Gibbons v. Shalodi
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Opinion
[Cite as Gibbons v. Shalodi, 2021-Ohio-1910.]
STATE OF OHIO ) IN THE COURT OF APPEALS )ss: NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COUNTY OF LORAIN )
NADIA GIBBONS, Administrator of the C.A. No. 19CA011586 Estate of N.G., Deceased
Appellant APPEAL FROM JUDGMENT v. ENTERED IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS SUMMER SHALODI, et al. COUNTY OF LORAIN, OHIO CASE No. 17CV193745 Appellees
DECISION AND JOURNAL ENTRY
Dated: June 7, 2021
CALLAHAN, Presiding Judge.
{¶1} Appellant, Nadia Gibbons, administrator of the estate of N.G., appeals from the
judgment of the Lorain County Common Pleas Court. For the reasons set forth below this Court
affirms in part and reverses in part.
I.
{¶2} In early 2015, Summer Shalodi met Ms. Gibbons and her daughter, N.G., while
working as a teacher. Ms. Shalodi and Ms. Gibbons became friends. Ms. Shalodi was fond of
N.G. and babysat the child on many occasions, including at her townhouse.
{¶3} In the afternoon of December 12, 2015, Ms. Gibbons brought seventeen-month-old
N.G. to Ms. Shalodi’s townhouse for an overnight babysitting stay. Late that evening and into the
early morning hours of the next day, Ms. Shalodi left N.G. alone in her townhouse while she went
to the movies and shopped. Ms. Shalodi returned to the townhouse sometime after 2:00 a.m. on
December 13, 2015 and found N.G. unresponsive. Ms. Shalodi attempted, unsuccessfully, to 2
revive N.G. At 6:34 a.m., Ms. Shalodi called 911, but the paramedics were unable to revive N.G.
The coroner determined N.G. died from the combined effects of head trauma and alprazolam1
intoxication.
{¶4} Ms. Shalodi was charged with multiple counts in N.G.’s death. Ms. Shalodi pled
guilty to involuntary manslaughter, endangering children, and corrupting another with drugs and
was sentenced to prison. Thereafter, Ms. Gibbons, as the administrator of the estate of N.G., filed
a civil suit against Ms. Shalodi alleging claims for survivorship and wrongful death and seeking
punitive damages.
{¶5} Four and a half months prior to N.G.’s death, Ms. Shalodi leased a townhouse and
moved her personal belongings into the townhouse. Prior to leasing the townhouse, Ms. Shalodi
had lived with her sister, R.H., and her brother-in-law in their house. Between August 2015 and
December 2015, Ms. Shalodi spent time at both her townhouse and her sister’s house. At the time
of N.G.’s death R.H. had a homeowners insurance policy through Westfield National Insurance
Company (“Westfield”). Westfield denied coverage to Ms. Shalodi and intervened in Ms.
Gibbons’ lawsuit, seeking a declaratory judgment that it did not owe a duty to defend and
indemnify Ms. Shalodi against Ms. Gibbons’ claims.
{¶6} Westfield filed a motion for summary judgment on its declaratory judgment claim.
Ms. Shalodi did not file a brief in opposition to Westfield’s motion for summary judgment; only
Ms. Gibbons opposed Westfield’s motion. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of
Westfield on the basis that Ms. Shalodi was not a resident of her sister’s household and thus not
an insured under the policy and entered a judgment declaring that Westfield did not owe a duty to
1 Alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax. 3
{¶7} Two weeks before trial, Ms. Shalodi’s counsel, at her request, filed a motion to
withdraw as counsel. At a hearing, Ms. Shalodi consented to the withdrawal of counsel and further
indicated that she did not want to “participate, in any way, in the jury trial.” Counsel’s motion to
withdraw was granted and the jury trial proceeded with the magistrate presiding and without Ms.
Shalodi’s presence or defense. The jury returned verdicts in favor of Ms. Gibbons, as the
administrator of the estate of N.G., and awarded compensatory damages of $5,000,000 for the
survivorship claim and $30,250,000 for the wrongful death claim, and punitive damages in the
amount of $35,250,000.
{¶8} The magistrate filed a magistrate’s decision noting that Ms. Shalodi had not filed
any post-trial motions challenging the jury’s verdicts and recommending that a judgment be issued
based upon the jury’s verdicts which were attached thereto. No objections were filed to the
magistrate’s decision. The trial court adopted the magistrate’s decision as to the compensatory
damages awarded for the survivorship and wrongful death claims and rejected and vacated the
punitive damages award.
{¶9} Ms. Gibbons timely appealed, asserting two assignments of error.
II.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 1
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN GRANTING WESTFIELD NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT, AS QUESTIONS OF MATERIAL FACT PRECLUDED A FINDING THAT [R.H.’S] HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE POLICY DID NOT COVER [MS.] SHALODI.
{¶10} Ms. Gibbons argues that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment in favor
of Westfield and declaring that Ms. Shalodi was not covered under her sister’s homeowners
insurance policy. We disagree. 4
{¶11} This Court reviews a trial court’s decision granting summary judgment de novo.
See Grafton v. Ohio Edison Co., 77 Ohio St.3d 102, 105 (1996). Summary judgment is proper
under Civ.R. 56(C) when: (1) no genuine issue as to any material fact exists; (2) the party moving
for summary judgment is entitled to judgment as a matter of law; and (3) viewing the evidence
most strongly in favor of the nonmoving party, reasonable minds can only reach one conclusion,
and that conclusion is adverse to the nonmoving party. Civ.R. 56(C); Temple v. Wean United,
Inc., 50 Ohio St.2d 317, 327 (1977).
{¶12} Summary judgment consists of a burden-shifting framework. The movant bears
the initial burden of demonstrating the absence of genuine issues of material fact concerning the
essential elements of the nonmoving party’s case. Dresher v. Burt, 75 Ohio St.3d 280, 292 (1996).
Specifically, the moving party must support the motion by pointing to some evidence in the record
of the type listed in Civ.R. 56(C). Id. at 292-293. Once the moving party satisfies this burden, the
nonmoving party has a “reciprocal burden” to “‘set forth specific facts showing that there is a
genuine issue for trial[.]’” Id. at 293, quoting Civ.R. 56(E).
{¶13} Westfield filed a motion for summary judgment as to its declaratory judgment claim
regarding its duty to indemnify Ms. Shalodi in relation to Ms. Gibbons’ claims. Westfield asserted
three alternate bases as to why it owed no duty to indemnify Ms. Shalodi: 1) she was not an insured
under the policy, 2) coverage under the policy was not triggered because Ms. Shalodi’s conduct
was not an occurrence, and 3) coverage under the policy was excluded pursuant to coverage
exclusions for intentional acts or bodily injury arising from physical abuse and/or use of controlled
substances. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of Westfield solely on the basis
that Ms. Shalodi was not a resident of her sister’s household and thus not an insured under the
policy. 5
{¶14} The Westfield homeowners insurance policy provides coverage to those insured
under the policy. The Westfield policy defines “‘Insured’” as including “any family member.”
Additionally, the policy defines “‘Family member,’” in pertinent part, as “a person related to you
by blood, marriage or adoption who is a resident of your household.” The terms “‘you’” and
“‘your’” are also defined in the policy as the “‘named insured’ shown in the Declarations.” The
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[Cite as Gibbons v. Shalodi, 2021-Ohio-1910.]
STATE OF OHIO ) IN THE COURT OF APPEALS )ss: NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COUNTY OF LORAIN )
NADIA GIBBONS, Administrator of the C.A. No. 19CA011586 Estate of N.G., Deceased
Appellant APPEAL FROM JUDGMENT v. ENTERED IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS SUMMER SHALODI, et al. COUNTY OF LORAIN, OHIO CASE No. 17CV193745 Appellees
DECISION AND JOURNAL ENTRY
Dated: June 7, 2021
CALLAHAN, Presiding Judge.
{¶1} Appellant, Nadia Gibbons, administrator of the estate of N.G., appeals from the
judgment of the Lorain County Common Pleas Court. For the reasons set forth below this Court
affirms in part and reverses in part.
I.
{¶2} In early 2015, Summer Shalodi met Ms. Gibbons and her daughter, N.G., while
working as a teacher. Ms. Shalodi and Ms. Gibbons became friends. Ms. Shalodi was fond of
N.G. and babysat the child on many occasions, including at her townhouse.
{¶3} In the afternoon of December 12, 2015, Ms. Gibbons brought seventeen-month-old
N.G. to Ms. Shalodi’s townhouse for an overnight babysitting stay. Late that evening and into the
early morning hours of the next day, Ms. Shalodi left N.G. alone in her townhouse while she went
to the movies and shopped. Ms. Shalodi returned to the townhouse sometime after 2:00 a.m. on
December 13, 2015 and found N.G. unresponsive. Ms. Shalodi attempted, unsuccessfully, to 2
revive N.G. At 6:34 a.m., Ms. Shalodi called 911, but the paramedics were unable to revive N.G.
The coroner determined N.G. died from the combined effects of head trauma and alprazolam1
intoxication.
{¶4} Ms. Shalodi was charged with multiple counts in N.G.’s death. Ms. Shalodi pled
guilty to involuntary manslaughter, endangering children, and corrupting another with drugs and
was sentenced to prison. Thereafter, Ms. Gibbons, as the administrator of the estate of N.G., filed
a civil suit against Ms. Shalodi alleging claims for survivorship and wrongful death and seeking
punitive damages.
{¶5} Four and a half months prior to N.G.’s death, Ms. Shalodi leased a townhouse and
moved her personal belongings into the townhouse. Prior to leasing the townhouse, Ms. Shalodi
had lived with her sister, R.H., and her brother-in-law in their house. Between August 2015 and
December 2015, Ms. Shalodi spent time at both her townhouse and her sister’s house. At the time
of N.G.’s death R.H. had a homeowners insurance policy through Westfield National Insurance
Company (“Westfield”). Westfield denied coverage to Ms. Shalodi and intervened in Ms.
Gibbons’ lawsuit, seeking a declaratory judgment that it did not owe a duty to defend and
indemnify Ms. Shalodi against Ms. Gibbons’ claims.
{¶6} Westfield filed a motion for summary judgment on its declaratory judgment claim.
