Ohio at a glance
Ohio allows two years to sue for bodily injury[1] and two years for wrongful death.[2] Claims against political subdivisions must also be brought within two years.[3] A plaintiff whose fault is greater than the combined fault of others cannot recover.[4] Ohio caps noneconomic damages in most tort cases, with exceptions for catastrophic injuries.[5]
Filing deadlines
Bodily injury: R.C. 2305.10
an action for bodily injury or injuring personal property shall be brought within two years after the cause of action accrues.
Source: [1]
Wrongful death: R.C. 2125.02
Except as provided in division (D)(2) of this section, a civil action for wrongful death shall be commenced within two years after the decedent’s death.
Source: [2]
Political subdivisions: R.C. 2744.04
An action against a political subdivision to recover damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly caused by any act or omission in connection with a governmental or proprietary function … shall be brought within two years after the cause of action accrues, or within any applicable shorter period of time for bringing the action provided by the Revised Code.
Source: [3]
Shared fault
R.C. 2315.33
The contributory fault of a person does not bar the person as plaintiff from recovering damages that have directly and proximately resulted from the tortious conduct of one or more other persons, if the contributory fault of the plaintiff was not greater than the combined tortious conduct of all other persons
Source: [4]
Damage caps
R.C. 2315.18 limits compensatory damages for noneconomic loss in most tort actions to the greater of $250,000 or three times economic loss, up to $350,000 per plaintiff or $500,000 per occurrence.[5] The cap does not apply to certain catastrophic injuries:
R.C. 2315.18(B)(3)
There shall not be any limitation on the amount of compensatory damages that represents damages for noneconomic loss … if the noneconomic losses of the plaintiff are for either of the following: (a) Permanent and substantial physical deformity, loss of use of a limb, or loss of a bodily organ system; (b) Permanent physical functional injury that permanently prevents the injured person from being able to independently care for self and perform life-sustaining activities.
Source: [5]
For a severe brain injury, whether the injury fits one of these exceptions can determine whether the cap applies.[5]
Auto insurance requirements
Ohio’s financial responsibility minimums are $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage.[6]
What this page does not cover
This page covers the main deadlines, fault rule, damage limits and auto insurance requirements. Statutes also contain exceptions, such as rules for minors, people who are incapacitated and claims discovered later, and special rules apply to medical malpractice and workers’ compensation. Always read the full statute at the official source linked below.
This page provides general information about the law from the sources listed below. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. See our legal disclaimer.
Sources
- Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10. Ohio Laws. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2305.10
- Ohio Revised Code § 2125.02. Ohio Laws. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2125.02
- Ohio Revised Code § 2744.04. Ohio Laws. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2744.04
- Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33. Ohio Laws. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2315.33
- Ohio Revised Code § 2315.18. Ohio Laws. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2315.18
- Ohio Revised Code § 4509.51. Ohio Laws. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4509.51
Sources last checked: October 11, 2026
