FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`
`COURT
`OF ERIE
`
`OF THE STATE
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`TROY
`
`SHANE
`
`SMITH
`
`and ALLYSON
`
`JANE
`
`SMITH,
`
`x
`
`v.
`
`84 LUMBER
`
`COMPANY,
`
`et al.,
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`Defendants.
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`814633/2023
`
`VERIFIED
`PLAINTIFFS'
`
`ANSWER
`VERIFIED
`CROSS-
`COMPLAINT,
`AND ANSWER
`CLAIM
`TO CROSS-CLAIMS
`RELIANCE
`CLARK
`CORPORATION
`AS AN ALLEGED
`SUCCESSOR
`TO
`GAGE
`JERGUSON
`VALVE
`
`TO
`
`OF
`
`SOLELY
`
`&
`
`Defendant
`
`Clark
`
`Reliance
`
`Corporation
`
`X
`
`solely
`
`as an alleged
`
`successor
`
`to Jerguson
`
`Gage & Valve,
`
`sued
`
`incorrectly
`
`as "Clark
`
`Reliance
`
`Corporation,
`
`Individually
`
`and
`
`as Successor
`
`to
`
`Jerguson",
`
`(hereinafter
`
`"Jerguson"),
`
`by
`
`its attorneys
`
`Leader
`
`Berkon
`
`Colao & Silverstein
`
`LLP,
`
`hereby
`
`acknowledges
`
`receipt
`
`and
`
`answers
`
`the
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`Verified
`
`Complaint,
`
`filed
`
`on November
`
`14, 2023
`
`the
`
`and
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`(hereinafter
`
`"Complaint"),
`
`alleges,
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`as follows:
`
`THE
`
`PARTIES
`
`1.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`4 of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`2.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`5 of
`
`the Complaint
`
`insofar
`
`as they
`
`are directed
`
`at Jerguson,
`
`except
`
`admits
`
`that
`
`Jerguson
`
`has
`
`conducted
`
`and/or
`
`transacted
`
`business
`
`in the State
`
`of New York.
`
`3.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`6 through
`
`17 of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`1 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`4.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`18 of
`
`the Complaint
`
`except
`
`admits
`
`that
`
`Jerguson
`
`is a foreign
`
`corporation
`
`that
`
`has
`
`done
`
`and/or
`
`transacted
`
`business
`
`in
`
`the State
`
`of New York.
`
`5.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`19 through
`
`61 of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`6.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`62 of
`
`the
`
`admits
`
`that
`
`conducted
`
`Complaint
`
`insofar
`
`as they
`
`are directed
`
`at Jerguson,
`
`except
`
`Jerguson
`
`has
`
`and/or
`
`transacted
`
`business
`
`in the State
`
`of New York.
`
`7.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`63
`
`through
`
`69 (inclusive)
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`insofar
`
`as they
`
`are directed
`
`at Jerguson,
`
`and
`
`otherwise
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in said
`
`paragraphs,
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`AS TO THE FIRST
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`SOUNDING
`
`IN NEGLIGENCE
`
`8.
`
`With
`
`regard
`
`to paragraph
`
`70 of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`Jerguson
`
`repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`as to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`69 ofthe
`
`Complaint
`
`as ifmore
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`9.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`71
`
`through
`
`78 of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`including
`
`all
`
`sub-parts,
`
`insofar
`
`as they
`
`are directed
`
`at Jerguson,
`
`and
`
`otherwise
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in said
`
`paragraphs.
`
`AS TO THE
`
`SECOND
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`SOUNDING
`
`IN BREACH
`
`OF WARRANTY
`
`10.
`
`With
`
`regard
`
`to paragraph
`
`79 of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`Jerguson
`
`repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`as to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`78 of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as ifmore
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`11.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`80
`
`through
`
`83 of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`insofar
`
`as they
`
`are directed
`
`at Jerguson,
`
`and
`
`otherwise
`
`denies
`
`2 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`said
`
`paragraphs.
`
`AS TO THE THIRD
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`SOUNDING
`
`IN STRICT
`
`LIABILITY
`
`12.
