Meier v. Shrunk

79 Iowa 17 | Iowa | 1890

Given, J.

i , . ' sonai?nj:u?r“ negligence: I. The testimony objected to was to the effect that defendant frequently permitted his bull t° run at large in the road; as to the char-ac^er and general reputation of the bull as being vicious : and what had been told to plaintiff on that subject. There was no error in admitting this testimony. If the defendant frequently permitted his bull to run at large, that fact was proper to be considered in determining whether he was at large with defendant’s permission at the time plaintiff was attacked. The disposition of the bull, and what the plaintiff knew about it, were proper subjects for consideration in determining whether plaintiff negligently provoked the attack, or whether it was made without provocation. Plaintiff’s information as to the disposition of the bull was material in deciding whether he acted negligently or not.

contributory' II. Appellant’s motion to set aside the general verdict, and for judgment and for costs was properly overruled. There was evidence from which the jury might find as they did. It was not negligent of itself for plaintiff to strike the bull with his cane. Whether such striking was negligent or not depends upon the attending circumstances. If the plaintiff might reasonably believe that by striking the bull with his cane he would thereby avoid danger, he might properly do so. Hence there is no conflict between the findings, nor between them and the general verdict.

g instruction, III. For the reasons already stated, there was no error in refusing a new trial on the grounds alleged, respect to the special findings. The general verdict is certainly not contrary to the evidence, and we think is so fully supported by it that the court should not interfere with the conclusion of the jury. The third special finding submitted by the court directed the attention of the jury specifically to the question as to whether the plaintiff was negligent; thus pointing out one of the important questions for them to determine. The court instructed the jury that the plaintiff was not required to prove that the highway was legally established as such; that the evidence was sufficient if it showed that the road was open to the public, and used by the public as a highway; and that, if the bull was loose in such highway, not under control, he was running at large. One of the purposes of the law in requiring such animals to be restrained is that the people may not be exposed to attacks from them, while in open places, where the public may rightfully go, whether the place has been dedicated to public use or not.

sber5!isnum’ The court also instructed the jury that “the defendant claims that plaintiff, in passing the bull, provoked the bull to make the attack upon him, by striking the bull with a cane or stick, without reasonable cause. If you find that the plaintiff struck the bull, and thereby excited him to make the attack, you will not assume, as a matter of law, that the plaintiff was in fault, but you will inquire whether, under the circumstances, the plaintiff had or had not reasonable cause to strike the bull with his cane. You will carefully notice wffiat the plaintiff did, if anything; his situation at the time, as it appeared to him; and all the circumstances surrounding him; and decide whether he acted as a man' of ordinary prudence or not.” We repeat that it was not negligence, of itself, for the plaintiff to strike the bull and that whether the act was negligent or not must be determined by the circumstances. The instruction is in accord with this view.

____ ' knoe^?edgeS The court also instructed the jury that the plaintiff was not required to prove that the defendant knew the bull was vicious, “and that every owner of ' a prohibited from allowing his bull to run at large, and if he permit such bull to be at large on the public highway, in violation of the law, he is made liable for all damages done by such bull while so unlawfully at large, unless the injured party is himself at fault.” These instructions are in accord with section 2255, McClain’s Code.

B' pieadiñ^1; : instructions, Upon, the subject of damages the court instructed as follows: “If you find for the plaintiff, y0u will assess the damages to which you believe him entitled. In so doing you will allow ^ wpat pe pas paid out for medical, and surgical treatment of his injuries; (2) a reasonable compensation for his loss of time, in consequence of the injuries inflicted upon him by the bull; (3) a just and reasonable compensation on account of the pain and anguish caused to plaintiff by said injuries ; and if you find from the evidence that the plaintiff’s injuries are permanent, and that a partial disability, resulting from these injuries, will continue in the future, you may allow plaintiff something, also, on account of such future disability, taking care that such allowance is just and reasonable, and supported by the evidence of the case.” Appellant’s contention is that plaintiff did not claim for loss of time; the petition alleging that “the plaintiff became sick, sore and lame, and so continued for a long time, and is not yet fully recovered therefrom, during all of which the plaintiff thereby suffered great pain and was thereby prevented from performing his lawful business.” This is sufficient allegation to sustain an allowance of damages for loss of time. If appellant desired a more specific statement, he should have asked it by motion. While the value of his time was not as fully proven as it might be, yet there was evidence that he had been paid $1.75 a day before the injuries. Appellant’s further contention is that there is no claim for future disability. The plaintiff charges that he is not yet recovered from his injuries. This, we think, was sufficient to warrant the court-in submitting the question as to future damages. We find no error in the action and rulings of the district court. The judgment is therefore

Affirmed.