D. H. Overmyer Telecasting Co. v. American Home Assurance Co.

While I reach the same result, I disagree with the reasons provided by the majority opinion.

In appropriate cases, a tort claimant is a proper party for a declaratory relief action to determine the applicability of the alleged tortfeasor’s liability insurance. Celina Mut. Ins. Co. v. Sadler (1966), 6 Ohio App. 2d 161, 165 [35 O.O.2d 319]; Maryland Cas. Co. v. Pacific Coal & Oil Co. (1941), 312 U.S. 270, 274 (applying Ohio law). Certainly, a tort claimant can be the plaintiff for such a declaratory relief action, if he can be a proper defendant. See, e.g., Sainsbury v. Hartford Accident &…