FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`COURT
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`OF ERIE
`------------------------------------------x
`
`OF THE STATE
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`This
`
`Document
`
`Relates
`
`To:
`
`TROY
`
`SHANE
`
`SMITH
`
`and ALLYSON
`
`JANE
`
`SMITH,
`
`Plaintiff(s),
`
`-against-
`
`84 LUMBER
`
`COMPANY,
`
`et al.,
`
`-----------------------------------------------x
`
`Defendants.
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`814633/2023
`
`DEFENDANT
`INTERNATIONAL
`COMPANY'S
`VERIFIED
`
`PAPER
`ANSWER
`TO
`COMPLAINT
`
`Defendant
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY,
`
`sued
`
`herein
`
`Individually
`
`and
`
`incorrectly
`
`incorrectly
`
`as
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`f/k/a
`
`Hammermill
`
`Paper
`
`Co
`
`and
`
`as
`
`Successor
`
`to
`
`US
`
`Plywood,
`
`(hereinafter
`
`"INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER"
`
`01
`
`"Defendant")
`
`by
`
`its
`
`attorneys,
`
`Forman
`
`Watkins
`
`& Krutz
`
`LLP
`
`answers
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`Verified
`
`Complaint
`
`(hereinafter
`
`"Complaint")
`
`as follows:
`
`THE PARTIES
`
`as to the
`
`FIRST:
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`1 and
`
`2 of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or damaged
`
`at all by
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents.
`
`SECOND:
`
`Paragraphs
`
`3 through
`
`4 of
`
`the Complaint
`
`contain
`
`no
`
`allegations
`
`and
`
`requires
`
`no
`
`response
`
`from
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`a response
`
`is deemed
`
`necessary,
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`has
`
`insufficient
`
`infonnation
`
`at
`
`this
`
`time
`
`to respond
`
`to the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`3 through
`
`4 of Plaintiff's
`
`Complaint,
`
`and
`
`accordingly
`
`denies
`
`same.
`
`1 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`THIRD:
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in
`
`Paragraph
`
`5
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or
`
`damaged
`
`at all
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents.
`
`FOURTH:
`
`The
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`6 through
`
`41
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`directed
`
`at
`
`individuals
`
`or
`
`entities
`
`other
`
`than
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`and
`
`are
`
`no
`
`PAPER,
`
`therefore,
`
`response
`
`is required.
`
`To the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`aresponse
`
`is required,
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`lacks
`
`sufficient
`
`information
`
`to admit
`
`or deny
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`6 through
`
`41
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`and
`
`therefore,
`
`denies
`
`same.
`
`FIFTH:
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`admits
`
`that
`
`it was
`
`and
`
`still
`
`is a duly
`
`organized
`
`domestic
`
`co1poration
`
`doing
`
`business
`
`in New
`
`York.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`remaining
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`allegations
`
`in Paragraph
`
`42
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`PAPER
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or damaged
`
`at all
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act
`
`or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents.
`
`SIXTH:
`
`The
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`43
`
`through
`
`61
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`directed
`
`at
`
`individuals
`
`or
`
`entities
`
`other
`
`than
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER,
`
`and
`
`therefore,
`
`are
`
`no
`
`response
`
`To
`
`the
`
`a response
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`lacks
`
`is required.
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`is required,
`
`sufficient
`
`information
`
`to admit
`
`or deny
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`43 through
`
`61 of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`and
`
`therefore,
`
`denies
`
`same.
`
`SEVENTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in
`
`Paragraphs
`
`62
`
`through
`
`69
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint.
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`that Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or damaged
`
`at all
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents.
`
`TO THE FIRST
`ANSWER
`CAUSE
`SOUNDING
`IN NEGLIGENCE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`2 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`EIGHTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`re-alleges
`
`its previous
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`its Answer
`
`to the Complaint
`
`as well
`
`as all
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereafter,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`NINTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`71 through
`
`78 of
`
`the Complaint
`
`including
`
`all
`
`subparagraphs
`
`thereof.
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`tha1
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or damaged
`
`at all by
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents.
