Practice point: The Appellate Division found no merit in plaintiff's claim that the forum selection clause should not be
upheld because this is a tort action and not a breach of contract action. The applicability of a forum selection clause does
not depend on the nature of the underlying action. Rather, it is the clause's that determines which claims fall within its scope. Here, the contract provision reciting that "[a]ny and all
actions arising out of or related to th[e] Agreement" includes the
causes of action at issue.
Student note: In addition, the Appellate Division noted that the plaintiff failed to show that the forum
selection clause was unreasonable or unjust, or that a trial in
Westchester County would be so gravely difficult that, for all practical
purposes, she would be deprived of her day in court. Also, the
plaintiff did not allege, or demonstrate, that the forum selection
clause was the result of fraud or overreaching. Under these
circumstances, the plaintiff failed to make any showing that the forum
selection clause should be set aside.
Case: Couvertier v. Concourse Rehabilitation & Nursing, Inc., NY Slip Op 03473 (2d Dept. 2014)
Here is the decision.
Tomorrow's issue: The effectiveness of a waiver and release from liability for negligence.
