893.80 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: Previous s. 895.43 is renumbered for more logical placement in restructured ch. 893. [Bill 326-A]
893.80 Annotation
A husband's action for loss of consortium is separate, has its own $25,000 limitation and is not to be reduced by his wife's negligence. Schwartz v. Milwaukee, 54 W (2d) 286, 195 NW (2d) 480.
893.80 Annotation
Sub. (3) [(4)] establishes municipal immunity against actions for intentional torts of its employes, and assault and battery constitutes an intentional tort. Sub. (3) [(4)] also precludes suit against municipality for alleged failure of police and fire commission to act in removing officer, since this is a quasi-judicial function. Salerno v. Racine, 62 W (2d) 243, 214 NW (2d) 446.
893.80 Annotation
Where the policy contained no language precluding the insurer from raising the limited liability defense, the $25,000 limitation was not waived. Sambs v. Brookfield, 66 W (2d) 296, 224 NW (2d) 582.
893.80 Annotation
Plaintiff's complaint alleging that 2 police officers who forcibly entered his home and physically abused him were negligent inter alia in failing to identify themselves and in using excessive force, in reality alleged causes of action in trespass and assault and battery—intentional torts for which the municipality was immune from direct action under (3) [(4)], hence, the trial court should have granted defendant's demurrer to the complaint. Baranowski v. Milwaukee, 70 W (2d) 684, 235 NW (2d) 279.
893.80 Annotation
Compliance with statute is a condition in fact requisite to liability, but is not a condition required for stating a cause of action. Rabe v. Outagamie County, 72 W (2d) 492, 241 NW (2d) 428.
893.80 Annotation
Requirements that claim be first presented to school district and disallowed and that suit be commenced within 6 months of disallowance do not deny equal protection. Binder v. Madison, 72 W (2d) 613, 241 NW (2d) 613.
893.80 Annotation
Any duty owed by a municipality to the general public is also owed to individual members of the public. Inspection of buildings for safety and fire prevention purposes under 101.14 does not involve a quasi-judicial function within meaning of 895.43 (3) [(4)]. Coffey v. Milwaukee, 74 W (2d) 526, 247 NW (2d) 132.
893.80 Annotation
Under (1), plaintiff has burden of proving the giving of notice, or actual notice and nonexistence of prejudice, but need not allege same in complaint. City is required to plead lack of compliance with statute as defense. See note to 81.15, citing Weiss v. Milwaukee, 79 W (2d) 213, 255 NW (2d) 496.
893.80 Annotation
Doctrine of municipal tort immunity applied to relieve political subdivisions from liability for negligence where automobile collision occurred due to use of sewer by truck. Allstate Ins. v. Metro. Sewerage Comm. 80 W (2d) 10, 258 NW (2d) 148.
893.80 Annotation
Park manager of state owned recreational area who knew that publicly used trail was inches away from 90-foot gorge and that terrain was dangerous, is liable for injuries to plaintiffs who fell into gorge, for breach of ministerial duty in failing to either place warning signs or advise superiors of condition. Cords v. Anderson, 80 W (2d) 525, 259 NW (2d) 672.
893.80 Annotation
Breach of ministerial duty was inferred by complaint's allegations that defendant state employes, who set up detour route on which plaintiff was injured, failed to follow national traffic standards, place appropriate signs, and safely construct temporary road. Pavlik v. Kinsey, 81 W (2d) 42, 259 NW (2d) 709.
893.80 Annotation
Insurance policy was construed to waive recovery limitations under ss. 81.15 and 895.43, 1971 stats. Stanhope v. Brown County, 90 W (2d) 823, 280 NW (2d) 711 (1979).
893.80 Annotation
See note to 111.31, citing Kurtz v. City of Waukesha, 91 W (2d) 103, 280 NW (2d) 757 (1979).
893.80 Annotation
"Quasi-judicial" or "quasi-legislative" acts are synonymous with "discretionary" acts. Scarpaci v. Milwaukee County, 96 W (2d) 663, 292 NW (2d) 816 (1980).
893.80 Annotation
Recovery limitations under 81.15 and 895.43 (2), 1965 stats., are constitutional. Sambs v. City of Brookfield, 97 W (2d) 356, 293 NW (2d) 504 (1980).
