`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 72
`
`INDEX NO. 805344/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/10/2024
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`OF THE STATE
`SUPREME
`COURT
`OF NEW YORK
`COUNTY
`--------.________________________________________________Ç
`RENITA
`JANELLE
`MOORE,
`a/k/a
`JANELLE
`
`of
`
`the
`
`deceased,
`
`Estate
`
`of B.E.M.F.
`and RENITA
`
`as Administrator
`
`B.E.M.F.,
`MOORE,
`
`individually,
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`- against
`
`-
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`805344/2023
`
`VERIFIED
`BEHALF
`M.D.
`
`ANSWER
`OF LIRON
`
`ON
`BAR-EL,
`
`LLC,
`UPPER
`ERAN
`
`P.C.,
`
`IPA,
`
`OFFICE,
`ANNAMARIE
`M.D.,
`FOR MATERNAL
`CENTER
`& OBGYN
`NORTHWELL
`
`HEALTH
`
`PARTNERS,
`INC.,
`HEALTH
`PHYSICIAN
`MATERNAL
`FETAL
`& GYNECOLOGY
`HARRY
`HOSPITAL,
`LIRON
`BAR-FL,
`
`HEALTH,
`AT
`
`NAGARAJ
`GABBUR,
`M.D.,
`ADVANTAGECARE
`PHYSICIANS,
`ADVANTAGECARE
`PHYSICIANS
`ADVANTAGECARE
`PHYSICIANS
`SIDE MEDICAL
`EAST
`BORNSTEIN,
`RDMS,
`ORTIZ,
`MEDICINE
`FETAL
`ULTRASOUND,
`PHYSICIAN
`NORTHWELL
`PARTNERS
`OBSTETRICS
`LENOX
`HILL
`KARAMITSOS,
`M.D.,
`MICHAEL
`PLAKOGIANNIS,
`M.D.,
`LENOX
`LENOX
`HILL
`HOSPITAL,
`and NORTHWELL
`L.L.C.
`HEALTH,
`
`M.D.,
`OBGYN
`
`INC.,
`
`Defendants.
`----__________________........__________________---------
`
`COUNSEL:
`
`Defendant
`
`LIRON
`
`BAR-EL,
`
`M.D.
`
`as
`
`and
`
`for
`
`his
`
`Verified
`
`Answer
`
`to
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`Verified
`
`Complaint
`
`respectfully
`
`show
`
`to this
`
`Honorable
`
`Court
`
`and
`
`allege
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief:
`
`1 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 04/10/2024 04:33 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 72
`
`INDEX NO. 805344/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/10/2024
`
`AS AND FOR A FIRST
`DECEDENT
`
`CAUSE
`B.E.M.F.
`
`ON BEHALF
`OF ACTION
`a/k/a
`B.E.M.F.:
`
`OF
`
`FIRST:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`"1"
`
`in
`
`the
`
`form
`
`alleged,
`
`except
`
`admits
`
`at all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`NAGARAJ
`
`GABBUR,
`
`M.D.
`
`was
`
`a physician
`
`authorized
`
`to practice
`
`his
`
`profession
`
`in the
`
`State
`
`ofNew
`
`York
`
`and
`
`respectfully
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to the Court.
`
`SECOND:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`"2",
`
`"3",
`
`"12",
`
`"23",
`
`"67",
`
`"80",
`
`"81",
`
`"91",
`
`"94",
`
`"96",
`
`"82",
`
`"95",
`
`"105",
`
`"114",
`
`"122",
`
`"123",
`
`"124",
`
`"152",
`
`"153",
`
`"155",
`
`"160",
`
`"161",
`
`"162",
`
`"186",
`
`"187",
`
`"198",
`
`"199",
`
`"200",
`
`"201",
`
`"202",
`
`"203",
`
`"205",
`
`"206",
`
`"208",
`
`"209",
`
`"210",
`
`"211",
`
`"364",
`
`"367"
`
`"368"
`
`and
`
`in
`
`the
`
`form
`
`alleged
`
`and
`
`respectfully
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to the Court.
