New York Court of Appeals

Arthur Brown, Appellant v. Christopher Street Owners Corp., Respondents

February 13, 199687 N.Y.2d 938

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals affirmed the Appellate Division's order, holding that Labor Law §240(1) does not impose absolute liability for routine household window washing. The court based its decision on a plain‑meaning interpretation of the statute’s term “cleaning,” distinguishing the case from prior decisions involving painting or large‑scale window cleaning.