FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`Court
`
`the
`
`the Supreme
`Part
`of
`of
`of New York
`in and
`the
`held
`for
`at
`the Courthouse
`of Richmond
`at 26 Central
`located
`New York
`on
`
`Ave.,
`
`Staten
`
`, 2018.
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`150374/2013
`
`INFANT
`COMPROMISE
`ORDER
`
`At
`State
`
`County
`thereof,
`Island,
`
`, J.S.C.
`
`and
`
`natural
`
`individually,
`
`Present:
`
`an infant,
`DMElbR1gggs,
`VERONICA
`guardian,
`VERONICA
`REYES
`
`by her mother
`and
`REYES,
`and ANGEL
`
`CRUZ
`
`-against-
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`DAVID
`H. FASTMAN,
`UNIVERSITY
`MEDICAL
`MEDICAL
`
`PRACTICE,
`
`RICHMOND
`M.D.,
`and AMBOY
`CENTER,
`P.C.,
`
`Defendants.
`
`Upon
`
`reading
`
`and
`
`filing
`
`the
`
`affidavit
`
`of VERONICA
`
`REYES,
`
`mother
`
`and
`
`natural
`
`guardian
`
`of
`
`the
`
`infant
`
`herein,
`
`sworn
`
`to the
`
`5th
`
`day
`
`of
`
`January,
`
`2018,
`
`the
`
`affirmation
`
`of Carolyn
`
`M. Caccese,
`
`Esq.,
`
`dated
`
`the
`
`5th
`
`day Of January,
`
`2018,
`
`the
`
`affirmation
`
`of Daniel
`
`Adler,
`
`M.D.,
`
`dated
`
`the
`
`22nd
`
`gay
`
`of August,
`
`2017,
`
`R
`
`been
`
`born
`
`on August
`
`7, 2012
`
`and
`
`is now
`
`5 years
`
`of age;
`
`and Deg
`
`, having
`
`and
`
`it appearing
`
`that
`
`the
`
`infant
`
`is not
`
`competent
`
`to settle
`
`this
`
`action
`
`on her
`
`own
`
`behalf;
`
`and
`
`upon
`
`all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`pleadings
`
`and
`
`proceedings
`
`had
`
`herein;
`
`and
`
`it appearing
`
`that
`
`it
`
`is to the
`
`best
`
`interests
`
`of
`
`the
`
`infant
`
`to settle
`
`and
`
`compromise
`
`the
`
`cause
`
`of action
`
`herein,
`
`Upon
`
`motion
`
`of Carolyn
`
`M. Caccese,
`
`Esq.,
`
`attorney
`
`for
`
`the
`
`plaintiffs
`
`herein:
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`the action
`
`on behalf
`
`of
`
`R
`
`~g,
`
`an infant
`
`.,
`
`by her mother
`
`and natural
`
`guardian,
`
`VERONICA
`
`REYES
`
`and
`
`VERONICA
`
`REYES
`
`Individually,
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`against
`
`RICHMOND
`
`UNIVERSITY
`
`MEDICAL
`
`CENTER,
`
`Defendant,
`
`is hereby
`
`settled
`
`in the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`$800,000.00,
`
`with
`
`50.5%
`
`allocated
`
`as fund
`
`damages,
`
`and
`
`49.5%
`
`as non-fund
`
`damages,
`
`and
`
`is in
`
`accordance
`
`with
`
`CPLR Article
`
`12, and
`
`is hereby
`
`compromised
`
`and
`
`settled
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`and
`
`pursuant
`
`to the
`
`provisions
`
`of
`
`the New York
`
`State Medical
`
`Indemnity
`
`Fund,
`
`Article
`
`2999-D
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law
`
`("PHL")
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York
`
`(hereinafter
`
`"the NYSMI
`
`Fund"
`Fund"),
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is
`
`further,
`
`that
`
`infant
`
`as an
`
`infant
`
`who
`
`sustained
`
`a birth
`
`ORDERED,
`
`the
`
`D W R1GREW qualifies
`
`related
`
`neurological
`
`injury
`
`as defined
`
`under
`
`PHL
`
`§2999(h)(1),
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`this
`
`settlement
`
`is based,
`
`inter
`
`alia,
`
`on a stipulation,
`
`that
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`has
`
`suffered
`
`a birth
`
`related
`
`neurological
`
`injury
`
`subject
`
`to the
`
`provisions
`
`of Title
`
`4 of Article
`
`29-D
`
`of
`
`the Public
`
`Health
`
`Law §2999(g)
`
`et seq.,
`
`and the
`
`settlement
`
`includes
`
`provision
`
`for payment
`
`of
`
`future
`
`medical
`
`expenses
`
`addressed
`
`that
`
`event
`
`that
`
`the
`
`Administrator
`
`of
`
`the Medical
`
`by
`
`Title.
