Torts and Personal Injury Law

by Buckley,William

• ISBN13: 9780766847613
• ISBN10: 0766847616
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-08-11
• Publisher: Cengage Learning

Summary

Torts and Personal Injury Law, 3rd Edition is a compilation of only cases with the greatest application to each subject area, most of which have been decided since 2000. It presents the most memorable cases and examples, and presents hypotheticals with the purpose of helping to reinforce the material for the student. It is written in simple terms for those with an interest in personal injury law but unaccustomed to reading statutes.

Table of Contents

Preface	xix
Table of Cases	xxv
CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Torts and Legal Analysis	1	(16)
1.1 Introduction	2	(1)
1.2 Torts Defined	2	(2)
Sources of Tort Law	3	(1)
Broad Categories of Tort Law	3	(1)
1.3 History of Tort Law	4	(1)
The King's Writs	5	(1)
Evolution of Modern Tort Law	5	(1)
1.4 Public Policy Objectives in Tort Law	5	(2)
Protecting Persons and Property: Accountability	5	(1)
Minimum Standards of Conduct: Deterrence	6	(1)
Allocating Losses among Different Individuals or Groups	6	(1)
1.5 Analyzing Hypothetical Problems	7	(1)
Analytical Framework for Hypotheticals: IRAC	7	(1)
Factual Distinctions Result in Different Conclusions	8	(1)
1.6 Solving Tort Problems	8	(2)
Tort Analysis: From General to Specific	8	(1)
Hypothetical	9	(1)
1.7 Overview of a Civil Case	10	(2)
Complaint	10	(1)
Answer	11	(1)
Discovery	11	(1)
Pretrial Procedures	11	(1)
Trial	11	(1)
Post-Trial Procedures	12	(1)
1.8 Case Resolution	12	(5)
Alternate Dispute Resolution	12	(1)
Arbitration	12	(1)
Mediation	12	(1)
Minitrial	12	(1)
Rent-a-Judge	12	(1)
Summary Jury Trial	13	(4)
CHAPTER 2 Negligence	17	(42)
2.1 Introduction	18	(1)
2.2 Negligence	18	(1)
Negligence Defined: Reasonable Care	18	(1)
Acts or Omissions	19	(1)
2.3 Elements of Negligence	19	(1)
2.4 Scope of Duty and Standard of Reasonable Care	20	(10)
Duty Defined	20	(1)
Scope of Duty	20	(2)
Foreseeability	22	(1)
Foreseeable Plaintiffs Theory	23	(1)
Standard of Reasonable Care	23	(1)
The Reasonable Person Standard	24	(1)
Professional Malpractice	25	(1)
Matching Skill and Disabilities	25	(1)
Medical Malpractice	26	(2)
Special Duty Based upon Special Relationship	28	(2)
2.5 Causation of Injury	30	(7)
Cause-in-Fact	31	(1)
Substantial Factor Analysis	31	(2)
Joint and Several Liability	33	(1)
Contribution	34	(1)
Courts and Causation	34	(3)
2.6 Proximate Cause	37	(8)
Foreseeability of Injury	37	(1)
Proximate Cause and Scope of Duty Combined	38	(4)
"Taking the Victim as You Find Him"	42	(3)
2.7 Damages	45	(3)
Compensatory Damages	46	(1)
General Damages	46	(1)
Special Damages	46	(1)
Economical and Non-Economical Damages	46	(1)
Verdict	46	(1)
Nominal Damages	47	(1)
Punitive Damages	47	(1)
2.8 Proving Negligence	48	(5)
Burdens of Proof and Rejoinder	49	(1)
Res Ipsa Loquitur	49	(4)
2.9 Violation of a Statute	53	(6)
CHAPTER 3 Special Negligence Actions	59	(32)
3.1 Introduction	60	(1)
3.2 Premises Liability	60	(13)
Land Owner's Different Duties of Reasonable Care	61	(1)
Victim's Status on Land Defines Scope of Duty	61	(1)
Modern Judicial Trends	61	(1)