893.80 Annotation
City was liable for negligent acts of employes even though employes were immune from liability. Maynard v. City of Madison, 101 W (2d) 273, 304 NW (2d) 163 (Ct. App. 1981).
893.80 Annotation
This section cannot limit damage award under 42 USC 1983. Court erred in reducing attorney's fees award. Thompson v. Village of Hales Corners, 115 W (2d) 289, 340 NW (2d) 704 (1983).
893.80 Annotation
Sheriff's dispatcher breached ministerial duty by failing to have fallen tree removed from road. Domino v. Walworth County, 118 W (2d) 488, 347 NW (2d) 917 (Ct. App. 1984).
893.80 Annotation
Service of notice of claim on agency of county met jurisdictional prerequisite of (1) (b). Finken v. Milwaukee County, 120 W (2d) 69, 353 NW (2d) 827 (Ct. App. 1984).
893.80 Annotation
Claim for specific amount of money damages satisfied (1) (b) requirement of "itemized statement of relief sought". Figgs v. City of Milwaukee, 121 W (2d) 44, 357 NW (2d) 548 (1984).
893.80 Annotation
Although decision to release patient from mental health complex was quasi-judicial and hence protected under (4), medical examination and diagnosis which formed basis for decision to release was not immune. Gordon v. Milwaukee County, 125 W (2d) 62, 370 NW (2d) 803 (Ct. App. 1985).
893.80 Annotation
Where claim was not disallowed in writing and claimant did not wait 120 days after presentation before filing lawsuit, statute of limitation was not tolled. Schwetz v. Employers Ins. of Wausau, 126 W (2d) 32, 374 NW (2d) 241 (Ct. App. 1985).
893.80 Annotation
Neither statutory nor traditional common law immunity protects public body from properly pleaded private nuisance claim. Hillcrest Golf v. Altoona, 135 W (2d) 431, 400 NW (2d) 493 (Ct. App. 1986).
893.80 Annotation
Injured party and subrogee may not recover separately up to liability limit under (3). Wilmot v. Racine County, 136 W (2d) 57, 400 NW (2d) 917 (1987).
893.80 Annotation
Recovery limitations applicable to insured municipality likewise applied to insurer, notwithstanding higher policy limits and s. 632.24. Gonzalez v. City of Franklin, 137 W (2d) 109, 403 NW (2d) 747 (1987).
893.80 Annotation
Where 3 municipalities formed one volunteer fire department under ch. 60, liability under (3) was limited to $50,000, not 3 times that amount. Selzler v. Dresser, etc., Fire Dept. 141 W (2d) 465, 415 NW (2d) 546 (Ct. App. 1987).
893.80 Annotation
Parole officer didn't breach ministerial duty by allowing parolee to drive. C. L. v. Olson, 143 W (2d) 701, 422 NW (2d) 614 (1988).
893.80 Annotation
Each of three children damaged by county's negligence in treatment of mother was entitled to recover $50,000 maximum pursuant to (3). Boles v. Milwaukee, 150 W (2d) 801, 443 NW (2d) 679 (Ct. App. 1989).
893.80 Annotation
Sub. (4) immunity provision does not apply to breach of contract suits. Energy Complexes v. Eau Claire County, 152 W (2d) 453, 449 NW (2d) 35 (1989).
893.80 Annotation
Where claim is filed and affected body does not serve notice of disallowance, 6 month limitation period in (1) (b) is not triggered. Lindstrom v. Christianson, 161 W (2d) 635, 469 NW (2d) 189 (Ct. App. 1991).
893.80 Annotation
Discretionary act immunity under s. 893.80 is inapplicable to s. 345.05 claims. Frostman v. State Farm Mut. Ins. Co. 171 W (2d) 138, 491 NW (2d) 100 (Ct. App. 1992).
893.80 Annotation
A letter to an attorney referring to the denial of a client's claim does not trigger the six month statute of limitations under sub. (1) (b). Humphrey v. Elk Creek Lake Protection, 172 W (2d) 397, 493 NW (2d) 270 (Ct. App. 1992).