`
`THIRD:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraphs
`
`"4",
`
`"5",
`
`"6",
`
`"7",
`
`"8",
`
`"9",
`
`"10",
`
`"11",
`
`"22",
`
`"44",
`
`"45",
`
`"66",
`
`"83",
`
`"84",
`
`"85",
`
`"86",
`
`"87",
`
`"88",
`
`"89",
`
`"92",
`
`"97",
`
`"98",
`
`"99",
`
`"100",
`
`"101",
`
`"102",
`
`"103",
`
`"106",
`
`"107",
`
`"108",
`
`"109",
`
`"110",
`
`"111",
`
`"112",
`
`"113",
`
`"115",
`
`"116",
`
`"117",
`
`"118",
`
`"119,
`
`"120",
`
`"121"
`
`"125",
`
`"126",
`
`"128",
`
`"129",
`
`"130",
`
`"131",
`
`"132",
`
`"133",
`
`"134",
`
`"135",
`
`"136",
`
`"137",
`
`"138",
`
`"139",
`
`"140",
`
`"141",
`
`"142",
`
`"143",
`
`"144",
`
`"145",
`
`"146",
`
`"147",
`
`"148",
`
`"149",
`
`"150",
`
`"151",
`
`"154",
`
`"156",
`
`"157",
`
`"158",
`
`"159",
`
`"163",
`
`"164",
`
`"172",
`
`"174",
`
`"188",
`
`"189",
`
`"190",
`
`"191",
`
`"193",
`
`"194",
`
`"204",
`
`"207",
`
`"220",
`
`"221",
`
`"233",
`
`234",
`
`"235",
`
`"236",
`
`237",
`
`"238",
`
`"239",
`
`"240",
`
`"241",
`
`"242",
`
`"243",
`
`"244",
`
`"245",
`
`"246",
`
`"247",
`
`"248",
`
`"249",
`
`"250",
`
`"251",
`
`"252",
`
`"253",
`
`"254",
`
`"255",
`
`"256",
`
`"257",
`
`"258",
`
`"259",
`
`"260"
`
`"261",
`
`"262",
`
`"264",
`
`"286",
`
`"287",
`
`"294",
`
`"295",
`
`"297",
`
`"302",
`
`"303",
`
`"304",
`
`"316",
`
`"317",
`
`"318",
`
`"319",
`
`"320",
`
`4868-8648-5686,
`
`v. 1
`
`2
`
`2 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 04/10/2024 04:33 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 72
`
`INDEX NO. 805344/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/10/2024
`
`"321",
`
`"322",
`
`"323",
`
`"324",
`
`"325",
`
`"326",
`
`"347",
`
`"355",
`
`"363",
`
`"371",
`
`"379",
`
`"380",
`
`"381",
`
`"382",
`
`"383",
`
`"384",
`
`"385",
`
`"386",
`
`"387",
`
`"389",
`
`"390",
`
`"391",
`
`"392",
`
`"393",
`
`"394",
`
`"395",
`
`"396",
`
`"397",
`
`"399",
`
`"400",
`
`"401"
`
`and
`
`"402".
`
`FOURTH:
`
`Denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"13",
`
`"14",
`
`"15",
`
`"16",
`
`"17",
`
`"18",
`
`"19",
`
`"30",
`
`"31",
`
`"34",
`
`"20",
`
`"21",
`
`"24",
`
`"25",
`
`"26",
`
`"27",
`
`"28",
`
`"29",
`
`"32",
`
`"33",
`
`"35",
`
`"36",
`
`"37",
`
`"38",
`
`"39",
`
`"40",
`
`"41",
`
`"42",
`
`"43",
`
`"46",
`
`"47",
`
`"48",
`
`"49",
`
`"50",
`
`"51",
`
`"52",
`
`"53",
`
`"54",
`
`"55",
`
`"56",
`
`"57",
`
`"58",
`
`"59",
`
`"60",
`
`"61",
`
`"62",
`
`"63",
`
`"64",
`
`"65",
`
`"68",
`
`"69",
`
`"70",
`
`"71",
`
`"72",
`
`"73",
`
`"74",
`
`"75",
`
`"76",
`
`"77",
`
`"78",
`
`"166",
`
`"167",
`
`"168",
`
`"169",
`
`"170",
`
`"171",
`
`"181",
`
`"182",
`
`"183",
`
`"184",
`
`"212",
`
`"213",
`
`"173",
`
`"176",
`
`"177",
`
`"178",
`
`"179",
`
`"180",
`
`"214",
`
`"215",
`
`"216",
`
`"217",
`
`"218",
`
`"219",
`
`"222",
`
`"223",
`
`"224",
`
`"225",
`
`"226",
`
`"227",
`
`"228",
`
`"229",
`
`"230",
`
`"231",
`
`"263",
`
`"265",
`
`"266",
`
`"267",
`
`"268",
`
`"269",
`
`"270",
`
`"271",
`
`"272",
`
`"273",
`
`"274",
`
`"275",
`
`"276",
`
`"277",
`
`"278"
`
`"279",
`
`"280",
`
`"281",
`
`"282",
`
`"283",
`
`"284",
`
`"285",
`
`"288",
`
`"289",
`
`"290",
`
`"291",
`
`"292",
`
`"293",
`
`"296",
`
`"298",
`
`"299",
`
`"300",
`
`"301",
`
`"305",
`
`"306",
`
`"307",
`
`"308",
`
`"312",
`
`"313",
`
`"314",
`
`"315",
`
`"309",
`
`"310",
`
`"311",
`
`"327",
`
`"328",
`
`"329",
`
`"330",
`
`"331",
`
`"332",
`
`"333",
`
`"334",
`
`"335",
`
`"336",
`
`"337",
`
`"338",
`
`"339",
`
`"340",
`
`"341",
`
`"342",
`
`"343",
`
`"344",
`
`"345",
`
`"346",
`
`"348",
`
`"349",
`
`"350",
`
`"351",
`
`"352",
`
`"353",
`
`"354",
`
`"356",
`
`"357",
`
`"358",
`
`"359",
`
`"360",
`
`"361",
`
`"362",
`
`"366",
`
`"369",
`
`"370",
`
`"372",
`
`"373",
`
`"374",
`
`"375",
`
`"376",
`
`"377",
`
`"378",
`
`"388"
`
`"398"
`
`and
`
`and
`
`respectfully
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to the Court.