Land Owner's "Zero Duty" Toward Trespassers	62	(1)
Special Rule for Trespassing Children: Attractive Nuisance	62	(4)
Licensees Defined	66	(1)
Land Owner's Duty of Reasonable Care Toward Licensees	66	(1)
Invitees Defined	67	(1)
Land Owner's Highest Duty of Reasonable Care Toward Invitees	68	(1)
Invitees and Licensees Distinguished	68	(1)
Implicit or Express Invitation	68	(1)
Limited Areas of Invitation	68	(2)
Using Traditional Negligence Theory in Land Owner Cases	70	(3)
3.3 Vicarious Liability	73	(5)
Vicarious Liability Defined	73	(1)
Employment Not an Essential Element	73	(1)
Respondeat Superior	74	(1)
Coming and Going Rule	74	(1)
Frolic and Detour Rule	75	(1)
Independent Contractors	75	(1)
Motor Vehicle Vicarious Liability	76	(2)
3.4 Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress	78	(6)
Extra Elements in the Common Law	78	(1)
Impact Rule	78	(1)
Physical Manifestations Rule	79	(1)
Zone of Danger Rule	79	(2)
Family Relationships Rule	81	(1)
California Approach	81	(3)
3.5 Negligence Per Se	84	(7)
Defenses to Negligence Per Se	84	(1)
Plaintiff Within Class of Persons Protected by Statute	85	(1)
Absolute Liability Mislabeled as Negligence Per Se	85	(1)
Toxic Torts as Negligence Per Se	86	(5)
CHAPTER 4 Defenses to Negligence	91	(20)
4.1 Introduction	92	(1)
4.2 How Negligence Defenses Are Used	92	(1)
4.3 Contributory Negligence and Last clear Chance	93	(2)
Contributory Negligence Defined	93	(1)
Last Clear Chance	94	(1)
4.4 Comparative Negligence	95	(4)
Elements	95	(1)
The Balancing Act	95	(1)
Criticism of Comparative Negligence	96	(3)
4.5 Assumption of Risk	99	(5)
Voluntary Assumption of Known Risk	100	(1)
Full Appreciation of Danger	100	(1)
Proof of Assumption of Risk	101	(1)
The Complete Defense	101	(3)
4.6 Statutes of Limitations	104	(7)
CHAPTER 5 Intentional Torts: Injuries to Persons	111	(62)
5.1 Intentional Torts in General	112	(1)
Intent and Action Together	112	(1)
Crime versus Torts	113	(1)
5.2 Assault and Battery	113	(9)
Assault Defined	114	(2)
Battery Defined	116	(1)
Transferred Intent	117	(5)
5.3 False Imprisonment	122	(8)
Confinement	122	(2)
Physical Barriers Restricting Movement	124	(1)
Express or Implied Threats of Force	125	(1)
Captive's Consent to Confinement	125	(1)
Intent to Confine	125	(1)
Confinement for Appreciable Time Period	126	(1)
No Reasonable Means of Escape	126	(4)
5.4 Infliction of Emotional Distress	130	(10)
Intentional Infliction	130	(1)
Outrageous Conduct	130	(5)
Reckless Infliction	135	(1)
Sexual Harassment	136	(4)
5.5 Fraud and Misrepresentation	140	(5)
Definitions and Distinctions	140	(1)
False Statements Intended to Deceive	141	(1)
Knowledge of Falsity of Information	141	(1)
Tortfeasor's Profit from Deception	141	(1)
Innocent Party's Injury	141	(4)
5.6 Malicious Prosecution and Abuse of Process	145	(6)
Malixious Prosecution	145	(1)
Groundless Criminal Prosecution	145	(1)
Abuse of Process	146	(5)
5.7 Invasion of Privacy	151	(9)
Appropriation	151	(1)
Unreasonable Intrusion	151	(5)
Public Disclosure of Private Facts	156	(2)
False Light in the Public Eye	158	(2)
5.8 Defamation: Libel and Slander	160	(13)
Nature of the Statement	160	(1)
Harm to Reputation in the Community	161	(1)
