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Why don't Defendant's start to use the Notice to Admit to establish their Prima Facie? Am I missing something?
Business records

Why don't Defendant's start to use the Notice to Admit to establish their Prima Facie? Am I missing something?

By Jason Tenenbaum 8 min read

Key Takeaway

Exploring whether defendants can use Notices to Admit to establish prima facie cases in New York no-fault insurance litigation and departmental differences.

This article is part of our ongoing business records coverage, with 256 published articles analyzing business records 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.

This was a comment from Jerry Maline, of Richard Lau’s office, State Farm’s in-house counsel.  This is a really astute comment, and got me thinking for a second.  Now, just follow me on this to see if my logic makes sense.

According to the Appellate Term, Second Department, Notices to Admit and Interrogatories cannot be used to establish a prima facie case.  This is because a party cannot admit the genuineness of another party’s documents, as well as use these devices to establish a complete prima facie case.  In practice, this translates to disallowing an insurance carrier to lay a business record foundation for a provider’s bills or an injured person’s bills.

The corollary to this rule is that a medical provider cannot lay a business record foundation for an insurance carrier’s denials.

In contrast to the above, we now have learned that at the Appellate Term, First Department, interrogatories and notices to admit may be used to satisfy a prima facie case, since the genuineness of the bills is not part of a provider’s prima facie case.

Now, in light of the Second Department’s  holding in Urban, viz, that a denial does not have to be “in evidence” in order to preserve the defense set forth on the denial, the only factual issue a denial presents is its timeliness.  We all know that denials, generally, are mailed on the date set forth on the denial or the next business day.  There are some variations out there, but that is the general industry standard.  In light of Central Nassau, it would seem that a provider could be charged with having sufficient knowledge to either admit or deny: 1) whether; and/or 2) when the provider received a denial.  Like anything else, this tactic will only work if the statements set forth on the Notice to Admit are properly drafted.

Since the only issue relating to an NF-10 at the Appellate Term, Second Department, involves the timeliness of the denial, it would seem to follow that a Notice to Admit can satisfy the underlying procedural issues, and allow the insurance carrier to go forward on its substantive defense.  Moreover, since an insurance carrier’s entire prima facie defense does not rest on the timeliness of a denial, it cannot be said that the Notice to Admit would go to the ultimate or heart of the disputed issue.  So, an insurance carrier can successfully use this device to demonstrate timely handling, in my opinion.

As for the Appellate Term, First Department, this is an open question.  Notwithstanding that Court’s holding that a Notice to Admit may itself satisfy a provider’s prima facie case, that court has never opined as to whether a denial must be in evidence, in order to preserve the defenses that are set forth on it.  I would imagine that the Appellate Term, First Department, would probably follow the Presbyterian v. Elrac rule and require that the denial be placed into evidence, before allowing a carrier to go forward on its substantive defenses.

In any event, the Appellate Term, First Department, at worst would only leave unresolved for trial the business record foundation issue involving the denial, besides the substantive defenses.  Admittedly, laying a business record foundation is a far easier burden than showing a document was timely mailed.

Thus, a properly drafted notice to admit should resolve the timeliness issue.  In the Second Department, this would resolve all issues involving the denial of claim form and allow the carrier to go forward on its substantive defense.  In the First Department, this would at a bare minimum eliminate the mailing issue, and possibly leave the business record issue open, as well as the underlying defense to the no-fault claim.

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.

About This Topic

Business Records & Documentary Evidence in New York

The business records exception to the hearsay rule is one of the most important evidentiary foundations in New York litigation. Establishing that a document qualifies as a business record under CPLR 4518 requires showing it was made in the regular course of business, at or near the time of the event, and that it was the regular practice to create such records. In no-fault and personal injury cases, disputes over business records arise constantly — from claim files and medical records to billing documents and mailing logs.

256 published articles in Business records

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How are business records used as evidence in no-fault cases?

Business records are critical evidence in no-fault litigation. Under CPLR 4518(a), business records are admissible if made in the regular course of business, at or near the time of the event recorded, and if it was the regular practice of the business to make such records. In no-fault cases, insurers' claim files, mailing logs, denial letters, and EUO/IME scheduling records are frequently offered as business records. The proper foundation must be laid through testimony from a qualified witness or through a certification under CPLR 4518(c).

What types of evidence are important in no-fault and personal injury cases?

Key types of evidence include medical records and bills, police accident reports, diagnostic imaging (MRI, X-ray, CT scans), expert medical opinions, business records from insurance companies and providers, witness statements, photographs of injuries and the accident scene, and employment records for lost wage claims. The rules of evidence under New York CPLR and the Evidence Rules govern what is admissible in court proceedings.

What is the business records exception to hearsay in New York?

