Railroad Company v. Lockwood

84 U.S. (17 Wall) 357 (1973)

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Railroad Company v. Lockwood

United States Supreme Court
84 U.S. (17 Wall) 357 (1973)

Facts

Lockwood (defendant) was injured while riding a train operated by the New York Central Railroad Company (railroad) (plaintiff). Lockwood was admitted on the train by accepting a free pass requiring him to ride in the train car carrying his cattle. Acceptance of this free pass was conditioned on Lockwood’s signing an agreement waiving claims of liability against the railroad for damages caused by its own negligence. The railroad’s negligence was the cause of Lockwood’s injury. The United States Circuit Court for the Southern District of New York refused to enforce the waiver provision and awarded damages to Lockwood. The railroad appealed.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Bradley, J.)

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