Ms. Shalodi did not file a brief in opposition to Westfield’s motion for summary judgment; only
Ms. Gibbons opposed Westfield’s motion. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of
Westfield on the basis that Ms. Shalodi was not a resident of her sister’s household and thus not
an insured under the policy and entered a judgment declaring that Westfield did not owe a duty to
1 Alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax. 3
{¶7} Two weeks before trial, Ms. Shalodi’s counsel, at her request, filed a motion to
withdraw as counsel. At a hearing, Ms. Shalodi consented to the withdrawal of counsel and further
indicated that she did not want to “participate, in any way, in the jury trial.” Counsel’s motion to
withdraw was granted and the jury trial proceeded with the magistrate presiding and without Ms.
Shalodi’s presence or defense. The jury returned verdicts in favor of Ms. Gibbons, as the
administrator of the estate of N.G., and awarded compensatory damages of $5,000,000 for the
survivorship claim and $30,250,000 for the wrongful death claim, and punitive damages in the
amount of $35,250,000.
{¶8} The magistrate filed a magistrate’s decision noting that Ms. Shalodi had not filed
any post-trial motions challenging the jury’s verdicts and recommending that a judgment be issued
based upon the jury’s verdicts which were attached thereto. No objections were filed to the
magistrate’s decision. The trial court adopted the magistrate’s decision as to the compensatory
damages awarded for the survivorship and wrongful death claims and rejected and vacated the
punitive damages award.
{¶9} Ms. Gibbons timely appealed, asserting two assignments of error.
II.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 1
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN GRANTING WESTFIELD NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT, AS QUESTIONS OF MATERIAL FACT PRECLUDED A FINDING THAT [R.H.’S] HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE POLICY DID NOT COVER [MS.] SHALODI.
{¶10} Ms. Gibbons argues that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment in favor
of Westfield and declaring that Ms. Shalodi was not covered under her sister’s homeowners
insurance policy. We disagree. 4
{¶11} This Court reviews a trial court’s decision granting summary judgment de novo.
See Grafton v. Ohio Edison Co., 77 Ohio St.3d 102, 105 (1996). Summary judgment is proper
under Civ.R. 56(C) when: (1) no genuine issue as to any material fact exists; (2) the party moving
for summary judgment is entitled to judgment as a matter of law; and (3) viewing the evidence
most strongly in favor of the nonmoving party, reasonable minds can only reach one conclusion,
and that conclusion is adverse to the nonmoving party. Civ.R. 56(C); Temple v. Wean United,
Inc., 50 Ohio St.2d 317, 327 (1977).
{¶12} Summary judgment consists of a burden-shifting framework. The movant bears
the initial burden of demonstrating the absence of genuine issues of material fact concerning the
essential elements of the nonmoving party’s case. Dresher v. Burt, 75 Ohio St.3d 280, 292 (1996).
Specifically, the moving party must support the motion by pointing to some evidence in the record
of the type listed in Civ.R. 56(C). Id. at 292-293. Once the moving party satisfies this burden, the
nonmoving party has a “reciprocal burden” to “‘set forth specific facts showing that there is a
genuine issue for trial[.]’” Id. at 293, quoting Civ.R. 56(E).
{¶13} Westfield filed a motion for summary judgment as to its declaratory judgment claim
regarding its duty to indemnify Ms. Shalodi in relation to Ms. Gibbons’ claims. Westfield asserted
three alternate bases as to why it owed no duty to indemnify Ms. Shalodi: 1) she was not an insured
under the policy, 2) coverage under the policy was not triggered because Ms. Shalodi’s conduct
was not an occurrence, and 3) coverage under the policy was excluded pursuant to coverage
exclusions for intentional acts or bodily injury arising from physical abuse and/or use of controlled
substances. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of Westfield solely on the basis
that Ms. Shalodi was not a resident of her sister’s household and thus not an insured under the
policy. 5
{¶14} The Westfield homeowners insurance policy provides coverage to those insured
under the policy. The Westfield policy defines “‘Insured’” as including “any family member.”
Additionally, the policy defines “‘Family member,’” in pertinent part, as “a person related to you
by blood, marriage or adoption who is a resident of your household.” The terms “‘you’” and
“‘your’” are also defined in the policy as the “‘named insured’ shown in the Declarations.” The
policy, however, does not define the words “resident” or “household” or the phrase “resident of
your household.”
{¶15} In order for Ms. Shalodi to be an insured under the Westfield policy she must be
both related to the named insured and a resident of the named insured’s household. There is no
dispute that Westfield issued a policy to R.H., she was the named insured on the Declarations Page,
and the policy was in effect at the time of N.G.’s death. Nor is there any dispute that Ms. Shalodi
and R.H. are sisters related by blood. The only dispute is whether Ms. Shalodi was a resident of
R.H.’s household.
{¶16} Given that the Westfield homeowners insurance policy does not define
“household,” “resident,” or “resident of your household,” these words must be given their plain
and ordinary meaning. See Nationwide Mut. Fire Ins. Co. v. Guman Bros. Farm, 73 Ohio St.3d
107, 108 (1995). See, e.g., Shear v. West Am. Ins. Co., 11 Ohio St.3d 162, 166 (1984) (applying
the “common, ordinary, usual meaning” of “‘household’” when the term was not defined in the
insurance policy); Prudential Property & Cas. Ins. Co. v. LaMarr, 92 Ohio App.3d 331, 334 (9th
Dist.1993) (applying the plain and ordinary meaning of “‘[r]esident’” when the term was not
defined in the insurance policy.). In Shear, the Ohio Supreme Court defined the term
“‘household,’” when used in an insurance policy, as “‘* * * those who dwell under the same roof
and compose a family: * * * a social unit comprised of those living together in the same dwelling 6
place * * *.’” (Alterations in original.) Id. at 166, quoting Webster’s Third New International
Dictionary. Additionally, the term “‘resident’” in the phrase “‘resident of your household’” in an
insurance policy has been recognized in all of the Ohio appellate districts as meaning “one who
lives in the home of the named insured for a period of some duration or regularity, although not
necessarily there permanently, but excludes a temporary or transient visitor.” Farmers Ins. of
Columbus, Inc. v. Taylor, 39 Ohio App.3d 68, 70 (10th Dist.1987); Flynn v. State Farm Mut. Auto.,
Ins. Co., 554 Fed.Appx. 430, 434-435 (6th Cir.2014), fn. 5 (collecting cases). Accord Grange
Mut. Cas. Co. v. Norton, 9th Dist. Medina No. 10CA0105-M, 2011-Ohio-6195, ¶ 8.
{¶17} The primary consideration in determining whether a person is a resident of the
insured household is the “nontemporary nature * * * or regularity of the living arrangements.”
Am. States Ins. Co. v. Guillermin, 108 Ohio App.3d 547, 554 (2d Dist.1996), citing Shear at 166;
Taylor at 70; Napier v. Banks, 19 Ohio App.2d 152, 156 (2d Dist.1969); and Bunch v. Nationwide
Mut. Ins. Co., 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 7897, 1983 WL 5014 (Jan. 11, 1983). While there are
other factors, such as the storage of belongings, receipt of mail, and the design and use of the
dwelling, that the court can consider when deciding whether a person is a resident of the insured’s
household, these factors are not the primary consideration in the analysis. See Guillermin at 554
(collecting cases). See, e.g., State Farm Fire & Cas. Co. v. Davidson, 87 Ohio App.3d 101, 108
(2d Dist.1993) (The court noted that other factors were present, but looked “most closely at
whether [the person’s] contacts with [insured’s] household were sufficiently permanent, long-
term, or regular to make him a member.”); Brooks v. Progressive Specialty Ins. Co., 9th Dist.
Summit No. 16639, 1994 WL 376768, *6 (July 20, 1994), citing Davidson at 108 (This Court
noted that other factors were material to the issue of residency, but looked at the permanence,
duration, and regularity of the visits.); Clifton v. Martin, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-950376, 1996 7
WL 34142, *2 (Jan. 31, 1996) (While there were other factors present, the court focused on the
time spent at the insured’s home.). Nor are these other factors, standing alone, determinative
regarding whether a person is a resident of the insured’s household. See, e.g., Guillermin at 554
(The court did not find “the storage of some clothes or furniture at [the insured’s] residence, alone,
persuasive” as to the person’s intent to stay at the insured’s house for more than a temporary
period.); W. Res. Mut. Ins. Co. v. Campbell, 111 Ohio App.3d 537, 544 (9th Dist.1996), citing
Davidson at 107 (“Maintenance of a mailing address is, in itself, insufficient to establish
residency.”).
{¶18} Similarly, a person’s intent to make a residency permanent is not the primary,
critical, or determinative factor when deciding if a person is a resident of the insured’s household.
Cincinnati Ins. Co. v. Minser, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 10976, 1989 WL 567, *2 (Jan. 4, 1989).
See Flynn at 436-437. Nonetheless, the person’s intent is a factor for the court’s consideration.
See Minser at *2. See also Flynn at 437. The person’s subjective intent can be expressed by a
statement as to where he or she lives. See Guillermin at 553-554 (Son’s statement that he lived in
another city with his children and their mother expressed his intention that his visits to his mother
were temporary arrangements.). The person’s subjective intent also may “be measured by outward
or objective manifestations.” Malone v. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 6th Dist. Erie No. E-85-3, 1986
WL 1306, *2 (Jan. 31, 1986).
{¶19} Additionally, the court can consider the insured’s belief regarding where the person
lived. See Nationwide Ins. Co. v. Alli, 178 Ohio App.3d 17, 2008-Ohio-4318, ¶ 32-33 (7th Dist.).
Like the other factors above, the insured’s belief is not determinative in the analysis of whether
the person is a resident of the insured’s household. See id. (The appellate court applied “the
‘duration and regularity’ standard” to conclude that the grandson was a resident of his insured 8
grandmother’s household, notwithstanding the grandmother’s statement that her grandson did not
live in her condominium and was only visiting overnight.).
{¶20} Ms. Shalodi testified in her deposition that after having lived with her sister and
brother-in-law for three years, she, with her father as a co-signor, signed a lease for a townhouse
in August 2015. Ms. Shalodi’s father paid the monthly lease. Ms. Shalodi stated that she bought
new furniture for the townhouse and moved her personal belongings from her sister’s house to the
townhouse.
{¶21} Ms. Shalodi explained that “a week or two before [she] moved into the
[townhouse]” she had changed her address with the post office and had her mail forwarded to the
townhouse. Ms. Shalodi indicated that she told other people that she lived at the townhouse. Ms.
Shalodi considered herself to be living in the townhouse, and not as a resident of her sister’s
household. However, Ms. Shalodi’s driver’s license still reflected her sister’s address.
