FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`OF THE STATE
`COURT
`SUPREME
`OF NEW YORK
`COUNTY
`---------------------------------------------------------------X
`NEW YORK CITY
`ASBESTOS
`IN RE:
`LITIGATION
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`--------------------------------------------------------------
`MARGARET
`of BRIAN
`Estate
`
`M. MCCAFFREY,
`E. MCCAFFREY,
`
`as Executor
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Plaintiff
`
`'
`
`-against-
`
`A.O.
`
`SMITH
`
`CORPORATION,
`
`et al.,
`
`Defendants.
`--------------------------------------------------------------
`
`NYCAL
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`190154/2020
`
`DEFENDANT
`COMPANY'S
`
`"ConocoPhillips")
`TO PLAINTIFF'S
`COMPLAINT
`
`CONOCOPHILLIPS
`(also
`pled
`as
`VERIFIED
`VERIFIED
`
`ANSWER
`
`:
`:
`
`X
`:
`
`:
`:
`:
`:
`:
`:
`
`:
`:
`X
`
`Defendant
`
`ConocoPhillips
`
`Company,
`
`also
`
`pled
`
`as
`
`"ConocoPhillips"
`
`(hereinafter
`
`"Defendant"),
`
`by
`
`its
`
`attorneys
`
`Coughlin
`
`Duffy
`
`LLP,
`
`for
`
`its
`
`Verified
`
`Answer
`
`to
`
`the
`
`Verified
`
`Complaint
`
`of
`
`Plaintiff
`
`Margaret
`
`M.
`
`McCaffrey,
`
`as
`
`Executor
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Estate
`
`of
`
`Brian
`
`E.
`
`McCaffrey,
`
`(the
`
`"Complaint"),
`
`alleges
`
`as follows:
`
`For
`
`purposes
`
`of
`
`this
`
`pleading,
`
`when
`
`an
`
`allegation
`
`is
`
`denied,
`
`it
`
`is
`
`denied
`
`as
`
`to
`
`the
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`a belief
`
`answering
`
`Defendant,
`
`and Defendant
`
`lacks
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`to form
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`or
`
`falsity
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegation
`
`with
`
`regard
`
`to all
`
`other
`
`defendants.
`
`1.
`
`Defendant
`
`lacks
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as
`
`to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`or
`
`falsity
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in
`
`paragraphs
`
`1-3,
`
`5,
`
`6-24,
`
`27-78
`
`and
`
`31-49
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint.
`
`2.
`
`In
`
`response
`
`to
`
`paragraphs
`
`29-30
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint,
`
`Defendant
`
`admits
`
`only
`
`that
`
`ConocoPhillips
`
`Company
`
`is a corporation,
`
`but
`
`lacks
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`or
`
`falsity
`
`of
`
`the
`
`remaining
`
`allegations
`
`because
`
`they
`
`are unlimited
`
`in scope
`
`and
`
`time.
`
`1 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`3.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`4 and
`
`79-115,
`
`and
`
`also
`
`denies
`
`all
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the Simmons
`
`Hanley
`
`Conroy
`
`Standard
`
`Complaint
`
`for New York
`
`City
`
`Asbestos
`
`Litigation
`
`filed
`
`with
`
`the Court
`
`under
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`40,0000
`
`on June
`
`16, 2015.
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSES
`
`Defendant
`
`asserts
`
`the
`
`following
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defenses
`
`as
`
`allowed
`
`by
`
`law.
`
`These
`
`pursuant
`
`waiver
`
`or
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defenses
`
`are pled,
`
`to CPLR
`
`3018(b),
`
`so as to avoid
`
`surprise
`
`and
`
`may
`
`be mutually
`
`exclusive
`
`and
`
`dependent
`
`upon
`
`ongoing
`
`disclosure
`
`in
`
`this matter.
`
`Defendant
`
`reserves
`
`the
`
`right
`
`to amend
`
`or supplement
`
`these
`
`Affirmative
`
`Defenses
`
`at any
`
`time.
`
`FIRST
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`failed
`
`to state
`
`a claim
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`relief
`
`can
`
`be granted.
`
`SECOND
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are
`
`barred
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`statute
`
`of
`
`all
`
`by
`
`limitations,
`
`by
`
`any
`
`and
`
`statutes
`
`of
`
`repose
`
`available
`
`under
`
`the
`
`law,
`
`and/or
`
`by
`
`the
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`laches.
`
`THIRD
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`may
`
`have
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`name
`
`necessary
`
`additional
`
`parties
`
`to this
`
`action.
`
`FOURTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Decedent's
`
`injuries,
`
`if
`
`and
`
`to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`they
`
`occurred,
`
`which
`
`occurrence
`
`is
`
`expressly
`
`or
`
`and/or
`
`denied,
`
`were
`
`caused
`
`contributed
`
`to
`
`by
`
`his
`
`recklessness,
`
`carelessness,
`
`negligence.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`recovery
`
`from
`
`Defendant,
`
`if any, must
`
`be reduced
`
`by Decedent's
`
`comparative
`
`fault.
