FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`MONROE
`
`COUNTY
`
`CLERK'S
`
`OFFICE
`
`THIS
`
`IS NOT A BILL.
`
`THIS
`
`IS YOUR RECEIPT.
`
`Return
`To:
`CAROL GUCK
`SNIDER
`AVANT
`BUILDING
`AVE SUITE
`200 DELAWARE
`NY 14202
`BUFFALO,
`
`1200
`
`Johnson,
`
`Rex
`
`Receipt
`
`# 1970480
`
`Book
`
`Page
`
`CIVIL
`
`No.
`
`Pages:
`
`16
`
`Instrument:
`
`MISCELLANEOUS
`
`DOCUMENT
`
`Control
`
`#:
`
`201902121632
`
`Index
`
`#:
`
`E2018008346
`
`Date:
`
`02/12/2019
`
`Time:
`
`11:40:31
`
`AM
`
`AIR & LIQUID
`CORPORATION
`SYSTEMS
`ARMSTRONG
`INTERNATIONAL,
`& MORRILL
`ATWOOD
`COMPANY,
`AVOCET
`INC.
`BRYAN
`
`INC.
`
`INC.
`
`ENTERPRISES,
`STEAM
`LLC
`
`Total
`
`Fees
`
`Paid:
`
`$0.00
`
`Employee:
`
`State
`
`of New York
`
`COUNTY
`MONROE
`CLERK'S
`OFFICE
`- THIS
`WARNING
`SHEET
`CONSTITUTES
`BY SECTION
`REQUIRED
`ENDORSEMENT,
`319 OF THE REAL
`PROPERTY
`SECTION
`OF NEW YORK.
`DO NOT DETACH
`STATE
`
`THE CLERKS
`&
`317-a(5)
`LAW OF THE
`OR REMOVE.
`
`ADAM J BELLO
`
`MONROE
`
`COUNTY
`
`CLERK
`
`|lHillIHIlIllI|!!!!"''"·:·™'-
`
`¯
`
`1 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`Index#:
`E2018008346
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`SUPREME
`SEVENTH
`
`COURT
`JUDICIAL
`
`OF THE STATE
`DISTRICT
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`In Re:
`
`Seventh
`Asbestos
`
`Judicial
`Litigation
`
`District
`
`This
`
`Document
`
`Applies
`
`to:
`
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`
`OF THE STATE
`COURT
`OF MONROE
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`REX
`
`JOHNSON,
`
`.....
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`vs.
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`E2018008346
`
`A.O.
`
`SMITH
`
`CORPORATION,
`
`et al.,
`
`Defendants.
`
`VERIFIED
`
`OF HOWDEN NORTH
`AMERICA
`ANSWER
`AMENDED
`TO THE FOURTH
`COMPLAINT
`
`INC.
`
`Defendant,
`
`Howden
`
`North
`
`America
`
`Inc.,
`
`sued
`
`herein
`
`improperly
`
`as Howden
`
`Buffalo,
`
`Inc.,
`
`ind.
`
`and
`
`as
`
`sue.
`
`to
`
`Sturtevant
`
`Company
`
`(hereinafter
`
`referred
`
`to
`
`as
`
`"Howden"),
`
`by
`
`its
`
`attorneys,
`
`Barclay
`
`Damon,
`
`LLP,
`
`as and
`
`for
`
`its
`
`verified
`
`answer
`
`to the
`
`fourth
`
`amended
`
`complaint,
`
`hereby
`
`denies
`
`the material
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`therein
`
`and
`
`adopts
`
`its
`
`answers
`
`to
`
`plaintiff's
`
`complaint
`
`and
`
`amended
`
`complaints,
`
`together
`
`with
`
`all
`
`affirmative
`
`defenses
`
`and
`
`prayers
`
`for
`
`relief.
`
`l.
`
`Denies
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`other
`
`remaining
`
`allegation
`
`of
`
`the
`
`fourth
`
`amended
`
`complaint
`
`not
`
`hereinbefore
`
`specifically
`
`admitted
`
`or otherwise
`
`denied.
`
`2 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`#: E2018008346
`Index
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`First
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`2.
`
`This
`
`Court
`
`lacks
`
`personal
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`Howden
`
`for
`
`any
`
`acts
`
`complained
`
`of
`
`in
`
`plaintiff's
`
`fourth
`
`amended
`
`complaint.
`
`Second
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`3.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`fourth
`
`amended
`
`complaint
`
`fails
`
`to state
`
`a claim
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`relief
`
`may
`
`be granted.
`
`Third
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`4.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`fourth
`
`amended
`
`complaint
`
`fails
`
`to
`
`state
`
`a claim
`
`within
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`statute
`
`of
`
`limitations.
`
`Fourth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`5.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`against
`
`Howden
`
`are
`
`pre-empted
`
`Workers'
`
`the
`
`Compensation
`
`Law of
`
`the State
`
`of New York
`
`and
`
`should,
`
`therefore,
`
`be dismissed.
`
`by
`
`Fifth
`
`AffirmativeDefen-se
`
`6.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`failed
`
`to join
`
`a party
`
`pursuant
`
`to the
`
`applicable
`
`CPLR
`
`sections.
`
`Sixth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`7.
`
`The
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`alleged
`
`by plaintiff
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the
`
`acts
`
`or omissions
`
`of persons
`
`or entities
`
`other
`
`than
`
`Howden.
