You are here: / Third Department

Tag Archive for: Third Department

Questions of Fact Raised About Whether a Single Riser Was a Dangerous Condition, Despite the Obviousness of the Condition, the Fact that Plaintiff Had Negotiated the Riser Many Times Before, and the Absence of Any Code Violation

The Third Department reversed Supreme Court finding that there were questions of fact about whether a riser constituted a dangerous condition, despite the absence of a code violation, the submission of an affidavit from an expert, the fact that the plaintiff had negotiated the riser many times before, and the obvious nature of the condition:

To prevail on its motion for summary judgment, defendant was required to show that it maintained the premises in a reasonably safe condition and that it did not create or have notice of any allegedly dangerous condition … . While the existence of a dangerous or defective condition is generally a question for the factfinder …, “summary judgment is appropriate where a plaintiff fails to demonstrate the existence of any dangerous condition” … .

Here, defendant failed to establish as a matter of law that it maintained the premises in a reasonably safe condition … . In support of its argument that the riser did not constitute a dangerous condition, defendant presented an affidavit of Ronald Bova, a professional engineer who inspected the premises. Bova observed that the single-step riser was immediately apparent, as it was located in a doorway and the flooring on either side of the riser was of a contrasting color and material. Although Bova further opined that the riser did not violate the 2002 or 1964 state building codes because the building was constructed prior to their enactment, whether the building code applies to the riser is not dispositive of plaintiff’s claim, which is premised on common-law negligence principles … . Based on his inspection and measurements, Bova asserted that neither the height of the step nor the lack of a handrail made the riser dangerous; however, he failed to definitively state the height of the riser and establish that it comported with generally accepted standards at the time the building was constructed or thereafter … .

Additionally, plaintiff testified that it was difficult for her and her coworkers to traverse the step because it was “very high.” While defendant places great emphasis on plaintiff’s admission that she stepped over the riser many times, as it was the only way to access the women’s restroom, and that she was aware of the drop at the time that she fell, “[t]he germane issue in this case is not a failure to warn, but whether these premises were reasonably safe” … . The fact that a dangerous condition is open and obvious does not relieve a landowner of all duty to maintain his or her premises in a reasonably safe condition … , and plaintiff’s familiarity with the allegedly defective condition may be considered with respect to her comparative negligence … . Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to plaintiff, as the nonmoving party, we find that defendant failed to demonstrate as a matter of law that the height of the riser was not a dangerous or defective condition. Barley v Robert J Wilkins Inc, 2014 NY Slip Op 08086, 3rd Dept 11-20-14

 

,

Slip and Fall Suit Against Out-Of-Possession Landlord Properly Dismissed

The Third Department affirmed the dismissal of the complaint against the out-of-possession landlord (SJM).  The plaintiff slipped and fell because of a loose stairway-tread block.  The stairway was constructed by defendant-company, Stanley, with which SJM had contracted.  However SJM did not supervise or control Stanley’s work. There was evidence the stairway (used only by employees of the tenant, not the general public) did not conform to the tread-width requirements of the building code:

As a general rule, “‘an out-of-possession landlord who relinquishes control of the premises and is not contractually obligated to repair unsafe conditions is not liable to employees of a lessee for personal injuries caused by an unsafe condition existing on the premises'” … . There are exceptions. For example, a landlord has a “‘nondelegable duty to provide the public with a reasonably safe premises and a safe means of ingress and egress'” … . Liability may attach where the out-of-possession landlord has contracted to repair or maintain the premises, has affirmatively created the condition … or has retained a right to reenter the premises for inspection or repairs and the injury arises from a structural defect or specific statutory violation … . …

SJM’s nondelegable duty to the public is not relevant because plaintiff’s injury did not occur in an area open to the public * * * Although SJM retained a right under the lease to re-enter the premises, this “‘is insufficient to establish the requisite degree of control necessary for the imposition of liability with respect to an out-of-possession landlord'” … .