`
`In
`
`the
`
`Indemnity
`
`Fund
`
`determines
`
`that
`
`the plaintiffis
`
`a qualified
`
`plaintiff,
`
`all payments
`
`for
`
`future
`
`medical
`
`expenses
`
`shall
`
`be
`
`paid
`
`in
`
`accordance
`
`with
`
`Title
`
`4,
`
`in lieu
`
`of
`
`that
`
`portion
`
`of
`
`this
`
`settlement
`
`that
`
`provides
`
`for
`
`the
`
`payment
`
`of
`
`such
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`the action
`
`expenses,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`of DGElBR M+ an infant
`
`by her mother
`
`and natural
`
`guardian,
`
`VERONICA
`
`REYES
`
`and VERONICA
`
`REYES,
`
`Individually,
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`against
`
`RICHMOND
`
`settled
`
`for
`
`a total
`
`UNIVERSITY
`
`MEDICAL
`
`CENTER,
`
`Defendant,
`
`is hereby
`
`compromised
`
`and
`
`amount
`
`of $396,000.00
`
`for
`
`non-fund
`
`damages
`
`as per
`
`the NYSMI
`
`Fund,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`the action
`
`of DEMI
`
`REYES
`
`an infant
`
`by her mother
`
`and
`
`natural
`
`guardian,
`
`VERONICA
`
`REYES
`
`and VERONICA
`
`REYES,
`
`Individually,
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`against
`
`RICHMOND
`
`UNIVERSITY
`
`MEDICAL
`
`CENTER,
`
`Defendant,
`
`is hereby
`
`compromised
`
`and
`
`settled
`
`for
`
`a total
`
`amount
`
`of $404,000.00
`
`for
`
`fund
`
`damages
`
`as
`
`per
`
`the NYSMI
`
`Fund,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`ORDERED,
`
`in
`
`accordance
`
`with
`
`the
`
`NYSMI
`
`Fund,
`
`Defendant
`
`RICHMOND
`
`UNIVERSITY
`
`MEDICAL
`
`CENTER
`
`and
`
`their
`
`representatives
`
`are
`
`required
`
`to pay
`
`proportionate
`
`attorney's
`
`fees
`
`(50.5%)
`
`with
`
`a reduced
`
`sliding
`
`scale
`
`retainer
`
`related
`
`to proportionate
`
`share
`
`as to
`
`fund
`
`damages
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`PHL
`
`§2999(j)(14),
`
`in the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`$97,754.89,
`
`on behalf
`
`of
`
`the
`
`action
`
`of DWP R
`
`, an infant,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`that
`
`within
`
`certified
`
`Infant's
`
`ORDERED,
`
`30
`
`days
`
`of
`
`the
`
`service
`
`of
`
`a
`
`copy
`
`of
`
`this
`
`Compromise
`
`Order
`
`approving
`
`the
`
`settlement
`
`agreement,
`
`the Plaintiffs
`
`shall
`
`make
`
`an application
`
`for
`
`enrollment
`
`of D
`
`'C4,
`
`,
`
`Infant,
`
`in the NYSMI
`
`Fund
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`PHL
`
`§2999(j)(7),
`
`by providing
`
`the NYSMI
`
`Fund
`
`Administrator
`
`with
`
`a copy
`
`of
`
`this
`
`Infant's
`
`Compromise
`
`Order,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`this
`
`settlement
`
`contemplates
`
`that DEMI
`
`REYES,
`
`Infant,
`
`is to be admitted
`
`it
`
`to the New York
`
`State Medical
`
`Indemnity
`
`Fund,
`
`and
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`if DWRM,
`
`Infant,
`
`is not
`
`accepted
`
`into
`
`the New York
`
`State Medical
`
`Fund
`
`or
`
`closed
`
`out
`
`of
`
`the New York
`
`State Medical
`
`Indemnity
`
`Fund,
`
`this
`
`settlement
`
`is
`
`and
`
`all
`
`parties
`
`agree
`
`to appear
`
`before
`
`this
`
`Court
`
`to either
`
`go
`
`forward
`
`with
`
`the
`
`trial
`
`of
`
`Indemnity
`
`VOIDED,
`
`this matter
`
`or
`
`reopen
`
`settlement
`
`negotiations,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`upon
`
`of
`
`that DERBRW
`
`has been
`
`accepted
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`service
`
`said
`
`proof,
`
`infant,
`
`into
`
`the New York
`
`State Medical
`
`Indemnity
`
`Fund,
`
`Salenger,
`
`Sack,
`
`Kimmel
`
`& Bavaro,
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`Attorney,
`
`may
`
`distribute
`
`said
`
`funds
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`the So-Ordered
`
`Compromise
`
`Order,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`all payments
`
`for
`
`future
`
`medical
`
`expenses
`
`shall
`
`be paid
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`Title-4
`
`of
`
`Article
`
`29(D)
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Public
`
`Health
`
`Law,
`
`in
`
`lieu
`
`of
`
`that
`
`portion
`
`of
`
`the
`
`settlement
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`agreement
`
`that
`
`provides
`
`for
`
`payment
`
`of
`
`such
`
`expenses.
`
`The
`
`Infant's
`
`future
`
`medical
`
`expenses
`
`shall
`
`be paid
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`Title-4
`
`of Article
`
`29(D)
`
`of
`
`the Public
`
`Health
`
`Law;
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that Defendant
`
`RICHMOND
`
`UNIVERSITY
`
`MEDICAL
`
`CENTER
`
`shall
`
`pay
`
`within
`
`days
`
`and
`
`upon
`
`presentation
`
`of
`
`a copy
`
`of
`
`this
`
`Infant
`
`Compromise
`
`Order,
`
`a duly
`
`executed
`
`General
`
`Release,
`
`Stipulation
`
`of Discontinuance
`
`with
`
`prejudice
`
`and
`
`a hold
`
`harmless
`
`agreement
`
`shall
`
`pay:
`
`A-
`
`B-
`
`made
`as part
`
`sliding
`Medical
`
`$97,754.89
`
`Attorney,
`reduced
`
`(Future
`
`$95,819.14
`
`payable
`their
`of
`scale
`
`to
`Salenger,
`approved
`Court
`related
`retainer
`in accordance
`
`to
`with
`
`Care)
`
`Kimmel
`Sack,
`attorneys'
`
`fees
`
`proportionate
`NYSMI
`
`Fund
`
`share
`PHL
`
`& Bavaro,
`in
`accordance
`fund
`as to
`
`§2999(j)(14);
`
`Plaintiffs
`with
`damages
`
`a
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`made
`of
`as part
`retainer
`scale
`
`payable
`the Court
`related
`
`Attorney,
`
`sliding
`
`to
`Salenger,
`approved
`to proportionate
`
`Sack,
`attorneys'
`
`& Bavaro,
`Kimmel,
`fees
`in accordance
`with
`as to non-fund
`
`damages;
`
`a reduced
`
`share
`
`C-
`
`D-
`
`E-
`
`F-
`
`G -
`
`$12,185.03
`satisfaction
`
`made
`of
`the
`
`payable
`held
`lien
`
`to Department
`on behalf
`
`of Social
`of D4th
`
`Rame,
`
`Services
`
`for
`
`the
`
`full
`
`and
`
`final
`
`Infant,
`
`$19,629.84
`
`Attorney,
`
`made
`their
`
`for
`
`payable
`
`Court
`
`to
`approved
`
`Sack,
`Salenger,
`disbursements;
`
`Kimmel,
`
`& Bavaro,
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`$50,000
`for
`
`loss
`
`made
`of
`
`services;
`
`payable
`
`to VERONICA
`
`REYES,
`
`as Parent
`
`and Natural
`
`Guardian,
`
`$6,245.11
`
`made
`
`payable
`
`to the D1889
`
`R8REEE
`
`Supplemental
`
`Needs
`
`Trust;
`
`$218,365.99
`of an annuity
`future
`periodic
`
`made
`for
`
`payable
`the benefit
`payments
`
`to BHG Structured
`Rqgp;
`of Dggi
`to the TRUST:
`
`Settlements
`will
`which
`
`Inc.
`provide
`
`for
`
`the
`
`the
`
`purchase
`
`following
`
`Payee: DggR eg
`
`Supplemental
`
`Needs
`
`Trust
`
`Guaranteed
`
`Lump
`
`Sums:
`
`$50,000.00
`
`payable
`
`on 08/07/2030
`
`$75,000.00
`
`payable
`
`on 08/07/2033
`
`$100,000,00
`
`payable
`
`on
`
`08/07/2037
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`$173,938.47
`
`payable
`
`on
`
`08/07/2042
`
`Assignee:
`
`BHG Structured
`
`Settlements,
`
`Inc.
