Western Union Telegraph Co. v. Compton
Supreme Court of Arkansas
Appeal from Hempstead Circuit Court; Jacob M. Carter, Judge; 1. Mental anguish damages are not recoverable in Oklahoma, where the default occurred. 2 Okla. 235; 115 Pac. 879; 77 Ark. 351; 92 Id. 219; 93 Id. 415; 94 Id. 89. 2. The provisions for a reduced rate are binding. 53 Ark. 434; 154 U. S. 1; 227 U. S. 639; 226 Id. 491; 35 A. L. R. 119; 191 U. S. 477. 3. Telegraphing between States is interstate commerce. Congress is supreme; its action is exclusive.
Read the full summary
Appeal from Hempstead Circuit Court; Jacob M. Carter, Judge; 1. Mental anguish damages are not recoverable in Oklahoma, where the default occurred. 2 Okla. 235; 115 Pac. 879; 77 Ark. 351; 92 Id. 219; 93 Id. 415; 94 Id. 89. 2. The provisions for a reduced rate are binding. 53 Ark. 434; 154 U. S. 1; 227 U. S. 639; 226 Id. 491; 35 A. L. R. 119; 191 U. S. 477. 3. Telegraphing between States is interstate commerce. Congress is supreme; its action is exclusive. The State is superseded. 24 Stat. L. 379-384; II. 444-5, 546; 96 U. S. 1; 105 Id. 460; 122 Id. 347; 127 Id. 640; 132 Id. 473; 162 Id. 650;…
1Opinion of the CourtMcCulloch, C. J.
Plaintiff was the addressee of a telegraph message sent over defendant’s line from Nashville, Arkansas, to Hugo, Oklahoma, acquainting him of the critical illness of his child, and there was negligent delay at the point of destination in the delivery of the message, which prevented plaintiff from reaching the bedside of his child before its death, and plaintiff thereby suffered mental anguish.
The trial jury awarded damages in a sum which is not claimed to be excessive under the testimony.
According to the statutes of this State, mental anguish is an element of recoverable damages for…
2Cases cited10 opinions
- Adams Express Company v. CroningerSupreme Court of the United States · 1912
- Kansas City Southern Railway Co. v. CarlSupreme Court of the United States · 1913
- Boston & Maine Railroad v. HookerSupreme Court of the United States · 1914
- Pennsylvania R. Co. v. HughesSupreme Court of the United States · 1903
- Western Union Telegraph Co. v. Commercial Milling Co.Supreme Court of the United States · 1910
5 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.
3Cited by26 opinions
- Gardner v. Western Union Telegraph Co.Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit · 1916
- Western Union Telegraph Co. v. LeeCourt of Appeals of Kentucky · 1917
- Western Union Telegraph Co. v. Bank of SpencerSupreme Court of Oklahoma · 1916
- Western Union Telegraph Co. v. JohnsonSupreme Court of Arkansas · 1914
- Western Union Telegraph Co. v. HawkinsSupreme Court of Alabama · 1916
21 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.