Court Opinion

ID: 9645491
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 21:26:40.571409+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:11:28.796276
License: Public Domain

BECK, Judge,
dissenting:
The trial court found that the authentication diagrams were a necessary part of the materials to be delivered on the contract. This finding was crucial to the determination that appellee-materialman’s notice of non-payment was timely because the delivery of essential material pursuant to contract extends the notice period. See United States v. E.J.T. Construction Co., 453 F.Supp. 435 (D.Del.1978).
There was a conflict in testimony. Materialman’s witness testified that Pursel had indicated that the first electrical sub-contractor was not longer on the project and that Pur-sel “needed the diagrams to complete the project so that he could finish it up right on scheduled time____” (N.T. 14-15). This witness’ subsequent testimony during cross-examination supports his initial testimony. Appellant’s witness testified that the diagrams were for purposes of repair. Appellant further argues that the diagrams were insignificant. However, the trial court determined this issue of credibility in favor of materialman.
Since I do not believe the trial court erred in finding timely notice, I reach appellant’s argument for set-off or mitigation of damages. Appellant never filed a counter*520claim. Furthermore in its answer, appellant did not raise an affirmative defense that the intercom system supplied by materialman was defective and that appellant made expenses to correct the defect. See 5 Standard Pa.Practice 2d 508 § 27:102. Failure to raise an affirmative defense constitutes waiver. Pa.R.Civ.P. 1032. Even if the issue had not been waived, the trial court properly found that appellant did not meet its burden of establishing the materials were defective. Although Pursel testified regarding payment to correct an intercom system, his testimony did not establish defective material.
Mindful of our scope of review, I dissent, and would affirm the judgment of the trial court.