Foster v. Spevack
Richard Foster, an employee of Davis-Fetch Acoustical Corp., sustained injuries from a slip and fall on ice in a shopping center parking lot owned by Spevack and Statewide Plaza Shopping Centre. Spevack had contracted Fred Tontarski and Fabco for snow removal. Foster fell while attempting to urinate behind a building being renovated by Edward Irish Construction, Inc. and Davis-Fetch, having been directed there due to lack of bathroom facilities. Plaintiffs sued Spevack, Tontarski, and Fabco for negligence and later amended their complaint to include Labor Law violations. The court discusses various motions for summary judgment concerning Labor Law § 200 and § 241 (6) claims, contribution, and indemnification among the parties. The appellate court modified the lower court's order, affirming in part, specifically addressing issues of standing under the Labor Law, breach of common-law duty by Davis-Fetch, and the requirement to allege specific safety regulations for Labor Law § 241 (6) claims.