893.33(7)(b)
(b) A successor of a purchaser of real estate, if the time for commencement of an action or assertion of a defense or counterclaim under this section had expired at the time the rights of the purchaser in the real estate arose.
893.33(8)
(8) If a period of limitation prescribed in s.
893.15 (5), 1977 stats., has begun to run prior to July 1, 1980, an action shall be commenced within the period prescribed by s.
893.15, 1977 stats., or 40 years after July 1, 1980, whichever first terminates.
893.33(9)
(9) Section
893.15, 1977 stats., does not apply to extend the time for commencement of an action or assertion of a defense or counterclaim with respect to an instrument or notice recorded on or after July 1, 1980. If a cause of action is subject to
sub. (8) the recording of an instrument or notice as provided by this section after July 1, 1980 extends the time for commencement of an action or assertion of a defense or counterclaim as provided in this section, except that the time within which the notice or instrument must be recorded if the time is to be extended as to purchasers is the time limited by
sub. (8).
893.33 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979 [deleted in part]: This section is based primarily on previous 893.15. That section, an interesting combination of limitations statute and marketable title statute, was of significant help to real estate titles since enactment in 1941. The beneficial effects were strengthened and expanded by enactment of s. 706.09 in 1967. This draft preserves the useful essence of previous s. 893.15, while updating some language. Changes which affect substance are:
893.33 Annotation
(1) The 60-year provision relating to easements and covenants is reduced to 40 years.
893.33 Annotation
(2) New subs. (8) and (9) are transitional provisions applying to limitation periods already running the period specified in previous s. 893.15, or the period in this statute, whichever is shorter.
893.33 Annotation
(5) This draft makes explicit that only those who purchase for valuable consideration after the period of limitation has run or their successors may avail themselves of the benefits of this statute. There is no requirement that the purchaser be without notice, which is to be contrasted with s. 706.09 of the statutes where periods far shorter than 30 years are specified in many subsections. [Bill 326-A]
893.33 Annotation
"Transaction or event" as applied to adverse possession means adverse possession for the time period necessary to obtain title. Upon expiration of this period, the limitation period commences to run. Leimert v. McCann,
79 Wis. 2d 289,
255 N.W.2d 526. See also Shelton v. Dolan,
224 Wis. 2d 334,
591 N.W.2d 894 (1998).
893.33 Annotation
A public entity landowner was not protected from a claim that was older than 30 years. State Historical Society v. Maple Bluff,
112 Wis. 2d 246,
332 N.W.2d 792 (1983).
893.33 Annotation
Hunting and fishing rights are an easement under sub. (6). There is no distinction between a profit and an easement. Figliuzzi v. Carcajou Shooting Club,
184 Wis. 2d 572,
516 N.W.2d 410 (1994).
893.33 Annotation
If a nuisance is continuing, a nuisance claim is not barred by the statute of limitations; but if it is permanent, it must be brought within the applicable statute. A nuisance is continuing if it is ongoing or repeated, but can be abated. A permanent nuisance is one act that causes permanent injury. Sunnyside Feed Co., Inc. v. City of Portage,
222 Wis. 2d 461,
588 N.W.2d 278 (Ct. App. 1998).
893.34
893.34
Immunity for property owners. No suit may be brought against any property owner who, in good faith, terminates a tenancy as the result of receiving a notice from a law enforcement agency under
s. 704.17 (1) (c),
(2) (c) or
(3) (b).
893.34 History
History: 1993 a. 139.
893.35
893.35
Action to recover personal property. An action to recover personal property shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues or be barred. The cause of action accrues at the time the wrongful taking or conversion occurs, or the wrongful detention begins. An action for damage for wrongful taking, conversion or detention of personal property shall be commenced within the time limited by
s. 893.51.
893.35 History
History: 1979 c. 323.
