Wisconsin Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed April 23, 2025
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Some people think that personal injury lawsuits settle within a matter of months. While this is sometimes true in civil cases, it is not typical. Because it can take years for your case to resolve, you may assume that you can wait as long as you want to file your lawsuit. But that isn't the case, regardless of where you live.
Every state has a set of laws called statutes of limitation. These laws dictate how long a plaintiff has to start their cause of action. If you don't file your claim before the statutory time period expires, the court will dismiss your complaint, and you'll lose your chance to pursue damages.
Here, we'll explain how Wisconsin's civil statutes of limitation work. We will also discuss the specific time limits for the most common types of civil claims. If you still have questions about your personal injury case, refer to the list of more resources at the end of this section. You should also contact a local attorney for help.
Civil Statutes of Limitations Generally
The Wisconsin statute of limitations laws are like those in other states. Depending on the type of case, the statutes of limitations in Wisconsin range from two to six years. Under Wisconsin law, the statutory clock starts ticking on the date of the injury or the discovery of the harm (in some cases).
Lawmakers created statutes of limitations to create fairness and practicality. The courts believe it's unfair for someone to have a potential legal issue hanging over their head indefinitely.
At the same time, the injured party has ample time to decide whether to file a personal injury claim against the person responsible for their loss. With this in mind, statutes of limitation try to create a distinct end to each legal conflict so both parties can move forward.
Civil Statutes of Limitations in Wisconsin
The various state statutes of limitations vary. The chart below highlights the civil statutes of limitations in Wisconsin.
| Personal injury | Three years (Wis. Stat. § 893.54) |
|---|---|
| Intentional torts | Three years (§ 893.57) |
| Wrongful death | Three years (§ 893.54) |
| Libel/slander | Three years (§ 893.57) |
| Fraud | Three years (§ 893.93(1m)(b)) |
| Personal property damage | Six years if arising under a written contract and three years if there is no contract (§ 893.52) |
| Professional malpractice | Medical malpractice: Three years from the incident or one year from discovery, whichever is later. The maximum limitation period for malpractice is five years. (§ 893.55(1)) |
| Trespass | Six years (§ 893.52) |
| Collection of rents | Six years (§ 843.13(1)) |
| Contracts | |
| Collection of debt on account | |
| Judgments |
Disclaimer: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult a local attorney or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.
Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation With a Wisconsin Attorney
Wisconsin's civil statutes of limitations vary depending on the facts of your case and the type of claim you file. An experienced Wisconsin attorney is familiar with Wisconsin's statutes and will help ensure you file your claim on time.
Whether you've been in a motor vehicle accident or want to pursue a claim against your health care provider, you should consult a Wisconsin personal injury attorney sooner rather than later.
Related Resources for Civil Statutes of Limitations
You must know the filing deadline for your civil cause of action. If you miss the filing window, you'll lose your chance to recover compensation for your injuries. The following resources may help determine when and how to file your claim.
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