{ "id": 2392835, "name": "J. R. CARVER, Administrator of the Estate of Benjamin Scott Carver v. PHYLLIS CARVER", "name_abbreviation": "Carver v. Carver", "decision_date": "1984-04-30", "docket_number": "No. 658PA82", "first_page": "669", "last_page": "686", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "310 N.C. 669" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.C.", "id": 9292, "name": "Supreme Court of North Carolina" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 5, "name_long": "North Carolina", "name": "N.C." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "196 S.E. 2d 789", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 4, "year": 1973, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "803" }, { "page": "805" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "283 N.C. 395", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8559175 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1973, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "418" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/283/0395-01" ] }, { "cite": "117 S.E. 2d 747", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1961, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "253 N.C. 807", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8627333 ], "year": 1961, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/253/0807-01" ] }, { "cite": "63 S.E. 2d 190", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "233 N.C. 99", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8599784 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/233/0099-01" ] }, { "cite": "110 A.L.R. 832", "category": "reporters:specialty", "reporter": "A.L.R.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "133 S.E. 2d 474", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "260 N.C. 601", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8575738 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/260/0601-01" ] }, { "cite": "142 S.E. 2d 638", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1965, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "642-43" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "264 N.C. 695", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "year": 1965, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "139 S.E. 2d 676", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 6, "year": 1965, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "678" }, { "page": "678" }, { "page": "678" }, { "page": "681" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "263 N.C. 361", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8570014 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1965, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "368" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/263/0361-01" ] }, { "cite": "48 S.E. 591", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "136 N.C. 115", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8658853 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/136/0115-01" ] }, { "cite": "54 S.E. 299", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "141 N.C. 455", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11253396 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/141/0455-01" ] }, { "cite": "160 S.E. 835", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "weight": 3, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "835" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "201 N.C. 574", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8626935 ], "weight": 2, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/201/0574-01" ] }, { "cite": "14 S.E. 2d 811", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "219 N.C. 717", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8626133 ], "weight": 2, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/219/0717-01" ] }, { "cite": "44 S.E. 2d 203", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 5, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "227 N.C. 686", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8627407 ], "weight": 4, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/227/0686-01" ] }, { "cite": "102 S.E. 2d 807", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1958, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "811" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "248 N.C. 176", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8621185, 8621212 ], "year": 1958, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/248/0176-01", "/nc/248/0176-02" ] }, { "cite": "N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 29-15", "category": "laws:leg_statute", "reporter": "N.C. Gen. Stat.", "pin_cites": [ { "page": "(3)" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "153 S.E. 2d 22", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1967, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "269 N.C. 535", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8564666 ], "year": 1967, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/269/0535-01" ] }, { "cite": "231 S.E. 2d 614", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1977, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "291 N.C. 640", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8558867 ], "year": 1977, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/291/0640-01" ] }, { "cite": "284 S.E. 2d 457", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1981, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "304 N.C. 427", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8569012 ], "year": 1981, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/304/0427-01" ] }, { "cite": "189 S.E. 2d 230", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1972, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "232" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "281 N.C. 476", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8575323 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1972, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "479" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/281/0476-01" ] }, { "cite": "230 S.E. 2d 405", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1976, "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "wrongful death action maintainable because personal injury action would have been had deceased lived" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "291 N.C. 180", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8557798 ], "year": 