Discover how motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment can help you avoid costly trials. Learn the financial and time-saving benefits of pretrial motions with Legal Husk

How Motions to Dismiss and Summary Judgment Can Save You Time and Money in Litigation

Introduction

Litigation is often thought of as a long, expensive journey through the court system. But not every case has to end in a trial. Strategic pretrial motions like the motion to dismiss and the motion for summary judgment can resolve lawsuits early—saving litigants time, money, and stress.

These legal tools, when properly applied, allow parties to sidestep the lengthy and expensive process of discovery, trial preparation, and court appearances. In this article, we break down how these motions work to cut costs and timelines, and how Legal Husk can help you use them to your advantage.

Understanding the Motions

What is a Motion to Dismiss?

A motion to dismiss challenges the legal sufficiency of a complaint. Filed early in the litigation process, it argues that even if everything alleged in the complaint is true, there is no valid legal claim.

What is a Motion for Summary Judgment?

This motion comes later in the case, usually after discovery. It argues that there are no material facts in dispute and that the moving party should win as a matter of law.

How These Motions Save You Time

1. Avoiding Lengthy Discovery

• Discovery is often the most time-consuming phase in litigation.
• A successful motion to dismiss can end the case before discovery begins.
• Summary judgment can cut off discovery if it's clear that the facts are not in dispute.

2. Bypassing Trial Scheduling Delays

• Courts often schedule trials months or years after initial filings.
• Pretrial motions allow you to resolve the dispute much sooner.

3. Streamlining the Case

• Even if the entire case isn't dismissed, partial motions can remove claims and reduce complexity.
• Less complexity = faster resolution.

How These Motions Save You Money

1. Reduced Legal Fees

• Fewer hours spent on depositions, expert witnesses, and motion practice mean smaller bills.
• Trials can cost tens of thousands of dollars in attorney time alone.

2. Limited Need for Experts

• Expert reports and testimony are expensive.
• If your case is resolved on legal grounds or on undisputed facts, you may avoid this cost entirely.

3. Shorter Engagement with Legal Counsel

• A case resolved in the early stages means you don't need ongoing representation for years.

4. Reduced Court Costs

• Filing fees, trial exhibits, subpoena costs—these add up quickly during litigation.

Client Scenarios: Saving in Action

Scenario 1: Business Owner Sued for Breach of Contract

• The complaint lacks a signed agreement.
• Legal Husk drafts a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim.
• Case dismissed in 30 days, saving months of discovery and over $20,000 in potential legal fees.

Scenario 2: Employee Files Discrimination Claim

• After discovery, there's no evidence of discriminatory statements or actions.
• Legal Husk prepares a motion for summary judgment with affidavits and deposition excerpts.
• Judge grants the motion, avoiding a trial that would have cost $50,000+.

Long-Term Benefits of Early Resolution

• Preserves business operations: Avoid the disruption and distraction of prolonged litigation.
• Protects personal time: Spend less time in court and more on your priorities.
• Reduces emotional toll: Litigation is stressful—early resolution brings peace of mind.
• Improves settlement position: Winning a motion strengthens your leverage if the case continues.

When to Consider Filing These Motions

• The opposing party's claim lacks a legal basis
• You have documentation or testimony proving no factual dispute exists
• You're facing excessive discovery requests or mounting litigation costs
• You want to test the strength of the case early

How Legal Husk Makes It Easy

At Legal Husk, we:

• Analyze your case to determine if a pretrial motion is appropriate
• Draft tailored motions to dismiss or summary judgment
• Collect and organize evidence (if needed)
• Help you oppose motions filed against you
• Offer flat-rate pricing so you can plan your legal budget

📌 Visit us at:

• legalhusk.com
• legalhusk.com/services
• legalhusk.com/services/civil-litigation
• legalhusk.com/about-us

Final Thoughts

Pretrial motions aren't just legal formalities. They are strategic, cost-cutting tools that can end a lawsuit before it starts or before it reaches trial. Whether you're trying to stop a meritless claim in its tracks or shut down a case based on clear evidence, motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment are key.

📩 Need help ending your case early? Visit Legal Husk to get started with affordable, expert-drafted pretrial motions.