Legal Document

337 U.S. 163 69 Supreme Court Reporter 1018 93 L.Ed. 1282 URIEv.THOMPSON. Number 129. Argued Jan. 3, 1949. Decided May 31, [Syllabus from pages 163-165 intentionally omitted] Mr. Guy W. Green Jr., Kansas City, Mo., for petitioner. Lyman Judge Bishop, Belton, respondent. Justice RUTLEDGE delivered the opinion of Court. 1 The primary question is whether coverage Federal Employers' Liability Act and Boiler Inspection Act1 includes injuries in nature occupational disease, here silicosis, or confined exclusively to inflicted by accident. After having been twice before Missouri, case on certiorari, 335 809, 41, review its final decision second appeal that recovery may not be had other than accidental injuries. A statement course taken proceedings state courts, as well facts, becomes necessary resolving issues presented. 2 In 1941 petitioner Tom Urie filed suit under Liabili y against respondent Thompson, trustee Missouri Pacific Railroad. According petitioner's allegations, he employed a fireman steam locomotives interstate roughly thirty years. 1940 forced cease work pulmonary disease diagnosed silicosis. This permanently disabling affliction caused continuous inhalation silica dust blown sucked into cabs which worked. injurious concentration air breathed arose railroad's use locomotives' sanding boxes sand materials containing 80 90 per cent silicon dioxide emission faultily adjusted 'sanders'2 such excessive amounts beyond those needed provide traction locomotive wheels. Respondent railroad since 1933, 'knew, exercise due care should have known,' danger silicosis arising conditions employment.3 3 trial court sustained respondent's demurrer complaint. On held action could maintained virtue alone, reason 'anticipated plaintiff's injury, * therefore petition does facts sufficient constitute cause negligence Act.' 352 Mo. 211, 219, 176 South Western Reporter, 2nd Series 471, 475. felt, however, claimed malfunctioning sanders was substance an allegation breach § that, proof latter would support without regard negligence, Lilly versus Grand Trunk R. Co., 317 481, 485 486, 63 347, 350—351, 87 411; stated action. Furthermore, Act's three-year statute limitations, 45 United States Code KF62 56, Annotated KF65 U5 did bar claim his 'cause accrued May, 1940, when became incapacitated *.' at page 222, 477. Accordingly reversed judgment remanded trial. 4 remand amended complaint charge specifically violations Act. Section Act, amended, makes it 'unlawful any carrier permit used line unless said locomotive, boiler, tender, all parts appurtenances thereof are proper condition safe operate service same put, active unnecessary peril life limb 23, 23.4 alleged were (1) broken so release too much (2) decks bad repair, admitting through various cracks openings cab's floor elsewhere ought sealed off. 5 tried jury, instructions issue prevail if proved contracted 'absolute continuing duty engines their thereof, jury found amount $30,000. 6 Upon entered this verdict. 357 738, 210 98. Noting former 'treat with contention 'silicosis' evil aimed,' id., 746, 102, concluded 'is aimed promoting safety distinguished injury gradual harmful dusts.' Id., 749, 105. It supreme court's successive constructions Bailer Acts our writ issued. I. 7 Two preliminary contentions first engage attention. We met outset whether, legal sufficiency either barred both operation limitations. 8 November 25, 1941. Under terms then prevailing limitations,5 entertain Urie's accrued' 1938. contends Urie, exposed approximately 1910, must unwittingly long 1938, hence action' deemed 'accrued' longer three years institution Alternatively argued each separate tort giving rise fresh action,' limited inhalations between spring day incapacitated.6 9 view, neither outlined limitations can sustained. For, we assume Congress intended include diseases category compensable Acts, mechanical analysis 'accrual' injury—whether breath breath, one unrecorded moment progress disease—can only serve thwart congressional purpose. 