FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`OF THE
`
`STATE
`
`COURT
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`OF ERIE
`--____________________________________________---_________________________Ç
`SHANE
`SMITH
`JANE
`and ALLYSON
`TROY
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`SMITH,
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`-against-
`
`84 LUMBER
`
`COMPANY,
`
`et al.,
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`814633/2023
`
`SCHNEIDER
`DEFENDANT
`ELECTRIC
`INC.
`USA,
`KNOWN AS
`FORMERLY
`D COMPANY'S
`SQUARE
`VERIFIED
`ANSWER,
`DEFENSES
`AFFIRMATIVE
`AND CROSS-CLAIMS
`TO PLAINTIFFS'
`COMPLAINT
`VERIFIED
`
`Defendants.
`___-----________________________________---_________________________-----Ç
`
`Defendant,
`
`Schneider
`
`Electric
`
`USA,
`
`Inc.
`
`formerly
`
`known
`
`as SQUARE
`
`D Company
`
`(hereinafter
`
`"SQUARE
`
`D"),
`
`by
`
`its attorneys,
`
`Kelley
`
`Jasons,
`
`McGowan,
`
`Spinelli,
`
`Hanna
`
`&
`
`Reber,
`
`LLP,
`
`hereby
`
`answers
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`Verified
`
`Complaint
`
`(hereinafter
`
`"Complaint")
`
`as follows:
`
`THE PARTIES
`
`1.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`other
`
`than
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`1 of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`as
`
`they
`
`pertain
`
`to
`
`parties
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`2.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in paragraph
`
`2 of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the
`
`Court.
`
`1 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`3.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`3 of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`as
`
`they
`
`pertain
`
`to
`
`parties
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`4.
`
`The
`
`statements
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`4 of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`do
`
`not
`
`require
`
`any
`
`admissions
`
`or denials
`
`as said
`
`statements
`
`define
`
`"Defendants"
`
`as used within
`
`the
`
`context
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`merely
`
`5.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in paragraph
`
`5 of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as
`
`to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the
`
`Court.
`
`6.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in paragraphs
`
`6 through
`
`51 of
`
`the Complaint
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`as they
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`7.
`
`In
`
`response
`
`to
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`52
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint,
`
`SQUARE
`
`D admits
`
`that
`
`it
`
`is a duly
`
`organized
`
`foreign
`
`corporation
`
`only
`
`and
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`remaining
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`52 of
`
`the Complaint
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court
`
`8.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in paragraphs
`
`53
`
`through
`
`61
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`9.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in paragraph
`
`62 to 69 of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to
`
`the Court.
`
`2 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`AS AND FOR A FIRST
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`SOUNDING
`
`IN NEGLIGENCE
`
`10.
`
`In response
`
`to paragraph
`
`70
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`SQUARE
`
`D repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`its
`
`responses
`
`to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`69,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`11.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in paragraphs
`
`71 through
`
`78
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`AS AND FOR A SECOND
`BREACH
`
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`OF WARRANTY
`
`SOUNDING
`
`IN
`
`12.
`
`In response
`
`to paragraph
`
`79
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`SQUARE
`
`D repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`its
`
`responses
`
`to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`78 as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`SQUARE
`
`in paragraphs
`
`80 through
`
`83
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`13.
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRD
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`SOUNDING
`
`IN STRICT
`
`LIABILITY
`
`14.
`
`In response
`
`to paragraph
`
`84 of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`SQUARE
`
`D repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`its
`
`responses
`
`to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`83,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`15.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in paragraphs
`
`85 through
`
`93
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`3 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`AS AND FOR A FOURTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`LABOR
`
`LAW VIOLATIONS
`
`16.
`
`In response
`
`to paragraph
`
`94 of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`SQUARE
`
`D repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`its
`
`responses
`
`to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`93,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`17.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in paragraphs
`
`95 through
`
`112
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`AS AND FOR A FIFTH
`METROPOLITAN
`
`CAUSE
`LIFE
`
`OF ACTION
`INSURANCE
`
`DEFENDANT
`AGAINST
`COMPANY
`
`18.
`
`In response
`
`to paragraph
`
`113
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`SQUARE
`
`D repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`its
`
`responses
`
`to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`112,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`19.