`
`With
`
`regard
`
`to paragraph
`
`84 ofthe
`
`Complaint,
`
`Jerguson
`
`repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`as to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`83 ofthe
`
`Complaint
`
`as ifmore
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`13.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`85
`
`through
`
`93 of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`insofar
`
`as they
`
`are directed
`
`at Jerguson,
`
`and
`
`otherwise
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`said
`
`paragraphs.
`
`CAUSE
`OF ACTION
`AS TO THE FOURTH
`LAW VIOLATIONS
`LABOR
`
`14.
`
`With
`
`regard
`
`to paragraph
`
`94 of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`Jerguson
`
`repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`as to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`93 of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as ifmore
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`15.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`95 through
`
`112
`
`(inclusive),
`
`including
`
`all
`
`sub-parts
`
`therein,
`
`as these
`
`allegations
`
`do not
`
`pertain
`
`to it.
`
`AS TO THE FIFTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`AGAINST
`OF ACTION
`DEFENDANT
`COMPANY
`INSURANCE
`
`METROPOLITAN
`
`LIFE
`
`16.
`
`With
`
`regard
`
`to paragraph
`
`113
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`Jerguson
`
`repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`as to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`112
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`-3-
`
`3 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`17.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`114
`
`through
`
`120
`
`(inclusive)
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`as
`
`these
`
`allegations
`
`do not
`
`pertain
`
`to it.
`
`AS TO THE
`
`CAUSE
`SIXTH
`COLLECTIVE
`
`SOUNDING
`OF ACTION
`LIABILITY/CONCERT
`
`IN CONSPIRACY
`OF ACTION
`
`AND
`
`18.
`
`With
`
`regard
`
`to paragraph
`
`121
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`Jerguson
`
`repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`as to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`120
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`19.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`122
`
`through
`
`136
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`all
`
`sub-parts,
`
`insofar
`
`are directed
`
`at Jerguson,
`
`including
`
`as they
`
`and
`
`otherwise
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in said
`
`paragraphs.
`
`AS TO THE
`
`SEVENTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`AGAINST
`
`DEFENDANT
`
`CONTRACTORS
`
`20.
`
`With
`
`regard
`
`to paragraph
`
`137
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`Jerguson
`
`repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`as to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`136
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`21.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`138
`
`through
`
`150
`
`(inclusive)
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`as
`
`these
`
`allegations
`
`do not
`
`pertain
`
`to it.
`
`-4-
`
`4 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`AS TO THE
`
`EIGHTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`FOR PREMISES
`DEFENDANTS
`CERTAIN
`
`LIABILITY
`
`AGAINST
`
`22.
`
`With
`
`regard
`
`to paragraph
`
`151
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`Jerguson
`
`repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`as to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`150
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`23.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`152 through
`
`166
`
`(inclusive),
`
`including
`
`all
`
`sub-parts
`
`therein,
`
`as these
`
`allegations
`
`do not
`
`pertain
`
`to it.
`
`AS TO THE NINTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`JOINT
`
`AND SEVERAL
`
`LIABILITY
`
`24.
`
`With
`
`regard
`
`to paragraph
`
`167
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`Jerguson
`
`repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`as to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`166
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as if
`
`more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`denies
`
`of
`
`allegations
`
`25.
`
`Jerguson
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`the
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`168
`
`through
`
`179
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`insofar
`
`as they
`
`are directed
`
`at Jerguson,
`
`and
`
`otherwise
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`said
`
`paragraphs,
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to the Court.
`
`AS TO THE TENTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`PUNITIVE
`
`DAMAGES
`
`26.
`
`With
`
`regard
`
`to paragraph
`
`180
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`Jerguson
`
`repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`as to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`179
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`27.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`181
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`insofar
`
`as they
`
`are directed
`
`at Jerguson,
`
`and
`
`otherwise
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`-5-
`
`5 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in said
`
`paragraphs,
`
`and
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law to the Court.
`
`AS TO THE
`
`ELEVENTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`SPOUSAL
`
`LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
`
`28.
`
`With
`
`regard
`
`to paragraph
`
`182
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`Jerguson
`
`repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`response
`
`as to paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`181
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`as if
`
`more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`29.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`183
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`Complaint.
`
`30.
