Ohio's Statute of Limitations

Preliminary Note: Statutes of limitations restrict the time period that a person can file a lawsuit. These statutes not only vary by state, but they also vary by cause of action. The following guide provides limitations periods for each state, but only for particular causes of action; specifically, those related to personal injury, medical malpractice, and products liability claims. The sections discussing special rules for minors only apply to the causes of action listed for that particular state.

Wrongful Death

A wrongful death action must be filed within two years of the date of death.

Personal Injury Actions

These actions must be brought within two years of the date of the injury.

Medical Malpractice Actions

Actions against health-care providers must be filed within one year of the date that the act giving rise to the injury occurred. However, if the plaintiff gives the defendant written notice of the claim within one year of the date of the injury, suit may be filed within 180 days after the notice is given.

Medical Malpractice Actions Based on the Insertion of a Foreign Object

These cases must be filed within one year of the date that the foreign object was discovered or should have been discovered. In no event can the action be filed more than four years after the foreign object was inserted into the plaintiff's body.

Products Liability Actions

Products liability actions must be brought within two years after the plaintiff suffers the injury.

Special Rules for Minors

Except in the case of wrongful death, the statute of limitations begins to run on the minor's 18th birthday.