FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`COURT
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`OF ERIE
`-
`---...___------------------__.--------------.------___------__---___
`This
`Document
`Relates
`
`OF THE
`
`STATE
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`814633/2023
`
`VERIFIED
`
`ANSWER
`
`x
`
`: :
`
`: :
`
`: :
`
`:
`
`:
`
`:
`
`x
`
`To:
`
`TROY SHANE
`
`SMITH
`
`and ALLYSON
`
`JANE
`
`SMITH,
`
`Plaintiff(s),
`
`- against
`
`-
`
`84 LUMBER
`
`COMPANY,
`
`et al.,
`
`--
`
`-------------------------------------------------__--.__-----------
`
`Defendants.
`
`Defendant
`
`HONEYWELL
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`INC.,
`
`f/k/a
`
`AlliedSignal,
`
`Inc.,
`
`as
`
`successor-in-interest
`
`to
`
`The
`
`Bendix
`
`sued
`
`herein
`
`as
`
`HONEYWELL
`
`Corporation,
`
`INTERNATIONAL,
`
`INC.,
`
`Individually
`
`and
`
`f/k/a
`
`AlliedSignal,
`
`Inc.,
`
`and
`
`as Successor-iI-Interest
`
`to The Bendix
`
`Corp.
`
`("Honeywell"),
`
`by
`
`its attorneys,
`
`Harris
`
`Beach
`
`PLLC,
`
`for
`
`its Verified
`
`Answer
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`to
`
`Complaint
`
`("Complaint"),
`
`states
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`as follows:
`
`THE PARTIES
`
`1.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`"1"
`
`through
`
`"3"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`2.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraphs
`
`"4"
`
`"5"
`
`and
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`insofar
`
`as
`
`they
`
`are
`
`directed
`
`to Honeywell
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to
`
`this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`Honeywell
`
`admits
`
`that
`
`it did
`
`conduct
`
`business
`
`in this
`
`state
`
`from
`
`time
`
`to time;
`
`however,
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`such
`
`business
`
`is in any way
`
`related
`
`to the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`these
`
`paragraphs.
`
`3.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"4"
`
`"5"
`
`and
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`relate
`
`to other
`
`parties
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`1 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`4.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`Imowledge
`
`and
`
`information
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"6",
`
`"7",
`
`"8",
`
`"9",
`
`"10",
`
`"11",
`
`"12",
`
`"13",
`
`"14",
`
`"15",
`
`"16",
`
`"17",
`
`"18",
`
`"19",
`
`"20",
`
`"21",
`
`"22",
`
`"23",
`
`"24",
`
`"25",
`
`"26",
`
`"27",
`
`"28",
`
`"29",
`
`"30",
`
`"31",
`
`"32",
`
`"33",
`
`"34",
`
`"35",
`
`"36",
`
`"37",
`
`"38",
`
`"40",
`
`"41",
`
`"42",
`
`"43",
`
`"44",
`
`"45",
`
`"46",
`
`"47",
`
`"48",
`
`"49",
`
`"61"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`and
`
`"50",
`
`"51",
`
`"52",
`
`"53",
`
`"54",
`
`"55",
`
`"56",
`
`"57",
`
`"58",
`
`"59",
`
`"60",
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`5.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`the allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`"39"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`Honeywell
`
`admits
`
`that
`
`it did
`
`conduct
`
`business
`
`in this
`
`state
`
`from
`
`time
`
`to time;
`
`however,
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`such
`
`business
`
`is in any way
`
`related
`
`to the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`this
`
`paragraph.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`loowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`6.
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"62",
`
`"63",
`
`"64",
`
`"65",
`
`"66",
`
`"67",
`
`"68"
`
`and
`
`"69"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`relate
`
`to other
`
`parties
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`7.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`"62"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`are directed
`
`towards
`
`Honeywell
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to
`
`time
`
`this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`Honeywell
`
`admits
`
`that
`
`it did
`
`conduct
`
`business
`
`in this
`
`state
`
`from
`
`to time;
`
`however,
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`such
`
`business
`
`is in any way
`
`related
`
`to the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`this
`
`paragraph.
`
`8.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"63",
`
`"64",
`
`"65",
`
`"66",
`
`"67",
`
`"68",
`
`and
`
`"69"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`are
`
`directed
`
`towards
`
`Honeywell
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`2
`
`2 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`AS TO THE FIRST
`SOUNDING
`
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`IN NEGLIGENCE
`
`9.
