Glossary
Settlement
An agreement between the parties to resolve a case without going to trial. Most civil cases settle: often after extensive negotiation, sometimes facilitated by a mediator.
Settlement is by far the most common outcome of a civil case. Estimates vary, but generally 90%+ of civil cases settle before trial. Both sides have reasons: trials are expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable, and a known outcome through settlement is often better than the risk of an unknown trial result.
A settlement agreement is a contract. The plaintiff usually agrees to dismiss the lawsuit and release the defendant from further claims; the defendant usually agrees to pay or do something. Settlement terms can be confidential.
Once a settlement is reached and the case dismissed, you generally can't reopen it. That's why settlement decisions deserve careful thought: and ideally legal advice, even if you've been representing yourself.