So you have been hurt in an accident caused by the carelessness or negligence of another person. Do you have to file a lawsuit to get compensation for your losses? What are your options?

You Can Settle

This is actually the path that most personal injury claims take. Typically, you will retain an attorney, who may or may not file a lawsuit, but will immediately identify all potentially liable parties and contact legal counsel to initiate the process of obtaining a financial recovery. In cases where liability is clear, it may not be necessary to file a lawsuit. In other instances, that may be the only way to move toward a settlement. Once the parties come to an agreement on the terms of a settlement, that agreement is put in writing, signed by all parties, and becomes enforceable in a court of law.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

This broad term customarily encompasses both mediation and arbitration.

In mediation, a third party neutral becomes involved, working cooperatively with both parties to identify a mutually beneficial outcome. If the parties come to an agreement in mediation, they put that agreement in writing and it becomes an enforceable contract. The mediator, though, is not a judge and does not make a determination of liability, but only seeks to facilitate a resolution.

In arbitration, the parties present their case to a person or panel of individuals who have specialized knowledge or the legal and/or factual issues involved. The arbitrator(s) will make a decision regarding the outcome of the dispute, which may or may not be binding.

Litigation

The traditional legal process involves an adversarial proceeding before a judge and jury. The actual trial customarily takes up only a very small amount of time…a day or a few days, but the pre-trial period can be months or years. The court will typically order a period of time during which the parties can gather evidence, and will make many rulings in advance of trial, addressing such issues as the admissibility of certain evidence, what exhibits will be allowed, and how the jury will be instructed. In the actual trial, the plaintiff presents evidence first and the defense has an opportunity to challenge or refute any evidence or testimony given. It’s not unusual for the parties to enter into serious settlement discussions after the trial has begun.

Contact the Lawyers at Shaffer & Gaier

For a free initial consultation, contact us online, or call us in Philadelphia at 215-751-0100 or in New Jersey at 856-429-0970. You can also reach our foreclosure hotline at 855-289-1660. Evening and weekend meetings can be arranged upon request. We will travel to your home if necessary to meet with you.