Key Takeaway
New York court ruling confirms attorney affirmations stating claimants failed to appear at EUOs are sufficient evidence to establish no-show defense in no-fault cases.
This article is part of our ongoing euo issues coverage, with 324 published articles analyzing euo issues 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.
Attorney Statements Sufficient for EUO No-Show Defense
In New York’s no-fault insurance litigation, insurance companies frequently rely on examination under oath (EUO) no-show defenses to deny claims. When claimants fail to appear for scheduled EUOs, insurers must prove this non-appearance occurred. A recent appellate court decision clarifies that attorney affirmations stating a claimant “did not show up” provide adequate foundation for this defense.
This ruling addresses ongoing disputes about the level of detail required in affidavits supporting EUO no-show defenses. While some practitioners have argued for elaborate documentation of business practices, the court’s decision streamlines the evidentiary requirements for attorneys conducting EUOs.
Jason Tenenbaum’s Analysis:
Viviane Etienne Med. Care, P.C. v State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 2012 NY Slip Op 50579(U)(App. Term 2d Dept. 2012)
“Defendant also submitted an affirmation from one of the attorneys who was responsible for conducting the EUOs at issue, which established that plaintiff had failed to appear at either of the duly scheduled EUOs”
The latest line of attack in the IME no show and EUO no show wars has been the allegation that the affiant did not set forth a sufficiently detailed affidavit, proving that the claimant failed to attend his EUO’s.
In the case where the partner at the law firm swears out an affidavit that the Claimant did not show based upon the firm’s business practices, this is correct. Where the affidavit, however, is based upon the affidavit of the person hired to conduct the EUO or IME, this type of elaborate business practice is not necessary. Rather, a perfunctory attestation that the affiant was there and the Claimant failed to show would be sufficient.
Key Takeaway
When the attorney who actually conducted the EUO provides the affirmation, courts accept straightforward statements that the claimant failed to appear. Unlike situations requiring detailed business practice affidavits, attorneys with personal knowledge need only provide basic attestation of non-appearance. This distinction significantly simplifies the evidentiary burden for establishing no-show defenses in no-fault litigation.
Legal Update (February 2026): Since this 2012 decision, New York’s examination under oath (EUO) requirements and evidentiary standards for no-show defenses may have been modified through regulatory amendments, appellate decisions, or changes to insurance department guidelines. Practitioners should verify current requirements for attorney affirmations and supporting documentation when establishing EUO non-appearance defenses.
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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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More EUO issues Analysis
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May 22, 2021Understanding IME No-Shows in New York No-Fault Insurance Cases
Learn about IME no-shows in New York no-fault insurance cases. Expert legal guidance from experienced attorneys. Call 516-750-0595 for consultation.
Oct 26, 2019The dates of the EUO's do not need to be placed in the letters
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Oct 13, 2016A taste of Unitrin in the Second Department
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Apr 7, 2015Discovery not necessary to adjudicate merits of EUO no-show defense
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May 16, 2013Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Examination Under Oath (EUO) in no-fault insurance?
An EUO is a sworn, recorded interview conducted by the insurance company's attorney to investigate a no-fault claim. The insurer schedules the EUO and asks detailed questions about the accident, injuries, treatment, and the claimant's background. Under 11 NYCRR §65-3.5(e), appearing for the EUO is a condition precedent to receiving no-fault benefits — failure to appear can result in claim denial.
What happens if I miss my EUO appointment?
Missing an EUO (known as an EUO 'no-show') can result in denial of your no-fault benefits. However, insurers must follow strict procedural requirements: they must send two scheduling letters by certified and regular mail, provide adequate notice, and submit a timely denial based on the no-show. If the insurer fails to comply with these requirements, the denial can be overturned at arbitration or in court.
What questions will be asked at a no-fault EUO?
EUO questions typically cover your personal background, employment history, the circumstances of the accident, your injuries and symptoms, treatment received, prior accidents or injuries, and insurance history. The insurer's attorney may also ask about your daily activities and financial arrangements with medical providers. You have the right to have your attorney present, and your attorney can object to improper questions.
Can an insurance company require multiple EUOs for the same claim?
Yes, under 11 NYCRR §65-3.5(e), an insurer may request additional EUOs as reasonably necessary to investigate a claim. However, repeated EUO requests may be challenged as harassing or unreasonable. Courts have found that insurers cannot use EUOs as a tool to delay claims indefinitely. Each EUO request must be properly noticed with adequate time for the claimant to appear.
Do I have the right to an attorney at my EUO?
Yes. You have the right to have an attorney represent you at an EUO, and it is strongly recommended. Your attorney can prepare you for the types of questions asked, object to improper or overly broad questions, and ensure the insurer follows proper procedures. Having experienced no-fault counsel at your EUO can help protect your claim from being unfairly denied.
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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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