What is mediation and how does it work in a personal injury case?

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party (the mediator) helps the parties negotiate a settlement. It is commonly used in personal injury cases after a lawsuit has been filed but before trial. The mediator does not decide the outcome — their role is to facilitate communication and help both sides reach a mutually acceptable agreement. In a typical mediation session, each side presents their position, and the mediator moves between separate rooms (in shuttle mediation) or leads joint discussions to explore settlement options. Mediation is faster and less expensive than a full trial, and settlement agreements reached in mediation are binding. If mediation fails, the case proceeds toward trial. Most courts now require or strongly encourage mediation before cases go to trial. With an experienced attorney representing you, mediation can be a highly effective way to achieve a fair resolution without the uncertainty and expense of trial.