Chapter 2307 | Civil Actions

Section 2307.01 | Action defined.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

An action is an ordinary proceeding in a court of justice, involving process, pleadings, and ending in a judgment or decree, by which a party prosecutes another for the redress of a legal wrong, enforcement of a legal right, or the punishment of a public offense.

Section 2307.011 | Civil action definitions.

• Effective: April 7, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 80 - 125th General Assembly

As used in Chapters 2307. and 2315. of the Revised Code:

(A) "Conduct" means actions or omissions.

(B) "Contributory fault" means contributory negligence, other contributory tortious conduct, or, except as provided with respect to product liability claims in section 2307.711 of the Revised Code, express or implied assumption of the risk.

(C) "Economic loss" means any of the following types of pecuniary harm:

(1) All wages, salaries, or other compensation lost as a result of an injury, death, or loss to person or property that is a subject of a tort action, including wages, salaries, or other compensation lost as of the date of a judgment and future expected lost earnings;

(2) All expenditures for medical care or treatment, rehabilitation services, or other care, treatment, services, products, or accommodations incurred as a result of an injury, death, or loss to person that is a subject of a tort action, including expenditures for those purposes that were incurred as of the date of a judgment and expenditures for those purposes that, in the determination of the trier of fact, will be incurred in the future because of the injury, whether paid by the injured person or by another person on behalf of the injured person;

(3) All expenditures of a person whose property was injured or destroyed or of another person on behalf of the person whose property was injured or destroyed in order to repair or replace the property;

(4) Any other expenditures incurred as a result of an injury, death, or loss to person or property that is a subject of a tort action, except expenditures of the injured person, the person whose property was injured or destroyed, or another person on behalf of the injured person or the person whose property was injured or destroyed in relation to the actual preparation or presentation of the claim involved.

(D) "Intentional tort claim" means a claim alleging that a tortfeasor intentionally caused or intentionally contributed to the injury or loss to person or property or the wrongful death or that a tortfeasor knew or believed that the injury or loss to person or property or the wrongful death was substantially certain to result from the tortfeasor's conduct. As used in sections 2307.22, 2307.711, and 2315.32 of the Revised Code, "intentional tort claim" does not include an intentional tort claim alleged by an employee or the employee's legal representative against the employee's employer and that arises from the tortfeasor's conduct that occurs on premises owned, leased, or supervised by the employer.

(E) "Noneconomic loss" means nonpecuniary harm that results from an injury, death, or loss to person that is a subject of a tort action, including, but not limited to, pain and suffering; loss of society, consortium, companionship, care, assistance, attention, protection, advice, guidance, counsel, instruction, training, or education; mental anguish; and any other intangible loss.

(F) "Person" has the same meaning as in division (C) of section 1.59 of the Revised Code and additionally includes a political subdivision and the state.

(G) "Persons from whom the plaintiff does not seek recovery in this action" includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) Persons who have entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiff;

(2) Persons whom the plaintiff has dismissed from the tort action without prejudice;

(3) Persons whom the plaintiff has dismissed from the tort action with prejudice;

(4) Persons who are not a party to the tort action whether or not that person was or could have been a party to the tort action if the name of the person has been disclosed prior to trial.

(H) "Plaintiff" includes the person for whom the plaintiff is legal representative.

(I) "Political subdivision" and "state" have the same meanings as in section 2744.01 of the Revised Code.

(J) "Tort action" means a civil action for damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property. "Tort action" includes a product liability claim, as defined in section 2307.71 of the Revised Code, and an asbestos claim, as defined in section 2307.91 of the Revised Code, but does not include a civil action for damages for a breach of contract or another agreement between persons.

(K) "Trier of fact" means the jury or, in a nonjury action, the court.

Section 2307.06 | Suit on bond.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

When a person forfeits his bond, or renders his sureties liable thereon, a person injured thereby, or who is entitled to the benefit of the security, may bring an action thereon, in his own name, against the person and his sureties, to recover the amount to which he is entitled by reason of the delinquency, which action may be prosecuted on a certified copy of the bond. A judgment for one delinquency does not preclude the same for another person from bringing an action on the instrument for another delinquency.

Section 2307.07 | Copy of bond.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

On tender of the proper fee, the custodian of the bond referred to in section 2307.06 of the Revised Code shall deliver a copy thereof to a person claiming to be injured. The requirements of such section are not imperative, if other provision is made by law.

Section 2307.09 | Married woman may sue and be sued.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

A married woman may sue and be sued as if she were unmarried, and her husband may be joined with her only when the cause of action is in favor of or against both.

Section 2307.10 | Wife's right to defend.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

When husband and wife are sued together, the wife may defend for her own right; and if the husband neglects to defend she also may defend for his right.

Section 2307.12 | Next friend liable for costs.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

The next friend shall be liable for the costs of the action brought by him. When a next friend is insolvent the court, on motion, may require security for such costs.

Section 2307.131 | Appointment of trustee of interest of person not yet born - representing future interest of charitable trust.

• Effective: October 4, 1955
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 30 - 101st General Assembly

If in any action it shall appear that any persons not yet born are or may become entitled to, or may upon coming into being claim to be entitled to, any future interest, legal or equitable, whether arising by way of remainder, reversion, possibility of reverter, executory devise, upon the happening of a condition subsequent, or otherwise, in any property, real or personal, involved in such suit, the court may, and upon the application of any party to the action shall, appoint some competent and disinterested person as trustee of the interest of such persons not yet born, to appear for and represent in such cause such future interest and to defend the suit for and on behalf of such persons not yet born; and any judgment or decree rendered in such suit shall be as binding and effectual for all purposes as though such persons were born and were parties to such suit. Such persons not yet born need not be served by publication.

In case the beneficiary of any such future interest is a charitable trust, not in being, service shall be made upon the attorney general who shall represent such interest.

Section 2307.14 | Compensation and replacement of guardian ad litem or trustee.

• Effective: May 14, 2008
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 157 - 127th General Assembly

The court shall require a guardian ad litem, or a trustee appointed under section 2307.131 of the Revised Code, faithfully to discharge the guardian ad litem's or trustee's duty, and upon failure to do so, may remove the guardian ad litem or trustee, and appoint another. The court may fix a compensation for the guardian ad litem's or trustee's services, which shall be taxed in the costs against the minor or the unborn persons.

Section 2307.15 | Determination of insanity of a party.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

When the insanity of a party is not manifest to the court, and the fact of insanity is disputed by a party or an attorney in the action, the court may try the question, or impanel a jury to try it.

Section 2307.16 | Partnership may sue or be sued by its name.

• Effective: July 6, 2001
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 108 - 124th General Assembly

A partnership formed for the purpose of carrying on a trade or business in this state, or holding property in this state, may sue or be sued by the usual or ordinary name that it has assumed, or by which it is known.

Section 2307.17 | Person claiming property interest may be made a party.

• Effective: July 6, 2001
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 108 - 124th General Assembly

In an action for the recovery of real or personal property, a person claiming an interest in the property, on application, may be made a party.

Section 2307.18 | Officer acting under process may interplead.

• Effective: July 6, 2001
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 108 - 124th General Assembly

A judicial officer against whom an action is brought to recover personal property taken by the officer on execution, or for the proceeds of such property sold by the officer, upon exhibiting to the court the process under which the officer acted, with the officer's affidavit that the property was taken or sold by the officer under such process, may have the benefit of Civil Rule 22, against the party in whose favor the execution issued.

Section 2307.22 | Joint and several tort liability.

• Effective: April 9, 2003
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 120 - 124th General Assembly

(A) Subject to sections 2307.23 and 2307.24 and except as provided in division (B) of section 2307.70, division (B) of section 4507.07, section 4399.02, or another section of the Revised Code that expressly establishes joint and several tort liability for specified persons, joint and several tort liability shall be determined as follows:

(1) In a tort action in which the trier of fact determines that two or more persons proximately caused the same injury or loss to person or property or the same wrongful death and in which the trier of fact determines that more than fifty per cent of the tortious conduct is attributable to one defendant, that defendant shall be jointly and severally liable in tort for all compensatory damages that represent economic loss.

(2) If division (A)(1) of this section is applicable, each defendant who is determined by the trier of fact to be legally responsible for the same injury or loss to person or property or the same wrongful death and to whom fifty per cent or less of the tortious conduct is attributable shall be liable to the plaintiff only for that defendant's proportionate share of the compensatory damages that represent economic loss. The proportionate share of a defendant shall be calculated by multiplying the total amount of the economic damages awarded to the plaintiff by the percentage of tortious conduct as determined pursuant to section 2307.23 of the Revised Code that is attributable to that defendant.

(3) In a tort action in which the trier of fact determines that two or more persons proximately caused the same injury or loss to person or property or the same wrongful death and in which the trier of fact determines that fifty per cent or less of the tortious conduct is attributable to any defendant against whom an intentional tort claim has been alleged and established, that defendant shall be jointly and severally liable in tort for all compensatory damages that represent economic loss.

(4) If division (A)(3) of this section is applicable, each defendant against whom an intentional tort claim has not been alleged and established, who is determined by the trier of fact to be legally responsible for the same injury or loss to person or property or the same wrongful death, and to whom fifty per cent or less of the tortious conduct is attributable shall be liable to the plaintiff only for that defendant's proportionate share of the compensatory damages that represent economic loss. The proportionate share of a defendant shall be calculated by multiplying the total amount of the economic damages awarded to the plaintiff by the percentage of tortious conduct as determined pursuant to section 2307.23 of the Revised Code that is attributable to that defendant.

(B) Except as otherwise provided in divisions (A)(3) and (4) of this section, in a tort action in which the trier of fact determines that two or more persons proximately caused the same injury or loss to person or property or the same wrongful death and in which the trier of fact determines that fifty per cent or less of the tortious conduct is attributable to each defendant, each defendant shall be liable to the plaintiff only for that defendant's proportionate share of the compensatory damages that represent economic loss. The proportionate share of a defendant shall be calculated by multiplying the total amount of the economic damages awarded to the plaintiff by the percentage of tortious conduct as determined pursuant to section 2307.23 of the Revised Code that is attributable to that defendant.

(C) In a tort action in which the trier of fact determines that two or more persons proximately caused the same injury or loss to person or property or the same wrongful death, each defendant who is determined by the trier of fact to be legally responsible for the same injury or loss to person or property or for the same wrongful death shall be liable to the plaintiff only for that defendant's proportionate share of the compensatory damages that represent noneconomic loss. The proportionate share of a defendant shall be calculated by multiplying the total amount of the noneconomic damages awarded to the plaintiff by the percentage of tortious conduct as determined pursuant to section 2307.23 of the Revised Code that is attributable to that defendant.

(D) Sections 2307.25 to 2307.29 of the Revised Code shall apply to joint and several tort liability that is described in division (A) of this section.

Section 2307.23 | Determining percentage of tortious conduct attributable to party in tort action.

• Effective: April 7, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 80 - 125th General Assembly

(A) In determining the percentage of tortious conduct attributable to a party in a tort action under section 2307.22 or sections 2315.32 to 2315.36 of the Revised Code, the court in a nonjury action shall make findings of fact, and the jury in a jury action shall return a general verdict accompanied by answers to interrogatories, that shall specify all of the following:

(1) The percentage of tortious conduct that proximately caused the injury or loss to person or property or the wrongful death that is attributable to the plaintiff and to each party to the tort action from whom the plaintiff seeks recovery in this action;

(2) The percentage of tortious conduct that proximately caused the injury or loss to person or property or the wrongful death that is attributable to each person from whom the plaintiff does not seek recovery in this action.

(B) The sum of the percentages of tortious conduct as determined pursuant to division (A) of this section shall equal one hundred per cent.

(C) For purposes of division (A)(2) of this section, it is an affirmative defense for each party to the tort action from whom the plaintiff seeks recovery in this action that a specific percentage of the tortious conduct that proximately caused the injury or loss to person or property or the wrongful death is attributable to one or more persons from whom the plaintiff does not seek recovery in this action. Any party to the tort action from whom the plaintiff seeks recovery in this action may raise an affirmative defense under this division at any time before the trial of the action.

Section 2307.24 | Joint and several liability that is not based in tort.

• Effective: April 9, 2003
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 120 - 124th General Assembly

(A) Sections 2307.22 and 2307.23 of the Revised Code do not affect joint and several liability that is not based in tort.

(B) Sections 2307.22 and 2307.23 of the Revised Code do not affect any other section of the Revised Code or the common law of this state to the extent that the other section or common law makes a principal, master, or other person vicariously liable for the tortious conduct of an agent, servant, or other person. For purposes of section 2307.22 of the Revised Code, a principal and agent, a master and servant, or other persons having a vicarious liability relationship shall constitute a single party when determining percentages of tortious conduct in a tort action in which vicarious liability is asserted.

Section 2307.241 | Tort actions alleging vicarious liability.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 179 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "chiropractic claim," "chiropractor," "dental claim," "dentist," "medical claim," "optometric claim," "optometrist," "physical therapist," "physician," and "podiatrist" have the same meanings as in section 2305.113 of the Revised Code.

(B) In a tort action alleging respondeat superior or vicarious liability, the following apply:

(1) If liability arises against both a principal and agent, master and servant, employer and employee, or other persons having a vicarious liability relationship, the injured party may sue either the primarily liable agent, servant, employee, or person or the secondarily liable principal, master, employer, or person, or both.

(2) For the injured party to prevail in a tort action alleging respondeat superior or vicarious liability against a secondarily liable principal, master, employer, or other person, both of the following apply:

(a) A primarily liable agent, servant, employee, or person committed the act or omission on which the tort action is based, while in the course of, and within the scope of, that agent's, servant's, employee's, or person's agency or servant relationship with, or employment by, the secondarily liable principal, master, employer, or other person.

(b) A primarily liable agent, servant, employee, or person is not a necessary party to the tort action alleging respondeat superior or vicarious liability against a secondarily liable principal, master, employer, or other person, unless the tort action is any of the following:

(i) An action upon a medical claim against a physician, podiatrist, or physical therapist;

(ii) An action upon a dental claim against a dentist;

(iii) An action upon an optometric claim against an optometrist;

(iv) An action upon a chiropractic claim against a chiropractor;

(v) An action upon a legal malpractice claim against an attorney.

(C) Nothing in this section modifies the legal principle that the respondeat superior or vicarious liability of a principal, master, employer, or person is derivative of the liability of an agent, servant, employee, or person. In order for a principal, master, employer, or person to be found liable for the act or omission on which a tort action is based, an agent, servant, employee, or person shall have committed such act or omission while in the course of, or within the scope of, the agent's, servant's, employee's, or person's agency or servant relationship with, or employment by, the principal, master, employer, or other person.

Last updated September 4, 2024 at 4:03 PM

Section 2307.25 | Right of contribution.

• Effective: April 9, 2003
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 120 - 124th General Assembly

(A) Except as otherwise provided in sections 2307.25 to 2307.28 of the Revised Code, if one or more persons are jointly and severally liable in tort for the same injury or loss to person or property or for the same wrongful death, there may be a right of contribution even though judgment has not been recovered against all or any of them. The right of contribution exists only in favor of a tortfeasor who has paid more than that tortfeasor's proportionate share of the common liability, and that tortfeasor's total recovery is limited to the amount paid by that tortfeasor in excess of that tortfeasor's proportionate share. No tortfeasor may be compelled to make contribution beyond that tortfeasor's own proportionate share of the common liability. There is no right of contribution in favor of any tortfeasor against whom an intentional tort claim has been alleged and established.

(B) A tortfeasor who enters into a settlement with a claimant is not entitled to contribution from another tortfeasor whose liability for the injury or loss to person or property or the wrongful death is not extinguished by the settlement, or in respect to any amount paid in a settlement that is in excess of what is reasonable.

(C) A liability insurer that by payment has discharged in full or in part the liability of a tortfeasor and has discharged in full by the payment its obligation as insurer is subrogated to the tortfeasor's right of contribution to the extent of the amount it has paid in excess of the tortfeasor's proportionate share of the common liability. This division does not limit or impair any right of subrogation arising from any other relationship.

(D) This section does not impair any right of indemnity under existing law. If one tortfeasor is entitled to indemnity from another, the right of the indemnity obligee is for indemnity and not contribution, and the indemnity obligor is not entitled to contribution from the obligee for any portion of the indemnity obligation.

(E) This section does not apply to breaches of trust or of other fiduciary obligations.

(F) The proportionate shares of tortfeasors in the common liability shall be based upon their relative degrees of legal responsibility. If equity requires the collective liability of some as a group, the group shall constitute a single share, and principles of equity applicable to contribution generally shall apply.

(G) Whether or not judgment has been entered in an action against two or more tortfeasors for the same injury or loss to person or property or for the same wrongful death, contribution may be enforced by separate action.

(H) Whenever the provisions of the "Federal Tort Claims Act," 60 Stat. 842 (1946), 28 U.S.C. 2671 et seq., are applicable to a tort and the United States is held liable in tort, the United States has no right of contribution under this section against the state pursuant to the waiver of sovereign immunity contained in Chapter 2743. of the Revised Code.

Section 2307.26 | Enforcing contribution one or more tortfeasors.

• Effective: April 9, 2003
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 120 - 124th General Assembly

If a judgment that imposes joint and several liability has been entered in an action against one or more tortfeasors for the same injury or loss to person or property or for the same wrongful death, contribution may be enforced in that action by judgment in favor of one against other judgment debtors, by motion, upon notice to all parties to the action. If there is a judgment for the injury or loss to person or property or the wrongful death against the tortfeasor seeking contribution, that tortfeasor shall commence any separate action to enforce contribution within one year after the judgment has become final by lapse of time for appeal or after appellate review.

If there is no judgment for the injury or loss to person or property or the wrongful death against the tortfeasor seeking contribution, that tortfeasor's right of contribution is barred unless either of the following applies:

(A) That tortfeasor has discharged by payment the common liability within the statute of limitations period applicable to the claimant's right of action against that tortfeasor and has commenced that tortfeasor's action for contribution within one year after the payment.

(B) That tortfeasor has agreed while an action is pending against that tortfeasor to discharge the common liability and has paid within one year after the agreement the common liability and commenced that tortfeasor's action for contribution.

Section 2307.27 | Satisfying judgment - apportioning liability.

• Effective: April 9, 2003
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 120 - 124th General Assembly

(A) The recovery of a judgment for an injury or loss to person or property or a wrongful death against one tortfeasor does not of itself discharge the other tortfeasors from liability for the injury, loss, or wrongful death unless the judgment is satisfied. The satisfaction of the judgment does not impair any right of contribution.

(B) Valid answers to interrogatories by a jury or findings of fact by a court sitting without a jury in determining the percentage of liability of several defendants for an injury or loss to person or property or a wrongful death shall be binding as among those defendants in determining their right to contribution.

Section 2307.28 | Release or a covenant not to sue or not to enforce judgment.

• Effective: April 9, 2003
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 120 - 124th General Assembly

When a release or a covenant not to sue or not to enforce judgment is given in good faith to one of two or more persons for the same injury or loss to person or property or the same wrongful death, both of the following apply:

(A) The release or covenant does not discharge any of the other tortfeasors from liability for the injury, loss, or wrongful death unless its terms otherwise provide, but it reduces the claim against the other tortfeasors to the extent of the greater of any amount stipulated by the release or the covenant or the amount of the consideration paid for it, except that the reduction of the claim against the other tortfeasors shall not apply in any case in which the reduction results in the plaintiff recovering less than the total amount of the plaintiff's compensatory damages awarded by the trier of fact and except that in any case in which the reduction does not apply the plaintiff shall not recover more than the total amount of the plaintiff's compensatory damages awarded by the trier of fact.

(B) The release or covenant discharges the person to whom it is given from all liability for contribution to any other tortfeasor.

Section 2307.29 | Contribution rights relation to other statutes.

• Effective: April 7, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 80 - 125th General Assembly

No provision of sections 2307.25 to 2307.28 of the Revised Code applies to a tort claim to the extent that sections 2307.22 to 2307.24 or sections 2315.32 to 2315.36 of the Revised Code make a party against whom a judgment is entered liable to the plaintiff only for the proportionate share of that party as described in those sections.

Section 2307.30 | Separate composition of joint debtor with creditor.

• Effective: August 6, 2008
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 332 - 127th General Assembly

(A) A joint debtor may make a separate composition or compromise with any creditor. Any composition or compromise shall be a full and effectual discharge to the debtor who makes it, but only to that person, from all liability to the creditor with whom it is made, according to its terms. A debtor who makes such a composition or compromise may take from the creditor a note or memorandum in writing exonerating the debtor from all individual liability incurred by reason of the joint debt. That note or memorandum may be given in evidence to bar the creditor's right of recovery against the debtor. If joint liability is by judgment in a court of record in this state, on production to and filing of the note or memorandum with the clerk of the court, the clerk shall discharge the judgment of record as far as the compromising debtor is concerned.

(B) A compromise or composition with one joint debtor shall not discharge other joint debtors or impair the right of the creditor to proceed against other joint debtors who have not been discharged. A joint debtor who is proceeded against may counterclaim against the creditor for any demand that could have been asserted as a counterclaim had the suit by the creditor been brought against all of the joint debtors.

(C) A compromise or discharge of one joint debtor does not prevent the other joint debtors from availing themselves of any defense, except that they shall not set up the discharge of one debtor as a discharge of the others unless it appears that all were intended to be discharged. The discharge of one debtor is deemed a payment to the creditor equal to the proportionate liability of the discharged debtor.

(D) A compromise or composition by a joint debtor with a creditor does not affect any right the other joint debtors have to call on the discharged debtor for that person's ratable portion of the joint debt.

Section 2307.34 | Cause of action for contribution in favor of primary insurer against secondary insurer.

• Effective: October 20, 1994
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 20 - 120th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Leased motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is the subject of a lease agreement governed by Chapter 4901:2-3 of the Ohio Administrative Code or 49 C.F.R. 1057.

(2) "Nontrucking activity," as used in relation to the operation of a leased motor vehicle, means any of the following:

(a) Any operation of the leased motor vehicle that is not for the benefit of the lessee;

(b) Any operation of the leased motor vehicle by anyone other than an operator who previously has been qualified and authorized by the lessee or authorized agents of the lessee to operate the vehicle;

(c) Any operation of the leased motor vehicle for the purpose of conducting any personal or business affairs of the vehicle owner or his agents or employees, if the operation results in a diversion of the vehicle, while transporting property for the lessee, from its normal or reasonable route between its point of origin and point of destination and all scheduled pick-up or delivery stops en route thereto;

(d) Any operation of the leased vehicle by any person to transport property without the prior knowledge and consent of the lessee.

(3) "Primary insurer," as used in relation to the operation of a leased motor vehicle, means an insurance company authorized to do business in this state that issues or delivers a policy of motor vehicle liability insurance to a motor carrier authorized by the public utilities commission to conduct operations in this state.

