Wisconsin § 893.02 - Action, when commenced.
Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 893.02 — Action, when commenced., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 893.02. Action, when commenced.
Except as provided in s. 893.415 (3) , an action is commenced, within the meaning of any provision of law which limits the time for the commencement of an action, as to each defendant, when the summons naming the defendant and the complaint are filed with the court, but no action shall be deemed commenced as to any defendant upon whom service of authenticated copies of the summons and complaint has not been made within 90 days after filing. 893.02 History History: Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 770 (1975); 1975 c. 218 ; 1979 c. 323 ; 1997 a. 187 ; 2003 a. 287 . 893.02 Note Judicial Council Committee’s Note, 1979: This section is previous s. 893.39 of the statutes renumbered for more logical placement in restructured ch. 893. [Bill 326-A] 893.02 Annotation In a products liability action, a new cause of action for punitive damages brought after the statute of limitations expired related back to the date of filing the original pleading. Wussow v. Commercial Mechanisms, Inc., 97 Wis. 2d 136 , 293 N.W.2d 897 (1980). 893.02 Annotation An action against an unnamed defendant under s. 807.12 that was filed on the last day of a limitation period, in which amended process naming the defendant was served within 60 days after filing, was not time barred. The relation back requirements of s. 802.09 (3) were inapplicable. Lak v. Richardson-Merrell, Inc., 100 Wis. 2d 641 , 302 N.W.2d 483 (1981). 893.02 Annotation Service of process did not commence an action when the plaintiff failed to file the summons and complaint. The defendant’s answer did not waive the statute of limitations defense or estop the defendant from raising it after the limitation period expired. Hester v. Williams, 117 Wis. 2d 634 , 345 N.W.2d 426 (1984). 893.02 Annotation A fictitiously designated defendant’s right to extinction of an action does not effectively vest until 60 days after the statute of limitations runs. Lavine v. Hartford Accident & Indemnity Co., 140 Wis. 2d 434 , 410 N.W.2d 623 (Ct. App. 1987). 893.02 Annotation Timely Service Abroad in Diversity Suits. La Fave. Wis. Law. Nov. 2000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 893.02
What does Wisconsin Statutes § 893.02 cover?
Section 893.02 ("Action, when commenced.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Wisconsin § 893.02?
A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 893.02" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
How does Wisconsin § 893.02 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.