Preview
Filing # 136549604 E-Filed 10/14/2021 11:49:20 AM
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTIETH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR CHARLOTTE COUNTY, STATE OF FLORIDA
DEBORAH COOPER BURG, by and through
her Court- appointed Guardian, RICKY
BURG; NICOLE BURG, her daughter; and
RICKY BURG, her spouse,
Plaintiff,
vs.
WEST FLORIDA PHYSICIAN NETWORK,
LLC; DILENDRA WEERASINGHE,; JOHN
RIOUX; FAWCETT MEMORIAL
HOSPITAL, INC. d/b/a FAWCETT
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL; SUSAN BRUNER
ABIGAIL UTECH; NANDINI KIRI, M.D.,
P.A.; NANDINI KIRI; HARBOR MEDICAL
GROUP, LLC; AHSAN KAMAL; SOVI CASE NO.: 20000616CA
JOSEPH, M.D., P.A.; SOVI JOSEPH;
DOMINGO E. GALLIANO, JR., P.A.;
DOMINGO GALLIANO, JR.; ARTURO
RODRIGUEZ- MARTIN, M.D., P.L.;
ARTURO RODRIGUEZ-MARTIN;
MILLENNIUM PHYSICIAN GROUP, LLC
d/b/a MILLENNIUM PHYSICIAN GROUP;
CATHY CRISS; LIFE CARE CENTERS OF
AMERICA, INC.; PUNTA GORDA
MEDICAL INVESTORS, LLC d/b/a LIFE
CARE CENTER OF PUNTA GORDA; LIFE
CARE PHYSICIAN SERVICES, LLC; and
VANCE MALONEY, III,
Defendants.
/
DEFENDANT, FAWCETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL’S AMENDED OBJECTION TO
PLAINTIFFS’ NOTICES OF TAKING F.R.C.P. 1.310(b)(6) DEPOSITIONS AND
MOTION FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER
COMES NOW, FAWCETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC. d/b/a FAWCETT
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (the “Hospital”), by and through its undersigned counsel, hereby files
this Amended Objection and Motion for Protective Order regarding Plaintiffs’ Notices of Taking
Page 1 of 7
F.R.C.P. 1.310(b)(6) Depositions of Dr. George Ruggiero Ms. Kimberly Hall (hereinafter referred
to as “the Notices’) and in support thereof, states as follows:
1 On September 15, 2021, Plaintiffs filed a Notice of Taking F.R.C.P. 1.310(b)(6)
Deposition of Dr. George Ruggiero which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A-1”. On September 28,
2021 the Plaintiffs filed an Amended Notice of Taking F.R.C.P. 1.310(b)(6) Deposition of
Ms. Kimberly Hall attached hereto as Exhibit “A-2”.
2 The Hospital objects to the Notice of Deposition of Dr. Ruggiero for the following
reasons:
The listed matters on Plaintiffs’ Notice are overly broad, vague, and ambiguous
with respect to items (f), (h), (i), and (k).
Specifically, item (f) fails to provide any meaningful definition of “in-house
staff” as well as no meaningful definition or limitation as to the types of issues
for which evaluation, assessment or treatment would be sought, etc. Likewise,
item (h) also fails to provide a meaningful definition or limitation as to the types
of issues for which evaluation, assessment or treatment would be sought.
Moreover, item (f) infringes upon protected personal information. Specifically,
the personal addresses of certain hospital employees/former employees are
confidential pursuant to section 395.3025, Florida Statutes.
As to items (h), (i) and (k), Plaintiffs fail to clarify or narrow the proposed area
of inquiry by failing to specify which policies and procedures, bylaws, etc. on
which they would like to obtain testimony. Specifically, it is the Hospital’s
position that simply designating “all” policies, procedures, and protocols of a
general topic is of little use or benefit. Similarly, simply stating policies,
procedures, protocols, regulations, bylaws, and all other written materials in
effect in June, July, August 2019, even with the purported limiting language is
of no effect. When a Notice casts such a wide net, such as this one, it becomes
unduly burdensome for a representative to prepare for their deposition, to
provide meaningful testimony, or to efficiently conduct the deposition.
3 The Hospital objects to the Notice of Deposition of Ms. Hall for the following
reasons:
a The listed matters on Plaintiffs’ Notice are overly broad, vague, and ambiguous
especially with respect to items (c) and (d).
Page 2 of 7
b. Specifically, items (c) and (d) are overly broad in their scope and are not tied to
the matters relevant to this case.
As to items (c) and (d), Plaintiffs fail to clarify or narrow the proposed area of
inquiry by failing to specify which policies and procedures, rules, etc. on which
they would like to obtain testimony. When a Notice casts such a wide net, it is
unduly burdensome for a representative to prepare for their deposition, to
provide meaningful testimony, or to efficiently conduct the deposition.
4 Moreover, the Hospital requests entry of a protective order for the depositions of
Dr. Ruggiero and Ms. Hall.
5 By correspondence dated September 15, 2021, Plaintiff’s counsel was previously
advised, Dr. Ruggiero is not being designated as the F.R.C.P. 1.310 (b)(6) representative of
Fawcett Memorial Hospital with respect to items (d), (j), and (1). Consequently, Dr. Ruggiero will
not be answering questions related to those proposed areas of inquiry. A copy of the September
15, 2021, correspondence is attached hereto as Exhibit “B”.
6. Within mere hours of Exhibit “B” being sent, and apparently simultaneously with
the service of the above referenced Notice of Deposition of Dr. Ruggiero, Plaintiff filed a Motion
to Overrule Objection to the Notice of taking Deposition. At the time of filing and serving the
referenced Motion, Defendant had not even received a Notice of Taking Deposition. No effort
was made to meet and confer concerning the proposed areas of inquiry in violation of Rule
1.380(a)(2), Fla.R.Civ.P. Obviously since no effort was made to meet and confer, the Motion does
not contain any such certification. In fact, Defendant had not asserted any “objections” as the
Notice had not even been received.
7
In addition, there is a distinction between first-hand, fact witness testimony and
corporate representative testimony. See Amended Order on Defendant’s Motion for Protective
Order, Aug, 19, 2021, No. 18-CA-002507-AX. As such, testimony regarding the specific care and
treatment of Mrs. Burg is a proper subject for fact witness testimony and not corporate
Page 3 of 7
representative testimony. Many fact specific witnesses have already been deposed, including but
not limited to, Nandini Kiri, M.D., Donna Alton, Cathy Criss, D.O., Christopher Finley, D.O.,
Domingo Galliano, M.D., Joseph Sovi, M.D., Abigail Utech Kupp, Susan Bruner, among others.
Each of these fact witnesses was subjected to lengthy depositions in which they were asked, or
could have been asked, any fact specific question desired.
8 Testimony regarding Mrs. Burg’s care and treatment at the Hospital would be
duplicative and cumulative of the testimony of individual fact witnesses such as the treating
healthcare providers. As an example, item (b) for Dr. Ruggiero’s deposition seeks testimony
regarding “The procedures concerning the July 25, 2019 recommendation of Dr. Nandini Kiri that
an evaluation for nutritional supplements be followed up on and occur, as well as why it did not
occur.” See Notice. While a corporate representative may testify as to Hospital procedures,
testimony regarding why a specific physician, who is not employed by the Hospital, did or did not
perform a certain task for a specific patient goes beyond the scope of a F.R.C.P. 1.310(b)(6)
deposition. Once again, this type of testimony is more appropriately directed towards a fact
witness.
9 To date, Plaintiffs have taken over twenty fact witness depositions. A handful of
additional fact witness depositions are presently scheduled and have not yet occurred. As such,
any testimony regarding Mrs. Burg’s care and treatment which Plaintiffs seek to obtain either has
already been elicited through the numerous previous fact witness depositions or can be elicited in
the upcoming fact witness depositions. Therefore, as the Hospital’s corporate representatives, it
is only proper for Dr. Ruggiero and Ms. Hall to testify as to general corporate practices, and not
as to any specific patient’s care and treatment such as Mrs. Burg’s.
Page 4 of 7
10. Moreover, as previously indicated, Plaintiffs have deposed numerous witnesses to
date. Most of those depositions have included hours of duplicative questioning causing the length
of the depositions to be excessive and unduly burdensome. Due to Plaintiffs’ history of
unnecessarily lengthy depositions, the Hospital requests reasonable time limitations for the
cumulative corporate representative depositions.
11. Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.280 states in pertinent part “[u]pon motion by a
party or by the person from whom discovery is sought, and for good cause shown, the court in
which the action is pending may make any order to protect a party or person from annoyance,
embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense that justice requires.” Fla. R. Civ. P.
1,280.
12. Dr. Ruggiero and Ms. Hall would suffer from annoyance, oppression, and/ or undue
burden if required to prepare for depositions regulated by Notices which contain extremely overly
broad, vague, and ambiguous items of inquiry; if required to testify as to the above referenced
items of Plaintiffs’ Notices; if required to offer improper testimony regarding the specific care and
treatment of Mrs. Burg; and if required to sit for an unreasonably prolonged deposition.
