Blyth v. Birmingham Waterworks Co. (1856)

Blyth v. Birmingham Waterworks Co. (1856) is a legal case that dealt with negligence and liability. In this case, Blyth's home was damaged by water due to the negligent operation of the Birmingham Waterworks. The court ruled that the company was not liable because the freezing conditions that caused the pipes to burst were unusual and unforeseeable. This case established that for a party to be held liable for negligence, the harm must result from actions that a reasonable person could predict under the circumstances. It highlights the balance between responsibility and unpredictable events in tort law.