{¶22} Ms. Shalodi stated that after she had moved into the townhouse she would stay
overnight at her sister’s house. She, however, could not recall the average number of days per
week she would stay at her sister’s house. Additionally, she indicated that the days of the week
that she stayed with her sister varied. Ms. Shalodi also testified that she still had a key to her
sister’s house and she would come and go as she pleased. These overnight visits took place
between August 2015 and December 2015. When she stayed overnight at her sister’s house, she
would use the same bedroom that she had used when she had lived there previously. Ms. Shalodi
testified that she thought that she had left some clothes at her sister’s house for when she would
stay there, but she could not recall for certain. Additionally, she could not recall if she kept any
toiletries at her sister’s house. 9
{¶23} Prior to this action being filed, Ms. Shalodi’s sister, R.H., appeared for an
examination under oath as part of Westfield’s investigation in this matter. R.H.’s sworn statement
mirrored much of her sister’s testimony and added some details about Ms. Shalodi’s stays at R.H.’s
house between August 2015 and December 2015.
{¶24} In her sworn statement, R.H. stated that after Ms. Shalodi leased the townhouse,
she would spend three to four nights a week at R.H.’s house, but the visits were random. To that
end, R.H. explained that she did not know when Ms. Shalodi would be at her house: “I would
come home and find her at home and sometimes I wouldn’t find her at home.” Nor did R.H. keep
track of or contact Ms. Shalodi to confirm when she would be staying at R.H.’s house. R.H.
indicated there was no set schedule of days or times of the day when Ms. Shalodi would stay at
R.H.’s house. Instead, Ms. Shalodi had a key and “came and went as she pleased.” R.H. further
stated that during this time, Ms. Shalodi kept clothes and toiletries and continued to store her
furniture from her previous apartment at R.H.’s house. Additionally, R.H. claimed that Ms.
Shalodi received mail at both R.H.’s house and Ms. Shalodi’s townhouse. R.H. indicated that the
house was open to Ms. Shalodi and it was her and her husband’s “intent that [Ms. Shalodi] be a
resident of our home” and that Ms. Shalodi would continue to live with her and her husband and
“[i]t was still her home.”
{¶25} Ms. Gibbons argues that the primary consideration in determining whether a person
is a resident of the insured’s household is “‘the nontemporary nature * * * or regularity of the
living arrangements’” and that based upon the “entirety” of Ms. Shalodi’s testimony and R.H.’s
sworn statement there is a genuine issue of material fact as to Ms. Shalodi’s status as a resident of
R.H.’s household. Specifically, Ms. Gibbons argues that the testimony establishes that Ms.
Shalodi’s contacts with R.H.’s household were “regularized,” thereby rendering her a resident of 10
R.H.’s household. While we agree with Ms. Gibbons’ statement of the law, we do not agree with
her position that the testimony established that Ms. Shalodi’s contacts with R.H.’s household were
“regularized.”
{¶26} Although Ms. Shalodi met some of the criteria that a court can consider when
determining whether a person is a resident of the insured’s household, we must focus our inquiry
on whether Ms. Shalodi’s contacts with R.H.’s household “were sufficiently permanent, long-term,
or regular” to qualify her as a resident. See Davidson, 87 Ohio App.3d at 108. See also Clifton,
1996 WL 34142, at *2 (The “focus is on the time spent at [the insured’s] home.”). Ms. Shalodi
spent three to four nights a week at her sister’s house. Both Ms. Shalodi’s and R.H.’s testimony
characterized these visits as being random, varied, and unscheduled, with Ms. Shalodi “com[ing]
and go[ing] as [she] pleased.” Moreover, R.H. expressed that she did not know when Ms. Shalodi
would be at her house. Ms. Shalodi’s possession of a key to R.H.’s house provided her access to
her sister’s house to come over whenever she wanted. But because of the unpredictable and
inconsistent nature of Ms. Shalodi’s stays at her sister’s house, Ms. Shalodi’s possession of the
key to her sister’s house does not establish permanency or regularity in Ms. Shalodi’s contacts
with R.H.’s household. Based upon these undisputed facts, we cannot agree that Ms. Shalodi’s
overnight stays were sufficiently permanent, long-term, or regular for her to be a resident of R.H.’s
household.
{¶27} Ms. Gibbons argues that the facts in this matter are akin to Snedegar v. Midwestern
Indemn. Co., 44 Ohio App.3d 64 (10th Dist.1988) and Bunch, 1983 WL 5014. Her reliance upon
Snedegar and Bunch is misplaced as those cases are factually distinguishable.
{¶28} In Snedegar, the Tenth District Court of Appeals held that the deceased minor child
was a dual resident of both his father’s and his mother’s households for insurance purposes. Id. at 11
68. As to his father’s household, the child stayed at his father’s house one to two nights a week
pursuant to the terms of a dissolution decree, received mail and telephone calls there, kept clothes
and personal belongings at his father’s house on a permanent basis, and participated in activities
with his father and step-mother. Id. at 65, 68. This living arrangement was in place from 1977 to
1984. Id. at 64-65. The court held that the child was a resident of his father’s household because
“this living arrangement had been permanent and on a regular basis for several years.” Id. at 68.
Unlike the facts in Snedegar, Ms. Shalodi’s overnight stays were not permanent and lacked a
regular schedule. Nor did Ms. Gibbons argue that Ms. Shalodi was a dual resident like the minor
child in Snedegar.
{¶29} In Bunch, the Second District Court of Appeals held that a man was a resident of
his brother’s household. Id. at *3. With respect to the brother’s household, the man moved some
of his furniture into his brother’s house, he was invited to stay at his brother’s house for an
extended time, the man had stayed at his brother’s house for over six months at the time he was
injured, and he stayed at his brother’s house Friday evenings through Monday mornings and would
share his weekend meals with his brother and sister-in-law. Id. at *2-3. We recognize that there
are similarities between Bunch and this matter with regard to the other factors that a court can
consider. However, the primary consideration in determining that a person is a resident of the
insured’s household is the duration, regularity, and permanency of the residence. See Davidson,
87 Ohio App.3d at 108, citing Snedegar at 69. See also Guillermin, 108 Ohio App.3d at 554. In
Bunch, the man’s contacts with his brother’s household occurred on a regular basis, every Friday
evening through Monday morning. Id. at *2. Unlike Bunch, Ms. Shalodi’s overnight stays at her
sister’s house were random, varied, and unscheduled. 12
{¶30} Ms. Gibbons’ brief also suggests that there is a genuine issue of material fact
because Ms. Shalodi and R.H. had different beliefs about where Ms. Shalodi lived. Additionally,
Ms. Gibbons argues that Ms. Shalodi’s testimony regarding her residency status is not
determinative while R.H.’s testimony as to Ms. Shalodi’s residency is relevant and determinative.
Ms. Gibbons further argues that the trial court erred in not considering R.H.’s testimony regarding
the circumstances of Ms. Shalodi’s living arrangement, and by doing so it improperly weighed the
evidence.
{¶31} Based upon the case law stated earlier, Ms. Shalodi’s intent and R.H.’s belief as to
where Ms. Shalodi lived are factors that the court can consider, but are not determinative factors
in the analysis regarding whether Ms. Shalodi is a resident of R.H.’s household. See Minser, 1989
WL 567, at *2 (person’s intent); Alli, 178 Ohio App.3d 17, 2008-Ohio-4318, at ¶ 33 (insured’s
belief). See, e.g., Clifton, 1996 WL 34142, at *2 (The court did not base its decision on son’s and
parents’ beliefs as to where son lived.). Ms. Gibbons’ argument in this regard is an attempt to
resolve the issue of whether Ms. Shalodi was a resident of R.H.’s household based upon R.H.’s
belief alone. Ms. Gibbons’ argument is contrary to the above case law, and not well-taken.
{¶32} Ms. Gibbons also suggests that the difference in Ms. Shalodi’s intent and R.H.’s
belief as to where Ms. Shalodi lived creates a genuine issue of material fact. We disagree. While
the conflicting testimony is material, it is not genuine.
{¶33} The mere presence of a disputed fact does not preclude summary judgment. Trojan
v. Ro-Mai Industries, Inc., 9th Dist. Summit No. 18778, 1998 WL 488715, * 3 (Aug. 19, 1998).
Rather, summary judgment is inappropriate when the factual dispute is both material and genuine.
See id. “A disputed fact is material if it is an essential element of the claim as determined by the
applicable substantive law-one which might affect the outcome of the litigation.” Id., citing 13
Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248 (1986) and Burkes v. Stidham, 107 Ohio
App.3d 363, 371 (8th Dist.1995). “[T]he dispute about a material fact is ‘genuine’ * * * if the
evidence is such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the nonmoving party.” Anderson
at 248. To determine whether a genuine issue exists, “a court must inquire ‘whether the evidence
presents a sufficient disagreement to require submission to a jury or whether it is so one-sided that
one party must prevail as a matter of law.’” Wall v. Firelands Radiology, Inc., 106 Ohio App.3d
313, 322-323 (6th Dist.1995), quoting Anderson at 251-252 and Turner v. Turner, 67 Ohio St.3d
337, 340 (1993). “If disputed evidence is not ‘significantly probative,’ summary judgment should
be granted.” Harold v. Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., 9th Dist. Summit No. 18915, 1998 WL
646626, *3 (Sept. 16, 1998), quoting Buckeye Union Ins. Co. v. Consol. Stores Corp., 68 Ohio
App.3d 19, 22 (10th Dist.1990).
{¶34} In this case, the material facts are those which are relevant to whether Ms. Shalodi
was a resident of R.H.’s household. While the primary consideration to this issue is the duration,
regularity, and permanency of the residence, other nondeterminative factors may be considered by
the court. See Guillermin, 108 Ohio App.3d at 554. See also Brooks, 1994 WL 376768, at *6 (this
Court recognized other factors are material to the issue of residency). This includes the intent of
Ms. Shalodi as to the permanency of her residency and R.H.’s belief regarding where Ms. Shalodi
lived. See Minser, 1989 WL 567, at *2 (person’s intent); Alli, 178 Ohio App.3d 17, 2008-Ohio-
4318, at ¶ 33 (insured’s belief). While these factors are not determinative, they are relevant
because the court can consider these factors in making its decision as to whether Ms. Shalodi is a
resident of R.H.’s household. Accordingly, this disputed fact “might affect the outcome of the
litigation,” and thereby is material. See Trojan at *3, citing Anderson at 248 and Burkes at 371. 14
{¶35} While these contradictory statements are material, they are not genuine. Based
upon our analysis above, the testimony regarding the duration, regularity, and permanency of the
living arrangement, when construed in the light most favorable to Ms. Gibbons, was such that a
reasonable jury could not return a verdict for Ms. Gibbons. We recognize that there was testimony
regarding other nondeterminative factors, such as mail delivery, storage of belongings, and Ms.
