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HomeMy WebLinkAbout96-00768 " " ,'I I" I ~ J ; ~ , I I~ ; ~ J , , il I !, ,,_J;, , 'If " , I, " If " " ,'t " " -1'-,1 'iI ,1 " q !. I, I " II) , , , d , .. ., , " LI , , , , ;1' , , , , . " , , , " II " I' ',I , , , ,il; Ii'; I, , 1..1 'I , , ' Lj ()O ~ r- 'II ,1 " " , " d , , , , I' 'I , , , " ".1 " "j , Ii , 1'\ II, I " ...5 CTI ) ~I I, Ii I <\1, , II. , ~j -.) , ~:~, .l.~.ll - _ i " " "i, 'I, ,-I, , "'".'\ >\ ! ) 'I ' " j.'I, " j" (). IAUY A. 1lIlOIITIAL, .'QUIU 'a. 'up~". court I.D. Mo. 55672 UYIIOLD. laVA. 101 .iD. Itnat .oat Offlc. lox 932 .arri.burg, 'aoo.ylyaDia 17101-0932 T.l.pbooa. 'a.. (717) 236-3200 (717) 236-6863 AttO~D.Y for 'l.iDtlff. ITATe 'ARM IIU'l'IIIIL AUTONOIIILIl 1M.. CO. .. Illbrog.. of IllIRY Mc'JIAIt v. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. '/& ](" ~ (I, Ill' l "..),1 CIVIL ACTION - LAW Ii'\.' STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY as Subrogee I of MARY McPEAK, Plaintiff FORD MOTOR COMPANY and BULLSEYE FORD MERCURY, INC. Defendants JURY TRIAl. DEMANDED NOTICE YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are eerved 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 a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAIl THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCI. IP YOU DO NOT RAVI A LAWYIR OR CANNOT APPORD ONE. GO TO OR TELIPHONE THE OFFICI SIT FORTH BILOW TO rIND O~ WHERE YOU CAN GET L.mmL HELP. Court Administrator 4th Floor, Cumberland county Courthouse Carliale, Pennsylvania 17013 (717) 240-6200 I'!Q.TI C IA Le han demandado a usted en la corte. 8i usted quiere defender8e de estas demandas expuestas en las paginas siguiente8, u8ted tiene viento (20) dias de plazo al partir de le fecha de la demanda y la notificacion. Usted debe prescntar una apariencia e8crita 0 en persona 0 por abogado y archivar en la corte en forma escrita sus defensas 0 BUS objectiones alas demandas en bu.ine._ located at Poet Office Box 448, Route 61, Mount Carmel, Northumberland county, pennsylvania, 17851. 4. At all times relevant hereto, Mary McPeak (ilKs. McPeak"), who il now deceased, wae insured under a state Farm automobile insurance policy, Policy No. 6499-173-A27-38C. 5. on or about August 17, 1991, Ms. McPeak purchased a 1991 Ford ~.cort, bearing Vehicle Identification No. 1FAPP14J9MW102831, which is manufactured by Ford (lithe vehicle"), from Bullseye Ford. 6. At about the time of the purchase of the vehicle, Ford gav. to Ms. McPeak a written warranty for the vehicle (lithe Ford Warranty"). state Farm is not in possession of a copy of the Ford Warranty, but believes and, therefore, avers that Ford and/or Bullseye Ford are in possession of same. 7. On or about August 22, 1994, at approximatoly 5100 p.m., Ms. McPeak parked the vehicle and shortly thereafter, smoke starting coming out from beneath the dashboard as a result of a defect and/or malfunction with the vehicle's electrical wiring and associated circuitry. 8. As a relult of the fire, state Farm, as MI. McPeak'1 insured, was required to pay Ms. McPeak $1,926.74. 9. Following the accident, a demand was made upon Ford to reimburse state Farm for the damages caused by the fire, but to date, it hae refused to do so. I' .. ' COUJf'1' II u.,axa TRADI PRACTICI8 AND CON8UMIR PROTICTION LAW VIOLATION. 8TATI 'ARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILI IN8URANCI COMPJdIY V. Bull.eve .ord AND .ORD KOTOR COMPANY 15. The averments set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 14 inclusive hereof are incorporated by reference herein ae if set forth in their entirety. 16. Ford and/or Bullseye Ford committed unfair or deceptive acts and practices in violation of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, Act of November 24, 1976, P.L. 1166 No. 260 Sl, 73 Pa. Cons. stat. SS201-2 ~ ~. by inter AliA: (a> failing to comply with the terms of the Ford Warranty given to Ms. McPeak at, prior to or after the agreement for the purchase of the vehicle; (b) making repairs, improvements, or replacements on the vehicle of a nature or quality inferior to or below the standard of that agreed to in writing; and (c) engaging in other fraudulent conduct which created a likelihood of confusion or of misunderstanding. 17. As a result of Ford's and/or Bullseye Ford's violations of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law', state Farm sustained damages in the amount of $1,926.74. 18. The Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law authorizes the award of treble damages and attorney's fees. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, state Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company demands judgment in its favor and against Detendants, Bullseye Ford and Ford Motor Company in the amount ot $1,926.74, plus interest, costs, treble damages, attorney's fees and any and all other relief this Court deems proper and just. COUNT III AUTOMOBILE LBHON LAW VIOLATIONS STATE rARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY V. Bull.eve rord AND rORD MOTOR COMPANY 19. The averments set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 18 inolusive hereof are incorporated by reference herein as if set torth in their entirety. 20. Ford and/or Bullseye Ford committed violations ot the Automobile Lemon Law, Act of March 2B, 19B4, P.L. 150, No. 28, S1, 73 Pa. Cons. stat. S1951 ~ ~., by, ~X AliA: (a) failing to repair or correct at no cost to Ms. McPeak, a nonconforming part of the vehicle which substantially impaired the use, value or safety of the vehicle during Ford's warranty; (b) failing to replace the vehicle with a comparable motor vehicle of equal value; and/or (c) failing to refund to Ms. McPeak the full purchase price of the SUbject vehicle, plus all collateral charges. I I f I , f I 21. All a result of Ford's and/or BUllseye Ford's violation of the Lemon Law, State Farm sustained damages in the amount of $1,926.74. 22. The Automobile Lemon Law authorizes the award ot I' , reasonable attorney's fees and all court costs. WHERBPORE, Plaintitt, stat. Farm Mutual Automobile In.uranae company demande judgment in hie tavor and againlt Detendante, Ford Motor company and Bulleeye Ford in the amount ot $1,926.74, pluI lnterest, costs, treble damagee, attorneY'e tee. and any and all other rellef this Court deems proper and juet. COUIfT IV )lIGLIGIHCI 'TAT. 'ARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE IHSURANCE COMPANY V. 'ORD MOTOR COMPANY AND BULLSEYE I'ORD 23. The averments set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 22 inclusive hereof are incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in their entirety. 24. Ford and/or Bullseye Ford were negligent in that they, their employees, servants and/or agents, individually or in concert, inter AliA: (a) manufactured and/or sold a vehicle with defectively manufactured parts; (b) failed to properly inspect the subject vehicle prior to the subj~ct accident; (c) tailed to properly correct tho malfunction and/or defect in the vehicle, which caused the sUbject fire; (e) failed to otherwise prevent the subject fire; (f) failed to repair or replace the vehicle; and/or (g) failed to refund to Ms. McPeak the purchase price of the vehicle and otherwise compensate her for the damages. 25. As a result of the negligence of Ford and/o~ Bullseye Ford, state Farm sustained damages in the amount of $1,926.74. " ,I' " " " " ,-I" , , , , " ,-! 'f " , , .' ,I ", , , , , " , , ',1 " " , :, " , .1,1 ii, , 'I) , , u , ", " HI " , " 1 I d i ii' IJ " , " , " " 0;\' ' ~~~' - I..l.J \j,j " '1 " " " It " " Hi , j) , 'I; , , . " \.N '~ ~ , " 'I "i Ii .' ! , " ~ -, (', ,~J v,\ -j c i' " " 'J',j'l " , "I ~.~, ,.~,:~~/ ~ c...:: , , ~ (). c:-....., , , ' , , , ~ , " " iI " " " " '/ , " (' , , , " , , , . I, ) ~\ - I to,'H, ; .~ . . 'I" 't" " " I;~) ; I;.~. t. ,l" I," 1,1 (1 Ll I '~l I..,' , "". ~ 1,1, , '1:1 , , , " , , , " (J ,. " , , 11 , , " ,. , , , , -'1 H ".\~~ '1 ,I . ;'I:.q .....- ." 'j "'1,'.1' ,',.1 I ':1 ~l\ . ~') t')!ll ,,1 2l - J'-..) ooot'".,! ~:'l ,. ' t.) W " , , " I' I, ,It' ),1. I'; ',I :\ 1,1 L 111 , rj " " ,1' II, ., " " , 1;1' ," , , , , " , , 11:1 " " '1 I; t' , " , " d' .1,,1 ", , , , 1,"lllf! j'l, " " " .1 ',1,1; " . , ", , , , " I-I '1 , , , , , , , " , " , , " I, "i I , " , , " , , , , , " Ii , , , , , "'I , " , , d'l 'Ii , " 1', " " , , 'I , , , ,. " " , , , .11 I 1'1 I , , , ., .", , ,j'I'1 'J!; " " " '" " " I, ,:) , , " " , , <I , /, ',' , , I' ., , I ~ I , , , -II " , , , -I, :, I'll " I' 'I 1,\ I' ., " , , , ') Ij " I 1 Ii 01;'1 , '" " , ',1" ., 1/1'/1 , ' I llj'! ,- \ J','I I;' :, ',,-,i ,:'1 , " ", II I' \, ., " " " " " , , , , , it " , I,\! I , , " , '1 . I... "I! ~~ ""'11' I'~' "I';: i . ~ ,.._ ~ II': 011' ,..'