Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., Inc., 28 S.W.3d 618 (Tex. App. 2000). · Go Syfert
Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., Inc., 28 S.W.3d 618 (Tex. App. 2000). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
83 citation events (83 in the last 25 years) across 4 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Haley Dover Rogers v. Jerome Tezeno, Gulf Coast Express Leasing Corporation, and Quality Carriers, Inc. (txed, 2025-10-14)
Treatment trajectory · 2001 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
2001 2013 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 40 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Haley Dover Rogers v. Jerome Tezeno, Gulf Coast Express Leasing Corporation, and Quality Carriers, Inc.
E.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
Barber v. Burns, No. 05-22-00471-CV, 2023 WL 3451052 , at *4 (Tex. App.—Dallas May 15, 2023, no pet.) (citing Sanderson 2003 WL 1564314 , at *2). “[I]t is the plaintiff’s, not the process server’s, duty to ensure that the defendant is served.” Flanigan v. Nekkalapu, 613 S.W.3d 361 , 365 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2020, no pet.) (collecting cases); accord Ventura v. Vasquez, No. 01-19-00240-CV, 2019 WL 6904545 , at *5 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Dec. 19, 2019, no pet.); Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Edinburg 2000, no pet.) (holding that despite…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Edwin Bryant Wade, Janet Lynn Wade, and Jeremy Wade v. McLane Company, Inc., and Jose Efrain Perez, Jr.
Tex. App. · 2024 · confidence medium
Ctr., L.P., No. 12-18-00198-CV, 2019 WL 2459020 , at *4–5 (Tex. App.—Tyler June 5, 2019, pet. denied) (mem. op.) (citing Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi–Edinburg 2000, pet. denied); Gonzalez, 884 S.W.2d at 589– 90); Jennings, 1998 WL 88625 , at *3.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bitsui v. Doubletree by Hilton Hotel El Paso Downtown
W.D. Tex. · 2022 · confidence medium
Flanigan v. Nekkalapu, 613 S.W.3d 361 , 365 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2020, no pet.); Carfer v. MacFadyen, 93 S.W.3d 307, 314 (Tex. App.—Houston [14"" Dist.] 2002, pet denied); Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi—Edinburg 2000, pet. denied).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Veronica Acosta v. Nathaniel Martinez
Tex. App. · 2022 · confidence medium
“It matters not, therefore, that service in the instant case was accomplished within a relatively short of time after the expiration of the limitations period.” Rodriguez, 13 S.W.3d at 51 ; Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi–Edinburg 2000, pet. denied) (rejecting appellant’s argument that she exercised diligence by repeatedly 7 attempting to contact the district clerk’s office to inquire about the status of service); Holt v. D’Hanis State Bank, 993 S.W.2d 237, 241 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1999, no pet.) (stating that “unexplained d…
examined Cited as authority (rule) Ausencio Ventura and Juan Carlos Ventura v. Martin Vasquez (4×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2019 · confidence medium
In the supplemental affidavit, Cruz indicated that she had 10 In assessing this period, we find instructive Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Company, Inc., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Texas Health and Human Services Commission v. Albert Olguin
Tex. · 2016 · confidence medium
Ctr., 62 S.W.3d 890 , 893 n. 4 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2001, no pet.); Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied); Sibley v. Kaiser Found.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Ben Melton v. CU Members Mortgage, a Division of Colonial Savings, F.A. And First Western Title Co. (2×)
Tex. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
Tex. May 21, 2012) ........................................................................................................11 Ragsdale v. Progressive Voters League, 801 S.W.2d 880, 882 (Tex. 1990) ..............................................................................................................16 Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 622 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied .........................................................8 Rodriguez v. Tinsman & Houser, Inc., 13 S.W.3d 47 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1999, pet. denied) ...................................…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jennifer Samaniego v. Alieda Silguero (2×)
Tex. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
