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Case Law Database

Access over workers' compensation decisions, including En Banc, Significant Panel Decisions, and writ-denied cases.

Case No. 2020 NY Slip Op 00685 [179 AD3d 626]

Regular Panel Decision

Jan 30, 2020

Pewritt v. Compass Group, USA, Inc.

Plaintiff Bryant Pewritt was injured after a slip and fall on a recently mopped floor while working as a temporary employee in Columbia University's kitchen. He initiated a personal injury lawsuit against Compass Group, USA, Inc. and Columbia University. Columbia University moved for summary judgment to dismiss the complaint, arguing that Pewritt was their special employee, which would bar the personal injury action under Workers' Compensation Law. Plaintiff cross-moved for partial summary judgment on liability. The Supreme Court denied both motions. The Appellate Division, First Department, affirmed the Supreme Court's order, concluding that there was a triable issue of fact regarding plaintiff's special employee status with Columbia University, making summary judgment inappropriate for either party.

Personal InjurySlip and FallSummary JudgmentSpecial EmployeeVicarious LiabilityWorkers' CompensationAppellate PracticePremises LiabilityTemporary EmployeeEmployer Liability

References

Case No. MISSING

Regular Panel Decision

Dewan v. Blue Man Group Limited Partnership

Plaintiff Brian Dewan, a musician, sued the Blue Man Group entities and individuals, seeking a declaration of co-authorship for musical compositions used in their "Blue Man Group: Tubes" performance and damages for state law claims. Dewan claimed he collaborated with the defendants in composing music for the show and was repeatedly assured of his co-authorship rights and that an agreement would be formalized, but it never materialized. Defendants moved to dismiss, arguing the co-authorship claim under the Copyright Act was time-barred. The court found that Dewan's equitable estoppel argument was unreasonable after late 1993 or 1994, as he had sufficient notice that a lawsuit was necessary. Consequently, the court dismissed the federal co-authorship claim due to the expiration of the statute of limitations and declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the remaining state law claims.

Copyright ActCo-authorshipStatute of LimitationsEquitable EstoppelMotion to DismissFederal JurisdictionState Law ClaimsMusical CompositionsCollaborationDeclaratory Judgment

References

Case No. 06 Civ. 0822(RJH)

Regular Panel Decision

Vanamringe v. Royal Group Technologies Ltd.

This Memorandum Opinion and Order addresses two consolidated securities fraud actions against Royal Group Technologies Limited and its officers and directors. The plaintiffs, known as the 'Snow Group', allege a fraudulent scheme involving false and misleading statements to inflate Royal Group's stock price, violating Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The Court consolidated the two actions, Vanamringe v. Royal Group Technologies Limited and Messinger v. Royal Group Technologies Limited, under the caption In re Royal Group Technologies Securities Litigation. The Snow Group's motion for appointment as lead plaintiff was granted, as they demonstrated the largest financial interest and satisfied Rule 23 requirements for typicality and adequacy. The Court also approved the Snow Group's selection of Lerach Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins LLP and Labaton Sucharow & Rudoff LLP as co-lead counsel for the class.

Securities FraudClass ActionLead PlaintiffConsolidationPSLRAFederal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 23Corporate FraudStock ManipulationInvestor ProtectionExchange Act

References

Case No. MISSING

Regular Panel Decision

Gusek v. Compass Transportation Corp.

The Supreme Court erred in denying the plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment on the issue of liability. The appellate court found that the plaintiff successfully established that defendant Ryan S. Adkins's negligence was the sole proximate cause of the accident, and the defendants failed to present a triable issue of fact to counter this. Furthermore, the court determined that defendants Compass Transportation Corporation, Compass Enterprises, Inc., as vehicle owners, and G.D. Leasing of Indiana, Inc., as Adkins's employer, were vicariously liable for his negligence, reinforcing the conclusion that summary judgment should have been granted to the plaintiff on the issue of liability.

NegligenceVicarious LiabilitySummary JudgmentAppellate ReviewProximate CauseContributory NegligenceVehicle and Traffic LawEmployer LiabilityAccidentPersonal Injury

References

Case No. 1:10-cv-03461-PAC

Regular Panel Decision

Richman v. Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

This Memorandum and Order addresses six consolidated class actions against Goldman Sachs & Co. and its officers and directors, alleging violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The plaintiffs claim the defendants made false and misleading statements regarding a collateralized debt obligation (CDO) security and failed to disclose a Wells notice from the SEC and a subsequent criminal investigation, which led to a significant drop in Goldman Sachs' stock price. The Court consolidated the actions and proceeded to determine the 'most adequate plaintiff' to serve as lead plaintiff under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA). After evaluating several contenders and applying the four *Lax* factors for financial interest, the Court designated the Pension Group as the lead plaintiff. The Pension Group comprises the Arkansas Teachers Retirement System, the West Virginia Investment Management Board, and the Plumbers and Pipefitters Pension Group, and their selection of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd, LLP and Labaton Sucharow, LLP as co-lead counsels was approved.

