Robles-Martinez v. Partnership 92 West, L.P.
Plaintiff Joshua Robles-Martinez, a delivery worker, sustained injuries when a sidewalk hatch door struck his head while making a delivery to Columbus Gourmet Food. Plaintiff alleged a dangerous condition stemming from a building facade modification that prevented the door from fully opening. Defendant landlord Partnership 92 West, L.P.'s motion for summary judgment, seeking to dismiss the complaint and cross-claims for contractual indemnification against tenant Columbus Gourmet Food, was denied. Partnership failed to demonstrate the modification was tenant-created or a nonstructural defect, and its indemnification clause did not cover its own potential negligence. Additionally, third-party defendant Fischer Foods of New York, Inc.'s motion for summary judgment was denied due to unresolved factual issues concerning plaintiff's 'grave injury' claim, which involved a traumatic brain injury and alleged permanent unemployability. The Supreme Court's order was unanimously affirmed by the Appellate Division, First Department.