1976, "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "wrongful death action maintainable because personal injury action would have been had deceased lived" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/291/0180-01" ] }, { "cite": "208 S.E. 2d 649", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1974, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "285 N.C. 689", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8569665 ], "year": 1974, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/285/0689-01" ] }, { "cite": "194 S.E. 2d 133", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1973, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "139" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "282 N.C. 585", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8567948 ], "year": 1973, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "592" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/282/0585-01" ] }, { "cite": "292 S.E. 2d 569", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1982, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "305 N.C. 584", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8571562, 8571594, 8571531, 8571628, 8571669 ], "year": 1982, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/305/0584-02", "/nc/305/0584-03", "/nc/305/0584-01", "/nc/305/0584-04", "/nc/305/0584-05" ] }, { "cite": "286 S.E. 2d 799", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1982, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "55 N.C. App. 716", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8527871 ], "year": 1982, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/55/0716-01" ] }, { "cite": "N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 1-539.21", "category": "laws:leg_statute", "reporter": "N.C. Gen. Stat.", "weight": 7, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "89 S.E. 2d 788", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1955, "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "243 N.C. 55", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8620611 ], "year": 1955, "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/243/0055-01" ] }, { "cite": "118 S.E. 12", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "year": 1923, "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "185 N.C. 577", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8656989 ], "year": 1923, "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/185/0577-01" ] }, { "cite": "70 S.E. 2d 676", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1952, "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "235 N.C. 638", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8626420 ], "year": 1952, "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/235/0638-01" ] }, { "cite": "139 S.E. 2d 753", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1965, "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "263 N.C. 317", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8569848 ], "year": 1965, "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/263/0317-01" ] }, { "cite": "48 S.E. 591", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "136 N.C. 115", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8658853 ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/136/0115-01" ] }, { "cite": "54 S.E. 299", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "141 N.C. 455", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11253396 ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/141/0455-01" ] }, { "cite": "160 S.E. 835", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "201 N.C. 574", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8626935 ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/201/0574-01" ] }, { "cite": "14 S.E. 2d 811", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "219 N.C. 717", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8626133 ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/219/0717-01" ] }, { "cite": "44 S.E. 2d 203", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "227 N.C. 686", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8627407 ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/227/0686-01" ] }, { "cite": "102 S.E. 2d 807", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1958, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "811" } ], "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "248 N.C. 176", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8621185, 8621212 ], "year": 1958, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "181-82" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/248/0176-01", "/nc/248/0176-02" ] }, { "cite": "189 S.E. 2d 230", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1972, "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "281 N.C. 476", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8575323 ], "year": 1972, "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/281/0476-01" ] }, { "cite": "305 N.C. 584", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8571562, 8571594, 8571531, 8571628, 8571669 ], "year": 1982, "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/305/0584-02", "/nc/305/0584-03", "/nc/305/0584-01", "/nc/305/0584-04", "/nc/305/0584-05" ] }, { "cite": "286 S.E. 2d 799", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1982, "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "55 N.C. App. 716", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8527871 ], "year": 1982, "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/55/0716-01" ] } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 1200, "char_count": 37858, "ocr_confidence": 0.805, "pagerank": { "raw": 7.170927515861837e-07, "percentile": 0.9673247359208973 }, "sha256": "730e953458cca06350f3ceb1ad81da3aa038d03ac06e7c91880114b55e53c5ad", "simhash": "1:33034ec0646b87f9", "word_count": 6361 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T22:57:26.657763+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [ "Justice MARTIN did not participate in the consideration or decision of this case." ], "parties": [ "J. R. CARVER, Administrator of the Estate of Benjamin Scott Carver v. PHYLLIS CARVER" ], "opinions": [ { "text": "EXUM, Justice.