Schuster v. Baumfalk

Colwell, D. J.,

Retired.

Defendants appeal a $47,000 jury verdict and judgment against them involving their alleged negligent repair of plaintiffs’ farm equipment (conveyor) while using a brazing torch, causing nearby loose silage and haylage to ignite, smolder, and hours later to burst into flame, damaging plaintiffs’ buildings and equipment. We affirm.

There is little dispute concerning these facts. Norman and Marilyn Schuster, plaintiffs, conduct a farming and livestock-feeding operation on their farm near Pickrell, Gage County, Nebraska. Terry, their son and employee of 10 years, lives on…