Howells v. Southland Canada, Inc. (February 28, 1995), Doc. New Westminster S013266
(B.C.S.C.)
H bought a cup of coffee and decided to drink it in the store at one of the tables provided. As he sat
down, the plastic chair broke, injuring him. He sued the owner and operator of the store for damages
The action was dismissed. Although the defendant owed a common law duty to use reasonable care,
there was no evidence in this case that the chairs were inherently unsafe, and the reason the chair broke
could not be established. H could not rely on the res /psa loquitur doctrine because there was a possible
explanation for the accident that did not involve negligence on the part of the defendant.
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