‘Public Duty Rule’ Does Not Apply When Suit Against Public Employee Claims Wanton or Reckless Conduct

The Supreme Court of Ohio ruled today that a common law doctrine known as the “public duty rule” does not immunize employees of a political subdivision from personal liability for injuries they cause in the performance of their official duties in cases where the injured party alleges that the employee engaged in “wanton or reckless conduct.” The Court’s 6-1 majority opinion, authored by Justice Maureen O’Connor, affirmed a decision of the 4th District Court of Appeals.