Mediation as an Option for Settling Personal Injury Cases
If you would like to consider mediation, it may be beneficial to first discuss your personal injury case with a motor vehicle accident lawyer Silver Spring MD accident victims believe in. The legal firm of Cohen and Cohen, P.C. has represented thousands of personal injury victims. Our attorneys have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients and they have extensive experience in mediation.
Mediation can be a less expensive, less stressful, and faster method of settling legal disputes, including those involving personal injuries. When settlement negotiations break down, in an effort to avoid lengthy and expensive court cases, attorneys and insurance adjusters will often be open to mediation.
How Mediation Works for Personal Injury Cases
When a motor vehicle accident lawyer Silver Spring MD trusts, their client, and the opposing party agree to mediation, all involved will meet with a neutral third party. The third party, also known as the mediator, is specially trained to help adversarial parties come to an agreement. Mediation is a voluntary process unless ordered by a judge, and it’s undertaken before a case goes to court. This is a more relaxed and informal method of handling the issues as compared to traditional court procedures. In addition:
Clients can likely expect the mediation process to follow these guidelines:
Where to Find Mediators for Your Personal Injury Claim
As mediation continues to grow in popularity, it becomes easier to find mediators who can help resolve disputes of varying forms. Not every mediator is qualified to handle personal injury claims against insurance companies and adjusters. A Silver Spring MD motor vehicle accident lawyer may work with one or two mediators on a regular basis and can make a recommendation on who to contact.
Dispute resolution centers? Volunteers staff these centers and have varying amounts of mediation training. Lacking in legal experience, they are not professional mediators. If they charge a fee for their services it’s nominal. They specialize in mediating disputes between tenants and landlords or customers who might otherwise go to small claims court against small businesses. A motor vehicle accident lawyer in Silver Spring MD will probably not recommend this option for a personal injury claim.
Independent mediators? Typically, these mediators are retired or sitting judges or lawyers. They usually charge what a motor vehicle accident lawyer Silver Spring MD hires might earn per hour. Many have the experience and legal knowledge to mediate personal injury cases.
Professional mediators? They are usually retired judges or a motor vehicle accident lawyer Silver Spring MD rates highly for qualifications with a background in law and mediation. Their fees are on the high end and they’re qualified to mediate property, business, and personal injury claim disputes.
The Advantages of Using Mediation for a Personal Injury Claim
There are several advantages to pursuing mediation which is why it’s becoming more common and acceptable.
The Disadvantages of Using Mediation for a Personal Injury Claim
There are some potential downsides to using mediation instead of proceeding directly to court.
Criteria for Considering Mediation
As general guidelines, when making the decision of whether or not to pursue mediation to resolve your personal injury claim, consider the following:
Our legal team is adept at negotiating settlements as well as successfully trying cases in court. They can also work with mediators when the situation requires. Whether or not you’re considering mediation, contact a motor vehicle accident lawyer Silver Spring MD deserves; the attorneys of Cohen and Cohen, P.C.