Motion to Compel Discovery in Thomas Wilfred Vs Hmh Hospitals Corpor Ation| Trellis.Law

On October 25, 2022 a Motion,Ex Parte was filed involving a dispute between Rhonda Thomas, Wilfred Thomas, and Abram Wahba Md, Garden State Surgical Associat, Gary B Breitbart Md, Hackensack Meridianhealth Inc, Hackensack Meridianmedical Gr, Hackensack University Medical, Hmh Hospitals Corporation, Maureen Escoboza Rn, Mohammed A Islam Md, Renu Mittal Rn, Samantha Tupayachi Rn, Seena George Rn, for Medical Malpractice in the District Court of Middlesex County.

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SALTZ MONGELUZZI BENDESKY
MARY T. GIDARO, ESQUIRE
JASON S. WEISS, ESQUIRE
DENISE H. GEORGES, ESQUIRE
MGidaro/JWeiss/DGeorges@smbb.com
Identification No.: 01511-1992/02326-2010/43086-2023
Sagemore Corporate Center
8000 Sagemore Drive, Suite 8303
Marlton, NJ 08053
(856) 751-8383 Attorneys for Plaintiffs

WILFRED THOMAS and : SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
RHONDA THOMAS, h/w, : MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Plaintiffs, : LAW DIVISION
:
vs. : DOCKET NO. L-005311-22
:
HMH HOSPITALS CORPORATION D/B/A : NOTICE OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION
RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER, : TO COMPEL DEFENDANTS, HMH
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH, INC., : HOSPITALS CORPORATION D/B/A
HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL : RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER,
CENTER, ABRAM WAHBA, M.D., : HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH,
MOHAMMED A. ISLAM, M.D., : INC., HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN MEDICAL : MEDICAL CENTER, MOHAMMED A.
GROUP, GARY B. BREITBART, M.D., : ISLAM, M.D., HACKENSACK
GARDEN STATE SURGICAL ASSOCIATES, : MERIDIAN MEDICAL GROUP,
P.A., SAMANTHA TUPAYACHI, RN, : SEENA GEORGE, R.N., MAUREEN
MAUREEN ESCOBOZA, RN, SEENA : ESCOBOZA, R.N., AND SAMANTHA
GEORGE, RN, AND RENU MITTAL, RN, : TUPAYACHI, R.N. TO ANSWER
Defendants : UNIFORM INTERROGATORIES,
: FORM C AND FORM C(3),
: PLAINTIFFS’ NOTICE TO PRODUCE
: SET I AND PLAINTIFFS’
: SUPPLEMENTAL
: INTERROGATORIES SET I

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., or soon thereafter

as counsel may be heard, the undersigned counsel for plaintiffs in the above-captioned matter will

move before the Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex County, 56 Paterson Street, New

Brunswick, New Jersey 08903, for an Order compelling Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation

d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University
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Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha

Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, to respond to Uniform

Interrogatories, Form C and Form C(3), Plaintiffs’ Notice to Produce Set I, and Plaintiffs’

Supplemental Interrogatories Set I.

Movant will rely upon the enclosed certification of counsel in support of the Motion and

submits this Motion to the Court pursuant to Rule 1:6-2, thereby waiving oral argument unless

timely opposition is filed.

SALTZ MONGELUZZI BENDESKY

Dated: July 13, 2023 By: /s/ Jason S. Weiss
MARY T. GIDARO, ESQUIRE
JASON S. WEISS, ESQUIRE
DENISE H. GEORGES, ESQUIRE
Attorneys for Plaintiffs

I hereby certify that the original Motion and proposed form of Order were filed with the

Middlesex County Clerk within the time prescribed by R. 1:6-3.

SALTZ MONGELUZZI BENDESKY

Dated: July 13, 2023 By: /s/ Jason S. Weiss
MARY T. GIDARO, ESQUIRE
JASON S. WEISS, ESQUIRE
DENISE H. GEORGES, ESQUIRE
Attorneys for Plaintiffs

I hereby certify that this case is not currently scheduled for trial.

