FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 04:36 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 951237/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`SUPREME
`
`COURT
`
`OF
`
`THE
`
`STATE
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`COUNTY
`NEW YORK
`OF
`------------------------------------X
`
`The
`
`Estate
`
`of
`
`Rudy
`
`Puccella,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`-against-
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`SUMMONS
`
`Plaintiff
`Designates
`County
`trial.
`
`as
`
`NEW YORK
`place
`of
`
`The
`
`Rockefeller
`
`University
`
`Hospital,
`
`The
`is
`of
`
`basis
`the
`business
`
`.
`
`of
`Defendant'
`
`the
`
`venue
`place
`s
`
`Defendant
`
`.
`
`Place
`1230
`
`of
`
`business
`York
`Ave
`
`at
`
`------------------------------------X
`NY
`10065
`
`NY,
`To
`
`the
`
`above-named
`
`Defendant(s):
`
`action
`to serve
`this
`summons,
`summons
`this
`failure
`your
`demanded
`Dated:
`
`to answer
`is not
`within
`30 days
`the State
`against
`
`complaint
`the
`with
`served
`after
`20 days
`the
`service
`after
`ofNew
`York);
`by default
`you
`
`in this
`
`this
`summons,
`service
`the
`is complete
`and
`in case
`for
`the
`relief
`
`of
`if
`
`of
`
`SUMMONED
`if
`the
`complaint
`
`YOU ARE HEREBY
`to serve
`and
`of your
`a copy
`or,
`answer,
`a notice
`of appearance,
`on the
`plaintiff's
`attorney(s)
`(or within
`exclusive
`service
`of
`the
`of
`day
`is not
`to you within
`delivered
`personally
`to appear
`will
`be taken
`to answer,
`judgment
`in the
`complaint.
`New York
`White
`Plains,
`August
`11, 2021
`
`Very
`
`truly
`
`yours,
`
`JOSEPH
`
`A.
`
`ICA,
`
`P.C.
`
`By:
`
`Email:
`
`. MARIA
`JOSEPH
`ESQ.
`Road
`arrytown
`301 Old
`NY 10603
`White
`Plains,
`914-684-0333
`Phone:
`914-684-9772
`Fax:
`imari_ap_c@imariage.onmicrosoft.com
`
`To:
`
`The Rockefeller
`1230
`York
`New York,
`
`University
`
`Hospital
`
`Ave
`NY 10065
`
`1 of 13
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 04:36 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 951237/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`COURT
`SUPREME
`OF THE STATE
`OF NEW YORK
`COUNTY
`-----------------------------------------------------
`OF RUDY PUCCELLA,
`THE ESTATE
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`X
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`VERIFIED
`
`COMPLAINT
`
`-against-
`
`THE ROCKEFELLER
`
`UNIVERSITY
`
`HOSPITAL,,
`
`Defendant.
`---------------------------X
`
`The
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`The
`
`Estate
`
`of Rudy
`
`Puccella,
`
`by his
`
`attorneys,
`
`Joseph
`
`A. Maria,
`
`P.C.,
`
`alleges:
`
`NATURE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`1.
`
`This
`
`action
`
`is brought
`
`under
`
`the
`
`auspices
`
`of New York's
`
`Child
`
`Victims
`
`Act
`
`against
`
`The Rockefeller
`
`University
`
`Hospital.
`
`It concerns
`
`the
`
`repeated
`
`acts
`
`of
`
`sexual
`
`abuse,
`
`sexual
`
`harassment,
`
`and
`
`sexual
`
`exploitation
`
`committed
`
`the Defendant
`
`and/or
`
`its
`
`staff.
`
`by
`
`2.
`
`asserts
`
`state
`
`law claims
`
`for
`
`childhood
`
`sexual
`
`Plaintiff
`
`negligence,
`
`abuse,
`
`negligent
`
`retention,
`
`negligent
`
`supervision,
`
`negligent
`
`infliction
`
`of emotional
`
`distress,
`
`misrepresentation,
`
`assault,
`
`and
`
`battery,
`
`as well
`
`as violations
`
`of New York
`
`Social
`
`Services
`
`Law § 413.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`seeks monetary
`
`damages
`
`for
`
`the
`
`injuries
`
`they
`
`have
`
`suffered
`
`from
`
`the
`
`Defendants'
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`from
`
`Defendant's
`
`Acts.