`
`FIFTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`complained
`
`of,
`
`if any
`
`there
`
`were,
`
`were
`
`proximately
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`or
`
`contributed
`
`to,
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in
`
`part,
`
`by
`
`the
`
`carelessness,
`
`negligence,
`
`fault
`
`or
`
`actions
`
`of
`
`the
`
`2
`
`2 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`remaining
`
`parties
`
`in
`
`this
`
`action,
`
`or by
`
`other
`
`persons,
`
`corporations
`
`or business
`
`entities,
`
`or were
`
`solely
`
`and
`
`proximately
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`defects
`
`in
`
`products
`
`manufactured
`
`by
`
`some
`
`other
`
`person
`
`or
`
`persons,
`
`corporations,
`
`association
`
`or
`
`legal
`
`entity,
`
`and were
`
`not
`
`caused
`
`in any way
`
`by Defendant,
`
`or by persons
`
`or entities
`
`for whom Defendant
`
`is legally
`
`liable.
`
`Should
`
`Defendant
`
`be found
`
`liable
`
`to
`
`which
`
`is
`
`Defendant
`
`is
`
`entitled
`
`to
`
`have
`
`award
`
`any
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`liability
`
`expressly
`
`denied,
`
`any
`
`against
`
`it
`
`reduced,
`
`or eliminated
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`the
`
`carelessness,
`
`negligence,
`
`fault
`
`or actions
`
`of
`
`the
`
`remaining
`
`parties
`
`to these
`
`proceedings,
`
`or of other
`
`persons,
`
`corporations
`
`or business
`
`entities,
`
`caused
`
`and/or
`
`contributed
`
`to a Plaintiff's
`
`damages,
`
`if any.
`
`SIXTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Decedent
`
`contributed
`
`and/or
`
`was
`
`comparatively
`
`negligent
`
`in
`
`that
`
`he
`
`used
`
`and
`
`exposed
`
`himself
`
`which
`
`or
`
`known
`
`be
`
`injurious
`
`to
`
`his
`
`to
`
`products
`
`he
`
`knew
`
`should
`
`have
`
`would
`
`health,
`
`and/or
`
`he failed
`
`to take
`
`reasonable
`
`precautions
`
`to guard
`
`against
`
`any
`
`dangers
`
`resulting
`
`therefrom.
`
`SEVENTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`injuries
`
`and/or
`
`damages
`
`of which
`
`Plaintiff
`
`complains
`
`were
`
`proximately
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the
`
`intervening
`
`acts
`
`or
`
`superseding
`
`negligence
`
`of persons,
`
`parties,
`
`or entities
`
`over whom Defendant
`
`had
`
`no control
`
`or
`
`responsibility,
`
`and
`
`for whose
`
`actions
`
`Defendant
`
`is not
`
`responsible.
`
`EIGHTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`improper
`
`use
`
`and
`
`of
`
`Decedent's
`
`alleged
`
`injuries
`
`were
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the
`
`handling
`
`the products
`
`at
`
`issue,
`
`as he failed
`
`to take
`
`reasonable
`
`and/or
`
`adequate
`
`steps
`
`and
`
`precautions
`
`for
`
`the
`
`safe
`
`use
`
`of
`
`the products.
`
`NINTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that Decedent
`
`knew,
`
`or
`
`in the
`
`exercise
`
`of ordinary
`
`care
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`of
`
`the
`
`dangers
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`asbestos,
`
`the
`
`claims
`
`in
`
`the Complaint
`
`are
`
`barred
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in
`
`3
`
`3 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`part
`
`by Decedent's
`
`voluntary
`
`assumption
`
`of
`
`known
`
`risk
`
`of
`
`harm
`
`or
`
`a risk
`
`of
`
`harm
`
`of which
`
`he
`
`knew
`
`or should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`TENTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Any
`
`recovery
`
`of
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`must
`
`be reduced
`
`by
`
`collateral
`
`source
`
`payments
`
`pursuant
`
`to
`
`CPLR 4545.
`
`ELEVENTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Decedent
`
`contributed
`
`to his
`
`injuries
`
`by
`
`the
`
`use
`
`of other
`
`substances,
`
`products,
`
`medications
`
`and/or
`
`drugs.
`
`TWELFTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Decedent's
`
`injuries
`
`were
`
`caused
`
`directly,
`
`solely
`
`and
`
`proximately
`
`by
`
`sensitivities,
`
`idiosyncrasies,
`
`and
`
`other
`
`reactions
`
`peculiar
`
`to Decedent
`
`and
`
`not
`
`found
`
`in the
`
`general
`
`public,
`
`of
`
`which
`
`Defendant
`
`neither
`
`knew,
`
`had
`
`reason
`
`to know,
`
`nor
`
`could
`
`have
`
`foreseen.
`
`DEFENSE
`
`THIRTEENTH
`
`Decedent's
`
`alleged
`
`injuries,
`
`losses,
`
`or damages,
`
`if
`
`and
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`they
`
`occurred,
`
`were
`
`aggravated
`
`by his
`
`failure
`
`to use reasonable
`
`diligence
`
`to mitigate
`
`them.
