Opinion ID: 6444
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The applicable statutes of limitation

Text: 26 United Postal asserted cross-claims against Stewart for negligence, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract. As this is a diversity case, and the causes of action all arise under state law, the district court properly applied the applicable Texas statutes of limitations to the claims presented. See Fluor Eng'g & Constr. v. Southern Pac. Transp. Co., 753 F.2d 444, 448 (5th Cir.1985). 27 The district court applied a four-year statute of limitations to United Postal's claims for negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty. We agree with the court below that Texas fraud claims prescribe if not brought within four years from accrual. See Williams v. Khalaf, 802 S.W.2d 651, 656-58 (Tex.1990); TEX.CIV.PRAC. & REM.CODE ANN. Sec. 16.004(a)(3) (Vernon 1986). However, as will be discussed further below in section II.B.1.a., and as the lower court recognized in its subsequent order granting summary judgment on HGIC's negligent misrepresentation claims, the two-year limitations period for general torts is the correct measure for this type cause of action. See TEX.CIV.PRAC. & REM.CODE ANN. Sec. 16.003 (Vernon 1986). Moreover, as will be detailed in section II.B.1.b., the limitations period for the fiduciary duty claims is also two years. 7 Id. Finally, a breach of contract claim is governed by a four-year limitation period. TEX.CIV.PRAC. & REM.CODE ANN. Sec. 16.004 (Vernon 1986).