`
`PARTIES
`
`3.
`
`The
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`The Estate
`
`of Rudy
`
`Puccella,
`
`is a deceased
`
`having
`
`died
`
`in
`
`Westchester
`
`County.
`
`He
`
`died
`
`on March
`
`8, 2020,
`
`and
`
`his
`
`estate
`
`is open
`
`under
`
`file
`
`number
`
`2020-976
`
`in the County
`
`of Westchester
`
`Surrogate's
`
`Court.
`
`2 of 13
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 04:36 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 951237/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`4.
`
`The Defendant,
`
`The Rockefeller
`
`University
`
`Hospital,
`
`is an entity
`
`duly
`
`licensed
`
`to do business
`
`in the State
`
`of New York,
`
`County
`
`of New York.
`
`5.
`
`The Defendant,
`
`the Rockefeller
`
`University
`
`Hospital,
`
`is a foreign
`
`entity
`
`duly
`
`licensed
`
`to do business
`
`in the State
`
`of New York,
`
`County
`
`of New York.
`
`FACTS
`
`The
`
`Estate
`
`of Rudy
`
`Puccella
`
`is the Plaintiff
`
`herein.
`
`His
`
`address
`
`was
`
`17 Batavia
`
`Place,
`
`Harrison,
`
`NY 10528.
`
`The
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`born
`
`on January
`
`27,
`
`1964.
`
`The Defendant
`
`had
`
`in their
`
`employment
`
`one Dr. Reginald
`
`Archibald,
`
`a
`
`6.
`
`7.
`
`8.
`
`9.
`
`member
`
`of
`
`the Defendant's
`
`staff.
`
`10.
`
`The Defendant,
`
`The Rockefeller
`
`University
`
`Hospital,
`
`kept
`
`Dr. Reginald
`
`Archibald
`
`in their
`
`employment
`
`for
`
`forty
`
`(40)
`
`years
`
`with
`
`normal
`
`hospital
`
`review
`
`and
`
`repeated
`
`approval
`
`of his
`
`credentials.
`
`11.
`
`12.
`
`One
`
`of his
`
`specialties
`
`was
`
`the
`
`treatment
`
`of
`
`children
`
`with
`
`stunted
`
`growth.
`
`It
`
`is reported
`
`that
`
`the
`
`hospital
`
`knew
`
`of or clearly
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`of Dr.
`
`Reginald
`
`Archibald
`
`practices
`
`of
`
`sexual
`
`misconduct,
`
`and
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`towards
`
`many
`
`of his
`
`patients
`
`while
`
`employed
`
`by
`
`the Rockefeller
`
`University
`
`Hospital.
`
`13.
`
`The Rockefeller
`
`University
`
`Hospital
`
`had many
`
`reports
`
`and
`
`complaints
`
`against
`
`him at
`
`the
`
`hospital.
`
`14.
`
`In
`
`1960,
`
`the New York
`
`County
`
`District
`
`Attorney's
`
`Office
`
`presented
`
`information
`
`to a grand
`
`jury
`
`which
`
`did
`
`not
`
`indict
`
`but
`
`the Hospital
`
`had
`
`notice
`
`of
`
`these
`
`proceedings
`
`or should
`
`have
`
`had
`
`notice
`
`of
`
`these
`
`proceedings.
`
`2
`
`3 of 13
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 04:36 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 951237/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`15.
`
`The
`
`physician-in-chief
`
`at
`
`the Rockefeller
`
`University
`
`Hospital
`
`(who
`
`was
`
`also
`
`a
`
`member
`
`of Defendant's
`
`staff)
`
`from
`
`1960
`
`to 1974
`
`had multiple
`
`complaints
`
`against
`
`Dr.
`
`Archibald
`
`and
`
`had
`
`or should
`
`have
`
`had
`
`reservations
`
`about
`
`Dr. Reginald
`
`Archibald's
`
`practices.
`
`16.
