Tort Law

This page within Virginia Tort Case Law is a compilation of cases reported by the Virginia Supreme Court and summarized by Brien Roche dealing with the topic of Falls Lighting and the related topic of premises liability.   For more information on premises liability see the pages on Wikipedia.

Falls Lighting-Cases

1994 Norfolk & W. Ry. v. Hughes, 247 Va. 113, 439 S.E.2d 411.

FELA case. Plaintiff injured while inspecting train at night. He had lantern with him and failed to present any evidence that employer failed to provide sufficient lighting under circumstances.

1981 Colonial Nat. Gas Co. v. Sayers, 222 Va. 781, 284 S.E.2d 599.

Plaintiff walking on familiar ground where he could see by reflection of street lights. He could assume path was reasonably safe.

1960 Walthew v. Davis, 201 Va. 557, 111 S.E.2d 784.

Airplane crash case. Plane crashed into unlit building. Lack of lighting was not cause of accident. Cause of accident was defendant leaving runway.

1949 Commess v. Norfolk Gen. Hosp., 189 Va. 229, 52 S.E.2d 125.

In poorly lit area, plaintiff trips and falls over chain across walkway at night. Dangerous condition which was not open and obvious. Verdict for plaintiff.

1943 Acme Mkts. v. Remschel, 181 Va. 171, 24 S.E.2d 430.

Falls lighting.Plaintiff fell over stump of post in allegedly poorly lit parking lot. Verdict for plaintiff.