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Tip For Choosing Legal Mediation Services

Tip For Choosing Legal Mediation Services

Choosing the right legal mediation services can be crucial in achieving a successful resolution to your dispute. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Call us at (470) 268-5802  With the help of our skilled mediator, you can work collaboratively to find a solution to your dispute that works for everyone.

Understanding Personal Injury Settlements

Understanding Personal Injury Settlements

Settlement occurs when an insurance adjuster or a defendant (the person or company you are suing) makes an offer of payment to you (the victim). Call us at (470) 268-5802  With the help of our skilled mediator, you can work collaboratively to find a solution to your dispute that works for everyone.

The Process of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

The Process of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

The process is voluntary, and the parties involved have the opportunity to work collaboratively to find a resolution that meets their needs and interests. Mediation can be particularly useful in situations where ongoing relationships between the parties are essential, such as in family disputes or business partnerships. Call us at (470) 268-5802 If you’re looking for professional and affordable Atlanta legal mediation services.

Atlanta Legal Mediation Services

Atlanta Legal Mediation Services

Atlanta Legal Mediation Services

Atlanta Legal Mediation Services: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

ADR is a broad term that refers to any process that is used to resolve disputes outside of traditional litigation. Mediation is one of the most common forms of ADR (along with arbitration, negotiation, and conciliation) that helps parties to resolve their disputes outside of the court system. Mediation involves the use of a neutral third party, known as a mediator, who facilitates communication and negotiation between the parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable solution. The primary goal of Atlanta legal mediation services is to help parties involved in a dispute resolve their issues without resorting to litigation, which can be costly, time-consuming, and emotionally draining.

Mediation allows parties to maintain control over the outcome of their dispute, rather than leaving the decision in the hands of a judge or jury. It can be used to resolve a wide range of disputes, including family, employment, construction, healthcare, business, and commercial disputes.

The process is voluntary, and the parties involved have the opportunity to work collaboratively to find a resolution that meets their needs and interests. Mediation can be particularly useful in situations where ongoing relationships between the parties are essential, such as in family disputes or business partnerships.

During the mediation process, the mediator helps the parties to identify the key issues, understand each other’s perspectives, and explore possible solutions. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties but instead facilitates discussion and negotiation between them. The mediator helps the parties to generate ideas and options that can lead to a mutually acceptable solution.

Mediation can be less expensive and less time-consuming than going to court, which can be a significant advantage for parties involved in a dispute. Mediation is also a confidential process, which can provide a safe space for parties to discuss sensitive issues without fear of repercussions.

Legal mediation requires skilled and experienced mediators who can manage the process effectively. Mediators must remain impartial and unbiased throughout the process and have excellent communication and negotiation skills. Mediators must also be able to build rapport and trust with the parties involved, which can be crucial in facilitating a successful outcome.

So, mediation offers a valuable alternative to litigation for parties involved in disputes. Mediation can be a less expensive, less time-consuming, and less confrontational way to resolve disputes, and it can help parties to maintain control over the outcome of their conflict.

With the help of experienced, skilled, and professional mediators, parties can work collaboratively to find a mutually acceptable solution that meets their needs and interests.

Benefits of Legal Mediation Services 

Legal mediation is a valuable alternative to litigation for parties involved in disputes. Mediation involves a neutral third party (the mediator) who facilitates communication and negotiation between the parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable solution instead of litigating their dispute in court.

Here are 5 top benefits of Atlanta legal mediation services:

  1. Cost-Effective – Legal mediation can be a much more cost-effective way of resolving disputes than going to court. Litigation can be time-consuming and expensive, with high fees for lawyers, court costs, and other expenses. Mediation is often significantly less expensive, making it a more affordable option for parties who are seeking a resolution to their dispute.
  2. Confidentiality – Mediation provides a confidential environment for parties to discuss sensitive issues. Unlike court proceedings, which are open to the public, mediation sessions are private and confidential. This allows parties to feel more comfortable expressing their views and concerns, which can lead to a more successful outcome.
  3. Control Over the Outcome – Mediation allows parties to maintain control over the outcome of their dispute. In court proceedings, the judge has the final say in the outcome. In mediation, parties have more control over the process and the outcome. They can work collaboratively to find a solution that works for everyone, rather than having a decision imposed upon them.
  4. Preservation of Relationships – Mediation can be particularly useful in situations where ongoing relationships between the parties are essential, such as in family or business disputes. Mediation allows parties to work together to find a solution that works for everyone, which can help to preserve relationships and prevent future conflicts.
  5. Time-Efficient – Mediation can be a much faster way of resolving disputes than going to court. Court proceedings can drag on for months or even years, while mediation can often be resolved in a matter of weeks. This makes it a more time-efficient option for parties who are looking to resolve their dispute quickly.

Ultimately, legal mediation provides many benefits for parties involved in disputes. It is a cost-effective, confidential, and time-efficient alternative to litigation that allows parties to maintain control over the outcome of their dispute.

With the help of a skilled and experienced mediator, parties can work collaboratively to find a solution that meets their needs and interests while preserving relationships and preventing future conflicts.

Tip For Choosing Legal Mediation Services

Choosing the right legal mediation services can be crucial in achieving a successful resolution to your dispute. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to begin and which one is right for you.

Here are some key things to consider when choosing legal mediation services.

  1. Experience and Expertise

One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing Atlanta legal mediation services is the mediator’s experience and expertise. A mediator with years of experience and knowledge in the area of your dispute will have a better understanding of the issues involved and can help you to navigate the process more effectively.

  1. Credentials and Training

It’s also important to consider the mediator’s credentials and training. Look for mediators who have completed extensive training and have earned certification from reputable organizations. This will ensure that the mediator has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage your dispute.

  1. Cost

Another factor to consider when choosing legal mediation services is cost. Mediation can be significantly less expensive than going to court, but fees can still vary widely. Look for mediators who offer transparent pricing and have reasonable rates that fit within your budget.

  1. Communication Skills

Mediation is a process that relies heavily on communication skills. When choosing legal mediation services, look for mediators who have excellent communication skills, are good listeners, and can effectively facilitate communication and negotiation between the parties involved.

  1. Impartiality and Neutrality

Mediators must remain impartial and neutral throughout the mediation process. Look for mediators who have a reputation for being unbiased and impartial, and who have a proven track record of helping parties to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

  1. Location and Availability

Finally, consider the mediator’s location and availability. Look for mediators who are conveniently located and have flexible schedules that can accommodate your needs. Availability is also essential, as mediation requires the participation of all parties involved, and delays can hinder progress.

Choosing the right Atlanta legal mediation services can make a significant difference in the success of your dispute resolution. Look for mediators with experience and expertise in your area of dispute, proper credentials and training, reasonable pricing, excellent communication skills, impartiality and neutrality, and convenient location and availability. By considering these things, you can find a mediator who can effectively guide you through the mediation process and help you to achieve a successful resolution to your dispute.

Tips For Successful Legal Mediation

Mediation is a process of resolving disputes in a collaborative and non-adversarial manner. It can be an effective way of reaching a mutually acceptable solution that meets the needs of all parties involved. Here are 10 tips for effective legal mediation:

  1. Understand the Process – It is important to have a clear understanding of the mediation process before starting. This includes understanding the role of the mediator, the goals of the process, and the structure of the mediation sessions.
  2. Set Realistic Goals – Setting realistic goals is essential to getting the most out of your mediation. Be clear about your objectives and what you hope to achieve through mediation.
  3. Be Prepared – Before entering into mediation, it’s essential to be fully prepared. This means having a clear understanding of the issues involved, your desired outcome, and your bottom line. You should also gather any relevant documents or evidence that may be needed during the mediation process. Come to the mediation sessions with all necessary documents and information, including any relevant contracts, agreements, or legal documents. Further, prepare a list of questions or issues you would like to discuss during the mediation sessions.
  4. Communicate Effectively and Listen Actively – Effective communication is key to successful mediation. Active listening is an essential component of effective communication. This means being fully present, attentive and engaged in the conversation. By listening actively, you can better understand the other party’s perspective and work towards finding a solution that works for everyone. Listen actively to the other party and express your concerns and interests clearly and concisely. Avoid using accusatory language or making personal attacks.
  5. Be Patient – Mediation can take time, and it may take several sessions to reach a mutually acceptable solution. Be patient and remain committed to the process.
  6. Be Open-Minded – It is important to approach mediation with an open mind. Be willing to listen to the other party’s perspective and the solution(s) they propose. Moreover, mediation involves compromise. So, be willing to consider alternative solutions that may not be your first choice but are acceptable to all parties involved. This may require you to adjust your expectations or make concessions in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
  7. Focus on Interests, Not Positions – In mediation, it’s important to focus on interests, not positions. Positions are the specific solutions that parties may propose, while interests are the underlying needs, desires, and motivations that drive those positions. By focusing on interests, parties can work together to find creative solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved.
  8. Keep A Positive Attitude – Mediation can be challenging, and emotions can run high. It’s important to maintain a positive attitude and approach the process with an open mind. By staying positive and working collaboratively with the other party, you can increase the likelihood of reaching a successful resolution.
  9. Follow Through – Once a resolution has been reached, make sure to follow through on any agreements made during the mediation process. This includes signing any necessary documents and fulfilling any obligations agreed upon.
  10. Choose the Right Mediator – The mediator you choose can have a significant impact on the outcome of the mediation. Choose a mediator who has the necessary experience and expertise in your area of dispute, and who has a reputation for being impartial, fair, and effective. Working with an experienced and skilled mediator can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome. Choose a mediator who has the necessary experience and expertise in your area of dispute and who is impartial, fair, and effective.

Atlanta Legal Mediation Services

Mediation can be a valuable and effective way of resolving disputes in a collaborative and non-adversarial manner. By following these tips, you can get the most out of the mediation process and increase the chances of a successful outcome. With the help of a skilled mediator, you can work collaboratively to find a solution to your dispute that works for everyone.

If you’re looking for professional and affordable Atlanta legal mediation services, contact Bobe & Snell Law Office LLC today. Call us at (470) 268-5802 or contact us online to make an inquiry and/or schedule a FREE, No-Obligation Case Review/Consultation.

 

Atlanta Legal Mediation ServicesAtlanta Legal Mediation Services

Atlanta Legal Mediation Lawyers

Atlanta Legal Mediation Lawyers

Atlanta Legal Mediation Lawyers

When you are injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, there are usually two ways to get compensation from the at-fault party: be offered and accept a personal injury settlement outside of court, or go through (or at least start) the civil lawsuit process. While a lawsuit might ultimately net you more money than a settlement would, most personal injury cases settle well before trial, and often before a lawsuit is even filed. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to consult experienced Atlanta Legal Mediation Lawyers to help you decide on the best way forward for your case.

Personal injury verdicts are often major headlines. Tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars awarded by juries can make for exciting news. However, you don’t hear as much about personal injury settlements.

Part of the reason for this is that most settlements are kept private due to nondisclosure agreements, but there is another reason, too. Personal injury settlements aren’t usually as high as some verdicts, which makes them a bit less exciting.

Still, with the vast majority of personal injury cases resolved through settlement rather than trials, knowing how settlements are reached and what to expect from them may be essential. Especially, that is, if you or a loved one have suffered a personal injury or are weighing a settlement offer.

Understanding Personal Injury Settlements

Settlement occurs when an insurance adjuster or a defendant (the person or company you are suing) makes an offer of payment to you (the victim).

When might this happen? Almost anytime:

  • A settlement offer may be made before a personal injury lawsuit has been filed, but after a potential claim arises.
  • It may be made after a court case has been filed and a trial has begun, as long as no final verdict has been reached.
  • Some settlements are even reached after trial, while the jury is deliberating since one or both parties might decide they prefer the “sure thing” of a settlement.

Once a settlement agreement is reached, the plaintiff must relinquish all potential claims against the defendant arising out of the underlying accident or incident. The plaintiff does this by signing a full liability release.

For example, in a car accident case, the car insurer may offer a plaintiff $50,000 to settle the case. To receive that $50,000, the plaintiff would have to agree not to file a lawsuit or pursue any other legal remedy in connection with the crash.

