Who May Be Liable under Ohio Defective Product Law

Under Ohio product liability law, an injured party may recover against four types of defendants:

Manufacturers

The Ohio Revised Code defines a “manufacturer” as “a person engaged in a business to design, formulate, produce, create, make, construct, assemble, or rebuild a product or a component of a product” (ORC 2307.71(I))

Suppliers

A “supplier” is defined under the Ohio Revised Code as “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” (ORC 2307.71(O))

Successor Corporations

The general rule, under Ohio product liability law, is that a successor corporation’s amenability to suit depends on the nature of the transaction that gave rise to ownership.  If the transfer was accomplished by a merger or consolidation, then the liability of the former corporation will be assumed.

Parent Corporations

Under Ohio law, there is a general presumption that a parent and its subsidiaries are separate entities and entitled to be treated as such.  The plaintiff would have to present evidence to overcome this presumption.

Ohio defective product law is complex.  Therefore, if you or a loved one was injured by a defective product in Ohio, it is wise to consult with a dedicated Ohio product liability lawyer. Please submit a free, simple, confidential consultation form now.

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