Empire State Building Co. v. Bryde

The appellant, Empire State Building Company (Empire), appeals from a jury verdict rendered in the District Court for Douglas County, Nebraska. The jury found for the appellee, Joseph C. Bryde (Bryde), and against Empire on Empire’s claim for damages caused by the alleged negligence of Bryde. For reasons more fully set out hereafter, we reverse and remand for new trial.

Empire is the owner of a commercial building in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. Bryde, one of Empire’s tenants, operated a Quik Print shop in space located on the street level of Empire’s building. In addition to occupying the…