Fox v. Sandford
Fox v. Sandford
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the Court.
Shepperd, Leeds, and Hoyt were general undertakers of a building, and both Sandford and Eox were workmen employed by them. Eor the purpose of elevating some large timbers to the top of the wall, the latter was posted on the building, and the former managed a machine called a derrick, on the ground. By the reckless management of the derrick, as it is alleged, Eox was precipitated, with the timber, to the ground, and received the serious injury of which he complains. The proof shows that the guy rope was loosened by Sandford after the timber was partly up, against the warning of Eox, and by that the accident was produced. The inquiry for the jury was, whether in this there was a want of the proper skill and care necessary for the safety of those on the top of the wall. If there was no unskilfulness or negligence, it would be a case of inevitable accident, and the injury without remedy; but if it were otherwise, the defendant Sandford at least would be liable. This was the effect of the charge on that point; and the finding of the jury, there having been proof to sustain it, must be conclusive as to the case of Sandford.
IVe are brought to the same conclusion in relation to the weight of authority, as well as the reason of the rule applied to the facts of the case before us. Story on Agency, § 453 and notes. 2 Kent, 281, top page, and notes. 8 Meeson and Welsby, 1. The reasoning by which this position is maintained need not here be reiterated, as it will be found in the cases referred to, and others there cited.
It will be observed that the facts of this case do not raise the question of the liability of the employer for want of due care in the selection of his servants, or making proper provisions for their safety. Such a case might fall under a very different rule.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.