FILED: RICHMOND COUNTY CLERK 05/10/ :24 PM INDEX NO /2016 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 32 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/10/2018

Similar documents
Bartlett v Espinosa 2015 NY Slip Op 30556(U) April 7, 2015 Sup Ct, Queens County Docket Number: 11360/2013 Judge: Robert J. McDonald Cases posted

Hicks v Gelbien 2015 NY Slip Op 31590(U) August 20, 2015 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: 17432/2013 Judge: Robert J.

Yi Chen v Clark 2015 NY Slip Op 30840(U) April 2, 2015 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /11 Judge: Wilma Guzman Cases posted with a

De Jesus v Reynoso 2016 NY Slip Op 31103(U) May 17, 2016 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: 23011/2013 Judge: Alison Y. Tuitt Cases posted

Upon reading the papers submitted and due deliberation having been had herein, motion

Kester v Sendoya 2013 NY Slip Op 32077(U) August 29, 2013 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /11 Judge: Arlene Bluth Cases posted

Land v Sherman 2014 NY Slip Op 33561(U) October 22, 2014 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /12 Judge: Mark Friedlander Cases posted

Vazquez v Charnjit Kaur & Viixi Taxi, Inc NY Slip Op 31722(U) September 8, 2015 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: 11728/2013 Judge:

Sandoval v Urena 2017 NY Slip Op 31588(U) July 28, 2017 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /13 Judge: Paul A. Goetz Cases posted

Yong v Gokhul 2014 NY Slip Op 33340(U) August 12, 2014 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: /2012 Judge: Robert J. McDonald Cases posted

Akter v Barabas 2013 NY Slip Op 30970(U) May 3, 2013 Sup Ct, Queens County Docket Number: /2011 Judge: Robert J. McDonald Republished from New

MD Hossain v Chona Tr NY Slip Op 30471(U) March 31, 2015 Sup Ct, Queens County Docket Number: 17020/2011 Judge: Robert J. McDonald Cases posted

James v Nailey 2013 NY Slip Op 31203(U) May 31, 2013 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: 10126/10 Judge: Orin R. Kitzes Republished from New

Stickney v Akhar 2016 NY Slip Op 31054(U) March 21, 2016 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /12 Judge: Arlene P. Bluth Cases posted

Beato v Ottenwalder 2017 NY Slip Op 30919(U) April 12, 2017 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /14 Judge: Armando Montano Cases posted

Justice. The following paper read on this motion: Notice of Motion... 1 Affidavit in Opposition... 2 Reply Affirmation l&2000 of Dr.

Frederique v Chatterjee 2013 NY Slip Op 32350(U) October 1, 2013 Sup Ct, NY County Docket Number: /10 Judge: Arlene P. Bluth Cases posted with

Shorter v Calderon 2014 NY Slip Op 30065(U) January 10, 2014 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: 9133/2012 Judge: Robert J.

Ahmed v Kahman 2014 NY Slip Op 33320(U) May 9, 2014 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /08 Judge: Ben R. Barbato Cases posted with a

Cisse v Style Coach Corp NY Slip Op 32228(U) October 19, 2017 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /15 Judge: Paul A.

Matthew v Brown 2018 NY Slip Op 33173(U) December 10, 2018 Supreme Court, Kings County Docket Number: /16 Judge: Debra Silber Cases posted with

Rodriguez v Krasdale Foods, Inc NY Slip Op 32159(U) November 9, 2015 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: /2013 Judge: David

Defina v Daniel 2014 NY Slip Op 33750(U) March 4, 2014 Supreme Court, Nassau County Docket Number: 13784/12 Judge: Thomas Feinman Cases posted with a

Windley v Rodriquez 2016 NY Slip Op 30894(U) April 1, 2016 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /2009 Judge: Sharon A.M.

Aziz v Manley 2010 NY Slip Op 33279(U) November 16, 2010 Supreme Court, Nassau County Docket Number: 18210/08 Judge: Thomas A. Adams Republished from

SHORT FORM ORDER SUPREME COURT - STATE OF NEW YORK Present: HON. JOSEPH COVELLO Justice. Motion Seq. No. : 001 ALFRED G. OSBOURNE and BRIAN G.

Taylor-Wilson v Breitbart 2015 NY Slip Op 30793(U) April 13, 2015 Sup Ct, Bronx County Docket Number: /11 Judge: Ben R. Barbato Cases posted

Goldstein v Larssan 2011 NY Slip Op 30770(U) March 21, 2011 Supreme Court, Nassau County Docket Number: 3928/09 Judge: Antonio I.

Lee v Kent 2013 NY Slip Op 30197(U) January 30, 2013 Sup Ct, Queens County Docket Number: 20814/2011 Judge: Robert J. McDonald Republished from New

Sanchez v Ka 2013 NY Slip Op 30194(U) January 30, 2013 Sup Ct, Queens County Docket Number: 15604/2010 Judge: Robert J. McDonald Republished from New

Tejada-Guadalupe v Adelfa Livery Corp NY Slip Op 31106(U) May 13, 2016 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /2012 Judge: Alison Y.

