Scott, V. v. Consolidated Rail (memorandum)

Annotate this Case

Download PDF

J-A17027-14 NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37 VIOLA L. SCOTT, AS THE ADMINISTRATRIX OF THE ESTATE OF WESSIE L. HARDY, DEC’D AND MICHAEL HARDY, INDIVIDUALLY IN HIS OWN RIGHT IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA Appellants v. CONSOLIDATED RAIL CORPORATION A/K/A CONRAIL CORPORATION, NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND CSX TRANSPORTATION Appellees No. 2540 EDA 2013 Appeal from the Order July 18, 2013 In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County Civil Division at No(s): 02534 February Term, 2013 BEFORE: GANTMAN, P.J., PANELLA, J., and STABILE, J. MEMORANDUM BY PANELLA, J. FILED DECEMBER 22, 2014 Appellants, Viola L. Scott, as the administratrix of the Estate of Wessie L. Hardy, deceased, and Michael Hardy, individually in his own right appeal from the order granting Appellees, Consolidated Rail Corporation a/k/a Conrail Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company and CSX Transportation’s Motion to Dismiss on the Basis of Forum Non Conveniens, entered July 18, 2013, by the Honorable Arnold L. New, Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County. After careful review, we affirm on the basis of Judge New’s well-written memorandum opinion. J-A17027-14 The trial court ably summarized the facts underlying the instant appeal as follows. The claims in [Appellants’] wrongful death and survival action arise from Plaintiff Michael Hardy and [Wessie Hardy’s] exposure to the chemical, vinyl chloride monomer (hereinafter “vinyl chloride”). The chemical release following a train derailment on the East Jefferson Street Bridge over the Mantua Creek in Paulsboro, New Jersey on November 30, 2012. Plaintiff Michael Hardy and decedent, Wessie Hardy (hereinafter “Decedent”), were residents of New Jersey at the time of the incident. Decedent and Plaintiff Michael Hardy, her son, lived approximately 1,600 feet away from the location of the derailment. Decedent was working in her yard at the time of the incident. Shortly thereafter, Decedent was admitted to Underwood Memorial Hospital in Woodbury, New Jersey due to difficulty breathing, chest pains and burning and irritation of the eyes. [Appellant] Michael Hardy sought medical treatment in New Jersey following the derailment. Decedent passed away in New Jersey on December 3, 2012. On March 18, 2013, [Appellees] filed preliminary objections to [Appellants’] Complaint on the Basis of Forum Non Conveniens Pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5322(e). [Appellees] also filed a Motion to Stay Proceedings in this [c]ourt that same day. [Appellants] filed their response to [Appellees’] preliminary objections on April 8, 2013 and to the Motion to Stay Proceedings on May 3, 2013. On May 6, 2013, this [c]ourt granted [Appellees’] Motion for a Protective Order and/or Stay of the Discovery, staying the matter pending a ruling on [Appellees’] Forum Non Conveniens Motion. [Appellants] filed their response to the instant Motion on May 9, 2013. A Rule Returnable for the Forum Non Conveniens Motion was heard on June 26, 2013. Trial Court Opinion, 7/17/13 at 2-3 (footnotes omitted). Following the hearing, the trial court granted Appellees’ Motion and dismissed the matter -2- J-A17027-14 without prejudice to re-file in New Jersey. Appellants filed a Motion for Reconsideration, which the trial court denied. This timely appeal followed. Appellants raise the following claims on appeal: 1. Whether the [t]rial [c]ourt abused its discretion in determing that Philadelphia is an inconvenient forum when it prevented [Appellants] from taking substantive discovery regarding [Appellees’] Philadelphia-based negligence and accepted [Appellees’] misrepresentations that the actions and omissions which are the subject of this litigation arose in New Jersey and that “all the physical evidence is, in fact, in New Jersey” when, after being rewarded with dismissal, the [Appellees] disclosed to the [t]rial [c]ourt that “catalogues” of physical evidence are actually located in Philadelphia and the subsequent findings of the National Transportation Safety Board establish that negligent conduct occurred in Philadelphia? 2. Whether the [t]rial [c]ourt abused its discretion by granting [Appellees’] … Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ Complaint on the Basis of Forum Non Conveniens Pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. §5322(e), finding Philadelphia to be an inconvenient forum, where the negligence actions and decisions in Philadelphia of the Philadelphia-based managers of [Appellee] Consolidated Rail Corporation, headquartered in Philadelphia, caused the train derailment, railroad bridge collapse and toxic chemical spill? Appellants’ Brief at 4-5. We have reviewed Appellants’ brief, the relevant law, the certified record, and the well-written opinion of the able trial judge, the Honorable Arnold L. New. We conclude that the claims raised in Appellants’ brief are unavailing and that the trial court’s opinion, filed on July 18, 