`
`The Rockefeller
`
`University
`
`Hospital
`
`should
`
`have
`
`taken
`
`action
`
`to stop
`
`the
`
`actions
`
`Archibald
`
`behavior
`
`pediatric
`
`and
`
`other
`
`patients.
`
`of Dr. Reginald
`
`towards
`
`17.
`
`The Rockefeller
`
`University
`
`Hospital
`
`knowingly
`
`employed
`
`a sexual
`
`predator
`
`on
`
`its
`
`staff.
`
`18.
`
`The
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`presented
`
`at
`
`the Rockefeller
`
`University
`
`Hospital
`
`for
`
`treatment
`
`his mother
`
`who
`
`trusted
`
`the Defendant
`
`and was
`
`concerned
`
`about
`
`his
`
`small
`
`nature
`
`physically.
`
`FIRST
`
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`NEGLIGENCE
`CHILDHOOD
`SEXUAL
`
`ABUSE
`
`19.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`in the
`
`preceding
`
`paragraphs
`
`above
`
`further
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`here,
`
`and
`
`allege:
`
`20.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`alleged
`
`and
`
`detailed
`
`herein,
`
`the Defendant
`
`employees
`
`were
`
`given
`
`access
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`during
`
`the
`
`course
`
`and
`
`scope
`
`of
`
`their
`
`duties,
`
`when
`
`the Defendant
`
`knew,
`
`or should
`
`have
`
`known,
`
`its
`
`staff
`
`presented
`
`an unreasonable
`
`risk
`
`of harm to minors,
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time.
`
`including
`
`who
`
`was
`
`a minor
`
`21.
`
`Because
`
`of
`
`the
`
`negligence
`
`of
`
`the Defendant,
`
`its
`
`staff
`
`was
`
`unchecked,
`
`allowing
`
`them to continue
`
`to molest
`
`and
`
`abuse
`
`Plaintiff
`
`over
`
`the
`
`course
`
`of alleged
`
`treatment.
`
`22.
`
`The Defendant
`
`had
`
`non-delegable
`
`duty
`
`to protect
`
`children
`
`within
`
`their
`
`control
`
`and
`
`purview,
`
`like
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`from
`
`unwanted
`
`sexual
`
`contact,
`
`sexual
`
`abuse,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`associated
`
`3
`
`4 of 13
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 04:36 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 951237/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`trauma
`
`resulting
`
`therefrom.
`
`Here,
`
`the Defendant
`
`failed
`
`to take
`
`any
`
`reasonable
`
`steps
`
`to ensure
`
`the
`
`safety
`
`of
`
`children,
`
`and Plaintiff
`
`in particular,
`
`by providing
`
`Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`with
`
`unfettered
`
`and
`
`unsupervised
`
`access
`
`to children
`
`in his
`
`various
`
`capacities
`
`as their
`
`staff member
`
`in good
`
`standing.
`
`23.
`
`The Defendant,
`
`by and
`
`through
`
`their
`
`agents,
`
`servants
`
`and/or
`
`employees,
`
`had
`
`actual
`
`or
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`that
`
`its
`
`staff
`
`was
`
`dangerous
`
`and
`
`knowledge,
`
`knew,
`
`reasonably
`
`exploitative
`
`propensities
`
`and was
`
`an unfit
`
`employee
`
`because
`
`of
`
`their
`
`sexual
`
`interest
`
`in
`
`children.
`
`24.
`
`The
`
`Defendant
`
`breached
`
`the
`
`duty
`
`of
`
`care
`
`they
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`by
`
`failing
`
`to
`
`protect
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`the
`
`foreseeable
`
`harm
`
`of
`
`sexual
`
`misconduct
`
`by Defendant's
`
`staff.
`
`25.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`above-described
`
`conduct,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`suffered
`
`great
`
`pain
`
`loss
`
`of self-
`
`of mind
`
`and
`
`body,
`
`shock,
`
`emotional
`
`distress,
`
`embarrassment,
`
`esteem,
`
`disgrace,
`
`humiliation,
`
`and
`
`loss
`
`of enjoyment
`
`of
`
`life.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`death
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`in
`
`part
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`abuse
`
`and
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`respect
`
`of
`
`the Defendant
`
`and
`
`their
`
`staff.