`
`Annuity
`
`Issuer:
`
`First
`
`Berkshire
`
`Hathaway
`
`Life
`
`Insurance
`
`Company
`
`Assignor:
`
`Physicians
`
`Reciprocal
`
`Insurers
`
`Cost
`
`of Annuity:
`
`$218,365.99
`
`The
`
`annuity
`
`contract
`
`will
`
`be issued
`
`by First
`
`Berkshire
`
`Hathaway
`
`Life
`
`Insurance
`
`Company
`
`which
`
`is licensed
`
`to do business
`
`in the State
`
`of New York.
`
`The
`
`defendant
`
`will
`
`assign
`
`the
`
`obligation
`
`to make
`
`the
`
`future
`
`periodic
`
`payments
`
`to BHG Structured
`
`Settlements
`
`Inc.
`
`per
`
`IRC
`
`Section
`
`130. Columbia
`
`Insurance
`
`Company
`
`will
`
`issue
`
`a letter
`
`of guarantee
`
`covering
`
`the
`
`obligation
`
`of BHG Structured
`
`Settlements,
`
`Inc.
`
`The
`
`ratings
`
`are as follows:
`
`A.M.
`
`Best
`
`A+
`
`ORDERED,
`
`if ©lm
`
`4-M
`-R-
`
`'
`.
`'
`_,whe-dete-41mt-aU-ef4e-Guamnteed
`—
`d~W-aI-I
`~
`4e
`
`— —
`ef
`f-I+e-4ua+aH
`
`Payments-4eeeme4uer440°Aref
`
`ny+emaining-and-unpaid--Gearenteed-Peymente-shew1+ebove
`
`win-he-eenmmted-am4pai+1-in-a-Itnwpeum
`
`-he-eemmuted
`
`vak«ueseek-payments-wiR4e-equal
`
`to #0¾h4a
`
`wtraet-that
`
`wou
`
`nentsAhe
`
`easte-winee-eempete<4using4keir-ammity+ates-m-effeet+n-er-abeet--the-deteef4he-eemmuted
`
`payment-fer-new
`
`ennuity+entreets4ka&are-issued45-the-same-er-similar+ype-ehsiness--Tee
`
`eemmuted
`
`value-winbe
`
`pai+l-te-PggpR4BREepplemental-Needs-Test-en<4it4s-
`
`fur÷her-
`
`in the
`
`event
`
`of D<gg
`
`J3 GEF
`
`death
`
`before
`
`the
`
`date when
`
`all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`
`
`puaranteed..Latntn~lcctf
`
`IIIIIIOIII.'.
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`above
`
`become
`
`due
`
`the
`
`I'I:ltlilllllllL
`
`and-unpaid
`
`certain
`
`payments
`
`listed
`
`below
`
`as Commutable
`
`Payrnents
`
`will
`
`be commuted
`
`in exchanae
`
`for
`
`a lump
`
`sum equal
`
`to 95% of
`
`the present
`
`value
`
`of
`
`the
`
`un ~aid Conanautablc
`
`Pa 'ments.
`
`as
`
`calculated
`
`b
`
`the
`
`Annuit
`
`Issuer.
`
`Tite
`
`present
`
`s~aluc will
`
`be
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`computed
`
`using
`
`a discount
`
`rate
`
`equal
`
`to the
`
`annual
`
`effective
`
`yield
`
`on
`
`the
`
`date
`
`of
`
`death
`
`of Demi
`
`Reyes
`
`of
`
`the
`
`highest
`
`yielding
`
`U.S.
`
`treasury
`
`strip
`
`available
`
`as reported
`
`in the Wall
`
`Street
`
`Journal
`
`(or
`
`an equivalent
`
`source
`
`of
`
`such
`
`information),
`
`. plus
`
`200
`
`basis
`
`points
`
`(2 percentage
`
`points).
`
`If
`
`the
`
`of
`
`not
`
`a business
`
`the
`
`yield
`
`on
`
`the
`
`business
`
`will
`
`be
`
`used.
`
`The
`
`date
`
`death
`
`is
`
`day,
`
`next
`
`day
`
`commutation
`
`payment
`.
`
`will
`
`be determined
`
`within
`
`30
`
`days
`
`after
`
`the Annuity
`
`Issuer
`
`is notified
`
`in
`
`)-)-)1 ~I )
`writing
`
`ar
`of
`
`the
`
`death
`
`''5'
`of Dgg
`
`RaMP
`
`The
`
`commutation
`
`payment
`
`will
`
`be paid
`
`to the
`
`person,
`
`persons..
`
`or entity
`
`named
`
`as the Contingent
`
`Pavee
`
`under
`
`the Annuity
`
`Contract.
`
`The
`
`payee
`
`designation
`
`for
`
`a specific
`
`payment
`
`may
`
`be irrevocable.
`
`and
`
`nothing
`
`herein
`
`shall
`
`imply
`
`tom)
`
`)
`
`other
`
`person.
`
`that
`
`any Commutable
`
`Payment
`
`is eligible
`
`for
`
`transfer
`
`However,
`
`if Dep1M
`
`or
`
`the
`
`Trustee
`
`of
`
`the DWB
`
`RGBs
`
`Supplemental
`
`Needs
`
`Trust
`
`has
`
`transferred
`
`any
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`a
`
`specific
`
`payment
`
`to any
`
`other
`
`person
`
`pursuant
`
`to an order
`
`of a court
`
`under
`
`applicable
`
`state
`
`law..
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`so
`
`transferred
`
`will
`
`not
`
`be
`
`considered
`
`to
`
`be
`
`a Commutable
`
`Payment.
`
`The
`
`amount
`
`so
`
`from
`
`of
`
`the
`
`specific
`
`payment
`
`which
`
`is not
`
`transferred
`
`will
`
`first
`
`be
`
`deducted
`
`that
`
`portion
`
`listed
`
`12elow
`
`as a Commutable
`
`Payment.
`
`If
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`transferred
`
`cannot
`
`be
`
`fully
`
`satisfied
`
`exclusive
`
`of
`
`that
`
`portion
`
`listed
`
`below
`
`as a
`
`Conmmiable
`
`Payment,
`
`any
`
`remaining
`
`amount
`
`necessary
`
`to satisfy
`
`'
`
`said
`
`a)'ISfCI'
`transfer
`
`shall
`
`be deemed
`
`to
`
`have
`
`been
`
`removed
`
`from
`
`the Commutable
`
`Payments
`
`hereunder.