13. Based upon the foregoing, the Hospital requests this Court enter a Protective Order
specifying and/or limiting the above referenced items of the Notices, prohibiting Plaintiffs’ counsel
from inquiring as to said items as well as prohibiting Plaintiffs’ counsel from inquiring as to
Mrs. Burg’s care and treatment, and placing a reasonable time limit for the accumulate corporate
representative depositions.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, FAWCETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. INC., by and through
its undersigned counsel, respectfully request this Honorable Court grant the Hospital’s Amended
Page 5 of 7
Motion for Protective Order for Deposition, and for such other relief as this Court deems just and
proper.
/s/ Ronald Bush
Ronald E. Bush, Esq.
Florida Bar No.: 443964
Alexandra S. Farren, Esq.
Florida Bar No.: 1018542
Bush Graziano Rice & Platter, P.A.
100 South Ashley Drive, Suite 1400
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 228-7000 — Fax: (813) 273-0091
Attorney for Defendants, Fawcett Memorial
Hospital and Abigail Utech
Primary: eserve@bgrplaw.com
Secondary: beonde@'berplaw.com
-and-
/s/_ John D. Emmanuel
John D. Emmanuel, Esq.
Florida Bar No, 475572
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
401 E. Jackson St., Suite 2400
Tampa, FL 33602
Tel No. 813-222-8180
Fax No. 813-222-8189
John.emmanuel@bipe.com
Additional Counsel for Defendant Fawcett
Memorial Hospital, Inc. d/b/a Fawcett Memorial
Hospital
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and accurate copy of the above and foregoing has been
furnished by electronic mail delivery on this 14th day of October, 2021 to:
Edward R. Blumberg, Esquire, Deutsch Blumberg & Caballero, PA., Deutsch Blumberg &
Caballero, P.A., New World Tower, Suite 2802, 100 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132,
ERB@DeutschBlumberg.com; rmitchell@Deutschblumberg.com; Counsel for PLAINTIFFS;
John M. Stewart, Esquire and Michael J. Swan, Esquire, Rossway Swan Tierney Barry & Oliver,
P.L., 2101 Indian River Blvd., Ste. 200, Vero Beach, FL 32960, jstewart@rosswaysw:
APU TOSS an.com;
mswan @rosswayswan.com, cdelo@rosswayswan.com; Co-Counsel for PLAINTIFFS;
Page 6 of 7
Victoria N. Ferrentino, Esquire, Bush Graziano Rice & Platter, P.A., 100 S. Ashley Drive, Suite
1400, Tampa, FL 33602, c-serve @bgrplaw.com; Counsel FOR JOHN RIOUX, MD AND WEST
FLORIDA PHYSICIAN NETWORK, LLC D/B/A GULF POINTE SURGICAL SPECIALISTS;
Jay P. Chimpoulis, Esquire and Susanne E. Riedhammer, Esquire, Chimpoulis & Hunter, P.A.,
159 South Pine Island Road, Suite 510, Plantation, FL 33324,
jchimpoulis@chimpoulishunter.com; sricdhammer@ chimpoulishunter.com, Counsel for VANCE
MALONEY, III, M.D. AND PUNTA GORDA MEDICAL INVESTORS, LLC D/B/A LIFE
CARE CENTER OF PUNTA GORDA;
Richard Bowers, Esquire, Brandon R. Scheele, Esquire, Banker Lopez Gassler P.A., 501 East
Kennedy Blvd, Suite 1700, Tampa, FL 33602, rbowers @bankerlopez.com; service:
rbowers @ bankerlopez.com, service-bscheele @ bankerlopez.com; Counsel for DILENDRA
WEERASINGHE, M.D.,;
Brett P. Gliosca, Esq. and Jeff Goodis, Esquire, La Cava Jacobson & Goodis, 150 2"? Avenue
North, 15" Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, stp-pleadings@ ljglegal.com; bgliosca@ Iiglegal.com,
mmorgan@ lighkegal.com, and jgoodis@ljglegal.com, Counsel for SOVI JOSEPH, M.D. AND
SOVI JOSEPH, M.D., P.A.;
Ron M. Campbell, Esq., Barry A. Postman, Esq., and Daniel C. Calvert, Esq., Cole, Scott &
Kissane, P.A., 27300 Riverview Center Boulevard, Suite 200, Bonita Springs, Florida 34134,
ba postman @¢esklegal.com; ron.campbell @esklegal.com; daniel .calvert@csklegal.com;
k al. perez @esklegal.com: Danicla.perez@esklegal.com, counsel for MILLENNIUM
PHYSICIAN GROUP, LLC. AND CATHY CRISS;
Ronald E. Bush, Esq. and Alexandra S. Farren, Esq., Bush Graziano Rice & Platter, P.A.
100 South Ashley Drive, Suite 1400, Tampa, FL 33602, eserve
@ berplaw.com,
bconde@' bgerplaw.com, Attorney for Defendants, Fawcett Memorial Hospital and Abigail Utech
Walter J. Taché and Gavrila A. Brotz, Tache, Bronis, and Descalzo, P.A., 150 S.E. 2nd Avenue
Suite 600, Miami, FL 33131, wlache @tachebronis.com; gbrotz@tachebronis.com;
service @tachebronis.com, co-counsel for FAWCETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL; and
R. Ryan Rivas, Esq., Hall Booth Smith, P.C., 2701 N. Rocky Point Drive, Ste. 400, Tampa, FL
33607, RRivas @hallboothsmith.com; mhobbs @hallboothsmith.com;, counsel for SUSAN
BRUNO.
/s/ John D. Emmanuel
John D. Emmanuel, Esq.
Florida Bar No.: 475572
4839-8389-6575, v. 1
Page 7 of 7
Deborah Cooper Burg, et al vs. Fawcett Memorial Hospital, et al
Case No. 2020-000616 CA
EXHIBIT “A-1”
Filing # 134655547 E-Filed 09/15/2021 01:28:28 PM
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
20% JUDICIAL COURT IN AND
FOR CHARLOTTE COUNTY,
FLORIDA
GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION
CASE NO. 2020-000616 CA
DEBORAH COOPER BURG, by and through
her Court-appointed Guardian, RICKY
BURG; NICOLE BURG, her daughter; and
RICKY BURG, her spouse,
Plaintiffs,
Vv.
WEST FLORIDA PHYSICIAN NETWORK, LLC;
DILENDRA WEERASINGHE; JOHN RIOUX;
FAWCETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC. d/b/a
FAWCETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL; SUSAN
BRUNER; ABIGAIL UTECH; SOVI JOSEPH,
M.D., P.A.; SOVI JOSEPH; MILLENNIUM
PHYSICIAN GROUP, LLC d/b/a MILLENNIUM
PHYSICIAN GROUP; CATHY CRISS; LIFE
CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.; PUNTA
GORDA MEDICAL INVESTORS, LLC d/b/a
LIFE CARE CENTER OF PUNTA GORDA; LIFE
CARE PHYSICIAN SERVICES, LLC; and
VANCE MALONEY, III,
Defendants.
N TICE OF T,NG VIDEOTAPED VIDE INFERENCED (ZOOM)/IN-
PERSON DEPOSITION DUCES TECUM
(Witness to be produced by counsel for Defendant Fawcett Memorial Hospital)
(Cleared with defense counsel)
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the undersigned attorneys will take the videotaped and
videoconferenced (ZOOM)/in-person deposition of the following at the date and time
indicated:
Seulsch Bluntig
& Calallere, PA.
NEW WORLD TOWER
- 100.N BISCAYNE BOULEVARD. SUITE 2002
- MIAM:, FLORIDA 33132 » TEL (305) 356-6929 ]
Name: DR. GEORGE RUGGIERO and/or the F.R.C.P. 1.310(b)(6) designated
corporate representative(s) of Fawcett Memorial Hospital, Inc.
as to the matters listed herein:
a. The availability of nutritional supplements and vitamins, orally,
intravenously, and parenterally, for patients such as Deborah
Cooper Burg to receive in the emergency room and as an
inpatient at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in June, July, and August
2019.
The procedures concerning the July 25, 2019 recommendation
of Dr. Nandini Kiri that an evaluation for nutritional supplements
be followed up on and occur, as well as why it did not occur.
c Knowledge as to the reasons why as a MBSAQIP accredited
center, a registered dietitian did not evaluate and assess
Deborah Cooper Burg during her July 2019 emergency room
visits and July 2019 inpatient admission at Fawcett Memorial
Hospital.
The responsibilities and duties of registered dietitian Susan
Bruner and registered dietitian Abigail Utech as far as Deborah
Cooper Burg’s care is concerned.
The availability of bariatric nurses at Fawcett Memorial Hospital
to provide care to Deborah Cooper Burg in July and August 2019
during her emergency room visits and inpatient admissions.
As a MBSAQIP accredited center, the responsibilities of Fawcett
Memorial Hospital to provide a bariatric surgeon to actually
evaluate, assess, care for and treat Deborah Cooper Burg during
her emergency room visits and inpatient admissions at Fawcett
Memorial Hospital in July and August 2019.
