What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Personal Injury Claim In Minnesota?

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. However, it is important to act quickly, as every state has a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. In this article, we will discuss the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Minnesota.

What is a Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a civil claim. Essentially, it limits the amount of time you have to bring a lawsuit against another party for damages, whether that be an individual or a corporation. The main reason for having a statute of limitations is to encourage people to bring their claims in a timely manner, so that evidence can still be easily collected, and witnesses can still remember the incident.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Minnesota

In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident. This means that you must file your lawsuit within two years, otherwise, you may be barred from seeking compensation.

This two-year limit applies to all types of personal injury claims, including:

  • Car accidents
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Product liability
  • Dog bites
  • Assault and battery
  • Defamation

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

There are some exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Minnesota. These include:

Discovery Rule

Under the discovery rule, the statute of limitations may be extended if the injury was not immediately discovered. This applies to situations where the injured person did not initially realize they were injured, or it was not obvious that the injury was caused by the incident in question.

Minors

If the person injured is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended until the minor reaches the age of 18. This means that a minor who was injured at the age of 10 would have until the age of 20 to file a lawsuit.

Defendants Outside of Minnesota

If the defendant is not a resident of Minnesota, the statute of limitations may be extended to coincide with the length of time in which the defendant is absent from the state. This is known as the "absent defendant" rule.

Importance of Acting Quickly

While there are exceptions to the statute of limitations, it is important to act quickly if you believe you have a personal injury claim. Delaying your case can have serious consequences, such as:

  • Preventing you from recovering damages
  • Weakening the evidence in your case
  • Making it more difficult to locate witnesses
  • Allowing the statute of limitations to expire

Speak with a Lawyer

If you have been injured in Minnesota and believe you have a personal injury claim, it is always best to speak with a lawyer. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, help you navigate the legal system, and ensure that all necessary deadlines are met.

In conclusion, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Minnesota is two years from the date of the incident. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as the discovery rule, minors, and absent defendant rule. It is essential to speak with a lawyer if you believe you have a personal injury claim, as they can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that all necessary deadlines are met.

Scroll to Top