Hill v. Hawkins

The issue in this case is whether the trial court erred in dismissing the plaintiff's personal injury action because she had failed to perfect service upon the defendant within a reasonable time.

The lawsuit arose out of an automobile accident that occurred in November 1987. In November 1989, Alsie Mae Hill timely filed suit against Colleen Hawkins and other fictitiously named defendants alleging negligence, willfulness, and wantonness. Her husband also sued, alleging a loss of consortium, but he is not involved in this appeal.

On December 20, 1989, the sheriff returned his certificate of…