Opinion
December 29, 1992
Appeal from the Supreme Court, New York County (Karla Moskowitz, J.).
Plaintiff alleges that she was robbed in an elevator while leaving her office, that defendants knew of the danger because of robberies and other assaults in the building, and that defendants acted with reckless disregard in not taking steps to improve security inside the building.
While punitive damages can be awarded for the reckless creation of injury or danger (see, Home Ins. Co. v American Home Prods. Corp., 75 N.Y.2d 196, 203-204), the evidence adduced by plaintiff is insufficient to raise an issue of recklessness. Assuming the truth of plaintiff's averments, defendants' conduct, at worst, can only be characterized as negligent.
Concur — Sullivan, J.P., Wallach, Ross and Asch, JJ.