Publication	161	(1)
Public Figures	161	(1)
Slander Per Se	161	(1)
Truth and Privilege as Absolute Defenses	162	(11)
CHAPTER 6 Intentional Torts: Injuries to Property	173	(46)
6.1 Introduction	174	(1)
6.2 Trespass to Land	174	(7)
Elements of Trespass to Land	174	(1)
Entry Defined	175	(1)
Unauthorized Entry	175	(1)
No Actual Harm Required	176	(1)
Intentional Interference	176	(1)
Possession: Land Owner's Exclusive Right to Use	176	(3)
Trespass Above and Below Land: Is the Sky the Limit?	179	(2)
6.3 Toxic Tort Actions	181	(7)
Nature of the Problem	181	(4)
Toxic Trespass	185	(3)
Importance of Environmental Statutes	188	(1)
6.4 Trespass to Chattel	188	(6)
Unauthorized Possession of Another's Chattel	189	(1)
Unauthorized Interference with Use	189	(2)
Intent to Deprive or Interfere	191	(3)
6.5 Conversion	194	(6)
History	194	(1)
Elements of Conversion	195	(1)
Depriving of Possession	195	(1)
Extent of Deprivation	195	(1)
Methods of Depriving	195	(1)
Intent to Deprive and Convert to Own Use	196	(1)
Lack of Consent	196	(2)
Conversion as a Crime	198	(2)
6.6 Slander of Title, Commercial Disparagement, and Defamation by Computer	200	(19)
Slander of Title	200	(1)
Commercial Disparagement	201	(3)
Defamation by Computer	204	(1)
Computerized Credit Reporting	204	(5)
Creation of a New Tort	209	(10)
CHAPTER 7 Defenses to Intentional Torts	219	(42)
7.1 Introduction	220	(1)
7.2 Self Defense	221	(3)
Reasonable Force	222	(1)
Countering an Attacking or Offensive Force	222	(1)
Force Necessary to Prevent Injury, Offensive Contact, or Confinement	222	(2)
7.3 Defense of Persons or Property	224	(4)
Defense of Persons: Elements	224	(1)
Defense of Property: Elements	225	(3)
7.4 Rightful Repossession	228	(5)
Retaking Possession of Personal Property	229	(1)
Prompt Repossession Efforts	229	(1)
Wrongful Denial of Possession	229	(1)
Wrongful Dispossession	230	(3)
7.5 Consent	233	(4)
Informed Consent: Voluntary Acceptance	234	(1)
Implied Consent	234	(3)
7.6 Mistake	237	(3)
Good-Faith Conviction	238	(1)
Belief Based upon Inaccurate Information	238	(1)
Otherwise Tortious Acts	238	(1)
The Restatement (Second) of Tots	238	(2)
7.7 Privilege	240	(3)
Motives and Socially Desirable Goals	240	(1)
Less Injurious Alternatives	241	(1)
Similarity Between Privilege and Other Defenses	241	(1)
The Restatement (Second) Position	241	(2)
7.8 Necessity	243	(3)
Thwarting a More Substantial Harm	243	(1)
External Forces	244	(1)
Reasonably Necessary Action	244	(1)
The Restatement (Second) Position	245	(1)
7.9 Public Officer's Immunity for Legal Process Enforcement	246	(4)
Service of Process	247	(1)
Execution Sales	247	(1)
Attachment or Replevin	247	(1)
Arrest by Warrant	248	(1)
Prosecutors and Judges	248	(2)
7.10 Warrantless Arrest by Law Enforcement Officials or Citizens	250	(2)
7.11 Statutes of Limitations	252	(2)
7.12 Workers' Compensation	254	(7)
CHAPTER 8 Strict, or Absolute, Liability	261	(26)
8.1 Introduction	262	(1)
8.2 An Overview of Strict Liability	262	(2)
Fault Is Irrelevant	262	(1)
Limitations to Absolute Liability	263	(1)
Public Policy Objectives Behind Strict Liability	263	(1)
Insurance Analogy	263	(1)
Historical Development	263	(1)
8.3 Abnormally Dangerous Activities	264	(9)