Gonzalez v Thomas 2013 NY Slip Op 33957(U) August 13, 2013 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /10 Judge: Ben R. Barbato Cases posted

plaintiff did not suffer a serious injury as defined in Insurance Law

Padovani v Little Richie Bus Serv. Inc NY Slip Op 33955(U) August 5, 2013 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /10 Judge: Mitchell

Ngom v New York City Tr. Auth NY Slip Op 33406(U) December 18, 2018 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /2016 Judge: Lisa A.

Martin v Nyell Mgt NY Slip Op 30677(U) March 25, 2016 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /12 Judge: Wilma Guzman Cases posted

State of New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department

NEW YORK SUPREME COURT - QUEENS COUNTY

SHORT FORM ORDER TRIAL/IAS PART 37. Plaintiff NASSAU COUNTY INDEX NO MOTION SEQUENCE:

Destra v Magett 2011 NY Slip Op 30260(U) January 25, 2011 Sup Ct, Suffolk County Docket Number: Judge: Ralph T. Gazzillo Republished from

Ramirez v Montero 2015 NY Slip Op 30278(U) February 4, 2015 Supreme Court, Suffolk County Docket Number: 27335/2012 Judge: William B.

Titikpina v Conde 2015 NY Slip Op 30797(U) March 6, 2015 Sup Ct, Bronx County Docket Number: /2012 Judge: Julia I. Rodriguez Cases posted with

Torres v Budlong 2017 NY Slip Op 32399(U) October 6, 2017 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /2013 Judge: Wilma Guzman Cases posted

Jackson v Mariam Et Alassane Car Serv., Inc. v 2014 NY Slip Op 33293(U) February 18, 2014 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /2011

plaintiffs in a motor vehicle accident on August 3 1, Mohinder alleges that he sustained the following injuries:

Scott v Metrostar Cab Corp NY Slip Op 31016(U) May 12, 2017 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /2014 Judge: Paul A.

Smith v Grajales 2018 NY Slip Op 33453(U) November 29, 2018 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: 1689/16 Judge: Leslie J. Purificacion Cases

Floyd v Thomas 2017 NY Slip Op 31452(U) July 5, 2017 Supreme Court, Kings County Docket Number: /13 Judge: Debra Silber Cases posted with a

Torain v Gaye 2012 NY Slip Op 33895(U) March 9, 2012 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /2009 Judge: Betty Owen Stinson Cases posted

Greenberg v Martin 2011 NY Slip Op 30242(U) January 18, 2011 Sup Ct, Nassau County Docket Number: 22185/08 Judge: Michele M. Woodard Republished from

Altavilla v Venti Transp., Inc NY Slip Op 33295(U) December 18, 2018 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /2016 Judge: Adam

Forman v Rizvi 2012 NY Slip Op 31388(U) May 7, 2012 Supreme Court, Nassau County Docket Number: /10 Judge: Randy Sue Marber Republished from

Amkraut v Evens 2013 NY Slip Op 33950(U) August 16, 2013 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /2009 Judge: Mitchell J.

Griffith v Moya 2014 NY Slip Op 30066(U) January 9, 2014 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: 20917/2012 Judge: Robert J.

NOT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE APPELLATE DIVISION

Gonzalez v Oleiveira 2013 NY Slip Op 33953(U) August 2, 2013 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /10 Judge: Mary Ann Brigantti-Hughes

NOT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE APPELLATE DIVISION

Cooper v Campbell 2017 NY Slip Op 30709(U) April 13, 2017 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /2014 Judge: Paul A. Goetz Cases posted

The following paper read on this motion: Notice of Motion... Affmation in Opposition... Upon the foregoing papers, the motion by defendant, Atanase

Osterhout v Banker 2010 NY Slip Op 31776(U) July 13, 2010 Supreme Court, Wayne County Docket Number: 67032/2009 Judge: Dennis M.

Garcia-Aquirre v Boccio 2013 NY Slip Op 30379(U) February 6, 2013 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: 3136/11 Judge: Howard G.

TFU/D\S, PART 6 NASSAU COUNTY. INEX No /04. In this action plaintiff seeks to recover damages for personal injures allegedly sustained by the

Rodriguez v Joshua Taxi Inc NY Slip Op 31469(U) July 2, 2013 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: 16091/2011 Judge: Robert J.

Hong Gwon Ka v Yong Xin Liu 2011 NY Slip Op 33612(U) September 26, 2011 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: 2130/2009 Judge: Robert J.

Palmer v Charles 2011 NY Slip Op 34248(U) October 21, 2011 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /09 Judge: Lizbeth Gonzalez Cases posted

Diaz v Acevedo 2014 NY Slip Op 33314(U) July 10, 2014 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /2011 Judge: Norma Ruiz Cases posted with a

Campbell v Fischetti 2013 NY Slip Op 31241(U) June 11, 2013 Supreme Court, NY County Docket Number: /10 Judge: Arlene P. Bluth Republished from

Martin v Portexit Corp NY Slip Op 33874(U) July 1, 2010 Sup Ct, Bronx County Docket Number: /07 Judge: Jr., Kenneth L.