`
`COMMUTABLE
`
`I'Aar'
`PAY MENTS
`
`$50,000.00
`
`payable
`
`on 8/7/2030
`
`5
`
`l5.6i0.00
`
`)a
`
`llbfC Oll H/7
`
`-ff33
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`$100,000.00
`
`payable
`
`on 8/7/2037
`
`$173,938.47
`
`payable
`
`on 8/7/2042
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`the DIEllWI RM Supplemental
`
`Needs
`
`Trust,
`
`is
`
`authorized
`
`to
`
`issue
`
`payment
`
`of $3,500.00
`
`to Jeffrey
`
`Greener,
`
`Esq.,
`
`for
`
`legal
`
`services
`
`in drafting
`
`and
`
`creating
`
`said
`
`trust;
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`upon
`
`Defendant
`
`RICHMOND
`
`UNIVERSITY
`
`MEDICAL
`
`CENTER
`
`issuing
`
`the
`
`full
`
`settlement
`
`amount,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`law
`
`offices
`
`of Vigorito,
`
`Barker,
`
`Porter,
`
`Moody
`
`&
`
`be held
`
`indemnified
`
`claim
`
`and/or
`
`lien
`
`be claimed
`
`Patterson,
`
`shall
`
`harmless
`
`and
`
`from
`
`any
`
`that may
`
`against
`
`this
`
`lawsuit,
`
`now
`
`and
`
`in the
`
`future.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`will
`
`have
`
`the
`
`sole
`
`responsibility
`
`to address
`
`any
`
`claim
`
`and/or
`
`lien
`
`that may
`
`become
`
`known,
`
`except
`
`for
`
`the
`
`lien
`
`held
`
`by Department
`
`of Social
`
`Services,
`
`which
`
`is being
`
`satisfied
`
`within
`
`this Order,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`all
`
`sums
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein
`
`constitute
`
`damages
`
`on account
`
`ofperson
`
`physical
`
`104
`
`Internal
`
`Revenue
`
`injuries
`
`or physical
`
`sickness,
`
`within
`
`the meaning
`
`of Section
`
`(a)(2)
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Code;
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`the
`
`rights,
`
`responsibilities
`
`and
`
`obligations
`
`of
`
`Defendant
`
`and
`
`their
`
`representatives
`
`are totally
`
`extinguished
`
`and
`
`satisfied
`
`upon
`
`payment
`
`of
`
`the
`
`sums
`
`necessary
`
`for
`
`the
`
`purchase
`
`of
`
`the
`
`annuity
`
`together
`
`with
`
`an immediate
`
`payment,
`
`attorney
`
`fees
`
`and
`
`disbursements
`
`as
`
`herein
`
`ordered,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`guarantors
`
`or
`
`insurers
`
`with
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`the Defendant
`
`and their
`
`representatives
`
`are not
`
`respect
`
`to the
`
`aforementioned
`
`annuity,
`
`and
`
`that
`
`the
`
`responsibilities
`
`of
`
`the Defendant
`
`is
`
`satisfied
`
`upon
`
`issuance
`
`of
`
`the
`
`settlement
`
`monies,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`all payments
`
`from
`
`the
`
`above
`
`mentioned
`
`annuity
`
`purchased
`
`for
`
`the benefit
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Infant
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`DPEER R.
`
`shall
`
`be made
`
`payable
`
`to the DiamminRW
`
`Supplemental
`
`Needs
`
`Trust
`
`and
`
`are to be directly
`
`deposited
`
`into
`
`said
`
`Trust,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`no
`
`later
`
`than
`
`thirty
`
`(30)
`
`days
`
`after
`
`the
`
`signing
`
`of
`
`this
`
`order,
`
`the Trustee
`
`shall
`
`file
`
`an initial
`
`financial
`
`report,
`
`an
`
`executed
`
`copy
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Trust
`
`and
`
`the
`
`opening
`
`of
`
`the Trust
`
`Account
`
`and
`
`its
`
`funding
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`this Order,
`
`with
`
`the Chambers
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Judge,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is
`
`further,
`
`the
`
`financial
`
`sets
`
`reasons
`
`for
`
`in
`
`the
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`if
`
`initial
`
`report
`
`forth
`
`any
`
`a change
`
`powers
`
`authorized
`
`by
`
`the Court,
`
`the
`
`Trustees
`
`shall
`
`make
`
`an application
`
`within
`
`ten
`
`(10)
`
`days
`
`for
`
`the
`
`filing
`
`of
`
`such
`
`report
`
`for
`
`a change
`
`in powers
`
`on notice
`
`to the persons
`
`entitled
`
`to such
`
`notice,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`the Trustees
`
`shall
`
`file
`
`during
`
`the month
`
`of May
`
`each
`
`year with
`
`this Court
`
`in such
`
`form
`
`as required
`
`and
`
`shall mail
`
`of
`
`said
`
`annual
`
`an annual
`
`accounting
`
`by
`
`the Court,
`
`a copy
`
`accounting
`
`to each
`
`interested
`
`party
`
`named
`
`in the Trust,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further;
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`the DMlillR
`
`RidlllMB
`
`1>Supplemental
`
`Needs
`
`Trust
`
`attached
`
`hereto
`
`as reviewed
`
`by
`
`the Court
`
`is hereby
`
`approved
`
`and
`
`ordered
`
`to be created
`
`and VERONICA
`
`REYES,
`
`as Parent
`
`and
`
`natural
`
`guardian
`
`of DWRRIEllB,
`
`an
`
`Infant
`
`are
`
`hereby
`
`authorized,
`
`ordered,
`
`and
`
`permitted
`
`as
`
`settlor
`
`to execute
`
`the D
`
`Supplemental
`
`Needs
`
`Trust
`
`annexed
`
`hereto
`
`for
`
`the placement
`
`of net
`
`proceeds,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that VERONICA
`
`REYES,
`
`the Parent
`
`and Natural
`
`Guardian,
`
`with
`
`an address
`
`of
`
`47 Markham
`
`Lane,
`
`Apartment
`
`3B,
`
`Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York,
`
`is hereby
`
`appointed
`
`trustee
`
`of
`
`the
`
`DM RGERB
`
`Supplemental
`
`Needs
`
`Trust,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`VERONICA
`
`REYES,
`
`as Parent
`
`and
`
`Natural
`
`Guardian,
`
`trustee,
`
`shall
`
`receive
`
`a full
`
`commission
`
`pursuant
`
`to SCPA
`
`§2309
`
`or as may
`
`be modified
`
`by
`
`the Court,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is
`
`further,
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`the Trustee
`
`of
`
`the DBBa
`
`RMRBBS
`
`Supplemental
`
`Needs
`
`Trust
`
`is limited
`
`in
`
`making
`
`payments
`
`not
`
`covered
`
`the New York
`
`State Medical
`
`by
`
`Indemnity
`
`Fund;
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`the
`
`filing
`
`of a bond
`
`is not
`
`required
`
`at
`
`this
`
`time,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`VERONICA
`
`REYES,
`
`Parent
`
`and Natural
`
`Guardian,
`
`is hereby
`
`granted
`
`leave
`
`to
`
`execute
`
`a General
`
`Release,
`
`Settlement
`
`Agreement
`
`and
`
`Release
`
`and
`
`other
`
`papers
`
`or
`
`documents
`
`to effectuate
`
`the
`
`settlement
`
`embodied
`
`therein;
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`necessary
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that
`
`located
`
`at
`
`telephone
`
`number
`
`, Esq.,
`
`with
`
`an
`
`office
`
`to
`
`,
`
`be
`
`the
`
`Court
`
`Referee,
`
`who
`
`shall
`
`examine
`
`the Trustee's
`
`initial
`
`and
`
`annual
`
`accounts
`
`and
`
`file
`
`reports
`
`with
`
`the Court
`
`with
`
`each
`
`accounting,
`
`and to be a party
`
`to any
`
`applications
`
`that
`
`the Trustee
`
`or any
`
`interested
`
`party may
`
`submit
`
`to the Court,
`
`and
`
`to report
`
`to the Court
`
`as to the merits
`
`of any
`
`such
`
`application,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`is further,
`
`ORDERED,
`
`that Plaintiffs
`
`attorney
`
`shall
`
`furnish
`
`a copy
`
`of
`
`this
`
`order
`
`to said Court
`
`Referee.
