What is the statute of limitations for premises liability in Ohio?

2-year general personal injury statute applies. (Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10)

Ohio law

Premises Liability Laws in Ohio.

Ohio premises liability follows traditional invitee/licensee/trespasser categories. Landowners owe invitees a duty of reasonable care; licensees a duty to warn of known dangers; trespassers a duty to avoid willful or wanton conduct. Ohio's modified comparative fault (51% "not greater than" bar) applies. Ohio has a Recreational Use Immunity statute. Ohio's open-and-obvious doctrine serves as a complete defense to premises-liability claims — a distinctive pro-defendant rule. Ohio dog-bite statute imposes strict liability (Ohio Rev. Code § 955.28).

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Statute of Limitations

2 yearsOhio Rev. Code § 2305.10

2-year general personal injury statute applies.

State law

Fault & Liability Rules

Modified Comparative Fault ("Not Greater Than" Bar)Ohio Rev. Code § 2315.33

Plaintiff's fault reduces recovery proportionally. If plaintiff's fault is greater than 50%, plaintiff recovers nothing. For non-economic damages, defendants found less than 50% at fault are severally liable only.

State law

Key Ohio Statutes

Invitee DutyOhio common law

Landowners owe invitees (business visitors) a duty of reasonable care, including inspection and warning.

Open-and-Obvious DoctrineArmstrong v. Best Buy, 99 Ohio St.3d 79 (2003)

Open-and-obvious hazards — those that a reasonable person would observe and avoid — serve as a COMPLETE DEFENSE to premises-liability claims in Ohio. Distinctive and pro-defendant compared to many states. The doctrine is not merely a comparative-fault factor.

Recreational Use ImmunityOhio Rev. Code § 1533.181

Landowners who permit free recreational use of their land owe no duty of care and are not liable absent willful or wanton misconduct.

Dog Bite Strict LiabilityOhio Rev. Code § 955.28

Dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog when the injured person is not trespassing, committing a crime, or teasing/tormenting the dog. No one-bite rule.

State law

Official Sources

Ohio Revised Code

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.

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Premises Liability Laws in Ohio.

Statute of Limitations

Fault & Liability Rules

Key Ohio Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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