Losito v. Kruse, Jr., 24 N.E.2d 705 (Ohio 1940). · Go Syfert
Losito v. Kruse, Jr., 24 N.E.2d 705 (Ohio 1940). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
292 citation events (179 in the last 25 years) across 28 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Walker v. Albers Ins. Agency
Treatment trajectory · 1940 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1940 1983 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 31 distinct citers. How cited ↗
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Walker v. Albers Ins. Agency (2×)
unknown court · 2019 · signal: see, e.g. · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence low
a settlement with and release of the servant will exonerate the master.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rodriguez v. Catholic Charities Corp.
Ohio Ct. App. · 2025 · confidence medium
In Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 188 (1940), the Ohio Supreme Court found that a “settlement with and release of the servant will exonerate the master.” In Strock v. Pressnell, 38 Ohio St.3d 207 (1988), the Ohio Supreme Court found that an action for negligent supervision and training could not lie against a church when the action against the church’s minister was dismissed pursuant to Civ.R. 12(B)(6).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Badra-Muniz v. Vinyl Carpet Serv. Inc.
Ohio Ct. App. · 2024 · confidence medium
“More than 80 years ago, [the Ohio Supreme Court] explained that an employer may be liable for a wrong committed by its employee when the employer delegates a course of action to the employee and the employee then commits a tortious act while acting within the scope of his employment as to the delegated course of action.” Id., citing Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 186 (1940).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wilson v. Stark Cty. Dept. of Job & Family Servs.
Ohio Ct. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
Flagg v. Bedford, 7 Ohio St.2d 45, 48 (1966); and Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 187 (1940)? {¶20} We limit our answer to the issue presented by this case.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Goscenski v. Ohio Dept. of Transp.
Ohio Ct. App. · 2014 · confidence medium
Wery v. Seff, 136 Ohio St. 307, 311 (1940); Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 187 (1940).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jamerson v. Quintero
Ariz. Ct. App. · 2013 · confidence medium
But the converse is not at all obvious.”); Kellen v. Mathias, 519 N.W.2d 218, 222-23 (App.Minn.1994) ("No policy reason exists to release an agent where the principal is released, absent an intent to release both parties.”); McFadden v. Turner, 159 N.J.Super. 360 , 388 A.2d 244, 247 (1978) (citing Restatement (Second) of Judgments § 27); Keator v. Gale, 561 N.W.2d 286, 289 (N.D.1997); Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183 , 24 N.E.2d 705, 707 (1940); Biles v. Harris, 521 P.2d 884 (Ok.App.1974); Vanderpool v. Grange Ins.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Unencumbered Assets, Trust v. Great American Insurance
S.D. Ohio · 2011 · confidence medium
Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 187-88 , 24 N.E.2d 705, 707 (Ohio 1940); Clark v. Southview Hosp. & Family Health Ctr., 68 Ohio St.3d 435, 438 , 628 N.E.2d 46 , 48 (Ohio 1994); Leak v. Lexington Ins.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Metz v. Unizan Bank
6th Cir. · 2011 · confidence medium
