Court Opinion

ID: 6988071
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-07-24 03:19:57.600072+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:09:31.612406
License: Public Domain

McCulloch, J. The proof in this case fails to make out appellee’s claim. The goods were shipped on a through car from Cincinnati to Bloomington, which did not belong to appellant. The car first came on appellant’s road at Lima, in the State of Ohio, and there is no attempt to prove the condition of the goods at that point. A bill for the freight was made out at Bloomington after the goods had arrived there showing one piece broken, but no shipping bill or bill of lading appears in the evidence. It is sometimes held that when goods are delivered in good order to the first carrier, the presumption will be indulged that they continue in that condition until the contrary is shown. In such cases the burden of proof is thrown upon the carrier in whose hands the goods are found in a damaged condition to show they were damaged before he received them. Hutchinson on Carriers, § 761 and note; Laughlin v. C. & N. W. Ry. Co. 28 Wis. 204. Other authorities hold directly the contrary doctrine. Darling v. B. & W. R. R. Co. 11 Allen, 295; M. H. & O. R. R. Co. v. Kirkwood, 45 Mich. 51. It devolves upon the plaintiff to show by a preponderance of evidence that the goods were in jured while in defendant’s hands. Had there been a bill of lading issued by the first carrier showing the goods to have been in good condition when shipped, that, under the class of decisions first alluded to above, might have raised a presumption of their good condition when they came into the hands of appellant. But it is not shown by the evidence over what road they were first -shipped, nor in what condition they were when delivered to that road. The only evidence touching their conditioh is that furnished by the wife of appellee, who testifies they were in good condition when packed at her house before shipment. This is too remote. To charge appellant in any event it mnst at least appear they were in good condition when delivered to the first carrier on the route. Should that be the only proof, the question of law involved in the case will be fairly before the court. The judgment of the circuit court will be reversed and the cause remanded. "Reversed and remanded.