Wednesday, February 25, 2009

"Kids, dont try this at home"

I got that line from another blogger. That comment refers to a case that is anything but remarkable.

Although there was a long and very thoughtful dissent on what the probably should be, the majority made two salient points.

Continental Med., P.C. v Mercury Cas. Co.
2009 NYSlipOp 50234(U)(App. Term 2d Dept. 2009)

"Although chiropractors may not affirm pursuant to CPLR 2106 this defect was waived since plaintiff failed to object in the court below. As a result, the IME report proffered by defendant established defendant's prima facie entitlement to summary judgment on the ground that the services rendered to plaintiff's assignor were not medically necessary"

"In opposition, plaintiff proffered an unsworn medical report which was "dictated but not read." Thus, it was of no probative value. Inasmuch as plaintiff failed to rebut defendant's prima facie case, defendant's motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint should have been granted"

I think, and this is just me, but New York should follow the Federal and New Jersey model where a party can submit a "certification", which would have the same force and effect as an affidavit. In the criminal realm, this is done all the time. But the law is what it is...


No comments: