Statute of Limitations
2-year statute of limitations for general personal injury with discovery rule. Ohio recently extended the SOL for childhood sexual abuse claims to 20 years from the date of the abuse. Federal Section 1983 claims apply the state's 2-year SOL but benefit from equitable tolling for minors. Consent decree history at multiple facilities provides documentary evidence for new claims.
2028-06-30
Where to File in Ohio
Ohio juvenile detention abuse cases are filed in the court of common pleas of the county where the facility was located or where the plaintiff resides. Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), Franklin County (Columbus), and Hamilton County (Cincinnati) are the most active jurisdictions. Claims against the Ohio Department of Youth Services may be filed in the Ohio Court of Claims. Federal Section 1983 claims are filed in the Northern District of Ohio (Cleveland/Akron) or Southern District (Columbus/Cincinnati). The Scioto JCF consent decree history provides extensive documentary evidence for ongoing and new claims.
Exposure in Ohio
Source: OJJDP 2024
Source: Ohio DYS Annual Report
Source: Ohio DYS / DOJ investigations