Helen Taneian, Plaintiff-Appellant v. Kosrof M. Meghrigian and Charles J. Najarian, Defendants-Respondents

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey reversed the Appellate Division and ordered a new trial, holding that the owners of a multi‑family dwelling who retain control of the common stairway owe a duty of reasonable care, including adequate lighting, to social guests of tenants who use those passages. The court found the plaintiff was an invitee of the landlords, not merely a gratuitous licensee, and that contributory negligence did not bar recovery. A dissent argued that the plaintiff was contributorily negligent and the directed verdict should have been affirmed.