Microsoft v. JLL: Tenant Sues Project Manager for Defense and Insurance Coverage Over Forklift Injury During 122 Fifth Avenue Office Build-Out
Microsoft sued JLL in Manhattan state court, alleging the real estate services firm broke its promise to defend and indemnify Microsoft against lawsuits arising from the build-out of its office at 122 Fifth Avenue and to name Microsoft as an insured under JLL's $10 million liability policy. The suit stems from a worker's personal-injury case over a March 2023 forklift accident during the build-out, to which Microsoft was added as a defendant in 2025.
Why it matters
Construction-site injury suits in New York routinely sweep in owners and tenants under the Labor Law, so the real fight is often over who pays under indemnity and additional-insured provisions. This case shows a major office tenant turning on its own project manager over those terms, and JLL's defense that the injured worker was on a separate project retained by the building owner. Tenants, landlords and project managers should read it as a reminder to verify additional-insured endorsements are actually issued, not just promised, before work begins.
New on CREdocket, every Monday
The week's new commercial real estate lawsuits, rulings in cases we follow, and market signals. Free; unsubscribe in one click.
Case timeline · 4 entries Latest: October 9, 2026 — Microsoft sues JLL in New York County Supreme Court over defense, indemnity and insurance
Keep reading
Read the full write-up and case timeline. Up to 10 a month are free without an account; a free account is unlimited and adds email alerts.
Read the full write-upOr create a free account with just your email:
Get an email when new premises liability matters in New York are filed
More premises liability matters
Other matters in New York
Recently added
CREdocket summarizes public court records and reporting; see our sourcing standards and corrections log. Not legal advice. Facing something similar? Contact us.