Herman v. Western Union Telegraph Co.

231 A.D. 298, 246 N.Y.S. 609, 1930 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS 7040

• Court: Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York
• Decided: December 26, 1930
• Status: Published

Opinions

Sherman, J.

The negligence charged is that of a messenger boy who, while operating a motorcycle, knocked down Mrs. Herman when crossing a public highway. There is evidence of negligence on the part of the messenger boy, but the complaints here have nevertheless been dismissed on the ground that the motorcycle was not shown to be under the control or ownership of defendant.

The complaint charges and the answer admits that “ defendant was engaged in the transmitting and delivery of telegraph messages in the City of New York,” and for that purpose “ employed certain messenger boys and supplied them with certain motorcycles hereinafter more specifically referred to.” Then follow allegations in the complaint to the effect that the aforementioned motorcycle operated by defendant ran into Mrs. Herman.

Upon proof of the facts of the accident a prima facie case was made out.

Proof was also given showing that this motorcycle at the time of the accident was operated by an employee of defendant while returning to defendant’s office after having delivered a telegram. A jury could find that such use was countenanced by defendant.

The dismissal of the complaint in each of these actions at the close of each plaintiff’s case, was error.

The judgments appealed from should be reversed and a new trial ordered, with costs to each appellant to abide the event.

Dowling, P. J., Finch and McAvoy, JJ., concur; Martin, J., dissents.