FAQs
Common Questions, Straight Answers
Short answers to questions Ohio clients ask most often. Each topic links to a fuller practice page with more detail — this hub is a starting point, not legal advice for your specific case.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Ohio?
In most cases, Ohio law gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit for bodily injury. Some claims have shorter deadlines, and important evidence can disappear quickly, so it is wise to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Ohio follows a comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. An insurer may try to overstate your share of the blame, which is one reason to have an attorney review your case before you accept a settlement.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Ohio?
Most bodily injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash. Claims involving government vehicles or entities can have much shorter notice deadlines. Evidence also fades quickly, so an early conversation is wiser than waiting until the statute is about to run.
Should I give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer?
Usually not before you understand your injuries and have spoken with an attorney. You are generally not required to give the other side a recorded statement, and early statements are often used to lock in a fault or injury narrative that hurts your claim.
Do I have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous?
No. Ohio does not follow the 'one free bite' rule. Under Ohio Revised Code 955.28, a dog's owner, keeper, or harborer is strictly liable for injuries the dog causes — even if the dog had never bitten anyone before. The main exceptions are if the injured person was trespassing, committing a crime, or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog on the owner's property.
The dog belongs to a neighbor or family friend. I don't want to ruin them financially — should I still make a claim?
This is the most common hesitation, and the answer usually surprises people: dog bite claims are almost always paid by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, not out of the owner's pocket. That coverage exists precisely for this situation. You can be compensated for real medical bills and scarring without taking anything from your neighbor personally.
Do I need an attorney to buy or sell a house in Ohio?
Ohio does not require it, but a real estate agent and a title company work for the transaction — not for you. An attorney reviews the purchase contract, deed, and title work with only your interests in mind, and can catch problems like easements, liens, or survey issues before they become expensive.
What is the difference between a general warranty deed and a quitclaim deed?
A general warranty deed guarantees the seller has clear title and will defend it against any claims. A quitclaim deed transfers only whatever interest the grantor happens to have, with no guarantees at all. Which one is appropriate depends on the situation, and using the wrong deed can create serious title problems later.
Can I change the locks if my tenant stops paying rent?
No. Self-help lockouts and utility shutoffs can expose an Ohio landlord to serious liability. If a tenant must leave, use the formal eviction process. It is slower than a lockout and far safer.
Do I need a written lease?
A written lease is strongly recommended. Verbal arrangements are harder to prove and easier to misunderstand. A clear written agreement on rent, term, utilities, entry, and default remedies prevents most day-to-day disputes.
What makes a will valid in Ohio?
In Ohio, the person making the will must generally be at least 18, of sound mind, and acting free of undue influence. The will must be in writing, signed, and witnessed by two adults who saw the signing. Handwritten changes, do-it-yourself forms, and online templates frequently fail these requirements or create ambiguity that leads to family disputes.
What happens if I die without a will in Ohio?
Ohio's intestacy statutes decide who inherits your property — not you. The result depends on which relatives survive you, and it may not match what you would have chosen, particularly in blended families. A court also chooses the administrator of your estate and the guardian of your minor children without your input.
Does every estate have to go through full probate?
No. Some assets pass outside probate through beneficiary designations, TOD/POD forms, or survivorship ownership. Ohio also provides simplified procedures for certain smaller estates. Whether full administration is required depends on what the decedent owned and how it was titled.
What does probate cost?
Costs typically include court fees, attorney fees, possible fiduciary compensation, and expenses of administration. The total depends on how complicated the estate is and whether disputes arise. I can give a realistic range once I see the assets and how they are titled.
How long do I have to sue over a contract in Ohio?
For most written contracts, Ohio allows six years from the breach to file suit; for oral contracts, four years. Other claims carry their own deadlines, some much shorter. If you think you have a claim — or someone has threatened one against you — get a deadline assessment early, because a missed statute of limitations usually ends the case.
Will my case actually go to trial?
Statistically, most civil cases settle before trial, often at mediation. But the cases that settle well are the ones prepared as if they were going to trial. I prepare every case that way, which both improves settlement leverage and means you're ready if the other side won't be reasonable.
The contractor took a deposit and disappeared. What can I do?
Preserve every contract, text, email, and payment record, stop additional payments, and talk to a lawyer promptly. Options may include demand letters, consumer claims, breach-of-contract suits, and in some cases complaints to licensing or attorney general channels — strategy depends on the facts and the dollars at stake.
Can a contractor file a mechanic's lien on my home?
Ohio's mechanic's lien statutes give unpaid contractors and suppliers powerful remedies when procedures are followed. Deadlines and notice rules are technical. If you receive lien documents — or need to assert a lien — get them to an attorney quickly.
Do I really need an LLC for my small business or rental property?
In most cases it's worth serious consideration. A properly formed and maintained LLC separates business liabilities from your personal assets — your home, savings, and vehicles. Without one, a business debt or lawsuit can reach everything you own. The cost of forming an LLC in Ohio is modest compared to that risk.
Can't I just file an LLC online myself?
You can file articles of organization with the Ohio Secretary of State yourself — but the filing is the easy 10%. What the online services don't provide is judgment: whether an LLC is even the right entity for your tax situation, an operating agreement that actually fits your ownership, and guidance on keeping the entity's liability protection intact. Fixing a wrong structure later costs far more than doing it right once.
How much does a contract review cost?
Far less than people expect — most reviews of a standard agreement are a modest flat matter, and I will tell you the cost up front before any work begins. Compare that to the cost of litigating a bad contract term, and review before signing is the best value in legal services.
The other side says it's a 'standard contract.' Do I still need review?
Especially then. 'Standard' means standard for the party who drafted it — their lawyer wrote it to protect them. Non-compete clauses, personal guarantees, indemnification, automatic renewals, and arbitration provisions are all 'standard' terms that can seriously affect your rights.
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These FAQs are general information. For advice about your facts, contact the office or browse practice areas, the glossary, and checklists.