PennyP, a settlement can come any time before the verdict is delivered in open court.
We had an oilfield explosion case that we tried in which the guy had severe injuries, and had a wife and child. The case could have gone either way. We had nothing to lose by waiting for the verdict, and felt like we might win it. The jury was deliberating and settlement negotiations continued while the jury was out, as neither side could truly peg what the outcome would be. However, the exposure to the defendant was huge, and they did make a fairly handsome settlement offer finally. It was up to the client whether to take it or leave it. We were sitting at the counsel table when the jury knocked on the door with their verdict. They were DONE! At that point the client decided to accept the settlement offer and the case was settled. The verdict was recorded, although having no effect due to the last second settlement, and for over two decades it stood as the largest personal injury jury verdict ever in North Central Texas.
Yes, a case can settle at any time before the verdict is read in open court.
JJ
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