FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 05/09/2024 09:24 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 90
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/09/2024
`
`NEW YORK STATE
`COUNTY
`OF ERIE
`
`SUPREME
`
`COURT
`
`TROY
`
`SHANE
`
`SMITH
`
`and ALLYSON
`
`JANE
`
`SMITH,
`
`vs.
`
`84 LUMBER
`COMPANY,
`TWEED & CO.,
`INC.,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`GREENE
`ANSWER
`AMENDED
`
`TWEED'S
`TO THIRD
`COMPLAINT
`
`et al,
`
`including
`
`GREENE
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`814633/2023
`
`Defendants.
`
`Defendant,
`
`GREENE
`
`TWEED
`
`& CO.,
`
`INC.,
`
`Individually
`
`(hereinafter
`
`"Greene
`
`Tweed")
`
`appearing
`
`by
`
`its
`
`attorneys,
`
`Jordan
`
`DiPalma
`
`PLLC,
`
`for
`
`its
`
`Answer
`
`to
`
`the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint,
`
`answers
`
`and
`
`alleges
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`as follows:
`
`As
`
`to
`
`the
`
`new
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint,
`
`Greene
`
`Tweed
`
`answers
`
`and
`
`alleges
`
`as follows:
`
`1.
`
`In response
`
`to the
`
`allegations
`
`in plaintiff's
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`that Greene
`
`repeats,
`
`reiterates,
`
`realleges
`
`and
`
`incorporates
`
`herein
`
`reference,
`
`all
`
`allegations,
`
`denials,
`
`Tweed,
`
`by
`
`defenses
`
`and
`
`cross-claims
`
`raised
`
`in
`
`its Verified
`
`Answer
`
`to plaintiff's
`
`original
`
`Complaint
`
`dated
`
`January
`
`24,
`
`2024,
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`incorporated
`
`herein.
`
`2.
`
`Denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`4 and
`
`6 through
`
`8 of
`
`the Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint.
`
`3.
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`as to Greene
`
`Tweed
`
`and
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`5 of
`
`the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint.
`
`4.
`
`Denies
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`other
`
`allegation
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`not
`
`hereinbefore
`
`specifically
`
`admitted,
`
`denied
`
`or otherwise
`
`controverted.
`
`Page
`
`1 of
`
`12
`
`1 of 12
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 05/09/2024 09:24 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 90
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/09/2024
`
`AND
`AS
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ALLEGES:
`
`FOR
`
`ITS
`
`FIRST
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`SEPARATE
`ANSWERING
`
`THIS
`
`AND
`
`COMPLETE
`DEFENDANT
`
`5.
`
`All
`
`claims
`
`are time-barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`statute
`
`of
`
`limitations.
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`A
`FOR
`SECOND
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`6.
`
`The
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action
`
`pleaded
`
`in
`
`the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`have
`
`not
`
`been
`
`maintained
`
`in a timely
`
`fashion
`
`and
`
`have
`
`been
`
`neglected
`
`and
`
`should
`
`be barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`laches.
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`A
`THIRD
`FOR
`DEFENDANT
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`7.
`
`All
`
`claims
`
`brought
`
`under
`
`the New York
`
`statute
`
`of
`
`limitations
`
`enacted
`
`July
`
`31,
`
`1986
`
`are time-barred
`
`in that
`
`the
`
`statute
`
`is unconstitutional.
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`A
`FOR
`FOURTH
`DEFENDANT
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`was
`
`employed
`
`the
`
`8.
`
`In
`
`the
`
`event
`
`it
`
`should
`
`appear
`
`that
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`by
`
`answering
`
`defendant,
`
`then
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`the State
`
`of New York.
`
`sole
`
`and
`
`exclusive
`
`remedy
`
`is under
`
`the Worker's
`
`Compensation
`
`Law of
`
`AS AND FOR A FIFTH
`ALLEGES:
`DEFENDANT
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`ANSWERING
`
`9.
