For anyone wanting to pursue accountability over a personal injury, mediation offers an attractive alternative to going to trial. Though often overlooked, it can be highly beneficial.
Understanding the benefits of mediation helps people decide whether to select this avenue for compensation.
Benefit 1. Speed
One of the main plusses of mediation is that it often leads to a faster resolution than going to court. Lawsuits sometimes take months or even years to conclude, while mediation can finish in just a few weeks. This efficiency allows injured parties to receive funds more quickly, which makes a huge difference when facing imminent medical bills and other expenses.
Benefit 2. Savings
Most often, mediation is more cost-effective than going to trial. Court proceedings involve a raft of expenses, including filing fees, expert witness fees and filing costs. Mediation reduces these outlays, making it a more affordable option for resolving disputes.
Benefit 3. Confidentiality
While court cases are typically public, mediation remains a confidential process. This layer of privacy allows everyone to discuss the issue openly without fear of outside exposure or judgment.
Benefit 4. Control
In mediation, the participants have more power than if they were to take the matter to court. They work together to reach a mutually acceptable agreement rather than having the decision come from a judge or jury. Therefore, it allows for creative solutions that might not be possible otherwise.
Benefit 5. Calm
The mediation process is less formal and adversarial than most court proceedings. This relaxed environment can reduce the stress one typically experiences when in the heat of a legal dispute.
Benefit 6. Relationships
Sometimes, the plaintiff and defendant might be neighbors or business associates. As such, they may have to continue interacting after the settlement. Because mediation emphasizes cooperation and understanding, maintaining healthy relations in the aftermath is easier.
Anyone suffering a personal injury wants to receive justice as quickly, fairly and painlessly as possible. For many reasons, mediation improves the odds of this happening, making it well worth considering.