Why Trust This Analysis
This article is part of our ongoing prima facie case coverage, with 73 published articles analyzing prima facie case 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.
Understanding the Viviane Etienne Standard Across Different Courts
The landmark Viviane Etienne Medical Care, P.C. v Country-Wide Insurance Co. decision established crucial precedent for prima facie cases in New York no-fault insurance litigation. However, as these recent Second Department Appellate Term decisions demonstrate, different courts may interpret and apply the Etienne standard with varying degrees of scrutiny.
These cases illustrate how the burden of proof operates in practice when medical providers seek summary judgment for unpaid no-fault benefits. The outcomes reveal important nuances in how courts evaluate both the plaintiff’s initial showing and the defendant’s response when establishing a prima facie case.
Jason Tenenbaum’s Analysis:
EMA Acupuncture v Statewide Ins. Co., 2015 NY Slip Op 51622(U)(App. Term 2d Dept. 2015)
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“In opposition to plaintiff’s prima facie showing of entitlement to judgment as a matter of law on its complaint to recover first-party no-fault benefits (see Viviane Etienne Med. Care, P.C. v Country-Wide Ins. Co., 25 NY3d 498 ), defendant failed to raise a triable issue. While defendant contended that the claim was premature because plaintiff failed to respond to its verification requests, the affidavit of defendant’s no-fault claims supervisor, who had no personal knowledge that the verification letters were actually mailed, and described in only the most general terms her office’s mailing practices and procedures, was insufficient to raise an issue of fact (see Westchester Med. Ctr. v Countrywide Co., 45 AD3d 676, 677 ).”
Compas Med., P.C. v Geico Ins. Co., 2015 NY Slip Op 51590(U)(App. Term 2d Dept. 2015)
“Plaintiff’s contention that it was entitled to summary judgment upon its third cause of action lacks merit. Plaintiff’s moving papers failed to establish either that defendant had failed to pay or deny the claim within the requisite 30-day period (see Viviane Etienne Med. Care, P.C. v Country-Wide Ins. Co., 25 NY3d 498)“
Key Takeaway
These decisions highlight the critical importance of establishing proper foundation evidence in no-fault litigation. While EMA Acupuncture succeeded because the insurer’s verification defense lacked adequate proof, Compas Medical failed to meet the basic Etienne requirements. The contrast shows how the timing and adequacy of denials remain central to successful summary judgment motions.
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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.
About This Topic
Prima Facie Case Requirements in New York
Establishing a prima facie case is the threshold burden that every plaintiff or moving party must meet. In no-fault practice, the standards for a prima facie case on summary judgment have been refined through extensive appellate litigation — covering the sufficiency of claim forms, proof of mailing, medical evidence, and the procedural prerequisites for establishing entitlement to benefits. These articles analyze what constitutes a prima facie showing across different claim types and the evidence required to meet or defeat that burden.
73 published articles in Prima Facie case
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May 16, 2012Was this article helpful?
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 prima facie case 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.