SALTZ MONGELUZZI BENDESKY

Dated: July 13, 2023 By: /s/ Jason S. Weiss
MARY T. GIDARO, ESQUIRE
JASON S. WEISS, ESQUIRE
DENISE H. GEORGES, ESQUIRE
Attorneys for Plaintiffs

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WILFRED THOMAS and : SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
RHONDA THOMAS, h/w, : MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Plaintiffs, : LAW DIVISION
:
vs. : DOCKET NO. L-005311-22
:
HMH HOSPITALS CORPORATION D/B/A :
RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER, :
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH, INC., :
HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL :
CENTER, ABRAM WAHBA, M.D., :
MOHAMMED A. ISLAM, M.D., :
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN MEDICAL :
GROUP, GARY B. BREITBART, M.D., :
GARDEN STATE SURGICAL ASSOCIATES, :
P.A., SAMANTHA TUPAYACHI, RN, :
MAUREEN ESCOBOZA, RN, SEENA : ORDER
GEORGE, RN, AND RENU MITTAL, RN, :
Defendants :

This matter having come before the Court upon application of Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky,

attorneys for Plaintiffs, for an Order Compelling Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a

Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical

Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi,

RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, to provide responses to Uniform

Interrogatories, Form C and Form C(3), Plaintiffs’ Notice to Produce Set I, and Plaintiffs’

Supplemental Interrogatories Set I, and the Court having read the moving papers, and any papers

filed in opposition thereto, and for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED and DECREED

that said Motion is GRANTED.

Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack

Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D.,

Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and

Seena George, RN, shall provide responses to Uniform Interrogatories, Form C and Form C(3),
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Plaintiffs’ Notice to Produce Set I, and Plaintiffs’ Supplemental Interrogatories Set I within ten

(10) days from the date of this Order, or suffer sanctions as the Court may hereinafter order.

J.S.C.

OPPOSED
UNOPPOSED

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WILFRED THOMAS and : SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
RHONDA THOMAS, h/w, : MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Plaintiffs, : LAW DIVISION
:
vs. : DOCKET NO. L-005311-22
:
HMH HOSPITALS CORPORATION D/B/A : ATTORNEY CERTIFICATION IN
RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER, : SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH, INC., : TO COMPEL DEFENDNTS, HMH
HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL : HOSPITALS CORPORATION D/B/A
CENTER, ABRAM WAHBA, M.D., : RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER,
MOHAMMED A. ISLAM, M.D., : HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH,
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN MEDICAL : INC., HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY
GROUP, GARY B. BREITBART, M.D., : MEDICAL CENTER, MOHAMMED A.
GARDEN STATE SURGICAL ASSOCIATES, : ISLAM, M.D., HACKENSACK
P.A., SAMANTHA TUPAYACHI, RN, : MERIDIAN MEDICAL GROUP,
MAUREEN ESCOBOZA, RN, SEENA : SAMANTHA TUPAYACHI, RN,
GEORGE, RN, AND RENU MITTAL, RN, : MAUREEN ESCOBOZA, RN, AND
Defendants : SEENA GEORGE, RN TO ANSWER
: UNIFORM INTERROGATORIES,
: FORM C AND FORM C(3),
: PLAINTIFFS’ NOTICE TO PRODUCE
: SET I AND PLAINTIFFS’
: SUPPLEMENTAL
: INTERROGATORIES SET I

I, Jason S. Weiss, Esquire, hereby certify as follows:

1. I am an attorney at law in the State of New Jersey and am associated with the law

firm of Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky. I am counsel for Plaintiffs in this matter. I am making this

certification in support of Plaintiffs’ Motion to Compel Responses of Defendants, HMH Hospitals

Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack
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University Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group,

Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, to Uniform

Interrogatories, Form C and Form C(3), Plaintiffs’ Notice to Produce Set I, and Plaintiffs’

Supplemental Interrogatories Set I. I am making this certification upon personal knowledge unless

otherwise indicated.

2. This is a medical malpractice action filed on October 25, 2022 stemming from the

alleged medical negligence of the above captioned Defendants.

3. Plaintiffs’ counsel served their request to answer Uniform Interrogatories, Form C

and Form C(3) with their Complaint on November 1, 2022 on Defendants, HMH Hospitals

Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack

University Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group,

Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN.