`
`26.
`
`Per CPLR
`
`§ 1603,
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`is exempt
`
`from
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of CPLR
`
`§ 1601
`
`reason
`
`of one
`
`or more
`
`of
`
`the
`
`exemptions
`
`provided
`
`under
`
`CPLR
`
`§ 1602,
`
`by
`
`including
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to CPLR
`
`§§ 1602(2),
`
`and
`
`1602(7).
`
`SECOND
`CAUSE
`NEGLIGENT
`
`OF ACTION
`RETENTION
`
`27.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`in the
`
`preceding
`
`paragraphs
`
`above
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`here.
`
`28.
`
`The Defendant
`
`had
`
`a duty
`
`to protect
`
`them
`
`from
`
`harm
`
`inflicted
`
`by Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`in prognosis,
`
`testing,
`
`and
`
`treatment
`
`operated
`
`by
`
`the Defendant
`
`or Defendant's
`
`staff.
`
`4
`
`5 of 13
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 04:36 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 951237/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`29.
`
`By
`
`virtue
`
`of
`
`that
`
`duty
`
`and Plaintiff
`
`special
`
`relationship
`
`with
`
`the Defendant,
`
`and
`
`the Defendant's
`
`relationship
`
`to Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`as their
`
`agents
`
`and
`
`employees,
`
`the
`
`Defendant
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`duty
`
`to take
`
`care.
`
`30.
`
`Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`dañgerous
`
`and
`
`exploitative
`
`propensities
`
`to sexually
`
`abuse
`
`minors
`
`was
`
`an open
`
`secret
`
`in the
`
`community.
`
`The Defendant
`
`therefore
`
`knew
`
`or should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`of
`
`these
`
`dangerous
`
`and
`
`exploitative
`
`propensities
`
`had
`
`engaged
`
`meaningful,
`
`and
`
`adequate
`
`investigation
`
`of his
`
`background
`
`prior
`
`to retaining
`
`him in positions
`
`they
`
`in a reasonable,
`
`of employment.
`
`31.
`
`The Defendant
`
`was
`
`placed
`
`on actual
`
`or constructive
`
`notice
`
`that Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`was molesting
`
`minors
`
`during
`
`his
`
`employment
`
`the Defendant,
`
`by
`
`various
`
`means.
`
`The
`
`Defendant
`
`had
`
`actual
`
`or constructive
`
`knowledge
`
`of
`
`inappropriate
`
`conduct
`
`and molestations
`
`committed
`
`by Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`during
`
`their
`
`employment
`
`yet
`
`chose
`
`to allow
`
`him to remain
`
`in
`
`unrestricted
`
`with
`
`and
`
`allow
`
`where
`
`abused
`
`patients.
`
`contact
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`privacy
`
`he sexually
`
`32.
`
`The Defendant
`
`breached
`
`their
`
`duties
`
`of
`
`care
`
`owed
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`by negligently
`
`retaining
`
`Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`and
`
`by
`
`failing
`
`to protect
`
`Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`foreseeable
`
`harm
`
`of sexual
`
`misconduct
`
`of
`
`their
`
`respective
`
`employees
`
`or personnel.
`
`33.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`above-described
`
`conduct,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`suffered
`
`great
`
`pain
`
`of mind
`
`and
`
`body,
`
`shock,
`
`emotional
`
`distress,
`
`embarrassment,
`
`loss
`
`of self-
`
`death
`
`caused
`
`in
`
`esteem,
`
`disgrace,
`
`humiliation,
`
`and
`
`loss
`
`of enjoyment
`
`of
`
`life.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`was
`
`part
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`abuse
`
`and
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`respect
`
`of
`
`the Defendant
`
`and
`
`their
`
`staff.
`
`34.
`
`Per CPLR
`
`§ 1603,
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`is exempt
`
`from
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of CPLR
`
`§ 1601
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of one
`
`or more
`
`of
`
`the
`
`exemptions
`
`provided
`
`under
`
`CPLR
`
`§ 1602,
`
`including
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to CPLR
`
`§§
`
`1602(2),
`
`1602(7).
