Goodwin v. Dix Hills Jewish Center
The plaintiff, Eddie Goodwin, sustained personal injuries after falling from a ladder while rehanging speakers at the defendant's premises. He had been installing wood paneling as part of his work. Goodwin filed an action alleging common-law negligence and violations of Labor Law §§ 200, 240 (1), and 241 (6). The Supreme Court initially granted the defendant's motion for summary judgment and denied the plaintiff's motion. The Appellate Division, Second Department, modified the order, finding that the plaintiff was engaged in 'altering' a building under Labor Law § 240 (1) and was injured during duties ancillary to a covered activity, thus entitling him to protection under the statute. Consequently, the court denied the defendant's motion to dismiss the Labor Law § 240 (1) claim and granted the plaintiff's motion for summary judgment on liability for that claim, while affirming the dismissal of the other Labor Law claims and the common-law negligence claim.