`
`Honeywell
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`hereinbefore
`
`made
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as though
`
`the
`
`same
`
`were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein
`
`in response
`
`to
`
`paragraph
`
`"70"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`10.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"71"
`
`through
`
`"78"
`
`of
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`Complaint
`
`to
`
`the
`
`are
`
`directed
`
`towards
`
`Honeywell
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`11.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"71"
`
`through
`
`"78"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`relate
`
`to other
`
`parties
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`AS TO THE SECOND
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`OF WARRANTY
`IN BREACH
`SOUNDING
`
`12.
`
`Honeywell
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`hereinbefore
`
`made
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as
`
`though
`
`the
`
`same
`
`were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein
`
`in
`
`response
`
`to
`
`paragraph
`
`"79"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`13.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"80"
`
`through
`
`"83"
`
`of
`
`the
`
`directed
`
`towards
`
`Honeywell
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`Complaint
`
`to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`are
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`14.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"80"
`
`through
`
`"83"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`relate
`
`to other
`
`parties
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`3
`
`3 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`AS TO THE THIRD
`CAUSE
`SOUNDING
`IN STRICT
`
`OF ACTION
`LIABILITY
`
`15.
`
`Honeywell
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`hereinbefore
`
`made
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as
`
`though
`
`the
`
`same
`
`were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein
`
`in
`
`response
`
`to
`
`paragraph
`
`"84"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`16.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"85"
`
`through
`
`"93"
`
`of
`
`the
`
`to
`
`allegations
`
`directed
`
`Complaint
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`are
`
`towards
`
`Honeywell
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`17.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"85"
`
`through
`
`"93"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`relate
`
`to other
`
`parties
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`and
`
`AS TO THE FOURTH
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`LAW VIOLATIONS
`LABOR
`
`[FOR]
`
`18.
`
`Honeywell
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`hereinbefore
`
`made
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as
`
`though
`
`the
`
`same
`
`were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein
`
`in
`
`response
`
`to
`
`paragraph
`
`"94"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`19.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"95"
`
`through
`
`"112"
`
`of
`
`towards
`
`Honeywell
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`the Complaint
`
`to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`are
`
`directed
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`20.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"95"
`
`through
`
`"112"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`relate
`
`to other
`
`parties
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`4
`
`4 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`AGAINST
`
`AS TO THE FIFTH
`CAUSE
`DEFENDANT
`METROPOLITAN
`
`OF ACTION
`INSURANCE
`LIFE
`
`COMPANY
`
`21.
`
`Honeywell
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`hereinbefore
`
`made
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as though
`
`the
`
`same
`
`were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein
`
`in response
`
`to
`
`paragraph
`
`"113"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`22.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`Imowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"114"
`
`through
`
`"120"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`as they
`
`relate
`
`to another
`
`defendant,
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`Insofar
`
`as the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in these
`
`paragraphs
`
`are directed
`
`to Honeywell,
`
`they
`
`are denied.
`
`AS TO THE SIXTH
`CAUSE
`IN CONSPIRACY
`SOUNDING
`COLLECTIVE
`LIABILITY/CONCERT
`
`OF ACTION
`AND
`OF ACTION
`
`reiterates
`
`each
`
`and
`
`response
`
`hereinbefore
`
`made
`
`with
`
`23.
`
`Honeywell
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`every
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as though
`
`the
`
`same
`
`were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein
`
`in response
`
`to
`
`paragraph
`
`"121"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`24.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"122"
`
`through
`
`"136"
`
`the Complaint
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`are
`
`directed
`
`towards
`
`Honeywell
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`of
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`25.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"122"
`
`through
`
`"136"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`relate
`
`to other
`
`parties
`
`and refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`5
`
`5 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`AS TO THE SEVENTH
`DEFENDANT
`AGAINST
`
`CAUSE
`OF ACTION
`CONTRACTORS
`
`26.
`
`Honeywell
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`hereinbefore
`
`made
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as though
`
`the
`
`same
`
`were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein
`
`in response
`
`to
`
`paragraph
`
`"137"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`27.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"138"
`
`through
`
`"150"
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`as they
`
`relate
`
`to
`
`other
`
`parties,
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to
`
`this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`Insofar
`
`as
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in these
`
`paragraphs
`
`are directed
`
`to Honeywell,
`
`they
`
`are denied.
