FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 07/21/2021 10:40 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 8
`
`INDEX NO. 808924/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/21/2021
`
`OF THE STATE
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`
`COURT
`OF ERIE
`
`VINCENT
`
`J. ZODA
`
`vs.
`
`& LIQUID
`AIR
`as successor
`BUFFALO
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`CORPORATION
`
`to
`
`TO THE
`ANSWER
`COMPLAINT
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`808924
`
`et al.
`
`Defendants.
`
`SYSTEMS
`by merger
`PUMPS,
`
`INC.,
`
`Defendant,
`
`Zurn
`
`Industries,
`
`LLC,
`
`erroneously
`
`named
`
`in the Complaint
`
`as Zum Industries,
`
`LLC , individually
`
`and
`
`as successor
`
`in interest
`
`to Erie
`
`City
`
`Iron Workers
`
`Corporation
`
`( hereinafter
`
`"ZURN"),
`
`by
`
`its attorneys,
`
`McGIVNEY
`
`KLUGER
`
`CLARK
`
`& INTOCCIA,
`
`P.C.,
`
`for
`
`its Answer
`
`to
`
`the Complaint
`
`herein,
`
`respectfully
`
`alleges
`
`and
`
`shows
`
`to the Court,
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief:
`
`1.
`
`As
`
`to the
`
`allegations
`
`in the
`
`paragraph
`
`designated
`
`37
`
`of
`
`the Complaint,
`
`admits
`
`that
`
`ZURN
`
`is a duly
`
`organized
`
`foreign
`
`limited
`
`liability
`
`company;
`
`and
`
`denies
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`other
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in said
`
`paragraph.
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`allegations
`
`2.
`
`Denies
`
`contained
`
`in the paragraphs
`
`designated
`
`1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
`
`11, 12.
`
`13,
`
`14,
`
`15, 16,
`
`17,
`
`18,
`
`19, 20,
`
`21,
`
`22,
`
`23,
`
`24,
`
`25,
`
`26,
`
`27,
`
`28,
`
`29,
`
`30,
`
`31,
`
`32,
`
`33,
`
`34,
`
`35 and
`
`36
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`3.
`
`Denies
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in the paragraphs
`
`designated
`
`2, 38,
`
`39,
`
`40,
`
`41,
`
`42,
`
`43,
`
`46,
`
`47,
`
`48,
`
`49,
`
`50,
`
`51,
`
`52,
`
`53,
`
`54,
`
`55,
`
`56,
`
`58,
`
`59,
`
`61,
`
`62,
`
`63,
`
`64,
`
`65,
`
`67,
`
`68,
`
`69,
`
`70,
`
`71,
`
`72,
`
`73,
`
`74,
`
`75,
`
`77,
`
`78,
`
`79,
`
`80 and
`
`81
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`insofar
`
`as those
`
`allegations,
`
`in any
`
`manner,
`
`relate,
`
`pertain
`
`or
`
`apply,
`
`directly
`
`or
`
`indirectly,
`
`to ZURN;
`
`and
`
`denies
`
`plaintiff
`
`suffered
`
`1 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 07/21/2021 10:40 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 8
`
`INDEX NO. 808924/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/21/2021
`
`asbestos
`
`related
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`as alleged.
`
`5.
`
`Denies
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in the
`
`first
`
`sentence
`
`of
`
`the
`
`paragraph
`
`designated
`
`53
`
`of
`
`the Complaint
`
`insofar
`
`as those
`
`allegations,
`
`in any manner,
`
`relate,
`
`pertain
`
`or apply,
`
`directly
`
`or
`
`indirectly,
`
`to ZURN;
`
`and
`
`denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`remaining
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in said
`
`paragraph.
`
`6.
`
`Denies
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in the paragraphs
`
`designated
`
`45
`
`and
`
`57
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`7.
`
`Repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges,
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`answer
`
`heretofore
`
`made
`
`to
`
`the
`
`paragraphs
`
`designated
`
`1 through
`
`43
`
`in denying
`
`the
`
`paragraph
`
`designated
`
`44
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`8.
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`each
`
`and
`
`answer
`
`heretofore
`
`made
`
`to
`
`Repeats,
`
`realleges,
`
`every
`
`paragraphs
`
`designated
`
`1 through
`
`59 in denying
`
`the paragraph
`
`designated
`
`60 of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`9.
