Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad Company

164 N.E. 564 · New York Court of Appeals · 1928

Facts

The plaintiff was near the scene of an explosion caused by a falling package. The package was not known to contain explosives, and the plaintiff sustained an injury.

Procedural history

This case is before the court on a motion for reargument.

Issue

The issue is whether the plaintiff's injury from a falling package, not known to contain explosives, was within the range of reasonable prevision given her proximity to the explosion.

Holding

The motion for reargument should be denied.

Rule

Injury from a falling package, not known to contain explosives, would not be within the range of reasonable prevision if the injured party was not sufficiently near the scene.

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Case brief last reviewed 2026-06-09. Prepared by CaseReader from the published opinion.