Nicolas C. Oehler
📞 (419) 631-8350
✉️ nicoehler13@gmail.com
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What to Do If You Get Sued in Ohio: A Practical Guide for Individuals and Businesses
Receiving a civil lawsuit, whether at home or at your business, is stressful, but what you do in the first few days makes all the difference. Ohio law, and specifically the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, set strict deadlines and requirements. Missing them can lead to default judgments, loss of defenses, and unnecessary financial exposure. The steps below apply to anyone sued in Ohio, whether you live in Marysville, Plain City, Dublin, or anywhere else in the state.
1. Read the Papers Carefully — Then Mark Your Deadline
The moment you receive a complaint and summons, note the date you were served. In Ohio, you generally have 28 days from the date of service to file an Answer or responsive motion. If you do nothing, the plaintiff can ask the court for a default judgment, which often means losing automatically.
Do not throw the papers aside, assume it is a mistake, or wait for the court to “correct it.” Once served, the clock is running.
2. Identify Which Court Is Involved
The lawsuit paperwork will list the court. Examples for Union County, Ohio would include:
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Union County Common Pleas Court (Marysville) — larger disputes, property matters, higher-dollar cases
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Marysville Municipal Court — civil cases up to a statutory limit, evictions, small claims
Each court has its own local rules, filing requirements, and hearing procedures. Your response strategy may differ depending on where the case is filed.
3. Contact an Attorney Immediately
The earlier an attorney reviews the complaint, the more options you have. Your lawyer can:
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Calculate your exact filing deadline
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Identify defenses you may lose if not raised early
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Determine whether the lawsuit has legal or procedural defects
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Evaluate whether a motion to dismiss under Ohio Civ.R. 12 is appropriate
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Advise whether the matter might be handled through your insurance (auto, homeowners, business liability, etc.)
If you are unsure who to call, start with a local civil litigation attorney in Union County or the Dublin area who regularly practices in the court where the case was filed.
4. Preserve All Relevant Evidence
Ohio’s civil rules require each party to preserve evidence once litigation is reasonably anticipated. That means keeping:
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Emails, texts, and messages
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Contracts, receipts, or paperwork
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Social media posts or communications
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Any physical evidence related to the dispute
Do not delete, throw away, or modify anything related to the case. Spoliation of evidence can create additional legal liability.
5. Do Not Contact the Other Party Directly
Once you are sued, it is rarely helpful to reach out to the plaintiff. Anything you say can be used against you. Let your lawyer communicate on your behalf, especially if emotions are high.
6. Decide Your Response Strategy
With counsel, you will determine whether to:
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File an Answer denying or admitting specific allegations
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File a motion to dismiss
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Prepare for discovery, where both sides exchange documents and testimony
Your strategy will depend on the facts, available defenses, and the cost-benefit analysis of fighting versus resolving the claim.
7. Stay Organized and Follow Court Deadlines
Litigation is deadline-driven. Track all court notices, filings, and hearing dates, and maintain open communication with your attorney. If you live or operate in Marysville, Plain City, or Dublin, your lawyer will also navigate local procedures and clerk requirements specific to your court.
Bottom Line
Getting sued does not mean you’ve necessairly done anything wrong, but how you respond determines your outcome. Act quickly, follow Ohio’s procedural rules, and get legal guidance early. With the right steps, you can protect yourself, preserve your rights, and work toward an efficient resolution.
Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and you should consult with qualified legal counsel before making decisions regarding your specific business or legal matter.
