Crossetti v. Cargill, Incorporated

LYNCH, Circuit Judge.

*2 Massachusetts Rule of Civil Procedure 4(j) requires a plaintiff to effect service of process within ninety days of filing suit. Mass. R. Civ. P. 4(j). Massachusetts courts accord this deadline "the respect reserved for a time bomb." Comm'r of Rev. v. Carrigan , 45 Mass.App.Ct. 309 , 698 N.E.2d 23 , 28 (1998) (quoting Braxton v. United States , 817 F.2d 238 , 241 (3d Cir. 1987) ). The plaintiff in this removed diversity suit failed to meet that deadline.

In a thoughtful opinion, the court granted the defendant's motion to dismiss for insufficient timely service of process.…