10 If prosecuting because said, matter law, prior clear federal legislation afforded delusive remedy. mean some past time, unknown inherently unkn wable even retrospect, charged knowledge slow tragic disintegration lungs; view failure diagnose within applicable whose symptoms yet obtruded consciousness waiver right compensation ultimate discovery disability. 11 Nor accept theory intake dusty action.' present case, example, application rule would, arguably, limit damages aggravation progressive traceable last eighteen months employment. Moreover wholly left railroad, merely transferred involving no exposure dust, more discovering afflicted.7 12 do think humane legislative plan consequences attach blameless ignorance. reconciled traditional purposes statutes conventionally require assertion claims specified period time after notice invasion rights. record us ill diagnosis accomplished following weeks. There suggestion known earlier date. 'It follows specific date contact being inasmuch product rather point time; consequently afflicted employee 'injured' accumulated effects deleterious manifest themselves Associated Indemnity Corporation Industrial Accident Commission, 124 Cal.App. 378, 381, 1075, 1076. quoted language, workmen's seems every relevant particular construction concerned. agree expressed claim, otherwise maintainable, limitations.8 13 readily dispose another concerning now properly us. argues, somewhat surprisingly, original involved here, raised nor considered short answer has brought opportunity; him relitigate courts order preserve consideration rendered cause. 14 From opinions know judicially9 negating general coupled subsequently repudiated conclusion consequently, trial, dismissal. final; interlocutory reviewable meaning jurisdictional statute. 28 344(b) (now 1257(3)), 1257(3).10 15 Although Court's disposition precluded ruling adverse petitioner, waive amending complaint, conformity mandate, proceeding theory. As stood, remaining chance success it, ask issue, rely solely upon securing reversal 16 Whatever effect further courts,11 impose alternative Local rules practice cannot independent substantial questions actually determined stages litigation adjudication review. Zeckendorf Steinfeld, 225 445, 454, 32 728, 732, 56 1156; Messinger Anderson, 436, 444, 739, 740, 1152. Even so, sound see expressly preserved later But, occasion heretofore observe, power probe disposed appeals is, analysis, 'necessary correlative' limits examination judgments. Louisiana Navigation company Oyster Commission 226 99, 33 78, 80, 57 138.12 17 Accordingly, stand rightly concluded, appeal, apart That presented turn. II. 18 provides: 19 'Every common while engaging commerce shall liable person suffering death resulting whole part officers, agents, employees carrier, defect insufficiency, cars, engines, appliances, machinery, track, roadbed, works, boats, wharves, equipment.' 51, 51. (Emphasis added.) 20 section define leaving determined, 'by law principles established applied courts.' 218, 474. Erie Tompkins, 304 64, 58 817, 82 1188, 114 American Law Reports 1487, application. What constitutes statute's question, varying accordance differing conceptions local laws purposes. decisional formulating applying concept governs.13 Hence subject governed conclusively decisions alone cited determination. 21 Of employment 'injury' statutes' coverage, statute, though allegations fault causation sufficient. decision, assumed fell broad term 'injury,' 'be reasonable hold, admitted demurrer, defendant anticipated ruled stated. 22 assumption adequacy turns raising triable negligence. standards set followed Court,14 clearly 23 Those briefly, partially, summarized above. They material very high percentage dioxide; often come rails quantities there ground dust; 'such usual unusual quantity silican come' engine and, 'frequently quantity,' petitioner; contained 'the form frequently sanders,' cab over breathing 'dangerous health likely plaintiff plaintiff.' forth margin,15 together paragraph: 24 'Plaintiff alleges devices customary type purpose ordinary exercised keeping them large sandy escape; kind quality railroads operating country Missouri; operated manner means railroads, kept normal regular working allow above stated.' 