Minnesota

Minnesota Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type

Independently fact-checked Editor-reviewed Law current as of August 18, 2026By Recording Law Editorial TeamPublished September 18, 2020Reviewed September 28, 202611 min read

Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 18, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 18, 2026. · 12 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content

Minnesota Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type

Key Takeaways

1Negligence-based personal injury claims, including car crashes and falls, must be filed within 6 years under Minn. Stat. 541.05, subd. 1(5).
2The 2-year deadline in Minn. Stat. 541.07(1) covers intentional torts: assault, battery, false imprisonment, libel, and slander.
3Contract disputes (written and oral) carry a 6-year filing deadline under Minn. Stat. 541.05.
4Medical malpractice claims have a 4-year statute of limitations under Minn. Stat. 541.076.
5Murder, manslaughter, and criminal sexual conduct have no criminal statute of limitations.
6Most felonies must be charged within 3 years, though several categories have extended deadlines.
7Minnesota suspends the limitations period for minors and incapacitated individuals under Minn. Stat. 541.15, but in no case for more than one year after the disability ends.

Minnesota gives you six years to sue over a negligence-based personal injury such as a car crash or a fall under Minn. Stat. 541.05, subd. 1(5), but only two years for the intentional torts listed in Minn. Stat. 541.07(1). Written and oral contract disputes carry a six-year deadline under Minn. Stat. 541.05, and murder and criminal sexual conduct carry no time limit under Minn. Stat. 628.26.

Minnesota law sets strict time limits on when you can file a lawsuit or when the state can bring criminal charges. These deadlines are called statutes of limitations. If you miss the filing window, you lose the right to pursue your claim or the state loses the ability to prosecute.

Understanding these deadlines matters whether you are considering a personal injury lawsuit, dealing with a contract dispute, or facing potential criminal charges. Minnesota organizes its civil limitations periods primarily in Chapter 541 of the Minnesota Statutes and its criminal limitations in Section 628.26.

This guide breaks down every major civil and criminal statute of limitations in Minnesota with the specific statutory references so you can verify each deadline yourself.

Hurt in Minnesota? If you are still within the deadline above, you can estimate what your injury claim may be worth with our free Minnesota personal injury settlement calculator. It gives an instant range based on your medical costs and Minnesota's fault rule (general information, not legal advice).

Minnesota Civil Statute of Limitations

Minnesota's civil statute of limitations sets deadlines for filing lawsuits and other civil actions. These limits range from two to ten years depending on the type of case. The clock typically starts on the date the injury or harm occurs, or in some cases, on the date you discover (or reasonably should have discovered) the harm.

A neat stack of blank white paper held by black binder clips on a wooden desk

If you fail to file your civil claim before the deadline, the opposing party can raise the statute of limitations as a defense. The court will then dismiss your case, and you will lose your legal claim permanently.

Personal Injury from Negligence (6 Years)

Most personal injury cases in Minnesota are negligence cases, and they get six years, not two. Under Minn. Stat. 541.05, subd. 1(5), an action "for criminal conversation, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract, and not hereinafter enumerated" must be commenced within six years. That residual clause is what governs ordinary negligence claims, including:

Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes
Slip-and-fall and other premises liability claims
Negligent supervision, negligent maintenance, and similar claims

The shorter two-year period in Minn. Stat. 541.07 does not displace this. Section 541.07 opens with the qualifier "Except where the Uniform Commercial Code, this section, section 541.05, 541.073, 541.076, or 604.205 otherwise prescribes," which subordinates its two-year clauses to the six-year period in 541.05.

Federal courts applying Minnesota law state the split plainly: "In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for intentional torts is two years, Minn. Stat. 541.07(1), and negligence-based claims are subject to a six-year limitations period, Minn. Stat. 541.05, subd. 1(5)." That language comes from a 2012 report and recommendation of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, citing Strandlund v. Hawley, 532 F.3d 741, 746 (8th Cir. 2008) and Egerdahl v. Hibbing Community College, 72 F.3d 615, 618 n.3 (8th Cir. 1995). Egerdahl supports only the six-year half: it applies the six-year period of Minnesota's personal-injury statute, Minn. Stat. 541.05, subd. 1(5), to Title VI, Title IX, and Section 1983 claims, and does not discuss the two-year period in 541.07.

Medical malpractice and construction-defect injuries are separate categories with their own shorter deadlines, covered below.

Assault, Battery, and Other Intentional Torts (2 Years)

Under Minn. Stat. 541.07, clause (1), a two-year deadline applies to the specific intentional torts the statute names:

Assault and battery
False imprisonment
Libel and slander (covered in the next section)

The two-year clock starts on the date of the injury. Minnesota courts strictly enforce this deadline.

One exception matters. If the conduct behind an assault, battery, false imprisonment, or other tort resulting in personal injury also constitutes domestic abuse as defined in Minn. Stat. 518B.01, the deadline is six years under Minn. Stat. 541.05, subd. 1(9).