`
`AS TO THE EIGHTH
`CAUSE
`FOR PREMISES
`LIABILITY
`AGAINST
`
`OF ACTION
`CERTAIN
`DEFENDANTS
`
`28.
`
`Honeywell
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`hereinbefore
`
`made
`
`with
`
`same
`
`as though
`
`the
`
`same were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein
`
`in response
`
`to
`
`the
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`paragraph
`
`"151"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`29.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"152"
`
`through
`
`"166"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`are
`
`directed
`
`towards
`
`Honeywell
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`30.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"152"
`
`through
`
`"166"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to the extent
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the allegations
`
`contained
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`relate
`
`to other
`
`parties
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`AS TO THE NINTH
`CAUSE
`AND SEVERAL
`JOINT
`
`[FOR]
`
`OF ACTION
`LIABILITY
`
`31.
`
`Honeywell
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`hereinbefore
`
`made
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as though
`
`the
`
`same were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein
`
`in response
`
`to
`
`paragraph
`
`"167"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`6
`
`6 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`32.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"168"
`
`through
`
`"179"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`are
`
`directed
`
`towards
`
`Honeywell
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`33.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"168"
`
`through
`
`"179"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to the extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`relate
`
`refers
`
`questions
`
`Court.
`
`allegations
`
`to other
`
`parties
`
`and
`
`all
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`AS TO THE TENTH
`PUNITIVE
`[FOR1
`
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`DAMAGES
`
`34.
`
`Honeywell
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`hereinbefore
`
`made
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as
`
`though
`
`the
`
`same
`
`were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein
`
`in
`
`response
`
`to
`
`paragraph
`
`"180"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`35.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`"18
`
`1"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`are directed
`
`towards
`
`Honeywell
`
`and
`
`this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`36.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`"181"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`relate
`
`to other
`
`parties
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`AS TO THE ELEVENTH
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
`SPOUSAL
`
`[FOR1
`
`Honeywell
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`reiterates
`
`each
`
`and
`
`response
`
`hereinbefore
`
`made
`
`with
`
`37.
`
`every
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as
`
`though
`
`the
`
`same
`
`were
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein
`
`in
`
`response
`
`to
`
`paragraph
`
`"182"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`38.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`"183"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`as they
`
`relate
`
`to
`
`other
`
`parties,
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`7
`
`7 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`39.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`"184"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`are directed
`
`towards
`
`Honeywell
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to
`
`this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`40.
`
`Honeywell
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`"184"
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`such
`
`allegations
`
`relate
`
`to other
`
`parties
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to this
`
`honorable
`
`Court.
`
`FIRST
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The Complaint
`
`fails
`
`to state
`
`a cause
`
`of action.
`
`SECOND
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff
`
`failed
`
`to properly
`
`serve
`
`Honeywell
`
`with
`
`the Summons
`
`and
`
`the Complaint
`
`and
`
`the
`
`Court
`
`lacks
`
`jurisdiction
`
`herein.
`
`THIRD
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The Court
`
`lacks
`
`personal
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant.
`
`FOURTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`This
`
`Court
`
`lacks
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`matter
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action.
`
`FIFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are barred
`
`because
`
`the Complaint
`
`is defective
`
`as a matter
`
`of
`
`law.
`
`SIXTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`Statute
`
`of Limitations.
`
`SEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`delay
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`in commencing
`
`suit
`
`is inexcusable
`
`and
`
`has
`
`resulted
`
`in prejudice
`
`to Honeywell,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`equitable
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`laches
`
`bars
`
`their
`
`claims.
`
`EIGHTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff
`
`failed
`
`to bring
`
`the Complaint
`
`in the
`
`appropriate
`
`venue.
`
`8
`
`8 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`NINTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Pursuant
`
`to General
`
`Obligations
`
`Law Section
`
`15-108,
`
`Honeywell
`
`is entitled
`
`to set-off.
`
`TENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Any
`
`recovery
`
`by plaintiffs
`
`herein
`
`must
`
`be reduced
`
`by
`
`collateral
`
`source
`
`payments
`
`pursuant
`
`to CPLR 4545.
`
`ELEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`If
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`is found
`
`liable,
`
`such
`
`liability
`
`is less
`
`than
`
`or equal
`
`to 50% of
`
`the
`
`total
`
`liability
`
`of
`
`all
`
`persons
`
`who may
`
`be found
`
`liable,
`
`and
`
`therefore,
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant's
`
`liability
`
`shall
`
`be limited
`
`to its equitable
`
`share
`
`pursuant
`
`to CPLR Section
`
`1601.
