Bailey v. . Meadows Company

The usual issues of negligence, contributory negligence and damage were submitted. There was a verdict and judgment for plaintiff, and defendants appealed. Taking the plaintiff's evidence in the most favorable view for him, we are of opinion that the motion to nonsuit should have been sustained. The plaintiff was working on the construction force engaged in building a railroad. The railroad was not in operation, as the rails were then being laid. Plaintiff and two fellow-servants were engaged in loading rails on a car by order of a foreman. Plaintiff states that, "We had our hands under the rail and they were so close that they dropped the rail on my hand before I could get it out." It is plain from plaintiff's own evidence that his injury was caused by the negligence of his fellow-servants, or else that it was the result of an unavoidable accident. In neither event would defendant be liable.

As the road was being constructed and not operated, the principles laid down in Nicholson v. R. R., 138 N.C. 516, and reiterated at this term inO'Neal v. R. R., ante, 404, bar a recovery. The motion to nonsuit is sustained.

Reversed.

Cited: S. c., 154 N.C. 71.