- . r,7.:l" ~:~ t'r' ,'"-., f.;: r._~, iii 1.", "I "-,.' "-J l~ , " , , 1.1 " '1 " ,,' , " , ' ,,, ..'r,1 .n '~l; \~'j J"o,) ,\,Ill 1-" 10.': '1 1;1, " '. , , " , , , , ~r ,ft'" (::I '.-') h1 -\ :.\~~.ll ' ., ,I , '!'1~ ".,' ~jr ,,~ ;'1)' " -, " ", " :, , "1,' , . ' STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as sub~ogee of MARY McPEAK, 1 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS 1 OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA I 1 1 I NO. 96 - 768 CIVIL TERM I 1 I' CIVIL ACTION - LAW 1 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED Plaintiff vs. FORD MOTOR COMPANY and BULLSEYE FORD MERCURY, INC., Defendants 9ERTIFICATE OF SERVICE DAVID F. WILK, Esquire, of Casale & Bonner, P. C., Attorney for Defendant, Bullseye Ford Mercury, Inc., hereby certifies that a copy of the foregoing Preliminary Objections has been served, Yfon Barry A. Kronthal, Esquire, Attorney for plaintiff, this ~ day Rb, of , 1996, by placing a certified true and correct copy of same in the United States mail at Williamsport, Pennsylvania, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: , , BARRY A. KRONTHAL, ESQUIRE REYNOLDS & HAVAS 101 PINE STREET POST OFFICE BOX 932 HARRISBURG, PA 17108-0932 ::~AL~~~'E;i/.~;/ (~.-../<:..., / I/~// '{;;/ "" . ..f!."f'/ J ~ '(' DAVID F. WILK, Esquire Attorney I. D. No. 6~992 Attorney for Defendants Concord Towers - Second Floor 10.1 West Third Street Williamsport, FA 17701 Telephone I (717) 326-7044 I ' ( ,.""1 f ,~ II' lNNt' I~ I' ~ "11l)IHll' )', I~ ")t)N',.- I Il)'~" '" I."W '.,1' f. ,1"'0 1'111l.l1~ cIlf'l( '1I~f) l'jWr H", t,}\ WI!',T l"flltU) <; I'Ilf:f , WII j I"M',.'ql~ t 1'/1 \/ '.)1 " , , , " " " In , , ,I , ,,', ii, ", " " , I \,! , " , , , , , " i\ 'it , ',\j , , , " !/ , , , , , i' " " " , , , " I , , Ii i' 'II ,I , , " " , , , II , " " , , 'I " I' , " , I , , I ;1 " , " , , , , , , , , , " ., ( , , l' '.' ,:i ( " " , i1 I; Ii ,Ji ,)1 <I , h ,'1 ,-, >/' I, , II -, , I ~ .j-l ',) " 'I " " , , \I ", , 11 I!' I! 'I,' , Iii " Il, , . , , -1,1' ,/ " " :, ,/ " , '1'1 , " , , " 1 d , jl " r') 1\'" () -', 1/' " ~-l , 'q ~Jlj\) h'/:t ! '-"';-f' 1.1"/;/::'11 ~;') . 'P,] ;c, , " r..-'l " , ,I.> '/I)j .';',- ) '~ r:/I ,-" ,f;~ ,,- jtH:~c.i , ~1 ";;1 '"}!"l) I' ~.jt' !~" P,';I'l , " ~r <1' ' "';;',' J':i~ , .~" ;i(... l~,_ I '~ Q :'l ". , , , 'f ;1 I;,' .. " IIAaIlV A. UONTIIAL, .IQUIU P.. lupr... Court I.D. No. 55672 laVNOLD. , KAVA' 101 Ploe .treet POlt Oll1ce 10. '32 ..rr1lburg, PeDD.ylv.D11 1710'-0932 TelepboD" P.., (717) 236-3200 [7171 236-6163 Attorn)' lor Pl.iDtUI. ITA'll! ,AJUI IIII'1'l1IU. AU'IIOIIOIILl XI.I. CO. .. lubrolJ.' 01 lIMY "cP'U STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY as SUbrogee of MARY McPEAK, Plaintiff IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 96-768 civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW FORD MOTOR COMPANY and BULLSEYE FORD MERCURY, INC. Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED BOTICB YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are served by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS UPBR TO YOUR LAWYElR AT ONCE. l'- ~~~ ~~ ~~T HAVB It LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONB. GO TO OR TBLI!lPHONI!l F B SRT FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHBRB YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. Court Administrator 4th Floor, Cumberland County Courthouse CarliSle, Pennsylvania 17013 (717) 240-6200 ImTllU Le han demandado a usted en la corte. Si usted quiere defenderse de sstas demandas expuestae en las paginas siguiente8, usted tiene viento (20) dias de plazo al partir de le fecha de la demanda y la notificacion. Usted de be presentar una apariencia escrita 0 en pereona 0 por abogado y archivar en la corte en forma escrita IlUIl defensas 0 sus objectiones alas demandas en IlAUY A. 1Ut01lT1IAL, .IOU IU ... lupra.. Court I.D. No. 55672 UnoUlS II SAVAS 101 'iDa It:&'.at 'o.t: Offio. Bo. 932 .arri.burg, 'ann.y1venie 17101-0932 Talephone. ..x. [717 J 236-3200 [717 J 236-6163 Attornay for .1.iDtiff. ITAU .AIUl NII'1'IIIIL AU'l'OMOSU.l1 INI. CO. .. lubrog.. of IlARY MOnK STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY as subrogee of MARY McPEAK, Plaintiff IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA NO. 96-766 civil Term v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW FORD MOTOR COMPANY and BULLSEYE FORD MERCURY, INC. Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED AM!ND!D COMPLAINT 1. Plaintiff, state Farm Mutual Automobile Insuranoe company (" state Farm"), as Subrogee for Mary McPeak, is an insurance company licensed to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and with a regular place of. business located at 115 Limekiln Road, New Cumberland, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, 17070. 2. Defendant, Ford Motor company ("Ford") is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of Delaware, which does business in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and hall a registered agent for service in Pennsylvania located at CT corporation System, 1635 Market street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103. 3. Defendant, Bullseye Ford Mercury, Inc. ("Bullseye Ford") is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and with a regular plaoe of -..". . business located at Post Office Box 448, Route 61, Mount Carmel, Northumberland county, pennsylvania, 17851. 4. At all times relevant hereto, Mary McPeak ("Ms. Mcpeak"), who is now deceased, was insured under a state Farm automobile insurance policy, Policy No. 6499-173-A27-38C. 5. On or about Aug\lst 17, 1991, Ms. McPeak purchased a 1991 Ford Escort, bearing Vehicle Identification No. 1FAPP14J9MW102831, which is manufactured by Ford (lithe vehicle"), from Bullseye Ford. 6. At about the time of the purchase of the vehicle, Ford gave to Ms. McPeak a written warranty for the vehicle (lithe Ford Warranty"). state Farm is not in possession of a copy of the F'ord Warranty, but believes and, therefore, avers that Ford and/or Bullseye Ford are in possession of same. 7. On or about August 22, 1994, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Ms. McPeak parked the vehicle and shortly thereafter, smoke starting coming out from beneath the dashboard as a result of a defect and/or malfunction with the vehicle's electrical wiring and associated circuitry. 8. As a result of the fire, state Farm, as Ms. McPeak's insured, was required to pay Ms. McPeak $1,926.74. 9. Following the accident, a demand was made upon Ford to reimburse state Farm for the damages caused by the fire, but to date, it has refused to do so. - , 10. AI a result of the oonduot of Ford and/or Bull.eye Ford, whioh is more specificallY set forth herein, state Farm sustained damages in the amount ot $1,926.74. COUlfT 1 BRIACH or WARRANTY 'TATZ rARK MUTUAL AUTOKOBILI IN8URANC! COMPANY V. BULLSBY! rQRD AND rORD MOTOR COMPANY 11. The averments set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 10 inclusive hereof are incorporated by reference herein as it set forth in their entirety. 12. It is believed and therefore averred that the Ford Warranty covered the damages sustained by state Farm as a result of the electrical wiring defect and/or malfunction. 13. Ford and/or Bullseye Ford failed to repair or replace the vehicle or in other words, materially breached Ford's Warranty. 14. As a result of Ford's and/or Bullseye Ford's material breaches of Ford's Warranty, state Farm sustained damages in the amount of $1,926.74. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, state l-'arm Mutual Automobile Insurance company demands judgment in its favor and against Defendants, Bullseye Ford and Ford Motor company in the amount ot $1,926.74, plus interest, costs and any and all other relief this Court deems proper and just. COUNT II UHr~la ,lAD. 'IACTICII AKD COHIUHIR 'ROTICTIOH L~. VIOL~TIOH. IT~TI FARM KUTU~L ~UTOMOBILI IHIURAKCB COK'AKY V. Bull..y. lord AKD~ORD MOTOR COM'AKY 15. The averments set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 14 inclusive hereof are incorporated by reference herein as if Ilet forth in their entirety. 16. Ford and/or Bullseye Ford committed unfair or deceptive acts and practices in violation of thp Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, Act of November 24, 1976, P.L. 1166 No. 260 51, 73 Pa. Cons. stat. 55201-2 ~~. by inter AliA: (a) failing to comply with the terms of the Ford Warranty given to Mil. McPeak at, prior to or after the agreement for the purchase of the vehicle; (b) making repairs, improvements, or replacements on the vehicle of a nature or quality inferior to or below the standard of that agreed to in writing; and (c) engaging in other fraudulent conduct which created a likelihood of confusion or of misunderstanding. 