Claims may be severed when they involve distinct legal or factual issues that could confuse a jury or create inefficiencies. Severance is appropriate when consolidation would cause undue delay, increase expenses, or prejudice any party. Courts have discretion to determine the necessity of severance based on the specifics of each case.
For example: If two plaintiffs suffer different injuries due to alleged negligence by the same defendant but under vastly different circumstances, their claims may be severed to provide each plaintiff’s case the focused attention it deserves.