What’s The Minnesota Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury?

If you have been injured in an accident and you are seeking to pursue a claim, you must know what the Minnesota statute of limitations for personal injury is. The statute determines how long one has to file a lawsuit. At Schmidt & Salita Law Team, we value such deadlines and take every measure to ensure all your rights are well protected.

Why does the statute of limitations matter?

The statute of limitations matters because it sets a legal deadline for filing your personal injury claim. Failure to do so will result in losing the right to compensation. Visualize a time bomb starting to tick away once your injury happened. When that bomb goes off, courts will generally refuse to hear your case, no matter how strong your claim is.

This law provides finality for both parties in the case of Minnetonka residents. It motivates one to act on time, whereby evidence and witness credibility are preserved. Waiting too long may complicate your case and make it more difficult to prove your claims in court. This is why it is very important to act quickly and seek the services of an attorney as soon as possible.

Additionally, acting within the statute of limitations allows your legal team to collect and preserve essential evidence while it is fresh. For example, physical evidence at an accident scene can degrade over time, and witnesses can forget or misremember some or all of the facts after a long period. These factors can significantly impact the strength of your case, making prompt action even more critical.

Statute of Limitations in Minnesota

In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the injury. This applies to most cases, including car accidents, slip-and-falls, and medical malpractice. However, some exceptions may extend or shorten this timeframe, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

For example, if your injury involves a government entity—like slipping on icy steps at a public building—you may have only six months to file a formal notice of claim. On the other hand, cases involving minors or individuals incapacitated by the injury might allow additional time.

Additionally, under Minnesota law, certain actions—such as fraud cases or trespass upon real estate—are governed by a six-year statute of limitations. This highlights the need to understand the specific timeframes relevant to your claim.

It’s also important to know that Minnesota courts strictly enforce these deadlines, and even a strong case can be dismissed if it’s filed late. Consulting an attorney early can help you confirm which deadline applies to your situation and ensure your case is handled properly.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

There are situations where the statute of limitations does not follow the standard rules. According to Minnesota law, specific exceptions may allow claims to proceed beyond the usual timeframe:

1. Discovery of injury: In cases where the injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the clock may start when the harm is discovered rather than when it occurred. This is common in medical malpractice cases. For instance, if a surgical instrument is accidentally left inside a patient, symptoms might not appear until months or even years later.
2. Fraud or concealment: If the at-fault party actively concealed their role in causing the injury, the statute of limitations may pause until the fraud is uncovered. This can occur in cases where companies or individuals hide evidence of negligence or wrongdoing.
3. Claims involving minors: When the injured party is under 18, the statute of limitations typically doesn’t begin until they reach adulthood. This exception ensures that young victims still have the opportunity to seek justice even if their guardians did not act on their behalf immediately.
4. Mental incapacity: The law may allow extra time for individuals unable to file due to mental incapacity. This exception recognizes the unique challenges faced by those who are temporarily or permanently unable to advocate for themselves.

These exceptions are nuanced and require careful legal analysis. If you believe your case might fall under an exception, consulting an attorney familiar with Minnesota’s personal injury laws is essential. They can help you navigate these complexities, determine eligibility, and file your claim within the appropriate timeframe.

Let us help you protect your rights

Don’t let time run out on your opportunity to seek justice. At Schmidt & Salita Law Team, we’ve been helping Minnetonka residents navigate the Minnesota statute of limitations for personal injury and secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at (952) 473-4530 for a free consultation to discuss your case and take the first step toward recovery.