Shalodi’s intent and R.H.’s belief as to where Ms. Shalodi lived. However, this Court looks closely
at the testimony regarding Ms. Shalodi’s contacts with R.H.’s household and applies the factors
which are primary to the determination. Notwithstanding the other nondeterminative factors, as a
matter of law Ms. Shalodi’s overnight visits were not sufficiently permanent, long-term, or regular
for her to be a resident of her sister’s household. See Davidson, 87 Ohio App.3d at 108; Clifton,
1996 WL 34142, at *2; Brooks at *6. Thus, the disputed testimony regarding Ms. Shalodi’s intent
and R.H.’s belief is not “‘significantly probative’” of whether Ms. Shalodi was a resident of R.H.’s
household. See Harold at *3, quoting Buckeye Union Ins. Co. at 22. Accordingly, Ms. Gibbons
has failed to show that this disputed material fact is genuine.
{¶36} Moreover, we conclude that the trial court did not weigh the evidence as to Ms.
Shalodi’s and R.H.’s statements concerning where Ms. Shalodi lived. While the trial court’s
explanation was inartfully worded, it nonetheless reflected the principles addressed above. Nor
can we conclude that the trial court “anchor[ed] its decision” on Ms. Shalodi’s statement as to
where she lived and discounted the remaining testimony of Ms. Shalodi and R.H. The trial court’s
decision reflects citation to and reliance upon other portions of Ms. Shalodi’s testimony regarding
her living arrangements. And while the trial court did not reference R.H.’s testimony regarding
Ms. Shalodi’s living arrangements, the testimony of R.H. and Ms. Shalodi was consistent and not
in dispute. Thus, there was no weighing of the evidence. 15
{¶37} In light of the foregoing, we conclude that there are no genuine issues of material
fact and viewing the evidence in the light most strongly in favor of Ms. Gibbons, reasonable minds
can only come to one conclusion: Ms. Shalodi was not a resident of R.H.’s household. Therefore,
the trial court did not err in granting Westfield’s motion for summary judgment on the basis that
Ms. Shalodi was not a resident of R.H.’s household, and thereby not an insured under the policy,
and entering a judgment declaring that Westfield did not have a duty to indemnify Ms. Shalodi
with regard to Ms. Gibbons’ claims.
{¶38} Ms. Gibbons also argues that there are genuine issues of material fact as to
Westfield’s two alternate arguments for summary judgment related to insurance coverage under
the policy. We decline to address these additional arguments as they have been rendered moot by
our conclusion that Ms. Shalodi was not a resident of R.H.’s household.2 See App.R. 12(A)(1)(c).
{¶39} Ms. Gibbons’ first assignment of error is overruled.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 2
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN STRIKING THE JURY’S PUNITIVE DAMAGE AWARD AGAINST [MS.] SHALODI AS THE TRIAL COURT HAD NO AUTHORITY TO STRIKE THE AWARD SUA SPONTE AND DOING SO WAS AN ABUSE OF DISCRETION.
{¶40} Ms. Gibbons argues that the trial court had no authority to strike the punitive
damages award against Ms. Shalodi and that the trial court abused its discretion in doing so. We
agree.
{¶41} This Court generally reviews a trial court’s decision adopting, rejecting, or
modifying a magistrate’s decision for an abuse of discretion. Barlow v. Barlow, 9th Dist. Wayne
2 Additionally, we decline to consider the merits of Westfield’s two alternate arguments for summary judgment because the trial court did not decide these alternative arguments, and we will not do so in the first instance. See Shaffer v. A.W. Chesterton Co., 9th Dist. Lorain No. 18CA011440, 2019-Ohio-5022, ¶ 61. 16
No. 08CA0055, 2009-Ohio-3788, ¶ 5. However, “[i]n so doing, we consider the trial court’s action
with reference to the nature of the underlying matter.” Tabatabai v. Tabatabai, 9th Dist. Medina
No. 08CA0049-M, 2009-Ohio-3139, ¶ 18. “[W]hether the trial court correctly applied the law to
the facts of a case presents a question of law.” Fuline v. Green, 9th Dist. Summit Nos. 25704,
25936, 2012-Ohio-2749, ¶ 6. Questions of law are reviewed de novo. Swedlow v. Riegler, 9th
Dist. Summit No. 26710, 2013-Ohio-5562, ¶ 7.
{¶42} Civ.R. 53(C)(1)(c) provides that a magistrate may preside over a jury trial upon the
unanimous written consent of the parties. In any matter referred to a magistrate, including
presiding over a jury trial with the consent of the parties, the magistrate is required to prepare a
magistrate’s decision. Civ.R. 53(D)(3)(a)(i); Dixon v. O’Brien, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 09 MA
123, 2011-Ohio-3399, ¶ 28, citing Civ.R. 53(D)(1) and Civ.R. 53(C)(1)(a) and (c). See Ford v.
Gooden, 9th Dist. Summit No. 22764, 2006-Ohio-1907, ¶ 9. Parties consenting to a jury trial in
front of the magistrate may file objections to the magistrate’s decision.3 Brown v. Burnett, 2d Dist.
Clark No. 2017-CA-86, 2018-Ohio-2328, ¶ 9, citing Hartt v. Munobe, 67 Ohio St.3d 3, 6 (1993).
When ruling on timely objections following a jury trial before a magistrate, the trial court must
perform an independent review of the objected matters to determine whether the magistrate
“appropriately applied the law.” See Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(d); Hartt at 6 (The jury’s findings of fact
are not subject to attack or review, thereby limiting the trial court’s review to legal errors.).
3 Effective July 1, 2020, Civ.R. 53(C) was amended by adding a new Division (C)(2) and renumbering the prior Division (C)(2) as Division (C)(3). 2020 Staff Note, Civ.R. 53(C)(2). New Division (C)(2) reflects changes to “the procedure following jury trials conducted by magistrates upon unanimous consent of the parties” and the trial court’s role in entering judgment. Id. This amendment took effect after the trial court’s judgment entry dated November 1, 2019. Accordingly, new Division (C)(2) is not applicable in this matter, and we will reference the previous version of Civ.R. 53 in effect at the time of the trial court’s judgment entry. 17
{¶43} If no timely objections are filed to the magistrate’s decision, “the court may adopt
a magistrate’s decision, unless it determines that there is an error of law or other defect evident on
the face of the magistrate’s decision.” Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(c). The “evident on the face” standard
contained in Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(c) does not require the trial court to engage in an independent review
of the magistrate’s decision. 2006 Staff Note, Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(c). See Lowery v. Keystone Bd. of
Educ., 9th Dist. Lorain No. 99CA007407, 2001 WL 490017, *2 (May 9, 2001), fn. 1, quoting
former Civ.R. 53(E)(4)(a)4 and Miele v. Ribovich, 90 Ohio St.3d 439, 443 (2000) (recognizing that
the Ohio Supreme Court had held that former Civ.R. 53(E)(4)(a) did not require an independent
review when there was no objection nor an erroneous magistrate’s decision.).
{¶44} Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(c), however, is not the only procedure available to a trial court
when there are no timely objections filed and there is no error of law or other defect evident on the
face of the magistrate’s decision. See Yantek v. Coach Builders Ltd., Inc., 1st Dist. Hamilton No.
C-060601, 2007-Ohio-5126, ¶ 11; 2006 Staff Note, Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(c). Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(b)
provides the trial court with an alternative: “Whether or not objections are timely filed, a court
may adopt or reject a magistrate’s decision in whole or in part, with or without modification. A
court may hear a previously-referred matter, take additional evidence, or return a matter to a
magistrate.” (Emphasis added.)
4 Effective July 1, 2006, former Civ.R. 53(E)(4)(a) (effective July 1, 1995) was divided and renumbered as Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(a) and (c). The first sentence of former Civ.R. 53(E)(4)(a) was renumbered to Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(a), while the second sentence of former Civ.R. 53(E)(4)(a) was renumbered to Civ.R.(D)(4)(c) and modified to specify that the trial court’s obligation is limited to review for errors of law evident on the face of the magistrate’s decision. See 2006 Staff Note, Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(a), (c). The 2006 amendment to Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(c) remains in effect as of the July 1, 2020 amendment. 18
{¶45} Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(b) encompasses both a limited review for errors evident on the face
of the magistrate’s decision and an independent review. See State ex rel. Russell v. Ohio Dept. of
Rehab. and Corr., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 17AP-240, 2019-Ohio-4947, ¶ 5. The trial court has
the right to independently review a magistrate’s decision even if no timely objections are filed.
See Bailey v. Marrero-Bailey, 7th Dist. Belmont No. 10 BE 16, 2012-Ohio-894, ¶ 19, quoting
Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(b); Hart v. Spenceley, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2011-08-165, 2013-Ohio-653, ¶
14-15. See generally Lakota v. Lakota, 9th Dist. Medina No. 10CA0122-M, 2012-Ohio-2555, ¶
14, citing Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(b). (This Court, citing Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(b) as an example, recognized
that “Civ.R. 53 contemplates that a trial court may, within its discretion conduct a review that
exceeds that specifically required.”). (Emphasis in original.)
Plain Error
{¶46} In this matter, the trial court rejected and vacated the punitive damages award in
the magistrate’s decision based on two instances of what it deemed to be plain error:5 1) the
magistrate erred in charging the jury on punitive damages in the absence of evidence that “[Ms.]
Shalodi engaged in malicious or aggravated or egregious conduct,” and 2) the magistrate erred by
allowing this matter to proceed to a jury trial where Ms. Shalodi was not present and no defense
was presented on her behalf. Ms. Gibbons argues that the trial court erred in both of these
determinations. We agree.
5 We note that plain error is reserved for appellate review. See State v. Morgan, 153 Ohio St.3d 196, 2017-Ohio-7565, ¶ 1, 35-36, 39-41, quoting State v. Wolery, 46 Ohio St.2d 316, 326 (1976), State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St.3d 21, 27 (2002), and Goldfuss v. Davidson, 79 Ohio St.3d 116 (1997), syllabus (recognizing Ohio appellate courts applying plain error in criminal and civil appeals). Accordingly, we will construe the trial court’s plain error review of the magistrate’s decision as being a review for error in the magistrate’s decision. 19
Compliance with Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(c)
{¶47} As an initial matter, Ms. Gibbons argues that the trial court did not comply with
Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(c) when it reviewed the magistrate’s decision for error. “[W]hether the trial court
correctly applied the law to the facts of a case presents a question of law, which we review de
novo.” Fuline, 2012-Ohio-2749, at ¶ 6.