The names, job titles, and addresses of all Fawcett Memorial
Hospital staff who were available to evaluate, assess, and care
for Deborah Cooper Burg during her emergency room visits and
inpatient admissions in July and August 2019 with expertise and
knowledge as to the needs of a post-bariatric surgery patient
such as Deborah Cooper Burg. With particularity, this area of
inquiry concerns those in-house members of Fawcett Memorial
Hospital staff available to evaluate, assess, and treat Deborah
Cooper Burg as to Thiamine deficiency as well as implement the
administration of Thiamine.
The responsibilities and obligations of the attending physician
assigned to a patient at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in July and
August 2019 of providing nutrition and vitamins.
The obligations and methods of Fawcett Memorial Hospital
owed to patients including Deborah Cooper Burg in the
emergency room and as an inpatient in July and August 2019 as
Seulsch Slunliag
ad Calallive, PA.
NEW WORLD TOWER
- 100N BISCAYNE BOULEVARD. SUITE 2802
- MAM! F(ORIDA 33192 - TEL (2051 958-6979.
to providing proper and necessary nutrition and vitamin
supplementation.
The education and training provided to Abigail Utech and Susan
Bruner as to the necessity and importance of the receipt of
ongoing vitamin B1 supplementation for post-bariatric surgery
patients such as Deborah Cooper Burg.
The nursing policies, procedures and protocols at Fawcett
Memorial Hospital in effect in June, July, and August 2019. With
particularity, this references all policies, procedures, and
protocols concerning the evaluation, assessment, monitoring,
and implementation of proper and adequate nutrition and
vitamin B1/Thiamine as set forth in any of the Fawcett Memorial
Hospital policies, procedures, and protocols in effect in June,
July, and August 2019.
L The nutrition and dietary policies, procedures, and protocols at
Fawcett Memorial Hospital in effect in June, July, and August
2019.
The Medical Staff Bylaws, Rules and Regulations at Fawcett
Memorial Hospital in effect in June, July, and August 2019. With
particularity, this references all Medical Staff Bylaws, Rules and
Regulations concerning the evaluation, assessment, monitoring,
and implementation of proper and adequate nutrition and
vitamin B1/Thiamine as set forth in any of the Fawcett Memorial
Hospital Medical Staff Bylaws, Rules and Regulations in effect in
June, July, and August 2019.
The policies and procedures at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in
June, July, and August 2019 as to the role of a hospitalist such
as Dr. Nandini Kiri being the physician that admits the patient as
well as the role of the hospitalist in providing ongoing care and
treatment for the patient including the ordering of consults of
other health care providers.
The policies, procedures, protocols, rules, regulations, bylaws
and all other written material in effect in June, July, and August
2019 at Fawcett Memorial Hospital setting forth the
responsibilities, duties and expectations of admitting
physicians, attending physicians, bariatric surgeons, consulting
physicians, gastroenterologists, general surgeons, registered
dietitians, and bariatric coordinators. With particularity, this
applies to the evaluation and treatment of Deborah Cooper Burg
as to malnutrition and vitamin depletion and the symptoms
therefrom including depletion of vitamin B1 in the face of
impending or actual Wernicke Encephalopathy.
D Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. EST
Seulsch Bluntirg
ad Calallive, PL.
NEW WORLO TOWER
+ 100.N BISCAYNE BOULEVARD SUITE 2802
- MIAMI, FLORIDA
33132 - TEL (205) 358-63293
Place: Actual location to be provided at a later date
and/or via Zoom Videoconference
Zoom meeting link: to be provided at a later date
upon oral examination before Veritext Reporting, or any other Notary Public or officer
authorized by law to take depositions in the State of Florida. The oral examination will
continue from day to day until completed. The deposition is being taken for the purpose of
discovery, for use at trial, or for such other purposes as are permitted under the Rules of
Court, including the applicable Rules of Civil Procedure.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
WE HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been
furnished by e-service this 15™ day of September, 2021 to: see attached service list.
DEUTSCH BLUMBERG
& CABALLERO, P.A.
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
New World Tower, Suite 2802
100 North Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, Florida 33132
Tel: (305) 358-6329 / Fax: (305) 358-9304
E-mails: erb@deutschblumberg.com;
rmitchell@deutschblumberg.com
By: __/s/Edward R. Blumberg
EDWARD R. BLUMBERG, ESQ.
Florida Bar No. 190870
Seulsch . Blunterg
dt Calallire, DP.
¢ 7.
NEW WORLO TOWER + 100 N BISCAYNE BOULEVARD, SUITE 2602
- MIAMI, FLORIDA
33132 - TEL (905) 258-6204,
BURG v. WEST FLORIDA PHYSICIAN NETWORK, LLC, et al.
CASE NO. 2020-000616 CA
SERVICE LIST
Michael J. Swan, Esquire
Rossway Swan Tierney Barry & Oliver, P.L.
Co-Counsel for PLAINTIFFS
2101 Indian River Boulevard, Suite 200
Vero Beach, Florida 32960
Telephone: (772) 231-4440
E-Mails: mswan@rosswayswan.com; cdelo@rosswayswan.com
Richard K. Bowers, Esquire
Brandon R. Scheele, Esquire
Bankers Lopez Gassler, P.A.
Attorneys for DILENDRA WEERASINGHE
501 East Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 1700
Tampa, FL 33602
Telephone: 813-221-1500
Fax: 813-222-3066
rbowers@bankerlopez.con
Email: service-rbowers@bankerlopez.com ; service-bscheele@bankerlopez.com
Jay P. Chimpoulis, Esquire
Susanne E. Riedhammer, Esquire
Chimpoulis & Hunter, P.A.
Attorneys for Defendants PUNTA GORDA MEDICAL INVESTORS, LLC d/b/a LIFE CARE
CENTER OF PUNTA GORDA; LIFE CARE PHYSICIAN SERVICES, LLC; and VANCE MALONEY,
III
150 S. Pine Island Road, Suite 510
Plantation, FL 33324
Telephone: 954-463-0033
Fax: 954-463-9562
Email: JCHimpoulis@ChimpoulisHunter.com
Victoria N. Ferrentino, Esq.
Erin B. Reynolds, Esq.
Bush Graziano Rice & Platter, P.A.
Attorneys for Defendants WEST FLORIDA PHYSICIAN NETWORK, LLC and JOHN RIOUX
100 S. Ashley Drive, #1400
Tampa, FL 33602
Telephone: 813-228-7000
Fax: 813-273-0091
Emails: vferrentino@bgrplaw.com;eserve@bgrplaw.com; and dhensley@bgrplaw.com
ereynolds@bgrplaw.com
1]P ay
Brett P. Gliosca, Esq.
Jeffrey M. Goodis, Esq.
LA CAVA JACOBSON & GOODIS, P.A.
Attorneys for Defendants SOVI JOSEPH and SOVI JOSEPH, M.D., P.A.
200 Central Avenue, Suite 250
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Office: 727-477-1013
Fax: 727-550-0811
Emails: stp-pleadings@ljqlegal.con bgliosca@ljglegal.com; mmorgan@ljglegal.com
Ronald E. Bush, Esq.
Frances G. Prockop, Esq.
Alexandra S. Farren, Esq.
Bush Graziano Rice & Platter, P.A.
Attorneys for Defendant FAWCETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC. and ABIGAIL UTECH
100 S. Ashley Drive, Suite 1400
Tampa, FL 33602
Office: 813-228-7000
Fax: 813-229-6316
Emails: eserve@bgrplaw.com; |Iplyushko@bgrplaw.com; bconde@bgrplaw.com
R. Ryan Rivas, Esq.
Hall Booth Smith, P.C.
Attorneys for SUSAN BRUNER
2701 North Rocky Point Drive, Suite 400
Tampa, Florida 33607
Telephone — 727-568-8435
Emails: rrivas@hallboothsmith.com; mhobbs@hallboothsmith.com
Barry A. Postman, Esq.
Ron M. Campbell, Esq.
Daniel C. Calvert, Esq.
Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.
Attorneys for CATHY CRISS and MILLENNIUM PHYSICIAN GROUP, LLC d/b/a
MILLENNIUM PHYSICIAN GROUP
27300 Riverview Center Boulevard, Suite 200
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Telephone: 239-690-7925
Facsimile: 239-738-7778
Emails: barry.postman@csklegal.com; ron.campbell@csklegal.com;
daniel.calvert@csklegal.com; krystal.perez@csklegal.com; daniela.perez@csklegal.com
2[Paue
Walter H. Tache, Esq.
Gavrila A. Brotz, Esq.
Tache, Bronis, and Descalzo, P.A.
Co-Counsel for Defendant FAWCETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
150 S.E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 600
Miami, FL 33131
Telephone: 305-537-9565
Facsimile: 305-537-9567
Emails: wtache@tachebronis.com; service@tachebronis.com; gbrotz@tachebronis.com
3] Pane
Deborah Cooper Burg, et al vs. Fawcett Memorial Hospital, et al
Case No. 2020-000616 CA
EXHIBIT “A-2”
Filing # 135466769 E-Filed 09/28/2021 01:28:17 PM
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
20 JUDICIAL COURT IN AND
FOR CHARLOTTE COUNTY,
FLORIDA
GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION
CASE NO. 2020-000616 CA
DEBORAH COOPER BURG, by and through
her Court-appointed Guardian, RICKY
BURG; NICOLE BURG, her daughter; and
RICKY BURG, her spouse,
Plaintiffs,
Vv.
