Western Union Tel. Co. v. Thompson

Citations

• 123 Miss. 441
• 86 So. 273

Syllabus

<p>1. Telegraphs and telephones. Punitive damages not .recoverable for agent's unauthorised act in delaying transmission of interstate telegram.</p> <p>Under Act Cong. June 18, 1910, chapter 309 (36 Stat. 539), and the common law as accepted and enforced by the federal courts, a telegraph company is not liable for punitive damages for delay in the transmission of an interstate telegram, resulting from the willful disregard of the sender’s rights on the part of the company’s agent, unless the agent’s wrongful act was authorized or approved by the company.</p> <p>2. Telegraphs and telephones. Stipulation limiting liability as to interstate telegram valid.</p> <p>Under Act Cong. June 18, 1910, chapter 309 (36 Stat. 539), a telegraph company is not liable for delay in the transmission of an interstate telegram, for an amount in excess of the price of the message, where the contract between the sender and the company, approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission, so provides.</p>