Children's Store v. Cody Enterprises, Inc.

The Children’s Store (plaintiff) leased space in the “Cody Block,” a Montpelier building owned and maintained by defendant Cody Enterprises, Inc. (Cody). A fire consumed the building, and plaintiff sued Cody alleging that Cody’s negligence caused the fire. Approximately three years later plaintiff joined the State of Vermont (State), which ran a liquor store in the building, as a defendant. The complaint against the State was dismissed because the court found that the statute of limitations had run. Trial by jury resulted in a verdict for Cody. Plaintiff’s motion for a new trial was denied by…