Blalock v. City of Durham

The death certificate signed by Dr. R. A. Hartón, the coroner, was introduced in evidence by the plaintiffs. The cause of death was given as (a) cardiac arrest; (b) due to shock by static electricity; (c) contact with high tension wire. Dr. Hartón testified as a witness and on cross-examination stated that no autopsy was performed; that no burns appeared on the body of the employee; and that he found nothing to indicate cause of death other than statements by those present at the time of death and the fact that the body was lying near a sagging power wire. He testified further that…