McKenzie Equipment Co. v. Hess Oil & Chemical Corp.

REAVLEY, Justice.

This case turns on a lease contract and whether its terms enlarge the lessee’s liability beyond that of the common law standard. McKenzie Equipment Co., Inc., the owner and lessor, sued Hess Oil & Chemical Corporation, the lessee, for fire damage to an air compressor. Following a jury verdict absolving it of negligent causation, Hess obtained a favorable judgment in the trial court. The court of civil appeals affirmed. 446 S.W.2d 903, 905. We reverse that judgment, hold that Hess is liable under the terms of the lease for the fire damage even though it was a result of an…