Stewart (P) stopped at Motts' (D) auto repair shop and offered assistance to D in repairing an automobile fuel tank. In an effort to start and move the car without the gas tank attached, P suggested and then poured gasoline into the carburetor. D was to turn the ignition key at a given moment. The car backfired, caused an explosion and resulted in P suffering severe burns to his upper body. The exact sequence of the events is contested. P sued D and asked the judge to instruct the jury that gasoline was a very dangerous substance that required a high degree of care in handling. The judge refused, and the verdict went to D. P appealed.

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

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.