statute of limitations defense (Minnesota) · Go Syfert
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statute of limitations defense in Minnesota

46 Minnesota opinions name it 2 courts 1894–2026 4 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Minnesota courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (37)

CaseFollowedCited
Rhee v. Golden Home Builders, Inc.green
minnctapp · 2000 · cited in 6 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2001–2015
2 sentences

2015This court held that there was a genuine issue of material fact regarding whether the builder “is equitably estopped from asserting a statute-of-limitations defense.” Id. at 622 . 328 Barry argues that “[t]his case is on point with Rhee” because NPG assured it that the building would be repaired.

2014P. 8.03; see Rhee v. Golden Home Builders, Inc., 617 N.W.2d 618, 621 (Minn.App.2000) (reversing the district court when it allowed the defendant to orally amend its answer at a summary-judgment hearing to include a statute-of-limitations defense).

56
Oreck v. Harvey Homes, Inc.green
minnctapp · 1999 · cited in 3 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2006–2015
2 sentences

2015Id. at 429, 431 .

2015The district court rejected the Moores’ waiver argument, relying on Oreck v. Harvey Homes, Inc., which states that “even if a statute of limitations defense is not properly pleaded in the answer, the trial court has broad discretionary powers to permit a party to amend its pleading.” 602 N.W.2d 424, 427 (Minn. App. 1999), review denied (Minn. Jan. 25, 2000).

33
Donaldson v. Chase Securities Corp.green
minn · 1943 · cited in 2 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2000–2011
2 sentences

2011Corp., 216 Minn. 269, 276-77 , 13 N.W.2d 1, 5 (1943).

2011Corp., 216 Minn. 269, 276-77 , 13 N.W.2d 1, 5 (1943).

22
State v. Tupagreen
minn · 1935 · cited in 2 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1988–2010
2 sentences

2010Tupa did not hold that the statute-of-limitations defense may never be waived, only that “[u]nder [Tupa’s] circumstances we do not believe that defendant intended to waive or relinquish a ‘known right.’ ” Id. at 497 , 260 N.W. at 879 .

2010Tupa did not hold that the statute-of-limitations defense may never be waived, only that “[u]nder [Tupa’s] circumstances we do not believe that defendant intended to waive or relinquish a ‘known right.’ ” Id. at 497 , 260 N.W. at 879 .

12
Thiele v. Stichgreen
minn · 1988 · cited in 2 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1994–2007
2 sentences

2007Id. at 582 .

2007Id. at 582 .

12
Lake Superior Center Authority v. Hammel, Green & Abrahamson, Inc.green
minnctapp · 2006 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026Auth. v. Hammel, Green & Abrahamson, Inc., 715 N.W.2d 458, 473 (Minn. App. 2006) (“When a party allegedly responsible for remedying a defect in real property makes assurances or representations that the defect will be repaired, that party may be estopped from asserting a statute-of-limitations defense if the injured party reasonably and detrimentally relied on the assurances or representations.” (quotation omitted)), rev. denied (Minn. Aug. 23, 2006).

11
Alan Schmidt v. John Skolasgreen
ca3 · 2014 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026See, e.g., Schmidt v. Skolas, 770 F.3d 241, 248 (3d Cir. 2014) (explaining that because a complaint “need not anticipate or overcome” an affirmative defense, “a complaint does not fail to state a claim simply because it omits facts that would defeat a statute of limitations defense”).

11
Jensen v. Browngreen
ca9 · 2025 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure § 1357 (4th ed. 2025) (explaining that dismissal based on an affirmative defense is appropriate only when the “affirmative defense appears on the face of the complaint,” such that the complaint “is essentially self-defeating”). 5 And other notice-pleading states have also explained that a motion to dismiss based on an 5 See also Luna Vanegas v. Signet Builders, Inc., 46 F.4th 636, 640 (7th Cir. 2022) (“Rarely will the face of the complaint so clearly prove the opponent’s affirmative defense that immediate dismissal, prior to the filing of an answer, will

11
Joyce v. Armstrong Teasdale, LLPgreen
ca8 · 2011 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure § 1357 (4th ed. 2025) (explaining that dismissal based on an affirmative defense is appropriate only when the “affirmative defense appears on the face of the complaint,” such that the complaint “is essentially self-defeating”). 5 And other notice-pleading states have also explained that a motion to dismiss based on an 5 See also Luna Vanegas v. Signet Builders, Inc., 46 F.4th 636, 640 (7th Cir. 2022) (“Rarely will the face of the complaint so clearly prove the opponent’s affirmative defense that immediate dismissal, prior to the filing of an answer, will

11
G.G. v. Salesforce.com, Inc.green
ca7 · 2023 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025For example, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has explained that plaintiffs “ordinarily need not anticipate and attempt to plead around affirmative defenses.” G.G. v. Salesforce.com, Inc., 76 F.4th 544, 566 (7th Cir. 2023) (citation omitted) (internal quotation marks omitted); see also Wright & Miller, supra, § 1357 (“[A] plaintiff is not required to plead the negation of an affirmative defense in order to survive a motion to dismiss.”).