`
`Enter,
`
`Hon,
`
`t
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`SUPREME
`OF THE STATE
`COURT
`COUNTY
`OF RICHMOND
`—
`----------------------------------------------------x
`D
`R
`, an infant,
`by his mother
`VERONICA
`REYES,
`guardian,
`and ANGEL
`and VERONICA
`REYES
`
`—
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`and natural
`
`CRUZ
`
`individually,
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`-against-
`
`DAVID
`H. FASTMAN,
`UNIVERSITY
`MEDICAL
`MEDICAL
`
`PRACTICE,
`
`RICHMOND
`M.D.,
`and AMBOY
`CENTER,
`P.C.,
`
`Defendants.
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`150374/2013
`
`ATTORNEY
`AFFIRMATION
`
`-------------------------------------------------------------------x
`CAROLYN
`M. CACCESE,
`
`an attorney
`
`duly
`
`admitted
`
`to practice
`
`law in the Courts
`
`of
`
`the
`
`State
`
`of New York,
`
`affirms
`
`the
`
`following
`
`under
`
`the
`
`penalties
`
`of perjury:
`
`1.
`
`I am an attorney
`
`and
`
`partner
`
`in the
`
`firm
`
`of SALENGER,
`
`SACK,
`
`KlMMEL
`
`& BAVARO,
`
`LLP,
`
`attorneys
`
`for
`
`the
`
`plaintiffs
`
`herein.
`
`I am fully
`
`familiar
`
`with
`
`the
`
`facts
`
`and
`
`circumstances,
`
`pleadings
`
`and
`
`proceedings
`
`herein.
`
`I make
`
`this
`
`Affirmation
`
`in support
`
`of
`
`the within
`
`application
`
`to compromise
`
`the
`
`infant
`
`plaintiffs
`
`cause
`
`of action.
`
`2.
`
`This
`
`is an action
`
`in negligence
`
`and malpractice
`
`surrounding
`
`the
`
`labor
`
`and
`
`sounding
`
`delivery
`
`that
`
`lead
`
`to the
`
`birth
`
`of
`
`the
`
`infant
`
`plaintiff.
`
`Veronica
`
`Reyes
`
`received
`
`her
`
`prenatal
`
`care
`
`at
`
`the
`
`facilities
`
`of defendant
`
`RICHMOND
`
`UNIVERSITY
`
`MEDICAL
`
`CENTER.
`
`Several
`
`days
`
`before
`
`delivery,
`
`she
`
`called
`
`the
`
`facility
`
`to report
`
`decreased
`
`fetal movement.
`
`Veronica
`
`thereafter
`
`presented
`
`to the
`
`facilities
`
`of defendant,
`
`Richmond
`
`University
`
`Medical
`
`Center,
`
`on August
`
`7, 2012
`
`for
`
`a regularly
`
`scheduled
`
`visit
`
`with
`
`complaints
`
`of decreased
`
`fetal movement.
`
`She was
`
`assessed
`
`and
`
`admitted
`
`to the
`
`hospital
`
`for
`
`delivery.
`
`Anesthesia
`
`was
`
`initiated
`
`to prepare
`
`for
`
`an emergent
`
`cesarean
`
`section.
`
`A bedside
`
`sonogram
`
`was
`
`utilized,
`
`and
`
`starting
`
`in the
`
`afternoon
`
`into
`
`the
`
`evening
`
`of August
`
`7 concerning
`
`findings
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`were
`
`documented,
`
`mainly
`
`decreased
`
`fetal movement.
`
`The
`
`infant
`
`was
`
`born
`
`at 3:57
`
`p.m.
`
`with
`
`APGAR
`
`scores
`
`of
`
`3, 6, and
`
`7.
`
`3.
`
`The
`
`infant
`
`required
`
`intubation
`
`at birth
`
`due
`
`to respiratory
`
`distress.
`
`She was
`
`thereafter
`
`transferred
`
`to the NICU
`
`where
`
`seizure
`
`activity
`
`was
`
`noted.
`
`4. On August
`
`15, 2012,
`
`a brain MRI
`
`performed
`
`at Richmond
`
`University
`
`Medical
`
`Center
`
`revealed
`
`a diffusion
`
`signal
`
`splenium
`
`of
`
`the
`
`corpus
`
`callosum
`
`and
`
`a high
`
`abnormality
`
`in the
`
`flair
`
`signal
`
`in the
`
`occipital
`
`parietal
`
`with
`
`cortical
`
`distribution
`
`bilaterally
`
`consistent
`
`with
`
`moderate
`
`hypoxic-ischemic
`
`encephalopathy
`
`in a term infant.
`
`A follow
`
`up MRI
`
`revealed
`
`loss
`
`of white
`
`matter
`
`and
`
`abnormalities.
`
`She was
`
`later
`
`diagnosed
`
`with
`
`periventricular
`
`leukomalacia.
`
`Her
`
`brain
`
`injuries
`
`are permanent.
`
`She
`
`is delayed
`
`in her
`
`cognitive
`
`abilities.
`
`She
`
`has
`
`received
`
`physical
`
`therapy,
`
`occupational
`
`therapy,
`
`and
`
`speech
`
`therapy.
`
`Select
`
`medical
`
`records
`
`are
`
`attached
`
`B.
`
`to the Petition
`
`as Exhibit
`
`5.
`
`An Affirmation
`
`from
`
`Dr. Daniel
`
`Adler,
`
`is attached
`
`to the Petition
`
`as Exhibit
`
`C.
`
`It
`
`is the
`
`opinion
`
`of Dr.