`
`4868-8648-5686,
`
`v. 1
`
`3
`
`3 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 04/10/2024 04:33 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 72
`
`INDEX NO. 805344/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/10/2024
`
`FIFTH:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"79"
`
`"90"
`
`and
`
`in the
`
`form
`
`alleged,
`
`except
`
`admits
`
`at
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`F:RAN
`
`BORNSTEIN,
`
`M.D.
`
`was
`
`a physician
`
`authorized
`
`to practice
`
`her
`
`profession
`
`in the
`
`State
`
`ofNew
`
`York
`
`employed
`
`by LENOX
`
`HILL
`
`HOSPITAL
`
`and
`
`respectfully
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to the Court.
`
`SIXTH:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`in
`
`"93"
`
`"104"
`
`in
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`paragraphs
`
`and
`
`form
`
`alleged,
`
`except
`
`admits
`
`at
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`ANNAMARIE
`
`ORTIZ,
`
`RDMS
`
`was
`
`a
`
`sonographer
`
`authorized
`
`to
`
`practice
`
`her
`
`profession
`
`in
`
`the
`
`State
`
`of New York
`
`employed
`
`by
`
`LENOX
`
`HILL
`
`HOSPTIAL
`
`and
`
`respectfully
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to the Court.
`
`SEVENTH:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`"127"
`
`in
`
`the
`
`form
`
`admits
`
`as
`
`alleged,
`
`except
`
`of March
`
`4,
`
`2021
`
`NORTHWELL
`
`HEALTH
`
`PHYSICIAN
`
`PARTNERS,
`
`INC.
`
`was
`
`a not-for-profit
`
`corporation
`
`organized
`
`pursuant
`
`to New York
`
`State
`
`law.
`
`EIGHTH:
`
`Denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as
`
`to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`"165"
`
`except
`
`admit
`
`at
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`HARRY
`
`KARAMITSOS,
`
`M.D.
`
`was
`
`a physician
`
`authorized
`
`to
`
`practice
`
`his
`
`profession
`
`in the
`
`State
`
`of New York
`
`and
`
`respectfully
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to the Court.
`
`NINTH:
`
`Denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to form
`
`a belief
`
`as to the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`"175"
`
`except
`
`admit
`
`at
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`MICHAEL
`
`PLAKOGIANNIS,
`
`M.D.
`
`was
`
`a physician
`
`authorized
`
`to
`
`4868-8648-5686,
`
`v. 1
`
`4
`
`4 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 04/10/2024 04:33 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 72
`
`INDEX NO. 805344/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/10/2024
`
`practice
`
`his
`
`profession
`
`in the
`
`State
`
`of New
`
`York
`
`and
`
`respectfully
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to the Court.
`
`TENTH:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraphs
`
`"185"
`
`"192"
`
`and
`
`in
`
`the
`
`form
`
`alleged,
`
`except
`
`admits
`
`at all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`LIRON
`
`BAR-EL,
`
`M.D.
`
`was
`
`a physician
`
`authorized
`
`to practice
`
`her
`
`profession
`
`in the
`
`State
`
`ofNew
`
`York
`
`employed
`
`by LENOX
`
`HILL
`
`HOSPITAL
`
`and
`
`respectfully
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to
`
`the Court.
