Is he a co-defendant or the only defendant named in the lawsuit? If it is just him I would be surprised if they take it very far. The plaintiff's attorneys aren't going to spend a lot of time going after the few assets he has. They would probably be looking for a very quick settlement for whatever they can get.
If there is a judgement against him he might have to file for bankruptcy to protect the house. If he has a mortgage on the house it might not be worth going after it.
If the carrier's insurance company is paying to defend the suit they're attorneys should have been in contact with your friend.