#Guy wire inspection trial

The tractor Pierce drove was approximately twelve feet wide and pulled a spreader which extended ten feet beyond either side of the tractor. On March 20, 1985, Pierce was applying anhydrous ammonia to a rented field. These 'stub' poles are also anchored by guy wires. Some poles, as in this case, serve merely to support other poles which carry the electrically charged lines. The guy wires are anchored into the ground. Some of the poles are stabilized by guy wires which extend at an angle several feet away from the pole. Most of the electric power is distributed through overhead lines suspended from poles owned by the appellant. Platte-Clay distributes electric power to seven counties in Missouri. Pierce, a farmer, raised cattle, hogs, tobacco and various row crops near DeKalb, Missouri. Respondent, Paul Pierce, brought suit against appellant, Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc., (Platte-Clay) for personal injuries caused by the electric cooperative's alleged negligence.

#Guy wire inspection trial

We answer the question in the negative and affirm both consistent precedents of this Court and the judgment of the trial court. We granted transfer in this case, primarily to consider whether a plaintiff must establish a defendant's violation of industry standards in order to meet his burden of proof in a negligence action. PLATTE-CLAY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC., Appellant.