App.—Houston [1st dist.] 1997, no writ).............................................................................................. 8 Holt v. D’Hanis State Bank, 993 S.W.2d 237 (Tex. App—San Antonio 1999, no pet.) ......................................................................................................................... 8 Webster v. Thomas, 5 S.W.3d 287, 290-291 (Tex. App.—Houston, [14th Dist.] 199, no pet.)........................................................................................................................ 8 i Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing, Inc., 2…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Octavio Castaneda, Individually and D/B/A Castaneda Bail Bonds, Surety v. State
Tex. App. · 2010 · confidence medium
See, e.g., Primate Const., Inc. v. Silver, 884 S.W.2d 151, 152 (Tex. 1994) (per curiam) (default judgment could not stand where defendant was served with version of petition in which it was not named as a defendant); Tarrant County v. Vandigriff, 71 S.W.3d 921, 925-26 (Tex. App.— Fort Worth 2002, pet. denied) (lack of due diligence in effecting service prevented date of service from relating back to date complaint was filed for purposes of limitations); Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied) (same); Boyattia v. Hinojosa, 18 S.W.…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) McCollum v. Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation
Tex. App. · 2010 · confidence medium
Ctr., 62 S.W.3d 890 , 893 n. 4 (Tex.App.-Texarkana 2001, no pet.); Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied); We first address McCollum’s claim that the time limit imposed by section 21.254 and case law is not jurisdictional.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Carolyn K. McCollum v. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation F/K/A Texas Cosmetology Commission
Tex. App. · 2010 · confidence medium
Ctr ., 62 S.W.3d 890 , 893 n.4 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2001, no pet.); Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co ., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied); We first address McCollum’s claim that the time limit imposed by section 21.254 and case law is not jurisdictional.
cited Cited as authority (rule) in the Interest of M. T. C. and D. L. C., Jr., Minor Children
Tex. App. · 2009 · confidence medium
Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co. , 28 S.W.3d 618, 620-21 (Tex. App.-Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied); Sibley v. Kaiser Found.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Keith D. Johnson v. CIty of Fort Worth D/B/A Fort Worth City Police Department
Tex. App. · 2009 · confidence medium
Code Ann. § 21.254; see Vandigriff , 71 S.W.3d at 924 ; Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co. , 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Keith D. Johnson v. CIty of Fort Worth D/B/A Fort Worth City Police Department
Tex. App. · 2009 · confidence medium
Code Ann. § 21.254 ; see Vandigriff, 71 S.W.3d at 924 ; Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts v. Wesley Landsfeld
Tex. App. · 2008 · confidence medium
Ctr ., 62 S.W.3d 890 , 893 n.4 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2001, no pet.); Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co. , 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts v. Wesley Landsfeld
Tex. App. · 2008 · confidence medium
Ctr., 62 S.W.3d 890 , 893 n.4 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2001, no pet.); Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Auten v. DJ Clark, Inc. (12×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2006 · confidence medium
They cite Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., in which the court stated that it is the responsibility of the person requesting service, not the process server, to see that service is properly accomplished, and “the plaintiffs reliance on a process server does not constitute due diligence.” 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Palladian Building Company, Inc. AND Nortex Foundation Designs, Inc. v. Nortex Foundation Designs, Inc. AND Palladian Building Company, Inc.
Tex. App. · 2005 · confidence medium
Transitional Care Ctrs. of Tex., Inc. v. Palacios , 46 S.W.3d 873, 875 (Tex. 2001) (holding trial court’s dismissal of case under former article 4591i was reviewed for abuse of discretion); Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 619-20 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied); Mercure Co., N.V. v. Rowland , 715 S.W.2d 677, 680 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1986, writ ref’d n.r.e.).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Palladian Building Company, Inc. AND Nortex Foundation Designs, Inc. v. Nortex Foundation Designs, Inc. AND Palladian Building Company, Inc.
Tex. App. · 2005 · confidence medium
