Family Med. of Stark Cty., Inc. v. Smart ( 2017 )

[Cite as Family Med. of Stark Cty., Inc. v. Smart, 2017-Ohio-5866.]
COURT OF APPEALS
STARK COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
JUDGES:
FAMILY MEDICINE OF STARK : Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, P.J.
COUNTY, INC. ET AL : Hon. W. Scott Gwin, J.
: Hon. Earle E. Wise, J.
Plaintiffs-Appellants :
:
-vs- : Case No. 2016CA00218
:
MORESETTA SMART, ET AL :
: OPINION
Defendants-Appellees
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Civil appeal from the Stark County Court of
Common Pleas, Case No. 2015CV01377
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: July 17, 2017
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiffs-Appellants For Defendants-Appellees
J. MICHAEL GATIEN DONALD GALLICK
2371 Chestnut Hill Street N.W. 190 North Union Street, #102
North Canton, OH 44720 Akron, OH 44304
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 2
Gwin, J.,
{¶1} Appellant appeals the October 20, 2016 magistrate’s decision and the
November 8, 2016 judgment entry confirming the magistrate’s decision of the Stark
County Court of Common Pleas.
Facts & Procedural History
{¶2} On July 1, 2015, appellant Family Medicine of Stark County filed a complaint
against appellees Moresetta and William Smart. Appellant filed a first amended complaint
in September of 2015 and, on January 20, 2016, appellant filed a second amended
complaint.
{¶3} In appellant’s second amended complaint, appellant asserts a claim of
defamation against appellees. Appellant alleges Moresetta Smart was liable for
defamation by: filing a racial discrimination complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights
Commission, filing a claim of insurance fraud with Aultcare, filing three complaints with
local police departments, filing a complaint with the State Medical Board of Ohio, filing a
complaint with the Ohio Attorney General, and filing a case in federal district court.
Appellant avers in its second claim that appellees violated R.C. 2307.011. In appellant’s
third claim, it alleges appellees acts of defamation were intentional torts made with
reckless disregard for the truth or made with actual malice; thus appellant states it is
entitled to punitive damages and attorney fees. Appellant also alleges William Smart is
jointly liable for damages under R.C. 3103.03. Appellees filed an answer to each
complaint.
{¶4} A bench trial was held on appellant’s complaint. Robert Zedell (“Zedell”) of
the Massillon Prosecutor’s Office testified that Moresetta Smart came into the office and
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 3
wanted to file criminal charges against appellant’s staff for assault, as she alleged they
tried to kill her. Zedell testified that when he told Moresetta they were not going to file
criminal charges against appellant, security guards had to remove her from the building.
When asked what Moresetta specifically said on that day, Zedell stated she mentioned
something about a staff member of appellant’s giving her a shot and receiving medical
treatment she did not want. Zedell could not recall any other specific statements
Moresetta made. Zedell testified he never met or spoke to William Smart.
{¶5} Moresetta Smart testified she was a former patient of appellant and a nurse
gave her a flu shot without her consent that caused her lasting health problems. Further,
she takes issue with other experiences she had when she was a patient of appellant’s.
Moresetta confirmed she filed a claim with the Civil Rights Commission against appellant
pertaining to medical treatment she thought was discriminatory, filed a case in federal
court against appellant, filed an insurance fraud claim with Aultcare with regards to
appellant, filed complaints against appellant with police departments, and filed a
complaint against an employee of appellant with the State Medical Board. She also
confirmed none of these claims against appellant were successful.
{¶6} William Smart testified he was not aware of all the claims his wife made.
While he sympathizes with his wife’s situation, he did not encourage her to file any
complaints. William believes his wife was given improper medical treatment, but did not
do anything to encourage her and only got involved when he got sued.
{¶7} Gust Pantelas (“Pantelas”), a physician employed by appellant, testified
appellant spent lots of time and effort to review and respond to appellees’ complaints and
he feels like appellant is being harassed. Pantelas just wants it to stop. Pantelas testified
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 4
appellant has expended 37.5 hours of staff time to reply to the filings by appellees.
Pantelas is not aware of any other statements than to federal court, state agencies, and
appellant’s own staff made by appellees. Pantelas did not personally observe or hear the
statements made by Moresetta to staff members.
