A settlement is an agreement reached between parties in a legal dispute, often to avoid going to trial. Settlements are common in civil cases where both parties agree on compensation or other terms to resolve the matter without further litigation. This process allows for a quicker resolution and can be less costly than a full court trial.

Legal Context

In legal terms, a settlement is a formal resolution of a dispute before it is decided by a judge or jury. Settlements can occur at any stage of a lawsuit, even before a case is filed, and are usually documented in a settlement agreement. This agreement outlines the terms under which the parties have agreed to resolve their differences, including any payments, actions to be taken, or confidentiality provisions.