Due to a severe thunderstorm, the lights in a crowded restaurant went out. At about the same time a diner was bothered by a bout of diarrhea. He went to the bathroom, which was located down a flight of stairs. Due to the lack of light, the diner fell while descending the stairs and broke his leg. Was the diner negligent for attempting to go down the stairs in the dark?
A) Yes, everyone knows it is difficult to go up or down stairs in the dark.
B) Yes, injury resulting from such a feat is foreseeable.
C) No, the attempt to descend the stairs was not the proximate cause of the injury.
D) No, the stairway was the only way to reach the bathroom, and the diner had a need that could not wait.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The diner had a need to use the bathroom that could not wait and the stairway was the only way to reach it. The lack of light was not something the diner had control over and it was reasonable for them to attempt to navigate the stairs in order to alleviate their medical need.

Due to a Severe Thunderstorm, the Lights in a Crowded