`
`5
`
`6 of 13
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 04:36 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 951237/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`CAUSE
`THIRD
`NEGLIGENT
`
`OF ACTION
`SUPERVISION
`
`35.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`in the
`
`preceding
`
`paragraphs
`
`above
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`here.
`
`36.
`
`The
`
`Defendant
`
`had
`
`a duty
`
`to provide
`
`reasonable
`
`supervision
`
`of
`
`their
`
`employees
`
`and
`
`agents.
`
`37.
`
`It was
`
`reasonably
`
`foreseeable
`
`that
`
`those
`
`employees
`
`and
`
`agents
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Defendant
`
`those
`
`with
`
`a sexual
`
`interest
`
`in children,
`
`including
`
`staff,
`
`would
`
`act upon
`
`interests
`
`and
`
`sexually
`
`abuse
`
`children,
`
`including
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`unless
`
`properly
`
`supervised.
`
`38.
`
`The Defendant,
`
`by and
`
`through
`
`their
`
`respective
`
`agents,
`
`servants,
`
`and/or
`
`employees,
`
`had
`
`actual
`
`knowledge,
`
`knew,
`
`or
`
`reasonably
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known,
`
`of Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`and
`
`exploitative
`
`propensities
`
`and
`
`that
`
`staff
`
`was
`
`an unfit
`
`agent
`
`due
`
`to his
`
`sexual
`
`interest
`
`in
`
`children.
`
`39.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`times,
`
`Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`was
`
`acting
`
`in the
`
`course
`
`and
`
`scope
`
`of
`
`his
`
`employment
`
`with
`
`the Defendant
`
`as their
`
`agent,
`
`apparent
`
`agent,
`
`servant,
`
`and/or
`
`employee.
`
`40.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`above-described
`
`conduct,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`suffered
`
`great
`
`pain
`
`of mind
`
`and
`
`body,
`
`shock,
`
`emotional
`
`distress,
`
`embarrassment,
`
`loss
`
`of
`
`self-
`
`life.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`death
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`in
`
`esteem,
`
`disgrace,
`
`humiliation,
`
`and
`
`loss
`
`of enjoyment
`
`of
`
`part
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`abuse
`
`and
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`respect
`
`of
`
`the Defendant
`
`and
`
`their
`
`staff.
`
`41.
`
`Per CPLR
`
`§ 1603,
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`is exempt
`
`from
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of CPLR
`
`§ 1601
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of one
`
`or more
`
`of
`
`the
`
`exemptions
`
`provided
`
`under
`
`CPLR
`
`§ 1602,
`
`including
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to CPLR
`
`§§
`
`1602(2),
`
`1602(7).
`
`6
`
`7 of 13
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 04:36 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 951237/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`NEGLIGENT
`
`FOURTH
`INFLICTION
`
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`OF EMOTIONAL
`
`DISTRESS
`
`42.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`in the
`
`preceding
`
`paragraphs
`
`above
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`here.
`
`43.
`
`By
`
`employing
`
`Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`and
`
`by
`
`choosing
`
`to place
`
`staff
`
`in a position
`
`where
`
`they
`
`could
`
`work
`
`unsupervised
`
`and
`
`in close
`
`proximity
`
`to children,
`
`and
`
`by allowing
`
`staff
`
`access
`
`to numerous
`
`children,
`
`the Defendant
`
`caused
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to be sexually
`
`abused.
`
`Further,
`
`by
`
`(i)
`
`covering
`
`up
`
`staff's
`
`wrongdoiñg
`
`(and/or
`
`failing
`
`to act upon
`
`numerous
`
`"red
`
`flags"
`
`of
`
`staff's
`
`sexual
`
`misconduct
`
`with
`
`minors);
`
`(ii)
`
`day
`
`examination;
`
`(iii)
`
`forcing
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`others
`
`to be
`
`sexually
`
`measured
`
`and
`
`observed
`
`at
`
`testing;
`
`(iv)
`
`thereafter
`
`failing
`
`to provide
`
`any
`
`counseling
`
`or
`
`to fear
`
`for
`
`their
`
`physical
`
`services
`
`to Plaintiff,
`
`the Defendant
`
`additionally
`
`caused
`
`Plaintiff
`
`safety
`
`as well
`
`suffer
`
`psychological
`
`and
`
`emotional
`
`injury.
