Court Opinion

ID: 6739622
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-07-20 23:20:56.347011+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:01:55.117908
License: Public Domain

Bikdzell, J.
(dissenting). I disagree with the majority opinion in the holding upon which the reversal is based to the effect that there is an inconsistency between the general verdict and the answer to the first special question. The general verdict must be assumed to be founded upon the evidence, and to be in accordance with the instructions of the court as to the law. The record shows that the court instructed the jury quite fully with reference to the duty of the defendant, and as to the circumstances which would excuse him from liability. The jury were specifically instructed that, if the storm were of such an unusual character that one could not reasonably have expected it to occur, they should find for the defendant. They were told that the defendant was bound to provide for such extraordinary rains as might reasonably be expected to occur. Under these instructions the jury could not render a verdict for the plaintiff unless they believe that the storm though unusual or extraordinary, was one which the defendant was bound to anticipate. There is nothing in the answer to the special question, as I read it, to negative the affirmative finding in the general verdict, for the answer to the question only indicates that the storm, in the judgment of the jury, *176was of an unusual and extraordinary character, but not so unprecedented that the defendants were not bound to anticipate it.
While dissenting upon the ground above indicated, I deem it proper to say that in my judgment it is gravely doubtful whether the defendants were not prejudiced by the instruction of the trial court relating to the so-called expert testimony. On this account I am not prepared to say that the order of reversal and remand for a new trial is erroneous.