Learn About the Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Patricia HOGARTH, individually and as parent and natural guardian of Amanda Hart, a minor, Appellant-Respondent, v. CITY OF SYRACUSE, Respondent-Appellant, Town of Geddes, Respondent. (Appeal No. 1).
Supreme Court properly granted the cross motion of plaintiff to amend her complaint to add a new cause of action alleging that the injuries sustained by plaintiff's daughter were the result of the willful and intentional conduct of defendants. Leave to amend should be freely given (see, CPLR 3025[b] ), and the decision whether to grant such a motion is within the sound discretion of the court (see, Beuschel v. Malm, 114 A.D.2d 569, 494 N.Y.S.2d 185). Because the proposed amendment is not on its face palpably insufficient, we conclude that the court did not abuse its discretion in allowing the amendment (see, Clark v. Taylor Wine Co., 148 A.D.2d 908, 909, 539 N.Y.S.2d 536, quoting Prosser v. Gouveia, 98 A.D.2d 992, 993, 470 N.Y.S.2d 231).
We further conclude that the court properly granted summary judgment dismissing the negligence causes of action based on General Obligations Law § 9-103. The record establishes that plaintiff's daughter was engaged in sledding, an activity enumerated in that section, and that the property was suitable for public use for that purpose. Defendant landowners were therefore immune from liability for their ordinary negligence for injuries sustained by plaintiff's daughter while sledding on their land (see, General Obligations Law § 9-103[1][a]; Bragg v. Genesee County Agric. Socy., 84 N.Y.2d 544, 551-552, 620 N.Y.S.2d 322, 644 N.E.2d 1013; Martins v. Syracuse Univ., 214 A.D.2d 967, 627 N.Y.S.2d 191; Clark v. State of New York, 178 A.D.2d 908, 577 N.Y.S.2d 946; Dean v. Glens Falls Country Club, 170 A.D.2d 798, 566 N.Y.S.2d 104).
We have reviewed the remaining contentions of the parties and conclude that they are without merit.
Order unanimously affirmed without costs.
MEMORANDUM:
Thank you for your feedback!
As the largest network of trusted legal brands, we help firms build authority across the platforms consumers and AI systems rely on most. Our network helps attorneys strengthen visibility, credibility, and preference where legal decisions begin.
Docket No: No. 0297.
Decided: April 25, 1997
Court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department, New York.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)
Harness the power of our directory with your own profile. Select the button below to sign up.
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)