893.35 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section is based on previous s. 893.19 (6), without change in substance, but with some expansion of language to make clear that accrual of the cause of action is not delayed until the person bringing the action learns of the wrongful taking or detention. The limitation with respect to an action for damages is contained in s. 893.51. [Bill 326-A]
893.36
893.36
Secured livestock. 893.36(1)(1) An action by a secured party to recover damages or property, based upon the sale of livestock which when sold is the secured party's collateral, against the market agency which in the ordinary course of business conducts the auction of the livestock, or against a buyer in ordinary course of business shall be commenced within 2 years after the date of sale of the livestock, or be barred, if:
893.36(1)(a)
(a) The debtor signs or endorses any writing arising from the transaction, including a check or draft, which states that the sale of the livestock is permitted by the secured party; and
893.36(1)(b)
(b) The secured party does not commence an action, within 2 years after the date of sale of the livestock against the debtor for purposes of enforcing rights under the security agreement or an obligation secured by the security agreement.
893.36(2)
(2) This section does not apply to actions based upon a sale of livestock occurring prior to April 3, 1980, nor to an action by a secured party against its debtor.
Section 893.35 or
893.51 applies to any action described in
sub. (1) if the limitation described in
sub. (1) is not applicable.
893.36(3)(d)
(d) "Market agency" means a person regularly engaged in the business of receiving, buying or selling livestock whether on a commission basis or otherwise.
893.37
893.37
Survey. No action may be brought against an engineer or any land surveyor to recover damages for negligence, errors or omission in the making of any survey nor for contribution or indemnity related to such negligence, errors or omissions more than 6 years after the completion of a survey.
893.37 History
History: 1979 c. 323 s.
3; Stats. 1979 s. 893.36;
1979 c. 355 s.
228; Stats. 1979 s. 893.37.
893.37 Annotation
The discovery rule applies to statutes of limitations that limit the time to sue from the time when the action "accrues", being the time of discovery. The discovery rule does not apply to this section because it is a statute of repose, a statute that specifies the time of accrual (in this statute the time when the injury occurred) and limits the time suit can be brought from that specified date. Castellani v. Bailey,
218 Wis. 2d 245,
578 N.W.2d 166 (1998).
ACTIONS RELATING TO CONTRACTS
AND COURT JUDGMENTS
893.40
893.40
Action on judgment or decree; court of record. Except as provided in
s. 846.04 (2) and
(3), action upon a judgment or decree of a court of record of any state or of the United States shall be commenced within 20 years after the judgment or decree is entered or be barred.
893.40 History
History: 1979 c. 323;
1997 a. 27.
893.40 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section has been created to combine the provisions of repealed ss. 893.16 (1) and 893.18 (1). A substantive change from prior law results as the time period for an action upon a judgment of a court of record sitting without this state is increased from 10 years to 20 years and runs from the time of entry of a judgment. The separate statute of limitations for an action upon a sealed instrument is repealed as unnecessary. [Bill 326-A]
893.40 Annotation
The defendant was prejudiced by an unreasonable 16 year delay in bringing suit; thus laches barred suit even though the s. 893.16 (1), 1973 stats., limitation did not. Schafer v. Wegner,
78 Wis. 2d 127,
254 N.W.2d 193.
893.41
893.41
Breach of contract to marry; action to recover property. An action to recover property procured by fraud by a party in representing that he or she intended to marry the party providing the property and not breach the contract to marry, to which
s. 768.06 applies, shall be commenced within one year after the breach of the contract to marry.
893.41 History
History: 1979 c. 323;
1981 c. 314 s.
146.
893.41 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section has been created to place into ch. 893 the statute of limitations for an action to recover property for an alleged breach of a contract to marry. See also note following s. 768.06. [Bill 326-A]
893.42
893.42
Action on a judgment of court not of record. An action upon a judgment of a court not of record shall be commenced within 6 years of entry of judgment or be barred.
893.42 History
History: 1979 c. 323.
893.42 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section is previous s. 893.19 (1) renumbered for more logical placement in restructured ch. 893. [Bill 326-A]
893.425
893.425
Fraudulent transfers. An action with respect to a fraudulent transfer or obligation under
ch. 242 shall be barred unless the action is commenced:
893.425(1)
(1) Under
s. 242.04 (1) (a), within 4 years after the transfer is made or the obligation is incurred or, if later, within one year after the transfer or obligation is or could reasonably have been discovered by the claimant.