\nThis is a wrongful death action by the estate of a two-month-old child against the child\u2019s mother. The allegations are that the child was killed in an automobile accident caused by the mother\u2019s negligence. The child is survived by his mother, the defendant; his father, who was not present at the time of the accident; and three siblings. Two questions arise: (1) Does the doctrine of parental immunity bar this action? (2) Should the active negligence of one parent, if any, be imputed to the other parent under the family purpose doctrine so as to bar all recovery by the child\u2019s estate under the principle that no one should profit by his wrong? We answer both questions negatively, vacate the summary judgment for defendant, and remand for further proceedings.\nI.\nLuther Carver, who is not a party to this action, and defendant, Phyllis Carver, are husband and wife and parents of the deceased, Benjamin Scott Carver. On 8 April 1980 Mrs. Carver was operating the family automobile in which the deceased child was a passenger. While they traveled along Ike Lynch Road in Gaston County the automobile overturned, and the child was killed. His parents and three older siblings survive him. Mr. Carver owned the automobile which was used for family purposes, and Mrs. Carver was using it for those purposes at the time of the accident.\nInitially, defendant successfully moved in the trial court to dismiss this action on the basis of the doctrine of parental immunity. The Court of Appeals reversed, holding that because N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 1-539.21, effective 1 October 1975, abolished the doctrine of parental immunity in actions for personal injury and property damage arising out of the operation of motor vehicles, wrongful death actions arising out of the operation of motor vehicles would not be barred by the doctrine. Carver v. Carver, 55 N.C. App. 716, 286 S.E. 2d 799, disc. rev. denied, 305 N.C. 584, 292 S.E. 2d 569 (1982). Defendant then answered, engaged in discovery, and moved for summary judgment.\nThe motion was grounded on two propositions: First, that defendant\u2019s negligence, if any, was imputed to the child\u2019s father under the family purpose doctrine and second, since only the parents would be entitled to share in any recovery, there could in fact be no recovery under the principle that no person should profit by his wrong. Judge Allen allowed this motion and dismissed the action. Plaintiff failed to give timely notice of appeal, and the Court of Appeals denied his petition for writ of certiorari. Plaintiff then applied to this Court for a writ of certiorari, and we granted our writ on 2 February 1983 to review the correctness of Judge Allen\u2019s ruling. Defendant cross-assigns as error the Court of Appeals\u2019 earlier decision that parental immunity did not bar this wrongful death action.\nII.\nAt the outset we note our agreement with defendant\u2019s position that we are not bound to follow the decision of the Court of Appeals on the first appeal of this matter that the action was not barred by the doctrine of parental immunity. Our denial of defendant\u2019s petition for further review of the Court of Appeals\u2019 decision on this point does not make that decision the law of the case in this Court nor does it mean \u201cthat this Court has determined that the decision of the Court of Appeals is correct.\u201d Peaseley v. Virginia Iron, Coal & Coke Co., 282 N.C. 585, 592, 194 S.E. 2d 133, 139 (1973). See also Spartan Leasing, Inc. v. Brown, 285 N.C. 689, 208 S.E. 2d 649 (1974).\nAlthough we could now decide the question differently, we conclude that the Court of Appeals\u2019 decision on the parental immunity issue was well reasoned and altogether correct. The Court of Appeals, in an opinion by Judge Wells, concurred in by Judges Arnold and (now Justice) H. C. Martin, reasoned as follows: N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 28A-18-2 (successor to 28-173 and 28-174) authorizes wrongful death actions when death \u201cis caused by the wrongful act, neglect or default of another, such as would, if the injured person had lived, have entitled him to an action for damages therefor.\u201d Had the deceased child in this case lived, he would have had a cause of action against his mother for any injuries caused by his mother\u2019s negligent operation of the automobile by virtue of N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 1-539.21 which provides:\nAbolition of parent-child immunity in motor vehicle cases. The relationship of parent and child shall not bar the right of action by a minor child against a parent for personal injury or property damage arising out of the operation of a motor vehicle owned or operated by such parent.\nSince parental immunity would not have barred a personal injury action brought by the child had he lived, it likewise does not bar this wrongful death action brought by his estate.\nThe Court of Appeals correctly recognized that, in determining whether any wrongful death action is maintainable, this Court has consistently analyzed the question in terms of whether the deceased had he lived would have had a claim against defendant for injuries inflicted. If so, then the estate of the deceased may maintain an action for wrongful death; if not, then the action for wrongful death will not lie. Raftery v. Vick Construction Co., 291 N.C. 180, 230 S.E. 2d 405 (1976) (wrongful death action maintainable because personal injury action would have been had deceased lived); Skinner v. Whitley, 281 N.C. 476, 189 S.E. 2d 230 (1972). Indeed, in Skinner, decided before the enactment of N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 1-539.21, this Court held that the estates of two deceased minor children could not maintain wrongful death actions against the estate of their deceased father when all were killed in an automobile operated by the father. The decision\u2019s rationale was that since the children\u2019s actions for personal injuries, had they lived, would have been barred by the parental immunity doctrine, their wrongful death actions were likewise barred. The Court said, \u201cThis conclusion follows as a matter of law unless the reciprocal immunity rule between parent and unemancipated minor child is repudiated or modified in this jurisdiction.\u201d 281 N.C. at 479, 189 S.E. 2d at 232. The Court went on to suggest that if the parental immunity doctrine were to be changed, it ought to be by legislation rather than adjudication. The legislature apparently responded to this suggestion in 1975 by enacting N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 1-539.21.