893.80 Annotation
Once the 120 day period under sub. (1) (b) has run, a municipality may not revive the six-month period of limitation by giving notice of disallowance. Blackbourn v. Onalaska School Dist. 174 W (2d) 496, 497 NW (2d) 460 (Ct. App. 1993).
893.80 Annotation
Sub. (4) immunity does not extend to medical decisions of governmental medical personnel. Linville v. City of Janesville, 174 W (2d) 571, 497 NW (2d) 465 (Ct. App. 1993).
893.80 Annotation
A paramedic has a ministerial duty to attempt a rescue at a life threatening situation and thus there is no immunity under sub. (4). Linville v. City of Janesville, 174 W (2d) 571, 497 NW (2d) 465 (Ct. App. 1993).
893.80 Annotation
Sub. (4) affords a governmental body immunity for its intentional torts; the intentional torts of a city cannot occur except through the acts of an official or agent of the city. Old Tuckaway Assoc. v. City of Greenfield, 180 W (2d) 254, 509 NW (2d) 323 (Ct. App. 1993).
893.80 Annotation
Inequitable or fraudulent conduct need not be established to estop a party from asserting the failure to comply with the notice of claim requirements of this section. An employe's reliance on a school district employe's instruction to deal directly with the school's insurer was sufficient to estop the school from asserting a failure to comply with sub. (1) (b) as a defense. Fritsch v. St. Croix Central School District, 183 W (2d) 336, 515 NW (2d) 328 (Ct. App. 1994).
893.80 Annotation
This section applies to all causes of action, including actions for equitable relief, not just to actions in tort or those for money damages. The state must comply with the sub. (1) notice requirements. Sub. (5) does not say that when a claim is based on another statute, sub. (1) does not apply. Substantial compliance with sub. (1) discussed. DNR v. City of Waukesha, 184 W (2d) 178, 515 NW (2d) 888 (1994).
893.80 Annotation
An officer who decides to engage in pursuit is afforded immunity from liability for the decision, but may be subject to liability under s. 346.03 (5) for operating a motor vehicle negligently during the chase. A city which has adopted a policy which complies with s. 346.03 (6) is immune from liability for injuries resulting from a high speed chase. Estate of Cavanaugh v. Andrade, 191 W (2d) 244, 528 NW (2d) 492 (Ct. App. 1995).
893.80 Annotation
Sub. (1) has 2 components: notice of injury and notice of claim. Both must be satisfied before an action is commenced. The notice of claim must state a specific dollar amount. Vanstone v. Town of Delafield, 191 W (2d) 586, 530 NW (2d) 16 (Ct. App. 1995).
893.80 Annotation
An independent contractor is not an agent under sub. (3) and not protected by the liability limits under this section. Kettner v. Wausau Insurance Cos. 191 W (2d) 724, 530 NW (2d) 399 (Ct. App. 1995).
893.80 Annotation
Intentional tort immunity granted to municipalities by sub. (4) does not extend to the municipality's representatives. Envirologix v. City of Waukesha, 192 W (2d) 277, 531 NW (2d) 357 (Ct. App. 1995).
893.80 Annotation
Where action was mandatory under city ordinance, but permissive under state statute, the action was mandatory and therefore ministerial and not subject to immunity under sub. (4). Turner v. City of Milwaukee, 193 W (2d) 412, 535 NW (2d) 15 (Ct. App. 1995).
893.80 Annotation
Statement by police that an action will be taken does not render that action ministerial. Failure to carry out that action does not remove the immunity granted by this section. Barillari v. City of Milwaukee, 194 W (2d) 247, 533 NW (2d) 759 (1995).
893.80 Annotation
The county had an absolute duty not to represent in an offer to purchase that it had no notice that a property it was selling was free of toxic materials unless it was true. An appraisal indicating contamination contained in the county's files was actual notice to the county. Under these circumstances there is no immunity under sub. (4). Major v. Milwaukee County, 196 W (2d) 939, 539 NW (2d) 472 (Ct. App. 1995).
893.80 Annotation
Actions brought under the open meetings and open records laws are exempt from the notice provisions of sub. (1). Auchinleck v. Town of LaGrange, 200 W (2d) 585, 547 NW (2d) 587 (1996).
