Asked by Yamile Espinosa on Jul 04, 2024

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Henry was burning leaves in his backyard. One of the burning leaves was lifted by the wind into Bob's yard next door. It landed on the lawnmower which exploded, setting fire to the wooden lawn furniture. Henry's best argument against liability to Bob would be:

A) the leaf was not a substantial factor in causing the damage.
B) the gasoline in the lawnmower is a superseding cause of the damage.
C) it was not foreseeable that the lawnmower would explode.
D) the damage was not caused by the leaf but by the gasoline.

Superseding Cause

An intervening act or event that breaks the direct connection between the original wrongful act and the injury that occurred, relieving the original offender of liability.

Substantial Factor

A significant element or cause that contributes in a meaningful way to a particular outcome.

Foreseeable

A condition or event that is predictable or should have been anticipated in the course of planning or decision making.

  • Identify and differentiate between the various elements and defenses in negligence and strict liability cases.
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Verified Answer

FI
Fatima ImranJul 10, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
C) It was not foreseeable that the lawnmower would explode. This argument suggests that Henry could not have reasonably anticipated that a leaf carried by the wind could cause a lawnmower to explode, leading to the subsequent damage. This lack of foreseeability could be used to argue against his liability for the damages caused.