4. On March 9, 2023, Plaintiffs’ counsel served Plaintiffs’ Notice to Produce Set I and

Plaintiffs’ Supplemental Interrogatories Set I Directed to Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation

d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University

Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha

Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, via electronic mail to their

counsel, Cocca & Cutinello, LLP, and requested that responses be provided within the time limits

set forth in the New Jersey Rules of Civil Procedure. (A true and correct copy of the enclosure

letter, Plaintiffs’ Notice to Produce Set I Directed to the Defendants, and Plaintiffs’ Supplemental

Interrogatories Set I Directed to Defendants dated March 9, 2023 is attached collectively hereto

and marked as Exhibit “A”.)

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5. On June 14, 2023, Plaintiffs’ counsel sent a reminder letter to counsel for

Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian

Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack

Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George,

RN, via electronic mail requesting responses to Uniform Interrogatories, Form C and Form C(3),

Plaintiffs’ Notice to Produce Set I, and Plaintiffs’ Supplemental Interrogatories Set I within ten

(10) days from the date of the letter. (A true and correct copy of the June 14, 2023 letter is attached

hereto and marked as Exhibit “B”.)

6. To date, Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical

Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center, Mohammed

A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen

Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, have not provided responses to Uniform Interrogatories,

Form C and Form C(3) that were served on November 1, 2022 and responses to Plaintiffs’ Notice

to Produce Set I and Plaintiffs’ Supplemental Interrogatories Set I that were served on March 9,

2023.

7. No requests for extensions have been received or granted.

8. Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center,

Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam,

M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN,

and Seena George, RN, have not objected to the discovery requests.

9. The discovery deadline in this matter is February 14, 2024.

10. Pursuant to R. 4:10-2(a):

“Parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter, not privileged, which
is relevant to the subject matter involved in the pending action, whether

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it relates to the claim or defense of the parties seeking discovery or
to the claim or defense of any other party, including the existence,
description, nature, custody, condition, and location of any books,
documents, or other tangible things and the identity and location
of persons having knowledge of any discoverable matter. It is not
grounds for objection that the information sought will be inadmissible
at the trial if the information sought appears reasonably calculated to
lead to the discovery of admissible evidence; nor is it grounds for
objection that the examining party has knowledge of the matter
to which discovery is sought.”

11. Given the provisions of the rules, Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a

Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical

Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi,

RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, should be compelled to provide responses to

Uniform Interrogatories, Form C and Form C(3), Plaintiffs’ Notice to Produce Set I, and Plaintiffs’

Supplemental Interrogatories Set I without further delay.

12. For all of the aforementioned reasons, Plaintiffs now request this Honorable Court

to enter an Order compelling Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical

Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center, Mohammed

A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen

Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, to provide complete responses to Uniform Interrogatories,

Form C and Form C(3), Plaintiffs’ Notice to Produce Set I, and Plaintiffs’ Supplemental

Interrogatories Set I.

13. A proposed form of Order accompanies this certification.

14. We certify that the foregoing statements made by us are true. We are aware that if

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any of the foregoing statements made by us are willfully false, we are subject to punishment.

Respectfully submitted,

SALTZ MONGELUZZI BENDESKY

Dated: July 13, 2023 By: /s/ Jason S. Weiss
MARY T. GIDARO, ESQUIRE
JASON S. WEISS, ESQUIRE
DENISE H. GEORGES, ESQUIRE
Attorneys for Plaintiffs

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WILFRED THOMAS and : SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
RHONDA THOMAS, h/w, : MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Plaintiffs, : LAW DIVISION
:
vs. : DOCKET NO. L-005311-22
:
HMH HOSPITALS CORPORATION D/B/A :
RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER, :
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH, INC., :
HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL :
CENTER, ABRAM WAHBA, M.D., :
MOHAMMED A. ISLAM, M.D., :
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN MEDICAL :
GROUP, GARY B. BREITBART, M.D., :
GARDEN STATE SURGICAL ASSOCIATES, :
P.A., SAMANTHA TUPAYACHI, RN, :
MAUREEN ESCOBOZA, RN, SEENA : PROOF OF MAILING
GEORGE, RN, AND RENU MITTAL, RN, :
Defendants :

I, Jason S. Weiss, Esquire, of full age, hereby certify that:

I am an attorney at law in the State of New Jersey and represent Plaintiffs, Wilfred

Thomas and Rhonda Thomas, in this matter. I hereby certify that on July 13, 2023, the within

Motion to Compel Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center,

Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center, Mohammed A.

Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen

Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, to Respond to Uniform Interrogatories, Form C and Form
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C(3), Plaintiffs’ Notice to Produce Set I, and Plaintiffs’ Supplemental Interrogatories Set I was

served via electronic filing to the following counsel:

Anthony Cocca, Esquire Joseph A. DiCroce, Esquire
Cocca & Cutinello, LLP Steven B. Farman, Esquire
The Point at Morristown Law Offices of Joseph A. DiCroce, LLC
36 Cattano Avenue, Suite 600 Valley Park Professional Center
Morristown, New Jersey 07960 2517 Highway 35
Attorneys for Defendants, Raritan Bay Medical Building N – Suite 201
Center, a division of HMH Hospitals Corporation, Manasquan, New Jersey 08736
improperly pled as “HMH Hospitals Corporation Attorneys for Defendant, Abram Wahba,
d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center”, Hackensack M.D.
Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack Meridian
Health Medical Group, Hackensack University
Medical Center, a division of HMH Hospitals
Corporation, improperly pled as “Hackensack
University Medical Center”, Mohammed Islam,
M.D., Seena George, R.N., Maureen Escoboza,
R.N., and Samantha Tupayachi, R.N.

Gregory J. Giordano, Esquire Herbert Kruttschnitt, III, Esquire
Lenox Socey Formidoni Giordano Cyndee L. Allert, Esquire
Lang Carrigg & Casey LLC Dughi Hewit & Domalewski
136 Franklin Corner Road, Unit B-2 340 North Avenue
Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648 Cranford, New Jersey 07106
Attorneys for Defendants, Gary B. Breitbart, Attorneys for Defendant, Renu Mittal, RN
M.D. and Garden State Surgical Associates, P.A.

Respectfully submitted,

SALTZ MONGELUZZI BENDESKY

By: /s/ Jason S. Weiss
JASON S. WEISS, ESQUIRE
Attorneys for Plaintiffs

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EXHIBIT “A”
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SALTZ
Zo MONGELUZZI
BENDESKY
TRIAL LAWYERS
DELAWARE COUNTY OFFICE ONE LIBERTY PLACE, 52ND FLOOR NEW JERSEY OFFICE
20 WEST THIRD STREET 1650 MARKET STREET 8000 SAGEMORE DRIVE
P.O. BOX 1670 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103 SUITE 8303
MEDIA, PA 19063 VOICE 215.496.8282 MARLTON, NJ 08053
VOICE 610.627.9777 FAX 215.496.0999 VOICE 856.751.8383
FAX 610.627.9787 FAX 856.751.0868

MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFICE
120 GIBRALTAR RD
JASON S. WEISS, ESQUIRE SUITE 218
DIRECT DIAL: (215) 575-2992
JWEISS@SMBB.COM
HORSHAM, PA 19044
VOICE 215.496.8282
FAX 215.754.4443

March 9, 2023

Via Electronic Mail

Anthony Cocca, Esquire
Cocca & Cutinello, LLP
The Point at Morristown
36 Cattano Avenue, Suite 600
Morristown, New Jersey 07960

Re: Thomas v. HMH Hospitals Corporation, et al.
Superior Court of New Jersey, Docket No. MID-L-5311-22

Counsel:

Enclosed is Plaintiffs’ Notice to Produce Set I and Plaintiffs’ Supplemental
Interrogatories Set I Directed to Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay
Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center,
Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN,
Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN.

Additionally, as you may recall, Plaintiffs served Defendants, HMH Hospitals
Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack
University Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group,
Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN on November 1, 2022
in their Complaint filed on October 25, 2022, with a demand for answers to Uniform
Interrogatories, Form C and Form C(3).

Kindly provide responses in accordance with the New Jersey Rules of Civil Procedure.
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Page 2
March 9, 2023

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Very truly yours,

SALTZ MONGELUZZI BENDESKY P.C.