`
`Insofar
`
`as
`
`the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint,
`
`and
`
`each
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`considered
`
`separately,
`
`may
`
`allege
`
`a cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`accruing
`
`before
`
`September
`
`1, 1975,
`
`each
`
`such
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`is barred
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to plaintiff,
`
`including
`
`contributory
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`assumption
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risk.
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`A
`FOR
`DEFENDANT
`
`SIXTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`Page
`
`2 of
`
`12
`
`2 of 12
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 05/09/2024 09:24 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 90
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/09/2024
`
`10.
`
`Insofar
`
`as
`
`the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint,
`
`and
`
`each
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`considered
`
`separately,
`
`alleges
`
`a cause
`
`of action
`
`to recover
`
`damages
`
`for
`
`personal
`
`injuries
`
`which
`
`accrued
`
`on or
`
`after
`
`September
`
`1, 1975,
`
`the amount
`
`of damages
`
`recoverable
`
`thereon
`
`must
`
`be diminished
`
`by reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to
`
`each
`
`plaintiff,
`
`including
`
`contributory
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`assumption
`
`of
`
`the
`
`in the
`
`proportion
`
`which
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`risk,
`
`attributable
`
`to either
`
`plaintiff
`
`bears
`
`on the
`
`total
`
`conduct
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`damages.
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`A
`FOR
`AFFIRMATIVE
`SEVENTH
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`11.
`
`While
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`denies
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`allegations
`
`with
`
`regard
`
`liability,
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`plaintiffs
`
`may
`
`be able
`
`to prove
`
`same,
`
`such
`
`liability
`
`was
`
`the
`
`result
`
`intervening
`
`or
`
`interceding
`
`acts
`
`of
`
`superseding
`
`negligence
`
`on the
`
`part
`
`of
`
`third-parties,
`
`over
`
`which
`
`to
`
`of
`
`right
`
`of
`
`control.
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`had
`
`neither
`
`control,
`
`nor
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`AN
`EIGHTH
`FOR
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`12.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`used
`
`proper
`
`methods
`
`in manufacturing
`
`its
`
`products
`
`in
`
`conformity
`
`with
`
`the
`
`available
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`research
`
`of
`
`the
`
`defendant
`
`and
`
`the
`
`scientific
`
`and
`
`industrial
`
`community.
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`A
`FOR
`NINTH
`DEFENDANT
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`If
`
`be proven
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`trial
`
`that
`
`of
`
`the
`
`products
`
`of
`
`the
`
`13.
`
`it should
`
`any
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`were
`
`furnished
`
`to the
`
`employer
`
`of plaintiff,
`
`or
`
`to the United
`
`States
`
`government,
`
`and that
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`thereafter
`
`came
`
`into
`
`contact
`
`with
`
`those
`
`products,
`
`which
`
`is specifically
`
`denied,
`
`then
`
`any
`
`such
`
`product
`
`was
`
`furnished
`
`in
`
`strict
`
`conformity
`
`to
`
`the
`
`conditions
`
`specified,
`
`or
`
`to
`
`the
`
`specifications
`
`furnished,
`
`by
`
`the
`
`United
`
`States
`
`government
`
`and/or
`
`the
`
`employer/employers
`
`of
`
`plaintiff.
`
`Page
`
`3 of
`
`12
`
`3 of 12
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 05/09/2024 09:24 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 90
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/09/2024
`
`AS AND FOR
`DEFENDANT
`
`A TENTH
`ALLEGES:
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`ANSWERING
`
`14.
`
`Should
`
`it be proven
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`trial
`
`that
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`is subject
`
`to
`
`market
`
`share
`
`liability,
`
`then
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant's
`
`share
`
`of
`
`such
`
`liability
`
`would
`
`be of
`
`such
`
`a
`
`de minimus
`
`amount
`
`as to make
`
`its
`
`contribution
`
`for
`
`damages
`
`negligible
`
`and
`
`speculative
`
`and
`
`this
`
`co-
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`would
`
`be entitled
`
`to contribution,
`
`whether
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part,
`
`from
`
`the
`
`defendants.