`
`ELEVENTH:Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraphs
`
`"195",
`
`"196"
`
`and
`
`"197"
`
`in
`
`the
`
`form
`
`alleged,
`
`except
`
`admits
`
`at all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`LENOX
`
`HILL
`
`HOSPITAL
`
`s/h/a CENTER
`
`FOR MATERNAL
`
`FETAL
`
`MEDICINE
`
`& OBGYN ULTRASOUND
`
`and
`
`LENOX
`
`HILL
`
`HOSPITAL
`
`s/h/a
`
`NORTHWELL
`
`HEALTH
`
`PHYSICIAN
`
`PARTNERS
`
`MATERNAL
`
`FETAL
`
`HEALTH,
`
`OBSTETRICS
`
`& GYNECOLOGY
`
`AT LENOX
`
`HILL
`
`HOSPITAL
`
`was
`
`a not-for-profit
`
`corporation
`
`organized
`
`pursuant
`
`to New York
`
`State
`
`law
`
`which
`
`operated
`
`a hospital
`
`located
`
`at
`
`100
`
`East
`
`77d'
`
`Street,
`
`New York,
`
`New York
`
`and
`
`respectfully
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to the
`
`Court.
`
`TWELFTH:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`"232"
`
`in
`
`the
`
`form
`
`alleged,
`
`except
`
`admits
`
`at all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`NORTHWELL
`
`HEALTH,
`
`INC.
`
`was
`
`a not-for-
`
`profit
`
`corporation
`
`organized
`
`pursuant
`
`to New
`
`York
`
`State
`
`law
`
`and
`
`respectfully
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to the Court.
`
`THIRTEENTH:
`
`Denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as
`
`to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`"365"
`
`except
`
`admit
`
`one RENITA
`
`4868-8648-5686,
`
`v. 1
`
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`
`5 of 13
`
`
`
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`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/10/2024
`
`MOORE
`
`and
`
`her
`
`infant
`
`received
`
`hospital
`
`care
`
`at
`
`LENOX
`
`HILL
`
`HOSPITAL
`
`and
`
`respectfully
`
`beg
`
`leave
`
`to refer
`
`to the
`
`hospital
`
`record
`
`for
`
`all
`
`facts
`
`attendant
`
`thereto.
`
`AS AND FOR A SECOND
`OF B.E.M.F.
`BEHALF
`
`CAUSE
`a/k/a
`
`OF ACTION
`B.E.M.F.:
`
`ON
`
`FOURTEENTH:
`
`In
`
`response
`
`to
`
`paragraph
`
`"403"
`
`repeat
`
`each
`
`admission
`
`or
`
`denial
`
`made
`
`herein
`
`as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereat.
`
`FIFTEENTH:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraphs
`
`"405"
`
`"404",
`
`and
`
`"406".
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRD
`
`CAUSE OF ACTION
`JANELLE
`RENITA
`
`ON BEHALF
`MOORE:
`
`OF PLAINTIFF
`
`SIXTEENTH:
`
`In response
`
`to paragraph
`
`"407"
`
`repeat
`
`each
`
`admission
`
`or denial
`
`made
`
`herein
`
`as though
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereat.
`
`fully
`
`SEVENTEENTH:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraphs
`
`"408",
`
`"409",
`
`"411"
`
`"410",
`
`and
`
`"412".
`
`AS AND FOR A FOURTH
`
`CAUSE OF ACTION:
`
`EIGHTEENTH:
`
`In
`
`response
`
`to paragraph
`
`"413"
`
`repeat
`
`each
`
`admission
`
`or denial
`
`made
`
`herein
`
`as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereat.
`
`NINETEENTH:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraphs
`
`"414",
`
`"415",
`
`"416",
`
`"417",
`
`"418",
`
`"419",
`
`"420",
`
`"421",
`
`"422",
`
`"423",
`
`"424"
`
`and
`
`"425".
`
`AS AND FOR A FIFTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION:
`
`TWENTIETH:
`
`In
`
`response
`
`to
`
`paragraph
`
`"426"
`
`repeats
`
`each
`
`admission
`
`or
`
`denial
`
`made
`
`herein
`
`as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereat.
`
`4868-8648-5686,
`
`v. 1
`
`6
`
`6 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 04/10/2024 04:33 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 72
`
`INDEX NO. 805344/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/10/2024
`
`TWENTY-FIRST:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraphs
`
`"427",
`
`"428",
`
`"429"
`
`"430"
`
`and
`
`Court.
`
`in
`
`the
`
`form
`
`alleged
`
`and
`
`respectfully
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to
`
`the
`
`TWENTY-SECOND:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraphs
`
`"431",
`
`"432",
`
`"433",
`
`"434"
`
`and
`
`"435".
