Opinion ID: 2196651
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: theory of recovery pled

Text: Fitzpatrick first assigns as error the fact that the trial court's ruling was based upon premises liability. The third amended petition sounds in negligence. Although it would appear from the petition that Fitzpatrick may have wished to proceed on the basis of premises liability, it also appears that she may have wished to proceed in the context of employer and independent contractor. Although a petition should not leave uncertainty as to the theory on which the pleader wishes to proceed, we have held that in actions not involving extraordinary remedies, general pleadings are to be liberally construed in favor of the pleader. Hutmacher v. City of Mead, 230 Neb. 78, 430 N.W.2d 276 (1988). Thus, since Fitzpatrick stated the theory of employer and independent contractor liability as the theory upon which she wishes to proceed, and since her pleadings support her contention, we shall proceed on that basis.