What was the final result on appeal in the Case Opener involving whether the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur applied to the lawsuit brought against landowners after the plaintiff fell through a wooden dock located on the defendants' property?
A) That the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur applied.
B) That the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur did not apply because there was insufficient proof that the type of accident at issue would not normally happen in the absence of negligence.
C) That the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur did not apply because there was insufficient proof that the dock at issue was in the exclusive control of the defendants.
D) That the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur did not apply because it only applies in contract cases.
E) That whether or not the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur applied should be decided by the jury.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The doctrine of res ipsa loquitur applies when the accident is of a kind that does not normally occur in the absence of negligence, and the instrumentality causing the injury was in the exclusive control of the defendant. In this case, the plaintiff fell through a wooden dock located on the defendants' property. The type of accident at issue would not normally happen in the absence of negligence, and the dock was in the exclusive control of the defendants. Therefore, the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur applies.

What Was the Final Result on Appeal in the Case