Listen up. Regarding product liability in Ohio, time is not just money—it’s your legal lifeline. The state has some pretty specific rules about when you can drag a manufacturer into court and missing these deadlines. That’s game over.
Personal Injury and Property Damage Landscape
You’ve got a two-year window. Tick-tock. This countdown starts from the day you got hurt or the moment you reasonably should’ve discovered the problem. Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10 is crystal clear: if a faulty product turned your life upside down, you’ve got 24 months to make your move.
Pro tip: “Reasonably discovered” isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card. Courts expect a certain level of diligence. If a reasonable person had noticed the issue earlier, your timeline might have started then—not when you finally decided to pay attention.
Wrongful Death: A Somber Countdown
Lost someone because of a defective product? The law gives you two years from death to seek justice. ORC § 2125.02 doesn’t play around. Grief is complicated, but legal timelines are not.
The 10-Year Guillotine: Statute of Repose
Here’s where it gets tricky. Ohio drops a hard stop at 10 years from the product’s first sale. Did you buy a washing machine a decade ago? Even if it decides to flood your living room last week, you might be out of luck.
Exceptions: The Fine Print
Not all hope is lost. If a manufacturer played hide-and-seek with the truth (read: fraud), or if we’re talking about minors or individuals with legal disabilities, the rules can bend. But don’t count on it—these are narrow exceptions.
Practical Survival Guide
Lawyer up fast. Product liability is a legal minefield.
Keep. Everything. The product, packaging, receipts—everything.
The Bottom Line
2 years: Personal injury claims
2 years: Wrongful death claims
10 years: Absolute hard stop in most scenarios
Disclaimer: This isn’t just advice—it’s a survival manual for your legal rights. Miss these windows, and you’re giving manufacturers a free pass.
Recommendation: Consult a professional. Seriously. Your uncle, who watched legal dramas, doesn’t count.
