(Download) "Martha Cobb v. Standard Drug Company" by District of Columbia Court of Appeals. ~ Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Martha Cobb v. Standard Drug Company
- Author : District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
- Release Date : January 10, 1982
- Genre: Law,Books,Professional & Technical,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 62 KB
Description
On June 9, 1992, Tezia Allen, who was not quite two years old, was beaten to death by her mothers live-in male companion, Eustus Smith. Smith was convicted of criminal charges arising out of the murder. At about the same time, Tezias brother, Vann Allen, was the victim of physical abuse in the home. The childrens father, Van Harris, on behalf of Vann and as personal representative of Tezias estate, filed a complaint for damages against the District of Columbia and Eustus Smith related to Tezias death and Vanns injuries. A jury returned a verdict for the estate in the amount of $250,000 and for Vann in the amount of $150,000. The District argues for reversal on the principal ground that it was entitled to judgment as a matter of law because the evidence failed to establish negligence on its part which would render it liable for the intervening criminal acts of Smith. Alternatively, the District contends that Harris failed to present expert testimony which was required to establish the standard of care. It also argues that the damages awarded to the estate and for the minor child, Vann, were excessive and that as to Vann, the evidence was insufficient to support a finding that his injuries were proximately caused by the District. We affirm the judgment in favor of the estate against the District, but reverse the judgment against the District as to Vanns claims.