{¶48} Relying upon Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(c), Ms. Gibbons asserts that the trial court’s review
for error was limited to the face of the magistrate’s decision and the trial court erred when it
considered the trial testimony to support its determination. We disagree.
{¶49} Ms. Gibbons’ argument fails to recognize that a trial court may proceed under
Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(c) or Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(b) when there are no timely objections filed and there is no
error of law or other defect evident on the face of the magistrate’s decision. See 2006 Staff Note,
Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(c). See also Yantek, 2007-Ohio-5126, at ¶ 11. Additionally, Ms. Gibbons’
argument ignores that when there are no timely objections and the trial court proceeds under Civ.R.
53(D)(4)(b), the trial court may either review the face of the magistrate’s decision or conduct an
independent review of the record. See Hart, 2013-Ohio-653, at ¶ 14. Accordingly, the trial court
was not limited to proceeding under Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(c) and its review of the trial transcript was
permitted under Civ.R. 53(D)(4)(b).
Punitive Damages
{¶50} Ms. Gibbons argues that the trial court erred in finding error relative to charging
the jury on punitive damages for two reasons: the trial court “misinterpret[ed] the standard
required to support a punitive damages award” and there was sufficient evidence regarding
punitive damages presented at trial to warrant a jury instruction for punitive damages. “[W]hether
the trial court correctly applied the law to the facts of a case presents a question of law, which we 20
review de novo.” Fuline, 2012-Ohio-2749, at ¶ 6. Additionally, this Court reviews de novo
whether a jury instruction is factually warranted. Cromer v. Children’s Hosp. Med. Ctr. of Akron,
142 Ohio St.3d 257, 2015-Ohio-229, ¶ 22, citing Estate of Hall v. Akron Gen. Med. Ctr., 125 Ohio
St.3d 300, 2010-Ohio-1041, ¶ 26.
{¶51} Generally, a requested jury instruction should be given if it is a correct statement
of the law as applied to the facts in a given case. Murphy v. Carrollton Mfg. Co., 61 Ohio St.3d
585, 591 (1991). A court’s instructions to the jury should be limited to the actual issues raised by
the evidence and in the pleadings. Cromer at ¶ 33. If there is no evidence to support an issue, then
the trial court should not charge the jury on the issue. Murphy at 591, citing Riley v. Cincinnati,
46 Ohio St.2d 287 (1976), paragraph two of the syllabus. “‘In reviewing a record to ascertain the
presence of sufficient evidence to support the giving of a[n] * * * instruction, an appellate court
should determine whether the record contains evidence from which reasonable minds might reach
the conclusion sought by the instruction.’” (Alterations sic.) Murphy at 591, quoting Feterle v.
Huettner, 28 Ohio St.2d 54 (1971), syllabus. This is the same test applied by the trial court when
deciding a motion for directed verdict. Feterle at 55-56.
{¶52} In Ohio, punitive damages may be awarded in tort actions involving fraud, malice,
or insult. Preston v. Murty, 32 Ohio St.3d 334, 334 (1987). See R.C. 2315.21(C)(1) (requiring
that the “actions or omissions of [the] defendant demonstrate malice or aggravated or egregious
fraud” to recover punitive damages). In this case, there is no allegation of fraud or insult.
Therefore, a punitive damages award in this case must be based on malice.
{¶53} In Preston, the Ohio Supreme Court held that actual malice, a requisite component
for a claim of punitive damages, is “(1) that state of mind under which a person’s conduct is
characterized by hatred, ill will or a spirit of revenge, or (2) a conscious disregard for the rights 21
and safety of other persons that has a great probability of causing substantial harm.” (Emphasis
omitted.) Id. at syllabus. Ms. Gibbons has based her claim for punitive damages on the second
standard of conscious disregard.
{¶54} Preston specifically addressed the second standard for actual malice by setting forth
what is required to establish a conscious disregard for the rights and safety of other persons that
has a great probability of causing substantial harm. Id. at 335. It did so because the “[c]ourts,
including this court, have used diverse language to define and describe behavior that constitutes
actual malice[]” and this type of malice was “frustratingly vague.” Id.
{¶55} In conjunction with the various definitions of malice, Preston also considered the
two policy reasons for awarding punitive damages: 1) to punish the defendant, and 2) to deter
others from similar conduct. Id. at 335. Preston concluded that because punitive damages serve
to punish the defendant and not to compensate the plaintiff, there must be “a positive element of
conscious wrongdoing.” Id. “This element has been termed conscious, deliberate or intentional.
It requires the party to possess knowledge of the harm that might be caused by his behavior.” Id.
{¶56} In addition to defining the requisite mental state, Preston also held that misconduct
greater than mere negligence is required. Id. at 335. “This concept is reflected in the use of such
terms as ‘outrageous,’ ‘flagrant,’ and ‘criminal.’” Id. at 335-336. There must be a “finding that
the probability of harm occurring is great and that the harm will be substantial.” Id. at 336. A
possibility or probability of harm occurring is merely negligence, which does not give rise to
malice. Id.
{¶57} Five years later in Motorists Mut. Ins. Co. v. Said, 63 Ohio St.3d 690 (1992), the
Ohio Supreme Court discussed its decision in Preston regarding actual malice and recklessness.
Id. at 696-698, overruled in part on other grounds by Zoppo v. Homestead Ins. Co., 71 Ohio St.3d 22
552 (1994), paragraph one of the syllabus. This discussion was in response to another Ohio
Supreme Court decision, Staff Builders, Inc. v. Armstrong, 37 Ohio St.3d 298 (1988), that had
“mistakenly described actual malice as including reckless behavior” and “inadvertently thrust the
recklessness standard into the realm of punitive damages, thereby ignoring the established syllabus
law in Preston.” Motorists at 697.
{¶58} Motorists explained that in Preston, the Ohio Supreme Court had reviewed case
law that “imprecisely defined ‘actual malice’ to include ‘extremely reckless behavior revealing a
conscious disregard for a great and obvious harm’” and ultimately “reject[ed] any definition of
‘actual malice’ which included recklessness as an element.” Motorists at 696-697, quoting Preston
at 335. Additionally, Motorists provided further explanation as to the mental state necessary for
actual malice under the second standard set forth in the syllabus of Preston:
Preston observed that actual malice requires consciousness of the near certainty (or otherwise stated “great probability”) that substantial harm will be caused by the tortious behavior. Any less callous mental state is insufficient to incur that level of societal outrage necessary to justify an award of punitive damages. Therefore, it is evident that a reckless actor, who only has knowledge of the mere possibility that his or her actions may result in substantial harm, is not behaving maliciously.
Motorists at 698, citing Prosser & Keeton, The Law of Torts, Section 34, 212-214 (5th Ed.1984).
{¶59} Motorists recognized that other cases decided by the Ohio Supreme Court
subsequent to Preston had correctly followed the syllabus of Preston and “refrain[ed] from
allowing punitive damages to be assessed on mere reckless behavior.” Id. at 697. Similarly, Ohio
appellate courts have also recognized that malice does not include reckless conduct. See, e.g.,
Spalding v. Coulson, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 70524, 70538, 1998 WL 564054, *16 (Sept. 3,
1998) (recognizing that recklessness does not “justify the imposition of punitive damages”); Fox
v. Williams, 4th Dist. Lawrence No. 95 CA 38, 1996 WL 292046, *5 (May 28, 1996) (recognizing
that “malice cannot include mere reckless conduct”); Ferritto v. Olde & Co., Inc., 62 Ohio App.3d 23
582, 590 (8th Dist.1989) (recognizing that Preston required a finding of conscious disregard,
which is a greater showing of intent than the “‘reckless disregard’ standard”). See generally
Dotson v. Village Res. Dev. Co., 9th Dist. Lorain No. 98CA007066, 1999 WL 494068, *5 (July
14, 1999) (recognizing that an element of recklessness contained in a statute was not a “positive
element of conscious wrongdoing” in support of punitive damages).
{¶60} Additionally, the appellate courts in Ohio have quoted and relied upon the
paragraph in Motorists further explaining the necessary mental state under the second standard for
actual malice. See, e.g., Oxford Mining Co., LLC v. Ohio Gathering Co., LLC, 7th Dist. Belmont
No. 19 BE 0016, 2020-Ohio-1363, ¶ 89; Newport Harbor Assn. v. DiCello, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga
No. 87126, 2006-Ohio-4493, ¶ 19; Estate of Schmidt v. Derenia, 158 Ohio App.3d 738, 2004-
Ohio-5431, ¶ 11 (10th Dist.); Gollihue v. Consol. Rail Corp., 120 Ohio App.3d 378, 401 (3d
Dist.1997); Johnson v. Thrift S. & L. Co., 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-920115, 1993 WL 323380, *3
(May 26, 1993); Edmondson v. Steelman, 87 Ohio App.3d 455, 459-460 (12th Dist.1992). The
syllabus in Preston setting forth the standards for actual malice continues to be the law applied in
Ohio.
{¶61} In reaching its decision that there was error in charging the jury on punitive
damages, the trial court stated that the evidence established that Ms. Shalodi “acted selfishly,
negligently, and recklessly, but not purposefully, intentionally, or maliciously.” (Emphasis
deleted.) The trial court focused on the lack of evidence of intentional conduct. Ms. Gibbons
argues that reckless acts are evidence of punitive damages and because the trial court conceded in
its judgment entry that Ms. Shalodi acted recklessly, there was no error in charging the jury
regarding punitive damages. 24
{¶62} Neither the trial court nor Ms. Gibbons acknowledged the standard for actual malice
set forth in Preston. Based upon Preston, the trial court’s position is not entirely accurate. As
noted above, Ms. Gibbons is seeking punitive damages based upon the second standard for actual
malice: a conscious disregard for the rights and safety of other persons that has a great probability
of causing substantial harm. This requires “a positive element of conscious wrongdoing” which
has been “termed [as] conscious, deliberate or intentional.” Preston, 32 Ohio St.3d at 335. While
the trial court was correct in its examination for intentional acts, it erred by not considering if there
was evidence of wrongdoing that was deliberate or conscious. The error, however, was harmless,
because the trial court found that the evidence indicated that Ms. Shalodi “acted selfishly,
negligently, and recklessly,” and such wrongdoing would not give rise to actual malice under the
standard set forth in Preston. See id. Accordingly, the trial court’s examination of the evidence
for only intentional wrongdoing did not affect the substantial rights of Ms. Gibbons, and we will
disregard this error in the proceedings. See Civ.R. 61.
