... / ..... Y' I \" (, \ (,,~-b'1 '\ ,_ (' ,'" c'" 2 ~'--8TON. ~,t-(_. . ,.. ~... DATED: \\.,.\\~t\.{ \ \ OPlt:f or nr ';.HERtF' CC~': '" ,',I~'Y Fa Q 8 Q@ ~\ '9S " C' "l' ,. L'" ,\\1 .1;; ,~ P!: H d S 'j L" Al'i \,\ , ' I' II I' " I " ,J' , , , , '1 , , I , , ,'I , , " , , " I , n " , , , , , 'I ., , " 'it ,1 "I I, " " , , ,; ,l q , " " , , .i. ,i, , i , , , , " ,I ,1 ,,' " ;/i " " , ,1' , ! , I , " H " , , d ;\ , 'l! \, , i' , 5: I /,' :'1 (I " , , I." 'IJ, ,', Ii 'I;, I( -, )} ;:11 ;J, I i' :\ rn I t. I I i ~ I l,.! 'I f', I.,i r I,~, ,> , ~..I1 , 'I IJ , l' ,n .. I~' 1,;1 ... ,I I, " , , , I "I '" ',' I. , , " . , , ,. ." ,'I' " , , "' ~ ~ a: · ~ ~ ~ ~ " > ::5 ~ Of "' <( cn~ (JI~ ~ 14iBIE ~ ~ Z 2 Z ~ " ~ 9 m ~ ~ 0 ~ n: ~ ~ <( ~ is '" Z~ :l " . en ~ it ~ x 'I' I' ,I " \, " .- , . OEftTIFICATE OF SEIJV,CE AND NOW, this 9th day of May, 1996, I hereby certify that I have ..rved the foregoing Praecipe on the following by depositing a true and correct copy of .eme In the United States malls, postage prepaid, addresled to: Mark S. Fenlce, Esq. 2917 N. Front Street Harrslburg, PA 17110-1223 1'1 , , " ' .' . , . "'.~.' 'q--- . , I, Jame. G. Nealon, III, Esquire Dated: Mey 9,199$ ,'I " "1 " , " I, ., " 1 " ,I., ,I,ll' Ii' , , " , , " , '" " " , " , " I I , , , I , I' , , \ I , " "I , r-I " " I :' ;' , " , I" 1,1' iI "'I ," ," I.", I q " , , I j' 'i' ',I !i q ;! 'I " , I,', " t" t! n\.m.or-~\f'E .. C' ,. -, .., 1",,,,,I"'TI'T'i'Y jl" ;," ,':,',' ,," ,;,' I fl\ :q1 dr,11 ?,l, ~I\ ~~ h \ ('lJ'l "\1 ' 11',l'i'V ~ ,~"d:;1 ,)~ ,\,..1\;,\...,11) , " PEi~N:J'(LW,N\t\, "J I , ,) " I', !, " , " i , , I 'I ;JI " " ,1 'I 1'1 ';1 , "I , .. . "'I 'I :I I ,," " ',' I, ,,' " .. , " , I, " , ' , , .. " :!i) I' ',',I r; I' " ,'" 'I " " " , " II II ", , , .oj' 6. Again, on May 6, 1996, June 4, 1996 and June 26, 1996, Plaintiffs' counsel wrote counsel for Defendant Nicastro and requested responses to the Interrogatories and Request for production of Documents. copies of the letters are attached hereto as Exhibits "B", "C" and "0". 7. Once again, on January 3, 1997, Plaintiffs' counsel wrote to counsel for Defendant Nicastro and requested responses to the Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents. A copy of this letter is attached hereto as Exhibit "E". 8. To date, Defendant Nicastro has not responded to Plaintiffs' Interrogatories and Request for production of Documents and said responses are lonq overdue. 9. Defendant Nicastro has failed to comply with the discovery as required by Pa. R.C.P. 4006 and 4007. 10. All of the discovery sought by PlaintiffS through their Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents is relevant to the instant action. 11. Defendant Nicastro has had more than ample time to' respond to Plaintiffs' Interrogatories and Request for production of Documents. 12. Our Rules of Civil Procedure provide for the liberal granting of discovery. 2 \ ' i \ .~.;;.~. -.. ) 13. Pa, R,C.P. 4019 provides that upon motion of a party, th~ Court can make an appropriate order when a party "fails to make discovery." Pa. R. C. P. 1049 (a) (viii) . 14. PlaintiffE;, tt 3refore, believe that answering all of Plaintiffs' discovery requests would not burden or oppress Defendant Nicastro. 15. Plaintiffs are represented by Michael E. Kosik, Esquire of the firm of Angino & Rovner, P.C., 4503 North Front Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110, (717) 238-6791. 