(4) "Secondary insurer," as used in relation to the operation of a leased motor vehicle, means an insurance company authorized to do business in this state that issues or delivers a policy of motor vehicle liability insurance to the owner of a motor vehicle leased to a motor carrier authorized by the public utilities commission to conduct operations in this state.

(B) A cause of action for contribution in favor of a primary insurer against a secondary insurer exists if all of the following apply:

(1) The primary insurer issues a policy of motor vehicle liability insurance to a motor carrier to pay any final judgment recovered against the motor carrier for the death of any person or an injury to or loss to person or property of any person resulting from the negligent operation, maintenance, or use of motor vehicles displaying the identification placards of the motor carrier, as required by the interstate commerce commission or the public utilities commission;

(2) The motor carrier enters into a lease agreement with the owner of a motor vehicle not owned by the motor carrier, that provides that an operator not employed by the motor carrier will, during the duration of the lease, operate the motor vehicle in service to the motor carrier and will display on the motor vehicle the required identification placards;

(3) Due to the negligent operation by the operator of the leased motor vehicle an accident involving the leased motor vehicle occurs while the operator is engaged in a nontrucking activity, resulting in the death of any person or in an injury to or loss to person or property of any person, and the operator is not an employee of the motor carrier;

(4) The primary insurer pays a final judgment to compensate a party for the death of any person as the result of the accident or for an injury or loss to person or property of the party as the result of the accident;

(5) At the time of the accident, a secondary insurer had issued to the owner of the motor vehicle a policy of motor vehicle liability insurance to pay any final judgment recovered against the owner for the death of any person or an injury to or loss to person or property of any person resulting from the negligent operation, maintenance, or use of the motor vehicle while it is being operated during a nontrucking activity.

(C) No motor carrier authorized by the public utilities commission to conduct operations in this state shall be liable in civil damages for any death, injury, or loss caused by a motor vehicle not owned by the motor carrier, or caused by an operator not employed by the motor carrier, unless the motor vehicle is being operated in service of the motor carrier pursuant to a valid lease agreement at the time the injury or damage occurs. The unauthorized display of a motor carrier's name on a motor vehicle not owned by the motor carrier shall not be grounds for imposing any civil liability on the motor carrier.

Section 2307.381 | Long-arm statute definitions.

• Effective: September 28, 1965
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 406 - 106th General Assembly

As used in sections 2307.381 to 2307.385, inclusive, of the Revised Code, "person" includes an individual, his executor, administrator, or other personal representative, or a corporation, partnership, association, or any other legal or commercial entity, who is a nonresident of this state.

Section 2307.382 | Personal jurisdiction.

• Effective: December 16, 2020
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 272, Senate Bill 10 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) A court may exercise personal jurisdiction over a person who acts directly or by an agent, as to a cause of action arising from the person's:

(1) Transacting any business in this state;

(2) Contracting to supply services or goods in this state;

(3) Causing tortious injury by an act or omission in this state;

(4) Causing tortious injury in this state by an act or omission outside this state if the person regularly does or solicits business, or engages in any other persistent course of conduct, or derives substantial revenue from goods used or consumed or services rendered in this state;

(5) Causing injury in this state to any person by breach of warranty expressly or impliedly made in the sale of goods outside this state when the person might reasonably have expected such person to use, consume, or be affected by the goods in this state, provided that the person also regularly does or solicits business, or engages in any other persistent course of conduct, or derives substantial revenue from goods used or consumed or services rendered in this state;

(6) Causing tortious injury in this state to any person by an act outside this state committed with the purpose of injuring persons, when the person might reasonably have expected that some person would be injured thereby in this state;

(7) Causing tortious injury to any person by a criminal act, any element of which takes place in this state, which the person commits or in the commission of which the person is guilty of complicity.

(8) Having an interest in, using, or possessing real property in this state;

(9) Contracting to insure any person, property, or risk located within this state at the time of contracting.

(B) For purposes of this section, a person who enters into an agreement, as a principal, with a sales representative for the solicitation of orders in this state is transacting business in this state. As used in this division, "principal" and "sales representative" have the same meanings as in section 1335.11 of the Revised Code.

(C) In addition to a court's exercise of personal jurisdiction under division (A) of this section, a court may exercise personal jurisdiction over a person on any basis consistent with the Ohio Constitution and the United States Constitution.

Section 2307.385 | Jurisdiction.

• Effective: September 28, 1965
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 406 - 106th General Assembly

A court of this state may exercise jurisdiction on any other basis authorized in the Revised Code notwithstanding sections 2307.381 to 2307.385, inclusive, of the Revised Code.

Section 2307.39 | Agreements to be bound by Ohio law.

• Effective: June 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 9 - 129th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, any person may bring a civil action in a court of this state against an individual, corporation, or other person who is a resident of, incorporated under the laws of, or otherwise engaged in the conduct of business in a foreign nation or a province, territory, or other political subdivision of a foreign nation, against a foreign nation, or against a province, territory, or other political subdivision of a foreign nation upon a cause of action that arises out of or relates to a contingent or other contract, agreement, or undertaking, whether or not it bears a reasonable relation to this state, if the contract, agreement, or undertaking contains both of the following provisions:

(1) An agreement by the parties to be governed in their rights and duties under the contract, agreement, or undertaking, in whole or in part, by the law of this state;

(2) An agreement by the parties to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state.

(B) The court shall not stay or dismiss a civil action brought in accordance with division (A) of this section on the ground of inconvenient forum. In the civil action, the court shall apply the law of this state as agreed upon by the parties.

(C) This section applies to a transaction covered by section 1301.301 of the Revised Code unless the transaction is subject to a limitation on choice of law specified in division (B) of that section. This section does not apply to a contract, agreement, or undertaking for labor or personal services or for a consumer transaction, as defined by section 1345.01 of the Revised Code.

(D) This section does not limit or deny, and shall not be construed as limiting or denying the enforcement of a provision respecting choice of law or choice of forum in a contract, agreement, or undertaking to which this section does not apply.

Section 2307.40 | Members and officers of the general assembly privileged from answering.

• Effective: September 17, 1973
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 994 - 110th General Assembly

A member of the senate or house of representatives, or an officer of either branch of the general assembly, shall be privileged from answering to a suit instituted against him in a county other than the one in which he resides upon a cause of action which accrued ten days before the first day of a session of the general assembly of which he is an officer or a member. All proceedings in actions to which such a person is a party shall be stayed during such session, and the time necessarily employed in going thereto and returning therefrom.

Section 2307.41 | Venue for aircraft negligence.

• Effective: July 25, 1961
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 9 - 104th General Assembly

Actions for injury to a person or property caused by the negligence of the pilot, operator, legal or equitable owner, lessor, or lessee of an aircraft may be brought by the person injured against such pilot, operator, legal or equitable owner, lessor, or lessee in the county in which such injury occurred, or in any county on or over which the aircraft passes in the course of the voyage. A summons in such action against any defendant shall be issued to the sheriff of any county within this state in which such defendant resides and shall be served as in other civil actions.

Section 2307.44 | Hazing civil liability.

• Effective: March 3, 1983
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 444 - 114th General Assembly

Any person who is subjected to hazing, as defined in division (A) of section 2903.31 of the Revised Code, may commence a civil action for injury or damages, including mental and physical pain and suffering, that result from the hazing. The action may be brought against any participants in the hazing, any organization whose local or national directors, trustees, or officers authorized, requested, commanded, or tolerated the hazing, and any local or national director, trustee, or officer of the organization who authorized, requested, commanded, or tolerated the hazing. If the hazing involves students in a primary, secondary, or post-secondary school, university, college, or any other educational institution, an action may also be brought against any administrator, employee, or faculty member of the school, university, college, or other educational institution who knew or reasonably should have known of the hazing and who did not make reasonable attempts to prevent it and against the school, university, college, or other educational institution. If an administrator, employee, or faculty member is found liable in a civil action for hazing, then notwithstanding Chapter 2743. of the Revised Code, the school, university, college, or other educational institution that employed the administrator, employee, or faculty member may also be held liable.

The negligence or consent of the plaintiff or any assumption of the risk by the plaintiff is not a defense to an action brought pursuant to this section. In an action against a school, university, college, or other educational institution, it is an affirmative defense that the school, university, college, or other institution was actively enforcing a policy against hazing at the time the cause of action arose.

Section 2307.45 | Reciprocity in enforcing tax statutes.

• Effective: September 21, 1982
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 379 - 114th General Assembly

The courts of this state shall recognize and enforce statutes concerning taxation constitutionally imposed by other states that extend like comity.

Section 2307.46 | Request for confidentiality by woman bringing civil action based on abortion.

• Effective: May 28, 1992
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 108 - 119th General Assembly

(A) In any civil action based on or related to any injury, death, or loss to person or property suffered as a result of the performance or inducement of an abortion or suffered as a result of an attempt to perform or induce an abortion, the woman upon whom the abortion was allegedly performed, induced, or attempted, at the time of the filing of the complaint in the civil action, may file a motion with the court requesting that her identity only be revealed to the defendant and to the court and that in all other respects the civil action be conducted in a manner that maintains her confidentiality. The motion shall set forth the reasons for the requested confidentiality. Prior to service of the complaint, the court shall conduct an ex parte hearing in a timely manner to determine whether sufficient cause exists to require that the confidentiality of the movant be maintained in the civil action. The decision of the court on the motion is final and is not subject to appeal.

(B) The supreme court shall prescribe rules to implement division (A) of this section.

Section 2307.50 | Civil action to recover damages for interference with the parental or guardianship interest.

• Effective: July 1, 1996
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 2 - 121st General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Child stealing crime" means a violation of sections 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.03, and 2919.23 of the Revised Code or section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to the effective date of this amendment.

(2) "Minor" means a person under eighteen years of age.

(3) "Parental or guardianship interest" means that a parent of a minor is the residential parent and legal custodian of the minor and has the rights corresponding to that capacity, that a parent of a minor is the parent other than the residential parent of the minor and has a right of access to the minor, that the parents of a minor have parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the minor and are the residential parents and legal custodians of the child, or that any other person has a right of custody or access to a minor as his guardian or other custodian.

(B) Except as provided in division (D) of this section, if a minor is the victim of a child stealing crime and if, as a result of that crime, the minor's parents, parent who is the residential parent and legal custodian, parent who is not the residential parent and legal custodian, guardian, or other custodian is deprived of a parental or guardianship interest in the minor, the parents, parent who is the residential parent and legal custodian, parent who is not the residential parent and legal custodian, guardian, or other custodian may maintain a civil action against the offender to recover damages for interference with the parental or guardianship interest. In the civil action, the plaintiffs may recover all of the following:

(1) Full compensatory damages, including, but not limited to, damages for the mental suffering and anguish incurred by the plaintiffs, damages for the loss of society of the minor, and, if applicable, damages for the loss of the minor's services and damages for expenses incurred by the plaintiffs in locating or recovering the minor;

(2) Punitive damages;

(3) Reasonable attorney's fees;

(4) Costs of bringing the civil action.

(C) In a civil action brought pursuant to this section, the trier of fact may determine that the minor was the victim of a child stealing crime and that the defendant committed the crime, regardless of whether the defendant has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a child stealing crime.

(D) This section does not create a civil action for one parent against the other parent who commits a child stealing crime against the parent's own child.

Section 2307.51 | Civil action for damages related to crime of trafficking in persons.

• Effective: June 27, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 262 - 129th General Assembly

(A) A victim of a violation of section 2905.32 of the Revised Code has and may commence a civil cause of action for compensatory and punitive damages against the trafficker for harm that resulted from the violation of section 2905.32 of the Revised Code.

(B) The cause of action created by this section is in addition to any other cause of action available under statutory or common law.

Section 2307.52 | Civil action for damages for terminating or attempting termination of pregnancy after viability.

• Effective: October 20, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 78 - 129th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Frivolous conduct" has the same meaning as in section 2323.51 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Viable" has the same meaning as in section 2919.16 of the Revised Code.

(B) A woman upon whom an abortion is purposely performed or induced or attempted to be performed or induced in violation of division (A) of section 2919.17 of the Revised Code has and may commence a civil action for compensatory damages, punitive or exemplary damages if authorized by section 2315.21 of the Revised Code, and court costs and reasonable attorney's fees against the person who purposely performed or induced or attempted to perform or induce the abortion in violation of division (A) of section 2919.17 of the Revised Code.

(C) If a judgment is rendered in favor of the defendant in a civil action commenced pursuant to division (B) of this section and the court finds, upon the filing of a motion under section 2323.51 of the Revised Code, that the commencement of the civil action constitutes frivolous conduct and that the defendant was adversely affected by the frivolous conduct, the court shall award in accordance with section 2323.51 of the Revised Code reasonable attorney's fees to the defendant.

Section 2307.53 | Civil action for damages for dismemberment abortion or partial birth feticide.

• Effective: March 22, 2019
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 145 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "D ismemberment abortion" has the same meaning as in section 2919.15 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Frivolous conduct" has the same meaning as in section 2323.51 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Partial birth procedure" has the same meaning as in section 2919.151 of the Revised Code.

(B) A woman upon whom a partial birth procedure is performed in violation of division (B) or (C) of section 2919.151 of the Revised Code, a woman upon whom a dismemberment abortion is performed in violation of division (B) of section 2919.15 of the Revised Code, the father of the child if the child was not conceived by rape, or the parent of the woman if the woman is not eighteen years of age or older at the time of the violation has and may commence a civil action for compensatory damages, punitive or exemplary damages if authorized by section 2315.21 of the Revised Code, and court costs and reasonable attorney's fees against the person who committed the violation.

(C) If a judgment is rendered in favor of the defendant in a civil action commenced pursuant to division (B) of this section and the court finds, upon the filing of a motion under section 2323.51 of the Revised Code, that the commencement of the civil action constitutes frivolous conduct and that the defendant was adversely affected by the frivolous conduct, the court shall award in accordance with section 2323.51 of the Revised Code reasonable attorney's fees to the defendant.

Section 2307.54 | Civil action for abortion after 20 weeks.

• Effective: March 14, 2017
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 127 - 131st General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "frivolous conduct" has the same meaning as in section 2323.51 of the Revised Code.

(B) A woman upon whom an abortion is purposely performed or induced or purposely attempted to be performed or induced, or the father of the unborn child who was the subject of such an abortion, in violation of division (E) of section 2919.201 of the Revised Code, has and may commence a civil action for compensatory damages, punitive or exemplary damages if authorized by section 2315.21 of the Revised Code, and court costs and reasonable attorney's fees against the person who purposely performed or induced or purposely attempted to perform or induce the abortion in violation of division (E) of section 2919.201 of the Revised Code.

(C) If a judgment is rendered in favor of the defendant in a civil action commenced pursuant to division (B) of this section and the court finds, upon the filing of a motion under section 2323.51 of the Revised Code, that the commencement of the civil action constitutes frivolous conduct and that the defendant was adversely affected by the frivolous conduct, the court shall award in accordance with section 2323.51 of the Revised Code reasonable attorney's fees to the defendant.

Section 2307.60 | Civil action for damages for criminal act.

• Effective: September 9, 2008
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 184 - 127th General Assembly

(A)(1) Anyone injured in person or property by a criminal act has, and may recover full damages in, a civil action unless specifically excepted by law, may recover the costs of maintaining the civil action and attorney's fees if authorized by any provision of the Rules of Civil Procedure or another section of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state, and may recover punitive or exemplary damages if authorized by section 2315.21 or another section of the Revised Code.

(2) A final judgment of a trial court that has not been reversed on appeal or otherwise set aside, nullified, or vacated, entered after a trial or upon a plea of guilty, but not upon a plea of no contest or the equivalent plea from another jurisdiction, that adjudges an offender guilty of an offense of violence punishable by death or imprisonment in excess of one year, when entered as evidence in any subsequent civil proceeding based on the criminal act, shall preclude the offender from denying in the subsequent civil proceeding any fact essential to sustaining that judgment, unless the offender can demonstrate that extraordinary circumstances prevented the offender from having a full and fair opportunity to litigate the issue in the criminal proceeding or other extraordinary circumstances justify affording the offender an opportunity to relitigate the issue. The offender may introduce evidence of the offender's pending appeal of the final judgment of the trial court, if applicable, and the court may consider that evidence in determining the liability of the offender.

(B)(1) As used in division (B) of this section:

(a) "Tort action" means a civil action for damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property other than a civil action for damages for a breach of contract or another agreement between persons. "Tort action" includes, but is not limited to, a product liability claim, as defined in section 2307.71 of the Revised Code, and an asbestos claim, as defined in section 2307.91 of the Revised Code, an action for wrongful death under Chapter 2125. of the Revised Code, and an action based on derivative claims for relief.

(b) "Residence" has the same meaning as in section 2901.05 of the Revised Code.

(2) Recovery on a claim for relief in a tort action is barred to any person or the person's legal representative if any of the following apply:

(a) The person has been convicted of or has pleaded guilty to a felony, or to a misdemeanor that is an offense of violence, arising out of criminal conduct that was a proximate cause of the injury or loss for which relief is claimed in the tort action.

(b) The person engaged in conduct that, if prosecuted, would constitute a felony, a misdemeanor that is an offense of violence, an attempt to commit a felony, or an attempt to commit a misdemeanor that is an offense of violence and that conduct was a proximate cause of the injury or loss for which relief is claimed in the tort action, regardless of whether the person has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or has been charged with committing the felony, the misdemeanor, or the attempt to commit the felony or misdemeanor.

(c) The person suffered the injury or loss for which relief is claimed in the tort action as a proximate result of the victim of conduct that, if prosecuted, would constitute a felony, a misdemeanor that is an offense of violence, an attempt to commit a felony, or an attempt to commit a misdemeanor that is an offense of violence acting against the person in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of the victim's residence, regardless of whether the person has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or has been charged with committing the felony, the misdemeanor, or the attempt to commit the felony or misdemeanor. Division (B)(2)(c) of this section does not apply if the person who suffered the injury or loss, at the time of the victim's act of self-defense, defense of another, or defense of residence, was an innocent bystander who had no connection with the underlying conduct that prompted the victim's exercise of self-defense, defense of another, or defense of residence.

(3) Recovery against a victim of conduct that, if prosecuted, would constitute a felony, a misdemeanor that is an offense of violence, an attempt to commit a felony, or an attempt to commit a misdemeanor that is an offense of violence, on a claim for relief in a tort action is barred to any person or the person's legal representative if conduct the person engaged in against that victim was a proximate cause of the injury or loss for which relief is claimed in the tort action and that conduct, if prosecuted, would constitute a felony, a misdemeanor that is an offense of violence, an attempt to commit a felony, or an attempt to commit a misdemeanor that is an offense of violence, regardless of whether the person has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or has been charged with committing the felony, the misdemeanor, or the attempt to commit the felony or misdemeanor.

(4) Divisions (B)(1) to (3) of this section do not apply to civil claims based upon alleged intentionally tortious conduct, alleged violations of the United States Constitution, or alleged violations of statutes of the United States pertaining to civil rights. For purposes of division (B)(4) of this section, a person's act of self-defense, defense of another, or defense of the person's residence does not constitute intentionally tortious conduct.

Section 2307.601 | No duty to retreat in residence or vehicle.

• Effective: April 6, 2021
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 175 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Residence" has the same meaning as in section 2901.05 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Tort action" has the same meaning as in section 2307.60 of the Revised Code.

(B) For purposes of determining the potential liability of a person in a tort action related to the person's use of force alleged to be in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of the person's residence, the person has no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of that person's residence if that person is in a place in which the person lawfully has a right to be.

(C) A trier of fact shall not consider the possibility of retreat as a factor in determining whether or not a person who used force in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of that person's residence reasonably believed that the force was necessary to prevent injury, loss, or risk to life or safety.

Section 2307.61 | Civil action for willful damage or theft.

• Effective: September 1, 2008
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 545 - 127th General Assembly

(A) If a property owner brings a civil action pursuant to division (A) of section 2307.60 of the Revised Code to recover damages from any person who willfully damages the owner's property or who commits a theft offense, as defined in section 2913.01 of the Revised Code, involving the owner's property, the property owner may recover as follows:

(1) In the civil action, the property owner may elect to recover moneys as described in division (A)(1)(a) or (b) of this section:

(a) Compensatory damages that may include, but are not limited to, the value of the property and liquidated damages in whichever of the following amounts applies:

(i) Fifty dollars, if the value of the property was fifty dollars or less at the time it was willfully damaged or was the subject of a theft offense;

(ii) One hundred dollars, if the value of the property was more than fifty dollars, but not more than one hundred dollars, at the time it was willfully damaged or was the subject of a theft offense;

(iii) One hundred fifty dollars, if the value of the property was more than one hundred dollars at the time it was willfully damaged or was the subject of a theft offense.

(b) Liquidated damages in whichever of the following amounts is greater:

(i) Two hundred dollars;

(ii) Three times the value of the property at the time it was willfully damaged or was the subject of a theft offense, irrespective of whether the property is recovered by way of replevin or otherwise, is destroyed or otherwise damaged, is modified or otherwise altered, or is resalable at its full market price. This division does not apply to a check, negotiable order of withdrawal, share draft, or other negotiable instrument that was returned or dishonored for insufficient funds by a financial institution if the check, negotiable order of withdrawal, share draft, or other negotiable instrument was presented by an individual borrower to a licensee under sections 1321.35 to 1321.48 of the Revised Code for a loan transaction.

(2) In a civil action in which the value of the property that was willfully damaged or was the subject of a theft offense is less than five thousand dollars, the property owner may recover damages as described in division (A)(1)(a) or (b) of this section and additionally may recover the reasonable administrative costs, if any, of the property owner that were incurred in connection with actions taken pursuant to division (A)(2) of this section, the cost of maintaining the civil action, and reasonable attorney's fees, if all of the following apply:

(a) The property owner, at least thirty days prior to the filing of the civil action, serves a written demand for payment of moneys as described in division (A)(1)(a) of this section and the reasonable administrative costs, if any, of the property owner that have been incurred in connection with actions taken pursuant to division (A)(2) of this section, upon the person who willfully damaged the property or committed the theft offense.

(b) The demand conforms to the requirements of division (C) of this section and is sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(c) Either the person who willfully damaged the property or committed the theft offense does not make payment to the property owner of the amount specified in the demand within thirty days after the date of its service upon that person and does not enter into an agreement with the property owner during that thirty-day period for that payment or the person who willfully damaged the property or committed the theft offense enters into an agreement with the property owner during that thirty-day period for that payment but does not make that payment in accordance with the agreement.

(B) If a property owner who brings a civil action pursuant to division (A) of section 2307.60 of the Revised Code to recover damages for willful damage to property or for a theft offense attempts to collect the reasonable administrative costs, if any, of the property owner that have been incurred in connection with actions taken pursuant to division (A)(2) of this section, the cost of maintaining the civil action, and reasonable attorney's fees under authority of that division and if the defendant prevails in the civil action, the defendant may recover from the property owner reasonable attorney's fees, the cost of defending the civil action, and any compensatory damages that may be proven.

