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Wright v. Fay's Drugs Inc.

Citations: 226 A.D.2d 1132; 642 N.Y.S.2d 836; 1996 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS 5716

Court: Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York; April 19, 1996; New York; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Order reversed unanimously, with costs not awarded, and the motion granted, resulting in the dismissal of the complaint. The defendant argued that the Supreme Court incorrectly denied its motion for summary judgment in this personal injury case. The court agreed, noting that the plaintiff, Debbie M. Wright, slipped on water in the defendant's store. The defendant presented sufficient evidence demonstrating a lack of actual or constructive notice of the hazardous condition, referencing legal precedents such as Gordon v American Museum of Natural History. The plaintiff did not provide sufficient evidence to create a factual dispute that would necessitate a trial, as supported by cases like Evans v Wegmans Food Pharmacy. The appeal was from an order issued by Supreme Court in Onondaga County, presided over by Justice Tormey III.

Legal Issues Addressed

Actual or Constructive Notice of Hazardous Conditions

Application: The defendant demonstrated a lack of actual or constructive notice of the hazardous condition, fulfilling their burden of proof under established legal standards.

Reasoning: The defendant presented sufficient evidence demonstrating a lack of actual or constructive notice of the hazardous condition, referencing legal precedents such as Gordon v American Museum of Natural History.

Burden of Proof on Plaintiff to Create Factual Dispute

Application: The plaintiff did not meet the burden of producing evidence sufficient to create a factual dispute necessary for a trial.

Reasoning: The plaintiff did not provide sufficient evidence to create a factual dispute that would necessitate a trial, as supported by cases like Evans v Wegmans Food Pharmacy.

Summary Judgment in Personal Injury Cases

Application: The court determined that the defendant was entitled to summary judgment because the plaintiff failed to present sufficient evidence to create a factual dispute.

Reasoning: The defendant argued that the Supreme Court incorrectly denied its motion for summary judgment in this personal injury case.