Can a related claim be brought against a co-defendant if a prior claim is already being handled?

A related claim can indeed be brought against a co-defendant when a prior claim is already moving forward. This ability to bring related claims is grounded in the principle of promoting judicial efficiency and conserving resources by allowing related matters to be resolved together. Under the related claims rule, if the claims arise out of the same transaction or occurrence, they can be asserted even if a prior claim is underway. This approach supports the legal preference for resolving interconnected issues in a single proceeding, thus reducing the potential for inconsistent verdicts and saving time and costs associated with multiple lawsuits.

While other methods, such as a third-party action or amendments, have their place in the legal process, they do not solely encompass the broader framework established by the related claims rule. The key takeaway is that related claims provide a mechanism for addressing concurrent issues, ensuring cohesive decision-making by the court and comprehensive relief for the parties involved.