Wisconsin tort law has been substantially modified through the passage of 2011 Wisconsin Act 2, which became effective on February 1, 2011.  The changes made by this Act benefit businesses in several respects, particularly in the area of product liability.

Sellers and distributors of products are now exposed to liability for product defects only if they assumed responsibility for some portion of the product or its labeling, or if the manufacturer of the product is judgment proof.  A plaintiff is required to show some reasonable alternative design was available to a manufacturer in order to make a recovery.  The Act imposes a 15 year statute of repose, i.e. claims may not be brought with respect to products manufactured more than 15 years before the claim is made.Continue Reading Significant Changes Made by Wisconsin Tort Reform Law