Opinion ID: 398096
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Contributory Fault

Text: 9 Missouri law recognizes the affirmative defense of contributory fault for a case based on strict liability. Keener v. Dayton Electric Manufacturing Co., 445 S.W.2d 362, 363, 366 (Mo.1969). This defense requires proof that the plaintiff knows the facts which create the danger and proof that he comprehends and appreciates the danger itself. Williams v. Ford Motor Co., 454 S.W.2d 611, 619 (Mo.App.1970). Rockwell argues that its motions for directed verdict and J.N.O.V. should have been granted because Kayser's own testimony proves the defense of contributory fault since it reveals that he voluntarily exposed himself to a known risk and hazard. 3 See Collins v. B. F. Goodrich Co., 558 F.2d 908, 911 (8th Cir. 1977). 10 Rockwell carries a heavy burden in its attempt to overturn the jury's verdict for Kayser. A verdict may be directed or a jury verdict overturned 'only where the evidence points all one way and is susceptible of no reasonable inferences sustaining the position of the nonmoving party.'  Zoll v. Eastern Allamakee Community School District, 588 F.2d 246, 250 (8th Cir. 1978) (quoting Giordano v. Lee, 434 F.2d 1227, 1231 (8th Cir. 1970) (emphasis in original)). Rockwell is not entitled to a J.N.O.V. unless reasonable minds, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Kayser, could only have found in its favor. Russ v. Ratliff, 538 F.2d 799, 804 (8th Cir. 1976). 11 Contributory fault is ordinarily a jury issue and in this case we cannot conclude that Kayser was contributorially at fault as a matter of law. See Hoppe v. Midwest Conveyor Co., 485 F.2d 1196, 1201 (8th Cir. 1973); Higgins v. Paul Hardeman, Inc., 457 S.W.2d 943, 947-49 (Mo.App.1970). The evidence reveals that Kayser had no previous experience on the press, received no training on the removal of problem sheets and had only worked on the press for six weeks before his injury. At the time of the accident, the press was running at a slower speed, 1600-1800 sheets per hour. Additionally, on several different occasions Kayser had observed a co-worker use the same procedure to solve the same problem without receiving any injury. Therefore, the evidence does not point all one way and reasonable minds can differ as to whether Kayser knew and appreciated the true risk and danger involved in attempting to retrieve the problem sheet in the manner he used.