Case Digest (G.R. No. 12191)
Facts:
The case of Jose Cangco vs. Manila Railroad Co. arose from an incident that occurred on January 20, 1915, when Jose Cangco, an employee of the Manila Railroad Company earning a monthly wage of P25, was returning home from work. Cangco resided in San Mateo, Rizal, and utilized a company-issued pass to ride the trains free of charge. On the night of the incident, as the train approached the San Mateo station, Cangco stood up to exit the second-class car. He positioned himself on the steps of the coach, holding onto the guardrail for support. At the station, there was a cement platform that sloped upward, and as the train slowed down, another passenger, Emilio Zuniga, safely alighted from the same car. However, when Cangco attempted to step off, he slipped on a sack of watermelons that had been carelessly left on the platform, causing him to fall and roll under the moving train, resulting in severe injuries, including the amputation of his right arm. Cangco incurred medical ex...
Case Digest (G.R. No. 12191)
Facts:
- Employment and Commute: Jose Cangco, an employee of the Manila Railroad Company, earned a monthly wage of P25. He commuted daily from San Mateo to Manila using a free pass provided by the company.
- Accident Details: On January 20, 1915, Cangco was returning home. As the train approached San Mateo station, he stood on the steps of the coach while the train was still moving. Upon alighting, he stepped on a sack of watermelons placed on the platform, causing him to slip and fall under the moving train. His right arm was severely injured, requiring two amputations.
- Platform Conditions: The platform was dimly lit, and the sacks of watermelons were piled close to the edge, obstructing passengers. This obstruction was customary during the melon harvest season.
- Injuries and Expenses: Cangco suffered permanent disability, losing his job, and incurred medical expenses amounting to P790.25.
- Lawsuit: Cangco sued the Manila Railroad Company for negligence, claiming the company failed to ensure a safe platform for passengers.
Issue:
- Primary Negligence: Was the Manila Railroad Company negligent in placing sacks of watermelons on the platform, creating a hazard for alighting passengers?
- Contributory Negligence: Did Cangco contribute to his injury by alighting from the train while it was still in motion?
- Legal Liability: Should the company be held liable for damages despite Cangco’s actions?
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)