Ohio Court Rules School Not Liable for Hockey Puck Injury

The state’s Court of Claims has ruled that a southwest Ohio university isn’t liable for injuries to a Connecticut woman hit in the head by a stray hockey puck during pre-game warm-ups.

The court found Miami University in Oxford is not liable for Emily Austin being hurt on Nov. 9, 2012. The Fairfield, Conn., woman sought $200 from the school to cover her medical insurance deductible. A message was left at a telephone number listed in court records for Austin.

Miami University said Austin assumed the risk of being struck by a hockey puck when she entered the arena. Miami also said the arena has protective glass and boards, and that spectators are warned of the risk.

The court says Austin assumed the ordinary risks of attending a game.