State Ex Rel. North Dakota Department of Labor Ex Rel. Johnson v. Matrix Properties Corp.

What Happened
The State of North Dakota, representing a worker named Johnson, sued Matrix Properties Corporation for discrimination and failure to accommodate under the Fair Housing Act. The case involved alleged design and construction defects in a building that made it inaccessible to people with disabilities. Johnson discovered these problems in 2005, but the building had received its certificate of occupancy (permission to be used) back in 1998.

What the Court Decided
The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled against Johnson and dismissed the case. The court found that the lawsuit was filed too late under the state's two-year statute of limitations. The court determined that the clock started ticking in 1998 when the building was approved for use, not in 2005 when Johnson actually discovered the accessibility problems.

Why This Matters for Workers
This ruling shows how strict time limits can prevent workers from pursuing valid discrimination claims. Even if you have a legitimate case, waiting too long to file can result in losing your right to seek justice. Workers should be aware that legal deadlines may start running before they even know they have a problem, making it crucial to consult with attorneys quickly when potential workplace discrimination is discovered.