Armella-Manoly v Platt 2010 NY Slip Op 31364(U) May 18, 2010 Sup Ct, Nassau County Docket Number: /09 Judge: John M. Galasso Republished from

Nelson v Ambery 2013 NY Slip Op 33788(U) July 19, 2013 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /11 Judge: Ben R. Barbato Cases posted with a

Gomez v Canada Dry Bottling Co. of N.Y., L.P NY Slip Op 32499(U) October 5, 2018 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: 7513/15 Judge:

Pakeman v Karekezi 2011 NY Slip Op 34035(U) May 9, 2011 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /2009 Judge: Diane A. Lebedeff Cases posted

Present: HON. KENNETH A. DAVIS, Justice TRIAL/IAS, PART 10 NASSAU COUNTY EMELINDO GARCIA and FEDELINA GARCIA, Defendants.

Rosario v Morales 2016 NY Slip Op 30373(U) March 3, 2016 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /13 Judge: Leticia M.

Plaintiff(s), Defendant(s).

SUPREME COURT - STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU - PART 22. Justice

Park v Flynn 2019 NY Slip Op 30619(U) March 13, 2019 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /2016 Judge: Adam Silvera Cases posted with

Mendoza v New York City Tr. Auth NY Slip Op 33200(U) December 13, 2018 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /2016 Judge: Adam

Ying Luan Yang v Yusupov 2007 NY Slip Op 32862(U) August 19, 2007 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /2006 Judge: Deborah A.

STATE OF MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU. motion seeking an order granting him summary judgment, pursuant to CPLR

Mathura v Davalus 2018 NY Slip Op 33399(U) November 13, 2018 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: /2016 Judge: Cheree A.

Deoliveira v Singh 2011 NY Slip Op 31068(U) April 20, 2011 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: 19339/2007 Judge: Robert J.

Style v Abbott 2014 NY Slip Op 33232(U) January 23, 2014 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /2013 Judge: Lucindo Suarez Cases posted

State of New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department

Rivera v Moran 2012 NY Slip Op 30204(U) January 11, 2012 Supreme Court, Nassau County Docket Number: 9658/09 Judge: R. Bruce Cozzens Republished from

Nicole v RJ Lease Mgt. Corp NY Slip Op 31987(U) September 15, 2016 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /2013 Judge: Wilma Guzman

Morel v Executive Pickups 2013 NY Slip Op 33734(U) May 16, 2013 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /2009 Judge: Robert E.

Furman v Lattka 2013 NY Slip Op 30482(U) February 14, 2013 Supreme Court, Suffolk County Docket Number: 26488/2008 Judge: William B.

Siguenza v Pertile 2010 NY Slip Op 30780(U) April 6, 2010 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /2007 Judge: George J.

State of New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department

Pascocello v Jibone 2016 NY Slip Op 32266(U) November 3, 2016 Supreme Court, New York County Docket Number: /14 Judge: Leticia M.

Rodriguez v Russel 2013 NY Slip Op 33954(U) August 22, 2013 Supreme Court, Bronx County Docket Number: /09 Judge: Ben R. Barbato Cases posted

Valentine v Monterroso 2010 NY Slip Op 32614(U) July 30, 2010 Supreme Court, Queens County Docket Number: Judge: Robert J.

STATE OF MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU. Plaintiff MICHELE M. WOODARD, J.

State of New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department

Palacios v Kochmann 2018 NY Slip Op 33396(U) December 18, 2018 Supreme Court, Suffolk County Docket Number: 32390/2012 Judge: Jr., Paul J.

Silye v Singh 2011 NY Slip Op 31283(U) May 13, 2011 Sup Ct, Queens County Docket Number: 16899/2008 Judge: Robert J. McDonald Republished from New

BEFORE THE ARKANSAS WORKERS COMPENSATION COMMISSION CLAIM NO. F DALE W. CLARK, EMPLOYEE OPINION FILED JUNE 21, 2004

Transcription:

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF RICHMOND MICHELLE R. SILFAN, Index 0:151529i2016 -against- Plaintiff(s), AFFIRMATION IN OPPOSITION ARLENE S. TOURANCE ------- Defendant(s.) DAVID J. SEIDEMANN, an attorney duly admitted to practice law before the Courts of the State of New York, affirms pursuant to CPLR 2106 as follows: 1. I am a member of the Law Offices of Seidemann 8 Mermelstein, attorney for Plaintiff and am fully familiar with the facts and circumstances surrounding this matter. 2. This affirmation is submitted in opposition to Defendant's motion for summary judgment wherein they seek to dismiss Plaintiffs claims for personal injury. Defendant alleges that Plaintiff has failed to satisfy section 5102 of the insurance law. 3. In support of said motion, Defendant submits an attorney's affirmation the medical reports of a Dr. Edward Palluzzi, Dr. Carly Glastein and the Radiological reports of Dr. Howard Kiezner. 1 of 22