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`184
`
`of
`
`the
`
`AS AND FOR A FIRST
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The Complaint
`
`fails
`
`to state
`
`a cause
`
`of action
`
`upon
`
`relief
`
`31.
`
`granted
`
`against
`
`Jerguson.
`
`which
`
`can
`
`be
`
`AS AND FOR A SECOND
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`32.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`claims
`
`are time
`
`barred
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`statute(s)
`
`of
`
`limitations.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRD
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`33.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`claims
`
`are barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of
`
`the
`
`doctrine
`
`of estoppel.
`
`AS AND FOR A FOURTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`34.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has waived
`
`all
`
`claims
`
`against
`
`Jerguson.
`
`AS AND FOR A FIFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`35.
`
`This
`
`Court
`
`lacks
`
`both
`
`general
`
`and
`
`specific
`
`personal
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`Jerguson.
`
`Jerguson
`
`further
`
`objects
`
`to and
`
`denies
`
`an exercise
`
`of general
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`it,
`
`notwithstanding
`
`any
`
`of Plaintiff's
`
`allegations
`
`in the
`
`complaint
`
`purporting
`
`to establish
`
`a basis
`
`for
`
`general
`
`jurisdiction
`
`(see,
`
`e.g., Daimler
`
`AG v. Bauman,
`
`571 U.S.
`
`117(2014);
`
`BNSF
`
`Ry.
`
`Co.
`
`v.
`
`-6-
`
`6 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`Tyrrell,
`
`137 S.Ct.
`
`1549
`
`(2017);
`
`Bristol-Myers
`
`Squibb
`
`Co.
`
`v. Sip. Ct.
`
`of Cal.,
`
`S.F. Cty,
`
`137 S. Ct.
`
`1773
`
`(2017);
`
`cf., Gibson
`
`v. Air & Liquid
`
`Sys. Corp.,
`
`173 AD3d
`
`519
`
`[1st Dept.,
`
`2019]).
`
`AS AND FOR A SIXTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`36.
`
`The
`
`venue
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action
`
`is improper.
`
`AS AND FOR A SEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`37.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`claims
`
`are barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`doctrines
`
`of
`
`res judicata
`
`and/or
`
`collateral
`
`estoppel.
`
`AS AND FOR AN EIGHTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`38.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`speculative,
`
`uncertain
`
`and/or
`
`contingent
`
`damages
`
`have
`
`not
`
`accrued
`
`and
`
`are not
`
`recoverable.
`
`AS AND FOR A NINTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`39.
`
`This
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`must
`
`be dismissed
`
`in the
`
`event
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`another
`
`action
`
`pending
`
`against
`
`Jerguson
`
`for
`
`the
`
`same
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`in another
`
`court.
`
`AS AND FOR A TENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`a settlement
`
`agreement
`
`and
`
`40.
`
`In the
`
`event
`
`Plaintiff
`
`executed
`
`releasing
`
`discharging
`
`Jerguson
`
`from
`
`all
`
`claims
`
`arising
`
`out
`
`of
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`alleged
`
`injury,
`
`all
`
`claims
`
`alleged
`
`by Plaintiff
`
`should
`
`be dismissed.
`
`AS AND FOR AN ELEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`41.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`given
`
`a release
`
`or covenant
`
`not
`
`to sue or
`
`not
`
`to enforce
`
`a judgment
`
`to an alleged
`
`co-tortfeasor
`
`of
`
`Jerguson,
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`claim
`
`herein
`
`is
`
`reduced
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`of any
`
`amount
`
`stipulated
`
`by
`
`the
`
`release
`
`or
`
`covenant,
`
`in the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`the
`
`consideration
`
`paid
`
`for
`
`it, or
`
`in the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`the
`
`released
`
`tortfeasor's
`
`equitable
`
`share
`
`of
`
`the
`
`damages,
`
`whichever
`
`is greater.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWELFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`42.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`not
`
`injured
`
`exposure
`
`to Jerguson's
`
`products.
`
`by
`
`-7-
`
`7 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`s
`
`43.
`
`In the
`
`event
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`employed
`
`by
`
`any
`
`of
`
`the Defendants,
`
`sole
`
`and
`
`exclusive
`
`remedy
`
`is under
`
`the Worker's
`
`Compensation
`
`Law
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`New York.
