“Profit Over People” Prevails Again

             Unfortunately, in Simpkins v. Grace Brethren Church of Delaware, 2016-Ohio-8118 the principle of “profit over people” prevailed yet again.   If there was ever a set of facts to declare as unconstitutional the non-economic damages caps of R.C. 2315.18, this was the case. 

              In Simpkins, the plaintiff brought a lawsuit against a church for its pastor’s actions in forcing oral and vaginal intercourse with the plaintiff who, at the time of being raped, was 15 years old.   The jury found that the plaintiff was entitled to $3,651,378.85 in compensatory damages, which included the following: $1,378.85 for past economic damages, $150,000 for future economic damages, $1,500,000 for past noneconomic damages, and $2,000,000 for future noneconomic damages.   

              The trial court, in applying R.C. 2315.18(B)(2), reduced the plaintiff’s noneconomic damages from $3.5 million to $350,000 and, accordingly, entered a judgment in plaintiff’s favor for $500,000; which is $3.1 million dollars less than a jury of her peers awarded her.  So why did the court do that?

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Overcoming Ohio's "No Duty" Winter Rule

If you didn’t notice the parking lot on I-271 or I-480 this morning, winter is here.   As the conditions become slick due to the snow, ice, and slush, it is not uncommon that individuals to sustain significant injuries in slip and falls.  

In Ohio, there is a “no duty” winter rule which comes into play in – you guessed it – winter; and ill typically apply in falls in parking lots, entryways, and sidewalks, to name a few.   However, this “no duty” winter rule does not foreclose an injured individuals ability to recover.   

Before I discuss the winter rule, remember that when the alleged negligence occurs in the premises-liability context, the applicable duty is determined by

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Crossing Outside the Crosswalk: Am I Barred from Recovering?

We’ve all done it before – especially anyone who frequents the Justice Center – crossing the street outside the crosswalk or in the crosswalk but when there is the “do not walk” signal.   Through my unofficial and unverified observations, 99% of the time it is done without incident.  However, what happens during the other 1% of the time?   Can the individual who was struck and injured recover for their loss?    My answer: it depends.

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How to Protect Yourself BEFORE a Bicycle Accident

For cyclists, this week served as yet another painful reminder of the vulnerability that we face every time we roll out onto the roadway and the catastrophic harm that can be caused for ourselves and our families.   While I trust most cyclists are careful, it is the distracted driver, the impatient driver, or the drunk driver that we have to worry about.   Their actions (and reactions) are completely out of our hands.  

I previously posted an article titled “What to do if You’re Involved in a Bicycle Accident” which you should check out first.   What that article does not address is the steps you should take before an accident happens to protect yourself and your family afterwards.   In other words, buy as much insurance as you can reasonably afford.  While this is not a comprehensive discussion on the issue of insurance, or the available types, here are a few types of insurance that you should absolutely have if you’re a cyclist:   

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Suing the State: Political Subdivision Tort Liability

If you were injured by the conduct of an employee or agent of a city, county, or other government entity, bringing a suit for damages can be difficult.   Historically, individuals could not sue the government in tort as it was immune from liability.   In 1985, however, the Ohio General Assembly enacted R.C. § 2744, the Political Subdivision Tort Liability Act, paving the way for political subdivisions of the State of Ohio to be sued in limited circumstances.     

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