Preview
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 05/07/2019 03:27 PM INDEX NO. 521818/2018
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/07/2019
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF KINGS
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JULIE AYALA,
AMENDED
Plaintiff, VERIFIED COMPLAINT
-against-
94TH AVENUE JAMAICA, LLC, ARTIMUS
CONSTRUCTION INC., HP JAMAICA 94TH
AVENUE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND
COMPANY, INC. and 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA
LI LLC,
Defendants.
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Plaintiff, by her attorneys, HALLOCK & MALERBA, P.C., complaining of the defendants,
alleges the following, upon information and belief:
AS AND FOR A FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
ON BEHALF OF PLAINTIFF
1. That all times mentioned herein, plaintiff JULIE AYALA was and is a resident of the
County of Kings, City and State of New York.
2. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA, LLC was and is
a limited liability company duly organized and existing pursuant to the laws of the State of New
York
3. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA, LLC owned the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
4. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA, LLC managed the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
5. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA, LLC maintained the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
6. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA, LLC operated the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
7. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA, LLC controlled the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
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8. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA, LLC occupied the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
9. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA, LLC was a lessor of the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
10. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA, LLC was a lessee of the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
11. That prior to March 26, 2018, defendant 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA, LLC hired and/or
engaged a general contractor, contractors and/or subcontractors with reference to work being
performed at the premises.
12. That at all times mentioned herein, and more specifically, on March 26, 2018, defendant
94TH AVENUE JAMAICA, LLC was the General Contractor at the premises located at 147-20
94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
13. That at all times mentioned herein, and more specifically, on March 26, 2018, defendant
94TH AVENUE JAMAICA, LLC was the Construction Manager at the premises located at 147-
20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
14. That at all times mentioned herein, and more specifically, on March 26, 2018, defendant
94TH AVENUE JAMAICA, LLC was a contractor at the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue,
Jamaica, New York.
15. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA, LLC
performed work in and upon the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
16. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA, LLC was
present in connection with work to be performed at said premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue,
Jamaica, New York.
17. That at all times mentioned herein defendant 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA, LLC hired
and/or engaged defendant ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC. to perform work, labor and
services in and upon the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
18. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC.
performed work in and upon the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York
pursuant to a contract and/or written agreement with defendant 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA,
LLC.
19. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC. was and
is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of
New York.
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20. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC. was and
is a foreign corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of a state other
than the State of New York but licensed to do business within the State of New York.
21. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant ARTIMUS
CONSTRUCTION INC. managed the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New
York.
22. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant ARTIMUS
CONSTRUCTION INC. maintained the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New
York.
23. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant ARTIMUS
CONSTRUCTION INC. operated the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New
York.
24. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant ARTIMUS
CONSTRUCTION INC. controlled the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New
York.
25. That at all times mentioned herein, and more specifically, on March 26, 2018, defendant
ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC. was the General Contractor at the premises located at 147-20
94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
26. That at all times mentioned herein, and more specifically, on March 26, 2018, defendant
ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC. was the Construction Manager at the premises located at
147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
27. That at all times mentioned herein, and more specifically, on March 26, 2018, defendant
ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC. was a contractor at the premises located at 147-20 94th
Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
28. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC.
performed work in and upon the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
29. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC. was
present in connection with work to be performed at said premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue,
Jamaica, New York.
30. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC.
performed work in and upon the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York
pursuant to a contract and/or written agreement with defendant 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA,
LLC.
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31. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH AVENUE HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. was and is a domestic corporation duly organized and
existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of New York.
32. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH AVENUE HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. was and is a foreign corporation duly organized and
existing under and by virtue of the laws of a state other than the State of New York but licensed to
do business within the State of New York.
33. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH
AVENUE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. owned the premises located at
147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
34. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH
AVENUE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. managed the premises located
at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
35. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH
AVENUE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. maintained the premises
located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
36. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH
AVENUE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. operated the premises located
at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
37. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH
AVENUE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. controlled the premises located
at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
38. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH
AVENUE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. occupied the premises located
at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
39. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH
AVENUE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. was a lessor of the premises
located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
40. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH
AVENUE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. was a lessee of the premises
located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
41. That prior to March 26, 2018, defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH AVENUE HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. hired and/or engaged a general contractor,
contractors and/or subcontractors with reference to work being performed at the premises.
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42. That at all times mentioned herein, and more specifically, on March 26, 2018, defendant
HP JAMAICA 94TH AVENUE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. was the
General Contractor at the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
43. That at all times mentioned herein, and more specifically, on March 26, 2018, defendant
HP JAMAICA 94TH AVENUE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. was the
Construction Manager at the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
44. That at all times mentioned herein, and more specifically, on March 26, 2018, defendant
HP JAMAICA 94TH AVENUE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. was a
contractor at the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
45. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH AVENUE HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. performed work in and upon the premises located at
147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
46. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH AVENUE HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. was present in connection with work to be
performed at said premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
47. That at all times mentioned herein defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH AVENUE HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. hired and/or engaged defendant ARTIMUS
CONSTRUCTION INC. to perform work, labor and services in and upon the premises located at
147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
48. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC.
performed work in and upon the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York
pursuant to a contract and/or written agreement with defendant HP JAMAICA 94TH AVENUE
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC.
49. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA LI LLC was and
is a limited liability company duly organized and existing pursuant to the laws of the State of New
York
50. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA LI LLC owned the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
51. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA LI LLC managed the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
52. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA LI LLC maintained the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
53. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA LI LLC operated the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
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54. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA LI LLC controlled the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
55. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA LI LLC occupied the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
56. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA LI LLC was a lessor of the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New
York.
57. That on March 26, 2018, and at all times herein mentioned, defendant 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA LI LLC was a lessee of the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New
York.
58. That prior to March 26, 2018, defendant 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA LI LLC hired and/or
engaged a general contractor, contractors and/or subcontractors with reference to work being
performed at the premises.
59. That at all times mentioned herein, and more specifically, on March 26, 2018, defendant
94TH AVENUE JAMAICA LI LLC was the General Contractor at the premises located at 147-20
94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
60. That at all times mentioned herein, and more specifically, on March 26, 2018, defendant
94TH AVENUE JAMAICA LI LLC was the Construction Manager at the premises located at
147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
61. That at all times mentioned herein, and more specifically, on March 26, 2018, defendant
94TH AVENUE JAMAICA LI LLC was a contractor at the premises located at 147-20 94th
Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
62. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA LI LLC
performed work in and upon the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
63. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA LI LLC was
present in connection with work to be performed at said premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue,
Jamaica, New York.
64. That at all times mentioned herein defendant 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA LI LLC hired
and/or engaged defendant ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC. to perform work, labor and
services in and upon the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York.
65. That at all times mentioned herein, defendant ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC.
performed work in and upon the premises located at 147-20 94th Avenue, Jamaica, New York
pursuant to a contract and/or written agreement with defendant 94TH AVENUE JAMAICA LI
LLC.
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66. On or about March 26, 2018, plaintiff was in and/or upon the premises.
67. At the aforesaid time and place, plaintiff was engaged in work in and/or upon the
premises in the course and scope of her employment for A & M Professional Security Consulting
Corp.
68. At the aforesaid time and place, the work being performed by plaintiff at the premises
was subject to the relevant and applicable provisions of the Labor Law of the State of New York.
69. That at all times mentioned herein, there was a dangerous and defective condition at the
aforesaid premises.
70. That on March 26, 2018, plaintiff JULIE AYALA was lawfully at the aforesaid premises.
71. That on March 26, 2018, while plaintiff JULIE AYALA was lawfully and properly on the
aforesaid premises, she was caused to slip, trip and fall.
72. That the aforesaid fall occurred by reason of and due to the aforesaid dangerous and
defective condition.
73. That at all times mentioned herein, defendants had both actual and constructive notice of
said dangerous and defective condition.
74. That the defendants had caused and created the subject dangerous and defective condition.
75. That the aforesaid occurred by reason of the negligence of the defendants in the ownership,
operation, maintenance, management and control of the subject premises.
76. That the aforesaid occurred by reason of the negligence of the defendants in the
ownership, operation, management, maintenance, and control of the subject premises, and/or by
their violation and failure to comply with the relevant and applicable provisions of the Labor
Law of the State of New York.
77. That the aforesaid occurred by reason of the negligence of the defendants, their agents,
servants and/or employees in failing to properly hire, train and supervise their employees.
78. That by reason of the foregoing plaintiff JULIE AYALA was caused to sustain serious,
severe and permanent personal injuries, pain and suffering, and special damages.
79. That this action falls within one of the exceptions of Article 16 of the C.P.L.R.
80. The amount of damages sought in this action by plaintiff JULIE AYALA exceeds the
jurisdictional limits of all lower courts which would otherwise have jurisdiction.
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AS AND FOR A SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
ON BEHALF OF PLAINTIFF
81. Plaintiff repeats, reiterates and realleges each and every allegation contained in the
paragraphs of this Complaint herein as though more fully set forth herein at length.
82. Prior to March 26, 2018, the defendants herein, their agents, servants and/or employees,
knew, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known, of the dangerous and defective
conditions existing at the premises.
