Opinion ID: 1318239
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Cause of the Boom Failure

Text: One such issue is the cause of the boom failure. The parties dispute whether the crane was damaged as a result of some defect present when McGee acquired the crane or as a result of some subsequent negligent operation by McGee. In his deposition, McGee testified that the boom was bad to start with. This is corroborated by McDonald's work order invoice. In describing the condition of the crane for the repair work, the invoice states that the rod, a section of the boom, was badly pitted. McDonald, on the other hand, maintains that the boom failed because it was operated negligently by McGee. The cause of the damage is material to the resolution of this action. [6] Only after a determination of the cause of the failure can any liability for the repair costs and rental time be assessed. The contract provides that McDonald, not McGee, is responsible for the repair costs and rental during the time the crane was unusable if the boom failed through no fault of McGee. Reasonable jurors could find that the crane was defective when McGee took possession. See Green, 655 P.2d at 742. The cause of the failure is a genuine issue of material fact which precludes summary judgment. See Zeman, 699 P.2d at 1280.