Jacobs v. Ohio Dept. of Transp.
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[Cite as Jacobs v. Ohio Dept. of Transp., 2005-Ohio-5416.] IN THE COURT OF CLAIMS OF OHIO DONALD THOMAS JACOBS III : Plaintiff : v. : CASE NO. 2005-08204-AD : MEMORANDUM DECISION OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION : Defendant : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : FINDINGS OF FACT {¶ 1} On June 6, 2005, plaintiff, Donald T. Jacobs III, was traveling west on State Route 562 near milepost .15 in Hamilton County, when his automobile struck a large pothole causing damage to the vehicle. {¶ 2} Plaintiff filed this complaint seeking to recover $695.50, the cost of automotive repair which plaintiff contends he incurred as a result of negligence on the part of defendant, Department of Transportation, in maintaining the roadway. The $25.00 filing fee was paid. {¶ 3} Defendant has denied liability based on the fact it had no knowledge of the pothole prior to plaintiff s property damage occurrence. {¶ 4} Plaintiff has not submitted any evidence to indicate the length of time the pothole existed prior to the incident forming the basis of this claim. {¶ 5} Defendant has asserted maintenance and inspections of the roadway were conducted periodically to ensure safe travel. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW {¶ 6} Defendant has the duty to keep roads in a safe, drivable condition. Amica Mutual v. Dept. of Transportation (1982), 81-02289-AD. {¶ 7} In order to recover on a claim of this type, plaintiff must prove either: 1) defendant had actual or constructive notice of the defect (pothole) and failed to respond in a reasonable time or responded in a negligent manner, or 2) that defendant, in a general sense, maintains its highways negligently. Denis v. Department of Transportation (1976), 75-0287-AD. {¶ 8} There is no evidence defendant had actual notice of the damage-causing pothole. {¶ 9} The trier of fact is precluded from making an inference of defendant s constructive notice, unless evidence is presented in respect to the time the defective condition (pothole) developed. Spires v. Highway Department (1988), 61 Ohio Misc. 2d 262. {¶ 10} notice or Size of the defect (pothole) is insufficient to show duration of existence. O Neil v. Department of Transportation (1988), 61 Ohio Misc. 2d 297. {¶ 11} In order for there to be constructive notice, plaintiff must show sufficient time has elapsed after dangerous condition (pothole) appears, so that under the circumstances, defendant should have acquired knowledge of its existence. Guiher v. Jackson (1978), 78-0126-AD. {¶ 12} No evidence has shown defendant had constructive notice of the pothole. {¶ 13} Furthermore, plaintiff has failed to show defendant negligently maintained the roadway. IN THE COURT OF CLAIMS OF OHIO DONALD THOMAS JACOBS III : Plaintiff : v. : CASE NO. 2005-08204-AD : ENTRY OF ADMINISTRATIVE DETERMINATION OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION : Defendant : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Having considered all the evidence in the claim file and, for the reasons set forth in the memorandum decision filed concurrently herewith, judgment is rendered in favor of defendant. are assessed against plaintiff. Court costs The clerk shall serve upon all parties notice of this judgment and its date of entry upon the journal. ________________________________ DANIEL R. BORCHERT Deputy Clerk Entry cc: Donald Thomas Jacobs III 6840 Legacy Ridge Lane Cincinnati, Ohio 45248 Plaintiff, Pro se Gordon Proctor, Director Department of Transportation 1980 West Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43223 For Defendant RDK/laa 9/8 Filed 9/21/05 Sent to S.C. reporter 10/11/05
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