Peter S. Read

Peter is the co-chair of the New York Labor Law Construction Practice Group. He has spent his career defending owners and contractors in construction accident cases involving the New York Labor Law and Industrial Code and indemnification and insurance claims.

With more than 20 years of litigation and trial experience, Peter has defended property owners, managers and security companies in premises liability cases involving catastrophic personal injuries, property damage and business loss. Additionally, he is experienced in the defense of cases involving wrongful death, product liability, lead-based paint exposure and appellate practice in all areas.

Peter has tried many cases throughout New York City as well as Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and Duchess Counties with a remarkable rate of success including a number of defense verdicts.

Year Joined

2014

Results

Summary Judgment for Plumbing Contractor in Construction Defect Case.

Architectural, Engineering and Construction Defect Litigation
April 11, 2019

We obtained dismissal of the plaintiff’s complaint and all cross claims against our client, a commercial plumbing contractor, on a motion for summary judgment in a construction defect case. The case involved claims by a homeowners association for property damage and replacement costs allegedly in excess of $6 million as a result of construction defects in the design and installation of plumbing, water collection, drainage, grading, and other water runoff and drainage systems.

Plaintiff's Claims Get Shot Down

General Liability
June 8, 2015

Obtained summary judgment in the Supreme Court of Kings County on behalf of a security, protection and investigation company in a case involving claims for negligent premises security as a result of a shooting at a housing project. The plaintiff was a resident of the premises when he sustained multiple gunshot wounds by an unknown assailant on the outdoor grounds of the property. The security company was hired by the co-defendant property owner to provide uniformed and armed security guards.

Security Company Not Liable for Shooting Victim's Injuries

General Liability
February 16, 2015

Obtained a unanimous defense verdict on behalf of a security company after a 14-day trial in the Supreme Court, New York County. The plaintiff alleged that the defendants failed to provide adequate security at a New York City homeless shelter by allowing an assailant to enter the grounds of the premises-who did so by climbing over a perimeter fence with a gun with the intention of shooting the plaintiff.

Thought Leadership

The Laborious Task of Litigating NY State Labor Law Claims: A Pre-Trial Defense Perspective

New York
New York Construction and Labor Law
November 13, 2017

Classes/Seminars Taught

A.M. Best Podcast: Defending Construction Claims Under the New York Labor Law Statutes, December 2018