Opinion ID: 1247035
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Iowa Electric argues for reversal in the alternative as follows:

Text: a. Iowa Electric first asserts that the presumption under Code section 489.16, quoted supra, can have no applicability to this suit and that its application by the trial court amounted to reversible error. The argument for non-applicability centers on the words such transmission lines, the appellantIowa Electric arguing that the line by which plaintiff's decedent was electrocuted is not of that category. Appellant says: There is a logical basis for distinguishing between transmission lines and generating plants and substations. Transmission lines in most instances will be constructed and maintained in areas which will be generally accessible to the public. On the other hand, generating stations and substations will be fenced in and the general public completely excluded from access to the area. b. Alternatively, appellant argues that even if section 489.16 applies here, still the presumption of causation therein established was rebutted by the proofs as a matter of law. [Error No. 2] The evidence upon which such rebuttal is based seems to be threefold: (1) that the decedent knew that the wire which caused his death carried a high voltage electricity and had no reason to believe that this wire had been de-energized; (2) the decedent had reason to so believe because under the circumstances the magnitude of the risk and the certainty of injury was so great that he was bound to realize not only the condition, but the danger, such that there was no duty on part of defendant to warn decedent of the dangerous situation; (3) defendant had no reason to believe that the decedent would proceed to the point of danger (i. e. within the arcing distance of the energized wire), inasmuch as decedent's foreman had given defendant's foreman assurances that decedent was aware of the danger. In point of law, however, this argument does not say that the presumption was rebutted, the jury found that it was not. Such finding is binding unless overcome as a matter of law. The argument for appellant is that the presumption created by the statute, when it collides with contrary evidence, may not be enough to warrant submission to the jury in the first instance. In support of this, the most convincing citation is Nelson v. Iowa-Illinois Gas & Electric Co. [Iowa], 160 N.W.2d 448, 453 (1968): Plaintiff urges the weight of this presumption alone is enough to require submission to the jury. In the usual and ordinary negligence case we would tend to agree, at least in the absence of sufficient rebuttal. In this particular instance, however, the force of the evidence negating the presumption is of such magnitude, so clear, convincing and conclusive that the presumption is rebutted as a matter of law. Such is the question presented by the second assigned error. c. Alternatively, appellant argues that even if the section applies, and even if it were not overcome by sufficient proof to disestablish defendant's negligence thereunder, still as matter of law plaintiff's decedent was guilty of contributory negligence. d. By the fourth assignment, Iowa Electric seeks to drag Cipco to the bottom with it, in the event the three preceding errors fail, the argument being: The district court erred in sustaining the Separate Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict of the co-defendant, [Cipco].    This ruling was erroneous for the reason that [Cipco] was not entitled to claim the benefits of the general rule of nonliability for the acts of an independent contractor.