Coggs v. Bernard
King's Bench
92 Eng. Rep. 107 (K.B. 1703)
Relevant factsFree
Bernard (defendant) gratuitously promised Coggs (plaintiff) that he would move several barrels of Coggs's brandy to another room in a cellar, with no payment or other consideration exchanged; Bernard performed the task negligently, causing several barrels to spill and lose a large quantity of brandy. Coggs sued, the trial court entered judgment for Coggs, and Bernard appealed.
IssueFree
Whether liability for negligence may arise from the performance of a gratuitous promise to carry goods.