Index No. CV-716670-16/KI

Attorney for Plaintiff:
Oleg Rybak, Esq.
The Rybak Firm, PLLC
1810 Voorhies Avenue, 3rd Floor, Suite 7
Brooklyn, New York 11235

This action seeks to recover first-party no-fault benefits, assigned by Souleyman Diallo, for services rendered. Plaintiff moves to amend to add a new party, Knightbrook Insurance Company, to the action pursuant to CPLR 305(c), CPLR 2001, and CPLR 3025(b), and to remove Grange Mutual Casualty Ins. Co. as a defendant under claim number 14982012. Plaintiff claims that in reviewing the Summons and Complaint it noticed there was a clerical error, in that the name of the defendant was not properly printed. Plaintiff thus seeks leave to re-serve the Amended Summons and Complaint upon Knightbrook Ins. Co. No opposition papers to this motion were submitted by the defendant, Grange Mutual Casualty Ins. Co.

After oral argument, the Decision/Order on plaintiff’s Motion to Amend is as follows:

The accident giving rise to this case occurred on May 5, 2012. Claims were allegedly submitted [*2]to the carrier on December 20, 2013. According to the court files and the plaintiff’s motion, no answer was filed in response to the Summons and Complaint dated May 6, 2016, and filed May 9, 2016. The six-year statute of limitations applies to first-party no-fault claims which begins to run from the date the cause of action accrues, not from the date of the insurer’s belated denial of claim form (DJS Med. Supplies, Inc. v. Clarendon Natl Ins. Co., 32 Misc 3d 129(a) (App Term 2d, 11th & 13th Judicial Dists, 2011)). An amendment to add a party at this juncture falls clearly outside of the statute of limitations.

Plaintiff’s counsel argues Knightbrook Ins. Co. will not suffer any prejudice should the court grant leave to amend. It will merely be called to defend against current claim amounts that remain unpaid and are overdue (Plaintiff Affirmation, Paragraph 10). Plaintiff’s counsel maintains that failure to permit an amendment of the Summons and Complaint would result in additional time, effort, and costs, to all parties, as well as unnecessary waste of judicial resources, as plaintiff would be forced to discontinue the instant action and commence a second lawsuit (id.). Plaintiff’s counsel further asserts, in the discontinuance of this action, there would be no prejudice to Grange Mutual Ins. Co., because no orders have been issued by the Court nor have the parties engaged in substantial litigation (Plaintiff Affirmation, Paragraphs 11, 16). Finally, plaintiff claims this application is not an attempt to circumvent an adverse ruling or otherwise derive underhanded advantage through discontinuing the action against Grange (Plaintiff Affirmation, Paragraph 16).

Relief pursuant to CPLR 305 (c) may be granted only where there is evidence that the correct defendant was served, albeit misnamed, in the original process, and that the correct defendant would not be prejudiced by the granting of the amendment (Nossov v. Hunter Mountain, 185 AD3d 948-949 (2nd Dept, 2020). Though “CPLR 305 (c) may be used to cure a misnomer in the description of a party defendant, it cannot be used after the expiration of the statute of limitations as a device to add or substitute an entirely new defendant who was not properly served” (Tokhmakhova v. H.S. Bros. II Corp., 132 AD3d 662, 662 (2nd Dept. 2015); Smith v. Garo Enters., Inc., 60 AD3d 751,752 (2d Dept. 2009); see also Nossov v Hunter Mountain, 185 AD3d 948, 949 (2nd Dept. 2020). Under CPLR 305 (c), “an amendment to correct a misnomer will be permitted ‘if the court has acquired jurisdiction over the intended but misnamed defendant provided that … the intended but misnamed defendant was fairly apprised that [it] was the party the action was intended to affect … [and] would not be prejudiced’ by allowing the amendment” (Honeyman v. Curiosity Works, Inc., 120 A.D3d 1302, (2d Dept. 2014) [internal citations omitted]).

CPLR 2001 allows a party to correct mistakes, omissions, defects, or irregularities, at any stage of an action. Courts freely grant leave to amend a pleading under CPLR 3025 (b), unless the opposing party can show that the delay causes prejudice or surprise (O’Halloran v. Metropolitan Transp. Auth., 154 AD3d 83, 86 (1st Dept 2017)). If the statute of limitations has expired, a plaintiff may add a claim if it relates back to the incident alleged in the complaint (id.). However, “allowing the relation back of amendments adding new defendants implicates more seriously due process policy concerns than simply the relation back of new causes of action since, in the latter situation, the defendant is already before the court” (Buran v. Coupal, 87 NY2d 173, 178 [1995]).

Here, there is no indication Grange was served with the original summons and complaint or that Knightbrook Ins. Co. was served with the current motion or any other documents related to this incident. To bring a claim for no-fault benefits, statutory prerequisites must be met. The [*3]plaintiff must show claim forms were timely and properly sent to the carrier and that those claims were not paid or properly denied within the statutory period. In the proposed amended pleading, plaintiff merely switches the names of the party and retains the same claim number with the same allegations of timely mailing, albeit to a different address. Plaintiff fails to demonstrate notice to, nor that the statutory prerequisites have been met with the new party. By now moving to add a new party, the plaintiff is requesting this court extend the statute of limitations and resurrect a claim that is otherwise time barred.

According to CPLR 203 (f), “[a] claim asserted in an amended pleading is deemed to have been interposed at the time the claims in the original pleading were interposed, unless the original pleading does not give notice of the transactions, occurrences, or series of transactions or occurrences, to be proved pursuant to the amended pleading.” The relation-back doctrine “enables a plaintiff to correct a pleading error—by adding either a new claim or a new party—after the statutory limitations period has expired,” and gives courts the “sound judicial discretion to identify cases that justify relaxation of limitations strictures … to facilitate decisions on the merits if the correction will not cause undue prejudice to the plaintiff’s adversary” (Buran v. Coupal, 87 NY2d 173, 177-178, [citation and internal quotation marks omitted]; see O’Halloran v. Metropolitan Transp. Auth., 154 AD3d 83, 86); Catnap, LLC v. Cammeby’s Mgmt. Co., LLC, 170 AD3d 1103, 1106 (2019)).

A court could entertain the amendment of the pleading if plaintiff shows that (1) the claims arise out of the same occurrence, (2) the proposed new defendant is “united in interest” with the original defendant and, due to this relationship, the proposed new party is chargeable with notice of the of the action such that there is no prejudice, and (3) the proposed new defendant, Knightbrook Ins. Co., “knew or should have known that, but for an excusable mistake by plaintiff as to the identity of the proper parties, the action would have been brought against him as well.” (id. [internal quotation marks and citation omitted]; see CPLR 203 [c]).

In arguing there would be no prejudice to Grange Mutual, the plaintiff misdirects the focus of the prejudice analysis. The dictates of due process require the court to consider prejudice to the new defendant, Knightbrook, where a belated amendment is requested. Additionally, where, as here, the statute of limitations has expired, plaintiff has the burden of showing that the relation-back doctrine applies (Garcia v. New York-Presbyt. Hosp., 114 AD3d 615, 615 [1st Dept 2014]). Plaintiff has not offered any arguments to satisfy this three-part test for the application of the relation-back doctrine. Finally, “[t]he moving party … has the added burden of establishing that diligent efforts were made to ascertain the unknown party’s identity prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations” (Bumpus v. New York City Tr. Auth., 66 AD3d 26, 35 [2d Dept 2009]). In this case, plaintiff has not provided the court with a factual basis to engage in an analysis and has failed to meet its burden. Given these failures, the court does not reach the question of prejudice to the new party.

Accordingly, the Motion to Amend is denied. This constitutes the decision and order of the court.

CV-723175-16/KI

Plaintiff’s Firm
Richard Rozhik
The Rybak Firm, PLLC
1810 Voorhies Avenue, Suite 7
Brooklyn, New York 11235
Telephone: (718) 975 – 2035
Facsimile: (718) 975 – 2037
rrozhik@rybakfirm.com

Defendant’s Firm:
Christin M. Brown
Attorney at Law
Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP
1133 Westchester Avenue
White Plains, NY 10604 914.872.7158 (Direct)
914.323.7000 (Main)
914.323.7001 (Fax)
christin.brown@wilsonelser.com

Recitation, as required by Civil Procedure Law and Rules (CPLR) §2219(a), of the papers considered on the review of these Motions for Summary Judgment and Cross-Motions for Summary Judgment.

Papers submitted for each above listed case and corresponding Index number: Numbered: ^[FN1]

1. CV-723175-16/KI

Plaintiff NYS Acupuncture, P.C., a/a/o Patrick Howard Notice of Motion, Affirmation and Annexed Exhibits BCYXMB

Defendant’s Cross-Motion and Annexed Exhibits 3ETAHL

2. CV-723178-16/KI

Plaintiff NYS Acupuncture, P.C., a/a/o Miguel Quinn Notice of Motion, Affirmation and Annexed Exhibits VEZUPK

Defendant’s Cross-Motion and Annexed Exhibits 9L2X9X

3. CV-723183-16/KI

Plaintiff Elmont Rehab, P.T., P.C., a/a/o Karen Cutler Notice of Motion, Affirmation and Annexed Exhibits SMQGV7

Defendant’s Cross-Motion and Annexed Exhibits X9J24W

4. CV-723185-16/KI

Plaintiff NYS Acupuncture, P.C., a/a/o Karen Cutler Notice of Motion, Affirmation and Annexed Exhibits HLHQKX

Defendant’s Cross-Motion and Annexed Exhibits HLCISL

5. CV-723177-16/KI

Plaintiff Elmont Rehab, P.T., P.C., a/a/o Miguel Quinn Notice of Motion, Affirmation and Annexed Exhibits EG9PNE

Defendant’s Cross-Motion and Annexed Exhibits JMEEDJ

6. CV-723180-16/KI

Plaintiff Uzma Nasir Physician, P.C., a/a/o Miguel Quinn Notice of Motion, Affirmation and Annexed Exhibits S9SATO

Defendant’s Cross-Motion and Annexed Exhibits 4MT2ST

7. CV-707439-17/KI

Plaintiff Solution Bridge, Inc., a/a/o Jennifer Schaum Notice of Motion, Affirmation and Annexed Exhibits L1TAWA

Defendant’s Cross-Motion and Annexed Exhibits 3C3RI6

8. CV-704429-18/KI

Plaintiff Metro Pain Specialist, P.C., a/a/o Eileen Kilbane Notice of Motion, Affirmation and Annexed Exhibits SV5FHT

Defendant’s Cross-Motion and Annexed Exhibits GCMFWC

9. CV-706460-19/KI

Plaintiff Gentlecare Ambulatory Anesthesia Services; Lyonel F. Paul, M.D., a/a/o Maglorie Bueno Notice of Motion, Affirmation and Annexed Exhibits P59UM6

Defendant’s Cross-Motion and Annexed Exhibits FSJMGT

10. CV-707274-19/KI

Plaintiff Right Aid Medical Supply Corp., a/a/o Enrique Alexander Notice of Motion, Affirmation and Annexed Exhibits TB0A9I

Defendant’s Cross-Motion and Annexed Exhibits LQADFZ

Upon the foregoing cited papers, the Decision and Order on these motions is as follows:

The New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF/the Fund/Defendant), appearing by its attorney in these breach of contract no-fault proceedings, moves this Court pursuant to CPLR §§2221 and 5015(a) for an Order (a) vacating each default judgment entered against the Defendant in each of the above referenced matters; (b) dismissing each Complaint because this Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction; (c) dismissing each Complaint because Plaintiffs failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted; (d) imposing sanctions against Plaintiffs’ counsel pursuant to CPLR §8303 and 22 NYCRR §130-1.1(c) for commencing frivolous actions; and (e) for any further relief that seems just, proper and equitable to the Court. Plaintiffs, appearing by their attorney, oppose Defendant’s motions to dismiss the complaints, claiming that this Court does have subject matter jurisdiction over Defendant. Plaintiffs also oppose vacatur of the default judgements on the grounds that Defendant failed to raise a reasonable excuse for defaulting, and they further oppose Defendant’s motions on the grounds that they are fatally defective pursuant to CPLR §2214(c) because Defendant failed to serve the motion with exhibits referenced in the attorney’s affirmations. Finally, Plaintiffs assert that their filings of the summons, complaints and motions for summary judgment were made in good faith and that this Court should not impose sanctions.

For the reasons discussed below, Defendant’s Motions to Vacate the Default Judgment and to Dismiss each of the above-captioned ten (10) actions are GRANTED WITHOUT PREJUDICE in case any of the Plaintiffs decide to seek relief in the Court of Claims. Defendant’s application for sanctions against Plaintiffs’ counsel is DENIED. Finally, Plaintiffs’ [*2]and their counsel are enjoined from commencing any future similar actions or proceedings seeking relief from this Defendant in Kings County Civil Court without a determination from the Appellate Term, that it is appropriate for Plaintiffs to do so.^[FN2]

Procedural History for Index Nos. CV-723175-16/KI; CV-723178-16/KI; CV-723183-16/KI; CV-723185-16/KI

#1 — Plaintiff NYS Acupuncture, P.C., (CV-723175-16/KI)

Plaintiff claims that Assignor Patrick Howard was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident on or about February 1, 2011, that Defendant was timely notified of Assignor Howard’s accident and injuries and was subsequently assigned a claim number by Defendant.^[FN3] On or about June 27, 2016, Plaintiff filed a Summons and Complaint with the Kings County Civil Court seeking judgment against Defendant for breach of contract based on its alleged failure to either timely pay or deny payment for services rendered to Assignor Howard, as well as statutory interest and attorney’s fees, and served it on Defendant on or about July 6, 2016.^[FN4] On or about October 3, 2016, Defendant served and filed its answer which listed affirmative defenses, including but not limited to that the Civil Court “lacked subject matter jurisdiction to the extent that plaintiff is seeking monetary relief against the STATE INSURANCE FUND, a New York State agency [and that] [r]elief must be sought in the Court of Claims.”^[FN5] On or about October 11, 2016, Kings County Chief Clerk entered a default judgment against Defendant.^[FN6]

#2 — Plaintiff NYS Acupuncture, P.C., (CV-723178-16/KI)

Plaintiff claims that Assignor Miguel Quinn was allegedly in a motor vehicle accident occurring on or about February 12, 2012, that Defendant was timely notified of Quinn’s accident and injuries and was subsequently assigned a claim number by Defendant.^[FN7] On or about June 27, 2016, Plaintiff filed a Summons and Complaint with the Kings County Civil Court seeking judgment against Defendant for breach of contract based on its alleged failure to either timely pay or deny payment for services rendered to Assignor Quinn, as well as statutory interest and attorney’s fees, and served it on Defendant on or about July 6, 2016.^[FN8] On or about October 3, 2016, Defendant served and filed its answer which listed affirmative defenses, including but not limited to that Plaintiff failed to properly serve Defendant, and the Civil Court lacked subject matter jurisdiction as the relief sought against NYSIF, a state agency, must be sought in the Court of Claims.^[FN9] On or about October 11, 2016 a default judgment was entered against the Defendant.^[FN10]

#3 — Plaintiff Elmont Rehab, P.T., P.C. (CV-723183-16/KI)

Plaintiff claims that Assignor Karen Cutler was allegedly in a motor vehicle accident occurring on or about January 26, 2011, that Defendant was timely notified of Cutler’s accident and injuries and was subsequently assigned a claim number by Defendant.^[FN11] On or about June 27, 2016, Plaintiff filed a Summons and Complaint with the Kings County Civil Court seeking judgment against Defendant for breach of contract based on its alleged failure to either timely pay or deny payment for services rendered to Assignor Cutler, as well as statutory interest and attorney’s fees, and served it on Defendant on or about July 6, 2016.^[FN12] In its Answer, Defendant listed affirmative defenses, including but not limited to that Plaintiff failed to properly serve the Defendant and that the Civil Court lacked subject matter jurisdiction as the relief sought against NYSIF, a state agency, must be sought in the Court of Claims.^[FN13] On or about October 11, 2016 a default judgment was entered against the Defendant.^[FN14]

[*3]#4 — Plaintiff NYS Acupuncture, P.C., (CV-723185-16/KI)

Plaintiff claims that Assignor Karen Cutler was allegedly in a motor vehicle accident occurring on or about January 26, 2011, that Defendant was timely notified of Cutler’s accident and injuries and was subsequently assigned a claim number by Defendant.^[FN15] On or about June 27, 2016, Plaintiff filed a Summons and Complaint with the Kings County Civil Court seeking judgment against Defendant for breach of contract based on its alleged failure to either timely pay or deny payment for services rendered to Assignor Cutler, as well as statutory interest and attorney’s fees, and served it on Defendant on or about July 6, 2016.^[FN16] On or about October 3, 2016, Defendant served and filed its answer which listed affirmative defenses, including but not limited to improper service of the summons and complaint in violation of CPLR § 307, and that the Civil Court lacked subject matter jurisdiction because Defendant was a state agency and, as such, monetary relief had to be pursued in the Court of Claims.^[FN17] On or about October 11, 2016, a default judgment was entered against the Defendant.^[FN18]

On or about March 15, 2019, the Plaintiffs on the four cases summarized above filed and served motions seeking summary judgment pursuant to CPLR §§3211(c) or 3212(a) and dismissal of Defendant’s affirmative defenses pursuant to CPLR §3211(b). Defendant subsequently filed notices of cross-motion in each case for summary judgment seeking an order granting its cross-motions for summary judgment and dismissing the cases on multiple grounds, including but not limited to that the Civil Court lacked subject matter jurisdiction. Defendant also sought sanctions on Plaintiffs’ counsel, pursuant to CPLR §8303 and 22 NYCRR §130-1.1(c) for commencing frivolous actions.

After a series of adjournments, on January 5, 2021, these four cases (index numbers CV-723175-16, CV-723178-16, CV-723183-16 and CV-723185-16) were called and argued from the Parts 40 and 41 Special 1 calendars in Kings County Civil Court. The same counsel represented Plaintiffs NYS Acupuncture, P.C. and Elmont Rehab, P.T., P.C. and Defendant had the same counsel in all four cases. This Court denied Plaintiffs’ motions for summary judgment. This Court further stated that it was inclined to grant Defendant’s cross-motion to dismiss the actions on the grounds that the Court lacked subject matter jurisdiction, and that it would be drafting its Decision and Order on the summary judgment and sanctions issues.

On or about January 25, 2021, via email to chambers, Plaintiffs’ counsel suggested instead that one of the four cases be decided on the merits instead of being dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, and the remaining three cases be stayed pending an appeal to and a decision from the Appellate Term. Defendant’s counsel objected to that, reiterating that the cases had to be dismissed because this Court did not have jurisdiction. Further, Defendant again [*4]urged that the Court impose sanctions against Plaintiffs’ counsel for continuing to commence actions against Defendant in the Civil Court despite Plaintiffs’ counsel’s knowledge of prior decisions holding consistently that only the Court of Claims had jurisdiction of the type of cases being litigated before this Court.

While drafting its Decision and Order, this Court found that the New York State Unified Court System Universal Case Management System (UCMS) listed all four cases as having had default judgments entered in favor of the Plaintiffs on October 11, 2016. As a result, on April 6, 2021, during a status conference on the four cases, this Court informed counsel that in the course of its review of UCMS and the Unified Court System public online case-tracking e-Courts information service, it not only found that the four instant cases had default judgments filed, but this Court had found additional no-fault insurance cases filed against Defendant by Plaintiffs’ counsel.

This Court further informed counsel that it was still drafting a Decision and Order dismissing the four cases for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. In addition, this Court directed Defendant’s counsel to review its records to identify any other no-fault insurance cases filed by Plaintiffs’ counsel in Kings County Civil Court that resulted in default judgments issued against it. The Court established a motion and conference schedule for both sides to file the appropriate motions. In addition, this Court urged counsel to review all their cases that had been filed in Kings County Civil Court involving this Defendant where default judgments had not been filed and to seek possible resolutions on those cases for review and approval by this Court.

On April 19, 2021, Defendant’s counsel, after apparently identifying six additional no-fault cases in which default judgments had been issued against it stemming from filings in Kings County Civil by Plaintiffs’ counsel, filed Motions to Dismiss in the ten (10) instant captioned matters pursuant to the motion schedule maintaining that the Civil Court does not have jurisdiction to hear said matters and moved this Court to vacate the default judgments, dismiss the summons and complaint and to impose sanctions on Plaintiffs’ Counsel. On or about April 22, 2021, Plaintiffs’ Counsel opposed said Motions to Dismiss asserting that Defendant’s motions were defective and its defects prejudicial to Plaintiffs given Defendant’s failure to annex all the exhibits it referenced in its motion, which Plaintiffs assert is a fatal defect warranting denial of Defendant’s motion. Plaintiffs also assert that Defendant lacks a reasonable excuse to support vacating the default judgements entered against it and the Court should not vacate the same. Plaintiffs’ counsel did not seek to revive the Motions for Summary Judgment in these submissions for the first four cases heard by this Court, Index Numbers CV-723175-16, CV-723178-16, CV-723183-16 and CV-723185-16.

The six additional cases identified by Defendant’s counsel and subsequently the subject of the moving and opposing papers filed by the parties on or about April 19, 2021 and April 22, 2021, respectively, and addressed in this Decision and Order, along with the first four captioned in this Decision and Order,^[FN19] are summarized procedurally below:

[*5]Procedural History regarding Index Nos. CV-723177-16/KI; CV-723180-16/KI; CV-707439-17/KI; CV-704429-18/KI; CV-706460-19/KI; CV-707274-19/KI

#5 — Plaintiff Elmont Rehab, P.T., P.C. (CV-723177-16/KI)

Plaintiff claims that Assignor Miguel Quinn was allegedly in a motor vehicle accident occurring on or about February 12, 2011, that Defendant was timely notified of Quinn’s accident and injuries and was subsequently assigned a claim number by Defendant.^[FN20] On or about June 27, 2016, Plaintiff filed a Summons and Complaint with the Kings County Civil Court seeking judgment against Defendant for breach of contract based on its alleged failure to either timely pay or deny payment for services rendered to Assignor Quinn, as well as statutory interest and attorney’s fees.^[FN21] Defendant answered the complaint posing affirmative defenses,^[FN22] but on October 11, 2016 a default judgment was entered against the Defendant.^[FN23]

#6 — Plaintiff Uzma Nasir Physician, P.C. (CV-723180-16/KI)

Plaintiff claims that Assignor Miguel Quinn was allegedly in a motor vehicle accident occurring on or about February 1, 2011, that Defendant was timely notified of Quinn’s accident [*6]and injuries and was subsequently assigned a claim number by Defendant.^[FN24] As a result of Defendant’s alleged failure to either timely pay or deny payment for services rendered to Assignor Quinn, Plaintiff filed a Summons and Complaint in Kings Civil Court on or about July 6, 2016,^[FN25] seeking payment, statutory interest and attorney’s fees from Defendant.^[FN26] On October 11, 2016 a default judgement was entered against Defendant.^[FN27]

#7 — Plaintiff Solution Bridge, Inc. (CV-707439-17/KI)

Plaintiff claims that Assignor Jennifer Schaum was allegedly in a motor vehicle accident occurring on or about January 7, 2012, that Defendant was timely notified of Schaum’s accident and injuries and was subsequently assigned a claim number by Defendant.^[FN28] On or about March 8, 2017, Plaintiff filed a Summons and Complaint with the Kings County Civil Court seeking judgment against Defendant for breach of contract based on its alleged failure to either timely pay or deny payment for services rendered to Assignor Schaum, as well as statutory interest and attorney’s fees.^[FN29] In its Answer, Defendant listed affirmative defenses.^[FN30] On or about September 8, 2017, Plaintiff rejected Defendant’s Answer as untimely.^[FN31] On or about September 8, 2017 a default judgement was entered against Defendant.^[FN32] The April 19, 2021 Affidavit of Rosanne [*7]Nichols, an Associate Attorney for the Defendant, listed affirmative defenses, including that Plaintiff failed to properly serve the Defendant and filed its action in the wrong court, service against the Defendant was improper, and that since Defendant is a state agency, relief could only be sought in the New York State Court of Claims and thus the Civil Court lacked subject matter jurisdiction.^[FN33]

#8 — Plaintiff Metro Pain Specialist, P.C. (CV-704429-18/KI)

Plaintiff claims that Assignor Eileen Kilbane was allegedly in a motor vehicle accident occurring on or about July 7, 2016, that Defendant was timely notified of Kilbane’s accident and injuries and was subsequently assigned a claim number by Defendant.^[FN34] On or about January 30, 2018, Plaintiff filed a Summons and Complaint with the Kings County Civil Court seeking judgment against Defendant for breach of contract based on its alleged failure to either timely pay or deny payment for services rendered to Assignor Kilbane, as well as statutory interest and attorney’s fees.^[FN35] On or about November 14, 2018 a default judgment was entered against Defendant.^[FN36] The April 19, 2021 Affidavit of Rosanne Nichols, an Associate Attorney for the Defendant, listed affirmative defenses, including that Plaintiff failed to properly serve the Defendant, and that since Defendant is a state agency, relief could only be sought in the New York State Court of Claims and thus the Civil Court lacked subject matter jurisdiction.^[FN37]

#9 — Plaintiff Gentlecare Ambulatory Anesthesia Services; Lyonel F. Paul, MD (CV-706460-19/KI)

Plaintiff claims that Assignor Maglorie Bueno was allegedly in a motor vehicle accident occurring on or about September 11, 2012, that Defendant was timely notified of Bueno’s accident and injuries and was subsequently assigned a claim number by Defendant.^[FN38] On or about February 13, 2019, Plaintiff filed a Summons and Complaint in the Kings County Civil Court seeking judgment against Defendant for breach of contract based on its alleged failure to either timely pay or deny payment for services rendered to Assignor Bueno, as well as statutory [*8]interest and attorney’s fees.^[FN39] On or about April 13, 2019, Defendant listed affirmative defenses, including but not limited to that Plaintiff filed its action in the wrong court since Defendant, a state agency, could only be sued in the New York State Court of Claims and thus the Civil Court lacked subject matter jurisdiction.^[FN40] On or about May 29, 2019 Plaintiff rejected Defendant’s Answer as untimely.^[FN41] On or about June 26, 2019 a default judgment was entered against Defendant.^[FN42]

#10 — Plaintiff Right Aid Medical Supply Corp. (CV-707274-19/KI)

Plaintiff claims that Assignor Enrique Alexander was allegedly in a motor vehicle accident occurring on or about January 19, 2016, that Defendant was timely notified of Alexander’s accident and injuries and was subsequently assigned a claim number by Defendant.^[FN43] On or about February 20, 2019, Plaintiff filed a Summons and Complaint in the Kings County Civil Court seeking judgment against Defendant for breach of contract based on its alleged failure to either timely pay or deny payment for services rendered to Assignor Alexander, as well as statutory interest and attorney’s fees.^[FN44] In its Answer, Defendant listed affirmative defenses, including that service against the Defendant was improper and Plaintiff filed its action in the wrong court, i.e., since Defendant is a state agency, relief could only be sought in the New York State Court of Claims and thus the Civil Court lacked subject matter jurisdiction.^[FN45] On or about June 26, 2019 a default judgment was entered against Defendant.

