Minnesota: consumer-protection statute

Private right of action

Whether a person may bring a civil action under the statute.

Yes - a consumer injured by a violation may bring a civil action and recover damages, costs, attorney fees, and equitable relief

325F.70

a consumer injured by a violation of sections 325F.68 to 325F.70, in connection with a sale of merchandise for personal, family, household, or agricultural purposes, may bring a civil action and recover damages

Actual damages

Recovery for the loss a person actually suffered.

Consumer may recover damages

325F.70

may bring a civil action and recover damages, together with costs and disbursements

Statutory minimum damages

A stated minimum or fixed amount of damages.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

Multiple or punitive damages

Damages multiplied or increased to punish unlawful conduct.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

Attorney fees

Rules for recovering the cost of legal representation.

To consumer/plaintiff; recoverable as part of private action (reasonable attorney fees)

325F.70

including costs of investigation and reasonable attorney fees, and receive other equitable relief as determined by the court

Notice or demand before suit

Notice or a demand that must be sent before bringing an action.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

Class action limits

Restrictions on bringing claims on behalf of a class.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

FTC interpretation clause

Directions to consider FTC or federal interpretations when applying the statute.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

Time limit for a claim

The period in which an action must be brought.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

Injunctive relief

Court orders requiring conduct to stop or change.

Attorney general or county attorney may seek injunction; private consumer may receive other equitable relief

325F.70

The attorney general or any county attorney may institute a civil action in the name of the state in the district court for an injunction prohibiting any violation

Attorney general civil penalties

Civil monetary penalties sought by the attorney general.

Not in excess of $25,000, amount determined by the court

8.31

a civil penalty, in an amount to be determined by the court, not in excess of $25,000