Elliot H. Himmelfarb, M.D. v. Tracy R. Allain
380 S.W.3d 35
Tenn.2012Background
- Allain sued Williamson Medical Center and two doctors for leaving a guide wire in her vein from a prior procedure in 2004.
- VUMC later admitted responsibility and Allain settled a related malpractice action in 2006–2007.
- Allain voluntarily nonsuited the 2004 claim without prejudice under Rule 41.01 in July 2006.
- Drs. Himmelfarb and York filed malicious-prosecution and abuse-of-process claims against Allain in July 2007.
- Trial court denied summary judgment to Allain; Court of Appeals affirmed, and Tennessee Supreme Court granted extraordinary appeal.
- Court holds a voluntary nonsuit without prejudice is not a favorable termination for malicious-prosecution purposes and remands for judgment for Allain on that claim.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether a voluntary nonsuit without prejudice is a favorable termination | Allain cannot prove favorable termination. | Narrow view of termination warrants favorable status. | No; voluntary nonsuit without prejudice is not a favorable termination. |
Key Cases Cited
- Parrish v. Marquis, 172 S.W.3d 526 (Tenn. 2005) (dismissal on procedural grounds not favorable termination)
- Siliksi v. Allstate Ins. Co., 811 A.2d 148 (Vt. 2002) (adopts Restatement approach examining dismissal circumstances)
- Lackner v. LaCroix, 602 P.2d 393 (Cal. 1979) (examines whether termination relates to merits)
- Nelson v. Miller, 607 P.2d 438 (Kan. 1980) (favors Restatement approach to dismissal analysis)