As practitioners, attorneys sometimes tend to overlook the small, mundane, but otherwise extremely important tasks. However, this neglect can lead to a variety of troubles in your practice and for your client. One example in this regard pertains to the task of perfecting service of original process on a defendant, particularly when this is attempted close to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. If a plaintiff does not follow through and make a good faith effort to serve original process in a timely manner, then there is a serious risk that the action may be dismissed.
According to Pa. R.C.P. 401(a), original process shall be served in the commonwealth by the Sheriff’s Department within 30 days after the issuance of a writ or the filing of a complaint, Pa. R.C.P. 401(a).
