One day when I was driving on the freeway, I was completely blindsided by another car pummeling down the hill. I didn't know what to do or what went wrong, but I knew things were bad. I couldn't feel my feet at first, and my face was covered in liquid that turned out to be blood. When the ambulance arrived I could see the concern on their faces, and it was frustrating to know what was about to come. Fortunately, I was able to get great medical care, and talk with a personal injury attorney that helped me to sort out everything else. Read this website to find out how accident attorneys can help you to make a difference in your own life.
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If your injury was caused by another person or a company's negligence, and you want to pursue compensation for your damages, mediation is one option to consider. Mediation keeps you out of court, which can be stressful and frustrating. Instead, mediation allows you to settle the dispute directly with the offender. Here are some things you should know:
What Exactly is Mediation?
Mediation involves the process of negotiating a settlement with the offending party. You will come together with a neutral third party, known as a mediator, with the goal being a satisfactory settlement everyone can agree with. You and your lawyer will meet with the offending party and their respective legal representation. Although you do not have to have a lawyer present, it is highly recommended to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Who is the Mediator?
The mediator is a neutral person, generally another lawyer, who has a specialized certification as a mediator. The mediator is an unbiased person without personal interest in how your case turns out. You and the offending party have to agree on a mediator. If you cannot agree on the same mediator, the court can assign one.
The mediator is there to listen to the facts of the case and help discover areas with which everyone can agree. He or she then facilitates the negotiations when you all discuss the final settlement figures. The mediator has no power to make any decisions. Both parties are making the decisions.
What is Mediation Day Like?
The mediation process starts with an opening statement by your lawyer. The statement lays out all the facts of the incident that put you in your current position. Your lawyer will make an argument why you should win a settlement. Your lawyer may use a variety of visual aids and other information to help emphasize different points of your case.
After the opening statement, the other party's lawyer will make a statement. Both lawyers will make points and counterpoints throughout the mediation while the mediator listens. He or she will point out facts and provide opinions as to different components of the case without swaying the argument either way. Once the negations are over, you and the other party have to make a decision as to the settlement and how it will play out.
If you do not come to a mutual decision, you can opt to go through mediation again. You can also take your case to court if you wish. For more information, contact a company like Fitzsimmons & Vervaecke Law Firm today.
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