2013, meticulously and accurately explains why Appellants’ claims are without merit. We are satisfied that the trial court methodically examined the forum -3- J-A17027-14 non conveniens factors and correctly determined that a more appropriate alternative forum for this action exists in New Jersey. We are further satisfied that the alleged newly discovered evidence Appellants present in their brief does not compel us to revisit the trial court’s decision, as similar evidence of this nature factored into the trial court’s prior analysis. Therefore, we adopt the trial court’s opinion as our own. In any future filings with this or any other court addressing this ruling, the filing party shall attach a copy of the trial court’s opinion. Order affirmed. Jurisdiction relinquished. Judgment Entered. Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq. Prothonotary Date: 12/22/2014 -4- Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF PHILADEL~HIACOUNTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL TRIAL DIVISION FEBRUARY TERM, 2013 NO. 2534 HARDY, et af., Plaintiffs, vs. CONTROL NO.: 13,042445 CONSOLIDATED RAIL CORPORATION, et af., Defendants. OPINION New, J. July 17,2013 PROCEDURAL AND FACTUAL HISTORY Plaintiffs Viola L, Scott, as the Administratrix of the Estate ofWessie 1. Hardy, deceased, and Michael Hardy (hereinafter "Plaintiffs") commenced this wrongful death and survival action against Defendants Consolidated Rail Corporation alIcia. Conrail Corporation (hereinafter "Conrail"); Norfolk Southern Railway Company a/k/a Norfolk Southern Corporation; CSX Transportation, Inc,; CSX Corporation; Seminole Gulf Railway. L.P,; Oxyvinyls LP (hel'einaftel' "Oxyvinyls"); Exxon Mobil Corporation; Union Tank Car Company; Murex, N,A, Ltd d/b/a Murex Ltd.; and Gatz Corporation by way of Complaint on February 25, On April 19, 2013, Defendants, Consolidated Rail Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company and CSX Transportation, Inc, (collectively, ((Defendants"), filed the instant Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint on the Basis of Forum Non Conveniens Pursuant to 42 I The following defendants were dismissed without prejtldice by way of stipulation: (I) CSX Corporation on March 15,2013; (2) Exxon Mobil Corporation on AprilS, 2013; (3) Gatx Corporation on April 2 I, 2013; (4) Seminole Gulf Railway, L.P. 011 April 21, 20[3; (5) Murex LLC on May 2, 2013; and (6) Oxyvinyls on July 9,2013. Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM Pa. C.S.A. § 5322(e) (hereinafter the "Motion"). For reasons set forth herein, this Court grants Defendants' Motion on the determination an alternative forum exists on the present record and the weighty reasons strongly favor dismissal of the matter without prejudice to re~file in New Jersey'. The relevant facts and procedural history are as follows. The claims in Plaintiffs' wrongful death and survival action arise from Plaintiff Michael Hardy and Decedenfs exposure to the chemical, vinyl chloride monomer (hereinafier "vinyl chloride'). The chemical release occurred following a train derailment on the East Jefferson Street Bridge over the Mantua Creek in Paulsboro, New Jersey on November 30, 2012,2 Plaintiff Michael Hardy and decedent, Wessie Hardy (hereinafter "Decedent"), were r'esidents of New Jersey at the time of the incident.' Decedent and Plaintiff Michael Hardy, her son, lived approximately 1,600 feet away from the location of the derailment. 3 Decedent was working in her yard at the time of the incident,4 Shortly thereafter, Decedent was admitted to Underwood Memorial Hospital in Woodbury, New Jersey due to difficulty breathing, chest pains and burning and irritation of the eyes,5 Plaintiff Michael Hardy sought medical treatment in New Jersey following the derailment. 6 Decedent passed away in New Jersey on December 3, 2012,7 On March l8, 2013, Defendants filed preliminary objections to Plaintiffs' Complaint. On Apri119, 2013, Defendants filed the instant Motion to Dism;iss Plaintiffs' Complaint on the Basis of Forum Non Conveniens Pursuant to 42 Pa, C.S.A. § 5322(e). Defendants also filed a Motion to Stay Proceedings in this Court that same day. Complaint (hereinafter "Compl.") at '1~ 2,29. Comp1. at ~~ 61,64. ~ ld. at, 4. 5ld.. at ~ 68. 6 Deposition of Michael Hardy. 6130/13 (hereinafter "Hardy Dep.") at 22-23. 7 Compl. at 1 7, 2 Plaintiffs' 3 2 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM Plaintiffs filed their response to Defendants' preliminary objections on April 8, 2013 and to the Motion to Stay the Pl'Oceedings on May 3, 2013. On May 6, 2013, this Court granted Defendants' Motion for a Protective Order and/or Stay of the Discovery, staying the matter pending a ruling on Defendants' Forum Non Conveniens Motion. 8 Plaintiffs filed their response to the instant Motion on May 9, 2013. A Rule Returnable for the Forum Non Conveniens Motion was heard on June 26, 2013. 