\nSince, therefore, as the Court of Appeals reasoned, N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 1-539.21 has abolished the doctrine of parental immunity in personal injury and property damage cases arising out of a parent\u2019s operation of a motor vehicle, the doctrine is no longer a bar to wrongful death actions by the deceased child\u2019s estate which likewise arises out of a parent\u2019s operation of a motor vehicle.\nDefendant misses the point when she argues that because N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 1-539.21 does not expressly mention wrongful death actions and expressly refers only to \u201cpersonal injury or property damage\u201d actions, the legislature intended to abolish parental immunity only in personal injury or property damage claims. It is not N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 1-539.21 standing alone which abrogates parental immunity in wrongful death actions arising out of operation of motor vehicles; it is this statute and N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 28A-18-2 read in pari materia, which bring about this result. It is, of course, a fundamental canon of statutory construction that statutes which are in pari materia, le., which relate or are applicable to the same matter or subject, although enacted at different times must be construed together in order to ascertain legislative intent. Great Southern Media, Inc. v. McDowell County, 304 N.C. 427, 284 S.E. 2d 457 (1981); In re Arthur, 291 N.C. 640, 231 S.E. 2d 614 (1977); State Highway Commission v. Hemphill, 269 N.C. 535, 153 S.E. 2d 22 (1967); Black\u2019s Law Dictionary 711 (rev. 5th ed. 1979); Ballentine\u2019s Law Dictionary 657 (1948).\nIII.\nWe turn now to the second issue before us: Whether defendant\u2019s negligence, if any, in causing the death of the child is imputed to the child\u2019s father, who is also defendant\u2019s husband and owner of the car, under the family purpose doctrine so as to bar recovery in this wrongful death action. The parties agree that the automobile being operated by defendant was a family purpose automobile owned by the father-husband and was being operated by defendant-mother as a family purpose car. Defendant\u2019s argument in support of allowing her motion for summary judgment is this: Proceeds recovered in a wrongful death action do not constitute part of the estate of the deceased generally except for certain limited purposes. \u201cThe amount recovered in such action is not liable to be applied as assets, in the payment of debts or legacies, except as to burial expenses of the deceased, and reasonable hospital and medical expenses not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) incident to the injury resulting in death; . . . but shall be disposed of as provided in the Intestate Succession Act.\u201d N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 28A-18-2. The Intestate Succession Act provides that if the intestate \u201cis survived by both parents, they shall take in equal shares, or if either parent is dead, the surviving parent shall take the entire share.\u201d N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 29-15(3). The child here is survived by both parents. Only the parents, therefore, will be entitled to share in any recovery made in this action. Since both parents are responsible for the child\u2019s death, the mother through her active negligence and the father through imputed negligence under the family purpose doctrine, there can be no recovery because of the principle that no person should be permitted to profit by his or her own wrong.\nAll propositions in the foregoing argument, except for the proposition that the mother\u2019s negligence is imputed to the father, are supported by our cases:\nIn In re Estate of Ives, 248 N.C. 176, 102 S.E. 2d 807 (1958), the mother was killed in an automobile collision while riding as a passenger in one of the automobiles being operated by her son, Sam Ives. The decedent was survived by four sons, in addition to Sam. Her estate settled with Sam\u2019s liability carrier and a sum of money was paid into the estate pursuant to this settlement. In a petition before the clerk for advice on how to distribute the proceeds of this settlement, the clerk ruled that the sums should be divided equally between all of the deceased\u2019s sons except Sam. On Sam\u2019s appeal the superior court, and subsequently this Court, affirmed the clerk\u2019s judgment. This Court said:\nIn an action to recover damages for wrongful death the real party in interest is the beneficiary under the statute for whom recovery is sought, and not the administrator. Davenport v. Patrick, 227 N.C. 686, 44 S.E. 2d 203.\n\u2018It is a maxim of law, recognized and established, that no man shall take advantage of his own wrong; and this maxim, which is based on elementary principles, is fully recognized in courts of law and equity, and, indeed, admits of illustration from every branch of legal procedure.\u2019 Broom\u2019s Legal Maxims, Tenth Ed., 191.\nThis maxim embodied in the common law, and constituting an essential part thereof, is stated in the text books and reported cases. It has its foundation in universal law administered in all civilized lands, for without its recognition and enforcement by the courts their judgments would rightly excite public indignation. This maxim has been adopted as public policy in this state and we have decided in many cases instituted to recover damages for wrongful death that no beneficiary under the statute for whom recovery is sought will be permitted to enrich himself by his own wrong. Davenport v. Patrick, supra; Pearson v. Stores Corp., 219 N.C. 717, 14 S.E. 2d 811; Goldsmith v. Samet, 201 N.C. 574, 160 S.E. 835; Harton v. Telephone Co., 141 N.C. 455, 54 S.E. 299; Davis v. R.R., 136 N.C. 115, 48 S.E. 591. The right of a person otherwise entitled to receive the money paid for wrongful death, or to share in the distribution of such a sum paid, will be denied where the death of the decedent was caused by such person\u2019s negligence. Davenport v. Patrick, supra; Goldsmith v. Samet, supra.\nId. at 181-82, 102 S.E. 2d at 811.\nIn Cox v. Shaw, 263 N.C. 361, 139 S.E. 2d 676 (1965), a husband and wife and their son were riding together in the husband\u2019s family purpose automobile. The son, an unemancipated minor living in the home of his parents, was driving. This automobile collided with another automobile, and in the collision the mother and son were killed. The mother\u2019s estate brought a wrongful death action against the driver of the other car, the son\u2019s estate and the husband-father. The trial court entered judgment on the pleadings in favor of the husband-father and the son\u2019s estate. This Court affirmed the ruling dismissing the action against the son\u2019s estate on the ground of family immunity, holding that a parent or the parent\u2019s estate could not maintain an action for negligence against an unemancipated child or the child\u2019s estate. The Court reversed the decision dismissing the action against the husband-father.