{¶63} Ms. Gibbons relies upon Whetstone v. Binner, 146 Ohio St.3d 395, 2016-Ohio-
1006, to support her position that reckless acts can be used in support of punitive damages.
Whetstone states “Ohio law is well settled that punitive damages are available for personal injury
or property loss caused by malice or ‘“‘intentional, reckless, wanton, willful and gross acts.’”’”
Id. at ¶ 16, quoting Rubeck v. Huffman, 54 Ohio St.2d 20, 23 (1978), quoting Columbus Fin., Inc.
v. Howard, 42 Ohio St.2d 178, 184 (1975), quoting the appellants’ brief in Columbus Fin., Inc.
Ms. Gibbons’ reliance upon Whetstone is misplaced.
{¶64} This statement of law in Whetstone regarding punitive damages is dicta. The issue
addressed by the Ohio Supreme Court in Whetstone was “whether punitive damages can be
awarded against the estate of a deceased tortfeasor.” Id. at ¶ 1. In Whetstone, a default judgment 25
had been entered against the defendant and malice was deemed admitted. Id. at ¶ 21. Whetstone
did not address the question of whether reckless conduct was sufficient evidence to submit the
issue of punitive damages to the jury.
{¶65} Additionally, the validity of this legal proposition is called into doubt because in
Whetstone the Ohio Supreme Court quoted Rubeck and Columbus, both of which predated Preston.
Accordingly, we reject Ms. Gibbons’ argument regarding the use of reckless conduct to support
an award of punitive damages.6
{¶66} Ms. Gibbons also argues that there was sufficient evidence at trial to support a
punitive damages instruction being submitted to the jury. In order to submit the issue of punitive
damages to the jury, the trial court must review the evidence and determine if reasonable minds
can differ as to whether the “party consciously disregarded the injured party’s rights or safety” and
“whether the party was aware his or her act had a great probability of causing substantial harm.”
Preston, 32 Ohio St.3d at 336. Additionally, the plaintiff must prove his or her entitlement to
punitive damages by clear and convincing evidence. Wiegand v. Fabrizi Trucking & Paving Co.,
Inc., 9th Dist. Medina No. 16CA0015-M, 2017-Ohio-363, ¶ 46, quoting Whetstone at ¶ 20. See
R.C. 2315.21(D)(4). “Clear and convincing evidence is that measure of degree of proof * * *
which will produce in the mind of the trier of facts a firm belief or conviction as to the facts sought
to be established.” Cross v. Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469 (1954), paragraph three of the syllabus.
6 Notwithstanding Ms. Gibbons’ improper argument herein regarding reckless conduct, and her reliance upon reckless conduct in her complaint and at trial, we will proceed to review the trial transcript and exhibits under the second standard for actual malice set forth in Preston. See generally Malone v. Courtyard by Marriott L.P., 74 Ohio St.3d 440, 446-447 (1996) (applying the second Preston standard despite the plaintiffs’ arguments based upon recklessness). 26
{¶67} Detective Denman testified that he was assigned as the lead investigator in the death
of N.G. He interviewed Ms. Shalodi, Ms. Gibbons, and a male friend of Ms. Shalodi, collected
evidence from her townhouse, had tests performed on various items taken into evidence, met with
the coroner, obtained results from drug tests of Ms. Shalodi and N.G., and obtained surveillance
footage from various businesses.
{¶68} Ms. Shalodi indicated that N.G. was dropped off at her townhouse around 3:00 p.m.
on December 12, 2015 and she was to babysit N.G. overnight. Ms. Gibbons confirmed this and
provided Detective Denman with the text messages between herself and Ms. Shalodi regarding
babysitting N.G. Originally Ms. Shalodi had plans and was unable to babysit, but then her plans
changed and she agreed to babysit N.G.
{¶69} Receipts recovered from Ms. Shalodi’s trash in her kitchen, along with surveillance
footage, show Ms. Shalodi and N.G. shopping at a store at 5:24 p.m. on December 12, 2015. Ms.
Shalodi told Detective Denman that she laid N.G. down for bed around 8:30 p.m. that evening.
Surveillance footage and a receipt from a convenience store show that Ms. Shalodi was alone when
she made a purchase at 8:49 p.m.
{¶70} Two movie stubs for a movie playing at 10:45 p.m. on December 12, 2015 were
also recovered from Ms. Shalodi’s kitchen trash. Surveillance footage shows Ms. Shalodi, alone,
in the lobby of the movie theater purchasing the tickets at 10:55 p.m. and purchasing popcorn at
10:56 p.m. Detective Denman testified that Ms. Shalodi left the movie theater at 12:47 a.m. on
December 13, 2015 with a male acquaintance. Ms. Shalodi had asked the man to go to the movies
with her.
{¶71} Ms. Shalodi and her male friend are then recorded on surveillance video entering a
store at 1:13 a.m. on December 13, 2015. A receipt from the store and the surveillance video 27
shows Ms. Shalodi left the store at 2:12 a.m. on December 13, 2015. Based on surveillance footage
from the theater and the store, Ms. Shalodi and her male friend arrived and left separately at both
locations.
{¶72} During her interview with Detective Denman, Ms. Shalodi originally stated that she
was home that evening and did not have any visitors. She indicated that she had checked on N.G.
around midnight and removed a blanket from the child to prevent her from suffocating. She again
checked on N.G. around 2:00 a.m. and discovered the child was not breathing and something was
wrong. A few hours into the interview, Ms. Shalodi told Detective Denman that she might have
gone to the store around midnight for approximately thirty minutes.
{¶73} While Detective Denman was able to establish that certain events occurred between
Ms. Shalodi finding N.G. unresponsive around 2:00 a.m. and Ms. Shalodi calling 911 at 6:34 a.m.,
he was unable to establish the order in which those events occurred. At the townhouse, Detective
Denman observed that N.G. had “a pretty severe cut to her lower lip.” Additionally, when he sat
in during a conversation between the coroner and Ms. Shalodi, he learned that N.G. had “a pretty
severe burn on her back.”
{¶74} Ms. Shalodi could not explain how or when the cut on N.G.’s lip had occurred. She
did, however, say she placed a band-aid and tape on N.G.’s lip because it was bleeding. A band-
aid and tape, wrapped in a paper towel, were recovered from a garbage bag located in the garage.
{¶75} Additionally, a onesie that had “a substantial amount of blood on it,” a rag with
blood stains and a cleaning agent, and a woman’s white shirt with stains, were recovered from the
same garbage bag in the garage. Ms. Shalodi indicated the onesie was hers, but she could not
explain why there was blood on the onesie. Lab testing confirmed that the blood on the onesie
belonged to N.G. 28
{¶76} Another investigator had discovered two wet spots on the carpet in Ms. Shalodi’s
bedroom that appeared to have been a recent attempt to clean something. Detective Denman asked
Ms. Shalodi about the wet spots on the carpet. Ms. Shalodi admitted that she had cleaned the two
spots. Ms. Shalodi did not know for sure how the first spot was soiled. She mentioned maybe she
bled on the floor after having cut her leg in the shower. As for the second spot located next to the
bed, Ms. Shalodi stated that was where N.G. was lying and had secreted when Ms. Shalodi
attempted CPR. These portions of the carpet were cut and removed from the bedroom and sent
for testing. The lab results indicated that both carpet samples contained blood from N.G. only.
Additionally, other areas in the room were swabbed, along with the swipe of blood found on the
wall in the stairwell. The lab results confirmed the blood in all of these locations belonged to N.G.
{¶77} Detective Denman testified that the stained shirt was collected as evidence, but he
did not testify regarding any testing or lab results from the shirt. The surveillance photos from the
theater and the store show Ms. Shalodi was wearing a white shirt.
{¶78} Regarding the burns, Ms. Shalodi initially stated that she gave N.G. a bath and
maybe the water was a little too hot and caused a burn. Later during the interview, Ms. Shalodi
stated that the burns probably happened when she “‘was trying to get a sign of life from [N.G.].’”
She explained that she put N.G. in the kitchen sink and ran the water for about ten minutes.
Detective Denman testified that Ms. Shalodi changed the time to five minutes after she saw his
reaction. Ms. Shalodi used the kitchen sink because the water in that part of the townhouse was
hotter.
{¶79} Detective Denman testified that Ms. Gibbons also provided him with a text message
that she had received from Ms. Shalodi at 4:19 a.m. on December 13, 2015 regarding “the bath 29
and [N.G.’s] skin exfoliating a bit.” Ms. Gibbons tried calling Ms. Shalodi as soon as she saw the
text that morning, but Ms. Shalodi did not answer.
{¶80} The investigation also revealed that all of the baby clothing and blankets where
N.G. had been sleeping had been laundered, and were in the dryer. These articles were discovered
because the dryer door was open. Ms. Shalodi admitted that she had washed these items.
{¶81} Ms. Shalodi told the coroner and Detective Denman that she had searched the
internet looking for problems with baby deaths. The download from her phone showed that she
began searching the internet at 6:04 a.m. on December 13, 2015 regarding the following topics:
“baby death by shopping cart, can baby sleep so soundly you think they’re dead, * * * four-month-
old infant passes away, disturbing true stories of daycare death and murder, signs of death.” At
6:34 a.m., Ms. Shalodi called 911.
{¶82} After calling 911, Ms. Shalodi did not call Ms. Gibbons to let her know that
something was wrong with N.G. When Ms. Shalodi learned that Ms. Gibbons was on her way to
the townhouse, she became concerned because she did not know how she was going to explain
what happened. Because Ms. Shalodi did not want to be present when Ms. Gibbons arrived, Ms.
Shalodi agreed to go to the police station for the remainder of the interview.
{¶83} Detective Denman learned that Ms. Shalodi had a master’s degree in education,
was a former teacher, and “knows a little bit about CPR.” Ms. Shalodi claimed she did some CPR
on N.G. Additionally, Ms. Shalodi told Detective Denman that her father is a physician, but she
did not call him because he is not a pediatrician.
{¶84} Inside Ms. Shalodi’s purse was a baggie with some pills and residue from pills
being smashed. The baggie, pills, and residue were tested and identified as Xanax and
Benzodiazepines. Drug tests were performed on both Ms. Shalodi and N.G. They both tested 30
positive for Xanax. Additionally, two empty prescription pill bottles were found in the kitchen
trash. Based upon a pill count, one prescription was taken correctly, but the other prescription
should have had pills remaining. Ms. Shalodi indicated that all of her pills were accounted for and
she kept them in a container next to her bed stand and there was no way N.G. could have gotten
into her pills. These pills and the container were not found during the search.