4. At the outset, it is striking the doctors hired by Defendant to examine Plaintiff and her records, arrive at almost mutually exclusive conclusions. Dr. Feit who read the MRI reports but did not examine Plaintiff, opined that Michelle Silfan's spine is riddled with degenerative disc disease, the result of which should produce tremendous restriction of motion. However, Dr. Rubinshteyn who examined the Plaintiff but not the films opines that plaintiff not only has no restriction of motion but is actually super human. For example, normal range of motion according to Dr. Rubinshteyn for lumbar flexion is 60 degrees. Plaintiff, according to Dr. Rubinshteyn measures 100 degrees. In each one of lumbar planes, Dr. Rubinshteyn finds that Plaintiff exceeds by a large percentage the normal range of motion. It is difficult to reconcile Dr. Feit's findings with Dr. Rubinshteyn's findings and they therefore should both be rejected outright. They are conclusory and proferred to deligitemize Plaintiffs claim. 5. All of the reports of the other doctors who treated and observed Plaintiff are incorporated into Plaintiffs treating physician's file. Additionally, they were relied upon in Defendant's moving papers. 6. Not only does Dr. Rubinshteyn contradict Dr. Feit, Dr. Rubinshteyn contradicts himself opining and unrestricted that Plaintiff suffers from pre existing degenerative joint disease but complete range of motion, 2 of 22

7. Defense counsel argues that Plaintiff presented with a degenerative condition called osteoarthritis which preceded this motor vehicle accident. Yet, the doctor hired by Defendant affirms that Plaintiff, (despite the osteoarthritis) has complete and total range of motion in the lumbar, cervical and shoulder areas and range of motion which exceeds the average human being. 8. The "take away" from that position espoused by defense counsel and the defense doctors, is that Plaintiff's osteoarthritis condition has absolutely no effect on Plaintiff's mobility. Full range of motion was measured by Dr. Rubinshteyn despite an opinion of Dr. Feit that plaintiff's body is riddled with a degenerative spine disease. 9. That would lead any rational mind to conclude that if plaintiff has herniated discs confirmed by MRI, and measured restriction of motion measured over a period of time, and not during a ten minute exam by the defense doctors, that said pain and restriction of motion must be as a result of the motor vehicle accident of April 26, 2015. Defense counsel's position combined with the findings of the defense doctors, confirm the conclusion of Plaintiffs treating physicians that the herniated discs sustained in the motor vehicle accident are the cause of Plaintiffs pain and restriction of motion and any degenerative condition would have no effect on Plaintiffs mobility. One must contrast two ten minute defense exams, when range of motion was measured, with the range of motion findings adduced by Plaintiffs physician which was conducted on multiple over a period treating occasions, long 3 of 22

of time. One must also weigh the contradictory conclusions and findings of the Defendant's doctors. 10. Accordingly, Defendant's motion must be denied. 11. Arguendo that, the deficiencies and inconsistencies in Defendant's position does not render the submission as legally insufficient, Plaintiff offers the following in opposition. FACTS 12. On April 26, 2015 at approximately 1:150 PM Plaintiff's vehicle was rear ended by Defendant's vehicle. 13.Plaintiff was employed as a health care provider at the time of the incident and missed two full weeks of work as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident. She returned after those initial two weeks but had to reduce her schedule. Additionally, her patient load was modified and she was provided with an assistant. She was and is no longer able to lift patients. 14. Plaintiff began a course of treatment for her injuries with Dr. Edward Palluzzi. Her complaints were of cervical pain, lower back pain, headaches and shoulder pain. 15. The medical records annexed herewith indicate that Ms. Silfan underwent fourteen months of treatment. She ceased going for treatment when the treatments no 4 of 22

longer provided additional relief. At the advice of her doctors she began a course of home exercises which she continues to do until today. 16.The medical records of Dr. Palluzzi and Dr. Glasten indicate that range of motion was tested immediately after the accident when Plaintiff began treatment. Range of Motion was measured periodically throughout treatment and once again recently, in 2018. At all times, Plaintiff evidenced marked restriction of motion. Dr. Edward Palluzzi's reports are annexed as Exhibit A. Dr. Glastein's reports are annexed as Exhibit B. 17.Plaintiff was referred by her doctor for MRI exams of her cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines. Those reports are annexed herewith as Exhibit C. 18.The exams revealed that Plaintiff sustained herniated cervical discs at C6-7 and a bulging disc at C5-6. The lumbar MRI exam revealed that Plaintiff sustained disc bulges at L5-S1 and L3-4 and a herniation at L4-5. The thoracic MRI revealed that plaintiff sustained multiple bulges. 19.Plaintiff has had no subsequent motor vehicle accident other than this April 26, 2015 accident. She was, as her doctor reports asymptomatic from a 2007 motor vehicle accident. 5 of 22