\nIn reaching this decision the Court recognized that the theory of liability against the husband-father was respondeat superior. The agency relationship arose in two ways: First, the husband-father as a passenger in his own automobile \u201chad the right to control and direct its operation by the driver, his son.\u201d Id. at 363, 139 S.E. 2d at 678. Second, \u201cunder the family purpose doctrine . . . negligence would have been equally imputable to the father had he not been present.\u201d Id. at 363-64, 139 S.E. 2d at 678.\nThe husband-father argued that as principal being sued only on a theory of imputed liability he should be \u201centitled to avail himself of his son\u2019s immunity.\u201d Id. at 364, 139 S.E. 2d at 678. The Court, in a thoughtful and well-researched opinion by Justice (later Chief Justice) Sharp, rejected this argument. It relied on the principle established in cases from other jurisdictions and embodied in Restatement (Second) of Agency \u00a7 217 (1958), that a principal otherwise liable for the negligence of his agent may not take advantage of an immunity which is personal to the agent. The Court held, further, that although a principal ordinarily has a right of action over against his agent for indemnity, this would not be true where the principal was the father and the agent the son because of the immunity of the son from suit by the father. The Court expressly noted that its decision permitting the action of the wife\u2019s estate against the husband-father \u201cdoes not lift the immunity of the son\u2019s estate from suit by the father so as to authorize an action by him for indemnity should plaintiff recover in this action.\u201d 263 N.C. at 368, 139 S.E. 2d at 681.\nFinally, the Court in Cox held that it would not permit \u201cdefendant husband-father, as a distributee of the estate of his wife, to profit from his own wrong.\u201d Id. The Court said:\nWhere the beneficiary of an estate is culpably responsible for the decedent\u2019s death, he may not share in the administrator\u2019s recovery for wrongful death. The identity of beneficiaries entitled to share in the recovery is determined as of the time of decedent\u2019s death. Davenport v. Patrick, 227 N.C. 686, 44 S.E. 2d 203. Here, had plaintiffs intestate died a natural death, her beneficiaries would have been her husband, her son, and her daughter. G.S. 29-14(2). Under the circumstances, however, only the daughter will be entitled to benefit from any recovery which the administrator may obtain in this action. Therefore, should the jury return a verdict in plaintiffs favor, the court will enter judgment for only one-third of the amount.\nId.\nCox and other cases firmly established the principle that in wrongful death actions where recovery depends on establishing the liability of a party who is also a beneficiary of the decedent\u2019s estate, any recovery obtained shall be reduced by that party-beneficiary\u2019s pro rata share and that party-beneficiary is precluded from participating in the recovery; but the action may be maintained on behalf of other beneficiaries, if any. Davenport v. Patrick, 227 N.C. 686, 44 S.E. 2d 203 (1947); Pearson v. National Manufacture & Stores Corp., 219 N.C. 717, 14 S.E. 2d 811 (1941). Further, if recovery in a wrongful death action depends upon establishing the liability of a party who is the sole beneficiary of the decedent\u2019s estate, the action may not be maintained at all. Davenport, 227 N.C. 686, 44 S.E. 2d 203; Goldsmith v. Samet, 201 N.C. 574, 160 S.E. 835 (1931). In Goldsmith, the son\u2019s estate brought wrongful death action against the mother, alleging the negligent operation of an automobile by the father who was acting as the mother\u2019s agent. A demurrer to the complaint was sustained on appeal on the ground, first, that the action was barred by the doctrine of parental immunity and, second, that \u201cif recovery were allowed, the amount would be divided between the two wrongdoers.\u201d Id. at 575, 160 S.E. at 835.\nIt is important to note that in all of the above cases the Court was concerned with not permitting a beneficiary of an estate to share in a wrongful death recovery when the recovery itself depended on establishing the liability of the beneficiary as a party-defendant or when the beneficiary was himself negligent as in Goldsmith.\nIn the instant case recovery does not depend upon establishing the liability of anyone but defendant-wife-mother. Recovery here is not grounded on establishing the liability of the father who is neither a party defendant nor one through whom the liability of the defendant is sought to be established.\nThis case, therefore, is controlled by Foster v. Foster, 264 N.C. 695, 142 S.E. 2d 638 (1965). Foster was a civil action by husband against his wife to recover medical expenses he had expended on their infant child after the child was injured while riding as a passenger in an automobile being operated by the wife-mother. The parties stipulated the mother\u2019s negligence caused the collision resulting in the child\u2019s injuries and that the plaintiff-father was not present at the collision. The parties further stipulated that the father owned the automobile being operated by the mother and maintained it as a family purpose automobile. This Court, in a thoroughly considered opinion by Justice (later Chief Justice) Parker, affirmed a judgment for plaintiff against the contention, among others, that the husband\u2019s action should be barred because, under the family purpose doctrine, his wife\u2019s negligence under the circumstances presented would be imputed to him. In rejecting this argument, the Court said:\nThe agreed facts are sufficient to invoke the family car purpose doctrine. In Smith v. Simpson, 260 N.C. 601, 133 S.E. 2d 474, it is said: \u2018The very genesis of the family purpose doctrine is agency. The question of liability for negligent injury must be determined in that aspect.