WEST FLORIDA PHYSICIAN NETWORK, LLC;
DILENDRA WEERASINGHE; JOHN RIOUX;
FAWCETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC. d/b/a
FAWCETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL; SUSAN
BRUNER; ABIGAIL UTECH; SOVI JOSEPH,
M.D., P.A.; SOVI JOSEPH; MILLENNIUM
PHYSICIAN GROUP, LLC d/b/a MILLENNIUM
PHYSICIAN GROUP; CATHY CRISS; LIFE
CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.; PUNTA
GORDA MEDICAL INVESTORS, LLC d/b/a
LIFE CARE CENTER OF PUNTA GORDA; LIFE
CARE PHYSICIAN SERVICES, LLC; and
VANCE MALONEY, III,
Defendants.
/
IDED N E N EQT, A DE INFERENCED
ZOOM)/IN-PE! IN_DEP* IN DUCE: ECUM
(Witness to be produced by counsel for Defendant Fawcett Memorial Hospital)
(This is a reserved deposition date as ordered by the Court.)
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the undersigned attorneys will take the videotaped and
videoconferenced (ZOOM)/in-person deposition of the following at the date and time
indicated:
Pauls Bliantirg
& Catallion, PA,
NEW WORLO TOWER + 100 N. BISCAYNE BOULEVARD, SUITE 2002 - MIAMI, FLORIDA 33132 - TEL (305) 358-6979 |
Name: KIM HALL (The deposition will be conducted under general
discovery rules as well as F.R.C.P. 1.310(b)(6) as to the matters
listed herein:
a The responsibilities and duties of registered dietitian Susan
Bruner and registered dietitian Abigail Utech as far as
Deborah Cooper Burg’s care is concerned.
The education and training provided to Abigail Utech and
Susan Bruner as to the necessity and importance of the
receipt of ongoing vitamin B1 supplementation for post-
bariatric surgery patients such as Deborah Cooper Burg.
The nutrition and dietary policies, procedures, and
protocols at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in effect in June,
July, and August 2019.
The policies, procedures, protocols, rules, regulations,
bylaws and all other written material in effect in June, July,
and August 2019 at Fawcett Memorial Hospital setting forth
the responsibilities, duties and expectations of registered
dietitians. With particularity, this applies to the evaluation
and treatment of Deborah Cooper Burg as to malnutrition
and vitamin depletion and the symptoms therefrom
including depletion of vitamin B1 in the face of impending
or actual Wernicke Encephalopathy.
Date/Time: Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EST
Place: Actual location to be provided at a later date
and/or via Zoom Videoconference
Zoom meeting link: to be provided at a later date
Join Zoom Meeting
https: isO2web.z m.us/j/84976102274?pwd=S2FITjNaS1IVLczNjOW5BM
2ovTnIzdz09
Meeting ID: 849 7610 2274
Passcode: 610446
upon oral examination before Veritext Reporting, or any other Notary Public or officer
authorized by law to take depositions in the State of Florida. The oral examination will
continue from day to day until completed. The deposition is being taken for the purpose of
discovery, for use at trial, or for such other purposes as are permitted under the Rules of
Court, including the applicable Rules of Civil Procedure.
Heats Blianberg
& Caballire, PA,
NEW WORLO TOWER - 100N BISCAYNE BOULEVARD, SUITE 2802 - MIAMI, FLORIDA 39132 - TEL (305) 358-6929.)
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
WE HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been
furnished by e-service this 28' day of September, 2021 to: see attached service list.
DEUTSCH BLUMBERG
& CABALLERO, P.A.
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
New World Tower, Suite 2802
100 North Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, Florida 33132
Tel: (305) 358-6329 / Fax: (305) 358-9304
E-mails: erb@deutschblumberg.com;
rmitchell@deutschblumberg.com
By: __/s/Edward R. Blumberg
EDWARD R. BLUMBERG, ESQ.
Florida Bar No. 190870
Peutscl Blunberg
&- Calballiar, PV.
NEW WORLO TOWER - 100 N BISCAYNE BOULEVARD, SUITE 2602 - MIAMI, FLORIDA 39132 - TEL (205) 358-6293
BURG v. WEST FLORIDA PHYSICIAN NETWORK, LLC, et al.
CASE NO. 2020-000616 CA
SERVICE LIST
Michael J. Swan, Esquire
Rossway Swan Tierney Barry & Oliver, P.L.
Co-Counsel for PLAINTIFFS
2101 Indian River Boulevard, Suite 200
Vero Beach, Florida 32960
Telephone: (772) 231-4440
E-Mails: mswan@rosswayswan.com; cdelo@rosswayswan.com
Richard K. Bowers, Esquire
Brandon R. Scheele, Esquire
Bankers Lopez Gassler, P.A.
Attorneys for DILENDRA WEERASINGHE
501 East Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 1700
Tampa, FL 33602
Telephone: 813-221-1500
Fax: 813-222-3066
rbowers@bankerlopez.com
Email: service-rbowers@bankerlopez.com ; service-bscheele@bankerlopez.com
Jay P. Chimpoulis, Esquire
Susanne E. Riedhammer, Esquire
Chimpoulis & Hunter, P.A.
Attorneys for Defendants PUNTA GORDA MEDICAL INVESTORS, LLC d/b/a LIFE CARE
CENTER OF PUNTA GORDA; LIFE CARE PHYSICIAN SERVICES, LLC; and VANCE MALONEY,
III
150 S. Pine Island Road, Suite 510
Plantation, FL 33324
Telephone: 954-463-0033
Fax: 954-463-9562
Email: JCHimpoulis@ChimpoulisHunter.com
Victoria N. Ferrentino, Esq.
Erin B. Reynolds, Esq.
Bush Graziano Rice & Platter, P.A.
Attorneys for Defendants WEST FLORIDA PHYSICIAN NETWORK, LLC and JOHN RIOUX
100 S. Ashley Drive, #1400
Tampa, FL 33602
Telephone: 813-228-7000
Fax: 813-273-0091
Emails: vferrentino@bgrplaw.com;eserve@bgrplaw.com; and dhensley@bgrplaw.com
ereynolds@barplaw.com
I[Page
Brett P. Gliosca, Esq.
Jeffrey M. Goodis, Esq.
LA CAVA JACOBSON & GOODIS, P.A.
Attorneys for Defendants SOVI JOSEPH and SOVI JOSEPH, M.D., P.A.
200 Central Avenue, Suite 250
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Office: 727-477-1013
Fax: 727-550-0811
Emails: stp-pleadings@liglegal.com,; bgliosca@liglegal.com; mmorgan@liglegal.com
Ronald E. Bush, Esq.
Frances G. Prockop, Esq.
Alexandra S. Farren, Esq.
Bush Graziano Rice & Platter, P.A.
Attorneys for Defendant FAWCETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC. and ABIGAIL UTECH
100 S. Ashley Drive, Suite 1400
Tampa, FL 33602
Office: 813-228-7000
Fax: 813-229-6316
Emails: eserve@barplaw.com; |Iplyushko@bgrplaw.com; bconde@bgrplaw.com
R. Ryan Rivas, Esq.
Hall Booth Smith, P.C.
Attorneys for SUSAN BRUNER
2701 North Rocky Point Drive, Suite 400
Tampa, Florida 33607
Telephone — 727-568-8435
Emails: rrivas@hallboothsmith.com; mhobbs@hallboothsmith.com
Barry A. Postman, Esq.
Ron M. Campbell, Esq.
Daniel C. Calvert, Esq.
Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.
Attorneys for CATHY CRISS and MILLENNIUM PHYSICIAN GROUP, LLC d/b/a
MILLENNIUM PHYSICIAN GROUP
27300 Riverview Center Boulevard, Suite 200
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Telephone: 239-690-7925
Facsimile: 239-738-7778
Emails: barry.postman@csklegal.com; ron.campbell@csklegal.com;
daniel.calvert@csklegal.com; krystal.perez@csklegal.com; daniela.perez@cskleqal.com
2|Page
Walter H. Tache, Esq
Gavrila A. Brotz, Esq.
Tache, Bronis, and Descalzo, P.A.
Co-Counsel for Defendant FAWCETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
150 S.E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 600
Miami, FL 33131
Telephone: 305-537-9565
Facsimile: 305-537-9567
Emails: wtache@tachebronis.com; service@tachebronis.com; gbrotz@tachebronis.com
3|Page
Deborah Cooper Burg, et al vs. Fawcett Memorial Hospital, et al
Case No. 2020-000616 CA
EXHIBIT “B”
BusH GRAZIANO RICE PLATTER, P.A.
TRIAL LAWYERS
100S. ASHLEY DRIVE PHO! 3.228.7000
SUITE 1400 MI 3.273, 091
TAMPA, FLORIDA 33602 cum
RONALD E. BUSH rbushi@bgrplaw.com
September 15, 2021
VIA EMAIL
Edward R. Blumberg, Esq.
100 N. Biscayne Blvd., Suite 2802
Miami, Florida 33132
RE: Burg v. Fawcett Memorial Hospital
Our File No.: 1185.275
Dear Ed:
1 am writing in follow-up to the hearing on September 13, 2021, and in particular to the
issues involving the F.R.C.P. 1.310 (b)(6) Corporate Representatives Depositions of Fawcett
Memorial Hospital. This will confirm we previously provided the dates of October 19 or 20, 2021.