/s/ Jason S. Weiss
JASON S. WEISS, ESQUIRE

JSW:dmr
Enclosures
cc: Joseph A. DiCroce, Esquire (via email w/ enclosures)
Gregory J. Giordano, Esquire (via email w/enclosures)
Herbert Kruttschnitt, III, Esquire (via email w/enclosures)
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SALTZ MONGELUZZI BENDESKY P.C.
MARY T. GIDARO, ESQUIRE
JASON S. WEISS, ESQUIRE ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
MGidaro/JWeiss@smbb.com
Identification No. 01511-1992/02326-2010
Sagemore Corporate Center, Suite 8303
8000 Sagemore Drive
Marlton, New Jersey 08053
(856) 751-8383

WILFRED THOMAS and : SUPERIOR COURT OF
RHONDA THOMAS, h/w, : NEW JERSEY
Plaintiffs : MIDDLESEX COUNTY
: LAW DIVISION
v. :
: DOCKET NO. L-005311-22
HMH HOSPITALS CORPORATION :
D/B/A RARITAN BAY MEDICAL : PLAINTIFFS’ NOTICE TO PRODUCE
CENTER, HACKENSACK MERIDIAN : DIRECTED TO DEFENDANTS, HMH
HEALTH, INC., HACKENSACK : HOSPITALS CORPORATION D/B/A
UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, : RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER,
ABRAM WAHBA, M.D., MOHAMMED : HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH,
A. ISLAM, M.D., HACKENSACK : INC., HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY
MERIDIAN MEDICAL GROUP, GARY : MEDICAL CENTER, MOHAMMED A.
B. BREITBART, M.D., GARDEN STATE: ISLAM, M.D., HACKENSACK
SURGICAL ASSOCIATES P.A., : MERIDIAN MEDICAL GROUP,
SAMANTHA TUPAYACHI, RN, : SAMANTHA TUPAYACHI, RN,
MAUREEN ESCOBOZA, RN, SEENA : MAUREEN ESCOBOZA, RN, AND
GEORGE, RN, and RENU MITTAL, RN,: SEENA GEORGE, RN – SET I
Defendants :

Plaintiffs, Wilfred Thomas and Rhonda Thomas, h/w, by and through their attorneys
hereby request that Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center,
Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center, Mohammed A.
Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen
Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, produce the below-listed documents and tangible things
within thirty-five (35) days pursuant to New Jersey Court Rules.

DEFINITIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

Pursuant to the New Jersey Court Rules, you are hereby requested to produce the below-
listed documents, and/or times for purposes of discovery. This material will be examined and/or
photocopied; photograph negatives will be processed, and photographs reproduced. Said
documents and tangible things are to be produced at the office of the undersigned within thirty-
five (35) days of the date of service hereof and supplemented thereafter in accordance with the
New Jersey Court Rules.

These requests are not directed merely to the person or party whose name appears above
but are meant to include that person or party’s agents, servants, insurers, employers, employees,
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investigators, attorneys, and others similarly situated to the main party or person, any and all of
whom may be referred to herein as “answering party”.

In addition, although the Notice seeks documents within thirty-five (35) days, the Notice
should also be deemed continuing in that if there are further materials which come under the
purview of any of these Notices which materials are obtained after the time of their production
presently, said material should also be furnished in accord with this Notice.

If any requested document is unavailable because it was lost or destroyed by Defendants,
HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health,
Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian
Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, or
their agents, or for any other reason, the defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan
Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center,
Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN,
Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, shall, after fully identifying the document, state:

(a) When and where it was destroyed, or why it is otherwise unavailable;
(b) The name and address of each person who destroyed it;
(c) The name and address of each person who directed, approved, or knew of
its destruction; and,
(d) The name and address of each person who has knowledge of such
document.

If there is a claim of privilege with respect to any document requested, the defendants,
HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health,
Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian
Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN,
shall:

(a) Identify in their answers each document for which a privilege is claimed;
(b) A description of the document;
(c) The date of the document;
(d) The names of the addressees and addressors;
(e) The identity and address of every person to whom a copy was given or
communicated;
(f) The general subject matter of the document;
(g) A statement of the facts constituting the basis for any claim of privilege;
and,
(h) The specific basis on which the privilege is claimed.

This Notice seeks certain documents and things identified as clearly as possible by
Plaintiffs. The description of records and things requested is not meant to indicate the precise
title of any specific document or thing and, therefore, your responses should not narrowly
construe this Notice as seeking a document or thing with a title which specifically bears the
general description by the Plaintiffs.

NOTICE TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS AND THINGS SET I

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Pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 4:18-1, et seq, you are requested to produce the
following documents and tangible things:

1. A copy of your complete investigative file, excluding reference to mental
impressions, conclusions or opinions representing the value or merit of a claim or defense, or
respecting strategy or tactics and further excluding privileged communications from counsel.

