Scientific Supply Co. v. Zelinger
Scientific Supply Co. v. Zelinger
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the Court.
Plaintiff in error, defendant in the trial court, is the manufacturer and distributor of an insecticide known as “Control 56.” Defendant in error, plaintiff below, was the manager of the Ellis Canning Company, a food canning and processing corporation located in Denver. We will refer to the parties as they appeared in the trial court where plaintiff had judgment against defendant
For more than a year prior to the event resulting in this action, the Ellis Canning Company had used defendant’s product in the control of flies and other insects in its plant. The spraying device used in connection with the insecticide was also distributed by the defendant. On a Saturday in September, flies becoming a problem, the plaintiff undertook to use the spraying device to eradicate flies from the offices of the corporation. He had the foreman of the plant, who through use of the device had become familiar with its operation, prepare the machine for him and advise him as to its use. The evidence discloses that the spraying machine when in operation produces a fog which permeates cracks and crevices, killing flies and other insects on contact. When a room is treated, such as the offices here, the purpose is to create a fog of sufficient density to reach all insects wherever they may be hidden. The plaintiff testified that he placed the machine in one of the offices, plugged it into- an electric outlet and left the room. He permitted it to operate in that office for about fifteen minutes when he removed it to another and repeated the operation. He treated a total of four offices, and it was shown that upon entering an office to shut off the machine the fog was so dense that he was unable to see and had to fumble around to find and remove the electric plug by which it was operated and for such period of time as was required to locate and remove the plug he was exposed to and inhaled the fumes. Having completed spraying the offices about noon of that day, he left the plant; played golf in the afternoon and pursued his normal activities in the evening, feeling no ill effects from his operations of the morning. During the night he was awakened with severe pains in his left arm and chest and had difficulty breathing. Early Sunday a doctor was called who gave him an injection to relieve the pain, some pain relieving
In this state of the evidence the trial court found for the plaintiff and fixed damages at $3,500.00, the court accepting as proof of the dangerous character of Control 56, the subsequent illness of the plaintiff, his conclusions resting largely upon the testimony of Dr. Kauvar, the attending physician, who could attribute the- illness to no other cause, although he was obliged to concede that afflictions such as those experienced by plaintiff, that is pleurisy and pericarditis, may be due to a variety. of other causes, and frequently to causes unknown.
We think that the liability of a defendant in
“Anyone who is responsible for the existence of a dangerous instrumentality or substance with which persons are likely to come in contact must take such reasonable precautions for their safety as are suggested by experience and the known dangers.”
This standard of care is recognized and applied in the case of Grange Mutual Fire Insurance Company v. Golden Gas Company, 133 Colo. 537, 298 P. (2d) 950, where it is said:
“The evidence clearly shows that defendant was selling and dispensing a highly inflammable liquid that gassified upon contact with air. We think it is to be classified as a dangerous substance and handled with the care and caution commensurate with its dangerous character.”
As we have seen the record here is totally devoid of evidence tending to show that Control 56 is dangerous to anything but flies and insects, or that if inhaled by human beings would be likely to cause serious disturbances of the vital organs.
Finding no basis in the evidence upon which the conclusions of the trial court can be sustained, the judgment is reversed and the cause remanded with directions to dismiss the action.
Mr. Justice Moore and Mr. Justice Frantz dissent.
Mr. Justice Doyle not participating.
Dissenting Opinion
dissenting:
Zelinger sued Scientific Supply Co., Inc., for damages for personal injuries alleged to have resulted from the use of an insecticide produced and marketed by the defendant under the name, “Control 56.” The acts of negli
Two problems developed, both presenting questions of proof. It is claimed that there was a lack of proof of ingredients harmful to man in the insecticide that was used, and a lack of evidence connecting the ingredients with the defendant’s resulting injury.
There was evidence to support the findings and determination of the trial court. The fact that the evidence favorable to the defense seems much stronger to us should not induce us to reverse. The fact that the evidence favorable to the plaintiff’s cause appears to be rather inconclusive, although in quantity greater than a scintilla of evidence, satisfies the rule that this court will not reverse where there is present sufficient evidence to support the trial court’s disposition of the case.
For these reasons I must dissent.
I am authorized to state that Mr. Justice Moore joins in this dissenting opinion.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Scientific Supply Co., Inc. v. Max A. Zelinger
- Cited By
- 5 cases
- Status
- Published