893.425(3)
(3) Under
s. 242.05 (2), within one year after the transfer is made or the obligation is incurred.
893.425 History
History: 1987 a. 192.
893.43
893.43
Action on contract. An action upon any contract, obligation or liability, express or implied, including an action to recover fees for professional services, except those mentioned in
s. 893.40, shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues or be barred.
893.43 History
History: 1979 c. 323.
893.43 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section is previous s. 893.19 (3) renumbered for more logical placement in restructured ch. 893. [Bill 326-A]
893.43 Annotation
A bonus plan to compensate for increased profits is a contract. Younger v. Rosenow Paper & Supply Co.
51 Wis. 2d 619,
188 N.W.2d 507.
893.43 Annotation
An action to recover benefits under a pension plan is an action to enforce a contract, not an action for wages. Estate of Schroeder,
53 Wis. 2d 59,
191 N.W.2d 860.
893.43 Annotation
Section 893.19 (3), 1967 stats., applies to an action to recover contribution arising out of the settlement of a tort claim. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Schara,
56 Wis. 2d 262,
201 N.W.2d 758.
893.43 Annotation
An action for personal injuries resulting from malpractice, though based on contract, is subject to the 3-year limitation for injuries to the person. Estate of Kohls,
57 Wis. 2d 141,
203 N.W.2d 666.
893.43 Annotation
An action by an insured against an insurance agent in failing to procure requested coverage is not an action against the insurer on the policy, but is an action resting upon the agent's contract with the insured to procure the insurance coverage agreed upon subject to the statute of limitations for contract. Estate of Ensz,
66 Wis. 2d 193,
223 N.W.2d 903.
893.43 Annotation
A cause of action for contribution is based upon a contract implied by law and must be brought within 6 years after one joint tort-feasor has paid more than his share. Hartford Fire Ins. Co. v. Osborn Plumbing,
66 Wis. 2d 454,
225 N.W.2d 628.
893.43 Annotation
Where an employer deducted a "hypothetical tax factor" from salaries of its overseas employees so as to equalize compensation of its employees worldwide, an action to recover amounts so deducted had to be brought within the limitation period on wage claims, and not the period on other contract claims. Sussmann v. Gleisner,
80 Wis. 2d 435,
259 N.W.2d 114.
893.43 Annotation
If the object of a disputed contract is the end product or fruit of human labor rather than the labor per se, s. 893.19 (3), 1973 stats. [now 893.43], applies rather than s. 893.21 (5), 1973 stats [now 893.44]. Rupp v. O'Connor,
81 Wis. 2d 436,
261 N.W.2d 815.
893.43 Annotation
The limitation for an action based on contract applies to a claim for a sales commission. Saunders v. DEC International, Inc.
85 Wis. 2d 70,
270 N.W.2d 176 (1978).
893.43 Annotation
Partial payment of an obligation made prior to the running of the statute of limitations tolls the statute and sets it running from the date of payment. St. Mary's Hospital Medical Ctr. v. Tarkenton,
103 Wis. 2d 422,
309 N.W.2d 14 (Ct. App. 1981).
893.43 Annotation
A breach of a roofing contract occurred when the faulty roof was completed, not when the building was completed. State v. Holland Plastics Co.
111 Wis. 2d 497,
331 N.W.2d 320 (1983).
893.43 Annotation
An unjust enrichment claim accrues when a cohabitational relationship terminates. The court does not determine which statute of limitations, if any, applies. Watts (Bischoff) v. Watts,
152 Wis. 2d 370,
448 N.W.2d 292 (Ct. App. 1989).
893.43 Annotation
A contract cause of action accrues at the time of the breach. The discovery rule is inapplicable. CLL Associates v. Arrowhead Pacific,
174 Wis. 2d 604,
497 N.W.2d 115 (1993).
893.43 Annotation
A party's deficient performance of a contract does not give rise to to a tort claim. There must be a duty independent of the contract for a cause of a action in tort. Atkinson v. Everbrite, Inc.
