What Is the Statute of Limitations for Legal Malpractice in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for legal malpractice is generally 6 years under Wis. Stat. § 893.53.
Legal malpractice Deadlines in Wisconsin
How long do you have to file a legal malpractice claim in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for legal malpractice is generally 6 years under Wis. Stat. § 893.53.
When does the clock start for legal malpractice in Wisconsin?
Six years under the residual provision, generally running from discovery of the injury.
Can the Wisconsin deadline for legal malpractice be extended?
Section 893.53 is also the section applied to federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in Wisconsin. Because the malpractice mapping rests on case law rather than express text, confirm before relying on it.
Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Wisconsin?
Often, yes. Notice of injury within 120 days under Wis. Stat. § 893.80. Section 893.80 requires written notice of the circumstances of the claim to the governmental body within 120 days of the event, plus an itemised statement of relief sought. The body then has 120 days to allow or disallow the claim. Colby v. Columbia County hol…
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for legal malpractice?
Wisconsin's 6 years is among the longest in the country. Across the 18 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for legal malpractice ranges from 1 year to 6 years, and 2 years is the most common. Compare all states →
What Does Legal Malpractice Cover?
Situations that typically fall under the legal malpractice deadline in Wisconsin:
