The Law of Torts. David K. DeWolf Professor Gonzaga University School of Law

Transcription

1 The Law of Torts David K. DeWolf Professor Gonzaga University School of Law Classr oom edition (Originally published by Lupus Publications, Ltd., Lansing, Michigan; copyright transferred to David K. DeWolf) All Rights Reserved

2 COPYRIGHT 1999, 2006 Printed in the United States of America All rights reserved

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Cases... Introduction: An Overview of Tort Law... I-1 A. The Nature of Tort Law... I-1 B. The Structure of this Book... I-2 C. The Selection of Case Materials.. I-4 Problem... I-4 RAILROAD CO. v. STOUT... I-5 UNITED ZINC & CHEMICAL CO. v. BRITT... I-8 Questions and Notes... I-11 PART I PERSONAL INJURY: THE PRIMA FACIE CASE CHAPTER 1 ESTABLISHING A BREACH OF DUTY Introduction BIERMAN v. CITY OF NEW YORK 1-2 Notes and Questions HAMMONTREE v. JENNER A. Negligence The Standard of Reasonable Care In General LUSSAN v. GRAIN DEALERS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY a. The "Reasonable Person" VAUGHN v. MENLOVE Questions and Notes ADAMS v. BULLOCK Questions and Notes b. "Customizing" the Standard of the Reasonable Person ROBINSON v. LINDSAY Questions and Notes c. Efficiency UNITED STATES v. CARROLL TOWING Questions and Notes LEVI v. SLEMCO Questions and Notes What Evidence Establishes Negligence? a. Juror Experience b. The Use of Industry Custom ix BENNETT v. LONG ISLAND R. CO T.J. HOOPER Questions and Notes c. Statutory Violations MARTIN v. HERZOG TEDLA v. ELLMAN Questions and Notes NETTLETON v. THOMPSON Questions and Notes d. Res Ipsa Loquitur JUDSON v. GIANT POWDER CO Questions and Notes MURPHY v. MONTGOMERY ELEVATOR CO e. Evidence of Defendant's Safety Policies SMITH v. WAL-MART STORES, INC STEVENS v. BOSTON ELEVATED RY. CO Questions and Notes Establishing Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior) HAYES v. FAR WEST SERVICES, INC Questions and Notes B. Strict Liability The Distinction Between Strict Liability and Negligence HELLING v. CAREY Questions and Notes When Is Strict Liability Imposed? 1-48 a. Abnormally Dangerous Activities 1-48 SIEGLER v. KUHLMAN Questions and Notes b. Invasion of Property Rights Nuisance FLETCHER v. RYLANDS (1865) 1-54 FLETCHER v. RYLANDS (1866) 1-55 RYLANDS v. FLETCHER Questions and Notes BOHAN v. PORT JERVIS GAS LIGHT CO BOOMER v. ATLANTIC CEMENT CO Questions and Notes i

