Sorensen v. Western Hotels, Inc.

The determinative issue here is whether a building code was retroactive, so as to make conditions in existing buildings unlawful which had theretofore been lawful.

The plaintiff, Byron M. Sorensen who had been a guest in the Leopold hotel at Bellingham for about six weeks, slipped while descending a ramp which connected an alley entrance to the hotel with the lobby. He brought an action against the Leopold Hotel Company. A jury awarded him substantial damages, and a judgment was entered on the verdict.

From that judgment the defendant, which we will hereafter refer to as the hotel, appeals and…