Maule Industries, Inc. v. Watson

Appellant is the owner of a quarry and rockpit located at Pennsuco, Florida, where early in 1964 three men lost their lives as a result of an unfortunate explosion. One of those killed was Charles E. Watson, whose widow, as plaintiff below, filed a complaint alleging negligence on the part of the appellant. Final judgment was entered for the plaintiff based upon a jury verdict in her favor for the sum of $218,400.00.

The evidence adduced at the trial revealed that on the day the explosion occurred, Watson was working at blasting rock in the normal course of his employment. Although Watson…