COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Supreme Court says a state law meant to limit lawsuits against the horse industry prohibits a damages lawsuit by a woman severely injured when she went to the aid of a horse owner in danger of being trampled.
The court's 6-1 decision Thursday for now bars Roshel Smith from seeking damages for her injuries from the 2007 accident at the Wayne County fairgrounds.
The ruling left the door open for future claims by Smith, as the court sent the case back to an appeals panel to review other issues, including whether the horse owner's behavior was "wanton."
The owner of the horse that kicked Smith in the face says Smith met the definition of a spectator by her activities that day and should be prevented from suing.
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