What is the primary outcome of a Rule 15 motion to dismiss for failure to plead damages?

The primary outcome of a Rule 15 motion to dismiss for failure to plead damages is that leave to amend shall be granted when justice requires. Rule 15 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure generally favors the amendment of pleadings. This promotes the idea that cases should be decided on their merits rather than dismissed on technicalities.

When a motion to dismiss is granted due to insufficient damages being pled, the court usually allows the plaintiff an opportunity to amend the complaint to provide the necessary information about damages. The rationale is that plaintiffs should have a fair chance to articulate their claims fully, especially when the failure to plead damages does not reflect the merits of the underlying case. This approach aligns with the overarching principle of facilitating justice and ensuring that cases can be properly adjudicated.

The other options do not align with the intent of Rule 15, which emphasizes amendment over dismissal without opportunity to correct deficiencies. A dismissal without leave to amend and automatic victories for the defendant do not consider the plaintiff's right to address their pleading issues, and transferring the case to another court is unrelated to the specifics of pleading damages. The focus remains on providing the plaintiff a chance to clarify their claims rather than outright denying their opportunity to pursue the case.