Question
The exit from Opal Ltd's loading dock is via a poorly lit alley between two buildings. The alley crosses a footpath before emerging into the
The exit from Opal Ltd's loading dock is via a poorly lit alley between two buildings. The alley crosses a footpath before emerging into the main street. Drivers and passing pedestrians have difficulty seeing one another and Opal Ltd has, therefore, put a large sign near the end of the alley reading, 'Drivers must sound horn'. It also considered placing convex mirrors on the side walls of the buildings at the end of the alley so that drivers could check for approaching pedestrians but discarded the idea because it would have been very expensive and because 'no-one else does it anyway'. Phil, who had just made a delivery to Opal Ltd, drove out of the alley sounding his horn as he did so. Unfortunately, Quinlin, a profoundly deaf pedestrian who was approaching the entrance to the alley at the time, did not hear the horn and, as Phil emerged from the alley, his truck struck Quinlin and injured him badly.
Required:
Are either Opal Ltd or Phil liable to Quinlin in negligence? Analyse each element of the tort of negligence with reference to relevant case laws in support of your answer.
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started