`
`Repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges,
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`answer
`
`heretofore
`
`made
`
`to
`
`paragraphs
`
`designated
`
`1 through
`
`65
`
`in denying
`
`the
`
`paragraph
`
`designated
`
`66
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`10.
`
`Repeats,
`
`reiterates
`
`and
`
`realleges,
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`answer
`
`heretofore
`
`made
`
`to
`
`paragraphs
`
`designated
`
`1 through
`
`75
`
`in denying
`
`the
`
`paragraph
`
`designated
`
`76
`
`of
`
`the Complaint.
`
`11.
`
`Denies
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`other
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in the Complaint
`
`not
`
`heretofore
`
`specifically
`
`admitted.
`
`FIRST
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`Complaint
`
`fails
`
`to state
`
`a cause
`
`of action
`
`against
`
`ZURN.
`
`SECOND
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`Complaint
`
`fails
`
`to state
`
`a claim
`
`against
`
`ZURN
`
`for which
`
`relief
`
`may
`
`be granted.
`
`2 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 07/21/2021 10:40 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 8
`
`INDEX NO. 808924/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/21/2021
`
`THIRD
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Any
`
`injury
`
`that
`
`plaintiff
`
`may
`
`have
`
`suffered
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`her/his
`
`sole
`
`negligence
`
`and/or
`
`negligence
`
`properly
`
`imputed
`
`to plaintiff.
`
`FOURTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`conduct
`
`of
`
`the plaintiff
`
`and
`
`the
`
`conduct
`
`imputed
`
`to plaintiff
`
`was willful,
`
`wanton
`
`and/or
`
`reckless.
`
`FIFTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff
`
`risk
`
`of
`
`conduct
`
`which
`
`Insofar
`
`assumed
`
`the
`
`caused
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`damages.
`
`as the
`
`complaints
`
`of
`
`each
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`therein,
`
`considered
`
`separately,
`
`allege
`
`that
`
`a cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`occurred,
`
`the
`
`recovered
`
`damages
`
`for
`
`personal
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`damages
`
`recoverable
`
`thereon
`
`must
`
`be diminished
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributed
`
`to plaintiff.
`
`SIXTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff
`
`of his/her
`
`conduct
`
`assumed
`
`the risk
`
`and/or
`
`conduct
`
`improperly
`
`imputed
`
`to ZURN.
`
`SEVENTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Negligence,
`
`if
`
`any,
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the
`
`acts
`
`or omissions
`
`of
`
`third
`
`parties
`
`over whom this
`
`defendant
`
`exercised
`
`no
`
`control
`
`and
`
`had
`
`no right
`
`to exercise
`
`control.
`
`EIGHTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`ZURN
`
`comported
`
`with
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`state
`
`of
`
`the
`
`art
`
`in
`
`the
`
`sale
`
`and/or
`
`distribution
`
`of
`
`products
`
`during
`
`the
`
`time
`
`period(s)
`
`relevant
`
`to the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`Complaint.
`
`NINTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DE FENSE
`
`ZURN
`
`reserves
`
`the right
`
`to amend
`
`its Answer
`
`and adopt
`
`additional
`
`defenses
`
`which
`
`have
`
`been
`
`or will
`
`be
`
`served
`
`by
`
`other
`
`defendants
`
`in this
`
`action.
`
`In
`
`addition,
`
`ZURN
`
`will
`
`rely
`
`upon
`
`further
`
`defenses
`
`which
`
`become
`
`available
`
`or appear
`
`during
`
`discovery
`
`proceedings
`
`in this
`
`action
`
`and hereby
`
`3 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 07/21/2021 10:40 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 8
`
`INDEX NO. 808924/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/21/2021
`
`reserves
`
`the right
`
`to amend
`
`its Answer
`
`for
`
`the purposes
`
`of asserting
`
`any
`
`such
`
`additional
`
`TENTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`actions
`
`are barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`doctrines
`
`of estoppel,
`
`waiver
`
`and
`
`laches.
`
`ELEVENTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`This
`
`Court
`
`lacks
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`matter
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action.
`
`TWELFTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`This
`
`Court
`
`lacks
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`this
`
`defendant.
`
`THIRTEENTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`venue
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action
`
`is
`
`improper
`
`and
`
`this
`
`defendant
`
`reserves
`
`the
`
`right
`
`to move
`
`for
`
`specifically
`
`defenses.
`
`transfer.
