Kennedy v. Chicago, Milwaukee & Saint Paul Railway Co.
Kennedy v. Chicago, Milwaukee & Saint Paul Railway Co.
Opinion of the Court
Action under chapter 215 of the Raws of 1907, for damages alleged to have been caused by fire from one of the defendant’s locomotives. Negligence is also affirmatively alleged, in that the engine was not properly constructed to prevent the escape of sparks, and was out of repair, etc., Trial to a jury, and verdict for plaintiff in the sum of $roo, upon which judgment for double damages was entered by the trial court. Defendant appealed to this court from the judgment, relying for reversal upon two grounds: First. That chapter 215 embraced two subjects, namely: ( 1) Declares an absolute liability in all cases for damages from fire communicated by locomotive engines, which liability did not exist at common law; and (2) provides for double damages in case the carrier corporation fails or neglects to pay the damages within 60 days after notice, etc., and contends that the act, therefore, violates section 21, art. 3, of the
The cause is now before us for final disposition. It is respondent’s contention that this court should direct the trial court to enter judgment for plaintiff for the amount of the actual damages and costs, and that, inasmuch as the judgment of the lower court was affirmed by this court, the costs of appeal should not be taxed against respondent. It is appellant’s contention that the judgment should be reversed, new trial ordered, and costs, both in this court and the Supreme Court of the United States, taxed against respondent.
In the Polt case, in a decision just 'handed down by this court, it is held that the judgment of the trial court should be reversed in toto and a new trial ordered, for the reason that the complaint contained no allegation of negligence, and no evidence of negligence was offered by respondent. In this respect the present case differs materially from the Polt case, in that the complaint contains appropriate allegations of negligence which were denied by the answer; that the issue of negligence was tried and determined adversely to appellant; that no error upon the trial of that issue was assigned upon appeal; and that the verdict upon that issue is therefore conclusive upon appellant. In this con
The cause is therefore remanded to the trial court, with direction to enter judgment for plaintiff for the amount of the verdict, together with the trial costs in that court.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- KENNEDY v. CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE & ST. PAUL RAILWAY COMPANY
- Status
- Published