Court Opinion

ID: 8619373
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-11-24 08:28:46.954534+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:55:27.950573
License: Public Domain

ORDER ON REHEARING Roe, C.J. This cause coming on to be heard on the motion by the Respondent for rehearing, it appearing that due notice has been given, and the Court being fully advised in the premises; This is an action for property damage done to the Claimant’s automobile allegedly caused by a lawn mower operated by an employee of the Respondent throwing a rock through the windshield. We found that the Claimant presented a case by acceptable circumstantial evidence that the rock was thrown by the lawn mower and granted an award. We also found that Claimant was entitled to an award on the theory of res ipsa loquitur. Upon reconsideration and review of the record we find that the Claimant failed to prove his case by the preponderance of the evidence. There is no evidence other than speculation as to what caused the windshield to be broken. Nobody saw or heard it happen. Therefore, we do not find that the Respondent was negligent. Moreover, there was no showing that whatever caused the breakage was an instrumentality under the control and management of the Respondent. Therefore the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur does not apply. Wherefore, upon reconsideration, it is hereby ordered that this claim be, and hereby is, denied.