Toledo Woman Sues City and Waste Company for $3M After Truck Damage

A Garbage Truck Incident Leaves Lasting Damage on a Family

In Toledo, Ohio, a tragic incident involving a garbage truck has left a family dealing with not only physical damage but also emotional and financial turmoil. The event occurred on April 29, 2025, on the 300 block of Austin St. near Lagrange. Jenna Tomlin, the owner of a 2006 Ford F150, was at home when her vehicle was struck by a garbage truck with its arm extended.

“I just heard a loud, like, boom, or whatever, but you hear a lot of noises sometimes, so I didn’t really think nothing at first,” said Tomlin. At the time of the crash, her 8-year-old son was inside the parked vehicle, cleaning it out. “Then he comes in the house, run in the house, and like he tell me like the trash truck just hit him,” she added.

The incident was captured on Tomlin’s Ring security camera, providing clear evidence of the collision. After the crash, Republic Services, the company responsible for the garbage truck, took pictures of the damage and has been in contact with Tomlin. However, the two parties have not reached an agreement on how to resolve the situation.

“Well, they said the appraisal, they came out, they totaled it and said it was 16 thousand. He first tried to offer me $3,100 for the truck, and I was like, ‘No way,’” explained Tomlin. This led her to file an 87-page lawsuit against the City of Toledo Road Commission, Republic Services, and the claims adjuster. She is seeking $3 million in restitution and damages for gross negligence, bad faith claim handling, and emotional distress.

“No way to get my kids to the doctor, no way to have no type of transportation, no way to do nothing,” said Tomlin, who also explained that Republic Services initially paid for a rental vehicle for several weeks, then stopped paying for it. Now, three months later, Tomlin said she’s ready to head to court after a crash that left the pickup truck she uses for her lawncare business undrivable.

Emotional and Financial Impact

The emotional impact of the incident has been profound for Tomlin and her family. Her son was inside the truck when it was hit, and since then, the family has faced significant challenges. “We never received a call, visit, or even an apology,” Tomlin stated. “Since then, the same driver has continued working the same route, laughing as he passes my house. My children are afraid of the trash trucks now.”

Additionally, the aftermath of the incident brought more hardship. After the truck was towed away, the City broke a water main line under her house and in the street. Tomlin had no running water for a week and had to drive back and forth to her sister’s house daily just to shower and give her cat clean water.

Clarifying the Lawsuit

Tomlin issued a follow-up statement to clarify the intent behind her lawsuit. “A lot of people seem to think I’m trying to get $3 million just for my truck—but that’s not the case at all,” she said. “I filed this lawsuit to reflect everything my children and I have endured: the emotional trauma, financial losses, and physical hardship that followed the incident.”

She also provided additional details about her legal actions. “I filed a separate motion for default judgment asking for $10,228. That amount only covers my truck’s estimated value ($9,000), plus towing, my $400 court filing fee, mailing and printing costs, and my transportation expenses to and from the courthouse.” This motion was filed because neither Republic Services nor CCMSI responded within the 28-day deadline after being served.

Sentimental Value and Legal Precedent

The truck was more than just a vehicle for Tomlin. “This truck wasn’t just any truck—it was the last thing I purchased with my grandfather before he passed. It had deep sentimental value to me and my family.”

Tomlin also believes the City and Republic Services acted with gross negligence by allowing the driver to continue working immediately after the crash, despite a child being inside the vehicle. Under Ohio law, this may qualify for punitive damages when a public entity or contractor acts with reckless disregard for safety. She referenced the Ohio Supreme Court precedent in Anderson v. Massillon, which defines ‘wanton misconduct’ and ‘reckless conduct.’

Final Thoughts

Tomlin hopes the community understands the seriousness of the situation. “I truly hope this gives the community a better understanding of why I filed the lawsuit and why this situation is much more serious than just a damaged vehicle.” She expressed gratitude for the support she has received and for the opportunity to be heard.