What To Expect During A Personal Injury Mediation
When you have filed a personal injury claim due to an accident or injury, there are a lot of steps involved in the process. Before the case can be settled, there is a good chance you will have to take part in a mediation meeting to help come to an agreed settlement amount for your claim. This is often a step to try and find resolution to the claim without having to take the case all the way to court. If you have been waiting for a while for a settlement, the idea of having to meet face-to-face with the responsible party during mediation can sound a bit intimidating. Here are a few of the things that you may be wondering about concerning the process.
Who will be present at mediation?
The mediation is essentially a meeting between the claimant, the person being pursued, and the attorneys of each. A mediator will be present to help relay information and direct the meeting. If any third party individuals can provide information to the case, they may be asked to come in temporarily to answer questions, but will not normally be required to stay in the room.
Where will the mediation meeting take place?
The location where the mediation will take lace can vary. In some cases, the meeting will occur at one of the law offices of the attorneys involved. However, it may also be held at a mutually agreed upon neutral location, such as a conference room at a local justice center.
Will you be required to give testimony during mediation?
For the most part, mediation will require conversations between attorneys and the mediator. However, you may be asked specific questions regarding your personal injury claim. In addition, the person responsible for the injury may also be asked questions or given the opportunity to offer a statement.
How long will mediation take?
This can all depend on how well things go during the meeting and the complexity of the case. If your personal injury claim involves a lot of information, such as medical treatments and lost time off of work, the mediation may take longer. The goal is to have both parties reach an agreement about the terms of the case and possibly the settlement amount.
Mediation may sound like an intimidation legal process, but this is really designed to help pick apart your claim and help two parties find an agreement. Be sure to talk to your personal injury lawyer about any questions you have in advance. To learn more, contact your personal injury lawyer.