Ohio law

Product Liability Laws in Ohio.

Ohio's Product Liability Act (Ohio Rev. Code Chapter 2307) is a comprehensive statutory framework that supersedes common-law product-liability theories (other than implied warranty). Ohio recognizes design defect, manufacturing defect, and warning defect. Ohio tort reform imposes a 10-year statute of repose from manufacturing. Noneconomic damages are subject to Ohio's general cap ($250K / 3x economic / $350K individual / $500K occurrence). Punitive damages capped at 2x compensatory.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Statute of Limitations

2 years; 10-year statute of reposeOhio Rev. Code §§ 2305.10, 2305.10(C)

2-year personal injury statute applies. 10-year statute of repose bars products claims filed more than 10 years after the product was delivered to its first purchaser.

State law

Damage Caps

Noneconomic Damages: Greater of $250K or 3x economic, max $350K/$500KOhio Rev. Code § 2315.18

Capped at the greater of (1) $250,000 or (2) 3x economic damages; but NOT exceeding $350,000 per plaintiff or $500,000 per occurrence. Higher cap for catastrophic injuries.

Punitive Damages: 2x compensatoryOhio Rev. Code § 2315.21

Punitive damages capped at 2 times compensatory damages.

State law

Key Ohio Statutes

Ohio Product Liability ActOhio Rev. Code Chapter 2307.71 et seq.

Comprehensive statutory framework. Recognizes three defect theories (design, manufacturing, warning). Abrogates common-law product-liability claims other than implied warranty in contract.

Design DefectOhio Rev. Code § 2307.75

Plaintiff must prove either (1) foreseeable risks exceed benefits under risk-utility analysis, OR (2) product deviated from reasonable consumer expectations.

Failure to WarnOhio Rev. Code § 2307.76

Manufacturer liable for failure to provide reasonable warning or instruction concerning foreseeable risks known or knowable.

Seller ImmunityOhio Rev. Code § 2307.78

Non-manufacturing seller generally not liable for design, manufacturing, or warning defects. Exception if seller exercised significant control, altered product, or had actual knowledge of defect.

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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Product Liability Laws in Ohio.

Statute of Limitations

Damage Caps

Key Ohio Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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