Medical records.

Practice point: A party seeking to inspect a plaintiff's medical records must first demonstrate that the plaintiff's physical or mental condition is in controversy, within the meaning of CPLR 3121(a).

Student note: Even where this preliminary burden has been satisfied, discovery may still be precluded where the information requested is privileged and, thus, exempted from disclosure, pursuant to CPLR 3101(b).

Case: Paliouras v. Donohue, NY Slip Op 08736 (2d Dept. 2011).

Here is the decision. 

Monday’s issue: Summations.