The deposition will need to be conducted virtually, via the Zoom platform. | did note that an email
went out earlier today circulating the aforementioned dates for Dr. Ruggiero’s deposition.
We have offered to produce Dr. George Ruggiero, CMO of Fawcett Memorial Hospital to
address the majority of areas of inquiry previously identified by your office. We do not have an
actual Notice of Taking Deposition. Consequently, | do not have the actual identified areas of
inquiry. However, attached to this correspondence is what I understand to be proposed areas of
inquiry previously provided by your office. Please confirm whether the attached areas of inquiry
are those you intend to incorporate into your notice, or alternatively please provide the actual
notice.
Dr. Ruggiero will be produced to provide corporate representative testimony concerning
the following identified areas of inquiry. It is our position there is a distinction between first-hand,
fact witness testimony and corporate representative testimony. Testimony regarding Ms. Burg’s
care and treatment at the hospital is a proper subject for fact witness testimony and not corporate
representative testimony. We do not plan on permitting Dr. Ruggiero to respond to fact based
inquiry concerning Mrs. Burg’s care and treatment. We will permit Dr. Ruggiero to provide
corporate representative testimony concerning specifically identified areas of inquiry not directed
to the specific care and treatment of Mrs. Burg. I am providing our position in advance so as to
avoid the situation you referenced, concerning the lack of advanced notice, in the September 13,
2021, hearing. Subject to the aforementioned limitations, Dr. Ruggiero will be put forward to
address the following areas of inquiry:
EXHIBIT "B"
Edward R. Blumberg, Esq.
September 15, 2021
Page 2 of 3
The availability of nutritional supplements and vitamins, orally, intravenously, and
parenterally, for patients to receive in the emergency room and as an inpatient at
Fawcett Memorial Hospital in June, July, and August 2019.
The procedures concerning the July 25, 2019, recommendation of Dr. Nandini Kiri
that an evaluation for nutritional supplements be followed up on and occur, as well as
why it did not occur.
Knowledge as to the reasons why as a MBSAQIP accredited center, a registered
dietitian did not evaluate and assess Deborah Cooper Burg during her July 2019
emergency room visits and July 2019 inpatient admission at Fawcett Memorial
Hospital.
The availability of bariatric nurses at Fawcett Memorial Hospital to provide care to
Deborah Cooper Burg in July and August 2019 during her emergency room visits and
inpatient admissions.
As a MBSAQIP accredited center, the responsibilities of Fawcett Memorial Hospital
to provide a bariatric surgeon to actually evaluate, assess, care for and treat Deborah
Cooper Burg during her emergency room visits and inpatient admissions at Fawcett
Memorial Hospital in July and August 2019.
g The names, job titles, and addresses of all Fawcett Memorial Hospital staff who were
available to evaluate, assess, and care for Deborah Cooper Burg during her emergency
room visits and inpatient admissions in July and August 2019 with expertise and
knowledge as to the needs of a post-bariatric surgery patient such as Deborah Cooper
Burg. This area of inquiry is vague, ambiguous and overly broad. We will need to
either have the scope of the inquiry narrowed and clarified or_seck judicial
intervention concerning the same.
The responsibilities and obligations of the attending physician assigned to a patient at
Fawcett Memorial Hospital in July and August 2019 of providing nutrition and
vitamins.
The obligations and methods of Fawcett Memorial Hospital owed to patients including
Deborah Cooper Burg in the emergency room and as an inpatient in July and August
2019 as to providing proper and necessary nutrition and vitamin supplementation.
The nursing policies, procedures and protocols at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in effect
in June, July, and August 2019. This area of inquiry is vague, ambiguous and overly
broad. We will need to either have the scope of the inquiry narrowed and clarified
or seek judicial intervention concerning the sam
The Medical Staff Bylaws, Rules and Regulations at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in
effect in June, July, and August 2019. This area of inquiry is vague, ambiguous and
overly broad. We will need to either have the scope of the inquiry narrowed and
clarified or seek judicial intervention concerning the same
The policies and procedures at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in June, July, and August
2019 as to the role of a hospitalist such as Dr. Nandini Kiri being the physician that
Edward R. Blumberg, Esq.
September 15, 2021
Page 3 of 3
admits the patient as well as the role of the hospitalist in providing ongoing care and
treatment for the patient including the ordering of consults of other health care
providers.
The policies, procedures, protocols, rules, regulations, bylaws and all other written
material in effect in June, July, and August 2019 at Fawcett Memorial Hospital setting
forth the responsibilities, duties and expectations of admitting physicians, attending
physicians, bariatric surgeons, consulting physicians, gastroenterologists, general
surgeons, registered dietitians, and bariatric coordinators. Dr. Ruggiero will address
this area of inquiry except as related to Registered Dieticians. In addition, this area
of inquiry is vague, ambiguous and overly broad. We will need to either have the
Scope of the inquiry narrowed and clarified or seek judicial intervention concerning
the same.
Per the Court’s ruling we will identify a corporate representative to address those areas not
being addressed by Dr. Ruggiero within ten days. | look forward to receiving the actual Notice of
deposition and to working with you to resolve the issues identified herein.
Related Content
in Charlotte County
Ruling
FARSHID NIKFARJAM VS CAROL GARCIA
Jul 19, 2024 |
23SMCV04996
Case Number:
23SMCV04996
Hearing Date:
July 19, 2024
Dept:
M
CASE NAME:
Nikfarjam v. Garcia
CASE NO.:
23SMCV04996
MOTION:
Motion to Compel Initial Discovery Responses
HEARING DATE:
7/12/2024
Legal Standard
If a party to whom interrogatories are directed fails to serve a timely response, the propounding party may move for an order compelling responses and for a monetary sanction. (CCP § 2030.290(b).) The statute contains no time limit for a motion to compel where no responses have been served. All that need be shown in the moving papers is that a set of interrogatories was properly served on the opposing party, that the time to respond has expired, and that no response of any kind has been served. (
Leach v. Superior Court
(1980) 111 Cal. App. 3d 902, 905-906.)
Where there has been no timely response to a CCP section 2031.010 inspection demand, the demanding party must seek an order compelling a response. (CCP § 2031.300.) Failure to timely respond waives all objections, including privilege and work product. Thus, unless the party to whom the demand was directed obtains relief from waiver, he or she cannot raise objections to the documents demanded. There is no deadline for a motion to compel responses. Likewise, for failure to respond, the moving party need not attempt to resolve the matter outside court before filing the motion. Where the motion seeks only a response to the inspection demand, no showing of "good cause" is required.
ANALYSIS
D
efendant Carol Garcia moves to compel Plaintiff Farshid Nikfarjam to respond, without objections, to the Special Interrogatories, Set No. One, Form Interrogatories, Set No. One, and Demand for Production of Documents, Set No. One (collectively, the Subject Discovery), within fifteen (15) days. This action concerns personal injuries and damage from an automobile accident occurred on October 25, 2021.
Defendant propounded the subject discovery by mail on January 19, 2024. Plaintiff did not serve responses within the original due date of February 21, 2024. (Saakian Decl., Exs. A.) On April 16, 2024, Defendant informed Plaintiff of their intent to move to compel. (See Id., Exs. B.) Defendant demonstrates that Plaintiff has failed to respond to duly issued discovery. Accordingly, the motions to compel are GRANTED.
Further responses are ordered, without objection, within 20 days.
SANCTIONS
Sanctions are mandatory. The Court must sanction any party that unsuccessfully makes or opposes a motion to compel a further response, unless it finds that the one subject to the sanction acted with substantial justification or that other circumstances make the imposition of the sanction unjust. (See, e.g., CCP, §
2030.290
(c).) Plaintiff has failed to oppose, and therefore failed to justify their failure to respond to these discovery requests.
Defendant requests sanctions of $1,760.00, $760.00, and $760.00 for the respective motions to compel. (See Saakian Decl., ¶ 5.) Using the lodestar method, and considering the duplicative nature of the three motions, the Court finds that a reasonable sanction for the three motions would be $2,280.00 ($760/motion), inclusive of costs.
Ruling
Black Knight Fire Support, Inc. vs. Peterson Holding Company, et al.
Jul 16, 2024 |
22CV-0201274
HOLDING COMPANY, ET AL.
Case Number: 22CV-0201274
Tentative Ruling on Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings. This is a breach of contract case
arising out of maintenance and repair work that Plaintiff alleges it hired Defendants to perform on
a bulldozer in 2020. Defendants move for judgment on the pleadings, on the grounds that the First
Amended Complaint fails to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action against Defendants
Peterson Holding Company and Peterson Tractor Company. Plaintiff opposes the motion.
Meet and Confer: Before filing a motion for judgment on the pleadings, moving party's counsel
must meet and confer, in person or by telephone, with counsel for the party who filed the pleading
subject to the judgment on the pleadings motion “for the purpose of determining if an agreement
can be reached that resolves the claims to be raised in the motion for judgment on the pleadings.”
