How to run Damages Allocation in DocketMath for Wisconsin

Step-by-step

Run this scenario in DocketMath using the Damages Allocation calculator.

This walkthrough explains how to run the Damages Allocation calculator in DocketMath for Wisconsin (US-WI). It focuses on setting up the calculator inputs so the output reflects Wisconsin’s general/default statute of limitations (SOL) period.

1) Start with the Wisconsin limitations baseline (6 years)

For Wisconsin, the default/general SOL period used for this calculator setup is:

• General SOL Period: 6 years
• Statute: **Wis. Stat. § 939.74(1)
• Source: https://codes.findlaw.com/wi/crimes-ch-938-to-951/wi-st-939-74/

DocketMath needs this SOL length so it can allocate/age damages across the relevant time window (for example, to reflect which portions fall inside vs. outside the limitations period).

Important: No claim-type-specific sub-rule was found for this calculator configuration. That means this workflow uses the general/default 6-year period consistently unless you have a clearly identified exception under Wisconsin law.

2) Open the calculator

Go to the tool here:

• /tools/damages-allocation

When the calculator loads, you’ll typically see inputs such as:

• a start point for damages (often the first accrual date you’re modeling),
• an end point (often a cutoff date such as an event date, judgment date, or measurement date),
• one or more damages amounts (either a single total or broken into segments),
• and a jurisdiction selection.

3) Select Wisconsin (US-WI)

Set the jurisdiction to:

• **US-WI (Wisconsin)

This selection is what tells DocketMath to use Wisconsin’s jurisdiction-aware limitations window. If the UI offers multiple jurisdictions, confirm US-WI is selected before you calculate.

4) Enter the damages timeframe dates

Use the date fields to define the damages period you want allocated.

Common choices include:

• Damages period start date: when the first relevant loss began (or the first accrual date you’re modeling).
• Damages period end/cutoff date: when the damages stop, when you’re measuring through, or another date that represents the endpoint of your modeling window.

How outputs change:

• If you move the end date later, more of the damages period may fall beyond the 6-year window, which can shift more value into the “out-of-period” side (depending on the tool’s allocation method).
• If you move the start date later, more of the damages may fall within the 6-year window, which can increase the “in-period” allocation.

5) Input damages values (single total or timeline)

DocketMath may support either:

• Single-total mode (one total damages number for the entire timeframe), or
• Segment mode (separate amounts per segment, such as monthly, yearly, or custom breaks).

If you have enough information to break damages into segments, segment mode is typically the more precise option because it lets the tool allocate based on which parts fall inside vs. outside the limitations boundary.

How outputs change:

• With single-total mode, the tool generally splits the total across the limitations window according to its internal allocation approach (often proportionally to time or overlap).
• With segment mode, the tool can more directly allocate each segment relative to the 6-year window, which can reduce ambiguity at the boundary.

6) Confirm the limitations logic in the calculator

Before you rely on the results, verify the calculator is using the Wisconsin general/default SOL:

• The jurisdiction selected is US-WI
• The SOL length shown/used is 6 years
• The calculator is not applying a different claim-type-specific limitations rule (since none was identified for this default workflow)

Jurisdiction/statute reminder: This workflow uses Wis. Stat. § 939.74(1) with a 6-year general SOL period.

7) Run the allocation and review results

Click Calculate (or the tool’s equivalent).

Review output sections such as:

• Allocated-in-period damages: amounts attributable to portions that fall within the 6-year window
• Allocated-out-of-period damages: amounts attributable to portions outside the 6-year window
• Totals / breakdowns: especially any table, chart, or segment breakdown (if you provided segment inputs)

If the tool shows a chart/table with date overlap, use it to sanity-check where the 6-year boundary lands relative to your entered timeframe.

8) Adjust inputs based on what the output is telling you

If the results look surprising, re-check the inputs that most commonly drive allocation changes:

• Start/end dates: small date entry mistakes can move the 6-year boundary significantly.
• Segment order and segment size: confirm each segment’s amount corresponds to the right date interval.
• Total vs. segment entry: switching modes can change how the split is computed even with the same overall numbers.

Quick “input → effect” mapping:

• Earlier damages start date → potentially more damages treated as outside the 6-year window
• Later damages start date → potentially more damages treated as inside the 6-year window
• Later damages end/cutoff date → potentially increases outside-window portion if the damages extend beyond the 6-year boundary
• Segmented vs. total damages → segmented entry usually improves boundary precision

Common pitfalls

These are the most common issues that distort a Wisconsin 6-year damages allocation workflow:

The allocation is only as accurate as the date range you define. If the start/end dates are off, the 6-year cutoff can land in the wrong place.

This DocketMath Wisconsin setup uses the general/default 6-year SOL under Wis. Stat. § 939.74(1). No claim-type-specific sub-rule was found for this configuration. If your matter involves an exception, you may need a different approach or additional limitations analysis.

Example: if the tool expects yearly segments but you enter monthly values as if they were yearly totals, the boundary allocation will be inaccurate even if dates are correct.

Some tools retain prior selections. Re-confirm US-WI before running the calculation.

If segment entry is available, prefer segment mode to reduce uncertainty about where the limitations boundary affects the damages.

Try it

To validate the Wisconsin workflow quickly:

1. Open /tools/damages-allocation
2. Select US-WI
3. Enter:

   • a damages period start date
   • a damages period end/cutoff date
   • either a total damages amount or segmented amounts
4. Run the calculator
5. Confirm the calculator is using 6 years under **Wis. Stat. § 939.74(1)

Simple sanity check (two-run test):

• Run A: Move the start date forward by 1 year (keep everything else the same)
• Run B: Move the start date backward by 1 year (keep everything else the same)

You should generally see the “in-period” portion increase in Run A and decrease in Run B, reflecting the impact of the 6-year limitations window.

Related reading

• Damages Allocation Guide for Alabama — Comparative Fault Rules
• Damages Allocation Guide for Alaska — Comparative Fault Rules
• Damages Allocation Guide for American Samoa — Comparative Fault Rules