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Assault And Battery - Intent To Harm - Negligence - Liability For Injury To An Allergic Person, Michigan Law Review

Michigan Law Review

Defendant's agent conducted in plaintiff's store a demonstration of a fly-spray, manufactured by another company, intending to interest plaintiff in retailing it. The spray was placed in an electric difusor which gave off a fly-killing vapor. Plaintiff's wife, unknown to defendant, was allergic to pyrethrum, an ingredient of the spray, and became violently ill upon coming in contact with the vapor. An action for assault and battery was brought. Held, defendant was not liable in the absence of an intent to do harm. Brabazon v. Joannes Bros. Co., (Wis. 1939) 286 N. W. 21.