Western Union Telegraph Co. v. Clark

The negligence of the telegraph company had nothing to do with the death of the plaintiff’s mother; indeed, the purpose of the telegram was to apprise the plaintiff of that fact. It cannot he, and is not, contended that the telegraph company should make compensation, in whole or in part, for the grief which plaintiff sustained on account of her mother’s death. The telegram, if promptly delivered, would have caused this anguish.

It may be assumed, and the jury no doubt found, that the plaintiff was not lacking in filial affection, and that her grief was augmented by the negligence of the…