20.Annexed herewith as Exhibit D is the affirmation of Dr. Edward Palluzzi written in reference to their recent exam of Ms. Silfan which took place in 2018. Once again Ms. Silfan;s range of motion was measured and marked restriction of motion was found in the cervical, lumbar and thoracic regions. The physicians causally relate the limitations to the motor vehicle accident of April 26, 2015. PLAINTIFF'S TESTIMONY Annexed herewith is Pplaintiff's deposition testimony Exhibit D. Under oath on June 14, 2017 she testified in pertinent part as follows: Page 13; lines 13-16- Plaintiff was employed full time as a coordinator of care in the health field. Page 14; lines 15-20- Plaintiff was working on the day of the accident which was a Saturday. Page 18; lines 10-12- Plaintiff missed two weeks of work immediately following the accident. Page 23; lines 12-16- Plaintiff asked for and was given assistance in performing her work duties. Page 25; lines 20-22- Patients that were heavy and previously assigned to Plaintiff, were reassigned. Page 26; lines 7-10-Plaintiff was provided with assistance at work. Page 32; lines 18-23- Property damage to her vehicle was between $5,000.00 and $6,000.00 dollars. 6 of 22

Page 45; line2 and lines 9-16- Plaintiff was stopped when she felt a heavy impact from the rear. Page 47; lines 20-22- Plaintiff was wearing a seatbelt. the total back end of the vehicle was pushed in and misaligned. Page 55; lines Page 52; lines 15-17 and lines 21-24- 2-6- Plaintiff felt stiffness in her shoulder and on the right side of her body. Page 58; lines 8-13- Two days later Plaintiff went to a Chiropractor in the area. Page 59; lines 5-7- Plaintiff complained of headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain all on the right side. Page 60; lines 19-24- MRIs done to three sections Page 62; lines 5-11- MRI results were abnormal. Page 63; lines 5-10- as of June 2017 not still treating. Lives with pain. Takes advil. Plaintiff described the treatment as follows: Page 63; lines 24-25- Continuing to Page 64; lines 2-5- Treatments consisted of physical adjustments and laying on a vibrating table. Page 64; lines 18-21-plaintiff also saw an Orthopedist at Shore Ortho Group 7 of 22

Plaintiff had a prior accident in 2007 but was not experiencing any pain at the time period leading up to this accident. Page 72; lines 4-5 and lines 18-20- Plaintiff was informed the results of the MRI and advised to continue with chiropractic treatments. Page 76; lines Plaintiff still has persistent complaints and takes advil all the time. Plaintiffs present complaints were testified to as follow: Page 77; lines 14-25- Plaintiff still complains of stiffness in her neck and shoulder with limited movement. She can not move her arm. Her arm, neck and shoulder are in pain. Page 78; lines Page 68; lines 21-25 continuing to Page 69; lines 2-10- 14-18- 6-8- The shoulder pain radiates to the neck and back of the arm. Page 79; lines 3-10- Since the accident, plaintiff is taking advil three times a day. Current disability: Page 80; lines 13-25 and continuing on Page 81; lines 1-10- Plaintiff has limited range of motion with arm going back to the right side. She can 8 of 22

no longer do stretching exercises. Plaintiff can not lift heavy things and her activities at the gym are compromised. Plaintiff cannot lift patients, cannot vacuum or go bowling. She no longer works out at the gym. Page 83; lines Plaintiff does not lift weights anymore. Page 85; lines Page 83; lines 5-25- 20-22- 16-22- Plaintiff can not lift anything that weighs more than one or two pounds. 21.Every aspect of Plaintiffs life has been affected. Plaintiff can not lift patients and needs a co-worker to assert her. 22.Plaintiff can not vacuum or do laundry in the home. 23.Plaintiff can not go bowling, lift weights or exercise in the gym as she did prior to this accident. 24.Plaintiff stopped treatment with Dr. Palluzzi only when treatments were not helping anymore. She continues to live with the pain. 9 of 22

ARGUMENT I. DEFENDANTS FAILED TO MEET THEIR BURDEN OF PROOF. DEFENDANTS' EXPERT OPINES THAT PLAINTIFF SUSTAINED A SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF RANGE OF MOTION 25. Defendants' motions for summary judgment should be denied since they have failed to sustain their burden of proof. Their evidence is deficient and cannot prove that Plaintiff has not sustained a serious injury. The burden of proof has never shifted to the Plaintiff. Defendants rely on the reports of their experts to demonstrate that Plaintiffs injuries do not meet the level required by 5102 of the New York State Insurance Law. Defendants' expert reports are inadequate for supporting their claim of entitlement to summary judgment. Both doctors fail to review the MRI reports and address their relevance or non-relevance to the injuries claimed. II. IF THE COURT DECIDES THAT THE BURDEN OF PROOF SHIFTS TO THE PLAINTIFF THEN DEFENDANTS' MOTIONS SEEKING SUMMARY JUDGMENT SHOULD BE DENIED SINCE PLAINTIFF HAS SUSTAINED A SERIOUS INJURY AND HAS SATISFIED SECTION 5102(d) OF THE NEW YORK STATE INSURANCE LAW. MORE SPECIFICALLY, PLAINTIFF HAS SUSTAINED A SIGNIFICANT AND CONSEQUENTIAL LIMITATION OF USE OF A BODY FUNCTION OR SYSTEM 10 of 22

