The product was defective but I blamed myself: an Ohio product liability deadline story
A hypothetical illustration of how self-blame, not the statute of limitations itself, is often what costs people time in a product liability claim. Educational only, not legal advice.
Tom bought a cordless drill from a big box store in Columbus, Ohio. Three weeks later, while he was using it in his garage, the battery housing cracked and the drill came apart in his hand. A piece of the casing cut a tendon in his thumb.
Surgery. Six weeks in a splint. Physical therapy. He lost the use of his dominant hand for months.
But Tom didn't think about suing anyone. He figured it was his fault. Maybe he'd used it wrong. Maybe he should have noticed the crack. People don't sue over power tools, he thought.
It wasn't until a friend showed him a product recall notice, posted three months after his injury, that Tom realized the drill had a known manufacturing defect. Hundreds of units had the same issue. The company knew about it.
By the time Tom talked to a product liability attorney, he was 18 months into Ohio's two-year statute of limitations.
Why People Blame Themselves
Product liability cases are different from other personal injury cases. You don't have to prove the manufacturer was careless. You have to prove the product was defective and that the defect caused your injury.
But most people don't think in those terms. When something breaks and hurts them, their first instinct is to assume they did something wrong. That instinct costs time. And in product liability cases, time is evidence.
The drill Tom threw away? That was the most important piece of evidence in his case. Fortunately, he'd kept it in a box in the garage. Many people wouldn't have.
What Tom Wishes He Knew
He wishes he'd known that "it broke and I got hurt" was enough reason to at least call a lawyer and ask. He wishes he'd known to keep the product. And he wishes he'd known that recalls don't show up on the news. You have to look for them.
If This Sounds Familiar
If a product injured you, even if you think it might have been your fault, learn how much time you have before the question becomes irrelevant.
Check your state's filing deadlines: Ohio filing deadlines by claim type →
This story is a hypothetical illustration based on common patterns in product liability cases. It is not based on a real client or case. This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different. Consult an attorney about your specific circumstances.