`
`AS AND FOR A FOURTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`44.
`
`Insofar
`
`as the Complaint,
`
`and
`
`each
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`considered
`
`separately,
`
`alleges
`
`a cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`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 Plaintiff,
`
`including
`
`contributory
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`assumption
`
`of
`
`which
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`bears
`
`to the
`
`culpable
`
`risk,
`
`in the proportion
`
`conduct
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`damages.
`
`AS AND FOR A FIFTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`45.
`
`Insofar
`
`as the Complaint,
`
`and
`
`each
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`considered
`
`separately,
`
`alleges
`
`a cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`accruing
`
`on or after
`
`September
`
`1, 1975
`
`each
`
`such
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`is
`
`barred
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to Plaintiff,
`
`including
`
`contributory
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`assumption
`
`of
`
`risk.
`
`AS AND FOR A SIXTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`46.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`as alleged
`
`in the Complaint,
`
`which
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies,
`
`said
`
`injury
`
`was
`
`proximately
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`by
`
`negligence,
`
`breach
`
`of warranty
`
`and/or
`
`strict
`
`liability
`
`of persons
`
`and/or
`
`entities
`
`other
`
`than
`
`Jerguson.
`
`-8-
`
`8 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`AS AND FOR A SEVENTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`47.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`injured
`
`as alleged
`
`in the Complaint,
`
`which
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies,
`
`such
`
`injury
`
`was
`
`the
`
`result
`
`of
`
`intervening
`
`and/or
`
`superseding
`
`acts
`
`or omissions
`
`of parties
`
`over whom Jerguson
`
`had
`
`no
`
`control
`
`or
`
`right
`
`to control.
`
`AS AND FOR AN EIGHTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`48.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`relevant
`
`hereto,
`
`the knowledge
`
`of
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`employeits)
`
`was
`
`superior
`
`to that
`
`of
`
`Jerguson
`
`with
`
`respect
`
`to possible
`
`health
`
`hazards
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`employment,
`
`and,
`
`therefore,
`
`if
`
`there
`
`was
`
`any
`
`duty
`
`to warn
`
`or provide
`
`protection
`
`to Plaintiff,
`
`it
`
`was
`
`the
`
`duty
`
`of
`
`said
`
`employer,
`
`not
`
`of
`
`Jerguson,
`
`and
`
`breach
`
`of
`
`that
`
`duty
`
`was
`
`an intervening
`
`and/or
`
`superseding
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`the
`
`injuries
`
`allegedly
`
`sustained
`
`by Plaintiff.
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`AS AND FOR A NINETEENTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`49.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`during
`
`the
`
`conduct
`
`of
`
`their
`
`corporate
`
`operations,
`
`the
`
`agents,
`
`servants
`
`and/or
`
`employees
`
`of
`
`Jerguson
`
`used
`
`proper
`
`methods
`
`in their
`
`production
`
`activities
`
`in
`
`conformity
`
`to the
`
`available
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`research
`
`of
`
`the
`
`scientific
`
`and
`
`industrial
`
`communities.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTIETH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that Plaintiff
`
`sustained
`
`injuries
`
`from
`
`the
`
`use
`
`of Jerguson
`
`50.
`
`products,
`
`which
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies,
`
`such
`
`injuries
`
`resulted
`
`from
`
`the
`
`unforeseeable
`
`misuse,
`
`abuse,
`
`alteration,
`
`modification,
`
`and/or
`
`unauthorized
`
`handling
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product
`
`by Plaintiff,
`
`or by
`
`third-
`
`parties,
`
`over whom Jerguson
`
`had
`
`no
`
`control
`
`or
`
`right
`
`to control.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-FIRST
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`51.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`voluntarily
`
`assumed
`
`the risks
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`the
`
`use
`
`of or
`
`exposure
`
`to the products
`
`at
`
`issue.
`
`-9-
`
`9 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-SECOND
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`52.
