res ipsa loquitur doctrine (Hawaii) · Go Syfert
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res ipsa loquitur doctrine in Hawaii

11 Hawaii opinions name it 2 courts 1965–2025 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Hawaii courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (9)

CaseFollowedCited
Medina v. Figueredgreen
hawapp · 1982 · cited in 4 Hawaii opinions naming this issue, 1995–2024
2 sentences

2024This exception is "rare in application," id., and applies in instances such as "when an operation leaves a sponge in the patient's interior, or removes or injures an inappropriate part of his anatomy, or when a tooth is dropped down his windpipe or he suffers a serious burn from a hot water bottle, or when instruments are not sterilized." Id. (citing Medina, 3 Haw.

2013Medina v. Figuered, 3 Haw.App. 186, 188 , 647 P.2d 292, 294 (1982) (citing Prosser, Law of Torts § 39 at 214 (1978)).

24
Ciacci v. Woolleygreen
haw · 1934 · cited in 3 Hawaii opinions naming this issue, 1966–1994
2 sentences

1978Generally speaking, the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur provides that “whenever a thing that produced an injury is shown to have been under the control and management of the defendant and the occurrence is such as in the ordinary course of events does not happen if due care has been exercised, the fact of the injury itself will be deemed to afford sufficient evidence to support a recovery in the absence of any explanation by the defendant tending to show that the injury was not due to his want of care.” Ciacci v. Wooley, 33 Haw. 247, 257 (1934). “[T]he doctrine of res ipsa loquitur is merely pro

1966As to maintenance practices, defendant’s expert testified that in normal use a pleasure boat is drydocked every eight months, though six months is “quite common if you’re trying to get best speed,” that as to checking on the standing rigging “a normally prudent fellow” would make a visual inspection every two or three months, and that for prudent practice the riggings should be renewed every ten years — “It isn’t done, but it should be.” The doctrine of res ipsa loquitur applies “whenever a thing that produced an injury is shown to.have been under the control and management of the defendant an

23
ROSENBERG BY ROSENBERG v. Cahillgreen
nj · 1985 · cited in 2 Hawaii opinions naming this issue, 2008–2024
2 sentences

2024The exception is similar to the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, and when applied, transforms a medical malpractice case "into an ordinary negligence case, thus obviating the necessity of expert testimony to establish the applicable standard of care." Craft, 78 Hawai#i at 298, 893 P.2d at 149 (citing Rosenberg by Rosenberg v. Cahill, 99 N.J. 318 , 492 A.2d 371, 374 (1985)).

2024The exception is similar to the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, and when applied, transforms a medical malpractice case "into an ordinary negligence case, thus obviating the necessity of expert testimony to establish the applicable standard of care." Craft, 78 Hawai#i at 298, 893 P.2d at 149 (citing Rosenberg by Rosenberg v. Cahill, 99 N.J. 318 , 492 A.2d 371, 374 (1985)).

22
Guanzon v. Kalamaugreen
haw · 1965 · cited in 2 Hawaii opinions naming this issue, 1978–1978
2 sentences

1978Generally speaking, the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur provides that “whenever a thing that produced an injury is shown to have been under the control and management of the defendant and the occurrence is such as in the ordinary course of events does not happen if due care has been exercised, the fact of the injury itself will be deemed to afford sufficient evidence to support a recovery in the absence of any explanation by the defendant tending to show that the injury was not due to his want of care.” Ciacci v. Wooley, 33 Haw. 247, 257 (1934). “[T]he doctrine of res ipsa loquitur is merely pro

1978Generally speaking, the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur provides that “whenever a thing that produced an injury is shown to have been under the control and management of the defendant and the occurrence is such as in the ordinary course of events does not happen if due care has been exercised, the fact of the injury itself will be deemed to afford sufficient evidence to support a recovery in the absence of any explanation by the defendant tending to show that the injury was not due to his want of care.” Ciacci v. Wooley, 33 Haw. 247, 257 (1934). “[T]he doctrine of res ipsa loquitur is merely pro

22
Carlos v. MTL, INC.green
hawapp · 1994 · cited in 1 Hawaii opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025In addition, Aiona wrongly argues that because "Hanohano knew about the investigation, then the County failed in its legal duty [not to disclose] under the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur." A plaintiff asserting res ipsa loquitur must establish that: (1) the occurrence "must be one which ordinarily does not occur in the absence of someone's negligence"; (2) the occurrence "must be caused by an agency or instrumentality within the exclusive control of the defendant"; and (3) the occurrence "must not have been due to any voluntary action or contribution on the part of the plaintiff." Carlos v. MTL