`
`TWELFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`If
`
`the
`
`causes
`
`of action,
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`statutory
`
`liability
`
`as pleaded
`
`in the Complaint,
`
`are based
`
`upon
`
`expressed
`
`or
`
`implied
`
`warranties
`
`and/or
`
`representations,
`
`then
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`breaches
`
`thereto,
`
`as
`
`against
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant,
`
`are legally
`
`insufficient
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`their
`
`failure
`
`to allege
`
`privity
`
`of contract
`
`between
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`and
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant.
`
`THIRTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`gave,
`
`made
`
`or
`
`extended
`
`no warranties,
`
`whether
`
`express
`
`or
`
`implied,
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`plaintiff
`
`had
`
`a right
`
`to rely.
`
`FOURTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`breached
`
`no warranties,
`
`whether
`
`express
`
`or
`
`implied.
`
`FIFTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`Statute
`
`of Limitations
`
`is a complete
`
`and
`
`total
`
`bar
`
`as to any
`
`and
`
`all warranties
`
`allegedly
`
`presented
`
`or made
`
`in connection
`
`with
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`sale, manufacture,
`
`distribution,
`
`supply,
`
`testing,
`
`design,
`
`packaging
`
`or delivery
`
`of
`
`the
`
`asbestos
`
`product(s)
`
`to which
`
`plaintiff's
`
`allegedly
`
`came
`
`into
`
`contact.
`
`9
`
`9 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`SIXTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`If
`
`the
`
`causes
`
`of action
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`statutory
`
`liability
`
`are founded
`
`upon
`
`any
`
`oral warranties
`
`or undertakings
`
`on the
`
`part
`
`of
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`might
`
`rely,
`
`they
`
`are inadmissible
`
`and
`
`unavailable
`
`pursuant
`
`to the provisions
`
`of
`
`the Statute
`
`of Frauds.
`
`SEVENTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`insofar
`
`as
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`and
`
`each
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`of
`
`each
`
`plaintiff
`
`considered
`
`separately
`
`alleges
`
`a cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`occurring
`
`on or after
`
`September
`
`1, 1975
`
`to recover
`
`damages
`
`for
`
`personal
`
`injuries,
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`damages
`
`recoverable
`
`thereon
`
`must
`
`be
`
`diminished
`
`by
`
`the
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`comparative
`
`negligence,
`
`in the proportion
`
`which
`
`the culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to the
`
`upon
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`damages.
`
`plaintiff
`
`bears
`
`the
`
`EIGHTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`insofar
`
`as
`
`the
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action
`
`herein
`
`considered
`
`separately
`
`occurred
`
`before
`
`September
`
`1, 1975,
`
`such
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action
`
`are barred
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`by
`
`contributory
`
`negligence
`
`of
`
`the plaintiff.
`
`NINETEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`barred
`
`from
`
`any
`
`recovery
`
`against
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`by
`
`the
`
`doctrine
`
`of assumption
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risk.
`
`TWENTIETH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`plaintiff
`
`contributed
`
`to the
`
`alleged
`
`illness,
`
`either
`
`in whole
`
`or part,
`
`by
`
`the
`
`use
`
`of other
`
`substances,
`
`products,
`
`medications
`
`and/or
`
`drugs.
`
`TWENTY-FIRST
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`plaintiff
`
`failed
`
`to mitigate
`
`or
`
`otherwise
`
`act
`
`to
`
`lessen
`
`or
`
`reduce
`
`the
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`disabilities
`
`alleged
`
`in the Complaint.
`
`10
`
`10 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`TWENTY-SECOND
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`In the
`
`event
`
`that
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`employed
`
`by
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant,
`
`such
`
`plaintiff's
`
`sole
`
`remedy
`
`is under
`
`the
`
`Workers'
`
`Compensation
`
`Law and
`
`said
`
`plaintiff
`
`cannot
`
`recover
`
`from
`
`this
`
`Defendant
`
`in this
`
`action.
`
`TWENTY-THIRD
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`employer(s)
`
`were
`
`sophisticated
`
`purchasers
`
`and/or
`
`users
`
`of
`
`the products
`
`referred
`
`to in plaintiff's
`
`Complaint
`
`and
`
`upon whom devolved
`
`all
`
`responsibility
`
`for
`
`such
`
`use.
