Scopel v. Donegal Mutual Insurance

OLSZEWSKI, Judge.

In July of 1990, Darren Scopel was accosted and severely beaten by Gregory Shankle and two of his cohorts. This unprovoked attack, which resulted in extensive injuries to Scopel, prompted Scopel and his parents to file a civil lawsuit against the unruly threesome. In the underlying complaint supporting the suit, the Scopels alleged that Shankle willfully, maliciously and intentionally assaulted Darren Scopel; no averment was made that Shankle’s actions were the result of reckless or negligent behavior. Both compensatory and punitive damages were sought.

At the time of this…