….[T]he condition of the stairway was not sufficient to impose liability upon SJM. Assuming, without deciding, that the stairway did not conform to the New York State Building Code provision with regard to the width of stair treads (see 9 NYCRR former 713.1), the condition does not constitute a significant structural defect or statutory violation as would be necessary to find that SJM had constructive notice of the loose concrete block … . Accepting plaintiff’s descriptions of the accident, the stairway and the condition of the step, his fall was not attributable to the width of the tread, but rather its instability. …Supreme Court properly determined that SJM did not create the allegedly dangerous condition. Plaintiff’s expert does not assert that the stairs were negligently designed, but rather that they were not constructed in accordance with the specifications. Although SJM retained Stanley to construct the stairway in accordance with the architectural plans, as a general rule, SJM is not liable for the independent contractor’s alleged negligent construction … . Wayman v Roy Stanley Inc, 2014 NY Slip Op 08087, 3rd Dept 11-20-14

 

,

Defendant-Doctor’s Failure to Mention He Was Under a Stayed License-Suspension In His Affidavit In Support of His Motion for Summary Judgment Was One Factor In Finding the Affidavit Insufficient to Meet Defendant’s Burden on the Motion

The Third Department determined defendant’s motion for summary judgment in a medical malpractice action was properly denied on several grounds.  The court noted that it was troubled that the defendant doctor’s (Stanger’s) license was under a stayed suspension at the time he wrote his affidavit in support of the summary judgment motion, and he failed to mention the stayed suspension in his affidavit.  For that reason, among others, the court deemed the affidavit an insufficient basis for summary judgment:

…[W]e nonetheless are … by the fact that Stanger failed to disclose the status of his medical license when he prepared his affidavit in support of defendants’ motions for summary judgment. The very first paragraph of Stanger’s affidavit recites, “I am a physician duly licensed to practice in the State of New York.” Noticeably absent from both that opening paragraph and Stanger’s affidavit as a whole is any mention of the fact that, only two months earlier, a one-year stayed suspension of his medical license had been imposed and that he was practicing medicine subject to certain terms of probation. This glaring omission is entirely inconsistent with Stanger’s ethical obligations as a practicing physician and, in our view, [*4]seriously calls into question the medical opinion he has rendered regarding his diagnosis, care and treatment of decedent. Additionally, further review of Stanger’s affidavit reveals that the opinion set forth therein was “[b]ased on [Stanger’s] review of the [medical] records in this matter, as well as [his] personal recollection of the care and treatment rendered to [decedent].” In this regard, Stanger acknowledged that he did not complete his charting of decedent’s January 29, 2009 hospital visit until after he (1) learned that decedent had returned to the emergency department the following day, (2) was advised that decedent had died, and (3) had been questioned by another physician regarding the care and treatment he had provided to decedent the previous day. Under these circumstances, we do not find Stanger’s affidavit to be sufficient to satisfy defendants’ initial burden on the motions for summary judgment, thereby warranting the denial thereof. Howard v Stanger, 2014 NY Slip Op 08088, 3rd Dept 11-20-14

 

, , ,

Defendant, a County Sheriff, May Not Have Had the Authority to Order the Plaintiff to Leave the Airport/Questions of Fact Raised About Whether Defendant Had Probable Cause to Arrest Plaintiff for Trespass and Disorderly Conduct/Questions of Fact Raised About Whether Excessive Force Was Used and Whether Plaintiff Was Subjected to Retaliation for the Use of Protected Speech

The Third Department determined Supreme Court properly denied defendant’s motion for summary judgment on plaintiff’s “false arrest” cause of action, and Supreme Court erred in granting the defendant’s motion for summary judgment on plaintiff’s “excessive force” and “retaliation for the use of protected speech” causes of action. The lawsuit stemmed from plaintiff’s being told by airport personnel that her daughter had not arrived as expected because she missed a connecting flight.  Plaintiff became upset when she couldn’t learn more about the status of her daughter.  Defendant, a county sheriff, came on the scene, ordered plaintiff to leave the airport, and, when plaintiff refused, arrested her for trespass and disorderly conduct. The Third Department determined there were questions of fact about whether defendant had probable cause to arrest plaintiff, as well as whether excessive force was used and whether the defendant acted in retaliation for protected speech. With respect to the trespass arrest, the court noted that defendant may not have had the authority to order plaintiff to leave the airport:

In assessing whether defendant met his initial burden of establishing that he had arguable probable cause to arrest plaintiff for trespass, proof of defendant’s authority to issue the blanket order directing plaintiff to leave the public facility must be examined. This is so because the “right to exclude ‘has traditionally been considered one of the most treasured strands in an owner’s bundle of property rights'” … and, unless otherwise authorized, police do not have the inherent and general rights of a property owner (see e.g. US Const 4th Amend). The record demonstrates that, on the day in question, defendant was a county employee working in the county airport, a public facility. In support of his motion, defendant provided no proof that he was either prescribed by law or directed by the Tompkins County legislature to exercise any authority to lawfully order a citizen to leave this public property (see County Law § 650…). Nor did defendant’s proffer demonstrate that he was asked to remove plaintiff from the airport property by someone with the authority to do so … . Therefore, defendant did not establish as a matter of law that he had arguable probable cause to arrest plaintiff for criminal trespass because issues of fact exist as to whether, at the time of arrest, it was reasonable for defendant to believe that plaintiff was disobeying a lawful order … . Brown v Hoffman, 2014 NY Slip Op 08099, 3rd Dept 11-20-14

 

Persons Who Deliver Gannett Newspapers Are Employees Entitled to Unemployment Insurance Benefits Notwithstanding the “Independent Contractor” Designation in the Operating Agreements

The Third Department affirmed the unemployment insurance appeal board’s determination that the claimants, who delivered Gannett’s newspapers, were employees entitled to unemployment insurance benefits, notwithstanding the “independent contractor” designation in the operating agreements:

Whether an employer-employee relationship exists “is a factual determination for the Board, and its decision will be upheld if supported by substantial evidence” … . “While no single factor is determinative, control over the results produced or the means used to achieve those results are pertinent considerations, with the latter being more important” … . Here, while there is evidence to support a contrary outcome …, we find that the record contains substantial proof to support the Board’s finding that Gannett exercised control over claimants’ work. Gannett assigned claimants specific routes within predetermined delivery areas, required proof of a driver’s license and vehicle insurance where a vehicle was used to make deliveries and, while claimants were permitted to use a substitute carrier to fulfill delivery duties, they were required by contract to provide Gannett with proof that the substitute had a driver’s license and insurance if a vehicle would be used to complete deliveries. Additional contractual provisions included, among other things, requirements that claimants remove unsold publications from newspaper racks, ensure that racks were properly maintained, reserve publications of vacationing customers and create and maintain accurate circulation records that could be turned over, upon notice, to Gannett. Further, Gannett controlled other aspects of claimants’ activities, including directives to not insert or attach “foreign matter on, into or with copies of any publication, nor insert copies of any publication into or with copies of any other publication” without receiving Gannett’s approval. Notwithstanding the existence of evidence in the record that could weigh in favor of a finding that claimants were independent contractors, including that the operating agreements expressly designated claimants as independent contractors, in light of the indicia of control that Gannett had over claimants, we find that substantial evidence supports the Board’s decisions in these matters… . Matter of Armison…, 2014 NY Slip Op 08079, 3rd Dept 11-20-14

 

,

Claimant Excluded from Eligibility for Unemployment Insurance Benefits by Labor Law 565 (Re: Major Policymaking or Advisory Positions)

The Third Department upheld the Unemployment Insurance Board’s determination that claimant was not entitled to unemployment insurance benefits by virtue of a statutory exclusion (Labor Law 565) for persons holding a major nontenured policymaking or advisory position:

For purposes of determining a claimant’s eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits, Labor Law § 565 (2) (e) excludes from employment “services rendered for a governmental entity by . . . a person in a major nontenured policymaking or advisory position.” Whether this exclusion applies presents a mixed question of law and fact, and the Board’s determination in this regard will be upheld if it has a rational basis … .

