Opinion ID: 2383663
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Expiration of Limitations

Text: Whether Murray's claim is barred under the facts of this case depends on whether she interrupted the running of limitations. Murray filed her original petition on March 27, 1986, well within the two-year limitations period. Mere filing of suit, however, will not interrupt the running of limitations unless due diligence is exercised in the issuance and service of citation. Rigo Mfg. Co. v. Thomas, 458 S.W.2d 180, 182 (Tex.1970). Citation was first issued and returned unserved in September 1986. Citation was issued a second time and successfully served on January 21, 1987, outside the limitations period. The court of appeals held that, as a matter of law, Murray did not exercise due diligence. We disagree with the court of appeals. When a defendant (SJA) has affirmatively pleaded the defense of limitations, and when failure to timely serve the defendant has been shown, the burden shifts to the plaintiff (Murray) to explain the delay. See Liles v. Phillips, 677 S.W.2d 802, 809 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1984, writ ref'd n.r. e.); Williams v. Houston-Citizens Bank & Trust Co., 531 S.W.2d 434, 436 (Tex.Civ. App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1975, writ ref'd n.r.e.). It is reasonable to assume that Murray, relying on Arnold, concluded that her cause of action accrued on the date SJA admitted its denial was unwarranted (March 15, 1985); thus, she could have believed that even if there was no diligence and limitations was not interrupted until the date of service (January 21, 1987), her claim would be timely. In preparing her response to the motion for summary judgment, Murray could have relied on this interpretation of Arnold and thus would not have felt compelled to argue diligence in the service of process. Our decision today, however, modifies Arnold so that limitations on Murray's good faith claim commenced on the day SJA denied coverage. Her claim is therefore barred unless she exercised diligence in serving citation. Since we have modified the law, we will remand this case in the interest of justice to the trial court. Tex.R. App.P. 180; see also L.M.B. Corp. v. Gurecky, 501 S.W.2d 300, 303 (Tex.1973). This will give Murray an opportunity to show diligence in serving citation and if successful, to assert her good faith claim. See Texas Real Estate Comm'n v. Nagle, 767 S.W.2d 691, 695 (Tex.1989). For the reasons stated, the judgment of the court of appeals is reversed and this cause is remanded to the trial court. SPEARS, J., files a dissenting opinion, joined by RAY, MAUZY and DOGGETT, JJ.