`
`Seventh
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`8.
`
`The
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`alleged
`
`by plaintiff
`
`was
`
`the
`
`result
`
`of an intervening
`
`and
`
`superseding
`
`cause
`
`and
`
`are not
`
`the
`
`proximate
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`acts
`
`of Howden.
`
`3 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`#: E2018008346
`Index
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`Eighth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defen-se
`
`9.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are
`
`subject
`
`to
`
`apportionment
`
`of
`
`fault
`
`and Howden
`
`is not
`
`liable
`
`for
`
`any
`
`fault
`
`apportionable
`
`or attributable
`
`to other
`
`persons
`
`or entities.
`
`Ninth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`10.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`lacks
`
`the
`
`privity
`
`of
`
`contract
`
`necessary
`
`to
`
`sustain
`
`a cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`for
`
`breach
`
`of warranty.
`
`Tenth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`11.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has not
`
`been
`
`damaged
`
`by Howden.
`
`Eleventh
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`12.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`failed
`
`to mitigate
`
`his
`
`damage:s,
`
`if any.
`
`Twelfth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`13.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`entitled
`
`the
`
`is not
`
`to any
`
`of
`
`relief
`
`for which
`
`they
`
`pray.
`
`Thirteenth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`14.
`
`The
`
`statute
`
`of
`
`repose
`
`relating
`
`to product
`
`liability
`
`cases
`
`has
`
`expired.
`
`Fourteenth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`15.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`fourth
`
`amended
`
`complaint
`
`fails
`
`to
`
`identify
`
`with
`
`sufficient
`
`specificity
`
`the
`
`products
`
`allegedly
`
`exposed
`
`to,
`
`the
`
`dates
`
`of exposure,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`locations
`
`of exposure.
`
`Fifteenth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`16.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`fourth
`
`amended
`
`complaint
`
`fails
`
`to
`
`allege
`
`that
`
`any
`
`exposure
`
`is
`
`a
`
`substantial
`
`factor
`
`in the
`
`proximate
`
`cmmation
`
`of plaintiff's
`
`alleged
`
`injuries.
`
`4 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`#: E2018008346
`Index
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`Sixteenth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`17.
`
`Any
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`component
`
`in any
`
`product
`
`manufactured
`
`by Howden
`
`did
`
`not
`
`release
`
`fibers
`
`in excess
`
`of
`
`any
`
`established
`
`threshold
`
`limit
`
`or
`
`regulatory
`
`limit.
`
`Every
`
`product
`
`manufactured
`
`by
`
`Howden
`
`was
`
`reasonably
`
`safe
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`the
`
`established
`
`state
`
`of medical
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`engineering
`
`that
`
`existed
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`sale.
`
`Seventeenth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`18.
`
`Any
`
`product
`
`manufactured
`
`by Howden
`
`met
`
`all
`
`established
`
`and
`
`applicable
`
`Federal,
`
`State,
`
`and
`
`Local
`
`safety
`
`guidelines
`
`and
`
`regulations
`
`and
`
`all
`
`industry
`
`standards.
`
`Eighteenth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`19.
`
`No product
`
`manufactured
`
`by Howden
`
`was
`
`unreasonably
`
`dangerous
`
`or defective
`
`in
`
`design,
`
`manufacture
`
`or
`
`information
`
`accompanying
`
`the
`
`product.
`
`Nineteenth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`20.
`
`Howden
`
`is not
`
`responsible
`
`for
`
`any
`
`asbestos-related
`
`product
`
`or material
`
`that
`
`it did
`
`not
`
`design,
`
`manufacture
`
`or
`
`sell,
`
`but
`
`that may
`
`have
`
`been
`
`specified
`
`and
`
`applied
`
`by others
`
`at, near,
`
`on
`
`or
`
`within
`
`any
`
`property
`
`allegedly
`
`owned
`
`or maintained
`
`by
`
`Howden
`
`or
`
`on
`
`any
`
`product
`
`manufactured
`
`by Howden.
`
`Twentieth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`21.
`
`Howden
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`plaintiff
`
`sustained
`
`any
`
`injury
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`contact
`
`or
`
`use
`
`of
`
`any
`
`that
`
`product
`
`present
`
`at any
`
`property
`
`allegedly
`
`owned
`
`or maintained
`
`by Howden
`
`and
`
`further
`
`states
`
`any
`
`contact
`
`or
`
`use
`
`of
`
`any
`
`such
`
`product
`
`would
`
`be
`
`so
`
`slight
`
`that
`
`it would
`
`not
`
`cause
`
`or
`
`contribute
`
`to the
`
`cause
`
`of any
`
`injury
`
`of which
`
`plaintiff
`
`complains.
`
`5 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`#: E2018008346
`Index
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`Twenty-First
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`22.
`
`Howden
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`any
`
`product
`
`or products
`
`which
`
`it manufactured
`
`or
`
`sold
`
`caused
`
`any
`
`injury
`
`or
`
`illness,
`
`if any,
`
`to plaintiff,
`
`and
`
`further
`
`states
`
`that
`
`the
`
`physical
`
`conditions
`
`of which
`
`plaintiff
`
`complains
`
`were
`
`in
`
`no way
`
`caused
`
`or
`
`brought
`
`about
`
`by
`
`any
`
`product
`
`present
`
`at
`
`any
`
`property
`
`allegedly
`
`owned
`
`or maintainad
`
`by Howden.