Issues Presented:

The threshold and dispositive issue is whether this Court has subject matter jurisdiction to entertain the Plaintiffs’ actions against this Defendant. A secondary issue is whether Defendant’s request for sanctions against the Plaintiffs and/or their counsel should be granted.

Positions of the Parties:

The Defendant moves this Court to vacate the default judgements entered against it and [*9]to dismiss the attendant breach of contract matters against the Defendant because the Civil Court did not have subject matter jurisdiction to render the judgments. The Defendant points to Nash v. Port Authority of NY and N.J., 22 NY3d 220, 229 (2013) to support the axiom that “a judgment rendered without subject matter jurisdiction is void, and that the defect may be raised at any time and may not be waived.”^[FN46] Defendant cites additional cases supporting its argument that a court cannot assert jurisdiction over a matter in which it does not have subject matter jurisdiction. See, e.g., Defendant’s Affirmation under Index number CV-723175-16, paragraphs 19, 21 (citing, e.g., Gager v. White, 53 NY2d 475, 488 [1981] [“Unlike subject matter jurisdiction, which limits the power of a particular court rather than the judicial jurisdiction of the State en gros, a defect in basis jurisdiction is waivable.”]; Morrison v. Budget Rent a Car Sys., 230 AD3d 253, 258, 260 [2d Dept 1997] [“If, however, a court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the parties may not confer it on the court…and it may not be conferred by laches or estoppel…. More importantly in the case before us, we recognize that that when a court lacks subject matter jurisdiction it may not acquire it by waiver.”]).

Defendant claims that it is a state agency ^[FN47] and that, as such, Article VI, Section 9 of the [*10]New York State Constitution, Court of Claims Act Section 9 proscribes that the Court of Claims has exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine actions for money damages against it and accordingly the Civil Court does not have subject matter jurisdiction over the instant matters. See, e.g., Defendant’s Affirmation dated April 19, 2021, Index number CV-723175-16, at paragraphs 21, 25 (citing, e.g., D’Angelo v. State Ins. Fund, 48 AD3d 400 [2nd Dept 2008]; Comm’rs of the State Ins. Fund v. Photocircuits Corp., [20 AD3d at 176]).^[FN48]

Plaintiffs’ counter with CPLR §2214(c) to stress to this Court that Defendant’s motions are fatally defective and should not be considered. Plaintiffs’ counsel confirms that Defendant failed to serve all of the exhibits referenced in Defendant’s affidavits and said failure was prohibitive and prejudicial to the Plaintiffs’ ability to properly defend the motions.

Plaintiffs further cite numerous sections of the CPLR, the NYCRR, the No-Fault Insurance Law and Regulations as well as cases to support their proposition that a Defendant’s failure to raise a reasonable excuse for defaulting is reason enough to deny vacatur of the same. Plaintiffs point to Defendant’s untimely filing of its answers to support their position that the Court deny Defendant’s motion.^[FN49] Finally, Plaintiffs assert that Defendant’s failure to raise improper service as a defense ^[FN50] is a waiver of its defense of personal jurisdiction ^[FN51] and vacatur of [*11]the default judgment must be denied.^[FN52]

Plaintiffs also urge the Court to deny vacatur of the default judgments because Defendant’s assertion that it is a state agency is an inadequate defense to Plaintiffs’ position that Defendant is still fully subject to the jurisdiction of this Court.^[FN53] In support of its argument, Plaintiffs’ cite Commissioners of State Insurance Fund v. Low, 3 NY2d 590 (1958), Carney v. Newburgh Park, 84 AD2d 599 (3d Dept 1981), State Ins. Fund v. State, 212 AD2d 98 (4th Dept 1995), Royal Ins. Co. of Am. v. Comm’rs of State Ins. Fund, 289 AD2d 807 (3rd Dept 2001); Matter of Central NY Workers’ Compensation Bar Assn v. State of NY Workers’ Compensation Bd., 16 AD3d 1066 (3d Dept 2005), Matter of Progressive Cas. Ins. Co. v. New York State Ins. Fund, 47 AD3d 633 (2d Dept 2008) and Merchants Mut. Ins. Co. v. New York State Ins. Fund, 85 AD3d 1686 (4th Dept 2011).^[FN54]

Defendant seeks sanctions against Plaintiffs and their counsel as well as costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees, alleging that Plaintiffs, by their counsel, have engaged in frivolous conduct by continuing to file actions against it that are completely without merit in the law and which cannot be supported by a reasonable argument for an extension, modification or reversal of existing law, and that doing so is a “continued and deliberate waste of judicial resources.”^[FN55] Defendant cited three cases to support its motion for sanctions and/or the awarding of costs and legal fees.^[FN56]

Plaintiffs’ counsel maintains that he acted in good faith and that the Court must consider such good-faith to modify existing case law through “common law jurisprudence.”^[FN57] Plaintiffs rely on cases holding that unpersuasive legal arguments do not rise to the level of frivolity to [*12]require the imposition of sanctions.^[FN58]

Discussion:

The Issues of Subject Matter Jurisdiction and Vacatur of the Default Judgments

The New York State Constitution Article VI, Section 9, Court of Claims Act Section 9 states in relevant part, “The Court [of Claims] shall have jurisdiction:… 2. To hear and determine a claim of any person, corporation…against the state for the appropriation of any real or personal property…, for the breach of contract, express or implied….” While it is uncontroverted that New York State statutory and case law prove that Defendant NYSIF is a State agency within the Department of Labor,^[FN59] the federal courts have likewise reached that conclusion. See Lipofsky v. The State Insurance Fund, 86 F.3d 15 (2nd Cir.), cert. denied, 519 U.S. 971 (1996). In Lipofsky, the plaintiff claimant unsuccessfully challenged the federal district court’s finding that NYSIF was a state agency and thus was entitled to immunity from suit in federal court under the U.S. Const. amend. XI.^[FN60]

The status of NYSIF as a state agency is only being mentioned briefly as it is the predicate to the dispositive question of subject matter jurisdiction, the answer to which is that New York courts have consistently held that claims for money damages against NYSIF, whether based on an alleged breach of contract or couched as an action for a declaratory judgment, if the remedy sought is financial recovery, must be litigated in the Court of Claims. See, e.g., GuideOne Specialty Mut. Ins. Co. v. State Ins. Fund, 94 AD3d at 700-01 (claim denominated as one for a declaratory judgment was really for money damages and thus belonged in the Court of Claims); Twin City Fire Ins. Co. v. State Ins. Fund, 65 AD3d 945, 946 (1st Dept 2009) (claim disguised as one for declaratory relief was actually for money damages and thus belonged in the Court of Claims); D’Angelo v. State Ins. Fund, 48 AD3d at 402 (Supreme Court erred in granting Plaintiffs’ cross-motion to add breach of contract claim to recover damages as such a claim must be litigated against the Fund in the Court of Claims); Commissioners of State Ins. Fund v. M. [*13]Mathews & Sons Co., 131 AD2d 301 (counter-claim for actual and punitive damages for wrongful policy cancellation could only be heard in the Court of Claims); Miraglia v. State Ins. Fund, 32 Misc 2d at 473-474 (Article 78 proceeding to compel payment could only be heard in the Court of Claims); Ultimate Care Chiropractic, P.C. v. State Ins. Fund, Civ. Ct., Kings County, Index No. 716668/2016 (Dec. 10, 2018, Gerstein, J.) (Civil Court lacked jurisdiction over State Insurance Fund in no-fault benefit action).^[FN61]

Attempts to recover money damages from the Fund in courts other than the Court of Claims have resulted in dismissals. See, e.g., GuideOne Specialty Mut. Ins. Co. v. State Ins. Fund, 94 AD3d at 700 (claim for money damages against State Insurance Fund in State Supreme Court rather than Court of Claims mandated dismissal). Accordingly, since this Court does not have subject matter jurisdiction over the claims at issue, the Court does not have the power to impose the money judgment relief sought by Plaintiffs. Further, while a claimant may subsequently seek to file the action in the Court of Claims,^[FN62] that is not an automatic fallback option.^[FN63]

Plaintiffs also urge the Court to deny vacatur of the default judgment citing to Defendant’s failure to establish a meritorious defense that this Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over these matters.^[FN64] To support its argument, Plaintiffs’ attorney relies on Commissioners of State Insurance Fund v. Low, 3 NY2d 590 (1958); Carney v. Newburgh Park, 84 AD2d 599 (3d Dept 1981); State Ins. Fund v. State, 212 AD2d 98; Royal Ins. Co. of Am. v. Comm’rs of State Ins. Fund, 289 AD2d 807; Matter of Central NY Workers’ Compensation Bar Assn v. State of NY Workers’ Compensation Bd., 16 AD3d 1066; Matter of Progressive Cas. Ins. Co. v. New York State Ins. Fund, 47 AD3d 633 (2d Dept 2008) and Merchants Mut. Ins. Co. v. New York State Ins. Fund, 85 AD3d 1686). The Plaintiffs’ reliance on these cases to support their suing this Defendant in this court for money damages is misplaced, factually and/or legally.

The primary issue in Commissioners of State Insurance Fund v. Low, 3 NY2d 590 (1958) was a question of collateral estoppel and res judicata. Low involved a state trooper who died after the state car he was riding in collided with a private passenger car and whose widow received Workers’ Compensation benefits via a policy issued to the State by the State Insurance Fund. Id. at 593. After Mr. Low, the operator of the other car, successfully sued New York [*14]State, not the State Insurance Fund, in the Court of Claims, alleging negligence by the operator of the state car, the Fund, which had not been a party in Low’s suit but was the statutory assignee of the deceased trooper for Workers’ Compensation purposes, subsequently sued Low for negligence in State Supreme Court. Id. at 593-594. The Supreme Court agreed with Low that the matter was res judicata and that the Fund was collaterally estopped from pursuing its action, but the Court of Appeals affirmed the Appellate Division’s reversal of the Supreme Court’s decision, noting that while the Fund was a state agency, for purposes of litigation, it was a separate entity and as it was not a party in Mr. Low’s prior suit and thus had no opportunity to litigate the matter, neither res judicata nor collateral estoppel applied. Id. at 595-96. Accordingly, this case does not support Plaintiffs’ position that their cases can, in fact, be adjudicated in Civil Court. While Low does say that for purposes of applying res judicata and collateral estoppel in litigation, the Fund can be treated as a separate entity from the State, it does not say that the Court of Claims Act does not apply to the Fund. At most, the Low case shows that the legislature may enact a specific statute, e.g., the Workers’ Compensation Law Section 81, to allow the Fund to sue or be sued in courts other than the Court of Claims. Id. at 594.

A subsequent Court of Appeals case to Low not cited by Plaintiffs’ counsel provides further clarification about circumstances upon which a particular court may have jurisdiction is Koerner v. State, 62 NY3d 442 (1984). Koerner concerned whether a Plaintiff must, when seeking monetary damages pursuant to New York’s Human Rights Law, pursue the action only in the Court of Claims. Id. at 444. In Koerner, an employee terminated from Pilgrim State Psychiatric Hospital Plaintiff filed suit in Supreme Court. Id. at 444-45. The Defendants, including among others, Pilgrim State Psychiatric as well as the State itself, moved successfully to dismiss the complaint on multiple grounds, including that the court was without subject matter jurisdiction. See 62 NY2d at 445, 448. The Court of Appeals reversed, opining that while “[f]or the most part, the State’s waiver of immunity as to actions for money damages is limited to actions commenced in the Court of Claims”, the Legislature, in statutory language permitting the State Division of Human Rights to award damages administratively without recourse to the Court of Claims, “must be deemed to have waived both the State’s immunity to suit and the requirement that it be sued in the Court of Claims.” See 62 NY2d at 448-49. Koerner confirms that, barring specific legislation to the contrary, e.g. Workers’ Compensation Law §81 or the Human Rights Law, money-damage actions against New York State and its agencies lay in the Court of Claims.

Low is also referenced in Commissioners of State Ins. Fund v. M. Mathews & Sons Co., 131 AD2d 301 (1st Dept 1987), where the Fund instituted an action in Supreme Court pursuant to Workers’ Compensation Law §93 to recover unpaid premiums on a cancelled insurance policy and respondent had counter-claimed for actual and punitive damages. Id. at 301. When the Fund moved to dismiss the counterclaim on the grounds that the Supreme Court lacked subject matter jurisdiction, that Court rejected the argument, citing Commissioners of State Insurance Fund v. Low. Id. The Appellate Division reversed and dismissed the counter-claim on the grounds that as the Fund was a State agency, it was cloaked with sovereign immunities, one of which was that it could not be sued for money damages in courts other than the Court of Claims. Id. (also citing Methodist Hosp. of Brooklyn v. State Ins. Fund, 64 NY2d 365, 375 [1985] [holding that a counterclaim against the Fund for actual and punitive damages for wrongful policy cancellation can be heard only in the Court of Claims). Akin to Koerner, the Appellate Division in Mathews interpreted Low as allowing the Fund to consider itself a separate entity [*15]from the State itself for the purposes of instituting litigation (and thus unbound from the doctrines of collateral estoppel and res judicata by judgments rendered only against the State), but that status did not strip the Fund of its immunity as a State agency, including the requirement that it be sued for money damages in the Court of Claims absent any statute to the contrary. See 131 AD2d at 301-02.

Plaintiffs also rely on Carney v. Newburgh Park, 84 AD2d 599 to support their claim that Civil Court has jurisdiction over their cases. However, the Court’s reading of M. Mathews and Carney proves that in the absence of legislation to the contrary, claims against the Fund for money damages must be heard in the Court of Claims. Carney involved an arbitration hearing before the Workers’ Compensation Board which the Fund lost. The Fund then appealed the arbitration decision to the Appellate Division. Id. at 600. Plaintiffs argue that the Fund is deemed like any other litigant and is not afforded special treatment that an instrumentality of the state would enjoy to divest the Court of Claims of jurisdiction over this issue.^[FN65] Carney is another reminder that Workers’ Compensation proceedings are statutorily bound to arbitration, unlike automotive insurance claims. Because Carney involved the Fund as the actual insurer for these Workers’ Compensation policies (as well as many others in New York, where the Fund actually competes on the market for business), the Fund occupies a different position than it does in auto insurance No-Fault proceedings.

Plaintiffs also rely on State Ins. Fund v. State, 212 AD2d 98, as a basis for his filings in this Court. But, like Carney, the facts and applicable law in State Ins. Fund v. State were different from the Plaintiffs’ no-fault auto insurance cases, and do not establish grounds for this Court to have jurisdiction herein. State Ins. Fund v. State involved a trucking company employee who was injured by a garbage truck owned and operated by New York State. Id. at 99. As the insurance carrier for the company’s Workers’ Compensation policy, the Fund paid benefits on the employee’s behalf. Id. The Fund then sought reimbursement from New York State, which had self-insured its garbage truck. Id. at 99-100. When the State’s authorized no-fault adjuster, Continental Loss Adjusting Services Inc., denied the Fund the full amount sought, the Fund filed for mandatory arbitration against the State under Workers’ Compensation Law §29 and Insurance Law §5105. Id. at 100. After the arbitrator held the Fund failed to show that the State was the proper party to the arbitration, the Fund filed a petition in State Supreme Court pursuant to CPLR §7511 seeking to vacate the arbitrator’s decision. Id. at 100. The Supreme Court dismissed the petition, agreeing with the State that the latter could only be sued in the Court of Claims. Id. The Fourth Department reversed the Supreme Court, holding that Insurance Law §5105 stated that the sole remedy to recover on this type of claim was to submit it to mandatory arbitration. Id. at 100-101. The Appellate Court noted that as the State had chosen to self-insure its own vehicles, for the purpose of auto accident claims involving the State, it stood in the same position as any other insurer under the No-Fault Law, making it [*16]subject to mandatory arbitration. Id. at 101-102. Thus, State Ins. Fund v. State does not mean that any or all no-fault insurance cases can be litigated against the Fund or the State outside the Court of Claims, but is permissible under certain facts and applicable laws such as when a no-fault claim arises from an accident with a state-owned, operated and self-insured vehicle. Id. at 100-102.

Plaintiffs’ reliance on Royal Ins. Co. of Am. v. Comm’rs of State Ins. Fund, 289 AD2d 807 is similarly misplaced. This Court finds that this case does not support the proposition that filings against the NYSIF for money judgments can lie in the Civil Court. The Royal case involved an appeal from an underlying Court of Claims decision and the issue of Court of Claims jurisdiction was not addressed by the Third Department in its decision here. Id. at 807.

Plaintiffs’ reliance on Matter of Central NY Workers’ Compensation Bar Assn v. State of NY Workers’ Compensation Bd., 16 AD3d 1066 in support of their position that this Court has jurisdiction on Plaintiffs’ claims against the Fund is likewise unavailing. In Matter of Central NY Workers’ Compensation Bar Assn, the Fund was not a party to the action. Rather, the Defendant in this Article 78 filing, which pursuant to CPLR §7804, is required to be brought in the State Supreme Court, was the Workers’ Compensation Board (“WCB”), which was accused of showing favoritism toward Fund attorneys by allowing them to have wireless internet access during WCB proceedings. Id. at 1066-67. Aside from the statutory requirement that an Article 78 proceeding must be filed in Supreme Court, thus implicitly undercutting the relevance of this case to the issue of this Court’s jurisdiction, no issue of Court of Claims was explicitly raised in Matter of Central NY Workers’ Compensation Bar Assn. The Third Department noted that in the context of its dealings with the WCB, the Fund “is merely one of the insurers appearing in proceedings” and to provide one litigant, the Fund, with internet access while denying it to the Fund’s adversaries was arbitrary and capricious and could not stand. Id. Further, it was implicit that the relief sought was equitable, not monetary, further distinguishing this case from counsel’s list of cases. Id. at 1067.

Plaintiffs’ reliance on Merchants Mut. Ins. Co. v. New York State Ins. Fund, 85 AD3d 1686 does not address this Court’s ability to exercise of jurisdiction over these cases. Merchants Mut. Ins. Co. centered on whether the Fund was required to pay-out on a Workers’ Compensation insurance policy issued by the Fund in its capacity as a competitive, private insurer (see 85 AD3d at 1686-1687). That Merchants Mut. applied Workers’ Compensation Law to a case in which the Fund had contracted to provide insurance distinguished the case from the instant Plaintiffs’ No-Fault actions. See M. Mathews, 131 AD2d at 301-302; Carney, 84 AD2d at 600. Accordingly, the issue of whether the Supreme Court had subject matter jurisdiction was not raised here.

Matter of Progressive Cas. Ins. Co. v. New York State Ins. Fund, 47 AD3d 633 (2d Dept 2008), also relied on by Plaintiffs, involved Insurance Law §5105. In this case, the Fund, after paying Workers’ Compensation to and on behalf of an individual who was injured while employed by a company insured by the Fund, won an arbitration hearing pursuant to the statute, and then the Plaintiff moved, via an Article 75 proceeding, to vacate the award. See 47 AD3d at 633. This case further supports that the statute controls the venue since arbitration was required by statute, the Fund was the claimant as opposed to the Defendant, and the case involved Workers’ Compensation. CPLR §7502 permits the Supreme Court to hear Plaintiff’s Article 75 to vacate the award since it was not a monetary award. Progressive cannot be stretched to permit a basis for this Court’s jurisdiction in Plaintiffs’ current cases.

Further, the court’s lack of subject matter jurisdiction is not waivable and can be raised at any time,^[FN66] which this Defendant has done repeatedly. This Court finds that Kings County Civil Court does not have subject matter jurisdiction over Plaintiffs’ claims seeking money judgment against the Fund. Accordingly, as a judgment or order issued without subject matter jurisdiction is void, and that defect may be raised be raised at any time and may not be waived, this Court is vacating all of the default judgments issued in favor of Plaintiffs in the cases captioned in this Decision and Order. See, e.g., Editorial Photocopier Archives v. Granger Collection, 61 NY2d 517, 523 (1984). As the Civil Court did not have subject matter jurisdiction over the above-captioned ten (10) actions, this Court is compelled to dismiss the actions, but without prejudice in case any of the Plaintiffs decide to seek relief in the Court of Claims.

The Issue of Sanctions

With respect to Defendant’s request for sanctions, the Court observes patterns in Plaintiffs’ counsel’s conduct that are troubling. First, in Compass Med., P.C. v. New York State Ins. Fund, 2020 NY Misc. LEXIS 7010 (Civ. Ct., Kings County, Sept. 30, 2020), Judge Roper noted that Plaintiff’s counsel, namely Oleg Rybak of the Rybak firm, received a decision in December 2018 wherein another Civil Court judge had held that the Civil Court lacked jurisdiction over the State Insurance Fund.^[FN67] In Compass Med., P.C. v. State Ins. Fund, 2020 NY Misc. LEXIS 7010, the Plaintiff commenced an action against Defendant State Insurance Fund, alleging Defendant’s failure to pay first party No-Fault benefits for medical services Plaintiff rendered to its assigned eligible injured party. There, the Summons and Complaint were filed in 2015 and answered more than four months later. In 2018, the Plaintiff then filed for summary judgment pursuant to CPLR §3211(c) or §3212(a) and dismissal of Defendant’s affirmative defenses pursuant to CPLR §3211(b). Defendant then filed its cross-motion for summary judgment on the grounds that the Civil Court did not have jurisdiction to hear the case against a state agency and that jurisdiction rested in the Court of Claims. During oral argument held in 2019, Defendant argued, inter alia, that the jurisdictional argument had previously been decided in Defendant’s favor in Ultimate Care Chiropractic, P.C. v. State Ins. Fund, Civ. Ct., Kings County Index No. CV-716668-16, December 10, 2018 by Hon. Michael Gerstein, a case also brought by Plaintiff’s counsel. The Defendant also brought to Judge Roper’s attention twenty other first party No-fault actions that Plaintiff’s counsel filed in 2019, after the decision in Ultimate Care Chiropractic, P.C. v. State Ins. Fund. In Compass Med., P.C. v. State Ins. Fund, the Court noted that Plaintiff’s counsel, “with full knowledge and admittedly conced[ed] that [the] Court of Claims is the court of competent jurisdiction…”, counsel continued to seek relief in Civil Court. While Judge Roper did not find that Plaintiff was collaterally estopped from bringing the action since the Plaintiff and the specific facts of said case were different from Ultimate Care, the Court agreed that jurisdiction lay in the Court of Claims.^[FN68] That Court [*17]rejected Plaintiff’s claim that the Civil Court should retain jurisdiction because the matter would be time-barred if brought in the Court of Claims. Judge Roper reasoned that “[t]his Court’s jurisdiction is not a fail-safe, not a fallback and not a court of contingent jurisdiction.”^[FN69]

This Court’s review of UCMS on April 6, 2021 indicates that the Rybak Firm is listed as counsel for Plaintiffs on at least 118 matters in the Kings Civil Court against this Defendant, reflecting filings between the beginning of 2008 and the end of 2020. Even if Plaintiffs attempted to argue that Compass Med and Ultimate Care cases are distinguishable from the instant cases because there are different facts and different Plaintiffs, such assertions are without merit since it is irrefutable that the Defendant is a state agency and as a state agency, the Court of Claims is the proper court to hear their claims.

