Facts
A fireman was injured by a heavy jack carried on an unsuitable lorry when it was urgently needed to rescue a woman trapped under a vehicle.
Issue
Was the fire authority in taking the risk?
Held
No. The importance of saving life justified the risk.
Principle
The social utility of the defendant's activity is weighed against the risk (Denning LJ).
Why it matters
Key authority on the purpose of the activity.
Cited in these chapters
Topics
Cite this page
Watt v Hertfordshire County Council [1954] 1 WLR 835 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/watt-v-hertfordshire> 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.