This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

Two cases were consolidated before the West Virginia Supreme Court. In each case, the plaintiff sought to utilize the doctrine of comparative negligence to avoid the defense of contributory negligence. Those instructions were rejected, and contributory negligence was given, with the jury returning a verdict for the defendant in each case.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

The court's holding and decision will be displayed here.

Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.