When actions are brought where there is incontrovertible proof that undercut their filing in the first place,^[FN70] much less cases where there existed conclusive defenses to the asserted claims,^[FN71] courts have the discretion, on their own initiative or upon a party’s motion, to impose sanctions on a party for commencing a frivolous proceeding. See 22 NYCRR §130-1.1;^[FN72] see also Ram v. Torto, 111 AD3d 814 (2nd Dept 2013), lv. dismissed, 22 NY3d 860 (2014) (court upheld Defendant’s motions for attorney’s fees as well as injunctive relief prohibiting self-represented Plaintiff from filing further actions related to the case without court approval and also imposed, on its own initiative, a fine for frivolous conduct); Flushing Expo, Inc. v. New World Mall, LLC, 116 AD3d 826 (2d Dept 2014) (defendant’s motions for sanctions and attorney’s fees granted); cf. CPLR §8303(a) (where a personal injury action is commenced or continued and is found by the court to be, at any point in the proceedings, frivolous, the court [*18]shall award costs and reasonable attorney’s fees up to $10,000).

In Ram, the Appellate Division noted that the self-represented Plaintiff commenced various proceedings relating to the same matter, all of which had been dismissed by lower courts, which were subsequently affirmed by the Appellate Division.^[FN73] The Ram Defendants moved to dismiss the complaint pursuant to CPLR §3211(a)(7) because the Plaintiff failed to state a cause of action, for injunctive relief, and for an award of costs pursuant to 22 NYCRR §130-1.1.^[FN74] The Appellate Division upheld the lower court’s dismissal of the complaint and further found that the lower court “acted providently in enjoining the Plaintiff ‘from commencing any action or proceeding seeking relief from [Defendants] or from anyone else, in any form or fashion, related to or arising from the [underlying money judgment] without prior permission from this court or from the Appellate Division, Second Department.'”^[FN75] The Appellate Division also upheld the lower court’s award of costs pursuant to 22 NYCRR §130-1.1.^[FN76] in the amount of $6,000 for attorney’s fees, payable by the Plaintiff.^[FN77] The Appellate Division in Ram also held that the Plaintiff’s appeal was frivolous as it had no legal merit and was not supported by any reasonable argument, and ordered him to pay $2,500 to the court clerk to be forwarded in turn to the State Department of Taxation and Finance.^[FN78] See also Greene v. Rachlin, 154 AD3d 818 (2d Dept 2017) (attorney’s fees awarded as sanction against Plaintiff for its frivolous conduct in commencing action that was without merit in law and could not be supported by a reasonable argument for extension or modification of existing law); Mosab Constr. Corp. v. Prospect Park Yeshiva, Inc., 124 AD3d at 733 (attorney’s fees of $500 awarded as sanction against Plaintiff for its frivolous conduct in commencing time-barred lawsuit); Flushing Expo, Inc. v. New World Mall, LLC, 116 AD3d at 827-28 (sanction and attorney’s fee warranted where Plaintiff and counsel filed new action after Plaintiff’s previous action, with same counsel, had been dismissed, and new action had no merit in law nor any reasonable argument). Similarly, sanctions may be considered where a party continues to file actions despite knowing that it has no basis for doing so.^[FN79]

When the Plaintiffs appealed in all of the Omni cases listed in footnote 79, which included not only the 34 cases decided on December 21, 2018, but a few more decided the same day, the Appellate Term affirmed each dismissal and, on the Appellate Term’s own motion, directed the parties to show cause as to whether the Court should impose sanctions and costs against Plaintiffs’ counsel. See, e.g., Natural Therapy Acupuncture, P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6469, 62 Misc 3d 136(A); see also Mosab Constr. Corp. v. Prospect Park Yeshiva, Inc., 124 AD3d at 733 (sanctions and attorney’s fees against Plaintiff warranted where Defendant not only showed debt claims were time-barred by a wide margin and Plaintiff, when asked for proof of debt, failed to provide it but rather discussed Defendant’s defenses). In the Appellate Term’s Omni Indemnity decisions, all of which were issued on December 21, 2018, the Court held that sanctions could be considered because Plaintiffs’ counsel’s conduct appeared not only to meet the definition of frivolous conduct as stated in 22 NYCRR §130-1.1, but that “[s]ince 2013, Plaintiff and/or other providers represented by Plaintiffs’ counsel have been before this court more than 20 times in similar actions wherein these providers, while represented by Plaintiffs’ counsel, have made the same or essentially the same arguments which Plaintiff raises in the instant appeal.” See, e.g., Natural Therapy Acupuncture, P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6469, 62 Misc 3d 136(A) (citations omitted); see also Greene v. Rachlin, 154 AD3d at 819) (Plaintiffs’ continued pursuit on appeal of the same claims that were previously found meritless and barren of any reasonable argument as well as the advancing of other meritless arguments warranted an additional consideration as to whether the appeal was frivolous and could result in additional sanctions); Flushing Expo, Inc. v. New World Mall, LLC, 116 AD3d at 827-28 (judicial record of a prior case involving the Plaintiff and a related party constituted documentary evidence that warranted summary dismissal as well as sanctions and attorney’s fees). The Appellate Term further stated that “Plaintiff’s counsel continues to advance [*19]essentially the same arguments notwithstanding the fact that Defendant’s appellate brief expressly notes that this court has previously considered and rejected the arguments put forth by Plaintiff’s counsel…”. See, e.g., Natural Therapy Acupuncture, P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6469, 62 Misc 3d 136(A) (citations omitted).

The Court is also troubled by Plaintiffs’ counsel’s insistence that it has proceeded in “good faith and with the support of binding authority on the matter as discussed above”^[FN80] , i.e., whether the Civil Court has subject matter jurisdiction. Rather, it appears to this Court that Plaintiffs’ citations to cases in support of jurisdiction are replete with either misunderstood and/or incomplete recitations of pertinent facts (e.g., Carney v. Newburgh Park [specific workers compensation legislation requires NYSIF to appear at arbitration hearings in matters in which NYSIF is actually providing the policy and acting as a competitor in the market]; Royal Ins. Co. of Am. v. Comm’rs of State Ins. Fund [underlying case actually was litigated in the Court of Claims]. Accordingly, this Court is stressed to give the Plaintiffs and their counsel the benefit of the doubt that they have cited “binding authority” in favor of subject matter jurisdiction over the Defendant in the instant cases. Last, this Court has been further tested about Plaintiffs’ counsel’s “good faith” due to the latter’s interpretation of the last series of communications with this Court that it would not be issuing this Decision and Order as stipulations of discontinuances on all of the cases would render the issues resolved (for now, or until the cycle repeated with more no-fault filings against Defendant in Civil Court). It is a close call whether this Court should impose monetary sanctions and/or costs and attorneys’ fees upon Plaintiffs’ counsel.

Conclusion:

Defendant established that the New York Constitution’s Court of Claims Act requires this Court to summarily dismiss the Plaintiffs’ complaints against this Defendant state agency.^[FN81] The [*20]Court is unpersuaded by Plaintiffs’ arguments, including the cases it cited that are immaterial to the issue presented and seek to unjustifiably expand this Court’s jurisdiction to adjudicate actions seeking money judgments against the Fund. This Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over the ten (10) captioned matters above, wherein jurisdiction lies only with the Court of Claims, as the Plaintiffs are attempting to collect money damages from a State agency. The Defendant’s motions to dismiss are therefore granted in part and denied in part. Granted to the extent that all actions are dismissed and denied to the extent that neither monetary sanctions nor costs and attorney fees will not be issued against Plaintiffs or their counsel although this Court has the discretion to so issue given the facts and circumstances herein. However, Plaintiffs’ counsel, namely the Rybak Firm as well as Oleg Rybak, Esq. and the Plaintiffs are enjoined from commencing any action or proceeding seeking relief in the form of a money judgment from this Defendant, in any Civil Court, without prior approval from this Court or the Appellate Term. To do so otherwise, could warrant monetary sanctions, as well as costs and attorney fees.

This constitutes the Decision and Order of the Court.

Dated: June 24, 2021
Brooklyn, New York
Hon. Patria Frias-Colón
Civil Court, Kings County

Footnotes

Footnote 1: The “Numbered” column represents the electronic filing via the “Electronic Document Delivery System” (EDDS), which at the time of this decision was the method afforded New York State attorneys and other authorized persons to file legal papers by electronic means. This method of E-filing via EDDS is authorized for these proceedings in Kings County Civil Court. These identifying numbers represent the confirmation provided to each counsel upon uploading their respective legal documents under each Index number.

Footnote 2: The Motions for these ten cases involve the same attorneys and the same dispositive issues of law. For the sake of judicial economy, the Decision and Order for each matter will be combined into this single decision. To further minimize confusion for the reader in identifying the cases, Plaintiff NYS Acupuncture Inc. is on three of the cases (Number 1 [a/a/o Patrick Howard], Number 2 [a/a/o Miguel Quinn] and Number 4 [a/a/o Karen Cutler] in the captioned Decision and Order above; Plaintiff Elmont Rehab, P.T., P.C. is on two of the cases (Number 3 [a/a/o Karen Cutler] and Number 5 [a/a/o Miguel Quinn]) in the captioned order above, Plaintiff Uzma Nasir Physician, P.C. is on one case (Number 6 [a/a/o Miguel Quinn]), Plaintiff Solution Bridge, Inc. is on one case (Number 7 [a/a/o Jennifer Schaum]); Plaintiff Metro Pain Specialist, P.C. is on one case (Number 8 [a/a/o Eileen Kilbane]), Plaintiff Gentlecare Ambulatory Anesthesia Services is on one case (Number 9 [a/a/o Maglorie Bueno]), and Plaintiff Right-Aid Medical Supply Corp. is on one case (Number 10 [a/a/o Enrique Alexander]).

Footnote 3: See Exhibit B of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723175-16/KI — Defendant’s Answer.

Footnote 4: See Exhibit A of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723175-16/KI — Summons and Complaint for Plaintiff.

Footnote 5: See Exhibit B of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723175-16/KI — Defendant’s Answer.

Footnote 6: See Exhibit C of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723175-16/KI — Kings County Civil Court Judgment dated October 11, 2016.

Footnote 7: See Exhibit A of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723178-16/KI — Summons and Complaint.

Footnote 8: Id.

Footnote 9: See Exhibit B of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723178-16/KI — Answer.

Footnote 10: See Exhibit C of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723178-16/KI — Kings County Civil Court Judgment dated October 11, 2016.

Footnote 11: See Exhibit A of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723183-16/KI — Summons and Complaint.

Footnote 12: Id.

Footnote 13: See Exhibit B of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723183-16/KI — Defendant’s Answer.

Footnote 14: See Exhibit C of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723183-16/KI — Kings County Civil Court Judgment dated October 11, 2016.

Footnote 15: See Exhibit A of motion under Index number Defendant’s CV-723185-16/KI — Summons and Complaint Plaintiff.

Footnote 16: Id.

Footnote 17: See Exhibit B of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723185-16/KI — Answer for Plaintiff.

Footnote 18: See Exhibit C of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723185-16/KI — Kings County Civil Court Judgment dated October 11, 2016.

Footnote 19: Subsequent to the conference held on April 6, 2021, Stipulations of Discontinuances were submitted to this Court for 98 no-fault insurance cases filed in Kings County Civil Court against Defendant NYSIF in which Plaintiffs were all represented by the Rybak Firm, who is also representing the instant Plaintiffs. To this Court’s dismay, it found that of the 98 stipulations, 97 of which were dated May 13, 2021 and one which was dated May 19, 2021, ten of the stipulations were for the ten cases captioned above that this Court had previously emphasized to both sides that it intended to render a Decision and Order. In an email dated June 9, 2021, Plaintiffs’ counsel told this Court that it disagreed with this Court’s recollection of the multiple “discussions” held and that “your Honor made it abundantly clear that you intended to vacate years old defaults and permit the NYSIF to dismiss the 10 cases. Based on these prior discussions, it is Plaintiffs and their counsel’s position that they would like to dismiss all cases between the Providers represented by The Rybak Firm, PLLC and the NYSIF. Based of [sic] that, if possible, since there is no need to issue any orders and the cases can be dismissed on the previously submitted and executed stipulations.” Defendant’s counsel objected to Plaintiffs’ email. This Court rejects Plaintiffs’ counsel misinterpretation and accordingly, 88 of the 98 stipulations of discontinuances will be filed in Kings County Civil Court. For the reasons set forth, this Court renders this decision on the ten instant cases herein. This Court is troubled by the lack of discernible order the 98 stipulations were sent; there was no chronological or alphabetical order. This may be because either the ten stipulations for the instant cases were mixed-in deliberately with the other 88 in an attempt to preempt this Court from issuing its intended Decision and Order and any possible subsequent consequence to counsel, or the random insertion of these ten cases was an inadvertent error or a misinterpreted and innocent attempt to clear the Civil Court of all the cases between these parties.

Footnote 20: See Exhibit A of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723177-16/KI — Summons and Complaint for Plaintiff.

Footnote 21: Id.

Footnote 22: See Exhibit B of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723177-16/KI — Defendant’s Answer.

Footnote 23: See Exhibit C of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723177-16/KI — Kings County Civil Court Judgment dated October 11, 2016 for Plaintiff.

Footnote 24: See Plaintiff’s Affidavit at paragraph 9 and Exhibit 1 under Index number CV-723180-16/KI — Affidavit of Service dated July 6, 2016.

Footnote 25: See Exhibit 1 of Plaintiff’s Affidavit of Service of Summons and Complaint under Index number CV-723180-16/KI. The Summons and Complaint are missing from this Exhibit and not included elsewhere in Plaintiff’s Opposition; see also Affidavit of Roseanne Nichols, Esq., Defendant’s Exhibit K, dated April 19, 2021 (claiming, inter alia, no affidavit of service of the summons and complaint was filed with the Court, and there was improper service of the summons and complaint and entry of default judgment upon Defendant.no notice of leave to enter the default judgment was motion for default was served, and that the Civil Court did not have subject matter jurisdiction).

Footnote 26: See UCMS records regarding the Summons and Complaint for Plaintiff under Index number CV-723180-16/KI.

Footnote 27: See Exhibit A of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-723180-16/KI — Kings County Civil Court Judgment dated October 11, 2016.

Footnote 28: See Exhibit A of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-707439-17/KI — Plaintiff’s Summons and Complaint.

Footnote 29: Id.

Footnote 30: See Exhibit 2 of Plaintiff’s motion under Index number CV-707439-17/KI — Defendant’s Answer.

Footnote 31: See Exhibit 3 of Plaintiff’s motion under Index number CV-707439-17/KI — Plaintiff’s Rejection of Defendant’s Answer.

Footnote 32: See Exhibit B of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-707439-17/KI — Kings County Civil Court Judgment dated October 11, 2016 for Plaintiff.

Footnote 33: See Exhibit C of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-707439-17/KI.

Footnote 34: See Exhibit A of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-704429-18/KI — Plaintiff’s Summons and Complaint.

Footnote 35: Id.

Footnote 36: See Exhibit C of Defendant’s motion, Index number CV-704429-18/KI.

Footnote 37: See Exhibit B of Defendant’s motion, Index number CV-704429-18/KI.

Footnote 38: See Exhibit A of Defendant’s motion, Index number CV-706460-19/KI — Summons and Complaint.

Footnote 39: Id.

Footnote 40: See Exhibit B of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-706460-19/KI.

Footnote 41: See Exhibit C of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-706460-19/KI.

Footnote 42: See Exhibit D of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-706460-19/KI.

Footnote 43: See Exhibit A of Defendant’s motion under Index number CV-707274-19/KI — Plaintiff’s Summons and Complaint.

Footnote 44: Id.

Footnote 45: See Exhibit 4 of Plaintiff’s motion under Index number CV-707274-19/KI.

Footnote 46: See, e.g., Defendant’s Affirmation under Index number CV-723175-16, paragraphs 18-20. Defendant’s citation to Nash is from an opinion that dissented in part, on other grounds, from the majority decision which did not touch on subject matter jurisdiction. The Nash case involved the Court of Appeals review of the Port Authority’s successful motion in Supreme Court to vacate a tortious liability judgment against it after it had previously failed to appeal from an order of the Appellate Division affirming the judgment, contending that there had been a post-judgment change in the law immunizing the Port Authority. See 22 NY3d at 223. The Court of Appeals reversed the lower’s court vacatur of the judgment, finding that the lower court was wrong when it found that it had no discretion other than to vacate the judgment. See 22 NY3d at 225-226. The Nash case turned on the interplay between CPLR §5015(a)(5) (vacating a judgment because of reversal, modification or vacatur of a prior judgment) and whether the underlying court had the discretion to consider whether the Port Authority had waited too long to make its motion, rather than the question as to whether the underlying court even had jurisdiction to hear the case (see CPLR §5015[a][(4]), which is the issue before this Court. See 22 NY3d at 225-226, 229. The dissenting opinion, while agreeing with the majority on the vacatur of the judgment, emphasized that “unlike subject matter jurisdiction—an issue that is nonwaivable and can be raised by any party at any time in any forum—the Port Authority sought vacatur of the Nash judgment based on an issue that was waivable.” See 22 NY3d at 225-226, 229. Defendant subsequently cited to support its argument that the instant default judgments must be vacated because subject matter jurisdiction cannot be waived with case more on point than Nash. See 22 NY3d 220 (order vacating judgment reversed and remitted to Supreme Court for further proceedings), on remitter 131 AD3d 164, 165 (1st Dept 2015) (the motion court, which upon remand from the Court of Appeals, again vacated the judgment, which the Appellate Division reversed as an improvident exercise of discretion).

Footnote 47: See, e.g., Defendant’s Affirmation, Index number CV-723175-16, paragraph 20 (citing, e.g., Workers’ Compensation Law § 76; Comm’rs of the State Ins. Fund v. Photocircuits Corp., 20 AD3d 173, 176 [1st Dept 2005].

Footnote 48: Defendant asserts additional arguments, e.g., that Defendant was not made aware of the prior default judgments, that the default judgments were entered in error, that some Plaintiffs should have first filed their claims with the Worker’s Compensation Board before any further resolution could occur in the Court of Claims. See, e.g., Defendant’s Affirmation, Index number CV-723175-16 at paragraphs 16, 17, 27, 54, 58. Defendant cites several persuasive cases supporting the position that this Court would be providently exercising its discretion in vacating the judgments. See, e.g., Defendant’s Affirmation, Index number CV-723175-16 (citing Bunch v. Dollar Budget, Inc., 12 AD3d 391 [2d Dept 2004] [defendant’s delay in answering was brief, the default was not willful, and there was no evidence that the plaintiff was prejudiced]); Anamdi v. Anugo, 229 AD2d 408 [2d Dept 1996] [court exercised sound discretion in granting vacatur of default judgment where defendant was unaware that the action had commenced and presented an affidavit showing a meritorious defense]). Because this Court’s resolution of the subject matter jurisdiction issue is dispositive in the instant cases, this Court need not reach any of the parties’ arguments other than the jurisdictional one. E.g., c.f., Matter of Regina Metro Co., LLC. v. New York State Div. of Hous. & Community Renewal, 35 NY3d 332, 382 n. 27 (2020) (Court did not reach claim as to whether there was an unconstitutional taking because issue was resolved on other grounds); Matter of Adirondack Wild Friends of the Forest Preserve v. New York State Adirondack Park Agency, 34 NY3d 184, 194 (2019) (for purposes of rendering decision, Court did not need to address whether Department of Conservation plan triggered a provision); Braunstein v. Day, 2021 NY App. Div. LEXIS 3548 (2nd Dept 2021) (As Appellate Division granted the defendant’s motion for summary judgment, it was unnecessary for it to reach the defendant’s remaining contention).

Footnote 49: See, e.g., Plaintiff’s Affirmation, Index number CV-723175-16, at paragraph 6.

Footnote 50: See, e.g., Plaintiff’s Affirmation, Index number CV-723175-16, at paragraph 10.

Footnote 51: See, e.g., Plaintiff’s Affirmation, Index number CV-723175-16, at paragraph 13.

Footnote 52: See, e.g., Plaintiff’s Affirmation, Index number CV-723175-16, at paragraphs 20-23.

Footnote 53: See, e.g., Plaintiff’s Affirmation, Index number CV-723175-16, at paragraph 30.

Footnote 54: See, e.g., Plaintiff’s Affirmation, Index number CV-723175-16, at paragraphs 31-38.

Footnote 55: See, e.g., Defendant’s Affirmation, Index No. 723175/16, at paragraphs 76, 78-79 (citing 22 NYCRR § 130-1.1).

Footnote 56: See, e.g., Defendant’s Affirmation, Index No. 723175/16, at paragraph 77 (citing Transaero, Inc. v. Biri Associates, Corp,. 39 AD3d 738 [2d Dept 2007] [sanctions imposed, on the court’s own motion, against plaintiff and plaintiff’s attorney for filing a lawsuit that attempted to skirt the statute of limitations by falsely claiming that the plaintiff and/or attorney had only recently become aware that they had a cause of action]; Yan v. Klein, 35 AD3d 729, 826 N.Y.S2d 669 [2d Dept 2006] [sanctions warranted where Plaintiff’s attorney repeatedly continued to advance cases that were barred by the doctrines of res judicata and collateral estoppel]); Weinstock v. Weinstock, 253 AD3d 873 [2d Dept 1998] [plaintiff attorney representing self in divorce proceeding ordered to pay $3000 in costs to ex-wife defendant and $10,000 to Lawyers Fund for Client Protection for pursuing an appeal that was meritless in that there was no identifiable relief being sought other than forcing defendant to incur unnecessary counsel fees]); see also CPLR § 8303-a (where a personal injury action is commenced or continued and is found by the court to be, at any point in the proceedings, frivolous, the court shall award costs and reasonable attorney’s fees up to $10,000).

Footnote 57: See, e.g., Plaintiff’s Affirmation, Index No. 723175/16, at paragraphs 40 and 43.

Footnote 58: W.J. Nolan & Co. v. Daly, 170 AD2d 320 (1st Dept 1991) vacated an order imposing sanctions on an attorney because the attorney did know that claims arising from Plaintiff utilizing confidential records of Defendant’s employment was subject to arbitration. Lewis v. Stiles, 158 A.D.2d589 (2d Dept 1992) rejected Defendant’s request to impose sanction in Plaintiff’s nuisance cause of action because counsel’s arguments about the alleged disturbances of children frolicking and dogs barking created by Defendant’s installation of a pool and building a pool house are unpersuasive but do not rise to the level of frivolous.

Footnote 59: See Workers’ Compensation Law §76[1]; Methodist Hosp. of Brooklyn v. State Ins. Fund, 64 NY2d at 375 ; D’Angelo v. State Ins. Fund, 48 AD3d 400, 402 (2d Dept 2008); GuideOne Specialty Mut. Ins. Co. v. State Ins. Fund, 94 AD3d 700 (2nd Dept 2012); Commissioners of State Ins. Fund v. M. Mathews & Sons Co., 131 AD2d 301 (1st Dept 1987); Miraglia v. State Ins. Fund, 32 Misc 2d 471, 473-74 (Sup. Ct. Bx. County 2011).

Footnote 60: See Lipofsky v The State Insurance Fund, 86 F.3d 15.

Footnote 61: This case, also cited as Ultimate Care Chiropractic, P.C. v. State Ins. Fund, Index No. CV-71668-16, was discussed in Compass Med., P.C. v. State Ins. Fund, 2020 NY Misc. LEXIS 7010 (Civ. Ct., Kings County, Sept. 30, 2020), wherein Judge Sandra Roper noted therein that Plaintiffs’ counsel in both cases was the Rybak Firm, who is also counsel in the instant cases.

Footnote 62: See GuideOne Specialty Mut. Ins. Co. v. New York State Ins. Fund, 2015 NY Misc. LEXIS 4345 (NY Ct. Cl., Nov. 12, 2015) where permission was granted to file late claim.

Footnote 63: See Compass Med., P.C. v. State Ins. Fund, 2020 NY Misc. LEXIS 7010 (citing Ultimate Care Chiropractic, P.C. v. State Ins. Fund, Index No. CV-716668-16 [Civil Court improperly granted Plaintiff leave to transfer case to Court of Claims because that court does not accept transfers and the matter was time-barred]).

Footnote 64: See, e.g., Plaintiff’s Affirmation, Index number CV-723175-16, at paragraphs 30-39.

Footnote 65: See, e.g., Plaintiff’s Affidavit, Index No. 723175/16 dated April 22, 2021, paragraph 36. The additional cases that Plaintiffs cite in paragraphs 36—38, are likewise distinguishable from the instant cases because subject matter jurisdiction was not an issue in Plaintiffs’ cited cases where NYSIF was acting like a private insurer in the competitive market collecting premiums and in that context may bring actions in other state courts.

Footnote 66: See GuideOne Specialty Mut. Ins. Co. v. State Ins. Fund, 94 AD3d at 700; D’Angelo v. State Ins. Fund, 48 AD3d at 402.

Footnote 67: Ultimate Care Chiropractic, P.C. v. State Ins. Fund, Index No. CV-716668-16.

Footnote 68: See Compass Med., P.C. v. New York State Ins. Fund, 2020 NY Misc. LEXIS 7010.

Footnote 69: Id.

Footnote 70: See GuideOne Specialty Mut. Ins. Co. v. State Ins. Fund, 94 AD3d 700; D’Angelo v. State Ins. Fund, 48 AD3d 400; Miraglia v. State Ins. Fund, 32 Misc 2d 471.

Footnote 71: See Mosab Constr. Corp. v. Prospect Park Yeshiva, Inc., 124 AD3d 732, 733 (2d Dept 2015) (summary dismissal granted where case was time-barred after being filed eleven years after alleged breach of contract) and Flushing Expo, Inc. v. New World Mall, LLC, 116 AD3d 826, 827 (2d Dept 2014) (summary dismissal granted when Defendant’s evidence conclusively showed no contract existed between the parties).

