48 So. 493 | Ala. | 1909
This is an action by the appellee against the appellant for damages caused by the operations of the defendant in mining coal under the lands of plaintiff, causing the surface of same to part and open, or crack, destroying a well and diminishing the value of his real estate.
The complaint does not state whether or not the defendant is the owner of the minerals under said land, nor by what right it was carrying on mining operations thereunder, nor does it contain any allegation with regard to the manner of excavating — whether done negli gently or improperly, or in a proper manner.
It seems proper to consider, first the main contention, around which cluster the special points in the case, and
The court erred in overruling the demurrer to the complaint as amended. The complaint should have stated the time when the grievance complained of occurred, and it should also have stated facts showing whether the defendant was a trespasser, or acted under any right, in making the excavation.- Mayor, etc., of Huntsville v. Ewing, 116 Ala. 576, 582, 583, 22 South. 984.
It results, also, from the principle above announced, that the court did not err in refusing to give the general charge in favor of the defendant-, nor in refusing to give the second, fourth, and fifth charges, requested by the' defendant.
The court erred in refusing to give charge No. 3, requested by the defendant. While there is a difference as to the commencement of the running of the statute of
The judgment of the court is reversed, and the cause remanded.