\u2019 It seems clear from the agreed statement of facts that at the time of the injuries to Pamela Sue Foster defendant was the agent of plaintiff, and was acting within the scope of her authority as his agent. It has been held (or assumed) in many cases that, in the absence of waiver or estoppel on his part, a principal or master has a right of action against the agent or servant for loss or damage resulting to the principal or master which has proximately resulted from the agent\u2019s or servant\u2019s negligence. 3 C.J.S., Agency, \u00a7 286, (a); Annot. 110 A.L.R. 832, where many cases are cited, including one from North Carolina. What was said by Ervin, J., writing the majority opinion in Rollison v. Hicks, 233 N.C. 99, 63 S.E. 2d 190, in respect to actions brought by the master against the servant to recover for injuries suffered by the former as a result of the latter\u2019s actional negligence is also applicable to similar actions brought by a principal against his agent. Justice Ervin said:\n\u2018The doctrine of imputed negligence has no application, however, to actions brought by the master against the servant to recover for injuries suffered by the former as a result of the latter\u2019s actionable negligence. * * *\n\u2018* * * But it would offend justice and right to impute the negligence of a servant to his master and thus exempt him from the consequences of his own wrong-doing where the negligence proximately causes injury to a master who is without personal fault.\u2019\nAccording to the agreed facts \u2018plaintiff was not present at the time of the said collision.\u2019 There is no waiver or estoppel on his part in the instant case. He was not in the automobile at the time of the collision, and that is another reason why his wife\u2019s negligence cannot be imputed to him. 65 C.J.S., Negligence, \u00a7 168, (f).\nId. at 699-700, 142 S.E. 2d at 642-43.\nThe result here must be the same as in Foster. The husband-father is not barred from sharing in any recovery by his son\u2019s estate because defendant-wife-mother\u2019s negligence cannot be imputed to him for this purpose under the family purpose doctrine. The doctrine is essentially a means for establishing liability of responsible parties on a theory of respondeat superior whereby the responsible party is the principal and the party actively negligent is agent. Foster establishes that the doctrine may not be used to bar an action brought by the husband-father against the wife-mother for medical expenses expended on their son. It follows that the doctrine may not be used to deny distribution to the husband-father as beneficiary of his son\u2019s estate when the estate\u2019s recovery is grounded, if at all, solely on the negligence of the wife-mother.\nWe are not inadvertent to Dixon v. Briley, 253 N.C. 807, 117 S.E. 2d 747 (1961). In Dixon two brothers, James B. and Otha Lee, were riding in an automobile when it collided at a railroad crossing with Southern Railway Company\u2019s freight train. Apparently Otha Lee was driving and James B. was a passenger. Both were killed in the collision. Their father, Albert, as administrator of James B.\u2019s estate, brought wrongful death action against Otha Lee\u2019s estate and Southern Railway Company, alleging that the negligence of Southern Railway and Otha Lee caused the collision. Southern Railway moved to amend its answer. The proposed amendment sought to allege that the automobile was a family purpose car, owned by the father and being operated at the time as a family purpose vehicle; therefore any negligence of the operator of the car would be imputed to the father and would be a bar to any recovery or a bar pro tanto to that portion of any recovery which would be distributable to the father. The trial court refused to allow the amendment, concluding that it would not constitute a defense. This Court, in a brief per curiam opinion, concluded that it was error for the trial court to deny the amendment as a matter of law and remanded the matter to permit the trial court to exercise its discretion in determining whether the amendment ought to be allowed. Suffice it to say that the Dixon case did not come to grips with the question of whether the pleading ultimately would constitute a defense. It held simply that the trial court should not have denied the motion to amend on the ground that the pleading would not constitute a defense. We note further that only appellant Southern Railway appeared when the case was argued in this Court; there was no counsel contra. Finally, Dixon was not referred to in the later Foster case which thoroughly considered, and should be considered authoritative on, this question.\nThe result is this: This action may be maintained on behalf of the child\u2019s estate, but only the father-husband will be entitled to share in any recovery. Since any recovery obtained will be grounded on the negligence of defendant-mother-wife, she shall not share in the recovery, if there is any.\nIV.\nThe only remaining problem is how best to accomplish this result in the trial of this proceeding. The cases heretofore discussed resolved the problem by simply letting the wrongful death action proceed to verdict. The verdict was then reduced by the pro rata share of the beneficiary or beneficiaries upon whose liability or negligence the recovery depended and judgment entered accordingly. The recovery was distributed ultimately only to the other beneficiaries of the estate. This procedure worked well under our former wrongful death statutes in effect when these cases were decided.\nIn 1969 the legislature rewrote a portion of these statutes so as to change significantly the measure of damages recoverable in a wrongful death action. \u201cAn Act to Rewrite G.S. 28-174, Relating to Damages Recoverable for Death by Wrongful Act,\u201d Chapter 215, 1969 Sess. Laws. The differences in wrongful death damages recoverable before and after the 1969 changes are fully chronicled in Bowen v. Constructors Equipment Rental Co., 283 N.C. 395, 196 S.E. 2d 789 (1973). Essentially, as the Bowen opinion demonstrates, damages for death itself under former G.S. 28-174 were limited to the \u201cpresent value of the net pecuniary worth of the deceased based on his life expectancy.\u201d Id. at 415, 196 S.E. 2d at 803. The damages under this formula were arrived at without consideration of who might share in the recovery or their relationship to the deceased. The focus was solely on the probable worth of the deceased had he lived out his normal life expectancy. \u201cPrior to the 1969 act, whether the relationship between such persons [entitled to the recovery] and the decedent was one of closeness, estrangement or indifference had no bearing upon the amount of the recovery.