Reynoso v. Ahava 750, LLC
Inez Reynoso appealed an order granting summary judgment to defendants Ahava 750, LLC (landlord) and Chem Rx Pharmacy Services, LLC (lessee/employer) in a personal injury action. Reynoso was injured during a power outage while working in a building owned by Ahava 750 and leased to Chem Rx. The Supreme Court dismissed claims against Chem Rx based on workers' compensation exclusivity and against Ahava 750 as an out-of-possession landlord. The Appellate Division affirmed, finding that Chem Rx and Pharmerica Corporation established prima facie that Reynoso was Chem Rx's employee and received workers' compensation benefits, making them the exclusive remedy. The court also agreed that Ahava 750, as an out-of-possession landlord without retained control or contractual duty, was not liable.