`
`Twenty-Second
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`23.
`
`If plaintiff
`
`sustained
`
`or
`
`sustained
`
`occupational
`
`disease
`
`as a result
`
`any
`
`injury,
`
`any
`
`of
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`any
`
`unreasonably
`
`dangerous
`
`product
`
`prescñt
`
`at any
`
`property
`
`allegedly
`
`owned
`
`or
`
`maintained
`
`by Howden,
`
`such
`
`being
`
`expressly
`
`denied,
`
`then
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`guilty
`
`of
`
`comparative
`
`fault
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`his
`
`own
`
`voluntary
`
`acts
`
`and
`
`omissions,
`
`each
`
`and
`
`all
`
`of which
`
`amounted
`
`to
`
`assumption
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`which
`
`was
`
`a proximate
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`his
`
`injury,
`
`then
`
`his
`
`recovery
`
`must
`
`be
`
`his
`
`fault.
`
`reduced
`
`by
`
`percentage
`
`of
`
`Twenty-Third
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`24.
`
`If plaintiff
`
`sustained
`
`any
`
`injury,
`
`or
`
`sustained
`
`any
`
`occupational
`
`disease
`
`as a result
`
`of any
`
`negligent
`
`act
`
`or omission
`
`on the
`
`part
`
`of Howden
`
`in breach
`
`of any
`
`duty
`
`it owed
`
`to plaintiff,
`
`such
`
`being
`
`expressly
`
`denied,
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`guilty
`
`of
`
`comparative
`
`negligence
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`his
`
`by
`
`own
`
`negligent
`
`act
`
`or
`
`omission
`
`which
`
`proximately
`
`caused
`
`such
`
`injury
`
`or
`
`disease,
`
`than
`
`his
`
`own
`
`comparative
`
`fault.
`
`recovery
`
`must
`
`be reduced
`
`by his
`
`Twenty-Fourth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`25.
`
`Given
`
`the
`
`staggering
`
`proliferation
`
`of asbestos
`
`products
`
`liability
`
`suits,
`
`the
`
`expected
`
`number
`
`of
`
`future
`
`suits,
`
`the
`
`increasing
`
`number
`
`of
`
`asbestos
`
`mannfacturers
`
`who
`
`are
`
`filing
`
`for
`
`bankruptcy
`
`and
`
`the
`
`effect
`
`of
`
`joint
`
`and
`
`several
`
`liability,
`
`Howden
`
`asserts
`
`that
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`are
`
`not
`
`appropriate
`
`in this
`
`case
`
`under
`
`either
`
`New York
`
`law
`
`or
`
`federal
`
`common
`
`law,
`
`which
`
`Howden
`
`6 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`#: E2018008346
`Index
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`asserts
`
`pre-empts
`
`state
`
`law
`
`and
`
`precludes
`
`recovery
`
`or punitive
`
`damages.
`
`Howden
`
`further
`
`asserts
`
`that
`
`permitting
`
`the
`
`recovery
`
`of
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`in
`
`this
`
`case
`
`would
`
`ametmt
`
`to
`
`repeated
`
`and
`
`excessive
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`awards
`
`for
`
`a single
`
`course
`
`of alleged
`
`tortuous
`
`conduct
`
`in violation
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Fifth
`
`Amendment
`
`Double
`
`Jeopardy
`
`Clause.
`
`Howden
`
`would
`
`further
`
`show
`
`that
`
`the
`
`standard
`
`for
`
`damages
`
`in
`
`this
`
`and most
`
`jurisdictions
`
`is
`
`so vague
`
`as to
`
`Howden's
`
`awarding
`
`punitive
`
`deny
`
`rights
`
`to
`
`due
`
`process
`
`in
`
`violation
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Fourteenth
`
`Amendment-
`
`Repetitive
`
`punitive
`
`damage
`
`awards
`
`for
`
`a single
`
`course
`
`of
`
`conduct
`
`amounts
`
`to an unconstitutionally
`
`excessive
`
`fine
`
`in violation
`
`of
`
`the Eight
`
`Amendment.
`
`In the
`
`alternative,
`
`an award
`
`of punitive
`
`damages
`
`is barred
`
`by
`
`Federal
`
`Common
`
`Law and
`
`the
`
`Constitution
`
`and
`
`an
`
`award
`
`of
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`violates
`
`the
`
`Eight
`
`and
`
`Fourteenth
`
`Amendment
`
`to the United
`
`States
`
`Constitution.
`
`An award
`
`of punitive
`
`damages
`
`is also
`
`award
`
`conduct
`
`that
`
`was
`
`barred
`
`in
`
`this
`
`case
`
`because
`
`the
`
`would
`
`be
`
`imposed
`
`under
`
`a standard
`
`of
`
`newly
`
`formulated
`
`by
`
`the
`
`courts
`
`and
`
`applied
`
`retroactively
`
`to
`
`conduct
`
`that
`
`occurred
`
`years
`
`before
`
`that
`
`standard
`
`of
`
`conduct
`
`was
`
`announced.
`
`Twenty-Fifth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`26.