\u201d Id.\nThe 1969 Act, now codified as N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 28A-18-2, provides for wrongful death damages as follows:\n(b) Damages recoverable for death by wrongful act include:\n(1) Expenses for care, treatment and hospitalization incident to the injury resulting in death;\n(2) Compensation for pain and suffering of the decedent;\n(3) The reasonable funeral expenses of the decedent;\n(4) The present monetary value of the decedent to the persons entitled to receive the damages recovered, including but not limited to compensation for the loss of the reasonably expected:\na. Net income of the decedent,\nb. Services, protection, care and assistance of the decedent, whether voluntary or obligatory, to the persons entitled to the damages recovered.\nc. Society, companionship, comfort, guidance, kindly offices and advice of the decedent to the persons entitled to the damages recovered;\n(5) Such punitive damages as the decedent could have recovered had he survived, and punitive damages for wrongfully causing the death of the decedent through maliciousness, wilful or wanton injury, or gross negligence;\n(6) Nominal damages when the jury so finds. [Emphasis supplied.]\nIn this action the damages which plaintiff seeks to recover are: (1) the reasonable funeral expenses of the decedent; (2) compensation for the pain and suffering of the decedent; and (3) the items of damages recoverable under section (b)(4) of the statute. \u201cThe first step to determine the damages recoverable under [section (b)(4)] is to identify the particular persons who are entitled to receive the damages recovered.\u201d Bowen, 283 N.C. at 418, 196 S.E. 2d at 805. In ascertaining the amount of damages recoverable under section (b)(4), the trier of fact must be apprised of those who are going to share in the recovery; for under this section it is only the losses suffered by these persons as a result of the decedent\u2019s death which may be taken into account in assessing these damages.\nIn the present case since only the father-husband will be entitled to share in the recovery, the trier of fact must be so apprised and must take this fact into account in assessing the damages recoverable under section (b)(4). Only the father-husband\u2019s losses as a result of the death of the child may be considered and losses to the mother-wife may not be considered in assessing damages under this section. It follows that whatever damages are awarded under this section need not be reduced but are fully recoverable by the estate to be ultimately enjoyed by the father-husband.\nSince the reasonable funeral expenses of the decedent are primarily the responsibility of the father-husband, neither should this item of damages be reduced because the mother-wife is precluded from sharing in the recovery.\nDamages awarded, if any, for decedent\u2019s pain and suffering should, however, be reduced by half, which represents the mother-wife\u2019s pro rata share of these damages, under the principles established in our cases.\nInstead of a general verdict on damages, these various damages issues arising on each subsection of section (b)(4) should be submitted separately to the jury as special verdicts.\nThe result is that summary judgment entered for defendant below is reversed and this case is remanded for further proceedings not inconsistent with this opinion.\nReversed and remanded.\nJustice MARTIN did not participate in the consideration or decision of this case.\n. 1975 Session Laws, ch. 685, \u00a7 2.", "type": "majority", "author": "EXUM, Justice." }, { "text": "Justice Meyer\ndissenting.\nThe well-settled common law of North Carolina does not permit recovery for an unintentional tort between unemancipated minors and their parents. Gillikin v. Burbage, 263 N.C. 317, 139 S.E. 2d 753 (1965); Redding v. Redding, 235 N.C. 638, 70 S.E. 2d 676 (1952); Small v. Morrison, 185 N.C. 577, 118 S.E. 12 (1923). Nor is the personal representative of a deceased unemancipated minor permitted to bring a wrongful death action against a parent of the child. Skinner v. Whitley, 281 N.C. 476, 189 S.E. 2d 230 (1972); Lewis v. Insurance Co., 243 N.C. 55, 89 S.E. 2d 788 (1955). Of course there is a very limited exception to the prevailing common law rule in North Carolina created by G.S. \u00a7 1-539.21. This statutory exception applies only to personal injury and property damage actions arising solely out of the operation of automobiles owned or operated by the parent. This statute provides as follows;\nThe relationship of parent and child shall not bar the right of action by a minor child against a parent for personal injury or property damage arising out of the operation of a motor vehicle owned or operated by such parent.\n(Emphasis added.)\nThis statute by its own terms creates a limited exception to the prevailing common law rule in North Carolina. It allows a child to sue a parent but not a parent to sue a child. It applies only in motor vehicle cases and then applies only to personal injury and property damage claims. The statute does not mention wrongful death actions. It was extended to cover that classification by the holding in this very case when it was initially before the COA on the dismissal of the administrator\u2019s action for failure to state a cause of action. Carver v. Carver, 55 N.C. App. 716, 286 S.E. 2d 799, cert. denied, 305 N.C. 584 (1982). As is clearly demonstrated in the majority opinion, this Court\u2019s denial of defendant\u2019s petition for further review did not make that decision of the Court of Appeals the law of the case in this Court nor does it mean that this Court determined that the decision of the Court of Appeals is correct. I believe that this Court should now hold that G.S. \u00a7 1-539.21 does not extend to wrongful death actions, thus the common law continues to apply and this action is barred by the doctrine of parental immunity.\nThere was, when it was enacted, and there continues to be, good reason for the legislature\u2019s omission of wrongful death actions from the provisions of G.S. \u00a7 1-539.21. This Court should not extend the statute in the face of strong public policy considerations which augur against it. It is the parents here who are the real parties in interest. The majority has properly barred the wife/mother from recovery as an actual distributee of the proceeds of the action under the maxim that one should not be allowed to profit from his own wrong.