A Claim Against the Government
ORC 2744.04 — two years to sue a political subdivision, and ORC 2743.16 — two years in the court of claims
An action against an Ohio political subdivision to recover damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property caused by an act or omission in connection with a governmental or proprietary function is brought within two years after the cause of action accrues, or within any shorter period the Revised Code sets for the action.
Who handles this in Ohio: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Ohio directory.
A civil action against the state in the court of claims is commenced no later than two years after the cause of action accrues, or within any shorter period that applies to similar suits between private parties.
Before suing the state over an injury, death or loss of the kind its risk management sections cover, the person first tries to have the claim settled by the office of risk management in the department of administrative services, or paid by the state's liability insurance. No action on such a claim is filed in the court of claims until that has been done.
Whether a political subdivision is immune, and whether one of the exceptions in Chapter 2744 applies, are questions for a licensed Ohio attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- ORC 2744.04 — Time to bring an action against a political subdivision
- ORC 2743.16 — Time to bring a civil action against the state in the court of claims
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Ohio attorney.