`
`SQUARE
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`D denies
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`114
`
`through
`
`120
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`AS AND FOR A SIXTH
`COLLECTIVE
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`LIABILITY/CONCERT
`
`SOUNDING
`
`IN CONSPIRACY
`OF ACTION
`
`AND
`
`20.
`
`In response
`
`to paragraph
`
`121
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`SQUARE
`
`D repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`its
`
`responses
`
`to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`120,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`21.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in paragraphs
`
`122
`
`through
`
`136
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`4 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`AS AND FOR A SEVENTH
`DEFENDANT
`AGAINST
`
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`CONTRACTORS
`
`22.
`
`In response
`
`to paragraph
`
`137
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`SQUARE
`
`D repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`its
`
`responses
`
`to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`136,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`23.
`
`The
`
`statements
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`138
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`do
`
`not
`
`require
`
`any
`
`admissions
`
`or denials
`
`as said
`
`statements
`
`merely
`
`define
`
`"contractors"
`
`as used within
`
`the
`
`context
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`24.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in paragraphs
`
`139
`
`through
`
`150
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`AS AND FOR AN EIGHTH
`FOR PREMISES
`LIABILITY
`AGAINST
`
`CAUSE
`OF ACTION
`CERTAIN
`DEFENDANTS
`
`25.
`
`In response
`
`to paragraph
`
`151
`
`of
`
`SQUARE
`
`D repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`the Complaint,
`
`realleges
`
`its
`
`responses
`
`to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`150,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`26.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in paragraphs
`
`152
`
`through
`
`166
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`CAUSE
`
`AS AND FOR A NINTH
`
`OF ACTION
`
`JOINT
`
`AND SEVERAL
`
`LIABILITY
`
`27.
`
`In response
`
`to paragraph
`
`167
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`SQUARE
`
`D repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`its
`
`responses
`
`to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`166,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`28.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in paragraphs
`
`168
`
`through
`
`179
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`5 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`AS AND FOR A TENTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`PUNITIVE
`
`DAMAGES
`
`29.
`
`In response
`
`to paragraph
`
`180
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`SQUARE
`
`D repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`its
`
`responses
`
`to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`179,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`30.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`181
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`as
`
`they
`
`pertain
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to
`
`the Court.
`
`AS AND FOR AN ELEVENTH
`CAUSE
`OF ACTION
`OF CONSORTIUM
`SPOUSAL
`LOSS
`
`of
`
`SQUARE
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`31.
`
`In response
`
`to paragraph
`
`182
`
`the Complaint,
`
`D repeats,
`
`realleges
`
`its
`
`responses
`
`to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`181,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`32.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in paragraph
`
`183
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to
`
`parties
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`33.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`184
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`as
`
`they
`
`pertain
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`allegations
`
`as they
`
`pertain
`
`to parties
`
`other
`
`than
`
`SQUARE
`
`D and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to
`
`the Court.
`
`6 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSES
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENSE
`
`FIRST
`
`1.
`
`All
`
`claims
`
`are time-barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`statue
`
`of
`
`limitations.
`
`SECOND
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`2.
`
`All
`
`causes
`
`of action
`
`have
`
`not
`
`been maintained
`
`in a timely
`
`fashion
`
`and Plaintiffs
`
`have
`
`neglected
`
`the
`
`same
`
`and
`
`should
`
`be barred
`
`the
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`laches.
`
`by
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENSE
`
`THIRD
`
`3.
`
`The Court
`
`lacks
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`matter
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action.
`
`FOURTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`4.
`
`The Complaint,
`
`and
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`considered
`
`separately,
`
`fails
`
`to state
`
`any
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`against
`
`SQUARE
`
`D upon
`
`which
`
`relief
`
`can
`
`be granted.
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENSE
`
`FIFTH
`
`of
`
`5.
`
`Since
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`are unable
`
`to identify
`
`the manufacturers
`
`the
`
`substance,
`
`product
`
`or equipment
`
`which
`
`allegedly
`
`caused
`
`injury
`
`to them,
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`fail
`
`to state
`
`a claim
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`relief
`
`may
`
`be granted,
`
`since
`
`if
`
`such
`
`relief
`
`were
`
`granted,
`
`it would
`
`deprive
`
`SQUARE
`
`D of
`
`its
`
`constitutional
`
`rights
`
`to substantive
`
`and
`
`procedural
`
`due
`
`process
`
`of
`
`law and
`
`equal
`
`protection
`
`under
`
`the
`
`laws
`
`guaranteed
`
`by
`
`the Fourteenth
`
`Amendment
`
`of
`
`the Constitution
`
`of
`
`the United
`
`States.