16. Defendant Nicastro is represented by James G. Nealon, Esquire of the firm of Nealon & Gover, 301 Market Street, 9th Floor, P.O. Box 865, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108-0865. WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request that this Honorable Court order Defendant Nicastro to respond to Plaintiffs' Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents. Plaintiffs further request that should Defendant Nicastro fail to comply with the Court order, then Defendant Nicastro should be prohibited from entering defenses to Plaintiff:s' claims at tr'i~l, , , 3 -' \",' "- '.... I ' I>..' lourH '" "~~I~~O Tfll~\' ~ H\''' '" DAIIO~ ~~ rl MK'H"'U E l\ll"'ll\ PAMt~AO SH~"" IlI'tHkU' t) ,UI.Ul'l\ 0,110 \ "I~'U~I ANGlNO & ROVNER, P.C. 'IJUtk t..' (lL~ll"" III(~ 'E~ I ~AIITS~ \ L'~klt"l.l f tt"lrul..k II ",,, l. 'E"l"j~ ,T1'H~~ ~ 'kOk~SE~ 'll\..hw)" 1 KIU\ ,\1\' JOIEPH \1 OURI' LISTED I" THE BEST L~ wYERS _1'- ~\IERI( ~ ~11.H,,.n( ,'ljl'l) 'jElL I ~O\"EIt April 9, 1996 " James G. Nealon, Esquire CALDWELL' KEARNS 3631 North Front street Harrisburg, PA 17110 RE: pomala stone v. Salvatore Nicastro Dear Jim: In our previous letter to you, dated February 26, 1996, we granted you a "reasonable extension of time" to respond to the complaint. It has noW been over a month, and we still have not received an Answer to the complaint. Please advise when we might expect to receive the Answer. Also, we forwarded you Interrogatories and Request for production of Documents on February 27, 1996. since then, we have provided you with our responses to discovery. We would request that you forward us responses to our discovery within the next two weeks. Should contact me. matters. you have any questions, please do not hesitate to Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in these -~Y"""'I (, vy, Y''!J) ~ E. K~si]( . M,EJt/dIIl:l:' ~~~taJt.F:',8 ~. F ~':_"'~:.... '~:._. I H03 NORTH FRONT STRUT HARR'SBURG PA 17"0,\105 (1171238.1;791 . . l'" IOII'H M MILILLO Tl~~ll HY"" O.VlD L wrz MICH.IL I ~1)1I~ '''MIL' 0 IHl'''.... ~ICH'IO" "PLOCK DAV'D I WIS"UI(J MGINO & ROVNEIhf& "UOLE C OLloN MICHAIL! N.I'ITSKY L"V.'lINCI' ..lONI O"WN L'IIN"INOS STEPHIN I PIDll5lN SOLOMON Z, ~~I\'SJ(V J05lPH M 0011' . . t. Llnt!DI" THE BEST LAllIER! -1"- ,l,,'.IERlC.A RICHAlD C 'NOINO NIIL J lO\'NIl June 26, 19'16 Jame. G. Nealon, Esquire NEALON , GOVER 301 Market street, 9th Floor P. O. Box 865 Harri.burg, PA 17108-0865 RE: pomala Stone v. Salvatore Nicastro Dear Jiml I previously noti:f1ed you that Answers to our discovery are long overdue in this tile. We served Interrogatories and Requ..t for production of Documents on you on February 27, 1996 and ntill have not received Answers. It is now approximately a month later without any additional word as to Allstate's position towards .ett lement or responses to the discovery. If I do not have Answers by July 15, lIU, I ....ill have no choice but to file a Motion to Compel. Thank you tor your attention to this matter. MEK/4mr DICTATED - NOT READ s, KOSrfVl 16636/11"" ~~lm~rs f~'.""'-'" . '1- r" _ t, . ~ U03 "'O~T" '~O"'T ST~II:T, H'R~I$BVRO, '^ '1' '0.'101 1111j J3U18, .-....-..- .~--_.. -... . ' '.. PLAINTIFF'S ''''''PEXHIBIT ,.,....,-&;' ...... ....,. ~',i""" ..,...-.. "., ""-"'Lh~+~:' IOSIEPKM,1\III.,1l.1.O TUl'- Y I, tmW' DAVID~,Wrz M1clVA !, KOSIK pAMILA 0 IH\lMAI'< IUCJWlll A, SAD...lCK DAVID 1 WlSI<!SKl l'llJOUC, 0L50~ ANGINO & ROVNER, P.C~ , M1CKAI!l.' ~AVTTIKY LAWllL'Cl' BA~ONl DAWN ~ JE...'N11<0! SOUlMO~ Z. l\UVIKY IOI!PK M DOIUA DU~ S. BAlWtK IAMU DoCII'ITI LISTUJ IN THE BEST UW'ttRS _1/01- AMERICA pJCHAJU) C ""01/010 NEil. " ROV'ltR January 3, 1997 James G. Nealon, Esquire NEALON &. GOVER 301 Market Street, 9th Floor P. O. BOX 865 Harrisburg, PA 17108-0865 RE: pomala Stone v. Salvatore Nicaetro Dear Jim: As you are aware, we had scheduled the deposition of Dr. Jefferies, which will be taken on January 16, 1997. It is our intent to list this case for trial in the next trial term in CUmberland county, which would be the week of March 16, 1997. Although we went ahead and took. the deposition of your client, we still have