What is a potential consequence of piecemeal litigation?

Piecemeal litigation refers to the process of resolving a case in separate parts or stages, rather than addressing all claims and parties together in a single comprehensive proceeding. One of the primary consequences of engaging in piecemeal litigation is that it often leads to higher legal costs and a significant investment of time.

When cases are litigated in parts, parties might have to go through multiple rounds of discovery, engage in separate motion practices, and possibly attend several court hearings. This fragmentation can result in duplicative efforts and increased attorney fees, as resources are spent addressing each component individually rather than consolidating the issues to be resolved in one trial. Additionally, the piecemeal approach can extend the duration of the litigation, causing delays and increasing costs for all parties involved.

In contrast, options that suggest increased efficiency, more favorable rulings for plaintiffs, or reduced complexity do not align with the generally accepted issues associated with piecemeal litigation. These outcomes often arise from comprehensive approaches where all relevant claims and defenses are addressed simultaneously, promoting resolution and efficiency instead of fragmentation.