A party opposing summary judgment is entitled to obtain further discovery when it appears that there may be facts supporting the opposing party's position but the cannot then be stated. A party who contends that a summary judgment motion is premature is required to demonstrate that discovery might lead to relevant evidence or the facts essential to justify opposition to the motion were exclusively within the knowledge and control of the movant. The mere hope or speculation that discovery may reveal evidence sufficient to withstand summary judgment does not warrant denial of the motion.
Charles v. City of New York, NY Slip Op 05213 (2d Dep't October 1, 2025)