Municipalities Law.

Practice point: A municipality is immune from liability on claims that it negligently designed the sewerage system.

Students should note that a municipality is not an insurer of its sewer system and will be liable only if the injury was caused by active negligence in maintenance.

Case: Azizi v. Villiage of Croton-on-Hudson, NY Slip Op 09461 (2d Dept. 2010)

Here is the decision.

Tomorrow’s issue: Motion practice.

Motion practice.

Practice point: A plaintiff may seek a default judgment when defendant has failed to appear, plead or proceed to trial, or when the court orders a dismissal pursuant to CPLR 3215[a].

Students should note that serving a timely notice of claim is a condition precedent for commencing an action against a defendant-municipality, pursuant to General Municipal Law §§ 50-e[1][a], 50-i[1][a].

Case: Goonan v. New York City Trans. Auth., NY Slip 09216 (2d Dept. 2010)

Here is the decision.

Tomorrow’s issue: Municipalities Law.

Motion practice.

Practice point: A settlement agreement terminates the action only if there is an express stipulation of discontinuance, or an entry of judgment in accordance with the settlement terms.

Students should note that, otherwise, the court retains supervisory power, and may act on behalf of the party who is moving to enforce the settlement.

Case: Church Extension Plan v. Harvest Assembly of God, NY Slip Op 09207 (2d Dept. 2010)

Here is the decision.

Tomorrow's issue: Motion practice.

Merry Christmas.

Today is a court holiday, and so there is no post on NEW YORK LAW NOTES.

I hope that you and your family will enjoy a blessed Christmas, and thank you for your support throughout the year.

Monday’s issue: Motion practice.

Motion practice.

Practice point: The process server's affidavit of service constitutes prima facie evidence of proper service, pursuant to CPLR 308(2).

Students should note that plaintiff's evidence that a copy of the summons and complaint was mailed to defendant's correct residence address creates a presumption of proper mailing and of receipt.

Case: C&H Import & Export, Inc. v. MNA Global, Inc., NY Slip Op 09205 (2d Dept. 2010)

Here is the decision.

Monday's issue: Motion practice.

Corporations.

Practice point: For corporations to be alter egos, the parent must directly intervene in the subsidiary’s management so that the subsidiary's indeces of incorporation, directors and officers are completely ignored.

Students should note that a parent company will be liable for a subsidiary’s torts only if it exercises complete dominion and control over the subsidiary.

Case: Broxmeyer v. United Capital Corp., NY Slip Op 09204 (2d Dept. 2010)

Here is the decision.

Tomorrow's issue: Motion practice.

Motion practice.

Practice point: An unsworn accident report is not evidence in admissible form sufficient to defeat a summary judgment motion.

Students should note that the report may be admissible as a business record, pursuant to CPLR 4518(a), if it (1) was required as a condition of employment, (2) was made at or about the time of the accident, and (3) was maintained in the regular course of business.

Case: Harrison v. Bailey, NY Slip Op 09221 (2d Dept. 2010)

Here is the decision.

Tomorrow’s issue: Corporations.

Employment Law.

Practice point: A petition to challenge the termination of probationary employment on substantive grounds must be brought within four months of the effective date of termination, pursuant to CPLR 217[1].

Students should note that the time to commence such a proceeding is not extended by the petitioner's pursuit of administrative remedies.

Case: Kahn v. New York City Dept. of Educ., NY Slip Op 09168 (1st Dept. 2010)

Here is the decision.

Tomorrow's issue: Motion pratice.

Corporations.

Practice point: Members of an organization entering into a contract with the organization may be bound by duly enacted organizational by-laws compelling arbitration.

Students should note that a party will not be compelled to arbitrate absent a clear, explicit, and unequivocal agreement to do so.

Case: Dean v Harvestime Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church Intl., NY Slip Op 09211 (2d Dept. 2010)

Here is the decision.

Monday's issue: Employment Law.

Torts.

Practice point: Plaintiff’s subjective claim of continuing pain and the inability to work for more than 90 days is not dispositive in claiming a 90/180 category serious injury.

Students should note that even where there is objective proof, the claim may fail if there is a preexisting condition.

Case: Rosa-Diaz v. Maria Auto Corp., NY Slip Op 08995 (1st Dept. 2010)

Here is the decision.

Tomorrow’s issue: Corporations

Motion practice.

Practice point: A court has the inherent power, sua sponte or on motion, to reconsider and vacate its prior decision before issuing an order thereon.

Students should note that the claim-splitting doctrine does not preclude a tenant from seeking damages in an action separate from that in which he had sought to be restored to possession.

Case: Rostant v. Swersky, NY Slip Op 08987 (1st Dept. 2010)

Here is the decision.

Tomorrow’s issue: Torts.