185 A. 80 | Conn. | 1936
The finding, although in certain respects going somewhat beyond the evidence, cannot be corrected in any respect materially affecting the issues upon this appeal. From it the following facts appear: The mother of the plaintiff purchased for her from the defendant a bar of nut chocolate which it had manufactured. The mother took it to the plaintiff's home and gave it to her. The plaintiff placed it in a refrigerator till later in the day, when she took it out, removed the foil wrapping which was about it and broke it into pieces, so that she and some guests might eat it. While she was eating a piece her tongue was injured by a pin so imbedded in the candy that it would not be perceived by anyone before placing it in the mouth. The injury caused a small granular tumor to develop, required medical treatment, and the plaintiff suffered pain, discomfort and anxiety; and the tumor has reappeared, making it probable that a surgical operation will be necessary.
The complaint was in two counts, one based on negligence and the other on breach of warranty, and the trial court found for the plaintiff upon both counts. It is necessary, however, only to consider that count based on negligence. The defendant offered no evidence as to the process, care or supervision used in the manufacture and handling of its products. The *396
conditions which justified the trial court under the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur in inferring negligence on its part were all present, unless it be by reason of the fact that, after the delivery of the candy to the plaintiff's mother, it passed out of the control of the defendant. Jump v. Ensign-Bickford Co.,
The damages awarded, $1250, cannot be deemed to be unreasonable in amount, in view of the likelihood that a further operation will be necessary, with the *397 physical and mental suffering and distress which will necessarily accompany it.
There is no error.
In this opinion the other judges concurred.