Under CPLR 4518(a), a business record is admissible if it was made in the regular course of business, it was the regular course of business to make such a record, and the record was made at or near the time of the event recorded. This exception is crucial in no-fault litigation because insurers' denial letters, claim logs, and peer review reports are often offered as business records. The foundation for the business record must be established through testimony or a certification.

What role does diagnostic imaging play as evidence in injury cases?

Diagnostic imaging — MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, and EMG/NCV studies — provides objective evidence of injuries such as herniated discs, fractures, ligament tears, and nerve damage. Courts and arbitrators give significant weight to imaging evidence because it is less subjective than physical examination findings. In serious injury threshold cases under §5102(d), imaging evidence corroborating clinical findings strengthens the plaintiff's case considerably.

How do New York courts handle surveillance evidence in personal injury cases?

Insurance companies frequently hire investigators to conduct video surveillance of plaintiffs to challenge injury claims. Under CPLR 3101(i), a party must disclose surveillance materials prior to trial, including films, photographs, and videotapes. Surveillance evidence can be powerful for impeachment if it contradicts the plaintiff's testimony about limitations. However, courts may preclude surveillance that was not properly disclosed or that is misleadingly edited.

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Attorney Jason Tenenbaum

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.

24+ years in practice 1,000+ appeals written 100K+ no-fault cases $100M+ recovered

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.

If you need legal help with a business records matter, contact our office at (516) 750-0595 for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Long Island (Huntington, Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, Smithtown, Riverhead, Southampton, East Hampton), Nassau County (Hempstead, Garden City, Mineola, Great Neck, Manhasset, Freeport, Long Beach, Rockville Centre, Valley Stream, Westbury, Hicksville, Massapequa), Suffolk County (Hauppauge, Deer Park, Bay Shore, Central Islip, Patchogue, Brentwood), Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Westchester County. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Jason Tenenbaum, Personal Injury Attorney serving Long Island, Nassau County and Suffolk County

About the Author

Jason Tenenbaum

Jason Tenenbaum is a personal injury attorney serving Long Island, Nassau & Suffolk Counties, and New York City. Admitted to practice in NY, NJ, FL, TX, GA, MI, and Federal courts, Jason is one of the few attorneys who writes his own appeals and tries his own cases. Since 2002, he has authored over 2,353 articles on no-fault insurance law, personal injury, and employment law — a resource other attorneys rely on to stay current on New York appellate decisions.

Education
Syracuse University College of Law
Experience
24+ Years
Articles
2,353+ Published
Licensed In
7 States + Federal

Discussion

Comments (4)

Archived from the original blog discussion.

RZ
raymond zuppa
The denial does not have to be in evidence but the bill must. A notice to admit can be used to obtain an admission that a denial was received by a certain date. A notice to admit cannot be used to obtain an admission that a bill was received by a certain date.” What’s the difference. Ah. One set of rules belongs to providers and another to insurance companies. Oh my goodness the bias is palpable like the slime left behind by a crawling slug. It is the industry standard that a denial is mailed on the day it is dated or the day after. So says the industry so it must be true. Is that a new rule. Judicial Notice that because the industry says that a denial is mailed on the day dated or the day after it must be true. Syllogistic logic. All denials are mailed on the day the denial is dated. X is a denial. X was mailed on the day it is dated. That’s what the law comes down to now. No need to prove anything specific. See Dan Medical. My advice to my clients is this. When you get a denial stick it in the file. Do not use one person to file mail such as denials. Do not date stamp denials. Just stick them in the file. Keep no records as to the day a denial is recieved other then to check the file for denials 60 days after a bill(s) was mailed. Notice to Admit Q.The denial was received on or before x day. A. Deny. Plaintiff cannot admit the matter asserted as the Plaintiff is not in possession of the information necessary to make such an admission. See you in court 5 persons that it took to mail one denial.
J
JT Author
Missing document charge? Adverse inference? Are you sure you want your clients saying that at trial or at an EBT? And then what happens when you have to prove you mailed a bill or keep a document in an organized business-record fashion? Sounds like a course you do not want to go down. Talk about a voir dire of a witness that could be a disaster.
RZ
Raymond Zuppa
No way J.T. What missing document. You can only have a missing document charge when there was a document in the first place. What adverse inference. That the denial was mailed timely? It is moot because it is inapplicable. There is nothing that says a medical provider must keep track of the date that a denial arrives. In fact such would be an added expense because it would take time do such. There is nothing wrong with the business practice of simply receiving mail and having a mail clerk place it in a corresponding file — unless it is a check or a phone bill etc. all of which are easily identifiable. The only precise date that matters to the provider is the date the bill was mailed. Perfect. Maintain the bills and the postal manifest in the file. A totally separate process. When the patient is done treating the file is reviewed for denials as per the most efficient course of business. All unpaid bills or portions thereof are then forwarded to counsel. I do not do one bill lawsuits. That is keeping everything in an organized business fashion although I never rely on denials to prove mailing. The Voir Dire of the witness would be a disaster. I thought I was the one who was dramatic. During Voir Dire the witness would explain the above. I would coach the witness to say that it would be willing to be more meticulous with the insurance company documents if the insurance company paid his staff. Is this a murder trial. Voir Dire of the witness. Q. And you do not receipt date your denials — correct? A. Correct. Q. And you do not know when they came. A. No. Q. Don’t you need to know when the insurance company mailed the denial? A. That is why we are here isn’t it — plus the date on the denial is usually a good indicator of whether it is late — and another thing, I leave that to Raymond Zuppa; finally would you please pay. It is a less expensive way for the providers to do business — less record keeping = less payroll. Besides we trust the insurance companies to tell us. Oh you ruined my fourth weekend J.T. Ima scared now. P.S. besides you is there a NF defense attorney that could even string a cross together
RZ
Raymond Zuppa
If its before the App Term 2nd on a No Fault case I concede. Anywhere else anyone can loose or win. Any lawyer who gaurantees a victory is a fool and never really tried a case. We’ve drifted off course though. “I don’t know when the denial came” is an efficient means to do business and an efficient manner in which to defeat this one way notice to admit injustice promulagated by the App Term 2nd — until someone slips one past to the App Div. 2nd. JT you know I think you are a great lawyer. I would hire you anytime. I love you J.T. As to those that get under my skin in an unprofessional manner they are soon to meet their discomfiture. Stay tuned and remember J.T. — the 4th is about justice.