17. As a result of Ford'll and/or Bullseye Ford's violations of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, state Farm sustained damages in the amount of $1,926.74. lB. The Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law authorizes the award of treble damages and attorney's fees. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, state Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance company demands judgment in its favor and against , -..A i Detendants, Bullseye Ford and Ford Motor Company in the amount ot $1,926.74, plus interest, costs, treble damages, attorney's tees and any and all other relief this Court deems proper and just. COUNT III AUTOMOBILI LBMON LAW VIOLATIONS STATZ PARK MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY V. Bull.eve Pord AND PORD MOTOR COMPANY 19. The averments set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 18 inclusive hereof are incorporated by reference herein as if Ilet forth in their entirety. 20. Ford and/or Bullseye Ford committed violations of the Automobile Lemon Law, Act of March 28, 1984, P.L. 150, No. 28, 51, 73 Pa. Cons. Stat. 51951 ~ .!!.!l9., by, inter jlfu: (a) failing to repair or correct at no cost to Ms. McPeak, a nonconforming part of the vehicle which substantially impaired the use, value or safety of the vehicle during Ford's warranty; (b) failing to replace the vehicle with a comparable motor vehicle of equal value; and/or (c) tailing to refund to Ms. McPeak the full purchase price of the subject vehicle, plus all collateral charges. 21. As a result of Ford's and/or Bullsoye Ford'll violation of the LeMon Law, State Farm sustained damages in the amount of $1,926.74. 22. The Automobile Lemon Law authorizes the award of I " reasonable attorney's fees and all court costs. WHEREFORE, P~aintiff, state Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company demands jUdgment in his favor and against Defendants, Ford Motor company and Bullseye Ford in the amount of $1,926.74, plus interest, costs, treble damages, attorney's fees and any and all other relief this Court deems proper and just. COUNT IV NIlGLIGIlNCI 8TATIl .ARK MUTUAL AUTOMOBILI IN8URANCIl COMPANY V. .ORD MOTOR COMPANY AND BULL81YIl .ORD 23. The averments set forth in paragraphs 1 thr.ough 22 inolusive hereof are incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in their entirety. 24. Ford and/or Bullseye Ford were negligent in that they, their employees, servants and/or agents, individually or in concert, .inter sU.iA: (a) manufactured and/or sold a vehicle with defectively manufactured and/or designed parts; (b) failed to properly inspect the subject vehicle prior to the subject accident; (c) failed to properly correct the malfunction and/or defect in the vehicle, which caused the SUbject fire; (e) failed to otherwise prevent the subject fire; (f) failed to repair or replace the vehicle; and/or (g) failed to refund to Ms. McPeak the purchase price of the vehicle and otherwise compensate her for the damages. 25. As a result of the negligence of Ford and/or Bullseye Ford, state Farm sustained damages in the amount of $1,926.74. .-..6\ , ! I I' I I i, I .,.~ "HEREFORE, plaintiff, state Farm Mutual Automobile Insuranoe company demands judgment in its favor and against Defendants, Ford Motor Company and Bullseye Ford in the amount of $1,926.74, plus interest, costs, treble damages, attorney's fees and any and all other reliet this Court deems proper and just. COlJ1lT V BRIACH OF WARRANTY STATI ~ARX KUTUAL AUTOKOBILI IHSURANCI COKPAIY V. ~ORD KOTOR COKPANY AND BULLSIYI FORD 26. The averments set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 25 inolusive hereof are incorporated by reference herein as if set ~ forth in their entirety. 27. Ford and/or Bullseye Ford breached their aale. agreement with Ms. McPeak and the implied warranty ot merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, as stated under 13 Pa. Cons. stat. 552314 and 2315, in that they, thei~ employees, servants and/or agents, individually or in concert, 1o~ AliA: (a) manufactured and/or sold a vehicle with defectively manufactured and/or designed parts; (b) tailed to properly inspect the subject vehicle prior to the subject accident; (c) failed to properly correct the malfunction and/or defect in the vehicle, which caused the subject fire; (e) failed to otherwise prevent the subjeot fire; (f) failed to repair or replace the vehicle; and/or (g) failed to refund to Ms. MoPeak thQ purchase price of the vehicle and otherwise compensate her tor the damages. i' ~ , " 'I , " , !i , , ,J II L'i " , " ;, " , " " , I, " " "I' 1;/ 11.1 " il " " H ! "'.'~ ' i"'" rj". "r: "1.1 ~r.,. :\1" "'J'F..' II.' '_'~I!, ,:,1 i , f'! ill' (i" 'I , , , ,I, !,; '\: ":"{i'i I' ..'. 'i.. 1 ,I ~..t , I~,):' ., d , ,', , , ,'!I " 'Iii I, i" \~l , ,I,~ i"J! - , , I , " " ,< ", ;', "jl " !..' , If! , ~/1 , 1;\ , , ) I') 'i) " J r'~ '::, ~'hpf I"it) ,!dJ. ",~' -:,. ;I~ ,'I q ;~ . /:.Ji'.i 't.", -". ;,1.:; 1'1.1 ..~ \J!{ ,"I'., ..., l'l . J . " , , , , " "_I', '\VILLIOIl"IIOI~C"I'LO _., '"'III """1 " CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ~, Manuel Villegas, Jr., Esquire, hereby cer~ify that true and correct copies of the foregoing Praecipe for Appearance have been served this ~ day of March, 1996, by U.S. first- class mail, postage prepaid, to all counsel of record. DICKIE, McCA-~EY & CHILCOTE, P.C. By ;Vl Manuel l~. ~...,. J. Villegas, Jr., Ellquire Attorneys for Defendant, Ford Motor Company 'j 11 " " "", ii, " , " ",', I " II , , , , , I' '.' , , F I I" I , ., , " " , , ' " , , , I ,,'1 I , , " , , " " ," ,1,1, '" , " " ,I, .....~~....,_'~_~._m_.' ._~_._... ,I" }j " 'J " " , 'Ii I j] ;j " " ,1 " " , , " I I, , , ", :1 ", 'I , , , " Ii' 11:, I-! ,il I"~ ',l ,Ei " "" i,!i , " ,;J I., , 'I , " 'j; " ''', " , , " qi " I, " ';1 , ,-I ill I " '.1\ , , , " 1"1, I.' '." i ,1;1 11 1\,,1 I ~"''''''''-''''''_l~'._"~",,,~_ J I <I 'I " :, '. j q , " '} I' " , " " " 'I, 'I' , , ! I, '" " , (~:I \ " ,,'~ M[j'!.'l t ~) ~;it I (r,i I' ~' , 'j":: ;-~:~' " , 'n " '1,' "i , ' 1-' , , " ,I 1;1 ;-', , , " 1:':/ ~. " " ,," ';'~ ') (,i, .~} ;'1-11 , -;j . 171 .,J I,' ""11 t-,..J 'c, '~(i) ::.~ ,: ~Il ~--- . ') ~..' W' ,l) '0 ")fl1 " 1 ,,1 :I} "'. ~ .,,;. " , ' , " \1 ,I " , ,.. Count I . Preliminary Objedion in the ~ature of a Demurrer 4. Ford incorporates by rderence herein the avennents contained in Paragraphs I through 3 hereof. S. In Plaintiffs CPI. coulltllguinst Ford. Pluintiff contends that it is entitled to relief due to Ford's ulleged vlolution of the CPI.. In its Compluint. however. Pluintiff admits that Ms, McPeuk wus the purchlL'iCr of the vehicle und thut Pluintiff initiated this suit os subrogee for Ms. McPeuk. 6, The CPL contemplates as u protected class only those who purchase goods \1 or services; us stated in its Complaint. Pluintiff is not u purchaser and. therefore. has no private 7. As a matter of luw. Plaintill's CPi. claim is legally insuflicient and should 1(,1 , , right of action against Ford. WHEREFORE. Ford Motor Compuny, respectfully requests this Honorabie Court , i; ,,1 ,\ I I I :,\ t be dismissed with prejudice. to enter un Order dismissing with prejudice Plaintiff s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law claim against this Defendant. Count II . Preliminary Objection in the Nature of a Demurrer ,. " 8. Ford incorporates by reference herein the avennenls contained in Paragraphs I through 7 hereof. 9. In its CPL count. Plaintlll' also attempts to ussert a claim for treble dlll11ages and attorney's fees. , \ ~ 2 ,~ '. .- t'lOTlCE TO PLEAD TO: PLAINTIFF " You are hereby nolit1ed to me a written response to the enclosed PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS within twenly (20) days from the dntc of service hereof or Ii Judgment may be entered against you. ' , , , , u " il , " \ /. V, t ;,' ByjA Manuel Villegas, Jr" Esquire " " , , 'j.'.., " " " LI " " ", " " I'; i,' " q r' " " ','I , , , ,., , , , , ,I, , , " , , , , , I 11' , ' ,I, , , " " , "J" .-1 , , ,(I , , , '" " , , , , " , , .', , " , , "I i'l , '" " " , , 6 .- ' , . . . 