Wright v. Williamsport , 2019 Ohio 2682 ( 2019 )

[Cite as Wright v. Williamsport, 2019-Ohio-2682.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
PICKAWAY COUNTY
GARY WRIGHT, :
Plaintiff-Appellee, : Case No. 18CA14
vs. :
VILLAGE OF WILLIAMSPORT, et al., : DECISION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY
Defendants-Appellants. :
_________________________________________________________________
APPEARANCES:
Warren M. Enders and Acacia B. Perko, Columbus, Ohio, for appellant.
Sean Harris, Columbus, Ohio, for appellees.
CIVIL CASE FROM COMMON PLEAS COURT
DATE JOURNALIZED: 6-21-19
ABELE, J.
{¶ 1} This is an appeal from a Pickaway County Common Pleas Court judgment that
denied summary judgment to the Village of Williamsport, defendant below and appellant herein.1
The trial court determined that appellant is not immune from liability under R.C. Chapter 2744
for the negligence and loss-of-consortium claims asserted by Gary and Peggy Wright, plaintiffs
below and appellees herein. Appellant assigns the following error for review:
1
We note that “when a trial court denies a motion in which a political subdivision or its employee seeks
immunity under R.C. Chapter 2744, that order denies the benefit of an alleged immunity and thus is a final,
appealable order pursuant to R.C. 2744.02(C).” Hubbell v. Xenia, 115 Ohio St. 3d 77, 2007-Ohio-4839, 873 N.E.2d
878, ¶ 27. Accordingly, “[a]n order denying a motion for judgment on the pleadings filed by a political subdivision
or its employees is a final, appealable order.” Moss v. Lorain Cty. Bd. Of Mental Retardation, 9th Dist. Lorain No.
09CA009550, 185 Ohio App. 3d 395, 924 N.E.2d 401, 2009-Ohio-6931, ¶ 7, citing Sullivan v. Anderson Twp., 122
Ohio St. 3d 83, 2009-Ohio-1971, 909 N.E.2d 88, ¶ 3–4.
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 2
“THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING POLITICAL
SUBDIVISION IMMUNITY TO THE VILLAGE OF
WILLIAMSPORT BECAUSE IT IS ENTITLED TO A
GENERAL GRANT OF IMMUNITY, NONE OF THE
EXCEPTIONS UNDER R.C. 2744.02(B) APPLY TO BAR
IMMUNITY, AND, EVEN IF AN EXCEPTION APPLIES, AT
LEAST ONE DEFENSE APPLIES TO ESTABLISH
NON-LIABILITY.”
{¶ 2} In July 2017, Williamsport Village Council member Pennie McCain spoke to
Gary Wright about submitting a bid for repairing or replacing the roof of the village’s
maintenance barn. Wright subsequently visited the maintenance barn to examine the roof. As
he examined the roof, Wright fell through a painted-over skylight and sustained serious injuries.
{¶ 3} Appellees filed a complaint against appellant 2 and alleged that appellant
negligently and/or recklessly allowed a dangerous condition to exist at its maintenance barn. In
particular, appellees claimed that the roof contained a fiberglass skylight painted the same color
as the roof and looked identical to the roof’s surface. Appellant denied liability and asserted it is
statutorily immune from liability for appellees’ claims.
{¶ 4} Appellant later requested summary judgment and asserted that because it is
entitled to statutory immunity, it cannot be liable for appellees’ claims. Appellant contended
that it is entitled to the presumption of immunity and that none of the exceptions to immunity
apply. Appellant asserted that R.C. 2744.02(B)(4) does not apply because appellees cannot
establish that the injuries arose from a village employee’s negligence. Appellant argued that
Wright went onto the roof without informing any of the village’s employees and that the village
2
Appellees’ complaint named additional parties as defendants, but appellees later dismissed their claims
against the other parties.
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 3
did not have any chance to discuss the roof’s condition before Wright walked on the roof.
Appellant further claimed that even if one of its employees was negligent, the discretionary
defense reinstates immunity.
{¶ 5} In their memorandum contra, appellees argued that the appellant breached its duty
of reasonable care owed to business invitees. Appellees claimed that the village employees
breached their duty to warn him of the hidden danger associated with the roof’s painted-over
skylights. Appellees disputed any argument that the dangers associated with the roof were open
and obvious and alleged that the skylights were painted the same color as the roof and that it was
impossible for Wright to have known that the roof contained skylights through which he might
fall.
{¶ 6} In reply, appellant contended that the dangers associated with the roof were open
and obvious and that it did not, therefore, have a duty to warn Wright of the open and obvious
nature of the hazard. Appellant asserted that Wright knew that the roof needed to be “removed
and replaced,” and this knowledge shows that he was aware of the roof’s dangerous condition.
Appellant thus alleged that it did not have a duty to warn Wright of the roof’s dangerous
condition.
{¶ 7} To support their arguments, the parties referred to the depositions filed in the case.
