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Thompson v. Frankus

Maine Supreme Judicial Court

115 A.2d 718 (1955)

Facts

Thompson (plaintiff) tripped and fell on a stairway in a common area of an apartment building that Thompson was visiting. Thompson was injured in the fall. Thompson and her husband sued the apartment building’s landlord, Frankus (defendant). Evidence showed that the stairway’s covering was torn and that the common area lacked lighting. Evidence also showed that Thompson had navigated the stairway with reasonable care. However, Thompson was unable to recall or state the specific cause of her fall. The trial court directed verdicts for Frankus. Thompson appealed.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Webber, J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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