CCP § 439(a). Here, the Declaration of Paul Meidus attaches as Exhibit A a “Meet and Confer”
email he sent to Plaintiff’s counsel midday on May 21, 2024. Mr. Meidus’s Declaration states that
as of the date of the filing, he had not received a response from counsel. The instant Motion was
filed May 22, 2024. The Court’s Order dated June 17, 2024, noted that this was not a good faith
effort to meet and confer, and ordered Defendant to file a supplemental declaration regarding
additional efforts to determine if an agreement could be reached, no later than July 9, 2024. No
such declaration has been filed. Defendant has not adequately met and conferred as required by
CCP § 439(a). Defendant was also ordered to file proper proof of service of the motion, as none
had been previously filed. Defendant did not do so.
Timeliness of Motion: CCP 438(e): No motion may be made pursuant to this section if a pretrial
conference order has been entered pursuant to Section 575, or within 30 days of the date the action
is initially set for trial, whichever is later, unless the court otherwise permits. Here, it appears no
pretrial conference order has been entered. However, the date the action was initially set for trial
was November 28, 2023. That date has long passed, and the parties have sought and received two
continuances of the trial date since then. The parties have participated in a mandatory settlement
conference, and have engaged in motion practice including on discovery issues. As Defendants
argue, the motion is untimely under CCP 438(e). Despite the time limitation imposed by CCP
438(e), which was codified in 1994, Courts have since held that a nonstatutory motion for
judgment on the pleadings survives without the time limitation. “A motion for judgment on the
pleadings may be made at any time either prior to the trial or at the trial itself.” Stoops v. Abbassi
(2002) 100 CA4th 644, 650.
Request for Judicial Notice: Pursuant to Evid. Code §§ 452 and 453, the Court GRANTS
Defendants’ request for judicial notice of the Complaint and First Amended Complaint.
Merits: A motion for judgment on the pleadings has the same function as a general demurrer but
is made after the time for demurrer has expired. Except as provided by CCP § 438, the rules
governing demurrers apply. Cloud v. Northrop Grumman Corp. (1998) 67 CA4th 995, 999;
Templo v. State of Calif. (2018) 24 CA5th 730, 735 (motion for judgment on the pleadings is
equivalent to a demurrer). The grounds for a motion for judgment on the pleadings must appear
on the face of the challenged pleading or be based on facts the court may judicially notice. CCP
§ 438(d); Tung v. Chicago Title Co. (2021) 63 CA5th 734, 758-759.
The First Amended Complaint (“FAC”) filed October 26, 2023, is the operative pleading.
Defendants named in the caption include Peterson Holding Company, Brian Adams, and Peterson
Tractor Co. The parties stipulated to the amendment of the FAC, which changed Plaintiff’s name
to Black Knight Enterprises (it was formerly Black Knight Fire Support, Inc.). The order on that
stipulation was entered on October 23, 2023. The FAC alleges: Peterson Holding Company and
Peterson Tractor Company (“Peterson”) operate several lines of business, including Peterson-
CAT. (FAC ¶4.) Peterson, as Peterson-CAT, sells Caterpillar brand earthmoving and construction
equipment, and provides maintenance and repair services for such equipment. (FAC ¶4.) Peterson
operates at several locations, including a facility in Redding, County of Shasta, California, which
was where Peterson’s obligations which are the subject of this complaint were to be performed.
(FAC ¶4.) Peterson’s service manager Brian Adams provided a quote for maintenance work which
Plaintiff accepted on December 2, 2020. (FAC ¶ 10.)
The FAC contains numerous further allegations against Peterson. The Court only looks to the face
of the pleadings and matters subject to judicial notice on a motion for judgment on the pleadings.
This is a well-pleaded complaint making allegations that Peterson Holding Company and Peterson
Tractor Company entered into a contract with Plaintiff in 2020 for maintenance work that was
performed. The identity of the correct business entity which is directly liable to Plaintiff may be
Peterson Holding, Peterson Tractor, or Peterson-CAT – but that information is in the control of
the Defendants. The Court notes that on June 24, 2024, this Court granted Plaintiff’s Motions to
Compel Discovery Responses, which had not been provided as required by the CCP, despite
several reasonable extensions granted by Plaintiff. The responses presumably will permit Plaintiff
to amend to add Peterson-CAT as a named defendant if necessary.
On a motion for judgment on the pleadings, as on a demurrer, the court “treat[s] the demurrer as
admitting all material facts properly pleaded, but not contentions, deductions or conclusions of
fact or law.” Hood v. Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (1998) 65 Cal. App. 4th 435,
438. No matter how unlikely, a plaintiff’s allegations must be accepted as true for the purpose of
ruling on a demurrer. Del. E. Webb Corp. v. Structural Materials Co. (1981) 123 Cal. App. 3d
593, 604. A plaintiff must plead ultimate facts that acquaint the defendant with the nature, source
and extent of plaintiff’s causes of action. Doe v. City of Los Angeles (2007) 42 Cal. 4th 542, 550.
Here, Defendants are clearly aware of the allegations in this matter and the events which gave rise
to them. Defendants are arguing corporate form shields two of the defendants from liability.
Notably, Defendants’ pleading is conspicuously silent as to what the actual corporate relationship
is here, even though that information is within its custody and control. The Motion for Judgment
on the Pleadings is DENIED. No proposed order has been lodged as required by Local Rule
5.17(D). Defendant shall prepare the order.
Ruling
FARRARA, ET AL VS. AIRBNB, INC.
Jul 16, 2024 |
CVCV21-0198447
FARRARA, ET AL VS. AIRBNB, INC.
Case Number: CVCV21-0198447
Tentative Ruling on Petition to Approve Minor Compromise: Brianna Farrara seeks an order
approving the compromise of a claim on behalf of her minor son, Alexander Farrara. California
Rules of Court, Rule 7.950 states that a petition for court approval of a minor’s compromise must
contain a full disclosure of all information that has any bearing upon the reasonableness of the
compromise. The Petition provides the required information. Considering the nature of the
minor’s injuries and level of recovery and the uncertainty of liability, the Court is prepared to find
that the settlement is in the best interest of the minor if the voir dire process is completed to the
Court’s satisfaction.
The Court notes this is not an expedited petition brought on Judicial Council Form MC-350EX.
See CRC Rule 7.950.5. Hearing is thus needed on the Petition before it can be approved. The
person seeking approval of the settlement on behalf of the minor and the minor are required to
appear at the hearing, unless good cause is presented for their non-appearance. CRC Rule 7.952.
The Petitioner and minor are required to appear. Counsel will voir dire the Petitioner about the
terms of the settlement, any other potential sources to increase the settlement amount, whether the
minor has fully recovered and whether the Petitioner understands that once approved, the
settlement is final and binding on the minor. Once satisfied, the Court intends to grant the Petition
and set this matter for review for confirmation of deposit of the funds into a court blocked account.
An appearance by the Petitioner and minor is necessary on today’s calendar.
Ruling
DELMY YADIRA VARGAS HERNANDEZ, AN INDIVIDUAL, ET AL. VS NATIONAL COMMUNITY RENAISSANCE OF CALIFORNIA, A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION
Jul 18, 2024 |
24STCV04359
Case Number:
24STCV04359
Hearing Date:
July 18, 2024
Dept:
39
TENTATIVE RULING
DEPT
:
39
HEARING DATE
:
July 18, 2024
CASE NUMBER
:
24STCV04359
MOTION
:
Demurrer to Complaint
Motion to Strike Portions of Complaint
MOVING PARTY:
Defendant National Community Renaissance of California
OPPOSING PARTY:
Plaintiffs Delmy Yadira Vargas Hernandez, Sebastian Gonzalez, Delmy S. Gonzalez, Babie J. Gonzalez
MOTION
Plaintiffs Delmy Yadira Vargas Hernandez, Sebastian Gonzalez, Delmy S. Gonzalez, and Babie J. Gonzalez (Plaintiffs) sued Defendant National Community Renaissance of California (Defendant) for habitability violations.
Defendant demurs to Plaintiffs complaint.
Plaintiffs oppose the motion.
ANALYSIS
[A] demurrer tests the legal sufficiency of the allegations in a complaint. (
Lewis v. Safeway, Inc.
(2015) 235 Cal.App.4th 385, 388.) In ruling on a demurrer, the court must liberally construe[] the allegations of the complaint. (Code Civ. Proc., § 452.)
This rule of liberal construction means that the reviewing court draws inferences favorable to the plaintiff, not the defendant. (
Perez v. Golden Empire Transit Dist.
(2012) 209 Cal.App.4th 1228, 1238.)
Any party, within the time allowed to respond to a pleading, may serve and file a motion to strike the whole pleading or any part thereof. (Code Civ. Proc., § 435, subd. (b)(1); Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1322, subd. (b).)
On a motion to strike, the court may: (1) strike out any irrelevant, false, or improper matter inserted in any pleading; or (2) strike out all or any part of any pleading not drawn or filed in conformity with the laws of California, a court rule, or an order of the court. (Code Civ. Proc., § 436, subd. (a)-(b);
Stafford v. Shultz
(1954) 42 Cal.2d 767, 782.)
Plaintiffs first cause of action is for breach of contract.