25 These sufficiently knowingly used, faulty adjustment adjusting them, dangerous fact causing contract become disabled. seem adequate stating judicial referred. All elements comprehended, including want care, proximate statutory coverage. 26 To sustain contrary adhered trade, stressing admission ordinarily throughout rail oad industry. Contrary apparent conclusion, obviously complied trade. evidence anything 'all type' which, allowed escape, concentrate cab, generally region customarily content they did, take steps minimize potentially effects. Moreover, assuming premise maintenance trade negatives grasp significance context absent indication exception locomotives. 27 But also reject premise, attached prevalent conduct inadequate protect similarly situated employees. Cf. Hill Atlantic Coast Line 336 911, 507, reversing 229 N.C. 236, 49 Eastern 481. See Sadowski Long Island 292 N.Y. 448, 456—457, 55 North 497.16 Respondent's knowledge, actual constructive, inadequacies equipment question. Whether able shoulder burden proving need surmise, adduced Act—indicating others besides observed reported defects equipment—underscores insistence matters jury.17 insufficient part, wrong overruled. New York Appeals supra, 455-456, 500, sustaining fits closely represents, opinion, correct view: 29 'Ordinary proportion avoided might reasonably neglect. Baltimore Potomac Railroad Company Jones, 95 439, 506; Bailey Central Vermont supra (319 350, 1062, 1444). commensurate dangers. Defendant created place done supervised doing aware least sixteen required methods accomplished. lungs bound know.'18 30 remains novel results employer's Considerations breadth humanitarian purposes, accepted standard liberal accomplish objects, absence history indicating intent restricted interpretation exclude trend existing authorities dealing combine conclusion. 31 recognize enacted, Congress' attention focused primarily accidents railroads.19 Obviously these major causes operations. ones occur. And nothing language discloses 'in negligence' carrier. found, read sheer inference. framed: 'any employed'; carrier'; appliances,' etc. face, suffered carrier's made compensable. wording restrictive covered; except attributable carrier; resulting. all-inclusive restriction kinds covered, degree required, sorts harms inflicted, contradictory wording, remedial purpose, constant Court.20 34 recognize, respondent, founded common-law concepts qualifications imported terms. suggesting lend argument word less word's surface connotation indicates. However, although advanced,21 satisfied difficulties inhere but difficulty Ohio reference 'In early industrial development little medical regardint origin peculiar employments Triff National Bronze & Aluminum Foundry 135 St. 191, 195, 232, 234, 121 1131. doubt 'common incurring harm personal warrant liability present.'22 35 Viewing arguments drawn accorded control inquiry. note passing statutes, whatever extent thought relevant, offer narrow True British Workmen's Compensation 1897, 60 61 Vict. chapter 37, covering anthrax claimant identifiable processing wool, Turvey Brinton's Ltd., 1904, K.B. 328, affirmed, 1905, A.C. 230, lead poisoning. Steel Cammell, Laird 232. equally true construed provided cases 'personal accident,' (emphasis added), limitation stressed supra. Walker Lilleshall Coal 1900, Q.B. 488. Decisions uniformly construing 'accident' 'accidental injury,' accident.'23 36 injury'—more nearly akin simple Act—are conflict. Thus excluded special constitutional considered, recognizing 'no difficult bring purview words employment' incurred employment.' Brown, 92 309, 312—313, 110 Northeastern KF135 N59 744, 745, L.R.A.1916B, 1277; cf. Roth, 98 34, 120 172, 1463. Connecticut Court, relying 'typical' compensable, likewise injury' Miller Wire Jersey, Conn. 349, 97 345, L.R.A.1916E, 510. authority Judicial Massachusetts, speaking Chief Rugg, blindness noxious vapors Massachusetts Hurle's Case, 217 Mass. 223, 104 336, L.R.A.1916A, 279, Ann.Cas.1915C, 919. 