11
Jose Ageo Luna Vanegas v. Signet Builders, Inc.green
ca7 · 2022 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure § 1357 (4th ed. 2025) (explaining that dismissal based on an affirmative defense is appropriate only when the “affirmative defense appears on the face of the complaint,” such that the complaint “is essentially self-defeating”). 5 And other notice-pleading states have also explained that a motion to dismiss based on an 5 See also Luna Vanegas v. Signet Builders, Inc., 46 F.4th 636, 640 (7th Cir. 2022) (“Rarely will the face of the complaint so clearly prove the opponent’s affirmative defense that immediate dismissal, prior to the filing of an answer, will

11
State v. Hohenwaldgreen
minn · 2012 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016The plain language of Minn. Stat. § 628.26 (e) focuses on “the offense [that] was reported to law enforcement authorities.” (Emphasis added.) “The definite article ‘the’ is a word of limitation that indicates a reference to a specific object.” State v. Hohenwald, 815 N.W.2d 823, 830 (Minn. 2012).

11
New York Central & Hudson River Railroad v. Kinneygreen
scotus · 1922 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
2 sentences

2015Co. v. Kinney, 260 U.S. 340, 346 , 43 S. Ct. 122, 123 (1922)).

2015Co. v. Kinney, 260 U.S. 340, 346 , 43 S. Ct. 122, 123 (1922)).

11
Daly v. McFarlandgreen
minn · 2012 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Id. at 207-08 (“Under the Civil Procedure Rules, a defendant forfeits a statute of limitations defense not asserted in its answer or an amendment thereto.” (citation omitted) (citing Fed.

11
Carlton v. Stategreen
minn · 2012 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015In Carlton v. State, the Minnesota Supreme Court addressed whether the time limitations found in Minn. Stat. § 590.01 operate as a jurisdictional bar or whether the state’s failure to raise the timeliness argument constituted a waiver of the statute-of-limitations defense. 816 N.W.2d 590, 600-01 (Minn. 2012).

11
Nelson v. Glenwood Hills Hospitals, Inc.green
minn · 1953 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
2 sentences

2015The supreme court rejected the hospital’s argument that allowing amendment of the summons would deprive it of a statute-of-limitations defense, stating that “when a defendant has had notice from the beginning that the plaintiff sets up and is trying to enforce a claim against it because of specified conduct, the reasons for the statute of limitations do not exist, and we are of opinion that a liberal rule should be applied.” Id. at 79, 62 N.W.2d at 515 (quoting New York Cent. & H.R.R.

2015The supreme court rejected the hospital’s argument that allowing amendment of the summons would deprive it of a statute-of-limitations defense, stating that “when a defendant has had notice from the beginning that the plaintiff sets up and is trying to enforce a claim against it because of specified conduct, the reasons for the statute of limitations do not exist, and we are of opinion that a liberal rule should be applied.” Id. at 79, 62 N.W.2d at 515 (quoting New York Cent. & H.R.R.

11
O'Reilly v. Allstate Insurance Co.green
minnctapp · 1991 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
1 sentence

2014Co., 474 N.W.2d 221, 223 (Minn.App.1991) (concluding that, while the district court could have treated a statute-of-limitations defense as waived, its consideration of the issue on summary judgment was not error because the district court has discretion to allow amended pleadings).

11
Bradley v. First Nat. Bank of Walker, N.A.green
minnctapp · 2006 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
1 sentence

2014See Bradley v. First Nat’l Bank of Walker, N.A., 711 N.W.2d 121, 128 (Minn.App.2006) (concluding that, because the other party had a “full opportunity” to address the issue, it was not an abuse of discretion for the district court to consider statute-of-limitations defense at summary-judgment phase); O’Reilly v. Allstate Ins.

11
Bonnie M. Wojtas and Richard J. Wojtas v. Capital Guardian Trust Company Now Known as Capital Bank & Trust Companygreen
ca7 · 2007 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
1 sentence

2011See Wojtas v. Capital Guardian Trust Co., 477 F.3d 924, 927-28 (7th Cir.2007) (affirming denial of voluntary dismissal because depriving defendant of benefit of a Wisconsin statute of limitations would constitute prejudice); Metro.

11
Albachten v. Bradleygreen
minn · 1942 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
2 sentences

2010Albachten v. Bradley, 212 Minn. 359, 364-65 , 3 N.W.2d 783, 786 (1942).

2010Albachten v. Bradley, 212 Minn. 359, 364-65 , 3 N.W.2d 783, 786 (1942).

