Ohio Firefighter Who Lost Both Legs Sues FD and Firefighters

Posted by: Curt Varone November 26, 2012 0

An Ohio firefighter who lost both legs in a tragic on-scene accident has filed suit against a neighboring fire department and three of its firefighters.

Firefighter Josef Tadijanac of the Washington Township Fire Department, was pinned between two tanker-tenders on June 24, 2012 while operating at a fire. At the time Jefferson Township-Bellville Fire Department Tanker 121 was pumping water to Troy Township Fire Department Tanker 145. Tanker 121 suddenly moved forward, pinning Tadijanac.

The suit was filed in Richland County Common Pleas Court in October against Jefferson Township-Bellville Fire Department, Fire Chief Craig Roberts, Firefighter Scott Gerhart, and Firefighter Isaiah Finley.

The suit alleges that Gerhart and Finley were liable because they were operating Tanker 121 at the time. The suit also alleges that neither firefighter was properly trained.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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