Opinion ID: 1751288
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Negligent Promotion

Text: Finally, Triplex argues that the court of appeals erred in recognizing a cause of action for negligent promotion. Under the circumstances of this case, we agree. It is axiomatic that a legal duty must exist before a defendant may be held liable in negligence. See Greater Houston Transp. Co. v. Phillips, 801 S.W.2d 523, 525 (Tex.1990). As a general rule, there is no legal duty in Texas to control the actions of third persons absent a special relationship, such as master/servant or parent/child. See Phillips, 801 S.W.2d at 525; Verdeur v. King Hospitality Corp., 872 S.W.2d 300, 301 (Tex. App.Fort Worth 1994, writ denied); RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF TORTS § 315 (1965). To justify a departure from this rule, Riley and Gray rely principally on Weirum v. RKO General Inc., 15 Cal.3d 40, 123 Cal. Rptr. 468, 539 P.2d 36 (1975). In Weirum, a broadcaster encouraged motorists to pursue the radio station's promotional vehicle to different locations. The broadcasts indicated that the first persons to arrive at those locations would be rewarded with prizes. The broadcasts in Weirum were clearly calculated to incite and encourage imminent reckless behavior that exposed the plaintiffs in that case to an unreasonable risk of injury. In the present case, there is no evidence that the promotions at issue were calculated to incite reckless or unlawful behavior. B-95's advertisements and promotions never approached the level of culpability at issue in Weirum, giving this Court no reason to depart from well-settled duty rules. Accordingly, we hold that the trial court correctly refused to submit a question on the tort of negligent promotion.