Poland couple sues Columbiana, lifeguards
COLUMBIANA -- A Poland couple seeks money in court from the city of Columbiana on behalf of their daughter, Riley G. Jones, 8.
The couple seeks $175,000 in punitive damages, compensatory damages for injuries sustained and attorney fees and court costs.
Also listed in the suit as defendants are two unnamed lifeguards of the municipal swimming pool.
Atty. Bruce Williams said Riley, the daughter of Matthew and Shelly Jones, was injured in 1999 at the pool as a result of the "reckless, wanton and/or other wrongful conduct" of a lifeguard.
Williams said Riley and other children were on the ladder of a sliding board when lifeguards called for everyone to exit the pool for a safety check. He said directions from one lifeguard about how the children should come down the slide ladder resulted in injury to Riley, including permanent facial scars.
Keith Chamberlin, Columbiana city manager, said he is aware of the lawsuit, filed Monday in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court, but declined to comment.