If a defendant fails to attend the first and second settlement conference, what may happen?

When a defendant does not attend the first and second settlement conferences, it generally implies that they are not engaging in the dispute resolution process mandated by the courts. In this context, it can result in the plaintiff being required to prove their claim, as the absence of the defendant may limit opportunities for negotiation or settlement, impacting how the case moves forward. The plaintiff will have to substantively present their case in court, substantiating their arguments and providing evidence without the benefit of any defense presented by the absent defendant.

This situation reflects the principle that all parties are expected to participate in the settlement process as a means of promoting efficiency and resolving disputes amicably. If one party fails to do so, it shifts the responsibility back to the other party to establish their claims to the satisfaction of the court. The remaining options do not accurately capture the consequences of a defendant's absence from settlement conferences; there is no automatic acceptance of a defense or a transfer to a higher court under these circumstances, and fines alone are not typically the outcome of such attendance failures.