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Access over workers' compensation decisions, including En Banc, Significant Panel Decisions, and writ-denied cases.

Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Hull-Hazard, Inc. v. Roberts

Justice Levine dissents from the majority's decision, which annulled the respondent's determination that held Hull Corporation jointly liable with Hull-Hazard, Inc., for violations of Labor Law § 220. Levine argues for a liberal construction of Labor Law § 220, citing its remedial and protective purposes for workers' rights. He emphasizes the extensively interlocking relationship between Hull Corporation and Hull-Hazard, Inc., highlighting shared ownership, officers, managerial staff, and employee benefit plans. According to Levine, Hull Corporation, as a successor employer, should not be permitted to evade liability given its clear knowledge and use of Hull-Hazard's resources, drawing parallels to federal labor law on successor liability. He concludes that the imposition of joint liability was rational and should have been confirmed. The overall determination was modified by annulling the finding of a willful violation of Labor Law § 220 (2) and the joint liability of Hull Corporation, and then confirmed as modified.

Joint LiabilitySuccessor EmployerLabor Law ViolationsCorporate InterlockingDissenting OpinionConcurring OpinionRemedial LegislationUnfair Labor PracticesAnnulment of DeterminationWillful Violation
References
5
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Feb 25, 2009

Claim of Norcross v. Camden Central School

This case involves an appeal by the Special Fund for Reopened Cases from a Workers’ Compensation Board decision. The Board had affirmed a Workers’ Compensation Law Judge's ruling that shifted liability to the Special Fund under WCL § 25-a, regarding a claimant's work-related injury from 2001. The Special Fund contended that the Board's decision deviated from its own precedent by shifting liability without requiring proof that further medical or indemnity benefits were payable, which is a necessary condition for reopening a claim for this purpose. The court determined that the Board failed to provide a rational explanation for departing from its prior decisions, thereby rendering its determination arbitrary and capricious. Consequently, the Board's decision was reversed, and the matter was remitted for further proceedings.

Special Fund for Reopened CasesLiability ShiftAgency PrecedentRational ExplanationArbitrary and CapriciousRFA-2 formMedical BenefitsIndemnity BenefitsAppellate DivisionRemittal
References
7
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Jun 08, 1995

Rigopoulos v. State

Dimitrios Rigopoulos, an independent contractor, sustained injuries while painting a bridge from a floating barge. He and his wife, Victoria Rigopoulos, brought a claim for personal injuries against the State of New York, alleging violations of the Labor Law. The Court of Claims initially awarded damages to the claimants and granted partial summary judgment on liability under Labor Law § 240 (1). On appeal, the judgment was reversed. The appellate court ruled that the accident occurred on navigable waters and constituted traditional maritime activity, thus Federal maritime law applied. Consequently, Labor Law § 240 (1), which imposes strict liability, was preempted. The case was remitted to the Court of Claims for a new determination on liability under Labor Law § 200 (1) and § 241 (6), which do not impose strict liability and are not preempted by Federal maritime law.

Personal InjuryFederal Maritime LawLabor Law PreemptionStrict LiabilityNegligenceAppellate ProcedureSummary JudgmentDamages AwardRemandBridge Maintenance
References
13
Case No. ADJ10132416
Regular
Sep 04, 2019

ARMANDO SALAZAR vs. DOTY BROS. EQUIPMENT COMPANY, AIG CLAIMS for NATIONAL UNION FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, STARR INDEMNITY & LIABILITY COMPANY

This case concerns the determination of the cumulative trauma injury date and the corresponding liability period for a workers' compensation claim. The Appeals Board clarified that the date of injury under Labor Code section 5412 is July 30, 2005, through September 30, 2015, based on when the applicant should have reasonably recognized his disability as work-related, evidenced by his attorney filing a claim. Crucially, the Board distinguished this from the liability period under Labor Code section 5500.5, which was established as July 30, 2014, through July 30, 2015, the applicant's last day of work. This revised liability period confirmed that Starr Indemnity & Liability Company was within coverage for the claim.

Labor Code Section 5412Labor Code Section 5500.5cumulative trauma perioddate of injuryinjurious exposureknowledge of disabilityApplication for Adjudication of Claimpetition to dismisscoverageamended findings
References
3
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Portes v. New York State Thruway Authority

The claimant, working on a painting project on a bridge, fell and sustained injuries when a suspension cable broke. He initiated a claim asserting negligence and violations of Labor Law §§ 200, 240 (1), and 241 (6). The Court of Claims initially denied both the claimant's motion for partial summary judgment on Labor Law § 240 (1) liability and the defendant's cross-motion to dismiss other claims. On appeal, the court determined that the claimant had established a prima facie case for Labor Law § 240 (1) liability because the provided safety device failed, and the claimant's actions were not the sole proximate cause of the accident. Consequently, the appellate court modified the lower court's order, granting the claimant's motion for partial summary judgment on the issue of liability under Labor Law § 240 (1).

Labor Law § 240 (1)Scaffold LawConstruction AccidentPersonal InjurySummary JudgmentProximate CauseComparative NegligenceRecalcitrant Worker DefenseAppellate ReviewSuspension Cable Failure
References
7
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Feb 08, 1988

Drew v. Correct Manufacturing Corp.