Footnote 72: 22 NYCRR §130-1.1(a) authorizes a court to award to any party or attorney reasonable expenses incurred and reasonable attorney’s fees, resulting from frivolous conduct and, in addition to or in lieu of awarding costs, to impose financial sanctions upon any party or attorney for said conduct. Pursuant to 22 NYCRR §130-1.1(b), these sanctions can be imposed against the attorney personally or upon a partnership, firm or corporation with whom the attorney is associated and has appeared as attorney of record. In addition, 22 NYCRR §130-1.1(c) states, in part, that “conduct is frivolous if: (1) it is completely without merit in law and cannot be supported by a reasonable argument for an extension, modification or reversal of existing law….Frivolous conduct shall include the making of a frivolous motion….In determining whether the conduct undertaken was frivolous, the court shall consider…the (1) circumstances under which the conduct took place, including the time available for investigating the legal or factual basis of the conduct; and (2) whether or not the conduct was continued when its lack of legal or factual basis was apparent, should have been apparent, or was brought to the attention of counsel or the party.” 22 NYCRR §130-1.1(d) states, in part, “[a]n award of costs or the imposition of sanctions may be made either upon motion in compliance with CPLR §2214 or §2215 or upon the court’s own initiative, after a reasonable opportunity to be heard. The form of the hearing shall depend upon the nature of the conduct and the circumstances of the case.”

Footnote 73: Id. at 815.

Footnote 74: Id.

Footnote 75: Id. at 815-816 (citing Spremo v. Babchik, 216 AD2d 382 [2nd Dept 1995]).

Footnote 76: 22 NYCRR §130-1.2 authorizes a court to award costs, or impose sanctions, or both, up to $10,000 for any single occurrence of frivolous conduct, but the court can only do so “upon a written decision setting forth the conduct on which the award or imposition is based, the reasons why the court found the conduct to be frivolous, and the reasons why the court found the amount awarded or imposed to be appropriate.”

Footnote 77: Id. at 816.

Footnote 78: Id.

Footnote 79: In all the below-cited cases filed against Omni Indemnity Co., which were heard by various Kings County Civil Court judges, several medical providers sought to recover assigned first party no-fault benefits. Each Plaintiff was represented by the Rybak Firm. Except for an award to a Plaintiff by one judge which was subsequently reversed by the Appellate Term (see Charles Deng Acupuncture, P.C., v. Omni Indem. Co., 62 Misc 3d 134[A]), all were summarily dismissed because the Defendant showed that Plaintiff sued the wrong insurance company and the Plaintiff failed to raise an issue of fact in response. See T & S Med. Supply Corp. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6494, 62 Misc 3d 131(A).See, e.g., Charles Deng Acupuncture, P.C., v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6482, 62 Misc 3d 134(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Charles Deng Acupuncture, P.C., v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6487, 62 Misc 3d 135(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Charles Deng Acupuncture, P.C., v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6496, 62 Misc 3d 139(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); T & S Med. Supply Corp. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6494, 62 Misc 3d 131(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Maiga Prods. Corp. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6462, 62 Misc 3d 131(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Masigla v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6474, 62 Misc 3d 131(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Masigla v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6497, 62 Misc 3d 132(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Masigla v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6466, 62 Misc 3d 132(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Masigla v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6456, 62 Misc 3d 133(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Masigla v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6478, 62 Misc 3d 133(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Masigla v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6481, 62 Misc 3d 133(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Masigla v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6490, 62 Misc 3d 134(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Masigla v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6483, 62 Misc 3d 135(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Masigla v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6457, 62 Misc 3d 136(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Masigla v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6456, 62 Misc 3d 136(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Natural Therapy Acupuncture, P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6475, 62 Misc 3d 132(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Natural Therapy Acupuncture, P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6467, 62 Misc 3d 133(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Natural Therapy Acupuncture, P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6479, 62 Misc 3d 134(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Natural Therapy Acupuncture, P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6452, 62 Misc 3d 135(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Natural Therapy Acupuncture, P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6469, 62 Misc 3d 136(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Compas v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6454, 62 Misc 3d 132(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Compas v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6465, 62 Misc 3d 132(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Compas v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6450, 62 Misc 3d 135(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Compas v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6455, 62 Misc 3d 135(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Compas v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6486, 62 Misc 3d 135(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Compas Med., P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6451, 62 Misc 3d 131(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Compas Med., P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6492, 62 Misc 3d 131(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Compas Med., P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6472, 62 Misc 3d 131(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Compas Med., P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6471, 62 Misc 3d 132(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Compas Med., P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6491, 62 Misc 3d 133(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Compas Med., P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6461, 62 Misc 3d 134(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Compas Med., P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6495, 62 Misc 3d 134(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018); Compas Med., P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6915, 62 Misc 3d 134(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018) Compas Med., P.C. v. Omni Indem. Co., 2018 NY Misc. LEXIS 6470, 62 Misc 3d 136(A) (App. Term 2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. Dec. 21, 2018).

Footnote 80: See, e.g., Plaintiff’s Affirmation, Index No. 723175/16, at paragraph 40 (emphasis supplied). Plaintiffs misplaced reliance on other cited cases to support their position that Defendant failed to move to dismiss the complaint for lack of personal jurisdiction or refute the presumption of valid service of process is unpersuasive. See, e.g., Plaintiff’s Opposition, CV-723175-16 at paragraphs 13 and 15 citing US Consults v. APG, Inc., 82 AD3d 753 (2d Dept 2011]) and paragraph 13. Plaintiffs’ counsel also cited US Consults case in Ultra Ortho Prods., Inc. v. North Carolina Farm Bur. Ins. Group, 2018 18 NY Misc. LEXIS 5076, 61 Misc 3d [Civ Ct, Kings County, Nov. 9, 2018, Kennedy, J]. The Court in Ultra Ortho Prods. found that “the cases cited by plaintiff’s counsel [Oleg Rybak Esq., The Rybak Firm] are distinguished from the facts of the instant action” rejecting the plaintiff’s claim that personal jurisdiction was acquired and dismissed the complaint.

Footnote 81: See, e.g., GuideOne Specialty Mut. Ins. Co. v. State Ins. Fund, 94 AD3d 700; Twin City Fire Ins. Co. v. State Ins. Fund, 65 AD3d 945; D’Angelo v. State Ins. Fund, 48 AD3d 400, 402; Commissioners of State Ins. Fund v. Mathews & Sons Co., 131 AD2d 301; Miraglia v. State Ins. Fund, 32 Misc 2d 471; Compass Med., P.C. v. New York State Ins. Fund, 2020 NY Misc. LEXIS 7010; Ultimate Care Chiropractic, P.C. v. State Ins. Fund, Index No. 716668/2016; see also NY Const. art. VI, § 9; Workers’ Compensation Law § 76[1]; Methodist Hosp. of Brooklyn v. State Ins. Fund, 64 NY2d at 375.

CV-702946-18/KI

Attorney for Plaintiff: Allen Tsirelman, Esq., Gary Tsirelman P.C., 129 Livingston Street Brooklyn, Brooklyn, New York 11201

Attorney for Defendant: Michael Philippou, Esq., Rubin, Fiorella, Friedman & Mercante LLP, 630 Thrid Ave. 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10017

The court’s Decision and Order is based upon consideration of the following papers:

NOTICE OF MOTION & AFFIDAVITS ANNEXED 1

OPPOSITION/CROSS-MOTION 2

REPLY/OPPOSITION TO CROSS-MOTION 3

EXHIBITS

CPLR 2219(a) Recitation

Upon the foregoing cited papers, after oral argument, on June 4, 2021, the Decision and Order on Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss pursuant to CPLR 3211(A)(5) and 3212 on the grounds that it is barred by res judicata and collateral estoppel is as follows:

This action to seeking reimbursement of No-Fault benefits, was commenced on or about January 19, 2018. Issue was joined on or about February 21, 2018 with the service of Defendant’s Answer. The Answer contained numerous affirmative defenses including the defense that the action was barred by res judicata and/or collateral estoppel. On May 2, 2018 Defendant filed a summary judgment motion claiming that the underlying accident was staged and that there was fraud in the procurement of the policy. The motion was denied on April 16, 2019 as the court preserved these claims as questions of fact for trial. Plaintiff filed a Notice of Trial on or about May 7, 2019 that Defendant claims they received on May 20, 2019. The court file indicates that Defendant filed a motion to strike the notice of trial on June 18, 2019 and that after a number of adjournments due to COVID quarantine and/or requests by the parties, the motion will appear on the No-Fault motion calendar for argument on August 22, 2022. Thus, the motion to strike is not before this court.

On or about April 19, 2018, State Farm commenced a declaratory action in New York Supreme Court. On September 11, 2019, the Supreme Court issued an order declaring that State Farm has no obligation to cover No-Fault claims for the plaintiff, date of loss and claim number herein. “‘Under the doctrine of res judicata, a final adjudication of a claim on the merits precludes re-litigation of that claim and all claims arising out of the same transaction or series of transactions by a party or those in privity with a party'” (Milton v. Subraj, et al, 67 Misc 3d 140[A] [App Term, 2d Dept., 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. 2020] quoting Ciraldo v. JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.,140 AD3d 912 at 913 [2d Dept. 2016]; see Schuylkill Fuel Corp. v. Nieberg Realty Corp., 250 NY 304 [1929]). Defendant now seeks dismissal of this action based upon that Supreme Court order.

Plaintiff opposes the instant motion claiming that it is procedurally defective. Specifically, Plaintiff claims that Defendant improperly seeks relief under CPLR 3211(a)(5) because such a motion must be made before issue is joined, which was not done here. Additionally, Plaintiff argues that Defendant cannot move pursuant to CPLR 3212 because this motion was filed more than one hundred twenty (120) days after the filing of the Notice of Trial. Notably, Plaintiff does not oppose the motion on substantive grounds.

It is well established that CPLR 3212(a) provides that if no date is set by the court, a motion for summary judgment shall be made no later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the filing of the note of issue, except with leave of court on good cause shown (Brill v. City of New York, 2 NY3d 648 [2004]). Good cause has been defined as “a satisfactory explanation for the untimeliness” (Brill v. City of New York, 2 NY3d 648, 652). In this matter, Plaintiff correctly claims that this motion was filed beyond the one hundred and twenty (120) day period of the filing of the notice of trial. It is also noted that Defendant’s motion to strike the notice of trial has been adjourned well into next year and is not before the court at this time. Consequently, the May 7, 2019 filing of the notice of trial remains and the summary judgment motion is late.

Notwithstanding the above, the circumstances surrounding this case present good cause for the court to entertain a late summary judgment motion. Here summary judgment is sought based upon an order of the Supreme Court order which holds that as between the parties, Defendant bears no obligation to provide no fault coverage to Plaintiff stemming from the subject collision. In Armentano v Broadway Mall Properties, Inc., the Second Department found that the lower court had good cause to entertain a late summary judgment motion because it was based upon an order of the Appellate Department in a prior appeal of the matter which dismissed the case (Armentano v Broadway Mall Properties, Inc., 48 AD3d 493 [2d Dept 2008]). Similarly, in the instant action, the September 11, 2019 Supreme Court order is dispositive as to the merits of this matter and warrants dismissal of the case.

Further, Defendant could not have moved based on those defenses prior to joinder of issue as required by CPLR 3211(a)(5) because the declaratory judgment order did not exist at the time (see generally Renelique v State Wide Ins. Co., 50 Misc 3d 137[A] [App Term, 2d Dept., 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. 2016]; Metro Health Products, Inc. v. Nationwide Ins., 52 Misc 3d 138[A] [App Term, 2d Dept., 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. 2016]; see Atlantic Chiropractic, P.C., 62 Misc 3d 145[A] [App Term, 2d Dept.,11th & 13th Jud. Dists. 2019]; Milton v. Subraj, 67 Misc 3d 140 [A]). Likewise, when the first summary judgment motion was filed, the declaratory judgment order had not been issued; the only grounds for the initial summary judgment motion at that time were Defendant’s claims of fraud and staged accident.

Furthermore, to deny relief based on the untimeliness of the summary judgment motion under these facts would result in a disregard of a Supreme Court order and lead to an unjust result. Any judgment issued in favor of Plaintiff would destroy or impair rights or interests established by the judgment in the declaratory action. (see Active Chiropractic, P.C. v. Allstate Ins., 58 Misc 3d 156[A] [App Term, 2d Dept.,11th & 13th Jud. Dists. 2018]; Metro Health Products, Inc. v. Nationwide Ins., 52 Misc 3d 138 [A] [App Term, 2d Dept.,11th & 13th Jud. Dists. 2016]).

It is further noted that Plaintiff cannot now claim prejudice or surprise. Plaintiff was on notice of these defenses since early 2018, when Defendant raised its res judicata and collateral estoppel affirmative defenses in its Answer.

Although this is Defendant’s second summary judgment motion, the court will entertain the motion as it is based on the new evidence: the subsequently issued order of the Supreme Court which directly affects this action. “Multiple summary judgment motions in the same action should be discouraged in the absence of a showing of newly discovered evidence or other sufficient cause (Burbige v. Siben & Ferber, 152 AD3d 641,642 [2d Dept 2017]; see Valley Natl. Bank v. INI Holding, LLC, 95 AD3d 1108 [2d Dept 2012]).

Lastly, Plaintiff’s assertion that the declaratory judgment has no merit because it was granted on default is erroneous. It is well settled that “res judicata applies ‘to an order or judgment taken by default which has not been vacated, as well as to issues which were or could have been raised in the prior [action]'” (Lazides v. P & G Enters., 58 AD3d 607, 609 [2d Dept 2009] [internal citation omitted]). “[A] Supreme Court’s order is a conclusive final determination, notwithstanding that it was entered on default, and res judicata applies to an order or judgment taken by default” (Ava Acupuncture, P.C. v. NY Central Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 34 Misc 3d 149 [A] [App Term, 2d Dept. 2d, 11th and 13th Jud Dists 2012]; Atlantic Chiropractic, P.C. v. Utica Mutual Ins. Co., 62 Misc 3d 145[A]).

Based on the foregoing, Defendant’s motion is Granted. Defendant established that it properly preserved its res judicata and collateral estoppel defenses; that a declaratory judgment order was issued regarding this claim; and that the order has preclusive effect given the identity of issues and parties. Accordingly, the complaint is dismissed with prejudice.

This constitutes the Decision and Order of the Court.

ENTER.
June 24, 2021
Brooklyn, NY
Hon. Consuelo Mallafre Melendez
Judge, Civil Court

Index No. CV-733608-19
Gina Levy Abadi, J.

Recitation, as required by CPLR § 2219(a), of the papers considered in the review of this motion and cross motion for summary judgment:

Papers/ Numbered

Notice of Motion and Affidavits/Affirmations Annexed 0O9NBM

Cross-Motion and Answering Affidavits E2E86J

Opposition/Reply Affidavits/Affirmations Q486UA

Memoranda of Law________

Other________

Defendant State Farm Mutual Automobile Ins. Co. PIP/BI Claims (hereinafter “State Farm”) moves for an order, pursuant to CPLR § 3212 granting summary judgment and dismissing the complaint. Plaintiff Burke 2 Physical Therapy, P.C. (hereinafter “Burke”), A/A/O Sterneth Sang (hereinafter “Sang”), cross-moves for an order: pursuant to CPLR § 3211(c) and CPLR § 3212(a) granting summary judgment; denying defendant’s motion; pursuant to CPLR § 3212(g) limiting the issues of fact for trial by finding that the prescribed statutory billing forms were mailed to and received by the insurance carrier and that payment of no-fault benefits is overdue; and pursuant to CPLR § 3211(b) to dismiss defendant’s affirmative defenses.

Plaintiff commenced the instant action by filing the summons and complaint on July 2, 2019. Issue was joined on July 31, 2019. Sang allegedly sustained injuries in a motor vehicle accident on September 13, 2018 and defendant was the responsible no-fault insurance carrier. The accident was reported to defendant and a claim number was issued. Sang sought treatment [*2]with Burke on October 3, 2018 and assigned his claims to Burke on October 30, 2018. On September 14, 2018, prior to submission of the claim, an examination under oath (hereinafter “EUO”) of Burke’s owner, John Nasrinpay (hereinafter “Nasrinpay”), was held by defendant regarding claims unrelated to Sang. Nasrinpay’s EUO pre-dated receipt of the bills in dispute in the instant matter. Nevertheless, defendant issued numerous verification requests in this action precipitated by Nasrinpay’s EUO.

At issue in the instant matter are bills for dates of service from October 3, 2018, October 5, 2018, October 30, 2018, October 31, 2018, December 4, 2018, and December 11, 2018. State Farm acknowledged receipt of these claims. State Farm, by letters dated, December 3, 2018, December 17, 2018, January 23, 2019, and January 29, 2019, issued verification requests of the claims seeking production of numerous documents, including tax returns, bank records, and documents related to defendant’s various operating locations. State Farm sent follow-up requests for verification on January 9, 2019, January 23, 2019, February 26, 2019, and March 6, 2019. Plaintiff’s counsel alleges that Burke “replied to every verification request in a timely manner.” Those letters of response to the verification requests and any proof that they were mailed were not attached to the instant motion. State Farm issued denial of claim forms (NF-10s) on April 8, 2019, April 23, 2019, and June 4, 2019.

State Farm contends that it timely requested verifications of the bills at issue in the instant matter, thus tolling their time to pay pursuant to 11 NYCRR § 65-3.5. Moreover, it alleges it properly denied plaintiff’s claims for failure to provide the requested verification within 120 days. Defendant argues that the licensing of a medical provider is a condition precedent to the payment of no-fault benefits, therefore, such verification is relevant to the proof of the claim. Defendant contends that although it “need not demonstrate the ‘good cause’ of its verification requests,” its basis for the requests is substantiated by the affidavit of State Farm’s investigator, Lisa Stockburger. Defendant maintains its verification requests were proper and its denials timely.

In opposition, plaintiff argues that Nasrinpay’s affidavit establishes that plaintiff responded to defendant’s verification requests. Plaintiff alleges that the verification request were “impermissible and improper” as they were discovery requests that do not verify the claim but were “made merely to harass and burden the plaintiff.” In support of its motion and in further opposition to defendant’s motion, plaintiff annexes “Objections to Defendant’s Verification Requests,” undated but served on December 23, 2020, wherein plaintiff’s counsel objected to defendant’s verification and follow-up verification letters during the course of the instant litigation.

An insurer must pay or deny a claim in whole or in part within 30 calendar days after receipt of proof of claim. See 11 NYCRR § 65-3.8(c); Insurance Law § 5106(a). Proof of claim includes “verification of all of the relevant information requested pursuant to section 65-3.5 of this Subpart.” 11 NYCRR § 65-3.8(a); see New York Univ. Hosp. Tisch Inst. v Govt. Employees Ins. Co., 117 AD3d 1012, 1013 (2d Dept 2014). An insurer can extend or toll its time to pay or deny a claim by forwarding verification forms within 15 business days of receipt of the claim. See 11 NYCRR § 65-3.5(b); Mount Sinai Hosp. v New York Cent. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 120 AD3d 561, 563 (2d Dept 2014); Sound Shore Med. Ctr. v New York Cent. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 106 AD3d 157, 163 (2d Dept 2013). If any of the requested verifications are not “supplied to the insurer 30 calendar days after the original request, the insurer shall, within 10 calendar days, follow up with the party from whom the verification was requested ” 11 NYCRR § 65-3.6(b); [*3]see Westchester Med. Ctr. v Allstate Ins. Co., 112 AD3d 916, 917 (2d Dept 2013).

Although verification of a claim is permitted pursuant to 11 NYCRR § 65-3.5(c), “the no-fault regulations do not specifically define or limit the information or documentation an insurer may request through verification.” Victory Med. Diagnostics, P.C. v Nationwide Prop. and Cas. Ins. Co., 36 Misc 3d 568, 573 (NY Dist Ct 2012). Litigants sometimes refer to a response to a verification request as an “objection letter,” but “[n]either the no-fault law nor the no-fault regulations establish a mechanism or procedure by which a claimant provider can contest or challenge a request for verification on the grounds it is improper, unduly burdensome, unfounded, unnecessary or harassing.” Id. at 573; cf Westchester County Med. Ctr. v New York Cent. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 262 AD2d 553, 555 (2d Dept 1999) (holding that “[a]ny confusion on the part of the plaintiff as to what was being sought [in the verification letters] should have been addressed by further communication, not inaction”); Healthy Way Acupuncture, P.C. v NY Cent. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 58 Misc 3d 137 (App Term 2017). However, a demand for verification of facts can only be made if “there are good reasons to do so.” 11 NYCRR § 65-3.2(c). An insurer “is entitled to receive all items necessary to verify the claim directly from the parties from whom such verification was requested.” 11 NYCRR § 65-3.5(c). The Superintendent’s regulations provide for agency oversight of insurance carriers, and demand that carriers “delay the payment of claims to pursue investigations solely for ‘good cause’ ” State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v Robert Mallela, 4 NY3d 313, 322 (2005); see 11 NYCRR § 65-3.2 (c). In the licensing context, “carriers will be unable to show “good cause” unless they can demonstrate behavior tantamount to fraud.” State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v Robert Mallela, 4 NY3d at 322.

11 NYCRR § 65—3.5 (o) provides that a verification letter must be responded to by either submitting “all such verification under the applicant’s control or possession or written proof providing reasonable justification for the failure to comply.” If the claimant fails to respond to the verification letters, “an insurer may issue a denial if, more than 120 calendar days after the initial request for verification, the applicant has not submitted all such verification under the applicant’s control or possession or written proof providing reasonable justification for the failure to comply, provided that the verification request so advised the applicant as required in section 65-3.5(o) of this Subpart.” 11 NYCRR § 65-3.5 (b)(3).

In the instant matter, although the EUO of plaintiff occurred prior to receipt of the claim, the request for verification was sent after the claim was received. Therefore, the verification request tolled defendant’s time to deny the claim. See Clear Water Psychological Services, P.C. v Hereford Ins. Co., 68 Misc 3d 127(A) (App Term 2020). The follow-up verifications letters were also timely. Defendant’s verification letters, in compliance with 11 NYCRR § 65-3.5(o), notified plaintiff that it was required to provide all documents requested or provide written proof of a reasonable justification for its failure to comply.

Notably, plaintiff’s statements fluctuate between arguing that they provided the documentation and that State Farm is not entitled to such documentation. While plaintiff attests that it timely responded to the verification requests, it fails to attach such letters in response to the instant motion. Moreover, the affidavit of Nasrinpay states that he “personally responded and mailed on 01/18/2019, 02/06/2019 and 03/26/19 the verification responses in issue in this case to the address designated by defendant on the verification requests, to the extent such response was proper and in my possession.” Cross-Motion, p 160, ¶ 5. Nasrinpay fails to attach his responses to the verification letters to illustrate what was produced or to provide written proof of a reasonable justification for the failure to comply. Additionally, his affidavit fails to [*4]detail what was allegedly mailed to defendant. Defendant denies having received any such correspondence from plaintiff before issuing the NF-10 denials of its claims.

Furthermore, although 11 NYCRR § 65-3.5(o) provides for a response which allows for written proof of reasonable justification for the failure to comply with a verification request, no such response was submitted in support of this motion. Plaintiff’s counsel submits an “objection” to the verification request, which is not a proper response to defendant’s verification requests as it is not timely pursuant to 11 NYCRR § 65-3.5(o). Moreover, the “objection” appears to reference Mallela materials sought during litigation. The Court notes that the instant action was commenced on July 2, 2019 and plaintiff’s “objection” was served over 18 months after commencement of the action and over 2 years after the initial verification request was made. Therefore, plaintiff failed to submit proof that it complied with §11 NYCRR § 65-3.5(o). Finally, the Court finds the remainder of plaintiff’s arguments to be pro forma, without merit, and specious.

Accordingly, defendant’s motion pursuant to CPLR § 3212 for summary judgement dismissing the complaint is granted in its entirety and plaintiff’s cross-motion is denied as moot.

The foregoing constitutes the decision and order of this Court.

Dated: June 8, 2021
Hon. Gina Levy Abadi
Judge, Civil Court

CV-728829-17/KI

Law Offices of Aloy O. Ibuzor, Hartford, Connecticut (Duane Frankson of counsel), for Travelers Insurance Company, defendant.

The Rybak Firm, PLLC (Oleg Rybak of counsel), New York City, for Jules Francois Parisien, M.D., plaintiff

In this action seeking to recover assigned first-party no-fault benefits, defendant moves for summary judgment dismissing the complaint on the ground that plaintiff failed to appear for an examination under oath (EUO) on January 11, 2017 and March 8, 2017, or in the alternative, [*2]to compel plaintiff to appear for an examination before trial (Motion Seq. No. 001). Defendant also seeks an order deeming certain documents as genuine and certain facts as admitted which were submitted in a notice to admit to plaintiff’s counsel.

Plaintiff opposes the motion and cross-moves for summary judgment in his favor (Motion Seq. No. 002). Defendant did not submit any opposition papers to plaintiff’s cross motion or any reply papers in further support of defendant’s motion.

The issue presented is whether plaintiff raised triable issues of fact as to whether plaintiff had failed to appear at the EUOs, where defendant refused plaintiff’s requests to reschedule the EUOs for lengthy adjournments of two to three months.

