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LISBON -- A lawsuit has been filed by a Boardman couple against the Negley Volunteer Fire Department Association for injuries allegedly sustained by one of them while attending a demolition derby last fall.
According to the lawsui, Jeffrey Gilger attended a demo derby hosted at the Rogers fire station Oct. 8, 2017. The lawsuit claims one of the co-defendants in the case, James L. Buckius Jr., was serving as a promoter or organizer for the event and another co-defendant, Harris L. Eichler, East Rochester, was involved in the event through the Negley Volunteer Fire Department Association.
The lawsuit claims the organizers of the event failed to provide proper safety barriers to protect those attending the event. Additionally, the lawsuit claims the organizers failed to remove or secure parts of the participating vehicles, which could have come off and project into the area where people were watching the event. The lawsuit further claims the organizers did not ensure bumpers were secure and of the proper height.
While attending the event, the lawsuit claims, Gilger was injured by a large bumper or another large object which flew off the vehicle and struck him in the leg. Gilger required medical care and reportedly continues to be unable to perform his job duties due to his injuries.
The lawsuit also seeks to sue the driver of the vehicle, although at this point the identity of the driver is reportedly not known.
The couple, Jeffrey and Heidi Gilger, are seeking in excess of $25,000.
djohnson@mojonews.com