Key Takeaway
Insurance companies try technical defenses to deny NY no-fault benefits. Learn how business records rule & choice of law protects your claim. Call 516-750-0595
When Insurance Companies Try to Apply Out-of-State Law to Avoid NY Benefits
If you’ve been injured in New York and are dealing with a no-fault insurance claim, you may have encountered situations where insurance companies attempt to apply laws from other states to limit your benefits. A recent New York court decision, Charles Deng Acupuncture, P.C. v 21st Century Ins. Co., highlights critical issues about business records evidence and choice of law that could significantly impact your claim.
This case demonstrates how insurance carriers sometimes try to use technical procedural rules or out-of-state laws to deny legitimate no-fault benefits to injured New Yorkers. Understanding these tactics can help you protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
The Charles Deng Case: What Happened
In Charles Deng Acupuncture, P.C. v 21st Century Ins. Co., 2018 NY Slip Op 51815(U), an acupuncture practice sought payment for no-fault benefits from an insurance company. The insurance carrier, 21st Century Insurance, attempted two main defenses to avoid paying the claim:
- Arguing Florida law should apply instead of New York’s more generous no-fault benefits
- Claiming policy limits were exhausted based on payment logs that weren’t properly authenticated
The New York court rejected both arguments, but not before the insurance company spent considerable time and resources trying to avoid paying legitimate medical benefits to an injured person’s healthcare provider.
Why This Matters for Your No-Fault Claim
This case illustrates common tactics insurance companies use to delay or deny no-fault benefits:
- Forum shopping: Trying to apply out-of-state laws that may be less favorable to claimants
- Technical evidence challenges: Questioning the admissibility of their own records to avoid payment
- Policy limits arguments: Claiming benefits are exhausted without proper documentation
The Business Records Rule in New York No-Fault Claims
What Are Business Records?
Under New York’s Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) § 4518(a), business records can be admitted into evidence if they meet certain requirements. These records include:
- Payment logs and claim files
- Medical records and treatment notes
- Employment and wage records
- Insurance policy documents
- Accident reports and investigations
The Authentication Problem
In the Charles Deng case, the court found that 21st Century Insurance’s payment log failed to meet the business records standard because “the affidavits submitted by defendant failed to establish that the payment log constituted evidence in admissible form.”
This means the insurance company couldn’t prove their own records were authentic and reliable. For your no-fault claim, this could mean:
- Insurance companies must properly authenticate their denial letters
- Payment histories must be supported by proper sworn testimony
- Policy limit calculations require admissible evidence
- Computer-generated reports need foundation testimony
How This Protects You
When insurance companies can’t meet the business records standard, they may lose their right to:
- Claim policy limits are exhausted
- Assert previous payments reduce your benefits
- Use internal claim notes to deny coverage
- Rely on computer-generated denial codes without explanation
Choice of Law Issues in Multi-State Accidents
When Does New York Law Apply?
New York’s no-fault insurance law generally applies when:
- The accident occurred in New York
- The injured person is a New York resident
- The vehicle is registered in New York
- The insurance policy was issued in New York
Why Insurance Companies Prefer Other States’ Laws
Insurance carriers sometimes argue that another state’s law should apply because:
- Lower benefit limits: Other states may have reduced medical or wage benefits
- Shorter time limits: Some states have stricter deadlines for filing claims
- Different coverage requirements: Variations in what injuries or treatments are covered
- Weaker consumer protections: Less favorable rules for processing and paying claims
The Court’s Analysis
In the Charles Deng case, the court noted that “even if defendant had established that Florida law applies here” (which they didn’t), the insurance company still failed to prove their case. This suggests that:
- The burden is on the insurance company to prove out-of-state law applies
- Even when out-of-state law might apply, they must still meet evidence standards
- New York courts are skeptical of attempts to avoid NY’s consumer-friendly no-fault system
What to Do If Your No-Fault Claim Is Denied
Immediate Steps
- Request all claim files and payment histories in writing
- Challenge any assertions about policy limits being exhausted
- Question the authentication of insurance company records
- Document all medical treatment and lost wages with proper records
- File an appeal within the required time limits
Document Everything
Proper documentation helps protect against business records challenges:
- Keep originals of all medical bills and reports
- Maintain detailed records of lost wages and employment
- Document all communications with insurance adjusters
- Preserve evidence of the accident and your injuries
- Get sworn statements from treating physicians when necessary
Legal Representation Benefits
An experienced personal injury attorney can:
- Challenge inadmissible business records submitted by insurance companies
- Ensure proper New York law applies to your claim
- Navigate complex choice of law issues in multi-state accidents
- Compel production of authentic insurance company records
- Advocate for full benefits under New York’s no-fault system
Understanding Attorney Fee Consequences
The Charles Deng court noted an important consequence: “if you alleged that Florida law applies and you lose, get ready for $800 an hour attorneys fees.” This refers to New York’s fee-shifting provisions in no-fault cases.