Transitional Care Ctrs. of Tex., Inc. v. Palacios , 46 S.W.3d 873, 875 (Tex. 2001) (holding trial court’s dismissal of case under former article 4591i was reviewed for abuse of discretion); Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 619-20 (Tex. App.— Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied); Mercure Co., N.V. v. Rowland , 715 S.W.2d 677, 680 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1986, writ ref’d n.r.e.).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) PALLADIAN BLDG CO. INC. v. Nortex Foundation Designs, Inc.
Tex. App. · 2005 · confidence medium
Transitional Care Ctrs. of Tex., Inc. v. Palacios, 46 S.W.3d 873, 875 (Tex.2001) (holding trial court’s dismissal of case under former article 4591i was reviewed for abuse of discretion); Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 619-20 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied); Mercure Co., N.V. v. Rowland, 715 S.W.2d 677, 680 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 1986, writ ref'd n.r.e.).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Ex Parte Jackson
Tex. App. · 2004 · confidence medium
Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 622 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied) (citing Tenery v. Tenery, 932 S.W.2d 29, 30 (Tex.1996) (per curiam)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Morin v. Boecker
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 620 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Reiff v. Roy
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 622 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied) (citing Tenery v. Tenery, 932 S.W.2d 29, 30 (Tex.1996) (per curiam)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Three Thousand Six Hundred Thirty-Nine, Dollars ($3,639.00) in U.S. Currency v. State (2×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 622 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Three Thousand Six Hundred Thirty-Nine Dollars ($3,639.00) in U.S. Currency v. State (2×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co. , 28 S.W.3d 618, 622 (Tex. App.-Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Danny Leon Lucas v. Gary L. Johnson, Director of TDC-ID, Treon R. Robert, Senior Warden of the James v. Allred Unit, James D. Mooneyham, Asst. Warden of the James v. Allred Unit, and Susan L. Schumacher, Offenders Admin. Grievances
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., Inc. , 28 S.W.3d 618, 620 (Tex. App.--Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied); McCauley v. Drum Serv.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Danny Leon Lucas v. Gary L. Johnson, Director of TDC-ID, Treon R. Robert, Senior Warden of the James v. Allred Unit, James D. Mooneyham, Asst. Warden of the James v. Allred Unit, and Susan L. Schumacher, Offenders Admin. Grievances
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
Code Ann. §14.005. 4: Hickson v. Moya , 926 S.W.2d 397, 398 (Tex. App.—Waco 1996, no writ). 5: See Carpenter v. Cimarron Hydrocarbons Corp. , 98 S.W.3d 682, 687 (Tex. 2002); Downer v. Aquamarine Operators, Inc. 701 S.W.2d 238, 241-42 (Tex. 1985), cert. denied , 476 U.S. 1159 (1986). 6: Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., Inc. , 28 S.W.3d 618, 620 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied); McCauley v. Drum Serv.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Virginia Davis v. Education Service Center Region VIII and Scott Ferguson
Tex. App. · 2001 · confidence medium
Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co. , 28 S.W.3d 618, 620-21 (Tex. App.-Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied); Sibley v. Kaiser Found.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Davis v. Education Service Center
Tex. App. · 2001 · confidence medium
Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 620-21 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied); Sibley v. Kaiser Found.
cited Cited as authority (rule) $6453.00 & One Chevrolet Pickup, TX LPUG1833, Vin 1 GCEK14H7GS139989 v. State
Tex. App. · 2001 · confidence medium
Id.; Padre Island Brewing, 28 S.W.3d at 618, 621 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi, 2000, no pet.); Gonzalez v. Phoenix Frozen Foods, Inc., 884 S.W.2d 587, 589-90 (Tex.App. — Corpus Christi 1994, no writ).
discussed Cited "see" Vanessa Threet v. Patricia Elbert
Tex. App. · 2023 · signal: see · confidence high
See Flanigan v. Nekkalapu, 613 S.W.3d 361 , 365 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2020, no pet.) (citing Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., Inc., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi–Edinburg 2000 pet. denied)); Allen, 2011 Tex. App. LEXIS 4507 , at *6. “[I]f the plaintiff’s explanation for the delay raises a material fact issue concerning the diligence of 4 See also Smith v. Ramos, No. 09-21-00153-CV, 2023 Tex. App. LEXIS 1571 , at *8 (Tex. App.—Beaumont Mar. 9, 2023, no pet. h.) (mem. op.) (“When the record reveals a period of time when the plaintiffs made no efforts to serve the…
