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  • Caroline Borrino v. Diocese Of Brooklyn, Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church And School, Sisters Of St. Joseph, Sisters Of St. Dominic Torts - Child Victims Act document preview
  • Caroline Borrino v. Diocese Of Brooklyn, Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church And School, Sisters Of St. Joseph, Sisters Of St. Dominic Torts - Child Victims Act document preview
  • Caroline Borrino v. Diocese Of Brooklyn, Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church And School, Sisters Of St. Joseph, Sisters Of St. Dominic Torts - Child Victims Act document preview
  • Caroline Borrino v. Diocese Of Brooklyn, Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church And School, Sisters Of St. Joseph, Sisters Of St. Dominic Torts - Child Victims Act document preview
  • Caroline Borrino v. Diocese Of Brooklyn, Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church And School, Sisters Of St. Joseph, Sisters Of St. Dominic Torts - Child Victims Act document preview
  • Caroline Borrino v. Diocese Of Brooklyn, Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church And School, Sisters Of St. Joseph, Sisters Of St. Dominic Torts - Child Victims Act document preview
  • Caroline Borrino v. Diocese Of Brooklyn, Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church And School, Sisters Of St. Joseph, Sisters Of St. Dominic Torts - Child Victims Act document preview
  • Caroline Borrino v. Diocese Of Brooklyn, Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church And School, Sisters Of St. Joseph, Sisters Of St. Dominic Torts - Child Victims Act document preview
						
                                

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FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF KINGS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– x CAROLINE BORRINO, Index No. 506296/2020 Plaintiff, ANSWER TO SECOND -against- AMENDED COMPLAINT DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN, OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CHURCH AND SCHOOL, SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH, and SISTERS OF ST. DOMINIC, Defendants. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– x Defendant Sisters of the Order of St. Dominic (incorrectly sued herein as Sisters of St. Dominic) (“SSD” or “Defendant”), by and through its attorneys, Farrell Fritz, P.C., as and for its Answer to the Second Amended Complaint of Plaintiff Caroline Borrino (“Plaintiff”), states and alleges as follows: INTRODUCTION 1. Denies the allegations in paragraph “1” of the Second Amended Complaint. PROCEEDING IN ACCORDANCE WITH CPLR 214-G AND 22 NYCRR 202.72 2. Admits that Plaintiff purports to state a claim pursuant to the Child Victims Act (“CVA”), CPLR 214-g and 22 NYCRR § 202.72, but, except as so admitted, denies the allegations contained in paragraph “2” of the Second Amended Complaint. PARTIES 3. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “3” of the Second Amended Complaint. 4. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “4” of the Second Amended Complaint. 1 1 of 14 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 5. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “5” of the Second Amended Complaint. 6. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “6” of the Second Amended Complaint. 7. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “7” of the Second Amended Complaint. 8. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “8” of the Second Amended Complaint. 9. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “9” of the Second Amended Complaint. 10. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “10” of the Second Amended Complaint. 11. The allegations set forth in paragraph “11” of the Second Amended Complaint require neither an admission nor denial. To the extent a responsive pleading is required, Defendant denies the allegations. 12. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “12” of the Second Amended Complaint. 13. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “13” of the Second Amended Complaint. 14. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “14” of the Second Amended Complaint. 15. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “15” of the Second Amended Complaint. 2 2 of 14 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 16. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “16” of the Second Amended Complaint. 17. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “17” of the Second Amended Complaint. 18. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “18” of the Second Amended Complaint. 19. The allegations set forth in paragraph “19” of the Second Amended Complaint require neither an admission nor denial. To the extent a responsive pleading is required, Defendant denies the allegations. 20. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “20” of the Second Amended Complaint. 21. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “21” of the Second Amended Complaint. 22. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “22” of the Second Amended Complaint. 23. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “23” of the Second Amended Complaint. 24. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “24” of the Second Amended Complaint. 25. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “25” of the Second Amended Complaint. 26. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “26” of the Second Amended Complaint. 3 3 of 14 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 27. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “27” of the Second Amended Complaint. 28. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “28” of the Second Amended Complaint. 29. The allegations set forth in paragraph “29” of the Second Amended Complaint require neither an admission nor denial. To the extent a responsive pleading is required, Defendant denies the allegations. 30. Admits that SSD “was a not-for-profit religious corporation organized under New York law with its principal office in Amityville, New York,” but, except as so admitted, denies the allegations contained in paragraph “30” of the Second Amended Complaint. 31. Denies the allegations in paragraph “31” of the Second Amended Complaint. 32. Denies the allegations in paragraph “32” of the Second Amended Complaint. 33. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “33” of the Second Amended Complaint. 34. Denies the allegations in paragraph “34” of the Second Amended Complaint. 35. Denies the allegations in paragraph “35” of the Second Amended Complaint. 36. Denies the allegations in paragraph “36” of the Second Amended Complaint. 37. Denies the allegations in paragraph “37” of the Second Amended Complaint. 38. Denies the allegations in paragraph “38” of the Second Amended Complaint. 39. The allegations set forth in paragraph “39” of the Second Amended Complaint require neither an admission nor denial. To the extent a responsive pleading is required, Defendant denies the allegations. 4 4 of 14 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 VENUE 40. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “40” of the Second Amended Complaint. 41. The allegations in paragraph “41” of the Second Amended Complaint state a legal conclusion to which no response is required. 42. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “42” of the Second Amended Complaint. 43. The allegations in paragraph “43” of the Second Amended Complaint state a legal conclusion to which no response is required. STATEMENT OF FACTS 44. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “44” of the Second Amended Complaint. 45. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “45” of the Second Amended Complaint. 46. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “46” of the Second Amended Complaint. 47. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “47” of the Second Amended Complaint. 48. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “48” of the Second Amended Complaint. 49. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “49” of the Second Amended Complaint. 5 5 of 14 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 50. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “50” of the Second Amended Complaint. 51. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “51” of the Second Amended Complaint. 52. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “52” of the Second Amended Complaint. 53. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “53” of the Second Amended Complaint. 54. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “54” of the Second Amended Complaint. 55. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “55” of the Second Amended Complaint. 56. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “56” of the Second Amended Complaint. 57. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “57” of the Second Amended Complaint. 58. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “58” of the Second Amended Complaint. 59. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “59” of the Second Amended Complaint. 60. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “60” of the Second Amended Complaint. 6 6 of 14 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 61. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “61” of the Second Amended Complaint. 62. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “62” of the Second Amended Complaint. 63. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “63” of the Second Amended Complaint. 64. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “64” of the Second Amended Complaint. 65. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “65” of the Second Amended Complaint. 66. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “66” of the Second Amended Complaint. 67. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “67” of the Second Amended Complaint. 68. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “68” of the Second Amended Complaint. 69. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “69” of the Second Amended Complaint. 70. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “70” of the Second Amended Complaint. 71. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “71” of the Second Amended Complaint. 7 7 of 14 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 72. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “72” of the Second Amended Complaint. 73. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “73” of the Second Amended Complaint. 74. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “74” of the Second Amended Complaint. 75. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “75” of the Second Amended Complaint. 76. Denies the allegations in paragraph “76” of the Second Amended Complaint. 77. Denies the allegations in paragraph “77” of the Second Amended Complaint. 78. Denies the allegations in paragraph “78” of the Second Amended Complaint. 79. Denies the allegations in paragraph “79” of the Second Amended Complaint. 80. Denies the allegations in paragraph “80” of the Second Amended Complaint. 81. Denies the allegations in paragraph “81” of the Second Amended Complaint. 82. Denies the allegations in paragraph “82” of the Second Amended Complaint. 83. Denies the allegations in paragraph “83” of the Second Amended Complaint. 84. Denies the allegations in paragraph “84” of the Second Amended Complaint. 85. Denies the allegations in paragraph “85” of the Second Amended Complaint. 86. Denies the allegations in paragraph “86” of the Second Amended Complaint. 87. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “87” of the Second Amended Complaint. 88. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “88” of the Second Amended Complaint. 8 8 of 14 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 89. Denies the allegations in paragraph “89” of the Second Amended Complaint. 90. Denies the allegations in paragraph “90” of the Second Amended Complaint. 91. Denies the allegations in paragraph “91” of the Second Amended Complaint. 92. Denies the allegations in paragraph “92” of the Second Amended Complaint. 93. Denies the allegations in paragraph “93” of the Second Amended Complaint. 94. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “94” of the Second Amended Complaint. 95. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “95” of the Second Amended Complaint. 96. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “96” of the Second Amended Complaint. 97. Denies the allegations in paragraph “97” of the Second Amended Complaint. 98. Denies the allegations in paragraph “98” of the Second Amended Complaint. 99. Denies the allegations in paragraph “99” of the Second Amended Complaint. 100. Denies the allegations in paragraph “100” of the Second Amended Complaint. 101. Denies the allegations in paragraph “101” of the Second Amended Complaint. 102. Denies the allegations in paragraph “102” of the Second Amended Complaint. 103. Denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph “103” of the Second Amended Complaint. 104. Denies the allegations in paragraph “104” of the Second Amended Complaint. 105. Denies the allegations in paragraph “105” of the Second Amended Complaint. 106. Denies the allegations in paragraph “106” of the Second Amended Complaint. 107. Denies the allegations in paragraph “107” of the Second Amended Complaint. 9 9 of 14 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 108. Denies the allegations in paragraph “108” of the Second Amended Complaint. 109. Denies the allegations in paragraph “109” of the Second Amended Complaint. 110. Denies the allegations in paragraph “110” of the Second Amended Complaint. 111. Denies the allegations in paragraph “111” of the Second Amended Complaint. 112. Denies the allegations in paragraph “112” of the Second Amended Complaint. 113. Denies the allegations in paragraph “113” of the Second Amended Complaint. 114. Denies the allegations in paragraph “114” of the Second Amended Complaint. 115. Denies the allegations in paragraph “115” of the Second Amended Complaint. 116. Denies the allegations in paragraph “116” of the Second Amended Complaint. 117. Denies the allegations in paragraph “117” of the Second Amended Complaint. 118. Denies the allegations in paragraph “118” of the Second Amended Complaint. FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION – NEGLIGENCE 119. Responding to paragraph “119” of the Second Amended Complaint, Defendant repeats and realleges the prior responses as if fully set forth herein. 120. Denies the allegations in paragraph “120” of the Second Amended Complaint. 121. Denies the allegations in paragraph “121” of the Second Amended Complaint. 122. Denies the allegations in paragraph “122” of the Second Amended Complaint. 123. Denies the allegations in paragraph “123” of the Second Amended Complaint. 124. Denies the allegations in paragraph “124” of the Second Amended Complaint. 125. Denies the allegations in paragraph “125” of the Second Amended Complaint. 126. Denies the allegations in paragraph “126” of the Second Amended Complaint. 127. Denies the allegations in paragraph “127” of the Second Amended Complaint. 10 10 of 14 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION – OUTRAGE AND INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS 128. Responding to paragraph “128” of the Second Amended Complaint, Defendant repeats and realleges the prior responses as if fully set forth herein. 129. Denies the allegations in paragraph “129” of the Second Amended Complaint. 130. Denies the allegations in paragraph “130” of the Second Amended Complaint. 131. Denies the allegations in paragraph “131” of the Second Amended Complaint. CPLR 1603 – NO APPORTIONMENT OF LIABILITY 132. The allegations in paragraph “132” of the Second Amended Complaint state a legal conclusion to which no response is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is required, Defendant denies the allegations. PRAYER FOR RELIEF 133. The allegations set forth in paragraph “133” of the Second Amended Complaint require neither an admission nor denial. To the extent a responsive pleading is required, Defendant denies the allegations. 