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENSE
`
`SIXTH
`
`6.
`
`In the
`
`event
`
`that
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`were
`
`employed
`
`by SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`sole
`
`and
`
`exclusive
`
`remedy
`
`is under
`
`the Worker's
`
`Compensation
`
`Law of
`
`the State
`
`of New York.
`
`7 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`SEVENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`7.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`to which
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`seek
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`against
`
`SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`these
`
`damages
`
`are improper,
`
`unwarranted,
`
`not
`
`authorized
`
`by
`
`law
`
`and
`
`are unconstitutional
`
`in the
`
`context
`
`of
`
`this
`
`litigation.
`
`The
`
`imposition
`
`of punitive
`
`damages
`
`violates
`
`the
`
`due
`
`process,
`
`contract,
`
`excessive
`
`fines
`
`and
`
`"double
`
`jeopardy"
`
`clauses
`
`of
`
`the Constitution
`
`of
`
`the United
`
`States
`
`and
`
`Article
`
`1, Section
`
`6 of
`
`the New York
`
`State
`
`Constitution.
`
`EIGHTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`8.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`SQUARE
`
`D conformed
`
`to the
`
`scientific
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`data
`
`available
`
`to the
`
`industry
`
`and
`
`fulfilled
`
`its obligations,
`
`if any,
`
`and
`
`its activities
`
`and
`
`undertakings,
`
`if any, were
`
`conducted
`
`in a reasonable
`
`fashion,
`
`without
`
`recklessness,
`
`malice
`
`or
`
`against
`
`wantonness,
`
`and Plaintiffs
`
`may
`
`not
`
`recover
`
`herein
`
`any
`
`exemplary
`
`or punitive
`
`damages
`
`SQUARE
`
`D.
`
`AS AND FOR A
`DEFENSE
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`NINTH
`
`9.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`were
`
`aware
`
`of
`
`the
`
`facts,
`
`circumstances
`
`and
`
`conditions
`
`existing
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`and
`
`place
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the
`
`complaint
`
`and
`
`voluntarily
`
`assumed
`
`all
`
`risk
`
`arising
`
`therefrom.
`
`TENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`10.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D reserves
`
`the
`
`right
`
`to move
`
`at any
`
`time
`
`prior
`
`to the
`
`trial
`
`date
`
`of
`
`the
`
`above
`
`matter
`
`to dismiss
`
`the Complaint
`
`on the
`
`following
`
`grounds:
`
`(a)
`
`the
`
`court
`
`lacks
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`matter;
`
`(b)
`
`the
`
`court
`
`lacks
`
`personal
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`SQUARE
`
`D;
`
`(c)
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`fails
`
`to state
`
`a claim
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`relief
`
`can
`
`be granted.
`
`8 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`ELEVENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`11.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D is not
`
`a proper
`
`party
`
`defendant.
`
`TWELFTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`12.
`
`Insofar
`
`as the Complaint
`
`and
`
`each
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`considered
`
`separately
`
`allege
`
`a
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`accruing
`
`before
`
`September
`
`1, 1975,
`
`each
`
`such
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`is barred
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to Plaintiffs,
`
`including
`
`contributory
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`assumption
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risk.
`
`THIRTEENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`13.
`
`If Plaintiffs
`
`should
`
`prove
`
`that
`
`injuries
`
`were
`
`sustained
`
`as alleged,
`
`such
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`resulted
`
`from
`
`acts
`
`or omissions
`
`on the
`
`part
`
`of
`
`third
`
`parties
`
`over whom SQUARE
`
`D had
`
`right
`
`of
`
`control.
`
`neither
`
`control
`
`nor
`
`FOURTEENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`14.
`
`While
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`the
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`allegations
`
`with
`
`respect
`
`to liability,
`
`injury
`
`and
`
`damages,
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`to which
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`may
`
`be able
`
`to prove
`
`the
`
`same,
`
`they
`
`were
`
`the
`
`result
`
`of
`
`intervening
`
`and/or
`
`interceding
`
`acts
`
`of
`
`superseding
`
`negligence
`
`on the
`
`part
`
`of
`
`third
`
`parties
`
`over whom SQUARE
`
`D had
`
`neither
`
`control
`
`nor
`
`right
`
`of
`
`control.