BACKGROUND

On September 27, 2016, plaintiff’s assignor, Nicanor Gonzalez, was allegedly injured in a motor vehicle accident (see defendant’s exhibit C in support of motion, complaint ¶ 3; see also plaintiff’s exhibit 1 in support of cross motion, NF-AOB form).

On March 9, 2017, plaintiff allegedly rendered medical services to its assignor (see defendant’s exhibit A3 in support of motion, NF-3 forms dated 03/20/2017). Plaintiff allegedly submitted two bills these services: one in the amount of $267.79, and another in the amount of $1,625, to a post office box for defendant located in Melville, New York (id.; see also plaintiff’s exhibit 4 in support of cross motion, aff of Julien Parisien, MD ¶¶ 34-39). Defendant allegedly received both bills on March 30, 2017 (see defendant’s exhibit A in support of motion, aff of Lorraine Couvaris ¶ 8 [e]-[f]).

Scheduling of the EUO on January 11, 2017

Prior to the receipt of the bills at issue, by a letter dated December 9, 2016, addressed to the Rybak Firm, PLLC, defendant’s counsel scheduled an EUO of plaintiff to be held on January 11, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at a court reporting location in Brooklyn (see defendant’s exhibit B, scheduling letter). According to an affidavit of service, the scheduling letter was sent by regular mail to the Rybak Firm, PLLC on December 9, 2016 (see id.). Copies of the letter were allegedly sent to plaintiff, among others.

By a letter dated January 5, 2017, the Rybak Firm, PLLC replied to the December 9, 2016 letter, and it informed defendant’s counsel that plaintiff retained the Rybak Firm, PLLC to represent his interests in the EUO (see defendant’s exhibit B in support of motion). However, plaintiff’s counsel indicated that the chosen date was inconvenient for Dr. Parisien and should be rescheduled, stating,

“Please be advised that Dr. Parisien has fully booked his schedule till the end of February 2017. Accordingly as the law provides that an EUO be scheduled for a time and place that is convenient to the person being examined, please let our office know which other dates in March Travelers is available to conduct the EUO of Dr. Parisien so that we may arrange for a mutually convenient date, time and location”

* * *

Finally, please be advised that Dr. Parisien must be reimbursed in the amount of $5000.00 per claimant for his loss of income and business opportunities he would suffer while preparing for, traveling to, appearing at and traveling from the EUO you have requested.

* * *

Prior to the EUO, Dr. Parisien needs a firm reassurance by you or Travelers that Travelers has agreed to reimburse our client for his time in the amount listed above, and at the commencement of the EUO, Dr. Parisien must be presented with a check (of the entire amount for $5,000.00 per claimant) from Travelers compensating our client”

(see defendant’s exhibit B in support of motion [emphasis in original]).

On January 11, 2017, defendant’s counsel, by Duane Frankson, Esq., placed a statement on the record at 11:48 a.m. that he had been present at the EUO location since 9:46 a.m., that the time was 11:48 a.m., and no one has appeared on behalf of Dr. Jules Francois Parisien (see defendant’s exhibit B in support of motion, Jan 11, 2017 EUO tr. at 6).

Scheduling of the EUO on March 8, 2017

By a letter dated January 12, 2017 addressed to the Rybak Firm, PLLC, defendant’s counsel stated that the EUO scheduled for January 11, 2017 “will be recorded as a non-appearance” and scheduled a follow-up EUO of plaintiff to be held on March 8, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the same court reporting location in Brooklyn (see defendant’s exhibit B in support of motion, scheduling letter). The letter further stated, “We will require submission of detailed appoint [sic] logs before considering any further reschedule date for the EUO. . . . Please note your response fails to include documentation substantiating your demand for $5,000. . . Travelers will issue a disbursement for loss of earnings and travel expense claims for medical providers up to $500, immediately after EUO has been conducted. Compensation beyond $500 will be considered only after documentation substantiating the amount demanded has been received and examined. There is no requirement that compensation occur in advance of the scheduled examination” (id.). According to an affidavit of service, the scheduling letter was sent by regular mail to the Rybak Firm, PLLC on January 12, 2017 (see id.).

By a letter dated February 27, 2017, the Rybak Firm, PLLC replied to the January 12, 2017 letter, and plaintiff’s counsel again indicated that the chosen date was inconvenient for Dr. Parisien and should be rescheduled, stating,

“Please note that it is very common amongst medical providers to have their schedules fully booked for about the same period of 2-4 months depending on the circumstances, as well as to clear or extend them accordingly, which is usually the main reason/valid excuse of their unavailability to appear for a potential EUO.

As such is the case, please be advised that Dr. Parisien has extended his schedule for the next two (2) months, and will be unavailable to appear for the requested EUO currently scheduled for March 8, 2017. Accordingly, as the law provides that an EUO be scheduled for a time and place that is convenient to the person being examined, we reiterate our previous request for an adjournment. Please let our office know which other dates in May 2017 Travelers is available to conduct the EUO of Dr. Parisien so that we may arrange for a mutually convenient date, time and location”

(see defendant’s exhibit B in support of motion [emphasis in original]).

By a letter dated March 6, 2017, defendant’s counsel responded, “We will not reschedule the examination of your client, Jules Francois Parisien, MD, scheduled for March 8, 2017; your client’s appearance is required and should your client fail to appear the date will be recorded as the second non-appearance” (see defendant’s exhibit B in support of motion). According to an [*3]affidavit of service, the scheduling letter was sent by regular mail to the Rybak Firm, PLLC on March 8, 2017, and the documents were emailed and faxed to their office (see id.).

On March 8, 2017, defendant’s counsel, by Duane Frankson, Esq., placed a statement on the record at 10:58 a.m. that he had been present at the EUO location since 9:45 a.m., that the time was 11:05 a.m., no one has arrived, and no one had contacted him to indicate they were attending (see defendant’s exhibit B in support of motion, Mar 8, 2017 EUO tr. at 3-6).

By a letter dated March 10, 2017, plaintiff’s counsel replied to defendant’s counsel letter dated March 6, 2017, stating, in pertinent part:

“Moreover, you were advised in advance of the appearance that our client was unavailable for the first chosen EUO date. It is not unreasonable to request for an adjournment past that date, but considering that first date a “no show” is unreasonable by any standard. As you well know, it is common courtesy to extend adjournments between counsel in order to accommodate everyone’s busy schedule. Our office has extended many such courtesies to your firm.

Further, the fact that Travelers assigned a second, arbitrary date for the EUO of our client does not obfuscate the need to have a mutually convenient dated for the examination. It was again communicated previously that the chosen date was inconvenient for Dr. Parisien. And you will not be provided with patient logs to substantiate the level of inconvenience because it is simply a dilatory, red-tape delay tactic”

(see defendant’s exhibit B in support of motion).

By a letter dated April 6, 2017, defendant’s counsel responded, in relevant part, “Your representations concerning your client’s availability have been and continue to be vague. Despite our attempts to accommodate your client, you consistently seek to adjourn the matter” (see defendant’s exhibit B in support of motion).

Denial of Claim Forms

On April 10, 2017, defendant allegedly issued a denial of the bill in the amount of $267.79, for the date of service on March 9, 2017 (see defendant’s exhibit A4 in support of motion, NF-10 Forms). On April 11, 2017, defendant allegedly issued a denial of the bill in the amount of $1,625, for the date of service on March 9, 2017 (see id.). The Explanation of Benefits attached to each denial identically stated, in relevant part:

“JULES FRANCOIS PARISIEN HAS FAILED TO COMPLY WITH ITS OBLIGATION TO PRESENT A PROPER PROOF OF CLAIM . . . BY FAILING TO APPEAR FOR AN EXAMINATION UNDER OATH ON 1/11/17 AND 3/8/17. THEREFORE, YOU HAVE FAILED TO SATISFY A CONDITION OF COVERAGE — YOUR CLAIM IS DENIED. DUE TO THE FAILURE OF JULES FRANCOIS PARISIEN TO COMPLY WITH POLICY — NO-FAULT GUIDELINES — REQUIREMENTS, THE ENTIRE CLAIM FOR NO-FAULT BENEFITS IS DENIED”

(see defendant’s exhibit A4 in support of motion, NF-10 forms and Explanations of Benefits).

The Instant Action

On August 24, 2017, plaintiff commenced this action, asserting two causes of action to recover unpaid first-part no-fault benefits for the services rendered, plus interest, and a third [*4]cause of action seeking attorneys’ fees (see defendant’s exhibit C, summons and complaint). On September 29, 2017, defendant allegedly answered the complaint (see defendant’s exhibit C in support of motion, answer and affidavit of service).

DISCUSSION

I. Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment and other relief (Motion Seq. No. 001)

Defendant argues that it is entitled to summary judgment dismissing the complaint because plaintiff twice failed to appear for duly scheduled EUOs on January 11, 2017 and March 8, 2017. In the alternative, defendant moves to compel plaintiff to appear for an examination before trial. Defendant also seeks an order deeming certain documents as genuine and certain facts as admitted which were submitted in a notice to admit to plaintiff’s counsel.

A. The branch of defendant’s motion for summary judgment

“On a motion for summary judgment, the moving party must make a prima facie showing of entitlement to judgment as a matter of law, tendering sufficient evidence to demonstrate the absence of any material issues of fact. If the moving party produces the required evidence, the burden shifts to the nonmoving party to establish the existence of material issues of fact which require a trial of the action”

(Xiang Fu He v Troon Mgt., Inc., 34 NY3d 167, 175 [2019] [internal citations and quotation marks omitted]).

“[A]n appearance at an EUO is a condition precedent to the insurer’s liability on the policy” (GLM Med., P.C. v State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 30 Misc 3d 137 [A], 2011 NY Slip Op 50194 [U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2nd, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2011]).

“To establish its prima facie entitlement to summary judgment dismissing a complaint on the ground that a provider had failed to appear for an EUO, an insurer must demonstrate, as a matter of law, that it had twice duly demanded an EUO from the provider, that the provider had twice failed to appear, and that the insurer had issued a timely denial of the claims”

(Oleg’s Acupuncture, P.C. v State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 63 Misc 3d 152[A], 2019 NY Slip Op 50760 [U], * 1 [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2019] [internal citations omitted]). Defendant must demonstrate “that its initial and follow-up requests for verification were timely mailed” (Urban Radiology, P.C. v Clarendon Natl. Ins. Co., 31 Misc 3d 132 [A], 2011 NY Slip Op 50601[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2011]).

1. Mailing of the EUO scheduling letters

Generally, “proof that an item was properly mailed gives rise to a rebuttable presumption that the item was received by the addressee” (Viviane Etienne Med. Care, P.C. v Country-Wide Ins. Co., 114 AD3d 33, 46 [2d Dept 2013], affd 25 NY3d 498 [2015] [internal quotation marks and citations omitted]). A party can establish proof of mailing “through evidence of actual mailing (e.g., an affidavit of mailing or service) or—as relevant here—by proof of a sender’s routine business practice with respect to the creation, addressing, and mailing of documents of that nature” (CIT Bank N.A. v Schiffman, —NY3d&mdash, 2021 NY Slip Op 01933, *3 [2021]; New York & Presbyt. Hosp. v Allstate Ins. Co., 29 AD3d 547, 547 [2d Dept 2006], quoting Residential Holding Corp. v Scottsdale Ins. Co., 286 AD2d 679, 680 [2d Dept 2001]; accord American Tr. Ins. Co. v Lucas, 111 AD3d 423, 424 [1st Dept 2013]).

“Actual mailing may be established by a proper certificate of mailing or by an affidavit of one with personal knowledge” (J.M. Chiropractic Servs., PLLC v State Farm Mut. Ins. Co., 36 Misc 3d 135[A], 2012 NY Slip Op 51348[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2012] [internal citation, emendations and quotation marks omitted]). For proof by office practice, “the office practice must be geared so as to ensure the likelihood that the item is always properly addressed and mailed” (Progressive Cas. Ins. Co. v Metro Psychological Servs., P.C., 139 AD3d 693, 694 [2d Dept 2016], citing Nassau Ins. Co. v Murray, 46 NY2d 828, 830 [1978]).

Here, defendant established mailing of the EUO scheduling letters, by submitting affidavits of service, which stated that the EUO scheduling letter dated December 9, 2016 was sent by regular mail to the Rybak Firm, PLLC on December 9, 2016, and that the EUO scheduling letter dated January 12, 2017 was sent by regular mail to the Rybak Firm, PLLC on January 12, 2017 (see defendant’s exhibit B in support of motion).

Plaintiff fails to raise a triable issue of fact as to whether the EUO scheduling letters were mailed. “[A] properly executed affidavit of service raises a presumption that a proper mailing occurred, and a mere denial of receipt is not enough to rebut this presumption” (Kihl v Pfeffer, 94 NY2d 118, 122 [1999]). Contrary to plaintiff’s argument, these affidavits of service were from a person with personal knowledge of the actual mailing.

Plaintiff points out that the EUO scheduling letters did not include the floor number or suite number in the address, and therefore argues that the EUO scheduling letter was sent to the wrong address (affirmation of plaintiff’s counsel in support of cross motion and in opposition to motion ¶ 112). However, minor errors in the mailing address will not render service void where it is “virtually certain” that the mailing will arrive at its intended destination (see Brownell v Feingold, 82 AD2d 844, 845 [2d Dept 1981]). Here, defendant submitted copies of the letters from plaintiff’s counsel, who acknowledged receipt of the EUO scheduling letters.

2. Plaintiff’s failure to appear

Defendant established that plaintiff twice failed to appear for EUOs on January 11, 2017 and March 8, 2017, by submitting certified transcripts from the EUOs scheduled on January 11, 2017 and March 8, 2017. Although plaintiff argues that defendant must also submit an affidavit from someone with personal knowledge that plaintiff failed to appear at an EUO (see affirmation of plaintiff’s counsel in support of cross motion and in opposition to motion ¶¶ 62-63), a certified transcript memorializing the missed appearance is sufficient (Active Chiropractic, P.C. v Praetorian Ins. Co., 43 Misc 3d 134[A], 2014 NY Slip Op 50634[U] [App Term 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2014]; see also Atlantic Radiology Imaging, P.C. v Metro. Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co., 50 Misc 3d 147[A], 2016 NY Slip Op 50321[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2016]).

In opposition, plaintiff extensively argues that defendant failed to establish that it had objective reasons for requesting plaintiff’s EUO (see affirmation of plaintiff’s counsel in support of cross motion and in opposition to motion ¶¶ 92-108, 123-147). However, the Appellate Term, Second Department has repeatedly ruled, “contrary to plaintiff’s contention, defendant was not required to set forth objective reasons for requesting EUOs in order to establish its prima facie entitlement to summary judgment” (21st Century Pharmacy, Inc. v Integon Natl. Ins. Co., 69 Misc 3d 142[A], 2020 NY Slip Op 51364[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2020], citing Interboro Ins. Co. v Clennon, 113 AD3d 596, 597 [2d Dept 2014]; see also [*5]Gentlecare Ambulatory Anesthesia Servs. v GEICO Ins. Co., 65 Misc 3d 138[A], 2019 NY Slip Op 51684[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2019]).

Contrary to plaintiff’s argument, “there is no requirement to establish willfulness” (Goldstar Equip., Inc. v Mercury Cas. Co., 59 Misc 3d 138[A], 2018 NY Slip Op 50576[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2018]). “The doctrine of willfulness . . . applies in the context of liability policies, and has no application in the no-fault context” (Unitrin Advantage Ins. Co. v Bayshore Physical Therapy, PLLC, 82 AD3d 559, 561 [1st Dept 2011]).

Plaintiff next argues that defendant cannot meet its burden that plaintiff failed to appear at the EUOs “because it repeatedly scheduled EUOs that were inconvenient to Plaintiff and made no effort to cooperate with Plaintiff to schedule the EUOs at a time and place that was reasonable for all parties” (affirmation of plaintiff’s counsel in support of cross motion and in opposition to motion ¶ 110). Plaintiff asserts that “Plaintiff, through counsel, made clear that because Plaintiff was a medical provider, his schedule was often booked 2-4 months in advance. Yet defendant never scheduled or tried to schedule an EUO outside of this time constraint. As a result, Plaintiff was not able to attend EUOs that defendant scheduled which conflicted with Plaintiff’s schedule” (id. [internal citations omitted]). In its moving papers, defendant contended, “Plaintiff’s communications only demonstrate an effort to frustrate the claim process and have no substantive value beyond confirming notice occurred and Plaintiff failed to attend” (affirmation of defendant’s counsel in support of motion ¶ 13).

As plaintiff points out, “All examinations under oath and medical examinations requested by the insurer shall be held at a place and time reasonably convenient to the applicant” (11 NYCRR 65-3.5 [e]). The regulations do not place a limit on the number of times an applicant for no-fault benefits can request to reschedule an EUO. Courts have ruled that an EUO that is mutually rescheduled prior to the appointed time would not be deemed to constitute a failure to appear (Avicenna Med. Arts, P.L.L.C. v. Ameriprise Auto & Home, 47 Misc 3d 145 [A], 2015 NY Slip Op 50701[U] [App Term 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2015]; Metro Psychological Servs., P.C. v Mercury Cas. Co., 49 Misc 3d 143[A], 2015 NY Slip Op 51644[U] [App Term, 1st Dept 2015]).

However, one cannot assume that an EUO is mutually rescheduled merely because a request to reschedule an EUO was made (Alas Lifespan Wellness, PT, P.C. v Citywide Auto Leasing, Inc., 64 Misc 3d 131[A], 2019 NY Slip Op 51040[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2019] [a phone call from the assignor on the day of the scheduled IME asking to adjourn the IME, without more, is insufficient to show that an issue of fact exists as to whether the IME was mutually rescheduled]).

However, if plaintiff requested to reschedule an EUO and received no response, then the insurer is not entitled to summary judgment dismissing the complaint as a matter of law (Island Life Chiropractic, P.C. v State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 64 Misc 3d 130[A], 2019 NY Slip Op 51038[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2019] [plaintiff’s owner submitted an affidavit in which he stated that he had called defendant to reschedule each EUO and that he left messages for defendant’s investigator, but that plaintiff was not contacted by defendant in response to the messages]).

If an insurer refuses a timely and proper request to reschedule, then an issue of fact arises as to whether the EUOs were scheduled to be held at a time or place which was “reasonably convenient” to plaintiff (Parisien v Metlife Auto & Home, 68 Misc 3d 126[A], 2020 NY Slip Op 50845[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2020]). One lower court has ruled [*6]that an insurer may not unreasonably refuse to adjourn the exams “where a good-faith request is made to re-schedule and the adjournment sought is not excessive” (Diagnostic Radiographic Imaging, P.C. v GEICO, 42 Misc 3d 1205[A], 2013 NY Slip Op 52247[U] [Civ Ct, Kings County 2013]; see also A.B. Med. Servs. PLLC v USAA Gen. Indem. Co., 9 Misc 3d 19, 22, 2005 NY Slip Op 25297 [App Term, 2d Dept 2005]).

Here, defendant’s submissions indicate that the requests of plaintiff’s counsel to reschedule were made days before the EUOs were to occur, even though defendant’s counsel had mailed the scheduling letters more than a month before the scheduled EUOs. Defendant’s counsel apparently received plaintiff’s letter dated January 5, 2007 on January 10, 2017, the day before plaintiff’s EUO, as indicated by a date stamp on the letter (see defendant’s exhibit B in support of motion). Similarly, defendant’s counsel apparently received plaintiff’s letter dated February 27, 2017 on March 2, 2017, six days before plaintiff’s scheduled EUO on March 8, 2017 (see id.).

Assuming, for the sake of argument, that the requests of plaintiff’s counsel were both timely, plaintiff did not raise a triable issue of fact as to whether these requests were proper, or that they were made in good faith. Plaintiff requested two lengthy adjournments of the EUO for two to three months, ostensibly for the reason that plaintiff is a doctor. If that reason, without more, constituted a good faith basis for an adjournment, then plaintiff could postpone an EUO indefinitely. As plaintiff’s counsel points out, when an insurer schedules an EUO, the insurer must inform the applicant seeking no-fault benefits that “the applicant will be reimbursed for any loss of earnings and reasonable transportation expenses incurred in complying with the request” (11 NYCRR 65-3.5 [e]), which occurred here. Thus, any concern for the loss of earnings would not be a valid reason to reschedule an EUO. Additionally, when requesting to reschedule, plaintiff offered no specific dates which would be convenient for plaintiff. On this motion, plaintiff did not come forward within any additional information to support the contention that such lengthy adjournments would be reasonable under the circumstances. Thus, plaintiff fails to raise a triable issue of fact as to whether his requests for adjournments for two to three months were either proper, or made in good faith.

Lastly, plaintiff contends that defendant “failed to agree to reimburse the provider” for loss of earnings (see affirmation of plaintiff’s counsel ¶ 111). Plaintiff demanded a flat, up-front reimbursement in the amount of “$5,000 per claimant”, which plaintiff insisted be tendered by check “at the commencement of the EUO” (see defendant’s exhibit B in support of motion, letter from plaintiff’s counsel dated January 5, 2017). However, plaintiff’s counsel cites no authority for the proposition that the insurer must reimburse the lost earnings before the EUO takes place, and that the lack of reimbursement prior to the EUO would excuse the person to be examined from having to appear. As a practical matter, the duration of an EUO may be an important factor in calculating the reimbursement of lost earnings. In this case, the request of plaintiff’s counsel for a flat, up-front fee of $5,000 per claimant was improper (Professional Health Imaging, P.C. v State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 51 Misc 3d 143[A], 2016 NY Slip Op 50698[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2016] [“plaintiff improperly demanded that defendant pay a flat, up-front fee of $4,500 for plaintiff to attend the EUO, as opposed to seeking reimbursement for any loss of earnings and reasonable transportation expenses as set forth in the regulations”]).

Finally, plaintiff’s reliance upon Meridian Psychological Services, P.C. v Allstate Insurance Company (51 Misc 3d 128[A], 2016 NY Slip Op 50375[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2016]) is misplaced. There, the attorney testified at a nonjury trial that, [*7]“for the second EUO, she checked at 11:30 a.m. to see whether the assignor had appeared and continued to check for another 15 minutes, but plaintiff’s assignor never appeared. However, the letter scheduling the second EUO scheduled the EUO for 11:00, not 11:30” (id.). Here, unlike Meridian Psychological Services, P.C., the certified EUO transcripts reflect that defendant’s counsel stated on the record that he had been present before the scheduled start time of the EUOs. Thus, no reasonable inference could be drawn that plaintiff had appeared at the EUOs and left before defendant’s counsel had checked for plaintiff’s appearance. Neither does plaintiff submit an affidavit stating that he had appeared for any of the EUOs.

Thus, plaintiff fails to raise a triable issue of fact as to whether plaintiff twice failed to appear for duly scheduled EUOs.

3. Timely Denial of the Claims

“[A]n insurer must either pay or deny a claim for motor vehicle no-fault benefits, in whole or in part, within 30 days after an applicant’s proof of claim is received. An insurer can extend the 30-day period within which to pay or deny a claim by making a timely demand for further verification of the claim”

(Infinity Health Prods., Ltd. V Eveready Ins. Co., 67 AD3d 862, 864 [2d Dept 2009] [internal citations omitted]).

Here, the bills at issue were dated March 20, 2017 (see defendant’s exhibit A3 in support motion, NF-3 Forms), and the denials were allegedly issued on April 10 and 11, 2017. Although defendant claims to have received the bills on March 30, 2017, the actual date of receipt is not a material issue of fact in this case. Even assuming, for the sake of argument, that the bills were received on March 20, 2017, the issuance of the denials on April 10 and April 11, 2017 would be within 30 days of receipt of the bills.

Because defendant requested plaintiff’s EUO prior to its receipt of the bills, the notification requirements for verification requests under 11 NYCRR 65-3.5 and 65-3.6 did not apply (Mapfre Ins. Co. of New York v Manoo, 140 AD3d 468, 469 [1st Dept 2016]; Stephen Fogel Psychological, P.C. v Progressive Cas. Ins. Co., 7 Misc 3d 18, 21 [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d & 11th Jud Dists 2004], affd 35 AD3d 720 [2d Dept 2006]).^[FN1]

Plaintiff argues that defendant must establish when the NF-2 form was mailed to establish timely scheduling of the EUO, because the EUO was a “pre-claim” EUO, citing Okslen Acupuncture, P.C. v Lancer Insurance Company (39 Misc 3d 144[A], 2013 NY Slip Op 50821[U] [App Term, 1st Dept 2013]). This argument is without merit. Proof of timely mailing of the NF-2 form “is not part of an insurer’s prima facie burden when seeking summary judgment on the ground that a provider or the provider’s assignor failed to appear for duly scheduled EUOs” (BNE Clinton Med., P.C. v State Farm Mut. Auto Ins. Co., 70 Misc 3d 138[A], 2021 NY Slip Op 50083[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2021]). Plaintiff’s reliance upon Okslen Acupuncture, P.C. is misplaced. In that case, the Appellate Term, First Department held that pre-claim requests for EUOs do not trigger tolling of the 30-day period for [*8]an insurer to pay or otherwise deny a claim. Here, tolling is not at issue because the denials were allegedly issued within 30 days after they were received.