`
`TO THE SECOND
`ANSWER
`IN BREACH
`SOUNDING
`
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`OF WARRANTY
`
`TENTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`re-alleges
`
`its previous
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`its Answer
`
`to the Complaint
`
`as well
`
`as all
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereafter,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`se1
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`ELEVENTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in
`
`Paragraphs
`
`80
`
`through
`
`83
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint.
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`that Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or damaged
`
`at all by
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act
`
`or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents.
`
`TO THE THIRD
`ANSWER
`IN STRICT
`SOUNDING
`
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`LIABILITY
`
`TWELFTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`re-alleges
`
`its previous
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`contained
`
`in its Answer
`
`to the Complaint
`
`as well
`
`as all denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereafter,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`THIRTEENTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`85
`
`through
`
`93
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint.
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`that Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or damaged
`
`at all by
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act
`
`or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents.
`
`ANSWER
`
`TO THE FOURTH
`CAUSE
`LAW VIOLATIONS
`LABOR
`
`OF ACTION
`
`3 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`FOURTEENTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`re-alleges
`
`its
`
`previous
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`contained
`
`in its Answer
`
`to the Complaint
`
`as well
`
`as all
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereafter,
`
`as
`
`if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`FIFTEENTH:
`
`The
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`95 through
`
`112
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`including
`
`all
`
`subparagraphs
`
`thereof,
`
`are
`
`directed
`
`at
`
`individuals
`
`or
`
`entities
`
`other
`
`than
`
`PAPER
`
`the
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`COMPANY,
`
`and
`
`therefore,
`
`no
`
`response
`
`is required.
`
`To
`
`exteni
`
`that
`
`a response
`
`is
`
`required,
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`95 through
`
`112
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`including
`
`all
`
`subparagraphs
`
`therein,
`
`for
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`sufficient
`
`infonnation
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`therein.
`
`ANSWER
`
`TO THE FIFTH
`METROPOLITAN
`
`CAUSE
`LIFE
`
`OF ACTION
`INSURANCE
`
`AGAINST
`COMPANY
`
`DEFENDANT
`
`SIXTEENTH:
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`re-alleges
`
`its
`
`previous
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`Defendant
`
`contained
`
`in its Answer
`
`to the Complaint
`
`as well
`
`as all
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereafter,
`
`as
`
`if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`SEVENTEENTH:
`
`The
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`Paragraphs
`
`114
`
`through
`
`120
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`are
`
`directed
`
`at
`
`individuals
`
`or
`
`entities
`
`other
`
`than
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY,
`
`and
`
`therefore,
`
`no
`
`response
`
`is
`
`required.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`a response
`
`is required,
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`114
`
`through
`
`120
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`for
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`sufficient
`
`information
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`therein.
`
`TO THE SIXTH
`ANSWER
`AND COLLECTIVE
`
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`LIABILITY/CONCERT
`
`SOUNDING
`IN CONSPIRACY
`OF ACTION
`
`EIGHTEENTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`re-alleges
`
`its
`
`previous
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`contained
`
`in its Answer
`
`to the Complaint
`
`as well
`
`as all
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereafter,
`
`as
`
`if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`4 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`NINTEENTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`122
`
`through
`
`136
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint,
`
`including
`
`all
`
`subparagraphs
`
`thereof.
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`that Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or damaged
`
`at all by
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents.
`
`TO THE SEVENTH
`ANSWER
`DEFENDANT
`AGAINST
`
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`CONTRACTORS
`
`TWENTIETH:
`
`Defendant
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`re-alleges
`
`its
`
`previous
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`as all
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`set
`
`as
`
`contained
`
`in its Answer
`
`to the Complaint
`
`as well
`
`denials
`
`forth
`
`hereafter,
`
`if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`TWENTY-FIRST:
`
`The
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`138
`
`through
`
`150
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`are
`
`directed
`
`at
`
`individuals
`
`or
`
`entities
`
`other
`
`than
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY,
`
`and
`
`therefore,
`
`no
`
`response
`
`is required.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`a response
`
`is
`
`required,
`
`COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`138
`
`through
`
`150
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`for
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`sufficient
`
`information
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`therein.