Legal Resources

Understanding New York Business records Law

New York has a unique legal landscape that affects how business records cases are litigated and resolved. The state's court system includes the Civil Court (for claims up to $25,000), the Supreme Court (the primary trial court for unlimited jurisdiction), the Appellate Term (which hears appeals from lower courts), the Appellate Division (divided into four Departments, with the Second Department covering Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and several upstate counties), and the Court of Appeals (the state's highest court). Each court has its own procedural requirements, local rules, and case-assignment practices that can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

For business records matters on Long Island, cases are typically filed in Nassau County Supreme Court (at the courthouse in Mineola) or Suffolk County Supreme Court (in Riverhead). No-fault arbitrations are heard through the American Arbitration Association, which assigns arbitrators throughout the metropolitan area. Workers' compensation claims go to the Workers' Compensation Board, with hearings at district offices across the state. Understanding which forum is appropriate for your case — and the specific procedural rules that apply — is essential for a successful outcome.

The procedural landscape in New York also includes important timing requirements that can affect your case. Most civil actions are subject to statutes of limitations ranging from one year (for intentional torts and claims against municipalities) to six years (for contract actions). Personal injury cases generally have a three-year deadline under CPLR 214(5), while medical malpractice claims must be filed within two and a half years under CPLR 214-a. No-fault insurance claims have their own regulatory deadlines, including 30-day filing requirements for applications and 45-day deadlines for provider claims. Understanding and complying with these deadlines is critical — missing a filing deadline can permanently bar your claim, regardless of how strong your case may be on the merits.

Attorney Jason Tenenbaum regularly practices in all of these venues. His office at 326 Walt Whitman Road, Suite C, Huntington Station, NY 11746, is centrally located on Long Island, providing convenient access to courts and offices throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and New York City. Whether you need representation in a no-fault arbitration, a personal injury trial, an employment discrimination hearing, or an appeal to the Appellate Division, the Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. brings $24+ years of real courtroom experience to your case. If you have questions about the legal issues discussed in this article, call (516) 750-0595 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

New York's substantive law also presents distinct challenges. In motor vehicle cases, the no-fault system under Insurance Law Article 51 provides first-party benefits regardless of fault, but limits the right to sue for non-economic damages unless the plaintiff establishes a "serious injury" under one of nine statutory categories. This threshold — codified at Insurance Law Section 5102(d) — requires medical evidence showing more than a minor or subjective injury, and courts have developed detailed standards for each category. Fractures must be documented through imaging studies. Claims of permanent consequential limitation or significant limitation of use require quantified range-of-motion testing with comparison to norms. The 90/180-day category demands proof that the plaintiff was unable to perform substantially all of their usual daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident.

In employment discrimination cases, the legal standards vary depending on whether the claim arises under state or local law. The New York State Human Rights Law employs a burden-shifting framework: the plaintiff must first establish a prima facie case by showing membership in a protected class, qualification for the position, an adverse employment action, and circumstances giving rise to an inference of discrimination. The burden then shifts to the employer to articulate a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for its decision. If the employer meets this burden, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the stated reason is pretextual. The New York City Human Rights Law, by contrast, applies a broader standard, asking whether the plaintiff was treated less well than other employees because of a protected characteristic.

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