`
`FOURTEENTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`negligence
`
`of Decedent's
`
`employer(s),
`
`other
`
`than
`
`this
`
`Defendant
`
`(if
`
`applicable),
`
`proximately
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`and,
`
`even
`
`if Plaintiff
`
`is entitled
`
`to damages,
`
`which
`
`Defendant
`
`specifically
`
`denies,
`
`Defendant
`
`is
`
`entitled
`
`to
`
`a
`
`set-off
`
`for
`
`all Workers'
`
`Compensation
`
`payments
`
`received
`
`by Plaintiff
`
`and/or
`
`Decedent.
`
`FIFTEENTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Decedent's
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages,
`
`if any,
`
`were
`
`directly
`
`and
`
`proximately
`
`caused
`
`solely
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Decedent's
`
`own
`
`willful
`
`misconduct,
`
`recklessness,
`
`carelessness,
`
`negligence,
`
`breach
`
`of
`
`his
`
`4
`
`4 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`primary
`
`duty,
`
`or other
`
`fault.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is,
`
`therefore,
`
`barred
`
`from
`
`recovery
`
`herein.
`
`SIXTEENTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`strict
`
`liability
`
`in tort
`
`is inapplicable
`
`to this
`
`litigation
`
`and/or
`
`any
`
`claims
`
`against
`
`Defendant.
`
`SEVENTEENTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`may
`
`be
`
`deemed
`
`to
`
`be
`
`directed
`
`or
`
`related
`
`to Defendant,
`
`the
`
`substance,
`
`product
`
`or
`
`equipment
`
`allegedly
`
`produced,
`
`manufactured,
`
`processed,
`
`sold,
`
`supplied
`
`and/or
`
`distributed
`
`by Defendant
`
`was
`
`not
`
`used
`
`for
`
`the
`
`purpose
`
`for which
`
`it was
`
`intended
`
`and/or
`
`was misused
`
`by Decedent.
`
`EIGHTEENTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Any
`
`exposure
`
`that
`
`Decedent
`
`claims
`
`to Defendant's
`
`product
`
`or
`
`equipment,
`
`which
`
`exposure
`
`is
`
`was
`
`so minimal
`
`as
`
`to
`
`be
`
`insufficient
`
`to
`
`establish
`
`a reasonable
`
`expressly
`
`denied,
`
`degree
`
`of probability
`
`that
`
`the products
`
`or equipment
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`claimed
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`illness.
`
`NINETEENTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`There
`
`being
`
`no privity
`
`of
`
`contract
`
`between
`
`Defendant
`
`and Plaintiff
`
`or Decedent,
`
`there
`
`can
`
`be no cause
`
`of action
`
`against
`
`Defendant
`
`for
`
`alleged
`
`breach
`
`of warranties.
`
`TWENTIETH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`that Defendant
`
`conformed
`
`to the
`
`scientific
`
`knowledge
`
`and
`
`research
`
`data
`
`available
`
`throughout
`
`the
`
`industry
`
`and
`
`scientific
`
`community,
`
`Defendant
`
`has
`
`fulfilled
`
`its
`
`obligations,
`
`if any,
`
`herein,
`
`and Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`should
`
`be barred,
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part.
`
`TWENTY-FIRST
`
`DEFENSE.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`conformed
`
`to
`
`the
`
`scientific
`
`knowledge
`
`data
`
`available
`
`in
`
`the
`
`industry
`
`and
`
`fulfilled
`
`its
`
`obligations,
`
`if
`
`any,
`
`and
`
`its
`
`activities
`
`and
`
`and
`
`5
`
`5 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`undertakings,
`
`if
`
`any,
`
`were
`
`conducted
`
`in
`
`a reasonable
`
`fashion,
`
`without
`
`recklessness,
`
`malice
`
`or
`
`wantonness,
`
`and
`
`plaintiff
`
`may
`
`not
`
`recover
`
`herein
`
`any
`
`exemplary
`
`or
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`against
`
`Defendant.
`
`TWENTY-SECOND
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`for
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`are
`
`barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Fifth,
`
`Sixth,
`
`Eighth
`
`and
`
`Fourteenth
`
`Constitution
`
`of
`
`of
`
`America
`
`and
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Amendments
`
`to
`
`the
`
`the
`
`United
`
`States
`
`Constitution
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York.
`
`TWENTY-THIRD
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Should
`
`Defendant
`
`be
`
`found
`
`liable
`
`to
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`which
`
`liability
`
`is
`
`expressly
`
`denied,
`
`Defendant
`
`is entitled
`
`to have
`
`any
`
`award
`
`against
`
`it
`
`rebated,
`
`reduced,
`
`or
`
`eliminated
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`the
`
`carelessness,
`
`negligence,
`
`fault
`
`or actions
`
`of
`
`the
`
`other
`
`parties
`
`to these
`
`proceedings,
`
`or by
`
`and/or
`
`said
`
`other
`
`persons,
`
`corporations
`
`or
`
`business
`
`entities,
`
`caused
`
`contributed
`
`to Plaintiff's
`
`damages,
`
`if any.
