Chavez-Lezama v. Kun Gao
The plaintiff, Miguel Chavez-Lezama, commenced an action against defendant Kun Gao for personal injuries sustained while performing construction work at Gao's one-family house. Chavez-Lezama alleged violations of Labor Law §§ 200, 240 (1), and 241 (6), and common-law negligence. Gao moved for summary judgment dismissing the complaint, arguing that as the owner of a one- or two-family dwelling, he was exempt from Labor Law §§ 240 (1) and 241 (6) liability and did not direct or control the work. The Supreme Court denied Gao's motion. On appeal, the Appellate Division, Second Department, reversed the Supreme Court's order, finding that Gao established his prima facie entitlement to judgment as a matter of law, and Chavez-Lezama failed to raise a triable issue of fact regarding Gao's direction or control over the work. Consequently, the court granted Gao's motion for summary judgment, dismissing the Labor Law and common-law negligence claims against him.