893.80 Annotation
There is no discretion as to maintaining a sewer system so as not to cause injury to residents. Thus a municipality's operation and maintenance of a sewer system do not fall within the immunity provisions of this section. Menick v. City of Menasha, 200 W (2d) 737, 547 NW (2d) 778 (Ct. App. 1996).
893.80 Annotation
Filing suit prior to expiration of 120-day period or denial of claim is not truly commenced and does not toll the statute of limitations when filed. Colby v. Columbia County, 202 W (2d) 342, 550 NW (2d) 124 (1996).
893.80 Annotation
The interplay between s. 893.23 and s. 893.80 creates a statute of limitations equal to 3 years and 120 days when filing a claim under s. 893.80. Colby v. Columbia County, 202 W (2d) 342, 550 NW (2d) 124 (1996).
893.80 Annotation
Service of a disallowance of claim on a claimant's attorney does not meet the statutory requirement of service on the claimant. Where there was never proper service under the statute, the general 3 year statute of limitations for personal injuries applies. Cary v. City of Madison, 203 W (2d) 261, 551 NW (2d) 596 (Ct. App. 1996).
893.80 Annotation
Class action procedure under s. 803.08 does not override the notice requirements of this section. Notice on behalf of named persons and others "similarly situated" does not satisfy the notice requirement for the unnamed persons. For the government entity to have actual knowledge it must have not only knowledge of the event for which liability is asserted, but also the identity of and damage alleged to have been suffered by the potential claimant.. Nothing in sub. (1p) makes the notice requirements inapplicable to claims under that subsection. Markweise v. Peck Foods Corp. 205 W (2d) 207, 556 NW (2d) 326 (Ct. App. 1996).
893.80 Annotation
Allowing the continuation of a "known present danger" is an exception to governmental immunity. To apply, the danger must be so clear and absolute that taking corrective action falls within the definition of a ministerial duty. Expert testimony of dangerousness is not sufficient to establish a "known present danger". Bauder v. Delevan-Darien School District, 207 W (2d) 312, 558 NW (2d) 881 (Ct. App. 1996).
893.80 Annotation
The immunity provisions of sub.(4), like the notice and claim provisions of sub. (1), are not limited to tort or money damage actions. Johnson v. City of Edgerton, 207 W (2d) 345, 558 NW (2d) 653 (Ct. App. 1996).
893.80 Annotation
Governmental immunity extends to private parties who act under directives from government authorities. Estate of Lyons v. CNA Insurance Cos. 207 W (2d) 448, 558 NW (2d) 658 (Ct. App. 1996).
893.80 Annotation
The damage limitation under sub. (3) is not an affirmative defense and may not be waived by omission, although it may be expressly waived. Discretionary immunity under sub. (4) is an affirmative defense and may be waived by omission. Anderson v. City of Milwaukee, 208 W (2d) 18, 559 NW (2d) 563 (1997).
893.80 Annotation
The filing of a federal lawsuit, subsequently dismissed, did not satisfy the notice and claim requirements of sub. (1) (b). Probst v. Winnebago County, 208 W (2d) 280, 560 NW (2d) 291 (Ct. App. 1997).
893.80 Annotation
Appeals brought under s. 66.60 (12) (a) are exempt from the notice provisions of sub. (1). Gamroth v. Village of Jackson, 215 W (2d) 250, 571 NW (2d) 917 (Ct. App. 1997).
893.80 Annotation
Sub. (1m) is procedural, rather than a substantive statute of limitations, and as such its application is retroactive. Snopek v. Lakeland Medical Center, 215 W (2d) 537, 573 NW (2d) 213 (Ct. App. 1997).
893.80 Annotation
For purposes of immunity under sub. (4), fulfilling the duties under the safe place statute is discretionary. Spencer v. County of Brown, 215 W (2d) 635, 573 NW (2d) 222 (Ct. App. 1997)
893.80 Annotation
Compliance with sub. (1) (b) is a prerequisite to all actions against listed entities, whether sounding in tort or not, and whether brought as an initial claim, counterclaim or cross-claim. City of Racine v. Waste Facility Siting Board, 216 W (2d) 616 575 NW (2d) 712 (1998).