(C) For purposes of division (A)(2) of this section, a written demand for payment shall include a conspicuous notice to the person upon whom the demand is to be served that indicates all of the following:

(1) The willful property damage or theft offense that the person allegedly committed;

(2) That, if the person makes payment of the amount specified in the demand within thirty days after its service upon the person or enters into an agreement with the property owner during that thirty-day period for that payment and makes that payment in accordance with the agreement, the person cannot be sued by the property owner in a civil action in relation to the willful property damage or theft offense;

(3) That, if the person fails to make payment of the amount specified in the demand within thirty days after the date of its service upon the person and fails to enter into an agreement for that payment with the property owner during that thirty-day period or enters into an agreement for that payment with the property owner during that thirty-day period but does not make that payment in accordance with the agreement, the person may be sued in a civil action in relation to the willful property damage or theft offense;

(4) The potential judgment that the person may be required to pay if the person is sued in a civil action in relation to the willful property damage or theft offense and judgment is rendered against the person in that civil action;

(5) That, if the person is sued in a civil action by the property owner in relation to the willful property damage or theft offense, if the civil action requests that the person be required to pay the reasonable administrative costs, if any, of the property owner that have been incurred in connection with actions taken pursuant to division (A)(2) of this section, the cost of maintaining the action, and reasonable attorney's fees, and if the person prevails in the civil action, the person may recover from the property owner reasonable attorney's fees, the cost of defending the action, and any compensatory damages that can be proved.

(D) If a property owner whose property was willfully damaged or was the subject of a theft offense serves a written demand for payment upon a person who willfully damaged the property or committed the theft offense and if the person makes payment of the amount specified in the demand within thirty days after the date of its service upon the person or the person enters into an agreement with the property owner during that thirty-day period for that payment and makes payment in accordance with the agreement, the property owner shall not file a civil action against the person in relation to the willful property damage or theft offense.

(E) If a property owner whose property was willfully damaged or was the subject of a theft offense serves a written demand for payment upon a person who willfully damaged the property or committed the theft offense and if the person, within thirty days after the date of service of the demand upon the person, enters into an agreement with the property owner for the payment of the amount specified in the demand but does not make that payment in accordance with the agreement, the time between the entering of the agreement and the failure to make that payment shall not be computed as any part of the period within which a civil action based on the willful property damage or theft offense must be brought under the Revised Code.

(F) A civil action to recover damages for willful property damage or for a theft offense may be joined with a civil action that is brought pursuant to Chapter 2737. of the Revised Code to recover the property. If the two actions are joined, any compensatory damages recoverable by the property owner shall be limited to the value of the property.

(G)(1) In a civil action to recover damages for willful property damage or for a theft offense, the trier of fact may determine that an owner's property was willfully damaged or that a theft offense involving the owner's property has been committed, whether or not any person has pleaded guilty to or has been convicted of any criminal offense or has been adjudicated a delinquent child in relation to any act involving the owner's property.

(2) This section does not affect the prosecution of any criminal action or proceeding or any action to obtain a delinquent child adjudication in connection with willful property damage or a theft offense.

(H) As used in this section:

(1) "Administrative costs" includes the costs of written demands for payment and associated postage under division (A)(2) of this section.

(2) "Value of the property" means one of the following:

(a) The retail value of any property that is offered for sale by a mercantile establishment, irrespective of whether the property is destroyed or otherwise damaged, is modified or otherwise altered, or otherwise is not resalable at its full market price;

(b) The face value of any check or other negotiable instrument that is not honored due to insufficient funds in the drawer's account, the absence of any drawer's account, or another reason, and all charges imposed by a bank, savings and loan association, credit union, or other financial institution upon the holder of the check or other negotiable instrument;

(c) The replacement value of any property not described in division (H)(1) or (2) of this section.

Section 2307.611 | Damages in actions for identity fraud.

• Effective: September 16, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 488 - 130th General Assembly

A person who brings a civil action pursuant to division (A) of section 2307.60 of the Revised Code to recover damages from any person who caused injury to person or property by a violation of division (B), (D), or (E) of section 2913.49 of the Revised Code may recover damages up to five thousand dollars for each violation or three times the amount of actual damages, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorney's fees.

Section 2307.62 | Civil action for damages by cable television owner or operator.

• Effective: July 8, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 327, Senate Bill 107 - 124th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Cable service" and "cable system" have the same meanings as in section 2913.04 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Trier of fact" means the jury or, in a nonjury trial, the court.

(3) "Profits" derived from a violation of division (B) of section 2913.04 or division (A) or (B) of section 2913.041 of the Revised Code are equal to whichever of the following applies:

(a) The gross revenue derived from the violation by the persons who violated division (B) of section 2913.04 or division (A) or (B) of section 2913.041 of the Revised Code, as established by a preponderance of the evidence by the owner or operator of the cable service, cable system, cable television system, or other similar closed circuit coaxial cable communications system who is aggrieved by the violation;

(b) The gross revenue derived from the violation by the persons who violated division (B) of section 2913.04 or division (A) or (B) of section 2913.041 of the Revised Code, as established by a preponderance of the evidence by the owner or operator of the cable service, cable system, cable television system, or other similar closed circuit coaxial cable communications system who is aggrieved by the violation, minus deductible expenses and other elements of profit that are not attributable to the violation of division (B) of section 2913.04 or division (A) or (B) of section 2913.041 of the Revised Code, as established by a preponderance of the evidence by the persons who violated either or both of those divisions.

(B)(1) An owner or operator of a cable service, cable system, cable television system, or other similar closed circuit coaxial cable communications system who is aggrieved by conduct that is prohibited by division (B) of section 2913.04 or division (A) or (B) of section 2913.041 of the Revised Code may elect to commence a civil action for damages in accordance with division (A) of section 2307.60 or section 2307.61 of the Revised Code or to commence a civil action under this section in the appropriate municipal court, county court, or court of common pleas to recover damages and other specified moneys described in division (B)(1)(a), (b), or (c) of this section and, if applicable, damages described in division (B)(2) of this section from the persons who violated division (B) of section 2913.04 or division (A) or (B) of section 2913.041 of the Revised Code. If the owner or operator elects to commence a civil action for damages and other specified moneys under this section, the owner or operator shall specify in its complaint which of the following categories of damages and other specified moneys the owner or operator seeks to recover from the persons who violated division (B) of section 2913.04 or division (A) or (B) of section 2913.041 of the Revised Code:

(a) Full compensatory damages, punitive or exemplary damages if authorized by section 2315.21 of the Revised Code, and the reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and other reasonable expenses incurred in maintaining the civil action under this section.

(b) Damages equal to the actual loss suffered by the owner or operator as a proximate result of the conduct that violated division (B) of section 2913.04 or division (A) or (B) of section 2913.041 of the Revised Code and, in addition, damages equal to the profits derived by the persons who violated one or more of those divisions as a proximate result of the prohibited conduct.

(c) Regarding a violation of division (A) or (B) of section 2913.041 of the Revised Code, liquidated damages in an amount of not less than two hundred fifty dollars and not more than ten thousand dollars, as determined by the trier of fact, for each separate violation of division (A) or (B) of section 2913.041 of the Revised Code as described in division (D) of that section. Division (B)(1)(c) of this section does not apply regarding a violation of division (B) of section 2913.04 of the Revised Code.

(2) The trier of fact shall determine the amount of any compensatory damages to be awarded pursuant to division (B)(1)(a) of this section, and the court shall determine the amount of any punitive or exemplary damages authorized by section 2315.21 of the Revised Code and the amount of reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and other reasonable expenses to be awarded pursuant to division (B)(1)(a) of this section. The trier of fact shall determine the amount of damages to be awarded to the owner or operator under division (B)(1)(b) of this section.

(3) In a civil action under this section, if an owner or operator of a cable service, cable system, cable television system, or other similar closed circuit coaxial cable communications system establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that the persons who violated division (B) of section 2913.04 or division (A) or (B) of section 2913.041 of the Revised Code engaged in the prohibited conduct for the purpose of direct or indirect commercial advantage or private financial gain, the trier of fact may award to the owner or operator damages in an amount not to exceed fifty thousand dollars in addition to any amount recovered pursuant to division (B)(1)(a), (b), or (c) of this section, whichever of those divisions applies to the owner or operator.

(C) A person may join a civil action under this section with a civil action under Chapter 2737. of the Revised Code to recover any property of the owner or operator of a cable service, cable system, cable television system, or other similar closed circuit coaxial cable communications system that was the subject of the violation of division (B) of section 2913.04 or division (A) or (B) of section 2913.041 of the Revised Code. A person may commence a civil action under this section regardless of whether any person who allegedly violated one or more of those divisions has pleaded guilty to or has been convicted of a violation of one or more of those divisions or has been adjudicated a delinquent child for the commission of any act that constitutes a violation of one or more of those divisions.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Section 2307.63 | Consent as defense in action against mental health professional based on sexual conduct or contact.

• Effective: May 14, 2002
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 9 - 124th General Assembly

(A) In an action for assault or battery brought against a mental health professional that asserts as a claim that, while the plaintiff was a mental health client or patient of the mental health professional, the mental health professional engaged in sexual conduct with, had sexual contact with, or caused one or more other persons to have sexual contact with the plaintiff, the consent of the plaintiff to the sexual conduct or sexual contact is not a defense to the claim unless either of the following applies:

(1) At the time of that sexual conduct or sexual contact, the plaintiff was the spouse of the mental health professional.

(2) The mental health professional proves by a preponderance of the evidence all of the following:

(a) At the time of the sexual conduct or sexual contact, the plaintiff was not emotionally dependent upon the mental health professional.

(b) The plaintiff did not submit to the sexual conduct or sexual contact because of therapeutic deception by the mental health professional or because the mental health professional falsely represented to the plaintiff that the sexual conduct or sexual contact was necessary for medical or mental health purposes.

(B) As used in this section:

(1) "Emotionally dependent" means that the emotional condition of a mental health client or patient of a mental health professional and the treatment provided by the mental health professional to the client or patient are of such a nature that the mental health professional knows or has reason to know that the client or patient is unable to withhold consent to one or more of the following:

(a) Engaging in sexual conduct with the mental health professional;

(b) Having sexual contact with the mental health professional or having sexual contact caused by the mental health professional with one or more other persons.

(2) "Mental health client or patient" has the same meaning as in section 2305.51 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Mental health professional" has the same meaning as in section 2305.115 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Sexual conduct" and "sexual contact" have the same meanings as in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code.

(5) "Therapeutic deception" means a representation by a mental health professional that one or more of the following is consistent with or part of the treatment for a mental health client or patient of the mental health professional:

(a) The client or patient engaging in sexual conduct with the mental health professional;

(b) The client or patient having sexual contact with the mental health professional or having sexual contact caused by the mental health professional with one or more other persons.

Section 2307.64 | Regulating electronic mail advertisements.

• Effective: December 20, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 360 - 129th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Advertisement" has the same meaning as in section 4931.10 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Computer," "computer network," "computer program," "computer services," and "telecommunications device" have the same meanings as in section 2913.01 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Electronic mail" means an electronic message that is transmitted between two or more telecommunications devices or electronic devices capable of receiving electronic messages, whether or not the message is converted to hard copy format after receipt, and whether or not the message is viewed upon the transmission or stored for later retrieval. "Electronic mail" includes electronic messages that are transmitted through a local, regional, or global computer network.

(4) "Electronic mail advertisement" means electronic mail containing an advertisement.

(5) "Electronic mail service provider" means any person that is an intermediary in sending and receiving electronic mail and that provides to users of electronic mail services the ability to send or receive electronic mail. "Electronic mail service provider" includes an internet service provider.

(6) "Originating address" means the string of characters used to specify the source of any electronic mail message.

(7) "Person" has the same meaning as in section 1.59 of the Revised Code, but when a person is not an individual, the person responsible for transmitting or causing to be transmitted an electronic mail advertisement is the particular division of the partnership, corporation, or other business entity actually responsible for the transmission of the electronic mail advertisement.

(8) "Pre-existing business relationship" means that there was a business transaction between the initiator and the recipient of a commercial electronic mail message during the five-year period preceding the receipt of that message. A pre-existing business relationship includes a transaction involving the free provision of information, goods, or services requested by the recipient. A pre-existing business relationship does not exist after a recipient requests to be removed from the distribution lists of an initiator pursuant to division (B) of this section and a reasonable amount of time has expired since that request.

(9) "Receiving address" means the string of characters used to specify a recipient with each receiving address creating a unique and separate recipient.

(10) "Recipient" means a person who receives an electronic mail advertisement at any one of the following receiving addresses:

(a) A receiving address furnished by an electronic mail service provider that bills for furnishing and maintaining that receiving address to a mailing address within this state;

(b) A receiving address ordinarily accessed from a computer located within this state;

(c) A receiving address ordinarily accessed by a person domiciled within this state;

(d) Any other receiving address with respect to which the obligations imposed by this section can be imposed consistent with the United States Constitution.

(B)(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (B)(3) of this section, a person that transmits or causes to be transmitted to a recipient an electronic mail advertisement shall clearly and conspicuously provide to the recipient, within the body of the electronic mail advertisement, both of the following:

(a) The person's name and complete residence or business address and the electronic mail address of the person transmitting the electronic mail advertisement;

(b) A notice that the recipient may decline to receive from the person transmitting or causing to be transmitted the electronic mail advertisement any additional electronic mail advertisements and a detailed procedure for declining to receive any additional electronic mail advertisements at no cost. The notice shall be of the same size of type as the majority of the text of the message and shall not require that the recipient provide any information other than the receiving address.

(2) If the recipient of an electronic mail advertisement uses the procedure contained in the notice described in division (B)(1)(b) of this section to decline to receive any additional electronic mail advertisements, the person that transmitted or caused to be transmitted the original electronic mail advertisement, within a reasonable period of time, shall cease transmitting or causing to be transmitted to the receiving address any additional electronic mail advertisements.

(3) A person does not violate division (B) of this section if the person transmits or causes to be transmitted to the recipient an electronic mail advertisement when any of the following apply:

(a) The person has a pre-existing business or personal relationship with the recipient.

(b) The recipient has consented or has agreed as a condition of service to receive the electronic mail advertisement.

(c) The recipient receives the electronic mail advertisement because another recipient forwarded the advertisement to that recipient via an internet web site or another recipient made a direct referral of that recipient to receive the advertisement.

(C) No person shall use a computer, a computer network, or the computer services of an electronic mail service provider to transmit an electronic mail advertisement in contravention of the authority granted by, or in violation of the policies related to electronic mail advertisements set by, the electronic mail service provider if the electronic mail service provider has provided the person notice of those policies. For the purposes of this division, notice of those policies shall be deemed sufficient if an electronic mail service provider maintains an easily accessible web page containing its policies regarding electronic mail advertisements and can demonstrate that notice was supplied via electronic means between the sending and receiving computers.

(D) No electronic mail service provider shall be liable for transmitting another person's electronic mail advertisement through its service in violation of this section, or shall be liable for any action it voluntarily takes in good faith to block the receipt or transmission through its service of any electronic mail advertisement that it believes is, or will be sent, in violation of this section.

(E) A recipient of an electronic mail advertisement transmitted in violation of division (B) of this section may bring a civil action against a person who transmitted that advertisement or caused it to be transmitted. In that action, the recipient may recover the following:

(1) One hundred dollars for each violation, not to exceed a total of fifty thousand dollars;

(2) Reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and other costs of bringing the action.

(F) An electronic mail service provider whose authority or policy has been contravened in violation of division (C) of this section may bring a civil action against a person who transmitted that advertisement or caused it to be transmitted. In that action, the electronic mail service provider may recover the following:

(1)(a) Fifty dollars for each violation of division (C) of this section, not to exceed fifty thousand dollars;

(b) If a violation of division (C) of this section is a willful or knowing violation, the court may increase the amount recoverable to an amount not to exceed five hundred thousand dollars.

(c) If a violation of division (C) of this section is accompanied by a violation of division (H) of this section, there shall be no limit on the amount that may be recovered pursuant to this section.

(2) Reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and other costs of bringing the action.

(G) In addition to any recovery that is allowed under division (E) or (F) of this section, the recipient of an electronic mail advertisement transmitted in violation of division (B) of this section or the electronic mail service provider of an advertisement transmitted in violation of division (C) of this section may apply to the court of common pleas of the county in which the recipient resides or the service provider is located for an order enjoining the person who transmitted or caused to be transmitted that electronic mail advertisement from transmitting or causing to be transmitted to the recipient any additional electronic mail advertisement.

(H) No person shall use a computer, a computer network, a computer program, or the computer services of an electronic mail service provider with the intent to forge an originating address or other routing information, in any manner, in connection with the transmission of an electronic mail advertisement through or into the network of an electronic mail service provider or its subscribers. Each use of a computer, a computer network, a computer program, or the computer services of an electronic mail service provider in violation of this division constitutes a separate offense. A person who violates this division is guilty of forgery under section 2913.31 of the Revised Code.

Section 2307.65 | Civil action to recover benefits improperly paid.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

(A) The attorney general may bring a civil action in the Franklin county court of common pleas on behalf of the department of medicaid, and the prosecuting attorney of the county in which a violation of division (B) of section 2913.401 of the Revised Code occurs may bring a civil action in the court of common pleas of that county on behalf of the county department of job and family services, against a person who violates division (B) of section 2913.401 of the Revised Code for the recovery of the amount of benefits paid on behalf of a person that either department would not have paid but for the violation minus any amounts paid in restitution under division (C)(2) of section 2913.401 of the Revised Code and for reasonable attorney's fees and all other fees and costs of litigation.

(B) In a civil action brought under division (A) of this section, if the defendant failed to disclose a transfer of property in violation of division (B)(3) of section 2913.401 of the Revised Code, the court may also grant any of the following relief to the extent permitted by the "Social Security Act," section 1917, 42 U.S.C. 1396p:

(1) Avoidance of the transfer of property that was not disclosed in violation of division (B)(3) of section 2913.401 of the Revised Code to the extent of the amount of benefits the department would not have paid but for the violation;

(2) An order of attachment or garnishment against the property in accordance with Chapter 2715. or 2716. of the Revised Code;

(3) An injunction against any further disposition by the transferor or transferee, or both, of the property the transfer of which was not disclosed in violation of division (B)(3) of section 2913.401 of the Revised Code or against the disposition of other property by the transferor or transferee;

(4) Appointment of a receiver to take charge of the property transferred or of other property of the transferee;

(5) Any other relief that the court considers just and equitable.

(C) To the extent permitted by the "Social Security Act," section 1917, 42 U.S.C. 1396p, the department of medicaid or the county department of job and family services may enforce a judgment obtained under this section by levying on property the transfer of which was not disclosed in violation of division (B)(3) of section 2913.401 of the Revised Code or on the proceeds of the transfer of that property in accordance with Chapter 2329. of the Revised Code.

(D) The remedies provided in divisions (B) and (C) of this section do not apply if the transferee of the property the transfer of which was not disclosed in violation of division (B)(3) of section 2913.401 of the Revised Code acquired the property in good faith and for fair market value.

(E) The remedies provided in this section are not exclusive and do not preclude the use of any other criminal or civil remedy for any act that is in violation of section 2913.401 of the Revised Code.

(F) Amounts of medicaid services paid and recovered in an action brought under this section shall be credited to the general revenue fund, and any applicable federal share shall be returned to the appropriate agency or department of the United States.

Section 2307.66 | Civil action for dissemination of images.

• Effective: March 22, 2019
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 497 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) A victim of a violation of section 2917.211 of the Revised Code has and may commence a civil cause of action against the offender for any of the following, in addition to reasonable attorney's fees and the costs of bringing the action:

(1) An injunction or a temporary restraining order prohibiting further dissemination of the image that is the subject of the violation;

(2) Compensatory and punitive damages for harm resulting from the violation.

(B) The victim shall be presumed to have suffered harm as a result of the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images.

(C) The cause of action created by this section is in addition to any other cause of action available under statutory or common law.

(D) As used in this section, "victim" has the same meaning as in section 2930.01 of the Revised Code.

Section 2307.67 | Civil action - critical infrastructure facility.

• Effective: April 12, 2021
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 33 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Compensation" means money, thing of value, or financial benefit. "Compensation" does not include bail, fines, or court costs.

(2) "Critical infrastructure facility" has the same meaning as in section 2911.21 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Organization" has the same meaning as in section 2901.23 of the Revised Code.

(B) An owner or operator of a critical infrastructure facility may elect to commence a civil action under division (A) of section 2307.60 or section 2307.61 of the Revised Code or under this section against any person who willfully causes damage to the critical infrastructure facility. The plaintiff may recover compensatory damages equal to the replacement value of the property that was damaged. The plaintiff also may recover reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and other reasonable expenses incurred in maintaining the civil action under this section.

(C) A person or organization may only be held vicariously liable for a judgment the plaintiff obtains against the person who damaged the critical infrastructure facility if the person or organization did either of the following:

(1) Directed, authorized, facilitated, or encouraged the person to cause damage to the critical infrastructure facility;

(2) Provided compensation to the person for damaging the critical infrastructure facility.

(D) In a civil action to recover damages under this section, the trier of fact may determine that the defendant willfully caused damage to the critical infrastructure facility, regardless of whether the defendant has been charged with any related criminal offense, has pleaded guilty to or been convicted of a criminal offense, or has been adjudicated a delinquent child in connection with the property damage.

(E) This section does not affect any criminal prosecution or any action to obtain a delinquent child adjudication in connection with the property damage.

Section 2307.70 | Civil action for damages for vandalism, desecration or ethnic intimidation.

• Effective: September 20, 1999
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 51 - 123rd General Assembly

(A) Any person who suffers injury or loss to person or property as a result of an act committed in violation of section 2909.05, 2927.11, or 2927.12 of the Revised Code has a civil action against the offender and may recover in that action full compensatory damages, including, but not limited to, damages for emotional distress, and may recover punitive or exemplary damages, court costs, other reasonable expenses incurred in maintaining that action, and the reasonable attorney's fees incurred in maintaining that action.

(B)(1) Any person who suffers injury or loss to person or property as a result of an act committed in violation of section 2909.05, 2927.11, or 2927.12 of the Revised Code by a minor child has a civil action against the parent of the minor child and may recover in that action compensatory damages not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars, court costs, other reasonable expenses incurred in maintaining that action, and reasonable attorney's fees incurred in maintaining that action. A parent and the parent's minor child are jointly and severally liable as specified in this division for the injury or loss to person or property caused by the minor child's act committed in violation of section 2909.05, 2927.11, or 2927.12 of the Revised Code. If a person recovers compensatory damages from a parent of a minor child pursuant to this division, that recovery does not preclude the person from maintaining a civil action against the minor child pursuant to division (A) of this section.

