Mennemeyer v. Hart

The question to be decided in this case is whether a parents’ action for damages for the loss of services of their minor son caused by his wrongful death survived the death of the wrongdoer, and could be brought against the latter’s administrator, under the laws existing at the time of the death of the wrongdoer. The decision involves a supplemental question whether such loss of services is a wrong done to the parents’ property rights.

The plaintiffs are the parents of Gregory Mennemeyer, a minor son, deceased. He was riding in an automobile driven by his brother Virgil when he was killed.…