`
`If plaintiff
`
`has
`
`settled
`
`any
`
`claims
`
`relating
`
`to any
`
`alleged
`
`injury
`
`to plaintiff's
`
`lungs,
`
`system
`
`or
`
`related
`
`cancer,
`
`whether
`
`asbestos-related
`
`or not,
`
`with
`
`any
`
`person
`
`or entity,
`
`than
`
`Howden
`
`is entitled
`
`to a percentage
`
`or
`
`respiratory
`
`regardless
`
`of whether
`
`they may
`
`be a defendant
`
`herein,
`
`pro-rata
`
`reduction
`
`of
`
`its
`
`liability
`
`to plaintiff
`
`or
`
`to a credit
`
`for
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`the
`
`settlement
`
`paid
`
`by
`
`the
`
`settling
`
`person.
`
`Twenty-Sixth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`27.
`
`Howden
`
`states
`
`that
`
`its
`
`products
`
`were
`
`not
`
`defective
`
`or
`
`unreasonably
`
`dangerous
`
`because
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`risk
`
`to
`
`uses
`
`of
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`products
`
`of Howden,
`
`if
`
`any,
`
`was
`
`not
`
`known,
`
`and
`
`thus
`
`was
`
`not
`
`ressonãbly
`
`foreseeable.
`
`As
`
`a matter
`
`of
`
`law, manufacturer
`
`or distributor
`
`7 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`#: E2018008346
`Index
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`of a product
`
`is under
`
`no duty
`
`to warn
`
`of a prospective
`
`risk
`
`of harm
`
`in the
`
`absence
`
`of
`
`knowledge,
`
`actual
`
`or constructive,
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risk.
`
`Twenty-Seventh
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`28.
`
`Any
`
`recovery
`
`by
`
`any
`
`plaintiff
`
`that
`
`has
`
`filed
`
`an action
`
`against
`
`their
`
`employer
`
`for
`
`asbestos-related
`
`injuries
`
`(i.e.
`
`FELA
`
`or
`
`workers'
`
`compensation
`
`claims)
`
`constitutes
`
`a violation
`
`of
`
`"one
`
`satisfaction
`
`rule"
`
`and/or
`
`due
`
`such
`
`a double
`
`recovery
`
`to the
`
`pendency
`
`of
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`action.
`
`Twenty-Eighth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`29.
`
`Howden
`
`denies
`
`it
`
`owed
`
`any
`
`legal
`
`duty
`
`to
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`and,
`
`alternatively,
`
`if
`
`the
`
`Court
`
`determines
`
`that
`
`Howden
`
`owed
`
`duty
`
`to
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`then
`
`Howden
`
`denies
`
`it breached
`
`any
`
`such
`
`duty.
`
`Twenty-Ninth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`In the
`
`and
`
`of
`
`a separate
`
`or affirmative
`
`Howden
`
`states
`
`30.
`
`alternative,
`
`by way
`
`defense,
`
`that
`
`the
`
`conditions
`
`about
`
`which
`
`plaintiff
`
`complains,
`
`if any,
`
`are
`
`shown
`
`to exist,
`
`are
`
`due
`
`to causes
`
`other
`
`than
`
`exposure
`
`to products
`
`present
`
`on property
`
`allegedly
`
`owned
`
`or maintained
`
`by Howden.
`
`Furthermore,
`
`no
`
`act
`
`or omission
`
`by Howden
`
`was
`
`a direct,
`
`producing
`
`or proximate
`
`cause
`
`of any
`
`of plaintiff's
`
`alleged
`
`injuries
`
`or damages.
`
`Thirtieth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`the
`
`and
`
`without
`
`its
`
`claim
`
`of
`
`31.
`
`Pleading
`
`strictly
`
`in
`
`alternative,
`
`waiving
`
`unconstitutionality
`
`of
`
`punitive
`
`damages,
`
`Howden
`
`would
`
`show
`
`that,
`
`unless
`
`liability
`
`for
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`and
`
`the
`
`appropriate
`
`amount
`
`of punitive
`
`damages
`
`are
`
`required
`
`to be established
`
`by
`
`clear
`
`and
`
`convincing
`
`evidence,
`
`any
`
`award
`
`of
`
`such
`
`damages
`
`would
`
`violate
`
`Howden's
`
`due
`
`process
`
`rights
`
`guaranteed
`
`by
`
`the Fourteenth
`
`Amendment
`
`to the United
`
`States
`
`Constitution.
`
`8 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`#: E2018008346
`Index
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`Thirty-First
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`32.
`
`In
`
`the
`
`alternative,
`
`and
`
`by way
`
`of
`
`separate
`
`or affirmative
`
`defense,
`
`Howden
`
`would
`
`show
`
`that
`
`plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`for
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`cannot
`
`be
`
`sustained
`
`because
`
`an
`
`award
`
`of
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`by
`
`a jury
`
`that:
`
`(1)
`
`is
`
`not
`
`provided
`
`any
`
`standard
`
`of
`
`sufficient
`
`clarity
`
`for
`
`determining
`
`the
`
`appropriateness
`
`or
`
`the
`
`appropriate
`
`size
`
`of any
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`award;
`
`(2)
`
`is not
`
`principles
`
`of
`
`instructed
`
`on
`
`the
`
`limits
`
`on punitive
`
`damages
`
`imposed
`
`by
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`deterrence;
`
`(3)
`
`is not
`
`expressly
`
`prohibited
`
`from
`
`awarding
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`or determining
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`an
`
`award
`
`of
`
`punitive
`
`damages,
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in
`
`part,
`
`on
`
`the
`
`basis
`
`of
`
`insidiously
`
`discriminatory
`
`characteristics;
`
`(4)
`
`is
`
`permitted
`
`to
`
`award
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`for
`
`vague
`
`and
`
`arbitrary
`
`reasons
`
`without
`
`sufficient
`
`definition
`
`and
`
`the
`
`conduct
`
`or mental
`
`state
`
`that makes
`
`punitive
`
`clarity
`
`regarding
`
`dianages
`
`permissible;
`
`and
`
`(5)
`
`is
`
`not
`
`subject
`
`to
`
`the
`
`judicial
`
`review
`
`on
`
`the
`
`basis
`
`of
`
`objective
`
`standards,
`
`would
`
`violate
`
`Howden's
`
`due
`
`process
`
`rights
`
`guaranteed
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Fourteenth
`
`Amendment
`
`to the United
`
`States
`
`Constitution
`
`as well
`
`as the
`
`constitution
`
`or
`
`laws
`
`of
`
`any
`
`other
`
`state
`
`deemed
`
`to
`
`apply
`
`to this
`
`case.
