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Minnesota Civil Statute of Limitations Laws

Every state has time limits for filing a civil action, measured from the date of the incident, called "statutes of limitation." They are intended to both prevent a party from threatening a lawsuit indefinitely and ensure the integrity of the evidence (both physical evidence and witness testimony). These time limits usually differ for different types of claims, such as personal injury or medical malpractice.

This article provides a brief overview of the civil statute of limitations in Minnesota.

Overview of Minnesota's Civil Statute of Limitations

The time limits for civil claims and other actions in Minnesota vary from two years for personal injury claims to 10 years for judgments. Fraud, injury to personal property, and trespassing claims have a six-year statute of limitations, as do both written and oral contracts.

The following chart summarizes Minnesota's time limits for civil actions, as set forth by statute. See Time Limit Considerations in Medical Malpractice Claims for related information.

Injury to Person

Two years (Minn Stat. § 541.07(1))

Libel/Slander

Two years (Minn Stat. § 541.07(1))

Fraud

Six years (Minn. Stat. § 541.05(6))

Injury to Personal Property

Six years (Minn. Stat. § 541.05(4))

Professional Malpractice

Medical and veterinary: Two years (Minn Stat. § 541.07(1))

Trespass

Six years (Minn. Stat. § 541.05(3))

Collection of Rents

Four years (Minn. Stat. § 336.2A-506)

Contracts

Collection of Debt on Account

Six years (Minn. Stat. § 541.053)

Judgments

10 years (Minn. Stat. § 541.04)

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

What if I Miss the Deadline? Are There Any Exceptions?

For the most part, you lose your right to recover damages for injuries if the statute of limitation has expired. But there are some very limited cases where time limits may be extended. Also keep in mind that because of the discovery rule, the "clock" doesn't start tolling until the injured party discovers the injury or reasonably should have discovered it. For example, this may apply in a wrongful death suit if the injured party didn't know their water was contaminated until after the time limit has passed.

Research the Law

Minnesota Civil Statute of Limitations Laws: Related Resources

Questions About Minnesota Civil Statute of Limitations Laws? Talk to a Lawyer

Minnesota's civil statute of limitations varies depending on the circumstances of the case and the type of claim involved. A good attorney can find the right cause of action and make sure it's filed within the required time limits. If you're dealing with a personal injury matter in Minnesota, it's a good idea to contact a local litigation attorney to receive legal advice based on your specific situation.

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