Court rejects State Farm argument that medical provider lacks standing; does not deem argument frivolous

Horizon Imaging, LLC, sued State Farm to recover for $10,600.00 of unpaid medical bills associated with automobile injuries suffered by Delores Jones.  State Farm sought summary  disposition and argued that only Jones could sue to collect for the medical billings.  It continued to argue that the case should be dismissed even after two lower court judges ruled against it and after Ms. Jones' lawsuit was settled.

The Court of Appeals rejected State Farm's appeal of the lower courts' rulings.  The judges pointed out that it has been well established for years that a medical provider enjoys standing to sue directly for no fault PIP expenses.  The judges also noted that these cases are binding in the present case.  Unfortunately, the judges did not sanction State Farm or its attorneys for pursuing a frivolous defense.