37 Consonant act directly bear today Employees' 30, 1908, Statutes-at-Large 556, approved two certain classes 'injured awarded f r, inter alia, fine scale,24 poisoning,25 cardiac hypertrophy ether,26 throat tuberculosis aggravated brass poisoning.27 short, comfort 38 While dealt Appeals, indicated above, circumstances substantially different possible authorized violent means. Shelton .v Thomson, Cir., 148 1; 157 709, where permitted carbon monoxide poisoning; O.R. Branson, 128 Md. 678, 225, grounds, 242 623, 244, 534, paint Chicago, R.I. P.R. Cheek, 105 Okl. 91, 231 P2 1078. Not 'external, accidental' contemplate. 39 most hesitant adopt overrule seriously impair authority. spirit contemplated administration importing nice distinctions cutting down full scope inference implication. 40 impairs destroys employee's requiring about consequences, just great follows, inevitably, negligent pursued extended comes suddenness lightning. Silicosis leading certainly permanent disability, scalding boiler's explosion. mere difference acts disclose harmful, justify excluding exclusion consistent unvarying construction. 41 fail injury. Petitioner entitled go show violation 42 compel consider verdict conjunction stand. III. 43 By squarely hold took shape arise appeal. treated unrelated employees' suits provisions, terms, i.e., 44 own like Safety Appliance Acts,28 purport confer injured prohibitions 'unlawful.'29 Yet consistently supplements imposing 'an absolute duty' equipment. 485, 351, Southern Lunsford, 297 398, 401, 504, 506, 740; Groeger, 266 521, 528—529, 169, 173, 419. stems, express implication §§ 53, 54, pleadings of, respectively, contributory risk enacted contributed employee.'30 4, creates negligence; token basis Acts. For 'refers etc., treat appliance 'negligence,' what sometimes called se.' San Antonio A.P.R. Wagner, 241 476, 484, 626, 630, 1110. 46 substantively amendments dispense, suits, necessity making effective law. taken, practice, regarded supplemental facilitating recover, restricting impossible. 47 Regarded light, highly incongruous character if, expediting substituting comparatively light heavier contracting defeating altogether. inconsistently dispensing withdraw covered sho ing mind inconsistent object, free create inference, especially derived approaching problem design 48 underlying basically boiler after, entire operate,' attempting insure 23. Certain requirements example automatic coupler, 2, mandatory language. Others, simply outline articulated enunciated carriers approval Interstate Commerce 28, promulgated Napier 272 605, 611—613, 207, 209, 210, 71 432, findings. 293 268, 79 587. Violations Commission's damage injured, money penalties recoverable States. 34. prime protection perhaps passengers public large, Fairport, E.R. Meredith, 589, 54 826, 78 1446, affected railroading uppermost mind. again, embraced plan.31 Indeed, make supra; 458—459, 270—271, 50 validity Wisconsin Georgia regulations equipped with, respectiv ly, curtains fire door. Each regulation challenged Congress, enactment amendment seen fit exercise. defended directed health, safety, unanimous Brandeis, struck 'because construe occupy field. conferred leads Because prevail, states precluded, however commendable purpose.' 613, 432. 51 last-quoted sentence recognized theretofore regulated eye health; wihthin compass Napier, 611-613, 432; amply clear: 52 'The are, nature, delegated Commission. An firedoor curtain promote safety. Keeping firemen engineers good preventing excess fatigue limiting hours service, indirectly. 'If inadequate, relief it. ample.' 