NY A08728

Reduces the deadline for serving third-party complaints from 120 days to 20 days after filing with the court

Establishes tiered deadlines for successive third-party claims: 60 days for initial defendants, 45 days for first third-party defendants, 30 days for second third-party defendants, and 20 days for any subsequent parties

Prohibits filing third-party complaints after a note of issue has been filed, with violations resulting in severance or dismissal without prejudice

Creates an exception for claims against a plaintiff's employer involving grave injuries under workers' compensation law or when the employer's identity was previously unknown, allowing 120 days from discovery

Bars consolidation of actions when a severed third-party claim is refiled as a new lawsuit