`
`FIFTEENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`15.
`
`While
`
`denying
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`allegations
`
`with
`
`respect
`
`to liability,
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`negligence
`
`or
`
`improper
`
`conduct
`
`may
`
`be proved,
`
`the
`
`acts
`
`of SQUARE
`
`D are not
`
`a proximate
`
`cause
`
`of any
`
`injuries
`
`to Plaintiffs.
`
`9 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`SIXTEENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`16.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`during
`
`the
`
`conduct
`
`of
`
`their
`
`corporate
`
`operations,
`
`the
`
`agents,
`
`servants
`
`and/or
`
`employees
`
`of SQUARE
`
`D complied
`
`with
`
`all
`
`applicable
`
`law,
`
`regulations,
`
`standards
`
`and
`
`the
`
`available
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`technology
`
`of
`
`the medical,
`
`scientific
`
`and
`
`industrial
`
`communities.
`
`SEVENTEENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`17.
`
`If
`
`it should
`
`be proven
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`trial
`
`that
`
`any
`
`of SQUARE
`
`D's
`
`products
`
`were
`
`furnished
`
`to
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`employers
`
`or
`
`to the United
`
`States
`
`Government
`
`and
`
`that
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`came
`
`into
`
`contact
`
`with
`
`these
`
`products,
`
`which
`
`is specifically
`
`denied,
`
`then
`
`any
`
`such
`
`product
`
`was
`
`furnished
`
`in strict
`
`to the
`
`conditions
`
`specified
`
`or
`
`to the
`
`specifications
`
`furnished
`
`conformity
`
`by
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`employers
`
`and/or
`
`the United
`
`States
`
`Government.
`
`EIGHTEENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`18.
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`coworkers
`
`and
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`employers,
`
`misused,
`
`abused,
`
`mistreated
`
`and misapplied
`
`the
`
`products
`
`designated
`
`as asbestos
`
`material
`
`as alleged
`
`in the
`
`Complaint.
`
`NINETEENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`19.
`
`If
`
`the Court
`
`finds
`
`that
`
`any misuse,
`
`abuse,
`
`mistreatment
`
`and/or
`
`misapplication
`
`of
`
`the
`
`products
`
`caused
`
`and/or
`
`contributed
`
`to the
`
`alleged
`
`damages
`
`or
`
`injuries
`
`to Plaintiffs,
`
`SQUARE
`
`D requests
`
`that
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of damages
`
`which
`
`might
`
`be recovered
`
`shall
`
`be diminished
`
`by
`
`the
`
`proportion
`
`which
`
`the
`
`same misuse,
`
`abuse,
`
`mistreatment
`
`and/or
`
`misapplication
`
`attributed
`
`to the
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`coworkers
`
`and/or
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`employers
`
`bear
`
`to the
`
`conduct
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`injuries
`
`or damages.
`
`10 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`TWENTIETH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`20.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D neither
`
`gave, made
`
`nor
`
`otherwise
`
`extended
`
`any warranties,
`
`whether
`
`express
`
`or
`
`implied,
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`had
`
`a right
`
`to rely.
`
`TWENTY-FIRST
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`21.
`
`Any
`
`oral warranties
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`allegedly
`
`relied
`
`are inadmissible
`
`and
`
`unavailable
`
`because
`
`of
`
`the
`
`provision
`
`of
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`Statute
`
`of Frauds.
`
`TWENTY-SECOND
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`22.
`
`As
`
`to all
`
`the
`
`causes
`
`of action
`
`pleaded
`
`in the Complaint
`
`which
`
`may
`
`be based
`
`upon
`
`express
`
`or
`
`implied
`
`warranties
`
`and/or
`
`representations,
`
`such
`
`causes
`
`of action
`
`are legally
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`of
`
`contract
`
`insufficient,
`
`as against
`
`SQUARE
`
`D, by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`failure
`
`to allege
`
`privity
`
`between
`
`the Plaintiffs
`
`and SQUARE
`
`D, which
`
`is specifically
`
`denied.
`
`TWENTY-THIRD
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`23.
`
`In the
`
`event
`
`that
`
`any
`
`breach
`
`of express
`
`or
`
`implied
`
`warranty
`
`is proven,
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`failed
`
`to give
`
`proper
`
`and
`
`prompt
`
`notice
`
`of any
`
`such
`
`breach
`
`of warranty
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D.