893.80 Annotation
Filing a notice of claim under sub. (1) (b) is not required where an injunction is sought under s. 30.924, whether or not the sought after injunction will be directed against the municipality. Gillen v. City of Neenah, 219 W (2d) 807, 580 NW (2d) 628 (1998).
893.80 Annotation
Liability of vocational, technical and adult education districts and of their officers and employes discussed.
77 Atty. Gen. 145.
893.80 Annotation
Monroe v. Pape, 367 US 167 (1961) is overruled insofar as it holds that local governments are wholly immune from suit under 42 USC 1983. Monell v. New York City Dept. of Social Services, 436 US 658 (1978).
893.80 Annotation
Defendant public official has burden to plead "good faith" as affirmative defense in 42 USC 1983 case. Gomez v. Toledo, 446 US 635 (1980).
893.80 Annotation
See note to art. VII, sec. 3, citing Supreme Court of VA. v. Consumers Union, 446 US 719 (1980).
893.80 Annotation
Municipality is immune from punitive damages under 42 USC 1983. Newport v. Fact Concerts, Inc. 453 US 247 (1981).
893.80 Annotation
City ordinance regulating cable television was not exempt from antitrust scrutiny under Parker doctrine. Community Communications Co. v. Boulder, 455 US 40 (1982).
893.80 Annotation
This section is pre-empted in federal 42 USC 1983 actions and may not be applied; it conflicts with purpose and effects of federal civil rights actions. Felder v. Casey, 487 US 131 (1988).
893.80 Annotation
Sub. (4) bars direct suits against municipalities for the torts of their employes, it does not preclude suing the officer directly and using 895.46 to indirectly recover from the municipality. Graham v. Sauk Prairie Police Com'n. 915 F (2d) 1085 (1990).
893.80 Annotation
Once deputy assumed a duty to protect person subsequently murdered in room adjacent to where deputy was present, his obligation was no longer discretionary and he was no longer entitled to immunity under (4) for decisions made at the murder site. Losinski v. County of Trempealeau, 946 F (2d) 544 (1991).
893.80 Annotation
Immunity of elected officials under (4) is not defeated by possibility that the official's acts were malicious. Farr v. Gruber, 950 F (2d) 399 (1991).
893.80 Annotation
State may not be sued by citizen under wrongful death statute. Pinon v. State of Wisconsin, 368 F Supp. 608.
893.80 Annotation
Civil rights actions against municipalities discussed. Starstead v. City of Superior, 533 F Supp. 1365 (1982).
893.80 Annotation
County was not vicariously liable for sheriff's alleged use of excessive force where complaint alleged intentional tort. Voie v. Flood, 589 F Supp. 746 (1984).
893.80 Annotation
The discretionary function exception to government tort liability. 61 MLR 163.
893.80 Annotation
Several police supervisor immunities from state court suit may be doomed. Fine, 1977 WBB 9.
893.80 Annotation
Municipal liability: The failure to provide adequate police protection — the special duty doctrine should be discarded. 1984 WLR 499.
893.80 Annotation
Wisconsin recovery limit for victims of municipal torts: A conflict of public interests. 1986 WLR 155.
893.82
893.82
Claims against state employes; notice of claim; limitation of damages. 893.82(1)
(1) The purposes of this section are to:
893.82(1)(a)
(a) Provide the attorney general with adequate time to investigate claims which might result in judgments to be paid by the state.
893.82(1)(b)
(b) Provide the attorney general with an opportunity to effect a compromise without a civil action or civil proceeding.
893.82(1)(c)
(c) Place a limit on the amounts recoverable in civil actions or civil proceedings against any state officer, employe or agent.
893.82(2)(a)
(a) "Civil action or civil proceeding" includes a civil action or civil proceeding commenced or continued by counterclaim, cross claim or 3rd-party complaint.
893.82(2)(b)
(b) "Claimant" means the person or entity sustaining the damage or injury or his or her agent, attorney or personal representative.
893.82(2)(c)
(c) "Damage" or "injury" means any damage or injury of any nature which is caused or allegedly caused by the event. "Damage" or "injury" includes, but is not limited to, any physical or mental damage or injury or financial damage or injury resulting from claims for contribution or indemnification.
893.82(2)(d)
(d) "State officer, employe or agent" includes any of the following persons:
