Crane v. Smith

Janice Crane, a three-year-old child, was awarded damages for injuries received when she placed her finger in a grinder used by C. S. Smith Metropolitan Market Company to prepare coffee for the customers of one of its stores. The appeal from the judgment presents for decision questions concerning the liability of a merchant for maintaining machinery which may be reached by children with possible injury to them.

The action was brought in the name of the child by Bruce Crane, her father, as guardian ad litem. He is also a plaintiff in his individual capacity. C. S. Smith and several persons sued…