{¶85} Dr. Miller, the Lorain County Chief Deputy Coroner and an expert in forensic
pathology, performed an autopsy on N.G. Dr. Miller indicated that N.G. was in full arrest when
the paramedics arrived and her extremities were already cold. He was not able to determine the
time of death. After conducting the autopsy, Dr. Miller concluded that N.G. died from the
combined effects of head trauma and alprazolam intoxication.
{¶86} The autopsy revealed two primary external injuries. The first was bruising to both
the upper and lower lip and two lacerations on the lower lip. The lacerations were full thickness
perforations of the skin and lip. Based upon the bruising overlaying the lower teeth, Dr. Miller
opined these injuries would have occurred from pressing N.G.’s lip against her teeth.
{¶87} The second external injury consisted of a second degree burn on N.G.’s upper left
back that had blistered. This burn was two and a half inches by two and a half inches. Additionally,
there were smaller burns, approximately a quarter to a half inch in size, randomly located on N.G.’s
right shoulder and neck. Dr. Miller explained these smaller satellite burns are “a common thing
to see when the source of [the] burn is water because there’s some splashing and the hot splashes
also can cause their own little burns.”
{¶88} The autopsy also revealed a significant injury to the brain. Dr. Miller stated N.G.
had sustained multiple subgaleal hemorrhages. Dr. Miller explained that this is bruising between
the scalp and the brain. These hemorrhages were located on all sides of N.G.’s brain, but there 31
were no skull fractures. There was approximately 20 millimeters of blood from these hemorrhages
causing a clot. Dr. Miller explained “that is not a very large amount * * * but this is not some
trivial unimportant thing.” The bleeding was located over multiple portions of the brain and was
causing the brain to swell.
{¶89} Dr. Miller indicated that this injury is associated with blunt force trauma to the
head. Dr. Miller opined that N.G.’s injuries were not likely a result from N.G. falling multiple
times because the hemorrhages were located on all sides of the brain and the medical literature
indicates that falls from a child’s own height is not enough distance to result in this injury. Dr.
Miller could not identify an instrument that could have caused the blunt force trauma because there
was no pattern to the injury. Instead, the injury to the brain indicated that “the head struck
something or something struck the head.” Dr. Miller explained that “this could be a blow to the
head or the head running into a wall or a piece of furniture, a door frame, something like that.” He
went on to say that “If the child is being moved around erratically, they can hit their head while a
person is moving them around or throwing them around or shaking them.” Further support of Dr.
Miller’s opinion that N.G. was being moved erratically was the bruising to N.G.’s back on the left
and right sides and the lower lumbar region. This type of bruising is indicative of grasping a
child’s trunk or additional blows to the child.
{¶90} Dr. Miller opined that all of these injuries occurred while N.G. was alive. He
explained that these injuries all involved bleeding and bruising which can only occur with the
circulation of blood when a person is alive.
{¶91} Lastly, drug and chemical testing of N.G.’s blood and urine detected the presence
of Xanax. Blood samples from N.G.’s stomach and from the blood clot in her head measured very
high levels of the drug, which is indicative of the drug having entered the blood stream through 32
ingestion. The presence of the drug in N.G.’s urine established that the drug had been in her body
long enough to metabolize. Dr. Miller explained that Xanax is not prescribed for children and the
level of Xanax found in N.G.’s body was equivalent to the amount that would be seen in an adult
taking the drug. Thus, this level of Xanax in a child is toxic and can cause drowsiness, heart
rhythm problems, low blood pressure, seizures, and suppressed breathing.
{¶92} When proceeding on the conscious disregard definition of malice under Preston, a
punitive damage claim requires proof of the defendant’s subjective knowledge of the danger posed
to another by his conduct. Malone, 74 Ohio St.3d 440, at syllabus. In determining whether a
defendant’s subjective mental state resulted in malicious conduct, courts must consider what the
defendant “did do,” just as much as courts consider what the defendant failed to do or could have
done better. (Emphasis sic.) See Estate of Schmidt, 158 Ohio App.3d 738, 2004-Ohio-5431, at ¶
25. Actual malice may be inferred from the conduct and surrounding circumstances. See Davis
v. Tunison, 168 Ohio St. 471, 475 (1959).
{¶93} A defendant’s actions following the act of negligence that are directly related to or
a result of the defendant’s negligence may be used to establish actual malice. Cappara v. Schibley,
85 Ohio St.3d 403, 407 (1999) (fleeing the scene and failing to disclose involvement in the
automobile accident was evidence in support of punitive damages). See also Moskovitz v. Mt.
Sinai Med. Ctr., 69 Ohio St.3d 638, 651-653 (1994) (subsequent act of destroying medical records
or falsifying medical records was related to and a consequence of the medical negligence and could
be viewed as evidence of guilt in support of actual malice). “Punitive damages are not awarded
for the incident of injury, but are awarded due to the aggravated circumstances apart from or
surrounding the injury or the actions of the party causing the injury.” Troyer v. Horvath, 13 Ohio
App.3d 155, 157 (8th Dist.1983). 33
{¶94} Multiple actions taken by Ms. Shalodi in response to her negligence support a
finding of actual malice. Prior to calling 911 Ms. Shalodi discarded multiple bloody items
containing N.G.’s blood and placed the garbage in the garage, she cleaned N.G.’s blood stains on
the carpet, she laundered all of N.G.’s clothing and blankets, and she went to the police station in
order to avoid having to explain to Ms. Gibbons what had occurred. Evidence of Ms. Shalodi’s
subjective knowledge of the danger her conduct posed to N.G. includes her failure to contact Ms.
Gibbons after finding N.G. unresponsive and being unable to revive N.G. and again after calling
911, waiting four hours to call 911, and searching baby deaths in the thirty minutes preceding the
911 call. Additional evidence of Ms. Shalodi’s subjective mental state was her use of the kitchen
sink to place N.G. in hot water to “‘get a sign of life from [N.G.]’” because the water in the kitchen
was hotter and then sending Ms. Gibbons a text two hours after finding N.G. unresponsive about
a bath and some skin exfoliation on N.G.’s back. There was also evidence of aggravating factors
surrounding N.G.’s injuries and death, such as Dr. Miller’s testimony regarding how N.G.
sustained blunt force trauma and the toxic levels of Xanax found in N.G.’s blood and urine due to
ingesting the drug, along with Detective Denman’s testimony regarding the baggie found in Ms.
Shalodi’s purse containing Xanax pills and residue from the pills being smashed.
{¶95} “Preston observed that actual malice requires consciousness of the near certainty
(or otherwise stated ‘great probability’) that substantial harm will be caused by the tortious
behavior.” Motorists, 63 Ohio St.3d at 698. The foregoing evidence supports a finding that Ms.
Shalodi acted with a “positive element of conscious wrongdoing” through her conscious and
deliberate acts and the “probability of harm occurring [was] great and that the harm [would] be
substantial.” See Preston, 32 Ohio St.3d at 335-336. Moreover, the evidence in this matter shows 34
Ms. Shalodi possessed a “callous mental state” sufficient “to incur that level of societal outrage
necessary to justify an award of punitive damages.” See Motorists at 698.
{¶96} Based upon the foregoing, we conclude that there is sufficient clear and convincing
evidence from which reasonable minds might reach the conclusion that Ms. Shalodi acted with a
conscious disregard for the rights and safety of N.G. in a way that had a great probability of causing
substantial harm to N.G. Accordingly, there is sufficient evidence of actual malice under the
second standard of the Preston test to support giving a jury instruction on the issue of punitive
damages. Had there been no evidence in the trial transcript and exhibits from which actual malice
could have been inferred, then the punitive damages charge would have been prejudicially
erroneous. See Davis, 168 Ohio St. at 476.
{¶97} In light of the foregoing, we conclude that the trial court erred in its determinations
that there was no evidence presented at trial that Ms. Shalodi engaged in malicious conduct and
that it was error for the magistrate to charge the jury with punitive damages in this matter.
Accordingly, the trial court erred when it rejected in part the magistrate’s decision and vacated the
punitive damages award based upon those reasons.
Undefended Jury Trial
{¶98} Ms. Gibbons argues that there was no legal basis for the trial court’s finding that
there was error based upon Ms. Shalodi’s lack of defense at trial. “[W]hether the trial court
correctly applied the law to the facts of a case presents a question of law, which we review de
{¶99} The trial court found there was error related to the $35,250,000 punitive damages
award because of the manner in which this case proceeded: a civil jury trial wherein Ms. Shalodi 35
was not present and no defense was presented on her behalf.7 The trial court suggests that the
punitive damages award would have been “substantially mitigated” had there been evidence,
argument, or facts presented to the jury on Ms. Shalodi’s behalf. The trial court focused on the
fact that this was an “undefended” trial. In doing so, the trial court failed to acknowledge the
events preceding the jury trial that led to the trial being “undefended” and the effect of Ms.
Gibbons’ jury demand.
{¶100} The day after the final pretrial, Ms. Shalodi’s counsel filed a motion to withdraw
as counsel. The motion indicated that following the final pretrial with the trial court, Ms. Shalodi
and her family after having been “fully informed of the possible adverse effects as a result of the
withdrawal, instructed and consented to the filing of [the] motion.”
{¶101} Thereafter, the trial court had Ms. Shalodi transported from prison to the Lorain
County courthouse. Four days prior to the jury trial, Ms. Shalodi appeared, in person, before the
magistrate for a hearing regarding the motion to withdraw as counsel. At the hearing, Ms. Shalodi
“consented to her attorneys withdrawing from the case” and “after being advised of her rights in
this case, [Ms. Shalodi] freely and voluntarily chose not to participate, in any way, in the jury
trial[.]”
{¶102} The magistrate’s decision following the jury trial reiterated that Ms. Shalodi had
appeared in open court four days prior to the jury trial and consented to the withdrawal of her
defense counsel. Additionally, Ms. Shalodi “acknowledged, in open court, that she would not
offer any defense in the jury trial in this civil action.”
