Dorrin Ex Rel. Dorrin v. Union Electric Co.

SNYDER, Presiding Judge.

Plaintiff David Dorrin, an eighteen year old college freshman, while in a tall tree located between Queeny Park and Mason Road in St. Louis County, came into contact with an uninsulated 7200 volt electric line maintained by defendant Union Electric. Dorrin suffered severe electrical burns on his back, right shoulder, left leg and left thumb, but survived the shock and ensuing fall.

Plaintiff tried the case on the theory that Union Electric was negligent in maintaining an uninsulated wire within the probable reach of persons who might climb the tree. Union Electric…