Davison v. Snohomish County case brief summary

Davison v. Snohomish County case brief summary

F: The Ps were driving across a bridge and lost control. Their car skidded, broke through a railing, and fell to the ground. The Ps sued for their injuries, alleging that the county was negligent in not installing railings strong enough to keep a car from breaking through. The Ds alleged contributory negligence and denied its own negligence. TC ruled in favor of the Ps. The D first moved for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and was denied. Then the D appealed. 
 

R: county is not neg. for failing to build safety railing where the construction of such railing would create an undue burden on the county and prevent construction of other roads.

A: it’s extra hard to make sturdy railings on elevated causeways or viaducts. It is not reasonable to subject communities to liability for non-ideal safety precautions. 

C:reversed