ORS 12.020
When action deemed begun


(1)

Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, for the purpose of determining whether an action has been commenced within the time limited, an action shall be deemed commenced as to each defendant, when the complaint is filed, and the summons served on the defendant, or on a codefendant who is a joint contractor, or otherwise united in interest with the defendant.

(2)

If the first publication of summons or other service of summons in an action occurs before the expiration of 60 days after the date on which the complaint in the action was filed, the action against each person of whom the court by such service has acquired jurisdiction shall be deemed to have been commenced upon the date on which the complaint in the action was filed. [Amended by 1973 c.731 §1]

Source: Section 12.020 — When action deemed begun, https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors012.­html.

Notes of Decisions

Where federal matter or federal cause of action is involved, time for commencement of action is not governed by this statute, but by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 2. Wells v. City of Portland, 102 FRD 796 (1984)

Substituted service under ORCP 7D was sufficient for court to acquire jurisdiction within period of limitation and mailing of the complaint was not also necessary. Korgan v. Gantenbein, 74 Or App 154, 702 P2d 427 (1985)

Limitations period of this section was not tolled by ORS 12.150 where defendant foreign corporation could have been served under the long arm statute. Bancorp Leasing and Financial Corp. v. Agusta Aviation Corporation, 813 F2d 272 (1987)

Action under federal maritime law, which is subject to federal statute of limitations, was commenced at time complaint was filed, and this section, which purports to make time of service time of commencement for limitations purposes, was inapplicable. Hurley v. Shinmei Kisen K.K., 98 Or App 180, 779 P2d 1041 (1989), Sup Ct review denied

With regard to commencement of action, specific procedures control over general procedures in this section. State v. 132.85 Acres, 114 Or App 339, 834 P2d 526 (1992), Sup Ct review denied

Where plaintiff is indigent person who is incarcerated in prison facility, civil action is deemed “filed” when complaint is received by court. Stull v. Hoke, 326 Or 72, 948 P2d 722 (1997)

Sixty-day period during which service of summons allows action to be deemed commenced on date complaint was filed is not affected by federal rule establishing longer maximum time for service. Torre v. Brickey, 278 F3d 917 (9th Cir. 2002)

Service of corrected summons within 60 days after filing of complaint does not relate back unless original summons providing notice was served on proper defendant prior to running of statute of limitations. Smith v. American Legion Post 83, 188 Or App 139, 71 P3d 136 (2003), Sup Ct review denied

Where amended complaint does not add additional parties, service of summons and copy of amended complaint within 60 days after filing of original complaint is sufficient to relate back to filing date of unserved original complaint. Kowalski v. Hereford L’Oasis, 190 Or App 236, 79 P3d 319 (2003), Sup Ct review denied

Provision that action commences upon filing if summons is served within following 60 days applies to claims under Oregon Tort Claims Act. Baker v. City of Lakeside, 343 Or 70, 164 P3d 259 (2007)

12.010
Time of commencing actions
12.020
When action deemed begun
12.040
Limitations of suits generally
12.050
Action to recover real property
12.060
Suit or action on land contracts
12.070
Action on judgment, decree or sealed instrument
12.080
Action on certain contracts or liabilities
12.085
Action against garnishee
12.090
Accounts
12.100
Action on official act or penalty
12.110
Actions for certain injuries to person not arising on contract
12.115
Action for negligent injury to person or property
12.117
Actions based on child abuse
12.118
Action based on conduct that constitutes sexual assault of adult or conduct knowingly allowing, permitting or encouraging sexual assault of adult
12.120
Action on escape
12.125
Action arising under rental agreement
12.130
Action for penalty
12.132
Action arising out of real estate appraisal activity or appraisal review
12.135
Action for damages from construction, alteration or repair of improvement to real property
12.137
Action for loss of or damage to property arising from nuclear incident
12.140
Actions not otherwise provided for
12.150
Suspension of running of statute by absence or concealment
12.155
Effect of notice of advance payment on running of period of limitation
12.160
Suspension for minors and persons who have disabling mental condition
12.170
Disability must exist when right of action accrues
12.180
Coexisting disabilities must all be removed
12.190
Effect of death on limitations
12.195
Effect of attorney death on limitations
12.200
Suspension by war as to alien
12.210
Suspension by injunction or prohibition of statute
12.220
Commencement of new action after involuntary dismissal
12.230
Acknowledgment or promise taking contract case out of statute
12.240
Effect of payment after obligation becomes due
12.250
Actions by state, county or public corporations
12.270
Conclusive presumption of validity of governmental subdivision boundary proceedings one year after effective date
12.272
Action based on pesticide application
12.274
Action against trustee of express trust
12.276
Action for death, injury or damage resulting from breast implants
12.278
Action against manufacturer of certain pickup trucks
12.280
Action based on practice of land surveying
12.282
Action against manufacturer of extendable equipment
12.410
Definitions for ORS 12.410 to 12.480
12.420
Purpose
12.430
Claims based on law of other states
12.440
Application of statutes and rules governing conflict of laws
12.450
When limitation period of another state not applicable
12.460
Claims to which statutes apply
12.470
Severability
12.480
Short title
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