Ohio Revised Code 2307.71 (A) (15) defines a Supplier, subject to division, as any of the following:
- “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;
- 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.”
Ohio Revised Code further elaborates a Supplier does not include any of the following:
- “A manufacturer;
- A seller of real property;
- 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;
- 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.”
Ohio Revised Code 2307.78 establishes the liability of a Supplier
Why is this important to know? It is important to know because Ohio Revised Code 2307.78 establishes the liability of a Supplier in product liability claims. Therefore, even though a manufacturer is out of business or you didn’t find a contact for the manufacturer in the United States, look to the Supplier to be responsible for the damages the product caused and get your company paid. To learn more about the supplier and other liable third-parties, contact one of our subrogation attorneys.