Wright stated in his deposition that village council member McCain informed him that the
council was interested in obtaining bids to replace the maintenance barn’s metal roof. Wright
asked McCain if he needed to meet with, or speak to, anyone before looking at the roof, and she
told him that he did not.
{¶ 8} Wright explained that when he examined the roof, he walked across the roof and
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 4
paid attention to where the nails were located. He related that he normally tries to walk where
the nails are located because that is “where the support of the structure is of the roof.” Wright
stated that as he walked across the roof, he suddenly fell through the roof. Wright also reported
that he did not see any indications that the roof contained a skylight or other noticeable defects.
{¶ 9} After reviewing the evidentiary materials, the trial court denied appellant’s request
for summary judgment. This appeal followed.
{¶ 10} In its sole assignment of error, appellant asserts that the trial court incorrectly
concluded that it is not entitled to immunity for appellees’ claims. Appellant argues that the
evidence fails to suggest that any of its employees were negligent. Specifically, appellant
alleges that the evidence does not indicate that any of its employees had a duty to warn Wright
about the dangers associated with examining a roof that needed to be repaired or replaced.
Instead, appellant claims, Wright’s knowledge that the roof needed to be repaired or replaced
placed him on notice that the roof might be in a dangerous condition. Appellant thus argues that
it did not have a duty to warn Wright of any further dangers associated with examining a roof in
need of repair or replacement.
{¶ 11} Appellees, however, contend that the trial court correctly denied appellant’s
summary judgment request and that questions of fact remain as to whether any of appellant’s
employees were negligent. Appellees thus claim that because genuine issues of material fact
remain regarding appellant’s employees’ negligence, appellant is not entitled to a finding that it
is statutorily immune from liability for appellees’ injuries.
A
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 5
STANDARD OF REVIEW
1
Summary Judgment
{¶ 12} Initially, we note that appellate courts conduct a de novo review of trial court
summary judgment decisions. E.g., State ex rel. Novak , L.L.P. v. Ambrose, — Ohio St.3d —,
2019-Ohio-1329, — N.E.3d —, ¶ 8; Pelletier v. Campbell, 153 Ohio St. 3d 611, 2018-Ohio-2121,
109 N.E.3d 1210, ¶ 13; Grafton v. Ohio Edison Co., 77 Ohio St. 3d 102, 105, 671 N.E.2d 241
(1996). Accordingly, an appellate court must independently review the record to determine if
summary judgment is appropriate and need not defer to the trial court’s decision. Grafton, 77
Ohio St. 3d at 105.
{¶ 13} Civ.R. 56(C) provides, in relevant part, as follows:
* * * * Summary judgment shall be rendered forthwith if the pleadings,
depositions, answers to interrogatories, written admissions, affidavits, transcripts
of evidence, and written stipulations of fact, if any, timely filed in the action,
show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving
party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. No evidence or stipulation may
be considered except as stated in this rule. A summary judgment shall not be
rendered unless it appears from the evidence or stipulation, and only from the
evidence or stipulation, that reasonable minds can come to but one conclusion and
that conclusion is adverse to the party against whom the motion for summary
judgment is made, that party being entitled to have the evidence or stipulation
construed most strongly in the party’s favor.
{¶ 14} Accordingly, pursuant to Civ.R. 56, a trial court may not award summary
judgment unless the evidence demonstrates that: (1) no genuine issue as to any material fact
remains to be litigated; (2) the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law; and (3)
after viewing the evidence most strongly in favor of the nonmoving party, reasonable minds can
come to but one conclusion, and that conclusion is adverse to the nonmoving party. Pelletier at
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 6
¶ 13; M.H. v. Cuyahoga Falls, 134 Ohio St. 3d 65, 2012-Ohio-5336, 979 N.E.2d 1261, ¶ 12;
Temple v. Wean United, Inc., 50 Ohio St. 2d 317, 327, 364 N.E.2d 267 (1977).
2
Immunity
{¶ 15} “Whether a party is entitled to immunity is a question of law properly determined
by the court prior to trial pursuant to a motion for summary judgment.” Pelletier at ¶ 12, citing
Conley v. Shearer, 64 Ohio St. 3d 284, 292, 595 N.E.2d 862 (1992); see also Riscatti v. Prime
Properties Ltd. Partnership, 137 Ohio St. 3d 123, 2013-Ohio-4530, 998 N.E.2d 437, ¶ 17 (noting
the importance of deciding a political subdivision’s entitlement to immunity before trial).
Hence, appellate courts conduct a de novo review of a trial court’s determination regarding
political-subdivision immunity. Pelletier at ¶ 13, citing Comer v. Risko, 106 Ohio St. 3d 185,
2005-Ohio-4559, 833 N.E.2d 712, ¶ 8. De novo review means that we afford no deference to
the trial court’s decision and independently review whether the trial court correctly determined
the political subdivision’s immunity.
