Key Takeaway
Court rules EBT transcript inadmissible when not mailed to plaintiff per CPLR 3117, but Second Department decision conflicts with prior precedent on party depositions.
This article is part of our ongoing deposition transcripts coverage, with 187 published articles analyzing deposition transcripts issues across New York State. Attorney Jason Tenenbaum brings 24+ years of hands-on experience to this analysis, drawing from his work on more than 1,000 appeals, over 100,000 no-fault cases, and recovery of over $100 million for clients throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. For personalized legal advice about how these principles apply to your specific situation, contact our Long Island office at (516) 750-0595 for a free consultation.
Marmer v IF USA Express, Inc., 2010 NY Slip Op 04151 (2d Dept. 2010)
“Further, the unsigned deposition transcript of the plaintiff, which the defendants submitted in support of their motion, did not constitute admissible evidence in light of the defendants’ failure to demonstrate that the transcript was forwarded to the plaintiff for her review pursuant to CPLR 3116(a)(see Martinez v 123-16 Liberty Ave. Realty Corp., 47 AD3d 901; McDonald v Mauss, 38 AD3d 727; Pina v Flik Intl. Corp., 25 AD3d 772; Santos v Intown Assoc., 17 AD3d 564).”
This decision is wrong for a few reasons. First, the cases that the Appellate Division cites to involve non-party depositions. Second, the law as it relates to party depositions, as the Second Department previously held in R.M. Newell Co., Inc. v. Rice, 236 AD2d 843 (2d Dept. 1997), states the following:
“The court properly considered Richard Newell’s deposition in support of defendants’ motions for summary judgment. The transcripts were certified as accurate by the court reporter, who sent them to the witness for his review and signature. Thus, pursuant to CPLR 3116(a), the deposition is usable as though signed. In any event, any statutory proscription against the use of a transcript as a “deposition” would not preclude its use as an admission of plaintiff’s controlling principal. CPLR 3212(b) states that “written admissions” may be submitted on a summary judgment motion. Further, rules of evidence provide for admissibility of admissions of an opposing party regardless of whether they are in the form of a deposition. Thus, irrespective of whether it qualified as a “deposition” under CPLR 3116, the transcript constituted proof in admissible form ( see, Zuckerman v. City of New York, 49 N.Y.2d 557, 562, 427 N.Y.S.2d 595, 404 N.E.2d 718).”
Can an admission not be used against a plaintiff on a summary judgment motion due to the failure to comply with CPLR 3116? Has this rule now changed? Does this make sense?
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Legal Update (February 2026): Since this 2010 post was published, the Civil Practice Law and Rules provisions governing deposition transcripts and their admissibility may have been amended through legislative action or further clarified by subsequent appellate decisions. Practitioners should verify current CPLR 3116 and 3117 requirements regarding transcript certification, mailing procedures, and admissibility standards before relying on the procedural analysis discussed in this post.
Legal Context
Why This Matters for Your Case
New York law is among the most complex and nuanced in the country, with distinct procedural rules, substantive doctrines, and court systems that differ significantly from other jurisdictions. The Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) governs every stage of civil litigation, from service of process through trial and appeal. The Appellate Division, Appellate Term, and Court of Appeals create a rich and ever-evolving body of case law that practitioners must follow.
Attorney Jason Tenenbaum has practiced across these areas for over 24 years, writing more than 1,000 appellate briefs and publishing over 2,353 legal articles that attorneys and clients rely on for guidance. The analysis in this article reflects real courtroom experience — from motion practice in Civil Court and Supreme Court to oral arguments before the Appellate Division — and a deep understanding of how New York courts actually apply the law in practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hypo-technical defect in a no-fault case?
A hypo-technical defect refers to a minor, non-substantive error in a document or filing — such as a wrong date, minor formatting issue, or clerical mistake. New York courts distinguish between hypo-technical defects (which may be overlooked) and substantive defects (which can be fatal to a claim or defense).
When will courts overlook a technical defect?
Courts may overlook a defect if it is truly minor and did not prejudice the opposing party. For example, a small typographical error in a verification request may be excused if the substance of the request was clear. However, if the defect affected the recipient's ability to respond or comply, it will not be overlooked.
How does the prejudice analysis work for technical defects?
Courts evaluate whether the defect caused actual prejudice to the opposing party. If the purpose of the document was clear despite the error and the other party was not disadvantaged, the defect may be deemed hypo-technical. If the defect created confusion or prevented proper compliance, it is substantive and cannot be excused.
What are common procedural defenses in New York no-fault litigation?
Common procedural defenses include untimely denial of claims (insurers must issue denials within 30 days under 11 NYCRR §65-3.8(c)), failure to properly schedule EUOs or IMEs, defective service of process, and failure to comply with verification request requirements. Procedural compliance is critical because courts strictly enforce these requirements, and a single procedural misstep by the insurer can result in the denial being overturned.
What is the CPLR and how does it affect my case?
The New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) is the primary procedural statute governing civil litigation in New York state courts. It covers everything from service of process (CPLR 308) and motion practice (CPLR 2214) to discovery (CPLR 3101-3140), statute of limitations (CPLR 213-214), and judgments. Understanding and complying with CPLR requirements is essential for successful litigation.
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About the Author
Jason Tenenbaum, Esq.
Jason Tenenbaum is the founding attorney of the Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C., headquartered at 326 Walt Whitman Road, Suite C, Huntington Station, New York 11746. With over 24 years of experience since founding the firm in 2002, Jason has written more than 1,000 appeals, handled over 100,000 no-fault insurance cases, and recovered over $100 million for clients across Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. He is one of the few attorneys in the state who both writes his own appellate briefs and tries his own cases.
Jason is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Michigan state courts, as well as multiple federal courts. His 2,353+ published legal articles analyzing New York case law, procedural developments, and litigation strategy make him one of the most prolific legal commentators in the state. He earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.
Disclaimer: This article is published by the Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. The legal principles discussed may not apply to your specific situation, and the law may have changed since this article was last updated.
New York law varies by jurisdiction — court decisions in one Appellate Division department may not be followed in another, and local court rules in Nassau County Supreme Court differ from those in Suffolk County Supreme Court, Kings County Civil Court, or Queens County Supreme Court. The Appellate Division, Second Department (which covers Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island) and the Appellate Term (which hears appeals from lower courts) each have distinct procedural requirements and precedents that affect litigation strategy.
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