Case ID: misc_50/html/0658-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Gildersleeve, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Abraham Schulhofer, Appellant, v. Ellen Mulhare, Respondent.
    Independent contractors—Liabilities as between employer and contractor to third persons for torts — Injuries to adjoining property.
    Appeal by the plaintiff from a judgment in favor of the defendant, rendered in the Municipal Court of the city of New York, second district, borough of the Bronx.
    Charles Kaufmann, for appellant.
    Michael J. Sullivan (Louis O. Van Doren, of counsel), for respondent.
   Gildersleeve, J.

The action is for damages caused to' plaintiff’s premises by excavations on defendant’s adjoining premises. Judgment was given for defendant. Plaintiff appeals. We think the judgment should be sustained on the ground that it is shown, without contradiction, that the work of excavation was entirely in the hands of an independent contractor,' and that such contractor was a fit and competent person. Hexamer v. Webb, 101 N. Y. 377; Roemer v. Striker, 142 id. 134; Berg v. Parsons, 156 id. 109. If the work was negligently or improperly done by the contractor’s workmen, the contractor, and not defendant, was liable. The evidence does not warrant a finding that defendant or her husband, as her agent, interfered with the contractor’s method of doing the work, or attempted to direct or control his actions.

Davis and Clinch, JJ., concur.

Judgment affirmed, with costs.