Ward v. LaCreek Electric Association

HANSON, Presiding Judge.

This is an action for water damage to the interior of a ranch house allegedly caused by defendant LaCreek Rural Electric Association's unauthorized or negligent acts. The jury awarded $10,080 damages and defendant appeals alleging numerous errors. Only those relating to (1) the sufficiency of the evidence to establish negligence, (2) standard of care for electrical companies, and (3) the measure of damages for injury to real property need be discussed.

Plaintiff, Hazel Ward, owns a 2,000 acre ranch located 17 miles south of Martin, South Dakota. She lived on the ranch…