`
`Adler
`
`that
`
`the
`
`infant
`
`plaintiff
`
`is a qualified
`
`plaintiff
`
`as defined
`
`by Public
`
`Health
`
`Law
`
`Sec.
`
`2999-h
`
`because
`
`she
`
`suffered
`
`a birth-related
`
`neurological
`
`injury
`
`as a
`
`result
`
`of
`
`complications
`
`encountered
`
`during
`
`the
`
`labor
`
`and
`
`delivery
`
`process.
`
`6. On May
`
`15, 2013,
`
`the
`
`law
`
`firm of Salenger,
`
`Sack,
`
`Kimmel
`
`& Bavaro,
`
`was
`
`retained
`
`by
`
`Veronica
`
`Reyes,
`
`to investigate
`
`claims
`
`of medical
`
`malpractice
`
`during
`
`the prenatal
`
`care
`
`as
`
`well
`
`as the
`
`labor
`
`and
`
`delivery
`
`the
`
`infant.
`
`The
`
`retainer
`
`agreement
`
`provides
`
`that
`
`the
`
`firm
`
`is
`
`to receive
`
`compensation,
`
`subject
`
`to court
`
`approval,
`
`calculated
`
`according
`
`to the medical
`
`malpractice
`
`sliding
`
`scale
`
`against
`
`the net
`
`sum recovered,
`
`either
`
`by
`
`suit
`
`or settlement,
`
`plus
`
`all
`
`costs,
`
`disbursements,
`
`and
`
`expenses.
`
`A retainer
`
`statement
`
`dated May
`
`24,
`
`2013
`
`was
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`filed
`
`with
`
`the Office
`
`of Court
`
`Administration
`
`and
`
`assigned
`
`OCA number
`
`3721721.
`
`The
`
`retainers
`
`are
`
`attached
`
`to the Petition
`
`as Exhibit
`
`D.
`
`7.
`
`Immediately
`
`upon
`
`being
`
`retained,
`
`an investigation
`
`was made
`
`into
`
`the
`
`facts
`
`and
`
`circumstances
`
`of
`
`the
`
`labor
`
`and
`
`delivery
`
`events.
`
`Medical
`
`records
`
`were
`
`obtained
`
`and
`
`multiple
`
`medical
`
`experts
`
`were
`
`retained.
`
`8.
`
`and
`
`was
`
`depositions
`
`and
`
`was
`
`A summons
`
`complaint
`
`filed
`
`in this
`
`action,
`
`held,
`
`discovery
`
`exchanged.
`
`A copy
`
`of
`
`the Summons
`
`and Complaint
`
`is annexed
`
`to the Petition
`
`as Exhibit
`
`E.
`
`During
`
`the
`
`pendency
`
`of
`
`this matter,
`
`the
`
`firm
`
`spent
`
`numerous
`
`hours
`
`in the
`
`drafting
`
`of
`
`documents
`
`as well
`
`as preparation
`
`for
`
`depositions,
`
`and
`
`conferred
`
`with
`
`our
`
`retained
`
`medical
`
`experts.
`
`9.
`
`After
`
`the
`
`of
`
`the Note
`
`of
`
`all
`
`defendants
`
`moved
`
`for
`
`judgment.
`
`Our
`
`filing
`
`Issue,
`
`summary
`
`firm
`
`opposed
`
`the motions,
`
`utilizing
`
`an expert
`
`affirmation
`
`to oppose
`
`the motion
`
`of
`
`the
`
`hospital.
`
`The motion
`
`was
`
`granted
`
`solely
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`that
`
`it dismissed
`
`the negligent
`
`hiring
`
`and
`
`lack
`
`of
`
`informed
`
`consent
`
`causes
`
`of action.
`
`The motion
`
`of defendant
`
`David
`
`H.
`
`Fastman,
`
`M.D.
`
`was
`
`opposed
`
`on legal
`
`grounds,
`
`however
`
`the motion
`
`was
`
`granted
`
`in favor
`
`of defendant.
`
`to settle
`
`the
`
`case
`
`for
`
`with
`
`of
`
`10. An offer
`
`was made
`
`$800,000.00,
`
`50.5%
`
`the
`
`damages
`
`attributed
`
`"fund"
`
`to
`
`damages,
`
`and
`
`49.5%
`
`attributed
`
`to
`
`"non-fund"
`
`damages.
`
`11. Plaintiff
`
`proposes
`
`a breakdown
`
`of
`
`this
`
`settlement
`
`which
`
`is contained
`
`with
`
`the
`
`"Calculation
`
`Worksheet"
`
`annexed
`
`to the Petition
`
`as Exhibit
`
`A.
`
`In accordance
`
`with
`
`the
`
`settlement
`
`agreement,
`
`50.5%
`
`of
`
`the
`
`damages
`
`are considered
`
`NYS MIF
`
`damages.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`proposes
`
`that
`
`the
`
`$800,000.00
`
`settlement
`
`be distributed
`
`as follows:
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`A-
`
`$97,754.89
`
`Attorney,
`reduced
`(Future
`
`made
`as part
`
`sliding
`Medical
`
`Care)
`
`to
`Court
`
`payable
`of
`their
`scale
`retainer
`related
`in accordance
`
`Salenger,
`approved
`to proportionate
`NYSMI
`with
`
`Kimmel
`Sack,
`attorneys'
`
`& Bavaro,
`accordance
`in
`fund
`as to
`
`§2999(j)(14);
`
`fees
`
`share
`PHL
`
`Fund
`
`Plaintiffs
`with
`damages
`
`a
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`a reduced
`
`B-
`
`C-
`
`D-
`
`E-
`
`F-
`
`$95,819.14
`
`Attorney,
`
`sliding
`
`made
`as part
`scale
`retainer
`
`of
`
`payable
`the Court
`related
`
`to
`Salenger,
`approved
`to proportionate
`
`Sack,
`attorneys'
`
`share
`
`& Bavaro,
`Kimmel,
`in accordance
`with
`fees
`as to non-fund
`
`damages;
`
`$I2,185.03
`satisfaction
`
`made
`of
`the
`
`payable
`lien
`held
`
`to Department
`on behalf
`
`of Social
`of Demi
`
`Reyes,
`
`Services
`
`for
`
`the
`
`full
`
`and
`
`final
`
`Infant,
`
`$19,629.84
`
`Attorney,
`
`made
`their
`
`for
`
`payable
`Court
`
`to
`approved
`
`Salenger,
`
`Sack,
`
`Kimmel,
`
`disbursements;
`
`& Bavaro,
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`$50,000
`for
`
`loss
`
`made
`of
`
`services;
`
`payable
`
`to VERONICA
`
`REYES,
`
`as Parent
`
`and Natural
`
`Guardian,
`
`$6,245.1
`
`1 made
`
`payable
`
`to the DannahR8EEOSupplemental
`
`Needs
`
`Trust;
`
`purchase
`
`G -
`
`$218,365.99
`of an annuity
`future
`periodic
`
`made
`payable
`the
`benefit
`for
`payments
`
`to BHG Structured
`of Demi
`Reyes
`to the TRUST:
`
`Settlements
`which
`will
`
`Inc.
