Court Opinion

ID: 9587972
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 23:28:30.729648+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:00:56.644264
License: Public Domain

Carley, Judge,
dissenting.
The majority has announced a new rule in Georgia: A contractor or subcontractor who has contracted only to construct and not to design must not only exercise the requisite degree of skill, care and diligence in constructing, but he also must second-guess — without authority or power so to do — those who are charged with designing that which is to be constructed. As recognized by the majority, “the allegations of negligence in this case are not that the appellee was negligent in the performance of the construction of the pool, but that the design of the pool was so defective that appellee, as builder, is liable for any injuries caused by that pool.” I think that the case of PPG Industries v. Genson, 135 Ga. App. 248 (217 SE2d 479) (1975), which is cited by the majority, clearly delineates the scope of possible liability of a contractor who builds according to design as contrasted with that applicable to one who is responsible for preparing that design. Evidently, the majority relies upon the “well recognized exceptions to this general rule” enunciated in PPG. However, those exceptions deal with the work of the contractor and not with the design. See also Bell & Son v. Kidd & Roberts, 5 Ga. App. 581 (63 SE 607) (1908).
The majority cites Johnson v. Fowler Elec. Co., 157 Ga. App. 319 (2) (277 SE2d 312) (1981) for its conclusion that if the pool “is inherently or intrinsically dangerous,” “appellee is not insulated from liability by the fact that the pool was accepted and approved by the owner.” Johnson, is inapposite to the case at bar because, in Johnson, there were allegations and evidence that the contractor negligently installed wiring which resulted in the fire causing damage to the plaintiffs. As recognized by the majority, the instant case reveals no allegations or evidence which, in any way, attack the *233manner in which appellee performed the only duty it had: construction of the pool in accordance with designs and plans provided by the architect employed by the owner. I believe that the effect of the majority’s expansion of the scope of liability enveloping those involved in construction work will be to create a situation which is so unpredictable and unmanageable as to undermine and confuse the practical, fair and long established method for the determination of liability imputable to those who are, in fact, responsible for injuries or damages resulting from their conduct. I would affirm the grant of summary judgment to appellee and leave for jury resolution only the issues relating to plaintiff’s claims against the owner. Therefore, I respectfully dissent.
I am authorized to state that Chief Judge Quillian, Judge Birdsong and Judge Sognier join in this dissent.