Minnesota · Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Minnesota?

Minnesota gives you 6 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under Minn. Stat. § 541.05.

Updated 2026-05-22 · See all 50 states

Key facts: Minnesota

Personal injury deadline
6 years
Minn. Stat. § 541.05
Wrongful death deadline
3 years
Minn. Stat. § 573.02
When the clock starts
Generally the date of injury for personal injury claims; the date of death for wrongful death. Minnesota follows the discovery rule for most negligence claims, which delays accrual when the injury was not, or could not reasonably have been, discovered at the time.
Last verified
2026-05-22
Source type
Primary (state code or court opinion)

Details and exceptions for Minnesota

Minnesota has an unusually long six-year PI deadline under § 541.05.1(5). Wrongful death is three years from the date of death, but no more than six years from the underlying act. Intentional torts (assault, battery, false imprisonment) get only two years.

Related: Minnesota comparative negligence rule

Minnesota follows a modified 51% bar rule. Modified comparative fault with a 51% bar; the plaintiff is barred only when contributory fault is "greater than" the fault of the person against whom recovery is sought.

Read the full Minnesota comparative negligence rule →

This page is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Notice deadlines for claims against governmental units, medical malpractice, intentional torts, and other special categories run on separate tracks and can be much shorter. Confirm the controlling rule with a licensed Minnesota attorney before relying on it.

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Minnesota Statute of Limitations FAQ

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the general personal injury statute of limitations is 6 years from the date of injury under Minn. Stat. § 541.05. Minnesota has an unusually long six-year PI deadline under § 541.05.1(5). Wrongful death is three years from the date of death, but no more than six years from the underlying act. Intentional torts (assault, battery, false imprisonment) get only two years.

Does Minnesota have a separate deadline for wrongful death?

Yes. Minnesota's wrongful death statute of limitations is 3 years under Minn. Stat. § 573.02. The clock typically begins on the date of death rather than the date of the underlying injury.

What happens if I miss the Minnesota personal injury deadline?

The court will almost certainly dismiss the lawsuit on a motion by the defendant, regardless of the strength of the underlying claim. Some exceptions can pause or extend the deadline, including the discovery rule, tolling for minors, and tolling while a defendant is out of state, but none are automatic. Talk to a Minnesota personal injury attorney before assuming a claim is barred.

What is Minnesota's comparative negligence rule?

Minnesota follows a modified 51% bar rule under Minn. Stat. § 604.01. Modified comparative fault with a 51% bar; the plaintiff is barred only when contributory fault is "greater than" the fault of the person against whom recovery is sought.

Where can I read the actual statute?

The controlling statute is Minn. Stat. § 541.05. The full text is available on the official Minnesota legislature website at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.05.

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