`
`TWENTY-FOURTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Decedent's
`
`injuries,
`
`if
`
`and
`
`to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`they
`
`occurred,
`
`which
`
`occurrence
`
`is
`
`expressly
`
`denied,
`
`were
`
`caused
`
`or
`
`contributed
`
`to
`
`by
`
`the
`
`negligence,
`
`fault,
`
`or
`
`defective
`
`products
`
`of
`
`third
`
`are bankrupt
`
`and/or
`
`with
`
`whom Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`settled
`
`or otherwise
`
`resolved
`
`a
`
`parties
`
`or others
`
`who
`
`claim,
`
`thereby
`
`proportionately
`
`reducing
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`against
`
`Defendant.
`
`TWENTY-FIFTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Any
`
`joinder
`
`of one
`
`or more
`
`plaintiffs
`
`in this
`
`one
`
`action
`
`is improper
`
`because
`
`Plaintiff
`
`does
`
`not
`
`assert
`
`any
`
`right
`
`to
`
`relief
`
`jointly,
`
`severally,
`
`or
`
`in
`
`the
`
`alternative
`
`arising
`
`out
`
`of
`
`the
`
`same
`
`transaction,
`
`occurrence
`
`or
`
`series
`
`of
`
`transactions
`
`or occurrences.
`
`6
`
`6 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`TWENTY-SIXTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Pursuant
`
`to Section
`
`15-108
`
`of
`
`the General
`
`Obligations
`
`Law,
`
`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 Defendant,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are reduced
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`of any
`
`amount
`
`stipulated
`
`by
`
`the
`
`release
`
`or
`
`covenant,
`
`or
`
`in the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`the
`
`consideration
`
`paid
`
`for
`
`it,
`
`or
`
`in the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`the
`
`released
`
`whichever
`
`tortfeasor's
`
`equitable
`
`share
`
`of
`
`the
`
`damages,
`
`is the
`
`greatest.
`
`TWENTY-SEVENTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Pursuant
`
`to Section
`
`15-108
`
`of
`
`the General
`
`Obligations
`
`Law,
`
`to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`given
`
`a release
`
`or
`
`covenant
`
`not
`
`to
`
`sue
`
`or not
`
`to enforce
`
`a judgment
`
`to Defendant,
`
`Defendant
`
`is
`
`relieved
`
`from
`
`any
`
`liability
`
`to any
`
`other
`
`defendant,
`
`person
`
`or entity
`
`for
`
`contribution.
`
`TWENTY-EIGHTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`of Decedent
`
`which
`
`Plaintiff
`
`complains
`
`were
`
`caused
`
`The
`
`damages,
`
`if any,
`
`by
`
`Decedent's
`
`preexisting
`
`conditions,
`
`for which
`
`Defendant
`
`is not
`
`responsible.
`
`TWENTY-NINTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`That
`
`parties
`
`to
`
`this
`
`action
`
`and
`
`nonparties,
`
`other
`
`than
`
`Defendant,
`
`were
`
`negligently
`
`or
`
`legally
`
`responsible,
`
`or
`
`otherwise
`
`at
`
`fault
`
`for
`
`any
`
`damages
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the
`
`Complaint,
`
`which
`
`damages
`
`are
`
`herein
`
`denied
`
`and
`
`therefore,
`
`in the
`
`event
`
`of
`
`any
`
`liability,
`
`whether
`
`by
`
`settlement
`
`or
`
`or
`
`apportion
`
`judgment
`
`in favor
`
`of
`
`any
`
`other
`
`party
`
`against
`
`Defendant,
`
`the
`
`court
`
`jury
`
`should
`
`fault
`
`as to all
`
`parties.
`
`Furthermore,
`
`Defendant
`
`requests
`
`a judgment
`
`and
`
`declaration
`
`of
`
`indemnification
`
`and
`
`contribution
`
`against
`
`all
`
`other
`
`parties.
`
`THIRTIETH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`insofar
`
`as Plaintiff
`
`alleges,
`
`as against
`
`Defendant,
`
`any
`
`willful
`
`and
`
`wanton
`
`misconduct,
`
`and
`
`that
`
`it
`
`knowingly
`
`and
`
`intentionally
`
`sold
`
`a product
`
`or
`
`7
`
`7 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`products
`
`that
`
`it
`
`knew
`
`to
`
`be
`
`unreasonably
`
`dangerous,
`
`all
`
`of which
`
`Defendant
`
`denies,
`
`any
`
`such
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`or
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action
`
`accrued
`
`more
`
`than
`
`one
`
`year
`
`prior
`
`to
`
`the
`
`commencement
`
`of
`
`this
`
`lawsuit
`
`and
`
`so are time-barred.
`
`THIRTY-FIRST
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`injuries
`
`and/or
`
`illnesses
`
`of Decedent,
`
`if
`
`any,
`
`are
`
`governed
`
`by
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`Workmen's
`
`Compensation
`
`statutes
`
`and
`
`shall
`
`have
`
`constituted
`
`an
`
`industrial
`
`disability,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`exclusive
`
`remedy,
`
`if any,
`
`shall
`
`lie within
`
`the
`
`terms
`
`and
`
`ambit
`
`of
`
`said
`
`statutes.
