Minnesota at a glance
Minnesota allows six years for injury to the person not otherwise enumerated[1] and generally three years from the date of death for wrongful death.[2] Notice to a municipality is due within 180 days.[3] A plaintiff whose fault is greater than the defendant’s cannot recover.[4] Minnesota is a no-fault state.[5]
Filing deadlines
Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(5)
for criminal conversation, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract, and not hereinafter enumerated;
Source: [1]
Wrongful death: Minn. Stat. § 573.02, subd. 1
Any other action under this section may be commenced within three years after the date of death provided that the action must be commenced within six years after the act or omission.
Source: [2]
Section 541.05 places these claims among the actions that “shall be commenced within six years.”[1] Other Minnesota statutes set shorter periods for some claims, so check the full chapter.
Municipalities: Minn. Stat. § 466.05, subd. 1
shall cause to be presented to the governing body of the municipality within 180 days after the alleged loss or injury is discovered a notice stating the time, place and circumstances thereof
Source: [3]
Shared fault
Minn. Stat. § 604.01
Contributory fault does not bar recovery in an action by any person or the person’s legal representative to recover damages for fault resulting in death, in injury to person or property, or in economic loss, if the contributory fault was not greater than the fault of the person against whom recovery is sought
Source: [4]
This is modified comparative fault, often called the 51% bar. An injured person who is 50% or less at fault can recover damages reduced by their share; one who is more at fault than the parties the statute compares them to cannot recover.
Auto insurance requirements
Minnesota’s no-fault act requires liability limits “of not less than $30,000 because of bodily injury to one person in any one accident and, subject to said limit for one person, of not less than $60,000 because of injury to two or more persons in any one accident,” plus $10,000 for property damage.[6] Each plan must also “provide for payment of basic economic loss benefits.”[6]
What this page does not cover
This page covers the main deadlines, fault rule, damage limits and auto insurance requirements. Statutes also contain exceptions, such as rules for minors, people who are incapacitated and claims discovered later, and special rules apply to medical malpractice and workers’ compensation. Always read the full statute at the official source linked below.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a head injury lawsuit in Minnesota?
Section 541.05 places these claims among the actions that “shall be commenced within six years.”[1] Other Minnesota statutes set shorter periods for some claims, so check the full chapter.
This page provides general information about the law from the sources listed below. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. See our legal disclaimer.
Sources
- Minn. Stat. § 541.05. Minnesota Revisor of Statutes. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2008/cite/541.05
- Minn. Stat. § 573.02. Minnesota Revisor of Statutes. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/573.02
- Minn. Stat. § 466.05. Minnesota Revisor of Statutes. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2019/cite/466.05
- Minn. Stat. § 604.01. Minnesota Revisor of Statutes. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2003/cite/604.01
- Insurance Information Institute. “Background on: No-fault auto insurance.” https://www.iii.org/article/background-on-no-fault-auto-insurance
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.49. Minnesota Revisor of Statutes. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/65B.49
Sources last checked: October 11, 2026