Therefore, seeking advice from an experienced and reputable Atlanta Legal Mediation Lawyers is crucial before making a final decision on how to settle your case.

Personal Injury Settlement and Insurance Companies

Settlements are almost always offered when insurance companies are involved, which happens in the vast majority of personal injury cases. Insurers have the assets to pay out claims, and they expect to pay out a certain number of claims as part of their business model.

Insurers are also risk-averse and do not want to put their financial fate in the hands of an unpredictable jury while paying the not-insignificant costs of litigating a personal injury case all the way through trial.

How Settlement Negotiation Works in a Personal Injury Case

Negotiating a personal injury settlement is a little like bargaining to buy something at an outdoor market where haggling is commonplace. You and the buyer (the insurance adjuster) both know roughly how much an item (your total injury-related losses or “damages”) is worth.

You know how much you are willing to take for it, and the adjuster knows how much the insurance company is willing to pay. But neither of you knows how much the other side is willing to pay or receive. So, you go through a process of testing each other, a dance of bluff and bluster that goes like this, sometimes in just two or three phone calls:

  • You ask for a high amount in your written demand letter.
  • The insurance adjuster tells you what is wrong with your claim—for example, there are questions about who was at fault, or that your lengthy physical therapy seems excessive.
  • You respond to these arguments.
  • The adjuster makes a low counteroffer to feel out whether you’re in a hurry to take any settlement amount.
  • You concede a little bit concerning the adjuster’s arguments and make another demand slightly lower than the one in your demand letter.
  • The insurance adjuster increases the company’s offer.
  • You either accept that amount or make another counter-demand.

It is usually as simple as that. The main factors determining how an accident settlement comes out are how well you have prepared all stages of your claim— investigation, supporting documents, and demand letter—how much you’re willing to settle for, and whether you are in a hurry to settle.

Subjects of Negotiation with an Adjuster

During settlement negotiations, an insurance adjuster has a right to ask questions and dispute facts in an attempt to limit your right to compensation. Questions or disputes might concern:

  • Coverage – Whether the insurance policy in question actually covers the accident.
  • Liability – Who was at fault for the accident and your potential share of negligence.
  • The extent of your injuries – Whether an injury was disabling or had a long-term permanent effect.
  • The nature and extent of medical treatment – Whether the type and duration of procedures or therapies were medically necessary, and whether you had preexisting problems that contributed to your claimed losses (damages).

You should meet an adjuster’s reasonable questions and inquiries with reasonable answers. That is why it’s crucial to have an experienced and professional personal injury attorney Atlanta GA by your side to represent you and handle these negotiations on your behalf.

Keys to Successful Injury Claim Negotiation

How you approach settlement negotiations can go a long way toward making them run smoothly and quickly, with a minimum of stress or aggravation for you, and with a satisfying settlement as the result.

Here are some tips about dealing with a claims adjuster:

  1. Be Organized

If you have a conversation with the adjuster, make a note of what was said. If either you or the adjuster have said that you will or won’t do a certain thing, or that something is to occur by a certain date, write a confirming letter or email and send it to the adjuster. Keep a copy of everything you send. If you have agreed to provide the adjuster with information, do it promptly.

  1. Be Calm and Straightforward

Insurance adjusters are overworked and underpaid, and they hear a lot of stories every day. They are also human, which means they don’t respond well to abuse or threats. Even if you get an inconsiderate or unsympathetic adjuster, don’t get into a personal battle. Keep your cool.

Your job is simply to show the adjuster that you know how the process works and that your claim is an honest one. Let the adjuster know you believe in the facts you have presented. Avoid high emotions.

If you show the adjuster that you’re making a good-faith claim, you’ll likely get a good-faith settlement offer in return.

  1. Be Patient

Although you may have already had to wait a considerable amount of time to get all your medical and income records, try not to be in too great a hurry to settle your claim. One of the tactics claims adjusters use is to make a low initial settlement offer and see if you’re too impatient to continue negotiating.

