Printed Terry Finishing Co. v. City of Lebanon

PRICE, Judge:

We are confronted here with consolidated appeals of unusual complexity and length. On April 30, 1970, a fire substantially destroyed the building and machinery used by Printed Terry Finishing Company, Inc. (Printed Terry) to emboss colored designs on terry cloth towels. Eight months later, Printed Terry filed a complaint in trespass charging the City of Lebanon (City) and Pitometer Associates, Inc. (Pitometer) with negligently causing the fire which ravaged its factory. A trial, bifurcated as to liability and damages, resulted in a jury verdict in favor of Printed Terry and…