Dolan v. Glouster, 4th Dist. Athens Nos. 11CA18, 11CA19, 11CA33, 12CA1, 12CA6,
2014-Ohio-2017, 2014 WL 1901133, ¶ 106.
B
POLITICAL SUBDIVISION IMMUNITY
{¶ 16} R.C. Chapter 2744 establishes a three-step analysis for determining whether a
political subdivision is immune from liability. Cramer v. Auglaize Acres, 113 Ohio St. 3d 266,
270, 2007-Ohio-1946, 865 N.E.2d 9, ¶ 14. First, R.C. 2744.02(A)(1) sets forth the general rule
that “a political subdivision is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 7
person or property allegedly caused by any act or omission of the political subdivision * * * in
connection with a governmental or proprietary function.” Accord Cramer; Colbert v. Cleveland,
99 Ohio St. 3d 215, 2003-Ohio-3319, 790 N.E.2d 781, ¶ 7; Harp v. Cleveland Hts., 87 Ohio St. 3d
506, 509, 721 N.E.2d 1020 (2000). Accordingly, “[t]he starting point is the general rule that
political subdivisions are immune from tort liability.” Shalkhauser v. Medina, 148 Ohio App. 3d
41, 772 N.E.2d 129, ¶ 14 (9th Dist. 2002).
{¶ 17} Second, R.C. 2744.02(B) lists five exceptions to the general immunity granted to
political subdivisions under R.C. 2744.02(A)(1). Cramer; Ryll v. Columbus Fireworks Display
Co., 95 Ohio St. 3d 467, 470, 2002-Ohio-2584, 769 N.E.2d 372, ¶ 25. Finally, R.C. 2744.03(A)
sets forth several defenses that a political subdivision may assert if R.C. 2744.02(B) imposes
liability. Cramer; Colbert at ¶ 9. The R.C. 2744.03(A) defenses then re-instate immunity.
{¶ 18} In the case sub judice, appellees contend that even if appellant is entitled to the
general grant of immunity, R.C. 2744.02(B)(4) removes appellant’s immunity.
{¶ 19} R.C. 2744.02(B)(4) provides:
(B) Subject to sections 2744.03 and 2744.05 of the Revised Code, a
political subdivision is liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss
to person or property allegedly caused by an act or omission of the political
subdivision or of any of its employees in connection with a governmental or
proprietary function, as follows:
***
(4) Except as otherwise provided in section 3746.24 of the Revised Code,
political subdivisions are liable for injury, death, or loss to person or property that
is caused by the negligence of their employees and that occurs within or on the
grounds of, and is due to physical defects within or on the grounds of, buildings
that are used in connection with the performance of a governmental function,
including, but not limited to, office buildings and courthouses, but not including
jails, places of juvenile detention, workhouses, or any other detention facility, as
defined in section 2921.01 of the Revised Code.
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 8
(Emphasis added).
{¶ 20} The exception, therefore, applies upon proof that an injury was “(1) caused by
employee negligence; (2) on the grounds or buildings used in connection with the performance of
that governmental function; and (3) due to a physical defect on or within those grounds or
buildings.” Gibbs v. Columbus, Metro. Hous. Auth., 10th Franklin No. 11AP–711,
2012–Ohio–2271, ¶ 10; accord Dunfee v. Oberlin Sch. Dist., 9th Dist. Lorain No. 08CA009497,
2009–Ohio–3406, ¶ 13.
{¶ 21} In the case sub judice, appellant argues that appellees cannot establish that
Wright’s injuries resulted from employee negligence. Appellant claims that appellees cannot
establish an essential element of a negligence cause of action - that appellant breached a duty
owed to Wright.
{¶ 22} A successful negligence action requires a plaintiff to establish that: (1) the
defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care; (2) the defendant breached the duty of care; and (3)
as a direct and proximate result of the defendant’s breach, the plaintiff suffered injury. E.g.,
Texler v. D.O. Summers Cleaners, 81 Ohio St. 3d 677, 680, 693 N.E.2d 217 (1998); Jeffers v.
Olexo, 43 Ohio St. 3d 140, 142, 539 N.E.2d 614 (1989); Menifee v. Ohio Welding Products, Inc.,
15 Ohio St. 3d 75, 472 N.E.2d 707 (1984).
{¶ 23} In a premises liability case, the duty that an owner or occupier owes to an
individual who enters upon his land hinges on whether the individual is an invitee, a licensee, or
a trespasser. Combs v. Ohio Dept. of Nat. Resources, Div. of Parks & Recreation, 146 Ohio
St.3d 271, 2016-Ohio-1565, 55 N.E.3d 1073, ¶ 9, citing Venglehardt v. Philipps, 136 Ohio St.
73, 77, 23 N.E.2d 829 (1939); Gladon v. Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Auth., 75 Ohio
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 9
St.3d 312, 315, 662 N.E.2d 287 (1996); Shump v. First Continental-Robinwood Assocs., 71 Ohio
St.3d 414, 417, 644 N.E.2d 291 (1994).