`
`Jerguson
`
`had
`
`no knowledge
`
`or
`
`reason
`
`to know
`
`of any
`
`alleged
`
`risks
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`finished
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`products
`
`at any
`
`time
`
`during
`
`the
`
`purported
`
`peril
`
`complained
`
`of
`
`in the Complaint.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-THIRD
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`53.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`contributed
`
`to the
`
`injuries
`
`alleged
`
`the
`
`use
`
`of other
`
`by
`
`substances,
`
`products,
`
`medications
`
`and
`
`drugs.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-FOURTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`54.
`
`As
`
`to all
`
`causes
`
`of action
`
`pleaded
`
`in the Complaint
`
`which
`
`are based
`
`upon
`
`expressed
`
`or
`
`implied
`
`representations,
`
`such
`
`causes
`
`of action
`
`are legally
`
`insufficient
`
`as against
`
`Jerguson
`
`as there
`
`was
`
`no privity
`
`of
`
`contract
`
`between
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`Jerguson.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-FIFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff
`
`never
`
`55.
`
`purchased,
`
`directly
`
`or
`
`indirectly,
`
`any
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`product
`
`or materials
`
`from
`
`Jerguson,
`
`nor
`
`did Plaintiff
`
`ever
`
`receive
`
`or
`
`rely
`
`upon
`
`any
`
`representation
`
`allegedly
`
`made
`
`by
`
`Jerguson.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-SIXTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`56.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`exposed
`
`to any
`
`product
`
`manufactured
`
`by
`
`Jerguson,
`
`which
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies,
`
`said
`
`exposure
`
`was
`
`dle minimis
`
`and
`
`not
`
`a substantial
`
`contributing
`
`factor
`
`to any
`
`asbestos-related
`
`disease
`
`which
`
`Plaintiff
`
`may
`
`have
`
`developed,
`
`thus
`
`requiring
`
`dismissal
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`against
`
`Jerguson.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-SEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`57.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`claims
`
`are barred
`
`because
`
`of
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`failure
`
`to join
`
`necessary
`
`and
`
`indispensable
`
`parties.
`
`-10-
`
`10 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-EIGHTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`58.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is entitled
`
`to damages,
`
`which
`
`Jerguson
`
`denies,
`
`Jerguson
`
`is entitled
`
`to a set-off
`
`for
`
`all
`
`Workers'
`
`Compensation
`
`payments
`
`received
`
`by Plaintiff.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-NINTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`59.
`
`In accordance
`
`with
`
`CPLR
`
`1601,
`
`Jerguson's
`
`liability
`
`for
`
`non-economic
`
`loss
`
`is limited
`
`to its equitable
`
`share
`
`of
`
`the
`
`total
`
`liability
`
`for
`
`non-economic
`
`loss.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTIETH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`60.
`
`In accordance
`
`with
`
`CPLR
`
`4545(c),
`
`Jerguson
`
`is entitled
`
`to a set-off
`
`for
`
`any
`
`past
`
`or
`
`future
`
`costs
`
`or expenses
`
`incurred
`
`or
`
`to be incurred
`
`by Plaintiff
`
`for medical
`
`care,
`
`custodial
`
`care
`
`of
`
`rehabilitation
`
`services,
`
`loss
`
`of earnings
`
`or other
`
`economic
`
`loss, which
`
`has been
`
`or will
`
`with
`
`reasonable
`
`certainty
`
`be replaced
`
`or
`
`indemnified
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part
`
`from
`
`a collateral
`
`source.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-FIRST
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`is barred
`
`the
`
`government
`
`defense
`
`61.
`
`action
`
`by
`
`contractor's
`
`because
`
`Jerguson
`
`was
`
`a contractor
`
`supplying
`
`materials,
`
`labor
`
`and
`
`or services
`
`to the United
`
`States
`
`Government.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-SECOND
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`62.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`times,
`
`the
`
`state
`
`of
`
`the medical,
`
`scientific,
`
`and
`
`industrial
`
`knowledge,
`
`the
`
`state
`
`of
`
`the
`
`art,
`
`practice,
`
`and
`
`prevailing
`
`industry
`
`standards
`
`regarding
`
`asbestos-
`
`was
`
`such
`
`that
`
`Jerguson
`
`neither
`
`had
`
`reason
`
`nor
`
`have
`
`containing
`
`products
`
`knew,
`
`to know,
`
`could
`
`known
`
`of any
`
`foreseeable
`
`or significant
`
`risk
`
`or harm
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`in the
`
`normal
`
`or expected
`
`use
`
`of
`
`Jerguson's
`
`products.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-THIRD
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`63.
