How To Prepare For A Mediation Session?

If you were injured due to the negligence of another party, you might want to file a personal injury claim to recover your damages. Most personal injury cases can be solved without going to court through the negotiation of the parties. If the parties cannot reach a settlement, the mediation process may help them come to a conclusion.

A mediator is a neutral third party who listens to each party, considers their needs, and finds a solution that works for everyone. However, a mediator can only suggest. The power to make the final decision rests with the parties involved. Hire a personal injury lawyer today to make sure your rights remain protected.

Steps to prepare for mediation

Identify your objectives.

Before you walk into the mediation session, you should be clear about your objectives. Make sure that you understand the true value of your claim so that you do not agree to a lower amount. You should also make up your mind about the lowest amount you are willing to accept. Remember that the other side won’t give you the demanded amount easily. A little compromise can go a long way.

Develop a negotiation strategy.

You do not want to sit for a mediation session without preparing a negotiation strategy first. Determine your as well as the other party’s needs and wants. Keep in mind the negotiations that have already been conducted, so you know where to start. Do not forget to listen to the other party’s interests and view the situation from their perspective.

Once you understand what the other side wants, you will be able to determine how much you can compromise and develop options for mutual gain.

Assess strengths and weaknesses.

Assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case with your attorney. Your attorney can tell you what factors work in your favor and which will cause trouble if the case goes to court. If you have solid evidence of the other party’s fault, you should not back down from your demand. However, if you were partly to blame for the accident, you have a weak case, and going to court may cause more harm than gain.

Understand your next steps.

If you walk out of the mediation with no settlement, do not be saddened, as you still have the option to litigate. You can work with your attorney to gather the necessary proof and present them before the judge, whose decision would be the final.