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VI.THE BATTLE BEGINS: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LITIGATIONThousands of decisions – many of them judgment calls – will come into play in anycomplex lawsuit arising from a catastrophe. Because all cases are unique, no paper ortreatise can provide a one-size-fits-all litigation roadmap. Here, though, the panel offerssome recommendations that could help your company effectively defend and resolvecatastrophic litigation.A. Reaching Across to the Other SideBeyond the stresses of time and money, catastrophic litigation will exact other businessand emotional tolls on all those involved. Every company facing catastrophic litigationeventually will become worn down and express a strong desire to get the matterresolved quickly so that everyone can focus on productive and less-taxing endeavors.While catastrophic litigation can be overwhelming for defendants, it is also challengingand stressful for the victims and plaintiffs’ attorneys. Beyond the factual and legalissues, plaintiffs’ attorneys are juggling the challenging logistics of multiple clients,outsized recovery expectations, familial and legal status of claimants, and variable claimvalues. Understanding the pressure points that the other side must deal with is helpfulfor defendants in the context of shaping defense strategies and approaching settlement.Some might counsel against this, but consider reaching out to plaintiffs’ attorneys earlyfor face-to-face meetings. Couched as confidential settlement discussions, themeetings would include candid exchanges about what each side is dealing with, and