Ohio law recognizes three categories of assumption of the risk as defenses to a negligence claim: express, primary, and secondary (aka "implied"). Express. Under Ohio law, victims can hold the negligent party financially liable for their actions.The defendant owed a duty to the plaintiff to conform to a specific standard of care that the defendant breached that duty. One of the elements of negligence is "damages," meaning the plaintiff must have suffered injuries or loss for the defendant to be held liable. Ohio law recognizes a separate and distinct tort claim of negligent entrustment. The elements of a negligence claim include duty, breach, causation, and damages. Any contributory negligence remains a complete defense to any claim under the. Negligence. It's a common reason to bring a lawsuit. You get hurt because of someone else's negligence and you feel you're owed some compensation. Understand negligent torts and defenses to claims of negligence.