In many personal injury cases, a third party is liable (legally responsible) for the injury and the medical bills it requires. A loose handrail, a poorly maintained road, an unmarked construction area, or a dangerous dog are all examples of situations where you can - and should - hold the responsible party liable for the injuries caused by their negligence or even recklessness.
But how long do you have to take action? Personal injury statutes of limitations mean you can only file a civil suit for your injury within a certain amount of time - which is why it's important to take action as quickly as possible.
What is the statute of limitations on personal injury cases in Wisconsin? Let us explain how it works.
General Personal Injury: 3 Years
Most personal injury cases in Wisconsin have a 3-year statute of limitations. This means you have 3 years from the moment of injury to file your lawsuit, and it's best if the proceedings are complete before that time.
This includes cases like
- Car accidents
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Dog bite injuries
- Harmful products
In some cases, you have 3 years from the time of discovering the injury, such as poisoning cases.
Auto Accident Death: 2 Years
Auto accident injuries typically follow the 3-year statute. However, fatalities from an auto accident are limited by a 2-year statute of limitations.
Medical Malpractice: 1 Year to 5 Years
Medical malpractice injury cases are often more complicated. You have a 1-year statute of limitations from discovering the malpractice, which may happen sometime after the injury or malpractice occurs. However, you cannot file a malpractice liability claim more than 5 years after the malpractice incident.
Intentional Harm: 3 Years
In cases where intentional harm was inflicted, such as assault or false imprisonment, you have a 3-year statute of limitations from the incident to file a lawsuit.
While three years may sound like a long time, it's important to begin your liability case as soon as possible after your injury - or your awareness of the injury - occurs. Your best route is to partner with a personal injury lawyer who understands the complexities and time limits involved.
contact an experienced Personal Injury Laywer to help with your claim
The Wisconsin personal injury lawyer at Bykhovsky Law will help you hold those responsible for your injury accountable. Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION.