53 vests rule-making accident; exercised.32 considerations, safeguarding injury; lay restrict Since unable find egislative explicit provision inferring conclude narrower further, appears us,33 justified finding breached (as I.C.C. Rule 120, governing sanders)34 valid flowing reveals error jury's based case; grounds affirmance urged respondent; urged, portions asked review, waived. reinstate Reversed. FRANKFURTER, concurring part. 59 At wearisome reiteration say again antiquated uncivilized out rights duties disabilities deaths inevitably modern conscious unconscious endeavor human cost industry fall cruel injustice workers families, gives endless casuistry. So gamble occasional heavy replaced security system insurance, continue apply notion situations never intended. Therefore, causally related maintain appropriate entitles establish satisfaction. Damages 'injury.' term, me, bodily nowadays characterized 'occupational disease.' N Dec. Immigration Nationality illustrated 497. hand, fitted 'accidents' devised scheme liability. 913, 22—34, 22—34. appreciate impulse seeks regime. precludes free-han ed outside moreover, believe, disservice ends sought promoted. Legislation will effectively meet social obligations underlie incidence disease. Insurance (Industrial Injuries) 1946, Geo. 6, 488, particularly Part IV. obscured drive retarded encouragement given remedies callings Congressional control. result secure him. diseases. reverse opinion. 62 REED, JACKSON, BURTON join Respectively et seq., seq. 'Sander' colloquially, name men apparatus appurtenant stores pipes rails, needed, traction. commerce, Regulations 91.120; 235, 91.235. succinct descriptions compressed-air powered apparatus, Anderson 89 629 96 796. 9. continues, 'and bailer, inspected withstand suc test tests prescribed hereinafter for.' 1192, 659. 1911 cover appurtenances, 913. broadened 1915 1192; 1924 amendment. applied, mention conclusions applicability drawn. 56. two-year 66, lengthened 1939 1404. Pieczonka Pullman 353, 356—357. Compare Appeals' similar application, 457—458, e tensively quotes complaint's 215—216, 471; copy appearing shows quotations comprehend respect. text appeal; deficiency formal, sense, supply judgment. 'As below, judgment, final, court.' Denver R.G.R. 191 84, 93, 33, 36, 106. Coe Armour Fertilizer Works, 237 413, 418—419, 625, 627, 1027; Gospel Army City Los Angeles, 331 543, 67 1428, 91 1662, cited. Creason Harding, 344 452, 463—464, 126 1179. otherwise, corrective hand stayed procedure chose resolve intermediate phase litigation. lends dismissing lack judgment: 'When already hereafter; still presumably feel (state) laying thus bound.' Grays Harbor Logging Coats-Fordney 243 251, 256 257, 295, 297, 702. decided 'basis jurisdiction all, case,' 'invoked opportunity open (him), fede al here.' Gant Oklahoma 289 98, 100, 530, 531, 77 1058. See, generally, Boskey, Finality State Judgments Code, Col.L.Rev. 1002, 1007, 1016. 319 352, 1063, 1064, 1444; Chesapeake Kuhn, 284 44, 46—47, 45, 46, 76 157; Louis, I.M. S.R. McWhirter, 265, 277, 858, 862, 863, 1179; Second Cases (Mondou York, N.H. H.R. Co.), 223 1, 54—55, 57—58, 176—177, 178, 327, L.R.A., N.S., 44. Schlemmer Buffalo, 205 407, 681. e.g., Ellis Union 329 649, 598, 572; Hughes, 278 496, 231, 73 473. Brady 320 64 88 239; M. Coogan, 271 472, 564, 70 1041. '(2) negligently failed furnish supplied knew described. '(3) using silica, inhaled, warn respirator device prevent dust.' 497, statements, respect compliance standards: 'Evidence furnished contrivances places establish, applicances carry care. protective someone else work. not, described connection expected conditions.' 501. quoting referred stated: defective, trouble maladjustment. Just alleged, situation res ipsa loquitur rule.' was, effect, maladjusted caused, care; alternatively ruling, owing maladjustment types Neither accords cases. intention, permitting cure proof; former, ran teeth showing merit abolishing defense 1404, Nothing remotely suggests likelihood Owens 715, 723, 1271, 1275, 1683. determine retroactive amendment, 'cases handled doctrine ever existed.' Tiller 318 450, 610, 143 967. Specifically accruing sued thereafter (an 725, 1276, 1277, 1683), nonetheless covers beginning antedated Cong.Rec. 4265, 4426—4439, 4526—4551, 4755; H.R.Rep.No. 1386, 60th Cong., 1st Sess., S.Rep.No. 460, Sess. narrowed refined reasoning *. liberally fulfill Jamison Encarnacion, 281 635, 640, 440, 442, 74 1082. Similarly, 'like 411. Cell Yale Towne Mfg. Mich. 566, 275 Northwestern N69 250; 567—568, 250. 