The Ohio Court of Claims has ruled in favor of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), granting summary judgment in a case involving a former state trooper who was injured while directing traffic. The court decided that the trooper, Cynthia A. Gehlmann, cannot pursue damages against ODOT due to workers' compensation immunity. This ruling impacts Gehlmann and potentially sets a precedent for similar cases involving state employees.
The case, Gehlmann v. Dept. of Transp., was filed under docket number 2022-00450JD. It centers on Gehlmann's claims against ODOT after she was struck by a vehicle while performing her duties as a trooper for the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS). The decision highlights the complexities of workers' compensation laws and the protections they afford to state employers.
Background
Cynthia A. Gehlmann worked for the state of Ohio as a trooper from 2000 to 2021. On January 9, 2020, while directing traffic at an intersection in Lorain County, she was hit by a vehicle. Following the incident, Gehlmann received workers' compensation benefits for her injuries. In addition to filing for workers' compensation, she also pursued a lawsuit against the City of Lorain and other parties.
Gehlmann later filed a claim against ODOT, alleging that the department failed to maintain traffic control devices, which contributed to her accident. Initially, the court stayed her case while the connected action against the City of Lorain was pending. Once that case was resolved, the court lifted the stay and bifurcated the issues of liability and damages.
The Ruling
On May 11, 2026, ODOT filed a motion for summary judgment, arguing that Gehlmann's claim was barred by workers' compensation immunity under Ohio law. The court agreed, stating, "Because it is undisputed that plaintiff was injured in the course of her duties as a State of Ohio employee, plaintiff’s sole remedy against the state rests on its compliance with R.C. 4123.74." Judge Lisa L. Sadler presided over the case.
The court noted that Gehlmann did not present any additional evidence to counter ODOT's claims and acknowledged that the material facts were not in dispute. The ruling emphasized that all departments of the State of Ohio are considered one entity for legal purposes, meaning that the state cannot be sued for damages if it has complied with workers' compensation laws. The court concluded that ODOT was entitled to immunity from liability for Gehlmann's injuries.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for state employees seeking damages for work-related injuries. It reinforces the principle that if an employee receives workers' compensation benefits, they cannot pursue additional claims against the state or its agencies for the same injury. This decision may deter future claims against state departments and clarify the understanding of employer liability under Ohio's workers' compensation laws.
Gehlmann's case illustrates the challenges faced by employees who are injured on the job and highlights the protections that workers' compensation laws provide to state employers. The ruling could serve as a reference for similar cases in the future, potentially shaping how courts interpret workers' compensation immunity.
What's Next
Gehlmann has the option to appeal the court's decision, although details regarding any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. There are no related cases pending that could affect this ruling directly. The outcome of this case may influence future litigation involving state employees and their rights under workers' compensation laws.