Lawrence v. Craven Tire Co.

The question for decision in this case is whether an action will lie under Virginia law for the wrongful death of a stillborn child. The trial court held it would not, and accordingly sustained defendants’ demurrers to plaintiff’s motion for judgment and dismissed the action.

Plaintiff, William M. Lawrence, “administrator of the estate of Baby Girl Lawrence, deceased,” brought an action against Craven Tire Company, a Virginia corporation, Freddie Gray Spivey and certain individuals and trustees comprising a partnership known as Cherner-Shirlington Motor Company.

His motion for judgment alleged…