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS SPUR INDUSTRIES v. DEL E. WEBB DEVELOPMENT CO Questions and Notes c. Animals WILLIAMS v. JOHNSON d. Statutory Strict Liability COOK v. WHITSELL-SHERMAN 1-71 CHAPTER 2 PROXIMATE CAUSE Introduction MITCHELL v. GONZALEZ Questions and Notes A. But-For Causation (Cause-in-Fact) The Traditional Burden of Proof 2-13 HULL v. MERCK & CO Questions and Notes REYNOLDS v. TEXAS & PACIFIC RAILWAY CO Modifying the But-For Causation Requirement a. Excusable Inability to Identify the Defendant SUMMERS v. TICE SINDELL v. ABBOTT LABORATORIES Questions and Notes BROWN v. SUPERIOR COURT EDWARDS v. A.L. LEASE & CO Questions and Notes b. Loss of a Chance DILLON v. TWIN STATE GAS & ELECTRIC CO Questions and Notes HARDY v. SOUTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE CO Questions and Notes c. Multiple Redundant Causes: The "Substantial Factor" Test PURCELL v. ASBESTOS COR- PORATION, LTD B. Legal Cause: Policy Considerations Precluding Liability Increased Risk v. Mere Chance 2-44 BERRY v. SUGAR NOTCH CHANNEL v. MILLS Questions and Notes Superseding Tortfeasors: Breaking the Chain of Causation CROWE v. GASTON Questions and Notes LINEY v. CHESTNUT MOTORS 2-56 Questions and Notes ROSS v. HARTMAN Questions and Notes Remote and Indirect Results of Negligent Conduct PALSGRAF v. LONG ISLAND R. CO Questions and Notes KINSMAN TRANSIT CO Questions and Notes MELLON MORTG. CO. v. HOLDER CHAPTER 3 DAMAGES Introduction Jaffe, Damages for Personal Injury: The Impact of Insurance A. Types of Recoverable Damages Property Damage McCURDY v. UNION PAC. R.R "Economic" Losses a. Lost Wages O'SHEA v. RIVERWAY TOWING. 3-3 Questions and Notes b. Medical Expenses "Non-economic" Damages Pain and Suffering MORSE v. AUBURN AND SYRACUSE RAILROAD CO Questions and Notes SPADE v. LYNN & B.R. CO TEMPLE-INLAND PRODUCTS CORP. v. CARTER JOHNSON v. STATE OF NEW YORK Questions and Notes STEINHAUSER v. HERTZ CORPORATION Questions and Notes Punitive Damages MORAN v. JOHNS-MANVILLE SALES CORPORATION Questions and Notes GRIMSHAW v. FORD MOTOR CO.3-24 Questions and Notes ii

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS STATE FARM v. CAMPBELL Attorneys Fees Kuenzel, The Attorney' s Fee: Why Not a Cost of Litigation? Questions and Notes B. Related Parties: Who Else Is Entitled to Compensation? Wrongful Death MORAGNE v. STATES MARINE LINES FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MEADVILLE v. NIAGARA THERAPY MANUFACTURING CORPORATION FELDMAN v. ALLEGHENY AIRLINES Questions and Notes "Wrongful Birth" and "Wrongful Life" UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER v. SUPERIOR COURT HARBESON v. PARKE-DAVIS Questions and Notes Bystander Injuries DILLON v. LEGG Questions and Notes HEGEL v. MCMAHON Loss of Consortium RODRIGUEZ v. BETHLEHEM STEEL CORPORATION Questions and Notes BORER v. AMERICAN AIRLINES3-102 Questions and Notes C. The Size of Damage Awards How Much is Too Much (or Too Little)? FORTMAN v. HEMCO, INC Questions and Notes FEIN v. PERMANENTE MEDICAL GROUP Questions and Notes Collateral Source Benefits SCHONBERGER v. ROBERTS Questions and Notes The Scope of Acceptable Argument BOTTA v. BRUNNER Questions and Notes STECKER v. FIRST COMMERCIAL TRUST CO PART II DEFENSES TO A PERSONAL INJURY CASE Introductory Note... II-1 CHAPTER 4 IMMUNITY A. Governmental Immunity Federal Tort Claims Act Questions and Notes LAIRD v. NELMS Questions and Notes VANDERPOOL v. STATE Questions and Notes B. Family Immunities HOLODOOK v. SPENCER Questions and Notes C. Worker' s Compensation WOLF v. SCOTT WETZEL SERVICES, INC Questions and Notes CHAPTER 5 CONTRIBUTORY FAULT A. The Contributory Negligence Rule. 5-1 HARRISON v. MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Questions and Notes LI v. YELLOW CAB COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA Questions and Notes B. Assumption of Risk SMITH v. BAKER & SONS Questions and Notes BROWN v. SAN FRANCISCO BALL CLUB Questions and Notes ALSTON v. BLYTHE KIRK v. WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY Questions and Notes CHAPTER 6 MULTIPLE TORTFEASORS A. Overview and Statutory Excerpts..6-1 Idaho Code (1990 Supplement). 6-1 Oregon Revised Statutes Uniform Comparative Fault Act 6-5 Questions and Notes iii