{¶ 24} An invitee is an individual “who rightfully come[s] upon the premises of another
by invitation, express or implied, for some purpose which is beneficial to the owner.” Gladon,
75 Ohio St. 3d at 315, 662 N.E.2d at 291; Light v. Ohio Univ., 28 Ohio St. 3d 66, 68, 502 N.E.2d
611, 613 (1986); Scheibel v. Lipton, 156 Ohio St. 308, 102 N.E.2d 453 (1951), paragraph one of
the syllabus.
{¶ 25} “[A] licensee is one who stands in no contractual relationship to the owner or
occupier of [the] premises, but is permitted or tolerated thereon, expressly, impliedly, or
inferentially, merely for his own interest, convenience or pleasure or for that of a third person.”
Keesecker v. McKelvey, 141 Ohio St. 162, 166, 47 N.E.2d 211 (1943); see also Boydston v.
Norfolk Southern Corp., 73 Ohio App. 3d 727, 730, 598 N.E.2d 171, 173 (1991), quoting
Restatement of the Law 2d, Torts (1967), Section 330 (“‘A licensee is a person who is privileged
to enter or remain on land only by virtue of the possessor’s consent.’”).
{¶ 26} A trespasser is one “who, without express or implied authorization, invitation or
inducement, enters private premises purely for his own purposes or convenience.” McKinney v.
Hartz & Restle Realtors, Inc., 31 Ohio St. 3d 244, 246, 510 N.E.2d 386, 388 (1987); see also
Keesecker, 141 Ohio St. at 166, 47 N.E.2d at 214 (stating that a trespasser is one who without
authorization “goes upon the private premises of another without invitation or inducement,
expressed or implied, but purely for his own purposes or convenience; and where no mutuality of
interest exists between him and the owner or occupant”); Jeffers v. Olexo, 43 Ohio St. 3d 140,
145, 539 N.E.2d 614, 619 (1989).
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 10
{¶ 27} A landowner owes an invitee the duty to “‘exercise ordinary care to render the
premises reasonably safe.’” Combs at ¶ 9, quoting Cincinnati Baseball Club Co. v. Eno, 112
Ohio St. 175, 147 N.E. 86 (1925), paragraph one of the syllabus; accord Paschal v. Rite Aid
Pharmacy, Inc., 18 Ohio St. 3d 203, 203, 480 N.E.2d 474 (1985). A landowner owes no duty to
a licensee or trespasser “‘except to refrain from wanton, willful or reckless misconduct which is
likely to injure him.’” Combs at ¶ 9, quoting Soles v. Ohio Edison Co., 144 Ohio St. 373, 59
N.E.2d 138 (1945), syllabus; see also Scheibel v. Lipton, 156 Ohio St. 308, 328–329, 102 N.E.2d
453 (1951) (discussing the duties owed to business visitors and social guests).
{¶ 28} In the case at bar, appellees allege that Wright was a business invitee. Appellant,
however, disputes Wright’s status as a business invitee and, instead, summarily claims that
Wright was a trespasser. Nevertheless, appellant does not develop an argument that Wright was
a trespasser. Moreover, for purposes of summary judgment, courts must construe the facts in a
light most favorable to appellees. Thus, for purpose of our decision, we will presume that
Wright was a business invitee. Accordingly, appellant owed Wright a duty “‘to exercise
ordinary care and to protect [him] by maintaining the premises in a safe condition.’” Lang v.
Holly Hill Motel, Inc., 122 Ohio St. 3d 120, 2009-Ohio-2495, 909 N.E.2d 120, ¶ 10, quoting
Light, 28 Ohio St. 3d at 68.
{¶ 29} Although landowners must maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition
for its business invitees, landowners are not insurers of their invitees’ safety. Lang at ¶ 11. A
landowner must warn its invitees of latent or concealed dangers if the owner knows or has reason
to know of the hidden dangers. Jackson v. Kings Island, 58 Ohio St. 2d 357, 358, 390 N.E.2d
810 (1979). Invitees are expected, however, to take reasonable precautions to avoid dangers that
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 11
are patent or obvious. Brinkman v. Ross, 68 Ohio St. 3d 82, 84, 623 N.E.2d 1175 (1993); Sidle
v. Humphrey, 13 Ohio St. 2d 45, 233 N.E.2d 589 (1968), paragraph one of the syllabus.
Consequently, when “a danger is open and obvious, a landowner owes no duty of care to
individuals lawfully on the premises.” Armstrong v. Best Buy Co., Inc., 99 Ohio St. 3d 79,
2003-Ohio-2573, 788 N.E.2d 1088, syllabus; Sidle, paragraph one of the syllabus. The
underlying rationale is that “the open and obvious nature of the hazard itself serves as a warning.