`provide
`
`for
`the
`
`the
`
`following
`
`Payee:
`
`Demi
`
`Reyes
`
`Supplemental
`
`Needs
`
`Trust
`
`Guaranteed
`
`Lump
`
`Sums:
`
`$50,000.00
`
`payable
`
`on 08/07/2030
`
`$75,000.00
`
`payable
`
`on 08/07/2033
`
`$100,000.00
`
`payable
`
`on 08/07/2037
`
`$173,938.47
`
`payable
`
`on 08/07/2042
`
`The
`
`annuity
`
`contract
`
`will
`
`be issued
`
`by First
`
`Berkshire
`
`Hathaway
`
`Life
`
`Insurance
`
`Company
`
`which
`
`is licensed
`
`to do business
`
`in the State
`
`of New York.
`
`The
`
`defendant
`
`will
`
`assign
`
`the
`
`obligation
`
`to make
`
`the
`
`future
`
`periodic
`
`payments
`
`to BHG Structured
`
`Settlements
`
`Inc.
`
`per
`
`IRC
`
`Section
`
`130. Columbia
`
`Insurance
`
`Company
`
`will
`
`issue
`
`a letter
`
`of
`
`guarantee
`
`covering
`
`the
`
`obligation
`
`of BHG Structured
`
`Settlements,
`
`Inc.
`
`are as follows:
`
`The
`ratings
`AM Best
`
`A+
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`See Petition
`
`Exhibit
`
`E
`
`12.
`
`I
`
`recommend
`
`that
`
`the
`
`settlement
`
`be approved.
`
`Although
`
`the infant
`
`plaintiff
`
`will
`
`never
`
`fully
`
`recover
`
`from
`
`her
`
`injuries,
`
`she has been
`
`offered
`
`a sum that will
`
`compensate
`
`her
`
`and
`
`assist
`
`in maintaining
`
`her
`
`needs
`
`throughout
`
`her
`
`life.
`
`In addition,
`
`the trial
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action
`
`certainly
`
`has
`
`its
`
`risks.
`
`According
`
`to expert
`
`affirmations
`
`attached
`
`to the motions
`
`of
`
`defendants,
`
`experts
`
`are prepared
`
`to testify
`
`that
`
`the
`
`actions
`
`of defendants
`
`did
`
`not
`
`cause
`
`the
`
`infant's
`
`injuries.
`
`Thus,
`
`a verdict
`
`for
`
`the
`
`defendants
`
`is possible.
`
`It
`
`is our
`
`view
`
`that
`
`the
`
`benefits
`
`of
`
`the
`
`settlement
`
`offer
`
`outweighs
`
`the
`
`risks
`
`of pursuing
`
`the case
`
`to verdict.
`
`13. The Office
`
`of
`
`the Medicaid
`
`Inspector
`
`General
`
`is asserting
`
`a lien
`
`on the proceeds
`
`in the
`
`amount
`
`as a result
`
`of medical
`
`to the infant
`
`plaintiff.
`
`See
`
`of $12,185.03
`
`care
`
`provided
`
`Exhibit
`
`F of
`
`the Petition.
`
`The
`
`petitioners
`
`are
`
`aware
`
`of
`
`this
`
`lien
`
`and consent
`
`to payment
`
`of
`
`the
`
`same.
`
`14. Petitioner
`
`Veronica
`
`Reyes
`
`requests
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of $50,000.00
`
`for her
`
`claim
`
`as to loss
`
`of
`
`services.
`
`15. Petitioner
`
`Veronica
`
`Reyes
`
`requests
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of $6,245.11
`
`to be placed
`
`in the TRUST.
`
`A copy
`
`of
`
`the
`
`trust
`
`is attached
`
`to the Petitions
`
`as Exhibit
`
`G.
`
`16. Your
`
`affiant's
`
`incurred
`
`of
`
`law office
`
`has
`
`the
`
`necessary
`
`expenses
`
`in the prosecution
`
`this
`
`action
`
`in the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`$19,629.84
`
`(nineteen
`
`thousand
`
`six
`
`hundred
`
`twenty
`
`nine
`
`dollars
`
`and
`
`eighty
`
`four
`
`cents).
`
`An itemized
`
`list
`
`of disbursements
`
`is annexed
`
`to the Petition
`
`as
`
`Exhibit
`
`A.
`
`17. Petitioner
`
`Veronica
`
`Reyes
`
`consents
`
`and
`
`agrees
`
`to the
`
`legal
`
`fees
`
`to the
`
`firm of Salenger,
`
`Sack,
`
`Kinunel
`
`and Bavaro
`
`in
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`$193,574,03.
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`18. Petitioner
`
`Veronica
`
`Reyes
`
`consents
`
`and
`
`requests
`
`that
`
`from
`
`the TRUST,
`
`a legal
`
`fee of
`
`$3,500.00
`
`be paid
`
`to Jeffrey
`
`Greener,
`
`Esq.,
`
`for
`
`legal
`
`services
`
`rendered
`
`in drafting
`
`and
`
`creating
`
`said
`
`TRUST.
`
`19. Neither
`
`your
`
`affiant,
`
`nor
`
`our
`
`firm,
`
`has directly
`
`or
`
`indirectly
`
`become
`
`concerned
`
`in this
`
`adverse
`
`to the
`
`infant
`
`plaintiff
`
`we
`
`have
`
`not
`
`received
`
`and
`
`are not
`
`to
`
`action,
`
`or with
`
`interests
`
`receive
`
`any
`
`compensation
`
`from
`
`such
`
`party
`
`directly
`
`or
`
`indirectly,
`
`nor
`
`from
`
`any
`
`person
`
`or
`
`firm
`
`in connection
`
`with
`
`this matter,
`
`we have
`
`no
`
`interest
`
`and
`
`represent
`
`no interest
`
`which
`
`conflicts
`
`with
`
`that
`
`of
`
`the
`
`infant
`
`plaintiff,
`
`but
`
`are
`
`acting
`
`solely
`
`in the interest
`
`and
`
`for
`
`the
`
`infant
`
`not
`
`represent
`
`anyone
`
`other
`
`than
`
`the
`
`infant
`
`benefit
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiff.
`
`Your
`
`affiant
`
`does
`
`plaintiff
`
`and
`
`her mother
`
`in connection
`
`with
`
`the
`
`occurrence
`
`out
`
`of which
`
`the
`
`infant
`
`plaintiffs
`
`claim
`
`arose.