`
`ANSWER
`PREMISES
`
`TO THE EIGHTH
`LIABILITY
`AGAINST
`
`FOR
`CAUSE
`OF ACTION
`DEFENDANTS
`CERTAIN
`
`TWENTY-SECOND:
`
`Defendant
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`re-alleges
`
`its previous
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`contained
`
`in its Answer
`
`to the Complaint
`
`as well
`
`as all
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereafter,
`
`as
`
`if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`TWENTY-THIRD:
`
`The
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`152
`
`through
`
`162
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`appear
`
`to be directed
`
`at
`
`individuals
`
`or entities
`
`other
`
`than
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY,
`
`and
`
`therefore,
`
`no
`
`response
`
`is required.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`a response
`
`is required
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`152
`
`through
`
`162
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`for
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`sufficient
`
`information
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`therein.
`
`5 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`TWENTY-FOURTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`Paragraphs
`
`163
`
`through
`
`165
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or damaged
`
`at all
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of act or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents.
`
`TWENTY-FIFTH:
`
`Paragraph
`
`166
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`contains
`
`conclusions
`
`of
`
`law to which
`
`no
`
`response
`
`is
`
`required.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`a response
`
`is
`
`deemed
`
`necessary,
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`the Complaint.
`
`PAPER
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in Paragraph
`
`165
`
`of
`
`TO THE NINTH
`ANSWER
`CAUSE
`FOR JOINT
`AND SEVERAL
`
`OF ACTION
`LIABILITY
`
`TWENTY
`
`SIXTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`re-alleges
`
`its
`
`previous
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`contained
`
`in its Answer
`
`to the Complaint
`
`as well
`
`as all denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereafter,
`
`as
`
`if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`TWENTY-SEVENTH:
`
`The
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`168
`
`through
`
`173
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`contain
`
`no response
`
`To the
`
`extent
`
`a response
`
`is
`
`legal
`
`conclusions
`
`to which
`
`is required.
`
`deemed
`
`necessary,
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in
`
`Paragraphs
`
`168
`
`through
`
`173
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`for
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`sufficient
`
`information
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`therein.
`
`TWENTY-EIGHTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in
`
`Paragraph
`
`174
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint.
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`that Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or damaged
`
`at all by
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act
`
`or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents.
`
`contained
`
`through
`
`TWENTY-NINTH:
`
`The
`
`allegations
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`175
`
`178
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`contain
`
`legal
`
`conclusions
`
`to which
`
`no response
`
`is required.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`a response
`
`is
`
`deemed
`
`necessary,
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in
`
`Paragraphs
`
`175
`
`through
`
`178
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`and
`
`further
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or damaged
`
`at all
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act
`
`01
`
`omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents.
`
`6 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`THIRTIETH:
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in Paragraph
`
`179
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint.
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or damaged
`
`at all
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents.
`
`ANSWER
`
`TO THE TENTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`PUNITIVE
`
`DAMAGES
`
`THIRTY-FIRST:
`
`Defendant
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`re-alleges
`
`its
`
`previous
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`contained
`
`as well
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`as
`
`in its Answer
`
`to the Complaint
`
`as all
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`hereafter,
`
`if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`THIRTY-SECOND:
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in Paragraph
`
`181
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or
`
`damaged
`
`at all
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents,
`
`and further
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`it
`
`is liable
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`in any
`
`amount.
`
`ANSWER
`
`TO THE ELEVENTH
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`OF CONSORTIUM
`SPOUSAL
`LOSS
`
`THIRTY-THIRD:
`
`defenses
`
`Defendant
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`re-alleges
`
`its
`
`previous
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`contained
`
`in its Answer
`
`to the Complaint
`
`as well
`
`as all
`
`denials
`
`and
`
`defenses
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereafter,
`
`as
`
`if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herem.
`
`THIRTY-FOURTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a
`
`belief
`
`as to the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in Paragraphs
`
`183
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`THIRTY-FIFTH:
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`in Paragraph
`
`184
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`Defendant
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and/or
`
`his
`
`spouse
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or damaged
`
`at all
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents.