11
City of Willmar v. Short-Elliott-Hendrickson, Inc.green
minn · 1994 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
11
Minnesota Landmarks v. M.A. Mortenson Co.green
minnctapp · 1991 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
11
Hydra-Mac, Inc. v. Onan Corp.green
minn · 1990 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
11
Atkins v. Department of Revenuegreen
or · 1995 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1999–1999
11
Ericksen v. Winnebago Industries, Inc.green
mnd · 1972 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1999–1999
11
State Farm Insurance Companies v. Seefeldgreen
minn · 1992 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
11
Osland v. Oslandgreen
nd · 1989 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1995–1995
11
Hammer v. Hammergreen
wisctapp · 1987 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1995–1995
11
Callahan v. Stategreen
iowa · 1990 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1995–1995
11
Spitzack v. Schumachergreen
minn · 1976 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1994–1994
11
State v. Grosegreen
minnctapp · 1986 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1992–1992
11
State v. Inthavonggreen
minn · 1987 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1992–1992
11
State v. Johnsongreen
minn · 1989 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1992–1992
11
Tackleson v. Abbott-Northwestern Hospital, Inc.green
minn · 1987 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1991–1991
11
Harry T. Von Eichelberger and Haig Mihram Terzian v. United Statesgreen
ca9 · 1958 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1989–1989
11
Christenson v. Argonaut Insurance Companiesgreen
minnctapp · 1986 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1986–1986
11
Christy v. Salitermangreen
minn · 1970 · cited in 1 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 1986–1986
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (1)

CaseNegativeCited
Wood v. Milyardgreen
scotus · 2012 · cited in 3 Minnesota opinions naming this issue, 2015–2016
2 sentences

2016In Wood, the State was aware of the statute of limitations defense available to it and the arguments that could be made in support of that defense. ___ U.S. at ___, 132 S. Ct. at 1830-31 .

2016The Supreme Court reversed and remanded, concluding that the State deliberately waived the statute of limitations defense.3 Id. at ___, 132 S. Ct. at 1832-34 .

13

Also cited on this issue (23)

CaseCitedYears
Day v. McDonough green
scotus · 2006
2 sentences

2015Id. at 207-08, 126 S.Ct. 1675 (“Under the Civil Procedure Rules, a defendant forfeits a statute of limitations defense not asserted in its answer or an amendment thereto.” (citation omitted) (citing Fed.

2010Second, the United States Supreme Court has held that a statute-of-limitations defense “is not jurisdictional.” Day v. McDonough, 547 U.S. 198, 205 , 126 S.Ct. 1675 , 164 L.Ed.2d 376 (2006).

22010–2015
Reed v. State green
minn · 2010
1 sentence

2025The supreme court has concluded that “waiving a statute-of-limitations claim to a lesser offense may be a valid trial strategy designed to avoid the risk of an unwarranted conviction.” Reed, 793 N.W.2d at 734 .

12025–2025
MacRae v. Group Health Plan, Inc. green
minn · 2008
2 sentences

2025In MacRae, we reversed a grant of summary judgment and dismissal of plaintiff’s complaint based on a statute of limitations defense. 753 N.W.2d at 713–14.

2025We began by noting that the statute of limitations is an affirmative defense and explained that “the party asserting [an affirmative] defense has the burden of establishing each of [its] elements.” Id. at 716 .

12025–2025
Majestic Inc. v. Berry green
minnctapp · 1999
1 sentence

2019"As a practical matter, entry of judgment based on a plea of confession does not require a hearing and therefore the debtor does not have the opportunity to raise the statute of limitations defense." Majestic Inc. v. Berry , 593 N.W.2d 251 , 256 (Minn. App. 1999), review denied (Minn. Aug. 18, 1999).

12019–2019
Larson v. State green
minnctapp · 1990
2 sentences

2015Larson v. State, 451 N.W.2d 213 (Minn. App. 1990), is also instructive.

2015Id. at 216 .

12015–2015
Gregory Monson v. Jeff Suck green
minnctapp · 2014
1 sentence

2015The district court’s approach allowed the Moores time to conduct discovery regarding the statute-of-limitations defense and to prepare for summary-judgment proceedings. 8 This court recently opined that a district court does not abuse its discretion by allowing an amendment when the opposing party will have time to conduct discovery regarding the amendment and “does not identify any way in which he was prejudiced.” Monson v. Suck, 855 N.W.2d 323 , 326 n.2 (Minn. App. 2014), review denied (Minn. Dec. 30, 2014).

12015–2015
Chase Securities Corp. v. Donaldson green
scotus · 1945
2 sentences

2011Both of these interests, however, are equally applicable to a statute of limitations defense, and indeed, the policy of avoiding stale claims through a statute of limitations was identified in Donaldson, see 325 U.S. at 314 , 65 S.Ct. 1137 , years before Minn.Stat. § 541.051 was enacted.

