Ohio Court Rules Parents of Firefighter Can Continue With Suit

An Ohio court says the parents of a firefighter killed seven years ago can sue the maker of an emergency radio and the homeowners growing marijuana in the basement where a fire started.

Colerain Township Fire Department Captain Robin Broxterman died from smoke inhalation after the first floor collapsed and she fell into the basement. Firefighter Brian Schira was also killed.

The 1st Ohio District Court of Appeals ruled last week that Broxterman’s family can argue the homeowners’ “willful or wanton” conduct led to her death.

The family also alleges the emergency call button on Broxterman’s Motorola radio was too small, which the company denies.

An investigation of the 2008 fire concluded that basic mistakes, such as entering the house without water in the fire hose, contributed to the deaths.