Pacific Gas v. G.W. Thomas Drayage Case Brief Example


The following case brief for Pacific Gas & E. Co. v. G. W. Thomas Drayage etc. Co. (1968) provides a concise and structured summary of the court case that serves as a valuable reference tool for law students and legal professionals. It allows them to review and analyze legal principles, identify key issues and holdings, and gain insight into the court’s reasoning. By presenting cases in a structured manner, case briefs facilitate effective studying, research, and the application of legal principles to new legal scenarios. Whether used for exam preparation, legal research, or enhancing understanding of judicial decisions, case briefs are invaluable resources that contribute to a deeper comprehension of the law.

Case: Pacific Gas & E. Co. v. G. W. Thomas Drayage etc. Co.

Court:California Supreme Court
Citation:69 Cal.2d 33, 442 P.2d 641, 69 Cal. Rptr. 561 (1968)
Petitioner:Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Respondent:G. W. Thomas Drayage and Rigging Co.

Facts: Pacific Gas v. G. W. Thomas Drayage

Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) entered into a contract with G. W. Thomas Drayage & Rigging Company (Thomas Drayage) for the relocation of electrical equipment. The contract contained an indemnity clause requiring Thomas Drayage to indemnify PG&E for any losses, damages, or injuries arising out of the performance of the contract.

While performing the contracted work, an employee of Thomas Drayage was injured due to PG&E’s negligence. The injured employee filed a lawsuit against PG&E, who then sought indemnification from Thomas Drayage based on the contractual provision.

The California Supreme Court held that the indemnity provision was void under California law, as it sought indemnification for PG&E’s own negligence. PG&E appealed to the California Supreme Court.

Issue: Pacific Gas v. G. W. Thomas Drayage (1968)

The main issue before the court was whether the indemnity clause in the contract between PG&E and Thomas Drayage, which sought indemnification for PG&E’s own negligence, was enforceable.

Rule of Law: Pacific Gas v. G. W. Thomas Drayage

The court considered the enforceability of an indemnity provision that sought indemnification for the indemnitee’s own negligence.

Holding and Reasoning: Pacific Gas v. G. W. Thomas Drayage (1968)

The California Supreme Court, by a unanimous decision, held that the indemnity clause in the contract was unenforceable as it violated public policy by seeking indemnification for PG&E’s own negligence.

Holding: The Court held the following:

  • Public Policy: The Court recognized that there is a strong public policy against allowing a party to be indemnified for its own negligence. Such indemnification provisions can undermine incentives for parties to exercise due care and responsibility.
  • Allocation of Risk: The Court emphasized that the enforcement of an indemnity clause should be based on a fair allocation of risk between the contracting parties. Allowing indemnification for the indemnitee’s negligence would unfairly shift the burden of the indemnitee’s own fault onto the indemnitor.
  • Strict Construction: The Court stated that indemnity provisions should be strictly construed, and any ambiguity should be resolved against the party seeking indemnification for its own negligence.

Concurrence and Dissent: Pacific Gas v. G. W. Thomas Drayage

There were no concurrences or dissents in this case. The decision was unanimous.

Significance: Pacific Gas v. G. W. Thomas Drayage (1968)

Pacific Gas & E. Co. v. G. W. Thomas Drayage etc. Co. established the principle that indemnity clauses seeking indemnification for a party’s own negligence are generally unenforceable as against public policy. The decision reinforced the importance of allocating risks and responsibilities between contracting parties and preventing one party from shifting the burden of its own negligence onto the other party. This case has had a significant impact on the interpretation and enforceability of indemnity provisions in contracts, particularly in situations involving negligence claims.

Milo Lawson

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