2011Both of these interests, however, are equally applicable to a statute of limitations defense, and indeed, the policy of avoiding stale claims through a statute of limitations was identified in Donaldson, see 325 U.S. at 314 , 65 S.Ct. 1137 , years before Minn.Stat. § 541.051 was enacted.

12011–2011
Spaziano v. Florida red
scotus · 1984
2 sentences

2010As the U.S. Supreme Court recognized in Spaziano, 468 U.S. at 456 , 104 S.Ct. 3154 , waiving a statute-of-limitations claim to a lesser offense may be a valid trial strategy designed to avoid the risk of an unwarranted conviction when a jury is presented with the all-or-nothing choice between finding a defendant guilty of a single charge of murder and finding the defendant not guilty of any criminal offense.

2010As the U.S. Supreme Court recognized in Spaziano, 468 U.S. at 456 , 104 S.Ct. 3154 , waiving a statute-of-limitations claim to a lesser offense may be a valid trial strategy designed to avoid the risk of an unwarranted conviction when a jury is presented with the all-or-nothing choice between finding a defendant guilty of a single charge of murder and finding the defendant not guilty of any criminal offense.

12010–2010
State v. Knaffla green
minn · 1976
2 sentences

2010Because Reed offers no reason for his failure to raise the issue on direct appeal, the statute-of-limitations claim would ordinarily be barred by Knaffla, 309 Minn. at 252 , 243 N.W.2d at 741 .

2010Because Reed offers no reason for his failure to raise the issue on direct appeal, the statute-of-limitations claim would ordinarily be barred by Knaffla, 309 Minn. at 252 , 243 N.W.2d at 741 .

12010–2010
Toombs v. Daniels green
minn · 1985
12004–2004
Arbitration Demand of 200 Levee Drive Associates, Ltd. v. Bor-Son Building Corp. green
minnctapp · 1989
12003–2003
Glassman v. Miller green
minn · 1984
11990–1990
United States v. Franklin green
ca7 · 1951
11989–1989
State v. Lawrence green
minn · 1981
11989–1989
United States v. Fleetwood green
ord · 1980
11989–1989
Brenner v. Nordby green
minn · 1981
11989–1989
Schmucking v. Mayo green
minn · 1931
11985–1985
Kremer v. Lewis neutral
minn · 1917
11953–1953
Vadnais v. State green
minn · 1947
11953–1953
Greenfield v. Hill City Land, Loan & Lumber Co. neutral
minn · 1919
11953–1953
Phillips Petroleum Co. v. Selnes neutral
minn · 1947
11950–1950
County of Redwood v. Winona & St. Peter Land Co. green
minn · 1889
11894–1894
Mower County v. Crane neutral
minn · 1892
11894–1894

Statutes the citing opinions construe

MN § Minn. Stat. § 541.051 (10) MN § Minn. Stat. § 541.05 (7) MN § Minn. Stat. § 480A.08 (5) MN § Minn. Stat. § 590.01 (5) MN § Minn. Stat. § 541.07 (4) MN § Minn. Stat. § 628.26 (4) MN § Minn. Stat. § 645.17 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

NY 423 (1894–2026) CA 395 (1864–2026) TX 189 (1940–2026) CT 184 (1909–2026) IL 177 (1887–2025) FL 173 (1972–2026) PA 165 (1904–2026) OH 136 (1939–2026) TN 131 (1984–2026) IN 128 (1862–2026) MI 123 (1901–2026) NC 99 (1884–2026) AL 81 (1891–2026) NJ 77 (1882–2026) IA 71 (1880–2026) AZ 70 (1969–2026) MS 67 (1877–2024) UT 58 (1906–2026) NM 58 (1946–2026) MO 48 (1978–2025) KS 48 (1905–2025) ME 46 (1982–2026) WA 46 (1985–2025) MA 46 (1931–2026) MN 46 (1894–2026) CO 45 (1976–2026) WI 45 (1884–2025) SC 44 (1922–2025) VA 40 (1906–2025) OR 40 (1917–2025) ID 38 (1977–2025) OK 36 (1875–2024) RI 35 (1890–2026) WV 33 (1902–2025) NE 32 (1982–2026) DC 30 (1978–2025) MD 30 (1944–2026) ND 28 (1912–2024) VT 24 (1996–2025) KY 24 (1917–2026) GA 24 (1848–2023) AR 24 (1914–2023) DE 20 (1987–2026) NH 20 (1993–2025) SD 16 (1912–2025) NV 16 (1979–2022) MT 16 (1933–2024) WY 12 (1925–2024) HI 10 (1967–2026) VI 10 (2002–2026) AK 10 (1987–2025) LA 5 (1967–2024)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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