Case Name: EYMAN v. MEULLER
Court: Ohio Court of Appeals
Jurisdiction: Ohio
Decision Date: 1924-05-02
Citations: 2 Ohio Law Abs. 490
Docket Number: No. 4999
Parties: EYMAN v. MEULLER
Judges: 
Reporter: The Ohio Law Abstract
Volume: 2
Pages: 490–490

Head Matter:
No. 488
EYMAN v. MEULLER
Ohio Appeals, 8th Dist., Cuyahoga County
No. 4999.
Decided May 2, 1924
1283. WORKMAN’S COMPENSATION— 1. Sec. 12993 GC. prohibits employment of male children under 15 years.
2. Sec. 1465.-61 GC. excludes a contract entered into in violation of this positive prohibition.
3. Acceptance of compensation is no defense to action for injuries sustained by such minors.
Attorneys — Vickery & Vickery, for Eyman; Dowling, Dowling & Moriarty, for Meuller; all of Cleveland.

Opinion:
LEVINE, J.
Epitomized Opinion
Published Only in Ohio Law Abstract
Eyman, under fifteen years of age, was employed by Meuller, who conducted a printing establishment. Eyman's hand Was cjrushed while feeding the press. The Industrial Commission allowed his claim and awarded $500 compensation. Eyman contends that Meuller violated statutes enacted for the protection of minors, and therefore liable for damages sustained. On trial, at the conclusion of the evi-d; nee, Meuller's motion to direct a verdict in his favor was granted. The Court of Appeals reversed the Common Pleas, holding:
1. Under 12993 GC. the employment of a minor child under fifteen years of age is prohibited, and a contract of employment in violation of this statute is not merely voidable, but void and a nullity.
2. 1465-61 GC. excludes a contract entered into in violation of a positive statutory prohibition, therefore the compensation act has no application to this case and receipt of compensation from the State Industrial Commission makes no difference.
3. The fact that the minor misrepresented his age at the time of employment, is competent for the defense to offer, but is an issuable question of fact for the jury.
4. The court committed error in directing a verdict in favor of Meuller.