Landmark Negligence Cases That Changed Personal Injury Law

6 November 2025

Toby Patrick

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Personal injury law is vital for those who have suffered from negligence or a lack of care with their injury and therefore seek compensation. Over time, several landmark cases have completely transformed personal injury law. Below, we look at some of the key cases that have shaped modern legal principles and how they continue to impact lives today.

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Palsgraf vs Long Island Railroad Co. (1928)

One of the oldest and most famous cases in personal injury law is the claim of Helen Palsgraf against Long Island Railroad Co. In this case, Helen was injured when a package containing fireworks exploded on the railroad tracks. The explosion occurred as railway employees were assisting a man boarding a train.

Helen Palsgraf sued for her injuries, which led to a major debate over liability. The court ultimately ruled that the railroad company was not liable, as the harm was not foreseeable. This decision introduced the concept of foreseeability into the doctrine of negligence, emphasising that liability depends on whether harm is a reasonably predictable consequence of the defendant’s actions.

Donoghue vs Stevenson (1932)

Another landmark case from the early 1930s, this one transformed personal injury law across the world. May Donoghue became ill after drinking a bottle of ginger beer that contained a decomposed snail. Although her friend purchased the drink, Donoghue sued the manufacturer, Stevenson, for damages.

The court concluded that Stevenson had a duty of care to ensure the safety of their products, even without direct contact between the manufacturer and consumer. This case established the modern principle of negligence and influenced similar legal doctrines internationally.

Baker v. City of St. Louis (1967)

In this case, Baker sued the City of St. Louis after being injured while attempting to board a bus. He argued that the city failed to ensure proper maintenance of its buses and adequate training of drivers. The city claimed sovereign immunity, meaning it could not be sued.

However, the court ruled that the city could be held liable under the doctrine of negligence. This case reshaped the modern understanding of government liability, ensuring that cities cannot rely on sovereign immunity when negligence or personal injury is involved.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Although best known as a landmark decision in reproductive rights, Roe v. Wade also had implications for personal injury and medical law. Jane Roe challenged Texas laws that prohibited abortion, arguing for her right to privacy.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the constitutional right to privacy extended to a woman’s decision to have an abortion. While primarily focused on bodily autonomy, the case reinforced the importance of medical rights and personal safety, principles closely related to personal injury and negligence law.

Berg v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. (1978)

In this case, Berg sought compensation from Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company under his insurance policy. The dispute centred on how the company interpreted policy coverage. The court ruled that insurance companies cannot deny coverage to victims based on technicalities or unclear wording, describing such behaviour as professional negligence.

This case transformed the way insurance contracts are written, reinforcing the need for fairness and transparency between insurers and policyholders.

McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case: Liebeck v. McDonald’s (1994)

Perhaps the most famous personal injury case of all time, this lawsuit involved Stella Liebeck, who suffered third-degree burns after spilling hot coffee purchased from McDonald’s. She was hospitalised and incurred serious medical expenses.

The jury found that McDonald’s had acted with gross negligence by serving coffee at a dangerously high temperature. The case sent shockwaves through the legal and corporate world, leading to stronger consumer protection laws and the introduction of visible safety warnings on hot beverage containers.

It also sparked global debate about corporate responsibility, personal accountability and public perception of compensation claims.

Summary

Personal injury law continues to evolve through court decisions that balance fairness, duty of care and responsibility. From the snail in the bottle to the coffee cup warning, each case has shaped how we understand negligence and justice in everyday life.

While not every claim succeeds, these landmark rulings have transformed the modern legal landscape, ensuring that individuals and institutions are held accountable for the safety and well-being of others.

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The Etymology of 'Football': Unravelling the Origins of a Globally Varied Term

Paul Francis
Jun 17, 2024
3 min read

The word 'football' is an intriguing linguistic phenomenon with diverse interpretations in different nations, reflecting the cultural and historical influences that have shaped its meaning.

The Difference between Soccer and American Football

The Ancient Roots of 'Football'

The origins of the term 'football' can be traced back to ancient civilisations, where kicking ball games were prevalent. Evidence of such games has been found in various cultures across history, such as China's ‘cuju’, ancient Mesoamerican ballgames, and various European ball games. These early ball games were often characterised by their simplicity, lack of standardised rules, and local variations.

In medieval England, ball games played on foot gained popularity as festive and recreational pastimes. The games were often played between rival villages or towns, and the objectives ranged from getting the ball to a specific landmark to simply moving the ball across a boundary line. The rules were often haphazard and varied widely between regions, leading to a myriad of local names for the games.

Find out more about the history of Football here

Formalisation of the Term

With the growing popularity of football in England, the need for standardisation became apparent. During the 19th century, educational institutions like schools and universities started to take an interest in the game and sought to establish uniform rules. The establishment of formal rules was essential to avoid chaos and potential injuries during matches.

One pivotal moment in football's evolution occurred when the students of Rugby School decided to break away from traditional ball games and codify their rules, leading to the emergence of rugby football. Meanwhile, another significant milestone came in 1863 when the Football Association (FA) was founded in England. The FA formalised the sport by introducing standardised rules, creating what would become known as association football. The term 'football' began to gain prominence as a way to refer to this standard version of the sport played on foot.

The Emergence of 'Soccer'

As football gained popularity in England, an alternative term started to gain traction in the latter part of the 19th century: 'soccer’. The term 'soccer' originated from the abbreviation of ‘association football’, a name coined by British public schools to distinguish it from rugby football and other regional variations. The term 'soccer' became more widely used among the British elite as a way to differentiate the sport and emphasise its association with the Football Association (FA).

American Football vs. Soccer

In the United States, the word 'football' took on a unique meaning due to the rise of 'American Football’. American Football, which evolved from rugby football and other regional variations, is a distinct sport with its own set of rules, equipment, and terminology. The sport's roots can be traced back to Ivy League colleges in the 19th century, where it began to take shape as a competitive game.

American Football is characterised by its distinctively shaped ball, protective gear, and strategic plays that set it apart from association football, known as 'soccer' in the United States. The popularity of American Football in the United States led to 'football' becoming synonymous with the sport within the country.

European Variations

As the sport of football spread across Europe, different countries adopted their terms for the game, leading to diverse interpretations:

Calcio in Italy: In Italy, the term 'calcio' became associated with a traditional form of football with historical significance. The game, known as ‘calcio storico’, traces its roots back to medieval Italy and still thrives as an annual sporting event in Florence. 'Calcio' remains a symbol of Italian sporting heritage and cultural pride.

Fútbol in Spain and Latin America: In Spain and many Latin American countries, 'fútbol' became the commonly used term for football, signifying its deep cultural significance. The sport is not just a game but a social and communal event that unites people from all walks of life.

Futebol in Portugal and Brazil: In Portugal and Brazil, 'futebol' is the prevalent term used for football. The sport has taken on a quasi-religious status in Brazil, with a rich history of producing legendary players and World Cup triumphs, contributing to its role as a cultural touchstone.

The word 'football' holds a fascinating history, originating from ancient ball games to the sport we know today. Its evolution, from informal matches in medieval England to globally recognised terms like 'soccer’, 'calcio’, 'fútbol’, and 'futebol’, showcases the dynamic nature of language and the profound impact of culture on the interpretation of a single term.

As the sport of football continues to transcend borders and bring people together, the diverse meanings associated with the word 'football' exemplify the shared passion and enthusiasm for this beautiful game across the world. Whether it's cheering for 'soccer' in the United States, playing 'fútbol' in Spain, or celebrating 'futebol' in Brazil, the universal love for 'football' remains a testament to the enduring power of sport as a global unifying force.