Anthony Newton v. Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation

Summary

The Florida Supreme Court held that loaders are dangerous instrumentalities as a matter of law under Florida’s dangerous instrumentality doctrine. It quashed the Second District Court of Appeal’s decision and remanded with instructions to grant summary judgment for Anthony Newton. The majority also held that Newton’s status as an independent contractor did not exclude him from protection under the doctrine.

Holdings

1. The court exercised jurisdiction under article V, section 3(b)(3), of the Florida Constitution.
2. A loader is a dangerous instrumentality as a matter of law under Florida's dangerous instrumentality doctrine.
3. An injured independent contractor is not excluded from protection under the dangerous instrumentality doctrine.

Questions Presented

1. Whether a loader is a dangerous instrumentality under Florida's dangerous instrumentality doctrine.
2. Whether Newton's status as an independent contractor excluded him from protection under the dangerous instrumentality doctrine.
3. Whether the Florida Supreme Court had jurisdiction based on express and direct conflict.

Disposition

quashed