`
`FOURTEENTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`ZURN
`
`is erroneously
`
`named
`
`in the Complaint.
`
`FIFTEENTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`incident
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`complained
`
`of were
`
`and
`
`the
`
`injuries
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the unauthorized,
`
`unintended
`
`or
`
`improper
`
`use
`
`of
`
`the
`
`products
`
`complained
`
`of and
`
`as a result
`
`of a failure
`
`to exercise
`
`reasonable
`
`and
`
`ordinary
`
`care,
`
`caution
`
`or prudence
`
`by
`
`other
`
`defendants,
`
`persons,
`
`parties
`
`or entities
`
`over
`
`whom this
`
`defendant
`
`had
`
`no
`
`control
`
`or
`
`right
`
`of
`
`control.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`been
`
`contributorily
`
`negligent
`
`in proximately
`
`causing
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`injury.
`
`SIXTEENTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Applicable
`
`laws,
`
`rules,
`
`statutes
`
`or
`
`regulations
`
`including
`
`the
`
`relevant
`
`statute
`
`of
`
`limitations
`
`controlling
`
`or
`
`requiring
`
`the
`
`institution
`
`of suit within
`
`a certain
`
`period
`
`of
`
`time
`
`were
`
`not
`
`complied
`
`with
`
`the
`
`by
`
`plaintiff,
`
`and
`
`accordingly,
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are barred
`
`as a matter
`
`of
`
`law.
`
`4 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 07/21/2021 10:40 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 8
`
`INDEX NO. 808924/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/21/2021
`
`SEVENTEENTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Although
`
`this
`
`defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`as to injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`as
`
`alleged,
`
`these
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages,
`
`if any, were
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the
`
`intervening
`
`acts
`
`and/or
`
`superseding
`
`negligence
`
`of other
`
`defendants,
`
`persons,
`
`parties
`
`or entities
`
`over whom this
`
`defendant
`
`had no control
`
`or
`
`right
`
`of
`
`control.
`
`E_IGHTEENTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Inasmuch
`
`unable
`
`which
`
`as the plaintiff(s)
`
`is (are)
`
`to identify
`
`the manufacturer
`
`of product(s)
`
`allegedly
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`injuries
`
`to plaintiff,
`
`plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`for
`
`relief
`
`cannot
`
`be
`
`granted
`
`since
`
`the
`
`granting
`
`of
`
`such
`
`relief
`
`in the
`
`absence
`
`of product
`
`identification
`
`would
`
`contravene
`
`this
`
`defendant's
`
`constitutional
`
`right
`
`to procedural
`
`due process
`
`of
`
`law and
`
`equal
`
`protection
`
`as preserved
`
`by the United
`
`States
`
`Constitution
`
`and
`
`the
`
`of
`
`the
`
`State
`
`of New
`
`York
`
`contravene
`
`this
`
`Constitution
`
`as well
`
`as
`
`defendant's
`
`constitutional
`
`right
`
`to protect
`
`against
`
`the
`
`taking
`
`of
`
`private
`
`property
`
`for
`
`public
`
`use
`
`without
`
`just
`
`compensation
`
`as preserved
`
`by
`
`the United
`
`States
`
`Constitution
`
`and Constitution
`
`of
`
`the
`
`State
`
`of New York.
`
`NINETEENTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`This
`
`defendant
`
`has
`
`complied
`
`with
`
`all
`
`applicable
`
`laws,
`
`regulations
`
`and
`
`standards
`
`at all
`
`relevant
`
`plaintiff's
`
`alleged
`
`injuries.
`
`This
`
`defendant
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`times
`
`during
`
`it was
`
`guilty
`
`of any
`
`malicious
`
`or
`
`intentional
`
`conduct
`
`with
`
`would
`
`permit
`
`the
`
`award
`
`of
`
`judgment
`
`for
`
`punitive
`
`damages.
`
`TWENTIETH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`for punitive
`
`damages
`
`are barred
`
`by the due process
`
`clause
`
`of
`
`the Fourteenth
`
`Amendment
`
`to the United
`
`States
`
`Constitution.
`
`TWENTY-FIRST
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`for
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`are barred
`
`by
`
`the Eighth
`
`Amendment
`
`of
`
`the United
`
`5 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 07/21/2021 10:40 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 8
`
`INDEX NO. 808924/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/21/2021
`
`States
`
`Constitution
`
`applied
`
`to the
`
`states
`
`the Fourteenth
`
`by
`
`Amendment,
`
`prohibiting
`
`the imposition
`
`of
`
`excessive
`
`fines.
