Jacobsen v. Cornelius

Barnard, P. J.

The evidence makes out no cause of action, and the plaintiff was properly nonsuited. The plaintiff was about 18 years of age, and had been employed about six months in the defendant’s machine-shop. There was no proof tending to show that the machinery by which the plaintiff was injured was defective in such respects as would support an action for neglect against the master. The general rule is that the employé assumes the risks of the employment. The master is not bound to furnish the very best and safest machines. The implement must be reasonably safe of its kind, and adapted to the employment. .The only defect alleged or proven by the evidence is that tile machine by which plaintiff was injured could be put in and out of gear in a better manner. There was no counter-shaft, and no fast and loose pulley, technically so called, which would have made it safer to connect and disconnect the power from the machine. This omission was not actionable negligence. Lafflin v. Railroad Co., 106 N. Y. 136, 12 N. E. Rep. 599.

This appeal does not present the merits. There was no exception to the ruling of the judge in dismissing the action, and there was no motion for a new trial on the minutes or on a case made at a special term, according to section 999, Code Civil Proc. Ho question as to merits can therefore be raised •upon this appeal. Railroad Co. v. Ebling, 100 N. Y. 98, 2 N. E. Rep. 878. The judgment should be affirmed, with costs.