not received Answers to our Interrogatories, and it will be my intent to file a Motion to Compel, if we do not receive Answers by JanualY 15, 1997. As I previously indicated, if your intent is to admit liability in this matter, then there would be no need to file Answers to the Interrogatories. However, if you are going to continue to dispute liability, I would appreciate your filing formalized Answers to discovery with a Verification. Your prompt attention to this matter is requested. s, MEK/dmr , U636/DMIt 4503 NORTH 'AONT STAUT, HAAAISBURG, PA 17110.'705 (717) 235-579\ " :,. n, ~. ~,i I, . -J' lJ:',' (' " (,:.1 ,I, , " '.1 " " ,1 'co - !~: ''';;~ I ,:1;"; :J;~ ] ;:~,. '4 , f11. 'ir{J '<li\tJ.,. " ;1~TI U (I;, ... 0.: ,'o' ("'-~ ,.IIJ ., ~-~ I'"'" (;I" ,,11 !i I' 'I 'f; I',' I. il'i .' Ii' 'I \.1, 1 " I, 'I \1 '1 , , .' , , , III, ! , , , , if ,1 ,II .1 .., , ,>I 1 , }j " I 'I' iI'l , I" iI ,':' '. "ii' II" , " 'Ill, '-)1 , ,'I " . ',_l " " i[ I-I! " 'I , , , r' I if i-, ) ii' '1 , f.,', :j , " ,\ , 1'1 " I , \' H , ' WO,' . ~ State the amount of consortium, If any,you find Eric E, Stone hu sustained II a result of the accident. $ , , ~LI py/ 0/1 (ate) . " ; I ',' , , " ,'I 'I , II , " , II I' , , 'I \1 I " ,/ 1 , \ J. , , , 'i' , " , ,1 , I i , iJ , :, , , , , I .r L, " , , , !, " ,I I " I ,1 ~ !, " " " , " , " I , " '" !:, I, " , , , I: il, I " I 1,1 " , " " " , , , , , " 'I', \' I ,1 " " , " !I 'I' , II; " , , , !1 "j " , , ,II , , " POMALA STONE, ERIC E. STONE, Plalntl". : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA . . : CIVIL ACTION. LAW Y. . . : NO. 88-879 SALVATORE A. NICASTRO Defendant . . : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PRAECIPE TO: Plalntl"', Pomala Stone and Eric E. Stone, Michael E. KOllk, Eequlre, their attorney. You are hereby notified to plead to the enclosed New M.tter within twenty (20) dlYs from aervlce hereof or a default Judgment may be entered agaln.t , ' you. " Reapectfully aubmltted, :~~~&~)2? Jam.. G. Nealon, III, Eequlre Atty. 1.0. #48457 301 Market Street .. 8th Floor P.O. Box 865 Harrl.burg, PA 171.08-0885 ('717) 232.8800 " i'.; . , 1,1 " , , " " I , ',:.' 'j" '".Ii , , jl "'I I , 'I: , ' , " ;'1' , . , . , ','\1 , , '" , ..1 ','j , , ....,'." POMALA STONE ERIC E. STONE, Plllntlffl : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION. LAW v. SALVATORE A. NICASTRO, Defendlnt NO. 96-679 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER 1-21, Paragraph 2 Is admitted; it Is further admitted that on February 23, 1994, at approximately 8:30 a,m" Defendant, Salvatore A Nicastro, was operating his 1987 Honda Accord In an eastbound direction on S.R 114, Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; the remaining averments contained in the Complaint are denied pursuant to Pa, RC,P, 1029(e), NEW MAIIEB 22, Any damages to which the Plaintiffs are entitled are to be reduced in whole, or In part, In accordance with the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Act, 75 Pa, C,S.A ~1701, il.lB.Q, 23, The accident giving rise to the instant action was unavoidable, 24, Defendant was confronted with a sudden emergency, not of his own making, and acted reasonably under the circumstances, " " " WHEREFORE, Defendant, Salvator,; A. Nicastro, urges this Honoreble Court todllmilSthe Complaint and enter Judgment In his favor, , , , Respectfully submitted, NEALO.N & ~~ -c: ..\ ~ c:e By: James G, Nealon, III, Esquire Atty, I,D, #46457 301 Market Street-- 9th Floor P,O. Box 865 Harrisburg, PA 17108-0865 (717) 232-9900 , DATED: May 2Q, 1996 '. I' \, . ,,' , , ,I I., " q I II I, , , I, , ' , I,) , ; lJ, I';' ! '.j " '0-1 i '1"1 I" , ;1 " t:p " I _I ''', , ,,' , " " 'I J' " It , , Ii . VElUfICATI9N: I. Salvatore A. Nicastro. verli}' that the statements made in the foregoing Answer with NllW Matter are true and correct, I understand that. false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa, C,S,A, 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities, " ,i Dated: 1 d' 'I' , , , , ,1' , I " I I,.' , " i ~ i ; " , , ,I , " " , 'I , : , " " 'I , " " , .i, " , " " ;, I" " jd , " 'I' , , ;) " 'II ;l I, " I I, " 'I " , i, " , i 1/" , 'I '1 " , , , I , " CERTIFI~ATE OF SERVIc;e; AND NOW, this 20th day of May, 1996, I hereby certify that I have served the foregoing Answer With New Matter on the following by depositing a true and correct copy , of same In the United States malls, postage prepaid, addressed to: Michael E, Kosik, Esq. Anglno & Rovner, P,C. 4503 N, Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17110-1799 " ' ., " , " , , !.' , ~...~k' James G. Nealon,. III, Esquire Dated: May 20, 1996 , , , " , jOt,' , J i; " , ,I I h , 'I '," , .I'" ,1'1 , , , .' , "" ;,j " " ," ,. I, , , I .. 'f " ,q. , I',', . " , ' " , 1,'1'" ,J ,; I, " , . , , , i'I' ,., , " i' -.' I...." , ',1 ..J L, , , ,,1 ".1 , ' , ,I 'ii' " , ! I " , I I ,,, , I Ij " " 'I, , " \ "I " ,,' ,. I I" " " , '>) li!1~ 111I ! !~ii 1~ I~i ~.~ I, " " " II " , , , ',1 , ,'; 1 , " , '" , '\ " , , " , ., I " iI,' " , .. " " ".\-,., . " I' " ,. " ,II , 1..1 , , .1.' , '. ~ . . ~, .. (, " ,. '. . /i" rate of speed, preventing him from keeping control of his vehicle and being able to stop within the assured clear distance ahead. Defendant Nicastro also crossed the centerline of the highway into Plaintiff Pomala Stone's lane of travel, resulting in a head-on collision. Plaintiffs maintain that liability rests solely with Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro. II . Damages At the time of the accident, plaintiff Pomala Stone was 4 1/2 months pregnant. Although utilizing her seatbelt, she sustained contusions to her abdomen, resulting in premature contractions and causing concern over the health and safety of her unborn child. Plaintiff Pomala Stone was taken to Holy Spirit Hospital, where she was evaluated, along with testing to determine whether the unborn fetus was injured. Although they were able to confirm that there was no damage to the placenta or to the baby, Plaintiff pomala Stone was placed under observation because of the premature contractions. Following the initial hospitalization, Plaintiff pomala Stone followed up with her obstetrician, Dr. George Jefferies. Plaintiff Pomala Stone was instructed to remain off work and to stay in bed 2 for the first week. After the first week, she was restricted from standing or walking for long periods of time and continued to have cramping and extreme anxiety over the concern for the potential injury to the baby or the loss of the fetus. Although plaintiffs pomala Stone and her husband, Eric Stone, had a son, Eric, who was also a rear-seat passenger in the accident, she had difficulty conceiving the second child and was taking fertility medications in order to assist her in conceiving the second child. As a result, she was even more distraught over the potential for losing the fetul!. Plaintiff pomala Stone remained off work until after March 28, 1994, a period in excess of one month following the accident; after which she continued to have problems with cramping and continued concerns of injury to the fetus and the possibility of going into premature labor. Although Plaintiff Pomala Stone did eventually give birth to a normal, health fetus, she maintains that she is entitled to recover for the emotional distress, which she was caused during the pregnancy until she was able to confirm that her baby had not been injured in the accident. Plaintiff pomala Stone is also entitled to recover for the pain and suffering which she experienced as a result of the trauma to her abdomen and 3 . , response to the Rule was made by Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro, and Plaintiffs would seek sanction for the Defendant's failure to respond to the discovery and the Court's Rule. V. Identity of Witnesses A. Plaintiffs Pomala and Eric Stone; B. Corporal Stevt! Shaffer of the Silver spring Township Police Department; C. Dr. George Jefferies, via videotape deposition; E. Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro - as on cross-examination; E. Mr. Curtis Fuller - as to damages. VI. List of Exhibits A. Photographs of the damage to the vehicles; B. Photographs of the highway; C. Diagram contained in the Police Accident Report; D. Plaintife Pomala Stone's medical records; E. A summary of uncompensated lost wages. VII. Current Status of Settlement Neaotlations - The Defendant's insurance company made an offer of $2,'000.00 prior to Plaintiffs seeking representation. This offer was 5 2. Ordinary care is the care a reasonably careful person would use under the circumstances presented in this case. It is the duty of every person to use ordinary care not only for his own safety and the protection of his property, but also to avoid injury to others. What constitutes ordinary care varies according to the particular circumstances and conditions existing then and there. The amount of care required by the law must be in keeping with the degree of danger involved. Pa. SSJI (Civ) 3.02; Maternia v. Pennsylvania R,R. Co., 358 Pa, 149, 56 A.2d 233 (1948); Pet ere v. Ph~ladelDhi4, 380 Pa, 581, 112 A.2d 100 (1955). I' c~' , , , I: " ' , I , .1 I' , I 4. A driver who crosses the center line ot a roadway and collides into another vehicle i~~)to be negligent. Where the Defendant is on the wrong side of the road at the time of impact, the burden is on the Defendant to show how he got there through no negligence of his own. .lU:uDa v. Williams, 316 Pa. Super. 408, 463 A.2d 429 (1983) I ~orthv v. Burahart, 241 Pa. Super. 267, 361 A.2d 335 (1976), In re Interbst of Hvduke, 371 Pa. Super. 380, 538 A.2d 66 (1988). ~o ~ b ca " ", ~ 9.{l , , , , , , I, 6. The Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code a180 provides that the operator of a motor vehicle on a public highway must have his vehicle under conotant control. Therefore, Defendant, as the operator of a vehicle on a public highway was under a duty to keep his 1987 Honda Accord under constant control and must not cut acro~s the middle of the highway. Sollinaer v. H~mchak, 402 ~a. 232, 166 A.2d 531 (1961), Denman v. Rhodes, 206 Pa. Super. 457, 214 A.2d 274 (1965). 'c.,C- " " I' " J! ;1 , ' , ' , , " 7. An Act of Auembly of this commonwealth, in effect at the time this accident occurred, provided in partl Drivers of vehJ.clell proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right and, up~n roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction, each driver shall give to the other at. least one-half of the main-traveJ.ed portion of the roadway as nearly as possible. This Act dictates the duty of care required of someone in the same situation as the Defendant. If you find that there was a violation of thi$ Act, you must find the Defendant negligent as a matter of law. However', before you answer the question of Defendant's liability, you must determine whether this negligence was a substantial factor in bringing about plaintiff's injury. Pa. SSJI (Civ) 3.30; 75 Pa.C.S.A. S 3302. C." L_ <II' " :' ", " I'., , , ,] I' i'l 14. In civil cases such as this one, the Plaintiffs have the burden of proving those contentions 'which entitle them to relief. When a party has the burden of proof on a particular issue, his contention on that issue must be established by a fair preponderance of the evidence. The