1\\II~~IllM\tnIOI_CIPlP\O _I, '''''lApml . . C~RTIFICATB OF SBRVICB I, Manuel Villegas, Jr., Bsquire, hereby certify that have been served this true and oorrect copies of the foregoing Preliminary Objeotionll " day of March, 1996, by U.S. first," class mail, ,polltage prepaid, to ,all counsel of record. DICKIE, McCAMEY & CHILCOTE, P.C. Ey M Manuel -I/" Villegas, -J Jr. Bsquire " Attorneys for Oefendant, Ford ,Motor Company , ,I' , , , " ',J;\ , , " I " , I, " , " , , " '1/ 1,1 " " ,I , , , Ii' , , , ,. 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I " " , " " 'II , " , -01 I" II 'I " , , 1\ , " " , , , ,,(. , il'l " " ,. rl , " , " i , , " Ii .j' ,,' ,; " " , " " I, '.', PR~_ES11!_~ I'~t)~.Ll~'I:_I_~C;__~A~~;_ r.~~~ AR9!1MJ!:NT (Must be typo,written and subnitted in duplicate) TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBER1.AND COUN'ry I Please llst the within matter for the next Arg\Inent court. --......----- ---... ----- - - - - - -.... -... --.., - - - - - - - - --... - -...... - --... -----....-------..----.....-----..........-..-..... CAPTION OF CASE (entire caption 1IllSt: be atated in full) STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as Subrogee of Mary McPeak w. ( Pla.intiff) , " , I, , 'I"" "I " ~... ) , , , , , ," , " , ", I' ., , FORD MOTOR CO~PANY and BULLSEYE FORD MERCURY, INC. ( Defendant) No. 768 Civil 1996 1. State matter to be argued (Le.. plaintiff's motion for new trial, defendant's dBrurrer to ~laint. etc.): Preliminary Objections of Defendant, Ford Motor Company 2. Identify counsel who will argue case: (a) for plaintiff: Darry A. Kronthal, Esq. Address: R,:,ynolds & Havas 101 Pine Street, P.O. Box 932 Harrisburg, PA 17108-0932 (b) for def~t: Manuel Villegas, Jr., Esq. Address: Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C. Two PPG Place, Suite 400 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 3. I will notify all pllrties in writing within tl<<l days that t:hia case lIII8 been listed for argIJnent. 4. ~t Court Date: April 17, 1996 Deted: March 6. 1996 --LJd Attorney 4~ _I for Defendant, Ford Motor Company ~ , " ..' '1II.li11'1" , A~.iE Hl."f I 1 ~.:j~I(, 1/}lJrUt~j; F ",l/1MIINWLAI,TII 'iW.' 'l"ENN:!'~U'i\l1 r Ii I 'JIUNT'I 1]1; ,CIJIHwrLMjl) , , ijTIITlC fM,~ 11'JrllAt,. ~ltJ;':J~nljiLl~, I ,,' II " " V ~r_;. , ! I"rm~' .11',,1TI,W n:J 'W[ ^k ", " " Lj , n, ,Tlil/m'Hl iU,Jfll,: , nl' hl'.Tllhti i ' - '" I ]1, " '_;,-h-'~'r-,,:f f i , VIii,') 'fH:c'llfq' ).1 :,'J t'/ ' qll'll:J t~n , .' I j: ~:Jr tll l:.hnt , tilt? 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'.1~' ."1. f: It,. ,-, , ';1 ~1 1. 1: , , " n, HE:\'IWLP!' 1. \jAVli:; ~,' :1 /' 1 ~',l / 11:ljJ{~" ., T!10 ii, , 1;1' ., " ii, , , , Ilj , , I'Pr:qnr:5y.lv:\..r,l.i. .I, il :1 , , " 'I, , " " , I',: 'I' , , I . . '!iI Tnt:) Court CT C.::mmc~\ ?!a::s ci C:J:..:..:.;,c'i:.,d (,~u:-;':,/, ?-=rtnsyl'l~rdo State l;'arm Mutual AutOJ!lob1 l(l Ins. Co. ot al 'is. Uullucyo Ford M,,;clIry Inc. ...-0llL ,~ ----. ... ...---. ~o, _'16-7611 ~OW, Fcbruarv 13 ~g--2.!>!. SE:::?~!I' O? C~t3ZR!..A.'ft) COt..~':Y. ?..\... co '96 ftB \~o~~~~~beI'land C.:lWlq' II:) c.'m'Jlll :::is W':!:., ==by c!:;:u= r.!:.: Sl='.5 01 ...:. ::pUI:=- b=c == :l' :!:: ~ ::d. :Uk of :!:.C ?!~=. ~")/ ("" , . ,-/.?1 ,':.,........~..1 - SDe..~ ot C=uWlci CJWln'. :':1. . AScila.vit or Se:"'7i= ~ow, Fridav. February 16 ~9 96 10:45 o'dea ,'A ~(. lc:".-ri .. . ... :::: ~c!:in NOTICE & COMPLAINT 'JF"1l BULLSEYE FORD/MERCURY, INC. u Bullseve Ford/Mercurv. Inc.. RT 61, MT. CARMEL. County o,f North'd.: State of Pennn. ::,r ~~ :.0 CHET STlMES. ns nllent for Bullseye Ford/Mercury, Inc. ~ TRUE AND ATTESTED c:py of :::= o~~ '-,I NOTICE & COMPLAINT - " md :wie Q.oWU:O Ch~t St:{mIHI :he .:::::1tc::.:s ':..~c::-:i. So 1I.tISW~ {JL A ~. Shai8 01 . A, /?~~1. CoWlrr. l'~ Swar:l =c! Nbsc-:cd be!c .., com SD.VICZ ~m.v.q:c:. .-\.:'"TIDA ..-rr s 10~ ..- ......---. 5 r_ ---, ~", ... l 5. In i'tll anlllnded complai.nt, Plaintiff' has not alleged it has had any contact with Defendant, Bulllleye Ford, outside of Northumberland county. 6. This cause of action did not arise in Cumberland County and no transaction or occurrence out of which this cause of action arose took place in Cumberland County. Therefore, pursuant to Pa. R. C. P. 1006, venue is not proper in Cumberland County. WHEREFORE, Defendant, Bullseye Ford Mercury, Inc., requests . this Court to sustain its Preliminary Objections to venue and transfer this action to Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, pursuant to Pa. R. C. P. 1006(e). COUNT II - PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES AND CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW VIOLATIONS STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY vs. BULLSEYE FORD MERCURY, INC. 7. The averment.s set forth in paragraphs 1 through 6 inclusive hereof are incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in their entirety. 8. In Count II of its amended complaint, plaintiff sets forth a claim against Defendant, Bullseye Ford Mercury, Inc., pur.suant to the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. 2 , ^",/II ~ I~ l't)NN~j. 1'1 ^,rljlll'tfY', I~ ,,)llth~IIOI~'i ^' ,-^,'" ""-'1.:.:"'''0 1ft ()tJJ1 CQNr~(]Rn lOWIR'!> Illl WI"" nlllio '\Tf~"lr WI' IIAJ'.l';Pl)IH PA 177,)1 13. contrary to the allegations contained. 'in count I I I of plaintiff's amended complaint, the Automobile Lemon Law, 73 Pa. C. S. A. 51951 et Iileq. .does not provide for relief against an automobile dealer. WHEREFORE, Defendant, Bullseye Ford Mercury, Inc., hereby respectfully requests the court to enter an Order sustaining its Preliminary Objections and strike Count III of plaintiff's amended complaint as it relates to Bullseye Ford Mercury. Inc. COUNT IV - PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS REQUEST FOR MORE SPECIFIC PLEADING NEGLIGENCE STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY VS. BULLSEYE FORD MERCURY INC 14. The averments set forth in paragraphs 1 through 13 , inclusive hereof are incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in their entirety. 15. In Count IV of its amended complaint. plaintiff alleges negligence on the part of Defendant, Bullseye Ford Mercury. Inc. 16. pursuant to 42 Pa. R. C. P. 1019(a), the material facts on which a cause of action is based shall be stated in a concise and summary form. 17. Contrary to the provisions of Pa. R. C. P. 1019 (a) . plaintiff has failed to state with specificity the facts upon which 4 ",'"", " HUN"'" H' """..,> ", " ,OON"" ,"A'. .. ',AW .'CONO "QO" CONCO.o row'" 101 WI" T"'"o ""liT Wl~I.I...M"'PORr...... !',7t}l ,"'"., ,. ...,... f it is claiming t~at Defendant, Bullseye ForQ Mercury, Inc., acted negligently. ~8. Without a more specific pleading, Def'i'ndant, Bullseye Ford Mercury, Inc., ill unable to formulate an' intelligent response to the averments contained in Count IV of Plaintif.f' s amended complaint. WHEREFORE, Defendant, Bullseye Ford Mercury, Inc. , respectfully requests this Court to sustain its Preliminary Obj ect ions and dismiss Plainti f f' s amended complaint or, in the alternative, direct that Plaintiff file a further amended complaint. COUNT V - PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS FAILURE TO ATTACH WRITTEN AGREEMENT 19. The averments set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 18 inclusive hereof are incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in their entirety. 20. In Paragraph 5 of Plaintiff's amended complaint, Plaintiff alleges that its insured purchased a 1991 Ford Escort from Defendant, Bullseye Ford. 21. Pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Act, 68 Pa'. C. S. A. ~601 et. seq., 'contracts for the purchase of a motor vehicle must be in writing. See 69 Pa. C. S.' A.' 5613 'a) . 5 '. "'"AI ~ I~ H'l"'tH II" ( ^ 'llllfN~ )", 1\ '~'llJ"'hl; II ur.'~ A' IIlW "f ':'O"",J '" UOlt c.ONCOFln rOWIR!i Illl Wl.!S T THrRO "'119111: T WH.1 '''''M'-,Ff)Rr "A ""11 . ' , STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as Subrogee of MARY McPEAK, Plaintiff l IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS l OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA l I. l l NO. 96 - 768 CIVIL TERM I : l CIVIL ACTION - LAW l JURY TRIAL DEMANDED vs. FORD MOTOR COMPANY and BULLSEYE FORD MERCURY, INC., Defendantll CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE DAVID F. WILK, Esquire, of Casale & Bonner, P. C., Attorney for Defendant, Bullseye Ford Mercury, Inc., hereby certifies that a copy of the foregoing Preliminary Obj ections to Amended Complaint has been served upon Barry A. Kronthal, Esquire, Attorney for Plaintiff, and upon Manuel Villegas, Jr., Esquire, Attorney for Defendant, Ford Motor Company, this 2nd day of April, 1996, by placing certified true find correct copies .of same in the United States mail at Wi lliamsport, Pennsylvania, postage prepaid, addressed as followsl BARRY A. KRONTHAL, ESQUIRE REYNOLDS & HAVAS 101 PINE STREET POST OFFICE BOX 932 HARRISBURG, PA 17108-0932 ~UEL VILLEGAS, JR., ESQUIRE TWO PPG PLACE, SUITE 400 PITTSBURGH, PA 15222 CASALE & BON,ER, J. .9.':,~/ "" -' ,.... ..,/ .._":.'