Plaintiff was injured when a skyworker or bucket hoist collapsed while he was performing elevated work for his employer at property owned by defendant Rockwell International Corporation. Plaintiff's complaint included a cause of action based upon Labor Law § 240 (1), and he moved for partial summary judgment on the issue of defendant's liability under this statute. The court found that a skyworker, although not specifically listed, is functionally similar to devices covered by Labor Law § 240 (1). The collapse of the safety device established a prima facie statutory violation and proximate cause, shifting the burden to the defendant. The court determined that a design or manufacturing defect causing a safety device to collapse results in absolute liability for the owner. Therefore, the Supreme Court's order was modified, and plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment on the issue of defendant's liability under Labor Law § 240 (1) was granted and, as modified, affirmed.

Workers' CompensationLabor LawAbsolute LiabilitySkyworker CollapseSafety Device FailureProximate CauseSummary JudgmentDesign DefectManufacturing DefectElevated Work
References
9
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Claim of Lauritano v. Consolidated Edison Co.

This case involves an appeal from a Workers’ Compensation Board decision regarding the transfer of liability to the Special Fund for Reopened Cases under Workers’ Compensation Law § 25-a. The claimant suffered a work-related heart attack in 1992, received benefits, and the case was closed in 1997. After another heart attack and surgery in 1999, the claim was reopened in 2001. A Workers’ Compensation Law Judge initially found it was not a stale claim, but the Board reversed, transferring liability to the Special Fund. The Special Fund argued that employer payments for lost time in 1999-2000 constituted advance payments of compensation, precluding transfer. However, the court affirmed the Board's determination that these payments, made pursuant to a general sick leave plan, did not qualify as advance payments of compensation under § 25-a, thus supporting the transfer of liability to the Special Fund.

Special Fund for Reopened CasesWorkers' Compensation Law Section 25-aStale Claim DoctrineAdvance Payments of CompensationSick Leave BenefitsLiability TransferHeart Attack InjuryReopened CaseAppellate Review of Board DecisionSubstantial Evidence Standard
References
4
Case No. CV-22-2011
Regular Panel Decision
Feb 15, 2024

In the Matter of the Claim of Sukhwinder Singh

Claimant Sukhwinder Singh was injured while working for Atlas NY Construction Corporation. National Liability & Fire Insurance Company (NLF) denied liability, asserting it had canceled its workers' compensation policy for nonpayment of premiums prior to the accident. A Workers' Compensation Law Judge (WCLJ) initially found NLF's cancellation effective, placing liability on the general contractor. However, the Workers' Compensation Board modified this, ruling NLF failed to prove proper cancellation and was the liable carrier. NLF appealed this decision. The Appellate Division affirmed the Board's decision, emphasizing the requirement for strict compliance with Workers' Compensation Law § 54 (5) regarding policy cancellation notice and deferring to the Board's credibility determinations.

Policy CancellationInsurance LiabilityNonpayment of PremiumsStrict ComplianceNotice RequirementsCertified MailReturn Receipt RequestedBurden of ProofCredibility DeterminationsAppellate Review
References
9
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

TPK Construction Corp. v. Hudacs

The petitioner, TPK Const. Corp., challenged a Department of Labor determination finding it liable for failing to pay prevailing wages and supplements. While conceding underpayment and interest, TPK argued it was innocent, claiming its role was solely providing bonding for its joint venturer, Erie Coatings, Inc., which allegedly managed the project entirely. However, the record showed TPK's active involvement, including its president's presence on site and participation in contract discussions. Furthermore, TPK had a documented history of multiple prior prevailing wage violations, some deemed willful. The court found substantial evidence supported the Department of Labor's determination, concluding that TPK, as an experienced public works contractor, knew or should have known of the violations. The court affirmed the principle of joint and several liability for joint venturers and ultimately confirmed the Department's determination, dismissing TPK's petition.

Prevailing WageLabor LawWillful ViolationJoint VentureCPLR Article 78Administrative ReviewUnderpayment of WagesContractor LiabilityPublic WorksAppellate Review
References
17
Case No. 2024 NY Slip Op 00832 [224 AD3d 1052]
Regular Panel Decision
Feb 15, 2024

Matter of Singh v. Atlas NY Constr. Corp.

Sukhwinder Singh, a claimant, was injured while working for Atlas NY Construction Corporation, a subcontractor on a construction project. National Liability & Fire Insurance Company (NLF) denied liability for the claim, asserting it had canceled its workers' compensation policy for nonpayment of premiums prior to the accident. Initially, a Workers' Compensation Law Judge ruled in favor of NLF, placing liability on the general contractor. However, the Workers' Compensation Board modified this decision, concluding there was insufficient evidence of proper policy cancellation by NLF. The Appellate Division, Third Department, affirmed the Board's decision, reiterating that carriers must strictly comply with Workers' Compensation Law § 54 (5) for policy cancellation and that the Board's credibility determinations, when supported by substantial evidence, are not to be disturbed. The court found NLF failed to meet its burden of establishing proper cancellation.

Workers' Compensation Policy CancellationInsurance Coverage DisputeNotice RequirementsStrict ComplianceNonpayment of PremiumsWorkers' Compensation Board DecisionAppellate ReviewCredibility DeterminationsSubstantial EvidenceBurden of Proof
References
9
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