Here, claimant’s position had three primary functions: (1) to investigate patterns of discrimination involving violations of the Human Rights Law appropriate for filing an administrative complaint by DHR, (2) to oversee the prosecution of complaints brought on behalf of individuals, and (3) to evaluate DHR’s [Division of Human Rights’] issuance of exemptions for certain housing providers. In addition, claimant was a member of the stimulus oversight team responsible for ensuring that stimulus funds were distributed in a nondiscriminatory manner. In performing his duties, claimant reported directly to the Commissioner of Human Rights, had meetings with the Commissioner on a variety of matters and made recommendations on the implementation of agency policies. In addition, he represented the DHR in its dealings with other agencies while a member of the stimulus oversight team and devised a system for gathering accurate information concerning expenditures made in connection therewith. Although claimant did not independently establish agency policy, he was involved in the process and his advice was solicited by the Commissioner. Under these circumstances, there is a rational basis for the Board’s decision that claimant held a major nontenured policymaking or advisory position excluded under Labor Law § 565 (2) (e) … . Matter of Birnbaum…, 2014 NY Slip Op 07719, 3rd Dept 11-13-14

 

Retroactive Suspension of Child Support Payments Based On Interference With Payor’s Parental Rights Proper

In a lengthy and complex decision which addressed the proper allocation of marital and separate property, including the application of credits for the contribution of separate property to marital assets, the Third Department determined that child support payments can be suspended retroactively based upon interference with the payor’s parental relationship.  In a concurring decision, two justices expressed their concern that the availability of retroactive suspension of child support would lead to self-help, i.e., the unilateral suspension of payments without a court order.  To avoid that circumstance, the concurring justices suggested that child support payments be made to an escrow account pending a decision on the application to cease the payments (as was done in this case).  From the concurring decision:

While we agree with the result reached by the majority, we are compelled to voice our concerns regarding the practical effect of, and policy considerations surrounding, the retroactive suspension of a noncustodial parent’s obligation to pay child support. According to the longstanding jurisprudence of this Court, in certain circumstances, such as here, in which a custodial parent interferes with the parental rights of the noncustodial parent, a court may suspend the noncustodial parent’s child support obligation retroactive to the date an application for such suspension was made … . While we interpret the relevant statutes as prohibiting the child support payor from unilaterally discontinuing his or her payments during the pendency of a suspension application in the absence of a court order permitting such action, we are concerned that our previous decisions — and, to a certain extent, the majority decision here — which apply a suspension of child support retroactively, could actually promote such self-help. We, therefore, write separately to advocate for clarification and/or a modification of our precedent on this issue. * * *

…[W]e are of the view that a retroactive suspension of child support payments is appropriate only where, as here, the child support payor has, with court authorization, either paid child support into an escrow account or has obtained a temporary court order suspending payments during the pendency of the suspension application. In our opinion, requiring that child support payments be made in escrow is preferable, as it ensures that the noncustodial parent fulfills his or her child support obligations if the case is ultimately decided in favor of the custodial parent, while also making certain that the financial support is readily available for court-directed withdrawals, if necessary, for the custodial parent to meet the needs of the children … . If, on the other hand, the noncustodial parent prevails, a subsequent suspension of child support can truly be retroactive and allow for the return of monies paid into the escrow account without violating the public policy against recoupment and without encouraging the accrual of arrears. Whitaker v Case, 2014 NY Slip Op 07707, 3rd Dept 11-13-14

 

, , ,

Transmission Line from Hydroelectric Power Facility in Canada to Queens Properly Approved

The Third Department determined that the NYS Public Service Commission properly issued a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need (EC & PN) for an electric power transmission line running from a hydroelectric power facility in Canada to Queens.  After the issuance of the EC & PN, the petitioners sought a rehearing pursuant to Public Service Law 22.  The Commission denied the petition on the ground it had been filed and served one day late.  The Third Department held that the failure to timely file was nonprejudicial “law office failure” which should have been excused pursuant to CPLR 2005 and went on to review the Commission’s grant of the EC & PN on the merits, including the economic feasibility of the plan, the public need for the hydropower-produced electricity (reduced carbon emissions),  and the effects of the transmission line on the environment:

We begin by recognizing that, as parties to the proceedings at the agency level, petitioners have standing … . The criteria for authorizing the construction and operation of a major utility transmission facility are set forth in Public Service Law § 126. Under this statute, the Commission may not grant a certificate approving an electric transmission project unless it finds and determines (1) the need for the facility, (2) whether the facility will achieve the minimum adverse environmental impacts, (3) whether the facility will be located underground and comport with the state’s long-range plan to expand the electric power grid, (4) that there has been conformance with applicable state and local laws and regulations, and (5) that the facility promotes the public interest, convenience and necessity (see Public Service Law § 126 [1] [a]-[d], [f], [g]). This project involves the placement of a high voltage, direct current transmission line extending from the Canadian border to a converter station in Queens and, from there, a high voltage, alternating current transmission line to the Rainey Substation. The line will be placed underwater in Lake Champlain and the Hudson River and underground in the upland segments. * * *

