In New York First Acupuncture, P.C. v. State Farm Mut. Auto Ins. Co., 2009 NY Slip Op 52217(u), the Appellate Term in the context of an improper incorporation defense stated again that:
“Plaintiff’s contention, that the defense of fraudulent incorporation must be asserted in a timely denial of claim form, is without merit (Multiquest, P.L.L.C. v Allstate Ins. Co., 17 Misc 3d 37, 38-39 [App Term, 2d & 11th Jud Dists 2007]).”
What is interesting, and I have stated this before, is that it seems illogical that a Workers Compensation defense requires a timely disclaimer in order to be preserved (Westchester Med. Ctr. v Lincoln Gen. Ins. Co., 60 AD3d 1045 (2d Dept. 2009), while a Mallela styled defense is exempt from the timely disclaimer requirement of Ins. Law 5106(a). Both of these defenses do not implicate coverage. Rather, these defenses are based upon whether a party has standing to prosecute an action. Compare 11 NYCRR 65-3.16(a)(12), with, 11 NYCRR 65-3.16 (a)(9).
A little consistency would be nice.