`
`TWENTY-FOURTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`the matters
`
`that
`
`are
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`Complaint
`
`are
`
`attributable
`
`to third
`
`parties
`
`over whom this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`had
`
`neither
`
`control
`
`nor
`
`right
`
`of
`
`control.
`
`TWENTY-FIFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`if plaintiff
`
`should
`
`prove
`
`that
`
`deceased
`
`sustained
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`as alleged,
`
`such
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`resulted
`
`from
`
`acts
`
`or
`
`omissions
`
`on
`
`the
`
`part
`
`of
`
`third
`
`parties,
`
`including
`
`had
`
`neither
`
`control
`
`nor
`
`right
`
`of control
`
`deceased
`
`plaintiff's
`
`employer(s),
`
`over whom this Defendant
`
`and
`
`for whose
`
`acts
`
`or omissions
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`is not
`
`liable.
`
`TWENTY-SIXTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`This
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiffs
`
`with
`
`respect
`
`to
`
`negligence,
`
`statutory
`
`liability,
`
`strict
`
`liability,
`
`injury
`
`and
`
`damages,
`
`and
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`plaintiff
`
`may
`
`be
`
`able
`
`to
`
`prove
`
`the
`
`same,
`
`they
`
`were
`
`the
`
`result
`
`of
`
`intervening
`
`and/or
`
`interceding
`
`acts
`
`of
`
`Defendant
`
`has
`
`superseding
`
`negligence
`
`or
`
`other
`
`conduct
`
`on
`
`the
`
`part
`
`of
`
`parties
`
`over
`
`which
`
`this
`
`neither
`
`control
`
`nor
`
`right
`
`of
`
`control.
`
`TWENTY-SEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`This
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`reserves
`
`the
`
`right
`
`to amend
`
`its
`
`answer
`
`and
`
`to assert
`
`additional
`
`cross
`
`claims
`
`and/or
`
`otherwise
`
`counterclaims
`
`as to any
`
`party
`
`named
`
`herein,
`
`who may
`
`have,
`
`is or
`
`will
`
`be declared
`
`bankrupt
`
`or
`
`otherwise
`
`files
`
`a petition
`
`under
`
`the Bankruptcy
`
`Code,
`
`pursuant
`
`to
`
`11
`
`11 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`CPLR
`
`Article
`
`16 and
`
`to the
`
`decision
`
`of
`
`Justice
`
`Helen
`
`E. Freedman,
`
`previous
`
`presiding
`
`judge
`
`for
`
`the New York
`
`City
`
`Asbestos
`
`Litigation
`
`(October
`
`28,
`
`2002).
`
`TWENTY-EIGHTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are
`
`barred
`
`because
`
`of
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`failure
`
`to
`
`join
`
`necessary
`
`and
`
`indispensable
`
`parties.
`
`TWENTY-NINTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`during
`
`the
`
`periods
`
`of
`
`exposure
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`by
`
`the
`
`plaintiff,
`
`this
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`it mined,
`
`manufactured,
`
`answering
`
`specifically
`
`processed,
`
`designed,
`
`sold,
`
`delivered,
`
`supplied,
`
`developed,
`
`tested,
`
`fashioned,
`
`packaged,
`
`distributed
`
`and/or
`
`otherwise
`
`placed
`
`in
`
`the
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce
`
`a substantial
`
`and/or
`
`any
`
`percentage
`
`of
`
`the
`
`asbestos
`
`products
`
`to which
`
`plaintiffs
`
`allegedly
`
`were
`
`caused
`
`to come
`
`into
`
`contact
`
`and were
`
`allegedly
`
`caused
`
`to breathe,
`
`inhale
`
`and/or
`
`digest,
`
`and which
`
`allegedly
`
`caused
`
`plaintiff's
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`resulting
`
`damages.
`
`In the
`
`event
`
`it should
`
`at
`
`of
`
`trial
`
`are subject
`
`to market
`
`share
`
`then
`
`be proved
`
`the time
`
`that
`
`all defendants
`
`liability,
`
`this
`
`Defendant's
`
`share
`
`of
`
`such
`
`liability
`
`would
`
`be
`
`of
`
`such
`
`a de minimis
`
`amount
`
`as to make
`
`its
`
`contribution
`
`for
`
`damages
`
`negligible,
`
`and
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`will
`
`be entitled
`
`to contribution
`
`either
`
`in whole
`
`or part
`
`from
`
`the
`
`other
`
`answering
`
`Defendants.
`
`THIRTIETH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`no enterprise
`
`liability
`
`lies
`
`against
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`herein.
`
`THIRTY-FIRST
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`times
`
`the
`
`conduct
`
`of
`
`the
`
`corporate
`
`the
`
`servants
`
`and/or
`
`That
`
`at all
`
`during
`
`operations,
`
`agents,
`
`employees
`
`of
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant,
`
`utilized
`
`proper
`
`methods
`
`of manufacture
`
`of
`
`products
`
`in
`
`conformity
`
`with
`
`the
`
`state
`
`of
`
`the
`
`art
`
`and
`
`the
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`research
`
`of
`
`the
`
`scientific
`
`community.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`conformed
`
`to the
`
`scientific
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`research
`
`data
`
`available
`
`throughout
`
`the
`
`industry
`
`in which
`
`it was
`
`engaged,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`scientific
`
`community,
`
`this
`
`12
`
`12 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`Defendant
`
`has
`
`fulfilled
`
`its
`
`obligations,
`
`if any,
`
`herein,
`
`and
`
`plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`should
`
`be barred,
`
`in
`
`whole
`
`or part.
`
`THIRTY-SECOND
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`conformed
`
`to the
`
`scientific
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`data
`
`available
`
`in the
`
`industry
`
`in which
`
`it was
`
`engaged,
`
`and
`
`fulfilled
`
`its
`
`obligations,
`
`if any,
`
`and
`
`its
`
`activities
`
`and
`
`undertakings,
`
`if
`
`any,
`
`were
`
`conducted
`
`in
`
`a reasonable
`
`fashion,
`
`without
`
`recklessness,
`
`malice
`
`or
`
`plaintiff
`
`this
`
`wantonness,
`
`and
`
`may
`
`not
`
`recover
`
`herein
`
`any
`
`exemplary
`
`or punitive
`
`damages
`
`against
`
`Defendant.
`
`THIRTY-THIRD
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`insofar
`
`as plaintiff
`
`alleges
`
`as against
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant,
`
`any
`
`willful
`
`and
`
`wanton
`
`misconduct,
`
`and
`
`that
`
`this Defendant
`
`allegedly
`
`knowingly
`
`and
`
`intentionally
`
`sold
`
`a product
`
`or products
`
`that
`
`it
`
`knew
`
`to be unreasonably
`
`dangerous,
`
`all
`
`of which
`
`this
`
`Defendant
`
`denies,
`
`any
`
`or
`
`of action
`
`accrued
`
`more
`
`than
`
`one
`
`year
`
`prior
`
`to the
`
`commencement
`
`such
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`this
`
`lawsuit
`
`and
`
`are time-barred.
`
`THIRTY-FOURTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`at all
`
`times
`
`material
`
`hereto,
`
`the
`
`state
`
`of
`
`the medical
`
`and
`
`industrial
`
`art was
`
`such
`
`that
`
`there
`
`was
`
`no
`
`generally
`
`accepted
`
`or
`
`recognized
`
`knowledge
`
`of
`
`any
`
`avoidable,
`
`unsafe,
`
`inherently
`
`dangerous,
`
`or hazardous
`
`character
`
`or
`
`nature
`
`of
`
`products
`
`containing
`
`asbestos
`
`when
`
`used
`
`in
`
`the
`
`purpose
`
`described
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`there
`
`was
`
`for
`
`this
`
`manner
`
`and
`
`by
`
`and,
`
`therefore,
`
`no duty
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`to know
`
`of any
`
`such
`
`character
`
`or nature
`
`or
`
`to warn
`
`plaintiff
`
`or others
`
`similarly
`
`situated.
`
`THIRTY-FIFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`conformed
`
`to the
`
`scientific
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`research
`
`data
`
`available
`
`throughout
`
`the
`
`industry
`
`and
`
`scientific
`
`community,
`
`Honeywell
`
`has
`
`fulfilled
`
`its obligations,
`
`if any,
`
`herein,
`
`and
`
`plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`should
`
`be barred,
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part.
`
`13
`
`13 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`THIRTY-SIXTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`plaintiff
`
`was warned
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`of exposure
`
`to use
`
`of asbestos-containing
`
`materials.
