X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

2449. LUIGI FIDANZA PLAINTIFFS, v. BRAVO BRIO RESTAURANT GROUP, INC. def — BRAVO BRIO RESTAURANT GROUP, INC. Third-Party plfres, v. SPECTRUM PAINTING CORP., Third-Party def-ap — Mauro Lilling Naparty LLP, Woodbury (Anthony F. DeStefano of counsel), for ap — Cartafalsa, Slattery, Turpin & Lenoff, New York (Michael J. Lenoff of counsel), for res — —Order, Supreme Court, Bronx County (Betty Owen Stinson, J.), entered February 1, 2016, which, to the extent appealed from as limited by the briefs, granted defendant-thirdparty plaintiff RCC Associates, Inc.’s motion for summary judgment on its third-party claims against Spectrum Painting Corp. for contractual indemnification and failure to procure insurance, and denied Spectrum’s motion to dismiss the third-party complaint, unanimously modified, on the law, to deny RCC summary judgment on its third-party claims, and to limit Spectrum’s liability for contractual indemnification, if any, to $2 million, and otherwise affirmed, without costs.

Plaintiff, an employee of Spectrum, a painting subcontractor, was injured while working on a project for which RCC was the general contractor. On this record, neither RCC nor Spectrum was entitled to summary judgment on RCC’s third-party claim against Spectrum for contractual indemnification. Initially, an issue of fact exists as to whether the work plaintiff was performing at the time of his accident was within the scope of Spectrum’s work, so as to render the contract’s indemnification provision applicable. Specifically, Spectrum’s contract was unclear with respect to whether the window frame plaintiff was painting when he was injured was included in the scope of work. Further, assuming that plaintiff was performing work within the scope of Spectrum’s contract, the contract’s indemnification provision is enforceable under General Obligations Law § 5-322.1(1) only to the extent that RCC is found to have been free of negligence itself (see Itri Brick & Concrete Corp. v Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co., 89 NY2d 786, 795 n 5 [1997]; Naughton v City of New York, 94 AD3d 1, 12 [1st Dept 2012]; Macedo v J.D. Posillico, Inc., 68 AD3d 508, 510-511 [1st Dept 2009]). Here, the record raises an issue of fact as to whether any negligence by RCC contributed to the causation of the accident. Because the foregoing issues must be resolved at trial, we modify to deny RCC summary judgment on its third-party claim for contractual indemnification. In addition, based on the express terms of the contract, we further modify to limit Spectrum’s potential liability for such indemnification to $2 million.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
September 04, 2025
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
March 24, 2025
New York, NY

Recognizing innovation in the legal technology sector for working on precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.


Learn More

The University of Iowa College of Law anticipates hiring lateral faculty members in the areas of Family Law and Business Law. APPLICATION ...


Apply Now ›

NY auto defense firm seeks experienced TRIAL ATTORNEY to do trials, motions, court appearances, and depositions.Salary range 115K-150K depen...


Apply Now ›

The New York State Unified Court System is one of the largest court systems in the nation with over 16,000 judges and non-judicial employees...


Apply Now ›