Thus, the owner or occupier may reasonably expect that persons entering the premises will
discover those dangers and take appropriate measures to protect themselves.” Armstrong at ¶ 5.
“The fact that a plaintiff was unreasonable in choosing to encounter the danger is not what
relieves the property owner of liability. Rather, it is the fact that the condition itself is so
obvious that it absolves the property owner from taking any further action to protect the
plaintiff.” Id. at ¶ 13. “Open and obvious dangers are not hidden, are not concealed from view,
and are discoverable upon ordinary inspection.” Zambo v. Tom–Car Foods, 9th Dist. Lorain
No. 09CA009619, 2010–Ohio–474, ¶ 8. “The determinative issue is whether the condition is
observable.” Kirksey v. Summit Cty. Parking Deck, 9th Dist. Summit No. 22755,
2005–Ohio–6742, ¶ 11.
{¶ 30} Moreover, courts that review whether a danger is open and obvious employ “an
objective, not subjective, standard.” Goode v. Mt. Gillion Baptist Church, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga
No. 87876, 2006-Ohio-6936, at ¶ 25; accord Ligon v. Winton Woods Park, 1st Dist. Hamilton
No. C-180073, 2019-Ohio-1217, 2019 WL 1474210, ¶ 9; Wyatt v. Roses Run Country Club,
2018-Ohio-4093, 119 N.E.3d 1006 (9th Dist.), ¶ 17; Galligan-Dent v. Tecumseh Outdoor
Drama, 4th Dist. Ross No. 16CA3534, 2016-Ohio-7907, 2016 WL 6947889, ¶ 21. Thus, simply
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 12
because a particular invitee may have been unaware of the danger does not mean that the danger
was undiscoverable. Goode at ¶ 25; accord Williams v. Strand Theatre & Cultural Arts Assn.,
Inc., 5th Dist. Delaware No. 18 CAE 06 0042, 2019-Ohio-95, ¶ 24. Rather, the question is
whether a reasonable invitee would have discovered the hazard. Galligan-Dent at ¶ 21. Thus,
in the case sub judice, we must use an objective standard to determine whether the danger
associated with the roof was open and obvious. Id.
{¶ 31} In most situations, whether a danger is open and obvious presents a question of
law. See Hallowell v. Athens, 4th Dist. Athens No. 03CA29, 2004-Ohio-4257, at ¶ 21; see also
Nageotte v. Cafaro Co., 6th Dist. Erie No. E-04-15, 2005-Ohio-2098. Under certain
circumstances, however, disputed facts may exist regarding the openness and obviousness of a
danger, thus rendering it a question of fact. As the court explained in Klauss v. Marc Glassman,
Inc., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 84799, 2005-Ohio-1306, ¶ 17-18:
Although the Supreme Court of Ohio has held that whether a duty exists is
a question of law for the court to decide, the issue of whether a hazardous
condition is open and obvious may present a genuine issue of fact for a jury to
review.
Where only one conclusion can be drawn from the established facts, the
issue of whether a risk was open and obvious may be decided by the court as a
matter of law. Anderson v. Hedstrom Corp. (S.D.N.Y.1999), 76 F. Supp. 2d 422,
441; Vella v. Hyatt Corp. (S.D. Mich. 2001), 166 F. Supp. 2d 1193, 1198; see, also,
Parsons v. Lawson Co. (1989), 57 Ohio App. 3d 49, 566 N.E.2d 698.
However, where reasonable minds could differ with respect to whether a danger is
open and obvious, the obviousness of the risk is an issue for the jury to determine.
Carpenter v. Marc Glassman, Inc. (1997), 124 Ohio App. 3d 236, 240, 705
N.E.2d 1281; Henry v. Dollar General Store, Greene App. No.2002-CA-47,
2003-Ohio-206; Bumgarner v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Miami App.
No.2002-CA-11, 2002-Ohio-6856.
See also Oliver v. Leaf and Vine, 2nd Dist. Miami No.2004CA35, 2005-Ohio-1910, at ¶ 31 (“‘The
determination of whether a hazard is latent or obvious depends upon the particular circumstances
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 13
surrounding the hazard. In a given situation, factors may include lighting conditions, weather,
time of day, traffic patterns, or activities engaged in at the time.’”) (internal quotations omitted).
{¶ 32} In the case sub judice, appellant contends that the hazard associated with
examining a roof in need of repair or replacement was open and obvious to Wright and that it did
not, therefore, have a duty to warn him of the condition of the roof.
{¶ 33} Appellees, on the other hand, assert that even if Wright was aware of the general
risks inherent in examining a roof in need of repair and replacement, he did not know that the
roof contained fiberglass skylights painted to match the surrounding metal roof material.
Appellees basically contend that the fiberglass skylights posed a danger beyond those a
reasonable roofing contractor would expect to encounter when examining a roof in need of repair
or replacement. Appellees thus assert that because Wright did not discover, and could not have
discovered upon reasonable inspection, that the roof contained fiberglass skylights, appellant
possessed a duty to warn him to be aware and avoid the fiberglass skylights.