Libel and Slander (2 Years)

Defamation claims, including both libel (written) and slander (spoken), also fall under the two-year limitation in Minn. Stat. 541.07. The clock starts when the defamatory statement is published or spoken.

Wrongful Death (3 Years)

Under Minn. Stat. 573.02, a wrongful death action must be filed within three years of the date of death. However, the claim must also be filed within six years of the act or omission that caused the death, whichever comes first.

There are two important exceptions:

Medical malpractice deaths must follow the additional requirements of Minn. Stat. 541.076.
Deaths caused by intentional murder have no time limit at all.

Fraud (6 Years)

Fraud claims carry a six-year statute of limitations under Minn. Stat. 541.05(6). The clock does not start until you discover the facts that constitute the fraud. This is known as the "discovery rule," and it protects people who could not have reasonably known about the fraud when it occurred. When the fraud was a scam or a dishonest sale, our guide to Minnesota scam and fraud laws covers the state's consumer fraud statute, which offices take reports, and the practical limits of suing someone you cannot identify.

Contracts (6 Years)

Both written and oral contract disputes fall under a six-year limitation period per Minn. Stat. 541.05(1). This applies to breach of contract claims where no other specific limitation period is prescribed by statute.

One important exception: contracts for the sale of goods governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) have a four-year limitation under Minn. Stat. 336.2-725. The parties may agree to reduce this period to as little as one year, but they cannot extend it.

Injury to Personal Property (6 Years)

If someone damages your personal property, you have six years to file suit under Minn. Stat. 541.05(4). The clock starts when the damage occurs.

Trespass (6 Years)

Trespass claims against real estate carry a six-year deadline under Minn. Stat. 541.05(3).

Medical Malpractice (4 Years)

Minnesota has a specific statute for medical malpractice claims. Under Minn. Stat. 541.076, an action against a health care provider for malpractice must be commenced within four years from the date the cause of action accrued.

Minnesota does not apply a broad "discovery rule" to medical malpractice. The four-year period begins when the negligent act causes some harm to the patient, not necessarily when the patient discovers the full extent of the harm. However, if a doctor continues treating the same condition, the clock may be delayed under the "continuing course of treatment" doctrine until that treatment ends.

For minors, the statute of limitations is tolled (paused) while the child is under 18, but the tolling cannot exceed seven years in medical malpractice cases.

Product Liability (4 Years)

Actions based on strict liability arising from the manufacture, sale, use, or consumption of a product must be filed within four years under Minn. Stat. 541.05, subd. 2. Note that this is subdivision 2 of the section, a separate provision from the numbered clauses of subdivision 1 cited elsewhere on this page.

Construction Defects and Real Property Improvements (2 Years / 10-Year Cap)

Under Minn. Stat. 541.051, claims for injury or property damage arising from defective improvements to real property must be filed within two years of discovering the injury. However, the cause of action cannot accrue more than ten years after substantial completion of the construction.

Contribution or indemnity actions related to construction defects have a 14-year outer limit from substantial completion.

Sexual Abuse (Civil Claims)

Under Minn. Stat. 541.073, civil claims for damages caused by sexual abuse have special rules:

Victims under 18: May file at any time (no deadline).
Victims 18 or older: Must file within six years of the abuse.
Vicarious liability claims (e.g., against an employer) when the victim was a minor must be filed before the plaintiff turns 24.

Judgments (10 Years)

Under Minn. Stat. 541.04, no action may be maintained on a judgment unless it is begun within ten years after the judgment was entered. A docketed judgment likewise survives, and its lien continues, for ten years under Minn. Stat. 548.09, subd. 1.

Child support judgments work differently. Unpaid support becomes a judgment by operation of law on the date each payment is due, and under Minn. Stat. 548.091, subd. 3b a docketed child support judgment may be renewed administratively by serving notice on the debtor. Those renewals may be repeated as many times as needed until the support is paid, so a child support judgment is not cut off by a single fixed deadline.

Workers' Compensation (3 Years / 6-Year Cap)

Under Minn. Stat. 176.151, a workers' compensation claim must be filed within three years after a written report of injury is made to the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry. In no event can the claim be brought more than six years from the date of the accident. If no report was ever filed, the full six-year window applies.

Section 176.151 provides two extensions. If the injured worker is physically or mentally incapacitated (something other than being a minor), paragraph (c) extends the period for three years from the date the incapacity ends. For occupational disease and injuries caused by x-rays, radium, radioactive substances, or ionizing radiation, paragraph (d) sets the deadline at three years after the employee knows the cause of the injury and the injury has resulted in disability.