(2) As used in division (B) of this section:

(a) "Minor child" means a person who is under eighteen years of age and who is not married at the time of the commission of an act in violation of section 2909.05, 2927.11, or 2927.12 of the Revised Code that gives rise to a civil action under division (B) of this section.

(b) "Parent" has the same meaning as in section 3109.09 of the Revised Code.

(C) The monetary limitation upon compensatory damages set forth in section 3109.09 or 3109.10 of the Revised Code does not apply to a civil action brought pursuant to division (A) or (B) of this section.

(D) A civil action may be maintained under division (A) or (B) of this section whether or not the person who committed an act in violation of section 2909.05, 2927.11, or 2927.12 of the Revised Code has been charged by an indictment, information, or complaint with a violation of any of those sections, has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of any of those sections, has been charged by a complaint with being a delinquent child for committing an act that is a violation of any of those sections, or has been adjudicated a delinquent child for having committed an act of that nature.

(E) No record of conviction, unless obtained by confession in open court, or delinquent child adjudication shall be used as evidence in a civil action brought pursuant to division (A) or (B) of this section.

Section 2307.71 | Product liability definitions.

• Effective: October 31, 2007
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 117 - 126th General Assembly

(A) As used in sections 2307.71 to 2307.80 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Claimant" means either of the following:

(a) A person who asserts a product liability claim or on whose behalf such a claim is asserted;

(b) If a product liability claim is asserted on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, parents, or other next of kin of a decedent or on behalf of the estate of a decedent, whether as a claim in a wrongful death action under Chapter 2125. of the Revised Code or as a survivorship claim, whichever of the following is appropriate:

(i) The decedent, if the reference is to the person who allegedly sustained harm or economic loss for which, or in connection with which, compensatory damages or punitive or exemplary damages are sought to be recovered;

(ii) The personal representative of the decedent or the estate of the decedent, if the reference is to the person who is asserting or has asserted the product liability claim.

(2) "Economic loss" means direct, incidental, or consequential pecuniary loss, including, but not limited to, damage to the product in question, and nonphysical damage to property other than that product. Harm is not "economic loss."

(3) "Environment" means only navigable waters, surface water, ground water, drinking water supplies, land surface, subsurface strata, and air.

(4) "Ethical drug" means a prescription drug that is prescribed or dispensed by a physician or any other person who is legally authorized to prescribe or dispense a prescription drug.

(5) "Ethical medical device" means a medical device that is prescribed, dispensed, or implanted by a physician or any other person who is legally authorized to prescribe, dispense, or implant a medical device and that is regulated under the "Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act," 52 Stat. 1040, 21 U.S.C. 301-392, as amended.

(6) "Foreseeable risk" means a risk of harm that satisfies both of the following:

(a) It is associated with an intended or reasonably foreseeable use, modification, or alteration of a product in question.

(b) It is a risk that the manufacturer in question should recognize while exercising both of the following:

(i) The attention, perception, memory, knowledge, and intelligence that a reasonable manufacturer should possess;

(ii) Any superior attention, perception, memory, knowledge, or intelligence that the manufacturer in question possesses.

(7) "Harm" means death, physical injury to person, serious emotional distress, or physical damage to property other than the product in question. Economic loss is not "harm."

(8) "Hazardous or toxic substances" include, but are not limited to, hazardous waste as defined in section 3734.01 of the Revised Code, hazardous waste as specified in the rules of the director of environmental protection pursuant to division (A) of section 3734.12 of the Revised Code, hazardous substances as defined in section 3716.01 of the Revised Code, and hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants as defined in or by regulations adopted pursuant to the "Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980," 94 Stat. 2767, 42 U.S.C. 9601, as amended.

(9) "Manufacturer" means a person engaged in a business to design, formulate, produce, create, make, construct, assemble, or rebuild a product or a component of a product.

(10) "Person" has the same meaning as in division (C) of section 1.59 of the Revised Code and also includes governmental entities.

(11) "Physician" means a person who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery by the state medical board.

(12)(a) "Product" means, subject to division (A)(12)(b) of this section, any object, substance, mixture, or raw material that constitutes tangible personal property and that satisfies all of the following:

(i) It is capable of delivery itself, or as an assembled whole in a mixed or combined state, or as a component or ingredient.

(ii) It is produced, manufactured, or supplied for introduction into trade or commerce.

(iii) It is intended for sale or lease to persons for commercial or personal use.

(b) "Product" does not include human tissue, blood, or organs.

(13) "Product liability claim" means a claim or cause of action that is asserted in a civil action pursuant to sections 2307.71 to 2307.80 of the Revised Code and that seeks to recover compensatory damages from a manufacturer or supplier for death, physical injury to person, emotional distress, or physical damage to property other than the product in question, that allegedly arose from any of the following:

(a) The design, formulation, production, construction, creation, assembly, rebuilding, testing, or marketing of that product;

(b) Any warning or instruction, or lack of warning or instruction, associated with that product;

(c) Any failure of that product to conform to any relevant representation or warranty.

"Product liability claim" also includes any public nuisance claim or cause of action at common law in which it is alleged that the design, manufacture, supply, marketing, distribution, promotion, advertising, labeling, or sale of a product unreasonably interferes with a right common to the general public.

(14) "Representation" means an express representation of a material fact concerning the character, quality, or safety of a product.

(15)(a) "Supplier" means, subject to division (A)(15)(b) of this section, either of the following:

(i) A person that, in the course of a business conducted for the purpose, sells, distributes, leases, prepares, blends, packages, labels, or otherwise participates in the placing of a product in the stream of commerce;

(ii) A person that, in the course of a business conducted for the purpose, installs, repairs, or maintains any aspect of a product that allegedly causes harm.

(b) "Supplier" does not include any of the following:

(i) A manufacturer;

(ii) A seller of real property;

(iii) A provider of professional services who, incidental to a professional transaction the essence of which is the furnishing of judgment, skill, or services, sells or uses a product;

(iv) Any person who acts only in a financial capacity with respect to the sale of a product, or who leases a product under a lease arrangement in which the selection, possession, maintenance, and operation of the product are controlled by a person other than the lessor.

(16) "Unavoidably unsafe" means that, in the state of technical, scientific, and medical knowledge at the time a product in question left the control of its manufacturer, an aspect of that product was incapable of being made safe.

(B) Sections 2307.71 to 2307.80 of the Revised Code are intended to abrogate all common law product liability claims or causes of action.

Section 2307.711 | Assumption of risk as affirmative defense to product liability claim.

• Effective: April 7, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 80 - 125th General Assembly

(A) Subject to divisions (B)(1), (2), and (3) of this section, sections 2315.32 to 2315.36 of the Revised Code apply to a product liability claim that is asserted pursuant to sections 2307.71 to 2307.80 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) Express or implied assumption of the risk may be asserted as an affirmative defense to a product liability claim under sections 2307.71 to 2307.80 of the Revised Code, except that express or implied assumption of the risk may not be asserted as an affirmative defense to an intentional tort claim.

(2) Subject to division (B)(3) of this section, if express or implied assumption of the risk is asserted as an affirmative defense to a product liability claim under sections 2307.71 to 2307.80 of the Revised Code and if it is determined that the claimant expressly or impliedly assumed a risk and that the express or implied assumption of the risk was a direct and proximate cause of harm for which the claimant seeks to recover damages, the express or implied assumption of the risk is a complete bar to the recovery of those damages.

(3) If implied assumption of the risk is asserted as an affirmative defense to a product liability claim against a supplier under division (A)(1) of section 2307.78 of the Revised Code, sections 2315.32 to 2315.36 of the Revised Code are applicable to that affirmative defense and shall be used to determine whether the claimant is entitled to recover compensatory damages based on that claim and the amount of any recoverable compensatory damages.

Section 2307.72 | Civil action for product liability claim.

• Effective: July 6, 2001
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 108 - 124th General Assembly

(A) Any recovery of compensatory damages based on a product liability claim is subject to sections 2307.71 to 2307.79 of the Revised Code.

(B) Any recovery of punitive or exemplary damages in connection with a product liability claim is subject to sections 2307.71 to 2307.80 of the Revised Code.

(C) Any recovery of compensatory damages for economic loss based on a claim that is asserted in a civil action, other than a product liability claim, is not subject to sections 2307.71 to 2307.79 of the Revised Code, but may occur under the common law of this state or other applicable sections of the Revised Code.

(D)(1) Sections 2307.71 to 2307.80 of the Revised Code do not supersede, modify, or otherwise affect any statute, regulation, or rule of this state or of the United States, or the common law of this state or of the United States, that relates to liability in compensatory damages or punitive or exemplary damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property, or to relief in the form of the abatement of a nuisance, civil penalties, cleanup costs, cost recovery, an injunction or temporary restraining order, or restitution, that arises, in whole or in part, from contamination or pollution of the environment or a threat of contamination or pollution of the environment, including contamination or pollution or a threat of contamination or pollution from hazardous or toxic substances.

(2) Consistent with the Rules of Civil Procedure, in the same civil action against the same defendant or different defendants, a claimant may assert both of the following:

(a) A product liability claim, including a claim for the recovery of punitive or exemplary damages in connection with a product liability claim;

(b) A claim for the recovery of compensatory damages or punitive or exemplary damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property, or for relief in the form of the abatement of a nuisance, civil penalties, cleanup costs, cost recovery, an injunction or temporary restraining order, or restitution, that arises, in whole or in part, from contamination or pollution of the environment or a threat of contamination or pollution of the environment, including contamination or pollution or a threat of contamination or pollution from hazardous or toxic substances.

Section 2307.73 | Liability of manufacturer - enterprise liability rejected.

• Effective: October 31, 2007
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 117 - 126th General Assembly

(A) A manufacturer is subject to liability for compensatory damages based on a product liability claim only if the claimant establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, all of the following:

(1) Subject to division (B) of this section, the manufacturer's product in question was defective in manufacture or construction as described in section 2307.74 of the Revised Code, was defective in design or formulation as described in section 2307.75 of the Revised Code, was defective due to inadequate warning or instruction as described in section 2307.76 of the Revised Code, or was defective because it did not conform to a representation made by its manufacturer as described in section 2307.77 of the Revised Code;

(2) A defective aspect of the manufacturer's product in question as described in division (A)(1) of this section was a proximate cause of harm for which the claimant seeks to recover compensatory damages;

(3) The manufacturer designed, formulated, produced, constructed, created, assembled, or rebuilt the actual product that was the cause of harm for which the claimant seeks to recover compensatory damages.

(B) If a claimant is unable because the manufacturer's product in question was destroyed to establish by direct evidence that the manufacturer's product in question was defective or if a claimant otherwise is unable to establish by direct evidence that the manufacturer's product in question was defective, then, consistent with the Rules of Evidence, it shall be sufficient for the claimant to present circumstantial or other competent evidence that establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the manufacturer's product in question was defective in any one of the four respects specified in division (A)(1) of this section.

(C) Proof that a manufacturer designed, formulated, produced, constructed, created, assembled, or rebuilt the type of product in question is not proof that the manufacturer designed, formulated, produced, constructed, created, assembled, or rebuilt the actual defective product in the product liability claim. A manufacturer may not be held liable in a product liability action based on market share, enterprise, or industrywide liability.

Section 2307.74 | Product defective in manufacture or construction.

• Effective: January 5, 1988
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 117th General Assembly

A product is defective in manufacture or construction if, when it left the control of its manufacturer, it deviated in a material way from the design specifications, formula, or performance standards of the manufacturer, or from otherwise identical units manufactured to the same design specifications, formula, or performance standards. A product may be defective in manufacture or construction as described in this section even though its manufacturer exercised all possible care in its manufacture or construction.

Section 2307.75 | Product defective in design or formulation.

• Effective: April 7, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 80 - 125th General Assembly

(A) Subject to divisions (D), (E), and (F) of this section, a product is defective in design or formulation if, at the time it left the control of its manufacturer, the foreseeable risks associated with its design or formulation as determined pursuant to division (B) of this section exceeded the benefits associated with that design or formulation as determined pursuant to division (C) of this section.

(B) The foreseeable risks associated with the design or formulation of a product shall be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) The nature and magnitude of the risks of harm associated with that design or formulation in light of the intended and reasonably foreseeable uses, modifications, or alterations of the product;

(2) The likely awareness of product users, whether based on warnings, general knowledge, or otherwise, of those risks of harm;

(3) The likelihood that that design or formulation would cause harm in light of the intended and reasonably foreseeable uses, modifications, or alterations of the product;

(4) The extent to which that design or formulation conformed to any applicable public or private product standard that was in effect when the product left the control of its manufacturer;

(5) The extent to which that design or formulation is more dangerous than a resonably prudent consumer would expect when used in an intended or reasonably foreseeable manner.

(C) The benefits associated with the design or formulation of a product shall be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) The intended or actual utility of the product, including any performance or safety advantages associated with that design or formulation;

(2) The technical and economic feasibility, when the product left the control of its manufacturer, of using an alternative design or formulation;

(3) The nature and magnitude of any foreseeable risks associated with an alternative design or formulation.

(D) An ethical drug or ethical medical device is not defective in design or formulation because some aspect of it is unavoidably unsafe, if the manufacturer of the ethical drug or ethical medical device provides adequate warning and instruction under section 2307.76 of the Revised Code concerning that unavoidably unsafe aspect.

(E) A product is not defective in design or formulation if the harm for which the claimant seeks to recover compensatory damages was caused by an inherent characteristic of the product which is a generic aspect of the product that cannot be eliminated without substantially compromising the product's usefulness or desirability and which is recognized by the ordinary person with the ordinary knowledge common to the community.

(F) A product is not defective in design or formulation if, at the time the product left the control of its manufacturer, a practical and technically feasible alternative design or formulation was not available that would have prevented the harm for which the claimant seeks to recover compensatory damages without substantially impairing the usefulness or intended purpose of the product.

Section 2307.76 | Product defective due to inadequate warning or instruction.

• Effective: January 5, 1988
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 117th General Assembly

(A) Subject to divisions (B) and (C) of this section, a product is defective due to inadequate warning or instruction if either of the following applies:

(1) It is defective due to inadequate warning or instruction at the time of marketing if, when it left the control of its manufacturer, both of the following applied:

(a) The manufacturer knew or, in the exercise of reasonable care, should have known about a risk that is associated with the product and that allegedly caused harm for which the claimant seeks to recover compensatory damages;

(b) The manufacturer failed to provide the warning or instruction that a manufacturer exercising reasonable care would have provided concerning that risk, in light of the likelihood that the product would cause harm of the type for which the claimant seeks to recover compensatory damages and in light of the likely seriousness of that harm.

(2) It is defective due to inadequate post-marketing warning or instruction if, at a relevant time after it left the control of its manufacturer, both of the following applied:

(a) The manufacturer knew or, in the exercise of reasonable care, should have known about a risk that is associated with the product and that allegedly caused harm for which the claimant seeks to recover compensatory damages;

(b) The manufacturer failed to provide the post-marketing warning or instruction that a manufacturer exercising reasonable care would have provided concerning that risk, in light of the likelihood that the product would cause harm of the type for which the claimant seeks to recover compensatory damages and in light of the likely seriousness of that harm.

(B) A product is not defective due to lack of warning or instruction or inadequate warning or instruction as a result of the failure of its manufacturer to warn or instruct about an open and obvious risk or a risk that is a matter of common knowledge.

(C) An ethical drug is not defective due to inadequate warning or instruction if its manufacturer provides otherwise adequate warning and instruction to the physician or other legally authorized person who prescribes or dispenses that ethical drug for a claimant in question and if the federal food and drug administration has not provided that warning or instruction relative to that ethical drug is to be given directly to the ultimate user of it.

Section 2307.77 | Product conforming to representation made by manufacturer.

• Effective: January 5, 1988
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 120th General Assembly

A product is defective if it did not conform, when it left the control of its manufacturer, to a representation made by that manufacturer. A product may be defective because it did not conform to a representation even though its manufacturer did not act fraudulently, recklessly, or negligently in making the representation.

Section 2307.78 | Liability of supplier.

• Effective: July 6, 2001
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 108 - 124th General Assembly

(A) Subject to division (B) of this section, a supplier is subject to liability for compensatory damages based on a product liability claim only if the claimant establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that either of the following applies:

(1) The supplier in question was negligent and that, negligence was a proximate cause of harm for which the claimant seeks to recover compensatory damages;

(2) The product in question did not conform, when it left the control of the supplier in question, to a representation made by that supplier, and that representation and the failure to conform to it were a proximate cause of harm for which the claimant seeks to recover compensatory damages. A supplier is subject to liability for such a representation and the failure to conform to it even though the supplier did not act fraudulently, recklessly, or negligently in making the representation.

(B) A supplier of a product is subject to liability for compensatory damages based on a product liability claim under sections 2307.71 to 2307.77 of the Revised Code, as if it were the manufacturer of that product, if the manufacturer of that product is or would be subject to liability for compensatory damages based on a product liability claim under sections 2307.71 to 2307.77 of the Revised Code and any of the following applies:

(1) The manufacturer of that product is not subject to judicial process in this state;

(2) The claimant will be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer of that product due to actual or asserted insolvency of the manufacturer;

(3) The supplier in question owns or, when it supplied that product, owned, in whole or in part, the manufacturer of that product;

(4) The supplier in question is owned or, when it supplied that product, was owned, in whole or in part, by the manufacturer of that product;

(5) The supplier in question created or furnished a manufacturer with the design or formulation that was used to produce, create, make, construct, assemble, or rebuild that product or a component of that product;

(6) The supplier in question altered, modified, or failed to maintain that product after it came into the possession of, and before it left the possession of, the supplier in question, and the alteration, modification, or failure to maintain that product rendered it defective;

(7) The supplier in question marketed that product under its own label or trade name;

(8) The supplier in question failed to respond timely and reasonably to a written request by or on behalf of the claimant to disclose to the claimant the name and address of the manufacturer of that product.

Section 2307.79 | Compensatory damages for economic loss from manufacturer or supplier.

• Effective: January 5, 1988
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 117th General Assembly

(A) If a claimant is entitled to recover compensatory damages for harm from a manufacturer in accordance with section 2307.73 of the Revised Code or from a supplier in accordance with division (B) of section 2307.78 of the Revised Code, the claimant may recover from the manufacturer or supplier in question, in that action, compensatory damages for any economic loss that proximately resulted from the defective aspect of the product in question.

(B) If a claimant is entitled to recover compensatory damages for harm from a supplier in accordance with division (A) of section 2307.78 of the Revised Code, the claimant may recover from the supplier in question, in that action, compensatory damages for any economic loss that proximately resulted from the negligence of that supplier or from the representation made by that supplier and the failure of the product in question to conform to that representation.

Section 2307.80 | Punitive or exemplary damages from manufacturer or supplier.

• Effective: April 7, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 80 - 125th General Assembly

(A) Subject to divisions (C) and (D) of this section, punitive or exemplary damages shall not be awarded against a manufacturer or supplier in question in connection with a product liability claim unless the claimant establishes, by clear and convincing evidence, that harm for which the claimant is entitled to recover compensatory damages in accordance with section 2307.73 or 2307.78 of the Revised Code was the result of misconduct of the manufacturer or supplier in question that manifested a flagrant disregard of the safety of persons who might be harmed by the product in question. The fact by itself that a product is defective does not establish a flagrant disregard of the safety of persons who might be harmed by that product.

(B) Whether the trier of fact is a jury or the court, if the trier of fact determines that a manufacturer or supplier in question is liable for punitive or exemplary damages in connection with a product liability claim, the amount of those damages shall be determined by the court. In determining the amount of punitive or exemplary damages, the court shall consider factors including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) The likelihood that serious harm would arise from the misconduct of the manufacturer or supplier in question;

(2) The degree of the awareness of the manufacturer or supplier in question of that likelihood;

(3) The profitability of the misconduct to the manufacturer or supplier in question;

(4) The duration of the misconduct and any concealment of it by the manufacturer or supplier in question;

(5) The attitude and conduct of the manufacturer or supplier in question upon the discovery of the misconduct and whether the misconduct has terminated;

(6) The financial condition of the manufacturer or supplier in question;

(7) The total effect of other punishment imposed or likely to be imposed upon the manufacturer or supplier in question as a result of the misconduct, including awards of punitive or exemplary damages to persons similarly situated to the claimant and the severity of criminal penalties to which the manufacturer or supplier in question has been or is likely to be subjected.

(C)(1) Except as provided in division (C)(2) of this section, if a claimant alleges in a product liability claim that a drug or device caused harm to the claimant, the manufacturer of the drug or device shall not be liable for punitive or exemplary damages in connection with that product liability claim if the drug or device that allegedly caused the harm satisfies either of the following:

(a) It was manufactured and labeled in relevant and material respects in accordance with the terms of an approval or license issued by the federal food and drug administration under the "Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act," 52 Stat. 1040 (1938), 21 U.S.C. 301-392, as amended, or the "Public Health Service Act," 58 Stat. 682 (1944), 42 U.S.C. 201-300cc-15, as amended.

(b) It was an over-the-counter drug marketed pursuant to federal regulations, was generally recognized as safe and effective and as not being misbranded pursuant to the applicable federal regulations, and satisfied in relevant and material respects each of the conditions contained in the applicable regulations and each of the conditions contained in an applicable monograph.

(2) Division (C)(1) of this section does not apply if the claimant establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the manufacturer fraudulently and in violation of applicable regulations of the food and drug administration withheld from the food and drug administration information known to be material and relevant to the harm that the claimant allegedly suffered or misrepresented to the food and drug administration information of that type.

(3) For purposes of divisions (C) and (D) of this section:

(a) "Drug" has the same meaning as in the "Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act," 52 Stat. 1040, 1041 (1938), 21 U.S.C. 321(g)(1), as amended.

(b) "Device" has the same meaning as in the "Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act," 52 Stat. 1040, 1041 (1938), 21 U.S.C. 321(h), as amended.

(D)(1) If a claimant alleges in a product liability claim that a product other than a drug or device caused harm to the claimant, the manufacturer or supplier of the product shall not be liable for punitive or exemplary damages in connection with the claim if the manufacturer or supplier fully complied with all applicable government safety and performance standards, whether or not designated as such by the government, relative to the product's manufacture or construction, the product's design or formulation, adequate warnings or instructions, and representations when the product left the control of the manufacturer or supplier, and the claimant's injury results from an alleged defect of a product's manufacture or construction, the product's design or formulation, adequate warnings or instructions, and representations for which there is an applicable government safety or performance standard.

(2) Division (D)(1) of this section does not apply if the claimant establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the manufacturer or supplier of the product other than a drug or device fraudulently and in violation of applicable government safety and performance standards, whether or not designated as such by the government, withheld from an applicable government agency information known to be material and relevant to the harm that the claimant allegedly suffered or misrepresented to an applicable government agency information of that type.