`
`AS AND FOR A SIXTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION:
`
`TWENTY-THIRD:
`
`In
`
`response
`
`to paragraph
`
`"436"
`
`repeats
`
`each
`
`admission
`
`or
`
`denial
`
`made
`
`herein
`
`as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`hereat.
`
`TWENTY-FOURTH:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"437",
`
`"438",
`
`"439",
`
`"440",
`
`"441",
`
`"442",
`
`"443",
`
`"444"
`
`"445"
`
`and
`
`in the
`
`form
`
`alleged
`
`and
`
`respectfully
`
`refers
`
`all
`
`questions
`
`of
`
`law
`
`to the Court.
`
`TWENTY-FIFTH:
`
`Denies
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`"446".
`
`TWENTY-SIXTH:
`
`Any
`
`paragraph/allegation
`
`not
`
`answered
`
`is deemed
`
`denied.
`
`FIRST
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`TWENTY-SEVENTH:
`
`That
`
`the
`
`injuries
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`were
`
`caused
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part
`
`by
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`which
`
`either
`
`bars
`
`the
`
`claims
`
`completely
`
`or else
`
`diminishes
`
`the
`
`damages
`
`by
`
`the
`
`proportion
`
`that
`
`such
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`bears
`
`to the
`
`total
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`causing
`
`the
`
`injuries.
`
`SECOND
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`TWENTY-EIGHTH:
`
`The
`
`answering
`
`defendants
`
`assert
`
`those
`
`applicable
`
`affirmative
`
`defenses
`
`for which
`
`provision
`
`is made
`
`at Public
`
`Health
`
`Law
`
`Section
`
`2805(d).
`
`4868-8648-5686,
`
`v. 1
`
`7
`
`7 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 04/10/2024 04:33 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 72
`
`INDEX NO. 805344/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/10/2024
`
`THIRD
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`TWENTY-NINTH:
`
`That
`
`if
`
`any
`
`liability
`
`is
`
`found
`
`as
`
`against
`
`these
`
`answering
`
`defendants,
`
`then
`
`said
`
`liability
`
`will
`
`constitute
`
`50% or
`
`less
`
`of
`
`the
`
`total
`
`liability
`
`assigned
`
`to
`
`all
`
`persons
`
`liable
`
`and,
`
`as
`
`such,
`
`the
`
`liability
`
`of
`
`these
`
`answering
`
`defendants
`
`to
`
`plaintiff
`
`for
`
`non-economic
`
`shall
`
`be
`
`limited
`
`and
`
`shall
`
`exceed
`
`defendants'
`
`loss
`
`not
`
`these
`
`answering
`
`equitable
`
`share,
`
`as provided
`
`in Article
`
`16 of
`
`the CPLR.
`
`FOURTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`THIRTIETH:
`
`If
`
`plaintiff
`
`is
`
`entitled
`
`to
`
`recover
`
`damages
`
`for
`
`economic
`
`loss
`
`as
`
`against
`
`defendants
`
`LIRON
`
`BAR-EL,
`
`M.D.,
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`matters
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the
`
`Complaint,
`
`liability
`
`for
`
`which
`
`is hereby
`
`denied,
`
`then
`
`pursuant
`
`to CPLR
`
`4545
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`damages
`
`against
`
`said
`
`recoverable
`
`defendants,
`
`if any,
`
`shall
`
`be
`
`reduced
`
`by
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`by
`
`which
`
`such
`
`economic
`
`loss
`
`was
`
`or will
`
`be
`
`replaced
`
`or
`
`indemnified
`
`from
`
`any
`
`collateral
`
`source
`
`of
`
`payment.
`
`FIFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`THIRTY-FIRST:
`
`If
`
`plaintiff
`
`is entitled
`
`to
`
`recover
`
`damages
`
`for
`
`loss
`
`of
`
`earnings
`
`or
`
`impairment
`
`of
`
`earning
`
`ability
`
`as
`
`against
`
`LIRON
`
`BAR-EL,
`
`M.D.,
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`matters
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the
`
`Complaint,
`
`liability
`
`for
`
`which
`
`is
`
`hereby
`
`denied,
`
`then
`
`pursuant
`
`to
`
`CPLR
`
`4546
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`damages
`
`recoverable
`
`against
`
`said
`
`defendants,
`
`if
`
`any,
`
`shall
`
`be
`
`reduced
`
`by
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`federal,
`
`state
`
`and
`
`local
`
`income
`
`taxes
`
`which
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`would
`
`have
`
`been
`
`obligated
`
`by
`
`law
`
`to pay.