/,,./~~::,;>',!;?7 I By: "..,., / ",/?,%V '-.S"..,- =;....... ......""1~~'-J DAVID F. WILK, Esquire Attorney I. D. No. 65992 Attorney for Defendant Bullseye Concord Towers - Second Floor 101 Wellt Third Street Williamsport, PA 17701 Telephone: (717) 326-7044 ',11''"'''1 ~ 1\ I1I)1i~H It I'l' .\ r rnl~I"H"1 I~ '__'-'IIi';"J~ I I ql~'~ AT I AW '.1".1 JNn ';1 'lllH IllN._ (JIIIl rlJw~ ...., "JI Wf... r TlII'~() 'iflH' If T WIIII^M'lI'Of~1 PA 11)1,1 " '/ , . 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I ", " ~ 1\Vll.Lf~12M06\PtlAlC'PIPLD kJnl:lrt, 'MItt IUII"l 'CBRTIFICATE OF SERVICB I, Manuel Villegas, Jr., Esquire, her~by certify that true and correct cophs of the foregoing J?raecipe to Wi,thdraw \~ Case from Argument List have been served this ;oS day of April, 1996, by U.s, first-class mail, postage prepaid, to all counsel of record. D~CKIE, McCAMEY & CHILCOTE, J?C, BY' ??2..-"Jl1)~ l Manuel Villegas, Jr" squire Attorneys for Defendant, Ford Motor Company ,I " I, 'I ,I , , , I, 'il " :i ,', , , , , I " . " " , " . ,. -II , . , I . , L, I' I , 'I I , ,;, j.' "I " , " , " I ii' I 'hi \, '" " i' '1 " .' Ii I I -Ij " I I' ;'1 I' ....-- ..,_.~.._-,. .~' ~n ._~..;-~. ~ t._....._....t._. _".. __,.,'~. __._~_. ,_.~ _ _. L. '-~~---_._--............-,.......-'-. ....-_........-.......-.....-.....,._..-tl,~ ~......_._,. ...~.._..... " , , , " " " (I ''I: I' ,;P ;1 i! ;.f , " . 'Ii " " , ,,1 1 !.jtl il , , !J Ii 'I'! " , " ii, 'll i" " " , I :t, 'I ! 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" , " " , " \ , , , .'1 PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT (Must be typewritten and submitted in duplicate) TO THE J?ROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY: --~*~----------------*-------------------------------------------- please list the within matter for the next Argument Court, CAPTION OF CASE f (entire caption must be stated in full) " STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE IN THE COURT OF COMMON J?LEAS INSURANCE COMPANY, as Subrogee OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA of MARY McJ?EAK (Plaintiff) No, 0. L. CIVIL AC'rION - LAw:}:jl; JURY TRIAL DEMANDEQ::;',: (j~ .. ~ ' c; ;,",. l:,: ,"',;1., Civil 19~' 7.: ~ ~ it:: .~ '-1 ,:\l -I .~! 11'1 .... .:; _ f.?, ,. '~I'!" 'f1 .... vs. FORD MOTOR COMJ?ANY and BULLSEYE FORD MERCURY, INC" (Defendant) 768 1, State matter to be argued (i,e" plaintiff's motion for new trial, defendant's demurrer to complaint, etc,): Preliminary Objections of the Defendant, Bullseye Ford Mercury, Inc, to J?laintiff's Amended Complaint 2, Identify counsel who will argue case: Barry A. Kronthal, Esquire Reynolds & Havas 101 J?ine Street, J?O Box 932 Harrisburg, J?A 17108-0932 David F, Wilk, Esquire **(See below) Casale & Bonner, P.C. 101 West Third St. Williamsport, PA 17701 3. I will notify all parties in writing within two days that this case has ,been listed for argument. (a) for plaintiff: Address: , (b) for defendant: Address: **Manueal Villegas, Jr., Esq. Two J?J?G Place, Ste. 400 J?ittsburgh, J?A 15222 4. Argument Court Date: June 26~1996 '/I~~ c l/ "" ';-- / / I/lU/.~'/fY """-, c' /[""<.,/' I' ~ /' - ' Dated: June 3, 1996 Attorney for Defendant, Bullseye Ford Mercury, Inc, ,I . , Ii , 'I. , , " , , ", " , , ,ii' . 'I fl, ',I ,I I' I_j lq, I,. i, t' , , , jll d . " 'I II , It. I " " " " , ';'1' " , , I, ,I i.' , 1'1< JI i' q , , " ' '" I II " ,., "I iJ , ,I ,II I' " :' . , , . fi!' ," I, .! ',-I, ,....;'.! !-I y, " " '. , , , " . 'I d j d " " "I '1 ,; , , I, ,'j"; , , " ir, I, r i' " 'I l' :r " , , " , ,I,' ,11. " " .,-, " , , , " , , ,-I , " , , , , , . , , !,l , , I' II! " 'I i'l , ,,) , , , " \ " , " ,/ I ", , , . , 110 I; " ,f Ii ,-J 'II , I, "If Ji ,,1 . I il' " rll fTj(J!nc~ ""I.' ',-I '" '-" '("'1, "'''.'lY \,,' .. 'i.' ",'fl.. I'j.!; ,11"/ I :/' , I ',Ii! (It /-.11) QG :, ! ' , 1"'1)' I"! ..' " 'r j'V . '" ._i~jl..-l_",." ,1<1... hl,;'I", 1 - f I p~r~SrLYNliJ\. ' , "1' " . il ., , , , /, " " " ,', I " , ,.I " . , , , , 1'1 ,"1 , " , i:' " ]"r' '1 "1 I ., : ',I 'J'! " " 1> !' " .' " " ,I I, ~ .1 ,I " , 'I , , I I' , , I' 'i , 1"1 ;-1; 'I 'i , " i" " ,) . , H " d,1 .,d .-J~, 96"()768 CIVIL TERM and treble damages under both alleged statutory violations. Ford Motor Company flied preliminary objections to the amended complaint. Ford Motor Company maintains that State Farm's claims under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and the Automobile Lemon Law must be dismissed, We agree with defendants that State Farm cannot recover treble damages and attorney fees under those Acts because such a recovery would exceed the $1,926,74 the company paid to the subrogee Mary McPeak, In Associated Hospital Service v. pustllnlk, 497 Pa, 221 (1981), the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania stated that "It is settled that the right of subrogation exists only to the extent of actual payment to the subrogee," In holding that under the doctrine of equitable subrogation, a subrogor Is entitled to receive only what it actually paid to the subrogee. the Supreme Court cited Restatement of Restitution !l162 (1937), which provides: "Where property of one person Is used in discharging an obligation owed by another, ' , , under such circumstances that the other would be unjustly enriched by retention of the benefit thus conferred, the former is entitled to be subrogated to the position of the obligee, , , ," However, the court ignored Comment I to that section: "I. Discharged at a discount, Where the obligation is discharged by the payment of a sum less than the amount of the obligation, or by the transfer of property the value of which Is less than the amount of the obligation, the person discharging the obligation is ordinarily not entitled by subrogation to recover the full amount of the obligation, but can recover only the amount he paid or the value of the property used in discharging the obligation, Thus, a surety Is entitled by subrogation to recover -2- .' , 96-0768 CIVIL TERM plaintiff'. amended complaint, ARE DISMISSED. Barry A. Kronthal, Esquire For Plaintiff Manuel Villegas. Jr" Esquire For Ford Motor Company David F. Wllk, Esquire For Bullseye Ford Mercury, Ino, :888 i,1 t , , ;-' ;) !I j' , , , " ;'f , , , I , 'I , 'I '. " / By the Court, , I 1,1', 'I ;; 'iil,1 , . , 'I. , " , I " " ",' , ! .. ~ I I", t ,"1 'I , , " , , " " , , " " '1'1 , : /' " ", i' " )1 "'Iii " , , '-, ,/ 'i' 11" '.1 , , ! , , , li.I, , , , I , . , .4- , , , " 'I " " STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as Subrogee of MARY McPEAK, PLAINTIFF V, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND BULLSEYE FORD MERCURY, INC., DEFENDANTS 96-0768 CIVIL TERM . QRDER OF COURT AND NOW, this 30th day of July, 1996, a Rule Is entered against plaintiff to show cause why an order should not be entered granting tile preliminary objections of Ford Motor Company by dismissing counts III, IV and V of the amended complaint. Rule returnable ten (10) days after service by filing an answer in the office of tl,e Prothonotary which should be forwarded to the chambers of thl~udge, /" , By the Court, I (, !// Edgar B. Bayl ,J. Barry A. Kronthal, Esquire For Plaintiff Manuel Villegas, Jr" Esquire For Ford Motor Company David F. Wllk, Esquire For Bullseye Ford Mercury, Inc. .' :saa ~.",;. 'l"hhl..( '7/QClq~. .~ .1)"' . " "I,' " , , 1 I, , , I! I, , 'II Ii " ;! d 'I; , " , , ,':! " " 'i ~ , :1' " " , "I , " " , , , . '" " " " " ;1 'j " ,I !' : ~ !i Ii' ~ ! r 'i )1",_; , , \'( 1".1 " , -'l -II! , ' " " "I " " ;,1 h! 'I Ii tlll'l1.(1 '(V::; Co': 'II,' I s: ,}/!f. ,11) , C 'I I , 1""\'1"'1""'1 j) '1':',1' '1'1'''''''/\ 'I.. 'if 'I,} ,It'I-I,' " " 'I "I I, " , . " i-Ij! 1;1'1 I, ii' ~ " 11,' , , ,,', :;1 " , " " ;,1. ';0 Ii \ itl " ""111 I'll ;1 IJ il Ii , \ :1' ~, '.1./ I". ,j' " ',.1\ "'..'