(E) The bifurcated trial provisions of division (B) of section 2315.21 of the Revised Code, the ceiling on recoverable punitive or exemplary damages specified in division (D)(1) of that section, and the provisions of division (D)(3) of that section apply to awards of punitive or exemplary damages under this section.

Section 2307.81 | Dissemination of false information about the safety of Ohio's food supply.

• Effective: May 8, 1996
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 352 - 121st General Assembly

(A) The general assembly finds that the production of agricultural and aquacultural food products constitutes an important and significant portion of the economy of this state. Further, the general assembly finds that the dissemination in this state of false information about the safety of Ohio's food supply would be extremely detrimental to Ohio's economy, the welfare of the consuming public, and the producers of agricultural and aquacultural food products. Accordingly, it is the intent of the general assembly in enacting section 2307.81 of the Revised Code to benefit all the citizens of this state and protect the vitality of the agricultural and aquacultural economy by providing a cause of action for producers of perishable agricultural and aquacultural food products to recover damages for the disparagement of such food products.

(B) As used in this section:

(1) "Disparagement" means the dissemination to the public in any manner of any false information that a perishable agricultural or aquacultural food product is not safe for human consumption.

(2) "False information" means any information that is not based upon reasonable and reliable scientific inquiry, facts, or data, and that directly indicates that a perishable agricultural or aquacultural product is not safe for human consumption.

(3) "Perishable agricultural or aquacultural food product" means any food product or commodity of agriculture or aquaculture that is grown, raised, produced, distributed, or sold within this state in a form that will perish or decay beyond marketability within a reasonable period of time.

(4) "Producer" means a person who grows, raises, produces, distributes, or sells a perishable agricultural or aquacultural food product.

(C) Any producer of perishable agricultural or aquacultural food products that suffers damage as a result of another person's disparagement of any such perishable agricultural or aquacultural food product or any association representing producers of perishable agricultural or aquacultural food products that have suffered damage as a result of another person's disparagement of any such perishable agricultural or aquacultural food product may bring an action for damages and for any other relief a court having jurisdiction considers appropriate. If the plaintiff establishes that the disseminator knew or should have known that the information was false, damages may be awarded, including compensatory and punitive damages, reasonable attorney's fees, and costs of the action.

(D) In any action maintained under division (C) of this section by an association representing producers of perishable agricultural or aquacultural food products, the court shall direct written individual notice to the members of the association that have suffered damages as a result of another person's disparagement of any such perishable agricultural or aquacultural food product. The notice shall advise each member that:

(1) The court will exclude the member from the action if the member so requests by a specified date;

(2) The judgment, whether favorable or not, will include all members who have received the notice and who do not request exclusion;

(3) Any member who does not request exclusion may enter an appearance through the member's counsel.

The judgment in an action maintained under division (C) of this section by an association representing producers of perishable agricultural or aquacultural food products, whether favorable to the association, shall include and specify or describe those members to whom the notice provided in division (D) of this section was directed, and who did not request exclusion. If the judgment is favorable to the association, the court shall require the association to submit a plan for the distribution to the association and the members of the association included in the judgment of any award of monetary damages under division (C) or (E) of this section. The court may accept or modify the plan of the association and shall enter a written order for the distribution of any award of monetary damages.

(E) Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of section 2315.21 of the Revised Code, any person who intentionally disparages a perishable agricultural or aquacultural food product for the purpose of harming the producers of that product, in addition to any award of punitive damages, is liable for damages in an amount up to three times the amount of compensatory damages awarded under division (C) of this section.

(F) Notwithstanding any contrary statute of limitations prescribed by section 2305.11 of the Revised Code, an action under division (C) of this section shall be commenced no later than two years after the last disparagement of the perishable agricultural or aquacultural food product occurs.

(G) The cause of action established in this section is in addition to all other causes of action available under common law or under any other section of the Revised Code.

Section 2307.84 | Silicosis or mixed dust disease claims - definitions.

• Effective: September 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 342 - 125th General Assembly

As used in sections 2307.84 to 2307.90 and 2307.901 of the Revised Code:

(A) "AMA guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment" means the American medical association's guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment (fifth edition 2000) as may be modified by the American medical association.

(B) "Board-certified internist" means a medical doctor who is currently certified by the American board of internal medicine.

(C) "Board-certified occupational medicine specialist" means a medical doctor who is currently certified by the American board of preventive medicine in the specialty of occupational medicine.

(D) "Board-certified oncologist" means a medical doctor who is currently certified by the American board of internal medicine in the subspecialty of medical oncology.

(E) "Board-certified pathologist" means a medical doctor who is currently certified by the American board of pathology.

(F) "Board-certified pulmonary specialist" means a medical doctor who is currently certified by the American board of internal medicine in the subspecialty of pulmonary medicine.

(G) "Certified B-reader" means an individual qualified as a "final" or "B-reader" as defined in 42 C.F.R. section 37.51(b), as amended.

(H) "Civil action" means all suits or claims of a civil nature in a state or federal court, whether cognizable as cases at law or in equity or admiralty. "Civil action" does not include any of the following:

(1) A civil action relating to any workers' compensation law;

(2) A civil action alleging any claim or demand made against a trust established pursuant to 11 U.S.C. section 524(g);

(3) A civil action alleging any claim or demand made against a trust established pursuant to a plan of reorganization confirmed under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Chapter 11.

(I) "Competent medical authority" means a medical doctor who is providing a diagnosis for purposes of constituting prima-facie evidence of an exposed person's physical impairment that meets the requirements specified in section 2307.85 or 2307.86 of the Revised Code, whichever is applicable, and who meets the following requirements:

(1) The medical doctor is a board-certified internist, pulmonary specialist, oncologist, pathologist, or occupational medicine specialist.

(2) The medical doctor is actually treating or has treated the exposed person and has or had a doctor-patient relationship with the person.

(3) As the basis for the diagnosis, the medical doctor has not relied, in whole or in part, on any of the following:

(a) The reports or opinions of any doctor, clinic, laboratory, or testing company that performed an examination, test, or screening of the claimant's medical condition in violation of any law, regulation, licensing requirement, or medical code of practice of the state in which that examination, test, or screening was conducted;

(b) The reports or opinions of any doctor, clinic, laboratory, or testing company that performed an examination, test, or screening of the claimant's medical condition that was conducted without clearly establishing a doctor-patient relationship with the claimant or medical personnel involved in the examination, test, or screening process;

(c) The reports or opinions of any doctor, clinic, laboratory, or testing company that performed an examination, test, or screening of the claimant's medical condition that required the claimant to agree to retain the legal services of the law firm sponsoring the examination, test, or screening.

(4) The medical doctor spends not more than twenty-five per cent of the medical doctor's professional practice time in providing consulting or expert services in connection with actual or potential tort actions, and the medical doctor's medical group, professional corporation, clinic, or other affiliated group earns not more than twenty per cent of its revenues from providing those services.

(J) "Exposed person" means either of the following, whichever is applicable:

(1) A person whose exposure to silica is the basis for a silicosis claim under section 2307.85 of the Revised Code;

(2) A person whose exposure to mixed dust is the basis for a mixed dust disease claim under section 2307.86 of the Revised Code.

(K) "ILO scale" means the system for the classification of chest x-rays set forth in the international labour office's guidelines for the use of ILO international classification of radiographs of pneumoconioses (2000), as amended.

(L) "Lung cancer" means a malignant tumor in which the primary site of origin of the cancer is inside the lungs.

(M) "Mixed dust" means a mixture of dusts composed of silica and one or more other fibrogenic dusts capable of inducing pulmonary fibrosis if inhaled in sufficient quantity.

(N) "Mixed dust disease claim" means any claim for damages, losses, indemnification, contribution, or other relief arising out of, based on, or in any way related to inhalation of, exposure to, or contact with mixed dust. "Mixed dust disease claim" includes a claim made by or on behalf of any person who has been exposed to mixed dust, or any representative, spouse, parent, child, or other relative of that person, for injury, including mental or emotional injury, death, or loss to person, risk of disease or other injury, costs of medical monitoring or surveillance, or any other effects on the person's health that are caused by the person's exposure to mixed dust.

(O) "Mixed dust pneumoconiosis" means the interstitial lung disease caused by the pulmonary response to inhaled mixed dusts.

(P) "Nonmalignant condition" means a condition, other than a diagnosed cancer, that is caused or may be caused by either of the following, whichever is applicable:

(1) Silica, as provided in section 2307.85 of the Revised Code;

(2) Mixed dust, as provided in section 2307.86 of the Revised Code.

(Q) "Pathological evidence of mixed dust pneumoconiosis" means a statement by a board-certified pathologist that more than one representative section of lung tissue uninvolved with any other disease process demonstrates a pattern of peribronchiolar and parenchymal stellate (star-shaped) nodular scarring and that there is no other more likely explanation for the presence of the fibrosis.

(R) "Pathological evidence of silicosis" means a statement by a board-certified pathologist that more than one representative section of lung tissue uninvolved with any other disease process demonstrates a pattern of round silica nodules and birefringent crystals or other demonstration of crystal structures consistent with silica (well-organized concentric whorls of collagen surrounded by inflammatory cells) in the lung parenchyma and that there is no other more likely explanation for the presence of the fibrosis.

(S) "Physical impairment" means any of the following, whichever is applicable:

(1) A nonmalignant condition that meets the minimum requirements of division (B) of section 2307.85 of the Revised Code or lung cancer of an exposed person who is a smoker that meets the minimum requirements of division (C) of section 2307.85 of the Revised Code;

(2) A nonmalignant condition that meets the minimum requirements of division (B) of section 2307.86 of the Revised Code or lung cancer of an exposed person who is a smoker that meets the minimum requirements of division (C) of section 2307.86 of the Revised Code.

(T) "Premises owner" means a person who owns, in whole or in part, leases, rents, maintains, or controls privately owned lands, ways, or waters, or any buildings and structures on those lands, ways, or waters, and all privately owned and state-owned lands, ways, or waters leased to a private person, firm, or organization, including any buildings and structures on those lands, ways, or waters.

(U) "Radiological evidence of mixed dust pneumoconiosis" means a chest x-ray showing bilateral rounded or irregular opacities in the upper lung fields graded by a certified B-reader as at least 1/1 on the ILO scale.

(V) "Radiological evidence of silicosis" means a chest x-ray showing bilateral small rounded opacities (p, q, or r) in the upper lung fields graded by a certified B-reader as at least 1/1 on the ILO scale.

(W) "Regular basis" means on a frequent or recurring basis.

(X) "Silica" means a respirable crystalline form of silicon dioxide, including, but not limited to, alpha quartz, cristobalite, and trydmite.

(Y) "Silicosis claim" means any claim for damages, losses, indemnification, contribution, or other relief arising out of, based on, or in any way related to inhalation of, exposure to, or contact with silica. "Silicosis claim" includes a claim made by or on behalf of any person who has been exposed to silica, or any representative, spouse, parent, child, or other relative of that person, for injury, including mental or emotional injury, death, or loss to person, risk of disease or other injury, costs of medical monitoring or surveillance, or any other effects on the person's health that are caused by the person's exposure to silica.

(Z) "Silicosis" means an interstitial lung disease caused by the pulmonary response to inhaled silica.

(AA) "Smoker" means a person who has smoked the equivalent of one-pack year, as specified in the written report of a competent medical authority pursuant to section 2307.85 or 2307.86 and section 2307.87 of the Revised Code, during the last fifteen years.

(BB) "Substantial contributing factor" means both of the following:

(1) Exposure to silica or mixed dust is the predominate cause of the physical impairment alleged in the silicosis claim or mixed dust disease claim, whichever is applicable.

(2) A competent medical authority has determined with a reasonable degree of medical certainty that without the silica or mixed dust exposures the physical impairment of the exposed person would not have occurred.

(CC) "Substantial occupational exposure to silica" means employment for a cumulative period of at least five years in an industry and an occupation in which, for a substantial portion of a normal work year for that occupation, the exposed person did any of the following:

(1) Handled silica;

(2) Fabricated silica-containing products so that the person was exposed to silica in the fabrication process;

(3) Altered, repaired, or otherwise worked with a silica-containing product in a manner that exposed the person on a regular basis to silica;

(4) Worked in close proximity to other workers engaged in any of the activities described in division (CC)(1), (2), or (3) of this section in a manner that exposed the person on a regular basis to silica.

(DD) "Substantial occupational exposure to mixed dust" means employment for a cumulative period of at least five years in an industry and an occupation in which, for a substantial portion of a normal work year for that occupation, the exposed person did any of the following:

(1) Handled mixed dust;

(2) Fabricated mixed dust-containing products so that the person was exposed to mixed dust in the fabrication process;

(3) Altered, repaired, or otherwise worked with a mixed dust-containing product in a manner that exposed the person on a regular basis to mixed dust;

(4) Worked in close proximity to other workers engaged in any of the activities described in division (DD)(1), (2), or (3) of this section in a manner that exposed the person on a regular basis to mixed dust.

(EE) "Tort action" means a civil action for damages for injury, death, or loss to person. "Tort action" includes a product liability claim that is subject to sections 2307.71 to 2307.80 of the Revised Code. "Tort action" does not include a civil action for damages for a breach of contract or another agreement between persons.

(FF) "Veterans' benefit program" means any program for benefits in connection with military service administered by the veterans' administration under title 38 of the United States Code.

(GG) "Workers' compensation law" means Chapters 4121., 4123., 4127., and 4131. of the Revised Code.

Section 2307.85 | Silicosis claim - prima facie showing - evidence of physical impairment - effect of decision.

• Effective: September 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 342 - 125th General Assembly

(A) Physical impairment of the exposed person, to which the person's exposure to silica is a substantial contributing factor, shall be an essential element of a silicosis claim in any tort action.

(B) No person shall bring or maintain a tort action alleging a silicosis claim based on a nonmalignant condition in the absence of a prima-facie showing, in the manner described in division (A) of section 2307.87 of the Revised Code, that the exposed person has a physical impairment, that the physical impairment is a result of a medical condition, and that the person's exposure to silica is a substantial contributing factor to the medical condition. That prima-facie showing shall include all of the following minimum requirements:

(1) Evidence verifying that a competent medical authority has taken a detailed occupational and exposure history of the exposed person from the exposed person or, if that person is deceased, from the person who is most knowledgeable about the exposures that form the basis of the silicosis claim for a nonmalignant condition, including all of the following:

(a) All of the exposed person's principal places of employment and exposures to airborne contaminants;

(b) Whether each principal place of employment involved exposures to airborne contaminants, including, but not limited to, silica or other disease causing dusts, that can cause pulmonary impairment and, if that type of exposure is involved, the general nature, duration, and general level of exposure.

(2) Evidence verifying that a competent medical authority has taken a detailed medical and smoking history of the exposed person, including a thorough review of the exposed person's past and present medical problems and the most probable causes of those medical problems;

(3) A diagnosis by a competent medical authority, based on a medical examination and pulmonary function testing of the exposed person, that both of the following apply to the exposed person:

(a) The exposed person has a permanent respiratory impairment rating of at least class 2 as defined by and evaluated pursuant to the AMA guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment.

(b) The exposed person has silicosis based at a minimum on radiological or pathological evidence of silicosis.

(C) No person shall bring or maintain a tort action alleging that silica caused that person to contract lung cancer if the exposed person is or was also a smoker, in the absence of a prima-facie showing, in the manner described in division (A) of section 2307.87 of the Revised Code, that the exposed person has a physical impairment, that the physical impairment is a result of a medical condition, and that the person's exposure to silica is a substantial contributing factor to the medical condition. That prima-facie showing shall include all of the following minimum requirements:

(1) A diagnosis by a competent medical authority that the exposed person has primary lung cancer and that exposure to silica is a substantial contributing factor to that cancer;

(2) Evidence that is sufficient to demonstrate that at least ten years have elapsed from the date of the exposed person's first exposure to silica until the date of diagnosis of the exposed person's primary lung cancer. The ten-year latency period described in this division is a rebuttable presumption and the plaintiff has the burden of proof to rebut the presumption.

(3) Both of the following:

(a) Radiological or pathological evidence of silicosis;

(b) Evidence of the exposed person's substantial occupational exposure to silica.

(D)(1) No person shall bring or maintain a tort action alleging a silicosis claim based on wrongful death, as described in section 2125.01 of the Revised Code, of an exposed person, in the absence of a prima-facie showing, in the manner described in division (A) of section 2307.87 of the Revised Code, that the death of the exposed person was the result of a physical impairment, that the death and physical impairment were the result of a medical condition, and that the person's exposure to silica was a substantial contributing factor to the medical condition. That prima-facie showing shall include all of the following minimum requirements:

(a) A diagnosis by a competent medical authority that exposure to silica was a substantial contributing factor to the death of the exposed person;

(b) Evidence that is sufficient to demonstrate that at least ten years have elapsed from the date of the exposed person's first exposure to silica until the date of diagnosis under division (D)(1)(a) of this section or death of the exposed person. The ten-year latency period described in this division is a rebuttable presumption, and the plaintiff has the burden of proof to rebut the presumption.

(c) Both of the following:

(i) Radiological or pathological evidence of silicosis;

(ii) Evidence of the exposed person's substantial occupational exposure to silica.

(2) If a person files a tort action that alleges a silicosis claim based on wrongful death, as described in section 2125.01 of the Revised Code, of an exposed person and further alleges in the action that the death of the exposed person was the result of living with another person who, if the tort action had been filed by the other person, would have met the requirements specified in division (D)(1)(c) of this section and that the exposed person lived with the other person for the period of time specified in division (CC) of section 2307.84 of the Revised Code, the exposed person is considered as having satisfied the requirements specified in division (D)(1)(c) of this section.

(E) Evidence relating to physical impairment under this section, including pulmonary function testing and diffusing studies, shall comply with the technical recommendations for examinations, testing procedures, quality assurance, quality control, and equipment incorporated in the AMA guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment and reported as set forth in 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, Part A, Sec. 3.00 E. and F., and the interpretive standards set forth in the official statement of the American thoracic society entitled "lung function testing: selection of reference values and interpretive strategies" as published in American review of respiratory disease, 1991:144:1202-1218.

(F) All of the following apply to the court's decision on the prima-facie showing that meets the requirements of division (B), (C), or (D) of this section:

(1) The court's decision does not result in any presumption at trial that the exposed person has a physical impairment that is caused by a silica-related condition.

(2) The court's decision is not conclusive as to the liability of any defendant in the case.

(3) The court's findings and decision are not admissible at trial.

(4) If the trier of fact is a jury, the court shall not instruct the jury with respect to the court's decision on the prima-facie showing, and neither counsel for any party nor a witness shall inform the jury or potential jurors of that showing.

Section 2307.86 | Mixed dust disease claim - prima facie showing - evidence of physical impairment - effect of decision.

• Effective: September 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 342 - 125th General Assembly

(A) Physical impairment of the exposed person, to which the person's exposure to mixed dust is a substantial contributing factor, shall be an essential element of a mixed dust disease claim in any tort action.

(B) No person shall bring or maintain a tort action alleging a mixed dust disease claim based on a nonmalignant condition in the absence of a prima-facie showing, in the manner described in division (A) of section 2307.87 of the Revised Code, that the exposed person has a physical impairment, that the physical impairment is a result of a medical condition, and that the person's exposure to mixed dust is a substantial contributing factor to the medical condition. That prima-facie showing shall include all of the following minimum requirements:

(1) Evidence verifying that a competent medical authority has taken a detailed occupational and exposure history of the exposed person from the exposed person or, if that person is deceased, from the person who is most knowledgeable about the exposures that form the basis of the mixed dust disease claim for a nonmalignant condition, including all of the following:

(a) All of the exposed person's principal places of employment and exposures to airborne contaminants;

(b) Whether each principal place of employment involved exposures to airborne contaminants, including, but not limited to, mixed dust, that can cause pulmonary impairment and, if that type of exposure is involved, the general nature, duration, and general level of the exposure.

(2) Evidence verifying that a competent medical authority has taken a detailed medical and smoking history of the exposed person, including a thorough review of the exposed person's past and present medical problems and the most probable causes of those medical problems;

(3) A diagnosis by a competent medical authority, based on a medical examination and pulmonary function testing of the exposed person, that both of the following apply to the exposed person:

(a) The exposed person has a permanent respiratory impairment rating of at least class 2 as defined by and evaluated pursuant to the AMA guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment.

(b) The exposed person has mixed dust pneumoconiosis, based at a minimum on radiological or pathological evidence of mixed dust pneumoconiosis.

(C) No person shall bring or maintain a tort action alleging that mixed dust caused that person to contract lung cancer if the exposed person is or was also a smoker, in the absence of a prima-facie showing, in the manner described in division (A) of section 2307.87 of the Revised Code, that the exposed person has a physical impairment, that the physical impairment is a result of a medical condition, and that the person's exposure to mixed dust is a substantial contributing factor to the medical condition. That prima-facie showing shall include all of the following minimum requirements:

(1) A diagnosis by a competent medical authority that the exposed person has primary lung cancer and that exposure to mixed dust is a substantial contributing factor to that cancer;

(2) Evidence that is sufficient to demonstrate that at least ten years have elapsed from the date of the exposed person's first exposure to mixed dust until the date of diagnosis of the exposed person's primary lung cancer. The ten-year latency period described in this division is a rebuttable presumption, and the plaintiff has the burden of proof to rebut the presumption.

(3) Both of the following:

(a) Radiological or pathological evidence of mixed dust pneumoconiosis;

(b) Evidence of the exposed person's substantial occupational exposure to mixed dust.

(D)(1) No person shall bring or maintain a tort action alleging a mixed dust disease claim based on wrongful death, as described in section 2125.01 of the Revised Code, of an exposed person, in the absence of a prima-facie showing, in the manner described in division (A) of section 2307.87 of the Revised Code, that the death of the exposed person was the result of a physical impairment, that the death and physical impairment were the result of a medical condition, and that the person's exposure to mixed dust was a substantial contributing factor to the medical condition. That prima-facie showing shall include all of the following minimum requirements:

(a) A diagnosis by a competent medical authority that exposure to mixed dust was a substantial contributing factor to the death of the exposed person;

(b) Evidence that is sufficient to demonstrate that at least ten years have elapsed from the date of the exposed person's first exposure to mixed dust until the date of diagnosis under division (D)(1)(a) of this section or death of the exposed person. The ten-year latency period described in this division is a rebuttable presumption, and the plaintiff has the burden of proof to rebut the presumption.

(c) Both of the following:

(i) Radiological or pathological evidence of mixed dust pneumoconiosis;

(ii) Evidence of the exposed person's substantial occupational exposure to mixed dust.

(2) If a person files a tort action that alleges a mixed dust disease claim based on wrongful death, as defined in section 2125.01 of the Revised Code, of an exposed person and further alleges in the action that the death of the exposed person was the result of living with another person who, if the tort action had been filed by the other person, would have met the requirements specified in division (D)(1)(c) of this section and that the exposed person lived with the other person for the period of time specified in division (DD) of section 2307.84 of the Revised Code, the exposed person is considered as having satisfied the requirements specified in division (D)(1)(c) of this section.

(E) Evidence relating to physical impairment under this section, including pulmonary function testing and diffusing studies, shall comply with the technical recommendations for examinations, testing procedures, quality assurance, quality control, and equipment incorporated in the AMA guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment and reported as set forth in 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, Part A, Sec. 3.00 E. and F., and the interpretive standards set forth in the official statement of the American thoracic society entitled "lung function testing: selection of reference values and interpretive strategies" as published in American review of respiratory disease, 1991:144:1202-1218.

(F) All of the following apply to the court's decision on the prima-facie showing that meets the requirements of division (B), (C), or (D) of this section:

(1) The court's decision does not result in any presumption at trial that the exposed person has a physical impairment that is caused by a mixed dust-related condition.

(2) The court's decision is not conclusive as to the liability of any defendant in the case.

(3) The court's findings and decision are not admissible at trial.

(4) If the trier of fact is a jury, the court shall not instruct the jury with respect to the court's decision on the prima-facie showing, and neither counsel for any party nor a witness shall inform the jury or potential jurors of that showing.

Section 2307.87 | Silicosis or mixed dust disease claim - filing of evidence of physical impairment - challenge - administrative dismissal.

• Effective: September 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 342 - 125th General Assembly

(A) The plaintiff in any tort action who alleges a silicosis claim or a mixed dust disease claim shall file, within thirty days after filing the complaint or other initial pleading, a written report and supporting test results constituting prima-facie evidence of the exposed person's physical impairment that meets the minimum requirements specified in division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.85 or division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.86 of the Revised Code, whichever is applicable. The defendant in the case shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity, upon the defendant's motion, to challenge the adequacy of the proffered prima-facie evidence of the physical impairment for failure to comply with the minimum requirements specified in division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.85 or division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.86 of the Revised Code, whichever is applicable. The defendant has one hundred twenty days from the date the prima-facie evidence of the exposed person's physical impairment is proffered to challenge the adequacy of that prima-facie evidence. If the defendant makes that challenge and uses a physician to do so, the physician must meet the requirements specified in divisions (I)(1), (3), and (4) of section 2307.84 of the Revised Code.

(B) If the defendant challenges the adequacy of the prima-facie evidence of the exposed person's physical impairment as provided in division (A) of this section, the court shall determine from all of the evidence submitted whether the proffered prima-facie evidence meets the minimum requirements specified in division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.85 or division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.86 of the Revised Code, whichever is applicable. The court shall resolve the issue of whether the plaintiff has made the prima-facie showing required by any of those divisions as applicable, by applying the standard for resolving a motion for summary judgment.

(C) The court shall administratively dismiss the plaintiff's claim without prejudice upon a finding of failure to make the prima-facie showing required by division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.85 or division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.86 of the Revised Code, whichever is applicable. The court shall maintain its jurisdiction over any case that is administratively dismissed under this division. Any plaintiff whose case has been administratively dismissed under this division may move to reinstate the plaintiff's case if the plaintiff makes a prima-facie showing that meets the minimum requirements specified in any of those divisions as applicable.

(D) This section applies only to tort actions that allege a silicosis claim or a mixed dust disease claim and that are filed on or after the effective date of this section.

Section 2307.88 | Silicosis or mixed dust disease claim - tolling of statute of limitations - nonmalignant and cancer claims distinct.

• Effective: September 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 342 - 125th General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Revised Code, with respect to any silicosis claim or mixed dust disease claim based upon a nonmalignant condition that is not barred as of the effective date of this section, the period of limitations shall not begin to run until the exposed person discovers, or through the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered, that the person has a physical impairment due to a nonmalignant condition. A silicosis claim or a mixed dust disease claim based upon a nonmalignant condition that is filed before the cause of action pursuant to this division arises is preserved for purposes of the period of limitations.

(B) A silicosis claim or a mixed dust disease claim that arises out of a nonmalignant condition shall be a distinct cause of action from a silicosis claim or a mixed dust disease claim, as the case may be, relating to the same exposed person that arises out of silica-related cancer or mixed dust-related cancer. No damages shall be awarded for fear or risk of cancer in any tort action asserting only a silicosis claim or a mixed dust disease claim for a nonmalignant condition.

(C) No settlement of a silicosis claim or a mixed dust disease claim for a nonmalignant condition that is concluded after the effective date of this section shall require, as a condition of settlement, the release of any future claim for silica-related cancer or mixed dust-related cancer.

Section 2307.89 | Silicosis or mixed dust disease claim against premises owner.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

The following apply to all tort actions for silicosis or mixed dust disease claims brought against a premises owner to recover damages or other relief for exposure to silica or mixed dust on the premises owner's property:

(A) A premises owner is not liable for any injury to any individual resulting from silica or mixed dust exposure unless that individual's alleged exposure occurred while the individual was at the premises owner's property.

(B) If exposure to silica or mixed dust is alleged to have occurred before January 1, 1972, it is presumed that a premises owner knew that this state had adopted safe levels of exposure for silica or mixed dust and that products containing silica or mixed dust were used on its property only at levels below those safe levels of exposure. To rebut this presumption, the plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the premises owner knew or should have known that the levels of silica or mixed dust in the immediate breathing zone of the plaintiff regularly exceeded the threshold limit values adopted by this state and that the premises owner allowed that condition to persist.

(C)(1) A premises owner is presumed to be not liable for any injury to any invitee who was engaged to work with, install, or remove products containing silica or mixed dust on the premises owner's property if the invitee's employer held itself out as qualified to perform the work. To rebut this presumption, the plaintiff must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that the premises owner had actual knowledge of the potential dangers of the products containing silica or mixed dust at the time of the alleged exposure that was superior to the knowledge of both the invitee and the invitee's employer.

(2) A premises owner that hired a contractor before January 1, 1972, to perform the type of work at the premises owner's property that the contractor was qualified to perform cannot be liable for any injury to any individual resulting from silica or mixed dust exposure caused by any of the contractor's employees or agents on the premises owner's property unless the premises owner directed the activity that resulted in the injury or gave or denied permission for the critical acts that led to the individual's injury.

(3) If exposure to silica or mixed dust is alleged to have occurred after January 1, 1972, a premises owner is not liable for any injury to any individual resulting from that exposure caused by a contractor's employee or agent on the premises owner's property unless the plaintiff establishes the premises owner's intentional violation of an established safety standard that was in effect at the time of the exposure and that the alleged violation was in the plaintiff's breathing zone and was the proximate cause of the plaintiff's medical condition.

(D) As used in this section:

(1) "Threshold limit values" means the maximum allowable concentration of silica, or other dust, set forth in regulation 247 of the "regulations for the prevention and control of diseases resulting from exposure to toxic fumes, vapors, mists, gases, and dusts in order to preserve and protect the public health," as adopted by the former public health council of the department of health on January 1, 1947, and set forth by the industrial commission of Ohio in bulletin no. 203, "specific requirements and general safety standards of the industrial commission of Ohio for work shops and factories, chapter XV, ventilation and exhausts," effective January 3, 1955.

(2) "Established safety standard" means that, for the years after 1971, the concentration of silica or mixed dust in the breathing zone of the worker does not exceed the maximum allowable exposure limits for the eight-hour time-weighted average airborne concentration as promulgated by the occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) in effect at the time of the alleged exposure.

(3) "Employee" means an individual who performs labor or provides construction services pursuant to a construction contract, as defined in section 4123.79 of the Revised Code, or a remodeling or repair contract, whether written or oral, if at least ten of the following criteria apply:

(a) The individual is required to comply with instructions from the other contracting party regarding the manner or method of performing services.

(b) The individual is required by the other contracting party to have particular training.

(c) The individual's services are integrated into the regular functioning of the other contracting party.

(d) The individual is required to perform the work personally.

(e) The individual is hired, supervised, or paid by the other contracting party.

(f) A continuing relationship exists between the individual and the other contracting party that contemplates continuing or recurring work even if the work is not full time.

(g) The individual's hours of work are established by the other contracting party.

(h) The individual is required to devote full time to the business of the other contracting party.

(i) The individual is required to perform the work on the premises of the other contracting party.

(j) The individual is required to follow the order of work set by the other contracting party.

(k) The individual is required to make oral or written reports of progress to the other contracting party.

(l) The individual is paid for services on a regular basis, including hourly, weekly, or monthly.

(m) The individual's expenses are paid for by the other contracting party.

(n) The individual's tools and materials are furnished by the other contracting party.

(o) The individual is provided with the facilities used to perform services.

(p) The individual does not realize a profit or suffer a loss as a result of the services provided.

(q) The individual is not performing services for a number of employers at the same time.

(r) The individual does not make the same services available to the general public.

(s) The other contracting party has a right to discharge the individual.

(t) The individual has the right to end the relationship with the other contracting party without incurring liability pursuant to an employment contract or agreement.

Section 2307.90 | Silicosis or mixed dust disease claim - operation of other laws unaffected - exhumation not required.

• Effective: September 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 342 - 125th General Assembly

(A) Nothing in sections 2307.84 to 2307.90 of the Revised Code is intended to do, and nothing in any of those sections is interpreted to do, either of the following:

(1) Affect the rights of any party in bankruptcy proceedings;

(2) Affect the ability of any person who is able to make a showing that the person satisfies the claim criteria for compensable claims or demands under a trust established pursuant to a plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Chapter 11, to make a claim or demand against that trust.

(B) Sections 2307.84 to 2307.90 of the Revised Code shall not affect the scope or operation of any workers' compensation law or veterans' benefit program or the exclusive remedy of subrogation under the provisions of that law or program and shall not authorize any lawsuit that is barred by any provision of any workers' compensation law.

(C) Nothing in sections 2307.85, 2307.86, 2307.87, and 2307.88 of the Revised Code shall require or permit the exhumation of bodies in making the prima-facie showing as required by section 2307.85 or 2307.86 of the Revised Code or rebutting the presumption as provided in section 2307.85 or 2307.86 of the Revised Code.

Section 2307.901 | Silicosis or mixed dust disease claim - multiple defendants - substantial factor test.

• Effective: September 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 342 - 125th General Assembly

(A) If a plaintiff in a tort action alleges any injury or loss to person resulting from exposure to silica or mixed dust as a result of the tortious act of one or more defendants, in order to maintain a cause of action against any of those defendants based on that injury or loss, the plaintiff must prove that the conduct of that particular defendant was a substantial factor in causing the injury or loss on which the cause of action is based.

(B) A plaintiff in a tort action who alleges any injury or loss to person resulting from exposure to silica or mixed dust has the burden of proving that the plaintiff was exposed to silica or mixed dust that was manufactured, supplied, installed, or used by the defendant in the action and that the plaintiff's exposure to the defendant's silica or mixed dust was a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff's injury or loss. In determining whether exposure to a particular defendant's silica or mixed dust was a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff's injury or loss, the trier of fact in the action shall consider, without limitation, all of the following:

(1) The manner in which the plaintiff was exposed to the defendant's silica or mixed dust;

(2) The proximity of the defendant's silica or mixed dust to the plaintiff when the exposure to the defendant's silica or mixed dust occurred;

(3) The frequency and length of the plaintiff's exposure to the defendant's silica or mixed dust;

(4) Any factors that mitigated or enhanced the plaintiff's exposure to silica or mixed dust.

(C) This section applies only to tort actions that allege any injury or loss to person resulting from exposure to silica or mixed dust and that are brought on or after the effective date of this section.

Section 2307.902 | Silicosis or mixed dust disease claim - piercing the corporate veil.

• Effective: September 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 342 - 125th General Assembly

(A) A holder has no obligation to, and has no liability to, the covered entity or to any person with respect to any obligation or liability of the covered entity in a silicosis claim or a mixed dust disease claim under the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil unless the person seeking to pierce the corporate veil demonstrates all of the following:

(1) The holder exerted such control over the covered entity that the covered entity had no separate mind, will, or existence of its own.

(2) The holder caused the covered entity to be used for the purpose of perpetrating, and the covered entity perpetrated, an actual fraud on the person seeking to pierce the corporate veil primarily for the direct pecuniary benefit of the holder.

(3) The person seeking to pierce the corporate veil sustained an injury or unjust loss as a direct result of the control described in division (A)(1) of this section and the fraud described in division (A)(2) of this section.

(B) A court shall not find that the holder exerted such control over the covered entity that the covered entity did not have a separate mind, will, or existence of its own or to have caused the covered entity to be used for the purpose of perpetrating a fraud solely as a result of any of the following actions, events, or relationships:

(1) The holder is an affiliate of the covered entity and provides legal, accounting, treasury, cash management, human resources, administrative, or other similar services to the covered entity, leases assets to the covered entity, or makes its employees available to the covered entity.

(2) The holder loans funds to the covered entity or guarantees the obligations of the covered entity.

(3) The officers and directors of the holder are also the officers and directors of the covered entity.

(4) The covered entity makes payments of dividends or other distributions to the holder or repays loans owed to the holder.

(5) In the case of a covered entity that is a limited liability company, the holder or its employees or agents serve as the manager of the covered entity.

(C) The person seeking to pierce the corporate veil has the burden of proof on each and every element of the person's claim and must prove each element by a preponderance of the evidence.

(D) Any liability of the holder described in division (A) of this section for an obligation or liability that is limited by that division is exclusive and preempts any other obligation or liability imposed upon that holder for that obligation or liability under common law or otherwise.

(E) This section is intended to codify the elements of the common law cause of action for piercing the corporate veil and to abrogate the common law cause of action and remedies relating to piercing the corporate veil in silicosis claims and mixed dust disease claims. Nothing in this section shall be construed as creating a right or cause of action that did not exist under the common law as it existed on the effective date of this section.

(F) This section applies to all silicosis claims and mixed dust disease claims commenced on or after the effective date of this section or commenced prior to and pending on the effective date of this section.

(G) This section applies to all actions asserting the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil brought against a holder if any of the following apply:

(1) The holder is an individual and resides in this state.

(2) The holder is a corporation organized under the laws of this state.

(3) The holder is a corporation with its principal place of business in this state.

(4) The holder is a foreign corporation that is authorized to conduct or has conducted business in this state.

(5) The holder is a foreign corporation the parent corporation of which is authorized to conduct business in this state.

(6) The person seeking to pierce the corporate veil is a resident of this state.

(H) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "Affiliate" and "beneficial owner" have the same meanings as in section 1704.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Mixed dust," "mixed dust disease claim," "silica," and "silicosis claim" have the same meanings as in section 2307.84 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Covered entity" means a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, or any other entity organized under the laws of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, in which the shareholders, owners, or members are generally not responsible for the debts and obligations of the entity. Nothing in this section limits or otherwise affects the liabilities imposed on a general partner of a limited partnership.

(4) "Holder" means a person who is the holder, beneficial owner, or subscriber of shares or any other ownership interest of a covered entity, a member of a covered entity, or an affiliate of any person who is the holder, beneficial owner, or subscriber of shares or any other ownership interest of a covered entity.

(5) "Piercing the corporate veil" means any and all common law doctrines by which a holder may be liable for an obligation or liability of a covered entity on the basis that the holder controlled the covered entity, the holder is or was the alter ego of the covered entity, or the covered entity has been used for the purpose of actual or constructive fraud or as a sham to perpetrate a fraud or any other common law doctrine by which the covered entity is disregarded for purposes of imposing liability on a holder for the debts or obligations of that covered entity.

(6) "Person" has the same meaning as in section 1701.01 of the Revised Code.

Section 2307.91 | Asbestos claims - definitions.

• Effective: September 2, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 292 - 125th General Assembly

As used in sections 2307.91 to 2307.96 of the Revised Code:

(A) "AMA guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment" means the American medical association's guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment (fifth edition 2000) as may be modified by the American medical association.

(B) "Asbestos" means chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, actinolite asbestos, and any of these minerals that have been chemically treated or altered.

(C) "Asbestos claim" means any claim for damages, losses, indemnification, contribution, or other relief arising out of, based on, or in any way related to asbestos. "Asbestos claim" includes a claim made by or on behalf of any person who has been exposed to asbestos, or any representative, spouse, parent, child, or other relative of that person, for injury, including mental or emotional injury, death, or loss to person, risk of disease or other injury, costs of medical monitoring or surveillance, or any other effects on the person's health that are caused by the person's exposure to asbestos.

(D) "Asbestosis" means bilateral diffuse interstitial fibrosis of the lungs caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers.

(E) "Board-certified internist" means a medical doctor who is currently certified by the American board of internal medicine.

(F) "Board-certified occupational medicine specialist" means a medical doctor who is currently certified by the American board of preventive medicine in the specialty of occupational medicine.

(G) "Board-certified oncologist" means a medical doctor who is currently certified by the American board of internal medicine in the subspecialty of medical oncology.

(H) "Board-certified pathologist" means a medical doctor who is currently certified by the American board of pathology.

(I) "Board-certified pulmonary specialist" means a medical doctor who is currently certified by the American board of internal medicine in the subspecialty of pulmonary medicine.

(J) "Certified B-reader" means an individual qualified as a "final" or "B-reader" as defined in 42 C.F.R. section 37.51(b), as amended.

(K) "Certified industrial hygienist" means an industrial hygienist who has attained the status of diplomate of the American academy of industrial hygiene subject to compliance with requirements established by the American board of industrial hygiene.

(L) "Certified safety professional" means a safety professional who has met and continues to meet all requirements established by the board of certified safety professionals and is authorized by that board to use the certified safety professional title or the CSP designation.

(M) "Civil action" means all suits or claims of a civil nature in a state or federal court, whether cognizable as cases at law or in equity or admiralty. "Civil action" does not include any of the following:

(1) A civil action relating to any workers' compensation law;

(2) A civil action alleging any claim or demand made against a trust established pursuant to 11 U.S.C. section 524(g);

(3) A civil action alleging any claim or demand made against a trust established pursuant to a plan of reorganization confirmed under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Chapter 11.

(N) "Exposed person" means any person whose exposure to asbestos or to asbestos-containing products is the basis for an asbestos claim under section 2307.92 of the Revised Code.

(O) "FEV1" means forced expiratory volume in the first second, which is the maximal volume of air expelled in one second during performance of simple spirometric tests.

(P) "FVC" means forced vital capacity that is maximal volume of air expired with maximum effort from a position of full inspiration.

(Q) "ILO scale" means the system for the classification of chest x-rays set forth in the international labour office's guidelines for the use of ILO international classification of radiographs of pneumoconioses (2000), as amended.

(R) "Lung cancer" means a malignant tumor in which the primary site of origin of the cancer is inside the lungs, but that term does not include mesothelioma.

(S) "Mesothelioma" means a malignant tumor with a primary site of origin in the pleura or the peritoneum, which has been diagnosed by a board-certified pathologist, using standardized and accepted criteria of microscopic morphology and appropriate staining techniques.

(T) "Nonmalignant condition" means a condition that is caused or may be caused by asbestos other than a diagnosed cancer.

(U) "Pathological evidence of asbestosis" means a statement by a board-certified pathologist that more than one representative section of lung tissue uninvolved with any other disease process demonstrates a pattern of peribronchiolar or parenchymal scarring in the presence of characteristic asbestos bodies and that there is no other more likely explanation for the presence of the fibrosis.

(V) "Physical impairment" means a nonmalignant condition that meets the minimum requirements specified in division (B) of section 2307.92 of the Revised Code, lung cancer of an exposed person who is a smoker that meets the minimum requirements specified in division (C) of section 2307.92 of the Revised Code, or a condition of a deceased exposed person that meets the minimum requirements specified in division (D) of section 2307.92 of the Revised Code.

(W) "Plethysmography" means a test for determining lung volume, also known as "body plethysmography," in which the subject of the test is enclosed in a chamber that is equipped to measure pressure, flow, or volume changes.

(X) "Predicted lower limit of normal" means the fifth percentile of healthy populations based on age, height, and gender, as referenced in the AMA guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment.

(Y) "Premises owner" means a person who owns, in whole or in part, leases, rents, maintains, or controls privately owned lands, ways, or waters, or any buildings and structures on those lands, ways, or waters, and all privately owned and state-owned lands, ways, or waters leased to a private person, firm, or organization, including any buildings and structures on those lands, ways, or waters.

(Z) "Competent medical authority" means a medical doctor who is providing a diagnosis for purposes of constituting prima-facie evidence of an exposed person's physical impairment that meets the requirements specified in section 2307.92 of the Revised Code and who meets the following requirements:

(1) The medical doctor is a board-certified internist, pulmonary specialist, oncologist, pathologist, or occupational medicine specialist.

(2) The medical doctor is actually treating or has treated the exposed person and has or had a doctor-patient relationship with the person.

(3) As the basis for the diagnosis, the medical doctor has not relied, in whole or in part, on any of the following:

(a) The reports or opinions of any doctor, clinic, laboratory, or testing company that performed an examination, test, or screening of the claimant's medical condition in violation of any law, regulation, licensing requirement, or medical code of practice of the state in which that examination, test, or screening was conducted;

(b) The reports or opinions of any doctor, clinic, laboratory, or testing company that performed an examination, test, or screening of the claimant's medical condition that was conducted without clearly establishing a doctor-patient relationship with the claimant or medical personnel involved in the examination, test, or screening process;

(c) The reports or opinions of any doctor, clinic, laboratory, or testing company that performed an examination, test, or screening of the claimant's medical condition that required the claimant to agree to retain the legal services of the law firm sponsoring the examination, test, or screening.

(4) The medical doctor spends not more than twenty-five per cent of the medical doctor's professional practice time in providing consulting or expert services in connection with actual or potential tort actions, and the medical doctor's medical group, professional corporation, clinic, or other affiliated group earns not more than twenty per cent of its revenues from providing those services.

(AA) "Radiological evidence of asbestosis" means a chest x-ray showing small, irregular opacities (s, t) graded by a certified B-reader as at least 1/1 on the ILO scale.

(BB) "Radiological evidence of diffuse pleural thickening" means a chest x-ray showing bilateral pleural thickening graded by a certified B-reader as at least B2 on the ILO scale and blunting of at least one costophrenic angle.

(CC) "Regular basis" means on a frequent or recurring basis.

(DD) "Smoker" means a person who has smoked the equivalent of one-pack year, as specified in the written report of a competent medical authority pursuant to sections 2307.92 and 2307.93 of the Revised Code, during the last fifteen years.

(EE) "Spirometry" means the measurement of volume of air inhaled or exhaled by the lung.

