Abuzaid v Almayouf

Holding The Appellate Division affirmed the lower court’s orders imposing discovery sanctions, including striking the defendant’s answer and awarding attorneys’ fees, due to her chronic noncompliance with discovery obligations. The court held that the defendant’s pro se status did not excuse her failure to comply with court orders or her obstruction of the discovery process.

The court’s words

Defendant's pro se status provides no excuse for her non-compliance with her discovery obligations.

2026 NY Slip Op 06238, at the official text

a pro se litigant acquires no greater right than any other litigant

2026 NY Slip Op 06238, at the official text

Defendant's purported safety concerns provide no excuse for nondisclosure, as defendant could have sought a protective or confidentiality order

2026 NY Slip Op 06238, at the official text

Defendant's repeated noncompliance with court orders without reasonable excuse warrants striking her answer

2026 NY Slip Op 06238, at the official text