Sclafani v. Eastman Kodak Co.
Plaintiff Joseph Sclafani sustained a torn rotator cuff on October 18, 2000, while working as an electrician at a construction site due to a falling overhead lighting cable. He filed a personal injury lawsuit against Eastman Kodak Company, the alleged tenant of the premises. Eastman moved to dismiss the complaint, arguing that under Workers' Compensation Law § 29 (1) and (2), Sclafani's right to sue had been automatically assigned to the workers' compensation provider because he failed to commence the action within the statutory timeframe after receiving benefits. However, the court found that the law requires explicit notice to the injured employee about the forfeiture and assignment of their rights, which Sclafani did not receive. Therefore, the court denied Eastman's motion to dismiss, affirming Sclafani's standing to pursue the action.