`
`4868-8648-5686,
`
`v. 1
`
`8
`
`8 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 04/10/2024 04:33 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 72
`
`INDEX NO. 805344/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/10/2024
`
`SIXTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`THIRTY-SECOND:In
`
`the
`
`event
`
`of
`
`any
`
`verdict
`
`or
`
`judgment
`
`in
`
`favor
`
`plaintiff,
`
`liability
`
`for which
`
`is hereby
`
`denied,
`
`these
`
`defendants
`
`are
`
`entitled
`
`to a set-off
`
`or
`
`credit
`
`with
`
`respect
`
`to
`
`the
`
`amounts
`
`of
`
`any
`
`payments
`
`made
`
`to
`
`plaintiff
`
`under
`
`GOL
`
`§l5-108
`
`for
`
`any
`
`companion
`
`action
`
`or
`
`actions
`
`of
`
`the
`
`same
`
`set
`
`of
`
`arising
`
`out
`
`events
`
`as pleaded
`
`herein.
`
`SEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`THIRTY-THIRD:
`
`The
`
`complaint
`
`is
`
`time-barred
`
`inasmuch
`
`as
`
`suit
`
`was
`
`not
`
`instituted
`
`within
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`Statute
`
`of
`
`Limitations.
`
`EIGHTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`THIRTY-FOURTH:The
`
`plaintiff
`
`lacks
`
`the
`
`capacity
`
`to
`
`commence
`
`this
`
`action.
`
`NINTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`THIRTY-FIFTH:
`
`That
`
`the
`
`care
`
`rendered
`
`to
`
`the
`
`Plaintiff
`
`issue
`
`in
`
`this
`
`case
`
`the
`
`defendant
`
`was
`
`impacted
`
`the
`
`COVID-19
`
`by
`
`outbreak
`
`and
`
`in
`
`support
`
`of
`
`the
`
`State's
`
`directives
`
`and,
`
`therefore,
`
`the
`
`defendant
`
`is immune
`
`from
`
`liability
`
`under
`
`Article
`
`30-D
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law
`
`as
`
`it existed
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`care
`
`was
`
`rendered
`
`to the
`
`patient
`
`at
`
`issue
`
`in this
`
`at
`
`by
`
`case.
`
`TENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`THIRTY-SIXTH:
`
`The
`
`for
`
`defendant
`
`is immune
`
`from
`
`liability
`
`the
`
`acts,
`
`omissions,
`
`and
`
`injuries
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the
`
`Complaint,
`
`pursuant
`
`to Executive
`
`Order
`
`(A.
`
`Cuomo)
`
`2020
`
`et
`
`seq.
`
`(N.Y.
`
`Comp.
`
`Codes
`
`R. & Regs.
`
`tit.
`
`9,
`
`§8.202
`
`et
`
`seq.),
`
`including
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`Executive
`
`Order
`
`(A.
`
`Cuomo)
`
`202.10
`
`(N.Y.
`
`Comp.
`
`Codes
`
`R. & Reg.
`
`tit.
`
`9,
`
`§8.202.10
`
`to
`
`et
`
`4868-8648-5686,
`
`v. 1
`
`9
`
`9 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 04/10/2024 04:33 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 72
`
`INDEX NO. 805344/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/10/2024
`
`seq.),
`
`and/or
`
`Article
`
`30-D
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law
`
`and/or
`
`pursuant
`
`to
`
`the
`
`United
`
`States
`
`Public
`
`Readiness
`
`and
`
`Emergency
`
`Preparedness
`
`("PREP")
`
`Act
`
`(42
`
`U.S.C.A.
`
`§247d-6d
`
`et
`
`seq.)
`
`and/or
`
`the Coronavirus
`
`Aid,
`
`Relief,
`
`and
`
`Economic
`
`Security
`
`("CARES")
`
`Act
`
`of
`
`2020,
`
`§4113c
`
`(42
`
`U.S.C.A.
`
`§247d-6d[i][1],
`
`as added
`
`by Pub.
`
`L.
`
`116-136,
`
`116 U.S.
`
`Stat.
`
`3548).
`
`ELEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`THIRTY-SEVENTH:
`
`This
`
`Court
`
`lacks
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`matter
`
`of
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`claims
`
`and
`
`the
`
`state
`
`law
`
`claims
`
`must
`
`be
`
`dismissed,
`
`as they
`
`are
`
`preempted
`
`by
`
`the
`
`United
`
`States
`
`Public
`
`Readiness
`
`and
`
`Preparedness
`
`Act
`
`(42
`
`Emergency
`
`("PREP")
`
`U.S.C.A.
`
`§247d-6d
`
`et seq.)
`
`and/or
`
`the Coronavirus
`
`Aid,
`
`Relief,
`
`and
`
`Economic
`
`Security
`
`("CARES")
`
`Act
`
`of
`
`2020,
`
`§4113c
`
`(42
`
`U.S.C.A.