`
`Thirty-Second
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`33.
`
`In the
`
`alternative,
`
`and
`
`by ways
`
`of
`
`separate
`
`or affirmative
`
`defense,
`
`Howden
`
`would
`
`show
`
`that
`
`plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`for
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`cannot
`
`be
`
`sustained
`
`because
`
`an
`
`award
`
`of
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`for
`
`the
`
`purposes
`
`of
`
`compensating
`
`plaintiff
`
`for
`
`elements
`
`of
`
`damages
`
`not
`
`otherwise
`
`recognized
`
`the
`
`laws
`
`of New
`
`by
`
`York
`
`would
`
`violate
`
`Howden's
`
`due
`
`process
`
`rights
`
`guaranteed
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Fourteenth
`
`Amendment
`
`to
`
`the
`
`United
`
`States
`
`Constitution
`
`as well
`
`as
`
`the
`
`constitution
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York
`
`as set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`9 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`#: E2018008346
`Index
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`Thirty-Third
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`34.
`
`In the
`
`alternative,
`
`and
`
`by way
`
`of
`
`separate
`
`or affirmative
`
`defense,
`
`Howden
`
`would
`
`show
`
`that
`
`it
`
`is entitled
`
`to raise
`
`the Doctrine
`
`of Learned
`
`Intermediary
`
`and would
`
`further
`
`show
`
`that
`
`plaintiff's
`
`employers
`
`were
`
`Learned
`
`Intermediaries
`
`as that
`
`term is known
`
`in law.
`
`Thirty-Fourth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`35.
`
`Howden
`
`would
`
`further
`
`plead,
`
`in the
`
`altcrñative,
`
`that
`
`it did
`
`not
`
`have
`
`control
`
`of
`
`the
`
`means
`
`employment.
`
`Howden
`
`is not
`
`for
`
`or
`
`of methods
`
`of plaintiff's
`
`Thus,
`
`respoñsible
`
`providing,
`
`failing
`
`to
`
`provide,
`
`safety
`
`equipment,
`
`safety
`
`training,
`
`proper
`
`supervision
`
`and
`
`a
`
`safe
`
`work
`
`enviroñmcat,
`
`and
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`the
`
`above
`
`was
`
`the
`
`sole
`
`cause
`
`for
`
`any
`
`of plaintiff's
`
`alleged
`
`injuries.
`
`Thirty-Fifth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defens_e
`
`36.
`
`Howden
`
`further
`
`pleads
`
`that,
`
`during
`
`the
`
`period
`
`of
`
`time
`
`that
`
`plaintiff
`
`is asserting
`
`a
`
`for
`
`was
`
`an
`
`applicable
`
`workers'
`
`compensation
`
`law
`
`which
`
`provides
`
`claim
`
`injury,
`
`there
`
`that
`
`the
`
`disease
`
`camplained
`
`of
`
`by
`
`plaintiff
`
`is an
`
`occupational
`
`disease
`
`for which
`
`a person
`
`engaged
`
`in the
`
`occupation
`
`can
`
`claim
`
`workers'
`
`compensation
`
`disability
`
`benefits
`
`against
`
`his
`
`employer
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`the
`
`disease
`
`is discovered.
`
`Further,
`
`plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are
`
`barred
`
`under
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`workers'
`
`compensation
`
`laws
`
`because
`
`these
`
`laws
`
`provide
`
`the
`
`exclusive
`
`remedy
`
`for
`
`the
`
`disability
`
`of
`
`an
`
`an
`
`sustained
`
`in
`
`the
`
`employee
`
`if
`
`such
`
`resulted
`
`from
`
`injury
`
`or
`
`occupational
`
`disease
`
`incurred
`
`or
`
`course
`
`of his
`
`employment.
`
`Thirty-Sixth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`37.
`
`Pleading
`
`further,
`
`Howden
`
`would
`
`show
`
`that
`
`it had
`
`no
`
`notice
`
`or
`
`reason
`
`to
`
`believe
`
`that
`
`any
`
`products
`
`on
`
`any
`
`property
`
`allegedly
`
`owned
`
`or maintained
`
`by
`
`it might
`
`be
`
`potentially
`
`hazardous,
`
`and
`
`that
`
`Howden
`
`could
`
`not
`
`have
`
`reasonably
`
`foreseen
`
`any
`
`danger
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`its
`
`10 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`#: E2018008346
`Index
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`premises,
`
`and
`
`cannot
`
`be charged
`
`with
`
`notice
`
`that
`
`any
`
`property
`
`allegedly
`
`owned
`
`or maintained
`
`by
`
`it posed
`
`a hazard.