Under Ohio law, a plaintiffs “settlement with and release of the servant will exonerate the master.” Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183 , 24 N.E.2d 705, 707 (1940); accord Niemann v. Post Indus., Inc., 68 Ohio App.3d 392 , 588 N.E.2d 301, 303 (1991) (“[T]he release of a party who is primarily liable operates also as a release of any party who was only secondarily liable.”).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Unencumbered Assets v. JP Morgan Chase Bank
S.D. Ohio · 2011 · confidence medium
Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 187-88 , 24 N.E.2d 705, 707 (Ohio 1940); Clark v. Southview Hosp. & Family Health Ctr., 68 Ohio St.3d 435, 438 , 628 N.E.2d 46 , 48 (Ohio 1994); Leak v. Lexington Ins.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re National Century Financial Enterprises, Inc.
S.D. Ohio · 2011 · confidence medium
Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 187-88 , 24 N.E.2d 705, 707 (Ohio 1940); Clark v. Southview Hosp. & Family Health Ctr., 68 Ohio St.3d 435, 438 , 628 N.E.2d 46 , 48 (Ohio 1994); Leak v. Lexington Ins.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Unencumbered Assets, Trust v. JP Morgan Chase Bank
S.D. Ohio · 2009 · confidence medium
Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 187-88 , 24 N.E.2d 705, 707 (Ohio 1940); Clark v. Southview Hosp. & Family Health Ctr., 68 Ohio St.3d 435, 438 , 628 N.E.2d 46 , 48 (Ohio 1994).
cited Cited as authority (rule) In Re National Century Financial Enterprises, Inc.
S.D. Ohio · 2009 · confidence medium
Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 187-88 , 24 N.E.2d 705, 707 (Ohio 1940); Clark v. Southview Hosp. & Family Health Ctr., 68 Ohio St.3d 435, 438 , 628 N.E.2d 46 , 48 (Ohio 1994).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Unencumbered Assets, Trust v. JP Morgan Chase Bank
S.D. Ohio · 2009 · confidence medium
Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 187-88 , 24 N.E.2d 705, 707 (Ohio 1940); Clark v. Southview Hosp. & Family Health Ctr., 68 Ohio St.3d 435, 438 , 628 N.E.2d 46 , 48 (Ohio 1994).
cited Cited as authority (rule) In Re National Century Financial Enterprises, Inc.
S.D. Ohio · 2009 · confidence medium
Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 187-88 , 24 N.E.2d 705, 707 (Ohio 1940); Clark v. Southview Hosp. & Family Health Ctr., 68 Ohio St.3d 435, 438 , 628 N.E.2d 46 , 48 (Ohio 1994).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Mills v. River Terminal Railway Co.
6th Cir. · 2002 · confidence medium
Co. of Ohio, 68 Ohio St.3d 14 , 623 N.E.2d 30, 31 (1993)); Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183 , 24 N.E.2d 705, 706 (1940); Cochran v. B. & O.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Allan D. Mills v. River Terminal Railway Company
3rd Cir. · 2002 · confidence medium
Co. of Ohio, 623 N.E.2d 30, 31 (Ohio 1993)); Losito v. Kruse, 24 N.E.2d 705, 706 (Ohio 1940); Cochran v. B. & O.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jackson v. St. Elizabeth Hospital, Unpublished Decision (9-22-1999) (2×)
Ohio Ct. App. · 1999 · confidence medium
The Ohio Supreme Court stated: "When, under the doctrine of respondeat superior, a master becomes liable in damages for personal injuries caused solely by the negligent act of his servant the latter is primarily liable and the former secondarily liable to the injured party; and if the master is obliged to respond in damages by reason of such liability, he will be subrogated to the right of the injured party and may recover his loss from the servant, the one primarily liable." Losito, supra at 183.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Wells v. Spirit Fabricating, Ltd.
Ohio Ct. App. · 1996 · confidence medium