`
`AS AND FOR AN ELEVENTH
`ANSWERING
`DEFENDANT
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`15.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`the
`
`plaintiffs
`
`failed
`
`to mitigate
`
`or
`
`otherwise
`
`act
`
`to
`
`lessen
`
`or
`
`reduce
`
`the
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`disability
`
`alleged
`
`in the Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint.
`
`AS AND
`ANSWERING
`
`FOR
`
`A TWELFTH
`DEFENDANT
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`16.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action
`
`seeking
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`are
`
`barred
`
`because
`
`such
`
`damages
`
`are not
`
`recoverable
`
`and
`
`not warranted
`
`in this
`
`action
`
`against
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant.
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`A
`THIRTEENTH
`FOR
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`17.
`
`The
`
`plaintiffs
`
`contributed
`
`to the
`
`claimed
`
`illness
`
`and
`
`injury,
`
`either
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in
`
`part,
`
`by
`
`the
`
`use of other
`
`substances,
`
`products,
`
`medications,
`
`and
`
`drugs.
`
`AS AND
`ANSWERING
`
`FOR
`
`A FOURTEENTH
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`other
`
`18.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`the
`
`plaintiffs
`
`have
`
`commenced
`
`actions
`
`for
`
`the
`
`same
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`alleged
`
`in this
`
`action,
`
`and
`
`should
`
`plaintiffs
`
`recover
`
`damages
`
`in those
`
`other
`
`actions,
`
`the
`
`defendant
`
`will
`
`be
`
`entitled
`
`to
`
`a reduction
`
`of
`
`damages
`
`herein
`
`or
`
`a proportional
`
`offset
`
`pursuant
`
`to General
`
`Obligations
`
`Law §15-108
`
`as may
`
`be appropriate.
`
`Page
`
`4 of
`
`12
`
`4 of 12
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 05/09/2024 09:24 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 90
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/09/2024
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`A FIFTEENTH
`FOR
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`19.
`
`The
`
`defendant
`
`claims
`
`limitation
`
`of
`
`liability
`
`pursuant
`
`to CPLR Article
`
`16.
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`FOR
`
`A SIXTEENTH
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`20.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`the
`
`plaintiff,
`
`his
`
`co-workers,
`
`employees,
`
`and
`
`others,
`
`misused,
`
`abused,
`
`mistreated
`
`and misapplied
`
`the
`
`product
`
`designated
`
`as
`
`"asbestos
`
`material"
`
`as
`
`alleged
`
`in the Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`herein.
`
`21.
`
`If
`
`the Court
`
`finds
`
`that
`
`any misuse,
`
`abuse, mistreatment
`
`and/or
`
`misapplication
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product
`
`caused
`
`and/or
`
`contributed
`
`to
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`damages
`
`or
`
`injuries
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiff,
`
`then
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`requests
`
`that
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`damages
`
`which
`
`might
`
`be recoverable
`
`shall
`
`be
`
`diminished
`
`by
`
`the
`
`proportion
`
`which
`
`the
`
`same misuse,
`
`abuse,
`
`mistreatment
`
`and/or
`
`misapplication
`
`attributed
`
`his
`
`conduct
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`to the plaintiff,
`
`co-workers,
`
`employees,
`
`and
`
`others
`
`bears
`
`to the
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`damages
`
`and/or
`
`injuries.
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`A
`SEVENTEENTH
`FOR
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`22.
`
`As
`
`to the
`
`causes
`
`of action
`
`pleaded
`
`in
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`which
`
`are
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`express
`
`or
`
`implied
`
`representations
`
`and/or
`
`warranties,
`
`such
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action
`
`are
`
`insufficient,
`
`as against
`
`the
`
`defendant,
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`their
`
`failure
`
`to allege
`
`legally
`
`answering
`
`by
`
`privity
`
`of
`
`contract
`
`between
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`and
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant.
`
`AS AND FOR AN EIGHTEENTH
`DEFENDANT
`ANSWERING
`ALLEGES:
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`23.
