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Political Subdivisions Not Held Liable for Negligence Actions When No Physical Defect Found in Machinery

In the case of O’Brien v. Great Parks of Hamilton Cty., 2020-Ohio-6949, the Ohio First District Court of Appeals held that a golf course was immune from liability when a lawnmower struck an individual, because the lawnmower did not possess any mechanical defects prior to the accident.

The individual, who had been struck by a lawnmower, asserted that the lawnmower had faulty brakes. However, the golf course provided the court with an affidavit demonstrating the lawnmower possessed no defects prior to the accident.

The Court of Appeals reasoned that the individual’s failure to provide any evidence of a defect within the lawnmower renders the physical-defect exception inapplicable. Absent the exception the golf course was immune from liability.

To read this case, click here.

Authors: Matthew John Markling and the McGown & Markling Team.

Note: This blog entry does not constitute – nor does it contain – legal advice. Legal jurisprudence is like the always-changing Midwestern weather. As a result, this single blog entry cannot substitute for consultation with a McGown & Markling attorney. If legal advice is needed with respect to a specific factual situation, please feel free to contact a McGown & Markling attorney.

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