Firm News
Our firm represented the grieving family of Collin L. Wiant, a promising young man whose life was tragically cut short due to extensive hazing at Ohio University’s Sigma Pi fraternity. In pursuit of justice for their beloved son, Collin’s parents courageously filed a lawsuit against the Ohio University chapter, the Sigma Pi International office, and several individuals implicated in his injuries, alleging hazing, negligence, emotional distress, and civil conspiracy. Our relentless efforts to shed light on this appalling incident not only secured justice for Collin’s family but also played a pivotal role in getting Collin’s Law signed into effect by Governor Mike DeWine in 2021. This landmark legislation, named in honor of Collin himself, serves as a beacon of hope for curbing dangerous hazing practices on college campuses nationwide, ensuring that no family endures such senseless tragedies in the future.
Our team is working with Donovan Lewis’ family, who took a significant step toward justice by filing a civil complaint against the officers involved in his tragic death in August 2022. Donovan, an unarmed 20-year-old Black man, lost his life when a Columbus, Ohio, police officer, Ricky Anderson, serving a warrant in the middle of the night, fired a single shot. Multiple body camera recordings clearly demonstrate that Donovan posed no threat to the officers. It is disheartening the amount of time that has passed without any criminal indictment, despite clear evidence. By filing this complaint in state court, we hope to hold the responsible officers accountable and to engage in meaningful discussions with the City of Columbus about comprehensive police reform to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from recurring in the future.
We represented the family of Stone Foltz in a hazing-related lawsuit involving Bowling Green State University, in which the young student tragically lost his life to alcohol poisoning during a fraternity initiation event. The nearly $3 million settlement, along with the commitment from both the Foltz family and the university to address and eliminate hazing on college campuses, represents a significant step towards preventing such devastating incidents in the future. We commend the Foltz family for their unwavering dedication to hazing education, as evidenced by their foundation and efforts to educate students about the dangers of hazing. It is crucial to recognize that this resolution not only provides closure to the family and the university community but also serves as a call to action for colleges across the nation to prioritize reforms and eradicate the perilous practice of hazing.
In a tragic accident at the Ohio State Fair, the Fire Ball ride malfunctioned, causing the loss of a young life and injuries to several others. Our client, Keziah Lewis, has been left deeply traumatized after witnessing her boyfriend’s devastating fall. As her legal team, we understand the immense emotional and physical toll this has taken on her. While it is not surprising that criminal charges are not being filed, we have always viewed this as a civil case from the outset. Our focus is on obtaining the crucial information needed to ensure justice is served, and we are committed to a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Keziah faces a challenging path to recovery, having undergone numerous surgeries and sustained injuries affecting her entire body, but we are dedicated to supporting her throughout this journey toward justice and healing.
Justice has been served in a courtroom in Columbus, Ohio, where a federal jury awarded more than $1.6 million to a former ATF agent
Justice has been served in a courtroom in Columbus, Ohio, where a federal jury awarded more than $1.6 million to a former ATF agent. The jury determined he was unlawfully detained and subjected to excessive force by two Columbus police officers during a 2020 incident. After a two-week trial, attorneys from Cooper Elliott secured this resounding verdict, underscoring the vital importance of holding law enforcement accountable for abuses of power. This case is not just a legal win but a bold statement affirming the protection of individual rights against those who misuse their authority.
Mass shootings upended their lives. Now survivors are making the gun industry pay
The US is known as one of the most litigious countries in the world, and in recent years there’s been a new effort to apply that reputation to one of the nation’s most vexing problems: gun violence. In the absence of political change to tackle the US’s epidemic of gun violence, survivors of mass shootings have been launching multimillion-dollar lawsuits against gunmakers, gun dealers, tech companies and the federal government for their failure to protect them.
Sexual assault victims of Franklin County therapist seek answers in court
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Victims of sexual abuse by a local therapist are seeking accountability for what happened to them. These women are speaking out publicly for the first time in an exclusive interview with NBC4. In July, Dennis Quigley, a practicing therapist for more than 40 years, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexual battery in a Franklin County court.
