Golding v. Inhabitants of North Attleborough

51 N.E. 1076, 172 Mass. 223

• Court: Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
• Decided: November 23, 1898
• Status: Published

Opinion

Hammond, J.

The way was laid out as a State highway by the Massachusetts highway commission, and the work for which compensation is sought was done under the direction and control of the commission, acting under the authority of St. 1894, c. 497, entitled, “ An Act relating to State highways.”

The respondent town, under the authority originally given in • St. 1893, c. 476, re-enacted in St. 1894, c. 497, §4, contracted with the State highway commission to do the work, just as any individual contractor might have done. St. 1894, c. 497, § 3, provides that compensation to owners of adjoining lands for injuries to such lands is to be paid by the Commonwealth, after being determined in the manner provided in that section.. This remedy is adequate and complete, and excludes all other remedies.

This is not an action of tort, in which the injured party may sue either the servant who has caused the injury or his master. The work was done under authority of law, and only the statute remedy can be pursued.

Judgment for the respondent.