Opinion ID: 1328863
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Batson's Duty

Text: Batson argues that even if the trial court erred in granting summary judgment on procedural grounds, South Carolina does not impose upon her a duty to act affirmatively under the facts alleged. The record before us is insufficient to determine whether Batson owed any duty to Doe. To state a cause of action for negligence, the plaintiff must allege facts which demonstrate the concurrence of three elements: (1) a duty of care owed by the defendant; (2) a breach of that duty by negligent act or omission; and (3) damage proximately caused by the breach. Kleckley v. Northwestern Nat. Cas. Co., 338 S.C. 131, 526 S.E.2d 218 (2000). An essential element in a cause of action for negligence is the existence of a legal duty of care owed by the defendant to the plaintiff. Bishop v. South Carolina Dept. of Mental Health, 331 S.C. 79, 86, 502 S.E.2d 78, 81 (1998). Without a duty, there is no actionable negligence. Id. Proof of negligence in the air, so to speak, will not do. Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad Co., 248 N.Y. 339, 162 N.E. 99, 99 (1928) (quoting Sir Frederick Pollock). The existence of a duty owed is a question of law for the courts. Washington v. Lexington County Jail, 337 S.C. 400, 405, 523 S.E.2d 204, 206 (Ct.App.1999). The Court of Appeals discussed two possible sources of liability for the parent of an adult child residing in the home: (1) a duty to warn arising from a special relationship or circumstance, and (2) a duty to warn based on premises liability. We vacate those portions of the Court of Appeals' opinion suggesting potential sources of liability in this case. The paucity of the record makes it impossible for us to determine the merits of Doe's argument. Whether Batson had a cognizable duty will be determined after the record has been more fully developed.