When a person suffers an injury or harm caused by a defective product, they may file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, seller, or distributor of the product. However, there is a time limit within which a person must file a product liability claim, known as the statute of limitations. In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for filing a product liability claim is determined by state law and varies depending on the circumstances of the case.

The basics of product liability claims in Minnesota

Product liability lawsuits in Minnesota are claims or lawsuits that are filed against manufacturers, designers, and suppliers when their products cause some form of injury to consumers. These lawsuits hold manufacturers accountable for the products they introduce to the consumer market.

In Minnesota, there are three possible types of product liability claims. These different claims typically apply to different types of defects that could cause harm to consumers. They include:

• Manufacturing defect claims, which arise when the product is improperly manufactured, either due to low-quality materials or negligent production methods.
• Design defect claims, which arise when the product is inherently flawed due to its design.
• Failure to warn claims, which arise when the product is not properly labeled with clear warnings and instructions on how to use it safely.

Statute of limitations for filing a product liability claim in Minnesota

In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for filing a product liability claim depends on the type of claim being made. Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a claim will start running from the date of the injury.

For manufacturing defect and design defect claims, Minnesota law states that the lawsuit must be filed within four years from the date of the injury. This means that the injured party will need to file a claim within four years of the accident or incident that caused their injury.

For failure to warn claims, Minnesota law states that the lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. This means that the injured party will need to file a claim within two years after they were first injured or realized that their injury was caused by the product’s failure to warn.

It is important to note that these deadlines can be complicated, and there may be exceptions. For example, the statute of limitations may be extended if the injured party was unaware of their injury or if the manufacturer fraudulently concealed information about the product’s defect. Additionally, it is essential to seek legal counsel as soon as possible if you believe you have a product liability claim.

Claim against Minnesota Government

If the product liability claim is being made against the Minnesota government, the injured party will have even fewer years to file their claim. Under state law Minn. Stat. § 3.736, these lawsuits must be filed within three years from the date of the injury.

Conclusion

If you believe you have a product liability claim in Minnesota, it is essential to move quickly in seeking legal counsel. The statute of limitations in Minnesota varies depending on the type of claim being made, and any delay in filing a claim can result in the claim being barred forever. Understanding the laws surrounding product liability claims can be complicated, so seeking the advice of a qualified personal injury attorney is essential to ensure the best possible outcome.