To establish the mailing of the denials, defendant submitted an affidavit from Lorraine Couvaris, a Claim Litigation Representative employed by defendant (see defendant’s exhibit A in support of motion, Couvaris aff ¶¶ 1-2). Defendant also submitted an affidavit from Mary A. Googe, the manager of a Special Processing Unit of a centralized mailing facility located in Norcross, Georgia, referred to as the Norcross Data Service Center, which does mailing for The Travelers Indemnity Company and its affiliated underwriting companies (see defendant’s exhibit A1 in support of motion, Googe aff ¶¶ 1-3).

Couvaris has been employed in the Claim Department since May 2005, and she has training and experience in claim processing and mail processing procedures that were in effect for the claims at issue (Couvaris aff ¶¶ 3-4). Couvaris processed the bills and issued the denials in this case (id. ¶ 8).

According to Couvaris, claims and documents submitted in support of claims that Travelers received were directed to a Claim Representative for processing (id. ¶ 5 [d]). The Claim Representative noted receipt of the submission on an electronic record, reviewed, the submission, and determined if claims were eligible for coverage (id.). The Claim Representative would seek an EUO if an EUO was deemed appropriate to ascertain the validity of claims (id. ¶ 5 [o]). Once the Claim Representative received the results of an EUO, the Claim Representative would make a determination concerning coverage of related claims (id. ¶ 5 [p]). If the determination of a Claim Representative was a denial, two copies of an “explanation of benefits” or NF-10, and any relevant documents were prepared and directed to the claimant and/or any designated assignee (id. ¶ 5 [q] [iii]). Contemporaneously with the determination, the Claim Representative would note the process on an electronic log (id. ¶ 5 [r]). The claims and documents submitted in support of the claims were kept, maintained, and relied upon by the Claim Representative in processing of the claim, and copies of all documents and electronic logs related to a claim are maintained by defendant in the regular course of business (id. ¶ 7)

Couvaris described the customary practice of defendant’s Melville Claim Center for correspondence as follows: a Claim Representative prepared the documents and reviewed them to ensure the information noted was accurate, and then transmitted the documents electronically for mailing to Norcross Data Center, located in Norcross, Georgia (id. ¶ 6 [a]).

According to Googe, the Norcross Data Service Center is the centralized facility from which certain Travelers documents, including no-fault denials (form NF-10s), verification requests, and associated notices of claim processing delays, are printed, batched, and mailed (Googe aff ¶ 4). When a Travelers employee completes an NF-10 denial, verification request, or a delay letter from his or her desktop computer, and executes the “send and archive option,” the document will be electronically transmitted to the Norcross Data Service Center, where it is batched, printed, and then mailed (id. ¶ 6).

Once transmitted, documents are electronically batched; and, when the documents are printed, they contain encoded information, which identifies the particular batch they were processed in (id. ¶ 8). The documents are then placed into a machine which inserts them into a windowed envelope where the address of the recipient is shown (id.). The envelope is sealed, and the appropriate amount of postage is applied according to size and weight (id.). The machine counts the number of documents and envelopes processed to check that all mail in a particular batch has gone through the process, by comparing the actual number of envelopes with [*9]the expected number (id.). A visual inspection is also performed to ensure that the address of the recipient appears visible in the envelope window (id. ¶ 9). The reconciled mail is then placed into covered United States Postal Service trays, which are secured and placed into United States Postal Service designated containers, which are then delivered to a secure loading facility, where they are picked up by United States Postal employees (id. ¶ 10).

With respect to NF-10 denials, the denials are mailed in duplicate, and mailed to the identified recipient no later than the next business day after the date which appears on the denial (id. ¶¶ 6-7, 13).

In this case, Couvaris stated that defendant received two claims for services rendered to Nicanor Gonzalez on March 30, 2017 (Couvaris aff ¶ 8 [f]). After reviewing the claims, Couvaris denied them for the failure of plaintiff to appear at scheduled EUOs on January 11, 2017 and March 8, 2017 (id. ¶ 8 [g]). Couvaris issued denial of claim forms in duplicate for each of the claims, and sent them to plaintiff and Gonzalez (id. ¶ 8 [h]). Couvaris then documented the electronic record with an account of her review and denial (id. ¶ 8 [i]).

Based on the detailed affidavits of Couvaris and Googe, defendant established proof of mailing of the denials no later than the next business day after April 10 and 11, 2017, the date that appears on the denials, in accordance with a standard office practice and procedure (Residential Holding Corp. v Scottsdale Ins. Co., 286 AD2d 679, 680 [2d Dept 2001]; Crystal Acupuncture, P.C. v Travelers Ins., 66 Misc 3d 130[A], 2019 NY Slip Op 52055[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2019]).

“[T]o rebut the presumption, there must be proof of a material deviation from an aspect of the office procedure that would call into doubt whether the notice was properly mailed, impacting the likelihood of delivery to the intended recipient. Put another way, the crux of the inquiry is whether the evidence of a defect casts doubt on the reliability of a key aspect of the process such that the inference that the notice was properly prepared and mailed is significantly undermined. Minor deviations of little consequence are insufficient”

(CIT Bank N.A, —NY3d—, 2021 NY Slip Op 01933, *3).

Contrary to plaintiff’s argument, defendant did submit an affidavit from someone with personal knowledge of the denials, because Couvaris stated that she was the Claims Litigation Representative who issued the denials, and Couvaris also had personal knowledge of the claims procedures and mailing procedures (Couvaris aff ¶¶ 4, 8 [g]).

As plaintiff points out, Couvaris indicated that she had reviewed electronic logs related to this claim, but defendant did not submit copies or printouts of the electronic logs. “Evidence of the contents of business records is admissible only where the records themselves are introduced. Without their introduction, a witness’s testimony as to the contents of the records is inadmissible” (Bank of New York Mellon v Gordon, 171 AD3d 197, 205-06 [2d Dept 2019] [internal citations and internal quotation marks omitted]). Thus, any information that Couvaris could only have obtained from the electronic log would not be admissible. However, in this case, Couvaris had personally issued the denials, and had submitted copies of the denials themselves. Plaintiff does not point to any information in Couvaris’s affidavit relevant to proof of mailing that could only have been derived from a review of the electronic log.

Contrary to plaintiff’s argument, the failure to send a denial of claim form in duplicate as required under 11 NYCRR 65-3.8 (c) (1) is not, on its own, a fatal error (Performance Plus Med., P.C. v Utica Mut. Ins. Co., 47 Misc 3d 129[A], 2015 NY Slip Op 50399[U] [App Term, [*10]2d Dept 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2015]; Mollo Chiropractic, PLLC v American Commerce Ins. Co., 42 Misc 3d 66, 69 [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2013]). In any event, Couvaris and Googe averred that denial of claim forms are sent in duplicate (Couvaris aff ¶ 8 [h]; Googe aff ¶ 6).

Acupuncture Prima Care, P.C. v State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance Company (17 Misc 3d 1135[A], 2007 NY Slip Op 52273[U] [Dist Ct, Nassau County 2007]), which plaintiff cites, is distinguishable.

There, to establish proof of mailing, the defendant submitted two affidavits—an affidavit from a claims representative from the defendant’s office in Ballston Spa, New York and an affidavit from a claims support supervisor from the defendant’s office in Melville, New York. The claims representative described the procedure for generating the denial of claim forms, which were then sent to Claims Support Services personnel for processing (id. at *2). The affidavit from the Claims Support Services Supervisor stated, in essence, that the generated denial of claim forms are retrieved from a printer, placed in an envelope, and picked up by a courier who delivers the envelope to the United States Postal Service (id. at *2-3).

The court in Acupuncture Prima Care, P.C. ruled, “while this may describe a ‘standard office practice and procedure,’ it does not describe one “used to ensure that items were properly addressed and mailed” (id. at *3 [internal citation omitted]). The court reasoned that the procedure described did not contain enough safeguards to “take into account the possibility that an item of mail might get misplaced or lost anywhere between the CSA pool and the United States Post Office” (id.) The court also faulted the affiants for not indicating the basis for their knowledge that the office practice and procedure was followed, and the affiants failed to indicate that they were familiar with the defendant’s office practices and procedures when the first of the denials were allegedly mailed (id. at *3-4). Finally, the court indicated that neither of the affiants (who were in Ballston Spa and Melville) indicated from which office the denials were allegedly mailed, when the denials bore an address from Parsippany, New Jersey (id.).

Here, unlike the affiants in Acupuncture Prima Care, P.C., Googe established personal knowledge of the standard mailing procedures, based on training and experience that Googe received (Googe aff ¶¶ 2-3). In any event, the same court which decided Acupuncture Prima Care, P.C. acknowledged that its prior cases were no longer good law in light of St. Vincent’s Hospital of Richmond v Government Employees Insurance Company (50 AD3d 1123 [2d Dept 2008]) (see Uniondale Chiropractic Off. v State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 20 Misc 3d 1130[A], 2008 NY Slip Op 51687[U] [Dist Ct, Nassau County 2008]).

In sum, plaintiff failed to raise a triable issue of fact as to whether the denials were mailed to plaintiff no later than one business day after April 10 and April 11, 2017.

Given all the above, the court grants the branch of defendant’s motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint, on the ground that plaintiff twice failed to appear for duly scheduled EUOs on January 11, 2017 and March 8, 2017.

B. The branch of defendant’s motion to compel plaintiff to appear for an examination before trial

In light of dismissal of the complaint, the branch of defendant’s motion which sought, in the alternative, an order compelling plaintiff to appear for an examination before trial, is denied as academic.

C. The branch of defendant’s motion seeking an order deeming documents as admitted pursuant [*11]to CPLR 3123

The branch of defendant’s motion seeking an order to “deemed the documents described in Defendant’s Notice to Admit as genuine and the matters of fact set forth in Defendant’s Notice to Admit as true” is denied as academic, because defendant was granted summary judgment dismissing the complaint. In any event, “[t]he question as to whether a party has rightly or wrongly declined for reasons set forth to admit or to deny an item tendered in a notice to admit is for the trial court” (Belfer v Dictograph Products, 275 App Div 824 [1st Dept 1949]).

II. Plaintiff’s Cross Motion for Summary Judgment (Motion Seq. No. 002)

“A no-fault provider establishes its prima facie entitlement to summary judgment by proof of the submission to the defendant of a claim form, proof of the fact and the amount of the loss sustained, and proof either that the defendant had failed to pay or deny the claim within the requisite 30-day period, or that the defendant had issued a timely denial of claim that was conclusory, vague or without merit as a matter of law”

(Ave T MPC Corp. v Auto One Ins. Co., 32 Misc 3d 12[A]; 2011 NY Slip Op 51292[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2011]).

Here, any deficiencies in plaintiff’s proof of mailing were cured by defendant’s submission of the denial of claim form in defendant’s motion papers, which admitted receipt of the bill (Bob Acupuncture, P.C. v New York Cent. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 53 Misc 3d 135[A], 2016 NY Slip Op 51434[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2016]; see Oleg Barshay, DC, P.C. v State Farm Ins. Co., 14 Misc 3d 74, 75 [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d & 11th Jud Dists 2006]).

However, plaintiff’s cross motion for summary judgment in its favor against defendant is denied. As discussed above, defendant timely denied the bills on the grounds that plaintiff twice failed to appear for duly scheduled EUOs.

CONCLUSION

Upon the foregoing cited papers, it is hereby ORDERED that defendant’s motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint, or in the alternative, to compel plaintiff to appear for an examination before trial and other relief (Motion Seq. No. 001) is GRANTED TO THE EXTENT that the branch of defendant’s motion seeking summary judgment dismissing the complaint is granted, and the complaint is dismissed, with costs and disbursements to defendant as taxed by the Clerk upon submission of an appropriate bill of costs; and it is further

ORDERED that the remainder of defendant’s motion is denied; and it is further

ORDERED that plaintiff’s cross motion for summary judgment in its favor (Motion Seq. No. 002) is DENIED; and it is further

ORDERED that the Clerk is directed to enter judgment in defendant’s favor accordingly.

This constitutes the decision and order of the court.

Dated: April 30, 2021
New York, New York
ENTER:
________________________________
RICHARD TSAI, J.
Judge of the Civil Court

Footnotes

Footnote 1:However, once the bills are received, defendant is required to comply with the follow-up provisions of 11 NYCRR 65.36 (b) (Mapfre Ins. Co. of NY, 140 AD3d at 470). In this case, the follow-up EUO scheduling letter was sent before the bills at issue were received.

[*1]

Civil Court of the City of New York, Kings County, April 20, 2021

APPEARANCES OF COUNSEL

Rivkin Radler, LLP, Uniondale (Donald Kernisant Jr. of counsel), for defendant.

Law Office of Melissa Betancourt, P.C., Brooklyn (Jaime Koo of counsel), for plaintiff.

In this first-party no-fault action, defendant moves pursuant to CPLR 2221 to reargue that portion of this court’s February 28, 2019 decision which reserved the reasonableness of the content of defendant’s request for post-examination under oath (EUO) additional verification as an issue of fact for trial. Defendant contends its request is not subject to judicial review and is valid under the no-fault rules as a matter of law. Defendant claims the court misapprehended the law when it reserved for trial the question of the reasonableness of these additional verification requests. Plaintiff claims defendant failed to establish its outstanding verification defense and that, under the circumstances of this case, the substance of the additional requests was improper and an abuse of the verification process. Plaintiff maintains that defendant’s demand for this type of additional verification placed an improper onus on the provider to supply documents outside the scope of the claim verification process. They claim that defendant’s denial was improper as it was based on a claimed failure to provide some or all of these impermissible requests. Plaintiff further argued that defendant had acquired sufficient information to determine whether to verify or [*2]deny the claim from the provider’s EUO and defendant’s own related investigation. The court notes that defendant interposed a Mallela defense in its answer and that similar demands were made in combined demands served upon plaintiff.

The decision of whether to grant reargument is within the sound discretion of the motion court (see Matter of Anthony J. Carter, DDS, P.C. v Carter, 81 AD3d 819, 820 [2d Dept 2011]; Degraw Constr. Group, Inc. v McGowan Bldrs., Inc., 178 AD3d 772, 773 [2d Dept 2019]; Barnett v Smith, 64 AD3d 669 [2d Dept 2009]). A motion for reargument “ ’is not designed to provide an unsuccessful party with successive opportunities to{**72 Misc 3d at 344} reargue issues previously decided, or to present arguments different from those originally presented’ ” (Matter of Anthony J. Carter, DDS, P.C. v Carter, 81 AD3d at 820, quoting McGill v Goldman, 261 AD2d 593, 594 [2d Dept 1999]; Jaspar Holdings, LLC v Gotham Trading Partners #1, LLC, 186 AD3d 582 [2d Dept 2020]). The movant must make an effort to demonstrate in what manner the court, in rendering the original determination, overlooked or misapprehended the relevant facts or law (see Nicolia v Nicolia, 84 AD3d 1327 [2d Dept 2011]; Matter of Anthony J. Carter, DDS, P.C. v Carter, 81 AD3d at 820).

“Once the court reviews the merits of the movant’s arguments, the court, by doing so, has granted reargument, and must determine whether to adhere to the original determination, or alter the original determination. If the movant has alleged that the original determination overlooked or misapprehended the relevant facts or law, and the court disagrees, it will adhere to the original determination” (Ahmed v Pannone, 116 AD3d 802, 810-811 [2d Dept 2014, Hinds-Radix, J., dissenting] [citation omitted]).

Upon review of the parties’ submissions, defendant’s motion for leave to reargue is granted, and upon reargument, defendant’s motion is denied. Defendant failed to demonstrate that the court overlooked or misapprehended relevant facts or misapplied governing principles of law (see McGill v Goldman, 261 AD2d 593 [2d Dept 1999]). Accordingly, the court adheres to its original decision wherein it ruled that the reasonableness of defendant’s post-EUO request for additional verification remained an issue of fact for trial.

As an initial matter, this court notes that defendant’s post-EUO request for additional verification is the matter at issue herein. The court emphasizes this because in the instant motion, paragraph three of defendant’s affirmation and much of its supporting legal authority pertain to the issue of an EUO no-show, a matter that at no point was in dispute or an issue in the underlying motion. Conversely, at the outset of defendant’s affirmation in support of the underlying summary judgment motion, defendant argued for dismissal of the complaint “because Plaintiff failed to provide GEICO with post examination under oath (‘EUO’) verification that was timely requested pursuant to 11 NYCRR 65-3.5″ (emphasis added). Further, the affidavits in support of defendant’s underlying motion also relate to the issue of outstanding additional verification.{**72 Misc 3d at 345} Likewise, the arguments in plaintiff’s opposition to both the underlying and instant motions apply to outstanding additional verification requests. No other issue is properly before the court for reargument. It is also noted that reargument is not sought as to that portion of the decision wherein the court granted each party summary judgment to the extent that they established their prima facie case. Therefore, the court’s ensuing decision and analysis will discuss the issue of the outstanding post-EUO verification request only.

Defendant commenced an investigation into Arthur Avenue Medical Services because it claimed that it identified several facts and circumstances that called into question the provider’s eligibility to collect no-fault benefits. Defendant specifically investigated whether Arthur Avenue was truly owned and controlled by Jaime G. Gutierrez, M.D., or was actually owned and [*3]controlled by laypersons. The investigation included but was not limited to a review and analysis of claims files, public records, previous investigations into other entities that operate out of the same location, previous investigations into other entities where Dr. Gutierrez rendered services and billing submissions submitted to the carrier for reimbursement. Submitted with defendant’s original motion is the affidavit of Glenn Simmons, an investigator with GEICO’s Special Investigations Unit, which sets forth the extent of the investigation and conclusions arrived, namely that: patients treated at Arthur Avenue were referred to that provider by Dr. Gutierrez (who operates at the same location); Dr. Gutierrez provided services on behalf of Jaime G. Gutierrez, M.D., then referred the same patients to Arthur Avenue for additional medical treatment; various doctors performed services, yet the billing submissions name Dr. Gutierrez as the only service provider; improper performance of nerve testing including omissions of necessary steps in the administration of the tests; absence of variation in the pattern of treatment and use of predetermined treatment protocol, etc. Mr. Simmons states that the investigation uncovered indications that laypersons were improperly influencing the manner and method of treatment provided to claimants, that Arthur Avenue was rendering services pursuant to a predetermined treatment protocol designed to maximize profit and that Arthur Avenue’s charges may be the result of improper self-referrals.

In addition to the investigation, it is undisputed that on March 9, 2017, Jaime Gutierrez, M.D., appeared on behalf of{**72 Misc 3d at 346} Arthur Avenue in full compliance with defendant’s EUO request. The court’s review of the EUO transcript annexed to the underlying motion reveals that the EUO took place over the course of five hours with questioning involving medical treatment as well as the provider’s licensing and corporate structure. Dr. Gutierrez’s testimony lent further support to the concerns over fraud previously investigated by defendant, including whether Arthur Avenue was a party to unlawful financial relationships with unlicensed individuals and entities, whether laypersons were improperly influencing the manner and methods of treatment provided to GEICO’s insureds and whether Arthur Avenue is truly owned and controlled by Dr. Gutierrez or by laypersons all in contravention to New York law. Defendant claims that its request for additional verification was based on the information obtained during the EUO and that the EUO raised questions regarding improper corporate structure and fee sharing. Thus, by letter dated March 20, 2017, defendant requested that plaintiff provide the following additional verification:

“1. A complete copy of the lease agreements, if any, entered into by Arthur Medical, including any accompanying Schedules, Documents, Floor Plans or Riders, regarding the following premises:

“• 764 Elmont Road, Elmont

“• 293 East 53rd Street, Brooklyn

“• 2363 Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn

“• 9004 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica

“• 2625 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn

“2. [*4]All article[s] of incorporation, including but not limited to any By-Laws for Arthur Medical;

“3. A complete copy of the billing agreement entered between Arthur Medical and Collection Services, Inc./Inna Lyubronestkaya;

“4. All invoices between Collection Services, Inc./Inna Lyubronestkaya and Arthur Medical;

“5. All W-2, 1099, and/or K-1 forms from Arthur Medical, including, but not limited to, any documentation regarding the employee status or relationship between Arthur Medical and any person rendering services on behalf of Arthur Medical;

“6. All quarterly payroll and tax returns (IRS Form 941 and NYS Form 45-MN) filed from 2016 to present by or on behalf of Arthur Medical;{**72 Misc 3d at 347}

“7. Opening/signatory authorization documents for the Arthur Medical Chase bank account;

“8. Copies of all bank statements and cancelled checks for Arthur Medical from 2016 to present;

“• These include, but is not to be limited to, all checks made to: (i) Collection Services, In[c]./Inna; (ii) Osvaldo; (iii) the physician assistant; and (iv) all rent payments.

“9. All documents relating to Arthur Avenue’s corporate card from 2016 to present;

“10. General ledgers for Arthur Medical from 2016 to present;

“11. Proof of payment of the P.O. Box utilized by Arthur Medical;

“12. All licenses to practice medicine in New York for Dr. Gutierrez as well as any certification to render EMG/NCV testing; and

“13. Proof of purchase of the medical equipment utilized by Arthur Medical, including but not limited to the EMG/NCV machine.”

Relevant to the matter herein, 11 NYCRR 65-3.5 (b) of the No-Fault Law provides, “Subsequent to the receipt of one or more of the completed verification forms, any additional verification required by the insurer to establish proof of claim shall be requested within 15 business days of receipt of the prescribed verification forms.” This section authorizes an insurer, upon receiving the written proof of claim or written notice of its substantial equivalent, to request “any additional verification required . . . to establish proof of claim . . . within 15 business days of receipt of the prescribed verification forms” (Nyack Hosp. v General Motors Acceptance Corp., 8 NY3d 294, 299 [2007]; A.M. Med. Servs., P.C. v Progressive Cas. Ins. Co., 101 AD3d 53 [2d Dept 2012]). Additionally, section 65-3.2 (c) dictates that insurance carriers “not demand verification of facts unless there are good reasons to do so. When verification of facts is necessary, it should be done as expeditiously as possible” (11 NYCRR 65-3.2 [c]). Indeed, underlying the enactment of the no-fault regulations is the principle of expediency in the processing of claims (Presbyterian Hosp. in City of N.Y. v Maryland Cas. Co., 90 NY2d 274, 285 [1997]). “No-fault reform was enacted to provide prompt uncontested, first-party insurance benefits” (Presbyterian Hosp. in City of N.Y. v Maryland Cas. Co., 90 NY2d at 285).{**72 Misc 3d at 348}

In the context of no-fault reimbursement, to be eligible for benefits, a medical services corporation must be owned by a physician who practices medicine through the corporation (Business Corporation Law § 1508) and may not bill for medical services provided by physicians not employed by the corporation, such as independent contractors (11 NYCRR 65-3.11 [a]). Further, the corporation may not share professional service fees with third parties, such as referral fees (8 NYCRR 29.1 [b] [4]). It is well established that New York law prohibits unlicensed individuals from organizing a professional service corporation for profit or exercising control over such entities (State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v Mallela, 4 NY3d 313 [2005]; 11 NYCRR 65-3.16 [a]). As relevant herein, the underlying policy concern in the medical field is “that the so-called ‘corporate practice of medicine’ could create ethical conflicts and undermine the quality of care afforded to patients” (Andrew Carothers, M.D., P.C. v Progressive Ins. Co., 33 NY3d 389, 404 [2019], quoting State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v Mallela, 372 F3d 500, 503 [2d Cir 2004]).

In the seminal case, State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v Mallela, the Court of Appeals held that medical providers that fail to meet the New York State licensing requirements are not eligible for no-fault reimbursement (State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v Mallela, 4 NY3d 313 [2005]).

“A successful Mallela defense permits an insurer to avoid paying an otherwise valid no-fault claims [sic] because the provider is not eligible to obtain payment of no-fault benefits because the entity providing the services is owned or significantly controlled by persons who are not licensed to practice the profession for which the professional business entity was formed” (Brownsville Advance Med., P.C. v Country-Wide Ins. Co., 33 Misc 3d 1236[A], 2011 NY Slip Op 52255[U], *3 [Nassau Dist Ct 2011] [citations omitted]).

An insurance carrier may, at any time, assert a non-precludable “Mallela defense” and deny payment based on the medical provider’s fraudulent incorporation (Matter of Acuhealth Acupuncture, P.C. v Country-Wide Ins. Co., 149 AD3d 828 [2d Dept 2017]; Lexington Acupuncture, P.C. v General Assur. Co., 35 Misc 3d 42, 44 [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2012]). “Inasmuch as the defense of ‘fraudulent incorporation’ is not subject to the preclusion rule, the defendant may raise this defense in its answer, even if not asserted in the{**72 Misc 3d at 349} claim denial” (Island Chiropractic Testing, P.C. v Nationwide Ins. Co., 35 Misc 3d 1235[A], 2012 NY Slip Op 51001[U], *2 [Suffolk Dist Ct 2012]).

With regards to Mallela related documents, the case law clearly lays out a “good cause” [*6]standard which a carrier must demonstrate in order to investigate licensing violations. In its Mallela decision, the Court of Appeals emphasized the Superintendent’s regulation permitting carriers to withhold reimbursement from fraudulently licensed medical corporations:

“on the strength of this regulation, carriers may look beyond the face of licensing documents to identify willful and material failure to abide by state and local law. Defendants argue that the carriers will turn this investigatory privilege into a vehicle for delay and recalcitrance.