Securities LitigationClass ActionLead Plaintiff AppointmentPSLRAConsolidation of CasesFinancial InterestRule 23 RequirementsMisleading StatementsCollateralized Debt Obligation (CDO)Goldman Sachs

References

Case No. 2023 NY Slip Op 02549 [216 AD3d 833]

Regular Panel Decision

May 10, 2023

Santiago v. Hanley Group, Inc.

David Santiago, a construction worker, was allegedly injured after falling from a roof while performing construction work. He and his wife initiated a lawsuit against the general contractor, Hanley Group, Inc., asserting, among other claims, a violation of Labor Law § 240 (1) for failure to provide adequate safety devices. The Supreme Court, Westchester County, granted the plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment on the issue of liability on the Labor Law § 240 (1) cause of action against Hanley Group, Inc. Hanley Group, Inc. appealed, contending that it had complied with its statutory duty or that Santiago's conduct was the sole proximate cause of his injuries, or that he was a recalcitrant worker. The Appellate Division, Second Department, found that the defendant failed to raise a triable issue of fact on any of its contentions and therefore affirmed the lower court's order.

Personal InjuryLabor Law § 240 (1)Summary JudgmentAppellate ReviewConstruction AccidentFall from HeightRecalcitrant Worker DefenseSole Proximate CauseGeneral Contractor LiabilitySafety Devices

References

Case No. 2019 NY Slip Op 05955 [174 AD3d 850]

Regular Panel Decision

Jul 31, 2019

Davies v. Simon Prop. Group, Inc.

The plaintiff, Gerald Davies, was injured while pushing a cart of concrete over a plywood sheet that covered a hole at a construction site. He initiated an action against the premises operator, Simon Property Group, Inc., the general contractor, E.W. Howell Co., LLC, and the sidewalk removal company, Ruttura & Sons Construction Co., Inc., alleging common-law negligence and violations of Labor Law §§ 200, 240 (1), and 241 (6). E.W. Howell Co., LLC also filed a third-party action against Allstate Interior Demolition Corporation, the plaintiff's employer, seeking contractual indemnification. The Supreme Court's initial order, which partially granted and denied various summary judgment motions, was subject to appeals and cross-appeals. The Appellate Division ultimately reversed the order in part, granting Ruttura & Sons Construction Co., Inc.'s motion for summary judgment on the Labor Law § 200 and common-law negligence claims, and denying Simon Property Group, Inc. and E.W. Howell Co., LLC.'s motion to dismiss the Labor Law §§ 240 (1) and 241 (6) causes of action. The Appellate Division affirmed the denial of Simon Property Group, Inc. and E.W. Howell Co., LLC.'s motion concerning Labor Law § 200, common-law negligence, and contractual indemnification.

Personal InjuryConstruction AccidentLabor LawPremises LiabilitySummary JudgmentContractual IndemnificationElevation DifferentialScaffold LawIndustrial CodeSafe Work Environment

References

Case No. MISSING

Regular Panel Decision

Aug 02, 2013

National Integrated Group Pension Plan v. Dunhill Food Equipment Corp.

This case, filed under ERISA, involves the National Integrated Group Pension Plan and its Board of Trustees (Plaintiffs) seeking to collect withdrawal liability from Dunhill Food Equipment, Esquire Mechanical, Geoffrey Thaw, Sanford Associates, and Custom Stainless (Defendants). The core dispute revolved around whether the non-Dunhill defendants were part of a commonly controlled group at the time of Dunhill's withdrawal from the pension plan, and whether Geoffrey Thaw could be held personally liable through veil piercing. The court ruled that Dunhill, Esquire, and Thaw were jointly and severally liable for the withdrawal liability, attorney's fees, costs, interest, and liquidated damages, finding Thaw's complete domination and misuse of corporate funds justified piercing the corporate veil. However, the claims against Sanford and Custom Stainless were dismissed, as they were determined to have effectively dissolved prior to the withdrawal date, thus not being members of the controlled group.

ERISA LitigationMPPAA LiabilityPension WithdrawalCorporate Veil PiercingSummary Judgment MotionControlled Group LiabilityCorporate DissolutionPersonal LiabilityEmployee Benefits LawFiduciary Breach

References

Case No. MISSING

Regular Panel Decision

Mar 30, 1981

Claim of Kosak v. Dana Group, Inc.

This case involves appeals from decisions of the Workers’ Compensation Board. The central issue was whether the claimant was an employee of Dana Group, Inc. The Board found an employer-employee relationship, citing payroll stubs and checks from Dana Group, Inc. to the claimant. Despite being advised, the employer did not appear at a subsequent hearing. The Workers’ Compensation Law Judge's decision regarding the employer-employee relationship was deemed proper. The appellate court affirmed these decisions, concluding they were supported by substantial evidence.

