Court Opinion

ID: 9719666
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 07:58:44.941321+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:24:08.770257
License: Public Domain

CRIPPEN, Judge,
(dissenting).
I agree that the case is governed by the immunity statute and the standard of care for a landowner toward a trespasser. However, I view the negligence law issue differently than my colleagues on the panel, and would remand the case for trial proceedings on issues of fact.
1.We cannot disregard danger as a matter of law by comparing a condition with one which has “inherently dangerous propensities, such as high voltage electrical wire.” The illustration of a high voltage wire is only one example of a case where a jury must determine the facts in order to apply standards formulated in the Restatement. Restatement (Second) of Torts § 335 (1965). We should take into account, for example, appellate approval of determinations on liability to a trespasser arising out of obstacles on a closed highway. Hanson v. Bailey, 249 Minn. 495, 83 N.W.2d 252 (1957); Wood v. State Dep’t of Highways, 295 So.2d 78 (La.Ct.App.), writ denied, 295 So.2d 446 (La.1974).
2. Little is gained by recognizing that by over-enlarging the prospects for recovery, “any artificial condition” could be the likely cause of death or serious bodily harm under the right circumstances. We cannot preclude a finding of danger under the Restatement standard by observing as a matter of policy that some applications may be questionable.
3. The serious harm standard pronounced in the Restatement has two components. First, the standard raises a question on the likelihood that harm will occur. Second, the standard refers to the seriousness of the likely harm. In the circumstances of this case, because the facilities are heavily used by the public there is a substantially greater risk of harm from a raised sidewalk joint. Serious harm may result from this danger. Upon a surprise fall on concrete, fractures are likely, especially for older citizens. Significantly, any fracture constitutes “substantial bodily harm” for purposes of the Minnesota Criminal Code. Minn.Stat. § 609.02, subd. 7a (1990). Application of the standard to the facts here begs for the judgment of a fact-finder.
4. It also unduly restricts governing standards to conclude as a matter of law that all conditions on the ground will likely be discovered by a person walking on the site. There is a fact issue on discoverability of a hazard where evidence shows a sidewalk joint that is indistinguishable from the surrounding walkway and located on a heavily used public walkway which pedestrians will assume is well maintained.
In sum, appellants have demonstrated issues that cannot be determined as a matter of law. I respectfully dissent.