{¶ 34} A few cases have discussed whether skylights constitute open and obvious
hazards. In Shuman v. Detroit Diesel, 5th Dist. Stark No. 1999CA00101, 2000 WL 1632, *3,
the plaintiff tripped and fell through a skylight while working on a roofing project. The plaintiff
had worked on the roof for two or three days before his fall and admitted that “he was well aware
of the skylights and knew it would be dangerous to stand or jump on the skylights.” Id. Under
those circumstances, the court concluded that “the open and obvious nature of the skylight
remove[d] any duty to warn.” Id.
{¶ 35} A New Jersey court likewise concluded that the danger of falling through a
skylight while working on a roof constituted an open and obvious danger. Bussie v. Bloom Org.,
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 14
2007 WL 1425493, (N.J. App. May 16, 2007), *3. In that case, the plaintiff had been installing
a new roof when he fell through a skylight and sustained fatal injuries. The court refused to
impose liability upon the premises owner and explained that “the dangers inherent in a flat roof
or any roof for that matter, including the risk of a fall, and the risks associated with a roof
studded with skylights are inherent in the job of a roofer.” Id. Importantly, the court noted that
the skylights on the roof “were not flush with the roof. To the contrary, each is domed and
clearly visible to anyone on this roof.” Id. The court thus concluded that “the danger posed by
the skylights was open and obvious.” Id.
{¶ 36} The Bussie court contrasted the clear visibility of the skylights with the lack of
visibility of a wire located on a roof considered in a prior case, Zentz v. Toop, 92 N.J.Super. 105
(App.Div.1966), aff’d, 50 N.J. 250 (1967). In Zentz, the plaintiff fell from the roof after tripping
over a wire used to stabilize air-conditioning units. Id. at 108. The court determined that the
property owner’s negligence was a jury question when the evidence failed to indicate that the
plaintiff had observed the wire or had knowledge of the wire. Id. at 115. Additionally, the
evidence showed that “the wire was the same color as the roof material and there was no
evidence that anything had been done to enhance the visibility of the wire.” Bussie at *3, citing
Zentz at 114.
{¶ 37} Other courts have also examined the inherent risks associated with roof-repair and
whether those inherent risks constitute open and obvious dangers that obviate a landowner’s duty
to warn. One case involved “a century old barn, whose stability and soundness concerned
appellant enough to conduct an inspection of the roof and its understructure/underlayment.” Uhl
v. Thomas, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2008-06-131, 2009-Ohio-196, 2009 WL 119844, ¶ 17. In
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 15
Uhl, the plaintiff recognized the danger of falling through the barn roof. The plaintiff testified
that he inspected the roof to ensure that it was solid, “because if it isn’t, you can go through it
real quick.” The court concluded that because the plaintiff recognized the open and obvious
danger of falling through the roof, the landowner did not owe him a duty.
{¶ 38} Another case involved a plaintiff who attempted to access a roof by standing “on
top of a thin wrought iron railing and climb[ing] over the edge of a brick party wall covered with
ceramic cap tile.” Kraner v. Legg, 3rd Dist. Mercer No. 10-2000-04, 2000-Ohio-1907, 2000
WL 924809, *1. The court concluded “that any reasonable person would consider the risk and
danger involved with venturing onto a roof, especially in the manner employed by the [plaintiff]
in this case, to be so open and obvious so as to render any warning from the property owner
pointless.” Id.
{¶ 39} Similarly, the Tenth District Court of Appeals concluded that “the edge of a roof
presents” an “‘open and obvious’ danger to any reasonable person.” Prest v. Delta Delta Delta
Sorority, 115 Ohio App. 3d 712, 715, 686 N.E.2d 293 (10th Dist.1996).
{¶ 40} In the case sub judice, we believe that the facts most closely align with those
discussed in Zentz. As in Zentz, the evidence in the case at bar suggests that the skylights, like
the wire, were concealed and not readily discernible to a reasonable person. The photographs
submitted along with the depositions depict a solid colored roof with no readily discernible
boundary lines that would alert a reasonable person to the presence of a fiberglass skylight.
Nothing suggests that appellant took steps to differentiate the fiberglass skylights from the rest of
the roof. In fact, it appears that appellant did the opposite and took steps to make the fiberglass
skylights appear to be a seamless part of the roof.
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 16
{¶ 41} Furthermore, unlike the skylights in Shuman and Bussie, the evidence does not
indicate that the skylight was domed and readily observable. Instead, the skylight appears to
have been flush with the roof.
