Personal Injury
Personal injury lawsuits can range from the simplest slip and fall case to the most complex product liability claim. Defendants can range from individuals, family-owned businesses, to major, multinational corporations. Plaintiffs may have suffered relatively minor harm or had a spouse, child, or parent die. What all these cases have in common is that both sides often have an emotional challenge.
Most settlements are negotiated between the attorneys for both parties, but sometimes despite the best efforts of the attorneys and parties, settlement just hasn’t been possible, and the participation of a neutral mediator is needed.
Personal Injury Mediator in Los Angeles
Steve Mehta is an experienced personal injury mediator in Los Angeles, familiar with the many issues that a personal injury case can involve. He’s been able to get parties on the path to a mutually acceptable resolution, which provides both parties with the opportunity to put the issue behind them and move on.
There are many reasons mediation is a better option than litigation.
- Both parties control the outcome. A trial means a judge or jury decides the matter. A plaintiff risks not being seen as sympathetic as he or she might hope, or the facts may be interpreted as showing there’s no liability, or the damages simply aren’t as great as claimed. A defendant risks being seen as the bad guy, the one responsible for ruining another’s life, and a large judgment could be issued to right a perceived wrong.
- Litigation can consume substantial amounts of time, energy, and resources from clients. Insurance companies and insureds have businesses and their lives to run. Plaintiffs may be back to work or so disabled that being involved in litigation may not only be difficult but also physically and emotionally painful. With a mediated settlement, the parties can avoid the additional costs of using expert witnesses, discovery costs, and other expenses associated with taking a case to trial.
- It may take years for a case to finally be resolved. A successful mediation can short-circuit the litigation process.
- Plaintiffs have the opportunity to tell their stories to the insurance company and make them aware of the impact the insured’s alleged negligence had on their lives. Many plaintiffs seek a forum to tell their stories, and when an insurance adjuster is there, in person, it may make it easier to make progress towards a resolution.
Mediation is a confidential, alternate dispute resolution method in which a neutral third party guides both sides to an acceptable outcome. Time, energy, and expense can be saved when business cases are resolved fairly with the parties’ consent, as opposed to leaving the outcome up to a judge or jury after a full trial.
If your client is involved in personal injury litigation and you believe an option worth exploring is a settlement reached with the help of an independent, professional mediator who can get parties past their differences, contact our office today.
Sample Cases
Auto Collision
Hip Replacement and Multiple Surgeries
Defendant allegedly made an illegal left turn, causing a T-bone collision. Plaintiff claimed to sustain severe injuries, including hip replacement and multiple surgeries. Dispute over the extent of injuries and costs.
Property Fire
Illegal Indoor Grow Operation
Fire at defendant’s property allegedly caused by tenants growing illegal substances indoors. Plaintiffs and insurer claimed extensive damages.
Medical Negligence
Injury During COVID-19 Hospitalization
Plaintiff suffered a severe pressure injury while hospitalized for COVID-19. Alleged failure to provide proper custodial care led to worsening of the condition. Dispute over the negligence.
Abuse of Disabled Adult
Improper Restraint Claims
Plaintiff, a severely disabled adult, alleged that defendant’s staff improperly restrained them in a dangerous posture instead of using behavioral support techniques. Claims of inadequate training and supervision.
Rear-End Accident
Disputes Over Injury Severity
Plaintiff was hit by another driver, and that they sustained neck, back, knee, and shoulder injuries. Medical expenses and future care were substantial. Disputes over causation and necessity of treatment.
Multi-Vehicle Crash
Dual Liability and Cross-Claims
Plaintiffs (passengers) filed claims against the driver of the vehicle they were in (vehicle 1) and against the driver of another vehicle (vehicle 2), who allegedly made an improper u-turn. The driver of vehicle 1 also had claims against the driver of vehicle 2 for significant medical expenses and alleged future treatment needs.
Assault in Vehicle
Facial Trauma Alleged
Plaintiff was allegedly assaulted by the driver of the vehicle they were in, sustaining facial injuries, including a broken jaw.