Edith Lee and her fourteen-month old daughter, Kiera Broderick, attended a Fourth of July party where a deep-fat turkey fryer was in use.
When some 20 gallons of boiling oil were poured down a storm drain, and came into contact with water from a running hose, pockets of hot steam and fiery oil exploded into the air, burning Lee and causing serious injuries to Kiera.
After Lee sued the building's manager, and the party's hosts, the Bronx County Supreme Court, granted the defendants' request to dismiss the case.
On appeal, the Appellate Division, First Department, was of the view there were unresolved questions as to the fryer's use, whether the defendants had breached a duty to keep the premises safe, and, whether their actions had caused the injuries in dispute. So, the case was reinstated.
They weren't about to put that on the back burner.
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: Broderick v. RY Management Co., Inc.