Slip and Fall Deadlines in Minnesota: Don’t Miss Your Claim
If you were hurt in a Minnesota slip and fall, timing is critical. Deadlines can differ based on where the fall happened, who is responsible, and the type of claim. Learn what can affect your timeline and what steps to take now to protect your rights.
- Many Minnesota negligence claims (including many slip and falls) have a general six-year deadline to sue. See Minn. Stat. § 541.05.
- Special notice rules—often within 180 days—apply when a city, county, town, or the State of Minnesota is involved. See Minn. Stat. § 466.05 and Minn. Stat. § 3.736.
- Time limits can be tolled for minors or certain legal disabilities. See Minn. Stat. § 541.15.
- Do not assume a “discovery rule” will extend your time; many claims run from the date of injury.
Why deadlines matter after a slip and fall
Minnesota law sets strict time limits for bringing injury claims. If you miss the applicable deadline, your case can be dismissed, regardless of how strong your evidence is. Acting early also helps preserve proof, locate witnesses, and document hazardous conditions before they change.
Deadlines can vary by who you’re suing
The timeline to file can differ depending on whether the at-fault party is a private property owner, a business, a landlord, or a government entity such as a city, county, or the State of Minnesota. Claims that involve public entities often require additional, earlier notice steps and may follow different procedures than claims against private parties.
For example, Minnesota’s municipal tort statute generally requires written notice within 180 days for claims against cities, counties, and other political subdivisions (§ 466.05), and state tort claims have their own notice provisions (§ 3.736).
Notice requirements may apply
Some claims require that you give formal written notice to the responsible party or government before you file a lawsuit. These notice rules can be technical, including what must be stated and when and how notice must be delivered. Missing a notice requirement can affect your ability to recover, even if you later file a lawsuit within the general time limit. See Minn. Stat. § 466.05 (municipal claims) and Minn. Stat. § 3.736 (claims against the State).
Common Minnesota time limits (overview)
- General negligence/premises liability: Often six years to start a lawsuit in many personal-injury negligence cases. See Minn. Stat. § 541.05. Specific claims can have different limits.
- Claims involving Minnesota cities/counties/towns: Written notice typically due within 180 days of the injury, with limited exceptions. See Minn. Stat. § 466.05.
- Claims against the State of Minnesota: Notice requirements apply; timelines and content are defined by statute. See Minn. Stat. § 3.736.
- Minors/other legal disabilities: Certain time limits may be tolled. See Minn. Stat. § 541.15.
Because deadlines and exceptions depend on the facts, consult counsel promptly to confirm which rules apply to your situation.
Factors that can change your timeline
Your filing deadline can be affected by: the nature of your injuries and the damages you seek; whether a government entity is involved; whether the injured person is a minor; and whether other legal doctrines apply. In many Minnesota injury cases, the clock starts on the date of the injury—do not assume a discovery rule will extend your time. Because these factors vary, the safest approach is to get individualized advice as soon as possible.
Quick tips
- Act within days, not months, if a city, county, or state may be involved.
- Write down exactly where the fall happened and who you reported it to.
- Keep your shoes and clothing unwashed; they can be evidence.
Slip and fall deadline checklist
- Confirm whether a government entity is involved.
- Calendar the earliest possible deadline (including any 180-day notice).
- Send written notice with required details and keep proof of delivery.
- Gather photos, videos, witness names, and incident reports.
- Get prompt medical evaluation and follow treatment plans.
- Avoid recorded statements until you have legal advice.
- Consult a Minnesota injury attorney to verify all timelines.
How an attorney can help
A Minnesota premises liability attorney can determine which deadlines apply to your situation, prepare and serve any required notices, preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, and file your case on time. Early involvement can make a critical difference in meeting procedural requirements and maximizing your recovery.
FAQ: Minnesota slip and fall deadlines
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Minnesota?
Many negligence-based claims must be filed within six years, but specific facts can change this. Confirm your deadline with an attorney.
Do I really need to give notice within 180 days for government claims?
Often yes. Claims against cities, counties, and some public entities typically require written notice within 180 days, with limited exceptions.
What if the injured person is a minor?
Some time limits may be tolled for minors, but notice requirements can still apply. Do not wait; seek legal guidance quickly.
Does the discovery rule extend my time?
Do not assume it will. In many cases, the clock starts on the injury date.
Have questions about your deadline? Contact our Minnesota injury team for a free consultation.
This blog provides general information about Minnesota injury claims and is not legal advice. Laws change and deadlines vary by case. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a Minnesota attorney about your specific situation as soon as possible.
