Court Opinion

ID: 9693974
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-25 17:14:04.777143+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:19:53.335854
License: Public Domain

JOHNSON, Judge,
dissenting:
I agree with the majority that the trial court’s jury instruction on appellant-landlord’s vicarious liability for the independent contractor’s negligence was contrary to the law of this Commonwealth. I must take issue, however, with the majority’s conclusion that the erroneous instruction was harmless.
*373The majority finds ample evidence in this case to support a finding that the contractor recommended replacement of the entire porch but appellant instructed him to repair only a portion thereof. Majority at 371. Thus, “[a] jury could, find, ..., that appellant knew of the deteriorating and defective condition of the porch and nevertheless made an affirmative decision not to make necessary repairs.” Id. (Emphasis added.)
Of course, a jury is free to accept all, part, or none of the testimony before it. Commonwealth v. Stockard, 489 Pa. 209, 413 A.2d 1088 (1980); Morrissey v. Commonwealth Department of Highways, 424 Pa. 87, 225 A.2d 895 (1967). We cannot enter the jury room; nor can. we delve into the minds of the jurors who have rendered the verdict.
It is impossible to conclude with absolute certainty in this case that the jury’s imposition of liability solely upon appellant-landlord demonstrates that the jury determined the independent contractor was not negligent. Since the jury may have found the landlord vicariously liable, based upon the erroneous charge, I would reverse the judgment in favor of the plaintiffs and award a new trial. Glider v. Commonwealth, Department of Highways, 435 Pa. 140, 255 A.2d 542 (1969); McCann v. Amy Joy Donut Shops, 325 Pa.Super. 340, 472 A.2d 1149 (1984).