Plummer v. Henry Ex Rel. Roberts

Plaintiff alleged facts sufficient, if proved, to support a verdict against the owner-defendant, who in this case was father of the driver-defendant, on two theories: First, under the “family purpose doctrine,” and second, on the theory of negligent entrustment. North' Carolina recognizes both. Grindstaff v. Watts, 254 N.C. 568, 119 S.E. 2d 784 (family purpose); Roberts v. Hill, 240 N.C. 373, 82 S.E. 2d 373 (negligent entrustment). The family purpose doctrine is an extension of the principle of respondeat superior by which the negligence of the driver is imputed to the family member who…