If you were injured due to the negligence and poor decisions of another, remember that you are not alone in the fight to recover . The law mandates that the at-fault person own up to their mistakes and pay for the damages caused. After all, someone has to.
A critical first step when beginning any personal injury action is identifying the correct statute of limitation for your particular claim. The statute of limitation s is a law that establishes a time limit for starting a lawsuit, based on the date when the claim accrued (as when the injury occurred or was discovered). The purpose of such a time limit is to require the diligent prosecution of claims and ensure that claims are brought when the evidence is still reasonably available. Unfortunately, this also means that people who have suffered serious injury might miss out on justice if they do not properly understand the statute of limitations or wait too long. A person who does not file their claim before the statute of limitations expires is forever barred from bringing that claim.
SPECIFIC STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS FOR MINNESOTA
Minnesota, like every state, imposes various time limits on different types of claims, such as car accident claims, defamation claims, and even assault. If you are considering a claim in Minnesota, it is critical that you speak with a knowledgeable attorney and make sure any potential claim is brought before the time limit in which to begin a lawsuit has expired.
Below is a list of the statutes of limitations for common types of lawsuits:
Assault: Six-year limitation
Bicycle Accident: Six-year limitation
Boating Accident: Six-year limitation
Burn Injuries: Six-year limitation
Car Accident: Six-year limitation
Defamation (Libel or Slander): Two-year limitation
Dog Bites: Six-year limitation
Drunk Driver and Liquor Liability:
Driver: Six-year limitation
Notice Requirement after Attorney-Client Relationship Formed: 240 Days
Dram Shop: Two-year limitation from date of Injury
Motorcycle: Six-year limitation
Premise Liability – Slip and Fall:
Negligent Maintenance, Operation, or Inspection: Six-year limitation
Defective Design or Construction: Two-years after discovery of injury but no more than 10 years after substantial completion of project
Property Damage: Six-year limitation
Semi-Truck Accidents: Six-year limitation
Uninsured Claims: Six-year limitation from date of injury
Underinsured Claims: Six-year limitation from date of liability settlement
Wrongful Death: The lesser of three-years from date of death or six-years from date of injury
Claims for Minor Children: One-year after reaching the age of majority.
TAKING THE NEXT STEP
Knowing what statute of limitations applies to your unique claim and when that time period begins to run is not always clear. That’s why it is always important to contact a licensed attorney to review your case.
Further, cases take time to prepare. Even after contacting an attorney, time is needed to gather evidence and learn about the claim, and even engage in possible settlement negotiations that might allow you to reach a recovery without going to court. The sooner you start the process, the better.
If you or a loved one have been injured through the negligence and poor decisions of someone else, and are looking for answers, contact our attorneys today. There is no upfront fee – you only pay if we win – so there is no risk to you. To schedule a free consultation, call 952-953-3330 or use our online quick contact form here.