examined Cited "see" Adriana Garcia v. Bazan Enterprise, Inc. D/B/A Taco Ole Restaurant (3×)
Tex. App. · 2022 · signal: see · confidence high
However, diligence may be determined as a matter of law when “one or more lapses between service efforts are unexplained or patently unreasonable.” Id.; see Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi–Edinburg 2000, pet. denied) (“[A] lack of diligence exists as a matter of law because it is clear that appellant did not exhaust all of the alternatives available to achieve proper service.”); Rodriguez v. Tinsman & Houser, Inc., 13 S.W.3d 47, 49 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1999, pet. denied) (“A lack of diligence will be found as a matter of law .…
discussed Cited "see" Cedriquez Richardson and Tony Richardson v. Kirsti Clack
Tex. App. · 2020 · signal: see · confidence high
It is “the responsibility of the person requesting service, and not the process server, to see that the service is properly accomplished.” Ventura, 2019 WL 6904545 , at *4; see Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., Inc., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied).
examined Cited "see" Cherie Franklin, Individually and as Representative of the Estate of Eula Mae Franklin v. Longview Medical Center, L.P., D/B/A Longview Regional Medical Center (5×)
Tex. App. · 2019 · signal: see · confidence high
See 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.–Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied).
discussed Cited "see" Jose P. Baldonado v. Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Department of Aging and Disablity Services (2×)
Tex. App. · 2012 · signal: see · confidence high
See Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied) (“Likewise, we conclude that the sixty[-]day period, under 4 section 21.254 of the Texas Labor Code, is the applicable period of limitations for the purpose of service of process.”).
discussed Cited "see" Dolores Gabriles v. Sam's East, Inc., D/B/A Sam's Club
Tex. App. · 2009 · signal: see · confidence high
See Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co. , 28 S.W.3d 618 , 621–22 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied); Boyattia v. Hinojosa , 18 S.W.3d 729, 734 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2000, pet. denied); see also Gonzalez , 884 S.W.2d at 590 (holding that if attorney had been diligent, he would have noticed that defendant had not filed an answer and that he could easily have checked with court clerk to verify service upon defendants instead of relying on process server) .
discussed Cited "see" Rebecca Pena Solis v. International Bank of Commerce
Tex. App. · 2009 · signal: see · confidence high
See Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co. , 28 S.W.3d 618, 620 (Tex. App.-Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied) ("The standard of appellate review of a dismissal is to inquire whether the trial court abused its discretion."). 11.
cited Cited "see" Beard v. Beard
Tex. App. · 2001 · signal: see · confidence high
See Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 622 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied).
discussed Cited "see, e.g." WC 4th and Rio Grande, LP v. La Zona Rio, LLC
Tex. App. · 2024 · signal: see also · confidence medium
See Waffle House, Inc. v. Williams, 313 S.W.3d 796, 813 (Tex. 2010) (the “[d]enial of a motion for new trial is reviewed for abuse of discretion”); Enriquez v. Livingston, 400 S.W.3d 610, 614 (Tex. App.— Austin 2013, pet. denied) (appellate court applies an abuse-of-discretion standard to the denial of a motion to reinstate). 13 review of a dismissal for the court of appeals is to inquire whether the trial court abused its discretion.”); see also Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., Inc., 28 S.W.3d 618, 620 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied) (“To prevail on appeal, appell…
discussed Cited "see, e.g." 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 TX LP CPL1988 and 2000 Buick TX LP CV1N817 v. State
Tex. App. · 2015 · signal: see also · confidence medium
See also Windle v. Mary Kay, Inc., No. 05-02-00252-CV, 2003 Tex. App. LEXIS 5594 , at *6-7 (Tex. App.—Dallas July 1, 2003, pet. denied) (mem. op.) (finding attorney’s affidavit insufficient because merely providing excuses does not indicate “what efforts counsel made to effectuate service”). 12 Roberts v. Padre Island Brewing Co., 28 S.W.3d 618, 622 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2000, pet. denied). 2004 DODGE RAM 1500 V.
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Pamela ROBERTS, Appellant,
v.
PADRE ISLAND BREWING CO., INC., Appellee
13-99-368-CV.
Court of Appeals of Texas.
Aug 3, 2000.
28 S.W.3d 618
Jeffrey Alan Goldberg, San Antonio, for appellant., Cary Michael Toland, Brownsville, for appellee.
Hinojosa, Chavez, Rodriguez.
Cited by 48 opinions  |  Published

