When does a default judgment occur?

A default judgment occurs when a defendant fails to respond or answer a complaint filed against them within the specified timeframe. This legal concept is critical because it allows the court to rule in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant neglects their obligation to participate in the legal proceedings.

When a defendant does not submit an answer to the complaint, the court assumes that the defendant does not contest the claims made by the plaintiff, which leads to a default judgment. This judgment can result in the plaintiff obtaining the relief they sought without further consideration of the defendant's position.

The other scenarios presented in the options do not fit the definition of a default judgment. For instance, cases involving intentional torts or a reservation of rights from an insurer relate to different aspects of legal proceedings, while a defendant submitting an answer directly contradicts the conditions necessary for a default judgment to occur. Thus, the most accurate understanding of when a default judgment happens is precisely when a defendant does not provide a response to the complaint.