Key Takeaway
Long Island attorney discusses Article 75 petition success against AAA master arbitrator decision in IME no-show case, highlighting systemic issues in no-fault arbitration.
This article is part of our ongoing article 75 coverage, with 180 published articles analyzing article 75 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.
Global Liberty Ins. Co. v. Electrophysiological Medical, P.C., Index #: 21167/2016E (Sup. Ct. Bronx Co. 2016)
I think one of the weakest parts of the AAA no-fault dispute resolution services is the lack of depth that exists within the pool of the master arbitration panel. With the death of Normal Dachs, Esq., I feel we are left with “rubber stamps” who cite Petrofsky and affirm awards that are legally infirm. This case is a prime example:
AAA case #:41-14-1002-2571. Standard IME no show case. Presented were affidavits of no show and affidavits of non-appearance. Applicant argued the affidavit of mailing was not specific enough. Lower arbitrator agreed. I shook my head in disgust and appealed. I was not surprised when the award was affirmed. Of course, the affirmance is sent to the lower arbitrator, Larry Fuchsberg and Chris Maloney, which makes me look like a consistent overzealous “appealer” of NFA awards. I filed an Article 75. Respondent sought an adjournment and then shrugged her shoulders. Court granted the Petition and said the following:
“he petitioner established without opposition that the decision of the master arbitrator, affirming the lower arbitrator, was arbitrary (see In re Petrofsky ; Auto One Ins. Co. v. Hillside Chiropractic, P.C., 126 A.D.3d 423 ). The affidavit of Karin Bruford adequately demonstrated that IME letters were mailed to the respondent assignor in accordance with the petitioner’s standing and appropriate office mailing practices and procedures (see Preferred Mut. Ins. Co. v. Donnelly, 22 N.Y.3d 1169 ). The master arbitration award dated January 19, 2016 is hereby vacated, and the petitioner is entitled to costs and disbursements, including petitioner’s $325 master arbitration fee.”
Since Judgment was granted, AAA will never know that their system failed again. Why do I post this? The system is broken. Do I have more of these in the Courts? Yes, too many. But, I will admit the petitions and appeals are entertaining and the vindication proves that I have not lost my mind totally.
I will condition the above statement on the fact that I have cases that are not as clear cut as this and a few others, and I cannot predict what the Appellate Division will do.
Related Articles
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
Article 75 Proceedings: Judicial Review of Arbitration
CPLR Article 75 governs the judicial review of arbitration awards in New York. In no-fault practice, Article 75 petitions are the mechanism for challenging master arbitration awards — whether on grounds of irrationality, excess of power, or procedural irregularity. The standards for vacating or confirming arbitration awards are narrow but important. These articles analyze Article 75 jurisprudence and the practical considerations involved in seeking judicial review of no-fault arbitration outcomes.
180 published articles in Article 75
Keep Reading
More Article 75 Analysis
Simple addition is insufficient
NY court rules simple addition insufficient to prove proper fee schedule calculations in no-fault insurance case, requiring detailed evidence of code utilization.
May 22, 2021NF-3 is the operative document
Court ruling confirms NF-3 forms trigger 15-day IME request deadline, and patient no-shows at two scheduled exams justify insurance coverage disclaimer.
Mar 22, 2021Follow up verification issued >25 days too late is a loser
Court rules that follow-up EUO verification requests sent more than 25 days late violate Triangle "R" rule, making insurance denials untimely under no-fault regulations.
Jun 18, 2012Article 75 lay-up
NY Court of Appeals reverses AAA arbitration decision on Article 75 petition, highlighting differences between First and Second Department leave standards.
Sep 4, 2019IME no-show affidavit executed 8 years prior to the no show
Court rejected IME no-show affidavits executed 8 years after the missed appointments, emphasizing the need for contemporaneous documentation in no-fault cases.
Sep 29, 2016No-show failed the Alrof test
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...
Dec 23, 2014Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPLR Article 75?
CPLR Article 75 governs arbitration in New York, including the procedures for confirming, vacating, and modifying arbitration awards. In no-fault practice, Article 75 is used to convert arbitration awards into enforceable court judgments. A petition to confirm or vacate an arbitration award must be filed within one year of the award being delivered (CPLR 7510). Courts can vacate awards on narrow grounds, including corruption, fraud, arbitrator misconduct, or the arbitrator exceeding their power.
What is an Independent Medical Examination (IME)?
An IME is a medical examination conducted by a doctor chosen by the insurance company to evaluate the claimant's injuries and treatment. In no-fault cases, insurers use IMEs to determine whether ongoing treatment is medically necessary, whether the injuries are causally related to the accident, and whether the claimant has reached maximum medical improvement. The results of an IME can form the basis for a claim denial or cut-off of benefits.
Can I refuse to attend an IME?
No. Under New York's no-fault regulations, attending an IME when properly scheduled is a condition precedent to receiving benefits. However, the insurer must follow specific scheduling procedures — including providing reasonable notice and accommodating certain scheduling conflicts. If the insurer fails to properly schedule the IME or you have a legitimate reason for missing it, the resulting denial may be challenged.
How should I prepare for an Independent Medical Examination?
Be honest and thorough when describing your symptoms, limitations, and treatment history. Arrive on time with photo ID and be prepared for a physical examination that may test your range of motion and functional abilities. The IME doctor works for the insurance company and may spend limited time with you, so clearly communicate your ongoing symptoms. Your attorney can advise you on what to expect and review the IME report for accuracy afterward.
What is maximum medical improvement (MMI) in no-fault cases?
Maximum medical improvement (MMI) means the point at which your condition has stabilized and further treatment is unlikely to produce significant improvement. When an IME doctor determines you have reached MMI, the insurer may cut off further no-fault benefits. However, reaching MMI does not necessarily mean you have fully recovered — you may still have permanent limitations. Your treating physician can dispute the MMI finding through a detailed rebuttal affirmation.
Was this article helpful?
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 article 75 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.