9 After careful consideration of the parties' arguments and the fully briefed papers and supporting evidence, this Couli grants Defendants' Motion and dismisses the matter without prejudice to re"file in New Jersey. LEGAL ANALYSIS A trial coult may dismiss an action on the basis of forum non conveniens with leave to re-file in another state pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S, § 5322(e) even though jurisdiction and venue are proper. IO Section 5322( e) provides: "When a tribunal finds that in the il)terest of substantial justice the matter should be heard in another forum, the tribunal may stay or dismiss the matter in whole or in palt on any conditions that may be juSt.,,11 In determining whether to dismiss a suit on the basis of forum non conveniens, the cOUli must consider two important factors: (1) a plaintiff's choice of forum will not be disturbed except for weighty reasons; and (2) no action will be dismissed unless an alternative forum is 8 This Order did not pcrtain to nny discovery the parties were permitted to perform in relation to thc June 26, 2013 Rule I·learing. 9 Defendant Oxyvinyls also filed a Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint on the Basis of PorulIl Non Conveniens Pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5322(e), which was scheduled to be heard with the instant Motion. However, at the June 26, 2013 Rule Hearing, Plaintiffs and Defendant Oxyvinyls advised the COUit that Plaintiffs were dismissing the action against this defendant, and thus, Defendant Oxyvinyls was withdrawing its For/llll Non Conveniens Motions. Transcript of Evidentiary Hearing, 6126/13 (hereinafter UHr'g Tr.") at 4-5. PUI'suant to counsels' represontations, the Court entered nn order, dismissing Defendant Oxyvil1Yl's Forum Non Conveniens Motion as moot. See Court Order 6126/13. AccoJ'dingly, this Opinion does not address Defendant Oxyvinyls' Motion. 10 Engstrom v. Bayet' Corp., 2004 PA Super 223, 855 A.2d 52, 55 (Pa. Supel'. 2004) (citation omitted). II 42 Pa. C.S. § 5322(e). 3 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM available to the plaintiff 12 In addressing whether an alternative forum exists, our Supreme Court explained: Because of [this] factor, the suit will be entertained, no matter how inappropriate the forum may be, if defendant cannot be subjected to jurisdiction in other states. The same will be true if plaintiff's cause of action wou1d elsewhere be baned by the statute of limitations, unless the court is willing to accept defendanfs stipulation that he will not raise this defense in the second' state, 13 H[T]he trial court must examine both the private and public interests involved" to determine whether weighty reasons exist to overcome a plaintiff's chosen forum,14 "These two sets of factors are not mutually exclusive but rather supplement each other.,,15 The private factors the trial court must consider include: the relative ease of access to sources of proof; availability of the compulsory process for attendance of unwilling, and the cost of obtaining attendance of willing, witnesses; possibility of a view of the premises, if a view would be appropdate to the action; and all other practical problems that make tdal of a case easy, expeditious and inexpensive. 16 In addressing the public interest factors, the Pennsylvania appellate courts recognize: administrative difficulties follow for courts when litigation 1S piled up in congested centers instead of being handled at its origin, Jury duty is a burden that ought not to be imposed upon the people of a community that has no relation to the litigation. There is an appropriateness, too, in having the trial in a forum that is at home with the state law that must govern the case, rather than baving a court in some other forum untangle the pl'Oblems in conflict of laws, and in law foreign to itself. 17 I~ Engstl'om, 855 A.2d at 55 (citing Plum v, Tampax. Inc., 399 Pa. 553,160 A.2d 549.553 (1960»; see also HUmes y, Sgkel'd Corp., 807 A.2d 290, 293-94 (Pa. Super. 2002) (citing PoIeX v. Delmarva Power & Light QQ., 2001 PA Super 182. 779 A.2d 544, 546 (Pa. Super. 2001». 13 Plum, 399 Pa. at 561,160 A.2d at 551. 14 Jessop v. ACF Indus .. LLC, 2004 PA Super 367,859 A.2d 80), 803 (Pa. Super. 2004) (citing Engstrom, 855 A.2d at 56). 15 Plum, 399 Pa. at 553.160 A.2d at 562 (quoting OulfOil Corp. y. Gilbert. 330 U.S, 501, 508 (1947). 16 Jessop, 859 A.2d at 803 (qnoting D' Alterio v. N.J. Tratlli.t Rail OperatiOjls. rnc., 2004 PA Super 42, 845 A.2d 850, 852 (Pa. Super. 2004». 17 rd. at 803-804. 4 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM To justify dismissal on the basis of forum nOll conveniens, "the private and public factoi'S must be strongly in favor of the party moving for dismissal.,.18 In the case at hand, Defendants argue dismjssal of this action is appropriate since "the derailment and chemical release occurred entirely within the State of New Jersey, it ~ppeat's likely that the vast majority of witnesses and evidence will be located in New Jersey.,,19 Upon carefu1 review of the record, this Court agrees and dismisses the action without prejudice to refile in the state of New Jersey. A. Alternative Forum Exists The thl'esho Id inquiry of whether an alternative forum exists is satisfied in this matter. The Court takes judicial notice the two-year statute of 1imitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims and survival actions in New Jersey has not run as the incident occurred on November 30,2012. 