`
`20.
`
`It
`
`is respectfully
`
`requested
`
`that
`
`the Court
`
`consent
`
`to the
`
`settlement
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action
`
`as set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`21. No previous
`
`application
`
`for
`
`the
`
`relief
`
`sought
`
`herein
`
`has
`
`been made
`
`to this
`
`or any
`
`other
`
`Court.
`
`action
`
`to the Court's
`
`22. No other
`
`is currently
`
`pending
`
`or being
`
`contemplated
`
`subject
`
`approval
`
`of
`
`this
`
`petition.
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`your
`
`affiant
`
`respectfully
`
`requests
`
`that
`
`this Court
`
`grant
`
`the
`
`annexed
`
`Order
`
`authorizing
`
`settlement
`
`of
`
`this matter,
`
`distribution
`
`of
`
`the
`
`settlement
`
`proceeds
`
`and
`
`discharging
`
`the
`
`defendants
`
`from
`
`any
`
`other
`
`claim,
`
`and
`
`for
`
`such
`
`other
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`as this
`
`Court
`
`deems
`
`just
`
`and
`
`proper,
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`Dated:
`
`January
`Woodbury,
`
`5, 2018
`New York
`
`& Bavaro
`
`Carolyn
`Salenger
`Attorneys
`180 Froehlich
`
`M. Caccese
`Sack
`Kimmel
`for Plaintiffs
`Farm Blvd.
`NY 11797
`Woodbury
`677-0100
`(516)
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`COURT
`OF THE STATE
`SUPREME
`OF RICHMOND
`COUNTY
`---------------------------------x
`D
`by his mother
`an infant,
`REEE9,
`VERONICA
`REYES,
`guardian,
`and ANGEL
`and VERONICA
`REYES
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`and natural
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`150374/2013
`
`CRUZ
`
`individually,
`
`PETITION
`
`-against-
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`DAVID
`H. FASTMAN,
`MEDICAL
`UNIVERSITY
`MEDICAL
`
`PRACTICE,
`
`RICHMOND
`and AMBOY
`
`M.D.,
`CENTER,
`P.C.,
`
`--------------------------------------x
`STATE OF NEW YORK
`COUNTY
`OF RICHMOND
`
`}
`}
`
`Defendants.
`
`VERONICA
`
`REYES,
`
`being
`
`duly
`
`sworn,
`
`deposes
`
`and says:
`
`1.
`
`I am the mother
`
`and natural
`
`guardian
`
`of
`
`the infant
`
`plaintiff,
`
`D.R.,
`
`a minor
`
`under
`
`the age of
`
`14 years,
`
`who
`
`is presently
`
`residing
`
`with me at 47 Markham
`
`Lane,
`
`Apartment
`
`3B, Staten
`
`Island,
`
`New York.
`
`D.R.,
`
`was born
`
`on August
`
`7, 2012,
`
`and is presently
`
`five
`
`years
`
`old.
`
`2
`
`I received
`
`all prenatal
`
`care
`
`from Richmond
`
`University
`
`Medical
`
`Center
`
`during my
`
`decreased
`
`pregnancy.
`
`Several
`
`days
`
`prior
`
`to delivery,
`
`I contacted
`
`the hospital
`
`regarding
`
`fetal
`
`movement,
`
`and was
`
`informed
`
`to take
`
`some
`
`ice,
`
`and that
`
`the baby
`
`had dropped.
`
`3.
`
`On August
`
`7, 2012
`
`I presented
`
`to Richmond
`
`University
`
`Medical
`
`Center
`
`Clinic
`
`for a
`
`scheduled
`
`appointment,
`
`and was
`
`sent
`
`to Labor
`
`and Delivery
`
`for admission.
`
`I was 38 weeks
`
`pregnant.
`
`4. My daughter
`
`was
`
`bom at 3:57
`
`p.m.
`
`on August
`
`7, 2012,
`
`weighing
`
`7 pounds.
`
`Her Apgar
`
`scores were
`
`3 at one minute,
`
`6 at
`
`five minutes,
`
`and 7 at
`
`ten minutes.
`
`She was
`
`taken
`
`to
`
`NICU,
`
`where
`
`she
`
`suffered
`
`a
`
`seizure,
`
`multi-organ
`
`failure,
`
`respiratory
`
`failure,
`
`and was
`
`later
`
`

`

`FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 10/03/2017
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 85
`
`INDEX NO. 150374/2013
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/16/2018
`
`intubated.
`
`She thereafter
`
`was diagnosed
`
`with
`
`hypoxic-ischemic
`
`encephalopathy.
`
`She has
`
`been
`
`under
`
`the care
`
`of a pediatric
`
`neurologist
`
`since
`
`birth.
`
`5.
`
`As a result
`
`of her
`
`diagnosis,
`
`my daughter
`
`has significant
`
`developmental
`
`delays.
`
`She
`
`received
`
`Early
`
`Intervention
`
`services,
`
`and
`
`has attended
`
`schools
`
`with
`
`programs
`
`for
`
`children
`
`with
`
`special
`
`needs.
`
`She continues
`
`to undergo
`
`various
`
`therapies,
`
`and will
`
`continue
`
`to do
`
`so.
`
`Select
`
`medical
`
`B.
`
`records
`
`are attached
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`6.
`
`An Affirmation
`
`from
`
`Dr. Daniel
`
`Adler
`
`is attached
`
`hereto
`
`as Exhibit
`
`C.
`
`It
`
`is the opinion
`
`of Dr. Adler
`
`that my daughter
`
`is a qualified
`
`plaintiff
`
`as defined
`
`by Public
`
`Health
`
`Law
`
`Sec.
`
`2999-h
`
`because
`
`she suffered
`
`a birth-related
`
`neurological
`
`injury
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`complications
`
`encountered
`
`during
`
`the labor
`
`and delivery
`
`process.
`
`7.
`
`On May
`
`15, 2013,
`
`I retained
`
`the law firm of Salenger,
`
`Sack,
`
`Kimmel
`
`& Bavaro,
`
`to
`
`investigate
`
`claims
`
`malpractice
`
`the labor
`
`of medical
`
`during
`
`and delivery
`
`of my daughter.
`
`The
`
`retainer
`
`agreement
`
`provides
`
`that
`
`the
`
`firm is to receive
`
`compensation,
`
`subject
`
`to court
`
`approval,
`
`calculated
`
`according
`
`to the medical
`
`malpractice
`
`sliding
`
`scale
`
`against
`
`the net
`
`sum recovered,
`
`either
`
`by
`
`suit
`
`or settlement,
`
`plus
`
`all
`
`costs,
`
`disbursements,
`
`and expenses.
`
`A
`
`retainer
`
`statement
`
`dated May
`
`24, 2013
`
`was
`
`filed
`
`with