. , , " " 1'\ " ]1 'i, (, ,I, '1., , iJ H, , , , d' , " " " ,', if !I' i,' " i, , ! " " , j ~ " , " Ii , " ", " il 11 H i't " ,\ I , , " IN THE COURT OF COMMON I'LEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE No, 96.768 INSURANCE COMPANY us Subrogee of Mary Mel)eak. CIVIL ACTION .I.AW Plaintiff; 1'f;TITION TO CLARIFY ORDER FORD MOTOR COMPANY Wld BULLSEYE FORD MERCURY, INC.. Coul1sclofrecord tilr Ihis purly: V. Filed Oil behalf of FORD MOTOR COMI'ANY Defendant, Mal1uel Villegus, Jr" ES(j, Pa, I.D. 1176728 ; I . DICKIE, McCAMEY & CHILCOTE. P.C. Firm 11067 Two PPc; Place. Suile 400 Pittsburgh. PA 15222-5402 " (412) 281.7272 " ,JURY TRIAL J)EMANDED " " }i " I ' , ' , " ]'J F 'I , ' , 'I 1 "")_1 , , I:',' , , , I} ~. , IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYJ. VANIA CIVIL ACTION STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE ) INSURANCE COMPANY us Subrugee ) of MARY McPEAK. ) Pluinti ff ) No. 96-76,8 ) v. ) ) FORD MOTOR COM/'ANY und BULLSEYE ) FORD MERCURY. INC" ) Defendunts ) /'clltlon To CIllrifv ()rd~r AND NOW, comes Ford Motor C'ompuny, by und through its attorneys, Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote. 1'.('" und Munuel Villcgus. Jr., Esquire, and tiles this Petition to Clarily Order, in support of which it uvers the I(lllowing: I. On March 19. 1996 Pluintitl' Hied LUl Amended Compluint contuining claims for breach of express wllrrunty, Unruh' Trude Pructices and Consumer Protection Law, violation of the Automobile Lemon Law, ncgligcnce and breach of implied wurrunty, 2, Ford Motor Compuny tiled Preliminary Objections in the nalUl'e of II demurrer to the following c1uillls cOllluined in Pluintiffs Amendcd Complaint: Count II (viOlations of the Consumer Protcctioll Law): Count III <Automobile Lemon Luw), COUllt IV (negligence) and Count V (breach of implied warrunty), Also, Ford filed a motion to strike concerning Puragruph )6(e) of Pluintiffs Amended Complaint. 3. In its Response Briel: Pluintiff admits the liJllowing: "Stute Farm does not dispute Ford Motor's Preliminary Objections pertuining to Counts III, IV IInd Vol' Stule Farm's Amended Compluint." (Brief of Plaintift: Stutc Furm Mutual Automobile /nsurancu Company COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE COURT OF COMMON J?LEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBII,E INSURANCE COMPANY, as Subrogee of MARY McPEAK, No. 768 Civil 1996 Plaintiff v, CIVIL ACTION - LAW FORD MOTOR COMPANY and BULLSEYE FORD MERCURY, INC., Defendants JURY TRIAL DEMANDED BRIBF or PLAINTIFF, STATB PARK MUTUAL AUTOMOBILB INSURANCE COMPANY &S Subrogse ot MARY MCPBAK, IN RBSPON8B TO PRELIMINARY OBJBCTIONS QF DBFENDANT, FORD MOTOR C~ I. Statement of Facts and Procedural History Plaintiff, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company as Subrogee of Mary McPeak ("state Farm"), commenced th is action against Defendants, Ford Motor Company ("Ford Motor"), and, BUllseye Ford Mercury, Inc, ("Bullseye For.d"), by way of a Complaint filed on February 6, 1996, at Cumberland County Docket No. 96-76S, state Farm's Complaint set forth claims for Breach of Warranty (Count I), violations of the Unfair Trade J?ractices and Consumer Protection Law (Count II), violations of the Automobile Lemon Law (Count III), and negligence (Count IV). Ford Motor and Bullseye Ford filed pre liminary objections to J?l.aintiff' s Complaint. On March 19, 1996, State Farm filed an Amended Complaint. State Farm's Amended Complaint added a claim for Breach of Implied Warranty (Count V). Thereafter Ford Motor and BUllseye Ford again EXHIBIT " I " A . " .' filed preliminary objections. state Farm has voluntarily discontinued this action as to Bullseye Ford, rendering Bullseye Ford'S preliminary objections moot. Additionally, state Farm does .. """ not dispute Ford Motor's preliminary Objections pertaining to counts.. III" IV and Vof state Farm's Amended Complaint. Therefore, the remaining issues raised by Ford Motor's preliminary objections '-." concern: (1) state Farm's claim under the Unfa ir Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (Count II of state Farm's Amended Compli\int); (2) state Farm's claim for treble damages and attorney's fees as authorized by the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act (contained in Count II of state Farm'S Amended complaint); and (3) the allegation of fraudulent conduct on the part of Ford Motor (contained in Count II of state Farm'S Amended Complaint), These issues are currently before the Court for disposition. The underlying facts of this case are set forth in state Farm's Amended Complaint and are summarized hereafter, On or about August 17,199]., Mary McJ?eak ("Ms. McPeak"), who is now deceased, purchased a 1991 Ford Escort ("the vehicle"). The vehicle was manufactured by Ford Motor and sold to Ms. McJ?eak by Bullseye Ford. At the time of the purchase, Ms, McPeak was given a written warranty pertaining to the vehicle, which is not in the possession of state Farm, but it is believed that Ford Motor and/or Bullseye Ford is in possession of the same. - 2 - III. 1U.Ioussion A. stats Farm has standing to pursue a claim pursuant to the Unfair Trade and Consumer proteotion Act. Ford Motor asserts in its preliminary objoctions that the language in The Pennsylvania Unfair Trade and Consumer J?roteotion Law ("CPLIt) precludes State Farm from pursuing a claim under the CPL due to lack of standing. The CPL provides in pertinent part: Any person who purchases or leases goods or services primarily for personal, family or household purposes and thereby suffers any ascertainable loss of money or property, real or personal, as a result of the use or employment by any person of a method, act or practice declared unlawful by section 3 of this act, may bring a private action, to recover actual damages or one hundred dollars ($100), whichever is greater. The court may, in its discretion, award up to three times the actual damages sustained, but not less than one hundred dollars ($100), and may provide such additional relief as it deems necessary or proper. 73 J?S,S 201-1 ~ ~ Therefore, any "person who purchases or leases goods" has a private right of action under the CJ?L. "Person" is defined in Section 201- 2 of the CPL as "natura 1 persons, corporat ions, trusts, partnerships, incorporated or unincorporated associations, and any other legal entities.1t Certainly, Ms. McPeak, as the purchaser of the vehicle, would have had standing under the plain language of the statute to maintain a cause of action pursuant to the CPL. It is state Farm's position that as subrogee for Ms. McPeak, it is essentially standing in the shoes of the purchaser of the vehicle. It is - 4 - establishad law in Pennsylvania that a subrogee is placed in the precise position of one to whose rights he is subrogated. Brinklv v. Pealqr, 341 Pa. Super, 432, 491 IL2d 894 (1985) citina Fell v. Johnston, 154 Pa. super. 470,36 A.Old 227 (1944). Therefore, state Farm has standing to bring a cause of action that would be available to Ms, McPeak. Ford Motor cites two cases in support of its contention that state Farm does not have standing to pursue a cause of action under the CPL. The first, ~uer v. McKean CorD., 2 D&C.4th 394 (1989), is easily distinguishable from the present case. The court held that the plaintiff in Lauer was not a "purchaser" of a vehicle simply because he did not buy the vehicle in question. The plaintiff was a consumer who responded to an advertised sale of Cadillacs and when he arrived, no Cadillac was available at the advertised price, Subsaquently, the plaintiff purchased the same make and model automobile for a higher price from another dealer and then attempted to bring a cause of action against the original dealer. The court held that the plaintiff was not a "purchaser" entitled to the protections of the CJ?L. ~X has no bearing on the issue of whether a subrogee has a right of action under the C?L, The other case cited in Ford Motor's Brief is Gemini Phvsical TheraDV v. state Farm, 40 F.3d 63(Jrd Cir, 1994), However, it is clear that Gemini J?hvsical TheraDY is not dillpositive of the iSBue before this Court. On the contrary, - 5 - ..,A Gemini Physical Theraoy is factually dissimilar from the case at bar. In Gemini Physical Thera.1ll(, the plaintiff, a hei'llthcare provider, treated several patients who had been injured in motor vehicle accidents and were insured by state Farm, The plaintiff claimed it was the assignee of the insureds' rights under the State Farm POlicies and alleged that state Farm unreasonably refused to pay the insureds' bills, The plaintiff claimed, 1~ ftllA, that State Farm had violated the CPL. In our case, State Farm is an insurance company who expended funds on behalf of ita insured and is now entitled as a matter of law to pursue a subrogation action to obtain reimbursement of those funds. Furthermore, subrogation and assignment of rights are two distinct legal concepts. The Gemini Phvsical Theraov court did not address the plaintiff's rights under subrogation, it based its decision to preclude the plaintiff's CPL claim on the fact that the plaintiff did not recei ve a complete assignment of rights; "Here, the complaint alleges