Burg v. Health Care Plan

281 A.D.2d 976, 722 N.Y.S.2d 843

Opinion

Order unanimously reversed on the law without costs, motion denied and complaint against defendant Health Care Plan reinstated. Memorandum: We agree with plaintiff that Supreme Court erred in granting the motion of defendant Health Care Plan for summary judgment dismissing the complaint against it (appeal No. 1). Public Health Law § 4410 (1) does not preclude a health maintenance organization from being held vicariously liable for the malpractice of its physician employees (see, Wisholek v Douglas [appeal No. 2], 280 AD2d 220 [decided herewith]). We disagree with plaintiff, however, that the court erred in granting the motion of defendant David B. Lillie, M.D. for summary judgment dismissing the complaint against him (appeal No. 2). He established that his actions were not a proximate cause of plaintiffs injuries, and plaintiff failed to raise an issue of fact (see generally, Winegrad v New York Univ. Med. Ctr., 64 NY2d 851, 853). (Appeal from Order of Supreme Court, Erie County, Mintz, J. — Summary Judgment.) Present — Green, J. P., Wisner, Hurlbutt and Burns, JJ.