Alonso v. Reed Elsevier, PLC
Plaintiff William Alonso was injured when a display fell on him at a vision trade show while working as a greeter. The display, designed and manufactured by Freeman according to Reed's specifications, fell as Javits Center electricians were mounting a television monitor. The Supreme Court denied Freeman's motion for summary judgment, denied Reed's motion to amend its answer with a Workers' Compensation defense, and granted Reed's motion for contractual indemnification against Freeman. On appeal, the Appellate Division modified the order by granting summary judgment dismissing the complaint against all defendants except Freeman and Reed, citing issues of fact regarding Freeman's design and Reed's control. The court affirmed the denial of Reed's Workers' Compensation defense and the grant of contractual indemnification.