11
Turner v. Willisgreen
haw · 1978 · cited in 1 Hawaii opinions naming this issue, 1994–1994
2 sentences

1994Under the res ipsa loquitur theory, then, “[t]he fact of the casualty and the attendant circumstances may themselves furnish all the proof of negligence that the injured person is able to offer or that it is necessary to offer” “without further proof ... of the defendant’s duty and of his negligence to perform it.” Turner v. Willis, 59 Haw. 319, 324-25 , 582 P.2d 710, 714 (1978) (quoting Ciacci v. Woolley, 33 Haw. 247, 257, 258 (1934)).

1994Under the res ipsa loquitur theory, then, “[t]he fact of the casualty and the attendant circumstances may themselves furnish all the proof of negligence that the injured person is able to offer or that it is necessary to offer” “without further proof ... of the defendant’s duty and of his negligence to perform it.” Turner v. Willis, 59 Haw. 319, 324-25 , 582 P.2d 710, 714 (1978) (quoting Ciacci v. Woolley, 33 Haw. 247, 257, 258 (1934)).

11
Cozine v. Hawaiian Catamaran, Ltd.green
haw · 1966 · cited in 1 Hawaii opinions naming this issue, 1978–1978
2 sentences

1978In Cozine v. Hawaiian Catamaran, Ltd., 49 Haw. 77, 87 , 412 P.2d 669, 678 (1966), we stated that “an instruction covering the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur should permit, but not compel, an inference of negligence.” See Guanzon v. Kalamau, 48 Haw. 330, 335 , 402 P.2d 289, 292 (1965) (note 3).

1978In Cozine v. Hawaiian Catamaran, Ltd., 49 Haw. 77, 87 , 412 P.2d 669, 678 (1966), we stated that “an instruction covering the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur should permit, but not compel, an inference of negligence.” See Guanzon v. Kalamau, 48 Haw. 330, 335 , 402 P.2d 289, 292 (1965) (note 3).

11
Winter v. Schermangreen
haw · 1976 · cited in 1 Hawaii opinions naming this issue, 1978–1978
2 sentences

1978Winter v. Scherman, 57 Haw. 279, 282 , 554 P.2d 1137, 1139 (1976).

1978Winter v. Scherman, 57 Haw. 279, 282 , 554 P.2d 1137, 1139 (1976).

11
Morgan v. Yamadagreen
haw · 1921 · cited in 1 Hawaii opinions naming this issue, 1966–1966
2 sentences

1966As to maintenance practices, defendant's expert testified that in normal use a pleasure boat is drydocked every eight months, though six months is "quite common if you're trying to get best speed," that as to checking on the standing rigging "a normally prudent fellow" would make a visual inspection every two or three months, and that for prudent practice the riggings should be renewed every ten years — "It isn't done, but it should be." The doctrine of res ipsa loquitur applies "whenever a thing that produced an injury is shown to have been under the control and management of the defendant an

1966As to maintenance practices, defendant’s expert testified that in normal use a pleasure boat is drydocked every eight months, though six months is “quite common if you’re trying to get best speed,” that as to checking on the standing rigging “a normally prudent fellow” would make a visual inspection every two or three months, and that for prudent practice the riggings should be renewed every ten years — “It isn’t done, but it should be.” The doctrine of res ipsa loquitur applies “whenever a thing that produced an injury is shown to.have been under the control and management of the defendant an

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Hawaii. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (13)

CaseCitedYears
Craft v. Peebles green
haw · 1995
2 sentences

2008The exception is similar to the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, and when applied, transforms a medical malpractice case “into an ordinary negligence case, thus obviating the necessity of expert testimony to establish the applicable standard of care.” Craft, 78 Hawai'i at 298 , 893 P.2d at 149 (citing Rosenberg by Rosenberg v. Cahill, 99 N.J. 318 , 492 A.2d 371, 374 (1985)).

2008The exception is similar to the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, and when applied, transforms a medical malpractice case “into an ordinary negligence case, thus obviating the necessity of expert testimony to establish the applicable standard of care.” Craft, 78 Hawai'i at 298 , 893 P.2d at 149 (citing Rosenberg by Rosenberg v. Cahill, 99 N.J. 318 , 492 A.2d 371, 374 (1985)).