`
`THIRTY-SIXTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the allegations
`
`in the unnumbered
`
`paragraph
`
`beginning
`
`with
`
`WHEREFORE
`
`and
`
`immediately
`
`following
`
`Paragraph
`
`184
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`or
`
`damaged
`
`at all
`
`by
`
`7 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`reason
`
`of any
`
`act or omission
`
`by
`
`it or
`
`its agents,
`
`and
`
`further
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`it
`
`is liable
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`in any
`
`amount.
`
`AS AND FOR A FIRST
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`AND COMPLETE
`THIS
`DEFENSE;
`AND BELIEF
`UPON INFORMATION
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`ALLEGES
`
`THIRTY-SEVENTH:
`
`Insofar
`
`as the
`
`complaint,
`
`and
`
`each
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`considered
`
`separately,
`
`alleges
`
`a cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`accruing
`
`on
`
`or after
`
`1975
`
`to recover
`
`damages
`
`for
`
`personal
`
`injuries,
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of damages
`
`recoverable
`
`thereon
`
`must
`
`be diminished
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`by
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to the
`
`plaintiff,
`
`including
`
`contributory
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`assumption
`
`of
`
`risk,
`
`in
`
`the proportion
`
`which
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to the plaintiff
`
`bears
`
`to the
`
`culpable
`
`conduc1
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`damages.
`
`AS AND FOR A SECOND
`SEPARATE
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENDANT
`AND COMPLETE
`THIS
`DEFENSE;
`AND BELIEF
`UPON INFORMATION
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`ALLEGES
`
`THIRTY-EIGHTH:
`
`Insofar
`
`as
`
`the
`
`complaint,
`
`and
`
`each
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`considered
`
`separately,
`
`alleges
`
`a cause
`
`of action
`
`accruing
`
`before
`
`1975,
`
`each
`
`such
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`is barred
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to the
`
`plaintiff
`
`including
`
`contributory
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`assumption
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risk.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRD
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`AND COMPLETE
`THIS
`DEFENSE;
`AND BELIEF
`UPON INFORMATION
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`ALLEGES
`
`THIRTY-NINTH:
`
`The
`
`claims
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`are time
`
`barred
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`statutes
`
`by
`
`of
`
`limitations
`
`and/or
`
`laches.
`
`AS AND FOR A FOURTH
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`AND COMPLETE
`THIS
`DEFENSE;
`AND BELIEF
`UPON INFORMATION
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`ALLEGES
`
`FORTIETH:
`
`Each
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`of
`
`the
`
`complaint
`
`fails
`
`to state
`
`a cause
`
`of action
`
`for which
`
`relief
`
`may
`
`be granted,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`complaint
`
`fails
`
`to state
`
`a claim
`
`for
`
`punitive
`
`damages.
`
`8 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`AS AND FOR A FIFTH
`SEPARATE
`AFFIRMATIVE
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`DEFENSE;
`AND BELIEF
`UPON INFORMATION
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`ALLEGES
`
`FORTHY-FIRST:
`
`Although
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`of
`
`the plaintiff
`
`as to injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`alleged,
`
`same,
`
`if any, were
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the
`
`intervening
`
`acts
`
`of
`
`superseding
`
`negligence
`
`of persons,
`
`parties,
`
`including
`
`the
`
`plaintiff,
`
`or
`
`corporate
`
`entities
`
`over
`
`which
`
`this
`
`defendant
`
`had
`
`nc
`
`control.
`
`AS AND FOR A SIXTH
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`ALLEGES
`
`FORTY-SECOND:
`
`This
`
`Defendant,
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`applicable,
`
`preserves
`
`the
`
`defenses
`
`of
`
`misuse
`
`and/or
`
`material
`
`alteration
`
`of
`
`the product
`
`by
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`or others.
`
`AS AND FOR A SEVENTH
`SEPARATE
`AFFIRMATIVE
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`DEFENSE;
`AND BELIEF
`UPON INFORMATION
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`ALLEGES
`
`FORTY-THIRD:
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`applicable,
`
`Defendant
`
`preserves
`
`the
`
`defenses
`
`of
`
`compliance
`
`government
`
`with
`
`standards,
`
`specifications
`
`and
`
`contracts.
