Stone v. Shaw Supply Co.

The plaintiff was burned severely on his right breast, the burn extending down to the lower part of his abdomen and up to the left arm pit. The burn was caused by the ignition of a piece of yellow phosphorus, which plaintiff had put in the pocket of his shirt. The heat of plaintiff’s body had caused the phosphorus to ignite.

The plaintiff was ten years old at the time and had secured the phosphorus as a gift from another boy who was nearly fifteen years old. The latter had purchased an ounce can of it from defendant, Shaw Supply Company.

This case is based upon the alleged negligence of…