12008–2008
Cannamore v. Bi-State Development Agency green
mo · 1972
1 sentence

1994For example, in Cannamore v. Bi-State Development Agency, 484 S.W.2d 308 (Mo.1972), a passenger sought to apply the res ipsa loquitur doctrine in a tort action to recover damages for personal injuries sustained in a fall while alighting from the defendant’s bus.

11994–1994
Bond v. Otis Elevator Company green
tex · 1965
1 sentence

1981Bond v. Otis Elevator Co., 388 S.W.2d 681 (Tex. 1965).

11981–1981
Stilwell v. Hertz Drivurself Stations, Inc. green
ca3 · 1949
1 sentence

1978Opportunity shall be given to make the objection out of the hearing of the jury. [Emphasis added.] 4 Appellees cite these cases in support of this proposition: White Auto Stores, Inc. v.Reyes, 223 F.2d 298 (10th Cir. 1955); Sinclair Refining Co. v. Howell, 222 F.2d 637 (5th Cir. 1955); Stilwell v. Hertz Drivurself Stations, Inc., 174 F.2d 714 (3d Cir. 1949). 5 We make no definitive finding as to appellants’ contention that a res ipsa loquitur instruction was inappropriate given the evidence produced by appellees at trial.

11978–1978
Sinclair Refining Company v. George L. Howell green
ca5 · 1955
1 sentence

1978Opportunity shall be given to make the objection out of the hearing of the jury. [Emphasis added.] 4 Appellees cite these cases in support of this proposition: White Auto Stores, Inc. v.Reyes, 223 F.2d 298 (10th Cir. 1955); Sinclair Refining Co. v. Howell, 222 F.2d 637 (5th Cir. 1955); Stilwell v. Hertz Drivurself Stations, Inc., 174 F.2d 714 (3d Cir. 1949). 5 We make no definitive finding as to appellants’ contention that a res ipsa loquitur instruction was inappropriate given the evidence produced by appellees at trial.

11978–1978
White Auto Stores v. Reyes green
ca10 · 1955
1 sentence

1978Opportunity shall be given to make the objection out of the hearing of the jury. [Emphasis added.] 4 Appellees cite these cases in support of this proposition: White Auto Stores, Inc. v.Reyes, 223 F.2d 298 (10th Cir. 1955); Sinclair Refining Co. v. Howell, 222 F.2d 637 (5th Cir. 1955); Stilwell v. Hertz Drivurself Stations, Inc., 174 F.2d 714 (3d Cir. 1949). 5 We make no definitive finding as to appellants’ contention that a res ipsa loquitur instruction was inappropriate given the evidence produced by appellees at trial.

11978–1978
Territory of Hawaii v. Cutad green
haw · 1945
1 sentence

1966Territory v. Cutad, 37 Haw. 182, 186 ; [5] State v. Evans, 45 Haw. 622, 636 , 372 P.2d 365, 374 ; State v. Clyde, 47 Haw. 345, 357 , 388 P.2d 846, 853 .

11966–1966
Sung Wha Kim Lyu v. Shinn green
haw · 1953
2 sentences

1966Defendant would state the rule in the terms of Lyu v. Shinn, 40 Haw. 198, 202 , and would have the court hold the doctrine inapplicable, in the absence of expert testimony, “where the common knowledge or experience of men is not extensive enough to permit it to be said that the plaintiff’s condition would not have existed éxcept for negligence of the person to be charged.” But the court there was discussing the applicability of the doctrine in malpractice suits where, as stated, citing Ewing v. Goode, 78 Fed. 442 , 443: “If * * * a failure to cure were held to be evidence, however slight, of n

1966Defendant would state the rule in the terms of Lyu v. Shinn, 40 Haw. 198, 202 , and would have the court hold the doctrine inapplicable, in the absence of expert testimony, “where the common knowledge or experience of men is not extensive enough to permit it to be said that the plaintiff’s condition would not have existed éxcept for negligence of the person to be charged.” But the court there was discussing the applicability of the doctrine in malpractice suits where, as stated, citing Ewing v. Goode, 78 Fed. 442 , 443: “If * * * a failure to cure were held to be evidence, however slight, of n

11966–1966
State v. Clyde green
haw · 1964
2 sentences

1966Territory v. Cutad, 37 Haw. 182, 186 ; [5] State v. Evans, 45 Haw. 622, 636 , 372 P.2d 365, 374 ; State v. Clyde, 47 Haw. 345, 357 , 388 P.2d 846, 853 .

