Paguay v. Cup of Tea, LLC
The plaintiff, Edisson Paguay, was injured after falling through a roof during renovations and initiated an action against the general contractor, Atweek, Inc., and the building owner, Cup of Tea, LLC, asserting claims for negligence and Labor Law violations. The Workers' Compensation Board had previously awarded Paguay benefits, with Atweek or its insurer directed to pay. Atweek moved for summary judgment, contending the claims were barred by workers' compensation exclusivity, while Paguay sought summary judgment on Labor Law § 240(1) liability against Cup of Tea. The Supreme Court denied both motions. The Appellate Division reversed in part, granting Atweek's motion for summary judgment and dismissing the complaint and cross claims against it, based on the exclusivity provisions of the Workers' Compensation Law, finding Atweek was Paguay's employer. The court affirmed the denial of Paguay's motion against Cup of Tea, finding he failed to demonstrate foreseeability of the hazard.