OPINION

Opinion by

Justice RODRIGUEZ.

Appellant Pamela Roberts appeals the dismissal of an employment discrimination claim. By two points of error, she contends the trial court erred by (1) dismissing her claim because she was diligent in procuring service upon appellee and (2) refusing to provide findings of fact and conclusions of law. We affirm.

Appellee Padre Island Brewing Company, Inc., terminated appellant during her pregnancy on June 26, 1998. Pursuant to section 21.202 of the Texas Labor Code, appellant filed a charge with the Texas Commission on Human Rights through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days after the date of termination. See Tex Lab.Code Ann. § 21.202 (Vernon 1998). Appellant alleged she was terminated in violation of the Texas Commission of Human Rights Act (TCHRA) as a result of her pregnancy. See Tex. Lab.Code Ann. §§ 21.001-21.556 (Vernon 1998) (codification of Texas Commission of Human Rights Act). On September 16, 1998, the Commission issued a Notice of Right to File a Civil Action, advising appellant that, pursuant to section 21.254 of the Texas Labor Code, she had sixty days from the receipt of the notice to file a civil action. See Tex. Lab. Code Ann. § 21.254 (Vernon 1993). Appellant filed a complaint in district court on October 27, 1998, but did not serve appel-lee with citation until January 22, 1999, some sixty-eight days after the expiration of the sixty day period. The trial court granted appellee’s motion to dismiss after finding appellant failed to use due diligence to timely serve appellee within the statute of limitations set forth by the TCHRA.

In her first issue, appellant contends the trial court improperly dismissed[*620] her claim because she continuously exercised diligence in attempting service from the time she filed her civil action until she ultimately served appellee. The standard of appellate review of a dismissal. is to inquire whether the trial court abused its discretion. Mercure Co., N.V. v. Rowland, 715 S.W.2d 677, 680 (Tex.App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1986, no writ). The scope of appellate review is limited to the arguments raised in the motion to dismiss. Id. at 680-81 (citing Country Cupboard, Inc. v. Texstar Corp., 570 S.W.2d 70, 75 (Tex.Civ.App.—Dallas 1978, writ ref'd n.r.e.)). To prevail on appeal, appellant must show a clear abuse of discretion on the trial court’s order granting appellee’s motion to dismiss. Id. at 681. A party moving to dismiss a suit based on the grounds that the petition was filed but not served within the applicable period of limitations must establish that ground as a matter of law. See Zale Corp. v. Rosenbaum, 520 S.W.2d 889, 890 (Tex.1975) (per curiam). If the movant meets this burden, the non-movant must then raise a material fact issue regarding limitations; specifically, whether due diligence was used to procure issuance and service of citation outside the limitations period. See Murray v. San Jacinto Agency Inc., 800 S.W.2d 826, 830 (Tex.1990); Gonzalez v. Phoenix Frozen Foods, Inc., 884 S.W.2d 587, 589 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 1994, no writ).

