Upon commencement of a civil action, the complaint must not seek punitive damages. After filing the suit a party may make a motion to amend the pleadings to claim punitive damages. The motion must allege the applicable legal basis under section 549.20 or other law for awarding punitive damages in the action and must be accompanied by one or more affidavits showing the factual basis for the claim. At the hearing on the motion, if the court finds prima facie evidence in support of the motion, the court shall grant the moving party permission to amend the pleadings to claim punitive damages. For purposes of tolling the statute of limitations, pleadings amended under this section relate back to the time the action was commenced.
1986 c 455 s 82
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 540 - 552 — Civil Procedure
Chapter 549 — Costs, Disbursements
Section 549.01 — Agreement As To Fees Of Attorney.
Section 549.03 — Actions For Services; Double Costs.
Section 549.04 — Disbursements; Taxation And Allowance.
Section 549.06 — Several Actions; Costs, How Allowed.
Section 549.07 — Equitable Actions; Several Defendants.
Section 549.08 — Action On Judgment.
Section 549.09 — Interest On Verdicts, Awards, And Judgments.
Section 549.11 — Costs Allowed On Motion Or Demurrer.
Section 549.12 — Against Guardian Of Infant Plaintiff.
Section 549.13 — Defendant After Tender.
Section 549.14 — Chargeable On Estate Or Fund.
Section 549.15 — Relator Entitled To, And Liable For, Costs.
Section 549.17 — Additional Costs On Change Of Venue; Amount; Payment Or Waiver Of; Taxation.
Section 549.18 — Security For Costs.
Section 549.19 — Neglect To File Security; Prosecution Of Bond.
Section 549.191 — Claim For Punitive Damages.
Section 549.20 — Punitive Damages.
Section 549.211 — Sanctions In Civil Actions.
Section 549.25 — Future Damages; Payment.
Section 549.35 — Registration; Surety Bond.
Section 549.36 — Prohibited Practices; Penalties.
Section 549.37 — Required Disclosures To Payee.
Section 549.39 — Effects Of Transfer Of Structured Settlement Payment Rights.
Section 549.40 — Procedure For Approval Of Transfers.