Ava Acupuncture, P.C. v GEICO Gen. Ins. Co., 2012 NY Slip Op 50234(U)(App. Term 2d Dept. 2012)
“In this case, while the delay was lengthy, plaintiff does not deny that discovery and trial postponements intervened to delay the action and for reasons unrelated to the motion’s merits. Since the defenses address the effect of contractual terms on recovery and since plaintiff does not deny defendant’s claim that its NF-10 forms invoked a deductible, the claim of surprise or prejudice so great as to warrant the motion’s denial is not established.”
“Since plaintiff as assignee stands in the shoes of the insured, plaintiff cannot claim ignorance of the terms of the very contract under which it alleges entitlement to no-fault benefits compensation”