`
`TWENTY-FOURTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`24.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`did
`
`not
`
`directly
`
`or
`
`indirectly
`
`purchase
`
`any
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`products
`
`from
`
`SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`and Plaintiffs
`
`neither
`
`received
`
`nor
`
`relied
`
`upon
`
`any warranty
`
`or
`
`representation
`
`that may
`
`be alleged
`
`to have
`
`been made
`
`by SQUARE
`
`D.
`
`11 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`TWENTY-FIFTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`25.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`to which
`
`the
`
`causes
`
`of action
`
`pleaded
`
`by Plaintiffs
`
`fail
`
`to accord
`
`with
`
`the Uniform
`
`Commercial
`
`Code,
`
`including,
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to Section
`
`2-725
`
`thereof,
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`Verified
`
`Complaint
`
`and Complaint
`
`are time-barred.
`
`TWENTY-SIXTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`26.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`that
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`had
`
`any
`
`exposure
`
`to any
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`product
`
`allegedly
`
`processed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`supplied,
`
`developed,
`
`tested,
`
`fashioned,
`
`packaged,
`
`distributed,
`
`delivered,
`
`sold
`
`and/or
`
`otherwise
`
`placed
`
`in the
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce
`
`by SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`and more
`
`particularly,
`
`denies,
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`that SQUARE
`
`D processed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`supplied,
`
`developed,
`
`tested,
`
`fashioned,
`
`packaged,
`
`distributed,
`
`sold
`
`and/or
`
`the
`
`and
`
`otherwise
`
`placed
`
`in the
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce
`
`any
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`product
`
`at
`
`times
`
`upon
`
`the
`
`dates
`
`alleged
`
`in the Complaint.
`
`TWENTY-SEVENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`27.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D denies
`
`specifically
`
`that,
`
`during
`
`periods
`
`of exposure
`
`alleged
`
`in the
`
`Complaint
`
`by
`
`the Plaintiffs,
`
`it processed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`designed,
`
`supplied,
`
`developed,
`
`tested,
`
`fashioned,
`
`packaged,
`
`distributed,
`
`delivered,
`
`sold
`
`and/or
`
`otherwise
`
`placed
`
`in the
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce
`
`a substantial
`
`and/or
`
`any
`
`percentage
`
`of
`
`the
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`products
`
`to which
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`were
`
`allegedly
`
`caused
`
`to come
`
`into
`
`contact
`
`and which
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`were
`
`allegedly
`
`caused
`
`to breathe,
`
`inhale
`
`and
`
`digest
`
`and which
`
`thereby
`
`allegedly
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`resulting
`
`damages
`
`alleged
`
`in the Complaint.
`
`12 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`TWENTY-EIGHTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`28.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D purchased
`
`or obtained
`
`a product
`
`from
`
`a reputable
`
`manufacturer,
`
`and
`
`any
`
`defect
`
`therein
`
`was
`
`latent
`
`and
`
`not
`
`ascertainable
`
`by or upon
`
`a reasonable
`
`inspection.
`
`TWENTY-NINTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`29.
`
`In the
`
`event
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`recover
`
`a verdict
`
`or
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`then
`
`said
`
`verdict
`
`or
`
`judgment
`
`must
`
`be reduced
`
`pursuant
`
`to CPLR 4545
`
`(c)
`
`by
`
`those
`
`amounts
`
`which
`
`have
`
`been,
`
`or will,
`
`with
`
`reasonable
`
`certainty,
`
`replace
`
`or
`
`indemnify
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part,
`
`for
`
`past
`
`or
`
`future
`
`claimed
`
`economic
`
`loss
`
`from
`
`collateral
`
`source
`
`such
`
`social
`
`any
`
`any
`
`as insurance,
`
`security,
`
`workers
`
`compensation
`
`or employee
`
`benefit
`
`programs.
`
`THIRTIETH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`30.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D specifically
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`the
`
`asbestos
`
`products
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`Complaint
`
`are products
`
`within
`
`the meaning
`
`and
`
`scope
`
`of
`
`the Restatement
`
`of Torts
`
`§402A,
`
`and
`
`as
`
`such,
`
`the Complaint
`
`fails
`
`to state
`
`a cause
`
`of action
`
`in strict
`
`liability.