2. A copy of Defendants, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Samantha Tupayachi, RN,
Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN’s most recent Curriculum Vitae and/or resumes.

3. A copy of all medical reports, records, notes, billing statements, other writings,
and/or hospital records that Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical
Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center, Mohammed
A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen
Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, have in their possession, custody, and/or control
regarding treatment rendered to Plaintiff, Wilfred Thomas.

4. Any and all medical records, physician(s)’ reports and bills, hospital records or
abstracts of same, that were incorrect, made in error, altered, revised, and/or amended, which
relate in any way to the injuries allegedly sustained by Plaintiff, Wilfred Thomas, as well as the
treatment of any similar injuries prior or subsequent to the occurrence in question.

5. The originals of all films including MRI films, CT films, x-ray films, and any
other films, for studies performed on Plaintiff, Wilfred Thomas.

6. A copy of any and all policies of insurance, including excess and umbrella
policies of insurance, which are available to cover the claim of Plaintiffs.

7. All statements and non-privileged notes obtained by Defendants, HMH Hospitals
Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack
University Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group,
Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, which pertain to the
care and treatment rendered to Plaintiff, Wilfred Thomas, which is the subject matter of
Plaintiffs’ Complaint.

8. Any and all experts’ reports, curricula vitae, and/or other writings prepared by
experts for Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center,
Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center, Mohammed A.
Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen
Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, that they expect to call at the time of trial.

9. Any and all documents upon which you have relied upon to support the defenses
contained in your answers to Plaintiffs’ Complaint.

10. All photographs, surveillance videos, videos, images, digital recordings, movies,
charts, and/or any other documentary evidence pertaining to the subject incident, occurrences, or
issues in this case including those taken of Plaintiff, Wilfred Thomas.

3
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11. Please produce all documents in your possession, custody, or control which you
received from or sent to any expert witnesses, whom you either have or will designate to give
expert testimony during the course of the trial in this case.

12. Please produce a list of all books, articles, treatises, or publications which each
expert witness, whom you have or will designate, to give expert testimony during the course of
the trial in this case, plans to rely upon at the time of trial or time of his/her deposition.

13. Please produce the personnel files of Defendants, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D.,
Abram Wahba, M.D., and Gary B. Breitbart, M.D., who tendered care to Plaintiff, Wilfred
Thomas.

14. Please produce any contracts of employment of Defendants, Mohammed A.
Islam, M.D., Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, Seena George, RN, Abram
Wahba, M.D., Gary B. Breitbart, M.D., and Renu Mittal, RN, to which you were a party at the
time of your professional contact with Plaintiff, Wilfred Thomas.

15. Please produce any contracts of Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a
Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical
Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha
Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN, with Defendants, Abram
Wahba, M.D., Gary B. Breitbart, M.D., Garden State Surgical Associates, P.A., and Renu Mittal,
RN, for the provision of medical services regarding the medical care provided to Plaintiff,
Wilfred Thomas.

16. All documents or other demonstrative evidence which will be introduced or used
at trial.

17. Please produce all bylaws, policies, procedures, protocols, and regulations in
effect in November and December 2020 to emergently treat an acute limb ischemia.

SALTZ MONGELUZZI BENDESKY P.C.

By: /s/ Jason S. Weiss
Dated: March 9, 2023 JASON S. WEISS, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Plaintiffs

4
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WILFRED THOMAS and : SUPERIOR COURT OF
RHONDA THOMAS, h/w, : NEW JERSEY
Plaintiffs : MIDDLESEX COUNTY
: LAW DIVISION
v. :
: DOCKET NO. L-005311-22
HMH HOSPITALS CORPORATION :
D/B/A RARITAN BAY MEDICAL : PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL
CENTER, HACKENSACK MERIDIAN : INTERROGATORIES DIRECTED TO
HEALTH, INC., HACKENSACK : DEFENDANTS, HMH HOSPITALS
UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, : CORPORATION D/B/A RARITAN BAY
ABRAM WAHBA, M.D., MOHAMMED : MEDICAL CENTER, HACKENSACK
A. ISLAM, M.D., HACKENSACK : MERIDIAN HEALTH, INC.,
MERIDIAN MEDICAL GROUP, GARY : HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY
B. BREITBART, M.D., GARDEN STATE: MEDICAL CENTER, MOHAMMED A.
SURGICAL ASSOCIATES P.A., : ISLAM, M.D., HACKENSACK
SAMANTHA TUPAYACHI, RN, : MERIDIAN MEDICAL GROUP,
MAUREEN ESCOBOZA, RN, SEENA : SAMANTHA TUPAYACHI, RN,
GEORGE, RN, and RENU MITTAL, RN,: MAUREEN ESCOBOZA, RN, AND
Defendants : SEENA GEORGE, RN – SET I