The Commission on Human Rights Act sets forth certain time limits for obtaining relief from unlawful employment practices. First, a complainant must file a charge with the commission within 180 days from the alleged unlawful practice. See Tex. Lab.Code Ann. § 21.202 (Vernon 1993); Eckerdt v. Frostex Foods, Inc., 802 S.W.2d 70, 71 (Tex.App. — Austin 1990, no writ). If the commission has not filed a civil suit within 180 days after the complaint is filed, it must notify the complainant in writing. See Tex. Lab.Code Ann. § 21.208 (Vernon 1993); Eckerdt, 802 S.W.2d at 71. Next, if the Commission’s notice advises the complainant of a right to sue, the complainant may bring a civil action against the party named in the charge within sixty days of receipt of the notice. See Tex. Lab.Code Ann. § 21.254 (Vernon 1993); Eckerdt, 802 S.W.2d at 71. Finally, the complainant must bring the civil action within two years after filing the charge with the commission. See Tex. Lab.Code Ann. § 21.256 (Vernon 1995); see also Eckerdt, 802 S.W.2d at 71. [1]

Before we can address the issue of appellant’s diligence, we must determine whether appellant served process within the period of limitations. From a reading of the act, appellant had either sixty days from the receipt of the notice or two years from the date of filing her charge of discrimination to serve citation upon appellee. Neither this Court nor the Texas Supreme Court have determined which period is controlling for purposes of limitations. When Texas case law fails to address questions raised under the TCHRA, we look to federal case law for guidance. Guerrero v. Refugio County, 946 S.W.2d 558, 666 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 1997, no writ); Benavides v. Moore, 848 S.W.2d 190, 193 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 1992, writ denied); see also Schroeder v. Texas Iron Works, Inc., 813 S.W.2d 483, 485-86 (Tex.1991).

The legislature modeled the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act (TCHRA) after Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. See 42 U.S.C. § 2000e. Pursuant to Title VII, a plaintiff has ninety days to bring suit after receipt of the EEOC’s right to file suit letter. See 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-5. Federal courts have consis[*621] tently treated this ninety day period as a period of limitations. See e.g., Sanders v. Venture Stores, Inc., 56 F.3d 771, 775 (7th Cir.1995); Early v. Bankers Life and Casualty Co., 959 F.2d 75, 80 (7th Cir.1992); Porter v. Beaumont Enterprise and Journal, 743 F.2d 269, 272 (5th Cir.1984). Furthermore, one of our sister courts has held that the sixty day period set forth in section 21.254 of the labor code is the applicable period of limitations in employment discrimination cases. See Sibley v. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Texas, 998 S.W.2d 399, 405 (Tex.App.—Texarkana 1999, no pet.) (in action for employment discrimination, compliance with sixty day limitations period requires service upon defendant within that period).

Likewise, we conclude that the sixty day period, under section 21.254 of the Texas Labor Code, is the applicable period of limitations for the purpose of service of process.

In the present case, after receiving her Notice of Right to File a Civil Action on September 16, 1998, appellant filed suit on October 27, 1998. Appellant served appel-lee on January 22, 1999, one hundred twenty eight days from the date of correspondence of her right to sue letter, [2] or sixty-eight days after the sixty day limitations period had run. Therefore, service was not accomplished within the applicable statute of limitations. In fact, more than two times the limitations period expired before appellant served appellant.

Service of citation outside the limitations period may be given effect only if the plaintiff exercised due diligence in procuring issuance and service of citation upon the defendant. Gant v. DeLeon, 786 S.W.2d 259, 260 (Tex.1990) (per curiam); Zale Corp., 520 S.W.2d at 890. Thus, when a plaintiff files suit within the limitations period, but does not serve the defendant until after the statutory period has expired, the date of service relates back to the date of filing only if the plaintiff continuously exercised due diligence in effecting service of citation upon the defendant. Gant, 786 S.W.2d at 260; Zale Corp., 520 S.W.2d at 890; Hansler v. Mainka, 807 S.W.2d 3, 5 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 1991, no writ).