`
`THIRTY-FIRST
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`31.
`
`The
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`strict
`
`liability
`
`is inapplicable
`
`to this
`
`litigation.
`
`THIRTY-SECOND
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`32.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`contributed
`
`to
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`illnesses
`
`by
`
`the
`
`use,
`
`either
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part,
`
`of other
`
`substances,
`
`products,
`
`medications
`
`and/or
`
`drugs.
`
`13 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`THIRTY-THIRD
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`33.
`
`The
`
`employers
`
`of Plaintiffs
`
`were
`
`sophisticated
`
`purchasers
`
`upon
`
`whom devolved
`
`all
`
`responsibility
`
`for
`
`the
`
`use
`
`of
`
`the
`
`products
`
`referred
`
`to in
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`Complaint.
`
`THIRTY-FOURTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`34.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material
`
`hereto,
`
`the
`
`state
`
`of
`
`the medical,
`
`industrial,
`
`and
`
`scientific
`
`arts,
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`technology
`
`was
`
`that
`
`there
`
`was
`
`no generally
`
`accepted
`
`or
`
`recognized
`
`knowledge
`
`of
`
`any
`
`unavoidable
`
`unsafe,
`
`inherently
`
`dangerous,
`
`hazardous
`
`or defective
`
`character
`
`or nature
`
`of
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`products
`
`when
`
`used
`
`in the manner
`
`and
`
`for
`
`the
`
`purposes
`
`intended,
`
`so that
`
`there
`
`was
`
`no duty
`
`to warn
`
`by SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`to know
`
`of
`
`such
`
`character
`
`or nature
`
`or
`
`to warn
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`or others
`
`similarly
`
`situated,
`
`and
`
`that,
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`such
`
`duty
`
`arose,
`
`adequate
`
`warning
`
`either
`
`were
`
`given
`
`or were
`
`not
`
`necessary
`
`under
`
`all
`
`circumstances.
`
`THIRTY-FIFTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`35.
`
`All
`
`defenses
`
`which
`
`have
`
`been
`
`or will
`
`be asserted
`
`by
`
`other
`
`defendants
`
`in this
`
`action
`
`are
`
`adopted
`
`and
`
`incorporated
`
`by
`
`reference
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`for
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein
`
`as defenses
`
`to
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`Complaint.
`
`THIRTY-SIXTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`36.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D reserves
`
`the
`
`right
`
`to amend
`
`this
`
`pleading
`
`to assert
`
`additional
`
`defense
`
`upon
`
`discovery
`
`of
`
`the
`
`specific
`
`facts
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`base
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`claims
`
`for
`
`relief,
`
`and
`
`upon
`
`completion
`
`of
`
`further
`
`discovery.
`
`14 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`THIRTY-SEVENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`37.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`exclusive
`
`remedies
`
`are under
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`federal
`
`workers'
`
`compensation
`
`laws,
`
`including
`
`the Federal
`
`Employment
`
`Liability
`
`Act.
`
`THIRTY-EIGHTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`38.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D hereby
`
`invokes
`
`the
`
`provisions
`
`of Article
`
`16 of
`
`the New York
`
`CPLR
`
`and
`
`requests
`
`that
`
`the jury
`
`herein
`
`be changed
`
`accordingly.
`
`THIRTY-NINTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`39.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D complied
`
`with
`
`the
`
`state
`
`of
`
`the
`
`art and
`
`is,
`
`therefore,
`
`immune
`
`from
`
`suit.
`
`FORTIETH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`40.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`claims
`
`are barred
`
`because
`
`of
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`failure
`
`to join
`
`necessary
`
`and
`
`indispensable
`
`parties.
`
`FORTY-FIRST
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`41.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`claims
`
`should
`
`be dismissed
`
`on grounds
`
`of
`
`improper
`
`venue
`
`and/or
`
`forum
`
`non
`
`conveniens.
`
`FORTY-SECOND
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`42.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`claims
`
`should
`
`be dismissed
`
`on grounds
`
`of
`
`improper
`
`service
`
`of process.
`
`FORTY-THIRD
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`43.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D reserves
`
`the
`
`right
`
`to move
`
`for
`
`a severance
`
`of
`
`the
`
`various
`
`allegations
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`in the
`
`Complaint.
`
`15 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`FORTY-FOURTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`44.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`employer
`
`and
`
`employers
`
`of others
`
`are primarily,
`
`solely
`
`and
`
`exclusively
`
`liable
`
`for
`
`the within
`
`claims.