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS B. Joint and Several Liability LAUBACH v. MORGAN Questions and Notes BOYLES v. OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS CO CONEY v. J.L.G. INDUSTRIES, INC Questions and Notes AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE ASS' N v. SUPERIOR COURT Questions and Notes C. The Effect of Settlement TECH-BILT, INC. v. WOODWARD- CLYDE & ASSOCIATES WASHBURN v. BEATT EQUIPMENT COMPANY CHAPTER 7 STATUTES OF LIMITATION Introduction A. Applying the Correct Limitation Period DICKENS v. PURYEAR B. Accrual of the Cause of Action ESTATES OF HIBBARD v. GORDON, et al PFEIFER v. CITY OF BELLINGHAM C. Tolling of the Limitation Period WALTERS v. MARION MEMORIAL HOSPITAL STRAHLER v. ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL PART III MODIFICATION OF DUTY BY STATUS AND RELATIONSHIPS Introduction... III-1 Grant Gilmore, THE DEATH OF CONTRACT... III-2 Questions and Notes... III-3 CHAPTER 8 PREMISES LIABILITY A. The Status Distinctions Are the Status Distinctions Desirable? YOUNCE v. FERGUSON ROWLAND v. CHRISTIAN Questions and Notes How is the Visitor' s Status Determined? MARKLE v. HACIENDA MEXICAN RESTAURANT Questions and Notes HOSTICK v. HALL GUILFORD v. YALE UNIVERSITY8-14 Questions and Notes An Exception for Trespassing Children "Attractive Nuisance" OSTERMAN v. PETERS HOFER v. MEYER Questions and Notes B. When Does Premises Liability Govern the Case? HERRICK v. WIXOM Questions and Notes HUMPHREY v. TWIN STATE GAS & ELECTRIC CO POTTS v. AMIS Questions and Notes CHAPTER 9 PRODUCT LIABILITY A. History: The Rise and Fall of Privity WINTERBOTTOM v. WRIGHT Questions and Notes MACPHERSON v. BUICK MOTOR CO HENNINGSEN v. BLOOMFIELD MOTORS, INC Questions and Notes B. The Adoption of Strict Liability in Tort ESCOLA v. COCA COLA BOTTLING COMPANY OF FRESNO Questions and Notes GREENMAN v. YUBA POWER PRODUCTS Questions and Notes PHILLIPS v. KIMWOOD MACHINE CO Questions and Notes BROWN v. SUPERIOR COURT C. Statutory Modifications REVISED CODE OF WASHINGTON9-25 Questions and Notes D. The Restatement (3d) of Torts (Product Liability) Questions and Notes iv

7 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 10 PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE A. Medical Malpractice Negligence KNIGHT v. HAYDARY Questions and Notes Informed Consent WACHTER v. UNITED STATES Questions and Notes Statutory Modifications REVISED CODE OF WASHINGTON Questions and Notes B. Other Forms of Professional Malpractice CHAPTER 11 RESCUERS, JUSTIFIABLE RELIANCE, AND THE EXTENSION OF DUTY TO REMOTE PLAINTIFFS Introductory Note BUCH v. AMORY MANUFAC- TURING CO Questions and Notes TARASOFF v. REGENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Questions and Notes BROWN v. UNITED STATES Questions and Notes Coda Wrongful Termination PART IV INTENTIONAL TORTS CHAPTER 12 INTENTIONAL TORTS: THE PRIMA FACIE CASE Introduction RESTATEMENT (2D) OF TORTS A. Battery and Assault ROGERS v. LOEWS L'ENFANT PLAZA HOTEL NEWMAN v. CHRISTENSEN B. False Imprisonment GORTAREZ v. SMITTY' S SUPER VALUE, INC MOORE v. PAY' N SAVE CORPORATION Questions and Notes C. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (Outrage) CORRIGAL v. BALL AND DODD FUNERAL HOME, INC CHAPTER 13 DEFENSES TO INTENTIONAL TORTS Introductory Note A. Consent STRAWN v. INGRAM MILLER v. BENNETT Questions and Notes B. Defense of Self COTE v. JOWERS C. Defense of Others YOUNG v. WARREN Questions and Notes D. Defense of Property C.I.T. CORPORATION v. BREWER KATKO v. BRINEY Questions and Notes E. Statutory Privilege PART V HARM TO NON-PHYSICAL INTERESTS CHAPTER 14 DEFAMATION Introduction A. What Is a Defamatory Statement? 14-2 BURTON v. CROWELL PUB- LISHING CO Questions and Notes MISKOVSKY v. OKLAHOMA PUBLISHING CO B. When Is a Defamatory Statement Actionable? PECK v. TRIBUNE CO THORLEY v. LORD KERRY ATKINSON v. EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY C. What Defenses Are Available? Absolute Privilege BROWN v. SHIMABUKURO BARR v. MATTEO Conditional Privilege JACRON SALES v. SINDORF TIME, INC. v. FIRESTONE D. Constitutional Limitations NEW YORK TIMES CO. v. SULLIVAN GERTZ v. ROBERT WELCH, INC v

