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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

Erie County Water Authority v. Kramer

The Erie County Water Authority initiated an Article 78 proceeding to prevent the New York State Labor Relations Board from asserting jurisdiction over an unfair labor practice complaint. The Authority, a state agency, argued its exemption from the New York State Labor Relations Act, despite a provision in the Public Authorities Law stating it is an 'employer.' The court reviewed relevant labor and civil service laws, as well as prior case law concerning state agencies and collective bargaining. Ultimately, the court determined that the Authority, as an agency of the state, falls under the exemptions of Labor Law Section 715, thus not subject to the collective bargaining requirements of Article 20 of the Labor Law. Therefore, the application to enjoin the Board's actions was granted due to lack of jurisdiction.

Article 78Civil Practice ActPublic Authorities LawLabor LawState AgencyUnfair Labor PracticeCollective BargainingJurisdiction DisputeErie County Water AuthorityNew York State Labor Relations Board
References
4
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Erie County Industrial Development Agency v. Roberts

This CPLR article 78 proceeding addresses whether the prevailing wage requirement of Labor Law § 220 applies to private construction projects financed by industrial development agencies using tax-exempt bonds. The petitioners, Quo Vadis Editions, Inc. and Erie County Industrial Development Agency, challenged the Commissioner of Labor's determination that such projects constitute "public works." Special Term ruled against the Commissioner, prohibiting the application of the prevailing wage requirement. The appellate court affirmed Special Term's decision, concluding that these projects are not "public works" because their fundamental purpose is private, with the private developer retaining economic ownership and benefits, despite the agency's formal title for financing mechanisms.

Prevailing WageIndustrial Development AgenciesTax-Exempt BondsPublic Works DoctrineLabor LawGovernmental FunctionPrivate DevelopmentDeclaratory ReliefStatutory InterpretationEconomic Development Incentives
References
9
Case No. CV-24-1249
Regular Panel Decision
Nov 20, 2025

Matter of McGann v. Suffolk County Water Auth.

Frank McGann, a retired senior meter reader, filed a workers' compensation claim for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, which he attributed to his employment with Suffolk County Water Authority. Both his treating physician, Harold Avella, and the employer's orthopedic consultant, Steven Goodman, opined that the condition was causally related to his work, even after considering his post-retirement pickleball activities. Although a Workers' Compensation Law Judge initially established the claim, the Workers' Compensation Board reversed the decision, deeming the medical evidence insufficient and not credible. The Appellate Division, Third Department, found that the Board misread the record and failed to properly consider the physicians' confirmed opinions after being apprised of all relevant facts. Consequently, the Appellate Division reversed the Board's decision and remitted the matter for further proceedings.

Workers' CompensationOccupational DiseaseCarpal Tunnel SyndromeCausationMedical OpinionSubstantial EvidenceAppellate ReviewBoard Decision ReversedRemittedRepetitive Stress Injury
References
5
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Jones v. Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency

This memorandum-decision and order addresses defendants' motion for summary judgment in an employment discrimination case. Plaintiff, an African-American, alleged racial discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation by the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA) and individual defendants under Title VII, NYSHRL, and §§ 1981a, 1983. The court granted summary judgment for defendants, dismissing NYSHRL claims due to the election of remedies doctrine. Title VII claims against individual defendants were deemed redundant or untimely. The court found plaintiff failed to establish a prima facie case for discrimination or retaliation, or to show pretext. Hostile work environment claims were dismissed for lack of exhaustion and insufficient evidence. Conspiracy and New York Public Authorities Law claims were also dismissed, leading to the closure of the case.

Employment DiscriminationRace DiscriminationRetaliationHostile Work EnvironmentSummary JudgmentTitle VIINew York State Human Rights Law42 U.S.C. Section 198142 U.S.C. Section 1983Intracorporate Conspiracy Doctrine
References
47
Case No. 1:00-1898, MDL 1358(SAS), M 21-88, 04-Civ-2389, 04-Civ-5424, 04-Civ-3417, 04-Civ-4968
Regular Panel Decision
Oct 10, 2006

In Re Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) Products

This consolidated multi-district litigation (MDL) concerns groundwater contamination by the gasoline additive MTBE and its degradation product, TBA. Defendants moved for summary judgment in several New York actions and one Orange County Water District action, arguing plaintiffs lacked Article III standing because the contamination levels were below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), thus not constituting an "injury-in-fact." The court analyzed whether the MCL defines the scope of a legally protected interest, distinguishing prior cases involving private well owners or those where remediation expenses were not directly linked to contamination. The court concluded that MCLs are regulatory standards for water providers, not a strict definition of what constitutes an injury for tort liability. It determined that contamination below the MCL can still cause a cognizable injury due to monitoring, testing, treatment costs, and issues like taste and odor. The court denied defendants' motions for summary judgment, finding that factual disputes remain regarding the extent of plaintiffs' alleged injuries from low-level MTBE contamination, making a summary judgment ruling premature.