`
`FORTY-FIFTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`45.
`
`Any
`
`asbestos
`
`or asbestos-containing
`
`products
`
`which
`
`SQUARE
`
`D may
`
`have
`
`supplied
`
`were
`
`de minimus
`
`in light
`
`of
`
`the
`
`total
`
`sales
`
`by all
`
`sources
`
`and,
`
`therefore,
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`have
`
`failed
`
`to state
`
`a claim
`
`against
`
`SQUARE
`
`D.
`
`FORTY-SIXTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`46.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D had
`
`no knowledge
`
`or
`
`reason
`
`to know
`
`of any
`
`alleged
`
`risks
`
`associated
`
`products
`
`time
`
`the
`
`periods
`
`complained
`
`with
`
`asbestos
`
`and/or
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`at any
`
`during
`
`of.
`
`FORTY-SEVENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`47.
`
`Exposure
`
`to asbestos
`
`fibers
`
`attributable
`
`to SQUARE
`
`D is so minimal
`
`so as to be
`
`insufficient
`
`to establish
`
`a reasonable
`
`degree
`
`of probability
`
`that
`
`the
`
`products
`
`are capable
`
`of
`
`causing
`
`injury
`
`or damages
`
`and must
`
`be considered
`
`speculative
`
`as a matter
`
`of
`
`law.
`
`FORTY-EIGHTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`48.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`any Plaintiff
`
`herein
`
`brings
`
`suit
`
`in a representative
`
`capacity,
`
`such
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`failed
`
`to allege
`
`sufficient
`
`facts
`
`to demonstrate
`
`legal
`
`capacity
`
`to sue pursuant
`
`to New
`
`York
`
`Estate
`
`Powers
`
`and
`
`Trusts
`
`Law § 5-41.
`
`AS AND FOR A
`
`16 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`FORTY-NINTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`49.
`
`All
`
`claims
`
`brought
`
`under
`
`New York
`
`Law,
`
`L.
`
`1986
`
`c. 682
`
`Section
`
`4 (enacted
`
`July
`
`31,
`
`1986)
`
`are time-barred
`
`in that
`
`said
`
`statute
`
`is in violation
`
`of
`
`the Constitution
`
`of
`
`the United
`
`States
`
`and
`
`the Constitution
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York.
`
`FIFTIETH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`50.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`injuries
`
`were
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`a pre-existing
`
`or
`
`unrelated
`
`medical
`
`condition,
`
`disease
`
`or
`
`illness
`
`of
`
`the Plaintiffs.
`
`FIFTY-FIRST
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`51.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`claims
`
`are barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`doctrines
`
`of waiver
`
`and/or
`
`estoppel.
`
`FIFTY-SECOND
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`52.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D had
`
`no legal
`
`of
`
`care
`
`to Plaintiffs.
`
`duty
`
`FIFTY-THIRD
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`53.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`claims
`
`are barred,
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part,
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`the Plaintiffs
`
`failed
`
`to mitigate
`
`damages.
`
`FIFTY-FOURTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`54.
`
`In the
`
`event
`
`that
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`recover
`
`a verdict
`
`or
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`then
`
`said
`
`verdict
`
`or
`
`judgment
`
`must
`
`be reduced
`
`by
`
`those
`
`amounts
`
`which
`
`have
`
`been
`
`paid
`
`or
`
`indemnified
`
`or will,
`
`with
`
`reasonable
`
`certainty,
`
`be paid
`
`or
`
`indemnified
`
`to any Plaintiff,
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part,
`
`for
`
`any
`
`past
`
`or
`
`future
`
`claimed
`
`economic
`
`loss,
`
`from
`
`any
`
`collateral
`
`source
`
`including
`
`insurance,
`
`social
`
`security,
`
`workers
`
`compensation
`
`or employees
`
`benefit
`
`programs.
`
`17 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`FIFTY-FIFTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`55.
`
`SQUARE
`
`D was
`
`not
`
`under
`
`any
`
`duty
`
`to warn
`
`purchasers,
`
`those
`
`who
`
`performed
`
`work,
`
`or
`
`those
`
`under
`
`their
`
`control,
`
`who
`
`were
`
`in a better
`
`position
`
`to warn;
`
`if warning
`
`was
`
`required,
`
`their
`
`failure
`
`to do so was
`
`a superseding
`
`proximate
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`injury.
