Utica Mutual Insurance Company v. Style Management Associates Corp.
The Appellate Division's order was reversed, denying the defendants' motion for summary judgment. Triable issues of fact exist regarding the relationship between the defendants, Style Management Associates Corp., Style Management Corp., Yosi Sason (collectively 'Style defendants'), and an unlicensed contractor, Zak Baruch. Style's alleged involvement in a home renovation project went beyond mere listing on a building permit, as they were reportedly paid by Baruch to obtain the permit for the entire project, including floor installation, which subsequently caused fires and property damage. Conflicting testimonies from Baruch and Sason, alongside documentary evidence, raise questions about Style's authority to control the project and whether the parties had a partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship. Consequently, the Style defendants were found not entitled to summary judgment.