Otherwise, the master would be deprived of his right of reimbursement from the servant, if the claim after settlement with the servant could be enforced against the master.’ Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 188 [ 16 O.O. 185, 187 ] 24 N.E.2d 705, 707 , 126 A.L.R. 1194 (1940).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wiedenfeld v. Chicago & North Western Transportation Co.
Iowa · 1977 · confidence medium
Louis Railway Co., 249 Iowa 1187, 1199 , 91 N.W.2d 380, 388 (1958); Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio 183 , 187, 24 N.E.2d 705, 707 (1940); 57 C.J.S.
discussed Cited "see" Clawson v. Hts. Chiropractic Physicians, L.L.C. (2×)
Ohio · 2022 · signal: see · confidence high
See Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 186 , 24 N.E.2d 705 (1940).
discussed Cited "see" State ex rel. Yost v. Settlers Walk Home Owners Assn.
Ohio Ct. App. · 2022 · signal: see · confidence high
See Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183, 185 (1940) (noting that relationships of wholesaler/retailer, abutting property owner/municipality, independent contractor/employer, and master/servant meet this standard); Reynolds v. Physicians Ins.
discussed Cited "see" Greenwich Ins. Co. v. Leonard Ins. Servs., Agency, Inc. (2×)
Ohio Ct. App. · 2014 · signal: see · confidence high
See Losito v. Kruse (1940), 136 Ohio St. 183, 185 , 16 O.O. 185, 186 , 24 N.E.2d 705, 706 .
cited Cited "see" Taylor v. Belmont Community Hosp.
Ohio Ct. App. · 2010 · signal: see · confidence high
See Losito v. Kruse (1940), 136 Ohio St. 183, 187 .
cited Cited "see" Mosser Constr. v. W. Waterproofing Co., Unpublished Decision (7-14-2006)
Ohio Ct. App. · 2006 · signal: see · confidence high
See Losito v. Kruse (1940), 136 Ohio St. 183 , 185 * * *.
discussed Cited "see" Havens-Tobias v. Eagle, Unpublished Decision (3-28-2003) (2×)
Ohio Ct. App. · 2003 · signal: see · confidence high
See Losito v. Kruse (1940), 136 Ohio St. 183 , 188 , 24 N.E.2d 705 ("A settlement with and release of the servant will exonerate the master.").
discussed Cited "see" St. Paul Fire Marine Ins. Co. v. Cholak, Unpublished Decision (3-10-2003) (2×)
Ohio Ct. App. · 2003 · signal: see · confidence high
See Losito v. Kruse (1940), 136 Ohio St. 183 , 185 , 16 O.O. 185 , 24 N.E.2d 705 .
discussed Cited "see" Hope v. Continental Western Insurance Co., Unpublished Decision (9-29-2000) (2×)
Ohio Ct. App. · 2000 · signal: see · confidence high
See Losito v. Kruse (1940), 136 Ohio St. 183 , 185 , 16 O.O. 185, 186 , 24 N.E.2d 705 , 706 .
discussed Cited "see" Reynolds v. Physicians Insurance (2×)
Ohio · 1993 · signal: see · confidence high
See Losito v. Kruse (1940), 136 Ohio St. 183, 185 , 16 O.O. 185, 186 , 24 N.E.2d 705, 706 .
cited Cited "see" Munson v. United States
2d Cir. · 1967 · signal: see · confidence high
See Losito v. Kruse, supra; Herron v. City of Youngstown (1940), 136 Ohio St. 190, 198-199 ; Bello v. City of Cleveland (1922), 106 Ohio St. 94, 106 .
discussed Cited "see, e.g." Meehan v. AMN Healthcare, Inc. (2×)
Ohio Ct. App. · 2012 · signal: see also · confidence low
Id.; see also Losito v. Kruse, 136 Ohio St. 183 , 24 N.E.2d 705 (1940).
cited Cited "see, e.g." Schimke v. Earley
Ohio · 1962 · signal: see also · confidence low
See also Losito v. Kruse, Jr. (1940), 136 Ohio St., 183, 187 , 24 N. E. (2d), 705, 126 A. L.
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Losito, Appellee,
v.
Kruse, Jr., Appellant, Et Al.
Ohio Supreme Court.
Jan 3, 1940.
24 N.E.2d 705
1940 Ohio LEXIS 614
Messrs. Copperman, DeBard Greenwood , for appellee. Mr. Wm. M. Byrnes, Mr. Wm. A. Kane and Mr. Frank J. Kus , for appellant.
Hart, Weygandt, Day, Zimmerman, Williams, Myers, Matthias.
Published
1 passages pin-cited by 1 case
Pinpoint authority: bottom 82%
Hart, J.