`
`The Defendant
`
`negligence
`
`places
`
`Plaintiff
`
`in danger
`
`of bodily
`
`harm and
`
`thereby
`
`caused
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`to suffer
`
`extreme
`
`physical
`
`injury
`
`and
`
`emotional
`
`distress
`
`as a result.
`
`44.
`
`Indeed,
`
`even
`
`though
`
`the Defendant
`
`had
`
`been
`
`told
`
`Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`had
`
`sexually
`
`abused
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`the Defendant
`
`still
`
`forced
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to continue
`
`treatment.
`
`This
`
`conduct
`
`-
`
`- even
`
`on its own
`
`suffices
`
`as negligent
`
`infliction
`
`of emotional
`
`distress.
`
`45.
`
`The Defendant
`
`repeated
`
`failures
`
`by employing,
`
`and
`
`continuing
`
`to employ,
`
`Defendant's
`
`staff,
`
`holding
`
`out
`
`their
`
`treatments
`
`as safe
`
`environments
`
`for
`
`children,
`
`despite,
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`having
`
`reason
`
`to know
`
`of
`
`the
`
`potential
`
`dangers
`
`to children
`
`at
`
`the
`
`hospital
`
`and
`
`its
`
`staff
`
`subjected
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to sexual
`
`harassment,
`
`abuse,
`
`and
`
`exploitation.
`
`7
`
`8 of 13
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 04:36 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 951237/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`46.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`suffered
`
`emotional
`
`distress,
`
`including
`
`fear
`
`for
`
`his
`
`safety,
`
`severe
`
`mental
`
`anguish,
`
`and
`
`physical
`
`injury,
`
`due
`
`to the Defendant
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`extreme
`
`recklessness.
`
`47.
`
`Per CPLR
`
`§ 1603,
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`is exempt
`
`from
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of CPLR
`
`§ 1601
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of one
`
`or more
`
`of
`
`the
`
`exemptions
`
`provided
`
`under
`
`CPLR
`
`§ 1602,
`
`including
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to CPLR
`
`§§ 1602(2),
`
`1602(7).
`
`FIFTH
`NEGLIGENT
`
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`MISREPRESENTATION
`
`48.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`in the
`
`preceding
`
`paragraphs
`
`above
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`here.
`
`49.
`
`The Defendant
`
`affirmatively
`
`represented
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`their
`
`families
`
`that
`
`their
`
`hospital
`
`was
`
`a safe
`
`environment
`
`for
`
`child
`
`patients.
`
`50.
`
`The Defendant
`
`affirmatively
`
`represented
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`their
`
`families
`
`that
`
`they
`
`had
`
`sufficient
`
`policies
`
`and
`
`procedures
`
`in place
`
`to ensure
`
`that
`
`children
`
`were
`
`safe
`
`at
`
`the
`
`hospital.
`
`51.
`
`The Defendant
`
`represented
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`their
`
`family,
`
`through
`
`operation
`
`of
`
`their
`
`hospital,
`
`that
`
`they
`
`did
`
`not
`
`know
`
`or suspect
`
`the Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`had
`
`a history
`
`of
`
`molesting
`
`children,
`
`that
`
`he was
`
`he was molesting
`
`children
`
`under
`
`their
`
`employ,
`
`and/or
`
`that
`
`they
`
`knew
`
`or suspected
`
`that Defendant
`
`staff
`
`was
`
`a danger
`
`to children.
`
`52.
`
`53.
`
`Each
`
`representation
`
`was material
`
`and
`
`false.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`his
`
`family
`
`justifiably
`
`relied
`
`upon
`
`the Defendant's
`
`misrepresentations,
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to suffer
`
`harassment,
`
`sexual
`
`abuse,
`
`and
`
`exploitation
`
`by Defendants
`
`staff,
`
`as well
`
`as suffer
`
`other
`
`damages
`
`described
`
`herein.
`
`8
`
`9 of 13
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 04:36 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 951237/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`54.