“The regulatory scheme, however, does not permit abuse of the truth-seeking opportunity that 11 NYCRR 65-3.16 (a) (12) authorizes. Indeed, the Superintendent’s regulations themselves provide for agency oversight of carriers, and demand that carriers delay the payment of claims to pursue investigations solely for good cause (see 11 NYCRR 65-3.2 [c]). In the licensing context, carriers will be unable to show ‘good cause’ unless they can demonstrate behavior tantamount to fraud. Technical violations will not do. For example, a failure to hold an annual meeting, pay corporate filing fees or submit otherwise acceptable paperwork on time will not rise to the level of fraud. We expect, and the Legislature surely intended, vigorous enforcement action by the Superintendent against any carrier that uses the licensing-requirement regulation to withhold or obstruct reimbursements to nonfraudulent health care providers” (State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v Mallela, 4 NY3d at 321-322 [emphasis added]).

In the recently decided Andrew Carothers, M.D., P.C. v Progressive Ins. Co.,^[FN*] the Court of Appeals upheld its decision in Mallela and added that

“[a] corporate practice that shows ‘willful and material failure to abide by’ licensing and incorporation statutes (Mallela, 4 NY3d at 321) may support{**72 Misc 3d at 350} a finding that the provider is not an eligible recipient of reimbursement under 11 NYCRR 65-3.16 (a) (12) without meeting the traditional elements of common-law fraud” (Andrew Carothers, M.D., P.C. v Progressive Ins. Co., 33 NY3d 389, 405 [2019]).

In cases involving Mallela-type concerns, courts of competent jurisdiction have reviewed the reasonableness of verification requests similar to those at issue. In Island Chiropractic Testing, P.C. v Nationwide Ins. Co., the court held that “verification requests, seeking inter alia, copies of ‘sale of shares or transfer of ownership (and) lease agreements’ are impermissible and improper requests, and cannot support the finding of a denial ‘toll’ which would permit an award of summary judgment to defendant” (Island Chiropractic Testing, P.C. v Nationwide Ins. Co., 35 Misc 3d 1235[A], 2012 NY Slip Op 51001[U], *2 [Suffolk Dist Ct 2012]). “Permitting an insurer to obtain written documents such as tax returns, incorporation agreements or leases regarding a potential fraudulent incorporation ‘[Mallela]’ defense as part of the verification process defeats the stated policy and purpose of the no-fault law and carries with it the potential for abuse” (Island Chiropractic Testing, P.C. v Nationwide Ins. Co., 2012 NY Slip Op 51001[U], *2). In underlining that denying use of such requests does not prejudice the carrier, the court noted that as “the defense of ‘fraudulent incorporation’ is not subject to the preclusion rule, the defendant may raise this defense in its answer, even if not asserted in the claim denial” (Island Chiropractic Testing, P.C. v Nationwide Ins. Co., 2012 NY Slip Op 51001[U], *2).

Similarly, the court in Concourse Chiropractic, PLLC v State Farm Mut. Ins. Co. ruled that “Mallela type material cannot be obtained as verification of the claim. Requesting an [sic] [*7]provider to produce voluminous corporate records in order to obtain payment of a no-fault claim is an abuse of the EUO and the entire verification process” (Concourse Chiropractic, PLLC v State Farm Mut. Ins. Co., 35 Misc 3d 1213[A], 2012 NY Slip Op 50676[U], *6 [Nassau Dist Ct 2012], mod 42 Misc 3d 131[A], 2013 NY Slip Op 52225[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 9th & 10th Jud Dists 2013]). This court notes that on appeal, the Appellate Term dismissed the plaintiff’s case based on an EUO no-show and therefore did not rule on the issue of the verification request content and reasonableness (Concourse Chiropractic, PLLC v State Farm Mut. Ins. Co., 2013 NY Slip Op 52225[U]).

By comparison, in the context of litigation wherein a carrier asserts a Mallela defense, courts have generally ruled on the{**72 Misc 3d at 351} propriety of pretrial discovery demands for corporate documents and information. The Appellate Term has consistently held that a plaintiff is obligated to produce the information sought except as to matters which are privileged or palpably improper (Marino v County of Nassau, 16 AD3d 628 [2d Dept 2005]; Midborough Acupuncture, P.C. v State Farm Ins. Co., 21 Misc 3d 10 [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d & 11th Jud Dists 2008]; Clinton Place Med., P.C. v USAA Cas. Ins. Co., 56 Misc 3d 136[A], 2017 NY Slip Op 51012[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2017]; Charles Deng Acupuncture, P.C. v United Servs. Auto. Assn., 58 Misc 3d 135[A], 2017 NY Slip Op 51810[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2017]). Further, discovery demands concerning a Mallela defense are granted as long as there are sufficient allegations supporting such a defense (see Lexington Acupuncture, P.C. v General Assur. Co., 35 Misc 3d 42, 43 [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2012]; BS Kings County Med., P.C. v State Farm Mut. Auto Ins. Co., 68 Misc 3d 879 [Civ Ct, Bronx County 2020]). However, it is proper for a court to deny discovery demands seeking information that is “irrelevant, overly broad, or burdensome” (Pesce v Fernandez, 144 AD3d 653, 655 [2d Dept 2016]; Midborough Acupuncture, P.C. v State Farm Ins. Co., 21 Misc 3d 10 [2008]).

Based on the foregoing, the court adheres to its decision on defendant’s summary judgment motion. To prevail on summary judgment, the moving party must provide sufficient evidence in admissible form to demonstrate the absence of any material issues of fact (Alvarez v Prospect Hosp., 68 NY2d 320 [1986]; Zuckerman v City of New York, 49 NY2d 557 [1980]). The “[f]ailure to make such showing requires denial of the motion, regardless of the sufficiency of the opposing papers” (Winegrad v New York Univ. Med. Ctr., 64 NY2d 851, 853 [1985]). Defendant failed to establish its affirmative defense of outstanding verification in its underlying motion. The reasonableness of defendant’s post-EUO additional verification request remains an issue of fact for trial.

Defendant’s assertion that this court lacks the authority to preserve the reasonableness of additional verification requests for trial conflicts with prevailing no-fault regulations and case law. Both the Mallela and Carothers Courts stressed principles of expediency and good cause in investigations of fraudulent licensing and improper fee sharing and acknowledged that abuse of the verification process may exist. At no time did the{**72 Misc 3d at 352} Court of Appeals state that carriers have unfettered authority in the extent of these investigations. Although there is a lack of Appellate Term authority on this issue, courts of competent jurisdiction have reviewed the content of verification requests in cases similar to the instant matter and have ruled that comparable requests fall outside of the verification scheme. It is the court’s view that it has authority to review additional verification requests to ensure that parties comply with no-fault claim verification procedures. Thus, the question of whether the additional verification was reasonable and necessary for defendant to verify or to deny the claim, based on fraud, is within the court’s authority to determine.

In this matter, the provider fully complied with defendant’s EUO request. Defendant obtained substantial Mallela-type information relevant to its suspicion of fraud during the course of the five-hour EUO, that included a multitude of questions related to corporate structure. Defendant also conducted its own investigation into plaintiff’s billing and medical practices as laid out in the affidavit of its special unit investigator. This inquiry and investigation were well within the guidelines of the No-Fault Law and adhered to the “good cause” requirement as set forth by Mallela and Carothers. However, defendant’s subsequent request for additional information through use of the no-fault claim verification process may be unreasonable and constitute an investigation that goes beyond the purview of the no-fault reimbursement system. “New York’s no-fault automobile insurance system is designed to ensure prompt compensation for losses incurred by accident victims without regard to fault or negligence, to reduce the burden on the courts” (Fair Price Med. Supply Corp. v Travelers Indem. Co., 10 NY3d 556, 562 [2008] [internal quotation marks omitted]). The court emphasizes the limited purpose of the no-fault system: “Verification is permitted to ‘verify the claim.‘ 11 NYCRR 65-3.5(c)” (Concourse Chiropractic, PLLC v State Farm Mut. Ins. Co., 2012 NY Slip Op 50676[U], *4 [emphasis added]). A claim is either verified or it is not. Had defendant suspected fraud after the five-hour EUO, defendant may have denied the claim based on fraudulent incorporation at that point in time. Furthermore, in the context of verification of a claim, some of the requested information may be privileged or categorized as improper pre-litigation discovery. Thus, the propriety of the additional verification request upon which the defendant denied the claim remains an issue of fact for trial.{**72 Misc 3d at 353}

Notwithstanding the above, the court’s determination to adhere to its original decision is also based on defendant’s failure to provide the court with a complete record in support of its original request for summary judgment based on its outstanding verification defense. Defendant acknowledges in a footnote in its underlying motion that it received “some” of the requested documents from plaintiff. However, defendant does not identify what plaintiff provided and what remained outstanding from its comprehensive list of post-EUO verification requests, which includes documents subject to privilege and confidentiality rules. The court was unable to rule on the issue it preserved for trial in the absence of these relevant facts. Therefore, in accordance with the original decision, this defense remains an issue of fact for trial.

Finally, the court emphasizes that its decision should not be construed as a substantive ruling on the merit of defendant’s Mallela defense. Rather, the court’s decision is based on its adherence to claim verification procedures as laid out in the no-fault rules. The court is well versed in the public policy concerns underlying the no-fault regulations which govern medical provider licensing and prohibit fee sharing with nonmedical professionals. The prevalence of this fraud provides an insurance carrier with a choice of legal recourse including asserting a non-precludable Mallela defense or a defense related to licensing ineligibility within no-fault litigation, standing to bring a civil action against a medical provider based on fraud or filing a criminal complaint (see Travelers Indem. Co. v Parisien, 70 Misc 3d 1203[A], 2020 NY Slip Op 51561[U] [Sup Ct, Suffolk County 2020]; Concourse Chiropractic, PLLC v State Farm Mut. Ins. Co., 2012 NY Slip Op 50676[U]). However, in light of the aforementioned case law and principles, the court reaffirms that the propriety of the post-EUO request for additional verification is subject to the court’s review.

Based on the foregoing, defendant’s motion for leave to reargue is granted, and upon reargument, defendant’s motion is denied.

Footnotes

Footnote *:In Andrew Carothers, M.D., P.C. v Progressive Ins. Co., the Court of Appeals modified the definition of fraud previously laid out in Mallela.

CV-730032-18/KI

The Rybak Firm, PLLC (Oleg Rybak of counsel), New York City, for Barakat P.T., P.C., plaintiff. Law Offices of Rachel Perry, Lake Success (Edward R. Johannes of counsel), for Progressive Insurance Company, defendant.

BACKGROUND

On April 22, 2017, plaintiff’s assignor, Jerrod Bratcher, was allegedly injured in an automobile accident (see plaintiff’s exhibit 4 in support of motion, complaint ¶ 2).

On April 27, 2017, plaintiff allegedly provided the following services to Bratcher:

(see plaintiff’s exhibit 3 in support of motion, NF-3 form dated 5/16/17). According to Amro S Mohamed, P.T., the sole proprietor of plaintiff, the bill was mailed to the insurance carrier on May 16, 2017 (see plaintiff’s exhibit 2 in support of motion, Mohamed aff ¶¶ 1, 21).

On May 30, 2017, defendant allegedly denied the bill in its entirety. According to the Explanation of Benefits (EOB), the amount allowed was $103.95, based on the Workers’ Compensation fee schedule, and the amount fell within a deductible/copay (see defendant’s exhibit C in support of cross motion, NF-10 form and EOB).

The instant action

On July 13, 2018, plaintiff commenced this action seeking to recover assigned first-party no-fault benefits, with interest plus attorneys’ fees (see plaintiff’s exhibit 4 in support of motion, summons and complaint). On August 1, 2018, defendant allegedly answered the complaint (see defendant’s exhibit A in support of cross motion, answer and affidavit of service).

DISCUSSION

“On a motion for summary judgment, the moving party must make a prima facie showing of entitlement to judgment as a matter of law, tendering sufficient evidence to demonstrate the absence of any material issues of fact. If the moving party produces the required evidence, the burden shifts to the nonmoving party to establish the existence of material issues of fact which require a trial of the action”

(Xiang Fu He v Troon Mgt., Inc., 34 NY3d 167, 175 [2019] [internal citations and quotation marks omitted]).

Defendant generally argues that it is entitled to summary judgment dismissing the complaint because plaintiff billed in excess of the fee schedule, and defendant was reimbursed pursuant to the Workers’ Compensation fee schedule (see affirmation of defendant’s counsel ¶¶ 6-10 ^[FN1] ). Defendant contends that the allowable amount was properly applied to the assignor’s deductible (id. ¶¶ 11-12).

A. Workers’ Compensation Fee Schedule

“Insurance Law § 5108 provides, with some exceptions, that charges for services covered under Insurance Law § 5102 ‘shall not exceed the charges permissible under the schedules prepared and established by the chairman of the workers’ compensation board for industrial accidents'” (Government Empls. Ins. Co. v Avanguard Med. Group, PLLC, 127 AD3d 60, 63 [2d Dept 2015], affd 27 NY3d 22 [2016], quoting Insurance Law § 5108 [a]).

To meet its prima facie burden that it fully paid the claims in accordance with the fee schedule, the defendant must submit an affidavit from a no-fault/litigation examiner or from a professional medical coder/biller (Merrick Med., P.C. v A Cent. Ins. Co., 64 Misc 3d 142[A], 2019 NY Slip Op 51264[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2019]; Renelique v American Tr. Ins. Co., 53 Misc 3d 141[A], 2016 NY Slip Op 51526[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2016]; Oleg’s Acupuncture, P.C. v Hereford Ins. Co., 58 Misc 3d 151[A], 2018 NY Slip Op 50095[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2018][certified medical coder and biller]; Compas Med., P.C. v American Tr. Ins. Co., 56 Misc 3d 133[A], 2017 NY Slip Op 50946[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2017] [professional coder]).

The affidavit must show that defendant properly applied the appropriate relative value units and conversion factor assigned to the CPT code(s) for the services rendered in calculating the amount plaintiff was entitled to be reimbursed (see Renelique, 53 Misc 3d 141[A], 2016 NY Slip Op 51526[U]; Renelique v American Tr. Ins. Co., 57 Misc 3d 145[A], 2017 NY Slip Op [*2]51450[U], [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2017] [conversion factor not provided]; see also Adelaida Physical Therapy, P.C. v 21st Century Ins. Co., 58 Misc 3d 135[A], 2017 NY Slip Op 51808[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2017] [defendant failed to demonstrate that it had used the correct conversion factor]; Liberty Chiropractic, P.C. v 21st Century Ins. Co., 53 Misc 3d 133[A], 2016 NY Slip Op 51409[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2016] [defendant failed to demonstrate correct conversion factor was applied]). Lastly, the applicable portion of the fee schedule must be annexed to defendant’s papers (Megacure Acupuncture, P.C. v Clarendon Natl. Ins. Co., 33 Misc 3d 141[A], 2011 NY Slip Op 52199[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2011]).

Here, defendant failed to meet its prima facie burden demonstrating that plaintiff billed in excess of the fee schedule. Defendant’s counsel argues that, based on an examination of plaintiff’s bill, plaintiff, a physical therapist, used a conversion factor of 8.45, which is reserved for medical doctors, instead of using the conversion factor for physical therapists (affirmation of defendant’s counsel ¶ 8). Defendant’s counsel asserts that the correct conversion factor for plaintiff is 7.70 (id. ¶ 7). However, defendant did not submit an affidavit from a no-fault/litigation examiner or from a professional medical coder/biller, stating that a physical therapist may only bill for services using the conversion factor for physical therapists, or that a physical therapist may not bill for services using the conversion factor for physical medicine, which is 8.45. Neither did defendant’s counsel cite to any ground rules from the fee schedule nor any statutory or case law authority to support his contention. Defendant therefore failed to demonstrate that it had used the correct conversion factor in calculating the reimbursement rate (Laga v GEICO Ins. Co., 58 Misc 3d 127[A], 2017 NY Slip Op 51713[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2017]).

B. Reduction of the claim due to a policy deductible

Although defendant did not demonstrate that the bill was properly reduced in accordance with the Workers’ Compensation fee schedule, defendant also argues that the policy under which no-fault benefits are being claimed had a $200 deductible. Insofar as the amount of the bill was within the deductible amount, the court must reach defendant’s alternative argument that the bill was validly denied due to the policy deductible.

To meet its prima burden that the bill was properly denied due to application of a deductible, defendant must submit affidavits and documents establishing that that the automobile insurance policy in question had a personal injury protection deductible, and that the claim at issue was timely denied due to said deductible (Healthy Way Acupuncture, P.C. v 21st Century Indem. Ins. Co., 54 Misc 3d 142[A], 2017 NY Slip Op 50204[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2017]; Innovative Chiropractic, P.C. v Progressive Ins. Co., 26 Misc 3d 135[A], 2010 NY Slip Op 50148[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2010]).

1. Policy Deductible

Here, defendant submitted a copy of the policy declarations page, which indicates that the automobile policy that defendant issued to the named insured, Jerrod Bratcher, in effect at the time of the accident, has “Mandatory Personal Injury Protection” up to $50,000 for each person, with a $200 deductible (see defendant’s exhibit E in support of motion, Declarations Page at 2). Plaintiff did not raise any objections to this document (see affirmation of plaintiff’s counsel in further support of motion and in opposition to cross motion ¶¶ 14-52).

[*3] 2. Timely Denial

“[A]n insurer must either pay or deny a claim for motor vehicle no-fault benefits, in whole or in part, within 30 days after an applicant’s proof of claim is received. An insurer can extend the 30-day period within which to pay or deny a claim by making a timely demand for further verification of the claim”

(Infinity Health Prods., Ltd. v Eveready Ins. Co., 67 AD3d 862, 864 [2d Dept 2009] [internal citations omitted]). According to defendant’s counsel, the denial was mailed on May 30, 2017 (see affirmation of defendant’s counsel ¶ 11 [table]).

Generally, “proof that an item was properly mailed gives rise to a rebuttable presumption that the item was received by the addressee” (Viviane Etienne Med. Care, P.C. v Country-Wide Ins. Co., 114 AD3d 33, 46 [2013], affd 25 NY3d 498 [2015] [internal quotation marks omitted]). A party can establish proof of mailing “through evidence of actual mailing (e.g., an affidavit of mailing or service) or—as relevant here—by proof of a sender’s routine business practice with respect to the creation, addressing, and mailing of documents of that nature” (CIT Bank N.A. v Schiffman, —NY3d&mdash, 2021 NY Slip Op 01933, *3 [2021]; New York & Presbyt. Hosp. v Allstate Ins. Co., 29 AD3d 547, 547 [2d Dept 2006], quoting Residential Holding Corp. v Scottsdale Ins. Co., 286 AD2d 679, 680 [2d Dept 2001]; accord American Tr. Ins. Co. v Lucas, 111 AD3d 423, 424 [1st Dept 2013]).

“Actual mailing may be established by a proper certificate of mailing or by an affidavit of one with personal knowledge” (J.M. Chiropractic Servs., PLLC v State Farm Mut. Ins. Co., 36 Misc 3d 135[A], 2012 NY Slip Op 51348[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2012] [internal citation, emendations and quotation marks omitted]). For proof by office practice, “the office practice must be geared so as to ensure the likelihood that the item is always properly addressed and mailed” (Progressive Cas. Ins. Co. v Metro Psychological Servs., P.C., 139 AD3d 693, 694 [2d Dept 2016], citing Nassau Ins. Co. v Murray, 46 NY2d 828, 830 [1978]; Badio v Liberty Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 12 AD3d 229, 229-30 [1st Dept 2004]).

Here, to establish proof of mailing, defendant submitted an affidavit from Tamu Jordan, a Litigation Representative employed by defendant since June 1999 (see defendant’s exhibit B in support of cross motion, Jordan aff ¶ 1), and copies of the denial of claim form and a mailing report (see defendant’s exhibit C in support of motion), which Jordan established were business records (Jordan aff ¶ 6).

According to Jordan, the claims representative electronically creates the document to be mailed, which includes the mailing address, and places the document into a digital file in a centralized computer for mailing (see Jordan aff ¶ 3 [l]). Once the claims representative creates the documents to be mailed, the centralized computer system generates the document with the mailing address (id. ¶ 3 [n]). Documents are printed from the centralized computer system at mailing facilities located in either Highland Heights, Ohio or Colorado Springs, Colorado (see id. ¶ 3 [l]). Once printed, an automated mail machine inserts the document into a windowed envelope so the mailing address is visible (id. ¶ 3 [n]).

Documents mailed in the same windowed envelope are identified with the same Envelope ID, and the sixth and seventh digit of the Envelop ID indicate the facility from which the documents were mailed (id. ¶ 3 [m]). If the sixth and seventh digits are 00 or 02, the documents were mailed from Highland Heights, Ohio; if the sixth and seventh digits are 01, the documents were mailed from Colorado Springs, Colorado (id. ¶ 3 [m]).

In Highland Heights, Ohio, mail is picked up by a United States Postal Service by 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday; in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the mail is picked up by a United States Postal Service by 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday through Friday (id. ¶¶ 3[o]-[p]). As the mail is placed into the custody and control the United States Postal Service, information on a Medical Payments Proof of Mailing Report is contemporaneously captured (id. ¶ 3 [a]). The information cannot be altered once it is captured in defendant’s computer system, and the data on the report is compiled the same date that the documents were mailed (id. ¶ 3 [b]).

For denials, two copies are mailed, along with two EOBs (id. ¶ 3 [g]). The information appearing in the NF-10 form and the EOB regarding the recipient, recipient address, patient, dates of service, and the amount billed is obtained from the bill(s) submitted by plaintiff (id. ¶ 3 [i]).

Here, defendant established prima facie proof of mailing of the denial on May 31, 2017, in accordance with a standard office practice or procedure (Residential Holding Corp. v Scottsdale Ins. Co., 286 AD2d 679 [2d Dept 2001]; Ortho-Med Surgical Supply, Inc. v Progressive Cas. Ins. Co., 27 Misc 3d 141[A], 2010 NY Slip Op 50997[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2010]). The Medical Payments Proof of Mailing Report indicates that two NF-10s and two EOBs were mailed to plaintiff on May 31, 2017, with Envelope ID CMBPI02Q00566 (see defendant’s exhibit C in support of cross motion). Based on the sixth and seventh digits of the Envelope ID on the mailing report and on Jordan’s affidavit, the denial was therefore mailed from Highland Heights, Ohio.

Plaintiff’s arguments in opposition to proof of mailing are unavailing.

“[T]o rebut the presumption, there must be proof of a material deviation from an aspect of the office procedure that would call into doubt whether the notice was properly mailed, impacting the likelihood of delivery to the intended recipient. Put another way, the crux of the inquiry is whether the evidence of a defect casts doubt on the reliability of a key aspect of the process such that the inference that the notice was properly prepared and mailed is significantly undermined. Minor deviations of little consequence are insufficient”

(CIT Bank N.A. v Schiffman, —NY3d—, 2021 NY Slip Op 01933, *3 [2021]). Contrary to plaintiff’s argument, the affidavit stated Jordan’s current title as Litigation Representative (Jordan aff ¶ 1). Additionally, Jordan established personal knowledge of the standard mailing procedures in both Ohio and Colorado, based on training that Jordan received from the facilities at both Ohio and Colorado (id. ¶ 2).

Acupuncture Prima Care, P.C. v State Farm Mutual Auto Ins. Co. (17 Misc 3d 1135[A], 2007 NY Slip Op 52273[U] [Dist Ct, Nassau County 2007]), which plaintiff cites, is distinguishable.

There, to establish proof of mailing, the defendant submitted two affidavits—an affidavit from a claims representative from the defendant’s office in Ballston Spa, New York and an affidavit from a claims support supervisor from the defendant’s office in Melville New York. The claims representative described the procedure for generating the denial of claim forms, which were then sent to Claims Support Services personnel for processing (id. at *2). The affidavit from the Claims Support Services Supervisor stated, in essence, that the generated denial of claim forms are retrieved from a printer, placed in an envelope, and picked up by a courier who delivers the envelope to the United States Postal Service (id. at *2-3).

The court in Acupuncture Prima Care, P.C. ruled, “while this may describe a ‘standard office practice and procedure,’ it does not describe one “used to ensure that items were properly addressed and mailed” (id. at *3 [internal citation omitted]). The court reasoned that the procedure described did not contain enough safeguards to “take into account the possibility that an item of mail might get misplaced or lost anywhere between the CSA pool and the United States Post Office” (id.) The court also faulted the affiants for not indicating the basis for their knowledge that the office practice and procedure was followed, and the affiants failed to indicate that they were familiar with the defendant’s office practices and procedures when the first of the denials were allegedly mailed (id. at *3-4). Finally, the court indicated that neither of the affiants (who were in Ballston Spa and Melville) indicated from which office the denials were allegedly mailed, when the denials bore an address from Parsippany, New Jersey (id.).

Here, unlike the affiants in Acupuncture Prima Care, P.C., Jordan established personal knowledge of the standard mailing procedures in both Ohio and Colorado, based on training that Jordan received from the facilities at both Ohio and Colorado (Jordan aff ¶ 2). It is part of Jordan’s duties to ensure compliance with those procedures (id. ¶ 5). Unlike the affidavits in Acupuncture Prima Care, P.C., which did not state the office from which the denials were issued, Jordan provided information about the Envelope ID to establish that the denial was issued from Highland Heights, Ohio. In any event, the same court which decided Acupuncture Prima Care, P.C. acknowledged that its prior cases were no longer good law in light of St. Vincent’s Hospital of Richmond v Government Employees Insurance Co. (50 AD3d 1123 [2d Dept 2008]) (see Uniondale Chiropractic Off. v State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 20 Misc 3d 1130[A], 2008 NY Slip Op 51687[U] [Dist Ct, Nassau County 2008]).

