Case Name: Robert C. Biette, Plaintiff, v. Evelyn M. Baxter, Appellant, and Zimmer-Pete, Inc., et al., Respondents
Court: New York Court of Appeals
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1982-09-02
Citations: 57 N.Y.2d 698
Docket Number: 
Parties: Robert C. Biette, Plaintiff, v Evelyn M. Baxter, Appellant, and Zimmer-Pete, Inc., et al., Respondents.
Judges: 
Reporter: New York Reports
Volume: 57
Pages: 698–700

Head Matter:
Robert C. Biette, Plaintiff, v Evelyn M. Baxter, Appellant, and Zimmer-Pete, Inc., et al., Respondents.
Decided September 2, 1982
APPEARANCES OF COUNSEL
Richard T. Horigan for appellant.
Thomas M. Hirschen for respondent.

Opinion:
OPINION OF THE COURT
Memorandum.
On review of submissions pursuant to rule 500.2 (b) of the Rules of the Court of Appeals (22 NYCRR 500.2 [b]), the order of the Appellate Division should be reversed, with costs, the motion to vacate the lien denied and the question certified answered in the affirmative.
A no-fault insurer which pays first-party benefits to a covered person injured through the use or operation of a motor vehicle has a lien for medical expenses and lost wages against a recovery from the manufacturer of a defective prosthetic device installed as a result of the injury. Though not a joint tort-feasor the manufacturer is a noncovered person whose product aggravated the personal injury for which the insurer was required to pay first-party benefits and, under the provisions of subdivision 2 of section 673 of the Insurance Law, the insurer, therefore, has a lien for such payments against any recovery from the manufacturer (Aetna Ins. Co. v Springsteen, 78 AD2d 532).
Chief Judge Cooke and Judges Jasen, Jones, Wachtler, Fuchsberg and Meyer concur in memorandum; Judge Gabrielli taking no part.
On review of submissions pursuant to rule 500.2 (b), order reversed, etc.