Berry v. Iowa Mid-West Land and Livestock Co.

Al Berry, claiming to be an employee of Iowa Mid-West Land and Livestock Company, brought suit against his alleged employer for negligence in failing to provide safe equipment. While attempting to make an electrical connection on a 220-volt, power line of the Rural Electrification Administration, Berry claims his ladder slipped causing him to grab one of the electric wires. He received burns and electric shock and was rendered unconscious.

The case was tried to a jury. It found for plaintiff and awarded damages in the amount of $7,000. The trial judge, however, found the evidence insufficient…