{¶ 42} Furthermore, even if Wright knew that examining a roof in need of repair or
replacement posed a general danger of falling from the edge or through deteriorating substrate, he
did not know that examining appellant’s roof would pose a danger of falling through a hidden
skylight. Wright explained how he walked across the roof in order to step on the nailheads,
which, he explained, is where the support structure usually will be found. Had he known that
the roof contained a fiberglass skylight, he may have exercised additional precautions. Thus,
under the circumstances present in the case at bar, we agree with appellees that the danger of
falling through the skylight in the roof of appellant’s maintenance barn was not open and
obvious. We therefore disagree with appellant that its employees did not have a duty to warn
Mr. Wright of the danger of falling through a concealed skylight. Consequently, we disagree
with appellant that appellees are unable to establish an essential element of their negligence
claim. Thus, the trial court properly denied appellant’s summary judgment on the basis that
appellant is statutorily immune from liability under R.C. 2744.02(B)(4).
{¶ 43} Appellant next argues that even if R.C. 2744.02(B)(4) removes its general grant of
immunity, R.C. 2744.03(A)(3) or (5) reinstates it.
{¶ 44} R.C. 2744.03(A)(3) or (5) state:
(A) In a civil action brought against a political subdivision or an employee
of a political subdivision to recover damages for injury, death, or loss to persons
or property allegedly caused by any act or omission in connection with a
governmental or proprietary function, the following defenses or immunities may
be asserted to establish nonliability:
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 17
***
(3) The political subdivision is immune from liability if the action or
failure to act by the employee involved that gave rise to the claim of liability was
within the discretion of the employee with respect to policy-making, planning, or
enforcement powers by virtue of the duties and responsibilities of the office or
position of the employee.
***
(5) The political subdivision is immune from liability if the injury, death,
or loss to persons or property resulted from the exercise of judgment or discretion
in determining whether to acquire, or how to use, equipment, supplies, materials,
personnel, facilities, and other resources unless the judgment or discretion was
exercised with malicious purpose, in bad faith, or in a wanton or reckless manner.
{¶ 45} The R.C. 2744.03(A)(3) defense requires a court to determine “whether there are
any policy-making, planning, or enforcement powers involved, and then look to see whether the
political subdivision’s employee had discretion with respect to those powers by virtue of that
employee’s office or position.” Elston v. Howland Local Schools, 113 Ohio St. 3d 314,
2007-Ohio-2070, 865 N.E.2d 845, ¶ 27. “[T]he focus of subsection (A)(3) is that the employee
be engaged in policy-making, planning, or enforcement.” Id. “[A] political subdivision may
assert the immunity defense when an employee who has the duty and responsibility for
policy-making, planning, or enforcement by virtue of office or position actually exercises
discretion with respect to that power.” A political subdivision is entitled to immunity under
R.C. 2744.03(A)(3), “even if the discretionary actions were done recklessly or with bad faith or
malice.” Id.
{¶ 46} Under R.C. 2744.03(A)(5), political subdivisions are not liable for injuries
resulting from the exercise of judgment or discretion in determining how to use personnel and
resources. Franks v. Lopez, 69 Ohio St. 3d 345, 347-348, 632 N.E.2d 502 (1994). The R.C.
2744.03(A)(5) discretionary defense applies only to “the broad type of discretion involving
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 18
public policy made with ‘the creative exercise of political judgment.’” Kenko Corp. v.
Cincinnati, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-080246, 2009-Ohio-4189, at ¶ 35, quoting McVey v.
Cincinnati, 109 Ohio App. 3d 159, 163, 671 N.E.2d 1288 (1st Dist. 1995). Thus, the “exercise of
judgment and discretion” contemplated by R.C. 2744.03(A)(5) does not apply to every decision
that a political subdivision makes. Id. at 35, 671 N.E.2d 1288. As we explained in Hall v. Fort
Frye Loc. Sch. Dist. Bd. Of Educ., 111 Ohio App. 3d 690, 699, 676 N.E.2d 1241 (4th Dist. 1996):
Immunity operates to protect political subdivisions from liability based
upon discretionary judgments concerning the allocation of scarce resources; it is
not intended to protect conduct which requires very little or independent
judgment. The law of immunity is designed to foster freedom and discretion in
the development of public policy while still ensuring that implementation of
political subdivision responsibilities is conducted in a reasonable manner.
{¶ 47} Thus, the R.C. 2744.03(A)(3) and (A)(5) defenses are meant to protect decisions
involving the exercise of discretion and judgment, not decisions requiring little discretion or
independent judgment. Accordingly, a “routine maintenance decision requiring little judgment
or discretion” does not fall within the purview of R.C. 2744.03(A)(3) and (A)(5). Perkins v.
Norwood City Schools, 85 Ohio St. 3d 191, 193, 707 N.E.2d 868 (1999) (stating that school
principal’s decision regarding whom to employ to repair a leaking drinking fountain does not
constitute an exercise of judgment or discretion in determining how to use personnel and
resources within the meaning of R.C. 2744.03(A)(5), but instead is a routine maintenance
decision requiring little judgment or discretion).
{¶ 48} Our decision in Frederick v. Vinton Cty. Bd. of Edn., 4th Dist. Vinton No.