Ohio couple accuses state agency of negligence in 10-year-old boy's death
A Lithopolis couple has filed a lawsuit against a state agency after they say their 10-year-old son died after drinking urine and feces infected shower water for hours on end. Chelsea and Paul Spurlock filed the lawsuit against the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities on behalf of the estate of their 10-year-old son, Bentley, who died in July 2023.
Deadly I-70 crash
Those behind a series of wrongful death lawsuits filed in connection to a deadly interstate crash in Licking County say the massive tragedy needs to be a wakeup call for state and federal lawmakers.
Columbus Ransomware Attack
The City of Columbus is now facing a class-action lawsuit Friday over its handling of the Rhysida ransomware attack.
Keziah Lewis (Ohio State Fair fireball ride malfunction)
Keziah Lewis wanted a different answer. But no matter how many times she asked, she didn't get one.
Family files wrongful death suit against Metro, driver
The suit, filed in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, seeks a jury trial on counts that include wrongful death, negligence and recklessness. In addition to seeking unnamed punitive damages, the suit asks Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority to complete an audit of how Metro hires and trains drivers and release it to the public.
Family of man killed by officer files federal lawsuit against Columbus police
On Aug. 20, 2022, Columbus police were at an apartment complex on Sullivant Avenue to arrest Lewis on multiple warrants including domestic violence and assault. Police body camera footage showed Officer Ricky Anderson opening a bedroom door in an apartment and immediately shooting Lewis, who was in bed.
Foltz family seeks $88M in damages in hazing death
COLUMBUS — Attorneys for the family of Stone Foltz, the Bowling Green State University hazing victim, have urged a Franklin County Common Pleas Court magistrate to recommend $88 million in damages against the chapter president of the fraternity he was pledging.
In unrelated but similar murder cases, woman exonerated, man sees charges dropped
In 2003, two people were convicted in separate, unrelated murder trials in Franklin County for allegedly shaking a baby based on science that experts are increasingly questioning. Now, they’ve had back-to-back court wins.
Former South-Western teacher pleads guilty to sexually abusing student for years
A former South-Western City School District teacher and coach admitted Monday to sexually abusing a student beginning when she was 14 years old in 2013. Benjamin Rutan, 42, of Grove City, pleaded guilty in Franklin County Common Pleas Court to two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
Columbus Business First's 40 Under 40 Class of 2024
Before becoming a lawyer, I spent a decade working in high-poverty education: as a teacher, nonprofit director, and state policy advisor. When I made the switch to law, I clerked for two federal judges and then joined Cooper Elliott. I love my job; it’s the perfect culmination of my experiences.
Young man fatally shot at negligent Sunoco gas station in Columbus
The family of Andrew Combs, who was fatally shot while stopping a robbery at a Columbus gas station, is suing Sunoco for alleged negligence, claiming the company failed to provide adequate security measures. As the legal representation for Combs’ family, we will emphasize Sunoco’s responsibility and aim for justice for Andrew’s untimely death, also seeking financial security for the 7-month-old son Combs was never able to meet.
Teen paralyzed in juvenile detention center v. Franklin County employees
Employees of the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center are responsible for the health and safety of the kids in their care, and they failed Damarion Allen. By filing a complaint on behalf of our client, we intend to hold the staff accountable for their actions and to ensure no other child faces lifelong pain and suffering.
Wrongful death victim v. City Paramedics
Our client’s husband was suffering a medical emergency. Our client called 911. The responding paramedics did not properly assess him or take him to the hospital to get him the help and, tragically, he died overnight. We sued the City of Columbus and its paramedics. The City ultimately agreed to settle the case for $1.1 million, one the largest settlements the City has paid for EMS negligence.
Madison Sparks v. South-Western City School District, et al.
Madison Sparks and her family accused the South-Western City School District of failing to protect Sparks from her teacher’s sexual abuse while she was a student.
Young boy's severe injury at an improperly maintained restroom in Shelby
While on a school field trip to Seltzer Park in Shelby, Ohio, a 6-year-old had several fingers impaled by a defective hand dryer. We represent the 6-year-old and his family in their suit against Seltzer Park and its contractor for their reckless actions that led to this avoidable tragedy.
Podcast
Our attorneys are sometimes invited to join podcasts across the country to discuss the work that we do. Below are some of our favorite podcast features.
The Family of Eric Cole vs. Springfield Police Department, et al.