evidence establishes a contention by a fair preponderance of the evidence if you are persuaded that it is more probably accurate and true than not. To put it another way, think, if you will, of an ordinary balance scale, wit'. a pan on each side. Onto one side of the scale, place all of the evidence favorable to the Plaintiffs; onto the other, place all of the evidence favorable to the Defendant. If, after considering the comparable weight of the evidence, you feel that the scales tip, ever so slightly or to the slightest degree, in favor of the plaintiffs, your verdict must be for the Plaintiffs. If the scales tip in favcir of the Defendant, or are equally balanced, your verdict must be for the Defendant. , In this case, the Plaintiffs have the burden of proving the following propositions: that the Defendant was negligent, and that that negligence was a substantial factor in bringing about the accident. If, after considering all of the evidence, you feel persuaded that these propositions are more probably true than not cl/ 18. The damages recoverable by the Plaintiffs in this case and the items that go to make them up, eacp of which I will discuss separately, are as follows I (a) Past pain and suffering; ~ (b) Past lost earning's; -, ~~ (e) Loss of enjoyment of life; /' Emotinnal distress; and ...... ,~_: 1.os8 of consortium. . ~. tn the event that you find in favor of the Plaintiffs, you ~dd these sums of damage together and return your verdict in a single, lump sum. Pa. SSJI (Civ) 6.01; Schweael v. Goldbera, 209 Pa, Super. 280, 228 A.2d 405 (1967); Mack v. Johnson, 430 F. Supp. 1139 (E.D. Pa, 1977), aff'd, 582 F.2d 1275 (3d Cir. 1978); Reist v. Manwiller, 231 Pa. Super. 444, 332 A.2d 518 (1974). , ' ,,' I I -I' ,', i I I ,,' " I',' " , , 20. The Plaintiffs are entitled to he fairly and adequately compensated for such physical pain, ment~l inconvenience and distress as you find t , ~ time of the accident until today. ~ Pa. SSJI (Civ) 6.01E, Ni~derman v. BrodBkv, 436 Pa. 401, 261 A.2d 84 (1970), BoaaavaraDu v. PoniBt, 518 Pa, 162, 542 A.2d 516 (1988). , , "II , C- ~ , ", I , i II I " , , I ' , , !, , ! " " , , , , Ii, ,,' I " , ,\ " " ill !, , i " ,I h ' , ' ' iii 21. In evaluating the amount to be awarded. for pain' and suffering, you should consider that the infliction of pain means taking from a person what is his/her own to possess and retain -- namely health and well-being -- and that the law allows for compensation of this loss to the extent that loss may be calculated in money damages. Corcoran v. McNeal, 400 Pa. 14, 161 A.2d Iannuzzi, 403 Pa. 329, 169 A.2d 777 Rockcraft Stone produc~s Co., 424 Pa. 77, 367 (1960); ThomDso~ v. (1961) I piChiacchio v. 225 A.2d 913 (1967). " ~ .., , I 'I " , ''', , , " , , " , , , 01' , , f '! . 22. . Plaintiff Pomala Stone is entitled to be fairly and adequately c?mpensated for past, pwU_..L ~- -' L.wtW' 1088 of her ability to enjoy any of the pleasures of life as a result of her injuries. Pa. SSJI (Civ) 6.01I1 Frankel v. UnIted States, 321 F. Supp. 1331 (E.D. Pa. 1970), aff'd, 466 F.2d 1226 (3d Cir. 1972) I Corcoran v. McNeal, 400 Pa, 14, 161 A.2d 367 (1960) I Thomoson v. Iannuzzi, 403 Pa, 329, 169 A.2d 777 (1961) I DiChiacchio v. Rockcraft Stone Products Co., 424 Pa. 7'1, 225 A.2d 913 (1967). C' ,(.,....' , . , I ' " , '., I ; 'I , ' J " , , '. ',I " " ;.\ iI' " I,' I, I , " . . I . 23. The Plaintiff's 8pouse is entitled to be compen8ated for the 108s of the inj~redparty's 8ervices to him and thelos8 of companion8hip of his spouseT"~"" ~ Pa, SSJI (Civ) 6.01L; Hockins v. Blanco, 457 Pa, 90, 320 A.2d 139 (1974); Mueller v. Brandqn, 282 Pa, Super. 37, 422 A.2d 664 (1980); Burns v. PeDsi~Cola MetroDolitan Bottlina Co., 353 Pa. Super. 