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.
Joann M. ROBERT, appellant, v. MAHOPAC CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, respondent.
In an action to recover damages for personal injuries, the plaintiff appeals from an order of the Supreme Court, Putnam County (O'Rourke, J.), dated August 4, 2006, which granted the defendant's motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint. The appeal brings up for review so much of an order of the same court dated September 5, 2006, as, upon reargument, adhered to the original determination (see CPLR 5517[b] ).
ORDERED that the appeal from the order dated August 4, 2006, is dismissed, as that order was superseded by the order dated September 5, 2006, made upon reargument; and it is further,
ORDERED that the order dated September 5, 2006, is affirmed insofar as reviewed; and it is further,
ORDERED that one bill of costs is awarded to the defendant.
The plaintiff allegedly was injured when she tripped and fell while leaving the defendant's premises. After the plaintiff commenced the instant action, the Supreme Court granted the defendant's motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint and, upon reargument, adhered to the original determination. We affirm.
To establish a prima facie case of negligence in a premises liability action, a plaintiff must demonstrate the existence of a dangerous or defective condition that caused his or her injuries, and that the defendant either created or had actual notice or constructive notice of the condition (see Caldwell v. Pathmark Stores, Inc., 29 A.D.3d 847, 816 N.Y.S.2d 514; Cruceta v. Funnel Equities, Inc. 18 A.D.3d 693, 795 N.Y.S.2d 728; Goldman v. Waldbaum, Inc., 248 A.D.2d 436, 669 N.Y.S.2d 669; Thomas v. Phillips, 246 A.D.2d 531, 667 N.Y.S.2d 414). Here, the defendant established that it did not create or have notice of the alleged defective condition prior to the plaintiff's accident. The plaintiff's papers in opposition were insufficient to raise a triable issue of fact (see Zuckerman v. City of New York, 49 N.Y.2d 557, 562, 427 N.Y.S.2d 595, 404 N.E.2d 718; Jordan v. City of New York, 23 A.D.3d 436, 807 N.Y.S.2d 595; Kleeberg v. City of New York, 305 A.D.2d 549, 759 N.Y.S.2d 760; Billordo v. E.P. Realty Assoc., 300 A.D.2d 523, 752 N.Y.S.2d 556). Accordingly, the Supreme Court correctly granted summary judgment dismissing the complaint and, upon reargument, correctly adhered to its original determination.
The parties' remaining contentions are without merit or have been rendered academic in light of our determination.
Thank you for your feedback!
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.
Decided: March 06, 2007
Court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second 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)