Gonsalves v. First National Stores, Inc.

A husband and wife brought this civil action in the Superior Court to recover damages for injuries allegedly sustained when the wife slipped and fell in a store owned and operated by the defendant. When the jury was unable to reach a verdict, the trial justice, who earlier in the proceeding had reserved ruling on the defendant’s motion for a directed verdict against each plaintiff, granted the motion. The plaintiffs have appealed. Except where otherwise indicated we refer only to the wife’s action, but what we say with respect to it applies equally, wherever appropriate, to the husband’s.

At…