(FF) "Substantial contributing factor" means both of the following:

(1) Exposure to asbestos is the predominate cause of the physical impairment alleged in the asbestos claim.

(2) A competent medical authority has determined with a reasonable degree of medical certainty that without the asbestos exposures the physical impairment of the exposed person would not have occurred.

(GG) "Substantial occupational exposure to asbestos" means employment for a cumulative period of at least five years in an industry and an occupation in which, for a substantial portion of a normal work year for that occupation, the exposed person did any of the following:

(1) Handled raw asbestos fibers;

(2) Fabricated asbestos-containing products so that the person was exposed to raw asbestos fibers in the fabrication process;

(3) Altered, repaired, or otherwise worked with an asbestos-containing product in a manner that exposed the person on a regular basis to asbestos fibers;

(4) Worked in close proximity to other workers engaged in any of the activities described in division (GG)(1), (2), or (3) of this section in a manner that exposed the person on a regular basis to asbestos fibers.

(HH) "Timed gas dilution" means a method for measuring total lung capacity in which the subject breathes into a spirometer containing a known concentration of an inert and insoluble gas for a specific time, and the concentration of the inert and insoluble gas in the lung is then compared to the concentration of that type of gas in the spirometer.

(II) "Tort action" means a civil action for damages for injury, death, or loss to person. "Tort action" includes a product liability claim that is subject to sections 2307.71 to 2307.80 of the Revised Code. "Tort action" does not include a civil action for damages for a breach of contract or another agreement between persons.

(JJ) "Total lung capacity" means the volume of air contained in the lungs at the end of a maximal inspiration.

(KK) "Veterans' benefit program" means any program for benefits in connection with military service administered by the veterans' administration under title 38 of the United States Code.

(LL) "Workers' compensation law" means Chapters 4121., 4123., 4127., and 4131. of the Revised Code.

Section 2307.92 | Asbestos claim - prima facie showing - evidence of physical impairment - effect of decision.

• Effective: September 2, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 292 - 125th General Assembly

(A) For purposes of section 2305.10 and sections 2307.92 to 2307.95 of the Revised Code, "bodily injury caused by exposure to asbestos" means physical impairment of the exposed person, to which the person's exposure to asbestos is a substantial contributing factor.

(B) No person shall bring or maintain a tort action alleging an asbestos claim based on a nonmalignant condition in the absence of a prima-facie showing, in the manner described in division (A) of section 2307.93 of the Revised Code, that the exposed person has a physical impairment, that the physical impairment is a result of a medical condition, and that the person's exposure to asbestos is a substantial contributing factor to the medical condition. That prima-facie showing shall include all of the following minimum requirements:

(1) Evidence verifying that a competent medical authority has taken a detailed occupational and exposure history of the exposed person from the exposed person or, if that person is deceased, from the person who is most knowledgeable about the exposures that form the basis of the asbestos claim for a nonmalignant condition, including all of the following:

(a) All of the exposed person's principal places of employment and exposures to airborne contaminants;

(b) Whether each principal place of employment involved exposures to airborne contaminants, including, but not limited to, asbestos fibers or other disease causing dusts, that can cause pulmonary impairment and, if that type of exposure is involved, the general nature, duration, and general level of the exposure.

(2) Evidence verifying that a competent medical authority has taken a detailed medical and smoking history of the exposed person, including a thorough review of the exposed person's past and present medical problems and the most probable causes of those medical problems;

(3) A diagnosis by a competent medical authority, based on a medical examination and pulmonary function testing of the exposed person, that all of the following apply to the exposed person:

(a) The exposed person has a permanent respiratory impairment rating of at least class 2 as defined by and evaluated pursuant to the AMA guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment.

(b) Either of the following:

(i) The exposed person has asbestosis or diffuse pleural thickening, based at a minimum on radiological or pathological evidence of asbestosis or radiological evidence of diffuse pleural thickening. The asbestosis or diffuse pleural thickening described in this division, rather than solely chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a substantial contributing factor to the exposed person's physical impairment, based at a minimum on a determination that the exposed person has any of the following:

(I) A forced vital capacity below the predicted lower limit of normal and a ratio of FEV1 to FVC that is equal to or greater than the predicted lower limit of normal;

(II) A total lung capacity, by plethysmography or timed gas dilution, below the predicted lower limit of normal;

(III) A chest x-ray showing small, irregular opacities (s, t) graded by a certified B-reader at least 2/1 on the ILO scale.

(ii) If the exposed person has a chest x-ray showing small, irregular opacities (s, t) graded by a certified B-reader as only a 1/0 on the ILO scale, then in order to establish that the exposed person has asbestosis, rather than solely chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, that is a substantial contributing factor to the exposed person's physical impairment the plaintiff must establish that the exposed person has both of the following:

(I) A forced vital capacity below the predicted lower limit of normal and a ratio of FEV1 to FVC that is equal to or greater than the predicted lower limit of normal;

(II) A total lung capacity, by plethysmography or timed gas dilution, below the predicted lower limit of normal.

(C)(1) No person shall bring or maintain a tort action alleging an asbestos claim based upon lung cancer of an exposed person who is a smoker, in the absence of a prima-facie showing, in the manner described in division (A) of section 2307.93 of the Revised Code, that the exposed person has a physical impairment, that the physical impairment is a result of a medical condition, and that the person's exposure to asbestos is a substantial contributing factor to the medical condition. That prima-facie showing shall include all of the following minimum requirements:

(a) A diagnosis by a competent medical authority that the exposed person has primary lung cancer and that exposure to asbestos is a substantial contributing factor to that cancer;

(b) Evidence that is sufficient to demonstrate that at least ten years have elapsed from the date of the exposed person's first exposure to asbestos until the date of diagnosis of the exposed person's primary lung cancer. The ten-year latency period described in this division is a rebuttable presumption, and the plaintiff has the burden of proof to rebut the presumption.

(c) Either of the following:

(i) Evidence of the exposed person's substantial occupational exposure to asbestos;

(ii) Evidence of the exposed person's exposure to asbestos at least equal to 25 fiber per cc years as determined to a reasonable degree of scientific probability by a scientifically valid retrospective exposure reconstruction conducted by a certified industrial hygienist or certified safety professional based upon all reasonably available quantitative air monitoring data and all other reasonably available information about the exposed person's occupational history and history of exposure to asbestos.

(2) If a plaintiff files a tort action that alleges an asbestos claim based upon lung cancer of an exposed person who is a smoker, alleges that the plaintiff's exposure to asbestos was the result of living with another person who, if the tort action had been filed by the other person, would have met the requirements specified in division (C)(1)(c) of this section, and alleges that the plaintiff lived with the other person for the period of time specified in division (GG) of section 2307.91 of the Revised Code, the plaintiff is considered as having satisfied the requirements specified in division (C)(1)(c) of this section.

(D)(1) No person shall bring or maintain a tort action alleging an asbestos claim that is based upon a wrongful death, as described in section 2125.01 of the Revised Code of an exposed person in the absence of a prima-facie showing, in the manner described in division (A) of section 2307.93 of the Revised Code, that the death of the exposed person was the result of a physical impairment, that the death and physical impairment were a result of a medical condition, and that the deceased person's exposure to asbestos was a substantial contributing factor to the medical condition. That prima-facie showing shall include all of the following minimum requirements:

(a) A diagnosis by a competent medical authority that exposure to asbestos was a substantial contributing factor to the death of the exposed person;

(b) Evidence that is sufficient to demonstrate that at least ten years have elapsed from the date of the deceased exposed person's first exposure to asbestos until the date of diagnosis or death of the deceased exposed person. The ten-year latency period described in this division is a rebuttable presumption, and the plaintiff has the burden of proof to rebut the presumption.

(c) Either of the following:

(i) Evidence of the deceased exposed person's substantial occupational exposure to asbestos;

(ii) Evidence of the deceased exposed person's exposure to asbestos at least equal to 25 fiber per cc years as determined to a reasonable degree of scientific probability by a scientifically valid retrospective exposure reconstruction conducted by a certified industrial hygienist or certified safety professional based upon all reasonably available quantitative air monitoring data and all other reasonably available information about the deceased exposed person's occupational history and history of exposure to asbestos.

(2) If a person files a tort action that alleges an asbestos claim based on a wrongful death, as described in section 2125.01 of the Revised Code, of an exposed person, alleges that the death of the exposed person was the result of living with another person who, if the tort action had been filed by the other person, would have met the requirements specified in division (D)(1)(c) of this section, and alleges that the exposed person lived with the other person for the period of time specified in division (GG) of section 2307.91 of the Revised Code in order to qualify as a substantial occupational exposure to asbestos, the exposed person is considered as having satisfied the requirements specified in division (D)(1)(c) of this section.

(3) No court shall require or permit the exhumation of a decedent for the purpose of obtaining evidence to make, or to oppose, a prima-facie showing required under division (D)(1) or (2) of this section regarding a tort action of the type described in that division.

(E) No prima-facie showing is required in a tort action alleging an asbestos claim based upon mesothelioma.

(F) Evidence relating to physical impairment under this section, including pulmonary function testing and diffusing studies, shall comply with the technical recommendations for examinations, testing procedures, quality assurance, quality control, and equipment incorporated in the AMA guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment and reported as set forth in 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, Part A, Sec. 3.00 E. and F., and the interpretive standards set forth in the official statement of the American thoracic society entitled "lung function testing: selection of reference values and interpretive strategies" as published in American review of respiratory disease, 1991:144:1202-1218.

(G) All of the following apply to the court's decision on the prima-facie showing that meets the requirements of division (B), (C), or (D) of this section:

(1) The court's decision does not result in any presumption at trial that the exposed person has a physical impairment that is caused by an asbestos-related condition.

(2) The court's decision is not conclusive as to the liability of any defendant in the case.

(3) The court's findings and decisions are not admissible at trial.

(4) If the trier of fact is a jury, the court shall not instruct the jury with respect to the court's decision on the prima-facie showing, and neither counsel for any party nor a witness shall inform the jury or potential jurors of that showing.

Section 2307.93 | Asbestos claim - filing of evidence of physical impairment - challenge - administrative dismissal.

• Effective: September 2, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 292 - 125th General Assembly

(A)(1) The plaintiff in any tort action who alleges an asbestos claim shall file, within thirty days after filing the complaint or other initial pleading, a written report and supporting test results constituting prima-facie evidence of the exposed person's physical impairment that meets the minimum requirements specified in division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.92 of the Revised Code, whichever is applicable. The defendant in the case shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity, upon the defendant's motion, to challenge the adequacy of the proffered prima-facie evidence of the physical impairment for failure to comply with the minimum requirements specified in division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.92 of the Revised Code. The defendant has one hundred twenty days from the date the specified type of prima-facie evidence is proffered to challenge the adequacy of that prima-facie evidence. If the defendant makes that challenge and uses a physician to do so, the physician must meet the requirements specified in divisions (Z)(1), (3), and (4) of section 2307.91 of the Revised Code.

(2) With respect to any asbestos claim that is pending on the effective date of this section, the plaintiff shall file the written report and supporting test results described in division (A)(1) of this section within one hundred twenty days following the effective date of this section. Upon motion and for good cause shown, the court may extend the one hundred twenty-day period described in this division.

(3)(a) For any cause of action that arises before the effective date of this section, the provisions set forth in divisions (B), (C), and (D) of section 2307.92 of the Revised Code are to be applied unless the court that has jurisdiction over the case finds both of the following:

(i) A substantive right of a party to the case has been impaired.

(ii) That impairment is otherwise in violation of Section 28 of Article II, Ohio Constitution.

(b) If a finding under division (A)(3)(a) of this section is made by the court that has jurisdiction over the case, then the court shall determine whether the plaintiff has failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the plaintiff's cause of action or the right to relief under the law that is in effect prior to the effective date of this section.

(c) If the court that has jurisdiction of the case finds that the plaintiff has failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the plaintiff's cause of action or right to relief under division (A)(3)(b) of this section, the court shall administratively dismiss the plaintiff's claim without prejudice. The court shall maintain its jurisdiction over any case that is administratively dismissed under this division. Any plaintiff whose case has been administratively dismissed under this division may move to reinstate the plaintiff's case if the plaintiff provides sufficient evidence to support the plaintiff's cause of action or the right to relief under the law that was in effect when the plaintiff's cause of action arose.

(B) If the defendant in an action challenges the adequacy of the prima-facie evidence of the exposed person's physical impairment as provided in division (A)(1) of this section, the court shall determine from all of the evidence submitted whether the proffered prima-facie evidence meets the minimum requirements specified in division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.92 of the Revised Code. The court shall resolve the issue of whether the plaintiff has made the prima-facie showing required by division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.92 of the Revised Code by applying the standard for resolving a motion for summary judgment.

(C) The court shall administratively dismiss the plaintiff's claim without prejudice upon a finding of failure to make the prima-facie showing required by division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.92 of the Revised Code. The court shall maintain its jurisdiction over any case that is administratively dismissed under this division. Any plaintiff whose case has been administratively dismissed under this division may move to reinstate the plaintiff's case if the plaintiff makes a prima-facie showing that meets the minimum requirements specified in division (B), (C), or (D) of section 2307.92 of the Revised Code.

Section 2307.94 | Asbestos claim - tolling of statute of limitations - nonmalignant and cancer claims distinct.

• Effective: September 2, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 292 - 125th General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Revised Code, with respect to any asbestos claim based upon a nonmalignant condition that is not barred as of the effective date of this section, the period of limitations shall not begin to run until the exposed person has a cause of action for bodily injury pursuant to section 2305.10 of the Revised Code. An asbestos claim based upon a nonmalignant condition that is filed before the cause of action for bodily injury pursuant to that section arises is preserved for purposes of the period of limitations.

(B) An asbestos claim that arises out of a nonmalignant condition shall be a distinct cause of action from an asbestos claim relating to the same exposed person that arises out of asbestos-related cancer. No damages shall be awarded for fear or risk of cancer in any tort action asserting only an asbestos claim for a nonmalignant condition.

(C) No settlement of an asbestos claim for a nonmalignant condition that is concluded after the effective date of this section shall require, as a condition of settlement, the release of any future claim for asbestos-related cancer.

Section 2307.941 | Asbestos claim against premises owner.

• Effective: September 2, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 292 - 125th General Assembly

(A) The following apply to all tort actions for asbestos claims brought against a premises owner to recover damages or other relief for exposure to asbestos on the premises owner's property:

(1) A premises owner is not liable for any injury to any individual resulting from asbestos exposure unless that individual's alleged exposure occurred while the individual was at the premises owner's property.

(2) If exposure to asbestos is alleged to have occurred before January 1, 1972, it is presumed that a premises owner knew that this state had adopted safe levels of exposure for asbestos and that products containing asbestos were used on its property only at levels below those safe levels of exposure. To rebut this presumption, the plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the premises owner knew or should have known that the levels of asbestos in the immediate breathing zone of the plaintiff regularly exceeded the threshold limit values adopted by this state and that the premises owner allowed that condition to persist.

(3)(a) A premises owner is presumed to be not liable for any injury to any invitee who was engaged to work with, install, or remove asbestos products on the premises owner's property if the invitee's employer held itself out as qualified to perform the work. To rebut this presumption, the plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that at the time of the exposure to asbestos that is alleged the premises owner had actual knowledge of the potential dangers of the asbestos products at the time of the alleged exposure that was superior to the knowledge of both the invitee and the invitee's employer.

(b) A premises owner that hired a contractor before January 1, 1972, to perform the type of work at the premises owner's property that the contractor was qualified to perform cannot be liable for any injury to any individual resulting from asbestos exposure caused by any of the contractor's employees or agents on the premises owner's property unless the premises owner directed the activity that resulted in the injury or gave or denied permission for the critical acts that led to the individual's injury.

(c) If exposure to asbestos is alleged to have occurred on or after January 1, 1972, a premises owner is not liable for any injury to any individual resulting from that exposure caused by a contractor's employee or agent on the premises owner's property unless the plaintiff establishes the premises owner's intentional violation of an established safety standard that was in effect at the time of the exposure and that the alleged violation was in the plaintiff's breathing zone and was the proximate cause of the plaintiff's medical condition.

(B) As used in this section:

(1) "Threshold limit values" means that, for the years 1946 through 1971, the concentration of asbestos in a worker's breathing zone did not exceed the following maximum allowable exposure limits for the eight-hour time-weighted average airborne concentration:

(a) Asbestos: five million particles per cubic foot;

(b) Cadmium: 0.10 milligrams per cubic meter;

(c) Chromic acid and chromates (calculated as chromic oxide): 0.10 milligrams per cubic meter;

(d) Lead: 0.15 milligrams per cubic meter;

(e) Manganese: 6.0 milligrams per cubic meter;

(f) Mercury: 0.10 milligrams per cubic meter;

(g) Zinc oxide: 15.0 milligrams per cubic meter;

(h) Chlorinated diphenyls: 1.0 milligram per cubic meter;

(i) Chlorinated naphthalenes (trichlornaphthalene): 5.0 milligrams per cubic meter;

(j) Chlorinated naphthalenes (pentachlornaphthalene): 0.50 milligrams per cubic meter.

(2) "Established safety standard" means that, for the years after 1971, the concentration of asbestos in the breathing zone of a worker does not exceed the maximum allowable exposure limits for the eight-hour time-weighted average airborne concentration as promulgated by the occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) in effect at the time of the alleged exposure.

(3) "Employee" means an individual who performs labor or provides construction services pursuant to a construction contract as defined in section 4123.79 of the Revised Code, or a remodeling or repair contract, whether written or oral, if at least ten of the following criteria apply:

(a) The individual is required to comply with instructions from the other contracting party regarding the manner or method of performing services.

(b) The individual is required by the other contracting party to have particular training.

(c) The individual's services are integrated into the regular functioning of the other contracting party.

(d) The individual is required to perform the work personally.

(e) The individual is hired, supervised, or paid by the other contracting party.

(f) A continuing relationship exists between the individual and the other contracting party that contemplates continuing or recurring work even if the work is not full time.

(g) The individual's hours of work are established by the other contracting party.

(h) The individual is required to devote full time to the business of the other contracting party.

(i) The person is required to perform the work on the premises of the other contracting party.

(j) The individual is required to follow the order of work set by the other contracting party.

(k) The individual is required to make oral or written reports of progress to the other contracting party.

(l) The individual is paid for services on a regular basis, including hourly, weekly, or monthly.

(m) The individual's expenses are paid for by the other contracting party.

(n) The individual's tools and materials are furnished by the other contracting party.

(o) The individual is provided with the facilities used to perform services.

(p) The individual does not realize a profit or suffer a loss as a result of the services provided.

(q) The individual is not performing services for a number of employers at the same time.

(r) The individual does not make the same services available to the general public.

(s) The other contracting party has a right to discharge the individual.

(t) The individual has the right to end the relationship with the other contracting party without incurring liability pursuant to an employment contract or agreement.

Section 2307.95 | Asbestos claim - operation of other laws unaffected.

• Effective: September 2, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 292 - 125th General Assembly

(A) Nothing in sections 2307.92 to 2307.95 of the Revised Code is intended to do, and nothing in any of those sections shall be interpreted to do, either of the following:

(1) Affect the rights of any party in bankruptcy proceedings;

(2) Affect the ability of any person who is able to make a showing that the person satisfies the claim criteria for compensable claims or demands under a trust established pursuant to a plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Chapter 11, to make a claim or demand against that trust.

(B) Sections 2307.91 to 2307.95 of the Revised Code shall not affect the scope or operation of any workers' compensation law or veterans' benefit program or the exclusive remedy of subrogation under the provisions of that law or program and shall not authorize any lawsuit that is barred by any provision of any workers' compensation law.

(C) Except as provided in division (D) of section 2307.92 of the Revised Code and in other provisions that relate to the application of that division and the procedures and criteria it contains, nothing in sections 2307.92, 2307.93, 2307.94, and 2307.95 of the Revised Code is intended, and nothing in any of those sections shall be interpreted, to affect any wrongful death claim, as described in section 2125.01 of the Revised Code.

Section 2307.951 | Definitions for RC sections 2307.952 to 2307.954.

• Effective: March 27, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 380 - 129th General Assembly

As used in this section and sections 2307.952 to 2307.954 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Asbestos," "asbestos claim," and "tort action" have the same meanings as in section 2307.91 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Asbestos tort action" means a tort action based on an asbestos claim.

(C) Except as otherwise provided in division (E) of section 2307.954 of the Revised Code, "asbestos trust" means and encompasses all trust entities, claims agents, or claims processing facilities that are created pursuant to the jurisdiction of a United States bankruptcy court and section 524(g) of Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. 524(g), or other applicable provision of law, that are formed for the purpose of compensating claimants asserting eligible asbestos claims, and that are in existence on the date initially set for trial in the asbestos tort action.

(D) "Asbestos trust claim" means any claim for compensation by an exposed person or the exposed person's representative against any asbestos trust.

(E) "Cancer" means a malignant condition.

(F) "Claimant" means any person asserting an asbestos claim or asbestos trust claim. "Claimant" includes a plaintiff, counterclaimant, cross-claimant, or third-party plaintiff.

(G) "Exposed person" means any person whose exposure to asbestos or to asbestos-containing products is the basis for an asbestos claim.

(H) "Noncancer" means a nonmalignant condition.

(I) "Proof of claim" means any form of documentation that a potential claimant against an asbestos trust submits or provides to the asbestos trust that attests to or asserts the existence of any liquidated or unliquidated asbestos claim that the claimant may have against the asbestos trust or its predecessors under any theory of law.

(J) "Trust claims material" means documents constituting an asbestos trust claim, including, but not limited to, claim forms, proofs of claim, and informational material required by an asbestos trust to be submitted by a claimant in order to have the claim evaluated by the asbestos trust and relied upon by the asbestos trust in making its compensation determination.

Section 2307.952 | Disclosures pertaining to asbestos trust claims.

• Effective: March 27, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 380 - 129th General Assembly

(A)(1)(a) Within thirty days after the commencement of discovery in an asbestos tort action that is not otherwise barred or deferred under applicable law or within thirty days of the effective date of this section with respect to an asbestos tort action that is pending on that effective date and in which discovery has commenced, a claimant shall provide to all of the parties in the action a sworn statement by the claimant, under penalty of perjury, identifying all existing asbestos trust claims made by or on behalf of the claimant and all trust claims material pertaining to each identified asbestos trust claim. The sworn statement shall disclose the date on which each asbestos trust claim against the relevant asbestos trust was made and whether any request for a deferral, delay, suspension, or tolling of the asbestos trust claims process has been submitted.

(b) The submission of the sworn statement under division (A)(1)(a) of this section shall be in addition to any disclosure requirements otherwise imposed by law, civil rule, court order or ruling, applicable agreement or stipulation, local rule, or case management order.