`
`AS AND FOR AN EIGHTH
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`DEFENSE;
`AND BELIEF
`UPON INFORMATION
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`ALLEGES
`
`FORTY-FOURTH:
`
`This
`
`Defendant,
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`applicable,
`
`preserves
`
`the
`
`defense
`
`of
`
`state
`
`of
`
`the
`
`art.
`
`AS AND FOR A NINTH
`SEPARATE
`AFFIRMATIVE
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`DEFENSE;
`AND BELIEF
`UPON INFORMATION
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`ALLEGES
`
`FORTY-FIFTH:
`
`In
`
`the
`
`event
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`recovers
`
`a verdict
`
`or
`
`Judgment
`
`against
`
`this
`
`Defendant,
`
`then
`
`said
`
`verdict
`
`or
`
`judgment
`
`must
`
`be reduced
`
`pursuant
`
`to C.P.L.R.
`
`4545(c)
`
`by
`
`those
`
`amounts
`
`which
`
`have
`
`been,
`
`or will,
`
`with
`
`reasonable
`
`certainty,
`
`replace
`
`or
`
`indemnify
`
`the
`
`plaintiff,
`
`in
`
`!
`
`whole
`
`or
`
`in part,
`
`for
`
`any
`
`past
`
`or
`
`future
`
`claimed
`
`loss
`
`from
`
`any
`
`collateral
`
`source.
`
`9 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`AS AND FOR A TENTH
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`DEFENSE;
`AND BELIEF
`UPON INFORMATION
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`ALLEGES
`
`FORTY-SIXTH:
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claim
`
`for
`
`equitable
`
`restitution
`
`is barred
`
`and/or
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is
`
`estopped
`
`from
`
`making
`
`such
`
`claim
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`by
`
`s failure
`
`to give
`
`timely
`
`notice.
`
`AS AND FOR AN ELEVENTH
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`SEPARATE
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`FORTY-SEVENTH:
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are barred
`
`and/or
`
`must
`
`be reduced
`
`because
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Plaintiff
`
`s failure
`
`to join
`
`necessary
`
`and
`
`indispensable
`
`parties.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWELFTH
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`AND COMPLETE
`THIS
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`ALLEGES
`
`FORTY-EIGHTH:
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are
`
`barred
`
`and/or
`
`must
`
`be reduced
`
`because
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`failure
`
`to mitigate
`
`injury
`
`or damage
`
`suffered
`
`and
`
`incu1Ted.
`
`any
`
`allegedly
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTEENTH
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`FORTY-NINTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`had
`
`no
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`reason
`
`to
`
`know
`
`of
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`risk
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`asbestos
`
`containing
`
`products
`
`at any
`
`time
`
`during
`
`the
`
`periods
`
`complained
`
`of by
`
`the
`
`plaintiff.
`
`AS AND FOR A FOURTEENTH
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`FIFTIETH:
`
`Exposure
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`fibers
`
`attributable
`
`to
`
`this
`
`Defendant,
`
`if
`
`any,
`
`is
`
`sc
`
`minimal
`
`as to be insufficient
`
`as a matter
`
`of
`
`law to establish
`
`to a reasonable
`
`degree
`
`of probability
`
`that
`
`the
`
`products
`
`are capable
`
`of
`
`causing
`
`injury
`
`or damages.
`
`AS AND FOR A FIFTEENTH
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`AND COMPLETE
`THIS
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`ALLEGES
`
`10 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`FIFTY-FIRST:
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is not
`
`entitled
`
`to recover
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`on his
`
`strict
`
`liability
`
`claim.
`
`AS AND FOR A SIXTEENTH
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`AND COMPLETE
`THIS
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`ALLEGES
`
`FIFTY-SECOND:
`
`The
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are barred
`
`as a matter
`
`of public
`
`policy
`
`inasmuch
`
`as the
`
`social
`
`utility
`
`and
`
`public
`
`benefit
`
`of
`
`the
`
`asbestos
`
`products
`
`outweigh
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`risks
`
`in the
`
`use
`
`of
`
`those
`
`products.