20 Therefore, Defendants' waiver of the statute of limitations is not required at this time. However, Defendants state: "the moving Defendants would be willing, if necessary to enable re-filing in New Jersey, to stipulate to the tolling of the applicable statute of limitations.,,21 Thus, Defendants have agreed to waive the statute oflimitations, if necessary. Futiher, Defendants have consented to submit to the jurisdiction of the state court of New 18 ll!:. at 804. Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint on the Basis ~f Forum Non Conveniens Pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5322(e) (hereinafter "Dfts.' Motion") at ~ 7. 2Q NJ.S.A. § 2A: 14-2 (two-ycar statute of limitations for personal inj,,!,ry actions); NJ .S.A. § 2A:31-3 (wrongful death action must be commenced within two years after detllh of the qecedent unless the death resulted from murder, aggravated manslaughter or manslaughter for which the defelldant ha$ been convicted found not guilty by reason of insanity or adjudicated delinquent); NJ.S.A. §. 2A: 15·3 (two-year statute of limitations for survival actions unless the death resulted from murder, aggravated manslaughtel' or manslaughter for which the defendant has been convicted found not guilty by reason of insanity or adjudicated delinquent). lJ Dfts: Motion at ~ 16. 19 5 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM Jersey,Z2 As such, there is no dispute this matter can be :filed in Plaintiffs' home state as a suitable, alternative forum, B. Private and Public Factors Weigh Strongly in Favor of Dismissal Next, an examination of the private and public interest factors strongly favor dismissal of this action with leave to re-file in New Jersey, 1. Private Factors Weigh in Favor of Dismissal With respect to the private factors set forth above, all pertinent events occurred in New Jersey. It is undisputed the train derailment and subsequent chemical spill occurred in New Jersey, Plaintiff Michael Hardy and Decedent resided in New Jersey at the time of the incident and exposure. Plaintiff Michael Hardy still resides in New Jersey. Plaintiffs' claims are premised on their alleged exposure from the release of the chemical vinyl chloride following the November 30,2012 tmin derailment. Regarding the sources of proof, it is undisputed Decedent and Plaintiff Michael Hardy received medical treatment in New Jersey from New Jersey physicians. Decedent waS admitted to Underwood Memorial Hospital in Woodbury, New Jersey.23 Plaintiff Michael Hardy sought medical treatment in New Jersey following the derailment.24 Thus, the relevant medical records are located outside of Pennsylvania, Moreover, a vast majority of the identified, as well as likely additional, fact witnesses reside in New Jersey. As noted above, Plaintiff Michael Hardy resided in New Jersey at the time of the train derailment and chemical release, and all treating physicians are located in New Jersey. n M. ~ Jones v. Borden. Inc., 455 Pa. Super, 110, 116,687 A,2d 392, 395 (1996) ("A stipUlation made by a defendant that he or she will submit to service of process and not I'aise the statue of limitations us a defense has been . accepted by the COUlts as eliminating the concern regarding the availability of an alternative forum,"). 2~ Compl. at ~ 68. . 24 Hardy Dep, at 22.23. 6 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM Additionally, Plaintiffs identified Rodney Richards, a Paulsboro, New Jersey police officer, as the First Responder to arrive on scene,25 Plaintiffs also produced the affidavit of Donald Grey, a Sergeant for the Paulsboro, New Jersey Police Department, who was assigned to the East Jefferson Street Bl'idge immediately following the train del'ailment. 26 Sergeant Grey not only eye-witnessed the immediate aftermath of the del'ailment and chemical spill, but also ~'continued to work a 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p,m. shift for the next fourteen days, ,,27 Furthet', Plaintiffs identified Dawn Carr, a New Jersey resident, as a fact witness. 28 However, Plaintiffs argue the following Defendant witnesses, "who were involved in, 01' are responsible fol', the November 30,2012 tra.in derailment, railroad bridge collapse and spill of toxic chemicals in Paulsboro, New Jersey" are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: (1) the Tl'ain Engineer; (2) the Train Conductor; (3) the Train Dispatcher; (4) the StructU1'es Supervisor; (5) the Trainmaster; (6) the Construction Engineer; and (7) the Signal Supervisol',29 Plaintiffs further argue: the documents which l'elate to the derailment, maintenance of the bridge, and employment files of the Conrail employees whose conduct caused the catastrophe are also located in Philadelphia,30 With l'espect to Defendants' identified andlor unidentified corporate designee witnesses and documentary evidence, it is uncontested these witnesses and evidence are undei' Defendants' Hr'g fr, at 4 I; Affidavit of Rodney Richards (het'einaftel' "Richards Aff.") at ~ 2. Officer Richards is a plaintiff in another case pending in Phil!ldelphia arising from the November 30, 2012 train derailment and chemical spill, Richards Aff. at ~ 13. 