Judge Allows Bradley Pierre to Contest Insurance Fraud Allegations

A federal judge has allowed Bradley Pierre to contest allegations from the American Transit Insurance Company, which accuses him of orchestrating a multimillion-dollar insurance fraud scheme involving staged medical referrals. The judge found that Pierre had a plausible defense and would not unfairly prejudice the insurer by reopening the case. The lawsuit, initiated in January 2024, claims Pierre was involved in a bribery scheme that directed automobile accident victims to two medical entities under his control, violating New York law. The insurer sought relief under the RICO and other statutes, asserting that it was defrauded through sham insurance claims.

Following his default due to failure to respond, Pierre sought to vacate it, citing challenges in retaining legal representation after his guilty plea in a related criminal case. The magistrate judge noted Pierre's efforts to find counsel and a potentially valid defense, leading to the conclusion that vacating the default was appropriate. Judge Kovner noted that cases should be decided on their merits, ultimately ordering Pierre to respond fully to the complaint within 21 days while denying the insurer’s motion for a default judgment against him.