Summary Table: Minnesota Civil Statutes of Limitations

Case Type	Time Limit	Statute
Personal Injury (Negligence)	6 years	541.05, subd. 1(5)
Assault, Battery, False Imprisonment	2 years	541.07(1)
Libel / Slander	2 years	541.07(1)
Tort Involving Domestic Abuse	6 years	541.05, subd. 1(9)
Wrongful Death	3 years from death (6 years from act)	573.02
Medical Malpractice	4 years	541.076
Product Liability	4 years	541.05, subd. 2
Sale of Goods (UCC)	4 years	336.2-725
Fraud	6 years (from discovery)	541.05(6)
Contracts (Written and Oral)	6 years	541.05(1)
Injury to Personal Property	6 years	541.05(4)
Trespass	6 years	541.05(3)
Sexual Abuse (Minor Victim)	No limit	541.073
Sexual Abuse (Adult Victim)	6 years	541.073
Construction Defects	2 years (10-year cap)	541.051
Workers' Compensation	3 years (6-year cap)	176.151
Judgments	10 years	541.04; 548.09
Child Support Judgments	10 years, renewable until paid	548.09; 548.091, subd. 3b

Tolling the Statute of Limitations in Minnesota

Minnesota law allows the statute of limitations to be paused ("tolled") in certain situations. Under Minn. Stat. 541.15, the clock stops running when:

The plaintiff is a minor. Being under 18 suspends the running of the limitations period, but 541.15(a) adds that the period may not be extended "in any case for more than one year after the disability ceases." A minor therefore does not get a fresh full limitations period at 18. The deadline is whichever is later: the ordinary deadline, or one year after the plaintiff's 18th birthday.
The plaintiff is mentally incapacitated. The clock is paused until the incapacity is removed, but for this and every other non-infancy disability 541.15(a) caps the extension at five years, and at no more than one year after the disability ceases.
Medical malpractice involving minors. Tolling is capped at seven years or one year after the disability ceases, whichever is shorter.

These tolling provisions protect people who cannot reasonably be expected to protect their own legal rights during the limitations period.

Minnesota Criminal Statute of Limitations

Minnesota's criminal statute of limitations sets time limits on when the state can file charges. Under Minn. Stat. 628.26, serious crimes like murder and sexual offenses have no deadline, while most other offenses range from three to nine years.

Crimes with No Statute of Limitations

Minnesota does not set any time limit on prosecuting the following offenses:

Murder and manslaughter (any crime resulting in the death of the victim)
Kidnapping
Criminal sexual conduct in the first through fourth degree (Minn. Stat. 609.342 through 609.345)
Sex trafficking
Human trafficking when the victim is under 18

Prosecutors can bring charges for these crimes at any time, no matter how many years have passed.

Extended Felony Deadlines

Several categories of felonies carry longer deadlines than the standard three years:

Crime	Time Limit
Human trafficking (victim 18+)	6 years
Bribery of a public officer or employee	6 years
Medical assistance fraud	6 years
Financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult	5 years
Theft/forgery exceeding $35,000	5 years
Identity theft (8+ victims or losses over $35,000)	5 years
Arson in the first degree	10 years
Other felonies	3 years

Misdemeanors (3 Years)

All misdemeanor offenses in Minnesota must be charged within three years of the date of the offense.

When the Clock Stops in Criminal Cases

The statute of limitations is paused in criminal cases when:

The defendant does not reside in Minnesota.
The defendant participates in a pretrial diversion program related to the crime.
Physical evidence is undergoing DNA analysis related to the offense, unless the defendant can show the analysis was intentionally delayed by law enforcement.

Summary Table: Minnesota Criminal Statutes of Limitations

Offense Category	Time Limit	Statute
Murder / Manslaughter	No limit	628.26
Kidnapping	No limit	628.26
Criminal Sexual Conduct (1st-4th degree)	No limit	628.26
Sex Trafficking (any victim) / Human Trafficking (minor victim)	No limit	628.26
Arson (1st degree)	10 years	628.26
Human Trafficking (adult victim)	6 years	628.26
Bribery / Medical Assistance Fraud	6 years	628.26
Financial Exploitation / Theft over $35k / Identity Theft	5 years	628.26
Other Felonies	3 years	628.26
Misdemeanors	3 years	628.26

Recent Changes to Minnesota Statutes of Limitations

Minnesota updated Section 628.26 in 2025. The most notable change increased the statute of limitations for first-degree arson from 5 years to 10 years, effective May 2025.

The Minnesota Legislature has also considered bills to extend the wrongful death statute of limitations to six years in cases involving deaths caused by law enforcement, though this proposal was still under legislative review as of 2025.

Minnesota previously eliminated the statute of limitations for all degrees of criminal sexual conduct, making it one of the states with the strongest protections for sexual assault survivors.

More Minnesota Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Minnesota?

It depends on how the injury happened. Negligence-based injuries, including car crashes and slip-and-fall claims, carry a six-year deadline under Minn. Stat. 541.05, subd. 1(5). The intentional torts named in Minn. Stat. 541.07(1), such as assault, battery, false imprisonment, libel, and slander, carry a two-year deadline. Medical malpractice is separate again, at four years under Minn. Stat. 541.076.

Is there a statute of limitations on murder in Minnesota?

No. Minnesota has no time limit for prosecuting murder, manslaughter, or any crime that results in the death of the victim. Prosecutors can bring charges at any time under Minn. Stat. 628.26.

How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Minnesota?

