Hendry v. North Hampton

51 A. 283, 71 N.H. 26, 1901 N.H. LEXIS 7

Opinion

Parsons, J.

Although the plaintiff was unavoidably prevented from filing her statement as to the injuries alleged within the ten days required by the statute, her petition to be allowed to file the same is not granted unless it also appears that “ manifest injustice would otherwise be done.” P. S., c. 76, s. 9. Whether upon the whole case the denial of an opportunity to litigate the plaintiff’s claim would constitute manifest injustice is a question of fact. Harvey v. Northwood, 65 N. H. 117; Sewell v. Webster, 59 N. H. 586, 587.

The reserved case does not show that evidence was not presented upon which this fact might not be found in favor of the plaintiff. Chadbourne v. Exeter, 67 N. H. 190; Gitchell v. Andover, 59 N. H. 363; Bolles v. Dalton, 59 N. H. 479. If it is so found, the plaintiff is entitled to judgment. The fact is not found; but the petition was dismissed because, as the case is understood, the court determined the question of the cause of the plaintiff’s injury, as matter of law, adversely to the plaintiff, and for that reason only dismissed the petition. Such ruling was erroneous, for the question whether the proximate cause of the injury was the hole in the wheel track or the dangerous embankment is one of fact. Ela v. Cable Co., ante, p. 1. For this error the order dismissing the petition is set aside and the case recommitted for a specific finding whether upon the whole case the granting of the petition is or is not necessary to prevent manifest injustice. Judgment will then, be rendered as the fact is found.

Gase discharged.

All concurred.