Asked by Jasmine Renteria on Apr 30, 2024
Verified
The owner of a theatre negligently failed to install the requisite number of emergency exits. During a showing of Shakespeare's Macbeth,one of the intoxicated viewers got carried away and burned himself.The entire hall was ablaze.There was only one emergency exit.Thus,many people were killed in the stampede.Will the theatre owner be liable for negligence?
A) No,because the intervening cause of an intoxicated viewer burning himself absolves the theatre owner's liability.
B) No,because the viewer's reaction was completely unforeseeable by any reasonable man of ordinary prudence.
C) Yes,because the harm was foreseeable and the owner cannot escape his liability.
D) Yes,because though the harm was unforeseeable,the owner still cannot escape his breach of duty.
Negligent
Failing to take proper care in doing something, leading to damage or injury to another.
Foreseeable Harm
Damage or injury that a reasonable person should have anticipated as a likely outcome of their actions.
Intoxicated Viewer
A person under the influence of alcohol or drugs while watching media, affecting their perception and interpretation.
- Comprehend the fundamental concepts of negligence, encompassing the obligations of care, violation of these duties, the establishment of causation, and the assessment of damages.
- Understand the application of the proximate cause principle in negligence lawsuits and its consequences for assigning fault.
Verified Answer
MM
Michael MarescoMay 06, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
The theatre is liable for both 'actual cause' under the substantial factor test and 'proximate cause' because of its failure to take adequate safety measures.
Learning Objectives
- Comprehend the fundamental concepts of negligence, encompassing the obligations of care, violation of these duties, the establishment of causation, and the assessment of damages.
- Understand the application of the proximate cause principle in negligence lawsuits and its consequences for assigning fault.