(2) If the claimant, subsequent to the submission of the sworn statement under division (A)(1)(a) of this section, files with or submits to any asbestos trust additional asbestos trust claims not previously disclosed, the claimant shall provide to all of the parties in the asbestos tort action an amendment updating the sworn statement and identifying the additional asbestos trust claims. The claimant shall provide any amendment under division (A)(2) of this section within thirty days of filing an additional asbestos trust claim with, or submitting an additional asbestos trust claim to, any asbestos trust.

(3) With respect to any asbestos trust claim that a claimant discloses under division (A)(2) of this section in an amendment to the sworn statement, the claimant shall provide to all of the parties in the asbestos tort action all trust claims material pertaining to each additional asbestos trust claim identified in that amendment. The claimant shall provide the trust claims materials under division (A)(3) of this section within thirty days of filing or submitting each additional asbestos trust claim.

(B) Failure to provide to all of the parties in the asbestos tort action all trust claims material as required by this section in a timely manner shall constitute grounds for the court to decline to assign an initial trial date or extend the date set for trial in the action.

(C) Nothing in this section prevents a court of competent jurisdiction from requiring any disclosures in addition to the disclosures required under this section.

Section 2307.953 | Motion to stay proceedings in asbestos tort action.

• Effective: March 27, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 380 - 129th General Assembly

(A) Not less than seventy-five days prior to the commencement of trial, any defendant in an asbestos tort action may file a motion with the court, with notice to the claimant and to all of the parties in the action, for an order to stay the proceedings. A defendant's motion to stay the proceedings shall set forth credible evidence that demonstrates all of the following:

(1) The identities of all asbestos trusts not previously disclosed by the claimant pursuant to section 2307.952 of the Revised Code against which the claimant has not made any asbestos trust claims but against which the defendant in good faith believes the claimant may make a successful asbestos trust claim;

(2) The information that the defendant believes supports the additional asbestos trust claims described in division (A)(1) of this section;

(3) A description of the information sufficient to meet the asbestos trust claim requirements of the asbestos trusts described in division (A)(1) of this section.

(B) Notwithstanding any other provision in this section, if the claimant produces additional asbestos exposure information that supports the filing of an additional asbestos trust claim, the defendant may file a motion to stay the proceedings under division (A) of this section within seven days of receiving the additional asbestos exposure information.

(C)(1) Within fourteen days after the filing of the defendant's motion for an order to stay the proceedings under division (A) of this section, the claimant may do any of the following:

(a) File the asbestos trust claims with or submit them to the asbestos trusts identified in the defendant's motion for an order to stay the proceedings. The submission to the court and to all of the parties in the asbestos tort action of proof demonstrating that the asbestos trust claims identified in the defendant's motion to stay the proceedings have been filed with or submitted to the appropriate asbestos trusts is dispositive of the defendant's motion for an order to stay the proceedings. Alternatively, the defendant may withdraw the motion brought under division (A) of this section.

(b) File with the court a response to the defendant's motion for an order to stay the proceedings requesting a determination by the court that the information supporting the asbestos trust claims against the asbestos trusts identified in the defendant's motion for an order to stay the proceedings should be modified prior to the filing of an asbestos trust claim with, or the submission of an asbestos trust claim to, an asbestos trust or that there is insufficient information to file or submit the asbestos trust claim identified in the defendant's motion for an order to stay the proceedings.

(c) File with the court a response to the defendant's motion for an order to stay the proceedings requesting a determination by the court that the claimant's or attorney's fees and expenses to prepare the asbestos claim form and file or submit the asbestos trust claim identified in the defendant's motion for an order to stay the proceedings exceed the claimant's reasonably anticipated recovery from the asbestos trust claim.

(2) A submission by the claimant under division (C)(1)(b) or (c) of this section does not constitute a waiver of the attorney-client privilege or work product privilege.

(D)(1) If the defendant has met its burden under division (A) of this section and if the claimant files a response pursuant to division (C)(1)(b) of this section, the court shall determine by a preponderance of the evidence if a successful asbestos trust claim could be submitted in good faith to each asbestos trust identified in the defendant's motion for an order to stay the proceedings brought under division (A) of this section. The claimant has the burden of proof, by a preponderance of the evidence, to demonstrate that the information set forth by the defendant pursuant to divisions (A)(2) and (3) of this section should be modified prior to the filing of an asbestos trust claim with, or the submission of an asbestos trust claim to, each asbestos trust identified in the defendant's motion or that the asbestos trust claim should not be filed with or submitted to the asbestos trust because a successful asbestos trust claim cannot be made in good faith.

(2) If the defendant files a motion to stay the proceedings and if the claimant files a response pursuant to division (C)(1)(c) of this section, the court shall determine if the claimant's or attorney's fees and expenses to prepare the asbestos claim form and file or submit the asbestos trust claim identified in the defendant's motion for an order to stay the proceedings exceed the claimant's reasonably anticipated recovery from the asbestos trust claim. If the court determines that the claimant's or attorney's fees and expenses exceed the claimant's reasonably anticipated recovery from the asbestos trust claim, the court shall require the claimant to file with the court a verified statement of the claimant's exposure history to the asbestos products covered by that asbestos trust.

(E) If the court determines that there is a good faith basis for filing an asbestos trust claim with, or submitting an asbestos trust claim to, an asbestos trust identified in the defendant's motion for an order to stay the proceedings brought under division (A) of this section, the court shall stay the proceedings until the claimant files the asbestos trust claims with or submits them to the asbestos trusts identified in the defendant's motion for an order to stay the proceedings and has otherwise met the obligations set forth in this section and section 2307.952 of the Revised Code.

Section 2307.954 | Disclosure of noncancer asbestos trust claims and cancer asbestos trust claims.

• Effective: March 27, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 380 - 129th General Assembly

(A) A noncancer asbestos trust claim and a cancer asbestos trust claim are based on distinct injuries caused by a person's exposure to asbestos. A noncancer asbestos trust claim that is subject to disclosure under section 2307.952 or 2307.953 of the Revised Code or is identified in this section means the noncancer asbestos claim that is the subject of the asbestos tort action in which the defendant seeks discovery pursuant to sections 2307.951 to 2307.954 of the Revised Code. If a claimant previously filed a noncancer asbestos trust claim with, or submitted a noncancer asbestos trust claim to, an asbestos trust and subsequently filed an asbestos tort action based on a cancer asbestos claim, a cancer asbestos trust claim that is subject to disclosure under section 2307.952 or 2307.953 of the Revised Code or is identified in this section means both the earlier filed noncancer asbestos trust claim and the cancer asbestos claim that is the subject of the subsequent asbestos tort action.

(B) Asbestos trust claims and the information that is the subject of disclosure under section 2307.952 or 2307.953 of the Revised Code are presumed to be authentic, relevant to, and discoverable in an asbestos tort action. Notwithstanding any agreement or confidentiality provision, trust claims material are presumed to not be privileged. The parties in the asbestos tort action may introduce at trial any trust claims material to prove alternative causation for the exposed person's claimed injury, death, or loss to person, to prove a basis to allocate responsibility for the claimant's claimed injury, death, or loss to person, and to prove issues relevant to an adjudication of the asbestos claim, unless the exclusion of the trust claims material is otherwise required by the rules of evidence.

(C) In addition to the disclosure requirements set forth in sections 2307.952 and 2307.953 of the Revised Code, the parties to the asbestos tort action may seek additional disclosure and discovery of information relevant to the action by any mechanism provided by any applicable section of the Revised Code, the Rules of Civil Procedure, any local rule, or any case management order. In addition to the disclosure described in this division, any defendant in the asbestos tort action also may seek discovery of the claimant's asbestos trust claims directly from the asbestos trusts involved.

(D) In an asbestos tort action, upon the filing by a defendant or judgment debtor of an appropriate motion seeking sanctions or other relief, the court may impose any sanction provided by a law of this state, including, but not limited to, vacating a judgment rendered in an asbestos tort action for a claimant's failure to comply with the disclosure requirements of this section and sections 2307.952 and 2307.953 of the Revised Code.

(E)(1) If subsequent to obtaining a judgment in an asbestos tort action in this state a claimant files any additional asbestos trust claim with, or submits any additional asbestos trust claim to, an asbestos trust that was in existence at the time the claimant obtained that judgment, the trial court, upon the filing by a defendant or judgment debtor of an appropriate motion seeking sanctions or other relief, has jurisdiction to reopen its judgment in the asbestos tort action and do either of the following:

(a) Adjust the judgment by the amount of any subsequent asbestos trust payments obtained by the claimant;

(b) Order any other relief to the parties that the court considers just and proper.

(2) As used in division (E) of this section, "asbestos trust" means and encompasses all trust entities, claims agents, or claims processing facilities that are created pursuant to the jurisdiction of a United States bankruptcy court and section 524(g) of Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. 524(g), or other applicable provision of law and that are formed for the purpose of compensating claimants asserting eligible asbestos claims.

(F) A defendant or judgment debtor shall file any motion under this section within a reasonable time and not more than one year after the judgment was entered or taken.

Section 2307.96 | Asbestos claim - multiple defendants - substantial factor test.

• Effective: September 2, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 292 - 125th General Assembly

(A) If a plaintiff in a tort action alleges any injury or loss to person resulting from exposure to asbestos as a result of the tortious act of one or more defendants, in order to maintain a cause of action against any of those defendants based on that injury or loss, the plaintiff must prove that the conduct of that particular defendant was a substantial factor in causing the injury or loss on which the cause of action is based.

(B) A plaintiff in a tort action who alleges any injury or loss to person resulting from exposure to asbestos has the burden of proving that the plaintiff was exposed to asbestos that was manufactured, supplied, installed, or used by the defendant in the action and that the plaintiff's exposure to the defendant's asbestos was a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff's injury or loss. In determining whether exposure to a particular defendant's asbestos was a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff's injury or loss, the trier of fact in the action shall consider, without limitation, all of the following:

(1) The manner in which the plaintiff was exposed to the defendant's asbestos;

(2) The proximity of the defendant's asbestos to the plaintiff when the exposure to the defendant's asbestos occurred;

(3) The frequency and length of the plaintiff's exposure to the defendant's asbestos;

(4) Any factors that mitigated or enhanced the plaintiff's exposure to asbestos.

(C) This section applies only to tort actions that allege any injury or loss to person resulting from exposure to asbestos and that are brought on or after the effective date of this section.

Section 2307.97 | Cumulative successor asbestos-related liabilities of corporation.

• Effective: April 7, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 80 - 125th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Asbestos" means chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, actinolite asbestos, and any of these minerals that have been chemically treated or altered.

(2) "Asbestos claim" means any claim, wherever or whenever made, for damages, losses, indemnification, contribution, or other relief arising out of, based on, or in any way related to asbestos. "Asbestos claim" includes any of the following:

(a) A claim made by or on behalf of any person who has been exposed to asbestos, or any representative, spouse, parent, child, or other relative of that person, for injury, including mental or emotional injury, death, or loss to person, risk of disease or other injury, costs of medical monitoring or surveillance, or any other effects on the person's health that are caused by the person's exposure to asbestos;

(b) A claim for damage or loss to property that is caused by the installation, presence, or removal of asbestos.

(3) "Corporation" means a corporation for profit, including the following:

(a) A domestic corporation that is organized under the laws of this state;

(b) A foreign corporation that is organized under laws other than the laws of this state and that has had a certificate of authority to transact business in this state or has done business in this state.

(4) "Successor" means a corporation or a subsidiary of a corporation that assumes or incurs, or had assumed or incurred, successor asbestos-related liabilities or had successor asbestos-related liabilities imposed on it by court order.

(5)(a) "Successor asbestos-related liabilities" means any liabilities, whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, liquidated or unliquidated, or due or to become due, if the liabilities are related in any way to asbestos claims and either of the following applies:

(i) The liabilities are assumed or incurred by a successor as a result of or in connection with an asset purchase, stock purchase, merger, consolidation, or agreement providing for an asset purchase, stock purchase, merger, or consolidation, including a plan of merger.

(ii) The liabilities were imposed by court order on a successor.

(b) "Successor asbestos-related liabilities" includes any liabilities described in division (A)(5)(a)(i) of this section that, after the effective date of the asset purchase, stock purchase, merger, or consolidation, are paid, otherwise discharged, committed to be paid, or committed to be otherwise discharged by or on behalf of the successor, or by or on behalf of a transferor, in connection with any judgment, settlement, or other discharge of those liabilities in this state or another jurisdiction.

(6) "Transferor" means a corporation or its shareholders from which successor asbestos-related liabilities are or were assumed or incurred by a successor or were imposed by court order on a successor.

(B) The limitations set forth in division (C) of this section apply to a corporation that is either of the following:

(1) A successor that became a successor prior to January 1, 1972, if either of the following applies:

(a) In the case of a successor in a stock purchase or an asset purchase, the successor paid less then fifteen million dollars for the stock or assets of the transferor.

(b) In the case of a successor in a merger or consolidation, the fair market value of the total gross assets of the transferor, at the time of the merger or consolidation, excluding any insurance of the transferor, was less than fifty million dollars.

(2) Any successor to a prior successor if the prior successor met the requirements of division (B)(1)(a) or (b) of this section, whichever is applicable.

(C)(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (C)(2) of this section, the cumulative successor asbestos-related liabilities of a corporation shall be limited to either of the following:

(a) In the case of a corporation that is a successor in a stock purchase or an asset purchase, the fair market value of the acquired stock or assets of the transferor, as determined on the effective date of the stock or asset purchase;

(b) In the case of a corporation that is a successor in a merger or consolidation, the fair market value of the total gross assets of the transferor, as determined on the effective date of the merger or consolidation.

(2)(a) If a transferor had assumed or incurred successor asbestos-related liabilities in connection with a prior purchase of assets or stock involving a prior transferor, the fair market value of the assets or stock purchased from the prior transferor, determined as of the effective date of the prior purchase of the assets or stock, shall be substituted for the limitation set forth in division (C)(1)(a) of this section for the purpose of determining the limitation of the liability of a corporation.

(b) If a transferor had assumed or incurred successor asbestos-related liabilities in connection with a merger or consolidation involving a prior transferor, the fair market value of the total gross assets of the prior transferor, determined as of the effective date of the prior merger or consolidation, shall be substituted for the limitation set forth in division (C)(1)(b) of this section for the purpose of determining the limitation of the liability of a corporation.

(3) A corporation described in division (C)(1) or (2) of this section shall have no responsibility for any successor asbestos-related liabilities in excess of the limitation of those liabilities as described in the applicable division.

(D)(1) A corporation may establish the fair market value of assets, stock, or total gross assets under division (C) of this section by means of any method that is reasonable under the circumstances, including by reference to their going-concern value, to the purchase price attributable to or paid for them in an arm's length transaction, or, in the absence of other readily available information from which fair market value can be determined, to their value recorded on a balance sheet. Assets and total gross assets shall include intangible assets. A showing by the successor of a reasonable determination of the fair market value of assets, stock, or total gross assets is prima-facie evidence of their fair market value.

(2) For purposes of establishing the fair market value of total gross assets under division (D)(1) of this section, the total gross assets include the aggregate coverage under any applicable liability insurance that was issued to the transferor the assets of which are being valued for purposes of the limitations set forth in division (C) of this section, if the insurance has been collected or is collectable to cover the successor asbestos-related liabilities involved. Those successor asbestos-related liabilities do not include any compensation for any liabilities arising from the exposure of workers to asbestos solely during the course of their employment by the transferor. Any settlement of a dispute concerning the insurance coverage described in this division that is entered into by a transferor or successor with the insurer of the transferor before the effective date of this section is determinative of the aggregate coverage of the liability insurance that is included in the determination of the transferor's total gross assets.

(3) After a successor has established a reasonable determination of the fair market value of assets, stock, or total gross assets under divisions (D)(1) and (2) of this section, a claimant that disputes that determination of the fair market value has the burden of establishing a different fair market value.

(4)(a) Subject to divisions (D)(4)(b), (c), and (d) of this section, the fair market value of assets, stock, or total gross assets at the time of the asset purchase, stock purchase, merger, or consolidation increases annually, at a rate equal to the sum of the following:

(i) The prime rate as listed in the first edition of the wall street journal published for each calendar year since the effective date of the asset purchase, stock purchase, merger, or consolidation, or, if the prime rate is not published in that edition of the wall street journal, the prime rate as reasonably determined on the first business day of the year;

(ii) One per cent.

(b) The rate that is determined pursuant to division (D)(4)(a) of this section shall not be compounded.

(c) The adjustment of the fair market value of assets, stock, or total gross assets shall continue in the manner described in division (D)(4)(a) of this section until the adjusted fair market value is first exceeded by the cumulative amounts of successor asbestos-related liabilities that are paid or committed to be paid by or on behalf of a successor or prior transferor, or by or on behalf of a transferor, after the time of the asset purchase, stock purchase, merger, or consolidation for which the fair market value of assets, stock, or total gross assets is determined.

(d) No adjustment of the fair market value of total gross assets as provided in division (D)(4)(a) of this section shall be applied to any liability insurance that is otherwise included in total gross assets as provided in division (D)(2) of this section.

(E)(1) The limitations set forth in division (C) of this section shall apply to the following:

(a) All asbestos claims, including asbestos claims that are pending on the effective date of this section, and all litigation involving asbestos claims, including litigation that is pending on the effective date of this section;

(b) Successors of a corporation to which this section applies.

(2) The limitations set forth in division (C) of this section do not apply to any of the following:

(a) Workers' compensation benefits that are paid by or on behalf of an employer to an employee pursuant to any provision of Chapter 4121., 4123., 4127., or 4131. of the Revised Code or comparable workers' compensation law of another jurisdiction;

(b) Any claim against a successor that does not constitute a claim for a successor asbestos-related liability;

(c) Any obligations arising under the "National Labor Relations Act," 49 Stat. 449, 29 U.S.C. 151 et seq., as amended, or under any collective bargaining agreement;

(d) Any contractual rights to indemnification.

(F) The courts in this state shall apply, to the fullest extent permissible under the Constitution of the United States, this state's substantive law, including the provisions of this section, to the issue of successor asbestos-related liabilities.

Section 2307.98 | Asbestos claim - piercing the corporate veil.

• Effective: September 2, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 292 - 125th General Assembly

(A) A holder has no obligation to, and has no liability to, the covered entity or to any person with respect to any obligation or liability of the covered entity in an asbestos claim under the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil unless the person seeking to pierce the corporate veil demonstrates all of the following:

(1) The holder exerted such control over the covered entity that the covered entity had no separate mind, will, or existence of its own.

(2) The holder caused the covered entity to be used for the purpose of perpetrating, and the covered entity perpetrated, an actual fraud on the person seeking to pierce the corporate veil primarily for the direct pecuniary benefit of the holder.

(3) The person seeking to pierce the corporate veil sustained an injury or unjust loss as a direct result of the control described in division (A)(1) of this section and the fraud described in division (A)(2) of this section.

(B) A court shall not find that the holder exerted such control over the covered entity that the covered entity did not have a separate mind, will, or existence of its own or to have caused the covered entity to be used for the purpose of perpetrating a fraud solely as a result of any of the following actions, events, or relationships:

(1) The holder is an affiliate of the covered entity and provides legal, accounting, treasury, cash management, human resources, administrative, or other similar services to the covered entity, leases assets to the covered entity, or makes its employees available to the covered entity.

(2) The holder loans funds to the covered entity or guarantees the obligations of the covered entity.

(3) The officers and directors of the holder are also officers and directors of the covered entity.

(4) The covered entity makes payments of dividends or other distributions to the holder or repays loans owed to the holder.

(5) In the case of a covered entity that is a limited liability company, the holder or its employees or agents serve as the manager of the covered entity.

(C) The person seeking to pierce the corporate veil has the burden of proof on each and every element of the person's claim and must prove each element by a preponderance of the evidence.

(D) Any liability of the holder described in division (A) of this section for an obligation or liability that is limited by that division is exclusive and preempts any other obligation or liability imposed upon that holder for that obligation or liability under common law or otherwise.

(E) This section is intended to codify the elements of the common law cause of action for piercing the corporate veil and to abrogate the common law cause of action and remedies relating to piercing the corporate veil in asbestos claims. Nothing in this section shall be construed as creating a right or cause of action that did not exist under the common law as it existed on the effective date of this section.

(F) This section applies to all asbestos claims commenced on or after the effective date of this section or commenced prior to and pending on the effective date of this section.

(G) This section applies to all actions asserting the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil brought against a holder if any of the following apply:

(1) The holder is an individual and resides in this state.

(2) The holder is a corporation organized under the laws of this state.

(3) The holder is a corporation with its principal place of business in this state.

(4) The holder is a foreign corporation that is authorized to conduct or has conducted business in this state.

(5) The holder is a foreign corporation whose parent corporation is authorized to conduct business in this state.

(6) The person seeking to pierce the corporate veil is a resident of this state.

(H) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "Affiliate" and "beneficial owner" have the same meanings as in section 1704.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Asbestos" has the same meaning as in section 2307.91 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Asbestos claim" means any claim, wherever or whenever made, for damages, losses, indemnification, contribution, or other relief arising out of, based on, or in any way related to asbestos. "Asbestos claim" includes any of the following:

(a) A claim made by or on behalf of any person who has been exposed to asbestos, or any representative, spouse, parent, child, or other relative of that person, for injury, including mental or emotional injury, death, or loss to person, risk of disease or other injury, costs of medical monitoring or surveillance, or any other effects on the person's health that are caused by the person's exposure to asbestos;

(b) A claim for damage or loss to property that is caused by the installation, presence, or removal of asbestos.

(4) "Corporation" means a corporation for profit, including the following:

(a) A domestic corporation that is organized under the laws of this state;

(b) A foreign corporation that is organized under laws other than the laws of this state and that has had a certificate of authority to transact business in this state or has done business in this state.

(5) "Covered entity" means a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, or any other entity organized under the laws of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, in which the shareholders, owners, or members are generally not responsible for the debts and obligations of the entity. Nothing in this section limits or otherwise affects the liabilities imposed on a general partner of a limited partnership.

(6) "Holder" means a person who is the holder or beneficial owner of, or subscriber to, shares or any other ownership interest of a covered entity, a member of a covered entity, or an affiliate of any person who is the holder or beneficial owner of, or subscriber to, shares or any other ownership interest of a covered entity.

(7) "Piercing the corporate veil" means any and all common law doctrines by which a holder may be liable for an obligation or liability of a covered entity on the basis that the holder controlled the covered entity, the holder is or was the alter ego of the covered entity, or the covered entity has been used for the purpose of actual or constructive fraud or as a sham to perpetrate a fraud or any other common law doctrine by which the covered entity is disregarded for purposes of imposing liability on a holder for the debts or obligations of that covered entity.

(8) "Person" has the same meaning as in section 1701.01 of the Revised Code.