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Minnesota Statute of Limitations (2026)

Civil filing deadlines in Minnesota under Minn. Stat. ch. 541 — six years for negligence, contract, property and fraud alike, among the most generous schemes in the country.

✓ Last verified: Sep 2026

Claim Types

claim types tracked

Filing Range

2–6

year filing range

Govt. Notice

0.5

yrs to notify govt.

1 of these entries are marked “Unverified.” They have been added to the register but not yet checked line-by-line against the current statute text. Treat those figures as a starting point only, and confirm the citation at its official source before relying on it.

6 YEARS

Personal Injury

Six years for ordinary negligence — one of the longest personal-injury windows in the country, alongside Missouri's five.

Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(5) ✓ Verified

4 YEARS

Medical Malpractice

Four years — longer than most states, and longer than Minnesota's own two-year intentional-tort period.

Minn. Stat. § 541.076 ✓ Verified

6 YEARS

Written Contract

Six years from breach.

Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(1) ✓ Verified

6 YEARS

Property Damage

Six years for injury to personal property.

Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(4) ✓ Verified

2 YEARS

Defamation

Two years for libel or slander — a third of what Minnesota allows for ordinary negligence.

Minn. Stat. § 541.07(1) ✓ Verified

4 YEARS

Product Liability

Four years for a strict liability product claim — Minnesota gives this its own express subdivision rather than borrowing the general tort period.

Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 2 ✓ Verified

3 YEARS

Wrongful Death

Three years from the date of death — shorter than the six years a surviving injury claimant would get.

Minn. Stat. § 573.02 ✓ Verified

6 YEARS

Fraud

Six years, with discovery-based accrual written into the statute itself.

Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(6) ✓ Verified

6 YEARS

Breach of Oral Contract

Six years — the same as a written contract.

Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(1) ✓ Verified

6 YEARS

Legal Malpractice

Six years, generally running from when the cause of action accrues rather than from discovery.

Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(5) Unverified

2 YEARS

Assault & Battery

Two years — a third of the six years an equivalent negligence claim would get.

Minn. Stat. § 541.07(1) ✓ Verified

6 YEARS

Trespass to Land

Six years for trespass upon real estate, named expressly.

Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(3) ✓ Verified

0.5

years

Government claims notice

Notice to a municipality within 180 days — Minn. Stat. §§ 466.05, 3.736 Section 466.05 requires notice to a municipality within 180 days after the alleged loss or injury is discovered. Claims against the State run under § 3.736, which requires notice within 180 days and suit within two years. Both sit on top of the ordinary limitations period rather than replacing it.

Common Questions About Minnesota Deadlines

What is the statute of limitations in Minnesota?

It depends on the type of claim. Minnesota filing deadlines range from 2 years to 6 years — for example, personal injury 6 years, breach of a written contract 6 years, medical malpractice 4 years, defamation 2 years.

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

6 years under Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(5). Six years for ordinary negligence — one of the longest personal-injury windows in the country, alongside Missouri's five. Full personal injury rules →

What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Minnesota?

3 years under Minn. Stat. § 573.02. Three years from the date of death — shorter than the six years a surviving injury claimant would get. Full wrongful death rules →

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

4 years under Minn. Stat. § 541.076. Four years — longer than most states, and longer than Minnesota's own two-year intentional-tort period. Full medical malpractice rules →

What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in Minnesota?

6 years under Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(1). Six years from breach. Full breach of a written contract rules →

How long do you have to sue for defamation in Minnesota?

2 years under Minn. Stat. § 541.07(1). Two years for libel or slander — a third of what Minnesota allows for ordinary negligence. Full defamation rules →

What is the statute of limitations for property damage in Minnesota?

6 years under Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(4). Six years for injury to personal property. Full property damage rules →

Do you have to notify the government before suing in Minnesota?

Often, yes. Notice to a municipality within 180 days under Minn. Stat. §§ 466.05, 3.736. This is usually much shorter than the ordinary deadline.

Know your rights — check the claim type that matches your situation, then confirm the deadline with a licensed attorney.

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Minnesota Statute of Limitations (2026)

Common Questions About Minnesota Deadlines

What is the statute of limitations in Minnesota?

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

What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Minnesota?

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

What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in Minnesota?

How long do you have to sue for defamation in Minnesota?

What is the statute of limitations for property damage in Minnesota?

Do you have to notify the government before suing in Minnesota?

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