Gonzalez v. Niagara Grinding Wheel, Inc.
This case concerns an appeal regarding a medical malpractice action filed against Richard Goccia. Plaintiff delivered the summons and complaint to the Greene County Sheriff, who served Goccia's wife in Dutchess County after the Statute of Limitations had expired. Goccia moved for summary judgment, arguing the action was time-barred because he neither resided nor worked in Greene County when the summons was delivered. Plaintiff cross-moved, contending diligent efforts were made to ascertain Goccia's whereabouts. The Supreme Court denied Goccia's motion and granted plaintiff's cross-motion. The appellate court affirmed, ruling that despite not being the most efficacious, plaintiff's inquiries to locate Goccia were reasonable, thereby allowing the tolling provision of CPLR 203 (b) (5) (i) to apply.