Wegner v. Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad
Wegner v. Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad
Opinion of the Court
This is an action at law to recover damages growing out of injury to a certain number of sheep in the sum of $422.77, Avhich amount plaintiff claims to have lost by
It will be noted from the record that this is largely an issue of fact, and it will be noted as a proposition of law that it is incumbent upon the defendant to furnish suitable cars in good condition to be used in the transportation of animals to the market. If the defendant fails to do so, then he is liable for damages resulting by reason of such failure. This is the province of the jury to determine under proper instructions of the court. Purely on the facts the verdict of the jury was for the plaintiff. Then the question is, was the evidence sufficient ? We hold as a matter of law that there was ample evidence to sustain the verdict of the jury.
We have examined the instructions of the court, and
A railway company engaged in the business of a common carrier is obliged to furnish reasonably safe and suitable, cars for the transportation of sheep, and if the car is not in such condition then the common carrier is liable for whatever damage occurs. Allen v. Chicago, B. & Q. R. Co., 82 Neb. 726; Fuller v. Chicago & N. W. R. Co., 99 Neb. 611.
βIn a law action, where the evidence upon any disputed question of fact is sufficient to sustain a finding either way, the finding of the trial court thereon will be sustained on appeal.β Holmvig v. Dakota County, 90 Neb. 576.
It will be noted that the defendant furnished a double-decked car that was filled with mud, slush and manure to the depth of several inches and was not in any other way bedded. In this car there were 15 dead sheep. Their death, everything indicates, was caused by reason of the lack of diligence in properly preparing this car for shipment. Eor this negligence and carelessness the company was primarily liable for damages resulting from this condition of the car. . In this condition, as Ave find it, the car was improperly equipped and furnished for the transportation of animals to market. The defendant is responsible for the injuries to these sheep sustained by reason of such car being out of condition. Fuller v. Chicago & N. W. R. Co., 99 Neb. 611.
Thus it is plain what the weight of authority is in this situation. The instructions of the court being consistent with the facts disclosed by the various Avitnesses, there is nothing remaining for us to pass upon, and we therefore affirm the case.
Affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Paul Wegner v. Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad Company: Walker D. Hines, Director General
- Status
- Published