Lloyd F. Reisman Published in Habitat Magazine’s Co-op/Condo Case Watch Newsletter: Labor Law Claims Against Co-op and Managing Agent Are Dismissed

Lloyd F. Reisman, partner in BBG’s Co-Op and Condo Law practice, was recently published in Habitat Magazine’s Co-op and Condo Case Law Tracker, where he analyzed a notable decision involving liability and indemnification in a contractor injury case. The matter centered on a fall from a ladder during renovation work in a co-op apartment, leading to claims under New York Labor Law against the cooperative corporation and its managing agent—despite no direct contractual relationship with the injured party.

The court dismissed the negligence and Labor Law §200 claims, finding no control or awareness of unsafe conditions by the co-op or agent. It also granted summary judgment for indemnification against the apartment owner and contractor, based on pre-existing agreements. However, the Labor Law §240(1) claim remains active due to unresolved questions about the ladder’s condition and causation.

In the article, Lloyd emphasized the importance of strong indemnification language in alteration agreements, noting that while such provisions can shift liability, they do not eliminate litigation exposure or insurance implications. His article serves as a reminder for co-ops and condominiums to regularly review their agreements with legal counsel and insurance carriers.