Asked by user in Minnesota. Answered by Enjuris Editors.
The term "personal jurisdiction" refers to the power a court has to make a decision regarding the party being sued. A court in Wisconsin has personal jurisdiction over a company if: (1) the company was incorporated in Wisconsin, (2) the company has "substantial and continuous operations" in Wisconsin, or (3) the action giving rise to the claim occurred in Wisconsin. Based on the information you provided, it sounds like the action giving rise to the claim (breaking the sink) occurred in Wisconsin. Additionally, it sounds like the Minnesota company may have "substantial and continuous operations" in Wisconsin. This would be the case if, for example, the Minnesota company routinely completed construction projects in Wisconsin.
Accordingly, based on the information you provided, you can most likely sue the Minnesota company in Wisconsin. Keep in mind that there might be information you haven't told me that could impact this answer. For example, it's possible that the construction contract you signed with the Minnesota company includes a clause that limits where you can file a lawsuit (this would not be uncommon). "
The company was incorporated in Wisconsin,
The company has "substantial and continuous operations" in Wisconsin, or
The action giving rise to the claim occurred in Wisconsin
Based on the information you provided, it sounds like the action giving rise to the claim (breaking the sink) occurred in Wisconsin. Additionally, it sounds like the Minnesota company may have "substantial and continuous operations" in Wisconsin. This would be the case if, for example, the Minnesota company routinely completed construction projects in Wisconsin.
In conclusion, based on the information you provided, you can most likely sue the Minnesota company in Wisconsin. Keep in mind that there might be information I don't know that could impact this answer. For example, it's possible that the construction contract you signed with the Minnesota company has a clause that limits where you can file a lawsuit.