\nJustice (later Chief Justice) Parker stated the principle in In re Estate of Ives, 248 N.C. 176, 181-82, 102 S.E. 2d 807, 811 (1958), as follows:\nIn an action to recover damages for wrongful death the real party in interest is the beneficiary under the statute for whom recovery is sought, and not the administrator. Davenport v. Patrick, 227 N.C. 686, 44 S.E. 2d 203.\n\u2018It is a maxim of law, recognized and established, that no man shall take advantage of his own wrong; and this maxim, which is based on elementary principles, is fully recognized in courts of law and equity, and, indeed, admits of illustration from every branch of legal procedure.\u2019 Broom\u2019s Legal Maxims, Tenth Ed., 191.\nThis maxim embodied in the common law, and constituting an essential part thereof, is stated in the text books and reported cases. It has its foundation in universal law administered in all civilized lands, for without its recognition and enforcement by the courts their judgments would rightly excite public indignation. This maxim has been adopted as public policy in this state and we have decided in many cases instituted to recover damages for wrongful death that no beneficiary under the statute for whom recovery is sought will be permitted to enrich himself by his own wrong. Daven port v. Patrick, supra; Pearson v. Stores Corp., 219 N.C. 717, 14 S.E. 2d 811; Goldsmith v. Samet, 201 N.C. 574, 160 S.E. 835; Harton v. Telephone Co., 141 N.C. 455, 54 S.E. 299; Davis v. R.R., 136 N.C. 115, 48 S.E. 591. The right of a person otherwise entitled to receive the money paid for wrongful death, or to share in the distribution of such a sum paid, will be denied where the death of the decedent was caused by such person\u2019s negligence. Davenport v. Patrick, supra; Goldsmith v. Samet, supra.\nWhile the wife/mother is barred from taking as an actual distributee of the proceeds from this action, I believe it is inescapable that she will indeed benefit from the recovery which resulted from her own wrong. Should the husband/father choose to do so could he not give her some of, or indeed all of, the recovery? Should he die intestate would she not receive benefits under our laws governing intestate succession? Should he die testate could he not will her the funds recovered? Should the marriage terminate without a separation agreement would she not benefit from the recovery through equitable distribution? Should the recovery simply go into the family treasury, which is more likely, would she not benefit?\nI believe that the overriding public policy of not allowing one to benefit from his own wrong dictates that the statute not be extended by judicial fiat to wrongful death actions. If the legislature chooses to do so, it may express its intent and will to so extend the statute by appropriate legislation.", "type": "dissent", "author": "Justice Meyer" } ], "attorneys": [ "Ronald Williams for plaintiff appellant.", "Golding, Crews, Meekins, Gordon & Gray by James P. Crews for defendant appellee." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "J. R. CARVER, Administrator of the Estate of Benjamin Scott Carver v. PHYLLIS CARVER\nNo. 658PA82\n(Filed 30 April 1984)\n1. Appeal and Error \u00a7\u00a7 21, 68\u2014 Supreme Court\u2019s denial of further review of Court of Appeals decision \u2014no law of the case\nThe Supreme Court\u2019s denial of defendant\u2019s petition for further review of a Court of Appeals decision that parental immunity did not bar an action for the wrongful death of a child did not make that decision the law of the case in the Supreme Court and did not mean that the Supreme Court had determined that the decision of the Court of Appeals was correct.\n2. Death \u00a7 3.3; Parent and Child \u00a7 2.1\u2014 automobile accident \u2014 wrongful death action against child\u2019s mother \u2014 parental immunity inapplicable\nThe doctrine of parental immunity did not bar an action by the estate of a child against the child\u2019s mother for the wrongful death of the child in an automobile accident since G.S. 1-539.21 and G.S. 28A-18-2 together abrogate parental immunity in wrongful death actions arising out of the operation of motor vehicles.\n3. Actions \u00a7 5; Automobiles and Other Vehicles \u00a7 108; Death \u00a7 11\u2014 family purpose automobile \u2014 mother\u2019s negligence in death of child not imputed to father \u2014 father\u2019s right to share in recovery against mother\nWhere a minor child was killed in an accident caused solely by his mother\u2019s negligence in the operation of a family purpose automobile owned by the father, the active negligence of the mother will not be imputed to the father under the family purpose doctrine so as to bar the father from sharing in any recovery by the child\u2019s estate against the mother under the principle that no one should profit by his own wrong. However, the mother cannot share in any recovery by her child\u2019s estate based on her own negligence.\n4. Actions \u00a7 5; Death \u00a7\u00a7 7.3, 8, 11\u2014 wrongful death of child \u2014 negligence by mother \u2014 damages recoverable\nIn a wrongful death action by the estate of a child against the child\u2019s mother in which the parents are the beneficiaries of the estate and the mother is precluded from sharing in the recovery based on her own negligence, only the father\u2019s losses as a result of the death of the child may be considered in assessing damages under G.S. 28A-18-2(b)(4), and whatever damages are awarded under this section need not be reduced but are fully recoverable by the estate to be ultimately enjoyed by the father. Since the reasonable funeral expenses of the decedent are primarily the responsibility of the father, this item of damages need not be reduced because the mother is precluded from sharing in the recovery. However, any damages awarded for decedent\u2019s pain and suffering should be reduced by half, the mother\u2019s pro rata share of these damages.\nJustice Martin did not participate in the consideration or decision of this case.\nJustice Meyer dissenting.\nON writ of certiorari to review a summary judgment for defendant entered by Judge Allen, presiding in GASTON Superior Court, on 6 October 1982.\nRonald Williams for plaintiff appellant.\nGolding, Crews, Meekins, Gordon & Gray by James P. Crews for defendant appellee." }, "file_name": "0669-01", "first_page_order": 705, "last_page_order": 722 }