A Pierringer agreement is a legal settlement that allows a defendant in a lawsuit to settle with one or more co-defendants, while still allowing the plaintiff to continue to pursue claims against the remaining defendants. In essence, a Pierringer agreement allows defendants to settle without having to pay for all of the damages that they caused.

Cross claims, on the other hand, are claims made by one defendant against another defendant in a lawsuit. These claims can arise when one defendant believes that another defendant is responsible for some or all of the damages that the plaintiff is claiming.

When these two legal concepts are combined, they create what is known as a Pierringer agreement with cross claims. This type of agreement allows co-defendants to settle their claims with the plaintiff while also bringing cross claims against each other. By doing so, they can resolve some or all of the legal claims against them without having to pay for all of the damages.

Pierringer agreements with cross claims can be an effective legal strategy for defendants. They allow defendants to resolve their claims with the plaintiff while still protecting their interests against co-defendants in the lawsuit. Additionally, these agreements can help defendants to reduce their legal costs.

However, Pierringer agreements with cross claims are not always beneficial for plaintiffs. These agreements can make it more difficult for plaintiffs to collect full compensation for their damages, as the damages may be divided among the co-defendants. Additionally, these agreements may require plaintiffs to participate in multiple legal proceedings, including those against co-defendants who have settled their claims.

Overall, Pierringer agreements with cross claims can be a useful legal tactic for defendants, but they may not always be advantageous for plaintiffs. If you are involved in a legal dispute that involves multiple co-defendants, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of the legal process and provide you with guidance on your legal options.