that the patients assigned only their rights under their insurance contracts. It does not follow consequentially that the patients also assigned their rights to bring suits under the CPL." Gemini Phvsical The~, 40 F.3d at 66. Also, the court acknowledged the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's ruling in Hedlund ManUfacturina Co. v, Weiser, 517 J?a. 522, 539 A,2d 357 (1988). Pennsylvania has a "well-established policy of permitting causes of ,action to be assigned." Gemini Physical Theraoy, 40 F.3d at 66. Therefore, if the assignment of rights had been adequate and ~, - 6 - encompassed the right to bring a cause of action, the court in Gemini Physical Therapv would most likely have permitted the CJ?L olaim. Ford Motor has cited no controlling case law. Likewise, state Farm has found no cases which preclude a subrogee from pursuing a claim under the CPL. state Farm, as the subrogee of the purchaser of the defective vehicle, is entitled to pursue a cause of action against the company that manufactured the faulty vehicle. B. Ford Motor waived its preliminary objections as to treble damages and attorney's fees by failing to include those objections in its brief. In Count II of its preliminary Objections, Ford Motor challenges state Farm's claim for treble damages and attorney's fees under the CJ?L. The CPL authori.zes the award of treble damages and attorney's fees. However, this issue is moot becausQ Ford Motor failed to include these preliminary objections in its brief, Pursuant to Local Rule 210-7; "Issues raised, but not briefed, shall be deemed abandoned." C. state Farm has sufficiently pled fraudulent conduct on the part of Ford Motor. In Count II of its Amended Complaint, state Farm alleges that Ford Motor committed unfair or deceptive acts and practices in violation of the CPL by, inter A.l.iA, "engag ing in other fraudulent conduct which created a likelihood of confusion or of - 7 - 96-0768 CIVIL TERM and treble damages under both alleged statutory violations, Ford Motor Company flied preliminary objections to the amended complaint. Ford Motor Company maintains that State Farm's claims under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and the Automobile Lemon Law must be dismissed, We agroe with defendants that State Farm cannot recover treble damages and attorney fees under those Acts because such a recovery would exceed the $1,926,74 the company paid to the subrogee Mary McPeak, I n Associated Hospital Service v, pustltnlk, 497 Pa, 221 (1981), the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania stated that "It Is settled that the right of subrogation 6xlsts only to the extent of actual payment to the subrogee,- In holding that under the doctrine of equitable subrogation, a subrogor is entitled to receive only what it actually paid to the subrogee, the Supreme Court cited Restatement of Restitution ~ 162 (1937), which provides: "Where property of one person is used In discharging an obligation owed by another, ' , , under such circumstances that the other would be unjustly emiched by retention of the benefit thus conferred, the former Is entitled to be subrogated to the position of the obligee, , , ," However, the court ignored Comment I to that section: "i. Discharged at a discount. Where the obligation Is discharged by the payment of a sum less than the amount of the obligation, or by the transfer of property the value of which is less than the amount of the obligation, the person discharging the obligation is ordinarily not entitled by subrogation to recover the full amount of the obligation, but can recover only the amount he paid or the value of the property used in discharging the obligation, Thus, a surety Is entitled by subrogation to recover -2- 96-0768 CIVIL TERM only the amount which he paid to discharge the obligation. He Is entitled to be made whole, but he Is not entitled to make a profit. So also, where a person by mistake discharges the debt of another, he Is entitled by subrogation to obtain no more than the amount which he paid to discharge the debt." As a subrogee, State Farm stands in the precise position of Mary McPeak to whose rights It Is subrogated, Molltorls v, Woods, 422 Pa, Super, 1 (1992). Therefore, State Farm may proceed to seek the recovery of the $1,926.74 It paid to Mary McPeak under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and the Automobile Lemon Law; however, It Is limited to recovering only that amount It paid to Its subrogee. 1 Defendants further object to the averment In subparagraph (c) of paragraph 16 of the amended complaint that defendants engaged "In other fraudulent conduct which created a likelihood of confusion or of misunderstanding,' We will strike that clause for lack of specificity of the It8rtlculars of the alleged fraud. For the foregoing reasons, the following order Is entered. ORDER OF COURT AND NOW, this ~ day of July. 1996, IT IS ORDERED: (1) Subparagraph (c) in paragraph 16 of count II of plaintiff's amended complaint, IS STRICKEN. (2) All other preliminary objections of defendant Ford Motor Company to 1. We are satisfied the definitions of 'purchase'" under both statut~s are broad enough to include a subrogee. -3. '. 96'()768 CIVIL TERM pl~lntlff's amended complaint, ARE DISMISSED. , Barry A. Kronthal, Esquire For Plaintiff Manuel Villegas, Jr., Esquire For Ford Motor Company David F. Wllk, Esquire For Bullseye Ford Mercury, Inc. :saa , ' , , I ',' i' ., " il , , " , , , , " ji , , , ,. ,\ " I , By the Court,. . I " , '!; , , I, ',I L, , " . ," , 'I , , " ') " " , , , , i . . " , I, q , " , .' ,4- " . '/ , .' 1',' !I , , /' ;1 f'i , , ; I' " , , " " , , , " " , ' ',! .. .. " " " , " . "~,I i' " I' . ,I' I;' , 'i i', I" ,fI " . ," iil -,i' , , " l' I " J ,j , II (:1 " " \)! ,r " i,' I. ' il ~ I,' I " Ii ,/ !I ,I I, ''I I 'j , )' _" H""'.#1'''''o~ ...I"....~..~~ J ' ~. w.:'" ;:'1 m\, 1_.--;..- 1:llJ',I:', ",i ",I"'" ~\\:'1'0.~t , ' , , , . I ,'; , .' , , , ' " " . ',I , , ;, " .J! " , I. , I ,; , .' ! :, . I iHi ,I " I Ii " " H , , i, , I ., , ,", '~ j'U') SiI i' ,Qlil I ~\~/ ,~ :;l (j!j ~? T11 ill "" (,p' 1r;J, W~:,! '..J iI ~') ~I " " ;1 " , ,/ Cr"j 'I ;,\,:i 1. ')- . ~rl'! I"" W .'. r ,"", ~~ ';,;' :..l r... ..j ,~ , '".;' ...J " <::, ',IJ " " " ;J 0'1 " , ' IN TilE COURT OF COMMON P/.I':AS OF CliMBERLAND <:OUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIl. ACTION STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE ) INSURANCE COMPANY us Subrogee ) of MARY McPEAK. ) ) Plalntif!; ) No. 96.768 ) v. ) ) . FORD MOTOR COMPANY and BULLSEYE ) FORD MERCURY, INC., ) ) Detimdants. ) 'F , q I consideration of the Petition To Make Rule Absolute of Dctcndant, Ford Motor Company, it is OIWF.I{ OF COlllfr A~m NOW. this ~ day of _~_. '1996, upon hereby ADJUDGED. ORDERED und DECREED. that such PetltiOllis Ilran!ed and Counts III, , IV and Vol' Plaintiff's Amended Complaint are dismissed with prejudice. BY THE COURT: , 'I J. , J' " " I" I '. .~ , " ,'I ',- 'rf.~ \. w'" ~ . ,l, ' \2'\:' ~'l" ,..,1" .\- ~ I' l\;, ~- ",,' o;-~ .. ..;1 :-1..- Lt.> " d I' 1.1 (:'-..- , ~ ,1(, ",-, "1,'.-'_' ,. , .,r,') I c~~ j,.. 'i,\ .,0 (." , , " ').~ J I ~ ~-,. !,I) ;--~1) " \(\1, \ '\, ~).. ';) ~J ' 1.., ;)I,) I ~ J ". " , " , " ,\ "I , , " ':-1 " ,I , I,' Ii Ii ~ i_I , r" I' , I ; ,p , " FlII'!') .(JFACr: I"H~ ~I-- ,; I' "I '("i('JTU1'( .' '''. _ 11 ,9(,orl' ..I rilll; ~ll . CUll;. .,',J; ,J 'II)~I~IV l'I;Nf'j;J;'I.V/'i\::.\ ' " " J I,. " 'II ;1 ,I il:1 !r ," I . II I 'I' ., ., " \"1 , I , " " " "I!! ,I " !l It I , " 'I .. ii 'I ',-Ii , ! " , " , " " '. , , ':1 "I I " !I " 'Of, " " " I , 'I '-III I . " " , , Ii" j" I' ',j . " I " j! -ri , , " " 'I " 1;1 ,-I' 'II " /" ,J 1'/ . , , , Ii " I' " " , , I' i I 'II " " , I, , " I I'H' 'I! I, I) " I,; " "II? ~~ ~ ~ ... 1 4 j:"' " , , ' I,' II" ,f) " " ,I , . , , ri " Ii, dl 'I , Ii' ,,' 1" , ' ".(1 'I 'I II I} .. ' " " , I , 'ii' d , i' '.1 'Ii ,\ ( , " 'll 'j 1.1 'I' 1 I !-i " ,I " ,.1 , , 'I' :,' " , , 'I' I" " '"I .., ii' " , . " " " '..-11 , " +. " !., I'. ',' ,I " II -, 1/, " , " ;, , ,q " " " " , ' " " Ir, " " ;!' " il 'I I,) , " !j iii"':' ';i , .I, II' ,I j" , , " " 'Ij II " ",', , , , '. '.\ , , ,';, " , .' " , " " , "I 'I; , I' I '. , ' , I I,~ (J\ '~j 'J ':"oi "~I' ,.. \:':'1 " " , , , , " Ii " ~'r-'I ,..... i',~i .. :~)! ";1 .d '.'i~~;l" 1'1 ~ t;1-, ,J:ih~ ;''1 iJ ..... ~-.. " In " " ,I ) " f: 'r " , L'I , , i. . 10. Parallraph 10 of Plaintiffs Amended Complaint sets Ii.mh conclusions of law to which no responses arc retlulred and arc deemed denied. To the extent a response is required. the avennents contained in parullraph 10 of Plaintiff s Amended Complaint are denied. COlJNT I 11. 