`
`THIRTY-SECOND
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Other
`
`than
`
`Defendant
`
`(if
`
`applicable),
`
`the
`
`employer(s)
`
`of
`
`Decedent
`
`or
`
`other
`
`upon
`
`all
`
`for
`
`the
`
`use
`
`of
`
`individuals
`
`were
`
`sophisticated
`
`purchasers
`
`whom devolved
`
`responsibility
`
`the products
`
`referred
`
`to in the Complaint.
`
`THIRTY-THIRD
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`neither
`
`Decedent
`
`nor
`
`other
`
`individuals
`
`had
`
`occasion
`
`to
`
`work
`
`with
`
`and/or
`
`make
`
`use
`
`of
`
`any
`
`product
`
`manufactured,
`
`sold
`
`and/or
`
`distributed
`
`by
`
`this
`
`Defendant,
`
`and,
`
`accordingly,
`
`was
`
`not
`
`exposed
`
`to
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`hazards
`
`nor
`
`did
`
`he
`
`incur
`
`any
`
`damages
`
`as a result
`
`thereof.
`
`THIRTY-FOURTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Any
`
`product
`
`of
`
`Defendant
`
`allegedly
`
`used
`
`by
`
`Decedent
`
`or
`
`other
`
`individuals
`
`which
`
`allegedly
`
`resulted
`
`in
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`by
`
`Decedent
`
`was
`
`not
`
`defective,
`
`nor
`
`was
`
`it
`
`unreasonably
`
`dangerous.
`
`THIRTY-FIFTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`All
`
`allegations
`
`of
`
`corporate
`
`succession
`
`are denied.
`
`8
`
`8 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`THIRTY-SIXTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Defendant
`
`is not
`
`liable
`
`for
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`damages
`
`as Defendant
`
`did
`
`not
`
`own,
`
`lease,
`
`control
`
`or maintain
`
`the premises
`
`at which
`
`Decedent
`
`or other
`
`individuals
`
`were
`
`allegedly
`
`exposed.
`
`THIRTY-SEVENTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Insofar
`
`as Plaintiff
`
`alleges
`
`Decedent
`
`or
`
`other
`
`individuals
`
`were
`
`exposed
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`or
`
`hazardous
`
`materials
`
`or
`
`substances
`
`at
`
`a premises
`
`owned,
`
`leased,
`
`controlled
`
`or maintained
`
`by
`
`Defendant,
`
`no
`
`such
`
`exposure
`
`occurred.
`
`THIRTY-EIGHTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Insofar
`
`as Plaintiff
`
`alleges
`
`Decedent
`
`or
`
`other
`
`individuals
`
`were
`
`exposed
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`or
`
`hazardous
`
`materials
`
`or
`
`substances
`
`at
`
`a premises
`
`owned,
`
`leased,
`
`controlled
`
`or maintained
`
`by
`
`which
`
`such
`
`Defendant,
`
`exposure
`
`is
`
`expressly
`
`denied,
`
`any
`
`exposure
`
`was
`
`so minimal
`
`as
`
`to
`
`be
`
`insufficient
`
`to establish
`
`a reasonable
`
`degree
`
`of probability
`
`that
`
`the
`
`exposure
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`claimed
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`illness.
`
`THIRTY-NINTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`This
`
`Court
`
`lacks
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`Defendant.
`
`FORTIETH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`The
`
`venue
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action
`
`is improper.
`
`FORTY-FIRST
`
`DEFENSE
`
`This
`
`action
`
`should
`
`be dismissed
`
`pursuant
`
`to the
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`forum
`
`non
`
`conveniens.
`
`FORTY-SECOND
`
`DEFENSE
`
`All
`
`of
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action
`
`alleged
`
`under
`
`state
`
`law
`
`are
`
`preempted
`
`by
`
`federal
`
`statutory
`
`and
`
`common
`
`law and/or
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are not
`
`subject
`
`to adjudication
`
`by
`
`this Court.
`
`9
`
`9 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`FORTY-THIRD
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are
`
`governed
`
`exclusively
`
`by
`
`federal
`
`maritime
`
`law,
`
`and
`
`in
`
`accordance
`
`with
`
`maritime
`
`law,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`may
`
`not
`
`recover
`
`any
`
`non-pecuniary
`
`damages,
`
`or punitive
`
`damages,
`
`and
`
`each maritime
`
`defendant's
`
`liability
`
`is limited
`
`to its
`
`comparative
`
`fault,
`
`if any.
`
`FORTY-FOURTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is not
`
`entitled
`
`to any
`
`recovery
`
`for
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`under
`
`the
`
`Jones
`
`Act
`
`and/or
`
`for
`
`the
`
`General
`
`Maritime
`
`Law
`
`and/or
`
`the
`
`warranty
`
`of
`
`seaworthiness,
`
`and
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`should
`
`be stricken.
`
`FORTY-FIFTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Defendant
`
`did
`
`not
`
`own
`
`and/or
`
`operate
`
`the
`
`vessels
`
`that Decedent
`
`is alleged
`
`to have
`
`served
`
`upon
`
`and
`
`was
`
`not
`
`his
`
`employer
`
`and
`
`are
`
`therefore
`
`not
`
`liable
`
`under
`
`the
`
`Jones
`
`Act
`
`and/or
`
`the
`
`General
`
`Maritime
`
`Law
`
`and/or
`
`the warranty
`
`of
`
`seaworthiness.
