35 Ga. App. 438 | Ga. Ct. App. | 1926
Something might be said in elaboration of the third division of the syllabus. As to the first count the plaintiff made out a prima facie case by showing himself to be the lawful holder of the bill of lading; that the goods were received by the defendant for shipment in good condition, and that when delivered by it they were damaged by decay; and that he was damaged thereby to an amount named. In order for the defendant carrier to absolve itself from liability for the damage to the shipment, it then became incumbent upon it to show that the loss was occasioned by an act of God or of the public enemy, unmixed with any negligence on its own part contributing thereto. Where, as here, however, the shipment consisted of perishable goods, the rule just stated is complied with by showing that the loss was occasioned by an inherent vice in the goods themselves or by their ■natural deterioration, unmixed with contributory negligence on the part of the defendant. The defendant, contending all the
Judgment on the first count affirmedj and on the remaining count, designated as No. 8, reversed.