The Ohio Court of Appeals recently ruled on a case involving property damage caused by a fireworks display, affirming a lower court's decision. The case, Willoughby Eastlake City Schools v. American Fireworks Company, affects local schools and fireworks companies, highlighting the legal responsibilities surrounding public events.
The dispute centers on a fireworks display conducted by American Fireworks Company (AFC) on July 4, 2019, at the Willoughby Eastlake City Schools property. The school district and its insurer, Travelers Property Casualty Company, claimed that debris from the fireworks damaged a newly installed roof, leading to extensive repair costs. The court's ruling is significant as it clarifies the responsibilities of fireworks companies and the extent of liability in such cases.
Background
Willoughby Eastlake City Schools and Travelers filed a lawsuit against AFC in 2021, later refiled in 2024, claiming negligence and breach of contract. They alleged that AFC failed to consider the new roof when choosing the launch site for the fireworks, which resulted in debris damaging the roof. The plaintiffs sought over $1 million in damages for the roof replacement and repairs.
The case went to trial in February 2025, where the jury had to determine whether AFC was responsible for the damages. The trial court initially directed a verdict in favor of AFC on the breach of contract claim, stating that the plaintiffs did not provide sufficient evidence that the school was not listed as an additional insured party under AFC's insurance policy.
The Ruling
The Ohio Court of Appeals, led by Judge M. Lynch, affirmed the lower court's decision. The court ruled that the trial court's directed verdict on the breach of contract claim was harmless error. The jury found that AFC did not breach a duty of care and did not violate any statutes, but it did find that AFC was strictly liable for the damage caused by the fireworks display. The jury awarded the plaintiffs $89,169 in damages.
The court stated, "The directed verdict on the breach of contract claim was harmless error in this case."
The ruling emphasized that the jury's decision on damages was based on the evidence presented, which indicated that the full roof replacement was not necessary. The court noted that the jury's award was reasonable given the circumstances and evidence provided.
Impact
This ruling has implications for both local schools and fireworks companies in Ohio. It clarifies the responsibilities of fireworks companies when conducting displays, particularly regarding the safety of nearby structures. The decision also reinforces the importance of proper insurance coverage and the need for fireworks companies to adhere to safety regulations.
Furthermore, the ruling may set a precedent for future cases involving property damage from public events. It highlights the necessity for clear communication and documentation between event organizers, property owners, and insurance providers to avoid similar disputes.
What's Next
The plaintiffs have the option to appeal the ruling, but it is unclear if they will pursue further legal action. There are currently no related cases pending that would directly impact this ruling.