Failing to serve a summons within the required timeframe can lead to the loss of the right to pursue the case. In many legal jurisdictions, including New York, timely service of process is crucial for upholding the rights of all parties involved. If a summons is not served within the specified period, the plaintiff may be barred from proceeding with the case altogether, meaning they could potentially lose the opportunity to have their case heard in court.
This consequence emphasizes the importance of adhering to procedural rules, as they ensure that the defendant is properly notified of legal actions against them. While other outcomes, such as dismissal of the case or needing to restart the process, could occur under different circumstances, the key point here is that the failure to serve within the designated timeframe can directly impact the plaintiff's ability to pursue their claims effectively.