Ohio gives you 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, under Ohio Revised Code §2305.10 — a standard deadline covering bodily injury claims arising from negligence.
The Standard 2-Year Deadline
Ohio Revised Code §2305.10 sets a two-year window for actions "for bodily injury or injuring personal property," covering most car accidents, slip and falls, product liability, and similar negligence-based personal injury claims. The clock generally starts on the date the injury occurred.
Modified Comparative Fault: The 51% Bar
Separately from the filing deadline, Ohio uses modified comparative fault with a 51% bar. If you're found 50% or less at fault for your own injury, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you're found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
💡 Being found exactly 50% at fault in Ohio still allows a reduced recovery — it's only at 51% that your claim is barred entirely. That single percentage point can be worth a significant portion of your total damages.
Why Both Rules Matter Together
Even a claim filed comfortably within the two-year window can be reduced or eliminated entirely by the fault determination. Thorough documentation of how the accident happened — not just proof that you were injured — protects your recovery under Ohio's comparative fault system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Ohio?
Generally 2 years from the date of injury under ORC §2305.10.
What happens if I'm found 50% at fault in Ohio?
You can still recover damages, reduced by half. You only lose your entire claim at 51% fault or more.
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