Gallowshaw v. the Lonsdale Company
Gallowshaw v. the Lonsdale Company
Opinion of the Court
The statutes of 1901-1902 referred to in the motion for re-argument were passed after the accident, and cannot be considered.
Gen. Laws cap. 108, § 15, has no application, as the elevator-well was inaccessible from without when the elevator was moving. The death .of the boy was hot caused by falling into the elevator-well, but by the pushing of the trap-door which guarded it.
There is no question for a jury when fact's are not controverted, or it clearly appears what course a person of ordinary prudence would pursue, or where the standard of duty is fixed or the negligence is clearly defined and palpable. Elliott v. Newport, 18 R. I. 707.
Motion for re-argument denied.
Dissenting Opinion
dissents from the order directing judgment for the defendant, non obstante veredicto, in this case, on the ground that, under the evidence submitted, it was competent for the jury to find that the defendant was guilty of negligence in not properly guarding the opening in the floor where the elevator came through; and, also, that it was competent for the jury to find that the plaintiff’s minor son, considering his age and the circumstances under which the fatal accident occurred, was not guilty of contributory negligence.
The verdict of the jury, therefore, ought not to be disturbed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- William D. Gallowshaw v. the Lonsdale Company.
- Status
- Published