Jaynes v. County of Chemung
Plaintiff Raymond W. Jaynes, III, and his wife derivatively, initiated an action against Chemung County, alleging violations of Labor Law sections after plaintiff sustained injuries during a bridge demolition project. The County moved for summary judgment, asserting that plaintiff was a 'special employee,' thereby limiting his recourse to workers' compensation. While the Supreme Court partially denied this motion, it did dismiss the Labor Law § 240 (1) claim. Upon appeal, the court determined that plaintiff legally qualified as a 'special employee' of Chemung County, given the County's direct supervision over his work, despite his formal employment with Silverline Constniction, Inc. Consequently, the appellate court revised the Supreme Court's ruling, fully granting Chemung County's summary judgment motion and dismissing the complaint.