`
`TWENTY-SECOND
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`for punitive
`
`damages
`
`are barred
`
`by
`
`the double
`
`jeopardy
`
`clause
`
`of
`
`the Fifth
`
`Amendment
`
`to the United
`
`States
`
`Constitution,
`
`as applied
`
`to the states
`
`by the Fourteenth
`
`Amendment.
`
`TWENTY-THIRD
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The Order
`
`of
`
`the Bankruptcy
`
`Court
`
`which
`
`prevents
`
`this
`
`defendant
`
`from joining
`
`indispensable
`
`parties
`
`who
`
`have
`
`declared
`
`bankruptcy,
`
`has
`
`the effect
`
`of
`
`requiring
`
`this
`
`defendant
`
`to defend
`
`this
`
`action
`
`without
`
`those
`
`other
`
`companies
`
`as co-defendant's
`
`and prevents
`
`the Court
`
`from being
`
`able
`
`to hear
`
`and
`
`adjudge
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`evidence
`
`in regard
`
`to plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`and therefore
`
`denies
`
`this
`
`defendant
`
`of
`
`the
`
`constitutional
`
`right
`
`to due
`
`process
`
`under
`
`the Fourteenth
`
`Amendment.
`
`TWENTY-FOURTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Any
`
`injuries
`
`and/or
`
`damages
`
`allegedly
`
`sustained
`
`by plaintiff
`
`were
`
`naturally
`
`and proximately
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the
`
`sole
`
`negligence
`
`of plaintiff.
`
`TWENTY-FIFTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`If
`
`applicable,
`
`any
`
`Administrator)(trix)/Executor(trix)
`
`of
`
`the Estate
`
`of plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`deriving
`
`her/his
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`from
`
`the
`
`injuries,
`
`death
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`allegedly
`
`sustained
`
`by
`
`plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`at
`
`the time(s)
`
`and place(s)
`
`referred
`
`to in the Complaint,
`
`is subject
`
`to the defenses
`
`herein
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`and
`
`by
`
`this
`
`reference
`
`incorporated.
`
`TWENTY-SIXTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Any
`
`plaintiff
`
`having
`
`a derivative
`
`cause
`
`of action,
`
`is barred
`
`from
`
`recovery
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`contributory
`
`negligence
`
`of plaintiff.
`
`6 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 07/21/2021 10:40 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 8
`
`INDEX NO. 808924/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/21/2021
`
`TWENTY-SEVENTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`any
`
`injury
`
`relating
`
`to plaintiff
`
`occurred
`
`in the
`
`context
`
`of
`
`an employer-
`
`employee
`
`relationship
`
`with
`
`ZURN,
`
`if
`
`any,
`
`claims
`
`for
`
`said
`
`injuries
`
`are
`
`barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Workers'
`
`Compensation
`
`Act.
`
`TWENTY-EIGHTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`of
`
`this
`
`defendant's
`
`product(s)
`
`and/or
`
`services
`
`and
`
`all
`
`third-party
`
`purchaser(s)
`
`beneficiaries
`
`of any warranties,
`
`express
`
`or
`
`implied,
`
`relating
`
`to the
`
`product(s)
`
`or
`
`services
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`provide
`
`notice
`
`of
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`breaches
`
`of warranty
`
`to
`
`this
`
`defendant
`
`pursuant
`
`to
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`provision(s)
`
`of
`
`the Uniform
`
`Commercial
`
`Code.
`
`TWENTY-NINTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`To the extent
`
`that
`
`plaintiffis
`
`alleged
`
`to have
`
`sustained
`
`injuries
`
`from a product
`
`manufactured,
`
`applied
`
`or
`
`alleged
`
`to contain
`
`which
`
`removed
`
`by ZURN,
`
`asbestos,
`
`is expressly
`
`denied,
`
`plaintiff,
`
`other
`
`defendants,
`
`parties,
`
`persons,
`
`or entities,
`
`not
`
`under
`
`the control
`
`or
`
`right
`
`of control
`
`ofZURN,
`
`misused,
`
`abused,
`
`misapplied
`
`and
`
`otherwise
`
`mishandled
`
`the
`
`product(s)
`
`alleged
`
`to contain
`
`asbestos
`
`material.
