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Keywords

damagesnegligencetrialsustained
defendantnegligencetrialsustained

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Pennsylvania Co. v. Roy, 102 U.S. 451, 12 Otto 451, 1880 WL 18936, 26 L.Ed. 141

Facts

On June 5, 1876, Roy purchased a first-class railroad ticket and a sleeping-car ticket for travel from Chicago to Philadelphia. While on the train, he entered a sleeping-car where a friend was seated, and the upper berth fell twice, injuring him. The evidence indicated that the berth's supporting brace was broken, and the Pennsylvania Company was responsible for the safety of the cars it operated, regardless of ownership.

On the 5th of June, 1876, Roy, the defendant in error, purchased at the office of the lessee company, in the city of Chicago, a ‘first-class railroad ticket’ from that city to Philadelphia, over the line of that company, paying therefor the sum of $14.40. At the same time and place, and of the same person, he purchased a sleeping-car ticket, issued by the Pullman Palace Car Company, for the route between the same cities, and for that ticket he paid the additional sum of $5.

Issue

Was the Pennsylvania Company liable for the injuries sustained by Roy due to the negligence associated with the sleeping car, which was owned by the Pullman Palace Car Company?

Was the Pennsylvania Company liable for the injuries sustained by Roy due to the negligence associated with the sleeping car, which was owned by the Pullman Palace Car Company?

Rule

A carrier is obligated to provide safe transportation for passengers and is liable for injuries resulting from negligence in the operation or maintenance of the vehicles used, regardless of ownership.

A carrier is obligated to provide safe transportation for passengers and is liable for injuries resulting from negligence in the operation or maintenance of the vehicles used, regardless of ownership.

Analysis

The court determined that the Pennsylvania Company had a duty to ensure the safety of the sleeping car, which was part of its train. It ruled that the negligence of the Pullman Palace Car Company's employees, who were in charge of the sleeping car, was attributable to the Pennsylvania Company. The court emphasized that the railroad company could not evade its responsibility by claiming the car was owned by another entity.

The court determined that the Pennsylvania Company had a duty to ensure the safety of the sleeping car, which was part of its train. It ruled that the negligence of the Pullman Palace Car Company's employees, who were in charge of the sleeping car, was attributable to the Pennsylvania Company.

Conclusion

The court reversed the judgment and remanded the case for a new trial due to errors in admitting evidence that could have improperly influenced the jury's decision on damages.

For this error alone the judgment is reversed, and the cause remanded for a new trial.

Who won?

The prevailing party was Roy, as the court found the Pennsylvania Company liable for his injuries.

The prevailing party was Roy, as the court found the Pennsylvania Company liable for his injuries.

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