26. The record clearly shows that plaintiff has sustained two cervical herniated discs; one lumbar herniation disc; two cervical bulges and two lumbar bulges and a thoracic disc bulge. These injuries were diagnosed through MRIs. Plaintiff's doctor confirms that the herniated discs are as a result of acute trauma. Weighing of the evidence and the credibility of the parties must be left for the jury. Noble v. Ackerman 252 A.D.2d 392, 394, 629 N.Y.S, 2d 198 (1st Dep't 1995). Other cases as Grullon v. Chu 240 A.D. 2d 367, 657 N.Y.S. 2d 776 Dep't 1997); Adentunji v. U-Haul Company of Wisconsin 250 A.D. 2d 483, 672 N.Y.S. 2d 689 (1st Dep't 1998) state that conflicting expert testimony is a matter peculiarly within the province of the jury, Shawe v. Binghamton Lodge No. 852, 155 A.D. 2d 805, 548 N.Y.S. 2d 81, 82 (3rd Dept. 1989). 27. The court in Noble assesses that the testimony by the plaintiff and [her doctor] provided evidence of injuries to the plaintiff's cervical spine and disc resulting in chronic pain and decreased range of motion. This evidence was plainly sufficient to establish a prima facie case of a serious injury. 28. Plaintiff would like to bring to the Court a plethora of case law that supports his position that plaintiff has sustained a serious limitation of a use of a body member or organ. 11 of 22

i. Lopez v. Senatore 65 N.Y.S.2d 1017, 494 N.Y.S. 2d 101 (1985) a physician's opinion that limitation of neck movement of 10% was significant precluded summary judgments for the defendant. ii. Amofa v. N.C.S. Leasing Corp.. 247 A.D. 2d 289, 668 N.Y.S. 2d 460 (1st Dept.) - 25% loss of spinal range of motion was significant. iii. Lival v. Amoroso 239 A.D. 2d 565, 658 N.Y.S. 2d 973 Dept. 1997) - 20% restriction of motion was significant. iv. Zalduondo v. Lazowska 234 A.D. 2d 455, 651 N.Y.S. 2d 117 Dept. 1996) - physician's opinion that a bulging cervical disc was significant, precluded summary judgment. 29. Furthermore, Plaintiff has met her burden of proof as defined by Grossman v. Wright, 268 A.D.2d 79, 707 N.Y.S.2d 233 Dept. 2000), Dulduloa v.. 082 of New York 284 A.D.2d 296, 725 N.Y.S.2d 380 Dept. 2001), Pierre v. Nanton, 279 A.D.2d 621, 719 N.Y.S.2d 706 Dept. 2001) which maintain that plaintiff expert is required to explain the objective medical tests performed to support his findings and specify degree or extent of range of motion. Dr. Palluzzi in his affidavit and re-exam attached (Exhibit E), Measured plaintiffs range of motion, compared plaintiff's range of motion to the norm ~ Articulated the objective tests he performed 12 of 22

Causally related the injury sustained to this accident Explains the significance and the effect of this injury upon the plaintiff Explains plaintiffs future prognosis 30. The cases of Gaddy v.. Eyler 79 N.Y.2d 955 (1992) and Licari v. Elliot 57 N.Y.2d 230 (1982) maintain that the evidenced proffered by the plaintiff must not be of a minor, mild or slight limitation of movement in the neck and back. Dr. Palluzzi has submitted proof that the plaintiffs loss of range of motion is not mild, minor or slight but that the plaintiff has sustained losses in range of motion, far exceeding the 10% as enunciated in Lopez supra. 31. In addition, to qualify under section 5102, the injury need be significant and not permanent. Scamacca v. Bennet 161 A.D. 2d 1197, 555 N.Y.S. 2d 527 (4th Dept. 1990). The current Plaintiff exhibits a loss which far exceeds the findings in all of the aforementioned cases where summary judgment was denied. 32. The Court in Anderson v. Persell, 272 A.D.2d 733, 788 N.Y.S.2d 499 (3rd Dept. 2000), opined that a disc herniation may constitute a serious injury if the plaintiffs doctor using objective medical evidence correlates the disc herniation to the accident and describes it as the source of plaintiffs pain and limited range of motion. 13 of 22

33. In the present matter before the Court, Dr. Palluzzi confirms the results of the MRI uses objective medical testing, correlates the injury to the accident and states that the herniations are the cause of plaintiffs pain. 34. Quinn v. Licausi, 263 A.D.2d 820, 693 N.Y.S.2d 762 Dept 1999) concluded that plaintiffs medical proof was sufficient. Plaintiff presented objective medical testing (an MRI), plaintiffs doctor confirmed that plaintiffs complaints were causally related to the accident and the injury amounted to a significant limitation of use of a body function or system. 35. In opposing defendants' motions for summary judgment, plaintiff has established that she has suffered a serious injury. Plaintiff sets forth evidence that she has suffered a "significant limitation of use of a body function or system." Once plaintiff has set forth this evidence submitted in affidavit form indicating a loss of range of motion of the cervical-muscular skeletal system, then defendants' motions for summary judgment must be denied. 36. In Grullon v. Chu, 240 A.D. 2d 367, 657 N.Y.S. 2d 776 Dept. 1997), plaintiff presented an affidavit from a physician who concluded based upon his examinations and a review of his medical records that plaintiff had measured and quantified restricted motion of his cervical spine and such limitation was significant and permanent. The court said, "This evidence was sufficient to establish prima facie that the plaintiff suffered a serious injury.*' 14 of 22