{¶8} The magistrate issued a decision on October 20, 2016. The magistrate
found Moresetta Smart: made a complaint to the City of Canton Law Department in
January of 2014 against appellant, alleging she was assaulted when given a shot without
her consent; in February and March of 2014, made complaints against appellant with the
Jackson Township Police Department alleging she was given a shot without permission,
alleging she was denied a request to alter her medical records, and alleging appellant
falsified medical records; in April of 2014 made a complaint against appellant with the
State Medical Board of Ohio that was subsequently dismissed; in May of 2014, made a
complaint against a medical assistant employed by appellant with the Ohio Board of
Nursing; in 2014, made a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission that was
dismissed by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission stating she was denied the opportunity to
correct her medical records, arguing she was discriminated and retaliated against,
alleging appellant made false statements under oath regarding her medical records and
health care services, alleging appellant administered treatment without her consent, and
alleging improper billing practices; filed a grievance against appellant with Aultcare in
2014; filed a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General alleging battery, dishonesty, fraud,
identity theft, and HIPPA violations that was subsequently closed; and filed a federal
lawsuit against appellant for civil rights violations that was subsequently dismissed. The
magistrate further stated that after the instant case was filed, both Moresetta and William
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 5
filed complaints with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission against appellant alleging the
instant case was retaliation for Moresetta’s earlier complaints. These complaints were
subsequently dismissed by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.
{¶9} The magistrate found there was no testimony of any witness with first-hand
knowledge regarding specific statements appellees made about appellant other than to
police, the federal court, and various state agencies. Further, that while there was no
expert testimony concerning the reasonableness of the attorney fees requested by
appellant, Pantelas did testify that appellant had actually incurred the fees as reflected in
the invoice submitted by counsel for appellant.
{¶10} In the conclusions of law section of the magistrate’s decision, the magistrate
determined the statements made by Moresetta in the federal district court were
reasonably related to the complaint; thus she is entitled to absolute privilege for those
statements. Further, that the statements made by Moresetta to the City of Canton Law
Department, Jackson Township Police, Massillon Prosecutor, and Ohio Attorney General
were reasonably related to her attempts to set in motion the investigation of claimed illegal
or criminal activity and in an attempt to initiate prosecution of that activity; thus, the
doctrine of absolute immunity applies to those statements.
{¶11} The magistrate found the doctrine of absolute privilege applies to the
statements made in proceedings before the Ohio Civil Rights Commission because the
statements were reasonably related to attempts to assert complaints. The magistrate
determined that while statements made to the State Medical Board of Ohio and the Ohio
Board of Nursing are only entitled to qualified privilege and Moresetta could be held liable
for her statements if she made them with malice, the statements at issue were about a
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 6
nurse who was a not a party to this case and a doctor whose claims were voluntarily
dismissed prior to trial.
{¶12} The magistrate determined appellant’s second cause of action which
references the statutory definitions for “conduct,” “intentional tort claim,” and “tort action”
is a count requesting relief in the form of economic and non-economic damages, and
does not assert an independent cause of action separate from appellant’s claim for
defamation. The magistrate found that since Moresetta is entitled to absolute immunity
for her statements, William cannot be held liable for assisting her in making those
statements pursuant to R.C. 3103.03. Further, that R.C. 3103.03 is intended to permit
recovery from one spouse to another for certain “necessary” expenses and it does not
render one spouse civilly liable for the alleged tortious actions of another.
{¶13} The magistrate rendered judgment in favor of appellees. Neither party filed
timely objections to the magistrate’s decision. On November 8, 2016, nineteen days after
the magistrate’s decision, the trial court issued a judgment entry approving and confirming
the magistrate’s decision and rendering judgment in favor of appellees.
{¶14} On November 18, 2016, appellant filed a motion for extension of time to file
objections to the magistrate’s decision. On November 28, 2016, the trial court issued a
judgment entry denying appellant’s motion for an extension of time to file objections to
the magistrate’s decision. The trial court found it was without jurisdiction to rule on
appellant’s motion, as it had already entered final judgment on November 8, 2016.