Plaintiffs allege Defendant breached the terms of the lease with Plaintiffs by failing to provide a habitable unit.
(Complaint, ¶ 19.)
For pleading purposes, these allegations suffice.
Plaintiffs attach a lease addendum to the complaint and allege this is the operative agreement between the parties.
(
Id.
, ¶ 16, Exhibit B.)
Defendant argues this agreement is not a lease, but rather an addendum to a lease.
That is immaterial.
Plaintiffs allege Defendant breached the agreement Plaintiff attached to the complaint.
Plaintiffs are entitled to plead breach of contract in general terms.
(See
Ochs v. PacifiCare of California.
(2004) 115 Cal.App.4th 782, 795 [In an action based on a written contract, the plaintiff may plead the legal effect of the contract rather than its precise language].)
Defendant may obtain further information regarding Plaintiffs claims through discovery.
The demurrer to the first cause of action is overruled.
Likewise, Defendants argument Plaintiffs fifth cause of action for nuisance is duplicative fails.
Plaintiffs are entitled to plead in the alternative.
(See
Mendoza v. Continental Sales Co
. (2006) 140 Cal.App.4th 1395, 1402 [modern practice allows
. . . party to plead in the alternative and make inconsistent allegations].)
The demurrer to the fifth cause of action is overruled.
Defendant argues Plaintiffs seventh cause of action for violation of Los Angeles Municipal Code section 45.30 fails because Plaintiffs apartment is not within the city limits of Los Angeles.
Plaintiffs concede this point.
Accordingly, the court sustains the demurrer to the seventh cause of action.
In opposition, Plaintiffs seek leave to amend to assert a claim under the Los Angeles County Code, asserting they were under the mistaken understanding the subject property was located in the City of Los Angeles.
[U]nder this states liberal rules of pleading, the right of a party to amend to correct inadvertent misstatements of facts or erroneous allegations of terms cannot be denied. [Citation.].
(
Berman v. Bromberg
(1997) 56 Cal.App.4th 936, 945.)
Therefore, the court will grant Plaintiff leave to amend the seventh cause of action.
Defendant moves to strike the prayer for punitive damages.
In ruling on a motion to strike punitive damages, judges read allegations of a pleading subject to a motion to strike as a whole, all parts in their context, and assume their truth. (
Clauson v. Superior Court
(1998) 67 Cal.App.4th 1253, 1255.) To state a prima facie claim for punitive damages, a plaintiff must allege the elements set forth in the punitive damages statute, Civil Code section 3294. (
College Hospital, Inc. v. Superior Court
(1994) 8 Cal.4th 704, 721 (
College Hospital
).)
Therefore, a plaintiff must allege the defendant has been guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice. (Civ. Code, § 3294, subd. (a).)
Malice is defined as conduct intended by the defendant to cause injury to the plaintiff, or
despicable
conduct which is carried on by the defendant with a
willful
and conscious disregard of the rights or safety of others. [Citation.] (
College Hospital
,
supra
, 8 Cal.4th at p. 725.)
The mere allegation an intentional tort was committed is not sufficient to warrant an award of punitive damages. Not only must there be circumstances of oppression, fraud or malice, but facts must be alleged in the pleading to support such a claim. (
Grieves v. Superior Court
(1984) 157 Cal.App.3d 159, 166, internal citations and footnotes omitted.)
Plaintiffs allege Defendant failed to maintain the apartment Plaintiffs leased from Defendant in a habitable condition, and Defendant did not remedy such conditions even though Plaintiffs informed Defendant of the issues.
(See, e.g., Complaint, ¶¶ 10-12.)
However, Plaintiffs do not allege any specific facts to show Defendant acted with malice, rather than negligently.
As such, Plaintiffs have not alleged a claim for punitive damages against Defendant.
The court grants the motion to strike the prayer for punitive damages with leave to amend.
Defendant also moves to strike the prayer for attorney fees.
Plaintiffs allege they are entitled to attorney fees pursuant to the terms of their lease with Defendant.
However, the lease Plaintiffs attach to the complaint does not contain an attorney fees provision.
Plaintiffs concede as much.
If facts appearing in the exhibits contradict those alleged, the facts in the exhibits take precedence. (
Holland v. Morse Diesel Intern., Inc.
(2001) 86 Cal.App.4th 1443, 1447.)
Accordingly, the motion to strike the prayer for attorney fees is granted without leave to amend.
Should Plaintiffs obtain evidence of an applicable contractual attorney fees provision in discovery or determine there is any other bases for an award of attorney fees, Plaintiffs may file a motion for leave to amend their complaint, accordingly.
CONCLUSION AND ORDER
Defendants demurrer to Plaintiffs seventh cause of action is sustained with leave to amend.
Defendants demurrer is otherwise overruled.
Defendants motion to strike the punitive damages allegations is granted with leave to amend.
Defendants motion to strike the prayer for attorney fees is granted without leave to amend at this time.
Plaintiffs are to file an amended complaint within 10 days.
Defendant is ordered to provide notice of this order and file proof of service of same.
Ruling
RIEYAHNE BLAYLOCK VS. CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO ET AL
Jul 15, 2024 |
CGC23605751
Matter on the Law & Motion Calendar for Monday, July 15, 2024, Line 6. PLAINTIFF RIEYAHNE BLAYLOCK BY AND THROUGH GARDIAN AD LITEM HALIMA QUINN's Motion To Quash Subpoenas From Defendantt Ccsf And Request For Sanctions. The judge pro tem's report and recommendation is adopted. For the 9:30 a.m. Law & Motion calendar, all attorneys and parties may appear in Department 302 remotely. Remote hearings will be conducted by videoconference using Zoom. To appear remotely at the hearing, go to the court's website at sfsuperiorcourt.org under "Online Services," navigate to "Tentative Rulings," and click on the appropriate link, or dial the corresponding phone number. Any party who contests a tentative ruling must send an email to contestdept302tr@sftc.org with a copy to all other parties by 4pm stating, without argument, the portion(s) of the tentative ruling that the party contests. The subject line of the email shall include the line number, case name and case number. The text of the email shall include the name and contact information, including email address, of the attorney or party who will appear at the hearing. Counsel for the prevailing party is required to prepare a proposed order which repeats verbatim the substantive portion of the tentative ruling and attaches a copy of the report and recommendation and must email it to contestdept302tr@sftc.org prior to the hearing even if the tentative ruling is not contested. The court no longer provides a court reporter in the Law & Motion Department. Parties may retain their own reporter, who may appear in the courtroom or remotely. A retained reporter must be a California certified court reporter (CSR), for only a CSR's transcript may be used in California courts. If a CSR is being retained, include in your email all of the following: their name, CSR and telephone numbers, and their individual work email address. =(302/RBU)
Ruling
E. vs. Bright Starz Day Care
Jul 17, 2024 |
SCV-273747
SCV-273747, E. v. Bright Starz Day Care
Plaintiff Anastasia E. (“Plaintiff”) by and through her guardian ad litem Rachele Eschenburg
(“Guardian Ad Litem”) filed the complaint (the “Complaint”) in this action against Bright Starz
Day Care (“Bright Starz”), Jackielyn Bausley (“Bausely”, together with Bright Starz,
“Defendants”), and Does 1 through 25 for causes of action arising from alleged sexual abuse of
Plaintiff while under the care of Defendants.
This matter is on calendar for the motion by Plaintiff through her Guardian Ad Litem pursuant to
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) § 473 for leave to amend the Complaint. No opposition is on file.
The Motion is DENIED without prejudice.
I. Governing Authorities
While motions to amend a pleading are generally within the discretion of the court, it does
require that some showing be made which justifies the court’s exercise of discretionary power.
Baxter v. Riverside Portland Cement Co. (1913) 22 Cal.App. 199, 201. Though there is no
statute requiring the filing of an affidavit, it is the burden of the moving party to place before the
court such material to evidence that the ends of justice will be served through granting the
motion. Plummer v. Superior Court for Los Angeles County (1963) 212 Cal.App.2d 841, 844.
Any motion to amend must be accompanied by a supporting declaration stating the effect of the
amendment, why the amendment is necessary and proper, when the changed facts were
discovered, and the reasons why amendment was not made earlier. CROC, rule 3.1324 (b).
II. Analysis
First, Plaintiff has failed to produce any of the requirements under Rule 3.1324 beyond a copy of
the proposed amended complaint and a motion which contains no authority cited. Additionally,
there is no declaration submitted meeting the evidentiary burdens necessary for this type of
motion. Plaintiff has submitted a proposed amended complaint, but it does not provide
“additional facts” as argued in the motion. See Plaintiff’s Proposed Amended Complaint
(“PAC”). Rather, it adds a cause of action for breach of contract, while eliminating much of the
factual allegations. Contra, Complaint (the alleged assault occurred on November 23, 2022). It is
deleterious to Defendants’ ability to respond for Plaintiff to have not included the required list of
revisions as required under Rule 3.1324 (a), as it inhibits the ability of both Defendants and the
Court to review the changes Plaintiff proposes.
As noted, the lack of declaration signed under penalty of perjury in support also makes the
motion deficient. It fails to show the effect of the amendment, why the amendment is necessary
and proper, when the facts giving rise to the allegations were discovered, and why the request for
amendment was not made earlier. Plaintiff (through Guardian Ad Litem) must meet her
evidentiary burden for the Court to have the power to allow amendment.