'In responsc to pnrugruph II of Plaintltl's Amended Complaint. Ford Motor Company incorporates herein by reference the averments set Ii.mh in its answers to parallraphs 1.10 of Plaintiff's Amendcd Complnint. as if set 1i.>rIh herein at length. 12. It is specllically denied thut any Ford warrWlty covered the alleged dwnages described In Plaintiffs Amended Complaint. By way of further response. paragraph 12 of Plaintiffs Amended Complaint sets 1(>rIh conclusions of law to which no responsive pleading is required and is therefore deemed denied, 13-14, Paragraphs 13 and 14 of Plaintiffs Amended Complaint set forth conclusions of law to which no responsive pleading is necessary, the averments contained in parallraphs 13 and 14 of Plaintiffs Amended Complaint are deemed denied; accordingly. strict proof thereof is demanded at the time of trial. WHEREFORE, the defendant, Ford Motor Company, denies any and all liability to the Plaintiff in this action and respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor together with costs. COUNT II I S. In response to parugruph 15 of Plulntll1's Amended Complaint, Ford Motor Company Incorporales herein hy reference thc uvermcnts set forth In Its unswers to paragraphs 1.14 of Plalntifl's Amcnded ('ol11pluint, us if sctli,rth hcrein mlength. 16. Purugruph 16 IInd suhpllrugruphs IU' and (h) of l'luintiffs Amended t:ornplalnt sctlorth conclusions of luw 10 which no responsive plcudlng is required ure therefore deemed denied. To the cxlent 1I responsive plellding is neeessury, the uverl11ents contained in paragraph 16 and suhpurugrurhs (u) und (h) of Pluintill's Amended COl11pluintllre denied in their entirety; accordingly. strict proof thereof is demunded utthe time of trial. 17-18, Purugruphs 17 und 18 of Pluintiffs Amended COl11plulnt set lorth conclusions of law to which no respons~' is rcquired and are dccmed denied. To the extent a response is required. the averments contained In parugruphs 1 i and 18 of Plaintifl's Amended Complaint arc denied. WHEREFORE. this defendant, Ford Motor Company, denies any and all liability to the Plaintifl'in this action und respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor together with costs. NEW MATTER 19. Ford Motor Company incorporates by reference the averments set forth in its answers to paragraphs 1-18 of Plaintlll's Amcnded Compluint. us If set forth herein at length. 20, Raised us a complete and totul bar to any alleged liability against. Ford Motor Company is the contributory negligence and the comparative fault of the' Plaintiff. In the 4 ._.,.,.-~ .. ...,- alternative. if suid negligence docs not UCI as a cOInplete and total bur, then. said negligence acts as a diminution against uny und all allcged liability, 21. To the extent justilied by Ihe facts developed in discovery or at the time of trial, raised us a complete Wld lotal bur ugainst W1Y Wld ull alleged liability against Ford Motor Company is the abuse. misuse and/or abnormal or improper use of the product. 22. To the extent justilied by Ihe lllCIS developed in discovery or ut the time of trial, raised os a complete Wld total bar against Wly lUld all alleged liability against Ford Motor Company is the substantial change in the product. 23. To the extent justilied by the fucls dcvelopcd in discovery or at the time of trial Wld applicable to the theory of liability raised by the Plaintift; then. Ford Motor Company pleads assumption of the risk as a bar to liability, 24. To the extent justilied by the facts developed in discovery or at the time of triol, raised os a complete and total bur against Wly Wld all alleged liability against Ford Motor Company, or in the alternative, as a diminution of any liability on bchalf of Ford Motor Company, arc the superseding intervcning acts and omissions of third parties of which Ford Motor Company has no control or right to control. 25. To the extent justilied by the facts developed in discovery or at the time of trial, raised os a complete and total bur against any Wld all allegcd liability against Ford Motor Company, if appllcablc. is the doctrine of spoilation of evidence. 26. Plaintiffs Amended Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted against FordMotor Company. 5 STATE OF MICHIGAN ) ) 55. COUNTY OF WAYNE ) . II PNJL 1<, ", i'."'!H". ,Ill. _, being duly sworn, deposes and says that the i I I \ \ , I deponent Is an authorized agent of Ford Motor Company, and that the deponent verifies the foregoing Answer and New Matler for and on behalf of Ford Motor Company and Is duly authorized so to do; that . certain of the matlers stated therein are not within the personal knowledge of the deponent; that the facts stated therein have been assembled by authorized employees and counsel of Ford Motor Company, and the deponent Is Informed that the facts stated therein are true, " /7, ..' '/ ,,/ ~ /j?o/' \ I // SUb.....d~m to b.ro~ m'." I~' dayof.4 ,~ 1997. :;c tY;! .,,'~ I' , , , , [, , .1 _, ,I "," ',I "I IJirll\n'Jn 1..1 ',1, I ",_')' i ,. ',cU M~ GUIIIIIII~'I"'II_'I;i'," J.,.\ioIY U. 2000 ':, . , .... ", ~ I 'ERTIFICAn: OF SERVICE I, Manuel VlllegB5, Esquire, do hereby certify that I caul\l.-d atNe and correct copy of the forelloing ANSWER AND NEW MA'ITER to be served this 20th day of Februlll')', 1997, by U.S, First-elnss Mall. Postagc Prepaid, upon the following counsel of record: Darry A. Kronlhal. Esquire Reynolds & \lavas 101 Pinc Strcet Post Oflicc Box 932 Harrisburg, P ^ 17108-0932 " Randall 0, Galc, Esquire Thomas, Thomas & Ilafer 305 North Front Street Sixth Floor 1'.0, Box 999 Harrisburg, P ^ 17108 " , , , , ~..f at~ t Manuel Villegas, Jr. 'I 'i', , , , . , , \'1, , ' '" , ' 1;1 , , ii I, , " , , , ' I! , , " , ' 1 ',' ,,' ""I . " .' " " , , , Ii, . , , , , , " " " " " Ii Ii " ""1 11'\' .' fr, u;. I . f'"' I: J,LI' .. ~I\ ~q ';.'J J ~"~ , , , }. ' I. In', IJ.. i ~.'.! I, d1' (...l j:Jj, " ~) ~ , _.1 ! .,; rl,. ' ,', " Hd .1.. i , ),n.. I ,. ....,. .... ;'j 't.' ~~ () I i , i' " " , , , . , . , , , , . , " N I'l ! ~ ~ I ( ~ 8 ~ I pal ! ~ H all en . ) .\ Iii ~ ~;; ~ ~ ~ c ~ (r . . \ \ " " ,,! 'i 'f I!, " " Ii ,), " , , I' " "I " " " ,.)' " Ill, 'l",i I' I, " ;1' ., " " " , ., ". , , . . COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMJ?ANY as subrogee of Mary McPeak, Plaintiff No. 96-768 civil v. CIVIL ACTION - LAW F'ORD MOTOR COMPANY and BULLSEYE FORD MERCURY, INC., Defendants : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED PLAINTIFF'S REPLY TO NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT. FORD MOTOR COMP~ 19. Denied. Plaintiff's Complaint, being in writing, speaks for itself and the aver.ments of this paragraph are, therefore, denied. 20. Denied. By way of further answer, the averments of the Defendant state a conclusion of law to which no response is required and they are, therefore, denied. 21- Denied. By way of further answer, the averments of the Defendant state a conclusion of law to which no response is required and they are, there fore, denied. 22. Denied. By way of further answer, the averments of the Defendant state a conclusion of law to which no response is required and they are, therefore, denied. 23. Denied. By way of further answer, the averments of the Defendant state a conclusion of law to which no response is required and they are, therefore, denied. 24. Denied. By way of further answer, the averments ot the Defendant state a conclusion of law to which no response is required and they are, therefore, denied. 25. Denied. By way of further answer, the averments ot the Defendant state a conclusion of law to which no response is required and they are, there fore, denied. 26. Denied. By way of further answer, the averments of the Defendant state a conclusion of law to which no response is requ ired and they are, there fore, denied. 27. Denied. By way of further answer, the averments ot the Defendant state a conclusion of law to which no response is required and they are, therefore, denied. 28. Denied. By way of further answer, the averments of the Defendant state a conclusion of law to which no response is required and they are, therefore, denied. 29. Denied. By way of further answer, the averments of the Defendant state a conclusion of law to which no response is required and they are, therefore, denied. 30. Denied. By way of further answer, the averments of the Defendant state a conclusion of law to which no response is required and they are, therefore, denied. 31. Denied. By way of fur.t.her answer, the averments of the Defendant state a conclusion of law to which no response is required and they are, therefore, denied. - 2 - , " ,',