Minnesota Personal Injury Laws

When an injury could not reasonably have been discovered at the time it occurred, the statute begins running from the date the injury was or should have been discovered.

The statute of limitations does not begin running until a minor reaches age 18.

Claims against healthcare providers must be filed within 4 years of the act or omission, regardless of when the injury was discovered.

Wrongful death actions must be commenced within 3 years after the date of death.

Minnesota does not impose a statutory cap on compensatory damages in personal injury cases.

Punitive damages require clear and convincing evidence of deliberate disregard for the rights or safety of others. While there is no fixed cap, awards must be proportional to the conduct.

Civil filing fee for district court as of 2024.

Cases are generally filed in the county where the cause of action arose or where any defendant resides.

Defendants who are 50% or more at fault are jointly and severally liable for economic damages. Defendants below 50% fault are liable only for their proportional share.

After a verdict, the defendant may petition the court to reduce the award by amounts the plaintiff received from collateral sources like health insurance, minus any premiums paid.

A trustee appointed by the court may bring an action for wrongful death on behalf of the next of kin within 3 years of the date of death.

A person injured by an intoxicated individual may sue the bar, restaurant, or liquor store that illegally sold alcohol to that person.