Key Takeaway
New York court clarifies that mutually agreed EUO rescheduling doesn't constitute failure to appear, but subsequent no-shows do under no-fault insurance law.
This article is part of our ongoing euo issues coverage, with 197 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.
Understanding the nuances of Examinations Under Oath (EUOs) in New York No-Fault Insurance Law can mean the difference between a successful claim and a denied one. EUOs are formal proceedings where insurance companies can question claimants under oath about their injuries and treatment. When scheduling conflicts arise, both parties often need to reschedule these examinations.
However, there’s an important legal distinction between mutually agreed rescheduling and outright failure to appear. A recent Appellate Term decision provides crucial guidance on this issue, particularly when EUO no-shows occur and how insurance companies can properly establish non-compliance. This case demonstrates how courts analyze the difference between legitimate rescheduling requests and situations where claimants simply fail to appear without justification.
Jason Tenenbaum’s Analysis:
Metro Psychological Servs., P.C. v Mercury Cas. Co., 2015 NY Slip Op 51644(U)(App. Term 1st Dept. 2015)
“While the rescheduling of the initial (April 10, 2012) EUO – by mutual agreement of the parties prior to the scheduled date – did not constitute a failure to appear (see DVS Chiropractic, P.C. v Interboro Ins. Co., 36 Misc 3d 138, 2012 NY Slip Op 51443), defendant established that the assignor subsequently failed to appear at the time of the rescheduled EUO (May 2, 2012) and follow-up EUO (May 21, 2012). Contrary to Civil Court’s determination, defendant’s rescheduling of the May 2, 2012 EUO upon the assignor’s failure to appear at that EUO, constituted a follow-up EUO request (see 11 NYCRR 65-3.6).”
Key Takeaway
This decision establishes that mutual rescheduling agreements don’t constitute EUO failures, but actual no-shows do. Insurance companies can properly establish non-compliance when claimants fail to appear at rescheduled examinations, and subsequent rescheduling by the insurer after a no-show constitutes a valid follow-up EUO request under New York regulations. Understanding this distinction is crucial for both providers and insurers in no-fault insurance disputes.
Legal Update (February 2026): Since this post’s publication in 2015, the regulatory framework governing EUO procedures under 11 NYCRR 65-3 may have been subject to amendments or clarifications, particularly regarding scheduling requirements and non-compliance determinations. Additionally, subsequent appellate decisions may have further refined the legal standards for distinguishing between acceptable rescheduling and failure to appear scenarios. Practitioners should verify current regulatory provisions and recent case law developments when advising clients on EUO compliance matters.
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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May 22, 2021No show not susbtantitated
Court ruling highlights insurance companies must prove they actually appeared at scheduled EUOs when claiming assignor failed to show up for examination.
Aug 24, 2015EUO no-show mailing and personal knowledge substantiated
Court ruling confirms that proper mailing procedures and attorney's personal knowledge can establish EUO no-shows, setting important precedent for no-fault insurance disputes.
Dec 19, 2013Validity of EUO, Appellate Term, 2d Dept: Take two
Expert analysis of EUO validity issues in NY insurance law. Long Island insurance attorney Jason Tenenbaum explains appellate decisions. Call 516-750-0595.
Feb 26, 2009Mutual rescheduling issues
New York court ruling on mutual EUO rescheduling: why agreed postponements don't constitute failure to appear under no-fault insurance law.
Jul 31, 2017Common 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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