Longworth v. Department of State Highways

Plaintiffs-appellees Wheeler and Ruth Longworth brought suit in the Court of Claims against defendant-appellant Michigan Department of State Highways and Transportation, seeking damages for injuries sustained as a result of defendant’s alleged failure to maintain a highway in reasonable repair and in a condition reasonably safe and fit for travel. After a bench trial, plaintiffs were awarded $175,772.81 in damages, and defendant appeals as of right.

Plaintiff Wheeler Longworth was employed as a truck driver by the Monroe County Road Commission. On January 15, 1976, pursuant to a contract…