What is the Statute of Limitations for my personal injury, contract, accident, or other civil case in Ohio?

How long do I have to sue?

#OhioLegalGroup #OhioCivilLaw #OhioPersonalInjury #OhioStatuteOfLimitations

By Kenneth R. Bailey

April 27, 2026

Civil actions must be brought timely or the case may be dismissed with prejudice (meaning it cannot be refiled).

What is a Statute of Limitations? A statute created by the legislature which sets a time limit upon the length of time which may pass before a lawsuit is initiated. Generally, the statute begins to run on the day the cause of action arose or the day the injured party became aware of the cause of action; however, there are some ways in which the clock can be stopped. The advice of an experienced attorney is necessary to determine when the statute began to run and whether the statute of limitations has run out. In some cases, your attorney will be able to extend the statute of limitations.

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When does the Statute of Limitations Expire?

An easy example is a personal injury (motorcycle accident, truck accident, or auto accident), the statute of limitations starts running on the day of the accident, and the case must be filed within two (2) years of the date of the accident.

Here is a quick summary of some Ohio Statutes of Limitations (See R.C. 2305 and R.C. 1302):

• Assault / Battery

  • 1 Year, pursuant to R.C. 2305.111(B)

• False Imprisonment

  • 1 Year, pursuant to R.C. 2305.11(A)

• Medical / Legal Malpractice

  • 1 Year, pursuant to R.C. 2305.113 (medical)

  • 1 Year, pursuant to R.C. 2305.11(A) (legal)

  • Considerations: discovery, cognizable event, 180 day extension, statute of repose

• Slander / Libel

  • 1 Year, pursuant to R.C. 2305.11(A)

• Personal Injury (i.e. motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, car crashes)

  • 2 Years, pursuant to R.C. 2305.10(A)

• Product Liability

  • 2 Years, pursuant to R.C. 2305.10(A)

• Property Damage

  • 2 Years, pursuant to R.C. 2305.10(A) (see also repose statute issues)

• Wrongful Death

  • 2 Years, pursuant to R.C. 2125.02(D)

• Trespass to Real Property

  • 4 Years, pursuant to R.C. 2305.09(A)

• Trespass / Property Damage

  • 2 Years, pursuant to R.C. 2305.10 (consider continuing violation)

• Fraud

  • 4 Years, pursuant to R.C. 2305.09(C)

• Contract (oral)

  • 6 Years, pursuant to R.C. 2305.07

    
    

• Contract (in writing)

  • 8 Years, pursuant to R.C. 2305.06 (post 2012) (General Contract)

  • 4 Years, pursuant to R.C. 1302.98 (UCC Sale of Goods Contract)

    
    

The Complaint is the initial document filed in a civil action. Its filing announces the claims of the Plaintiff (person suing) to the Court and to the opposing party. The Complaint in a civil action must be filed before the expiration of the Statute of Limitations.

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If you are concerned that your statute of limitations has expired or is about to expire, please contact us immediately, so an attorney can help you to identify your timeline and determine what can be done to save the time or extend the time.

Schedule a consultation with us today!