Wisconsin Statutes Miscellaneous Actions, Proceedings and Procedure (Ch. 895 to 900) § 895.09. Scrap metal or plastic bulk merchandise container theft; civil liability

(1) Any owner of nonferrous scrap, a metal article, or a proprietary article, as those terms are defined in s. 134.405(1), who incurs injury or loss as a result of a violation of s. 134.405 or s. 943.20 may bring a civil action against the person who committed the violation.

(2) If the person who incurs the loss prevails against a person who committed the violation, the court shall grant the prevailing party all of the following:

(3) If the court finds that the violation was committed for the purpose of commercial advantage, the court may award punitive damages to the person who incurs the loss.

(4) Any awards provided under sub. (2)(a) or (b) shall be reduced by the amount of any restitution collected for the same act under s. 800.093 or 973.20.

(5) The person who incurs the loss has the burden of proving by the preponderance of the evidence that a violation of s. 134.405 or 943.20 occurred.