Court Opinion

ID: 9937265
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2024-02-09 19:01:03.121251+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:34:59.070782
License: Public Domain

I dissent. On motion for summary judgment, the movant has the burden to negate the existence of any material fact upon which the fact-finder could conclude in favor of the opposing party. Under the facts revealed by the supporting papers, a finding that the fire was caused by a defective fixture is not compelled. Therefore, it is not shown that the plaintiff's claim is necessarily excluded by the exculpatory clause. Therefore, the movant has not carried its burden. A jury could conclude that the fire did not start from a "fixture . . . out of repair." Therefore, it is possible that upon a full development of the facts, the exculpatory clause in the lease would be found inapplicable.