Key Takeaway
Court ruling demonstrates how insurance companies must meet strict procedural requirements when denying no-fault claims based on missed EUOs and IMEs under established legal standards.
This article is part of our ongoing euo issues coverage, with 323 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.
No-fault insurance disputes often hinge on procedural technicalities that can make or break a case. When healthcare providers seek payment for treating accident victims, insurance companies frequently attempt to deny claims by citing missed examinations under oath (EUOs) or independent medical examinations (IMEs). However, as demonstrated in Great Health Care Chiropractic, P.C. v Hertz Co., insurers must follow strict procedural requirements to successfully establish these defenses.
The case illustrates a critical principle in New York No-Fault Insurance Law: insurance companies cannot simply assert that a patient failed to appear for required examinations. They must provide concrete proof of proper notice and actual non-appearance. This decision reinforces the “Alrof test,” a legal standard that has become increasingly important in no-fault litigation, particularly regarding procedural requirements for examination scheduling.
The court’s analysis demonstrates how insurers often struggle to meet their burden of proof, especially when scheduling notices may not have been properly mailed or when they lack witnesses with personal knowledge of the alleged no-shows.
Jason Tenenbaum’s Analysis:
Great Health Care Chiropractic, P.C. v Hertz Co., 2014 NY Slip Op 51814(U)(App. Term 2d Dept. 2014)
“However, defendant failed to establish its entitlement to summary judgment dismissing the complaint. Defendant denied the claim at issue based upon plaintiff’s assignor’s failure to appear for examinations under oath (EUOs) and independent medical examinations (IMEs). Defendant failed, among other things, to establish a proper practice and procedure as to the mailing of the IME scheduling notices (see St. Vincent’s Hosp. of Richmond, 50 AD3d 1123; Delta Diagnostic Radiology, P.C., 17 Misc 3d 16) and failed to submit proof by someone with personal knowledge of the nonappearance of plaintiff’s assignor for the EUOs in question (see Stephen Fogel Psychological, P.C. v Progressive Cas. Ins. Co., 35 AD3d 720 ; Bright Med. Supply Co. v IDS Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co., 40 Misc 3d 130, 2013 NY Slip Op 51123 [*2]; Alrof, Inc. v Safeco Natl. Ins. Co., 39 Misc 3d 130, 2013 NY Slip Op 50458 ). As defendant failed to establish either of its defenses as a matter of law, its cross motion was properly denied.”
Key Takeaway
This ruling reinforces that insurance companies must provide substantial proof when denying claims based on missed examinations. Simply alleging non-appearance is insufficient — insurers must demonstrate proper mailing procedures and present testimony from witnesses with personal knowledge of the no-show incidents. The decision strengthens provider protections under no-fault law.
Legal Update (February 2026): The Alrof test and procedural requirements for EUO/IME scheduling referenced in this 2014 post may have been modified through subsequent court decisions or regulatory amendments to 11 NYCRR 65. Additionally, notice requirements and evidentiary standards for proving non-appearance at examinations may have evolved through appellate decisions since this analysis was published. Practitioners should verify current procedural requirements and recent case law developments when handling no-show defenses in no-fault cases.
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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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Nov 3, 2013IME Diagnostic Testing Rights: What NY Claimants Need to Know
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Aug 24, 2015Common 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.
If you need legal help with a euo issues 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.