If the summons and complaint in a real or mixed action fails of sufficient service or return by unavoidable cause, or if by the default or negligence of any officer to whom it was delivered or directed for service, the action is dismissed; or if the action is defeated for any matter of form or by the death or other disability of either party, or if the plaintiff's judgment is reversed on appeal, the plaintiff may commence a new action at any time within 6 months after the determination of the first action or the reversal of the judgment.