`
`Per CPLR
`
`§ 1603,
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`is exempt
`
`from
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of CPLR
`
`§ 1601
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of one
`
`or more
`
`of
`
`the
`
`exemptions
`
`provided
`
`under
`
`CPLR
`
`§ 1602,
`
`including
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to CPLR
`
`§§ 1602(2),
`
`1602(7).
`
`SIXTH
`
`OF ACTION
`CAUSE
`ASSAULT
`
`55.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`in the
`
`preceding
`
`with
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`here.
`
`paragraphs
`
`above
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`56.
`
`Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`physical
`
`molestation
`
`and
`
`abuse
`
`of Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`entirely
`
`unjustified
`
`and
`
`constitutes
`
`an intentional
`
`assault
`
`upon
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`57.
`
`Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`by
`
`their
`
`conduct,
`
`places
`
`Plaintiff
`
`in fear
`
`of
`
`imminent
`
`harm
`
`and
`
`offensive
`
`conduct.
`
`58.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`proximate
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`above-described
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`and
`
`conduct,
`
`suffered
`
`great
`
`pain
`
`of mind
`
`and
`
`body,
`
`shock,
`
`emotional
`
`distress,
`
`embarrassment,
`
`loss
`
`of self-
`
`esteem,
`
`disgrace,
`
`humiliation,
`
`and
`
`loss
`
`of enjoyment
`
`of
`
`life.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`death
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`in
`
`part
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`abuse
`
`and
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`respect
`
`of
`
`the Defendant
`
`and
`
`their
`
`staff.
`
`SEVENTH
`
`CAUSE
`BATTERY
`
`OF ACTION
`
`59.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`each
`
`and
`
`allegation
`
`in the
`
`repeats
`
`realleges
`
`every
`
`preceding
`
`paragraphs
`
`above
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`here.
`
`60.
`
`Battery
`
`is non-consensual,
`
`intentional,
`
`offensive
`
`physical
`
`contact
`
`with
`
`another
`
`person.
`
`61.
`
`Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`intentional
`
`physical
`
`molestation
`
`and
`
`abuse
`
`of Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`entirely
`
`unjustified,
`
`offensive,
`
`done
`
`without
`
`consent
`
`and
`
`constituted
`
`battery
`
`upon
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`9
`
`10 of 13
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 04:36 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 951237/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`62.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`above-described
`
`conduct,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`suffered
`
`great
`
`pain
`
`of mind
`
`and
`
`body,
`
`shock,
`
`emotional
`
`distress,
`
`embarrassment,
`
`loss
`
`of self-
`
`esteem,
`
`disgrace,
`
`humiliation,
`
`and
`
`loss
`
`of enjoyment
`
`of
`
`life.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`death
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`in
`
`part
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`abuse
`
`and
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`respect
`
`of
`
`the Defendant
`
`and
`
`their
`
`staff.
`
`BREACH
`
`CAUSE
`EIGHTH
`OF STATUTORY
`UNDER
`SOC.
`SERV.
`
`OF ACTION
`DUTY
`TO REPORT
`LAW §§ 413,
`420
`
`ABUSE
`
`63.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`in the
`
`preceding
`
`paragraphs
`
`above
`
`with
`
`the
`
`same
`
`force
`
`and
`
`effect
`
`as if more
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`here.
`
`64.
`
`The Defendant
`
`violated
`
`N.Y.
`
`SOC.
`
`SERV.
`
`LAW §§ 413,
`
`420,
`
`as the
`
`Defendant
`
`had
`
`a statutorily
`
`imposed
`
`duty
`
`to report
`
`reasonable
`
`suspicion
`
`of abuse
`
`of
`
`children
`
`in their
`
`care.
`
`65.
`
`The Defendant
`
`that
`
`to report
`
`breached
`
`duty
`
`knowingly
`
`and willfully
`
`failing
`
`reasonable
`
`suspicion
`
`of abuse
`
`by Defendant's
`
`staff
`
`of Plaintiff
`
`and/or
`
`other minor
`
`children
`
`under
`
`their
`
`care.
`
`66.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and/or
`
`indirect
`
`result
`
`of
`
`said-conduct,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`subjected
`
`to
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`and
`
`have
`
`suffered
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`described
`
`herein.
`
`67.
