Muscarella v. Herbert Construction Co.
A construction worker (plaintiff) sustained injuries in 1994, leading to a lawsuit under Labor Law §§ 200 and 241. A motion for summary judgment was partially granted, dismissing the § 241 claim. The case was marked off the trial calendar pending an appeal, which was affirmed in 1999. Nearly three years later, the plaintiff successfully moved to restore the action, citing law office failure for the delay. The appellate court affirmed the restoration, concluding that the plaintiff demonstrated a meritorious claim under Labor Law § 200, a reasonable excuse for delay, no intent to abandon, and that restoration would not prejudice the defendant, despite the defendant company having dissolved in 1996.