Owner Off Hook for Common Area Slip-and-Fall

Facts: Both a tenant and owner of office space were sued by the widow of a visitor to the building who slipped and fell on a wet surface in the vestibule and died from his injuries. The tenant and owner each asked a trial court for a judgment in its favor without a trial. The trial court dismissed the case. The widow appealed.

Decision: A New York appeals court upheld the decision of the lower court in favor of the owner and tenant.