26 Sec Affidavit of Donald Grey (hereinafter "Grey Aff.") at ~ 2. Sergeant Grey is a plaintiff in another case pending in Philadelphia arising from the November 30.2012 train derailment and chemica! spill. Grey Aff. at ~ 9. 21 Grey Aff. at ~~ 3-4. 28 Affidavit of Dawn Carr. 29 Plaintiffs' Response in Opposition to Defendants Consolidated Rail Corporation, Not'folk Southern Railway Company and CSX Transpoltation, Inc.'s Motion to Dismiss the Complaint on the Basis of Fo/'tl/II Non Conveniens Pursuant to 42 Pa, C.S.A. § 5322(e) (hereinafter "Pis.' Response) at ~'r 6-7; see also Plaintift:~' Memorandum of Law in Opposition to Defendants Consolidated Rail Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company and CSX Transportation, [Ile. IS Molion to Dismiss the Complaint on the Basis of FOfllm Non Conveniens Pursuant to 42 Pa, C.S.A. § 5322(e) (llCI'einafier "Pis.' Memo") at 6, 12, 30 Pis.' Memo at 12; see also Pis.' Response at,r 7. 25 7 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM control. Defendants have represented they will produce an Comail designee witnesses and documentary evidence in their possession in New Jersey as required by law. 3l Accordingly, the six (6) Philadelphia~based police officers hired by Defendant CSX Transportation, Inc., who traveled to the East Jefferson Street Bridge imm.ediately after the derailment and were involved in the communications of information and investigation regarding this incident, are likewise under Defendants' control. Pursuant to Defendants' representations, these witnesses will be produced in New Jersey as required by law. Moreover, although the COlll'ail witnesses are identified with a corporate address of 1717 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the evidentiary record shows most of these corporate witnesses were not "based" in Philadelphia. Rathel', discovery on this issue l'eveals the majority of the identified agents were based out of, or worked in, New Jersey, not Pennsylvania. 32 Specifically, the train engineer and train mast~r worked out of Paulsboro, New Jersey,33 and the train conductor worked out of MOl'risviUe, New Jersey at the relevant time. 34 The dispatcher, construction engineer, and Conrail's chief engineer were located in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey during the subject period. 35 Further, the road foreman worked out of Camden, New Jersey, and the signal supervisor worked out of Woodbury, New Jersey.36 Regardless of tho Hr'g Tr. at 39; ~ Railroad Defendants' Reply to Plaintiffs' Answer to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint on the Basis of Forum Non Conveniens Pu,:suant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5322(e) (hereinafter "Dfts.' Reply") at '8. Defendants argue the record shows the documents Plaintiffs identified are located tn Mount Laurel, New Jersey. See. e.g.,. Deposition of Jonathan Broder, 6112/13 (hereinafter "Broder Dep.") at 21 (trouble tickets), 59-60 (bridge insp~tion, repair and engineering records); Deposition of Jeny Kaminski, 6/17/13 (hereinafter "Kaminski Dep.") at 25·26 (bridge maintenance log); Deposition of Ryan M. Hill. 6/13/2 I 3 at 37-38 (Conrail bridge reports maintained in Mount Laurel, New Jersey). However, to the extent any ofthe evidence in Defendants' control is located outside of New Jersey, Defendants have agreed to produce all such evidence in New Jersey. 32 See, e.g., Broder Dep. at 12-13 (Service Planning Department), 26-27 (Chief Engineer), 47-48 (Chief Risk Officer); Deposition of Wilbert Den Ouden, 6/14/13 (hereinafter "Den Ouden Dcp.") at 10·11, 15 (Conductor); Deposition of Jon A. Havelick, 6/17/13 (hereinafter "Havelick Dep.") at 8 (Dispatcher). 33 Deposition of Mark Mather, 6/14/13 fit 7-8; Deposition of Gary Fillingame, 6/12/13 at 9; Broder Dep. at 83-84. 34 Den Ouden Dep. at 10-11, 15. 35 Havelick Dep. a( 7-9; BI'oder Dep. at 26-27, 82; Kaminski Dep. at 7-8, 16. 36 Deposition of Ryan P. Kea(ing, 6/13/13 (hereinafter "Keating Dep.") at 15· \6; Deposition of David G. Ohr, 31 8 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM agents' locations, Defendants have represented they will produce all corporate designee witnesses, along with a11 discoverable documentary evidence under their control, in New Jersey. Second, consideration of the availability of attendance of any unwilling and the cost of obtaining attendance of the willing witnesses weighs in favor of dismissal. As noted above, Plaintiffs are located in New Jersey as are a vast majority ofthe currently identified fact witnesses. In their Sur-Reply, Plaintiffs identify additional non-party witnesses involved in the emergenoy response, First Responders from the U.S. Coast Guard Personnel and Federal Railroad Authodty representatives, located in this Commonwealth. 