`
`Any
`
`injuries
`
`sustained
`
`by Plaintiff
`
`resulted
`
`from
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`alleged
`
`use
`
`of
`
`or exposure
`
`to asbestos
`
`or asbestos-containing
`
`products
`
`manufactured
`
`and
`
`sold
`
`in strict
`
`compliance
`
`with
`
`mandatory
`
`specifications
`
`established
`
`by persons
`
`or entities
`
`other
`
`than
`
`Jerguson,
`
`-11-
`
`11 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`including,
`
`without
`
`limitation,
`
`agencies,
`
`agents
`
`and
`
`departments
`
`of
`
`the United
`
`States,
`
`which
`
`persons
`
`or entities
`
`possessed,
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`such manufacture
`
`or sale,
`
`knowledge
`
`equal
`
`to or
`
`greater
`
`than
`
`that
`
`of
`
`Jerguson
`
`concerning
`
`the
`
`properties
`
`and
`
`characteristics
`
`of asbestos
`
`and
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`products.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-FOURTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`64,
`
`Any
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`Jerguson
`
`products
`
`were
`
`supplied
`
`according
`
`to the
`
`purchaser's
`
`or user's
`
`specifications
`
`and
`
`standards.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-FIFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`65.
`
`Jerguson
`
`was
`
`under
`
`no legal
`
`duty
`
`to warn
`
`Plaintiff
`
`of any
`
`hazards
`
`from
`
`the
`
`use
`
`of any
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`products.
`
`The
`
`actual
`
`purchasers
`
`and/or
`
`those
`
`under
`
`the
`
`purchasers'
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`and
`
`the
`
`owners
`
`and
`
`lessors
`
`of
`
`the
`
`properties
`
`at which
`
`control,
`
`employer(s),
`
`Plaintiff
`
`alleges
`
`exposure
`
`to such
`
`products,
`
`were
`
`in a far better
`
`position
`
`to warn
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and,
`
`if
`
`any
`
`such
`
`warning
`
`was
`
`legally
`
`required,
`
`which
`
`is expressly
`
`denied;
`
`their
`
`failure
`
`to do so was
`
`a
`
`superseding
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`alleged
`
`injury.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-SIXTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`66.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`reasonably
`
`and
`
`adequately
`
`warned
`
`of
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`risks
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`the
`
`use
`
`of or exposure
`
`to asbestos-containing
`
`products.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-SEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`67.
`
`Timely
`
`and/or
`
`proper
`
`notice
`
`was
`
`not
`
`given
`
`to Jerguson
`
`as to any
`
`alleged
`
`breach
`
`of warranty.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-EIGHTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`68.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`claims
`
`are based
`
`on an alleged
`
`breach
`
`of
`
`warranty,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`did
`
`not
`
`rely
`
`on
`
`any warranty.
`
`-12-
`
`12 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-NINTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`69.
`
`Any
`
`oral warranties
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`Plaintiff
`
`allegedly
`
`relied
`
`are inadmissible
`
`under
`
`the Statute
`
`of Frauds.
`
`AS AND FOR A FORTIETH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`70.
`
`Any
`
`claims
`
`by Plaintiff
`
`for
`
`exemplary
`
`and/or
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`are barred
`
`because
`
`such
`
`damages
`
`are not
`
`recoverable
`
`or warranted.
`
`AS AND FOR A FORTY-FIRST
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`71.
`
`Jerguson's
`
`conduct
`
`was
`
`not
`
`reckless,
`
`malicious,
`
`willful
`
`or grossly
`
`entitled
`
`and/or
`
`negligent,
`
`and
`
`consequently,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is not
`
`to exemplary
`
`punitive
`
`damages.
`
`AS AND FOR A FORTY-SECOND
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`72.
