Wisconsin law

Premises Liability Laws in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin premises-liability law abolished the traditional invitee/licensee/trespasser distinctions in Antoniewicz v. Reszczynski (1975), replacing them with a unified reasonable-care standard toward all lawful entrants. The statute of limitations is 3 years (Wis. Stat. § 893.54). Wisconsin applies modified comparative fault (51% bar) under Wis. Stat. § 895.045. Wisconsin's "Safe-Place Statute" (Wis. Stat. § 101.11) imposes a heightened duty on owners of public buildings and places of employment — creating effectively strict liability for structural defects.

Last verified: 2026-04-20

State law

Statute of Limitations

3 yearsWis. Stat. § 893.54

3-year limitation for personal-injury claims, including premises liability — running from discovery of the injury.

State law

Fault & Liability Rules

Modified Comparative Fault (51% Bar)Wis. Stat. § 895.045

Wisconsin applies modified comparative fault. A plaintiff whose fault is greater than the combined fault of all defendants (i.e., more than 50%) is barred from recovery. Otherwise, damages are reduced in proportion to the plaintiff's fault.

State law

Key Wisconsin Statutes

Safe-Place StatuteWis. Stat. § 101.11

Wisconsin's distinctive Safe-Place Statute — imposes a heightened duty of safety on owners of public buildings and places of employment. Often produces liability for structural conditions that common-law negligence would not reach.

Recreational Use ImmunityWis. Stat. § 895.52

Wisconsin's recreational-use statute — limits landowner liability to persons using the land for recreational purposes without fee, absent a malicious act or failure to warn of an unsafe condition on the property.

State law

Official Sources

Wisconsin Legislature — Chapter 893 (Limitations)

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.

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Premises Liability Laws in Wisconsin.

Statute of Limitations

Fault & Liability Rules

Key Wisconsin Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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