Elliot H. Himmelfarb, M. D. Et Al. v. Tracy R. Allain

Physicians filed an action for malicious prosecution and abuse of process against Patient after Patient voluntarily dismissed her medical malpractice lawsuit against them. Following a change in the applicable case law, Physicians voluntarily dismissed their malicious prosecution and abuse of process claims. Patient moved for attorney fees under Tenn. R. Civ. P. 37.03(2) as a sanction against Physicians for their failure to admit a matter requested under Tenn. R. Civ. P. 36.01. Patient also sought discretionary costs. The trial court found that Physicians had reasonable grounds to believe they might prevail on their claims, but granted Patient a partial attorney fee award. We reverse the award of attorneys fees and affirm the award of discretionary costs.