The Benefits of Mediation

When you think of hiring a lawyer to handle your case, you probably imagine your case is heading toward a big trial. This is true to a large extent, insomuch as your lawyer should always be ready to take your case to trial if a settlement is not a possibility. However, between settlement and trial lies a third option: mediation. While mediation doesn’t get as much attention in the media and press, there are many benefits to pursuing mediation instead of a trial.

Mediation is a somewhat informal meeting (or series of meetings) at which the parties to a lawsuit sit down together with a neutral third party to try and resolve their claims. In cases where the parties are able to come to an agreement, there are many benefits to pursuing mediation instead of going to trial.

• Mediation is cheaper. While our system of justice is prized for allowing every man his day in court, there's no getting around the truth that trial is expensive. The plaintiff most likely must pay for depositions, doctors, an d other experts, exhibits, and other costs, often costing thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars. The informal nature of mediation means there is no need to pay for expert testimony or other expensive aspects of litigation. This means that more money ends up in the plaintiff's pocket in the event of a settlement.
  

• Mediation takes less time. Another problem with going to trial is that it takes a long time. Even in a simple motor vehicle accident, it may take years to work through the court’s schedule to get to court. Since mediation is set up privately by the parties independent of the court system, the parties can move the case forward in a quicker and more efficient manner.
  

• Mediation is confidential. Trials are very public affairs. With the exception of certain kinds of information, what comes out at trial is typically available to the public and available for use in later proceedings. Mediations, however, are often confidential and what goes on in mediation typically stays in mediation and cannot be used in later proceedings.

• Mediation is informal. A trial is a battleground of sorts, and there are many rules of procedure and evidence that work to separate the parties and solidify the adversarial relationship. The informal nature of the mediation process, however, allows the parties to communicate their interests in a manner which allows more laying the referee, the mediator can play the role of facilitator, focusing on each parties’ needs and helping the different sides to come to an agreement and understanding. This is a great way to keep both parties’ best interests in mind.

We have a wealth of experience in using mediation to get extraordinary results for our clients. In fact, we achieved the fourth highest mediated settlement of 2016 in the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In that case, we represented a man who suffered multiple spinal injuries after being rear-ended by another driver.

Our client endured years of invasive treatment such as Steroid injections and nerve ablations. Since the person who caused the accident had minimal insurance coverage, we pursued an under-insurance claim with our client’s insurance. After preparing the case and proceeding with a one-day mediation, we achieved a $750,000.00 settlement for our client.

At the Law Offices of Alvin F. de Levie & Associates, we handle types of personal injury cases. Whether your case is best handled at mediation or trial, our dedicated attorneys represent victims of negligent and wrongful acts. Our legal team advocates for their rights of our clients by pursuing the justice and compensation they deserve under state and federal laws.

If you or a family member has suffered a serious personal injury, please contact our firm - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week- at 844-777-2529 (Toll-Free) for a consultation. One of our team members will be in immediate contact with you.

We maintain offices throughout Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, State College, Bellefonte and Lock Haven, and we are willing to meet any clients throughout the Commonwealth.