`
`§247d-6d[i][1],
`
`as added
`
`by Pub.
`
`L.
`
`116-136,
`
`116 U.S.
`
`Stat.
`
`3548).
`
`TWELFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`THIRTY-EIGHTH:
`
`This
`
`complaint
`
`fails
`
`to state
`
`a cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`relief
`
`can
`
`be
`
`granted.
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`defendant
`
`LIRON
`
`BAR-EL,
`
`M.D.,
`
`demand
`
`judgment
`
`dismissing
`
`the
`
`Verified
`
`Complaint,
`
`together
`
`with
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`disbursements
`
`of
`
`the within
`
`action.
`
`, AHMUTY,
`
`CITRIN
`
`& SPRA
`
`LLP
`
`TT,
`
`^
`
`C)
`. BUC
`efendants
`
`EY
`
`Dated:
`
`Lake
`
`April
`
`Success,
`2024
`
`10,
`
`New
`
`York
`
`SHA
`
`By:
`
`4868-8648-5686,
`
`v. 1
`
`Attorneys
`
`ELE
`
`for
`
`10
`
`10 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 04/10/2024 04:33 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 72
`
`INDEX NO. 805344/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/10/2024
`
`ERAN
`NAGARAJ
`GABBUR,
`M.D.,
`ANNAMARIE
`BORNSTEIN,
`M.D.,
`LENOX
`HOSPITAL
`HILL
`RDMS,
`CENTER
`FOR MATERNAL
`FETAL
`MEDICINE
`& OBGYN
`ULTRASOUND,
`NORTHWELL
`HEALTH
`PHYSICIAN
`LENOX
`HOSPITAL
`HILL
`PARTNERS,
`INC.,
`NORTHWELL
`HEALTH
`PHYSICIAN
`s/h/a
`MATERNAL
`PARTNERS
`FETAL
`& GYNECOLOGY
`OBSTETRICS
`LIRON
`HILL
`BAR-EL,
`M.D.,
`LENOX
`and NORTHWELL
`HOSPITAL
`HEALTH,
`1983
`Marcus
`
`ORTIZ,
`s/h/a
`
`HEALTH,
`AT LENOX
`
`HOSPITAL,
`HILL
`
`INC.
`
`Avenue
`New
`
`York
`
`11042-1056
`
`Success,
`488-3300
`
`File
`
`No.:
`
`913-00129
`
`P.C.
`
`s/h/a
`
`P.C.,
`
`IPA,
`UPPER
`
`LLC
`and
`EAST
`
`SIDE
`
`Lake
`
`(516)
`Our
`
`7th
`
`PlOOT
`
`10016
`
`& LOMBARDI
`
`PHYSICIANS,
`PHYSICIANS,
`PHYSICIANS,
`PHYSICIANS
`
`Suite
`
`310
`
`TO:
`
`SIEGEL
`
`Attorneys
`
`&COONERTY
`for
`
`Plaintiff
`Avenue
`New
`
`419
`Park
`New York,
`532-1871
`(212)
`
`South,
`York
`
`PAREES
`
`SILVERSON
`For
`Attorneys
`Defendants
`ADVANTAGECARE
`ADVANTAGECARE
`ADVANTAGECARE
`ADVANTAGECARE
`MEDICA
`OFFICE
`170 Hamilton
`
`Avenue,
`New
`
`White
`
`(212)
`
`Plains,
`557-1818
`
`4868-8648-5686,
`
`v. 1
`
`York
`
`10601
`
`1I
`
`11 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 04/10/2024 04:33 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 72
`
`INDEX NO. 805344/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/10/2024
`
`ATTORNEY'S
`
`VERIFICATION
`
`STATE
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`COUNTY
`
`OF NASSAU
`
`ss.:
`
`)
`
`)
`
`COLLEEN
`
`M. BUCKLEY,
`
`being
`
`duly
`
`sworn,
`
`deposes
`
`and
`
`says:
`
`That
`
`she
`
`is a partner
`
`in the
`
`firm
`
`of
`
`attorneys
`
`representing
`
`the
`
`defendant
`
`LIRON
`
`BAR-
`
`EL,
`
`M.D.
`
`That
`
`she
`
`has
`
`read
`
`the
`
`attached
`
`Verified
`
`Answer
`
`and
`
`the
`
`same
`
`is true
`
`to her
`
`own
`
`belief,
`
`except
`
`as
`
`to matters
`
`alleged
`
`on
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`and
`
`as
`
`to
`
`those
`
`matters
`
`she
`
`believes
`
`them
`
`to be true
`
`to the
`
`best
`
`of
`
`her
`
`knowledge.
