Demo Derby Injury Prompts Suit Against Ohio Fire Department

Posted by: Curt Varone August 15, 2018 0

A man who was injured at a demolition derby hosted by an Ohio fire department has filed suit against the department and two of its organizers. Jeffrey Gilger filed suit against the Negley Volunteer Fire Department Association, James L. Buckius Jr., and Harris L. Eichler claiming that he was injured at an event at the Rogers fire station on October 8, 2017.

Gilger claims he was struck by a bumper or other object that came off a vehicle. The suit claims the event organizers failed to provide proper safety barriers and/or secure parts from flying off participating vehicles and injuring those watching. The suit also lists an unnamed party alleged to be the driver of the vehicle that lost the part that cause the injury as well as ten unnamed employees. It is unclear from the court record whether the ten are alleged to be employees of the event or the fire department or both.

According to the morningjournalnews.com, Gilger injuries required medical care and he is claiming he has been unable to work since the accident. The suit was filed Monday in the Columbiana County Court of Common Pleas. 

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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