Smith v. J.B.H., Inc.

I respectfully dissent. While I agree that “[m]ere conclusions based upon surmise, conjecture, speculation or assertions are without probative value” (Maiorano v Price Chopper Operating Co., 221 AD2d 698, 699), a case of negligence based wholly on circumstantial evidence may be established if the plaintiff “ ‘shows facts and conditions from which the negligence of the defendant and the causation of the accident by that negligence may be reasonably inferred’ ” (Schneider v Kings Highway Hosp. Ctr., 67 NY2d 743, 744, quoting Ingersoll v Liberty Bank, 278 NY 1, 7). Unlike the majority, I embrace…