{¶15} Appellant appeals the October 20, 2016 and November 8, 2016 judgment
entries of the Stark County Court of Common Pleas and assigns the following as error:
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 7
{¶16} “I. THE TRIAL COURT’S DECISION INCORRECTLY APPLIED THE
AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE OF ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE. THE DEFAMATORY
CONDUCT OF THE APPELLEES WAS NOT REASONABLY RELATED TO THE
PROCEEDINGS THAT THEY PURSUED. THEREFORE, THE DECISION WAS ALSO
AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE.
{¶17} “II. THE TRIAL COURT’S DECISION WAS IN ERROR AS A MATTER OF
LAW AS THE AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE OF ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY WAS NOT
PROPERLY OR COMPLETELY CONSIDERED. THE DEFAMATORY CONDUCT OF
THE APPELLEES WAS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ILLEGAL ULTERIOR MOTIVES.
PROOF OF SUCH MOTIVES PREVENTED THE ASSERTION OF THE AFFIRMATIVE
DEFENSES OF ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY AND ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE.
{¶18} “III. THE TRIAL COURT’S DECISION WAS IN ERROR AND AGAINST
THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE. THE DEFAMATORY CONDUCT OF
APPELLEES WAS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ILLEGAL ULTERIOR MOTIVES. PROOF
OF SUCH MOTIVES PREVENTED THE ASSERTION OF THE AFFIRMATIVE
DEFENSES OF ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY AND ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE.
{¶19} “IV. THE MAGISTRATE’S DECISION WAS IN ERROR AS A MATTER OF
LAW REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF ORC 3103.03 AS TO SPOUSAL LIABILITY.
CONTRARY TO THE DECISION, THERE IS NO LANGUAGE LIMITING SPOUSAL
LIABILITY FOR “NECESSARY” EXPENSES IN THE APPLICABLE SUBPARAGRAPH
A. THEREFORE, THIS PORTION OF THE DECISION WAS AN ABUSE OF
DISCRETION.
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 8
{¶20} “V. THE MAGISTRATE’S DECISION WAS IN ERROR AS A MATTER OF
LAW AND AN ABUSE OF DISCRETION AS PROOF OF CLAIM FOR ATTORNEY FEES
DOES NOT REQUIRE AN EXPERT WITNESS. THE LACK OF AN EXPERT WITNESS
WAS THE SOLE REASON GIVEN FOR THE DENIAL OF THE CLAIM.
{¶21} “VI. THE MAGISTRATE’S DECISION WAS IN ERROR AS A MATTER OF
LAW AND AN ABUSE OF DISCRETION, AS THE FRIVOLOUS CONDUCT STATUES
DO NOT PROVIDE AN EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.
{¶22} “VII. THE MAGISTRATE’S DECISION INCORRECTLY FOUND THAT THE
PLAINTIFF HAD WAIVED THE CAUSES OF ACTION. ALSO, PARAGRAPH NINE OF
THE CONCLUSIONS OF LAW IS INCORRECT AS THE EXPENSES INCURRED BY
PLAINTIFF-APPELLANT EMPLOYER WERE VERIFIED AND ADMITTED INTO
EVIDENCE. THEREFORE, THE DECISION WAS AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT
OF THE EVIDENCE.
{¶23} “VIII. THE MAGISTRATE’S DECISION WAS IN ERROR AS A MATTER OF
LAW AND AN ABUSE OF DISCRETION AS THE CAUSES OF ACTION FOR
INTENTIONAL TORT CLAIMS AND ECONOMIC LOSS ARE SEPARATE FROM
DEFAMATION CLAIMS.”
Objections to Magistrate’s Decision
{¶24} Civil Rule 53(D)(3)(b)(i) provides that “a party may file written objections to
a magistrate’s decision within fourteen days of the filing of the decision * * *.” The
magistrate’s order in this case is dated October 20, 2016. Nineteen days after the
magistrate issued her order, the trial court issued an order confirming and approving the
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 9
magistrate’s decision. Appellant did not file objections to the magistrate’s decision within
the fourteen day time limitation provided by Civil Rule 53(D)(3)(b)(i).
