Statute of Limitations Overview

Criminal SOL

Ohio’s criminal SOL for the most serious sexual offenses is among the stronger in the nation.

Rape and sexual battery (felony): 20-year criminal SOL from the date of offense. DNA evidence extension: if DNA evidence is collected and a suspect is identified within 25 years, prosecution may commence within 5 years of that identification. If identification occurs after 25 years, prosecution may proceed within 5 years of identification regardless of the original 20-year limit.

Child victims: Criminal SOL does not begin running until the victim reaches age 18 OR until the abuse or neglect is reported to a public children services agency or law enforcement, whichever occurs first. This means a child abused at age 10 effectively has until age 43 (20 years after turning 18, plus some additional provisions) for felony prosecution.

Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor: 20-year criminal SOL.

No criminal statute of limitations for Class A through E felonies applies under Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2901.13.

Civil SOL

Ohio’s civil SOL is notably restrictive compared to most states and has been the subject of ongoing reform advocacy.

Child survivors (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2305.111(C)): Survivors of childhood sexual abuse (abuse occurring before age 18) may file civil lawsuits within 12 years of the date the cause of action accrues. For minors, the cause of action accrues upon reaching age 18. This gives child survivors until their 30th birthday to file.

Fraudulent concealment: If the defendant (or an institution) fraudulently concealed facts forming the basis of the claim, the limitations period is tolled until the plaintiff discovers or should have discovered the concealed facts. This exception applies only to abuse occurring on or after August 3, 2006.

Adult survivors: 2 years from the date of the incident under the general personal injury SOL (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2305.10). This is extremely short; adult survivors should consult an attorney immediately.

Special exception: Adults between ages 18 and 22 who are mentally impaired have 12 years from the date of abuse to file.

Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy exception: Claims against the BSA bankruptcy estate may be filed at any time after the cause of action accrues, per the court’s ruling for bankruptcy proceedings specifically.

No general lookback window: Ohio has not enacted a broad revival window for previously time-barred claims, making it one of the most restrictive states for historical abuse litigation. Reform bills have been introduced repeatedly but have not passed.

ChildUSA Civil SOL Age Cap Grade: F (age cap of 34 and younger)

Institutional Liability

Ohio allows survivors to sue not only direct perpetrators but institutions that enabled, tolerated, or covered up abuse through negligent hiring, supervision, and retention theories. The Richard Strauss/Ohio State University case established that federal deliberate indifference claims can proceed against institutional defendants even when individual state-law claims may be time-barred. Ohio’s six Catholic dioceses (Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Diocese of Columbus, Diocese of Youngstown, Diocese of Cleveland, Diocese of Toledo, Diocese of Steubenville) have disclosed credibly accused clergy. No criminal conviction is required for civil claims.

Ohio tort law caps: Public institutions may benefit from non-economic damage caps, but these can often be challenged when reckless conduct, constitutional violations, or institutional cover-ups are demonstrated.

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Attorney Firms

(1) Cooper Elliott

Location: Columbus (statewide)
Phone: 614-481-6000
Website: https://cooperelliott.com/columbus-oh/sexual-abuse-lawyer/

Leading Ohio sexual abuse litigation firm. 100 years of combined experience, over $700 million recovered for clients. Particularly experienced in institutional accountability cases that have changed policies at Ohio and national institutions. Handles cases using anonymous filing (Jane Doe/John Doe/initials) to protect survivor privacy. Signature case work includes institutional defendants in schools, churches, and healthcare settings. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(2) Robenalt Law

Location: Cleveland and Columbus (statewide)
Phone: (Cleveland) 216-223-7535 | (Columbus) 614-695-3800
Website: https://lawyersthatfightforyou.com/ohio-attorney-for-victims-of-sexual-abuse/

Nationally prominent sexual abuse plaintiff firm. Prosecutes civil cases against schools, churches, universities, and employers that failed to protect people from sexual abuse. Obtained significant Court of Appeals opinion in Franklin County confirming that the age-30 SOL applies against both perpetrators and all responsible third parties including private schools. Active in national institutional abuse litigation. Free confidential consultation, no fee unless they win.

(3) Kircher Law, LLC

Location: Cincinnati (statewide)
Website: https://kircher.law/sexual-assault-victims/

Founded and led by attorney Konrad Kircher, with decades of experience representing survivors of institutional and individual sexual abuse throughout Ohio. Particular expertise in medical professional sexual assaults (doctors, mental health providers), workplace abuse, nursing home elder sexual abuse, and human trafficking survivor claims. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(4) Donahey Law Firm

Location: Columbus (statewide)
Phone: 800-792-1480
Website: https://donaheylaw.com/practice-areas/sexual-abuse/

Established Ohio plaintiff firm with 50+ years of personal injury and sexual abuse representation. Handles claims against institutions including schools, churches, and employers. Represents survivors with strict confidentiality and respect for privacy. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(5) O’Connor, Acciani & Levy

Location: Cincinnati (statewide)
Website: https://oal-law.com/cincinnati-sexual-abuse-lawyer/

Cincinnati-based firm with dedicated sexual abuse practice. Trauma-informed approach, handles institutional sexual abuse cases involving schools, churches, daycares, youth organizations, and sports organizations. Contingency fee, free consultation.

(6) Levy Konigsberg LLP

Location: National practice (active in Ohio)
Phone: 800-315-3806
Website: https://levylaw.com

Nationally recognized firm, $3B+ in sexual abuse compensation recovered. Actively litigates claims against Ohio’s Catholic dioceses, Ohio State University (Richard Strauss cases), juvenile detention facilities, and foster care systems. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(7) Babin Law, LLC

Location: Cincinnati (statewide)
Website: https://babin.lawyer/ohio-sexual-abuse-lawyer/

Ohio sexual abuse firm with comprehensive institutional abuse practice. Tracks major institutional settlements including $3 million Cleveland Catholic Diocese settlement (22 claims against 16 priests, 2013) and $1.6 million verdict against Cincinnati Public Schools (teacher abuse, 2014). Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

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Important Context

Ohio State University / Richard Strauss: Hundreds of survivors came forward with allegations against OSU team physician Richard Strauss who abused student athletes over decades. The university settled for hundreds of millions of dollars, establishing that federal deliberate indifference claims can reach institutions even when state-law claims may be time-barred for adult survivors.

Urgent notice for adult survivors: Ohio’s 2-year civil SOL for adults is among the shortest in the nation. Adult survivors should consult an attorney without delay. The window closes quickly and exceptions are limited.

Crisis resources: Ohio Domestic Violence Network: 800-934-9840 | Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence: 844-SAY-IT-OH (844-729-4864)