Under New York law, when insurance companies unsuccessfully contest no-fault claims, they may be required to pay the claimant’s attorney fees. This includes situations where:
- Insurance companies make frivolous choice of law arguments
- Carriers improperly deny claims based on inadmissible evidence
- Unreasonable delays occur in processing legitimate claims
- Bad faith tactics are used to avoid paying benefits
This fee-shifting provision helps level the playing field between individual claimants and large insurance companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my insurance company apply another state’s law to reduce my New York no-fault benefits?
A: Generally, no. New York law typically applies to accidents occurring in New York, regardless of where you’re from or where your policy was issued. Insurance companies bear the burden of proving that another state’s law should apply, and New York courts are protective of the state’s comprehensive no-fault system.
Q: What happens if my insurance company claims their payment records show policy limits are exhausted?
A: The insurance company must authenticate these records through proper sworn testimony. They cannot simply submit computer printouts or payment logs without establishing that these documents meet New York’s business records requirements under CPLR § 4518(a).
Q: Can I challenge the insurance company’s internal claim files and denial letters?
A: Yes. Any documents the insurance company wants to use as evidence must be properly authenticated. This includes claim files, internal memos, computer-generated reports, and correspondence. If they can’t prove these records are reliable and accurate, they may not be admissible.
Q: What should I do if my insurance adjuster mentions applying out-of-state law to my claim?
A: Contact an experienced New York no-fault attorney immediately. Choice of law issues are complex, and you should not accept the insurance company’s interpretation without independent legal review. New York’s no-fault benefits are among the most comprehensive in the nation, and you shouldn’t lose them without a fight.
Q: How long do I have to challenge a no-fault claim denial?
A: Time limits vary depending on the specific type of challenge, but generally range from 30 days to 2 years. Don’t delay in seeking legal advice, as missing these deadlines could permanently affect your rights to benefits and attorney fees.
Protecting Your Rights in No-Fault Claims
The Charles Deng case serves as an important reminder that insurance companies may use sophisticated legal arguments to avoid paying legitimate claims. However, New York’s courts and laws provide strong protections for injured individuals when proper legal procedures are followed.
Key takeaways for protecting your no-fault benefits:
- Don’t accept denials at face value – insurance companies must prove their position with admissible evidence
- Challenge choice of law arguments – New York law usually provides better protection than other states
- Demand proper authentication of all insurance company records and payment histories
- Maintain detailed documentation of your injuries, treatment, and losses
- Seek experienced legal representation to navigate complex procedural and evidentiary issues
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize payouts. You deserve the same level of professional advocacy to ensure you receive all the no-fault benefits available under New York law.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you’re struggling with a denied no-fault insurance claim, facing choice of law issues, or dealing with improperly authenticated insurance company records, don’t try to handle it alone. The business records rule and choice of law principles are complex areas of New York law that require experienced legal guidance.
At the Law Offices of Jason Tenenbaum, we have extensive experience challenging insurance company tactics and fighting for full no-fault benefits for our clients. We understand how carriers try to use technical legal arguments to avoid their obligations, and we know how to respond effectively.
Call 516-750-0595 for a free consultation to discuss your no-fault insurance claim and learn how we can help you get the benefits you deserve under New York law.