83. Prior to March 26, 2018, the defendants herein, their agents, servants and/or employees
knew to furnish or erect, or caused to be furnished or erected for the performance of such labor at
the premises as was then and the being performed, scaffolding, hoists, stays, ladders, slings,
hangars, blocks, pulleys, braces, irons, ropes and/or other devices which were so constructed,
placed and/or operated as to give plaintiff proper protection in the course of her employment.
84. Prior to March 26, 2018, the defendants herein, their agents, servants and/or employees,
knew, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known, that the dangerous and defective
conditions as aforesaid were in violation of relevant and applicable provisions of the Labor Law
of the State of New York.
85. Prior to March 26, 2018, the defendants herein, their agents, servants and/or employees,
failed and neglected to cure and/or correct the dangerous and defective conditions as aforesaid,
and further failed and/or neglected to correct the violations of the relevant and applicable
provisions of the Labor Law of the State of New York.
86. Prior to March 26, 2018, the defendants herein, their agents, servants and/or employees,
caused, permitted and/or allowed the premises to become and remain in the aforesaid dangerous
and defective condition.
87. The conditions as aforesaid which existed on and before March 26, 2018, constituted a
substantial and unjustifiable risk of death, dismemberment and serious injury to any users
thereof, including plaintiff.
88. The defendants herein, their agents, servants and/or employees had actual knowledge,
prior to the occurrence complained of, of the aforesaid dangers and risks.
89. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the defendants herein, their agents, servants and/or
employees, caused, permitted and/or allowed plaintiff to perform his work in and upon the
premises.
90. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the defendants herein, their agents, servants and/or
employees, failed to give any sign, signal or warning to plaintiff and others of the dangerous and
defective conditions as aforesaid.
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91. The aforesaid acts of the defcñds-ts herein, their agents, servants
constituted a conscious disregard of the substantial unjustifiable risk of death,
and serious
injury
to the plaintiff as aforesaid, and further consti92ted a gross
deviation and departure from the stañdards of conduct that a reasonable pe
observed under the circumstances.
92. The amount of damages sought in this action
by plaintiff exceeds the jurisdic
all lower courts which would otherwise have jurisdiction.
AS AND FOR A THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION
ON BEHALF OF PLAINTIFF
PURSUANT TO NEW YORK STATE LABOR LAW SECTION
93. Plaintiff repeats, reiterates and realleges each and every allegation
paragraphs of this Complaint herein as though more fully
set forth herein at lengt
94. At all times herein mentioned, the conduct of the acfr=a==ts were gover
York Labor Law and more particularly
Labor Law Section 200.
defendants'
95. That the aforesaid occurred by reason of violation of New
Law Section 200 in that def-dants failed to construct, equip, arrange and o
premises so as to provide reasonable and adequate protection to the life, heal
plaintiff, and failed to provide all that maW=ey, equipment and devices at the
and failed to so place, operate and/or guard them so as to provide reasonable
protection to plaintiff.
96. The amount of damages sought in this action
by plaintiff exceeds the jurisdic
all lower courts which would otherwise have jurisdiction.
WHEREFORE, plaintiff deands judsu-cut sgsht the defend=nts herein
action, in a sum excccdiñg the jurisdicticñal limits of all lower courts which woul
jurisdiction, together with the costs and disbursements of this action.
Dated: Deer Park, New York
May 7, 2019 9 of 11 HALLOCK & MALERBA,
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ATTORNEY'S AFFIRMATION
STATE OF NEW YORK )
ss.:
)
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK )
I, the undersigned, an attorney
admitted to practice in the courts of New
that:
1. I am an associate of the law firm of Hallock & Malcrba, the attorne
plaintiff in the within action.
2. I have read the
foregoing
AMENDED VERIFIED COMPLAINT
contents thereof. The same is true to
my own knowledge, except as to those matters
to be on information and belief, and as to those matters I believe it to be true.
3. The reason this verification is made by me and not by the Plaintiffs
the Plaintiff does not reside in the
County of Suffolk in which said law firm is locate
4. The grounds of my belief as to all matters not stated upon my own
follows: based on records and docu:nent:; in depen~±s possession and conversat
plaintiff.
I affirm that the
forcgaing
statements are true, under the penalties of perjury.
Dated: May 7, 2019
ALLEN GOLDBERG
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Index No. 521818/2018
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF KINGS
JULIE AYALA,
Plaintiff,
-against-
94TH AVENUE JAMAICA, LLC, ARTIMUS CONSTRUCTION INC., HP JAMAICA 94TH
AVENUE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY, INC. and 94TH AVENUE
JAMAICA LI LLC,
Defendants.
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND
AMENDED VERIFIED COMPLAINT
HALLOCK & MALERBA, PC
Attorneys for Plaintiff
1955 Deer Park Avenue
Deer Park, New York 11729
(631) 482-8888
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