`
`Therefore,
`
`the amount
`
`of damages
`
`which
`
`may
`
`be recoverable
`
`must
`
`be diminished
`
`by
`
`the proportion
`
`which
`
`said misuse,
`
`abuse,
`
`misapplication
`
`and mishandling
`
`bears
`
`to the
`
`conduct
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`damage
`
`or
`
`injury.
`
`THIRTIETH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`exposed
`
`to any
`
`product
`
`containing
`
`asbestos
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`conduct
`
`by ZURN,
`
`which
`
`is expressly
`
`denied,
`
`said
`
`exposure
`
`was
`
`de minimis
`
`and
`
`not
`
`a substantial
`
`contributing
`
`factor
`
`to
`
`any
`
`asbestos-related
`
`disease
`
`which
`
`plaintiff
`
`may
`
`have
`
`developed,
`
`and
`
`not
`
`actionable
`
`at
`
`law or equity.
`
`7 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 07/21/2021 10:40 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 8
`
`INDEX NO. 808924/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/21/2021
`
`THIRTY-FIRST
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are barred
`
`because
`
`ofplaintiff's
`
`failure
`
`to join
`
`necessary
`
`and indispensable
`
`parties.
`
`THIRTY-SECOND
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff
`
`contributed
`
`to the
`
`illness
`
`alleged
`
`in the Complaint,
`
`either
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part,
`
`by
`
`exposure
`
`to or
`
`the use
`
`of
`
`tobacco
`
`products
`
`and/or
`
`other
`
`substances,
`
`products,
`
`medications
`
`or drugs.
`
`THIRTY-THIRD
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`some
`
`or all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`causes
`
`of action
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the Complaint
`
`may
`
`not
`
`be maintained
`
`because
`
`of
`
`collateral
`
`estoppel.
`
`THIRTY-FOURTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`some
`
`or all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`causes
`
`of action
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the Complaint
`
`may
`
`not
`
`be maintained
`
`because
`
`of discharge
`
`in bankruptcy.
`
`THIRTY-FIFTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`some
`
`or all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`causes
`
`of action
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the Complaint
`
`may
`
`not
`
`be maintained
`
`because
`
`of
`
`res judicata.
`
`THIRTY-SIXTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`any
`
`plaintiff
`
`herein
`
`brings
`
`suit
`
`in a representative
`
`capacity,
`
`such
`
`plaintiff
`
`has
`
`failed
`
`to allege
`
`sufficient
`
`facts
`
`to demonstrate
`
`legal
`
`capacity
`
`to sue pursuant
`
`to New York
`
`Estates
`
`Powers
`
`and Trusts
`
`Law §5-41.
`
`THIRTY-SEVENTH
`
`SEPARATE
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`If plaintiff(s)
`
`is (are)
`
`successful
`
`on his/her/their
`
`claims
`
`for
`
`damages
`
`and liability
`
`by reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`acts
`
`complained
`
`of,
`
`such
`
`an amount
`
`must
`
`be decreased
`
`by
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`plaintiff(s)
`
`has
`
`(have)
`
`received
`
`or plaintiff(s)
`
`will
`
`receive
`
`from
`
`any
`
`collateral
`
`source(s).
`
`8 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 07/21/2021 10:40 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 8
`
`INDEX NO. 808924/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/21/2021
`
`CROSS
`
`CLAIM
`
`FOR CONTRIBUTION
`
`ZURN
`
`hereby
`
`makes
`
`claim
`
`for
`
`contribution
`
`against
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`other
`
`defendant
`
`in this
`
`action.
`
`CROSS
`
`CLAIM
`
`FOR INDEMNIFICATION
`
`While
`
`denying
`
`liability
`
`to plaintiff(s),
`
`as well
`
`as the
`
`damages
`
`and
`
`injuries
`
`as alleged,
`
`if
`
`this
`
`defendant
`
`is found
`
`liable
`
`to the plaintiff(s)
`
`for
`
`damages
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the alleged
`
`acts
`
`complained
`
`of,
`
`this
`
`defendant's
`
`alleged
`
`negligence
`
`was merely
`
`constructive,
`
`technical
`
`and passive
`
`or vicarious
`
`and
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`injuries,
`
`death
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`arose
`
`from
`
`the direct
`
`and primary
`
`negligence,
`
`strict
`
`liability,
`
`breach
`
`of
`
`contract
`
`and
`
`implied
`
`warranties
`
`of
`
`the
`
`co-defendants
`
`listed
`
`in this
`
`action.
`
`ANSWER
`
`TO ALL
`
`CROSS
`
`CLAIMS
`
`defendant
`
`of
`
`This
`
`answers
`
`all
`
`cross
`
`claims
`
`co-defendants,
`
`saying:
`
`1. All
`
`cross
`
`claims
`
`for
`
`contribution
`
`alleged
`
`are denied.
`
`2.
`
`All
`
`cross
`
`claims
`
`for
`
`indemnification
`
`are denied.
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`defendant,
`
`Zurn
`
`Industries,
`
`LLC,
`
`requests
`
`judgment
`
`in its favor
`
`dismissing
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`and
`
`all
`
`cross-claims
`
`against
`
`ZURN,
`
`and
`
`judgment
`
`in
`
`its
`
`favor
`
`against
`
`all
`
`co-
`
`defendants
`
`for
`
`all
`
`or part
`
`of any
`
`sum awarded
`
`in favor
`
`of
`
`the plaintiff(s)
`
`and
`
`against
`
`ZURN,
`
`and
`
`for
`
`such
`
`other
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`which
`
`as to this Court
`
`may
`
`seem just
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`Dated:
`
`20,
`July
`Syracuse,
`
`2021
`New York
`
`McGIVNEY
`
`INTOCCIA,
`
`KLUGER
`P.C.
`
`CLARK
`
`&
`
`Esq.,
`
`of
`
`counsel
`
`1640
`
`Suite
`13202
`
`P. Plochocki,
`for Defendant
`LLC
`
`Richard
`Attorneys
`Zurn
`Industries,
`100 Madison
`
`Street,
`New York
`473-9648
`
`Syracuse,
`Tel:
`
`(315)
`
`9 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 07/21/2021 10:40 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 8
`
`INDEX NO. 808924/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/21/2021
`
`To:
`
`Keith
`Esq.
`R. Vona,
`RICHMOND
`VONA,
`for Plaintiff
`Attorneys
`1659
`Amherst
`Street,
`New York
`500-5678
`
`Buffalo,
`Tel.
`
`(716)
`
`LLC
`
`Suite
`14214
`
`100
`
`cc:
`
`all
`
`other
`
`defense
`
`counsel
`
`via NYSCEF
`
`10 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ERIE COUNTY CLERK 07/21/2021 10:40 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 8
`
`INDEX NO. 808924/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/21/2021
`
`ATTORNEY
`
`VERIFICATION
`
`The
`
`undersigned,
`
`an attorney
`
`admitted
`
`to practice
`
`in the Courts
`
`of New York
`
`State,
`
`shows:
`
`Affiant
`
`is of counsel
`
`to the firm ofMcGIVNEY
`
`KLUGER
`
`CLARK
`
`& INTOCCIA,
`
`P.C.,
`
`trial
`
`counsel
`
`for
`
`defendant,
`
`Zurn
`
`Industries,
`
`LLC,
`
`in the within
`
`action;
`
`Affiant
`
`has
`
`read
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`Answer
`
`and
`
`knows
`
`the
`
`contents
`
`thereof;
`
`the
`
`same
`
`is true
`
`to Affiant's
`
`own
`
`knowledge,
`
`except
`
`as to
`
`the matters
`
`therein
`
`on information
`
`stated
`
`to be alleged
`
`and belief,
`
`and that
`
`as to those matters
`
`Affiant
`
`believes
`
`it
`
`to be true.
`
`This
`
`verification
`
`is made
`
`by Affiant
`
`and
`
`not
`
`by
`
`said
`
`defendant
`
`because
`
`said
`
`defendant
`
`has
`
`offices
`
`outside
`
`of
`
`the County
`
`of Onondaga
`
`where
`
`the Affiant
`
`maintains
`
`his
`
`office.
`
`Dated:
`
`20,
`July
`Syracuse,
`
`2021
`New York
`
`McGIVNEY
`
`INTOCCIA,
`
`KLUGER
`P.C.
`
`CLARK
`
`&
`
`Esq.,
`
`of
`
`counsel
`
`1640
`
`Suite
`13202
`
`P. Plochocki,
`for Defendant
`LLC
`
`Richard
`Attorneys
`Zurn
`Industries,
`100 Madison
`
`Street,
`New York
`473-9648
`
`Syracuse,
`Tel:
`
`(315)
`
`11 of 11
`
`