Restatement (Second) Rule	264	(2)
Hazards Outweigh Benefits: Balancing Test	266	(2)
Defenses	268	(3)
Public Policy Objectives Behind Statutory Immunity	271	(2)
8.4 Mass Torts	273	(3)
8.5 Animal Owners' Liability	276	(5)
Wild Animals Defined	276	(1)
Ownership of Wildlife	276	(1)
Importance of Wildlife Ownership	276	(1)
Comparison with Domesticated Animals	277	(1)
Vicious Propensity Rule	277	(1)
Defenses in Animal Absolute Liability Cases	277	(2)
Dog-Bite Statutes	279	(2)
8.6 Scope of Liability: Proximate Cause	281	(6)
No Duty of Reasonable Care	282	(5)
CHAPTER 9 Products Liability	287	(32)
9.1 Introduction	288	(1)
9.2 Products Liability Theory and History	288	(5)
Public Policy Objectives Behind Products Liability	289	(1)
Historical Development of Products Liability	289	(4)
9.3 Parties	293	(2)
Manufacturers and Sellers	293	(1)
The Ultimate User	294	(1)
9.4 Elements	295	(11)
No Privity of Contract Requirement	295	(1)
Negligence Is Irrelevant	295	(1)
a Typical Products Liability Formula	295	(1)
Restatement (Second) Rule	296	(1)
Unreasonably Dangerous Products	296	(1)
Consumer Contemplation Test	297	(1)
Danger/Utility Test	298	(1)
Business Requirement	299	(1)
Substantially Unchanged Condition Requirement	299	(1)
Proximate Cause	300	(1)
Proper Use Requirement	300	(2)
Foreseeable Plaintiffs Theory	302	(4)
9.5 Defenses	306	(8)
Contributory or Comparative Negligence Not a Defense	307	(1)
Ultimate User's Misuse of Product	307	(1)
Assumption of Risk	308	(6)
9.6 Comparison to Contract Law Warranties	314	(1)
9.7 Bad Faith	314	(5)
CHAPTER 10 Special Tort Actions	319	(36)
10.1 Introduction	320	(1)
10.2 Nuisances	320	(11)
Private Nuisance Defined	321	(1)
Unreasonable and Substantial Defined	321	(1)
Community Standard	321	(1)
Use and Enjoyment	321	(1)
Classic Examples	321	(1)
Physical Effects on Land	322	(4)
"Coming to the Nuisance Defense"	326	(5)
10.3 Public Nuisances	331	(5)
Use and Enjoyment of Common Legal Rights	331	(1)
Governments as Plaintiffs	331	(1)
Types of Public Nuisances	331	(1)
Mixed Nuisances	332	(1)
Nuisances Per Se	332	(1)
"Coming to the Nuisance" Not a Defense	332	(4)
10.4 Remedies or Nuisances	336	(7)
Abatement	337	(1)
Money Damage's	337	(1)
Injunctions	337	(4)
Review of Hypotheticals	341	(2)
10.5 Survival Statutes and Wrongful Death Statutes	343	(4)
Typical Facts in Wrongful Death Cases	343	(1)
Plaintiffs in Wrongful Death Actions	343	(1)
Damages	344	(1)
Loss of Consortium	344	(1)
Defenses	344	(3)
10.6 Wrongful Birth	347	(8)
Typical Fact Pattern: Genetic Counseling Gone Awry	347	(1)
Wrongful Life: The New Tort	348	(7)
CHAPTER 11 Tort Immunities	355	(16)
11.1 Introduction	356	(1)
11.2 Governmental, or Sovereign, Immunity	356	(3)
History	356	(1)
Modern Applications	357	(1)
Difficulty with the Governmental/Proprietary Distinction	358	(1)
Modern Steps to Eliminate the Distinction	358	(1)
Suits Against States	358	(1)
11.3 Public Officers	359	(3)
Exceptions	359	(1)
Who Is Protected	359	(1)
Rationale for Immunity	359	(3)
11.4 Children of Tender Years	362	(3)
Definition	362	(1)
Absolute Immunity for Intentional Torts	362	(1)
Immunity from Negligence	362	(3)
11.5 Spousal/Family Immunity	365	(1)