571, 510 A.2d 810 (1986). i .. , '\ " " I 1', " " , ' " , I.. f ' :', , , , " , , f , ' ",' '1' , , I,,' , " .~ ~ .1:7 I' .:.t ,~ '_i" "') . I' :rr: ;~~ :;)' , c:.. .~ " (', , "J~" " ct .,.~ 1 - ,-.; .. " - 'ill~ ~I ~' '-1~1.~ ,F'.:: &a! , , , , " ~ ' , , ~ ~ Vl < UJ ...J 0.< Z ZZ OUJ :Eo. :E Cl o -3: l.L U>-< 0 I--J Z l.L.Z "" o i5 I ~ I-U2: CI '" 0 =>0-01--: 021-......< U<U'lO- -1<I~ UJ '" 'lO.... :J:LJ..J-J0'l >--a:>_ ::: :E> '1,.,<; Z2:-:<;;~ " LLJ :z o >-- VJ . LLJ <..J VI ~ ... 0:: ... LLJ .~ ... o c:: z ''''' < '" ~ LLJ a. :z " 00 >-- :z VJ < CO < VJ .J => <:r :;: 00:: "-l.L! en - . > " o .... '" c:: >-- '" Vl '0 < c:: <..J Q) ~ ... :z Q) o ~ ~ Q :: >- a:~ ~~ v,~ "':11 ... UJ ....Z tz ~ -- Q)'" '" VI .s:c: U :J :.;:q Q) .... ~I~ ill! I; ~i~M E (,:I~~ ~..~ .~ :J VI 0-.... VI.... LLJ'~ .... . c: _-.!. 'r- .~ '" VI_ 0"- '" . < LLJ "" o >-- < > -J < .... .0 LLJ.... q '-I I:; ,. . ~.!' " POKALA STONE and ERIC E. STONE, her husband, plaintiffs IN THE COURT OF COMMON PL~S CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW SALVATORE A. NICASTRO, Defendant NO. 96-679 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PLAINTIFFS' REPLY TO DEFENDANT'S NEW MATTER AND NOW, Plaintiffs Pomala and Eric E. stone, by and throuqh their attorneys, Anqino & Rovner, P.C., hereby respond to Defendant's New Matter as follows: 22. Denied. This averment is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleadir.g is required. To the extent that a response may be deemed proper, it is specifically denied that any portion of plaintiffs' damaqes are limited ore reduced, in whole or in part, by the application of the provisions of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law, 75 Pa.C.S.A. 51701, ~ ~. 23. Denied. This averment is a mixed conclusion of fact and law to which no reoponsive pleading is required. To the exter.t that a response may be deemed proper, it is specif ically denied that the accident, which resulted in Plaintiff Pomala Stone's injuries, was unavoidable. To the contrary, it is averred that at all times, Plaintiff Pomala stone had her vehicle under control and was able to brinq her vehicle to a stop and pull it off the 92597/DKR .. highway. The accident occurred, as etated in Plaintiffs' Complaint, because of the excessive speed and negligent operation of his vehicle by Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro. 24. Denied. This averment is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. To the extent that a response may be deemed proper, it is specifically denied that any sudden emergency existed or that the sudden emergency doctrine is applicable to the Defendant. As stated in ~laintiffs' Complaint, although there was snow on the highway, this was a static condition, which cannot give rise to the sudden emergency doctrine. Furthermore, Plaintiffs' vehicle was either approaching from the opposite direction or was stopped at all timos that Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro proceeded up the highway. Therefore, the doctrine of assured clear distance is inapplicable. As previously stated in Plaintiffs' Complaint, the accident occurred as a result of the negligence of the Defendant in failing to operate his vehicle as a safe and appropriate speed and with responsible diligence and attention to the traffic and highway conditions which existed. 2 , ". ' . WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs Pomala and Erie E. stone respectfully request thi. Honorable Court to diomi.. Defendant's An.wer and New Matter and enter judgment in their favor againet the Defendant Salvatore A. Nicastro. AHG~VN'" P.C. . ';"..1 ~.ir' I. D. No. 36513 4503 North Front street Harrisburg, PA 17110-1799 (717) 238-6791 'j Datedl_~ h/q" , , . , Counsel for Plaintiffs " , " ;" I ,I, , , , " 'I, , , ". , " , , , , , " '; , .1 , ,