Torts Negligence and Proof: The Thing Speaks for itself (Res Ipsa Loquitur)

🎙️ Podcast Post: Negligence and the Doctrine of Res Ipsa Loquitur

This episode unpacks the foundations of negligence law and explores the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur—a powerful but limited tool that lets juries infer negligence when accidents speak for themselves. We’ll walk through the burden of proof, special rules in Tennessee, and four landmark cases that show where the doctrine applies—and where it doesn’t.

Key Topics Covered:

• Negligence and Burden of Proof:
  • Preponderance of the evidence: tipping the scales ever so slightly.
  • Worker’s Comp: no need to prove negligence, but damages are capped.
  • Punitive damages: higher “clear and convincing” standard.
  • Presumptions in Tennessee: medical bills, repair bills, and the “rule of sevens” for children’s capacity.
  • Customs and industry standards: persuasive but not conclusive.
• Res Ipsa Loquitur Basics:
  • When the thing speaks for itself—no direct evidence required.
  • Three requirements: unusual event, exclusive control, and no fault by the plaintiff.
  • Always a permissible inference, never an automatic presumption.

Case Highlights:

• Boyatt v. Yancey (1987): No exclusive control—refueling accident barred res ipsa.
• Sullivan v. Crabtree (1953): Truck accident showed possible negligence, but the jury wasn’t required to infer it.
• Underwood v. HCA (1994): Injury from an ice machine cover was too speculative—no res ipsa.
• Seavers v. Methodist Med. Ctr. (1999): Expanded res ipsa in medical malpractice—expert testimony can substitute for common knowledge when patients are under exclusive medical care.

Main Takeaway:
Res ipsa loquitur is a narrow but vital doctrine that helps plaintiffs where negligence is the only reasonable explanation. It hinges on exclusive control and probability—not speculation—and always leaves the final call to the jury.

🎧 Tune in to learn how Tennessee courts apply this doctrine and what it means for negligence cases and exam prep alike!

 Introductory Music for American Law Cafe. In Jazz Short by moodmode / Vlad Krotov.