Helms v. Telegraph Co.
Supreme Court of North Carolina
ActioN by M. A. Helms against Western Union Telegraph Company, heard by Judge B. B. Peebles at the October Term, 1906, of the Superior Court of MeckxenbuRG.
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ActioN by M. A. Helms against Western Union Telegraph Company, heard by Judge B. B. Peebles at the October Term, 1906, of the Superior Court of MeckxenbuRG. This action was instituted by the plaintiff to recover damages for mental anguish on account of the failure of the defendant to promptly deliver to his son-in-law, at Charlotte, N. C., a message which the plaintiff had sent through John Helms from Pineville, N. C., in the following words: “Will Helms, Charlotte, N. C. “Mother very sick. Come at once. “(Signed) John Helms.” Erom verdict and judgment rendered, defendant appealed.
1Dissent
OlaeK, C. L,
dissenting: On 18 December, 1905, the plaintiff’s wife became ill at their home in Pineville, N. 0., and the plaintiff directed his son, John Helms, to go to the telegraph office and send a message to his son-in-law, Will ITelms, who resided in Charlotte, and tell him that plaintiff’s wife was very sick, and wanted him to come, and come at once. Accordingly John Helms delivered for transmission the following telegram:
“Will HelMS, Charlotte, N. C.
■ “Mother very sick. Come at once. JohN Helms.”
The jury found that the defendant negligently delayed the transmission of this telegram,…
2Cases cited28 opinions
- Gorrell v. Greensboro Water Supply Co.Supreme Court of North Carolina · 1899
- Young v. Western Union Telegraph Co.Supreme Court of North Carolina · 1890
- Sherrill v. Western Union Telegraph Co.Supreme Court of North Carolina · 1891
- Williams v. Telegraph Co.Supreme Court of North Carolina · 1904
- Western Union Telegraph Co. v. BroescheTexas Supreme Court · 1889
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