Wrongful Death Deadline vs. Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
An Ohio family has two years from the death, but a malpractice case may run on a much shorter clock.
Two years from death
The Ohio wrongful death statute of limitations is two years from the date of death.
Compared with an injury claim
Most personal injury claims also have two years under R.C. 2305.10, so the family's window matches the injured person's.
Medical malpractice
A medical claim generally must be filed within one year of accrual, with a four-year statute of repose; a 180-day notice letter can extend the one-year period. Check whether a wrongful death claim from malpractice follows the one-year or two-year clock for your case.
Dog bites
Negligence-based dog bite claims follow the two-year deadline, while some summaries say statutory strict liability claims may have up to six years.
A local personal injury attorney can review your claim — many offer a free consultation.
Official sources
- Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10 — bodily injury deadline
- Ohio Rev. Code § 2315.33 — contributory fault
- Ohio Rev. Code § 2125.02 — wrongful death parties and damages
This is general information, not legal advice, and the state comparisons above are illustrative, not an exhaustive survey. Confirm how Ohio's rules apply to your specific case with a licensed Ohio attorney.