La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 4921.1

A. After the lapse of fifteen days from the date the answer to the suit is filed pursuant to Article 4920, any party may make written demand to have the case set for trial. The judge shall give notice of trial within forty-five days of the answer being filed. The court shall issue notice of trial to be held within forty-five days of that date.

B. Notwithstanding the three-year period for abandonment as provided by Article 561, if the parties fail to take any step in the prosecution or defense of the action for a period of one year, the action shall otherwise be subject to the procedures for abandonment as provided by Article 561, provided that the court has jurisdiction over the subject matter.

C.(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph A of this Article, the justice of the peace or clerk may set the matter for trial upon filing of a petition. The date, time, and location of the trial shall be contained in the citation. The first scheduled trial date shall be not more than forty-five days, nor less than ten days, from the service of the citation. If the defendant appears, he need not file an answer unless ordered to do so by the court. If a defendant who has been served with citation fails to appear at the time and place specified in the citation, the judge may enter a default judgment for the plaintiff in the amount proved to be due. If the plaintiff does not appear, the judge may enter an order dismissing the action without prejudice.

(2) If a matter has been set for trial pursuant to Subparagraph (1) of this Paragraph, no default judgment shall be rendered prior to the trial date.