So you sued the TPA and not the insurance carrier – now what?

B&R Consol., LLC v Zurich Am. Ins. Co., 2014 NY Slip Op 06287 (2d Dept. 2014)

“The defendants’ contention that Zurich is not a proper party to this action under Insurance Law § 3420(b) because it did not issue the subject policy to Powell is without merit. Although the defendants made a prima facie showing that Zurich did not issue the subject policy by submitting a copy of the policy’s declaration page, which stated that the issuing company was American Guarantee, B & R established in opposition to the defendants’ motion and in support of its cross motion that an apparent agency relationship existed between Zurich and American Guarantee which extended potential vicarious liability to Zurich (see generally Hallock v State of New York, 64 NY2d 224, 231). In addition to the presence of Zurich’s logo on documents created and distributed by American Guarantee, B & R demonstrated that Zurich’s claims counsel was assigned to handle Powell’s case, that the assigned counsel was required to follow Zurich’s guidelines and to submit bills to Zurich, and that Powell was contacted by Zurich’s Customer Care Center regarding the claim and was directed to file his claim on Zurich’s website (see Fletcher v Atex, Inc., 68 F3d 1451, 1461-1462 [2d Cir]). This evidence of Zurich’s direct participation in the administration of Powell’s claim is sufficient to establish, prima facie, that an agency relationship existed between Zurich and American Guarantee such that Zurich may be held liable to B & R (see In re Parmalat Sec. Litig., 375 F Supp 2d 278, 295 [SD NY]). In opposition to B & R’s cross motion, the defendants failed to raise a triable issue of fact.”

Admittedly, this is an issue that never really concerned me personally.  I used to like watching a certain plaintiff attorney who has cluttered the Appellate Term with senseless appeals lose cases where he sued the TPA.  But the joy turned to anger when an insurance carrier called me on one of my Article 75 UM Petitions, demanded I discontinue against him because I sought to join a TPA as a proposed additional respondent and then demanded “costs” because I would not withdraw that branch of my Petition.

Alas, I will now have the last laugh 🙂

Facebook
Twitter
Email
Print

2 Responses

Practice Areas

Our wide-ranging expertise will provide you with well-rounded legal counsel

At the Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, our attorneys have the integrity and experience you need to best assist, advise, and support you through your legal challenge, every step of the way.

No Fault Defense
Practice Areas
No Fault Defense

Using cutting-edge technology and strategy to solve complicated problems.

Woman in the hospital with injured leg
Practice Areas
Personal Injury

We can fight for your pain and suffering, lost income, medical bills, and any future lost wages.

Upset woman in the front of the computer with bills
Practice Areas
Medical Malpractice

You have the right to bring a malpractice claim for your medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering.

Card in the hand
Practice Areas
Consumer Protection

If you have been sued for an unpaid consumer loan, fallen behind on your credit card bills or similar.

Court room
Practice Areas
Commercial Litigation

We can help when you are faced with commercial litigation issues.

We dedicate ourselves to important values

We work hard to fight for your individual case and rights, while providing superior legal services on a timely, effective, and efficient basis. 

Need Help With Your Case?

Proin rhoncus metus aliquet blandit ad placerat sociosqu erat vel letius scelerisque taciti pulvinar.

Got Questions?

Proin rhoncus metus aliquet blandit ad placerat sociosqu erat vel letius scelerisque taciti pulvinar.