When another party’s negligence or wrongdoing injures you, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. You hope that the at-fault party’s insurance company will willingly pay you the full value of your claim. However, that rarely happens.
In most personal injury cases, the insurance company will try to deny or devalue your claim so they can pay you as little as possible to settle it. Your attorney’s job is to build your strongest case by gathering substantial evidence and customizing the best legal strategy for your specific situation, and to work to resolve your claim as quickly as possible for maximum compensation.
If your claim does not settle quickly, your attorney will file a lawsuit demanding the compensation you are entitled to. Before going to court, consider mediating with the insurance company and the at-fault party to resolve your claim. Mediation can often be a better alternative to going to trial.
Understanding how mediation works in a personal injury case can help you decide if you want to use that process to help settle your claim. Reach out to our personal injury attorney in Lafayette for assistance.
Understanding Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary process used to resolve a personal injury claim without going to trial. It uses a neutral third party, called a mediator, to help you and the defendant reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
The mediator does not decide your claim. They work to help both sides understand the other’s position. They can help find areas where you and the defendant agree and use them to work toward a settlement.
The benefits of mediation are that you can resolve your claim much sooner, it is much less stressful than a trial, and it removes the risk you face at trial.
The disadvantages of mediation are that you do not get to have your day in court, and you may settle for less than you could have recovered by going to trial.
Should You Mediate Your Claim?
Mediation is not the right choice for some personal injury cases. It works best when both parties are willing to negotiate in good faith and reach a compromise. If the insurance company disputes liability and refuses to make a fair offer, mediation may not be productive.
If mediation is an option, it can often help you obtain your compensation much faster and be easier than preparing for and having a trial. You should discuss with your attorney whether mediation could be helpful in your case.
Anderson Blanda & Saltzman Personal Injury Attorneys Have Decades of Mediation Experience
Our Louisiana personal injury attorneys have extensive experience protecting the rights of injury victims and helping them secure maximum compensation as quickly as possible. We know when mediation is a good choice for you, and we can present your strongest case so the insurance company wants to offer you a fair settlement.
If you have been injured in an accident in Louisiana caused by another party’s negligence, we want to help you. Call (337) 233-3366 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.