`
`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
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`In addition,
`
`Jerguson
`
`will
`
`rely
`
`upon
`
`any
`
`and
`
`all
`
`other
`
`further
`
`defenses
`
`which
`
`become
`
`available
`
`or appear
`
`its
`
`right
`
`during
`
`discovery
`
`in this
`
`action
`
`and
`
`hereby
`
`specifically
`
`reserves
`
`to amend
`
`its answer
`
`for
`
`the
`
`purpose
`
`of asserting
`
`any
`
`such
`
`additional
`
`affirmative
`
`defenses.
`
`AS AND FOR A FORTY-THIRD
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`73.
`
`This
`
`action
`
`does
`
`not
`
`fall
`
`within
`
`one
`
`or more
`
`of
`
`the
`
`exceptions
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in
`
`CPLR§
`
`1602
`
`and
`
`Jerguson
`
`is responsible
`
`only
`
`for
`
`its allocated
`
`share
`
`of any
`
`verdict
`
`that may
`
`be
`
`against
`
`rendered
`
`it.
`
`AGAINST
`
`AS AND FOR A CROSS-CLAIM
`OF THE OTHER
`DEFENDANTS
`EACH
`
`74.
`
`If damages
`
`were
`
`sustained
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time(s)
`
`and
`
`place(s)
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the
`
`Complaint
`
`through
`
`any
`
`carelessness,
`
`recklessness
`
`and/or
`
`negligence
`
`other
`
`than
`
`that
`
`of Plaintiff,
`
`including,
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to,
`
`the manufacture
`
`and
`
`distribution
`
`of asbestos-containing
`
`products,
`
`breach
`
`of warranty
`
`or misrepresentations,
`
`either
`
`express
`
`or
`
`implied,
`
`and/or
`
`through
`
`strict
`
`liability
`
`-13-
`
`13 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`in tort,
`
`such
`
`damages,
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part,
`
`will
`
`have
`
`been
`
`caused
`
`and
`
`brought
`
`about
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`carelessness,
`
`recldessness
`
`and/or
`
`negligence
`
`of each
`
`of
`
`the
`
`other
`
`Defendants
`
`named
`
`in this
`
`action.
`
`75.
`
`If
`
`Plaintiff
`
`should
`
`recover
`
`a judgment
`
`against
`
`Jerguson,
`
`by
`
`operation
`
`law or otherwise,
`
`Jerguson
`
`will
`
`be entitled
`
`to judgment,
`
`contribution
`
`and/or
`
`indemnification,
`
`of
`
`in
`
`from
`
`of
`
`other
`
`named
`
`whole
`
`or
`
`in part,
`
`each
`
`the
`
`Defendants
`
`in this
`
`action,
`
`their
`
`agents,
`
`servants
`
`and/or
`
`employees,
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`their
`
`carelessness,
`
`recklessness,
`
`and/or
`
`negligence
`
`for
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of any
`
`such
`
`recovery,
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`principles
`
`of
`
`law regarding
`
`apportionment
`
`of
`
`fault
`
`and
`
`damages,
`
`along
`
`with
`
`costs,
`
`disbursements
`
`and
`
`reasonable
`
`expenses
`
`of
`
`the
`
`investigation
`
`and
`
`defense
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action,
`
`including
`
`reasonable
`
`attorneys'
`
`fees.
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Defendant
`
`Jerguson
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`dismissing
`
`the Complaint
`
`as to it,
`
`together
`
`with
`
`the
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`disbursements
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action,
`
`and,
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`of any
`
`recovery
`
`by Plaintiff
`
`against
`
`Jerguson
`
`herein,
`
`further
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`for
`
`contribution
`
`and/or
`
`indemnification
`
`against
`
`each
`
`of
`
`the other
`
`defendants
`
`named
`
`in the Complaint
`
`together
`
`with
`
`Jerguson's
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`disbursements
`
`in this
`
`action.
`
`ANSWER
`
`TO ALL
`
`CROSS-CLAIMS
`
`answers
`
`of each
`
`of
`
`the
`
`other
`
`Jerguson
`
`hereby
`
`the
`
`cross-claims
`
`defendants
`
`named
`
`in this
`
`action,
`
`however
`
`asserted
`
`or alleged,
`
`and
`
`says:
`
`76.
`
`All
`
`cross-claims
`
`for
`
`contribution
`
`alleged
`
`against
`
`Jerguson
`
`by
`
`any
`
`party
`
`Defendant
`
`are
`
`denied.