You have six years to file a breach of contract lawsuit in Minnesota under Minn. Stat. 541.05(1). This applies to both written and oral contracts. For sale-of-goods contracts under the UCC, the deadline is four years under Minn. Stat. 336.2-725.

Does Minnesota toll the statute of limitations for minors?

Yes, but the extension is limited. Under Minn. Stat. 541.15, being under 18 suspends the running of the limitations period, and the statute adds that the period may not be extended in any case for more than one year after the disability ceases. A minor does not get a fresh full limitations period at 18. For medical malpractice claims, tolling for minors is capped at seven years, or one year after the disability ceases.

What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Minnesota?

Minnesota allows four years from the date the cause of action accrued to file a medical malpractice claim under Minn. Stat. 541.076. The clock starts when the negligent act first causes harm, not when the patient discovers the full extent of the injury.

Updates

September 28, 2026

Clarified that Egerdahl v. Hibbing Community College addresses only Minnesota's six-year personal-injury limitations period, not the two-year period for intentional torts.

September 14, 2026

Corrected the personal injury deadline: negligence claims such as car crashes and falls have six years under Minn. Stat. 541.05, subd. 1(5), not the two years the page previously stated, which applies only to the intentional torts listed in Minn. Stat. 541.07(1); also corrected the child support judgment, workers compensation tolling, minor tolling, and product liability citations.

August 18, 2026

Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes

August 9, 2026

Governing law re-checked for recent changes

August 7, 2026

Corrected a self-contradiction in the criminal statute of limitations table: Minnesota's sex trafficking and 1st-4th degree criminal sexual conduct charges have NO time limit under Minn. Stat. 628.26(e), unconditionally (not 9 years for adult/no-DNA victims as a since-removed table row stated). Also removed two fabricated felony categories ("employer wage theft" and "environmental crimes") that do not appear in the cited statute.

August 7, 2026

Governing law re-checked for recent changes

September 18, 2020

Reviewed and approved by an editor

The Law Behind This Article

This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.

Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 628: ACCUSATION; CHARGING INSTRUMENTS

§ 628.26LIMITATIONSIn force

(a) Indictments or complaints for any crime resulting in the death of the victim may be found or made at any time after the death of the person killed. (b) Indictments or complaints for a violation of section 609.25 may be found or made at any time after the commission of the offense. (c) Indictments or complaints for violation of section 609.282 may be found or made at any time after the commission of the offense if the victim was under the age of 18 at the time of the offense. (d) Indictments or complaints for violation of section 609.282 where the victim was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense, or 609.42, subdivision 1, clause (1) or (2), shall be found or made and filed in the proper court within six years after the commission of the offense. (e) Indictments or complaints for violation of sections 609.322, 609.342 to 609.345, and 609.3458 may be found or made at any time after the commission of the offense. (f) Indictments or complaints for a violation of section 609.561 shall be found or made and filed in the proper court within ten years after the commission of the offense.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 33 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Reed v. State (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2010, 793 N.W.2d 725)“…ble at the time of the killing prohibits prosecution. See Minn.Stat. § 628.26 (1974) 2 (stating the limitations peri…”
State v. Pettee (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1995, 538 N.W.2d 126)“…f limitations barring prosecution for any degree of murder. Minn.Stat. § 628.26(a) (1992). There are, however, statutor…”
State v. Traczyk (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1988, 421 N.W.2d 299)“…25, 1984, ch. 496 § 1,1984 Minn.Laws 488, 489, codified as Minn.Stat. § 628.26(c)(1984), extending the limitation peri…”

Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.

Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 541: LIMITATION OF TIME, COMMENCING ACTIONS

§ 541.07TWO- OR THREE-YEAR LIMITATIONSIn forcecited in 6 of our articles

Except where the Uniform Commercial Code, this section, section 541.05, 541.073, 541.076, or 604.205 otherwise prescribes, the following actions shall be commenced within two years: (1) for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment, or other tort resulting in personal injury, and all actions against veterinarians as defined in chapter 156, for malpractice, error, mistake, or failure to cure, whether based on contract or tort; provided a counterclaim may be pleaded as a defense to any action for services brought by a veterinarian after the limitations period if it was the property of the party pleading it at the time it became barred and was not barred at the time the claim sued on originated, but no judgment thereof except for costs can be rendered in favor of the party so pleading it; (2) upon a statute for a penalty or forfeiture, except as provided in sections 541.074 and 541.075; (3) for damages caused by a dam, other than a dam used for commercial purposes; but as against one holding under the preemption or homestead laws, the limitations shall not begin to run until a patent has been issued for the land so damaged; (4) against a master for breach of an indenture…

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 238 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Fabio v. Bellomo (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1993, 504 N.W.2d 758)“…during 1982-1984 was barred by the statute of limitations. Minn.Stat. § 541.07(1) (1992). These rulings were affirmed…”
Park Nicollet Clinic v. Hamann (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2011, 808 N.W.2d 828)“…parties agree that the statute of limitations set forth in Minn.Stat. § 541.07(5) (2010) governs each of Ham-ann’s cla…”
Levin v. C.O.M.B. Co. (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1989, 441 N.W.2d 801)“…Levin’s claim was barred by the two-year limitation set by Minn.Stat. § 541.07(5) (1988), and the parties rescinded th…”

Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.

