Getting caught up in an accident on the road, at work or in a public place can turn your life upside down. It’s just something that we’re not prepared for. So, when you’re injured and can no longer work your entire financial security comes into question. How will you pay your bills if you can’t work? How can you support your family? How will you ever pay for your medical treatment?
Filing a personal injury claim makes sense at a time like this, so speaking with a personal injury lawyer should be your first step. Depending on the severity and the complexity of your case, your lawyer may recommend mediation as an option rather than heading to court.
But what is mediation and why is it important in a personal injury case? Read on to find out more.
It can significantly shorten the length of a case
Personal injury cases can go on for months or in some cases, years. Going to and from the court and battling it out in the courtroom just isn’t for everyone. A personal injury case that is taken to mediation is usually a guarantee that the case is going to be resolved as quickly and as painlessly as possible. Mediation involves an independent party (not on the side of either the plaintiff or defendant) that tries to compromise an agreed solution for both sides involved.
It’s a more positive experience
Imagine going to court and having to give statements, be accused of lying or have someone trying to diminish the pain you’re in or trying to trivialise the impact the accident has had on your family or your children? It’s an uncomfortable experience, to say the least. Mediation is an important alternative that gives everyone a much swifter and more positive experience.
It puts victims back in control
When you’re the victim of an accident that wasn’t your fault and you’ve experienced some horrendous and life changing injuries, it’s normal to feel that you’re no longer in control of the situation. When victims opt for mediation, they’re given back control of the proceedings. They can choose the venue and the mediator and how the entire process is conducted.
The process is creative and focuses on problem solving
The negotiations in a mediation process are creative and they focus on problem solving. It’s a great way to get thoughts and feelings out on the table, without risk of prejudice – it also means that anything said cannot be used in court if mediation fails.
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