Reider v. Dorsey

This is an appeal from an order denying a motion for a judgment in accordance with a prior motion for directed verdict in a personal injury case arising out of an altercation which occurred in a bar parking lot. The decisive issue presented is whether Appellant, Robert J. Reider, owed a duty of care to Appellee, Dennis J. Dorsey, when Dorsey was struck from behind by an independent third party while Reid-er and Dorsey carried on. On de novo review, we find that Reider did not owe a duty of care to Dorsey to prevent the independent act of the third party and accordingly, reverse and remand…