Martin v. Ohio Dept. of Rehab. Correction, 07ap-1006 (6-26-2008)

OPINION

{¶ 1} Appellant, Shawn Martin ("appellant"), filed this appeal seeking reversal of a judgment by the Ohio Court of Claims reducing the amount of damages awarded in his favor in his personal injury action against appellee, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction ("appellee"). For the reasons that follow, we reverse.

{¶ 2} On July 10, 2002, appellant was an inmate at Belmont Correctional Institution, an institution operated by appellee. Appellant worked as a cooking assistant in the kitchen, where he helped prepare meals for other inmates. On the day in question, appellant…