`
`THIRTY-SEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`any
`
`exposure
`
`that
`
`plaintiff
`
`claims
`
`to
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant's
`
`products
`
`or
`
`equipment,
`
`which
`
`alleged
`
`exposure
`
`is denied,
`
`was
`
`so minimal
`
`as to be insufficient
`
`to establish
`
`a
`
`reasonable
`
`degree
`
`of probability
`
`that
`
`said
`
`products
`
`or equipment
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`injuries,
`
`illnesses
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`alleged
`
`the plaintiffs
`
`in the Complaint.
`
`by
`
`THIRTY-EIGHTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`while
`
`denying
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`of
`
`the plaintiff
`
`with
`
`respect
`
`to liability,
`
`to the extent
`
`that
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`is
`
`able
`
`to
`
`prove
`
`negligence
`
`or
`
`other
`
`improper
`
`conduct
`
`in
`
`accordance
`
`with
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`standards
`
`of proof,
`
`the
`
`acts
`
`and/or
`
`omissions
`
`of
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`were
`
`not
`
`a
`
`proximate
`
`cause
`
`of any
`
`injuries,
`
`illnesses
`
`and/or
`
`damages
`
`to plaintiff.
`
`THIRTY-NINTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`any
`
`claim
`
`against
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`is barred
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of substantial
`
`product
`
`change,
`
`alteration
`
`and/or
`
`modification.
`
`FORTIETH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`plaintiff
`
`has
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`state
`
`a cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`relief
`
`may
`
`be
`
`granted,
`
`inasmuch
`
`as plaintiff
`
`was
`
`unable
`
`to identify
`
`the manufacturer(s)
`
`of
`
`the
`
`substance
`
`allegedly
`
`causing
`
`and
`
`relief
`
`granted
`
`would
`
`deprive
`
`this Defendant
`
`of
`
`its
`
`right
`
`to substantive
`
`and
`
`procedural
`
`injury,
`
`due
`
`process
`
`of
`
`law
`
`and
`
`equal
`
`protection
`
`under
`
`the
`
`law pursuant
`
`to the Fourteenth
`
`Amendment
`
`of
`
`the Constitution
`
`of
`
`the United
`
`States.
`
`FORTY-FIRST
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`the
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`products
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`plaintiff's
`
`Complaint
`
`are
`
`products
`
`within
`
`the meaning
`
`and
`
`scope
`
`of
`
`the Restatement
`
`of Torts,
`
`Section
`
`402A
`
`and
`
`as such,
`
`the Complaint
`
`fails
`
`to state
`
`a cause
`
`of action
`
`in strict
`
`liability.
`
`14
`
`14 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`FORTY-SECOND
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`the
`
`plaintiff,
`
`his
`
`co-workers
`
`and
`
`employees
`
`misused,
`
`mistreated
`
`and misapplied
`
`the
`
`product(s)
`
`designated
`
`as asbestos
`
`materials
`
`as alleged
`
`in the Complaint.
`
`That
`
`if
`
`the Court
`
`finds
`
`after
`
`trial
`
`that
`
`any misuse,
`
`mistreatment
`
`and/or
`
`misapplication
`
`of
`
`the
`
`said
`
`product(s)
`
`caused
`
`and/or
`
`contributed
`
`to the
`
`alleged
`
`injuries
`
`or damages
`
`to the
`
`plaintiffs,
`
`then,
`
`in that
`
`event,
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`prays
`
`that
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of damages
`
`which
`
`might
`
`be recoverable
`
`shall
`
`be diminished
`
`in
`
`the
`
`proportion
`
`which
`
`the misuse,
`
`abuse,
`
`mistreatment
`
`and/or
`
`misapplication
`
`attributed
`
`to
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`and/or
`
`his
`
`co-workers
`
`and/or
`
`employees
`
`bears
`
`to the
`
`conduct
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`injuries
`
`or damages.
`
`FORTY-THIRD
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`the
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action
`
`asserted
`
`herein
`
`by
`
`the
`
`plaintiff,
`
`who
`
`are
`
`unable
`
`to identify
`
`the
`
`fail
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`manufacturer
`
`of
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`injury-causing
`
`product(s),
`
`to state
`
`a cause
`
`of action
`
`relief
`
`can
`
`be
`
`granted,
`
`in
`
`that
`
`plaintiffs
`
`have
`
`asserted
`
`claims
`
`for
`
`relief
`
`which,
`
`if
`
`granted,
`
`would
`
`constitute
`
`a taking
`
`of
`
`private
`
`property
`
`for
`
`public
`
`use, without
`
`just
`
`compensation.