`
`AS AND FOR A SEVENTEENTH
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`SEPARATE
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`FIFTY-THIRD:
`
`The Defendant
`
`is not
`
`liable
`
`for
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`in that:
`
`(a)
`
`Punitive
`
`damages
`
`are
`
`in the
`
`nature
`
`of
`
`a criminal
`
`fine
`
`and
`
`there
`
`can
`
`be no
`
`double
`
`jeopardy;
`
`the
`
`punitive
`
`damage
`
`issue
`
`has
`
`been
`
`raised
`
`against
`
`defendants
`
`in several
`
`jurisdictions
`
`and
`
`failed.
`
`Punitive
`
`in
`
`the
`
`of
`
`this
`
`litigation.
`
`The
`
`(b)
`
`damages
`
`are
`
`unconstitutional
`
`context
`
`subjecting
`
`of
`
`the
`
`defendants
`
`to multiple
`
`trials
`
`for
`
`the
`
`same
`
`course
`
`of
`
`conduct
`
`and
`
`the multiple
`
`impositions
`
`of punitive
`
`damages
`
`for
`
`the
`
`same
`
`course
`
`of
`
`conduct
`
`is a
`
`violation
`
`of both
`
`substantive
`
`and
`
`procedural
`
`due
`
`process
`
`under
`
`the United
`
`States
`
`Constitution
`
`and
`
`the Constitution
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York.
`
`The manner
`
`in which
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`are awarded
`
`in cases
`
`such
`
`as this
`
`is in violation
`
`of
`
`constitutional
`
`due
`
`process.
`
`The
`
`standard
`
`for
`
`the
`
`award
`
`of
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`is
`
`constitutionally
`
`void
`
`for
`
`vagueness.
`
`There
`
`is no principle
`
`of
`
`limitation
`
`on the multiple
`
`impositions
`
`of punitive
`
`damage
`
`awards
`
`for
`
`the
`
`same
`
`course
`
`of
`
`conduct.
`
`AS AND FOR AN EIGHTEENTH
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`11 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`FIFTY-FOURTH:
`
`Defendant
`
`cannot
`
`be
`
`found
`
`liable
`
`for
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`relating
`
`tc
`
`conduct
`
`performed
`
`outside
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York.
`
`AS AND FOR A NINETEENTH
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`FIFTY-FIFTH:
`
`All
`
`defenses
`
`which
`
`have
`
`been
`
`or will
`
`be asserted
`
`by
`
`other
`
`defendants
`
`this
`
`action
`
`are
`
`adopted
`
`and
`
`incorporated
`
`by
`
`reference
`
`as
`
`if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein
`
`defenses
`
`to the
`
`complaint.
`
`In
`
`addition,
`
`this
`
`Defendant
`
`will
`
`rely
`
`upon
`
`any
`
`and
`
`all
`
`other
`
`furthe1
`
`defenses
`
`which
`
`become
`
`available
`
`or appear
`
`during
`
`discovery
`
`proceedings
`
`in this
`
`action
`
`and hereby
`
`in
`
`as
`
`reserve
`
`the right
`
`to amend
`
`its Answer
`
`for
`
`the purposes
`
`any
`
`such
`
`additional
`
`specifically
`
`defenses.
`
`of asserting
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTIETH
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`FIFTY-SIXTH:
`
`In the
`
`event
`
`that
`
`this Defendant
`
`is found
`
`liable
`
`to Plaintiff,
`
`said
`
`liability
`
`will
`
`be limited
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`C.P.L.R.