{¶25} Since appellant did not file objections in a timely manner under Civil Rule
53(D)(3)(b)(i), appellant has therefore waived the right to appeal issues pursuant to Civil
Rule 53(D)(3)(b)(i), except for plain error. Waites v. Waites, 5th Dist. Fairfield No. 15-CA-
1, 2015-Ohio-2916. However, in appeals of civil cases, the plain error doctrine is not
favored and may be applied only in extremely rare cases involving exceptional
circumstances where the error seriously affects the basic fairness, integrity, or public
reputation of the judicial process, thereby challenging the legitimacy of the underlying
judicial process itself. Kell v. Russo, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2011 CA 0082, 2012-Ohio-1286,
citing Goldfuss v. Davidson, 79 Ohio St.3d 116, 679 N.E.2d 1099 (1997). The doctrine
should only be applied in extremely unusual circumstances where the error complained
of, if left uncorrected, would have a material adverse effect on the character and public
confidence in the judicial proceeding. Id.I., II., III.
{¶26} In its first, second, and third assignments of error, appellant argues the trial
court erred in finding absolute privilege applied. Further, that the trial court’s decision
was against the manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶27} A defamation claim requires a plaintiff to establish: (1) a false statement of
fact was made about the plaintiff; (2) the statement was defamatory; (3) the statement
was published; (4) the plaintiff suffered injury as a proximate result of the publication; and
(5) the defendant acted with the requisite degree of fault in publishing the statement.
Jamison v. Galena, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 15 CAE 01 007, 2015-Ohio-2845.
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 10
{¶28} However, there are certain occasions where there is a great enough public
interest in encouraging uninhibited freedom of expression to require the sacrifice of the
right of the individual to protect his reputation by civil suit. M.J. DiCorpo, Inc. v. Sweeney,
69 Ohio St.3d 497, 634 N.E.2d 203 (1994). On these occasions, the law recognizes that
false and defamatory matter may be published without civil lability. Id. When an absolute
privilege applies, it protects the publisher of a false and defamatory statement even
though it is made with actual malice, in bad faith, and with knowledge of its falsity. Lee v.
City of Upper Arlington, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 03AP-132, 2003-Ohio-7157. One
occasion of absolute privilege is in a judicial proceeding. Id.; Hecht v. Levin, 66 Ohio
St.3d 458, 613 N.E.2d 585 (1993). The absolute privilege or immunity for statements
made in a judicial proceeding extends to every step in the proceeding, from beginning to
end. Id. Appellant argues that, pursuant to Hecht, absolute immunity is removed when
an ulterior motive for the defendant’s conduct is proven. However, we do not read Hecht
to provide such an exception to absolute immunity.
{¶29} We find no plain error in the magistrate and trial court’s determination that
Moresetta Smart is entitled to absolute immunity for the statements she made in federal
district court as they were reasonably related to the complaint she was attempting to
assert. “A statement in a judicial proceeding enjoys an absolute privilege against a
defamation action as long as the allegedly defamatory statement is reasonably related to
the proceeding in which it appears.” Hecht v. Levin, 66 Ohio St.3d 458, 613 N.E.2d 585(1993).
{¶30} We find no plain error in the magistrate and trial court’s determination that
Moresetta Smart is entitled to absolute immunity for the statements she made to the City
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 11
of Canton Law Department, the Jackson Township Police, the Massillon Prosecutor, and
the Ohio Attorney General because her statements were reasonably related to attempts
to set in motion the investigation of claimed illegal activity. An affidavit, statement, or
other information provided to police or a prosecuting attorney reporting the actual or
possible commission of a crime is part of a judicial proceeding is entitled to absolute
privilege against civil liability for statements made which bear some reasonable relation
to the activity reported. M.J. DiCorpo, Inc. v. Sweeney, 69 Ohio St.3d 497, 634 N.E.2d
203 (1994).
{¶31} Further, this Court has previously held the doctrine of absolute privilege
applies to statements made in proceedings before the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.
Cirotto v. Heartbeats of Licking County, 5th Dist. Licking No. 10-CA-21, 2010-Ohio-4238(affirming determination of trial court that the appellant could not establish a claim of
defamation as the statements made to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission were protected
by absolute privilege). We thus find no plain error in the magistrate and trial court’s
determination that appellees’ statements to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission were
protected by the doctrine of absolute privilege as they were reasonably related to their
attempts to assert those complaints.
{¶32} Appellant finally contends appellees’ claims were not reasonably related to
the proceedings because, in each case, her claims were either denied or dismissed.