`
`The
`
`plaintiff
`
`did
`
`not
`
`directly
`
`or
`
`indirectly
`
`purchase
`
`any
`
`asbestos
`
`containing
`
`products
`
`or materials
`
`from
`
`the answering
`
`defendant
`
`and plaintiffs
`
`neither
`
`received,
`
`nor
`
`relied
`
`upon
`
`any
`
`representations
`
`allegedly
`
`made
`
`by
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant.
`
`Page
`
`5 of
`
`12
`
`5 of 12
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 05/09/2024 09:24 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 90
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/09/2024
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`A
`FOR
`NINETEENTH
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`24.
`
`This
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`did
`
`not
`
`know
`
`and
`
`had
`
`no
`
`reasonable
`
`grounds
`
`for
`
`knowing,
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`its products
`
`containing
`
`asbestos
`
`were manufactured,
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`allegedly
`
`exposed
`
`thereto,
`
`or at any
`
`other
`
`time,
`
`that
`
`any
`
`of
`
`said
`
`products
`
`could
`
`be hazardous,
`
`and
`
`further,
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`has
`
`had
`
`no reason
`
`to believe
`
`that
`
`any
`
`of
`
`its products
`
`could
`
`be
`
`hazardous,
`
`in that
`
`any
`
`asbestos
`
`fibers
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`its
`
`products
`
`are
`
`locked
`
`in,
`
`encapsulated,
`
`enclosed
`
`and
`
`firmly
`
`bound
`
`and
`
`therefore
`
`do not
`
`release
`
`dangerous
`
`amounts
`
`of asbestos
`
`fiber.
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`FOR
`
`A TWENTIETH
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE
`
`THIS
`
`omissions
`
`of
`
`the plaintiffs
`
`and
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`25.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`the acts,
`
`conduct
`
`and
`
`agents,
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`are barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`estoppel
`
`and waiver.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-FIRST
`ANSWERING
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`THIS
`
`26.
`
`The
`
`benefits
`
`of any
`
`products
`
`or material
`
`of
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`referred
`
`to in
`
`the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`outweigh
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`or danger,
`
`if
`
`any,
`
`inherent
`
`in
`
`said
`
`products
`
`or
`
`material.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-SECOND
`ALLEGES:
`ANSWERING
`DEFENDANT
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`27.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`give
`
`notice
`
`to
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`Defendant,
`
`within
`
`a reasonable
`
`time,
`
`of
`
`the
`
`claimed
`
`breach
`
`of warranty
`
`alleged
`
`in the Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint,
`
`in the manner
`
`and
`
`form
`
`prescribed
`
`law.
`
`by
`
`AND
`AS
`DEFENDANT,
`
`FOR
`
`A
`THIS
`
`TWENTY-THIRD
`ANSWERING
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`Page
`
`6 of
`
`12
`
`6 of 12
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 05/09/2024 09:24 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 90
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/09/2024
`
`28.
`
`All
`
`conduct
`
`and
`
`activities
`
`of
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`conformed
`
`to statutes,
`
`government
`
`regulations
`
`and
`
`industry
`
`standards
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`the
`
`state
`
`of knowledge
`
`existing
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`alleged
`
`in the Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-FOURTH
`DEFENDANT
`ANSWERING
`ALLEGES:
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`29.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`employer
`
`or employers,
`
`said
`
`employer's
`
`agents,
`
`servants,
`
`and
`
`including
`
`employees,
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the warnings
`
`and
`
`handling
`
`information
`
`given
`
`to
`
`them
`
`and
`
`their
`
`own
`
`longstanding
`
`and
`
`continuous
`
`experience
`
`with
`
`the
`
`products
`
`or materials,
`
`if any,
`
`referred
`
`to in the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint,
`
`are
`
`and
`
`were
`
`sophisticated
`
`users
`
`of
`
`any
`
`and
`
`all
`
`such
`
`products
`
`or
`
`materials,
`
`and
`
`acquired
`
`a separate
`
`and
`
`affirmative
`
`to warn
`
`their
`
`employees,
`
`including
`
`thereby
`
`duty
`
`plaintiffs,
`
`of
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`potential
`
`harmful
`
`effects
`
`from
`
`the
`
`use
`
`or misuse
`
`of
`
`said
`
`products
`
`or
`
`materials.
