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The fact that OJ did not assert a self-defense claim is beside the point. The issue in his criminal case is whether he was the culprit. The criminal court jury said not guilty. As we all know, that doesn't mean he wasn't the culprit. The civil court jury, using the lower standard of proof that applies in a civil case, said he was the culprit.
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The point we are trying to make is some states, such as Florida, protect you from civil liability in a self defense situation. OJ never claimed to have killed 2 people in self defense, therefore his case has nothing to do with the discussion on self defense, castle doctrine and civil liability.
Yes, someone can still file a civil motion against you in a self defense shooting in Florida. However, the State makes it very difficult to get past that point. If you can find a lawyer to take your lawsuit, odds are the judge will toss it out. Even if you get to trial, should you lose,
you get to pay for everything, your lawyer, the defendant's lawyer, court costs, travel, hotels, meals, even lost wages should the defendent miss work while trying to sue you. Not too many ambulance chasers like those odds.