Facts
A clerk used the office washroom a few minutes after work ended and left a tap running, flooding the next-door premises.
Issue
Was this within the ?
Held
Yes; the employers were liable.
Principle
Acts reasonably incidental to work, shortly after hours, can be within the course of employment.
Why it matters
Time and course of employment.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Ruddiman & Co v Smith (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/ruddiman-v-smith> 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.