`
`By
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`said
`
`employer's
`
`failure
`
`to discharge
`
`said
`
`duty
`
`directly
`
`and
`
`proximately
`
`caused
`
`any
`
`and
`
`all
`
`damages
`
`and
`
`injuries,
`
`if any,
`
`complained
`
`of by plaintiffs.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-FIFTH
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ANSWERING
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`and
`
`each
`
`of
`
`action
`
`therein
`
`are
`
`30.
`
`The
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`cause
`
`presented
`
`barred
`
`on the
`
`grounds
`
`that
`
`plaintiffs
`
`failed
`
`to join
`
`indispensable
`
`parties
`
`and
`
`the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`is thereby
`
`defective.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-SIXTH
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ANSWERING
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`31.
`
`The
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`fails
`
`to
`
`state
`
`a cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`relief
`
`may
`
`be granted
`
`against
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant.
`
`Page
`
`7 of
`
`12
`
`7 of 12
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 05/09/2024 09:24 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 90
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/09/2024
`
`AS AND
`FOR
`ANSWERING
`THIS
`
`A TWENTY-SEVENTH
`DEFENDANT
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`32.
`
`Whatever
`
`damages
`
`and
`
`injuries,
`
`if any,
`
`sustained
`
`by
`
`the plaintiffs
`
`herein,
`
`were
`
`the
`
`result
`
`of an intervening
`
`act
`
`resulting
`
`in a superseding
`
`cause
`
`that
`
`interrupted
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`negligence
`
`on the
`
`part
`
`of
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant.
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-EIGHTH
`ANSWERING
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`33.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`the
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action
`
`for
`
`a breach
`
`of
`
`express
`
`and
`
`implied
`
`warranties
`
`alleged
`
`in the
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`are
`
`barred
`
`because
`
`said
`
`express
`
`and
`
`implied
`
`were
`
`and/or
`
`disclaimed
`
`said
`
`defendant.
`
`warranties
`
`limited
`
`by
`
`AS AND FOR A TWENTY-NINTH
`AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`ANSWERING
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`34.
`
`That
`
`the
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action
`
`for
`
`breach
`
`of
`
`express
`
`and
`
`implied
`
`warranties
`
`are
`
`barred
`
`because
`
`there
`
`was
`
`no reasonable
`
`reliance
`
`on these
`
`warranties
`
`by plaintiff.
`
`AND
`AS
`ANSWERING
`
`A THIRTIETH
`FOR
`DEFENDANT
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`35.
`
`This
`
`defendant
`
`complied
`
`with
`
`all
`
`specifications
`
`required
`
`by
`
`the
`
`purchaser
`
`of
`
`its
`
`products.
`
`AS AND FOR
`ANSWERING
`
`A THIRTY-FIRST
`DEFENDANT
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`36.
`
`That
`
`the product
`
`of said Defendant
`
`was
`
`substantially
`
`changed
`
`and/or
`
`modified
`
`prior
`
`to the
`
`date
`
`of
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`exposure
`
`and/or
`
`injury.
`
`Page
`
`8 of
`
`12
`
`8 of 12
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 05/09/2024 09:24 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 90
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/09/2024
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-SECOND
`ANSWERING
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`37.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`the plaintiffs
`
`have
`
`received,
`
`or are entitled
`
`to receive,
`
`economic
`
`loss
`
`benefits
`
`from
`
`collateral
`
`sources
`
`as defined
`
`in
`
`§4545(c)
`
`of
`
`the Civil
`
`Practice
`
`Law
`
`and Rules.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-THIRD
`ANSWERING
`DEFENDANT
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`38.
