Delaney v. Reynolds
Massachusetts Appeals Court
825 N.E.2d 554 (2005)
Relevant factsFree
Reynolds (defendant) knew his housemate Delaney (plaintiff) was depressed and abusing drugs, and knowingly kept a loaded, unlocked gun in his bedroom that Delaney was aware of; after Reynolds demanded Delaney move out while she was under the influence, she went to the bedroom, grabbed the gun, and shot herself, causing serious injury. Delaney sued Reynolds for negligence, and the trial court granted Reynolds summary judgment based on the traditional view that suicide is an unforeseeable superseding cause.
IssueFree
Whether a plaintiff's attempt at suicide following a defendant's negligence is considered unforeseeable as a matter of law.
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