Lawson v. Williams
Lawson v. Williams
Opinion
This is an appeal from a summary judgment in favor of the defendants, Albert L. Williams and Delana Williams, against the plaintiff, Mary L. Lawson. Lawson brought this action against the Williamses for injuries she suffered due to a slip and fall on the Williams property. The trial court granted the Williamses' motion for summary judgment because Lawson knew of the hazard prior to her fall. We affirm.
The Williamses employed Lawson as a housekeeper in October 1979. As a domestic servant, her duties involved baby sitting, house cleaning, and laundry work. On December 6, 1984, Lawson arrived at the Williams home and entered the house through the garage. She normally entered and departed through the back door. Lawson left the Williams home by the back door. When she left, she noticed leaves on the back step. It had not rained on December 6, but it had rained on December 5, and Lawson knew that fact. However, when she left, she stepped on the leaves and slipped and fell, suffering injuries to her ankle.
On appeal, Lawson argues that, although she was aware of the leaves being present, they looked dry and she did not know that they were wet and slippery underneath. Therefore, she argues, the trial court erred in granting summary judgment on the ground that she was aware of the hazard.
Domestic servants are invitees upon the premises of their employers. Sledge v. Carmichael,
Therefore, no merit exists in her claim, and the trial court correctly entered its judgment. For the reasons set forth, the judgment of the trial court is due to be affirmed.
AFFIRMED.
TORBERT, C.J., and JONES, SHORES and STEAGALL, JJ., concur.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Mary L. Lawson v. Albert L. Williams and Delana Williams.
- Cited By
- 5 cases
- Status
- Published