Workers' CompensationEmployer-Employee RelationshipPayroll EvidenceAppellate ReviewSubstantial EvidenceAdministrative ProceedingsConcurring OpinionBoard DecisionAppealClaimant

References

Case No. MISSING

Regular Panel Decision

Feb 04, 1999

Chase Manhattan Bank, N. A. v. Travelers Group, Inc.

The Supreme Court, New York County, granted plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment, compelling The Travelers Group to indemnify plaintiffs for a $2.3 million judgment in a personal injury action, and denied Travelers' cross-motion. The Travelers Group had issued a workers' compensation policy to FTJ Environmental, Inc., whose employees were injured while working in New York City. The policy's coverage was explicitly conditioned on the work in New York being necessary or incidental to FTJ's work in New Jersey, which was listed as the coverage state. The appellate court found no evidence in the record to support this condition and noted that the policy limit was $100,000 per accident, not $2.3 million. Consequently, the appellate court modified the order, denying plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment.

Summary JudgmentIndemnificationWorkers' Compensation PolicyEmployers Liability PolicyPolicy CoverageLabor Law § 240Burden of ProofInsurance Policy LimitsAppellate DecisionPersonal Injury

References

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Updated Daily

Case Law Database

Access over workers' compensation decisions, including En Banc, Significant Panel Decisions, and writ-denied cases.

Case No. 2020 NY Slip Op 00685 [179 AD3d 626]

Regular Panel Decision

Jan 30, 2020

Pewritt v. Compass Group, USA, Inc.

Personal InjurySlip and FallSummary JudgmentSpecial EmployeeVicarious LiabilityWorkers' CompensationAppellate PracticePremises LiabilityTemporary EmployeeEmployer Liability

References

Case No. MISSING

Regular Panel Decision

Dewan v. Blue Man Group Limited Partnership

Copyright ActCo-authorshipStatute of LimitationsEquitable EstoppelMotion to DismissFederal JurisdictionState Law ClaimsMusical CompositionsCollaborationDeclaratory Judgment

References

Case No. 06 Civ. 0822(RJH)

Regular Panel Decision

Vanamringe v. Royal Group Technologies Ltd.

Securities FraudClass ActionLead PlaintiffConsolidationPSLRAFederal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 23Corporate FraudStock ManipulationInvestor ProtectionExchange Act

References

Case No. MISSING

Regular Panel Decision

Gusek v. Compass Transportation Corp.

NegligenceVicarious LiabilitySummary JudgmentAppellate ReviewProximate CauseContributory NegligenceVehicle and Traffic LawEmployer LiabilityAccidentPersonal Injury

References

Case No. 1:10-cv-03461-PAC

Regular Panel Decision

Richman v. Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

Securities LitigationClass ActionLead Plaintiff AppointmentPSLRAConsolidation of CasesFinancial InterestRule 23 RequirementsMisleading StatementsCollateralized Debt Obligation (CDO)Goldman Sachs

References

Case No. 2023 NY Slip Op 02549 [216 AD3d 833]

Regular Panel Decision

May 10, 2023

Santiago v. Hanley Group, Inc.

Personal InjuryLabor Law § 240 (1)Summary JudgmentAppellate ReviewConstruction AccidentFall from HeightRecalcitrant Worker DefenseSole Proximate CauseGeneral Contractor LiabilitySafety Devices

References

Case No. 2019 NY Slip Op 05955 [174 AD3d 850]

Regular Panel Decision

Jul 31, 2019

Davies v. Simon Prop. Group, Inc.

Personal InjuryConstruction AccidentLabor LawPremises LiabilitySummary JudgmentContractual IndemnificationElevation DifferentialScaffold LawIndustrial CodeSafe Work Environment

References

Case No. MISSING

Regular Panel Decision

Aug 02, 2013

National Integrated Group Pension Plan v. Dunhill Food Equipment Corp.

ERISA LitigationMPPAA LiabilityPension WithdrawalCorporate Veil PiercingSummary Judgment MotionControlled Group LiabilityCorporate DissolutionPersonal LiabilityEmployee Benefits LawFiduciary Breach

References

Case No. MISSING

Regular Panel Decision

Mar 30, 1981

Claim of Kosak v. Dana Group, Inc.

Workers' CompensationEmployer-Employee RelationshipPayroll EvidenceAppellate ReviewSubstantial EvidenceAdministrative ProceedingsConcurring OpinionBoard DecisionAppealClaimant

References

Case No. MISSING

Regular Panel Decision

Feb 04, 1999

Chase Manhattan Bank, N. A. v. Travelers Group, Inc.

Summary JudgmentIndemnificationWorkers' Compensation PolicyEmployers Liability PolicyPolicy CoverageLabor Law § 240Burden of ProofInsurance Policy LimitsAppellate DecisionPersonal Injury

References

Showing 1-10 of 1,597 results

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