Also relied on in: Minnesota Assault Laws: Five Degrees, Felonies and Penalties (2026), Defamation Laws by State: Libel and Slander (2026), Minnesota Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)

§ 541.05VARIOUS CASES, SIX YEARSIn forcecited in 9 of our articles

Subdivision 1. Six-year limitation. Except where the Uniform Commercial Code otherwise prescribes, the following actions shall be commenced within six years: (1) upon a contract or other obligation, express or implied, as to which no other limitation is expressly prescribed; (2) upon a liability created by statute, other than those arising upon a penalty or forfeiture or where a shorter period is provided by section 541.07; (3) for a trespass upon real estate; (4) for taking, detaining, or injuring personal property, including actions for the specific recovery thereof; (5) for criminal conversation, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract, and not hereinafter enumerated; (6) for relief on the ground of fraud, in which case the cause of action shall not be deemed to have accrued until the discovery by the aggrieved party of the facts constituting the fraud; (7) against sureties upon the official bond of any public officer, whether of the state or of any county, town, school district, or a municipality therein; in which case the limitation shall not begin to run until the term of such officer for which the bond was given shall have…

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 438 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Henning Nelson Construction Co. v. Fireman's Fund American Life Insurance Co. (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1986, 383 N.W.2d 645)“…e trial court held the limitation provision was modified by Minn.Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(1) (1984), which provides a 6-…”
Toombs v. Daniels (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1985, 361 N.W.2d 801)“…5. The statute of limitations applicable to this action is Minn.Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1, sections (6) or (7), as follo…”
Wegan v. Village of Lexington (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1981, 309 N.W.2d 273)“…ence, the six-year tort statute of limitations contained in Minn.Stat. § 541.05 (1980) is applicable. Additionally, no…”

Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.

Also relied on in: Minnesota Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights, Minnesota Car Accident Laws: No-Fault, PIP, and Your Claim, Minnesota Debt Collection Laws: Wage Garnishment, Statute of Limitations, and Repossession

§ 541.076HEALTH CARE PROVIDER ACTIONSIn forcecited in 3 of our articles

(a) For purposes of this section, "health care provider" means a physician, surgeon, dentist, occupational therapist, other health care professionals as defined in section 145.61, hospital, or treatment facility. (b) An action by a patient or former patient against a health care provider alleging malpractice, error, mistake, or failure to cure, whether based on a contract or tort, must be commenced within four years from the date the cause of action accrued. (c) A counterclaim may be pleaded as a defense to any action for services brought by a health care provider after the limitations described in this section, notwithstanding it is barred by the provisions of this chapter, if the counterclaim belonged to the party pleading it at the time it became barred and was not barred at the time the claim sued on originated, but no judgment on the counterclaim except for costs can be rendered in favor of the party so pleading it.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 25 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Gomon v. Northland Family Physicians, Ltd. (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2002, 645 N.W.2d 413)“…ccrued. The court of appeals affirmed. Because we hold that Minn.Stat. § 541.076 (2000) applies retroactively to revive…”
Jennifer L. DeCook, Respondents/Cross-Appellants v. Olmsted Medical Center, Inc., Brenda J. Hanson, R.N., and Darlene M. Pratt, R.N., Appellants/Cross-Respondents, Kenneth M. Palmer, M.D., Jack F. Perrone, M.D., Kimberly McKeon, M.D., and Ashley Morrow, R.N. (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2016, 875 N.W.2d 263)“…e of limitations for medical malpractice claims is 4 years. Minn.Stat. § 541.076(b) (2014). The record does not show, no…”
Molloy v. Meier (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2003, 660 N.W.2d 444)“…our-year limitations period for medical-malpractice claims. Minn.Stat. § 541.076(b) *454 (2002). The statute was made…”

Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.

Also relied on in: Medical Malpractice Laws in Minnesota (2026): Deadlines & Caps, Minnesota Wrongful Death Laws (2026): Deadlines