This record presents the question as to rvhether a compromise settlement with a master for injuries caused solely by his servant while acting within the scope of the latter’s employment, is a complete bar to an action of the injured party against such servant for the same injuries, or only a pro tanto credit on the claim of such injured party against the servant which may be set off by the jury.

The answer to this question depends upon the nature and character of the relationship of the parties against whom the liability is asserted. Concurrent but related tort-feasors constitute a class wherein one who commits a wrong is so related to another as to make such other also liable for the commission of such wrong. The liability of one tort-feasor for wrongs committed solely by another arises in the following situations: ■

1. Where a retailer is held in damages for the sale[*186] of unwholesome food which was prepared and sold to him by a wholesaler without disclosure of its condition. Kniess v. Armour & Co., 134 Ohio St., 432, 17 N. E. (2d), 734, 119 A. L. R., 1348; Canton Provision Co. v. Gauder, 130 Ohio St., 43, 196 N. E., 634.

2. Where a municipality is held in damages for the dangerous condition of its streets or sidewalks caused solely by the negligent acts of an abutting property owner or another, resulting in injury to a person lawfully using such street, such dangerous condition having been permitted to remain after notice to the municipality. Bello v. City of Cleveland, 106 Ohio St., 94, 138 N. E., 526; Village of Mineral City v. Gilbow, 81 Ohio St., 263, 90 N. E., 800, 25 L. R. A. (N. S.), 627; Morris v. Woodburn, 57 Ohio St., 330, 48 N. E., 1097; City of Zanesville v. Fannan, 53 Ohio St., 605, 42 N. E., 703, 53 Am. St. Rep., 664.

3. Where one employs an independent contractor to do work for him, the necessary or probable effect of the negligent performance of which will be to injure third persons. Clark v. Fry, 8 Ohio St., 358, 72 Am. Dec., 590; Hughes v. Cincinnati & S. Ry. Co., 39 Ohio St., 461; Pittsburgh, C. & St. L. Ry. Co. v. Shields, 47 Ohio St., 387, 24 N. E., 658, 21 Am. St. Rep., 840, 8 A. L. R., 464. See, also, 23 A. L. R., 984.

4. Where one as principal or master delegates a course of action to his agent or servant, who, while acting within the scope of his authority or employment as to such course of action, commits a tortious act resulting in injury to a third person. Pickens & Plummer v. Diecker & Bro., 21 Ohio St., 212, 8 Am. Rep., 55; Passenger Rd. Co. v. Young, 21 Ohio St., 518, 8 Am. Rep., 78; Elms v. Flick, 100 Ohio St., 186, 126 N. E., 66; Edelstein et al., Partners, v. Cook, 108 Ohio St., 346, 140 N. E., 765, 31 A. L. R., 1333; Cowley v. Bolander, 120 Ohio St., 553, 166 N. E., 677; Babbitt v. Say, Admr., 120 Ohio St., 177, 165 N. E., 721.

Conceding in the instant case that the defendant,[*187] Arthur Kruse, Jr., acted negligently, he and his employer, The Schaefer Body, Inc., fall within the last above named division of concurrent but related tortfeasors. Between them, as between tort-feasors in all the above named classes, there exists a primary and secondary liability to the injured party. In any such case the primary liability, to the extent of full compensation, rests upon the party who actually commits the wrong, while the secondary liability to the same extent, but reduced by any contribution to compensation made by the party primarily liable, rests upon the party who, by reason of his relationship to the wrongdoer, is also liable for the wrong committed. In such case there can be no joinder in a single action of the party primarily liable and the party secondarily liable because there is no joint liability. If they are joined in an action and this relationship appears on the. face of the petition it is demurrable for misjoinder of parties defendant. If it does not appear on the face of the petition but develops from the evidence on the trial, the plaintiff may, on motion, be required to elect as to which one of the two he will pursue, dismissing the other from the action, but not necessarily from the claim. Canton Provision Co. v. Gauder, supra; Bello v. City of Cleveland, supra; Morris v. Woodburn, supra; Village of Mineral City v. Gilbow, supra; French, Admr., v. Central Construction Co., 76 Ohio St., 509, 81 N. E., 751, 12 L. R. A. (N. S.), 669; City of Rochester v. Campbell, 123 N. Y., 405, 25 N. E., 937; City of Chicago v. Robbins, 67 U. S. (2 Black), 418, 17 L. Ed., 298.

