Baumler v. Narragansett Brewing Co.

51 A. 203, 23 R.I. 611, 1902 R.I. LEXIS 145

• Court: Supreme Court of Rhode Island
• Decided: February 21, 1902
• Status: Published

Opinion

Per Curiam.

We fail to see any material difference in principle, between the allegations in the amended declaration and those which were contained in the original declaration.

(1) If it was necessary for the plaintiff ‘ ‘ to assume a cramped position and to worm in ” to the space underneath the vats, as now alleged, this fact must necessarily have been known to him as he entered. If the space was irregular, and there were blocks or supports which made it difficult for him to get in, or to move around after getting in, his senses must have given him due warning thereof; and hence he cannot complain that he had no means of knowledge of the smallness and irregularity of the space.

He alleges that “he felt and knew as he worked that it was exceedingly difficult to move his body along the different projecting blocks.” Peeling and knowing the difficulty in which he was thus placed, however, he continued in his work until he finally became unable to extricate himself without injury.

In view of these facts, we fail to see that it can he reasonably said that he did not fully and intelligently assume the risk incident to the work.

As to the allegation that the plaintiff was unable to realize the danger because “his attention was taken up with his difficult work,” it is enough to say that the work of scrubbing a floor can hardly be considered so absorbing as to prevent the person engaged therein from taking notice of his surroundings, and from properly looking out for his own safety. In short, it cannot be claimed that there was any emergency connected with the doing of said work. And hence the case clearly does not come within the exception upon which plaintiffs counsel relies.

The demurrer is sustained, and case remitted to the Common Pleas Division, with direction to enter judgment for the defendant for its costs.