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 19
03CA579, 2004-Ohio-550, 2004 WL 232129, aptly illustrates the foregoing principles. In
Frederick, we reviewed whether R.C. 2744.03(A)(3) or 2744.03(A)(5) applied to the placement
and maintenance of a tree. In Frederick, a young girl died during school recess after she fell
from a tree. The plaintiff alleged that the school had negligently maintained the tree and the area
surrounding the tree by failing to trim low-hanging branches that children could reach or by
failing to take other measures to ensure that the tree did not pose a safety hazard.
{¶ 49} In determining whether R.C. 2744.03(A)(3) or 2744.03(A)(5) applied to the
plaintiff’s negligent-maintenance claim, we reasoned that “decisions in this case relating to
whether to have trees on the playground, how many trees, or where they should be placed, are
discretionary decisions. * * * However, the School’s duty to ensure that the tree, like any other
fixture on the playground, did not pose a safety hazard is a maintenance issue.” Id. at ¶ 38. We
thus concluded that a genuine issue of material fact existed with respect to whether the school
had negligently maintained the playground.
{¶ 50} Likewise, in Hall we held that the maintenance of a school’s irrigation system
does not involve the exercise of judgment or discretion. In that case, the plaintiff, a football
player, suffered an injury during football practice when he stepped on an exposed sprinkler head
located on the high school’s practice field. The trial court granted summary judgment to the
school on the basis of statutory immunity. We reversed and held that the maintenance of the
high school practice field does not require the exercise of judgment or discretion as contemplated
in R.C. 2744.03(A)(5). We held that the school’s “initial decision * * * to purchase and install
the irrigation system clearly involved the exercise of protected judgment or discretion, for which
[the school] is entitled to immunity * * *.” Id. at 700, 676 N.E.2d 1241. We further held,
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 20
however, that “the maintenance of the school’s irrigation system * * * is a totally separate matter
that does not involve the exercise of such judgment or discretion. The decision to allocate
resources, i.e., ‘how to use, equipment * * * facilities,’ has been made and is immunized.
However, once that policy is put into effect, [the school’s] maintenance procedures must be
performed in a reasonably safe manner.” We held “as a matter of law that the maintenance of a
political subdivision’s property, as opposed to decisions concerning the acquisition and
utilization of such property, do not involve a sufficient amount of budgeting, management, or
planning to bring such decisions into the purview of R.C. 2744.03(A)(3) or (5).” Id. at 702, 676
N.E.2d 1241; Malone v. Chillicothe, 4th Dist. Ross App. No. 05CA2869, 2006-Ohio-3258
(stating that R.C. 2744.03(A)(5) does not insulate a political subdivision from liability for
damages stemming from the negligent maintenance of its buildings or grounds).
{¶ 51} In the case at bar, we do not agree that maintaining the barn roof in a safe
condition for inspection involved the type of discretionary or policy-making decisions immune
from liability. Instead, like the decision to trim or not to trim a tree, the decision whether to
paint over the skylights to match the surrounding roof or to ensure that the skylights remained
visible involved a routine maintenance decision. State ex rel. Deem v. Village of Pomeroy, 4th
Dist. No. 17CA3, 2018-Ohio-1120, 109 N.E.3d 30, 2018 WL 1470699, ¶ 36 (explaining that
decision whether to maintain property in a safe condition does not involve policy-making or
planning).
{¶ 52} Appellant nevertheless claims that Wright’s injury resulted from its alleged
discretionary decision whether to repair or replace the roof, not from a routine maintenance
decision. We recognize that Wright’s injury occurred during the course of appellant’s
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 21
investigation into whether it should repair or replace the roof. During this time period, Wright
sustained injuries, not as a result of appellant’s decision whether to repair or to replace the roof,
but rather as a result of appellant’s failure to ensure that an individual examining the roof
received adequate warning that the roof contained painted-over fiberglass skylights. In sum,
Wright’s injury did not result from an act that involved “policy-making, planning, or
enforcement powers” or that involved “‘a high degree of official judgment or discretion.’”
Elston at ¶ 30, quoting Reynolds v. State, Div. of Parole & Community Services, 14 Ohio St. 3d
68, 471 N.E.2d 776, 14 O.B.R. 506 (1984), paragraph one of the syllabus.
{¶ 53} We therefore disagree with appellant that the trial court erred by overruling its
summary judgment motion on the basis of statutory immunity.
{¶ 54} Accordingly, based upon the foregoing reasons, we overrule appellant’s sole
assignment of error and affirm the trial court’s judgment.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 22
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the judgment be affirmed and that appellees recover of appellant the
costs herein taxed.
The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Pickaway County
Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into execution.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute that mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the
Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Smith, P.J. & McFarland, J.: Concur in Judgment & Opinion
For the Court
BY:
Peter B. Abele, Judge
PICKAWAY, 18CA14 23
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment entry and the
time period for further appeal commences from the date of filing with the clerk.