For the wrong of a servant acting within the scope of his authority, the plaintiff has a right of action against either the master or the servant, or against both, in separate actions, as a judgment against one is no bar to an action or judgment against the other until one judgment is satisfied. Maple v. Cincinnati, H. & D. Rd. Co., 40 Ohio St., 313, 48 Am. Rep., 685. The[*188] plaintiff, in any event, can have but one satisfaction of his claim. But, under such circumstances, there exists the right of subrogation to the claim of the plaintiff and reimbursement upon the part of the master as against the servant, in case the former is obliged to respond in damages for the wrongful act of the latter. Clark v. Fry, supra; City of Zanesville v. Fannan, supra; Morris v. Woodburn, supra; City of Chicago v. Robbins, supra; City of Rochester v. Campbell, supra.

A settlement with and release of the servant will exonerate the master. Otherwise, the master would be deprived of his right of reimbursement from the servant, if the claim after settlement with the servant could be enforced against the master. Herron v. City of Youngstown, post 190; Bello v. City of Cleveland, supra; Brown v. Town of Louisburg, 126 N. C., 701, 36 S. E., 166.

Here the question is, what effect will a partial settlement with the master have upon the plaintiff’s right to pursue the servant for the remainder of his claim? The servant’s liability as such is in no way affected by a settlement with the master. The master’s settlement does not establish liability against the defendant servant in favor of the plaintiff. If the servant is liable to the plaintiff, he is liable for the full amount of plaintiff’s claim. He must pay the plaintiff the full amount of the claim if the master has not paid any part of it, and if the master has paid part of it, the servant is under obligation to reimburse the master and pay the plaintiff the balance of his claim.

In the instant case, The Schaefer Body, Inc., as master, had a right to make settlement of plaintiff’s claim against it, the plaintiff thereby electing to hold the servant, the defendant in this case, liable for the balance of his claim. Judge Wanamaker, speaking for this court in the case of Adams Express Co. v. Beckwith, 100 Ohio St., 348, at 353, 126 N. E., 300, said:

[*189] “It is an old rule of law that any party charged with a liability, however informally, or threatened with a suit at law, may buy his peace, may settle his own controversy, without waiting for a suit at law or the trial of a suit already begun, and that any such settlement made in good faith would be fully protected and operate as a release to the parties affected, according to its terms.”

The language above quoted relates to a case involving settlement as between joint tort-feasors but it may well apply to a settlement with and release of a concurrent and related tort-feasor, as in this case, where there is no right of contribution or reimbursement from the tort-feasor with whom settlement has been made in favor of the other tort-feasor primarily liable. The payment made by The Schaefer Body, Inc., reduces the claim of the plaintiff against the defendant pro tanto but it cannot do more.

Counsel for defendant rely strongly on the case of McNamara v. Chapman, 81 N. H., 169, 123 A., 229, 31 A. L. R., 188, wherein it is held that a judgment against a solvent master for tort of the servant is a bar to a suit by the same plaintiff against the servant for the same cause of action although it has not been satisfied. Counsel claim that a settlement with the master is equivalent to a judgment against him, and if so, under the authority of the above case, a settlement with the master in the instant ease would bar a suit against the defendant.

The rationale of the above-named case proceeds, as in numerous other cases outside this jurisdiction, upon the theory that an unsatisfied judgment against the master constitutes an election upon the part of the injured party and that he may not, thereafter, pursue the servant. This is not the law in Ohio. Wright v. Lathrop, 2 Ohio, 33, 15 Am. Dec., 529; Maple v. Cincinnati, H. & D. Rd. Co., supra; Adams Express Co. v. Beckwith, supra.

[*190] A judgment against the master which would necessarily be for the full claim, if satisfied, would be a bar to a suit of the plaintiff against the servant (Miller v. Beck, 108 Iowa, 575, 79 N. W., 344), but a partial settlement with the master does not amount to an adjudication of the whole claim, as does a suit carried to judgment, and, therefore, such settlement cannot be claimed as a bar in this case. The settlement can only be a pro tanto satisfaction of the claim.

The judgment of the Court of Appeals is affirmed and the cause is remanded to the Common Pleas Court for further proceedings according to law.

Judgment affirmed.

Weygandt, C. J., Day, Zimmerman, Williams, Myers and Matthias, JJ., concur.