37 With respeot to the availability of the attendance of unwilling witnesses, this Court notes Pennsylvania recently adopted the Uniform Depositions and Discovery Act (hereinafter the "UIDDA") whereas New Jersey has not as ofthe date of the filing of this Motion. Pennsylvania's UIDDA, 42 Pa. C.S. §§ 5331-5337, replacing 42 Pa. C.S. § 5326, governs foreign depositions and subpoenas and applies to "civil action[s] 01' pl'oceeding[s] in foreign actions where discovery is sought in this Commonwealth.,,38 Pursuant to the plain language of the statute, the UIDDA does not apply to the reverse situation wherein a Pennsylvania litigant is seeking discovery from a foreign, non-party witness, ~, a New Jersey witness such as Plaintiffs' treating physicians or the othel' identified non-party, fact witnesses located in New Jersey. Thus, if a non-party witness refuses to voluntarily give his testimony or statement or produce documents or other things for use in a matter. the UIOnA is applicable only if this suit is dismissed and re~filed in New Jersey. This factor, therefore, weighs in favor of dismissal based upon the fact a vast majority of 6!131l3 at 10. Plaintiffs' Sur-Reply MemOl'andum in Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss on the Basis of Forum Non Convenien,~ Pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. § S322(e) (hereinafter "PIs.'· Sur-Reply") at 15-16. 3& 42 Pa. C.S. § 5332. 31 9 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM non-party, fact witnesses are located in New Jersey, and the UIDDA provides a mechanism for out-of-state counsel to order a person who is domiciled in 01' found within this Commonwealth, including the First Responders and representatives f!'Om the Federal Railroad Authority based out of Pennsylvania, to give testimony 01' a statement or to produce documents or other things for use in the New Jersey matter. . . The third element, the possibility of a view of the premises, if appropriate, weighs in favor of dismissal as the situs of the incident is New Jersey. Finally, all other practical problems that make a tdal easy, expeditious and inexpensive weigh in favor of dismissal. At the time of the filing of this Motion, thirteen (13) suits have been filed in New Jersey in connection with the November 30,2012 train derailment and chemicall'eleasc. The first of these New Jersey suits were filed before the instant litigation. On February 8, 2013, the Honorable Robert B. Kugler of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey ordered the consolidation of the New Jersey matters tlllder one docket for purposes of discovery and case management. 39 While this Court recognizes the nature of the claims differ and thus, consolidation with the medical monitoring cases may not be appropriate for trial, it is undisputed this litigation arises from the same November 30, 2012 derailment and Plaintiffs asseli many of the same claims as raised in the other matters I Le., negligence and strict liability. As such, fact discovery on the issue of liability would be identical. An order denying this Motion would require the Pennsylvania litigants to engage in independent and separate discovery, some of which will be duplicative of the discovery cUt1'ently being conducted in the consolidated New Jersey actions. Thus, judicial efficiency and more expeditious and less costly resolution of the pmiies' claims could still be achieved by 39 See In re Paulsboro Derailment Cases, Dkt, No, 1, No.1: 13-cv-784-RBK-KMW CD.N.J.). 10 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM consolidating this matter with the othel' medical monitoring claims for purposes of fact discovery, but not for triaL. Further, since the derailment and chemical release occurred in New Jersey, this Cou11 recognizes, without engaging in a choice"of"law analysis at this stage of the litigation, an application and interpretation of New Jersey law might be required. This Court is more than capable of performing this task, if necessary. However, a New Jersey judge more familiar with that'fonlm's substantive laws would render a decision more efficiently.40 It also should be noted a possibility of inconsistent judgments exists in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey actions if this Court applied Pennsylvania law while Judge Kugler applied New Jersey law to the identically raised claims. Such an inconsistency runs contrary to the goals of achieving judicial economy and efficient administration of justice. Accordingly, the private factors weigh in favor of the dismissal of this matter with leave to re~file in New Jel'sey. 2. 'Public Factors Weigh in Favor of Dismissal On the present record, the enumerated public factors also favor dismissal of the instant litigation on the basis of forum non conveniens. It is important to note the standard governing a motion for dismissal pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S. § 5322(e) differs from the standard governing preliminary objections to venue pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1028(a)(1) or a petition/motion to transfer venue "for the convenience of parties" pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. l006(d)(1). Instantly, all parties agree venue properly lies against Defendants in Philadelphia Co\mty due to the location of Defendant Consolidated Rail Corporation's headquarters at 1717 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Defendant CSX TranspOltatioll, Inc. 