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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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