By Jessica M. Erickson

The owner of real property in New York has a non-delegable duty to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition. Although it would appear that a non-delegable duty is an exception to the apportionment of CPLR Article 16, §1602(2)(iv) is actually a “savings provision” that allows a premises owner found less than 51% liable to apportion the liability with responsible tortfeasors.

By Lindsey S. Lamonica

This matter was referred to the New York State Court of Appeals by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit for a decision concerning the relationship between the Workers’ Compensation Law and the Vehicle and Traffic Law, when a plaintiff is injured in an automobile accident and one of the tortfeasors is a co-worker otherwise protected from liability under the Workers’ Compensation Law.

By Brian C. Stehn

In the recent case of Matter of John Kapon, et al. v. William I. Koch, the Court of Appeals decided to adopt a broader interpretation of the “material and necessary” standard for non-party subpoenas.

By Sterling E. Tipton

The Court of Appeals recently decided a case involving a claim of a “falling object” under the Labor Law, and effectively reaffirmed earlier caselaw that requires the plaintiff to prove the absence or inadequacy of a safety device in order to succeed on such a claim.

By Barbara A. Hayes

The Appellate Division, First Department recently issued a decision broadly expanding the admissibility of the expert testimony of a biomechanical engineer. In Vargas v Sabri, 115 AD3d 505 [1st Dept 2014], the First Department upheld the decision denying plaintiff’s request for a Frye hearing to determine the admissibility of the testimony of Dr. Callum McRae.

By Jon P. Pisiewski

On occasion, when conducting a deposition, attorneys find themselves confronted with an opposing counsel improperly objecting to “irrelevant” or follow-up questions about something the witness denied. However, thorough questioning anticipating potential pitfalls may often lead to asking the crucial question that can turn a case.

By Jessica G. Price

In this week’s decision of Gumbs v. Flushing Town Ctr.III, L.P., 2014 NY Slip Op 01267, the First Department upheld a decision denying the defendants’ motion to compel authorizations based on the plaintiff’s claims for “loss of enjoyment of life” and past pain and suffering.