`
`Thirty-Seventh
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`38.
`
`In
`
`further
`
`verified
`
`answer,
`
`Howden
`
`would
`
`show
`
`that
`
`the
`
`aggregation
`
`or
`
`consolidation
`
`of
`
`these
`
`claims
`
`against
`
`numerous
`
`defendants,
`
`involving
`
`plaintiffs
`
`with
`
`different
`
`alleged
`
`injuries,
`
`different
`
`work
`
`sites
`
`and
`
`different
`
`occupations
`
`would
`
`severely
`
`prejudice
`
`this
`
`prejudice
`
`the
`
`defendant.
`
`The
`
`to Howden
`
`substantially
`
`outweighs
`
`any
`
`basis
`
`for
`
`consolidating
`
`actions,
`
`and
`
`amounts
`
`to
`
`a denial
`
`of Howden's
`
`right
`
`to
`
`a fair
`
`trial.
`
`Thus,
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`should
`
`remain
`
`separated
`
`or
`
`severed
`
`from
`
`that
`
`of
`
`any
`
`other
`
`plaintiffs
`
`trials;
`
`otherwise,
`
`any
`
`recovery
`
`by Answer
`
`must
`
`be barred.
`
`Thirty-Eighth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`39.
`
`Pleading
`
`further,
`
`and
`
`in
`
`the
`
`alternative,
`
`Howden
`
`would
`
`show
`
`that
`
`plaintiff's
`
`negligent
`
`must
`
`claims
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`the
`
`failure
`
`to warn
`
`are barred
`
`because
`
`Howden
`
`be proved
`
`to have
`
`known
`
`or
`
`that
`
`it should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`that
`
`products
`
`present
`
`at property
`
`allegedly
`
`owned
`
`or maintained
`
`by Howden
`
`were
`
`dangerous
`
`when
`
`used
`
`in
`
`their
`
`customary
`
`manner,
`
`and
`
`Howden
`
`did
`
`not
`
`have
`
`this
`
`knowledge,
`
`nor
`
`could
`
`it have
`
`had
`
`this
`
`knowledge,
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`the
`
`exposure
`
`about
`
`which
`
`plaintiff
`
`complains.
`
`alleged
`
`Thirty-Ninth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`40.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`during
`
`plaintiff's
`
`work
`
`history
`
`there
`
`were
`
`in
`
`effect
`
`Federal
`
`statutes,
`
`laws,
`
`and
`
`regulations
`
`governing
`
`the
`
`permissible
`
`levels
`
`of exposure
`
`to asbestos
`
`fibers
`
`and
`
`if
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`exposed
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`fibers
`
`in
`
`excess
`
`of
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`regulatory
`
`limit,
`
`such
`
`exposure
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`plaintiff's
`
`employer,
`
`which
`
`conduct
`
`was
`
`an unforeseeable
`
`intervening
`
`11 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`#: E2018008346
`Index
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`act
`
`breaking
`
`the
`
`chain
`
`of
`
`causadon
`
`between
`
`the
`
`latent
`
`condidon
`
`of
`
`any
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`product
`
`and
`
`the
`
`active
`
`disturbance
`
`of
`
`fibers.
`
`Fortieth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`41.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`during
`
`plaintiff's
`
`work
`
`history,
`
`there
`
`were
`
`in effect
`
`Federal
`
`statutes,
`
`laws,
`
`and
`
`regulations
`
`governing
`
`the
`
`peniiissible
`
`levels
`
`of
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`fibers
`
`which
`
`preempt
`
`all
`
`of plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`against
`
`Howden.
`
`Forty-First
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`42.
`
`If
`
`plaintiff
`
`alleges
`
`that
`
`there
`
`was
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`from
`
`a
`
`product
`
`or
`
`equipment
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant,
`
`then
`
`such
`
`asbestos
`
`was manufactured
`
`and
`
`supplied
`
`by
`
`others
`
`and
`
`this
`
`defendant
`
`has
`
`no
`
`duty
`
`to warn
`
`for
`
`such
`
`asbestos
`
`and
`
`has
`
`no
`
`liability
`
`for
`
`injuries
`
`or damages
`
`caused
`
`such
`
`asbestos.
`
`by
`
`Forty-Second
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`43.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`during
`
`plaintiff's
`
`work
`
`history
`
`there
`
`were
`
`in
`
`effect
`
`Federal
`
`statutes,
`
`laws,
`
`and
`
`regulations
`
`governing
`
`the
`
`permissible
`
`levels
`
`of
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`fibers,
`
`and
`
`in the
`
`event
`
`plaintiff
`
`proves
`
`exposure
`
`to asbestos
`
`fibers
`
`at
`
`levels
`
`greater
`
`than
`
`those
`
`set
`
`by
`
`such
`
`Federal
`
`statutes,
`
`laws
`
`and
`
`regulations,
`
`plaintiff
`
`will
`
`have
`
`established
`
`that
`
`they
`
`and/or
`
`their
`
`employer,
`
`in
`
`allowing
`
`such
`
`exposure,
`
`violated
`
`said
`
`statutes,
`
`laws,
`
`and
`
`regulations
`
`which
`
`violations
`
`are criminal.
