Sheridan v. Township of Palmyra

Citations

• 180 Pa. 439
• 36 A. 868
• 1897 Pa. LEXIS 942

Syllabus

<p>Negligence — Township—Bridges.</p> <p>Two townships in different counties separated by a stream which is the county line may build a bridge over the stream themselves, and when they divide the bridge at a fixed point, each may build and keep in repair so much of the structure as lies within the township, as any other township road or bridge is built or repaired. When this is done, each township will be liable for the negligence of its own authorities in the care of its own end of the bridge.</p> <p>Negligence — Bridges— Contributory negligence.</p> <p>Although a person may know that a township bridge is not in a safe condition, yet if he knows that the general public still continues to use the bridge, and he has no distinct notice that the bridge is unsafe, and he uses reasonable care and caution according to the circumstances in crossing the bridge, he cannot be charged with contributory negligence for injuries caused by the defective condition of the bridge.</p>