Minnesota's Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

Minnesota Injury Law

How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Minnesota? Learn the six-year deadline, key exceptions, and why acting early protects your case.

The Six-Year Rule

In Minnesota, most personal injury claims must be filed within six years of the date of injury under Minnesota Statutes § 541.05. This is one of the longer deadlines in the country — many states allow only two or three years. While six years sounds generous, waiting is rarely wise.

The clock generally starts on the date you were injured. Once it runs out, the court will almost certainly dismiss your claim no matter how strong it is, and the at-fault party's insurer knows this.

Important Exceptions

Not every claim gets six years. Wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the date of death under Minnesota Statutes § 573.02. Medical malpractice claims generally carry a four-year deadline. And claims against government entities require written notice within just 180 days of the injury — a trap that catches many people who were hurt on public property or by a government vehicle.

Why You Shouldn't Wait

Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses move and forget, vehicles are repaired or scrapped, surveillance footage is overwritten, and physical evidence at the scene vanishes. Minnesota plaintiff's attorneys strongly prefer to get involved in the first weeks after an injury, before the insurer takes recorded statements or you sign anything. Acting early almost always produces a stronger claim.

Talk to Someone Before the Deadline

If you're unsure how much time you have, the safest move is a free case review. A Minnesota attorney can confirm which deadline applies to your situation and make sure nothing is missed.