Texas & Pacific Ry. Co. v. Rigsby
United States Supreme Court
241 U.S. 33 (1916)
- Written by Denise McGimsey, JD
Facts
Rigsby (plaintiff) worked as a switchman for the Texas & Pacific Railway Company (Railway) (defendant). On September 4, 1912, Rigsby was moving railcars to an area for repairs. In doing so, he stood on top of a boxcar, where the handbrake was located. While disembarking, he fell and was injured on account of defective handholds or grab-irons making up the boxcar’s ladder. Rigsby sued the Railway pursuant to the Federal Safety Appliance Acts of 1893 and 1910, which required all railcars to be equipped with secure ladders, handholds, and grab-irons. A jury awarded damages to Rigsby, and the circuit court of appeals affirmed. The Railway sought review in the United States Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Pitney, J.)
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