Petitioners contend that the Commission failed to adequately consider the potential harm to aquatic species, including the endangered shortnose and atlantic sturgeon, posed by the placement of cables underwater. The plan requires the underwater cables to be buried at least six feet beneath the lake/river bottom, except in areas of utility crossings and hard rock. In these areas, the cable will be covered by concrete mats. The specific risks emanate from the use of the concrete mats as well as magnetic and electromagnetic field impact. The record supports the Commission’s determination that any risk has been minimized by the placement of the cable route utilizing existing habitat information designed to avoid significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat areas designated by the Department of State (see 19 NYCRR part 602) and the exclusion zones identified by the parties in the joint proposal. There is also expert record evidence supporting the Commission’s conclusion that the magnetic fields’ impact on sturgeon and other aquatic species would be minimal. Further, we agree with the Commission’s observation that the July 5, 2011 letter from the Army Corps of Engineers addressing the cable route under Lake Champlain and the Hudson River was a preliminary assessment. Moreover, the certificate is conditioned on the applicants’ procurement of a construction permit from the Army Corps of Engineers, which has jurisdiction over these navigable waterways, prior to commencing construction.  Matter of Entergy Nuclear Power Mktg LLC v New York State Pub Serv Comm, 2014 NY Slip Op 07711, 3rd Dept 11-13-14

 

,

Real Estate Broker Not an Employee of Commercial Real Estate Firm

The Third Department upheld the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board’s determination that claimant, a real estate broker, was not an employee of a commercial real estate firm (Optimal):

It is well settled that the existence of an employment relationship is a factual issue for the Board to decide and its determination will be upheld if supported by substantial evidence … . The pertinent inquiry is whether the purported employer exercised control over the results produced or the means used to achieve those results, with control over the latter being more important … .

Evidence was presented that claimant was paid a commission of 60% of the brokerage fee collected by Optimal, which she negotiated with Optimal’s senior managing director. Moreover, claimant did not have an established work schedule or work location, independently maintained her own real estate license, carried her own business cards and was permitted to and did receive commissions on referrals from other parties. Notably, she was not required to report to anyone at Optimal nor was she required to accept leads that Optimal sent to her. In view of the foregoing, while we are unable to conclude, as a matter of law that no employment relationship exists (see Labor Law § 511 [19]), substantial evidence supports the Board’s finding that Optimal did not exercise sufficient control over claimant’s work to be deemed her employer … . Matter of Spielberger…, 2014 Slip Op 07564, 3rd Dept 11-6-14

 

Unexcused Late Disclaimer of Coverage Invalid and Unenforceable

The Third Department determined the insurer’s disclaimer of coverage was invalid and uneforceable because it was inexcusably late.  The court noted that a “reservation of rights letter” does not constitute a disclaimer:

An insurer’s decision to disclaim liability insurance coverage must be given to the insured, in writing, as soon as is reasonably practicable, “failing which the disclaimer or denial will be ineffective” (… see Insurance Law § 3420 [d] [2]…). While the timeliness of an insurer’s notice of disclaimer generally raises an issue of fact for a jury to decide, where, as here, the basis for a disclaimer “was or should have been readily apparent before the onset of the delay,” the delay will be found to be unreasonable as a matter of law … . “Reasonableness of delay is measured from the time when the insurer learns of sufficient facts upon which to base the disclaimer” … . * * *

Even after receiving the attorney’s summary, which ostensibly equipped it with sufficient facts to issue a written disclaimer, plaintiff instead sent defendant a reservation of rights letter, which does not serve as “a substitute for the required notice of disclaimer” … . Vermont Mut Ins Co v Mowery Constr Inc, 2014 NY Slip Op 07537, 3rd Dept 11-6-14

 

Categories

Sign Up for the Mailing List to Be Notified When the Site Is Updated.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Copyright © 2026 New York Appellate Digest, Inc.
Site by CurlyHost | Privacy Policy