Ohio Guide to Statutes of Limitation

Always remember that there are time limits for filing both civil and criminal cases referred to as the statute of limitations. These limits are meant to ensure a number of things:

That potential plaintiffs can’t threaten lawsuits forever; and
To protect the integrity of evidence, including eyewitness testimony; and
To encourage the timely resolution of disputes.

As a result, it’s vitally important to make note of the statute of limitations for your claim because if you file a case after the statute of limitations has passed, your case will most likely be dismissed even if your claim is valid and you’re virtually guaranteed a win.

There are, however, some instances in which a court may allow a case to proceed even after that deadline has passed. In Ohio. Civil statutes of limitation laws impose various statutes of limitation depending on the unique circumstances and facts presented. As a result, it’s vital that you confer with an attorney familiar with personal injury claims as soon as practicable after your injury. In general, here are the main types of civil litigation claims in Ohio, as well as the cite to the statute containing the time limitation.

Contract Actions

Type of Claim	Statute of Limitation	Statutory Reference
Contracts (In Writing)	8 Years	ORC 2305.06
Contracts (Oral)	6 Years	ORC 2305.07
Breach of Contracts for Sale of Goods	4 Years	ORC 1302.98
Action of Employee for Non-Payment of Wages	2 Years	ORC 2305.11

Real Estate Actions

Type of Claim	Statute of Limitation	Statutory Reference
Trespassing Upon Real Property	4 Years	R.C. §2305.09(A)
Property Damage	2 Years	R.C. §2305.10
Adverse Possession (Recover Real Property)	21 Years	R.C. §2305.09
Physical or Regulatory Taking of Property	4 Years	R.C. §2305.09
Eviction (Forcible Entry and Detainer)	2 Years	R.C. §1923.01

Personal Injury/Tort Actions

Type of Claim	Statute of Limitation	Statutory Reference
Wrongful Death	2 Years	R.C. §2125.02
General Negligence/Personal Injury	2 Years	R.C. §2305.10
Medical Malpractice	1 Year (Can be extended by 6 Months)	R.C. §2305.113
False Imprisonment	1 Year	R.C. §2305.11(A)
Libel	1 Year	R.C. §2305.11(A)
Slander	1 Year	R.C. §2305.11(A)
Assault and Battery	1 Year	R.C. §2305.111
Car Accidents	2 Years	R.C. §2305.10
Product Liability / Dangerous Products	2 Years	R.C. §2305.10(A)