`
`FIFTY-SIXTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`56.
`
`Finished
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`products
`
`are not
`
`unreasonably
`
`dangerous
`
`as a matter
`
`of
`
`law.
`
`FIFTY-SEVENTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`57.
`
`None
`
`of
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`injuries
`
`or damages
`
`were
`
`foreseeable
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`the
`
`acts
`
`or
`
`omissions
`
`in
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`Complaint.
`
`FIFTY-EIGHTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`58.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`were
`
`warned
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`of exposure
`
`to use
`
`of asbestos-containing
`
`materials.
`
`FIFTY-NINTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`59.
`
`The
`
`damages
`
`allegedly
`
`sustained
`
`by
`
`the Plaintiffs
`
`were
`
`caused,
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in
`
`part,
`
`through
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of nature.
`
`SIXTIETH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`60.
`
`Some
`
`or all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`causes
`
`of action
`
`may
`
`not
`
`be maintained
`
`because
`
`of arbitration
`
`and
`
`award,
`
`collateral
`
`estoppel,
`
`a discharge
`
`in bankruptcy,
`
`infancy
`
`(or
`
`some
`
`other
`
`disability)
`
`of
`
`the Plaintiffs,
`
`payment
`
`and
`
`release,
`
`and/or
`
`res judicata.
`
`18 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`SIXTY-FIRST
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`61.
`
`If SQUARE
`
`D was
`
`on notice
`
`of any
`
`hazard
`
`or defect
`
`for which
`
`the Plaintiffs
`
`seek
`
`relief,
`
`which
`
`is specifically
`
`denied,
`
`the
`
`named
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`also
`
`had
`
`such
`
`notice
`
`and
`
`is thereby
`
`barred
`
`from
`
`recovery.
`
`SIXTY-SECOND
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`62.
`
`That
`
`after
`
`the
`
`product(s)
`
`left
`
`the
`
`control
`
`of SQUARE
`
`D,
`
`they
`
`were
`
`subject
`
`abuse,
`
`alteration,
`
`change,
`
`improper
`
`installation
`
`or operation
`
`by persons
`
`not
`
`in the
`
`employ
`
`to
`
`or
`
`control
`
`of
`
`the SQUARE
`
`D, which
`
`alteration,
`
`change
`
`abuse,
`
`improper
`
`installation
`
`or operation
`
`proximately
`
`cause
`
`the
`
`injuries
`
`complained
`
`of by Plaintiffs
`
`in the Complaint.
`
`Such
`
`change
`
`in
`
`condition
`
`bars
`
`the
`
`action
`
`as against
`
`the SQUARE
`
`D.
`
`DEFENSE
`
`SIXTY-THIRD
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`63.
`
`The
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the Complaint
`
`do not
`
`state
`
`a claim
`
`against
`
`SQUARE
`
`D
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`rely
`
`upon
`
`the
`
`doctrines
`
`of market
`
`share,
`
`alternate
`
`liability,
`
`or any
`
`other
`
`theory
`
`providing
`
`for
`
`liability
`
`without
`
`proof
`
`of
`
`causation.
`
`SIXTY-FOURTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`64.
`
`In the
`
`event
`
`it should
`
`be proven
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`trial
`
`that
`
`all
`
`defendants
`
`are
`
`subject
`
`to market
`
`share
`
`liability,
`
`then
`
`SQUARE
`
`D's
`
`share
`
`of
`
`such
`
`liability
`
`would
`
`be of
`
`such
`
`a de minimis
`
`amount
`
`as to make
`
`its
`
`contribution
`
`for
`
`damages
`
`negligible,
`
`and SQUARE
`
`D would
`
`be entitled
`
`to
`
`contribution,
`
`either
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part,
`
`from
`
`co-defendants.
`
`19 of 26
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/22/2023 10:12 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/22/2023
`
`SIXTY-FIFTH
`
`AS AND FOR A
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`65.
`
`Insofar
`
`as
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`Complaint
`
`is premised
`
`upon
`
`any
`
`claims
`
`accruing
`
`on or after
`
`September
`
`1, 1975,
`
`to recover
`
`damages
`
`for
`
`personal
`
`injuries,
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of damages
`
`recoverable
`
`thereon
`
`must
`
`be diminished
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to the Plaintif