`
`77.
`
`All
`
`cross-claims
`
`for
`
`indemnification
`
`alleged
`
`against
`
`Jerguson
`
`by
`
`any
`
`party
`
`Defendant
`
`are denied.
`
`78.
`
`All
`
`cross-claims
`
`for
`
`contractual
`
`indemnification
`
`alleged
`
`against
`
`Jerguson
`
`by
`
`any
`
`party
`
`Defendant
`
`are denied.
`
`-14-
`
`14 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Defendant
`
`Jerguson
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`in its
`
`favor
`
`and
`
`against
`
`all
`
`other
`
`Defendants
`
`and
`
`requests
`
`the Court
`
`to dismiss
`
`all
`
`cross-claims
`
`filed
`
`against
`
`Jerguson
`
`with
`
`prejudice
`
`and
`
`award
`
`Jerguson
`
`its
`
`costs,
`
`attorneys'
`
`fees
`
`and
`
`disbursements
`
`in this
`
`action.
`
`Dated:
`
`New York
`New York,
`9, 2024
`January
`
`LEADER
`BERKON
`& SILVERSTEIN
`
`COLAO
`LLP
`
`by:
`
`Hersh
`/s/ Ryan
`RYAN HERSH
`Defendant
`for
`Attorneys
`Corporation
`Clark
`Reliance
`successor
`to Jerguson
`Gage
`630
`Third
`Avenue
`New York,
`New York
`486-2400
`(212)
`
`10017
`
`as an alleged
`
`solely
`& Valve
`
`15 of 16
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 01/11/2024 01:40 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 33
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/11/2024
`
`VERIFICATION
`
`SS:
`
`):
`
`)
`
`STATE
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`COUNTY
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`Ryan
`
`Hersh,
`
`being
`
`duly
`
`sworn,
`
`deposes
`
`and
`
`says
`
`that
`
`I am an attomey
`
`at
`
`law with
`
`the
`
`firm
`
`of Leader
`
`Berkon
`
`Colao
`
`& Silverstein
`
`LLP,
`
`having
`
`their
`
`offices
`
`at 630
`
`Third
`
`Avenue,
`
`in
`
`the City,
`
`County
`
`and State
`
`of New York,
`
`attorneys
`
`for
`
`defendant
`
`Clark
`
`Reliance
`
`Corporation
`
`solely
`
`foregoing
`
`as an alleged
`
`successor
`
`to Jerguson
`
`Gage & Valve
`
`in the within
`
`action;
`
`that
`
`I have
`
`read
`
`the
`
`Verified
`
`Answer
`
`to
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`Verified
`
`Complaint,
`
`Cross-Claim
`
`and Answer
`
`to Cross-
`
`Claims
`
`of Clark
`
`Reliance
`
`Corporation
`
`solely
`
`as an alleged
`
`successor
`
`to Jerguson
`
`Gage & Valve
`
`know
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`belief
`
`and
`
`and
`
`the
`
`contents
`
`thereof;
`
`that
`
`the
`
`same
`
`is true
`
`and
`
`I believe
`
`it
`
`to be true;
`
`that
`
`the
`
`grounds
`
`of my belief
`
`are public
`
`records,
`
`records
`
`and
`
`documents
`
`currently
`
`in
`
`my
`
`possession
`
`pertaining
`
`to this matter,
`
`and
`
`conversations
`
`with
`
`client's
`
`agents;
`
`and
`
`that
`
`the
`
`reason
`
`why
`
`this
`
`verification
`
`is made
`
`by me and
`
`not
`
`by
`
`said
`
`defendant
`
`is that
`
`said
`
`defendant's
`
`principal
`
`place
`
`of business
`
`is located
`
`outside
`
`of New York
`
`County
`
`where
`
`Leader
`
`Berkon
`
`Colao
`
`& Silverstein
`
`LLP
`
`maintains
`
`its offices.
`
`of perjury.
`
`The
`
`undersigned
`
`affirms
`
`that
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`statements
`
`are true,
`
`under
`
`the
`
`penalties
`
`Dated:
`
`January
`
`9, 2024
`
`b
`
`RY
`
`HERSH
`
`16 of 16
`
`