If you can stand to wait, do not jump at a first offer. Holding off for a little while often increases your settlement. After some time passes, it’ll be the adjuster who will want to settle your claim as soon as possible, and then you’ll be able to get the full value of your claim.

If you work with a Atlanta Legal Mediation Lawyers with vast experience handling settlements and dealing with claims adjusters, he/she will guide you accordingly to avoid the temptation of jumping at a first offer.

  1. Be Persistent

The flip side of being patient is being persistent. Don’t let the adjuster sit on your claim. If the adjuster has said that they will do something— make you another offer, or check with a supervisor, for example—get a specific date by which it will be done.

Put everything agreed upon in a confirming letter or email, and when that date rolls around, call and politely ask for a response. If you have asked for information or a new settlement offer, set a reasonable deadline by which you would like the response.

Don’t pester an adjuster by calling every day, but make sure the adjuster knows you are out there and that you will be regularly and thoroughly following up on your claim.

Watch Out For Improper Insurance Company Tactics

Most claims adjusters take an ethical approach to their jobs, but it is important to be ready in case you encounter one who tries to bend (or break) the rules. Let’s look at some improper negotiating tactics adjusters sometimes use and discuss how to respond if an adjuster tries one on you.

“Settle With the Other Company”

An adjuster might tell you that you should contact another party’s insurance carrier because that other party was more at fault for the accident than their insured. Politely remind the adjuster that you are entitled to proceed against any responsible party until someone agrees in writing to be the primary insurance carrier.

“You Waited Too Long”

Do not let an adjuster convince you that a delay between your accident and the start of the claims process means you should give up, or that you need to accept a lowball settlement offer. Remember:

  1. There is no time limit for filing a liability claim with a third party’s insurance company. You should know the relevant statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in court, but this is not a deadline for filing a liability claim with the insurance company.
  2. If you plan to file a claim under your own insurance coverage, take the deadlines listed in your policy very seriously. But remember that your insurance company can’t deny a claim unless it can show that a delay negatively affected (“prejudiced” in the language of the law) its ability to conduct its claims investigation.

Do not concede to the adjuster that the timing of your claim is unreasonable, or has anything to do with the value of your settlement. Keep in mind, though, that there are good reasons to start the claims process as soon as possible.

“You Weren’t Out of Pocket”

It is none of an insurance adjuster’s business whether your lost time from work was covered by sick leave or vacation pay. And, except in California, it is none of the adjuster’s business if your medical bills were paid by your health insurance company or some other insurer.

Under the so-called “collateral source rule,” it is improper for an adjuster to consider—or even ask about—other sources of payment in determining a reasonable settlement amount. That’s because it wouldn’t be fair for the person who caused your injuries (or their insurance company) to benefit financially from things you have bought or earned yourself—like insurance coverage, sick pay, or vacation time.

If an adjuster raises this issue, remind them that they are prohibited from asking about other payments that might help you cover your medical bills or lost earnings. Don’t be afraid to escalate the issue to the adjuster’s superiors if you have to, or to tell them you will report the matter to your state’s insurance department.

Atlanta Legal Mediation Lawyers

If you were injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have a right to seek compensation for the damages incurred. Working with an experienced, professional, reputable, and dedicated personal injury attorney Atlanta GA increases your chances of getting the fair compensation that you deserve.

Experienced Atlanta Legal Mediation Lawyers at Bobe & Snell Law Office LLC are more than ready to help you navigate the process of seeking compensation, whether through negotiating a settlement offer or filing a lawsuit.

Call us today at (470) 268-5802 or fill out our online contact form to set up a FREE, no-obligation case review/consultation.

Atlanta Legal Mediation Lawyers

Atlanta Legal Mediation Lawyers

Choosing the Right Mediator

Choosing the Right Mediator

During car accident mediation, a neutral third party known as a mediator facilitates discussions and negotiations between disputing parties to try to settle the claim. Retired judges or attorneys who mediate personal injury cases regularly are usually the best choice for car accident mediators. Contact Bobe & Snell Law Office LLC today at (470) 268-5802 If you need an experienced, reliable, and dedicated Atlanta car accident attorney to represent you in mediation.