Plaintiffs, Wilfred Thomas and Rhonda Thomas, h/w, by and through their attorneys
hereby propound the following Supplemental Interrogatories to be answered under oath by
Defendants, HMH Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack
Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack University Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D.,
Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and
Seena George, RN, pursuant to the New Jersey Rules of Civil Procedure. These Interrogatories
are deemed continuing so as to require further answers from now until the time of trial without
further notice, if you learn of further information called for herein. These Interrogatories are
addressed to you as parties to this action and your answers shall be based upon all information
known to you, your attorneys, and your representatives.

DEFINITIONS

1. As used in these Interrogatories, the words and terms set forth below are defined
as follows:
a. “Describe” and “Specify” and/or “State” shall mean to set forth
fully and unambiguously, using technical terms and words of art, if
necessary, each and every fact relevant to the answer called for by
MID-L-005311-22 07/13/2023 3:31:12 PM Pg 9 of 12 Trans ID: LCV20232076672

the Interrogatory of which the answering party or the answering
party's agents, employees or representatives have knowledge.

b. “Identify” when referring to an individual means to state:
i. his or her name;
ii. title or job classification at the time of the events referred to in the
Interrogatory;
iii. present address, if known, and/or the last known address and
current address of last known employer.

c. “Identify” when referring to a document means to:
i. state the type of document (e.g., letter, journal, records,
memorandum); its date, title and identifying number, if any,
general subject matter and its present location;
ii. state each person who prepared it, each person for whom it was
prepared, the last known address of each person who presently has
custody of the original or copies thereof.

d. “Documents” shall mean the original or any identical copy of any
written, printed, typed, photographed or other graphic or recorded
matter or any kind or nature prepared or received, by or in the
possession, custody or control of the answering party, or the
party’s agent, servants, employees or other representatives.

e. “You” or “Your” shall mean to include the answering party and
each of the said party’s representatives, and where appropriate, the
directors, agents, officers, and employees and all other persons
acting for or on behalf of the answering party.

f. “Person” or “Persons” as used herein shall include, without
limitation, individuals, associations, partnerships and corporations.

SUPPLEMENTAL INTERROGATORIES SET I

1. Who was the employer of Defendants, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Samantha
Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN?

2. What is the address of the employer of Defendants, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D.,
Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN?

3. Were there any bylaws, policies, procedures, protocols, and regulations in effect
in November and December 2020 to emergently treat an acute limb ischemia.

SALTZ MONGELUZZI BENDESKY P.C.

By: /s/ Jason S. Weiss
Dated: March 9, 2023 JASON S. WEISS, ESQUIRE

2
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Attorney for Plaintiffs

3
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WILFRED THOMAS and : SUPERIOR COURT OF
RHONDA THOMAS, h/w, : NEW JERSEY
Plaintiffs : MIDDLESEX COUNTY
: LAW DIVISION
v. :
: DOCKET NO. L-005311-22
HMH HOSPITALS CORPORATION :
D/B/A RARITAN BAY MEDICAL :
CENTER, HACKENSACK MERIDIAN :
HEALTH, INC., HACKENSACK :
UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, :
ABRAM WAHBA, M.D., MOHAMMED :
A. ISLAM, M.D., HACKENSACK :
MERIDIAN MEDICAL GROUP, GARY :
B. BREITBART, M.D., GARDEN STATE:
SURGICAL ASSOCIATES P.A., :
SAMANTHA TUPAYACHI, RN, :
MAUREEN ESCOBOZA, RN, SEENA :
GEORGE, RN, and RENU MITTAL, RN,: PROOF OF SERVICE
Defendants :

