U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 1959

Turnknett ex rel. Turnknett v. Keaton

Turnknett ex rel. Turnknett v. Keaton
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit · Decided April 23, 1959 · Cameron, Tuttle, Wisdom
266 F.2d 572 (Federal Reporter, Second Series)

Turnknett ex rel. Turnknett v. Keaton

Opinion of the Court

PER CURIAM.

This appeal presents the single question whether the trial court correctly held that no cause of action arises under Texas law for injuries to an unborn child.

Appellant concedes that the only Texas decisions, Magnolia Coca Cola Bottling Co. v. Jordan, 124 Tex. 347, 78 S.W.2d 944, 97 A.L.R. 1513, and Lewis v. Steves Sash & Door Company, Tex. Civ.App., 177 S.W.2d 350 (writ refused), have held that no such cause of action arises. Contending that the trend of modern decisions in other jurisdictions is towards a more liberal rule, appellant asks us to hold that the Texas Court would today adopt a different rule. Under the principle of Erie R. Co. v. Tompkins, 304 U.S. 64, 58 S.Ct. 817, 82 L.Ed. 1188, we cannot do this. In a diversity case we are bound to apply to local law on substantive matters. See Polk County, Ga. v. Lincoln Nat. Life Insurance Society, 5 Cir., 262 F.2d 486.

The judgment is affirmed.

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