`
`Article
`
`16.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-FIRST
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`FIFTY-SEVENTH:
`
`The
`
`plaintiff/worker,
`
`his/her
`
`co-workers
`
`and
`
`employers
`
`misused,
`
`mistreated
`
`and misapplied
`
`the
`
`product
`
`designated
`
`as asbestos
`
`material
`
`as alleged
`
`in the
`
`abused,
`
`complaint.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-SECOND
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`FIFTY-EIGHTH:
`
`If
`
`the
`
`Court
`
`fmds
`
`that
`
`any
`
`misuse,
`
`abuse,
`
`mistreatment
`
`and/oi
`
`misapplication
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product
`
`caused
`
`and/or
`
`contributed
`
`to the
`
`alleged
`
`damages
`
`or
`
`injuries
`
`to the
`
`plaintiff,
`
`then
`
`this
`
`Defendant
`
`requests
`
`that
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`damages
`
`which
`
`might
`
`be recoverable
`
`12 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`shall
`
`be
`
`diminished
`
`by
`
`the
`
`proportion
`
`which
`
`the
`
`same
`
`misuse,
`
`abuse,
`
`mistreatment
`
`and/oi
`
`misapplication,
`
`attributed
`
`to
`
`the
`
`plaintiff/worker,
`
`his
`
`co-workers
`
`and/or
`
`employers
`
`bear
`
`to
`
`the
`
`conduct
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`damages
`
`or
`
`injuries.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-THIRD
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARAtE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`FIFTY-NINTH:
`
`Plaintiff
`
`did
`
`not
`
`directly
`
`or
`
`indirectly
`
`purchase
`
`any
`
`asbestos
`
`containing
`
`products
`
`or materials
`
`from
`
`this Defendant.
`
`Further,
`
`the plaintiff
`
`neither
`
`received
`
`nor
`
`relied
`
`on any
`
`representation
`
`or warranty
`
`allegedly
`
`made
`
`by
`
`this Defendant.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-FOURTH
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`the product.
`
`SIXTIETH:
`
`Plaintiff/worker
`
`and/or
`
`his employers
`
`were
`
`sophisticated
`
`users
`
`of
`
`and,
`
`therefore,
`
`liability
`
`is barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`sophisticated
`
`user
`
`doctrine.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-FIF
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`TH SEPARATE
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`ALLEGES
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`SIXTY-FIRST:
`
`The
`
`Court
`
`lacks
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`the Defendant
`
`due
`
`to improper
`
`service
`
`of process.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-SIXTH
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`SEPARATE
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`SIXTY-SECOND:
`
`In the
`
`event
`
`that
`
`this Defendant
`
`is found
`
`liable
`
`to Plaintiff,
`
`none
`
`of
`
`the
`
`exceptions
`
`of CPLR
`
`§1602
`
`(1)
`
`are applicable.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-SEVENTH
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`SIXTY-THIRD:
`
`If Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`employed
`
`by
`
`this Defendant,
`
`that
`
`this
`
`action
`
`is barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Workers'
`
`Compensation
`
`Law.
`
`13 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-EIGHTH
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`SIXTY-FOURTH:
`
`This
`
`court
`
`lacks
`
`personal
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`for
`
`any
`
`acts
`
`complained
`
`of
`
`in Plaintiff's
`
`Complaint.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-NINTH
`AND COMPLETE
`DEFENSE;
`UPON INFORMATION
`
`ALLEGES
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEPARATE
`DEFENDANT
`THIS
`AND BELIEF
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`SIXTY-FIFTH:
`
`This
`
`court
`
`subject
`
`matter
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`for
`
`any
`
`acts
`
`complained
`
`ofin
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`Complaint.
`
`CROSS-CLAIM
`AGAINST
`
`FOR INDEMNIFICATION
`ALL
`DEFENDANTS
`
`SIXTY-SIXTH:
`
`Should
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`be
`
`found
`
`liable
`
`tc
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`which
`
`liability
`
`is denied,
`
`its
`
`liability
`
`will
`
`be
`
`seconda1y,
`
`passive,
`
`technical,
`
`vicarious
`
`imputed
`
`and
`
`that
`
`of
`
`its
`
`co-defendants
`
`primary,
`
`active
`
`and
`
`direct,
`
`and
`
`it will
`
`be
`
`entitled
`
`01
`
`to
`
`indemnification
`
`for
`
`that Plaintiff
`
`fromthe
`
`co-defendants
`
`all or part
`
`of any
`
`verdict
`
`orjudgment
`
`may
`
`recover
`
`against
`
`this Defendant.
