Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Co. v. Goodman

Nathan Goodman slowed to five or six miles per hour approaching a railroad crossing but could not see or hear an oncoming train because a nearby building blocked his view; he was struck and killed. His wife (plaintiff) sued Baltimore and Ohio R.R. (defendant) for his death. At trial, the railroad argued Goodman's own failure to check for trains caused his death; the jury and court of appeals sided with Goodman's estate, and the Supreme Court granted certiorari.