Minnesota § 181.171 - COURT ACTIONS; PRIVATE PARTY CIVIL ACTIONS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 181.171 — COURT ACTIONS; PRIVATE PARTY CIVIL ACTIONS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 181.171. COURT ACTIONS; PRIVATE PARTY CIVIL ACTIONS
Subdivision 1.Civil action; damages.
A person may bring a civil action seeking redress for violations of sections 181.02, 181.03, 181.031, 181.032, 181.08, 181.09, 181.10, 181.101, 181.11, 181.13, 181.14, 181.145, 181.15, 181.722, and 181.723 directly to district court. An employer who is found to have violated the above sections is liable to the aggrieved party for the civil penalties or damages provided for in the section violated. An employer who is found to have violated the above sections shall also be liable for compensatory damages and other appropriate relief including but not limited to injunctive relief.
Subd. 2.District court jurisdiction.
An action brought under subdivision 1 may be filed in the district court of the county wherein a violation is alleged to have been committed, where the respondent resides or has a principal place of business, or any other court of competent jurisdiction.
Subd. 3.Attorney fees and costs.
In an action brought under subdivision 1, the court shall order an employer who is found to have committed a violation to pay to the aggrieved party reasonable costs, disbursements, witness fees, and attorney fees.
Subd. 4.Employer; definition.
"Employer" means any person having one or more employees in Minnesota and includes the state or a contractor that has assumed a subcontractor's liability within the meaning of section 181.165 and any political subdivision of the state. This definition applies to this section and sections 181.02, 181.03, 181.031, 181.032, 181.06, 181.063, 181.10, 181.101, 181.13, 181.14, and 181.16.
History:
1996 c 386 s 12; 1997 c 83 s 7; 2015 c 54 art 6 s 2; 2023 c 53 art 10 s 7; 2024 c 127 art 10 s 6
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 181.171
What does Minnesota Statutes § 181.171 cover?
Section 181.171 ("COURT ACTIONS; PRIVATE PARTY CIVIL ACTIONS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 181.171?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 181.171" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 181.171 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.