`
`The
`
`imposition
`
`of
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`on
`
`the
`
`facts
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`is barred
`
`by
`
`the United
`
`States
`
`Constitution
`
`and
`
`by
`
`the Constitution
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New
`
`York.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-FOURTH
`ANSWERING
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`39.
`
`There
`
`is another
`
`action
`
`pending
`
`between
`
`the
`
`same
`
`and/or
`
`similar
`
`parties
`
`for
`
`the
`
`the United
`
`States.
`
`same
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`in a Court
`
`of any State
`
`or
`
`AS AND FOR
`ANSWERING
`
`A THIRTY-FIFTH
`DEFENDANT
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`ALLEGES:
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`40.
`
`The
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`may
`
`not
`
`be maintained
`
`because
`
`of
`
`arbitration
`
`and
`
`award,
`
`collateral
`
`estoppel,
`
`discharge
`
`in
`
`bankruptcy,
`
`infancy
`
`or
`
`other
`
`disability
`
`of
`
`the moving
`
`party,
`
`payment,
`
`release,
`
`res judicata,
`
`Statute
`
`of Limitations
`
`or Statute
`
`of Frauds.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-SIXTH
`ANSWERING
`DEFENDANT
`
`ALLEGES:
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`41.
`
`The Court
`
`has no jurisdiction
`
`of
`
`the
`
`person
`
`of
`
`the
`
`defendant.
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRTY-SEVENTH
`DEFENDANT
`ALLEGES:
`ANSWERING
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE,
`
`THIS
`
`42.
`
`Defendant
`
`invokes
`
`General
`
`Obligations
`
`Law §15-108
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`plaintiffs
`
`settle
`
`or
`
`releases
`
`any
`
`party
`
`or non-party.
`
`Page
`
`9 of
`
`12
`
`9 of 12
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 05/09/2024 09:24 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 90
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/09/2024
`
`AS AND FOR A FURTHER
`AMENDED
`COMPLAINT
`CO-DEFENDANTS,
`AND ALLEGES
`
`TO PLAINTIFFS'
`ANSWER
`AND AS A CROSS-CLAIM
`THE
`ANSWERING
`DEFENDANT
`AS FOLLOWS:
`
`SECOND
`AGAINST
`THE
`ANSWERS
`
`44.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`the
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`alleged
`
`by
`
`plaintiffs
`
`occurred
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`actions,
`
`errors
`
`and
`
`omissions
`
`of
`
`the
`
`co-defendants,
`
`including
`
`negligence,
`
`strict
`
`products
`
`liability,
`
`fraud,
`
`gross
`
`negligence,
`
`warranty,
`
`and
`
`enterprise
`
`and/or
`
`market
`
`share
`
`liability.
`
`45.
`
`Should
`
`the
`
`plaintiffs
`
`recover
`
`in
`
`favor
`
`and
`
`any
`
`judgment
`
`of plaintiffs
`
`against
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant,
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`shall
`
`be entitled
`
`to judgment
`
`over
`
`against
`
`the
`
`co-
`
`defendants
`
`by
`
`contribution,
`
`or
`
`indemnity,
`
`for
`
`all
`
`or
`
`a portion
`
`of
`
`any
`
`judgment
`
`which
`
`may
`
`be
`
`rendered
`
`in
`
`favor
`
`of
`
`plaintiffs
`
`and
`
`against
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant,
`
`with
`
`the
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`disbursements
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action.
`
`16
`
`applies
`
`to
`
`the
`
`46.
`
`One
`
`or more
`
`of
`
`the
`
`exceptions
`
`to CPLR
`
`Art.
`
`Answering
`
`Defendant's
`
`claims
`
`for
`
`contribution
`
`and
`
`indemnification.
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`dismissing
`
`the
`
`Third
`
`Amended
`
`Complaint
`
`with
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`disbursements,
`
`or,
`
`in
`
`the
`
`alternative,
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`reducing
`
`any
`
`verdict
`
`in
`
`favor
`
`of
`
`plaintiffs
`
`by
`
`the
`
`proportion
`
`which
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`of
`
`the
`
`and
`
`and
`
`further
`
`plaintiff
`
`bears
`
`on the
`
`total
`
`conduct
`
`causing
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`accident,
`
`illness,
`
`injuries,
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`over
`
`against
`
`the co-defendants
`
`for
`
`all,
`
`or a portion,
`
`of any
`
`judgment
`
`which
`
`may
`
`be
`
`rendered
`
`in
`
`favor
`
`of
`
`plaintiff
`
`and
`
`against
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant,
`
`according
`
`to
`
`the
`
`proportionate
`
`fault
`
`of
`
`the
`
`parties,
`
`with
`
`the
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`disbursements
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action.
`
`Page
`
`10 of
`
`12
`
`10 of 12
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 05/09/2024 09:24 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 90
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/09/2024
`
`Dated:
`
`Utica,
`May
`
`New York
`8, 2024
`
`JORDAN
`
`DIPALMA
`
`PLLC
`
`. Talerico,
`for
`Defendant
`Suite
`13502
`
`Esq.
`
`Tweed
`
`& Co.,
`
`Inc.
`
`Greene
`405
`
`Bridget
`Attorneys
`502 Court
`Street,
`New York
`653-7242
`
`Utica,
`
`(585)
`
`TO:
`
`for
`
`Esq.
`LLP
`
`Joseph W. Belluck,
`& FOX,
`BELLUCK
`Attorneys
`Plaintiff
`5* Floor
`Fifth
`546
`Avenue,
`New York
`New York,
`10036
`681-1575
`(212)
`
`Counsel
`
`of Record
`
`for All
`
`Parties
`
`(via NYSCEF)
`
`Page
`
`11 of
`
`12
`
`11 of 12
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 05/09/2024 09:24 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 90
`
`INDEX NO. 814633/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/09/2024
`
`VERIFICATION
`
`STATE
`COUNTY
`
`OF NEW YORK
`OF ONEIDA
`
`)
`
`)
`
`ss.
`
`I, Bridget
`
`M.
`
`Talerico,
`
`Esq.
`
`under
`
`penalty
`
`of perjury
`
`affirm
`
`as follows:
`
`authorized
`
`the
`PLLC,
`located
`
`to practice
`attorneys
`at 502
`
`law in the State
`for Greene
`Tweed
`Court
`
`Street,
`
`Utica,
`
`of New York.
`& Co.,
`Inc.
`of
`County
`
`I am a lawyer
`admitted
`duly
`I am a member
`of Jordan
`action
`above-entitled
`of New York;
`State
`Oneida,
`contents
`the
`know
`answer
`I have
`read
`the
`That
`and
`thereof·,
`foregoing
`to be alleged
`as to the matters
`stated
`except
`the
`same
`is true
`to my knowledge,
`That
`I believe
`them to be true;
`information
`that
`and
`and
`as to those matters,
`the
`verification
`is made
`affirmant
`instead
`of
`this
`That
`the
`reason
`by
`the County
`because
`defendant
`is neither
`a resident
`of
`nor
`offices
`which
`is the
`where
`I have my office;
`county
`belief
`all matters
`the
`grounds
`of my
`as to
`That
`based
`upon my personal
`knowledge
`are
`legal
`file
`and
`interviews
`with my clients
`
`and
`DiPalma
`with
`offices
`
`That
`That
`in
`the
`
`1.
`2.
`
`3.
`4.
`
`5.
`
`6.
`
`belief,
`
`why
`
`your
`has
`
`within
`
`upon
`
`defendant
`of Wayne,
`
`is
`
`in
`
`the
`
`answer
`review
`representatives.
`
`investigation,
`their
`and
`
`stated
`not
`certain
`
`to be
`documents
`
`of
`
`upon my
`in my
`
`Dated:
`
`Utica,
`May
`
`New York
`8, 2024
`
`Bridget
`
`. Talerico,
`
`Esq.
`
`Page
`
`12 of
`
`12
`
`12 of 12
`
`