37. More importantly the Court of Appeals in decisions handed down on July 9, 2002 spoke clearly, resolutely and definitively on the "threshold" issue. In these separate cases consolidated for reporting purposes, the highest Court in this expert' State ruled that even without measured restriction of motion "an expert's qualitative assessment of a plaintiff's condition may also suffice" to meet the threshold of serious injury. 38. Toure v. Avis Rent a Car System, 98 NY2d 345 (2002), requires that plaintiff present an opinion by the examining physician that the disc pathology was caused by the motor vehicle accident; that plaintiffs injuries are the sort that result in restriction of motion; and that the limitations claimed by the plaintiff are "a natural and expected medical consequence" of his injuries. 39. This line of reasoning was affirmed in the second of these consolidated O' reported decisions (cited above) in a case captioned Manzano v. O'Neil. "Although this medical expert did not assign a quantitative percentage to the loss of range of motion, he described the qualitative nature of plaintiffs limitations. 40. In short, when the plaintiffs doctor finds spasms or disc pathology to the accident, and the plaintiff enumerates physical limitations, the plaintiff has met the threshold. In our case, plaintiff has gone beyond requirements of Toure and provided measured restriction of motion. 15 of 22

41. In a detailed sworn report, plaintiff's doctor notes the restriction of motion and discusses in layman's terms how that restriction of motion is a significant limitation to the plaintiff. According to Thompkins v. Burtnick 236 A.D. 2d 708, 652 N.Y.S.2d 911 (3rd Dept. 1977), an affidavit based on the physicians own observations suffice as objective evidence. In addition, the Court in Perl v. Meher, 18 N.Y.3d 208 (2011), rejected the requirement that Plaintiffs range of motion be measured contemporaneous with the accident. The Court opined that it was sufficient for Plaintiff's doctor to provide objective evidence and that the injuries were significant and causally related to the accident. 42. Furthermore, Dr. Palluzzi describes in great detail how the herniated discs are a serious and permanent, and how they represent the loss of a significant structural component of a body member, organ and system. 43. Plaintiffs doctor further opines that the accident caused the injuries noted by objective testing; that the injuries are permanent; and that as a result of the injuries, plaintiff is permanently partially disabled. Our case stands in line with Grullon, where the Court held that quantified range of motion restriction satisfies the threshold. 44. Plaintiff has suffered herniated discs, diagnostically confirmed by MRI and doctor' clinically confirmed by the objective testing of Dr. Palluzzi. Plaintiffs doctor's findings are in affidavit form which complies with the Courts directive in (3' Cammarerc v. Villinoua, 160 A.D. 2d 760, 562 NYS 2d 808 Dept. 1990). 16 of 22

At the very least, the submission of the physicians findings in sworn form, creates a triable issue of fact which must be submitted to the jury under Falk v. Goodman, 7 NY 2d 87 (1959). 45. The court in Glielmi v. Banner 254 A.D. 2d 255, 678 N.Y.S.2d 138 Dept. 1998) and Wadi v. Tepedino 242 AD2d 327, 661 N.Y.S. 2D 260 Dept., 1997), stressed the importance of the medical examination similar to the one conducted by plaintiff's physician being a recent examination; Dr. Palluzzi's findings are based upon an examination that occurred a few weeks ago. 46. On the issue of permanency, Gonzalez v. Vasquez, 301 A.D. 2d 438, 54 NYS 2d 7 (3rd Dept. 2003) and DaSilva v. Storz, 290 A.D. 2d 288, 735 NYS 2d 548 (1st Dept. 2002) both these cases state that an opinion of plaintiff's doctors that the bulaina or herniated disc is related to the accident and that range of motion is restricted, suffices to defeat a motion for summary judgment. 47. As far as causation is concerned, Dr. Palluzzi considered all other causes of the pain and restriction of motion, excluded other causes and concluded with a degree of medical probability that the injuries were traumatically induced. When examining physician opines that the injuries are traumatically induced, that diagnosis excludes all other possible etiology. See Kassel v. Szczecina, 51 A.D. 3d 872, 858 N.Y.S. 2d 346 Dept. 2008) and Lake v. Cellen (8225/07 Supreme Court Bronx County, June 8, 2009). 17 of 22

