Painter v. Olney

The question presented is whether the trial court erred in ruling that this case should not be dismissed because of ineffective service of process.

A cause of action arose in favor of the plaintiff, Helen Painter, when on January 3, 1978, her automobile was struck by one owned by defendant John Olney and allegedly negligently operated by defendant Cynthia J. Kometz. The complaint was filed 3 days before the expiration of the statute of limitations, affording Painter 90 days to accomplish service. RCW 4.16.170. During that time the following effort was made to locate and serve the defendants.

A…