Facts
A gas company, with no authority to do so, had contractors dig a trench in a public street. A passer-by fell over the heap and was hurt.
Issue
Was the employer liable for the contractor's work?
Held
Yes; it had authorised an unlawful act (a ).
Principle
An employer who authorises a is liable along with the contractor.
Why it matters
Exception to non-liability.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Ellis v Sheffield Gas Consumers Co (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/ellis-v-sheffield-gas> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.