224 Wis. 2d 724,
592 N.W.2d 299 (Ct. App. 1999).
893.43 Annotation
An unconscionability of contract claim is governed by this section. Dairyland Power Coop. v. Amax Inc.
700 F. Supp. 979 (W.D. Wis. 1986).
893.44
893.44
Compensation for personal service. 893.44(1)
(1) Any action to recover unpaid salary, wages or other compensation for personal services, except actions to recover fees for professional services and except as provided in
sub. (2), shall be commenced within 2 years after the cause of action accrues or be barred.
893.44(2)
(2) An action to recover wages under
s. 109.09 shall be commenced within 2 years after the claim is filed with the department of workforce development or be barred.
893.44 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section is previous s. 893.21 (5) renumbered for more logical placement in restructured ch. 893. Actions to collect fees for professional services are brought under s. 893.43. [Bill 326-A]
893.44 Annotation
A stock-purchase plan as a reward for increased profits is not subject to s. 893.21 (5), 1969 stats. Younger v. Rosenow Paper & Supply Co.
51 Wis. 2d 619,
188 N.W.2d 507.
893.44 Annotation
Professional services by a physician or attorney, although not customarily performed in the profession, may be classified as professional if requested by reason of the professional's expertise and training if the professional then utilizes that knowledge and training. Whether the services are so classified depends upon the entire factual context of the particular employment. Lorenz v. Dreske,
62 Wis. 2d 273,
214 N.W.2d 753.
893.44 Annotation
Section 893.21 (5), 1969 stats. does not apply unless services are actually rendered. Yanta v. Montgomery Ward & Co., Inc.
66 Wis. 2d 53,
224 N.W.2d 389.
893.44 Annotation
If the object of a disputed contract is the end product or fruit of human labor rather than the labor per se, s. 893.19 (3), 1973 stats. [now 893.43], applies rather than s. 893.21 (5), 1973 stats [now 893.44]. Rupp v. O'Connor,
81 Wis. 2d 436,
261 N.W.2d 815.
893.44 Annotation
An unjust enrichment claim accrues when a cohabitational relationship terminates. The court does not determine which statute of limitations, if any, applies. Watts (Bischoff) v. Watts,
152 Wis. 2d 370,
448 N.W.2d 292 (Ct. App. 1989).
893.44 Annotation
This section applies only to actions for wages already earned. Lovett v. Mt. Senario College, Inc.
154 Wis. 2d 831,
454 N.W.2d 356 (Ct. App. 1990).
893.44 Annotation
This section does not apply to actions for the recovery of sales commissions. Erdman v. Jovoco, Inc.
181 Wis. 2d 736,
512 N.W.2d 487 (1994).
893.44 Annotation
The distinguishing feature of personal services under this section is whether the human labor itself is sought and is the object of the compensation or whether the end-product of the service is purchased. Paulson v. Shapiro,
490 F.2d 1.
893.45
893.45
Acknowledgment or new promise. No acknowledgment or promise shall be sufficient evidence of a new or continuing contract, whereby to take the cause out of the operation of this chapter, unless the same be contained in some writing signed by the party to be charged thereby.
893.45 History
History: 1979 c. 323.
893.45 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section is previous s. 893.42 renumbered for more logical placement in restructured ch. 893. [Bill 326-A]
893.46
893.46
Acknowledgment, who not bound by. If there are 2 or more joint contractors or joint administrators of any contractor no such joint contractor, executor or administrator shall lose the benefit of this chapter so as to be chargeable by reason only of any acknowledgment or promise made by any other of them.
893.46 History
History: 1979 c. 323.
893.46 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section is previous s. 893.43 renumbered for more logical placement in restructured ch. 893. [Bill 326-A]
893.47
893.47
Actions against parties jointly liable. In actions commenced against 2 or more joint contractors or joint executors or administrators of any contractors, if it shall appear, on the trial or otherwise, that the plaintiff is barred by this chapter as to one or more of the defendants, but is entitled to recover against any other or others of them, by virtue of a new acknowledgment or promise, or otherwise, judgment shall be given for the plaintiff as to any of the defendants against whom the plaintiff is entitled to recover and for the other defendant or defendants against the plaintiff.