§ 541.073ACTIONS FOR DAMAGES DUE TO SEXUAL ABUSE; SPECIAL PROVISIONSIn force

Subdivision 1. Definition. As used in this section: (1) "sexual abuse" means conduct described in sections 609.342 to 609.3451 and 609.3458; and (2) "person" includes a natural person, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, organization, association, or other entity. Subd. 2. Limitations period. (a) An action for damages based on sexual abuse: (1) must be commenced within six years of the alleged sexual abuse in the case of alleged sexual abuse of an individual 18 years or older; (2) may be commenced at any time in the case of alleged sexual abuse of an individual under the age of 18, except as provided for in subdivision 4; and (3) must be commenced before the plaintiff is 24 years of age in a claim against a natural person alleged to have sexually abused a minor when that natural person was under 14 years of age. (b) The plaintiff need not establish which act in a continuous series of sexual abuse acts by the defendant caused the injury. (c) This section does not affect the suspension of the statute of limitations during a period of disability under section 541.15. Subd. 3. Applicability.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 43 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Doe v. Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2012, 817 N.W.2d 150)“…that the Dioceses negligently allowed the abuse to occur, Minn.Stat. § 541.073, subd. 3, and second, that the Dioceses…”
W.J.L. v. Bugge (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1998, 573 N.W.2d 677)“…e claim was barred by the statute of limitations set out in Minn.Stat. § 541.073 (1996). [2] The district court agree…”
Blackowiak v. Kemp (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1996, 546 N.W.2d 1)“…s barred by application of the 6-year limitations period of Minn.Stat. § 541.073, subd. 2(a) (1992). The court of appeal…”

Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.

§ 541.051LIMITATION OF ACTION FOR DAMAGES BASED ON SERVICES OR CONSTRUCTION TO IMPROVE REAL PROPERTYIn force

Subdivision 1. Limitation; service or construction of real property; improvements. (a) Except where fraud is involved, no action by any person in contract, tort, or otherwise to recover damages for any injury to property, real or personal, or for bodily injury or wrongful death, arising out of the defective and unsafe condition of an improvement to real property, shall be brought against any person performing or furnishing the design, planning, supervision, materials, or observation of construction or construction of the improvement to real property or against the owner of the real property more than two years after the cause of action accrues, as specified in paragraph (c), nor in any event shall such a cause of action accrue more than ten years after substantial completion of the construction. Date of substantial completion shall be determined by the date when construction is sufficiently completed so that the owner or the owner's representative can occupy or use the improvement for the intended purpose.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 174 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Sartori v. Harnischfeger Corp. (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1988, 432 N.W.2d 448)“…es an “improvement to real property” within the meaning of Minn. Stat. § 541.051 (1980); and 2. Whether applicat…”
Vlahos v. R&I Construction of Bloomington, Inc. (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2004, 676 N.W.2d 672)“…ons for claims arising from improvements to real property, Minn. Stat. § 541.051 , subd. 1(a) (2002), barred the suit be…”
Calder v. City of Crystal (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1982, 318 N.W.2d 838)“…t Sehoell for contribution or indemnification was barred by Minn.Stat. § 541.051 (1980). Only the City of Crystal and Se…”

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§ 541.04JUDGMENTS, TEN YEARSIn force

No action shall be maintained upon a judgment or decree of a court of the United States, or of any state or territory thereof, unless begun within ten years after the entry of such judgment.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 22 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Dahlin v. Kroening (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2011, 796 N.W.2d 503)“…renew the judgment for an additional ten years pursuant to Minn.Stat. § 541.04 (2010). The district court concluded th…”
Bednarek v. Bednarek (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 1988, 430 N.W.2d 9)“…d by the ten-year statute of limitations on judgments under Minn.Stat. § 541.04? 2. Did the trial court err by r…”
Marriage of Gerber v. Gerber (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2006, 714 N.W.2d 702)“…atute of limitations for an “action” brought on a judgment, Minn.Stat. § 541.04 (2004), applies to a county’s administr…”

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§ 541.15PERIODS OF DISABILITY NOT COUNTEDIn forcecited in 2 of our articles

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), any of the following grounds of disability, existing at the time when a cause of action accrued or arising anytime during the period of limitation, shall suspend the running of the period of limitation until the same is removed; provided that such period, except in the case of infancy, shall not be extended for more than five years, nor in any case for more than one year after the disability ceases: (1) that the plaintiff is within the age of 18 years; (2) the plaintiff's insanity; (3) is an alien and the subject or citizen of a country at war with the United States; (4) when the beginning of the action is stayed by injunction or by statutory prohibition. If two or more disabilities shall coexist, the suspension shall continue until all are removed. (b) In actions alleging malpractice, error, mistake, or failure to cure, whether based on contract or tort, against a health care provider, the ground of disability specified in paragraph (a), clause (1), suspends the period of limitation until the disability is removed. The suspension may not be extended for more than seven years, or for more than one year after the disability ceases.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 43 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

W.J.L. v. Bugge (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1998, 573 N.W.2d 677)“…l one year after the plaintiff reaches the age of majority. Minn.Stat. § 541.15(a)(1) (1996). Notwithstanding Minn.Stat…”
D.M.S. v. Barber (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2002, 645 N.W.2d 383)“…N.W. 176, 177 (1941). Under the minority tolling statute, Minn.Stat. § 541.15(a)(1) (2000), when a negligence *387…”
Whitener Ex Rel. Miller v. Dahl (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2001, 625 N.W.2d 827)“…ounger than age 18 and under the minority-tolling statute, Minn. Stat. § 541.15 (a)(1) (2000), the limitations provisio…”

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Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 573: PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, HEIRS; ACTIONS

§ 573.02ACTION FOR DEATH BY WRONGFUL ACT; SURVIVAL OF ACTIONSIn forcecited in 6 of our articles

Subdivision 1. Death action. When death is caused by the wrongful act or omission of any person or corporation, the trustee appointed as provided in subdivision 3 may maintain an action therefor if the decedent might have maintained an action, had the decedent lived, for an injury caused by the wrongful act or omission. An action to recover damages for a death caused by the alleged professional negligence of a physician, surgeon, dentist, hospital or sanitarium, or an employee of a physician, surgeon, dentist, hospital or sanitarium shall be commenced within three years of the date of death, but in no event shall be commenced beyond the time set forth in section 541.076. An action to recover damages for a death caused by an intentional act constituting murder may be commenced at any time after the death of the decedent. 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.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-06 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 187 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Johnson v. Consolidated Freightways, Inc. (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1988, 420 N.W.2d 608)“…gful death or general survival statutes. Defendant contends Minn.Stat. § 573.02 (1986) unambiguously creates a right pe…”
State v. Soto (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1985, 378 N.W.2d 625)“…Verkennes court took some pains to limit its holding to Minn.Stat. § 573.02. The court's opinion in Verkennes…”
DeCosse v. Armstrong Cork Co. (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1982, 319 N.W.2d 45)“…tion period prescribed by the Minnesota Wrongful Death Act, Minn.Stat. § 573.02, subd. 1 (1976). The other defendants j…”

Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.

Also relied on in: Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Laws (2026): Deadlines, Minnesota Punitive Damages Laws: Standard, Pleading and Caps (2026), Truck Accident Laws in Minnesota (2026): Deadlines & Liability

Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 176: WORKERS' COMPENSATION

§ 176.151TIME LIMITATIONSIn forcecited in 2 of our articles

The time within which the following acts shall be performed shall be limited to the following periods, respectively: (a) Actions or proceedings by an injured employee to determine or recover compensation, three years after a written report of the injury has been made to the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry, but not to exceed six years from the date of the accident. (b) Actions or proceedings by dependents to determine or recover compensation, three years after the receipt by the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry of written notice of death, given by the employer, but not to exceed six years from the date of injury, provided, however, if the employee was paid compensation for the injury from which the death resulted, such actions or proceedings by dependents must be commenced within three years after the receipt by the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry of written notice of death, given by the employer, but not to exceed six years from the date of death.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 22 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Axelberg v. Commissioner of Public Safety (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2014, 848 N.W.2d 206)“…tory time bar precluded his claim. Id. at 331 (citing Minn.Stat. § 176.151, subd. 1 (1982) (current version at Min…”
Klimmek v. Independent School District No. 487 (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1980, 299 N.W.2d 501)“…eals correctly held that employee’s claim was not barred by Minn.Stat. § 176.151(3) (1974). We affirm. Employee s…”
Marose v. Maislin Transport (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1987, 413 N.W.2d 507)“…1974, were barred by the applicable statute of limitations, Minn.Stat. § 176.151, subd. 3 (1974), which required that an…”

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Also relied on in: Minnesota Workers' Compensation Laws: Benefits, Deadlines, and Your Rights

Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 336: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE

§ 336.2-725STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IN CONTRACTS FOR SALEIn force

(1) An action for breach of any contract for sale must be commenced within four years after the cause of action has accrued. By the original agreement the parties may reduce the period of limitation to not less than one year but may not extend it.(2) A cause of action accrues when the breach occurs, regardless of the aggrieved party's lack of knowledge of the breach. A breach of warranty occurs when tender of delivery is made, except that where a warranty explicitly extends to future performance of the goods and discovery of the breach must await the time of such performance the cause of action accrues when the breach is or should have been discovered.(3) Where an action commenced within the time limited by subsection (1) is so terminated as to leave available a remedy by another action for the same breach such other action may be commenced after the expiration of the time limited and within six months after the termination of the first action unless the termination resulted from voluntary discontinuance or from dismissal for failure or neglect to prosecute.(4) This section does not alter the law on tolling of the statute of limitations, nor does it apply to causes of action which…

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 518B: DOMESTIC ABUSE

§ 518B.01DOMESTIC ABUSE ACTIn forcecited in 2 of our articles

Subdivision 1. Short title. This section may be cited as the "Domestic Abuse Act." Subd. 2. Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings given: (a) "Domestic abuse" means the following, if committed against a family or household member by a family or household member: (1) physical harm, bodily injury, or assault; (2) the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault; or (3) terroristic threats, within the meaning of section 609.713, subdivision 1; criminal sexual conduct, within the meaning of section 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, or 609.3451; sexual extortion within the meaning of section 609.3458; or interference with an emergency call within the meaning of section 609.78, subdivision 2.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-08 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 212 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Burkstrand v. Burkstrand (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2001, 632 N.W.2d 206)“…e frames prescribed by the Domestic Abuse Act, specifically Minn.Stat. § 518B.01, subdivision 7(c) (2000), divests the d…”
State of Minnesota v. Don Antoine Jones (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2014, 848 N.W.2d 528)“…12), and violating an order for protection, a violation of Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 14(d)(1) (2012). A jury returne…”
State v. Colvin (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2002, 645 N.W.2d 449)“…ed for and obtained an emergency (ex parte) OFP pursuant to Minn.Stat. § 518B.01 (2000), against her ex-husband, Peter C…”

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Also relied on in: Minnesota Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get an OFP or HRO

Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 548: JUDGMENTS

§ 548.09LIEN OF JUDGMENTIn forcecited in 2 of our articles

Subdivision 1. Entry and docketing; survival of judgment. Except as provided in section 548.091, every judgment requiring the payment of money shall be entered by the court administrator when ordered by the court and will be docketed by the court administrator upon the filing of an affidavit as provided in subdivision 2. Upon a transcript of the docket being filed with the court administrator in any other county, the court administrator shall also docket it. From the time of docketing the judgment is a lien, in the amount unpaid, upon all real property in the county then or thereafter owned by the judgment debtor, but it is not a lien upon registered land unless it is also recorded pursuant to sections 508.63 and 508A.63. The judgment survives, and the lien continues, for ten years after its entry. Child support judgments may be renewed pursuant to section 548.091. Subd. 2. Judgment creditor's affidavit.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 34 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Dahlin v. Kroening (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2011, 796 N.W.2d 503)“…survives for a period of ten years after entry of judgment. Minn.Stat. § 548.09, subd. 1 (2010); see also In re Sitarz…”
Kipp v. Sweno (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2004, 683 N.W.2d 259)“…nt lien beyond property owned by the judgment debtor. See Minn.Stat. § 548.09, subd. (1) (2002); Steele v. Taylor,…”
In Re the Marriage of Opp (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 1994, 516 N.W.2d 193)“…denial of his motion to vacate the judgment. He argues that Minn.Stat. §§ 548.09 and 548.091 (1992) prevent docketing of…”

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Also relied on in: Minnesota Small Claims Court: $20,000 Limit, Fees and How to File

§ 548.091SUPPORT, MAINTENANCE, OR COUNTY REIMBURSEMENT JUDGMENTSIn force

Subdivision 1. Entry and docketing of maintenance judgment. (a) A judgment for unpaid amounts under a judgment or decree of dissolution or legal separation that provides for installment or periodic payments of maintenance shall be entered by the court administrator when ordered by the court or shall be entered and docketed by the court administrator when the following conditions are met: (1) the obligee determines that the obligor is at least 30 days in arrears; (2) the obligee serves a copy of an affidavit of default and notice of intent to enter and docket judgment on the obligor by first class mail at the obligor's last known post office address. Service shall be deemed complete upon mailing in the manner designated.

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 14 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

Dahlin v. Kroening (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2011, 796 N.W.2d 503)“…ction 548.091. Minn.Stat. § 548.09, subd. 1. Accordingly, Minn.Stat. § 548.091 (2010) provides that a “[cjhild support…”
In Re the Marriage of Opp (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 1994, 516 N.W.2d 193)“…pport of his motion to vacate the judgment, Opp argues that Minn.Stat. § 548.091 (1992), bars entry and docketing of the…”
Marriage of Schultz v. Schultz (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 1993, 495 N.W.2d 463)“…rt of a default child support judgment entered pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 548.091 (1990) without actual notice to him. W…”

Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.

Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 609: CRIMINAL CODE

§ 609.342CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN THE FIRST DEGREEIn forcecited in 3 of our articles

Subdivision 1. Adult victim; crime defined. A person who engages in sexual penetration with another person is guilty of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree if any of the following circumstances exists: (a) circumstances existing at the time of the act cause the complainant to have a reasonable fear of imminent great bodily harm to the complainant or another; (b) the actor is armed with a dangerous weapon or any article used or fashioned in a manner to lead the complainant to reasonably believe it to be a dangerous weapon and uses or threatens to use the weapon or article to cause the complainant to submit; (c) the actor causes personal injury to the complainant, and any of the following circumstances exist: (i) the actor uses coercion to accomplish the act; (ii) the actor uses force, as defined in section 609.341, subdivision 3, clause (2); or (iii) the actor knows or has reason to know that the complainant is mentally impaired, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless; (d) the actor uses force as defined in section 609.341, subdivision 3, clause (1); or (e) the actor is aided or abetted by one or more accomplices within the meaning of section 609.05, and either of…

Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov

Cited in 544 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026

Opinions citing this section in our collection:

State v. Shattuck (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2005, 704 N.W.2d 131)“…on for which Shattuck's sentencing enhancement was imposed. Minn.Stat. § 609.342, subd. 2(a) (2004). We also note that b…”
State v. Tscheu (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2008, 758 N.W.2d 849)“…ce or coercion and accompanied by personal injury to Thoms. Minn.Stat. § 609.342, subd. 1(e)(i) (2006) ("A person who en…”
Perkins v. State (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1997, 559 N.W.2d 678)“…s with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, Minn. Stat. § 609.342 , subd. 1(c) (1996) (penetration under…”