`
`By reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`the Defendant
`
`is liable
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`for
`
`damages,
`
`together
`
`with
`
`interest
`
`and
`
`costs.
`
`compensatory
`
`68.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`above-described
`
`conduct,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`suffered
`
`great
`
`pain
`
`of mind
`
`and
`
`body,
`
`shock,
`
`emotional
`
`distress,
`
`embarrassment,
`
`loss
`
`of self-
`
`esteem,
`
`disgrace,
`
`humiliation,
`
`and
`
`loss
`
`of enjoyment
`
`of
`
`life.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`death
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`in
`
`part
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`abuse
`
`and
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`respect
`
`of
`
`the Defendant
`
`and
`
`their
`
`staff.
`
`10
`
`11 of 13
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 04:36 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 951237/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`69.
`
`Per CPLR
`
`§ 1603,
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`is exempt
`
`from
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of CPLR
`
`§ 1601
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of one
`
`or more
`
`of
`
`the
`
`exemptions
`
`provided
`
`under
`
`CPLR
`
`§ 1602,
`
`including
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to CPLR §§
`
`1602(2),
`
`1602(7).
`
`PRAYER
`
`FOR RELIEF
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`respectfully
`
`request
`
`that
`
`the Court
`
`enter
`
`judgment
`
`in their
`
`favor
`
`against
`
`Defendant
`
`and
`
`issue
`
`an order
`
`containing
`
`the
`
`following
`
`relief:
`
`suit
`
`in
`
`(a) Companatory
`
`damages
`
`against
`
`the Defendant
`
`with
`
`interest
`
`and
`
`costs
`
`of
`
`excess
`
`of any
`
`jurisdictional
`
`amount
`
`requiring
`
`compulsory
`
`jurisdiction,
`
`or
`
`arbitration.
`
`(b) Plaintiff
`
`attorney
`
`fees
`
`and
`
`costs
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`permitted
`
`by
`
`law.
`
`(c)
`
`(d)
`
`Prejudgment
`
`interest
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`permitted
`
`by
`
`law.
`
`Such
`
`other
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`as the Court
`
`may
`
`deem just
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`DATED:
`
`White
`August
`
`NY
`Plains,
`11, 2021
`
`JOS
`
`A. MARIA,
`
`P.C.
`
`Esq.
`A. Maria,
`Road
`arrytown
`NY 10603
`
`Jose
`By:
`301 Old
`White
`Plains,
`914-684-0333
`jmariapc@jmariape.onmicrosoft.com
`
`11
`
`12 of 13
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 04:36 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 951237/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`VERIFICATION
`
`) )
`
`)
`
`ss.:
`
`STATE
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`COUNTY
`
`OF WESTCHESTER
`
`Joseph
`
`A. Maria,
`
`Esq,
`
`being
`
`duly
`
`sworn
`
`says:
`
`I am the
`attorney
`Estate
`The
`of Rudy
`annexed
`Summons
`true
`to my
`information
`as to
`those
`
`record
`of
`Puccella
`& Verified
`except
`knowledge,
`and
`and
`belief,
`matters
`therein
`
`the
`are
`on
`
`entitled
`read
`same
`alleged
`My
`belief,
`following.
`
`The
`for
`vs The
`
`Estate
`Rockefeller
`know
`Complaint,
`matters
`those
`as to those matters
`not
`states
`upon
`
`action
`in the
`Puccella
`of Rudy
`I have
`Hosnital.
`University
`and
`the
`thereof
`contents
`the
`are
`stated
`to be
`therein
`which
`I believe
`them to be true.
`is based
`upon
`
`knowledge,
`
`the
`
`The
`in the
`
`reason
`
`county
`
`I make
`that
`
`affidavit
`this
`I do business.
`
`instead
`
`of Arthur
`
`Fusco
`
`Luigi
`
`Lombardo
`
`as he is not
`
`Joseph
`
`A Maria,
`
`Esq.
`
`Sworn
`August
`
`to before
`2021.
`
`11,
`
`me on
`
`Notary
`
`Public
`
`MICHE
`
`ERO
`o o16415615
`Qualmed n Bronx
`
`5
`
`13 of 13
`
`