I, Jason S. Weiss, Esquire hereby certify that on March 9, 2023 I served Plaintiffs’ Notice

to Produce Set I and Plaintiffs’ Supplemental Interrogatories Set I on Defendants, HMH

Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc.,

Hackensack University Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian

Medical Group, Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN,

through their counsel listed below by electronic mail:

Anthony Cocca, Esquire Joseph A. DiCroce, Esquire
Cocca & Cutinello, LLP Law Offices of Joseph A. DiCroce, III
The Point at Morristown Valley Park Professional Center
36 Cattano Avenue, Suite 600 2517 Highway 35
MID-L-005311-22 07/13/2023 3:31:12 PM Pg 12 of 12 Trans ID: LCV20232076672

Morristown, New Jersey 07960 Building N – Suite 201
Attorneys for Defendants, Raritan Bay Medical Manasquan, New Jersey 08736
Center, a division of HMH Hospitals Attorneys for Defendant Abram Wahba MD
Corporation, improperly pled as “HMH
Hospitals Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay
Medical Center”, Hackensack Meridian Health,
Inc., Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group,
Hackensack University Medical Center, a division
of HMH Hospitals Corporation, improperly pled
as “Hackensack University Medical Center”,
Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Seena George, R.N.,
Maureen Escoboza, R.N., and Samantha
Tupayachi, R.N.

Gregory J. Giordano, Esquire Herbert Kruttschnitt, III, Esquire
Lenox Socey Formidoni Giordano Dughi Hewit & Domalewski
Lang Carrigg & Casey LLC 340 North Avenue
136 Franklin Corner Road, Unit B-2 Cranford, New Jersey 07106
Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648 Attorneys for Defendant, Renu Mittal, RN
Attorneys for Defendants, Gary B. Breitbart,
M.D. and Garden State Surgical
Associates, P.A.

SALTZ MONGELUZZI BENDESKY P.C.

By: /s/ Jason S. Weiss
JASON S. WEISS, ESQUIRE

2
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EXHIBIT “B”
MID-L-005311-22 07/13/2023 3:31:12 PM Pg 2 of 3 Trans ID: LCV20232076672

MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFICE
120 GIBRALTAR RD
JASON S. WEISS, ESQUIRE SUITE 218
DIRECT DIAL: (215) 575-2992
JWEISS@SMBB.COM
HORSHAM, PA 19044
VOICE 215.496.8282
FAX 215.754.4443

June 14, 2023

Via Electronic Mail

Anthony Cocca, Esquire
Cocca & Cutinello, LLP
The Point at Morristown
36 Cattano Avenue, Suite 600
Morristown, New Jersey 07960

Re: Thomas v. HMH Hospitals Corporation, et al.
Superior Court of New Jersey, Docket No. MID-L-5311-22

Counsel:

As you may recall on March 9, 2023, we served you with Plaintiffs’ Notice to Produce
Set I and Supplemental Interrogatories Set I Directed to Defendants, HMH Hospitals
Corporation d/b/a Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc., Hackensack
University Medical Center, Mohammed A. Islam, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Medical Group,
Samantha Tupayachi, RN, Maureen Escoboza, RN, and Seena George, RN. Plaintiffs also
requested answers to Uniform Interrogatories, Form C and Form

Case Info

Judge

Joseph Rea Track Judge’s New Case

Case No.

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Document Filed Date

July 13, 2023

Case Filing Date

October 25, 2022

County

Parties

Abram Wahba Md Defendant
Anthony Cocca Attorney for the Defendant
Cyndee L Allert Attorney for the Defendant
Garden State Surgical Associat Defendant
Gary B Breitbart Md Defendant
Gregory J Giordano Attorney for the Defendant
Hackensack Meridianhealth Inc Defendant
Hackensack Meridianmedical Gr Defendant
Hackensack University Medical Defendant
Hmh Hospitals Corporation Defendant
Joseph Anthony Di Croce Attorney for the Defendant
Mary Theresa Gidaro Attorney for the Plaintiff
Maureen Escoboza Rn Defendant
Mohammed A Islam Md Defendant
Renu Mittal Rn Defendant
Rhonda Thomas Plaintiff
Samantha Tupayachi Rn Defendant
Seena George Rn Defendant
Wilfred Thomas Plaintiff

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Motion,Ex Parte: Thomas Wilfred Vs Hmh Hospitals Corpor Ation

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