Recovering Damages Through Personal Injury Lawsuits and Mediation
When serious injuries are sustained in an accident, it may be necessary to seek damages through a personal injury lawsuit or mediation. In such difficult times, a personal injury attorney is essential to have on your side to obtain the maximum settlement for your injuries.
At Quick Law Group, PLLC, attorneys Elizabeth Quick and Matthew Quick are available to represent clients in personal injury lawsuits and mediation throughout Bellevue, WA, and surrounding areas. If you have been injured in an accident and need help with your personal injury claim, we encourage you to contact our attorneys today.
Resolving Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims in Bellevue may be resolved through mediation or litigation. Generally, mediation is the first step toward resolving a personal injury claim. If an agreement cannot be reached through mediation or settlement, the injury claim may be brought to trial.
To better understand how personal injury claims are resolved through mediation or litigation, let's take a brief look at each process.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a legal process that can help parties avoid going to trial for a personal injury lawsuit by resolving their dispute with a third-party mediator.
During mediation, the plaintiff, the defendant, the attorneys, and insurance adjusters will meet with the mediator at a neutral location. Both sides will present their case to the mediator and speak privately with the mediator throughout the negotiation process.
The mediator will go back and forth between parties to ask questions and pass messages to help both sides come to an agreement on a settlement.
Going Forward with a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Although mediation can be successful for resolving personal injury claims, sometimes both parties are unable to come to an agreement. When this happens, the claim may be brought to trial.
When a personal injury claim is brought to court, both sides will have the chance to present experts, witnesses, and evidence before a judge and a jury.
Based on the legal arguments, evidence, and other information presented in court, the judge or jury will decide the case, including the settlement amount.
Why Resolve a Personal Injury Claim in Mediation?
There are several reasons to consider resolving a personal injury claim in mediation rather than through a lawsuit.
Resolving a personal injury dispute through mediation gives both parties a level of control in deciding the amount of the settlement. If the dispute goes to trial, the settlement is decided by the courts with neither party having a say in the outcome.
In addition to having more control, mediation is generally faster and less expensive than taking a personal injury lawsuit to trial.
Contact the Attorneys of Quick Law Group, PLLC
If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for hospital bills, lost wages, and other damages related to your injury. Our attorneys can help you get a fair settlement through mediation or litigation. To schedule a consultation at our Bellevue law firm, please call (425) 576-8150.