`
`Forty-Third
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`44.
`
`In accordance
`
`with
`
`CPLR Article
`
`16, Howden's
`
`liability
`
`for
`
`non-economic
`
`loss
`
`is
`
`limited
`
`to its equitable
`
`share
`
`of
`
`the
`
`total
`
`liability
`
`for
`
`non-economic
`
`loss.
`
`12 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`Index#:E2018008346
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`FA-Fourth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`45.
`
`In
`
`accordance
`
`with
`
`CPLR
`
`Article
`
`16, Howden
`
`is entitled
`
`to a set-off
`
`for
`
`any
`
`past
`
`due
`
`or
`
`future
`
`costs
`
`or
`
`expenses
`
`incurred
`
`or
`
`to
`
`be
`
`incurred
`
`by
`
`plaintiff's
`
`medical
`
`care,
`
`custodial
`
`care
`
`of
`
`rehabilitation
`
`service,
`
`loss
`
`or warnings
`
`or
`
`other
`
`economic
`
`loss,
`
`which
`
`has
`
`been
`
`or will
`
`with
`
`reasonable
`
`be replaced
`
`or
`
`indemnified
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part
`
`from
`
`a collateral
`
`source.
`
`certainty
`
`Forty-Fifth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`46.
`
`Howden
`
`reserves
`
`the
`
`right
`
`to
`
`amend
`
`this
`
`verified
`
`answer
`
`in
`
`the
`
`event
`
`that
`
`information
`
`learned
`
`during
`
`discovery
`
`or
`
`in the
`
`progressioñ
`
`of
`
`this
`
`case
`
`provides
`
`it with
`
`reason
`
`to
`
`so amend
`
`this
`
`verified
`
`answer.
`
`Forty-Sixth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`47.
`
`That
`
`in the
`
`event
`
`there
`
`has been
`
`a settlement
`
`between
`
`plaintiff
`
`and
`
`any
`
`joint
`
`or co-
`
`or
`
`or
`
`or
`
`claimed
`
`to
`
`be
`
`bankrupt
`
`tortfeasor,
`
`person,
`
`company
`
`entity
`
`liable
`
`liable,
`
`including
`
`persons,
`
`compañies
`
`and
`
`entities,
`
`then
`
`defendant,
`
`Howden,
`
`hereby
`
`pleads
`
`and
`
`seeks
`
`the
`
`full
`
`benefit
`
`of
`
`§15-108
`
`of
`
`the
`
`General
`
`Obligations
`
`Law
`
`that
`
`plaintiff's
`
`claim
`
`against
`
`defendant
`
`Howden,
`
`be reduced
`
`to the
`
`fullest
`
`extent
`
`permitted
`
`by
`
`§15-108
`
`of
`
`the Geñêral
`
`Obligations
`
`Law.
`
`Forty-Seventh
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`48.
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material
`
`the
`
`of
`
`the medical
`
`and
`
`industrial
`
`art was
`
`such
`
`At
`
`hereto,
`
`state
`
`that
`
`there
`
`was
`
`no
`
`generally
`
`accepted
`
`or
`
`recognized
`
`knowledge
`
`of
`
`any
`
`unavoidable
`
`unsafe,
`
`inherently
`
`dangerous
`
`or hazardous
`
`character
`
`or nature
`
`of
`
`thermal
`
`insulation
`
`products
`
`containing
`
`asbestos
`
`when
`
`used
`
`in
`
`the manner
`
`and
`
`purpose
`
`described
`
`by
`
`plaintiff,
`
`therefore,
`
`there
`
`was
`
`no
`
`for
`
`Howden
`
`to
`
`know
`
`of
`
`such
`
`character
`
`or
`
`nature
`
`or
`
`to warn
`
`plaintiff
`
`or
`
`others
`
`similarly
`
`duty
`
`situated.
`
`13 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`#: E2018008346
`Index
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`Forty-Eighth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`49.
`
`The
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`denies
`
`that
`
`plaintiff
`
`had
`
`any
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`any
`
`asbestos
`
`product
`
`mined,
`
`processed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`supplied,
`
`developed,
`
`tested,
`
`fashioned,
`
`packaged,
`
`distributed,
`
`delivered,
`
`sold
`
`and/or
`
`otherwise
`
`placed
`
`in the
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce
`
`by
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant,
`
`and
`
`more
`
`particularly
`
`denies
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`that
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`supplied,
`
`mined,
`
`processed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`developed,
`
`tested,
`
`fashioned,
`
`packaged,
`
`distributed,
`
`delivered,
`
`sold
`
`and/or
`
`otherwise
`
`placed
`
`in
`
`the
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce
`
`any
`
`asbestos
`
`product
`
`at
`
`the
`
`times
`
`and
`
`upon
`
`the
`
`dates
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`fourth
`
`amended
`
`complaint
`
`herein.
`
`Forty-Ninth
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defense
`
`50.
`
`Any
`
`recovery
`
`by
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`herein
`
`must
`
`be
`
`reduced
`
`by
`
`collateral
`
`source
`
`payments
`
`pursuant
`
`to CPLR
`
`§4545.
`
`CROSS-CLAIM
`
`FOR CONTRIBUTION
`
`AND INDEMNIFICATION
`
`51.
