The latest Featured Decision video concerns a senior citizen who died after tripping over the extended legs of a newly installed bench in Berea Recreation Center’s women’s locker room. The Supreme Court of Ohio ruled the city is not liable for her death because the bench had no tangible imperfection and functioned as intended.

The estate of Joan Steigerwald pursued a negligence lawsuit against Berea and the recreation center. The family claimed Berea was not immune from the suit because the placement of a bench with extended legs in a cramped locker room constituted a physical defect, which led to Steigerwald’s injuries.

The Supreme Court explained the circumstances in which state law removes the protection against civil lawsuits against government bodies, and why Berea had immunity in this situation.