A recent court filing reveals a dramatic legal battle over significant property damage allegedly caused by negligence during a construction project. The Cincinnati Insurance Company, acting as the subrogee of Toni Haber, filed a complaint on November 10, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against MZ Woodwork, Inc. and High Line Construction Group, LLC.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on June 18, 2024, when MZ Woodwork was subcontracted by High Line Construction to perform cabinetry work at a renovation project located at 443 Greenwich Street in New York City. According to the complaint, MZ Woodwork struck a sprinkler head while working on unit 5H of the property, causing extensive water damage throughout the building, including Haber's apartment. This mishap resulted in damages exceeding $1.7 million.
Cincinnati Insurance Company claims that both defendants failed to exercise reasonable care in their respective roles during the renovation project. The insurance company alleges that MZ Woodwork did not adhere to safety protocols and industry standards while performing its tasks. Furthermore, High Line Construction is accused of inadequate supervision and failing to ensure competent subcontractors were hired for the job.
The plaintiff asserts that due to these alleged negligent actions, they were compelled to compensate their insured party, Toni Haber, for substantial losses under her insurance policy. As a result of these payments totaling $1,701,169.63 made on behalf of Haber for damages incurred from what is referred to as "the Fire Loss," Cincinnati Insurance Company seeks legal redress through subrogation rights against both defendants.
In their lawsuit against MZ Woodwork and High Line Construction Group LLC., Cincinnati Insurance Company demands judgment exceeding $75,000 along with interest costs from each defendant separately due to negligence claims associated with this case's circumstances.
Representing Cincinnati Insurance Company is attorney Thomas Paolini from Stutman Law Firm based out of New York City; no specific defense attorneys or judges have been mentioned within this document yet identified by Case ID: 1:25-cv-06256.
Source: 125cv06256_The_Cincinati_Insurance_Company_v_MZ_Woodwork_Inc_Complaint_Eastern_District_New_York.pdf