Re: PI Settlement Conference

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A settlement conference is an attempt by the Court to settle
a case before they waste taxpayer money on a trial. It is not
an attempt by the insurance company. Ususally the "meeting"
I think you are referring to is called a Mandatory Settlement
Conference and is required by the Court before a trial.

A mediation is also a type of settlement conference and is a
form of alternative dispute resolution. In that setting, a
neutral mediator attempts to settle your case. He/she will
point out strengths and weaknesses of your case and try to
squeeze money out of the insurance company and also find your
bottom line. You give in a little, they give in a little, and
the case settles where it should. (I just made it sould a
heck of a lot easier than it really is!)

PS: There are also arbitrations, some of which are binding.
Those are like mini trials.

Good Luck!

On 9/30/05, Ray wrote:
> Since my attorney is very busy and I can't get a hold of
> him.
> I just want to know what is and what happens at one of
> these Settlement Conference meetings. Only thing I do know
> so far is that they are held before go to trial.Is it a
> last minute attempt by the defendant's insurance company
> to try to settle out of court? Please enlighten me.