Smock v. Bob Evans Farms, Inc., Unpublished Decision (1-8-2003)
Smock v. Bob Evans Farms, Inc., Unpublished Decision (1-8-2003)
Opinion of the Court
This cause was heard upon the record in the trial court. Each error assigned has been reviewed and the following disposition is made: {¶ 1} Appellant, Margaret Smock, appeals from the decision of the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, which granted the motion for summary judgment of the appellees, Bob Evans Farms, Inc. and Cintas Corporation. We affirm.
{¶ 3} Smock sustained a broken toe, and injuries to her knee and back. On April 27, 2001, Smock filed a complaint, alleging causes of action for negligence, against Bob Evans and Cintas. Bob Evans and Cintas filed a motion for summary judgment, which the trial court granted, holding that there were no genuine issues of material fact and that Bob Evans and Cintas were entitled to judgment as a matter of law because the condition of the carpet was an open and obvious condition. This appeal followed.
{¶ 5} In her sole assignment of error, Smock argues that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment.
{¶ 6} We begin by noting that an appellate court reviews an award of summary judgment de novo. Grafton v. Ohio Edison Co. (1996),
{¶ 7} Pursuant to Civil Rule 56(C), summary judgment is proper if:
{¶ 8} "(1) No genuine issue as to any material fact remains to be litigated; (2) the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law; and (3) it appears from the evidence that reasonable minds can come to but one conclusion, and viewing such evidence most strongly in favor of the party against whom the motion for summary judgment is made, that conclusion is adverse to that party." Temple v. Wean United, Inc.
(1977),
{¶ 9} To prevail on a motion for summary judgment, the party moving for summary judgment must be able to point to evidentiary materials that show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact, and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Dresher v. Burt (1996),
{¶ 10} To prevail in a claim for negligence, a plaintiff must prove (1) the defendant owed her a duty of care; (2) the defendant breached that duty of care; and (3) as a direct and proximate result of the defendant's breach, the plaintiff suffered injury. Menifee v. OhioWelding Products, Inc. (1984),
{¶ 11} Smock asserts that summary judgment was error. She argues that the trial court should have analyzed this case under comparative negligence principles, and that such an analysis "dictates that there is, at minimum, a genuine issue of fact as to whether [Smock's negligence] was greater than that of appellees — who caused, knew of and failed to correct the hazardous condition."
{¶ 12} In support of their motion for summary judgment, the appellees submitted the deposition transcripts of Smock; Jacqueline Rivera, an employee of Bob Evans; and Rick Loera, the manager of the Bob Evans. However, these transcripts are not a part of the record on appeal.
{¶ 13} An appellate court's review is restricted to the record provided by the appellant to the court. See App.R. 12(A)(1)(b). Accordingly, the appellant assumes the duty to ensure that the record, or the portions necessary for review on appeal, is filed with the appellate court. Rose Chevrolet, Inc. v. Adams (1988),
{¶ 14} Without the complete record from the trial court, including the deposition transcripts, Smock cannot demonstrate that there are genuine issues of material fact remaining for the trial court to resolve. Smock has failed to demonstrate that summary judgment was improperly granted to the appellees. Accordingly, Smock's assignment of error is overruled.
SLABY, P.J. and BATCHELDER, J. concur.
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