MAXSON v. ROBERT PACKER HOSPITAL (1999)

 Plaintiff sustained injuries when she fell after failing to observe three steps leading from the upper level to the lower level of a patio area outside of defendant's building.   She alleged that the stairway was constructed from material that reflected sunlight, making the patio appear to be all one level.   Supreme Court erred in denying defendant's motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint.   Defendant established its entitlement to judgment as a matter of law by submitting the affidavit of an architect who opined that the stairway was not defective.   He noted that the patio area was constructed of nonreflective, nonpolished granite with an abrasive surface and that the pattern of the stonework on the upper level of the patio was different from that on the stairs and the lower level.   The burden then shifted to plaintiff, who failed to raise a triable issue of fact (see, De Rossi v. Golub Corp., 209 A.D.2d 911, 912, 619 N.Y.S.2d 195, lv. denied 85 N.Y.2d 804, 626 N.Y.S.2d 755, 650 N.E.2d 414).   In opposition to the motion, plaintiff submitted only the affidavit of her attorney, which is of no probative value (see, Vermette v. Kenworth Truck Co., 68 N.Y.2d 714, 717, 506 N.Y.S.2d 313, 497 N.E.2d 680;  Lough v. City of Syracuse, 191 A.D.2d 1018, 1019, 594 N.Y.S.2d 947).

Amended order unanimously reversed on the law without costs, motion granted and complaint dismissed.

MEMORANDUM: