Court Opinion

ID: 6617196
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-07-20 20:24:34.156117+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:58:34.613292
License: Public Domain

Ellison, J.
Plaintiff sued defendant for breaking and damaging a certain leather-splitting machine. Judgment was given for plaintiff on a trial without a jury, and defendant appeals.
It appears from the testimony, or, to be more accurate, there was testimony going to show, that the machine was delivered to defendant for shipment in sound condition and well and securely packed, and that it arrived at its destination with the legs broken. There was a special contract exempting defendant from liability in certain instances named, and we will assume that such exemption included machinery such as this was. "We will also assume as true, a matter about which there was contention between the parties, that the letters indorsed on the freight contract were “O. R.,” and that such letters meant at the “owner’s risk,” and were so known to plaintiff. Defendant offered evidence going to show that the car in which the machine was placed was properly and carefully handled; that it received no rough handling, and that no accident happened to it. The case then is left to stand with the orms on plaintiff throughout and with the testimony above stated; and the only question is, does it make such a case as should be submitted to the triers of the facts? ¥e answer this in the affirmative. When the plaintiff delivered the machine to defendant in good condition, well and securely packed, and it was delivered by defendant at St. Louis, with the legs broken, it was circumstantial evidence from which a reasonable inference of negli*534gence on defendant’s part while the machine was in its charge as a carrier conld be drawn. It was evidence for the court (trying the case as a jury) to consider in connection with the defendant’s testimony as to the care taken, etc. That consideration has resulted in plaintiff’s favor, and we do not feel authorized to disturb it. This case is similar (though stronger for this plaintiff) to the case of Witting v. Railroad, 101 Mo. 631. As. stated in that case the onus, in cases of this sort, is on the plaintiff throughout the trial to prove the negligence of defendant; and, though such negligence will not be presumed, it may be inferred from circumstances legitimately appearing in the case. The judgment is with the concurrence of all affirmed.