We represent the family of Eric Cole, who was hit and killed by a Springfield Police Department cruiser last June 2021.
Moss v. Penn State
We represent Zara Moss, a former fencer at Pennsylvania State University, who was verbally, emotionally, and physically abused by former head fencing coach Wes Glon. Penn State placed Glon on administrative leave following Ms. Moss’s lawsuit, and he has since retired. Ms. Moss reported Glon’s abuse to Penn State Title IX officials during her senior year. Yet as Ms. Moss alleges in her federal lawsuit, the University was deliberately indifferent to the abuse. Sadly, Zara gave up fencing and has been receiving treatment for emotional distress and PTSD.
Warren Yamarick v. Liberty Township
We represented a township medical director who spoke out against a plan that would have disrupted the township’s EMS services and threatened residents’ safety. When two township trustees behind the plan retaliated against the medical director, we filed a federal lawsuit against them and obtained an order finding that the trustees had violated the medical director’s First Amendment rights.
Burk v. City of Columbus
When it comes to excessive force by police, even other law enforcement agents can be targets. Jim Burk, a federal agent, is pursuing civil rights claims against the Columbus Police Department.
Virginia LeFever’s wrongful conviction
Ginny LeFever spent over two decades in prison for a crime she did not commit. She was freed after evidence of fabrication by the government’s key witness, a forensic toxicologist. We represent Ginny in her long fight for wrongful conviction compensation, won her case at the trial court, and are now protecting that victory against the state’s appeal.
Jenny Reach’s and Bobby Aldridge’s wrongful convictions
In the 1980s, Jenny Reach and Bobby Aldridge were wrongfully convicted of alleged abuse crimes. Their convictions were overturned a decade later after it was discovered that the government concealed evidence that helped show their innocence. After Ohio reformed its wrongful conviction compensation law in 2019, we helped Jenny and Bobby in their lawsuit, and the state ultimately stipulated that the two were wrongfully imprisoned.
Patrick Baker’s wrongful conviction
Patrick Baker was wrongfully convicted of a robbery based on the actions of a disgraced former Sandusky County Sheriff’s Deputy. Patrick’s conviction was overturned. After that deputy went to prison for his own crimes, we sought compensation for Patrick, and the state ultimately agreed he was wrongfully imprisoned.
Jason Hick v. Abbeyhill Realty and Management
Jason Hick worked for a property management group. The company’s owner told Jason to rent their apartment units only to white people, and also to evict current tenants based on their race. After Jason refused and spoke out about this discriminatory conduct, he was fired.
Michael and Lacey Faieta v. World Harvest Church
After the Faietas noticed linear marks on their 3-year-old son’s rear end when they picked him up from daycare, they were concerned that he may have been beaten or otherwise abused. They went to the school the following day to speak with teachers, but received no answers and later received a letter from the school (which was operated by a large church) informing them they’d be arrested for trespass if they returned. We filed a lawsuit on their behalf and proved that their son had in fact been beaten, by a parent volunteer who the church never should have allowed to oversee the children. We obtained a jury verdict against the abuser and the church of approximately $6 million.
William Harris v. City of Circleville
William Harris was taken to the Circleville jail after he was pulled over for a traffic violation. At the jail, while William’s hands were cuffed behind him, three white officers brutally took him to the ground without justification. They injured William’s spinal cord in the process and then dragged him by his feet to a cell where they left him on the floor. One of the officers returned to the cell a few hours later and kicked William in the ribs, saying “Looks like we got us a broke n*****.” We sued the City of Circleville and the officers, and obtained a settlement of nearly $3 million.
Mopaz Diamonds v. Hyatt Regency
When the owner of Mopaz Diamonds came to Columbus to attend an international jewelry and gemstone convention, he checked into a local hotel and placed nearly $1 million worth of diamonds and jewelry in three of the hotel’s safe deposit boxes. The next morning, he went to retrieve the items and discovered that jewel thieves had looted his three boxes and more than a dozen others used by other convention attendees. We sued the hotel, even though Ohio law generally limits a hotel’s liability to $500 under such circumstances and even though other victims that had suffered millions of dollars in losses had sued the hotel and had been limited to $500. After developing a creative legal theory to get past the Ohio statute, we recovered the full amount of our client’s losses.