`
`FORTY-SIXTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Defendant
`
`conformed
`
`to
`
`the
`
`existing
`
`scientific,
`
`medical,
`
`industrial
`
`hygiene
`
`and
`
`consumer
`
`knowledge,
`
`data,
`
`art,
`
`practice
`
`and
`
`state
`
`of
`
`the
`
`art
`
`available
`
`in
`
`the
`
`industry,
`
`and
`
`its
`
`activities
`
`and
`
`undertaking,
`
`if
`
`any,
`
`were
`
`conducted
`
`in
`
`a reasonable
`
`fashion,
`
`without
`
`negligence,
`
`recklessness,
`
`malice
`
`or wantonness.
`
`FORTY-SEVENTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`of
`
`of
`
`all
`
`or
`
`of
`
`Defendant
`
`was
`
`an
`
`agent
`
`the
`
`United
`
`States
`
`America
`
`during
`
`part
`
`any
`
`employment
`
`of Plaintiff
`
`or Plaintiff's
`
`presence
`
`aboard
`
`vessels
`
`owned
`
`or operated
`
`by Defendant,
`
`and
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`exclusive
`
`remedy
`
`as to
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`acts,
`
`omissions
`
`or
`
`conduct
`
`of Defendant
`
`against
`
`the United
`
`States
`
`of America,
`
`pursuant
`
`to 46 U.S.C.
`
`§ 30904
`
`(formerly
`
`46 U.S.C.
`
`App.
`
`is
`
`§
`
`745)
`
`and
`
`46 U.S.C.
`
`§ 31104
`
`(formerly
`
`46 U.S.C.
`
`App.
`
`§ 782).
`
`10
`
`10 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`FORTY-EIGHTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`If Decedent's
`
`alleged
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`illnesses,
`
`if any,
`
`were
`
`proximately
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`exposure
`
`to the Decedent
`
`of
`
`any
`
`substance
`
`aboard
`
`vessels
`
`owned
`
`and/or
`
`operated
`
`by Defendant,
`
`which
`
`is
`
`expressly
`
`denied,
`
`Defendant
`
`is
`
`informed
`
`and
`
`believes,
`
`and
`
`on
`
`that
`
`basis
`
`allege,
`
`that
`
`said
`
`substances
`
`were
`
`aboard
`
`said
`
`vessel
`
`pursuant
`
`to
`
`specifications,
`
`requirements,
`
`and
`
`/or
`
`conditions
`
`imposed
`
`and/or
`
`created
`
`by
`
`the United
`
`States
`
`Government,
`
`its
`
`officers,
`
`agencies,
`
`divisions,
`
`and
`
`subdivisions.
`
`Said
`
`vessels,
`
`together
`
`with
`
`such
`
`substances,
`
`met
`
`the United
`
`States
`
`Government's
`
`specifications
`
`in all material
`
`respects;
`
`the United
`
`States
`
`Government
`
`knew
`
`as much
`
`or more
`
`than
`
`Defendant
`
`about
`
`the
`
`hazards
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`said
`
`substances
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`such
`
`substances,
`
`if any
`
`and/or
`
`for
`
`in the
`
`construction
`
`and/or
`
`operation
`
`of United
`
`there
`
`were,
`
`were
`
`specified
`
`required
`
`use
`
`States
`
`certified
`
`merchant
`
`marine
`
`vessels;
`
`and
`
`Defendant
`
`is
`
`not
`
`liable
`
`for
`
`any
`
`damages
`
`proximately
`
`resulting
`
`therefrom,
`
`which
`
`damages
`
`are herein
`
`denied.
`
`FORTY-NINTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Any
`
`use
`
`of
`
`asbestos
`
`containing
`
`materials
`
`was
`
`required
`
`by
`
`federal
`
`law,
`
`statute
`
`and/or
`
`regulation,
`
`and Defendant
`
`is entitled
`
`to governmental
`
`immunity
`
`for
`
`such
`
`use.
`
`FIFTIETH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Defendant
`
`Decedent
`
`of a hazard
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are barred
`
`because
`
`had
`
`no duty
`
`to warn
`
`known
`
`to him,
`
`and Defendant
`
`owed
`
`no other
`
`duty
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`or Decedent.
`
`FIFTY-FIRST
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are
`
`barred
`
`because
`
`Defendant
`
`has
`
`fully
`
`performed
`
`any
`
`contractual,
`
`statutory
`
`or other
`
`alleged
`
`duty
`
`owed
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`and Decedent,
`
`if any
`
`such
`
`duty
`
`was
`
`owed.
`
`FIFTY-SECOND
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`are
`
`governed
`
`exclusively
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Longshore
`
`& Harbor
`
`Workers
`
`11
`
`11 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`Compensation
`
`Act,
`
`and Defendant,
`
`as a vessel
`
`owner,
`
`did
`
`not
`
`breach
`
`any
`
`duties
`
`owed
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`or Decedent
`
`under
`
`the Act
`
`or applicable
`
`caselaw.
