[header] How to accept a settlement offer [title] Pay attention to timing. [step] A settlement offer may be made at any point during a civil lawsuit or administrative proceeding. The other side can even make a settlement offer after the trial has begun. 
[substeps] A settlement offer during trial might mean that the other side thinks it's going to lose and wants a more predictable way out of the situation. This is especially true if you're involved in a jury trial.