Western Union Telegraph Co. v. Johnson

GRISSOM, Justice.

Mrs. Jesse Johnson, joined pro forma by her husband, sued the Western Union Telegraph Company for damages resulting from mental anguish suffered by Mrs. Johnson from the negligent failure of said company to deliver the following telegram:

“To Jesse Johnson,

“Route One,

“Tyler, Texas.

“Mother Shults is dead body will arrive here tonight.

“ [ Signed] Tiff Covington.”

Upon a jury verdict judgment was entered for Mrs. Johnson.

Mrs. Johnson was the daughter of the deceased referred to in the, telegram as “Mother Shults.” There was no extraneous notice to the defendant that the message…