`
`FIFTY-THIRD
`
`DEFENSE
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`recovery
`
`against
`
`Defendant,
`
`if any,
`
`is
`
`subject
`
`to and
`
`limited
`
`by
`
`the
`
`provisions
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Longshore
`
`& Harbor
`
`Workers
`
`Compensation
`
`Act
`
`and
`
`applicable
`
`caselaw.
`
`FIFTY-FOURTH
`
`DEFENSE
`
`All
`
`which
`
`been
`
`or will
`
`other
`
`action
`
`defenses
`
`have
`
`be asserted
`
`by
`
`persons
`
`or entities
`
`in this
`
`are adopted
`
`and
`
`incorporated
`
`by
`
`reference
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`In addition,
`
`Defendant
`
`will
`
`rely
`
`upon
`
`any
`
`and
`
`all
`
`other
`
`further
`
`defenses
`
`which
`
`become
`
`available
`
`or appear
`
`during
`
`discovery
`
`in
`
`this
`
`action
`
`and
`
`hereby
`
`specifically
`
`reserves
`
`its
`
`right
`
`to
`
`amend
`
`its
`
`answer
`
`for
`
`the
`
`purpose
`
`of
`
`asserting
`
`any
`
`such
`
`additional
`
`defenses.
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Defendant
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`Plaintiff
`
`dismissing
`
`the
`
`complaint
`
`with
`
`prejudice,
`
`together
`
`with
`
`expenses
`
`of defense
`
`and
`
`costs
`
`of
`
`suit,
`
`and
`
`such
`
`other
`
`relief
`
`as is just
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`CROSS-CLAIMS
`
`AS AGAINST
`
`ALL
`
`CO-DEFENDANTS
`
`Defendant,
`
`by way
`
`of Cross-Claim
`
`against
`
`Co-Defendants
`
`and
`
`all
`
`subsequently
`
`added
`
`defendants,
`
`says
`
`as follows:
`
`FIRST
`
`COUNT
`
`and/or
`
`for
`
`1.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`any
`
`and
`
`all
`
`legal
`
`liability
`
`responsibility
`
`the
`
`acts,
`
`omissions
`
`and/or
`
`commissions
`
`alleged
`
`in Plaintiff's
`
`Complaint.
`
`2.
`
`If Defendant
`
`should
`
`be
`
`found
`
`liable
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`herein,
`
`which
`
`liability
`
`is denied,
`
`Defendant
`
`asserts
`
`that
`
`co-defendants
`
`are
`
`joint
`
`tortfeasors
`
`with
`
`respect
`
`to
`
`any
`
`loss,
`
`damage
`
`or
`
`expense
`
`on the
`
`account
`
`of Plaintiff's
`
`demand
`
`for
`
`judgment.
`
`12
`
`12 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Defendant
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`for
`
`contribution
`
`against
`
`all
`
`co-
`
`defendants,
`
`together
`
`with
`
`interest,
`
`attorneys'
`
`fees
`
`and
`
`costs
`
`of
`
`suit,
`
`and
`
`such
`
`other
`
`relief
`
`as is just
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`SECOND
`
`COUNT
`
`3.
`
`Defendant
`
`repeats
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in the First
`
`Count
`
`of
`
`this Cross-Claim
`
`and make
`
`same
`
`a part
`
`hereof
`
`as if
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein.
`
`Defendant
`
`all
`
`legal
`
`and/or
`
`for
`
`the
`
`4.
`
`denies
`
`any
`
`and
`
`liability
`
`responsibility
`
`acts,
`
`commissions,
`
`and/or
`
`omissions
`
`alleged
`
`in Plaintiff's
`
`Complaint.
`
`5.
`
`If Defendant
`
`should
`
`be
`
`found
`
`liable
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`herein,
`
`which
`
`liability
`
`is denied,
`
`liability
`
`is only
`
`secondary,
`
`vicarious,
`
`technical,
`
`or
`
`imputed
`
`to that
`
`of
`
`the
`
`co-defendants,
`
`whose
`
`liability
`
`herein
`
`is primary,
`
`active
`
`or direct.
`
`Accordingly,
`
`Defendant
`
`is entitled
`
`herein
`
`to judgment
`
`for
`
`indemnification
`
`from
`
`co-defendants,
`
`for
`
`any
`
`sums
`
`recovered
`
`against
`
`it by Plaintiff,
`
`together
`
`attorneys'
`
`with
`
`fees,
`
`interest
`
`and
`
`cost
`
`of
`
`suit.
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Defendant
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`for
`
`indemnification
`
`against
`
`the
`
`co-
`
`defendants,
`
`together
`
`with
`
`interest,
`
`attorneys'
`
`fees
`
`and
`
`costs
`
`of
`
`suit,
`
`and
`
`such
`
`other
`
`relief
`
`as is just
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`THIRD
`
`COUNT
`
`6.
`
`Defendant
`
`repeats
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in the First
`
`and Second
`
`Counts
`
`of
`
`this
`
`Cross-Claim
`
`same
`
`a part
`
`hereof
`
`as if
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein.