`
`In
`
`the
`
`event
`
`that
`
`Howden
`
`is
`
`found
`
`liable
`
`to
`
`plaintiff;
`
`Howden
`
`alleges
`
`that
`
`any
`
`such
`
`liability
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in
`
`part,
`
`or
`
`contributed
`
`to,
`
`by
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`and/or
`
`negligence
`
`of
`
`the
`
`co-defendants
`
`to
`
`this
`
`action,
`
`and,
`
`therefore,
`
`Howden
`
`will
`
`be
`
`entitled
`
`to
`
`indemnification
`
`or
`
`said
`
`for
`
`full
`
`contribution
`
`and
`
`judgment
`
`over
`
`as agaimt
`
`co-defendants
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`said
`
`liability
`
`or
`
`such
`
`proportionate
`
`share
`
`as represents
`
`the
`
`amount,
`
`degree
`
`and
`
`kind
`
`of
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to them.
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Howden
`
`demands
`
`as follows:
`
`A.
`
`B.
`
`that
`
`plaintiff's
`
`fourth
`
`amended
`
`complaint
`
`and
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`therein
`
`be dismissed
`
`with
`
`prejudice
`
`as to Howden;
`
`that
`
`judgment
`
`be awarded
`
`in favor
`
`of Howden;
`
`14 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`#: E2018008346
`Index
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`C.
`
`that
`
`Howden
`
`be
`
`granted
`
`its
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`expenses
`
`incurred
`
`in
`
`this
`
`action,
`
`including
`
`reasonable
`
`attorney's
`
`fees;
`
`and
`
`D.
`
`that Howden
`
`be granted
`
`all
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`to which
`
`it may
`
`appear
`
`entitled.
`
`DATED:
`
`Buffalo,
`
`February
`
`New York
`_,
`2019
`
`NOR
`
`ERICA
`
`INC.
`
`HOWDEN
`Defendant
`
`By
`
`Esq.
`G. Snider,
`Carol
`BARCLAY
`DAMON,
`The Avant
`Building,
`200 Delaware
`Avenue
`New York
`856-5500
`
`Buffalo,
`
`(716)
`
`LLP
`Suite
`
`1200
`
`14202-2150
`
`TO:
`
`Esq.
`
`Mark
`Bibro,
`for
`Attorneys
`Plaintiff
`LAW FIRM,
`THE EARLY
`20th
`360
`Lexington
`Avenue,
`New York
`New York,
`986-2233
`(212)
`
`10017
`
`I 7977363. 1
`
`LLC
`FIOOr
`
`15 of 16
`
`

`

`201902121632
`FILED: MONROE COUNTY CLERK 02/12/2019 11:39 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 142
`
`#: E2018008346
`Index
`INDEX NO. E2018008346
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/12/2019
`
`VERIFICATION
`
`STATE
`COUNTY
`
`OF NEW YORK
`OF ERIE
`
`}
`}
`
`ss.:
`
`CAROL
`
`G. SNIDER,
`
`ESQ.,
`
`being
`
`duly
`
`sworn
`
`herein
`
`says:
`
`1.
`
`That
`
`she
`
`is one
`
`of
`
`the
`
`attorneys
`
`for
`
`the
`
`defendant,
`
`Howden
`
`North
`
`America
`
`Inc.,
`
`in
`
`this
`
`action;
`
`that
`
`she has
`
`read
`
`the
`
`verified
`
`answer
`
`to the
`
`fourth
`
`amended
`
`complaint
`
`and
`
`knows
`
`the
`
`contents
`
`thereof;
`
`that
`
`the
`
`same
`
`is
`
`true
`
`to
`
`her
`
`own
`
`knowledge
`
`except
`
`as
`
`to
`
`the matters
`
`therein
`
`stated
`
`to be alleged
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`and
`
`as to those
`
`matters,
`
`she believes
`
`them
`
`to be
`
`true.
`
`That
`
`the
`
`reason
`
`this
`
`verification
`
`is made
`
`the
`
`deponent
`
`and
`
`not
`
`2.
`
`by
`
`by
`
`defendant,
`
`Howden
`
`North
`
`America
`
`Inc.,
`
`is that
`
`the
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`is outside
`
`the County
`
`of Erie
`
`where
`
`the
`
`deponent
`
`maintains
`
`her
`
`office.
`
`3.
`
`That
`
`the
`
`sources
`
`of deponent's
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`the
`
`grounds
`
`for
`
`her
`
`belief
`
`are
`
`from
`
`the
`
`correspondence
`
`with
`
`said
`
`defendant,
`
`Howden
`
`North
`
`America
`
`Inc.,
`
`and
`
`correspondence
`
`and
`
`conversations
`
`with
`
`the
`
`representatives
`
`of
`
`said
`
`defendant,
`
`and
`
`from
`
`reports
`
`of
`
`investigation
`
`of
`
`the
`
`said
`
`defendant's
`
`representatives,
`
`certain
`
`of which
`
`the
`
`correspondence
`
`and
`
`reports
`
`are
`
`now
`
`in
`
`deponent's
`
`possession.
`
`Carol
`
`G. Snider,
`
`Esq.
`
`Subscri
`this
`
`to before me
`sworn
`d and
`2019.
`of February,
`
`day
`
`Notary
`
`Public
`
`Karen S. Brown
`Notary Public, State of New York
`Qualified
`in Erie Co
`My Commission
`Expire
`
`16 of 16
`
`