Opinion ID: 2329826
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Sun Cab's failure to attach an expert affidavit warranted dismissal, but without prejudice

Text: In the alternative, LaTourette argues that the district court reached the correct result in dismissing the contribution claim with prejudice based on Sun Cab's failure to attach an expert affidavit pursuant to NRS 41A.071. Sun Cab concedes that it did not attach an affidavit, but argues that the district court should have instead dismissed its complaint without prejudice. We agree with Sun Cab. While this court has not yet considered the applicability of NRS 41A.071 to third-party claims for contribution, we have recognized that statutory limitations should apply to protect doctors from frivolous claims where a given action requires proof of malpractice before relief may be granted. See Fierle v. Perez, 125 Nev. 728, 738, 219 P.3d 906, 912 (2009) (applying the affidavit requirement to a claim of negligent supervision and explaining that malpractice statutes were intended to extend the legislative shield that protects doctors from frivolous lawsuits); see also Truck Ins. Exchange v. Tetzlaff, 683 F.Supp. 223, 224-26 (D.Nev.1988) (concluding that a former mandatory prerequisite for bringing a medical malpractice action extended to indemnity actions grounded in alleged medical malpractice). Here, Sun Cab's complaint rested upon the theory that LaTourette's negligence had contributed to Zinni's injuries. In other words, to establish a right to contribution, Sun Cab would have been required to establish that LaTourette committed medical malpractice. Thus, Sun Cab is required to satisfy the statutory prerequisites in place for a medical malpractice action before bringing its contribution claim. Fierle, 125 Nev. at 736-38, 219 P.3d at 911-12. If a party fails to file an expert affidavit with his or her complaint in a medical malpractice action, the complaint is void ab initio and must be dismissed. Washoe Med. Ctr. v. Dist. Ct., 122 Nev. 1298, 1304, 148 P.3d 790, 794 (2006) ([A] medical malpractice complaint filed without a supporting medical expert affidavit is void ab initio, meaning it is of no force and effect. Because a complaint that does not comply with NRS 41A.071 is void ab initio, it does not legally exist .... (footnote omitted)). Notably, dismissal on this basis must be made without prejudice. NRS 41A.071. Accordingly, because Sun Cab failed to attach an expert affidavit to its claim for contribution, the complaint in this regard was void ab initio and should have been dismissed without prejudice. Id. ; Washoe Med. Ctr., 122 Nev. at 1300, 148 P.3d at 792. Because the district court dismissed the contribution claim with prejudice, we reverse in part the district court's order.