1966Territory v. Cutad, 37 Haw. 182, 186 ; [5] State v. Evans, 45 Haw. 622, 636 , 372 P.2d 365, 374 ; State v. Clyde, 47 Haw. 345, 357 , 388 P.2d 846, 853 .

11966–1966
State v. Evans green
haw · 1962
2 sentences

1966Territory v. Cutad, 37 Haw. 182, 186 ; [5] State v. Evans, 45 Haw. 622, 636 , 372 P.2d 365, 374 ; State v. Clyde, 47 Haw. 345, 357 , 388 P.2d 846, 853 .

1966Territory v. Cutad, 37 Haw. 182, 186 ; [5] State v. Evans, 45 Haw. 622, 636 , 372 P.2d 365, 374 ; State v. Clyde, 47 Haw. 345, 357 , 388 P.2d 846, 853 .

11966–1966
Ewing v. Goode green
circtsdoh · 1897
2 sentences

1966Defendant would state the rule in the terms of Lyu v. Shinn, 40 Haw. 198, 202 , and would have the court hold the doctrine inapplicable, in the absence of expert testimony, “where the common knowledge or experience of men is not extensive enough to permit it to be said that the plaintiff’s condition would not have existed éxcept for negligence of the person to be charged.” But the court there was discussing the applicability of the doctrine in malpractice suits where, as stated, citing Ewing v. Goode, 78 Fed. 442 , 443: “If * * * a failure to cure were held to be evidence, however slight, of n

1966Defendant would state the rule in the terms of Lyu v. Shinn, 40 Haw. 198, 202 , and would have the court hold the doctrine inapplicable, in the absence of expert testimony, “where the common knowledge or experience of men is not extensive enough to permit it to be said that the plaintiff’s condition would not have existed éxcept for negligence of the person to be charged.” But the court there was discussing the applicability of the doctrine in malpractice suits where, as stated, citing Ewing v. Goode, 78 Fed. 442 , 443: “If * * * a failure to cure were held to be evidence, however slight, of n

11966–1966
Vespe v. DiMarco green
nj · 1964
2 sentences

1965Vespe v. DiMarco, 43 N.J. 430 , 204 A.2d 874 .

1965Vespe v. DiMarco, 43 N.J. 430 , 204 A.2d 874 .

11965–1965
Lorenc v. Chemirad Corp. green
nj · 1962
2 sentences

1965Lorenc v. Chemirad Corp., 37 N.J. 56 , 179 A.2d 401 .

1965Lorenc v. Chemirad Corp., 37 N.J. 56 , 179 A.2d 401 .

11965–1965

Where else courts name it

NY 416 (1897–2026) CA 374 (1909–2026) LA 283 (1931–2025) MO 237 (1907–2017) IL 173 (1900–2025) TX 171 (1912–2025) OH 120 (1923–2026) NC 108 (1910–2026) PA 102 (1911–2025) NJ 87 (1900–2026) KY 83 (1912–2026) GA 80 (1903–2022) WA 73 (1909–2023) CT 72 (1924–2019) MD 72 (1899–2018) IN 69 (1919–2025) TN 64 (1930–2026) IA 60 (1923–2025) MI 59 (1914–2026) FL 58 (1937–2024) KS 45 (1913–2020) OK 44 (1910–2010) MN 42 (1915–2017) AL 42 (1914–2024) MS 41 (1917–2022) CO 39 (1932–2022) WI 38 (1923–2025) NE 37 (1920–2025) WV 37 (1926–2022) AR 36 (1925–2023) DC 35 (1944–2026) AZ 33 (1934–2025) UT 30 (1930–2024) OR 28 (1902–2025) MA 27 (1906–2022) NM 26 (1943–2021) VA 25 (1908–1996) MT 24 (1913–2005) SD 22 (1942–2021) ID 20 (1921–1999) RI 19 (1934–2017) SC 16 (1936–2026) ME 15 (1931–2009) NV 14 (1934–2024) VT 13 (1928–2026) WY 13 (1936–1997) ND 12 (1918–2013) HI 11 (1965–2025) PR 10 (1912–1971) DE 7 (1957–2017) AK 5 (1962–2014) NH 4 (1975–1995)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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