Causes of action in civil litigation are specific claims provided by law that serve as the basis for parties to a lawsuit to recover money or property from each other—or to provide other legal or equitable relief, such as a court order requiring or prohibiting some act (injunctive relief). Examples of causes of action include breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and negligence. Causes of action (also called claims) are usually located in a state or federal statute, or in court opinions (common law).
In Ohio, causes of action in civil litigation are the legal grounds on which a plaintiff bases their lawsuit to seek remedies such as monetary compensation, the return of property, or injunctive relief. Common causes of action include breach of contract, where one party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations; fraud, involving intentional deception for personal gain; breach of fiduciary duty, where an individual fails to act in the best interest of another when obligated to do so; and negligence, where a party's failure to exercise reasonable care causes harm. These claims can be found in Ohio's state statutes, such as the Ohio Revised Code, or through common law, which is developed through court decisions. It is important for parties to understand the specific elements required to prove each cause of action and to be aware of any statutory limitations or procedural requirements that may apply to their case.