134. The allegations set forth in paragraph “134” of the Second Amended Complaint require neither an admission nor denial. To the extent a responsive pleading is required, Defendant denies the allegations. FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 135. All claims for relief in the Second Amended Complaint are barred by the applicable statutes of limitations, including but not limited to CPLR 214. SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 136. Plaintiff fails to present any facts demonstrating exceptional circumstances under CPLR 214-g such that Plaintiff was prevented from asserting timely claims. 11 11 of 14 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 137. Plaintiff’s claim is barred on the ground that the revival provision in CPLR 214-g is facially unconstitutional and unconstitutional as-applied as it violates SSD’s right to due process of law under the United States and New York State Constitutions. FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 138. Plaintiff’s claim is barred by the doctrine of laches due to the unreasonable delay in providing notice of the alleged incident(s). FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 139. Plaintiff’s claims are barred, in whole or in part, by the doctrine of waiver and estoppel. SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 140. Plaintiff’s claim is barred, in whole or in part, by documentary evidence. SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 141. The alleged injuries suffered by Plaintiff were not proximately caused by actions of SSD. EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 142. The Second Amended Complaint, and each cause of action asserted, fails to set forth facts sufficient to state a claim upon which relief may be granted against SSD and further fails to state facts sufficient to entitle Plaintiff to the relief sought, or to any other relief whatsoever from SSD. NINTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 143. Any purported damages allegedly suffered by Plaintiff are the result of the acts or omissions of third persons over whom SSD had neither control nor responsibility, including 12 12 of 14 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 individuals who may be unassociated with SSD, and SSD expressly reserves the right to seek indemnification for any liability incurred. TENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 144. The imposition of punitive damages would violate SSD’s right to due process and equal protection under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution and the New York State Constitution as applied. ELEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 145. Plaintiff’s claim for punitive damages is barred, reduced, or in the alternative, is unconstitutional insofar as it constitutes an excessive fine as provided in the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 5 of the New York State Constitution. TWELFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 146. Plaintiff’s claim for punitive damages or exemplary damages fails to allege facts sufficient to justify an award of such damages against SSD. THIRTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 147. In the event Plaintiff recovers a judgment against SSD for the cost of medical care, loss of earnings, or other economic loss resulting from the events alleged to have occurred in the Second Amended Complaint, SSD is entitled to a reduction in the amount of the award in favor of Plaintiff and against SSD by the amount of past and future collateral source payments to or for the benefit of Plaintiff of such loss, cost, and expense pursuant to CPLR 4545. FOURTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 148. The limitations of liability pursuant to Article 16 of the CPLR apply to any recovery by the Plaintiff for any non-economic loss. 13 13 of 14 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 04/08/2022 11:11 AM INDEX NO. 506296/2020 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 46 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 04/08/2022 FIFTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 149. Plaintiff’s alleged injuries or damages described in the Second Amended Complaint caused in whole or in part by the negligence or intentional or other culpable conduct of another person or entity for whose acts were not the responsibility of SSD and over whom SSD had no control, and without any negligence, intentional or other culpable act by or on the part of SSD or SSD contributing thereto. SIXTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 150. Defendant reserves the right to file and serve additional defenses, as appropriate. WHEREFORE, The Sisters of the Order of St. Dominic demands judgment against Plaintiff, as follows: i) Dismissing the Second Amended Complaint in its entirety with prejudice; ii) Awarding such other and further relief as this Court deems just and proper. Dated: Uniondale, New York April 8, 2022 Respectfully submitted, FARRELL FRITZ, P.C. By: s/ Jana A. Schwartz Domenique Camacho Moran Irene A. Zoupaniotis Jana A. Schwartz Attorneys for Defendant Sisters of the Order of St. Dominic 400 RXR Plaza Uniondale, NY 11556 516.227.0700 14 FF\12505389.1 14 of 14