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Brief Fact Summary. New York Central & R.R.’s (Defendant’s) train hit Browe’s (Plaintiff’s) wagon. Plaintiff was still confused from the accident, while third parties stole his goods. Plaintiff sued Defendant for damages resulting from the accident and sought recovery for the stolen goods.
Synopsis of Rule of Law. The acts of a third party do not affect the liability of the original wrongdoer if the act should have been reasonably foreseen.
Issue. Was the accident the proximate cause of the theft?
Held. Yes. Judgment affirmed.
* Defendant argues that its negligence was not the proximate cause of the loss of property, because thieves intentionally intervened. However, the negligence, which caused the collision, prevented the driver of the wagon from protecting his goods.
* The act of a third person intervening and contributing a condition necessary to the injurious effect of the original negligence will not excuse the first wrongdoer, if such an act ought to have been foreseen. In this case, Defendant found it necessary to have its freight train guarded by two detectives against thieves. Clearly, Defendant was aware of the possibility of thieves.
The perpetuation of the human race cannot be termed a voluntary act, but it rests upon instincts and desires, which are fundamentally imperative.
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