Schindler v. Nashua Building Trust Co.
Schindler v. Nashua Building Trust Co.
Opinion of the Court
The sole question we are asked to decide is “whether the trial court has discretion to grant the plaintiff’s motion to amend the writ” by substituting “the Administrator of the estate of Augusta Schindler” for “the Administrator of the estate of Richard F. Schindler.” The answer depends on whether suit was brought to recover for the death of Augusta under R. L., c. 355, s. 11, within the two year limitation period therein prescribed. To determine this it is necessary to examine the writ brought by Walter Schindler, administrator of the estate of Richard against the defendant. The declaration sets forth that Augusta slipped on ice and snow in the parking lot owned by the defendant, fell to the ground, and “suffered severe physical pain and mental anguish, fatal injuries and the plaintiff was put to considerable expense for medical, hospital and funeral expenses.” It is apparent that the plaintiff was claiming damages for the death of Augusta as set forth in R. L., c. 355, s. 12, which defines the elements of damage in such cases as follows:
Although the writ was wrongly entitled and the declaration not as specific as might be desired, yet the substance and not the form is decisive (Mo., Kans. & Tex. Ry. v. Wulf, 226 U. S. 570; see also, Ricker v. Mathews, 94 N. H. 313, 318), and we believe that reasonably interpreted in the light of the circumstances, it was an action for damages for death under c. 355, s. 12, brought within the two year limitation prescribed by s. 11. This being so, the Trial Court is advised that it has discretion to grant the plaintiff’s motion to amend the writ on a proper showing of error, mistake or injustice.
Remanded.
All concurred.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Walter Schindler, Adm'r v. Nashua Building Trust Co., Inc.
- Status
- Published