Wisconsin Statutes of Limitations

Every state has laws that dictate how long you have to file a civil claim, such as a personal injury lawsuit. The same is true for criminal cases. These laws are called statutes of limitations. If either a plaintiff or prosecutor doesn’t file their case before the statute of limitations period expires, the court will dismiss the action.

Wisconsin has statutes of limitations for both criminal charges and civil cases. For example, under Wisconsin law, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date of the injury. For misdemeanor offenses, prosecutors must file charges within three years of the crime.

This article should answer any questions you might have about the Wisconsin statute of limitations laws. Contact a local attorney if you plan to file a civil cause of action or believe criminal charges are pending.

When Does the Wisconsin Civil Statute of Limitations Period Start?

In general, the statute of limitations period begins on the date of the incident, accident, or crime. There are times, however, when the court tolls, or delays, the statute of limitations. For example, the “discovery rule” states that the statute of limitations period doesn’t begin until the plaintiff discovers, or should have discovered, their injury.

There are other situations in which the court may extend the statute of limitations period, including:

• The injured party is a minor
• The plaintiff is mentally incapacitated
• The defendant evades service of process

If you don’t file your claim before the statute of limitations period expires, the court will dismiss your claim. You’ll lose your chance to pursue damages.

Learn About Wisconsin Statutes of Limitations

If you plan on filing a personal injury claim or other civil action, it’s crucial to be aware of the amount of time you have to file your case. Sometimes, the statutes can be difficult to understand. FindLaw offers clear and concise summaries of Wisconsin’s statutes of limitations law. The articles in the subsections below provide specific details on the time period for filing civil and criminal cases.

Wisconsin Civil Statute of Limitations Laws

• This article includes information about Wisconsin’s various civil statutes of limitations, including time limits on personal injury claims, false imprisonment, wrongful death, or medical malpractice. Refer to this statute for specific filing deadlines.

Wisconsin Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws

• Wisconsin’s criminal statutes of limitations impose time limits on prosecutors’ filing of certain types of criminal charges. If you want to know the statute of limitations for sexual assault, intentional homicide, first-degree murder, or other charges, you’ll find that information here.

Wisconsin Statutes of Limitations Articles

• Wisconsin Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
• Wisconsin Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws

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Have Questions About Wisconsin’s Statutes of Limitations? Speak With an Attorney

If you’re facing criminal charges, reach out to a Wisconsin defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. Your attorney will examine your case, prepare a defense, and attempt to negotiate a favorable plea bargain if that’s the best option.

If you believe you have a civil claim for personal property damages, don’t want to wait too long before meeting with a personal injury lawyer. It will take time to prepare your case, and the last thing you want to do is miss the filing deadline.