We've never dealt with this, we are not lawyers so the advice I have is simply from knowing some ppl who have been on your shoes.
Each state and district is different. I suggest you lawyer up.
I know personally of 2 couples who make their living on lawsuits and settlements. As they go thru friends and neighbors, they move on to different areas if the DFW metroplex where they are not " known" .
One couple ( the hubby) routinely sues for employment issues. They've lost friends. My hubby said to this guys lawyer a couple years ago. Stop wasting my time which is $$$ trying to sue someone on an unfounded basis. They kept trying to get my hubby to say this guy was reputable... NOT
Case #2. Ex neighbor. Had too much to drink at a neighborhood party one night and blabbed about slipping and falling at grocery stores and getting about $100,000 per yr on settlements. She was a freaking medical dr who didn't finish her residency and this paid her student loans. They moved within a year after that because no one was stupid enough to allow them on personal property because we all knew the bottom line was they were after $$$ and a lawsuit.
This leads to my answer to your "friend". Some ppl here say you are not compassionate. I say they don't know the full story. If this person is still pressing for a settlement from you... From 2009 and you have been cooperative......... I envision this person like my ex neighbor looking at her income for the next year and the ex couple we are associated with .
Some ppl don't believe in hard work and personal responsibility therefore they rely on those of us who do to pay their bills through bogas lawsuits.
Was she hurt? Yes. Her face? Yes? Did you pay her medical bills? Yes. ( as you should have )
I see someone looking to make money off someone else vs being personally responsible for their own actions.
Granted.., if someone is truly hurt or injured on your property, yes you should ante up for all legitimate bills ( real time and long term)
Too many ppl are just looking for a free ride right now and won't stop at the legitimate costs... They just want all they can get from you because they see your insurance as free $$ owed to them. They can't see past themselves.
Spend the $$ for good legal counsel if you feel you are not justified to being sued .
Good luck
Sick society we have right now.