March 27, 2019

CPLR 2221(2), (3).

A motion for leave to renew "shall be based upon new facts not offered on the prior motion that would change the prior determination," and "shall contain reasonable justification for the failure to present such facts on the prior motion."

Baviello v. Patterson Auto Convenience Store, Inc., NY Slip Op 02052 (2d Dep't March 20, 2019)

Here is the decision.

March 26, 2019

CPLR 4110-b.

Where a defendant does not object to a jury instruction, a challenge to the instruction is not preserved for appellate review.

Stryker Sec. Group Inc. v. Elite Investigations Ltd., NY Slip Op 02162 (1st Dep't March 21, 2019)

Here is the decision.

March 25, 2019

A defense of lack of standing.

The issue is waived by the defendant's failure to raise it in a pre-answer motion to dismiss, or to serve an answer asserting lack of standing as an affirmative defense.

Bank of N.Y. Mellon Trust Co., N.A. v. Ross, NY Slip Op 02051 (2d Dep't March 20, 2019)

Here is the decision.

March 24, 2019

Vacating a default on a motion.

A party seeking to vacate a default for failing to oppose a motion must demonstrate a reasonable excuse and a potentially meritorious opposition to the motion. The determination of what constitutes a reasonable excuse is within the sound discretion of the motion court, and will not be disturbed if there is support in the record. In making its determination, the court should consider factors such as the extent of the delay, prejudice or lack of prejudice to the opposing party, whether there has been willfulness, and the strong public policy in favor of resolving cases on the merits.

Arroyo v. Starrett City, Inc., NY Slip Op 02050 (2d Dep't March 20, 2019)

Here is the decision.

March 23, 2019

An unpleaded affirmative defense.

The motion court may consider an affirmative defense that was not pleaded in the answer where the facts leading up to the accident are known to the plaintiff based on deposition testimony and materials exchanged during discovery.

Santana v. Metropolitan Transp. Co., NY Slip Op 02158 (1st Dep't March 19, 2019)

Here is the decision.

March 22, 2019

Spoliation sanctions.

The imposition of sanctions is not limited to cases where the evidence was destroyed willfully or in bad faith, as the negligent loss of evidence can be just as fatal to the other party's ability to present a defense. Where the striking of a pleading would be too severe, an adverse inference charge at trial would be appropriate.

Alphas v. Smith, NY Slip Op 02030 (1st Dep't March 19, 2019)

Here is the decision.

March 21, 2019

Affidavits.

An affidavit that directly contradicts the affiant's prior testimony creates a feigned issue of fact and is insufficient to defeat a properly supported motion for summary judgment.

Laniox v. City of New York, NY Slip Op 02026 (1st Dep't March 19, 2019)

Here is the decision.

March 20, 2019

The continuous representation doctrine.

Under the doctrine, tolling of the limitations period ends once the client is informed or otherwise put on notice of the attorney's withdrawal from representation.

RJR Mech. Inc. v. Revoldt, NY Slip Op 01844 (1st Dep't March 14, 2019)

Here is the decision.

March 19, 2019

Opposing summary judgment.

A defendant may not use uncertified documents to raise triable issues of fact in opposition to a motion for summary judgment.

Garcia v. McCrea, NY Slip Op 01842 (1st Dep't March 14, 2019)

Here is the decision.

March 18, 2019

Confessions of judgment.

Pursuant to CPLR 3218[a][1], an affidavit of a confession of judgment must state the sum for which judgment may be entered.  If the judgment is for money due or to become due, 3218[a][2] requires that the affidavit state the facts out of which the debt arose and that the sum confessed is justly due or to become due.

Parker Waichman, LLP v. Getreu, NY Slip Op 01783 (2d Dep't March 13, 2019)

Here is the decision.

March 17, 2019

Taxis, seatbelts, and liability.

The failure to provide seatbelts in a taxicab is a violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law § 383, and constitutes negligence as a matter of law. Where the injured plaintiff failed to wear an available seatbelt, that failure goes to damages, not liability. However, that is not the case where the vehicle owner did not provide seatbelts in the first place.

Grant v. AAIJ African Mkt. Corp., NY Slip Op 01823 (1st Dep't March 14, 2019)

Here is the decision.