Consider Pursuing Mediation For Your Personal Injury Case
As you think about hiring an attorney to get a better settlement from the insurance company, don't hesitate to contact a law firm for a free consultation. You may decide that using a strategy such as having an impartial mediator help negotiate a better settlement will be well worth your attorney fees.
Mediation for Injury Cases
You may have heard about mediation in divorce cases, as the process is often relied upon to settle disagreements about details. It's less emotionally taxing for the couple and less expensive than bringing the case to court. Increasingly, personal injury lawyers are recommending mediation as well when a client and an insurer cannot come to an agreement. Sometimes when a case is about to go to court, the judge orders the plaintiff and the insurer to have mediation sessions in an effort to avoid a jury trial.
What to Expect During Mediation
Mediators commonly are retired judges or lawyers, or practicing attorneys who are not associated with either law firm in the case. The sessions vary depending on the circumstances, but in general, a similar format is followed.
You and your lawyer, along with an insurance adjuster and the company's lawyer, meet with a mediator. You and the insurance carrier representative each have a chance to address one another directly and to state your case to the mediator. You also have a private meeting with the mediator and your lawyer; you can request that certain things you say during the private meeting stay confidential. The adjuster meets privately with the mediator as well.
Everyone convenes together once again and the mediator works to bring both sides to an agreement.
Sometimes these cases cannot be settled in a single session. Nevertheless, coming together for a few sessions is still less time-consuming and costs less than going to trial.
Why Mediation Is Effective
When you're communicating with an insurance company by mail, fax or email -- or through your lawyer -- you are essentially a file of information. During mediation, however, the adjuster gets to know you a little bit in person. That can make a big difference in softening an adjuster's attitude.
In addition, the adjuster is likely to appreciate the extra effort you're putting forth to come to a reasonable resolution rather than pursuing litigation in court. The mediator is an important factor as well, as this person brings an impartial viewpoint to the sessions.
Contact a personal injury lawyer like one from Richard Glazer Law Office and find out more about mediation for your particular situation.
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