Rodriguez v. Bethlehem Steel Corp.

12 Cal. 3d 382, 115 Cal. Rptr. 765, 525 P.2d 669 (1974)

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Rodriguez v. Bethlehem Steel Corp.

California Supreme Court
12 Cal. 3d 382, 115 Cal. Rptr. 765, 525 P.2d 669 (1974)

SH

Facts

Richard Rodriguez and Mary Anne Rodriguez (Mary Anne) (plaintiff) were married. They were both employed; had active lives outside of work, including social and recreational activities; and were saving to buy a home and start a family. At work, Richard was injured when a 600-pound pipe fell on his head, severely damaging his spinal cord and leaving him paralyzed from mid-chest down. Mary Anne gave up her job and became a full-time caregiver. Richard lost the ability to engage in sexual intercourse or to father children. Mary Ann experienced depression, physical and emotional frustration, and other negative psychological effects because of the stress of caring for Richard; the changes to her work, social, and recreational life; and the difficulty of watching Richard undergo the pain and mental anguish from his injuries. In a suit against Bethlehem Steel Corporation (Bethlehem) (defendant), Mary requested damages for loss of consortium. The trial court held that Mary Ann did not have a valid claim for loss of consortium. Mary Ann appealed, and the appellate court affirmed the judgment. Mary Ann then appealed to the California Supreme Court.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Mosk, J.)

Dissent (McComb, J.)

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