Spousal Immunity	365	(1)
Family Immunity (parent/child)	365	(1)
11.6 Workers' Compensation	366	(5)
CHAPTER 12 Paralegal Ethics	371	(24)
12.1 Introduction	372	(1)
12.2 NALA Ethics Code and Guidelines	372	(7)
Restricted Duties	372	(1)
NALA Model Standards and Guidelines for Utilization of Legal Assistants	373	(2)
Paralegal Representation Before Administrative Agencies	375	(1)
Lay Representation in Justice or Small Claims Court	375	(1)
Supervised Duties	375	(1)
No Independent Legal Judgment	376	(1)
Protecting Client confidences	376	(1)
Avoiding the Appearance of Impropriety	376	(1)
Integrity and Competency	376	(1)
Lawyer Ethics Rule Application	377	(1)
Model Standards' List of Permissible Activities	377	(1)
Legal Effect of NALA Rules	377	(2)
12.3 NFPA Code and Model Rules	379	(1)
NFPA Model Rules	380	(1)
12.4 ABA Code and Model Rules	380	(5)
ABA Code of Professional Responsibility	381	(4)
12.5 Hypothetical Problems	385	(4)
12.6 Further Ethics Information	389	(6)
CHAPTER 13 Tort Investigation	395	(44)
13.1 Tort Investigation	396	(1)
13.2 Introduction to Investigation	397	(1)
13.3 The Importance of Tort Case Investigation	397	(1)
Paralegals and Investigators	397	(1)
Customizing the Investigation	398	(1)
Details, Details, Details!	398	(1)
Goals of Tort Case Investigation	398	(1)
13.4 Witness Interview Techniques and Questions	398	(5)
Client Interview Techniques	402	(1)
13.5 Determining and Locating Defendants	403	(9)
Using Discovery to Locate Defendants	403	(1)
Study Documents Carefully	403	(3)
Use Caution When Naming Defendants	406	(1)
Using the Telephone as a Research Tool	406	(1)
Internet Resources	406	(1)
Obtaining Information About Corporations	407	(1)
Obtaining Information About Partnerships	408	(1)
Obtaining the Names of Sole Proprietors and Partners	409	(1)
Ambulance Services and Fire Departments as Defendants	409	(2)
Investigating Licensed or Regulated Businesses	411	(1)
Sample Defendant Search	411	(1)
13.6 Document the Scene	412	(4)
Obtaining Visual Documentation, Measurements, and Other Details	412	(1)
Knowing the Evidentiary Rules for One's Jurisdiction	413	(1)
Using Proper Evidentiary Form	413	(2)
Hearsay Problems	415	(1)
Video and Computer Technologies	416	(1)
13.7 Public and Private Sector Resources	416	(4)
Local Governmental Agencies	416	(1)
Newspapers	417	(1)
Television and Radio News Reports	417	(1)
Computerized Databases	418	(1)
Additional Information Regarding Criminal Acts	418	(2)
13.8 Additional Areas to Investigate	420	(4)
Employment and Lost Wages	420	(1)
Expenses Related to the Injury	420	(2)
Insurance Coverage and Other Benefits	422	(1)
Previous Claims or Lawsuits of Plaintiff	422	(1)
Previous Injuries to Plaintiff	423	(1)
The Parties' Criminal Histories	423	(1)
Driving Records	423	(1)
13.9 Investigating Different Types of Tort Cases	424	(15)
Automobile Accident Cases	424	(1)
Medical Negligence Cases	425	(2)
Obtaining Information About Health Care Providers	427	(3)
Health Care Facilities that Receive Government Funding	430
APPENDICES
Appendix A Confidential Client Information Form	439	(6)
Appendix B Understanding Appellate Court Opinions	445	(4)
Appendix C Supplementary Cases	449	(56)
Glossary	505	(12)
Index	517