Groundwater ContaminationMTBE LitigationTertiary Butyl Alcohol (TBA)Product LiabilityMulti-District Litigation (MDL)Article III StandingSummary JudgmentMaximum Contaminant Level (MCL)Environmental LawWater Quality Standards
References
60
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Saratoga County Water Authority v. Gibeault

The County of Saratoga obtained easements for a water line project and retained Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. to assist. The easements were assigned to the plaintiff, a public water authority. Adjacent property owners, the Gibeaults, disputed ownership of some land covered by the easements and filed a correction deed. The plaintiff initiated an action against the Gibeaults seeking judgment under RPAPL article 15 and a declaratory judgment concerning the easements, an injunction, and damages. The Gibeaults counterclaimed, alleging trespass and taking. Subsequently, the plaintiff filed a third-party action against Malcolm Pirnie for indemnification and contribution. Supreme Court denied Malcolm Pirnie's cross-motion for summary judgment to dismiss the plaintiff's claims against it. On appeal, the Appellate Division affirmed the Supreme Court's order, concluding that genuine issues of fact remained regarding Malcolm Pirnie's alleged negligence in procuring the easements, particularly concerning their awareness of the Gibeaults' ownership claims. The court also rejected Malcolm Pirnie's argument of judicial estoppel.

EasementsProperty RightsSummary JudgmentNegligenceIndemnificationContributionJudicial EstoppelBoundary DisputesThird-Party ActionAppellate Review
References
8
Case No. 2015 NY Slip Op 07262
Regular Panel Decision
Oct 07, 2015

Westchester County Correction Superior Officers Ass'n v. County of Westchester

The case involves an action brought by the Westchester County Correction Superior Officers Association and several retired correction officers against the County of Westchester. The plaintiffs sought damages for an alleged breach of a collective bargaining agreement, claiming the county failed to provide benefits equivalent to Workers' Compensation Law for permanent disability. The Supreme Court, Westchester County, initially denied the defendants' motion to dismiss but later granted their motion for summary judgment, dismissing the complaint. The Supreme Court also denied the plaintiffs' cross-motion to amend their complaint. On appeal, the Appellate Division, Second Department, affirmed the Supreme Court's decision, concluding that no provision in the collective bargaining agreement mandated such payments and that the proposed amendment to the complaint lacked merit.

Collective Bargaining AgreementBreach of ContractSummary JudgmentWorkers' Compensation BenefitsLoss of Earning CapacityPermanent DisabilityLeave to Amend ComplaintAppellate ReviewAffirmationJudiciary Law
References
2
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Aug 21, 1998

Westchester County Correction Officers Benevolent Ass'n v. County of Westchester

The County of Westchester appealed orders from the Supreme Court, Westchester County. The Supreme Court had granted the Westchester County Correction Officers Benevolent Association, Inc.'s petition to quash administrative subpoenas (Matter No. 1) and denied the County's motion to enjoin the Association from challenging the subpoenas (Matter No. 2). The appellate court affirmed both orders, finding that the County failed to adhere to Workers’ Compensation Law § 300.10 (c). This statute mandates that subpoenas to a claimant's treating physician can only be issued upon the physician's non-appearance at the first adjournment, not as a routine practice prior to attempts at voluntary appearance. The court emphasized that the County's prior practice violated the statute and impeded the remedial goals of the Workers' Compensation Law.

Administrative LawWorkers' CompensationSubpoena ComplianceAppellate CourtLabor RelationsStatutory InterpretationDue ProcessCollective BargainingJudicial ReviewPublic Sector Employment
References
3
Case No. CA 13-01671
Regular Panel Decision
Jul 03, 2014

WILLIAMS, CASSONDRA v. COUNTY OF ERIE

Plaintiff Cassondra Williams appealed an order granting summary judgment to defendant Erie County Medical Center Corporation. Williams sought damages for injuries sustained from a slip and fall on water in the hospital's dietary corridor. The Appellate Division affirmed the Supreme Court's order, concluding that the defendant successfully established it neither created the dangerous condition nor had constructive notice of it. Plaintiff's speculative claim about the water's origin and the lack of visible water before the fall were deemed insufficient to raise a triable issue of fact.

slip and fallpremises liabilitysummary judgmentconstructive noticeappellate reviewNew York lawhospital negligenceduty of caretortsevidence
References
8
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Jun 13, 1986

Lima v. County of Rockland

John J. Lima, a volunteer firefighter, sustained injuries after falling six stories during a "fireman’s rope slide" at a training center operated by the County of Rockland. He alleged negligence by the county for failing to provide safety netting and promulgate proper safety rules, leading to his personal injuries. The County of Rockland sought summary judgment, arguing that the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law § 19 provided an exclusive remedy, thereby barring Lima's common-law tort action. The Supreme Court denied this motion, and on appeal, the order was affirmed. The Appellate Division held that the county was not covered by the exclusive remedy provisions of VFBL § 19(2) or § 19(3), as the Village of Haverstraw Fire Department's participation in a mutual aid plan did not constitute "regular service" to the county, and a county does not qualify as a "person or agency" under the statute.

NegligencePersonal InjuryVolunteer FirefighterExclusive RemedySummary JudgmentMutual Aid PlanStatutory InterpretationCounty LiabilityWorkers' Compensation LawAppellate Division
References
4
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