In this case, appellant’s counsel hired a local process server, Jaime Muni-zez, who was recommended by the Cameron County District Clerk’s office. Munizez never served appellee; another individual ultimately achieved service. Appellant argues that although she served the defendant after the period of limitation had run, such service should relate back to the date of her original petition because she exercised diligence by repeatedly attempting to contact Munizez as well as the Cameron County Clerk’s office to inquire about the status of service. We conclude, however, that appellant’s acts do not constitute due diligence because it is the responsibility of the person requesting service, and not the process server, to see that the service is properly accomplished. See Tex.R. Civ. P. 99(a). Reliance on the process server does not constitute due diligence in attempting service of process. Gonzalez, 884 S.W.2d at 589-90. A reasonable person in the same or similar circumstance would have employed an alternate process server, a constable, or would have attempted service through other alternative court approved methods such as service through a court appointed third party. See Gonzalez, 884 S.W.2d at 589; Hansler; 807 S.W.2d at 5. Additionally, appellee is an incorporated entity whose agent for service of process is registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Appellant could have obtained the name of appellee’s registered agent by[*622] contacting the Secretary of State’s office and effected service upon appellee’s registered agent through certified mail. See Tex.R. Civ. P. 21(a). Although the existence of diligence is usually a question of fact, a lack of diligence exists as a matter of law because it is clear that appellant did not exhaust all of the alternatives available to achieve proper service. See Gonzalez, 884 S.W.2d at 589 (stating that lack of diligence exists as a matter of law where plaintiffs acts clearly negate diligence).

Appellant did not demonstrate that she attempted service by any means other than relying on Munizez. After considering appellant’s failure to exhaust all of the alternatives available to achieve timely service, and that appellee was served seventy-six days after the running of a sixty day statute of limitations, we conclude appellant did not use due diligence in effecting service of process. Appellant has not raised a material fact issue regarding the defense of limitations and the dismissal of her claims was proper. See Murray, 800 S.W.2d at 803; see also Gonzalez, 884 S.W.2d at 589. Appellant’s first point of error is overruled.

In her second issue, appellant claims that the trial court erred when it refused to return findings of fact and conclusions of law after she filed a timely and proper request for them. Pursuant to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, a party may request the court to state its findings of fact and conclusions of law in writing following a bench trial. See Tex.R. Civ. P. 296.

The Texas Supreme Court has consistently held that a trial court’s failure or refusal to provide findings of fact and conclusions of law after a party has made a timely and proper request is not reversible error unless the record before the appellate court affirmatively shows that the complaining party has suffered an injury as a result of the trial court’s failure to provide such findings and conclusions. Tenery v. Tenery, 932 S.W.2d 29, 30 (Tex.1996) (per curiam) (citing Cheme Industries v. Magallanes, 763 S.W.2d 768, 772 (Tex.1989)); Wagner v. Riske, 142 Tex. 337, 178 S.W.2d 117, 120 (1944).

In her brief, appellant sets forth the proper procedure for requesting findings of fact and conclusions of law as set forth in the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. See Tex.R. Civ. P. 296, 297. Appellant states only that the trial court failed to comply with the procedure after she made her request. Appellant does not advance any argument illustrating how she sustained any specific harm as a result of the trial court’s failure to provide such findings and conclusions. We conclude that appellant was not injured by the trial court’s failure to submit such findings and conclusions. Tenery, 932 S.W.2d at 30; Wagner, 178 S.W.2d at 120. Appellant’s second point of error is overruled.

We conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion. The trial court’s dismissal of appellant’s claim is AFFIRMED.

1

. The corresponding section of this statute, article 5221k, section 7.01(a), as it existed in 1990, set forth a one year statute of limitations within which a plaintiff may bring a civil action. See Eckerdt v. Frostex Foods, Inc., 802 S.W.2d 70, 71 (Tex.App. — Austin 1990, no writ). Section 7.01(a) of the Act was re-codified in 1993 and amended in 1995 to reflect the current statute as it appears under section 21.256 of ihe labor code, which provides for a two year statute of limitations.

2

. Appellant’s notice of a right to sue letter is not in the record before this Court. Appellant does not provide the date she received her Notice of Right to File a Civil Action letter; she provides the date of correspondence that appears on the notice. However, both parties to this appeal use September 16, 1998 as the date that commences the running of the sixty day period proscribed by section 21.254 of the labor code. Accordingly, for purposes of this appeal, appellant does not dispute that she received notice on September 16, 1998.