The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals has denied a motion from MCG Therapy Group, LLC, seeking to lift sanctions imposed during a civil case involving Arlene J. Maestre Rivera and AM Therapeutic Service for Children, Inc. The court's decision, issued on September 23, 2026, follows a series of disputes over the discovery process in the case, which has been marked by ongoing controversies and sanctions.

This ruling affects MCG Therapy Group, which is now unable to use certain deposition testimony in its ongoing legal battle. The case highlights the importance of proper adherence to discovery rules and the consequences of failing to disclose relevant documents during litigation.

Background

MCG Therapy Group, LLC, is the petitioner in this case, while Arlene J. Maestre Rivera and AM Therapeutic Service for Children, Inc. are the respondents. The dispute arose from a civil case filed in the Superior Court of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, concerning claims of damages, breach of contract, and tortious interference.

The case reached the Court of Appeals after MCG Therapy Group filed a certiorari petition to review an interlocutory resolution from the Superior Court. This resolution, issued on September 15, 2026, denied MCG's motion to lift sanctions that had been previously imposed due to issues during the discovery process.

The Ruling

The Court of Appeals, in its ruling, upheld the decision of the Superior Court, stating, "we do not identify reason for this Forum to intervene." The court noted that MCG's motion to lift the sanctions was denied based on a history of continuous controversies and non-compliance during the discovery phase of the case.

The court explained that the sanctions were a result of MCG's legal representation attempting to introduce a draft expert report during a deposition, which had not been disclosed to the opposing party. The court emphasized that the conduct of MCG's attorneys was "contumacious," leading to the imposition of a $500 sanction on each attorney involved. The court also maintained that the deposition of the expert could not be used for any purpose in the case.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for MCG Therapy Group as it restricts their ability to use critical deposition testimony that could influence the outcome of the case. The court's decision reinforces the importance of compliance with discovery rules and the potential consequences of failing to disclose documents in a timely manner.

Additionally, the ruling may serve as a precedent for future cases involving discovery disputes in Puerto Rico, emphasizing the need for parties to adhere strictly to procedural rules to avoid sanctions. It highlights how courts may impose penalties for non-compliance and the importance of transparency in the discovery process.

What's Next

MCG Therapy Group may seek further legal remedies, including a possible appeal to a higher court. However, details regarding any related cases or future motions were not available in the court filing. The outcome of this case will likely continue to unfold as both parties navigate the implications of the court's ruling.