Staroba v. Heitkamp

ERICKSTAD, Chief Justice.

The only issue on appeal in this case is whether or not, as a matter of law, defendant Jerome Heitkamp is liable under the Family Car Doctrine for the negligent operation of a vehicle by his son, Richard. The plaintiff, Carol Staroba, brought this action against the defendants seeking damages for the wrongful death of her husband when the car he was driving collided with a 1973 Chevrolet pickup driven by defendant, Richard Heitkamp, on January 1, 1981. A jury trial was commenced during September, 1982, on the issue of liability only. The jury, by special verdict,…