Defendant’s copies of the NF-3 Form that plaintiff submitted to defendant are date-stamped “Received Date: 05/22/2017” (see defendant’s exhibit C in support of motion), and plaintiff does not dispute that defendant received the bills on May 22, 2017. Even assuming, for the sake of argument, that the NF-3 Form was received on May 16, 2017, the same date on the NF-3 Form, defendant’s denial on May 31, 2017 was well within 30 days of defendant’s receipt of the bill.

Therefore, defendant met its prima facie burden that the claim was properly denied because the amount allowed was within the $200 policy deductible (Healthy Way Acupuncture, P.C., 54 Misc 3d 142[A], 2017 NY Slip Op 50204[U]; Innovative Chiropractic, P.C., 26 Misc 3d 135[A], 2010 NY Slip Op 50148[U]).

Plaintiff failed to raise a triable issue of fact warranting denial of summary judgment.^[FN2]

Therefore, defendant’s motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint is granted.

“A no-fault provider establishes its prima facie entitlement to summary judgment by proof of the submission to the defendant of a claim form, proof of the fact and the amount of the loss sustained, and proof either that the defendant had failed to pay or deny the claim within the requisite 30-day period, or that the defendant had issued a timely denial of claim that was conclusory, vague or without merit as a matter of law”

(Ave T MPC Corp. v Auto One Ins. Co., 32 Misc 3d 128[A], 2011 NY Slip Op 51292[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2011]). Once plaintiff meets its prima facie burden, the burden shifts to defendant “to show that it has a meritorious defense and that such a defense is not precluded” (Urban Radiology, P.C. v GEICO Gen. Ins. Co., 39 Misc 3d 146[A], 2013 NY Slip Op 50850[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2013] [internal citation omitted]).

Here, any deficiencies in plaintiff’s proof of mailing were cured by defendant’s submission of the denial of claim form in defendant’s motion papers, which admitted receipt of the bill (Bob Acupuncture, P.C. v New York Cent. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 53 Misc 3d 135[A], 2016 NY Slip Op 51434[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2016]; see Oleg Barshay, DC, P.C. v State Farm Ins. Co., 14 Misc 3d 74, 75 [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d & 11th Jud Dists 2006]).

However, plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment in its favor against defendant is denied. As discussed above, defendant timely denied the bill on the ground that the amount sought was within a $200 deductible.

CONCLUSION

Upon the foregoing cited papers, it is hereby ORDERED that plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment in its favor (Motion Seq. No. 001) is DENIED; and it is further

ORDERED that defendant’s cross motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint (Motion Seq. No. 002) is GRANTED, and the complaint is dismissed, with costs and disbursements to defendant as taxed by the Clerk upon submission of an appropriate bill of costs; and it is further

ORDERED that the Clerk is directed to enter judgment in defendant’s favor accordingly.

This constitutes the decision and order of the court.

Dated: April 9, 2021

New York, New York

ENTER:

RICHARD TSAI, J.
Judge of the Civil Court

Footnotes

Footnote 1:The paragraphs in defendant’s affirmation in opposition to the motion and in support of the cross motion are misnumbered. The paragraphs are numbered sequentially from 1 through 11, but the paragraphs that follow are numbered 6 through 12. The citation here refers to latter numbering.

Footnote 2:As defendant points out, plaintiff’s affirmation in further support of motion and in opposition to defendant’s cross motion was purportedly served on January 14, 2020, past the December 26, 2019 agreed-upon deadline for opposition to cross motion (see defendant’s exhibit A in reply). However, the court will consider these papers, in the absence of any demonstrable prejudice to defendant (see Lawrence v Celtic Holdings, LLC, 85 AD3d 874, 875 [2d Dept 2011] [“Supreme Court did not abuse or improvidently exercise its discretion in considering the plaintiff’s untimely opposition papers inasmuch as the defendants were not prejudiced thereby”]).

CV-734629-18

Plaintiff’s Firm
Richard Rozhik
The Rybak Firm, PLLC
1810 Voorhies Avenue, Suite 7
Brooklyn, New York 11235
Telephone: (718) 975 – 2035
Facsimile: (718) 975 – 2037
rrozhik@rybakfirm.com

Defendant’s Firm
Sabiha Farkas, Esq.
Law Office of Patrick Neglia
200 Broadhollow Road, Suite 207
Melville, New York 11747
(T) (866) 543-0404 x60405
(F) (877) 389-1097
sfarkas@mercuryinsurance.com

Upon the foregoing cited papers and after oral arguments on January 8, 2021, pursuant to [*2]CPLR §3212(g), the Decision and Order on Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment and Plaintiff’s Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment, is as follows:

PROCEDURAL POSTURE:

In this No-Fault proceeding, Mercury Casualty Insurance Company (“Defendant/Insurer”), appearing through its attorney, pursuant to CPLR §3212(a) moves for Summary Judgment and dismissal of the complaint as barred by the doctrines of collateral estoppel and res judicata. In the alternative, Defendant moves for partial Summary Judgment seeking a prima facie finding that it timely and properly denied the bills in dispute. Total Chiropractic, P.C. (“Plaintiff/Provider”), appearing through its attorney, opposes Defendant’s motion. Pursuant to CPLR §3212(a), Plaintiff cross-moves for an Order granting Summary Judgment seeking a prima facie finding that it timely and properly mailed said bills totaling $2,100.00. Plaintiff further submits that the Declaratory Judgment issued against it, was entered on default, the issues have not been litigated therefore collateral estoppel and res judicata do not apply.^[FN1] Based on the foregoing, Defendant’s motion is GRANTED and Plaintiff’s cross-motion is DENIED.

FACTUAL BACKGROUND:

Plaintiff commenced the instant No-Fault action seeking payment for medical services it rendered to Assignor Santia Louis as a result of alleged injuries related to a July 10, 2015 motor vehicle accident under claim number 2015004500398710.

Defendant commenced the Declaratory Judgment action against Plaintiff on October 6, 2016, in Supreme Court of the State of New York in Orange County, under Index Number EF 004083-2016 seeking an Order that Plaintiff not be entitled to payment for the claims submitted to Defendant. Specifically, Defendant alleged that the Assignor made material misrepresentations about her actual place of residence, which began with the procurement of the policy and continued until the date of motor vehicle accident. The Assignor’s misrepresentation reduced the amount of her policy premiums.^[FN2]

Defendant was granted its application for a Declaratory Judgment on December 5, 2016, where Orange County Supreme Court Justice Vazquez-Doles concluded “…the [Defendant] has no duty to provide any first party benefits coverage to [Assignor], and other interested parties [*3]listed as defendants,” and that Defendant “is entitled to monetary relief against [Assignor]”^[FN3] . Plaintiff failed to file an answer or a motion to renew or re-argue or appeal the Orange County Declaratory Judgment action. On December 13, 2016, Defendant served the Plaintiff the Orange County Declaratory Judgment.^[FN4]

Plaintiff commenced the instant No-Fault action on August 2, 2018 and issue was joined on September 19, 2018.^[FN5]

POSITION OF THE PARTIES:

Defendant avers its Motion for Summary Judgment should be granted in its entirety and Plaintiff’s complaint should be dismissed with prejudice. Defendant relies on the above-referenced Orange County Declaratory Judgement in support of its collateral estoppel and res judicata position since said Declaratory Judgment ordered that Mercury “has no duty to provide any first party benefits coverage to Defendant Santia Louis, and other interested parties listed as Defendants, arising out of the same July 10, 2015 motor vehicle accident as in the instant matter, given the Defendant’s misrepresentation of her place of residence was “material” as defined in Insurance Law §3105(b).” The Defendant also relies on the October 23, 2017 Decision and Order issued by Kings County Civil Court Judge Richard Montelione dismissing with prejudice a related matter bearing the caption Total Chiropractic, P.C. a/a/o Santia Louis, et. al., Index Number 073058/15, that also relied on the same Orange County Declaratory Judgment.

Plaintiff avers that said Declaratory Judgment has no preclusive effect in this case because it applies only to the Assignor and not the service provider Plaintiff in this matter. Plaintiff points to Jamaica Wellness Med., P.C. v. Mercury Cas. Co. where the Appellate Term opined the “Supreme Court order in the declaratory judgment action merely awarded a default judgment to Mercury against [Plaintiff]’s assignor, but did not declare the rights of Mercury as against [Plaintiff], the Supreme Court order cannot be considered a conclusive final determination of [Plaintiff]’s rights and, thus, can have no preclusive effect on the no-fault action at bar.”^[FN6]

Plaintiff also argues that Defendant failed to establish it timely and properly denied Plaintiff’s claim and is now precluded from raising the defense of the Assignor’s material misrepresentations to procure the underlying insurance policy. Plaintiff relies on the Appellate Division holding in Westchester Med. Ctr. v. GMAC Ins. Co. Online, Inc, which found that “although the defendants contend that they submitted evidence showing that the plaintiff’s assignor misrepresented his state of residence in connection with the issuance of the subject insurance policy, the defendants are precluded from asserting that defense, as a result of their [*4]untimely denial of the claim.”^[FN7] See also Gutierrez v. United Servs. Auto. Assn., holding that “Plaintiff correctly argues that defendant failed to demonstrate that it is not precluded from asserting its proffered defense—that the insurance policy at issue was fraudulently procured—as it failed to establish that it had timely denied plaintiff’s claim on that ground.”^[FN8] Any so-called global or blanket denial of claim form that does not specifically address Plaintiff’s claim is insufficient to avoid the preclusion of the defense.^[FN9]

ANALYSIS:

In deciding a motion for Summary Judgment, the Court’s role is solely to determine if any triable issues exist, not to determine the merits of any such issues. Sillman v. Twentierth Centry-Fox Film Corp., 3 NY.2d 395 (1957). Summary Judgment may only be granted if no genuine triable issue of fact is presented. See Gomes v. Courtesy Bus Co., 251 AD2d 625 (2nd Dep’t 1998).

The movant must establish the cause of action “sufficiently to warrant the court as a matter of law in directing judgment” in the movant’s favor and must do so by evidentiary proof in admissible form. See CPLR §3212(b); Friends of Animals, Inc. v. Associated Fur Mfrs., 46 NY2d 1065 (1979). “The proponent of a Summary Judgment motion must make a prima facie showing of entitlement to judgment as a matter of law, tendering sufficient evidence to eliminate any material issues of fact from the case.” Winegrad v. New York University Medical Center, 64 NY2d 851, 853 (1986).

Once such entitlement has been demonstrated by the movant, then the burden shifts to the party opposing the motion to demonstrate by admissible evidence that existence of a factual issue requiring a trial of the action or tender an acceptable excuse for his failure to do so. Zuckerman v. City of New York, 49 NY2d 557, 560 (1980). However, the Court of Appeals has made clear that bare allegations or conclusory assertions are insufficient to create genuine, bona fide issues of fact necessary to defeat such a motion. Rotuba Extruders, Inc. v. Ceppos, 46 NY2d 223, 231 (1978).

Under New York state law, Default Judgments that have not been vacated, are final orders and can preclude Plaintiff’s claims for payment. See Lazides v P & G Enters., 58 AD3d 607, 871 NYS2d 357 [2nd Dept 2009], revg 2007 WL 6861118 [Sup Ct, Kings County 2007]. The courts have reasoned that to hold otherwise would destroy or impair the rights or interests established by Default Judgments. See Schuylkill Fuel Corp. v Nieberg Realty Corp., 250 NY 304, 306-307, 165 NE 456 [1929]; Great Health Care Chiropractic, P.C. v Progressive Ins. Co., 48 Misc 3d 134[A], 18 NYS3d 579, 2015 NY Slip Op 51077[U] [App Term, 2nd Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists. 2015] An order specifying the court’s Declaratory Judgment is a conclusive [*5]final determination, notwithstanding that it was entered on default. See Metro Health Prods., Inc. v Nationwide Ins., 48 Misc 3d 85, 16 NYS3d 366 [App. Term, 2nd Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud. Dists., 2015].

New York State Insurance Law and Regulations 11 NYCRR §65 (“Regulations”) provide that an insurer must pay or deny a claim for No-Fault benefits within thirty days from the receipt of the claim. See Insurance Law§5106 and Regulations §65-3. Defendant must produce legally sufficient evidence that a denial form was generated and mailed within 30-days of the receipt of the claim for No-Fault benefits, or the time was tolled by issuing a proper verification request. Jul Pol Corp. v State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, 2003 NY Slip 51153 (U) (App. Term, 2nd and 11th Jud. Distrs., July 9, 2003).

The threshold issue hereis whether a default judgment that was not vacated has preclusive effects to permit the Plaintiff to collect payment for a claim submitted as first party benefits under New York’s No-Fault Insurance law. If established, this Court does not have to consider the issue of whether Plaintiff met its prima facie burden warranting payment for medical services or whether the Defendant established the bills in dispute were appropriately denied.

The Court finds that the Orange County Declaratory Judgment is a final Order that names both the Assignor and the Plaintiff and clearly delineates the rights and obligations of the parties.^[FN10] The Declaratory Judgment clearly recites the relief requested by the Defendant and decrees the Defendant “has no duty to provide any first party benefits coverage to [Assignor], and other interested parties listed as defendants.”^[FN11] The Plaintiff and Assignors are named Defendants on the Orange County Declaratory Judgment.^[FN12] In its affidavits, Plaintiff failed to produce any evidence to raise a triable issue of fact regarding whether it is covered as a Defendant in the Orange County Declaratory Judgment.

The Court is not persuaded by Plaintiff’s reliance on Jamaica Wellness Med P.C. v. Mercury Cas. Co., 2018 NY Slip Op 51128 (U), as its inapplicable to the instant matter. The default judgment granted in the Jamaica Wellness Medical case was only against the Assignor, as the Plaintiff provider had appeared in the action and served an Answer. The Appellate Term specifically notes that “upon review of the record, we find that, as the March 23, 2016 Supreme Court order in the declaratory judgment action merely awarded a default judgment action to Mercury against Jamaica’s assignor, but did not declare the rights of Mercury as against Jamaica.”^[FN13] Therefore the facts here are distinguishable given that Mercury’s Declaratory Judgment Order entered on default was specifically against both Assignor Santia Louis and Plaintiff provider Total Chiropractic P.C., who were both named in the Orange County Declaratory Judgment action and the case herein, and both failed to respond to the Orange County Declaratory Judgment action.

Finally, the Appellate Division, 2nd Department held that when an accident victim assigns his or her No-Fault claim to a medical provider, pursuant to 11 NYCRR 65-3.11, the medical provider as the “assignee ‘stands in the shoes’ of an assignor and thus acquires no greater rights than its assignor.” Long Island Radiology v. Allstate Ins. Co., 36 AD3d 763, 830 N.Y.S.2d 192 (2nd Dept. 2007). If a certain defense may be raised by the Defendants against the injured party, it is available as against the provider who accepts the assignments of no-fault benefits. As such, a finding of material misrepresentation of an assignor would be imputed onto the health care provider who takes an assignment of benefits and assumes this risk when accepting the assignment.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, the Orange County Declaratory Judgment declared the rights and obligations of both the Plaintiff and the Assignor which found there is no coverage based on the Assignor’s material misrepresentations about her residence. The Court need not consider whether either party established their respective prima facie cases.

The Defendant’s motion is GRANTED and the Plaintiff’s motion is DENIED as moot. The complaint is dismissed with prejudice.

This constitutes the Decision and Order of the Court.

Date: February 8, 2021
Brooklyn, New York
Hon. Patria Frias-Colón
Civil Court, Kings County

Footnotes

Footnote 1:On January 11, 2017 Defendant held an inquest against the Assignor wherein Defendant was awarded judgment in the amount of $81,021.15 for damages plus $5,745.50 in court costs and attorney fees. See the Trial Decision in Defendant’s Exhibit G.

Footnote 2:See Defendant’s Exhibit C, Summons and Verified Complaint, Index Number EF 004083-2016 and Exhibit E, Transcript of Santia Louis Examination Under Oath (EUO) dated November 4, 2015.

Footnote 3:See Defendant’s Motion Exhibit A, Judgment, Notice of Entry, and Affidavit of Service.

Footnote 4:Id.

Footnote 5:See Plaintiff’s Exhibit 2 and 3.

Footnote 6:60 Misc 3d 139(A) (App. Term, 2d Dep’t, 2018).

Footnote 7:80 AD3d 603, 604 (2d Dep’t, 2011).

Footnote 8:47 Misc 3d 152(A) (App. Term, 2d Dep’t, 2015).

Footnote 9:See St. Barnabas Hosp. v. Allstate Ins. Co., 66 AD3d 996 (2d Dep’t, 2009); A & S Med. P.C. v. Allstate Ins. Co., 15 AD3d 170 (1st Dep’t, 2005), affirming 196 Misc 2d 322 (App. Term, 1st Dep’t, 2003).

Footnote 10:See Defendant Motion Exhibit A, Judgment, Notice of Entry, and Affidavit of Service.

Footnote 11:Id.

Footnote 12:Id.

Footnote 13:Jamaica Wellness Med P.C. v. Mercury Cas. Co., 2018 NY Slip Op 51128 (U)

[*1]

Civil Court of the City of New York, Kings County, October 29, 2020

APPEARANCES OF COUNSEL

The Rybak Firm, PLLC, Brooklyn (Oleg Rybak of counsel), for plaintiff.

The Law Offices of Perry & Frankson, North New Hyde Park (Erin L. McFadzen of counsel), for defendant.

In this no-fault action seeking reimbursement for medical services, plaintiff medical provider moves, inter alia, for an order granting summary judgment pursuant to CPLR 3212. Defendant insurer also moves, inter alia, for summary judgment pursuant to CPLR 3212.

The court finds that plaintiff established its prima facie showing of entitlement to summary judgment. It is well settled that summary judgment is appropriate when sufficient evidence in admissible form is presented to demonstrate the absence of any material issues of fact (Alvarez v Prospect Hosp., 68 NY2d 320 [1986]; Zuckerman v City of New York, 49 NY2d 557 [1980]). Here, in support of its motion, plaintiff submits the affidavit of Sean B. Diamond, D.C., the owner of Bronx Chiropractic Rehabilitation, P.C., in which he establishes that the claim forms had been timely and properly mailed to defendant (see Compas Med., P.C. v Farm Family Cas. Ins. Co., 38 Misc 3d 142[A], 2013 NY Slip Op 50254[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2013]). Accordingly, plaintiff established its prima facie entitlement to summary judgment and the burden shifted to defendant to raise a triable issue of fact (Alvarez v Prospect Hosp., 68 NY2d [*2]320 [1986]).

The court finds that defendant failed to raise a triable issue of fact in opposition to plaintiff’s motion and to establish their own entitlement to summary judgment pursuant to CPLR 3212. Defendant asserts that they properly denied plaintiff’s claims for failure to provide a requested verification within 120 days of the initial request and that plaintiff’s case must be dismissed as premature. However, defendant fails to submit adequate evidence in support of their requests for verification. Defendant relies on attached copies of the verification request letters as well as the affidavit of their litigation representative, Joseph M. Andre, who establishes mailing of the letters. In the verification request letters at issue, defendant states that they requested that the assignor provide a recorded statement via a scheduled phone call. Defendant claims that the assignor failed to respond to the calls they scheduled in all three verification request letters.^[FN*] Accordingly, defendant asserts that dismissal {**70 Misc 3d at 363}of plaintiff’s case is appropriate based on outstanding verification.

However, based on the language contained in the verification request letters, defendant was required to call the assignor on a certain date, at a certain time, to a certain telephone number in order to obtain the requested information: “In order to determine your eligibility for benefits, all benefits remain delayed pending your cooperation with our request for a recorded statement. You will be contacted at the number below to provide a statement on the date and time indicated.” (Emphasis added.)

Although defendant established that the verification requests were mailed, they failed to establish that a representative placed the phone call which they claim the assignor failed to answer on each of the scheduled dates. As a result, the verification requests are incomplete.

In a similar Appellate Term case, Dilon Med. Supply Corp. v State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., the defendant insurer also denied the plaintiff’s claim based on outstanding verification (13 Misc 3d 141[A], 2006 NY Slip Op 52266[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d & 11th Jud Dists 2006]). The Appellate Term found that the defendant insurer failed to submit adequate proof to support their claim of mailing the verification requests. As a result of this evidentiary deficiency, the Appellate Term found that the defendant’s time to pay or deny the claim was not tolled and their denials were untimely.

Although there is no case that addresses the specific issue herein, the reasoning in Dilon is applicable to the issue of inadequate proof of verification. Here, while defendant establishes the mailing of the verification requests, they do not establish the substantive portion of the verification inquiry. Thus, the incomplete verification requests did not toll defendant’s time to pay or deny the claim and defendant is “precluded from raising most defenses as a result of its untimely denial” (Dilon Med. Supply Corp. v State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 13 Misc 3d 141[A], 2006 NY Slip Op 52266[U], *2). Accordingly, defendant both fails to meet their own prima facie burden for summary judgment and raise an issue of fact in opposition to plaintiff’s motion based on its outstanding verification argument (see Zuckerman v City of New York, 49 NY2d 557 [1980];{**70 Misc 3d at 364} St. Anna Wellcare, P.C. v GEICO Ins. Co., 56 Misc 3d 133[A], 2017 NY Slip Op 50948[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2017]).

Based on the foregoing, plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment pursuant to CPLR 3212 is granted. Defendant’s motion for summary judgment pursuant to CPLR 3212 to dismiss plaintiff’s case as premature is denied.

Footnotes

Footnote *:In the first verification letter, the recorded phone statement was scheduled to take place on May 16, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. On May 17, 2016, defendant mailed a second verification request letter scheduling a recorded phone statement to take place on May 30, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. On May 31, 2016, defendant mailed a third verification request scheduling a recorded phone statement to take place at 10:00 a.m. on June 10, 2016.

[*1]

Civil Court of the City of New York, Kings County, October 20, 2020

APPEARANCES OF COUNSEL

Erin O’Neil and Melanie J. Rosen, Garden City, for defendant.

The Rybak Firm, PLLC, Brooklyn (Oleg Rybak of counsel), for plaintiff.

In this action by plaintiff medical provider to recover no-fault benefits, defendant insurer moves for dismissal of the complaint on grounds that the plaintiff’s claims are barred by a declaratory judgment in Supreme Court. Plaintiff opposes the motion and cross-moves for summary judgment.

Relying on the recently decided Quality Health Supply Corp. v Hertz Co. (68 Misc 3d 131[A], 2020 NY Slip Op 50996[U] [2020]), plaintiff argues that the Supreme Court declaratory judgment issued in Progressive Max Ins. Co. v Mykia Black (Sup Ct, Nassau County, Sept. 28, 2017, Parga, J., index No. 003809/16) does not apply to or otherwise bar this action under the doctrine of res judicata or collateral estoppel because the defendant herein is Progressive Insurance Company not Progressive Max Insurance Company. In the Supreme Court action, which named Essie Bryant (assignor herein), Mykia E. Black (the insured) and Bronx Chiropractic Rehabilitation, P.C. among the defendants, the Honorable Anthony Parga declared the policy null and void as to the December 2, 2015 incident.

In Quality Health Supply Corp. v Hertz Co., a declaratory judgment action brought on by Hertz Vehicles, LLC against Quality Health and its assignor was granted on default. Thereafter, Hertz Co. sought to amend the caption of the civil court case to name Hertz Vehicles, LLC as the proper party and to dismiss the action against it pursuant to the declaratory judgment. The Appellate Term found that the defendant had failed to submit evidence that plaintiff had sued the wrong party and therefor it couldn’t show that there had been a final adjudication of the civil court claims on the merits by the declaratory judgment.

In this case, however, defendant proffered the affidavit of Christina Plante, a Senior Medical Claims Representative{**69 Misc 3d at 1073} employed by Progressive Casualty Insurance Company, who averred that the declaration page lists Progressive Max Insurance Company as the insuring entity for Mykia E. Black under her policy number 907911812. Defendant also attached to its motion papers a certified copy of the declaration page which lists Progressive Max as the insurance company underwriting the policy at issue. Thus, the court finds that the proper insurer has always been Progressive Max Insurance Company, not Progressive Insurance Company as plaintiff erroneously named herein. Accordingly, plaintiff’s action is barred by the doctrine of res judicata. The declaratory judgment issued by the Honorable Anthony Parga collaterally estops this civil court action.

While it would have been better practice for defendant herein to have also moved to amend the caption to name Progressive Max the proper party, the failure to do so does not affect a substantial right of the plaintiff and it is sua sponte granted herein. It is noted that the declaration page of the policy at issue gave notice to the plaintiff that Progressive Max was the entity insuring the driver Mykia E. Black. Plaintiff’s mistake in not naming Progressive Max should not be to the detriment of defendant.

The caption shall be amended as follows:

Accordingly, the caption is amended to name Progressive Max Insurance Company as the correct defendant and the action is dismissed with prejudice pursuant to the declaratory judgment issued by the Honorable Anthony Parga as noted herein.