's presence in Plum, 399 Pa. at 562, 160 A.2d at 553 ("There is an appropriateness, too, in having the trial ... in fl forum that is at home with the state law that must govern the case, ruther than having a court in sOllle other forum untangle problems in conflict of laws, and in law fOl'eign to itself.") (citation omitted). 40 I1 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM Philadelphia C~unty.41 However, the fact venue properly lies against Defendants in Philadelphia County does not foreclose the trial court from dismissing a matter pursuant to 42 Pa. C,S. § 5322(e) upon review ofthe weighty factors. Here~ Plaintiffs oppose dismissal on the ground "Defendant Consolidated Rail Corporation's corporate decisions, actions and omissions which led to the bridge derailment, bridge collapse and chemical spill" occurred in Philadelphia. 42 Specifically, Plaintiffs argue the negligence underlying this incident emanates from Defendant Conrail's Philadelphia-based managers' decision to continue to use the East Jefferson Street Bridge. 43 Thus, Plaintiffs maintain "the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and County of Phil adelphia have a substantial interest in adjudicating this case because the company which caused this catastrophe is headquartered in Philadel phia. ),44 Accordingly, Plaintiffs aver the factual scenario of this matter is similar to Hunter v. Shire US, Inc.,45 a pharmaceutical failure-to"wam case, and Wright v. Aventis Pasteur, Inc,,4u a product-liability litigation. However, upon review, those matters are distinguishable from the matter at hand. In Wright, the plaintiffs, Texas residents, instituted the product-liability litigation on the allegation their son's neurological damage was caused by his exposure to mercury contained in the manufacturer defendants' blood products and vaecinations. 47 In moving for dismissal under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5322(e), the manufacturing defendants argued all pertinent events occuned in 41 Hr'g Tr. at 9-10. 4, Pis,' Response at~' 6,8,10. PIs.' Sur-Reply at 18. pis.' Memo at 14. 4$ Hunter, 20 I0 PA Super, 39, 992 A.2d 891 (Pa. Super. 2010), 46.1\TIglU, 2006 PA Super. 203, 905 A.2d 544 (Pa. Super, 2006). 47ld.. at 545. 43 44 12 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM Texas, including where the plaintiff received the vaccine. 48 The trial court agreed and granted the dismissa1.49 On appeal, the Pennsylvania Superior Court reversed, finding the trial court had abused its discretion after weighing the private and public factors. 5o First, the Superior Court noted the defendants had filed thdr forum non conveniens motion on the last day for submission of pretrial motions, three (3) months prior to the scheduled trial date, even though the case had been in progress for two (2) years. 51 Second, the plaintiffs argued the public factors weighed against dismissal since Hthe crux of this litigation revolver d] around the decisions made by the product manufacturers [in the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area] to use thimerosal, a substance known to be toxic to humans, as a preservative in their products, and to distribute these dangerous products, without adequate warning throughout the world.,,52 The Superior Court agreed, noting an five counts of negligence were premised on that allegation. 53 The Pennsylvania Superior Court discussed Wright at length when deciding whether dismissal 011 the basis offorum non conveniens was proper in Hunter v. Shire US, Inc.,54 a pharmaceutical failure-to-warn case. There, the plaintiff had sued the prescription drug manufacturer after suffering a hearL allack from the ingestion of the prescription drug, Add eral 1. 55 The manufacturing defendants sought dismissal, arguing the plaintiff had no connection to Pennsylvania since he resided in Georgia, his medical care was administered there, 48 lsi at 550. 49 Id. at 547. 50'ld Slid. at 551. 52 rd. at 549. ~3 ld. S4 S5 Hunw, 992 A.2d 891. rd. 13 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM and-he was prescribed and ingested the prescription drug outside of Pennsylvania. 