7 While the trial court took issue with the procedural course in this matter, it only found error as to the punitive damages. The trial court did not find the compensatory damages in this “undefended” jury trial to be error. 36
{¶103} There is nothing in the record to suggest that Ms. Shalodi was denied the right to
present a defense at trial, either through counsel or pro se. Rather, she made the decision to
terminate her counsel and to not participate in the jury trial. Moreover, Ms. Shalodi made these
decisions after having consulted with her counsel and upon inquiry from the magistrate in open
court. Accordingly, the record reflects that Ms. Shalodi made an informed decision to not present
a defense at the jury trial and that the magistrate went to great lengths to afford Ms. Shalodi the
opportunity to be represented by counsel, or to otherwise participate in the jury trial. Thus, the
record reflects that the trial was “undefended” because of Ms. Shalodi’s choice and not because of
an error by the magistrate.
{¶104} With regard to this matter proceeding to a jury trial, the trial court failed to
recognize Ms. Gibbons’ right to a jury in this matter. The right to a jury trial is a “substantive
fundamental constitutional right.” Soler v. Evans, St. Clair & Kelsey, 94 Ohio St.3d 432, 437
(2002). Civ.R. 38(B) provides in part, “Any party may demand a trial by jury on any issue triable
of right by a jury by serving upon the other parties a demand therefor at any time after the
commencement of the action and not later than fourteen days after the service of the last pleading
directed to such issue.” The jury demand may specify the issues to be tried to the jury or it may
be general and apply to all issues triable by the jury. Civ.R. 38(C). Once a party has demanded a
jury trial, the demand can only be withdrawn with the consent of all the parties. See Civ.R. 38(D).
This Court has recognized that “Ohio case law is clear that once any party makes a proper jury
demand, the demand applies to the entire action and all parties, regardless of which party made the
demand, and can be waived only as provided by Civ.R. 39(A).” Jovanovski v. Kotefski, 9th Dist.
Lorain Nos. 07CA009203, 07CA009223, 2008-Ohio-4773, ¶ 14. See West v. Scott, 7th Dist. 37
Mahoning No. 01 CA 24, 2001 WL 1568880, * 2 (Dec. 6, 2001) (“[I]f one party demands a jury
trial, all other parties in the same action must also have the matter tried by a jury.”).
{¶105} Civ.R. 39(A) sets forth three ways by which a jury trial may be waived after a
proper demand has been made: 1) the parties may stipulate to a bench trial by either an oral
stipulation made on the record in open court or a written stipulation filed with the court; 2) the trial
court, upon motion or sua sponte, may find that the right to a jury trial does not exist; or 3) the
party or his attorney fails to answer or appear for trial. The 1971 Staff Note for Civ.R. 39 explains
that the last waiver method permits a plaintiff who demands a jury trial to withdraw the demand
without the consent of all the parties and to proceed without a jury when the defendant or his
counsel has failed to answer or appear for trial. See, e.g., Huffer v. Cicero, 107 Ohio App.3d 65,
71-72 (4th Dist.1995).
{¶106} In this matter, Ms. Gibbons made a timely general jury demand in her complaint.
Ms. Gibbons’ proper jury demand applied to the entire action. Ms. Shalodi’s failure to appear for
trial was a waiver of her right to a jury trial under Civ.R. 39(A), but not Ms. Gibbons’ right to a
jury trial. Furthermore, Ms. Gibbons did not move to withdraw her jury demand in light of the
advance notice that Ms. Shalodi would not appear at trial. Nor does the record reflect any other
waivers as permitted under Civ.R. 39(A). Ms. Gibbons’ claims for survivorship and wrongful
death, along with the resulting damages, including punitive damages, were all issues triable to a
jury.
{¶107} Based upon the record, there was a proper jury demand under Civ.R. 38 that applied
to Ms. Gibbons and Ms. Shalodi as to the triable issues in the complaint, and there was no effective
waiver of the right to a trial by jury under Civ.R. 39(A). Accordingly, Ms. Gibbons’ complaint 38
was properly designated as being a jury action and was required to proceed to a jury trial on all
triable issues. We cannot conclude that it was error to allow this matter to proceed to a jury trial.
{¶108} Accordingly, we conclude that the trial court erred when it rejected in part the
magistrate’s decision and vacated the punitive damages award on the basis that the matter
proceeded to a jury trial where Ms. Shalodi chose not to defend herself.
Equity
{¶109} The trial court also invoked its equity jurisdiction and applied the principles of
equity to reject in part the magistrate’s decision and vacate the jury’s award for punitive damages.
Ms. Gibbons argues that the principles of equity do not apply to this case. As stated above, we
generally review a trial court’s decision with respect to a magistrate’s decision for an abuse of
discretion. Barlow, 2009-Ohio-3788, at ¶ 5. However, the issue before this Court is whether the
trial court correctly applied the law to the facts in this case. See Fuline, 2012-Ohio-2749, at ¶ 6.
This is a question of law which we review de novo. Id.
{¶110} The trial court’s actions stem from its belief that the punitive damages award was
unfair and unreasonable in this matter because Ms. Shalodi did not present a defense, she has taken
responsibility for her actions in the criminal case and is serving 22 years in prison, and Ms.
Gibbons does not think that Ms. Shalodi acted intentionally. The trial court posited that its equity
jurisdiction granted it the authority to correct this injustice as it “endeavors to do justice for all
who come before it.” (Emphasis deleted.) The trial court has misconstrued the application of the
principles of equity.
{¶111} “‘To bring a cause within the jurisdiction of a court of equity, it is requisite that the
primary right involved be an equitable right as distinguished from a legal right, or that the remedy
at law as to the right involved is not full, adequate and complete.’” Bd. of Edn. of the N. Olmsted 39
City School Dist. v. Bd. of Edn. of the Cleveland Mun. School Dist., 108 Ohio St.3d 479, 2006-
Ohio-1504, ¶ 51 (Lundberg Stratton, J., dissenting), quoting State ex rel. Lien v. House, 144 Ohio
St. 238, 244 (1944), citing 30 Corpus Juris Secundum, Equity, Section 20, at 338. Accordingly, it
is error for a trial court to apply principles of equity when there has been no request for equitable
relief and there is an adequate remedy at law. See Reno v. Clark, 33 Ohio App.3d 41, 43 (3d
Dist.1986)
{¶112} In this matter, Ms. Gibbons, as the administrator of the estate of N.G., pled causes
of action for survivorship and wrongful death based upon Ms. Shalodi’s negligence, which resulted
in injury to and the death of N.G. See Thompson v. Wing, 70 Ohio St.3d 176, 179 (1994).
Survivorship and wrongful death actions premised upon negligence are torts. See Goodwin v.
Facebook, Inc., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 109203, 2020-Ohio-4834, ¶ 15-16. There were no
equitable claims or equitable defenses asserted in this matter. Accordingly, the trial court’s equity
jurisdiction was not invoked.
{¶113} Additionally, Ms. Gibbons sought compensatory and punitive damages for the
survivorship action and compensatory damages for the wrongful death action. When the ultimate
relief sought is a money judgment, a “court of equity will not ordinarily take jurisdiction[.]” House
at 244, citing Weidman v. Weidman, 274 Mass. 118, 121-122 (1931).
{¶114} A survivorship action is provided for by statute and provides recovery of
compensatory and punitive damages for “the injuries suffered by the decedent before his death” or
injuries to the property of the deceased. See Peters v. Columbus Steel Castings Co., 115 Ohio
St.3d 134, 2007-Ohio-4787, ¶ 10; R.C. 2305.21; Estate of Beavers v. Knapp, 175 Ohio App.3d
758, 2008-Ohio-2023, ¶ 16, 18, 20. Similarly, a wrongful death action is purely a statutory action
that provides damages to the surviving beneficiaries defined in the statute and it “is the only civil 40
remedy available to compensate surviving beneficiaries.” Griffiths v. Doctors Hosp., 150 Ohio
App.3d 234, 2002-Ohio-6173, ¶ 14 (5th Dist.). See R.C. 2125.01; R.C. 2125.02(A)(1). R.C.
2125.02 provides only for the recovery of damages and specifically identifies the various types of
compensatory damages that may be awarded to the decedent’s next of kin. See R.C. 2125.02(A)
and (B). Because Ms. Gibbons sought monetary damages and those are the only damages provided
for by law for survivorship and wrongful death actions, Ms. Gibbons had an adequate remedy at
law for the survivorship action and the wrongful death action, and the trial court’s equity
{¶115} The trial court did not consider whether there were equitable claims or if there was
an adequate legal remedy when it invoked its equity jurisdiction. Rather, the trial court improperly
relied upon subjective principles of equity and fundamental fairness to invoke its equity
jurisdiction. Based upon the foregoing, the trial court erred when it invoked its equity jurisdiction
to reject in part the magistrate’s decision and vacate the punitive damages award. See Reno, 33
Ohio App.3d at 43.
Caps on Punitive Damages and Remittitur
{¶116} Lastly, Ms. Gibbons argues that the trial court did not have authority to sua sponte
strike the punitive damages award because the caps on punitive damages is an affirmative defense
and a trial court cannot raise an affirmative defense sua sponte. Additionally, Ms. Gibbons
suggests that the trial court’s judgment vacating the punitive damages award was an improper
remittitur and the trial court did not have the authority to reduce the verdict without her consent.
Ms. Gibbons’ reliance upon these legal principles is not applicable in this matter because the trial
court did not base its decision on statutory damages caps or remittitur. Accordingly, Ms. Gibbons’
arguments regarding damages caps and remittitur are not well-taken. 41
{¶117} Ms. Gibbons’ second assignment of error is sustained.
III.
{¶118} Ms. Gibbons’ first assignment of error is overruled and her second assignment of
error is sustained. The judgment of the Lorain County Common Pleas Court is affirmed in part,
reversed in part, and the matter is remanded to the trial court for further proceedings consistent
with this opinion.
Judgment affirmed in part, reversed in part, and cause remanded.
There were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
We order that a special mandate issue out of this Court, directing the Court of Common
Pleas, County of Lorain, State of Ohio, to carry this judgment into execution. A certified copy of
this journal entry shall constitute the mandate, pursuant to App.R. 27.
Immediately upon the filing hereof, this document shall constitute the journal entry of
judgment, and it shall be file stamped by the Clerk of the Court of Appeals at which time the period
for review shall begin to run. App.R. 22(C). The Clerk of the Court of Appeals is instructed to
mail a notice of entry of this judgment to the parties and to make a notation of the mailing in the
docket, pursuant to App.R. 30.
Costs taxed equally to Appellant and Appellee Summer Shalodi.
LYNNE S. CALLAHAN FOR THE COURT 42
HENSAL, J. TEODOSIO, J. CONCUR.
APPEARANCES:
DENNIS R. LANSDOWNE, Attorney at Law, for Appellant.
CARI FUSCO EVANS, Attorney at Law, for Appellee.
Related
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