224, 337, 919; Hood Sons Maryland Casualty 206 329, L.R.A.,N.S., 138 Am.St.Rep. 379; Gentry Swann Chemical 234 Ala. 313, 318, 174 S69 530. Banks, Employer's Occupational Diseases, Rocky Mt.L.Rev. 60, 61—64. Jeffreyes Charles Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Sager 198 App.Div. 446, Supplement 354, affirmed 233 535, 907; Iwanicki Or. 650, 990, 682. Restrictive variants agitation, largely successful, extending Perry, Disease Legislation, Newark L.Rev. 83; Compensation, Am.Lab.Leg.Rev. 2; Andrews, Tragedy Silicosis, id. 3. studies problems posed Owens, Diseases Injuries Health 1945 Wis.L.Rev. 357; John Marshall L.Q. 241. Claim Edward Edmonds, June 1913, Opinions Solicitor, Department Labor (1915) 259. Willard E. Jule, July 261; C. Arata, 264 (lead poisoning bronchitis). Basil Clark, Apr. 11, 1914, 270. Devine, Feb. 9, 1915, 277. pneumonia Sheeran, Op. Atty. Gen. 254, foregoing cases, awarding bends,' Wm. Murray, Nov. 1911, 239, sunstroke, Walsh, Mar. 16, determine; dissatisfaction distinction subsequent legislation: When superseded 1916 broader extant system, 751 originally 'disability' qualification definition. 742. Proposals rejected, reasons committee hearings 'there considerable defining disease'; quite number bill cases—at 10899. 389, 'to rulings Comptroller General 280, 68th 1. One remedied included Act; uling errors, House Judiciary Committee, reporting report, 64th 7, drafting remedy inadequacy diseases." 65 8154. eq., text. available diminution damages, 66. Assumption complete claims, Seaboard Air Ry. Horton, 492, 503, 639, L.R.A.1915C, Ann.Cas.1915B, 475; until abolition 1939, phrase acknowledge creation 'under Act' since, 'By employees,' evidently embrace Acts.' Moore 291 205, 402, 404, 755. Similarly alleging reliance proposition inferred report 'serious injury.' 32, 32. policy compels injuries, origins remote ill-defined diagnosis, responsibility demonstrable fact. noted, furthermore, rejected advanced 1908 17, 188, 190, questionably 'accidental' notes 24—27 E.g., requirement closing 'unnecessary cabs,' imposed 116(g), 91.116(g), announcing plain, designed wind, snow rain. R.R. commission 142 199. rule, winter months, formulated Pacific, almost named party defendant. Transcript Record, Complaint Wisconsin, Page 17. instant interest Engineer's Brotherhood Firemen's Brotherhood, interveners proposed from, 'excessive storms.' Joint Petition Intervention Alvanley Johnston D. baron Robertson, 3; Amended No allegation, Brief Intervening Brotherhoods, Pages 14—15, severe wind 2056, country, 2136, 2369, 4541, 5005, 6088, 6350. noted 116 minimum extreme 199, 210. partial summary appeal: 'Bruce Brill, witness plaintiff, testified worked roundhouse Joplin 1942; 'engines came five, maybe nipple, something dome, loose connection.' nipple dribble drivers, 'speed suck up wheels.' 'through deck around head grate shakers.' cleaned particles roadbed dust. Plaintiff (sand) 'come floors, shaker riggings stoker side door head. Sometimes wide bolts off worn loose. boards cracked slivered out, that; collect lights; get clothing dusty; your mouth nose dry." 744—745, 101. 91.120, locomotives, 'Locomotives suitable tested trip. Sand securely fastened rails.' consequence 488—489, auxiliary braking notwithstanding complain guard against. dispute 120; conventional imposes prevent. Di Caprio 94, 131 940; remarks Brewer Atchison, T. S.F.R. Reesman, KF105 F3 370, 373, L.R.A. 768. laid Louisville N.R. Layton, 617, 621, 456, 457, 931, repeated Acts: entirely comply springs unlawful cars required,—not position in, injured. wise holding, do, whenever obey Laws engaged discharge duty.' Davis Wolfe, 263 243, 68 284; Coray 520, 522—523, 275, 276, 277; Terminal Association 303 10, 426, 429, 430, 614; Swinson P., 294 529, 517, 518, 1041, 1136; 1446. Minneapolis Louis Gotschall, 244 995; Francisco Conarty, 238 785, 1290.

Classification Label: 7