Statutes of limitation define the length of time after an issue arises that the person who has been damaged can try to recover money or other relief from the person who initially caused the damage. Unless a specific federal law is involved, Ohio law will define the appropriate statute of limitation. Typically the statute of limitations begins when the harm, damage, action or inaction took place. So for example, since the statute of limitations for civil trespass on real estate is four years, someone could sue the alleged trespasser within four years after the trespass took place.