However, the Ohio Supreme Court stated the privilege exists irrespective of whether the
statement was made in bad faith. Hecht v. Levin, 66 Ohio St.3d 458, 613 N.E.2d 585(1993). Further, the privilege applies even if a person provides erroneous information to
the police or prosecutor in reporting possible criminal activity. Lee v. City of Upper
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 12
Arlington, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 03AP-132, 2003-Ohio-7157. We find the trial court did
not commit plain error in finding the statements made by Moresetta Smart bore some
reasonable relation to the proceedings at issue.
{¶33} In our review of whether there is competent and credible evidence to
support the trial court’s decision, we find no plain error occurred.
{¶34} Appellant’s first, second, and third assignments of error are overruled.
IV.
{¶35} In its fourth assignment of error, appellant contends the trial court erred
regarding the application of R.C. 3103.03 as to spousal liability. Appellant contends the
trial court erred in construing paragraphs (A) and (C) together.
{¶36} We find no plain error in the trial court’s interpretation of R.C. 3103.03 and
the reading of the sections in pari materia. Perrysburg Twp. v. Rossford Arena
Amphitheater Auth., 175 Ohio St.3d 549, 2008-Ohio-363, 888 N.E.2d 440. R.C. 3103.03
makes a spouse liable for the cost of “necessaries” that a third party provides to the other
spouse under certain circumstances. Brown v. Williamson, 2nd Dist. Montgomery No.
22769, 2009-Ohio-4579; Union Hospital v. Beach, 5th Dist. Tuscarawas No. 2016 AP 05
0027, 2016-Ohio-7058; Home Helpers/Direct Link v. St. Pierre, 12th Dist. Warren No.
CA2010-11-116, 2011-Ohio-4909. The term “necessaries” as used in the statute means
food, medicines, clothing, shelter, or personal services as are usually considered
reasonably essential for the preservation and enjoyment of life. Home Helpers/Direct Link
v. St. Pierre, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2010-11-116, 2011-Ohio-4909.
{¶37} Further, courts have held that one spouse is not liable for the debt of the
other spouse unless one spouse is unable to pay the debt and the other spouse is able
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 13
to aid in support by paying it himself. Brown v. Williamson, 2nd Dist. Montgomery No.
22769, 2009-Ohio-4579. Thus, R.C. 3103.03(A) requires the married person be unable
to support herself before the spouse of the married person must assist. Home
Helpers/Direct Link v. St. Pierre, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2010-11-116, 2011-Ohio-4909.
In this case, appellant presented no evidence that Moresetta Smart was unable to pay a
debt that William Smart was able to pay himself. Appellant’s fourth assignment of error
is overruled.
V.
{¶38} In its fifth assignment of error, appellant argues the trial court erred in finding
it was not entitled to attorney fees based upon the lack of an expert witness.
{¶39} The decision of whether to award attorney fees rests in the sound discretion
of the court. Moore v. Moore, 175 Ohio App.3d 1, 2008-Ohio-255, 884 N.E.2d 1113 (6th
Dist.). In this case, while the magistrate stated in the findings of fact that there was no
expert testimony concerning the reasonableness or necessity of the fees, the magistrate
also found in the findings of fact that Pantelas did testify that appellant had actually
incurred the fees as reflected in the invoice. There is no indication in the magistrate’s
decision that the sole reason appellant’s claim for attorney fees was denied was based
on the lack of expert testimony.
{¶40} Appellant’s claim for attorney fees in the second amended complaint is tied
solely to the intentional tort defamation claim as appellant contends it is entitled to
attorney fees because appellees’ acts of defamation were intentional torts made with
reckless disregard of the truth or actual malice. Appellant asserts no other reason as to
why they are entitled to attorney fees. Appellant did not prevail on its claim for defamation.
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 14
See Hagemeyer v. Sadowski, 86 Ohio App.3d 563, 621 N.E.2d 707 (6th Dist. 1993);
Falther v. Toney, 5th Dist. Fairfield No. 05 CA 32, 2005-Ohio-5954 (stating a prevailing
party is generally the party in whose favor the decision or verdict is rendered and
judgment entered). In the previous assignments of error, we found the trial court did not
commit plain error in entering judgment for appellees on appellant’s defamation claim.