Gap In Treatment 48. On the issue of "gap in treatment" the Court in Pommells v. Perez; Brown v. Dunlap and Carrasco v. Mendez, 4 NY 3d 566 (2005), that a plaintiff's claim can be dismissed pursuant to 5102 if no reasonable explanation for a gap or cessation in treatment is offered by the plaintiff. No such explanation was proffered and plaintiff's case was dismissed. 49. Our case is analogous to Brown v. Dunlap wherein plaintiff Brown found the treatments not to be beneficial anymore. Our Plaintiff, continues treatment at home after the physical therapy sessions were no longer providing relief. Ill. ~ DEFENDANTS' MOTIONS SEEKING SUMMARY JUDGMENT SHOULD BE DENIED SINCE PLAINTIFF HAS SUSTAINED A SERIOUS INJURY AND HAS SATISFIED SECTION 5102(d) OF THE NEW YORK STATE INSURANCE LAW. MORE SPECIFICALLY, PLAINTIFF WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM HIS VOCATION OR AVOCATION FOR 90/180 DAYS FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT 50. Plaintiff was advised by her treating physician to curtail her work schedule due to a medically determined injury causally related to the motor vehicle accident of April 26, 2015. Full time employment was part of Plaintiffs normal routine and her inability to participate pursuant to her doctor's directives satisfy $5102 18 of 22

(d), specifically the 90/180 day requirement,. Perl v. Meher, 18 N.Y.3d 208 (2011), Delayhaye v. Caledonia Limo 8 Car Service Inc., 61 A.D.3d 814, 877 N.Y.S 2d 438 Dept. 2009), Carr v. KMO Transp.,. Inc., 58 A.D.3d 783, 872 N.Y.S. 2d 476 Dept. 2009). 51. In Takaroff v. A. M. USA, Inc., 63 A.D.3d 1142, 882 N.Y.S.2d 265 Dept. 2009), the Court opined that the burden of proof never shifted to Plaintiff since Defendant failed to address Plaintiff's claims of 90/180 asserted in his Bill of Particulars. In Defendants' motion does not refute Plaintiffs 90/180 claim; Defendant has not provided any medical evidence to the contrary and therefore pursuant to Takaroff, Defendant has not met his burden of proof. Jensen v. Nicmanda Trucking, Inc. 47 A.D. 3d 769, 851 N.Y.S. 2d 594 Dept., 2008). 52. It is well established that in opposing defendants' motions for summary judgment, plaintiff is entitled to all reasonable inferences in her favor. Rodriquez v. The Parchester South Condominium Inc., 178 A.D. 2d 231, 577 N.Y.S. 2d 52 (1st Dept. 1991) Robinson v. Strong Mem. Hospital, 98 A.D. 2d 976, 470 N.Y.S. 2d 239 (4th Dept. 1983). 53. The role of the trial court in deciding a motion for summary judgment is to determine whether genuine issues of material fact exist and not to decide disputed factual issues. Cruz v. American Export Lines, Inc., 67 N.Y. 2d 1, 13, 499 N.Y.S. 2d 30, (1986). Issue finding and not issue determination is the 19 of 22

function of the court. Celardo v. Bell, 222 A.D. 2d 547, 635 N.Y.S. 2d 85, Dept. 1995). When deciding a motion for summary judgment the Court must determine whether a material issue of fact exist and not attempt to resolve it. Federal Ins. Co. v. Automatic Burqular Alarm Corp.. 208 A.D. 2d 495, 617 N.Y.S. 2d 53, 54 Dept 1994). 54. At the very least Plaintiff has presented medical evidence that raise an issue of fact defeating Defendants' requests for summary judgment. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court deny Defendants' motions for summary judgment and for such other and further relief this Court deems just and fit. Dated: May 1, 2018 Brooklyn, New York David. 1 Seidemann 20 of 22

STATE OF NEW YORK AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE COUNTY OF KINGS BY MAIL Deena Ganchrow, being duly sworn, deposes and says that the deponent is a secretary in the office of SEIDEMANN & MERMELSTEIN, attorneys for one of the parties herein; is over 18 years of age; is not a party to the action. The deponent served the papers noted below upon the below named attorney(s) for the listed parties, by depositing a true copy of the same securely enclosed in a postpaid wrapper in a Letter Box maintained and exclusively controlled by the United States Postal Service; directed to the said attorney(s) at the address indicated below; that being the address within the state designated by said attorney(s) for that purpose, or the place where said attorney(s) then kept an office, between which places there then was and now is a regular communication by mail as follows: To: LAW OFFICE OF DENNIS C. BARTLING Attorneys for Defendant 875 Merrick Avenue Westbury, NY 11590 (516) 229-4468 Date mailed: May f0 2018 Papers served: AFFIRMATION IN OPPOSITION/EXHIB Sworn to me, this day Of May 2018 D ena Ganchrow f Notary blic DAVID J. SElDEMANN Notsrtr p, State of New York No. 02SE9030567 QuaRRed in Nassau County rr/13' Commission Expires @ 21 of 22

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF RICHMOND MICHELLE R. SILFAN Plaintiff, -against- ARLENE S. TOURANCE Defendant. AFFIRMATION IN OPPOSITION/EXHIBITS SElDEMANN 5 MERMELSTEIN Attorneys for Plaintiff 27th 974 East Street Brooklyn, NY 11210 (718) 692-1013 22 of 22