`
`Such
`
`a taking
`
`would
`
`contravene
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant's
`
`constitutional
`
`rights
`
`as preserved
`
`for
`
`it
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Fourteenth
`
`Amendment
`
`to the Constitution
`
`of
`
`the United
`
`States.
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`FORTY-FOURTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`- fibers
`
`attributable
`
`to
`
`product(s)
`
`allegedly
`
`processed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`produced,
`
`constructed,
`
`designed,
`
`tested,
`
`fashioned,
`
`packaged,
`
`sold,
`
`distributed,
`
`delivered,
`
`supplied,
`
`advertised
`
`or otherwise
`
`placed
`
`in the
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce
`
`by
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant,
`
`is so minimal
`
`so as to be insufficient
`
`to establish
`
`to a reasonable
`
`degree
`
`of probability
`
`that
`
`said
`
`product(s)
`
`are capable
`
`of
`
`causing
`
`injury
`
`or damages
`
`and must
`
`be speculative
`
`as a matter
`
`of
`
`law.
`
`15
`
`15 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`FORTY-FIFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`acts,
`
`conduct
`
`and
`
`omissions
`
`of plaintiff's
`
`agents,
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the Complaint
`
`are barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`doctrine
`
`of estoppel
`
`and waiver.
`
`FORTY-SIXTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`if
`
`it
`
`should
`
`be
`
`proved
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`trial
`
`that
`
`any
`
`of
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`Defendant's
`
`product(s)
`
`were
`
`furnished
`
`to
`
`deceased
`
`plaintiff's
`
`employer(s)
`
`and/or
`
`to
`
`the
`
`United
`
`States
`
`Government,
`
`and
`
`that
`
`plaintiff
`
`came
`
`into
`
`contact
`
`with
`
`said
`
`product(s),
`
`which
`
`this
`
`Defendant
`
`specifically
`
`denies,
`
`then
`
`any product(s)
`
`processed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`produced,
`
`constructed,
`
`designed,
`
`tested,
`
`fashioned,
`
`packaged,
`
`sold,
`
`distributed,
`
`delivered,
`
`supplied,
`
`advertised
`
`and/or
`
`otherwise
`
`placed
`
`in the
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce
`
`by
`
`this
`
`Defendant
`
`which
`
`was
`
`or may
`
`have
`
`been
`
`furnished
`
`to
`
`deceased
`
`plaintiff's
`
`employer(s)
`
`and/or
`
`to the United
`
`States Government,
`
`and with
`
`which
`
`deceased
`
`come
`
`into
`
`plaintiff
`
`alleges
`
`he came
`
`or may
`
`have
`
`contact
`
`was
`
`processed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`produced,
`
`constructed,
`
`designed,
`
`tested,
`
`fashioned,
`
`packaged,
`
`sold,
`
`distributed,
`
`delivered,
`
`supplied,
`
`advertised
`
`and/or
`
`otherwise
`
`placed
`
`in the stream
`
`of commerce
`
`in strict
`
`conformity
`
`to the conditions
`
`specified,
`
`or
`
`to
`
`specifications
`
`furnished
`
`by
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`employer(s)
`
`and/or
`
`the United
`
`States
`
`Government.
`
`FORTY-SEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`the
`
`causes
`
`pleaded
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`herein
`
`fail
`
`to
`
`accord
`
`with
`
`the
`
`That
`
`to
`
`by
`
`Uniform
`
`Commercial
`
`Code,
`
`including,
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to,
`
`Section
`
`2-725
`
`thereof,
`
`plaintiff's
`
`Complaint
`
`is barred.
`
`FORTY-EIGHTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`plaintiff
`
`relies
`
`on Section
`
`4 of
`
`the New York
`
`Laws
`
`1986,
`
`c. 682
`
`as
`
`grounds
`
`for
`
`reviving
`
`or maintaining
`
`the action,
`
`said
`
`statute(s)
`
`is/are
`
`unconstitutional
`
`and deprive(s)
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`Defendant
`
`of
`
`its
`
`constitutional
`
`rights
`
`and
`
`is/are
`
`wholly
`
`void
`
`and
`
`unenforceable.
`
`16
`
`16 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 12/29/2023 10:04 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 19
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/29/2023
`
`FORTY-NINTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`seeks
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`against
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant,
`
`and
`
`rely
`
`on Section
`
`4 of
`
`the New York
`