Accordingly, we find no plain error in the trial court’s denial of appellant’s request for
attorney fees as appellant was not the prevailing party on its defamation claim.
Appellant’s fifth assignment of error is overruled.
VI.
{¶41} In its sixth assignment of error, appellant contends the magistrate and trial
court erred in finding relevant the fact that appellant did not pursue a frivolous conduct
motion in the federal court case Moresetta Smart filed against appellant.
{¶42} The issue of whether testimony is relevant or irrelevant, confusing or
misleading is best decided by the trial judge who is in a significantly better position to
analyze the impact of the evidence on the jury. State v. Taylor, 39 Ohio St.3d 162, 529
N.E.2d 1382 (1988). Accordingly, the admission or exclusion of relevant evidence lies
within the sound discretion of the trial court. Krischbaum v. Dillon, 58 Ohio St.3d 58, 567
N.E.2d 1291 (1991); Vogelmeier v. Ohio Power Co., 5th Dist. Knox No. 14CA14, 2014-
Ohio-5175.
{¶43} Upon review, we find the trial court’s determination that this evidence is
relevant does not present exceptional circumstances that rise to the level of plain error.
Appellant’s sixth assignment of error is overruled.
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 15
VII.
{¶44} In its seventh assignment of error, appellant argues the magistrate’s
decision incorrectly found appellant waived the causes of action. Further, that the
decision was against the manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶45} Appellant does not state which causes of action were purportedly found to
be waived by the magistrate. While the magistrate found no defamation based upon the
complaints to the State Medical Board of Ohio and Ohio Board of Nursing because the
false statements were not made about appellant but were made about other individuals
who were not parties to this lawsuit and thus the first prong of a defamation claim that the
“false statement of fact was made about the plaintiff” was not met, it does not appear the
magistrate found these causes of action to be waived.
{¶46} We find the magistrate and trial court did not commit plain error in finding
the elements of defamation were not met by Moresetta Smart’s complaints to the State
Medical Board of Ohio and Ohio Board of Nursing. Since the statements made to the
State Medical Board of Ohio and Ohio Board of Nursing were not made about appellant,
there was no “false statement of fact made about the plaintiff” or injury suffered by the
plaintiff as a proximate result of the publication. Jamison v. Galena, 5th Dist. Delaware
No. 15 CAE 01 007, 2015-Ohio-2845. Appellant’s seventh assignment of error is
overruled.
VIII.
{¶47} In its final assignment of error, appellant contends the magistrate erred in
finding the causes of action for intentional tort claims and economic loss are separate
from defamation claims. We find the magistrate and the trial court did not commit plain
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 16
error in this determination. In its second amended complaint, the only tort, intentional or
otherwise, that appellant asserts is defamation. While appellant does list as a “claim” in
its complaint that appellees violated R.C. 2307.011(A), (D), and (J), this section contains
only definitions of the terms “conduct,” “tort action,” and “intentional tort claim” and does
not contain an independent cause of action. Appellant’s eighth assignment of error is
overruled.
{¶48} Upon review, we find this case does not present exceptional circumstances
that rise to the level of plain error. We find no error that seriously affects the basic
fairness, integrity, or public reputation of the judicial process or that challenges the
legitimacy of the underlying judicial process itself.
{¶49} Finally, appellant filed an additional assignment of error in its reply brief.
This assignment of error need not be considered by this Court, as it was improperly raised
by way of reply brief. Bank One, Nat’l Assn. v. Moton, 5th Dist. Richland No. 04CA8,
2004-Ohio-6280. App.R. 16(A)(7) provides that assignments of error shall be argued in
the brief of appellant. App.R. 16(C) states that a reply brief is to “reply to the brief of the
appellee.” New assignments of error cannot be raised in a reply brief. Bowker v. Bowker,
5th Dist. Delaware No. 10 CAF 1100 85, 2011-Ohio-4524; Harris v. Harris, 5th Dist. Stark
No. 2014CA00107, 2015-Ohio-1000.
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00218 17
{¶50} Based on the foregoing, appellant’s assignments of error are overruled and
the judgment entries of the Stark County Court of Common Pleas are affirmed.
By Gwin, J.,
Delaney, P.J., and
Wise, Earle, J. concur