Pazmino v. 41-50 78th Street Corp.
The plaintiff, Jose Pazmino, allegedly sustained injuries while working on a renovation project and was struck on the head by a piece of wood. He subsequently filed an action to recover damages and moved for summary judgment on the issue of liability under Labor Law § 240 (1) against the defendant 41-50 78th Street Corp., the property owner. The Supreme Court, Queens County, denied Pazmino's motion for summary judgment. On appeal, the Appellate Division, Second Department, affirmed the lower court's decision. The appellate court concluded that Pazmino failed to establish a prima facie case that the falling object was due to the absence or inadequacy of a safety device or that his injuries were proximately caused by a statutory violation, particularly as he did not witness the wood falling.