Second, there is no evidence before the Court showing that the motion was served on the
Defendants. There is no proof of service in the file, and no opposition is on file from Defendants.
See California Rule of Court, Rule 3.510 (Proofs of service are due 5 court days before the
hearing). Defendants having not received notice of the motion, denial is proper. See, Code of
Civil Procedure, §§ 1005 and 1010 (motions, and notice of the date on which they are to be
heard, are to be served at least 16 court days before the hearing).
Therefore, Plaintiff’s motion to amend is DENIED without prejudice.
**This is the end of the Tentative Rulings.***
Ruling
MALVINA MKHCHYAN VS MARGARET MARY LEWIS
Jul 15, 2024 |
21STCV31743
Case Number:
21STCV31743
Hearing Date:
July 15, 2024
Dept:
28
Having reviewed the moving and supplemental papers, the Court rules as follows.
BACKGROUND
On August 26, 2021, Plaintiff Malvina Mkchyan (Plaintiff) filed a complaint against Defendants Margaret Mary Lewis (Defendant) and Does 1-50 for motor vehicle tort and general negligence.
On May 15, 2023, Defendant filed an answer.
On February 22, 2024, Defendant filed (1) a motion to compel Plaintiffs further responses to special interrogatories, set one, and for sanctions, and (2) a motion to compel Plaintiffs further responses to form interrogatories, set one, and for sanctions.
The motions were set to be heard on April 22, 2024.
On April 22, 2024, the Court continued the hearing to May 16, 2024 and ordered Defendant to file supplemental declarations or briefs explaining whether her motions were timely under Code of Civil Procedure section 2030.300, subdivision (c). The Court granted Plaintiff leave to file responsive declarations or briefs.
On May 2, 2024, Defendant filed supplemental briefs. The Court continued the hearing to July 15, 2024.
Trial is currently scheduled for August 22, 2024.
DISCUSSION
A.
Informal Discovery Conference
The Los Angeles Superior Courts Eighth Amended Standing Order for Procedures in the Personal Injury Hub Courts Effective October 10, 2022 (filed September 20, 2022) (Eighth Amended Standing Order), ¶ 9E, provides: PI Hub Courts will not hear Motions to Compel Further Discovery Responses to Discovery until the parties have engaged in an Informal Discovery Conference (IDC). PI Hub Courts may deny or continue a Motion to Compel Further Responses to Discovery if parties fail to schedule and complete an IDC before the scheduled hearing on a Motion to Compel Further Responses to Discovery.
Defendant scheduled and attended an IDC on February 20, 2024.
Plaintiff did not attend the IDC. The Court took the IDC off calendar and ruled that Defendant could proceed with motions to compel further discovery responses.
B.
Timeliness
Unless notice of [a motion to compel further responses to interrogatories] is given within 45 days of the service of the verified response, or any supplemental verified response, or on or before any specific later date to which the propounding party and the responding party have agreed in writing, the propounding party waives any right to compel a further response to the interrogatories. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.300, subd. (c).)
The statutory deadline for a motion to compel further responses to interrogatories is mandatory and the Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain a belated motion to compel. (See
Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc. v. Superior Court
(2022) 84 Cal.App.5th 127, 137 (
Golf & Tennis Pro Shop
);
Vidal Sassoon, Inc. v. Superior Court
(1983) 147 Cal.App.3d 681, 683, 685 (
Vidal Sassoon
).)
On February 22, 2024, Defendant filed (1) a motion to compel further responses to special interrogatories, set one, and request for sanctions, and (2) a motion to compel further responses to form interrogatories, set one, and request for sanctions. The motions stated that Defendants counsel received Plaintiffs responses to Defendants special and form interrogatories on November 3, 2023. The motions also stated that although Defendants counsel asked Plaintiffs counsel for an extension of time to file a motion to compel further responses to the interrogatories, Plaintiffs counsel did not respond to the request.
On April 22, 2024, the Court issued an order observing that the 45-day deadline to file a motion to compel further responses begins to run only when verified responses are served and it was not clear if the responses which Defendants counsel received on November 3, 2023 were verified.
The Court continued the hearing to May 16, 2024 and ordered Defendant to file supplemental declarations or briefs explaining whether her motions were timely under Code of Civil Procedure section 2030.300, subdivision (c). The Court granted Plaintiff leave to file responsive declarations or briefs.
On May 2, 2024, Defendant filed supplemental briefs stating that Plaintiff served verifications to the discovery responses on November 7, 2023.
Defendant asserts that Plaintiffs counsel agreed to extend Defendants time to file motions to compel further responses to January 12, 2024 and then for an additional three weeks. (Defendants Supplemental Brief p. 6.) Based on Defendant's representations, Defendant's deadline to file motions to compel further responses would have been February 2, 2024.
On January 19 and 30, 2024, Defendants counsel asked Plaintiffs counsel for a 60-day extension of time to file motions to compel further responses to the special and form interrogatories. (Defendants Supplemental Brief p. 6.) Plaintiffs counsel did not respond to the request.
As noted, Defendant filed motions to compel further responses on February 22, 2024, after the February 2, 2024 deadline.
Nonetheless, Defendant argues that the Court instructed Defendant to file motions to compel further discovery and tolled all motion deadlines related to the discovery at issue in doing so at the February 20, 2024 informal discovery conference.
(Supplement Brief pp. 2-3.)
As support for this argument, Defendant cites the Courts February 20, 2024 minute order, which stated that notwithstanding Plaintiff's failure to appear at the informal discovery conference, Counsel for Defendant may move forward with filing the Motions to Compel Further Discovery Responses and the Court will rule on the Motions on their scheduled dates of 4/22 and 4/23/22024 at 1:30 p.m. in this Department.
The timeliness issue was not before the Court at the February 20, 2024 informal discovery conference and the Court did not address it. In stating that Defendant could proceed with filing her motion, the Court meant only that Defendant had complied with the Eighth Amended Standing Orders requirement that a party participate in an informal discovery conference before the Court will hear the partys motion to compel further discovery responses. Indeed, the Court has no authority to waive the timeliness requirement.
(See
Golf & Tennis Pro Shop
,
supra
, 84 Cal.App.5th at p. 137;
Vidal Sassoon
,
supra
, 147 Cal.App.3d at pp. 683, 685.)
If Defendant relied on the language of the Courts February 20, 2024 minute order to support a belief that that the Court tolled all motion deadlines related to the discovery (Supplemental Brief p. 3), Defendants reliance was misplaced.
Defendant also argues that [a]t the February 20, 2024, IDC hearing, the court necessarily tolled the applicable motion deadlines under former Code of Civil Procedure section 2016.080(c)(2) by giving Defendant permission to file her Motions at the Informal Discovery Conference.
(Supplemental Brief p. 4.) But as Defendant acknowledges, former Code of Civil Procedure section 2016.080, subdivision (c)(2), was not in effect when the February 20, 2024 informal discovery conference took place.
Defendant also relies on the Eighth Amended Standing Orders statements that (1) parties are encouraged to stipulate to extend the deadline for filing a Motion to Compel Further Discovery Responses by 60 days in order to allow time to participate in an IDC and to informally resolve the pending discovery issues and (2) [a] partys failure to stipulate to extend the time to bring a Motion to Compel Further Discovery Responses so that an IDC may be held may subject the parties and/or counsel to the imposition of sanctions.
(Eight Amended Standing Order ¶ 9 E.)
Defendant does not mention the Eighth Amended Standing Orders warning that [r]eserving or scheduling an IDC
does not extend the time to file a Motion to Compel Further Discovery Responses.
(
Ibid
., bold in original.)
The Eighth Amended Standing Order suggests that [i]f parties do not stipulate to extend the deadline(s) to file a Motion to Compel Further Discovery Responses, the moving/propounding party may file the motion to avoid it being deemed untimely.
(
Ibid
.)
Defendant did not follow this suggestion.
The Court denies the motions as untimely.
CONCLUSION
The Court DENIES Defendant
Margaret Mary Lewiss motion to compel further responses to special interrogatories, set one, and for sanctions.
The Court DENIES Defendant Margaret Mary Lewiss motion to compel further responses to form interrogatories, set one, and for sanctions.
Moving party is ordered to give notice of this ruling.
Moving party is ordered to file proof of service of this ruling within five days.
Ruling
Figueroa vs. State of California (Department of Social Services), et al.
Jul 16, 2024 |
22CV-0200829
SOCIAL SERVICES), ET AL.
Case Number: 22CV-0200829
This matter is on calendar for review regarding status of default and trial setting. This case was
filed in October of 2022, but is still not at issue. Doe Defendant La-Z-Boy Incorporated was served
on December 4, 2023, but has not yet appeared. The Court has received and executed a stipulated
order re filing of a Second Amended Complaint. The Court will therefore continue this matter 60
days to allow said Complaint to be filed and served. The Court continues this matter to September
16, 2024 at 9:00 p.m. in Dept. 64. The parties are to file with the Court a Status Conference
Statement 5 days prior thereto. No appearance is necessary on today’s calendar.