Wood v. Jaeger-Sykes, Inc.

While Donald Wood was operating a two-ton cast-iron compressor pump, which rested on a homemade platform located over a ditch, the platform collapsed. Wood fell into the ditch, and the compressor pump fell on top of him. He died of the injuries received in the accident.

Prior to Wood’s death, his wife, Madeline Wood, commenced an action against his employer. After his death, she commenced a second action, both individually and as the executrix of Wood’s estate, against several additional parties. In both cases, which were consolidated, the plaintiff alleged that the defendants were negligent…