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Defendant
`
`1NTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY
`
`demands
`
`judgmen1
`
`dismissing
`
`the
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`Complaint
`
`herein
`
`as
`
`to
`
`said
`
`Defendant,
`
`together
`
`with
`
`the
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`disbursements,
`
`and
`
`in the
`
`event
`
`of
`
`any
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`this
`
`Defendant,
`
`it demands
`
`judgment.
`
`contribution
`
`and/or
`
`indemnity
`
`over
`
`and
`
`against
`
`the
`
`co-defendants
`
`for
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`any
`
`such
`
`recovery
`
`or
`
`a portion
`
`thereof,
`
`in
`
`accordance
`
`with
`
`principles
`
`of
`
`law
`
`regarding
`
`indemnities.
`
`apportionment
`
`of
`
`fault
`
`and
`
`damages,
`
`along
`
`with
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`disbursements,
`
`including
`
`reasonable
`
`attorneys'
`
`fees.
`
`14 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`Dated:
`
`January
`
`Red Bank,
`2, 2024
`
`New Jersey
`
`Yours,
`
`etc.
`
`FORMAN
`
`WATKINS
`
`& KRUTZ
`
`LLP
`
`PAPER
`
`Road
`07701
`
`Esq.
`J. Diesa,
`Nicole
`for Defendant
`Attorneys
`INTERNATIONAL
`COMPANY
`328 Newman
`Red
`
`Springs
`New Jersey
`Bank,
`852-4400
`
`(732)
`
`15 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`VERIFICATION
`
`The
`
`undersigned
`
`affinns
`
`the
`
`following
`
`statement
`
`to be true
`
`under
`
`penalties
`
`of
`
`perjury
`
`pursuant
`
`to Rule
`
`2106
`
`of
`
`the Civil
`
`Practice
`
`Law and Rules.
`
`That
`
`she is an attorney
`
`at
`
`law and
`
`a member
`
`of
`
`the
`
`firm
`
`of Forman
`
`Watkins
`
`& Kmtz
`
`LLP
`
`attomeys
`
`for
`
`the
`
`defendant,
`
`INTERNATIONAL
`
`PAPER
`
`COMPANY.
`
`That
`
`she
`
`has
`
`read
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`document
`
`and
`
`knows
`
`the
`
`contents
`
`thereof,
`
`and
`
`that
`
`the
`
`same
`
`is
`
`true
`
`to
`
`the
`
`of
`
`your
`
`affirmant
`
`as to the matters
`
`therein
`
`alleged
`
`upon
`
`knowledge
`
`except
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`and
`
`that
`
`as to those matters
`
`she believes
`
`them to be true.
`
`That
`
`the
`
`reason
`
`this
`
`verification
`
`is made
`
`by me instead
`
`of
`
`by
`
`the
`
`defendant
`
`is that
`
`I
`
`maintain
`
`an office
`
`in a different
`
`County
`
`than
`
`defendant's
`
`principal
`
`place
`
`of business
`
`is located.
`
`That
`
`the
`
`source
`
`of your
`
`affirmant's
`
`information
`
`and
`
`the
`
`grounds
`
`of her
`
`belief
`
`as to all
`
`the
`
`matters
`
`therein
`
`alleged
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`is reports
`
`from
`
`and
`
`communication
`
`had with
`
`said
`
`corporation.
`
`Dated:
`
`Red
`
`Bank,
`Janua1y
`
`New Jersey
`2, 2024
`
`Nicole
`
`J. Diesa,
`
`Esq.
`
`16 of 17
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/02/2024 10:41 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/02/2024
`
`CERTIFICATE
`
`OF SERVICE
`
`I HEREBY
`
`CERTIFY
`
`that
`
`on
`
`the
`
`2nd
`
`day
`
`of
`
`January
`
`2024,
`
`a copy
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`VERIFIED
`
`ANSWER
`
`was
`
`filed
`
`electronically
`
`this
`
`day
`
`and
`
`is available
`
`fiom
`
`the Court's
`
`ECF
`
`system.
`
`Notice
`
`of
`
`this
`
`filing
`
`will
`
`be sent
`
`to all
`
`counsel
`
`of
`
`record
`
`via
`
`the Court's
`
`ECF system.
`
`'
`
`Jet
`
`er Rodger
`
`17 of 17
`
`