8 TABLE OF CONTENTS E. Speech Not Involving Matters of Public Concern DUN & BRADSTREET, INC. v. GREENMOSS BUILDERS, INC CHAPTER 15 INVASION OF PRIVACY Introduction Warren & Brandeis, The Right to Privacy Questions and Notes FROELICH v. ADAIR GALELLA v. ONASSIS SIDIS v. F-R PUBLISHING CORPORATION BRISCOE v. READER' S DIGEST ASSOCIATION MEMPHIS DEVELOPMENT, ETC. v. FACTORS ETC., INC APPENDIXES Appendix A The Procedural History of a Simple Case... A-1 Appendix B Insurance...B-1 Appendix C Forms of Action...C-1 vi

9 TABLE OF CASES A ADAMS v. BULLOCK ALSTON v. BLYTHE AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE ASS'N v. SUPERIOR COURT ATKINSON v. EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY B BARR v. MATTEO BENNETT v. LONG ISLAND R. CO BERRY v. SUGAR NOTCH BIERMAN v. CITY OF NEW YORK BMW, INC. v. GORE BOHAN v. PORT JERVIS GAS LIGHT CO BOOMER v. ATLANTIC CEMENT CO BORER v. AMERICAN AIRLINES BOTTA v. BRUNNER BOYLES v. OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS CO BRISCOE v. READER' S DIGEST ASSOCIA- TION BROWN v. SAN FRANCISCO BALL CLUB BROWN v. SHIMABUKURO BROWN v. SUPERIOR COURT , 9-20 BROWN v. UNITED STATES BUCH v. AMORY MANUFACTURING CO BURTON v. CROWELL PUBLISHING CO C CHANNEL v. MILLS C.I.T. CORPORATION v. BREWER CONEY v. J.L.G. INDUSTRIES, INC CORRIGAL v. BALL AND DODD FUNERAL HOME, INC COTE v. JOWERS CROWE v. GASTON D DICKENS v. PURYEAR DILLON v. LEGG DILLON v. TWIN STATE GAS & ELECTRIC CO DUN & BRADSTREET, INC. v. GREENMOSS BUILD- ERS, INC E EDWARDS v. A.L. LEASE & CO ESCOLA v. COCA COLA BOTTLING COMPANY OF FRESNO ESTATES OF HIBBARD v. GORDON, et al F FEIN v. PERMANENTE MEDICAL GROUP FELDMAN v. ALLEGHENY AIRLINES FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MEADVILLE v. NIAGARA THERAPY MANUFACTURING CORPORATION FLETCHER v. RYLANDS (1865) FLETCHER v. RYLANDS (1866) FORTMAN v. HEMCO, INC FROELICH v. ADAIR G GALELLA v. ONASSIS GERTZ v. ROBERT WELCH, INC GORTAREZ v. SMITTY'S SUPER VALUE, INC GREENMAN v. YUBA POWER PRODUCTS GRIMSHAW v. FORD MOTOR CO GUILFORD v. YALE UNIVERSITY H HAMMONTREE v. JENNER HARBESON v. PARKE-DAVIS HARDY v. SOUTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE CO HARRIS v. R.A. MARTIN, INC HARRISON v. MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION HAYES v. FAR WEST SERVICES, INC HEGEL v. MCMAHON HELLING v. CAREY HENNINGSEN v. BLOOMFIELD MOTORS, INC HERRICK v. WIXOM HOFER v. MEYER HOLODOOK v. SPENCER HOSTICK v. HALL HULL v. MERCK & CO HUMPHREY v. TWIN STATE GAS & ELECTRIC CO J JACRON SALES v. SINDORF JEWETT v. DEUTSCH JOHNSON v. STATE OF NEW YORK JUDSON v. GIANT POWDER CO K KATKO v. BRINEY KINSMAN TRANSIT CO vii