`
`and make
`
`7.
`
`While
`
`denying
`
`any
`
`liability
`
`to the Plaintiff
`
`for
`
`the
`
`accident
`
`and
`
`injuries
`
`alleged,
`
`should
`
`liability
`
`be adjudged,
`
`Defendant
`
`seeks
`
`indemnity
`
`and
`
`defense
`
`from
`
`co-defendants,
`
`for
`
`any
`
`and
`
`all
`
`sums
`
`for which
`
`it might
`
`be held
`
`liable
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`contract
`
`in existence,
`
`either
`
`express
`
`or
`
`implied,
`
`between
`
`Defendant
`
`and
`
`co-defendants,
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`the
`
`occurrence
`
`of
`
`13
`
`13 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`incident.
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Defendant
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`for
`
`contractual
`
`indemnification
`
`and
`
`defense
`
`from
`
`co-defendants,
`
`together
`
`with
`
`interest,
`
`attorneys'
`
`fees
`
`and
`
`costs
`
`of
`
`suit,
`
`and
`
`such
`
`other
`
`relief
`
`as is just
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`ANSWER
`
`TO CROSS-CLAIMS
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`of
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`cross-claim
`
`which
`
`is
`
`or may
`
`hereinafter
`
`be
`
`asserted
`
`against
`
`it,
`
`and
`
`incorporates
`
`each
`
`of
`
`its
`
`separate
`
`defenses
`
`to Plaintiff's
`
`Complaint
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`at
`
`length
`
`herein.
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Defendant
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`co-defendants
`
`dismissing
`
`any
`
`and
`
`all
`
`cross-claims
`
`as against
`
`it with
`
`prejudice,
`
`together
`
`with
`
`expenses
`
`of defense
`
`and
`
`costs
`
`of
`
`suit,
`
`and
`
`such
`
`other
`
`relief
`
`as is just
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`Dated:
`
`Morristown,
`20,
`
`July
`
`2020
`
`New Jersey
`
`COUGHLIN
`
`DUFFY
`
`LLP
`
`fo4efl
`
`P.
`
`76tent
`
`By:
`
`Joseph
`350 Mt.
`
`Morristown,
`267-0058
`(973)
`jfiteni@coughlinduffy.com
`
`P. Fiteni,
`Kemble
`NJ
`
`Esq.
`
`Ave.,
`07962
`
`P.O.
`
`Box
`
`1917
`
`for
`Attorneys
`ConocoPhillips
`
`"ConocoPhillips")
`
`Defendant,
`
`Company
`
`(also
`
`named
`
`as
`
`TO:
`
`Daniel
`Esq.
`P. Blouin,
`HANLY
`SIMMONS
`112 Madison
`Avenue
`NY 10016
`New York,
`
`Attorneys
`
`for
`
`Plaintiff
`
`CONROY
`
`14 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 07/20/2020 11:45 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 14
`
`INDEX NO. 190154/2020
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 07/20/2020
`
`ATTORNEY'S
`
`VERIFICATION
`
`The
`
`undersigned,
`
`an attorney
`
`admitted
`
`to practice
`
`in the Courts
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York,
`
`hereby
`
`affirms
`
`under
`
`the
`
`penalties
`
`of perjury:
`
`I am Of
`
`Counsel
`
`with
`
`the
`
`law
`
`firm
`
`of Coughlin
`
`Duffy
`
`LLP,
`
`attorneys
`
`of
`
`record
`
`for
`
`Defendant
`
`ConocoPhillips
`
`Company
`
`(also
`
`named
`
`as
`
`"ConocoPhillips").
`
`I
`
`have
`
`read
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`Verified
`
`Answer
`
`to
`
`the
`
`Verified
`
`Complaint
`
`and
`
`know
`
`the
`
`contents
`
`thereof;
`
`that
`
`the
`
`is
`
`true
`
`own
`
`except
`
`as
`
`in
`
`the matters
`
`therein
`
`stated
`
`to
`
`be
`
`alleged
`
`on
`
`same
`
`to my
`
`knowledge,
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`and
`
`as
`
`to
`
`those
`
`matters,
`
`I believe
`
`them
`
`to
`
`be
`
`true.
`
`I am making
`
`this
`
`Affirmation
`
`since
`
`Defendant
`
`ConocoPhillips
`
`Company
`
`is a foreign
`
`corporation
`
`and
`
`is not
`
`located
`
`within
`
`the County
`
`where
`
`Affiant
`
`maintains
`
`a law office.
`
`The
`
`grounds
`
`of my belief
`
`as to all matters
`
`not
`
`stated
`
`upon my knowledge
`
`are as follows:
`
`1.
`
`2.
`
`Records
`
`and
`
`correspondence
`
`in my possession.
`
`Communications
`
`with
`
`Defendant's
`
`representatives.
`
`I affirm
`
`that
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`statements
`
`are true.
`
`Dated:
`
`Morristown,
`20,
`
`July
`
`2020
`
`New Jersey
`
`fo4efl
`
`P.
`
`fitent
`
`Joseph
`
`P. Fiteni,
`
`Esq.
`
`15
`
`15 of 15
`
`