FirmTimerFirmTimerCalculate accurate filing deadlines for various causes of action in Wisconsin. This tool provides statute citations, legal notes, and important deadline information for your case.
Statute may be tolled until age of majority
Statute may be tolled due to disability
Found missing, incorrect, or outdated information? Please let us know so we can improve our database for everyone.
Firm Timer helps you track every minute of your workday, ensuring you never miss a billable hour again. Our intuitive time tracking software is designed for law firms, making it easy to capture time on the go.
June 16, 2028
Wisconsin’s statute of limitations for personal injury is three years from the date of injury or the date the injury was discovered (whichever is later, pursuant to the discovery rule). The statutory text (Wis. Stat. 893.54) simply provides three years from injury, but case law (Hansen v. A.H. Robins, etc.) adopts discovery rule for latent injuries. If the injured person is a minor or mentally disabled at the time of injury, the statute is tolled until the disability ends (but if the normal period expires during disability, the claimant has 2 years after disability to sue) per Wis. Stat. §893.16.
Last reviewed 6/10/2025
Firm Timer helps you track every minute of your workday, ensuring you never miss a billable hour again. Our intuitive time tracking software is designed for law firms, making it easy to capture time on the go.
| Cause of Action | Statute of Limitations | Discovery Rule | Statute of Repose | Legal Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 3 years | Yes | — | Wis. Stat. § 893.54(1) |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years | No | — | Wis. Stat. § 893.54(2) |
| Property Damage | 6 years | Yes | — | Wis. Stat. § 893.52(1) |
| Written Contract | 6 years | No | — | Wis. Stat. § 893.43(1) |
| Oral Contract | 6 years | No | — | Wis. Stat. § 893.43(1) |
| Defamation | 2 years | No | — | Wis. Stat. § 893.57 |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 years | Yes | 5 years | Wis. Stat. § 893.55(1) |
| Consumer Debt | 6 years | No | — | Wis. Stat. § 893.43(1) |
Common questions about Wisconsin statutes of limitations
The shortest deadline in Wisconsin is 2 years for defamation (libel/slander) claims, while the longest is 6 years for consumer debt disputes. Missing these cut-offs—even by a day—can permanently bar recovery.
Note: Wisconsin also enforces statutes of repose, which create an absolute bar after a set number of years, regardless of when the injury is discovered. Our calculator flags these where applicable.
A statute of limitations sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. In Wisconsin, these time limits vary by the type of claim or offense.
Missing a filing deadline can permanently bar your claim, regardless of its merit. This calculator helps you determine the deadline for your specific case, but always consult with a qualified attorney for legal advice.
For more information about Wisconsin law, visit the official Wisconsin courts or legislature website.