10 TABLE OF CASES KIRK v. WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY KNIGHT v. HAYDARY L LAIRD v. NELMS LAUBACH v. MORGAN LEVI v. SLEMCO LI v. YELLOW CAB COMPANY OF CALIFOR- NIA LINEY v. CHESTNUT MOTORS LUSSAN v. GRAIN DEALERS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY M MACPHERSON v. BUICK MOTOR CO MARKLE v. HACIENDA MEXICAN RESTAURANT MARTIN v. HERZOG MCDANIEL v. LINDER MEMPHIS DEVELOPMENT, ETC. v. FACTORS ETC., INC MILLER v. BENNETT MISKOVSKY v. OKLAHOMA PUBLISHING CO MITCHELL v. GONZALEZ MOORE v. PAY' N SAVE CORPORATION MORAGNE v. STATES MARINE LINES MORAN v. JOHNS-MANVILLE SALES CORPORA- TION MORSE v. AUBURN AND SYRACUSE RAILROAD CO MURPHY v. MONTGOMERY ELEVATOR CO N NETTLETON v. THOMPSON NEW YORK TIMES CO. v. SULLIVAN NEWMAN v. CHRISTENSEN O O'SHEA v. RIVERWAY TOWING OSTERMAN v. PETERS P PALSGRAF v. LONG ISLAND R. CO PECK v. TRIBUNE CO PFEIFER v. CITY OF BELLINGHAM PHILLIPS v. KIMWOOD MACHINE CO POTTS v. AMIS PURCELL v. ASBESTOS CORPORATION, LTD R RAILROAD CO. v. STOUT...I-5 REYNOLDS v. TEXAS & PACIFIC RAILWAY CO ROBINSON v. LINDSAY RODRIGUEZ v. BETHLEHEM STEEL CORPORATION ROGERS v. LOEWS L'ENFANT PLAZA HOTEL ROSS v. HARTMAN ROWLAND v. CHRISTIAN RYLANDS v. FLETCHER S SCHONBERGER v. ROBERTS SIDIS v. F-R PUBLISHING CORPORATION SIEGLER v. KUHLMAN SINDELL v. ABBOTT LABORATORIES SMITH v. BAKER & SONS SMITH v. WAL-MART STORES, INC SPADE v. LYNN & B.R. CO SPUR INDUSTRIES v. DEL E. WEBB DEVELOP- MENT CO STEINHAUSER v. HERTZ CORPORATION STEVENS v. BOSTON ELEVATED RY. CO STRAHLER v. ST. LUKE' S HOSPITAL STRAWN v. INGRAM SUMMERS v. TICE T TARASOFF v. REGENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA TAYLOR v. KURAPATI TECH-BILT, INC. v. WOODWARD-CLYDE & ASSOCIATES TEDLA v. ELLMAN TEMPLE-INLAND PRODUCTS CORP. v. CARTER THORLEY v. LORD KERRY TIME, INC. v. FIRESTONE T.J. HOOPER U UNITED STATES v. CARROLL TOWING UNITED ZINC & CHEMICAL CO. v. BRITT..I-8 UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER v. SUPERIOR COURT V VANDERPOOL v. STATE VAUGHN v. MENLOVE viii

11 TABLE OF CASES W WACHTER v. UNITED STATES WALTERS v. MARION MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WASHBURN v. BEATT EQUIPMENT COMPANY WILLIAMS v. JOHNSON WINTERBOTTOM v. WRIGHT WOLF v. SCOTT WETZEL SERVICES, INC Y YOUNCE v. FERGUSON YOUNG v. WARREN ix

12 TABLE OF CASES x