—Failure of a Party To Appear

before the Court when Required (a) If the plaintiff or representative fails to appear before the court on the hearing date, the judicial authority may dismiss the claim for want of prosecution, render a finding on the merits for the defendant or make such other disposition as may be proper. (b) If the defendant fails to appear before the court at any time set for hearing, the judicial authority may render judgment in favor of the plaintiff based on such proofs as it deems neces- sary to establish the amount due under the claim, or make such other disposition as may be proper, provided that the plaintiff has appeared at the hearing. (P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 579.)