56 Similar to Wright, the plaintiff opposed dismissal on the ground «(the circumstances of his ingestion of Adderall and ensuing medical care [were] largely settled."S7 The Pennsylvania Superior Court agreed, stating: "[t]here is no question that the central iss~le herein relates to [the defendants'] development, testing and marketing of Adderall, and its knowledge of and warnings about the risks of heart attack from ingesting that drug. lIS8 Unlike Wright and Hunter, the cause of the November 30, 2012 derailment is "not largely settled." The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the incident and has not yet released its investigation results. Additionally, discovery in this matter was stayed pending a determination of the instant Motion. Thus, this litigation does not suffer from the same procedural concerns the Pennsylvania Superior Comi raised in Wright, §1!Illi!,. Moreover, although Plaintiffs argue "[t]he citizens and government of Philadelphia have a substantial interest in this case" as a result of Defendants' transpOlt of hazardous materials across Conrail's bridges located in Philadelphia, Plaintiffs acknowledge the decision to proceed across the East Jefferson Street Bridge on the morning of November 30,2012, contrary to the signal indicating not to do so, was made in New Jersey.59 Deposition testimony conducted in connection with this Motion confIrms the decision to authorize the train to cross the East Jefferson Street Bridge on the morning of November 30, 2012 was made in New Jersey.GO Further, the allegations included in Plaintiffs' Complaint suggest the derailment and subsequent chemical release may have resulted from the conduct of 56 Id. at 893. s1lci at 893-94. $8 Mh at 895, P[s.' Sur-Reply at J9·20. The record also shows the train came fi'om Camden, New Jersey before it crossed the East Jefferson Street Bridge, Den Ouden Dep. at 17. [n fact, the train was "pieced together" in Camden, New Jersey. liat 17·18. 60 Havelick Dep. at 7-11. 59 14 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM Defendants' agents in New Jersey, specifically at the bridge situs and the Mount Laurel Base. In their Complaint, Plaintiffs allege: 44. On the morning of November 3D, 2012, the bridge light was red, indicating that the bridge was not properly aligned ahd locked and that the train engineer should not proceed across the bridge. 45. Defendant Conrail, an owner of the East Jefferson Street Bridge and operator of the train, promulgates a rule which states: When a train encounters a Stop Signal at a moveable bridge, the Train Dispatcher must not authorize the train to pass the Stop Signal llntil a qualified employee examines the bridge and determines that the rails are properly lined and the bridge is safe for movement. 46. Upon information and belief, the train engineer then contacted the Mount Laurel-based dispatch opel'ator, and requested permission to cross the East Jefferson Street Bridge. 47. Upon information and belief, the train engineer, in consultation with the Mount Laurel-based dispatch operator, consciously and recklessly decided to proceed across the East Jefferson Street Bridge with freight which included hazardous and toxic substances. 48. The Railroad Defendants' agents' decision to cross the East Jefferson Street Bridge carrying hazardous and toxic chemicals while the light was red constitutes a conscious disregard for the health, welfare and safety of the residents of Paulsboro, New Jersey, particularly Wessie Hardy.61 These allegations suggest the derailment and subsequent chemical release resulted from the Railroad Defendants' agents' decision to permit the train to proceed across the bridgel notwithstanding the "red signa!;" which indicated the bridge was not pl"operly positioned. Such allegations concern the negligent conduct of the train engineer and dispatcher, who were not located in Pennsylvania, rather than Defendant Consolidated Rail COl'pol'utionls corporate 61 Compl.'11144-48;seea[soCompl.llt,1 104-106, 111(s), 147-149, 157(s), 183. 15 Circulated 12/04/2014 03:35 PM decisions) action and omissions made the previous year,62 Upon review of the l'ecord, the weighty reasons, i.e.) the private and public interest factors, strongly favor dismissal on the basis of/arum non conveniens. It is undisputed Plaintiffs and Decedent were residents of New Jersey at the time of the incident, Decedent and Plaintiff Michael Hardy received medical treatment ill New Jet'sey by New Jersey physicians, all relevant medical records are located in New Jersey, a vast majority of the non-party, fact witnesses are located in New Jersey and, to the extent witnesses or evidence under Defendants' control are located in Pennsylvania, Defendants have represented they will produce all corporate designee witnesses and documentary evidence in their possession in New Jersey. 63 Accordingly, this COUlt finds the weighty reasons strongly favor dismissal of the instant litigation without prejudice to re-file in New Jersey, CONCLUSION WHEREFORE, for the reasons stated above, this Court grants Defendants' Motion and dismisses the case with leave to re-file in the state of New Jersey. BY THE COURT: ARNOLD L. NEW, J. Havelick Dep, at 7-1 (. The Court notes the citizens of Philadelphia County should not be burdened with jury duty and the expense of conducting a trial wherein the record shows the contl'oversy has only tangential contacts with Philadelphia. and the citizens of New Jersey have a stronget' community interest in resolving the dispute as being the location of the incident. 62 63 16

Some case metadata and case summaries were written with the help of AI, which can produce inaccuracies. You should read the full case before relying on it for legal research purposes.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.