`
`That
`
`deponent's
`
`sources
`
`of
`
`information
`
`are
`
`a claims
`
`file
`
`containing
`
`statements,
`
`reports
`
`and
`
`records
`
`of
`
`investigation,
`
`investigators,
`
`parties
`
`and witnesses,
`
`with
`
`which
`
`deponent
`
`is fully
`
`familiar.
`
`That
`
`this
`
`verification
`
`is made
`
`by
`
`deponent
`
`because
`
`her
`
`client
`
`does
`
`not
`
`reside
`
`within
`
`the
`
`COL
`
`M BU
`
`KLEY
`
`county
`
`where
`
`deponent
`
`maintains
`
`her
`
`office.
`
`Sworn
`/ O
`
`to before
`of
`
`day
`
`me this
`Ap-2
`
`, 2024
`
`Notary
`
`Public
`
`MARGARf: f CHINAPEN
`Notary Pubhe - State of Nov Yors
`NO. 01CH6236398
`Qualified in Suffolk Count
`My Commission Expires
`
`4868-8648-5686,
`
`v. 1
`
`12
`
`12 of 13
`
`
`
`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 04/10/2024 04:33 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 72
`
`INDEX NO. 805344/2023
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/10/2024
`
`OF THE STATE
`COURT
`SUPREME
`COUNTYOFNEWYORK
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`JANELLE
`RENITA
`Estate of B.E.M.F.
`JANELLE
`RENITA
`
`as Administrator
`MOORE,
`a/k/a B.E.M.F.,
`deceased,
`MOORE,
`individually,
`
`of
`
`the
`
`and
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`- against
`
`-
`
`Index No.: 805344/2023
`
`OFFICE,
`ORTIZ,
`
`M.D., ADVANTAGECARE
`NAGARAJ
`GABBUR,
`P.C., ADVANTAGECARE
`PHYSICIANS,
`LLC, ADVANTAGECARE
`PHYSICIANS
`IPA,
`UPPER EAST SIDE MEDICAL
`PHYSICIANS
`ERAN
`ANNAMARIE
`BORNSTEIN,
`M.D.,
`CENTER
`FOR MATERNAL
`FETAL
`RDMS,
`MEDICINE
`& OBGYN
`ULTRASOUND,
`NORTHWELL
`HEALTH
`PHYSICIAN
`PARTNERS,
`INC., NORTHWELL
`HEALTH
`PHYSICIAN
`PARTNERS
`MATERNAL
`FETAL
`HEALTH,
`OBSTETRICS
`& GYNECOLOGY
`AT LENOX
`HARRY
`HOSPITAL,
`KARAMITSOS,
`M.D.,
`M.D., MICHAEL
`BAR-EL,
`PLAKOGIANNIS,
`LENOX
`HILL
`LENOX
`OBGYN
`HOSPITAL,
`NORTHWELL
`HEALTH,
`INC.,
`
`HILL
`LIRON
`M.D.,
`L.L.C.
`
`and
`
`Defendants.
`
`VERIFIED
`ANSWER
`ON BEHALF
`OF LIRON
`BAR-EL,
`
`M.D.
`
`SHAUB, AHMUTY, CITRIN & SPRATT, LLP
`Attorneys
`for Defendants
`LENOX
`ERAN BORNSTEIN,
`ANNAMARIE
`NAGARAJ
`RDMS,
`ORTIZ,
`M.D.,
`M.D.,
`GABBUR,
`& OBGYN
`FOR MATERNAL
`s//ra CENTER
`MEDICINE
`FETAL
`HOSPITAL
`HILL
`LENOX
`NORTHWELL
`HEALTH
`HILL
`PHYSICIAN
`PARTNERS,
`INC.,
`ULTRASOUND,
`s/lr/a NORTHWELL
`HEALTH
`MATERNAL
`PARTNERS
`PHYSICIAN
`FETAL
`HOSPITAL
`& GYNECOLOGY
`AT LENOX
`LIRON
`HILL
`OBSTETRICS
`HEALTH,
`HOSPITAL,
`BAR-EL,
`LENOX
`and NORTHWELL
`HILL
`HOSPITAL
`INC.
`HEALTH,
`Office
`and Post Office
`Address
`1983 Marcus
`Avenue
`Lake Success, NY 1 1042-1056
`Telephone
`(516) 488-3300
`Fax (516)
`488-2324
`
`M.D.,
`
`TO: ALL
`
`PARTIES
`
`4868-8648-5686,
`
`v. 1
`
`13
`
`13 of 13
`
`